Shelf Holding Means Patents (Class 248/250)
  • Patent number: 6345579
    Abstract: A removable work surface defining device includes a pair of rigid support members attachable to a support structure, a platform defining a work surface surrounded by spaced apart opposite front and rear edge portions and spaced apart opposite side edge portions extending between the front and rear edge portions, and a pair of quick release locking mechanisms each for releasably attaching the platform at a respective one of the opposite side edge portions thereof upon an adjacent respective one of the rigid support members. Each of the quick release locking mechanisms includes first and second sets of elements, a locking latch and a catch. The first and second sets of elements are disposed on respective ones of the rigid support members and adjacent respective ones of the opposite side edge portions of the platform for undergoing relative movement between released and interengaged positions with one another upon movement of the platform between first and second positions relative to the rigid support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Engineered Data Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Val Zaturensky
  • Patent number: 6325348
    Abstract: An adjustable easel is described that may be used by multiple persons and that may be modified according to the preferences of a user. The easel includes a plurality of vertical supports connected to each other. Holes are spaced apart along the length of the side edges of the vertical supports wherein each hole has a horizontal bore with the bore open to an edge of the vertical support. Horizontal support rods are adapted to slide in and out of the holes. Holders retain in place an artistic substrate wherein each holder is attached to at least one horizontal support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Wood Tech, LLC
    Inventor: William H. Turner
  • Patent number: 6315134
    Abstract: An easily assembled wall-mounted shelving system, comprising at least two elongated standards secured to a wall, with each standard having a vertical axis and a plurality of slots; a plurality of end brackets to removably connect with said standards via said slots, said end brackets including gripping means for removably connecting the end of a shelf therewith, with such gripping means consisting of a clamping member, a clamping foot portion, or a screw fastener; and at least one shelf connected with said end brackets via said gripping means. The end brackets also can serve other purposes such as the support of book stops. The shelving system is suitable for mounting a single shelf and can be used with standard rigid shelving. Spacers located between the shelf and the wall so as to prevent swaying and rotation of said shelf relative to said standard axis are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Stuart Shelving LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Stuart
  • Patent number: 6303195
    Abstract: Ornamental supports for supporting various items such as shelves, hanging plants, curtain rods, decorative fixtures, flag poles, name plaques, or the like and so constructed that ornamentation associated therewith may be easily be removed and replaced with other ornamentation thereby permitting the substitution of different ornamentation appropriate for differing tastes, different holidays, and different seasons of the year.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: John T. Reynolds, Peter L. Gamelli, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20010022335
    Abstract: A fitting to support a shelf and hanger bar to receive coat hangers, comprising a frame of several wall longitudinal and perpendicular to each other. This fitting overcomes problems when the back wall and the end wall are not at 90 degrees to each other by covering the gap that would appear at the front end and top of the shelf. It also conceals any rough edge on the shelf from the saw cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Harold E. Querin
  • Patent number: 6276654
    Abstract: A wall panel mount for mounting a wall panel to siding on a wall of a building. The wall panel mount includes a first side surface having an indentation adapted to mate with the siding, and an abutment adapted to flush against the wall. The wall panel further includes either a second side surface bordering the first side surface, and a third side surface bordering the second side surface and the first side surface, or a second side surface bordering the first side surface, a third side surface bordering the second side surface, and a fourth side surface bordering the first side surface and the third side surface. The wall panel is to be adjoined to the third side surface or to be securely inserted into a groove of a channel that is adjoined to the third side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Allen Perkins
  • Patent number: 6276648
    Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a fixture on a wall comprises first and second threaded rods for installation into the wall so that at least a portion of each rod extends outwardly from the wall by a first predetermined distance. The support assembly further includes first and second fixing members each having internal threads which compliment the threads on the threaded rods. An elongated rigid support member having first and second ends, first and second lateral sides and top and bottom surfaces is provided. The support member includes a first notch in the top surface at a second predetermined distance from the first end, the first notch being sized for receiving the first fixing member therein. A first bore extends from the first end toward the second end, the first bore being located a third predetermined distance from the top surface and intersecting the first notch, the first bore being sized for receiving the first threaded rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Robern, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard S. Katz, William Tschirlig
  • Patent number: 6253898
    Abstract: An equipment loading plank that is detachably mounted on a machine tool table and used for easy and safe installation and removal of equipment on and off the machine tool work tables. The equipment loading plank includes a flat rectangular shaped body with an upper loading surface and a lower seating surface and a leg downwardly extending at an angle from one end of said loading plank. The leg is inserted into a T-slot in the machine tool table to detachably mount the loading plank to the machine tool table. The leg has a front face and a lower face that converge such that the leg can be wedged into the T-slot when the loading plank is seated on the machine tool table parallel to the upper surface of the machine tool table. The leg ends in a foot that prevents the leg from slipping from the T-slot whenever loads are placed on the loading plank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel F. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6247273
    Abstract: An adjustable bracing system is configured for supporting poured concrete wall systems and includes a vertical brace for engaging the wall. A slider slides vertically along a channel of the vertical brace. An adjustable length leg member connects at an upper end to the slider and extends outward away from the brace and connects at a lower end to a foot member. The leg is rotatably mounted at one end to a threaded member, wherein rotation of the leg in a first direction extends the threaded member and the length of the leg member, and rotation in a second opposite direction retracts the threaded member and shortens the length of the leg member. When needed, scaffolding framework mounts along a first edge to the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Reechcraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Shane L. Nickel
  • Patent number: 6227507
    Abstract: The bracket system of the present invention includes four brackets. The first bracket can be screwed into the side walls of a closet for supporting the ends of a shelf. The second bracket is attachable to the shelf for supporting a cylindrical rod for hanging clothes. The third bracket is adapted to be screwed into the wall of a closet and connected to a first bracket for supporting the end of a shelf at any point along the length of the wall. The fourth bracket is adapted to be attached to the end of a shelf for supporting the end of a second shelf which forms a continuous shelving with the first shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: James H. Kallio
  • Patent number: 6216892
    Abstract: A shelf unit comprising uprights and shelves. The uprights are formed by two flanks each provided with a plurality of windows into which the ends of the shelves can be inserted, such that, at each end of a shelf, clearance is provided between a horizontal “locking” face of the shelf and a “locking” edge of the window, which edge faces the locking face. For each shelf, the unit is provided with at least two locking elements, one for each end of the shelf, each locking element comprising a clamping member suitable for being inserted between the locking face of the shelf and the locking edge of the window, and for being displaced so as to come into contact with said locking face for locking the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Grosfillex S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Charly Grandclement
  • Patent number: 6196141
    Abstract: A vertically stabilized shelf bracket assembly having at least two support strips on which a plurality of shelf brackets are mounted. The shelving is stabilized in several ways. First, the brackets are provided with a shelf engaging recess. The recess is either designed to provide a tight fit for the shelf, or the recess is provided with a shim for tightening the fit. Second, the brackets are provided with a vertical member which engages the shelves. Preferably, the recess and the vertical member will engage the shelf at opposite ends of the shelf, securing the shelf to the bracket. When the shelf is attached to multiple brackets, the shelf will be prevented from pivoting on the bracket. The shelves can be further stabilized by securing the brackets against vertical displacement. This can be accomplished by securing the shelf brackets to the support strip with a locking pin. With the locking pin in place, the shelf bracket cannot be moved upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Warren L. Herron, III, Warren L. Herron, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6189707
    Abstract: A shelving unit with adjustable brackets for enhanced mounting flexibility in a wide variety of refrigerated display cases. Bracket supports are carried longitudinally by a shelf having opposing ends. The bracket supports have opposing channels positioned at least at the opposing ends of the shelf. A shelf support bracket is provided for slidably engaging the opposing channels of the bracket support and being positioned longitudinally along the shelf corresponding to the spacing of vertical standards affixed within a refrigeration case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Stein Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Meyers, Peter F. Sosso
  • Patent number: 6186456
    Abstract: A shelf support for locking a shelf edge portion in place when a shelf is positioned between opposing wall members in a cabinet or the like comprises a body member having a lower body portion, a middle body portion, and an upper body portion. The lower body portion has a front face and a back face. A shelf flange is connected to the lower body portion front face, and a stem is connected to the lower body portion back face. The middle body portion is connected to the lower body portion at a first resilient junction, with the middle body portion extending at an obtuse angle away from the lower body portion. The upper body portion is connected to the middle body portion at a second resilient junction, with the upper body portion having an inner opening formed therein, with the inner opening extending downward towards the middle body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas R. Marsh
  • Patent number: 6182937
    Abstract: A positive-locking wall mounting combination has a wall mounting with a hollow cylindrical body having an outer mantle, an inner mantle, and a bottom. The bottom has a slotted hole having a length that is shorter than an inner diameter of an inner circular surface described by the inner mantle. The slotted hole has a longitudinal axis intercepting a center of the inner circular surface. The outer mantle has an upper end and a lip connected to the upper end. The lip extends annularly about the outer mantle. An L-shaped support member is positive-lockingly inserted into the slotted hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Waterlandse Beheermaatschappij A. Witkamp & Zonen BV
    Inventor: Frans Jan Pieter Sanderse
  • Patent number: 6142438
    Abstract: A bracket mounts against a rigid support surface for pivotally supporting an end of a tubular element of a frame for a folding awning or canopy. The pivot pin that engages the frame element is supported by a pivot pin support member that is in turn supported by two end elements that fasten to the support surface. The pivot pin support member and the two end elements are so constructed that they are free to rotate relative to one another about an axis transverse to the axis of the pivot pin. This provides greater flexibility in the folding motion of the frame element and facilitates mounting of the bracket on a non-planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventors: Warren S. P. Cooper, Stephen J. Carr
  • Patent number: 6138584
    Abstract: A shelf support includes a support body having a mounting device for mounting the support on an upright component. A support surface supports a shelf. The support has a retaining element which is pivotably connected to the support body for movement into and out of an engagement position in which, in use, the retaining element engages an upper surface of a shelf supported by the support surface, thereby retaining the shelf on the support surface. The retaining element enables a shelf to be held firmly in place without the need for fixing screws, and without hindering the fitting and dismantling of the shelf support to the upright component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Elodie Ann Waite
  • Patent number: 6123033
    Abstract: According to one aspect the invention a shelving system is provided comprising first and second vertically extending support structures, and a first set of shelving assemblies. The first and second vertically extending support structures are horizontally spaced from one another and the shelving assemblies are mounted above one another between the support structures. Each shelving assembly has at least one major surface and is locatable respectively in a first orientation, and a second orientation. In the first orientation the major surface remains substantially horizontal. In the second orientation the major surface is substantially vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignees: Patagonia, Inc., Utility, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. J. Polley, Todd W. Jacobson
  • 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: 6073784
    Abstract: The shelving system (1) consists of a bracket (10) with a shelf board (5). The bracket (10) has a slot into which the edge of the shelf board is located. The slot is sized so that the edge of the shelf board fits loosely within the slot. A wedge (30) is provided also for insertion into the slot adjacent the shelf board (5) to secure the shelf board in position within the slot. The wedge (30) is preferably tapered and has a front surface that is contoured to match the contours of the front surface of the bracket. An aperture (not shown) is provided at the back of the slot to receive a fastening device such as a screw etc for securing the bracket to a wall. As the aperture is at the back of the slot the aperture and the fastening device are obscured by the shelf board when in use. The shelving unit is particularly easy to assemble whilst still ensuring the shelf board is securely fitted to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: McKechnie UK Limited
    Inventors: Peter Hattingh, Richard Peter Rorison Sutherland
  • Patent number: 6055912
    Abstract: An adjustable height table includes a pair of spaced upright support members each having an upper free end and a lower end, with the lower ends each connected to a pair of leg members. A work surface is disposed between the support members. A pair of forwardly extending brackets and a pair of rearwardly extending brackets are each adjustable mounted to the support members and the work surface is connected to the brackets by manually operable latches. The work surface is thereby height adjustable by adjusting the positions of the brackets on the support members and the entire assembly may be packaged and shipped in essentially flat form and easily assembled without tools at its shipped destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Galen C. Doud, Cory J. Sytsma, Paul M. Chen
  • Patent number: 6019331
    Abstract: A cantilever bracket assembly for attaching horizontal components to a side of a vertical wall. The bracket assembly comprising a bracket member and a support member having a rear portion adapted to releasably engage the wall and a substantially vertical web attached to the rear portion. The web has a first and second side and a top edge. A plurality of upwardly extending tab members are attached to one of the bracket member and the web, wherein the tab members are laterally offset from at least one of the first and second sides of the web when attached to the web. The bracket member is provided with a top portion adapted to engage the horizontal component. The bracket member has one of a plurality of hanger members and tab members adapted to receive the other of plurality of tab members and hanger members attached to the web. The bracket member is mounted on the support bracket by disposing the tab members in the hanger members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Hoogland, Eugene L. Karn, Thomas J. Newhouse
  • Patent number: 5979431
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable stove. The portable stove comprises a body member which contains burners. The portable stove includes shelves which lock into place onto the body member during use and storage. A griddle having a heat dispersement plate is removably mounted to the body member above the burner. Legs are hingedly and slidingly attached to the body member. The legs may be folded to either a standing position or a carrying position. Accordingly, the shelves, griddle and legs may be secured to the stove during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Hamilton, Lawrence Matthew Stone
  • Patent number: 5954306
    Abstract: A support system for a shelf including a bracket for mounting to a stud wall wherein a first leg of the bracket engages against the inner face of the near wall panel and a second leg, rigid with the first leg, projects forwardly beyond the forward face of the wall panel. The projecting leg receives an elongate rigid lock rod therethrough with the rod extending across the thickness of the stud wall and engaging the far wall panel. The shelf includes a bore extending inward from the rear edge thereof which receives and conceals the projecting bracket leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Scott A. Hoover
  • Patent number: 5931426
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing system for the rapid fixing of a component connected to a structural part, such as a sectional rail or flat band, to a further component, such as a vertical strut. A particularly simple fixing structure and an extremely rapid clamping retention is obtained according to the invention by clamping elements and spacing elements, which are constructed on the component connected to the structural part to be fixed and which cooperate with elongated and round holes of a row of holes or with a slot in the further component. The component to be wedged is preferably made from sheet steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Knuerr-Mechanik Fur die Elektronik Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Helmut Heckner
  • Patent number: 5921411
    Abstract: A shelf assembly has a shelf unit and pair of shelf brackets adapted to be mounted on aperture-bearing uprights of a gondola shelving support system. The shelf unit has a product-supporting panel with integral, outwardly and downwardly-extending side flanges adapted to engage outside surfaces of the shelf brackets to limit the lateral movement of said shelf unit. A thin, corrugated support structure is connected to the underside of the panel and spans between the side flanges. The support structure is spaced from the side flanges forming gaps allowing the shelf brackets to contact the underside of the panel to reduce the vertical space occupied by said shelf assembly. Stops associated with the shelf brackets and the shelf unit limit the forward and rearward movement of the shelf with respect to the shelf brackets. Integral front and rear flanges extend upwardly from the panel and provide boundaries for products supported thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Milton J. Merl
  • Patent number: 5906347
    Abstract: A drive shaft containment bracket adapted for attachment to a stationary vehicle support surface, the bracket including an elongated body having a mounting flange at one end and a drive shaft containment device at an opposite end. The elongated body has a length dimension sufficient to extend from a vehicle cross frame member supporting the transmission of the vehicle where said mounting flange is utilized to secure said bracket to the cross frame member and transmission casing, rearwardly beyond a universal joint connecting the drive shaft to the transmission to a location along the drive shaft where said containment device at least partially encloses said drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: E. Bruce Noland
  • Patent number: 5826851
    Abstract: A removable mounting unit for electrostatic mounting of a shelf or hook to a nonporous surface includes a sheet of electrostatic material having an opening to engage the shelf or hook and hold it to the non-porous surface. The removable mounting unit may also include only the electrostatic sheet used to mount a picture or flat object by sandwiching the object between the sheet and a non-porous surface, or by using slits cut into the sheet to hold the corners of the object. The shelf or hook may be directly fused or glued to the electrostatic sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Dominic S. Arbisi
  • Patent number: 5799803
    Abstract: A cantilevered shelf system includes a shelf bracket having an upper jaw, a lower jaw extending beyond the upper jaw and a back plate adjoining the upper jaw and the lower jaw, and a shelf having a top face with an engaging surface which contacts the upper jaw as the shelf is mounted into the bracket. The shelf has a bottom face with a rear cam edge and a longitudinal groove forwardly of the cam edge for insertion of a projection on the lower jaw. The distance between the cam edge and the engaging surface is slightly greater than the distance between the upper jaw and the lower jaw, so that the cam edge splays the jaws apart as the shelf is being mounted and the shelf snaps into a mounted position in which the projection is seated in the groove. When the shelf is fully mounted the cam edge resists upward displacement of the shelf and the projection prevents forward displacement of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Nienkamper Furniture & Accessories Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Muller
  • Patent number: 5794902
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for mounting a shelf having a grooved surface to a supporting structure. The bracket assembly includes a frame having a support portion which defines a slot for receiving an edge of the shelf. The frame includes at least one attachment leg for securing the frame to the supporting structure. A base plate mountable to the support portion of the frame is provided and includes a hook which seats within the groove when the shelf is inserted in the slot. An arm moveable between a first position and a second position is connected to the hook for releasing the hook from the groove when the arm is urged to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: HMG Worldwide In-Store Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric F. Henry, Jonathan D. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5779069
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved storage rack having wire mesh grid shelf and at least one traverse beam and a support channel for the wire mesh grid shelf having an inverted U-shaped configuration and having end portions that flair out to an essentially horizontal position to rest on a top ledge of the traverse beam. The end portions are die-formed to include grids running longitudinally on the end portions to strengthen thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Adrian Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Scully
  • Patent number: 5775656
    Abstract: A shelf holder has a first component which supports the underside of the shelf and a second component which grips the top of the shelf, being tightened by screws. The component slides vertically relative to the component, and has feet which project through vertical openings in a wall-engaging part of the first component, the feet having slots which engage the sides of the openings and provide stability. In order to conceal the mechanism, there is a top cover piece which clips over the top lip and a bottom cover piece in two parts, the first of which lies on top of the support part of the first component and the second of which conceals the bottom portion of the shelf holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Cliffhanger (Export) Limited
    Inventors: Clifford John Roberts, Keith Brazier, Bryan Christopher Harrison, Timothy John Hedley Nicholson
  • Patent number: 5695163
    Abstract: A wall-mounted shelving system is provided including a wall-mounted track and a cantilevered bracket both based on aluminum extrusions having structural cross-sections and a metal locking pin. The track has a flange member which is periodically machined to accept mounting screws and a web member with through-holes providing for vertical adjustability of the bracket. The bracket is sliced from a special extrusion and machined in the back to slide on to the track. The hook shaped integral part of the bracket allows for the pin to slide through the bracket and position it vertically. The shelving plane slides into the opening between the two cantilevering structural extension members of the bracket and is supported at least at two points without utilizing any positive connection between shelving material and the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Memduh Ali Tayar
  • Patent number: 5692717
    Abstract: A bracket for fastening shelves of various thicknesses to a wall comprising a support surface, a clamp opposite the support surface for pressing the shelf against the support surface, a shelf engagement region located between the support surface and the clamp for receiving the shelf, and a cover for concealing the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Glaeser AG
    Inventor: Willi Glaeser
  • Patent number: 5655740
    Abstract: A sturdy, easily constructed shelving support system for homes, stores and offices. The system uses shelf hangers and wall brackets, employing a novel, push-fit interlocking connector. The shelf hanger is fabricated as a rigid wire member, bent into a V-shape and connected at its ends to a right angled upright member by the push-fit connector locked into a square opening formed In the upright. The lower leg of the shelf hanger is suspended by the support leg, with its end portion flush against the upright wall, so that It does not rotate, to provide a stable support for a shelf end. The push-fit connectors are easily locked into the openings In the upright member, and may be quickly removed and re-positioned, enabling quick and easy construction of an entire shelving system within minutes, or easy alteration of its layout. A feature of the invention is that in addition to its support function, the support leg acts as a shelf book-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Abraham M. Lazarus
  • Patent number: 5645257
    Abstract: An adjustable support apparatus includes a vertical standard having a rail, a support member having an edge abutting the standard and a surface formed to fit flush with the rail, and a securing device for securing the support member to the standard. Preferably, the standard includes a channel into which the edge of the support fits. The rail couples to a corresponding bracket on the securing device. The securing device may be mounted on the support member through holes respectively located in the securing device and the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Ward
  • Patent number: 5592886
    Abstract: A wall-mounted shelving system provides for easy installation and adjustment in any number of configurations. The system includes at least one pair of vertical standards adapted to be mounted on a wall or similar supporting surface. Each standard is generally U-shaped with a backwall member adapted to be placed flush against a wall and two opposed arms extending outwardly from the backwall member. The backwall member is secured to the wall by rivets or any other suitable fastener. A ceiling mounting plate provides additional support for the standard. A plurality of keyhole slots are spaced along the pair of standard arms to receive shelf support brackets at any number of desired locations along the standard. The brackets are provided with shoulder rivets for removable engagement with the keyhole slots. The shelves are designed to snap fit over the front and back portions of the brackets to provide a secure engagement against accidental dislodgement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Amco Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore G. Williams, John P. Chap, Mike Gadberry, William M. Covert
  • Patent number: 5580018
    Abstract: A shelf support bracket for supporting a wire shelf is of generally triangular configuration with an upper wall surface brace having a wire receiving hook at its upper most portion, a lower wall surface brace in alignment with the upper wall surface brace wherein the upper wall surface brace and the lower wall surface brace abuts and rests against a vertical wall. A transverse wire support member is spaced outwardly from the upper wall surface brace and the lower wire surface brace and is angled downwardly from the upper wall support brace so that the shelf support bracket receives a longitudinally extending wire of a wire shelf support at the upper wall surface and the transverse wire support member is engagement with two transversely extending wires of the wire shelf in an angled downwardly direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Clairson, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Remmers
  • Patent number: 5575444
    Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable shelf bracket having means for making fine adjustments in the attitude of the bracket relative to the supporting surface, which allows the shelf to be levelled both longitudinally and transversely, and substantially facilitates alignment with adjacent shelves. In one embodiment this is accomplished by pivotally suspending a shelf clip from a vertical mounting gusset designed to be hung on the supporting surface, such that the attitude of the clip relative to the supporting surface can be adjusted. Adjusting means such as an adjusting screw engaged in a hole tapped through the clip bears against the mounting gusset to limit the travel of the clip under the weight of the shelf. The position of the adjusting screw thus determines the attitude of the portion of the shelf being supported by the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Martin Otema
  • Patent number: 5538213
    Abstract: A multi-hook bracket for supporting shelving furniture, and the like, includes a horizontally moveable lock that can engage into an aperture in the support standard in which the bracket is mounted.The lock has a key-hole opening to receive a tool that enables a force to be applied between the lock and the main body of the bracket to move the lock horizontally to engage and disengage it from the aperture in the standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Brown Office Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Vernon Brown
  • Patent number: 5509634
    Abstract: An extruded PVC clip-on label holder for use on glass shelves such as merchandise shelves in retail outlets has a label holder panel and a pair of resilient rearwardly extending arms forming a channel between which a shelf is gripped. The holder is suitable for use on both thinner and thicker glass shelves by virtue of a step which extends along the base of the channel in one corner. A thinner shelf is gripped between the arms with its front edge fitting over the step and abutting the rear surface of the label holder panel. A thicker shelf is gripped between the arms with its front edge abutting the step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Femc Ltd.
    Inventors: John Gebka, Michael E. Brinkman
  • Patent number: 5474395
    Abstract: A connector which is convenient for use in connecting a cross board, a rod member to a vertical surface formed by a frame board, a wall. In a vertical section of the connector, in a longitudinal direction as an axial direction thereof, the connector is in the shape of a rectangle, a trapezoid, or a pentagon which is inclined on one side of an upper surface thereof. In a transverse direction, orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, the connector is formed generally in a wedge shape whose tip faces up. The bottom of the connector is in the shape of a trapezoid. A through-hole which permits insertion therein of a fixing member such as a screw or the like is formed in an axis portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the connector in a position eccentric to the axis portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Inventor: Akira Miki
  • Patent number: 5456435
    Abstract: A cooperating shelf and bracket system having a bracket which embraces and engages the rear portion of the shelf so as to support the shelf and permit its mounting in cantilever fashion from a shelf upright. The bracket may be formed with arms which grip cooperating structure on the shelf so that when fully inserted the shelf is securely retained in the bracket. The shelf is easily removable via a releasing system, which permits the shelf to be inserted and removed in a horizontal plane without the need for rotation relative to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: HMG Worldwide In-Store Marketing, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim Sweeney
  • Patent number: 5452875
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for securance to a wall structure. The bracket assembly has a first support element and a second bracket element releasably secured to the support element. The support and bracket elements have interdigitated sets of teeth for clamping the support and bracket elements in a selected one of plural clamped positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Discovery Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Kern
  • Patent number: 5423504
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting an ornamental box having a bottom and peripherally contiguous side and end walls defining outer box surfaces having a preestablished design embossed thereon. A pair of brackets are included in the assembly for supporting opposite ends of the ornamental box. Each of the pair of brackets has a horizontal floor to underlie the bottom of the box adjacent the end walls thereof, and a vertically oriented, generally U-shaped containment wall having inner and outer bracket surfaces. The lower end portions of the outer box surfaces are recessed to receive the U-shaped containment walls in a manner so that the preestablished design on the box surfaces is extended to include the outer bracket surfaces, and so that the box is removably supported by the brackets against lateral displacement by the inner bracket surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: Emanuel Shenkar
  • Patent number: 5406894
    Abstract: A shelf assembly has a shelf support bracket and a shelf panel supported by the bracket. A fastening stud projects from the shelf panel into a figure eight shaped aperture in the support bracket. The fastening stud slides relative to the fastening aperture and has a resilient, compressible bushing for latching engagement with the fastening aperture. In one embodiment, the rear edge of the shelf panel is positioned in an open sided channel member of the support bracket. In another embodiment, a spring clip is substituted for the fastening stud and projects from the shelf panel into a fastening aperture in the support bracket, the fastening aperture having a lip for latching engagement with the spring clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Donnelly Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Herrmann, Edmund J. Kane, Gregory T. Wolters, Donald C. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 5404822
    Abstract: A shelf and bracket assembly which includes a shelf, a first and second bracket, and a securing structure. The first and second brackets include a glass supporting member which is inserted within a rubber insert. The rubber insert is then itself placed within a metal casing which has a key lock orifice for use in fastening each of the brackets vertically on a wall or other suitable surface. The shelf is then placed upon the first and second brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Tempglass Eastern, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Jaskiewicz
  • Patent number: 5405114
    Abstract: An improved attachment system for mounting a furniture component, such as a work surface member, on the slotted vertical rails of a wall panel. The component connection system is comprised of a hook carrying component support adapted to be secured to a slotted vertical rail of a wall panel and releasably engageable with a component catch-track mechanism. The component support contains a latch-rail for securing a component such as a work surface by cooperating with the catch-track mechanism of the work surface. The component catch-track mechanism, when mounted on the component support, automatically engages the component support latch-rail member to fixedly align, draw together and connect both the component support and component catch-track mechanism. The improved attachment system method also eliminates the movement or disturbance of portable wall panel structures during the installation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: California Prison Industry Authority
    Inventor: Gary R. Dias
  • Patent number: 5384198
    Abstract: A bracket for supporting a laboratory mirror and shelf is disclosed. The bracket is preferably an extrusion of aluminum or other rigid material and includes a pair of horizontally disposed guides or arms forming a channel for the receipt of a planar shelf. Additionally, a vertically disposed stop is provided for retaining a mirror in a vertical orientation against a supporting shoulder. In use, the bracket allows for the convenient installation of a shelf beneath a mirror such as would be found in a bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventor: Charles E. Hodges
  • Patent number: 5360192
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting articles such as shelves, racks and cabinets in a cantilever fashion includes a strip which can be attached to a wall or the like. The bracket further includes two triangular holding components which are designed to be releasably mounted on the strip in such a manner that they are superimposed with one another and project from the strip. The upper holding component carries a clamping plate which is arranged to be located between the holding components. The clamping plate is movable in a direction from the upper holding component towards the lower holding component by moving mechanisms housed in the upper holding component. This allows part of an article to be gripped between the clamping plate and the lower holding component to thereby mount the article on the bracket. A cover may be disposed over each of the holding components. In order to hold the covers in place, the sides of the strip are formed with grooves which can receive protruding portions of the covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Joseph A. Pittella