Sectional-unit Type Patents (Class 312/107)
  • Patent number: 5796585
    Abstract: To provide an electronic equipment mounting device having flexibility in the mounting direction, the device is provided with a mounting jig on which a plurality of tongues are formed and a housing whose flat faces having different areas have slits in them, the tongues being inserted into the slits in a detachable manner. The mounting jig is mounted on, for example, the surface of a wall, and then the housing is coupled to the mounting jig by selectively using one of its side faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akira Sugiyama, Tsutomu Hoshino
  • Patent number: 5779354
    Abstract: A modular support structure for lighting apparatuses, as well as other electrical and electronic devices and their relative instrumentation, comprising a plurality of modular elements (1) having a box-like form with an open main face (2), through which the devices are visible, as well as a series of consecutive faces (6,7,8) which are angled in succession and form connection surfaces for adjacent modular elements. Modular element (1) preferably comprises a first pair of faces (6) orthogonal to the main face, a second pair of faces (7) consecutive with the first pair of faces and angled with respect to them and a third face (8) which unites the two faces of the second pair and is substantially parallel to the main face. Preferably, the faces of the first and second pairs (6,7) form an angle of about 150.degree. whereas the faces of the second pair (7) are angled by about 120.degree. with the third face (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Paolo Targetti
  • Patent number: 5775046
    Abstract: Construction member panels have an array of engaging elements and cooperating receiving spaces, such as dovetails and dovetail shaped keyways. The engaging elements are relatively closely spaced such that a pair of such panels can be meshed together, and will be locked against motion in two directions. The construction member panels can be used alone, with one planar member being fixed to a support and the other to an item to be supported, or they can be connected to each other to form units, such as L-shaped units, U-shaped units, or rectangular parallelepiped boxes. Shapes other than dovetails can also be used.Specially located engaging elements along the length of construction members, or the sides of the units made therefrom allow mated construction members to be translated relative to each other as desired, even if one construction member is mated with and bridges across two facing construction members, thus exhibiting translational symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: David J. Fanger, Richard E. Seubert, Byungho Han, Darcy M. Ytterdahl, O. John Bourg, III
  • Patent number: 5765239
    Abstract: Modular children's furniture with components including a planar panel that can serve as a base and/or a top, a stackable cube, a stackable rectangular cubicle, a drawer component, a shelf, and a playpen. The planar panel with rubber caster wheels is a base upon which the modular components are stacked. The planar panel without caster wheels is a counter-top and caps the modular components. Each cube and cubicle has a hingedly connected panel that functions as a door or lid. Also included are a stackable drawer component and a shelf component. The playpen includes two side panels that are made of a plastic coated wire mesh. The playpen also has two solid side panels that can be attached to a standard bedframe and thus serve as a headboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Tony G. Moses
  • Patent number: 5762184
    Abstract: A jewelry holder with at least one self-standing removable stand, the holder having a base and at least one removable holder wherein the holder has at least one crosspiece with at least one aperture for receiving a portion of an earring. The base may be in the form of a box with a slidable drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Lori Greiner
  • Patent number: 5749623
    Abstract: An article of furniture comprising:a) a support frame comprising two hollow vertical supports and a horizontal strut connecting the upper end of the first vertical support to the upper end of the second vertical support;b) a bench comprising a horizontal support member, a plurality of arm rests mounted on said support member, a seat back, and a means for pivotably mounting said seat back to said plurality of arm rests; andc) a means for suspending the bench from the horizontal strut;wherein the interior of the vertical supports is accessible through doors provided in the vertical supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventors: Thakor R. Mistry, Jyotsna T. Mistry
  • Patent number: 5740906
    Abstract: A container combination for stationery goods. The container combination comprises a base plate, a central container assembly provided on the base plate, a lateral container assembly provided on the base plate adjacent to one side of the central container assembly, a bookend assembly provided on the base plate adjacent to another side of the central container assembly, and a post assembly. The height of each of the central container assembly and the lateral container assembly can be increased without being restricted by an upper limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Yung-feng Lai
  • Patent number: 5733025
    Abstract: A selectable height computer monitor stand is formed by one or a plurality of rectangular rigid spacers underlying a top secured to at least one of the spacers by bolts extending through lateral edges of the top and respective end portions of a clamp plate laterally projecting through one of the spacers. The stand height is increased or decreased by inserting or removing additional spacers under the primary monitor stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Michael D. Jesse, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5720547
    Abstract: Modular storage bins provide for the bulk containment and storage of various commodities and goods, and are particularly useful in the kitchen or pantry for the storage of foods and spices. One or more identically sized open sleeves are installable beneath or alongside an existing cabinet or shelf, or alternatively may be placed atop an existing countertop or shelf. A mounting plate may be provided for additional attachment security for the sleeves, if desired. Each of the sleeves are adapted for the containment of one or more specially configured bins, with the bins being provided in various sizes. The largest bins have dimensions which are integral multiples of the smaller bins, i.e., the largest bins are two and three times the width and height of the intermediate sized and smallest bins. Thus, two half width bins, or a two by two matrix of four intermediate bins, or a three by three matrix of nine of the smallest bins may be installed in any given sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Merrill F. Baird
  • Patent number: 5718491
    Abstract: A supporting box is provided which includes a unit box having at least one or a pair of drawers. In a face-to-face assembly, a first unit box can be joined with a second unit box by the engagement between a plurality of projecting ribs and projected grooves of a partitioning plate and opposing side plates of the first unit box and a plurality of corresponding projected grooves and projecting ribs of the second unit box. In a face-to-back assembly, a first unit box can be joined with a second unit box by the engagement between a plurality of projecting ribs and projected grooves of the first unit box and a plurality of corresponding recessed grooves of the second unit box. The supporting box can be readily configured with any number of unit boxes to meet different requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Chin-Chu Li
  • Patent number: 5709441
    Abstract: A decorative cremation urn display pedestal comprises a lower base configured into a generally box-like structure and including four generally vertical side walls having abutting adjacent side edges, and a generally horizontal cremation urn-supporting top wall supported atop the side walls. A pair of shelf-supporting walls extend upwardly from the top wall and have abutting adjacent side edges, with each wall of the pair being generally parallel to a respective base side wall thereunder. At least one generally horizontal cremation urn-supporting shelf extends horizontally outward from the pair of shelf-supporting walls. The shelf corresponds in size and shape to the base top wall and is cantilevered horizontally outward from the pair of shelf-supporting walls by having a free unsupported corner positioned above a respective corner of the base top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Batesville Casket Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart Bartling, John R. Enneking, Daniel J. Parker
  • Patent number: 5702166
    Abstract: An information kiosk serving as an interactive information source for multiple users including users in wheelchairs. The information kiosk includes eight modular units which are connected to one another to form a ring of modular units. The information kiosk provides both visually displayed and printed information to several of users at the same time in response to user input. The information kiosk includes a plurality of modular units which each include a cabinet structure containing a CPU, a touch screen and a removable printer cart for supporting a printer. The cabinet structure includes a first side wall, a second side wall and a door at the from of the cabinet structure between the first and second side walls for enclosing the removable printer cart. The removable printer cart includes a frame, a printer shelf mounted on the frame, and wheels attached to a base of the frame, for facilitating horizontal translation of the cart along a floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: James Michael Lee
  • Patent number: 5690400
    Abstract: A molded cabinet assembly for storage of supplies or retail stock, the cabinet assembly including at least two cabinet units; where the cabinet units are adjoined side by side; where each cabinet unit includes: inner and outer polymeric panel surfaces; formed by molding; where panel surfaces form multiple joined panels; and where the panels have at least two side panels, one back panel, and a bottom panel. The panels surround a hollow for containing within the hollow supplies or retail stock and an opening is formed in a front portion of the cabinet unit for access to the for storing supplies or retail stock. The back panel of the cabinet unit has an opening for allowing access to electrical outlets, plumbing, and other resources which may be located behind the cabinet unit. A serving surface is fixedly attached to the upper portions of the side panels and back panel and the top portion of the serving surface for placement of retail food and drink dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: John Frederick Tryon
  • Patent number: 5690401
    Abstract: A dresser to be contained in a clothing locker, the dresser being formed of two independent units with each of the units having one or more sliding drawers, and with each of the units having a rectangular shape and dimensioned to be fitted together in side-by-side relationship within the locker to form a detachable assembly having an overall width corresponding to the internal width of the locker and an overall height substantially less than the internal height of the locker. The facing sides of the two units are shaped to provide mating latches which serve to hold the two units in an assembled interlocked position within the locker. The dresser has a frame surrounding its front side, and the dresser is held in the locker by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Randolph C. Franklin
  • Patent number: 5688032
    Abstract: A rotationally molded cabinet assembly for storage of supplies or retail stock, the cabinet assembly including at least two cabinet units; where the cabinet units are adjoined side by side; where each cabinet unit includes: inner and outer polymeric shells; formed by rotational molding; where shells form multiple joined panels; and where the panels have at least two side panels, one back panel, and a bottom panel. The panels surround a hollow for containing within the hollow supplies or retail stock and an opening is formed in a front portion of the cabinet unit for access to the hollow for storing supplies or retail stock. The back panel of the cabinet unit has an opening for allowing access to electrical outlets, plumbing, and other resources which may be located behind the cabinet unit. A serving surface is fixedly attached to the upper portions of the side panels and back panel and the top portion of the serving surface for placement of retail food and drink dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: John Frederick Tryon
  • Patent number: 5688031
    Abstract: A rotationally molded cabinet assembly for storage of supplies or retail stock, the cabinet assembly including at least two cabinet units; where the cabinet units are adjoined side by side; where each cabinet unit includes: inner and outer polymeric shells; formed by rotational molding; where shells form multiple joined panels; and where the panels have at least two side panels, one back panel, and a bottom panel. The panels surround a hollow for containing within the hollow supplies or retail stock and an opening is formed in a front portion of the cabinet unit for access to the hollow for storing supplies or retail stock. The back panel of the cabinet unit has an opening for allowing access to electrical outlets, plumbing, and other resources which may be located behind the cabinet unit. A serving surface is fixedly attached to the upper portions of the side panels and back panel and the top portion of the serving surface for placement of retail food and drink dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: John Frederick Tryon
  • Patent number: 5653416
    Abstract: An arrangement for the stable connection of two home appliances stacked one above the other, particularly a washing machine and a drier comprises two vertically displaceable supporting feet (21) provided with vertical recesses and fixed to the bottom of the upper appliance, and two vertically protruding connection elements, fixed to the worktop of the lower appliance, which are adapted to be introduced into the recesses of supporting feet when the two appliances are stacked one above the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Whirlpool Europe B.V.
    Inventor: Michael Frank
  • Patent number: 5630658
    Abstract: A file holder for holding a plurality of file folders, wherein a support surface and a plurality of perpendicularly extending side panels have a hemmed support edge and a hemmed panel edges, respectively. The hemmed support edge and the hemmed panel edges provide structural strength to the file holder while providing a file opening which has increased space for the easy insertion and extraction of file folder and a file holder with relatively smooth surfaces that do not catch or tear the file folders. The file holder also has a plurality of dividers which are secured to the support surface and a back wall and which provide additional structural support when a file holder is stacked on another file holder or other shelving. The file holders are constructed with attachment holes and nesting members so that multiple file holders can be stacked on one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Jeter Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Jack W. Jeter
  • Patent number: 5607211
    Abstract: A fountain beverage center or the like has a main component being a beverage dispenser cabinet having an external shape and appearance which simulates a serving cup for the beverages to be dispensed therefrom. The cabinet includes a base unit with a bowed panel having a frusto-conical shaped outline for simulating the shape of a portion of the serving cup. The top unit includes a pair of side panels having frusto-conical shaped outlines and bowed exterior surfaces which simulate the appearance of other portions of the serving cup. A beverage dispenser assembly is provided between the side panels of the top unit on a countertop of the base unit. At least one refreshment dispenser assembly can be disposed adjacent to the cabinet for dispensing secondary refreshment products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: David B. Henninger, Jeffrey A. Rutchik, Robert A. Crosby, Jr., Michael E. Goodell, Charles W. Pasewark
  • Patent number: 5597219
    Abstract: A box-shaped container for temporary storage of filled or empty cigarette trays defines a plurality of compartments for temporary storage of a set of trays. The compartments have open front sides for introduction or extraction of trays and at least partially open undersides to permit evacuation of tobacco particles and/or other solid particulate matter. The container is provided with pairs of tracks at the lower portions of upright or sloping partitions which flank the compartments, which extend to an upright rear wall of the container, and which are overlapped by a horizontal top wall of the container. The latter is or can be designed in such a way that the contents of filled trays in the compartments are at least substantially sealed from the surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Hauni Maschinenbau AG
    Inventors: Matthias Horn, Peter Kageler, Christian Kreusch
  • Patent number: 5577817
    Abstract: A portable enclosure utilized for storing and working with paints and paint related items comprises a lower housing having a bottom surface and a spill containing upper working surface. Included is an upper housing positioned above the lower housing. Casters are associated with the lower housing bottom surface and permit movement of the storage enclosure over a supporting surface. An exhaust fan is provided to vent harmful vapors away from the working surface and the housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Cory Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5562332
    Abstract: A lobby table (10) for use in a post office lobby is described. The lobby table has lockable boxes (14) which are mounted together and spaced apart by front and back horizontal spacers (64 and 66). A counter top (12) is mounted on the uppermost horizontal row of lockable boxes and is supported by the underlying lockable boxes. The lockable boxes have a top wall (14A), a bottom wall (14B) and two sidewalls (14C) which form a front opening (14D) which allows access to the interior of the lockable box. The perimeter of the front opening is surrounded by a frame (30) formed by a top frame member (32), a bottom frame member (34), a right frame member (36) and a left frame member (38). The lockable box can also be provided with a central wall and a center frame member (42) in order to provide right and left small boxes (24 and 26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: HSS Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: George F. Stacy
  • Patent number: 5560693
    Abstract: A wall mounted filing cabinet comprised of a cabinet having a plurality of openings formed through a front surface thereof. The cabinet is securable to a wall. The device contains a plurality of bins. The number of bins corresponds to the number of openings formed in the cabinet. Each of the bins is configured to be received within a corresponding opening. Each bin has a U-shaped handle secured to a front surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventors: Curtis D. Musser, Theodore C. Musser
  • Patent number: 5556178
    Abstract: The invention relates to a storage receptacle with a rear wall and a front wall as well as two lateral walls, in which guide rails are provided at equal heights for receiving and moving of further receptacles fitted in the storage receptacle, wherein at least one of the walls is embodied to be displaceable or pivotable and contains guide rails which, after displacement or pivoting of the wall, alignedly engage the guide rails of the respectively adjoining walls. The storage receptacle can also be arranged in the form of a longitudinal drawer in a piece of furniture and contains transverse drawers which can be pulled out of the storage receptacle crosswise to the pull-out direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Walter Groebly
  • Patent number: 5547269
    Abstract: A switchboard or a display board for an electric monitoring and control system is comprised of at least two modular elements, the modular elements having visible sides of the same regular contour or of a multiple of said regular contour, the visible sides of the modular elements abutting each other to form a continuous pattern constituting a visible side of the switchboard or display board. Each modular element comprises a surface element forming the visible side and side walls projecting backwards from the surface element, the surface element having edge portions projecting outwards of the side wall and forming a peripheral region, the edge portions having outer edges with mating tongue and groove profiles whereby abutting surface elements of the modular elements may be plugged together while leaving gaps between adjacent ones of the side walls below the projecting edge portions, and the side walls being formed with undercut locking grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventors: Erwin Bernecker, Josef Rainer
  • Patent number: 5511872
    Abstract: A bulding system for building movables formed one or more individual parts and modules. The module system is constructed on a frame (1) formed of four profiles (2, 3, 4, 5) which are joined in order to form a rectangle (7). Mounted on the frame are supporting rails (8) in which base cabinets (9) may be hung and table tops (10) may be mounted. By means of further devices which interact with the frame, it is possible to extend the system to provide top cabinets. Furthermore, the system may be equipped with technical installations and other utilities for use in connection with the work at the system, and the system may be equipped with covering, side and base panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Byrum A/S
    Inventor: Palle Clemmensen
  • Patent number: 5497888
    Abstract: A modular display system for the efficient storing and displaying of a variety of substantially flat products, such as alphanumeric sign characters, includes a first display module having a width of a single length unit, an open front, a first arrangement of internal divider elements separating the internal volume of the first module of a plurality of predetermined volumes, each shaped to receive a predetermined amount of a particular product, a second display module having a width of two length units, a second internal divider arrangement separating the internal volume into a second plurality of volumes, each shaped to receive a predetermined amount of a particular product, a strip extending along the first and second modules for receiving indicia indicative of the contents of each of the first and second volumes and a connector for interconnecting a first and second module such that a plurality of first and second modules can be attached to each other and arranged in a plurality of configurations to form di
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: American Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Michaels, Steven T. Sheiler, Michelle L. Fioritto, Sharon D. Hughes, Stephan W. Cole
  • Patent number: 5466058
    Abstract: A modular storage system is formed from a plurality of stackable cube-shaped or rectangular-shaped units. Each unit is locked to another adjacent unit with fasteners inserted through their side walls. Each cube modular unit is formed by four identical rectangular panels which face each other in a box-like configuration without a lid or bottom, There are a plurality of tabs and notches in the beveled surface of the abutting edges of each panel. The beveled top edge of each panel mates with the beveled bottom edge to form a miter joint and to allow the complementary tabs and notches in the edges to lock together to prevent lateral displacement. There are a pair of grooves near each edge to allow for a curved molding to slide into to lock the edges of the panels together. The inside wall of each panel has a series of channels to allow shelves to be positioned in the body of the cube. A hanging door can be placed in the front of the cube to conceal the shelving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: One Two One Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shiu C. Chan
  • Patent number: 5399005
    Abstract: A structure for the display and dispensing of tickets whereby top and bottom units are demountably attachable in a stackable arrangement. Each unit is of box-like configuration having a floor, a roof, a pair of sidewalls and an open rear end. A door is pivotally attached at a lower portion of the rear end and semi-permanently attachable in an opposite upper portion of the rear end of the unit to serve as a rear wall for the unit when in a closed position. The bottom unit has a front flange on the bottom portion of the front wall extending downward and rearward into a cavity in the top portion of the front wall to provide a forwardly extending lip portion engageable by the front flange of the top unit when the units are in a stacked relationship. The top unit also has a rear flange on its lower rear portion that extends through at least one opening in the roof of the bottom unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Schafer Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher E. Schafer
  • Patent number: 5385400
    Abstract: An expansible tool cabinet includes a stationary outer housing which has two opposed vertical side walls that are formed with a plurality of spaced projections on the inner wall surfaces of the side walls. The projections cooperatively define a plurality of vertical slide ways and longitudinal slide ways thereamong. A slidable inner housing has a horizontal top wall which has two opposite longitudinal edges that are formed with a plurality of spaced downwardly extending guiding strips. Each of the strips has a plurality of spaced protrusions protruding inwardly therefrom. The protrusions cooperatively define a plurality of longitudinal slide ways thereamong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Tung I Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 5350057
    Abstract: A display device that can be used singularly for securing a single open-faced container on a shelf for display of and access to the container contents or in multiples to secure any number of like open-faced containers on a shelf for display of and access to the contents of each container. The display device includes a frame defining an access opening. The frame is dimensioned to surround the open face of the container on which the frame is to be mounted. The display device further includes a releasable lock for removably securing the frame to the open-faced container, and an anchor for attaching the frame to the shelf when the display is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Peter F. Bemis, Timothy J. Otte
  • Patent number: 5277534
    Abstract: The expandable magnetic tape cartridge storage system is designed to handle a moderate number of magnetic tape cartridges and is expandable without the need to add an additional robotic cartridge handling mechanism. This is accomplished by the use of a base module that consists of a half cylinder of magnetic tape cartridge storage locations. A center pivot robotic cartridge handling mechanism is included in the base module in order to transport the magnetic tape cartridges between the cartridge storage locations and a plurality of magnetic tape drives included in the base module. The capacity of this cartridge storage system can be increased by adding an additional half cylinder of magnetic tape cartridge storage locations to thereby create a complete cylinder of cartridge storage locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Storage Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Anderson, Kenneth L. Manes, Thomas J. Studebaker
  • Patent number: 5271515
    Abstract: A multi-tiered display for holding and displaying a plurality of items. The display comprises at least two stackable interlocking canisters. Each canister has a substantially similar construction and comprises a bottom surface and a top surface. The bottom surface includes in a preferred embodiment, a first, second, and third projecting member each of which extends along a width of the bottom surface. The top surface includes a fourth, fifth, and sixth projecting member that extends along a width of the top surface. The bottom surface further includes a first, second, and third space for receiving the fourth, fifth, and sixth projecting members. The top surface includes a fourth and fifth space for receiving the second and third projecting members. Due to the structure of the canisters, the canisters when stacked are interlocked at three locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Steven E. Berkheimer, Jim Durish, Edward J. Keogh, Alfred Landa
  • Patent number: 5263772
    Abstract: An aquarium stand (10) is provided for a removable aquarium tank (44) and has an upper horizontally extending guide track provided by channels (80, 74) receiving border frames (58, 62) of the tank in horizontal sliding relation and providing keyed flush fit preventing lateral shifting movement of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: All-Glass Aquarium Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald R. Ritzow
  • Patent number: 5255970
    Abstract: A tall, roll-top cabinet for storing articles such as compact disc cases. The cabinet has a sliding door formed of a series of horizontal slats and short spacers bonded to a flexible backing. The spacers are disposed at the side edges of the door so that they ride in guide channels with the edges of the larger slats to provide the necessary support. The short spaces decrease the weight of the door, provide a pleasing alternating pattern for the door, and enhance the use of see-through backing. Horizontal ledges in the cabinet support the sides of articles being stored. Resilient fingers may extend from the walls of the frame to form ledges for thin articles such as single compact disc cases, or the fingers can be depressed to permit double compact disc cases to be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Yos S. Theosabrata
  • Patent number: 5255966
    Abstract: Office furniture includes a number of individual furniture components all incorporating the same basic constructional details and ornamentation and which articles of furniture may be selectively associated with one another to form selective furniture ensembles which can provide a complete work area. One feature of the invention is to provide a furniture top which has notched edges which selectively receive a corresponding end of another article of furniture so as to interlock several articles of furniture into a furniture ensemble in a manner to resist relative movement. In addition, certain edges of furniture tops are notched and have a straight vertical edge to indicate a functional component such as a pull-out pedestal drawer or a cabinet area with edges of the tops being arcuately convexly downwardly curved for user interface. The individual components include desks, credenzas, organizers, returns and storage columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Newhouse, Donald A. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 5246284
    Abstract: A storage cabinet construction providing a module subject to selective combination with other modules, to form the cabinet providing drawers for storing audio cassettes, compact discs, videocassettes and game cartridges. Each storage cabinet module is formed with a facade frame construction subject to ready plastic molding for securely engaging the top, bottom and side walls of the module, and formed with drawer guides and stops to facilitate slidable positioning, sure guidance and maintenance of drawers in the module. Interlocking tabs and recesses formed on the facade frame serve to implement the conjunction of the module with other modules to form a desired selectively expansible storage cabinet, combining modules with the same or differently dimensioned drawers to accomodate the cassettes, game cartridges and discs to be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: Richard Merzon
  • Patent number: 5246105
    Abstract: A modular container for dental materials has an upper section (1) with a hinged top (13) and a lower section (2) composed of at least two superposed modules (3), each with two drawers (4). All sections feature interchangeable side panels (5) connected by aluminum sheet (6; 6') or the like, which is bent to form both a rear wall (8; 8') and a base element (7) or a cover element (20). The sheet metal is held between the side panel pair (5) by rails (32; 32'; 32") formed thereon. Similar rails (11; 11'; 11") formed on the inside of the front panels (25) engage around a laterally extending rim (22) at the front or back of each drawer; the drawers can be rotated front-to-back by attaching the front panel to the opposing edge. The upper section's cover is attached by hinges (12) which have rotational stops (14,15) for propping the cover in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Eykmann, Joachim Fritze, Birgit Uhrig
  • Patent number: 5244265
    Abstract: This invention relates to a tool container and in particular to one including a main body portion provided with two horizontal grooves at both opposite inner sides and a rack at both upper edges, a partition board inserted into an upper one of the two horizontal grooves, a drawer inserted into a lower one of the two horizontal grooves, two doors hingedly connected with the main body portion, a case provided with racks at bottom and top sides and engageable with the top of the main body portion and the top of another box, and a box engaged with the top of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Ching-An Chiang
  • Patent number: 5196993
    Abstract: A portable computer having a base housing and a removable display pivotably mounted thereon, the display being removable from the base housing to be made free-standing on pivotable support feet, while having a removable electrical cable to the base housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Unisys Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Herron, Dennis J. Boyle
  • Patent number: 5184886
    Abstract: A modular bar system having a decorative appearance including vertical trim strips which cover the joints between sections. The system can be adapted into a variety of configurations and shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventors: David J. Handley, Patrick G. Costigan
  • Patent number: 5147120
    Abstract: Modular units (1, 11, 21, 24, 37 and 45) are stackable to form various types of multiple-unit bureaus, dressing tables, office desks and other types of drawer, shelf and rack furniture for rooms or closets. The modular units are single or multiple drawer, shelf or rack sections of furniture. Brace-legs (1) at corners (3-6) can be positioned sequentially, end-to-end vertically to position the bureau units firmly in a stack and to bear the load-weight of the drawers, shelves and cabinets together with contents on each with-out transmitting the load-weight to walls (7-9) of the bureau units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Inventor: Frank J. Ray
  • Patent number: 5144454
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing customized video recordings. The apparatus includes audio/video reproduction equipment for displaying prompt information and for providing a first audio signal synchronous with the prompt information. The apparatus further includes a device for providing a first video signal representative of background information, audio/video recording equipment for providing a second video signal and a second audio signal representative of a live performance performed synchronously with the display of the prompt information. A mixer is provided for combining the first and second audio and video signals, and creative modification are added whereupon the combined signals are recorded to form the customized video recording.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Brian L. Cury
  • Patent number: 5137340
    Abstract: A merchandising display and locator system for enhancing the visual access of a purchaser to fastener product information. A box-shaped housing having a truncated frontal surface contains a plurality of tray members which have an angularly projecting frontal flange to permit enhanced visual access by a purchaser. An information card is provided with the display which contains graphical representations of fastener indicia such as thread styles, head styles, drive styles, nuts and washers. In association with the graphical representations are the trade names of these indicia. A product listing of trade names appears on the information card and an alphabetical code symbol is associated with each trade name. The appropriate code symbol appears on the frontal flange of the tray member carrying the particular fastener product having that trade name identification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: Vsi Fasteners, Inc.
    Inventors: Derwyn Cugley, Thomas L. Evans
  • Patent number: 5086593
    Abstract: An integral modular built-in storage wall system is provided including a plurality of prefabricated modular base components, each having a supporting surface mounted to four adjustable legs located at four corners of the suppport surface, and at least a first removable front cover extending between forward facing surfaces of a first forward pair of the legs. The base also has open side areas between the first and second pair of legs so that, when a plurality of said base components are aligned in side-by-side relationship, a substantially unobstructed passage is created extending along the plurality of base components beneath the top walls thereof. A plurality of prefabricated modular storage components are also provided for mounting on individual ones of the base components. The storage components have substantially uniform depth and height dimensions, but the width dimensions may vary in accordance with a predetermined modular format based on the total width of the wall system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1992
    Assignee: J. G. Furniture Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Ellis B. Walentine
  • Patent number: 4983089
    Abstract: A mobile grain silo for the transportation and storage of grain, granulated food and other such materials, wherein the mobile grain silo includes individual storage cells of a generally parallelogram shape constructed around a frame structure and having means for lifting on and off a mobile transport and for interconnecting the cells in stacked relation to one another. The individual storage cells having a loading door for filling and an exit door for discharging the contents therein and further having a viewing port to inspect the interior of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: Ernst D. Rose
  • Patent number: 4976753
    Abstract: An applicance housing includes a box-like front part having a front panel and an open rear end, and a pair of symmetrical, box-like side parts, each having an open front end and an open medial side. The open medial sides of the two side parts snap together in coplanar abutment along a sagittal plane, and the open rear end of the front part then snaps onto the front ends of the two engaged side parts to form a closed housing. In an air cleaner embodiment, each of the two side parts is provided with a ventilated lateral side panel which is recessed to create a space for holding a sheet of filtering media, and a flush grill which snaps onto the side panels over the filters to hold them in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Tatung Company of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jyh C. Huang
  • Patent number: 4940148
    Abstract: Retail display wire cubes having upright sideward grids effected into spaced-apart parallel relationship with co-axially aligned rectangular spacing members that extend above and below the grids. The retail display wire cubes are adapted for secure removable attachment to a similar cube stacked immediately therebelow with U-shaped having vertical wings carried by terminal spacing members at locations below a grid and each clip including a toe-like lower-terminus projecting transversely outwardly from the vertical wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Inventor: Joel H. Alperson
  • Patent number: 4893884
    Abstract: A wall cabinet provided with an upper dividing member and a lower pedestal adjustable of height each on a container part constituted of various cabinets tall enough to reach a ceiling surface from a room floor surface, and installed at the central or other portions in a room to partition the room properly. Further provided is an all locking device capable of locking the cabinets constituting the container part of the wall cabinet all at once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignees: Itoki Co., Ltd., Itoki Kosakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Tsuchida, Sabarou Sumi, Motohiro Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 4863222
    Abstract: Arrangement constituted by a stack of boxes intended to contain drawers, in particular for the storage of audio and video recording tapes. The boxes have different dimensions. The widths and heights of the boxes are dimensioned to adapt to the contents and to allow a large number of combinations. On their upper side, the boxes comprise profiled ribs on which are fitted grooves of matching profile provided on a lower side of the boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Gefitec S.A.
    Inventor: Patrick P. P. Posso