Counters Patents (Class 312/140.1)
  • Patent number: 11949265
    Abstract: A system for providing AC or DC power, for charging or powering electrical/electronic devices that are being used whilst the device is located at, around or within, an item of furniture which is defined as an item that has no local connection point to a mains AC wired power supply of an environment. The system is provided by a series of modules, at least some of which are based around a single mechanical fixation system, thereby allowing the furniture designer or manufacturer to implement a common mechanical fixing system and choose from a variety of modules to create the electrical system so desired. Modules within the system include a at least one battery module plus modules such as a Power Supply Unit (PSU), an AC or DC power in-feed connection point, DC power provision points, inverter, AC power provision points, switches, electrical protection devices and/or power control devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: OE ELECTRICS LIMITED
    Inventor: Timothy Richard Hobbs
  • Patent number: 11612240
    Abstract: A monitor support assembly includes a base designed to rest on an ambient floor surface. An upright frame structure is spaced forward to the rear of the base and extends vertically upward from the base. The frame structure includes first and second vertical members and a top frame member that extends horizontally between the vertical members, A shroud assembly is mounted to the upright frame structure and includes a first central wall member and first and second additional wall members extending from the first and second lateral edges in the same direction. The first central wall member and the additional wall members form a receiving space. A mounting plate mountable to the rear surface of a displays screen is releasably supported by the upright frame structure within the receiving space. A depth dimension of the receiving space is sufficient to accommodate a display screen mounted via the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Kincaid, Mark Spoelhof, Mark Schoolmeester, Duck Young Kong, John Allen, Hyun Yoo
  • Patent number: 10918206
    Abstract: A spacemaker includes a sheath that defines an interior volume. The interior volume of the sheath is sized such that an under-sink disposal is receivable within the interior volume of the sheath. A plurality of mounting flanges is mounted to the sheath at a top portion of the sheath. The plurality of mounting flanges is configured for engaging a mounting flange of the under-sink disposal. A shelf is mounted to the sheath at a bottom portion of the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilbur Carl Bewley, Jr., Jason Allen Rowe
  • Patent number: 10863833
    Abstract: A shopping bin which mounts crosswise on a shopping cart and is slidable onto the conveyor belt of a supermarket check stand. The bin mechanism holds the bottom of the bin in place and causes a door at the front of the bin to open as the conveyor belt moves the rest of the bin forward until the bottom of the bin has been mostly extracted, thus allowing the check stand conveyor to completely vacate the contents of the bin and send them to the checker and the item scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventor: Donald James McLees
  • Patent number: 10669713
    Abstract: An office work system includes a first and second table assemblies each including a first work surface having first and second ends, and leg arrangements coupled to the work surfaces and configured to support the work surfaces above a floor surface, a beam arrangement that includes an upwardly-facing surface, a first end, a second end, and a pair of channels extending between the first and second ends, the channels coextending with one another and being located at the same vertical height, wherein the first table and second table assemblies are coupled to the beam arrangement, a work tool positioned above the beam arrangement, and a connector assembly connecting the work tool to the beam arrangement, where the connector assembly is coupled to the work tool and engages the pair of channels of the beam arrangement such that the work tool may be repositioned along a length of the beam arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Feldpausch, Marvin C. Knauf, Bradley D. Youngs, Mark T. Slager, Kurt R. Heidmann, John R. Hamilton, Ryan Geister, Daniel Phillips
  • Patent number: 10383435
    Abstract: A work bench includes a work surface with a spline assembly supported adjacent work surface. The spline assembly includes a longitudinally extended spline body and a longitudinally extended raceway cover. The spline body has an upper portion and two side arms extending downwardly from the upper portion. The spline body defines a channel for carrying a power track between the two side arms. The raceway cover is configured to attach to the two side arms of the spline body below the power track, and defines a raceway for carrying cables underneath the spline body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Inscape Corporation
    Inventors: Olle Lundberg, Richard Flotner, Zhongyao Fang, Peter Woronecki, David Parshad
  • Patent number: 9464771
    Abstract: A light bar assembly is disclosed which is configured to be placed adjacent at least one edge of a glass member such as a countertop, backsplash, or mirror. The light bar assembly includes a first support member having a second support member selectively secured thereto. An LED light strip is positioned in the lower support member so as to direct light into the glass member. If the light strip fails, the upper support member may be detached from the lower support member to provide ready access to the light strip for repair or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9247812
    Abstract: A work table has a pair of worksurfaces defining a right worksurface disposed adjacent a left worksurface. An elongate upwardly open channel member is positioned in a space between a left lateral side of the right worksurface and a right lateral side of the left worksurface. A lateral privacy panel member is supported in a vertical plane by being received inside the channel member, below upper surfaces of the worksurfaces, and extending vertically upwardly beyond the upper surfaces of the worksurfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Inscape Corporation
    Inventor: David Parshad
  • Patent number: 9237803
    Abstract: A modular shelving system may include a plurality of configurable components and methods of forming configuration assemblies from such components. The configuration assemblies of the modular shelving system may be paired with and coupled to other shelving units and/or furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Paragon Furniture LP
    Inventors: Richard Kassanoff, Robert Larry Stewart, James Battley
  • Patent number: 8684552
    Abstract: A lighted furniture apparatus and kit having a base, a plurality of side panels, a top, and a lighting element. At least a portion of the side panels are at least partially light transmitting. The side panels include vertical edges, each defining a partially-enclosed rod-receiving passage. An elongated connecting rod is configured to be slidably received within the rod-receiving passages of two adjacent panels to secure them together. The lighting element may be disposed within the interior space formed by the base, side panels, and top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Agio International Company, Ltd
    Inventor: Martin de Blois
  • Patent number: 8277070
    Abstract: A counter includes a base and a countertop spaced from the base that has an edge that defines a border of the countertop. An edge or support collar is disposed between the base and the countertop, the edge collar including a light-transmissive band that extends along the border of the countertop. The light-transmissive band has an inner side and an outer side opposite the inner side that forms a stratified outer edge with the edge of the countertop. A light source is positioned adjacent the inner side of the edge collar and configured to emit light outward through the light-transmissive band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Crafted Countertops, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20120181905
    Abstract: A folding base for counters is disclosed; the base comprises: a left side panel, a left front panel hingedly connected to the left side panel, a right front panel hingedly connected to the left front panel, and a right side panel hingedly connected to the right front panel. The base further comprises a left door hingedly connected to the left side panel, and a right door hingedly connected to the right side panel. The base has an upright position, in which the doors are opposite the front panels, while the side panels are opposite one another. The base also has a collapsed position, in which the side and front panels and the doors are arranged adjacent to one another. The base optionally includes a cover that can be separate from or hingedly mounted to one of the side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: Ricardo Ceballos-Godefroy
  • Patent number: 8215726
    Abstract: The method of construction of seamless countertops of the present invention enables the user to advantageously combine cabinet making with metalworking and powder coating to produce novel seamless countertops. The improved countertops are constructed by making a template of the countertop to create a countertop pattern. Discrete metallic sheets are then shaped according to the countertop pattern and joined together by welding to form a metal core. The metal core is then smoothed and powder coated to form a unitary, seamless countertop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dream Fab, LLC
    Inventor: Cameron D. Klassen
  • Patent number: 8196931
    Abstract: A gap molding and associated methods reduce accumulation of undesirable material in a gap. A gap molding comprises a top portion configured to at least partially bridge a gap, and a retention portion configured to frictionally engage with at least one side of the gap. The gap molding may be configured with a taper in order to smoothly transition from the surfaces on either side of the gap. The gap molding may comprise silicone or other suitable material. The gap molding may desirably be placed between appliances, countertops, and/or the like in order to provide improved aesthetics and/or reduce accumulation of food waste and other debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: David James Burgess
  • Patent number: 8079652
    Abstract: A connection system for connecting a built-in appliance to a furniture unit is provided and includes a securing strip having first securing elements for securing to the furniture unit side of the securing strip and second securing elements for securing to the appliance side of the securing strip and at least one cover strip which can be attached to the securing strip. Said securing strip comprises at least one recess for securing the cover strip to the securing strip. The invention also relates to a furniture unit arrangement, in particular a kitchen range, comprising a plurality of furniture units, wherein at least one furniture unit comprises a niche, and at least one built-in appliance. The built-in appliance is built into the niche. The built-in appliance is connected to the furniture unit by means of the inventive connection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Karl-Friedrich Laible, Hans-Philipp Reitz
  • Publication number: 20110204755
    Abstract: A product server for holding and displaying food products is disclosed. The product server has a front customer side, a rear employee side and a breath guard. The breath guard comprises a cover on a cabinet of the product server that is moveable between a lowered position covering the food products and a raised position in which the cover serves as a breath guard and allows access to the food products. Upright side panels are provided adjacent opposite ends of the product server. The breath guard extends between the upright side panels as it moves between its raised and lowered positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: DUKE MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Yingst, Frederick A. Deluca
  • Patent number: 7988244
    Abstract: A modular merchandise pod includes a generally elongated merchandise pod base having first and second ends, a rack assembly carried by the merchandise pod base and disposed generally midway between the first and second ends and a rack assembly top panel carried by the rack assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventor: Joe D. Haws, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100117496
    Abstract: A merchandising shelf unit is provided that when fully expanded is about 30? wide by about 44Ā¾? high. The width can be adjusted to compress down to about 18?. It is designed so that another unit can be stacked on top of each other using stacking pins to secure the two units. Adjustable shelves allow for different heights, within the unit, depending on products being displayed. An optional light accessory system that can be secured underneath the shelves will allow for enhanced product presentation. The merchandising shelf unit is fully attachable to a counter, as well as being portable, and the merchandising shelf unit is made of a welded steel frame, acrylic sides and doors, and injection molded clear shelves. An adjustable front door panel can be installed to close in the merchandising shelf unit and can be secured with the installation of a lockset. This door unit can be hid away in the space between the acrylic side panels and welded steel frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: C & L MARKETING, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy CLARKE, Steve LANCOR
  • Patent number: 7497531
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular construction method for enclosures and counter assemblies. The counter assembly has a series of modules, which can be added or removed at will. The counter assembly comprises an innovative metal framework having modules connected by angled splices to enhance customization into variable shapes and sizes. Cross-supporting framework and perimeter rails may be added to incorporate customized components for drawers, shelving, appliances, storage, access doors, vents, and the like. The framework is capable of supporting countertops formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the modular assembly. Side panels may be supported on the framework for purposes of enclosing the assembly, said panels being attached by a plurality of metal clips designed to fit into the metal framework with extensions designed to secure the side panels. The framework and components of the counter assembly are moveable, rearrangeable, and replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: James Lee Gross
  • Publication number: 20080303386
    Abstract: According to the invention, a component foodservice counter system is disclosed. The system may include a first vertical plate member, a second vertical plate member, a plurality of lateral structural members, and a counter top. The plurality of lateral structural members may couple the first vertical plate member with the second vertical plate member, with each of the plurality of lateral structural members possibly mechanically coupled with the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate. The counter top may be supported by at least one of the plurality of lateral structural members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Brass Smith, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Ackerman, Dave Voigt
  • Patent number: 7377661
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and arrangement for illuminating an under mount sink disposed subjacent a counter. A light source is disposed below a top surface of the counter and proximate to the under mount sink. The under mount sink is affixed to the underside of the counter and power is supplied to the light source. The under mount sink is illuminated by the light source when the power source is activated. The invention also provides a device that may be used for illuminating an under mount sink, while keeping the light source from contact with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Elkay Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: John Michael Douglass
  • Publication number: 20070267950
    Abstract: The present disclosure radically departs from conventional teaching and creatively offers a flexible alternative to the orthogonal arrangement. The present disclosure provides a system of modular counters that can be mixed to create arrangements shaped as an ā€œSā€, ā€œCā€, or a multitude of other modular arrangements by mixing predefined toroidal shaped modular radial counters with other modular radial counters and/or modular orthogonal counters. For the present disclosure, such radial arrangements represent a significant change in the accepted understanding of orthogonal counter design. Examples of such flexible radial arrangements are disclosed herein. Despite decades of efforts in this field and the opportunities to design similar modules, the field has simply been absent of such modular radial solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: KITCHEN EQUIPMENT FABRICATING COMPANY
    Inventor: Alvis Lloyd HARTSFIELD
  • Patent number: 7051483
    Abstract: A concrete laminate panel (1) comprising a sealant layer (2), a first layer of concrete (4), a second layer of concrete (6), and a backing board (8). The sealant layer (2) is a transparent, wear-resistant material, such as a urethane material. The sealant layer (2) provides a waterproof and alcohol-resistant layer with excellent wear properties, both in a dry and a wet condition, plus an ultraviolet filter to prevent yellowing. A two-stage, two-part polyurethane material comprises these properties, and we have found this material to be particularly useful as a sealant layer. The transparent nature of the sealant layer (2) allows the uppermost surface of the first layer of concrete (4) to be viewed therethrough. The urethane material contains an anti-microbial additive that will inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, molds, mildew, and algae. The first layer of concrete (4) provides a viewable thin, hardened, and decorative surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Guy Bamford
  • Patent number: 6877825
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable modular kitchen system includes a modular appliance and/or storage unit including a first frame section, a base unit including a second frame section having arranged therein a plurality of vertically adjustable supports and a control. The modular appliance and/or storage and base units are designed to interconnect one with the other forming a kitchen system. The control, provided with each base unit, enables a consumer to adjust the vertical height of the kitchen assembly associated with the particular base unit by raising or lowering the vertically adjustable supports. The appliance and/or storage and base units are further designed to integrate into either wall assemblies or kitchen island assemblies. The modular appliance and/or storage units will include a variety of configurations such as storage modules and appliance modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Mostafa Michael Khosropour, Evelyn M. George
  • Publication number: 20030020378
    Abstract: A pair of connector elements, one stapled, screwed or otherwise fastened to a countertop and the other stapled, screwed or otherwise fastened to the lower edge of a backsplash are snapped together to mount the backsplash in an upright position along the rear edge of the countertop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: James L. LaChance, Edward M. Collins
  • Publication number: 20020096977
    Abstract: A counter corner system that allows two standard counter tops to be joined at a corner without the need to notch or miter the counter tops has a body member that has four sides and a notch that joins the first side with the second side. The notch has a pair of edges that are normal to each other. A bullnose shaped portion extends downwardly from the body member and begins at the edges of the notch, the body member and bullnose shaped member being monolithic in construction. One of the counter tops abuts the first side of the body member such that the forward facing side of the counter top lies on the same plane of one of the edges of the notch and the second counter top abuts the second side of the body member such that the forward facing side of this counter top lies on the same plane as the other edge of the notch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Zenobio
  • Publication number: 20020020585
    Abstract: A checkout counter construction and method employs a bag well feature using a cover member which is movable between a first, closed and latched position and a second, open position without using springs, pneumatic cylinders or any electrical connection, and in a manner which reduces the rate of movement of the cover member as it approaches the second position, in order to minimize any risk of injury.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Aleck M. Cernik, Dennis E. Finegan
  • Patent number: 6256936
    Abstract: A pre-fabricated module includes a counter-top having a front access edge, side portions and a rear portion. A sink is disposed in the counter-top. A perimeter wall extends upward from the side and rear portions of the counter-top. A ceiling spans the perimeter wall above the counter-top. The module is preferably constructed as a one piece integrally molded structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Wellness, LLC
    Inventors: Earl S. Swensson, David S. Gilbert, George P. McAllister, Jr., Joseph L. Miles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6213575
    Abstract: A kitchen countertop assembly includes multiple, integrated work spaces having associated surfaces which can be adjusted vertically. At least two of the work surfaces can be individually, vertically adjusted relative to the remainder of the work surfaces. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, first, second and third work surfaces are defined by an overall kitchen island, with the first work surface being defined by a main countertop, the second work surface being defined by a tabletop supported above a portion of the first work surface by a pair of spaced pillars which project through the countertop and into a base of the assembly, and a third work surface is constituted by a table which projects from the base at a position offset from the countertop. With this arrangement, each of the countertop, tabletop and table member can be raised or lowered, either simultaneously or individually, in order to customize the overall kitchen countertop assembly to a particular user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: George G. Brin, Jr., Luke W. Michas, Marc S. Harrison, Michael T. Lye, Edgar L. Laguinia, Elizabeth Akers