Adjacent Mutual Closures Patents (Class 312/199)
  • Patent number: 11571065
    Abstract: A modular workstation assembly and method of assemblage comprises multiple modules constructed from a relatively small number of components and arranged in several basic geometries. The workstation assembly includes a desk module, an upper cabinet module, a pair of lateral cabinet modules, and a pair of door modules that hingedly join with the other modules. The door modules hingedly join to the lateral cabinet modules to pivotably articulate between an open and closed position. The modules detachably couple in a sequential pattern, forming multiple styles of workstations operable. The different workstations are arranged, so as to enable a user to work from a sitting or standing position, stow items on multiple shelves, and selectively conceal sections of the workstation with hinged articulation by a pair of lateral modules. The modules are further configured for facilitated disassembly and stowage, one-man portability, and minimal tool and skillset requirements for assemblage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Inventor: Garth Hubert
  • Patent number: 11178981
    Abstract: A case frame and mullion assembly includes a case frame including a frame member defining a mullion pocket, a first electrical connector coupled to the frame member within the mullion pocket, a mullion defined by an elongated body, a second electrical connector coupled to the frame member within the mullion pocket, and an attachment mechanism coupled to one or both of the case frame and the mullion, the attachment mechanism positioned between the frame member and the mullion to attach the mullion to the frame member, the attachment mechanism aligns and couples the first electrical connector relative to the second electrical connector upon attachment of the mullion to the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond P. Twohy, Delanie M. Parmenter, Daniel E. Schnur
  • Patent number: 11089711
    Abstract: Workbench 6 is for operator performing interior maintenance of casing 2, and laid between casings 2a, 2b when separating casings. A pair of first supporting portions 61 are arranged parallel between casings so as to be able to horizontally support workbench body 60 when casings are in separating state. A pair of second supporting portions 62 are arranged parallel above bottom frame 21a of one casing 2a, and support one ends of first supporting portions 61 when workbench body 60 is in horizontal state. A pair of third supporting portions 63 are arranged parallel above bottom frame 21b with one ends of the third supporting portions 63, to which the other ends of first supporting portions 61 are pivotally fixed, overhanging from bottom frame 21b. Wiring holding section 71 of wiring duct 7 accommodating and protecting wires in casing 2 holds wires under workbench 6 between casings in separating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: MEIDENSHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihiko Kodama, Nobuo Okazaki, Makoto Miwa, Shigenori Ikeda, Yoshio Kijima
  • Patent number: 10918208
    Abstract: A compact storage rack system is disclosed. In an example implementation, the compact storage rack system includes a track assembly and a movable shelving assembly including a first set of wheels transitionally connected to the track assembly. The first set of wheels can transition along the track assembly between a first position corresponding to a retracted position and a second position corresponding to an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: INTERMETRO INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerard J. Kenlon, Robert K. Swartz, Douglas Kaminski, John J. Megan, Andre F. Kabacinski
  • Patent number: 10820694
    Abstract: The invention is a reconfigurable workspace. The workspace is compact in order to keep components of the workspace within an arm's reach while standing in a fixed location. The workspace is made up of two rectangular housings, preferably of the same compact size and shape. The first housing has at least a sink and a counter space, though it could have other appliances. The second housing has a circulating storage system, preferably an automated storage and retrieval system that delivers items to a convenient access point. The two housings are repositionable in relation to each other along a fixed path. An apparatus such as a hinge or a set of tracks repositions the housings in relation to each other along the fixed path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Andrew Priddis, Joseph Blanch, Eimi Priddis, Kevin Cheatham
  • Patent number: 10702060
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bathroom management apparatus having a storage space for various function modules, and capable of dividing the storage space into various sizes. The bathroom management apparatus may include a cabinet, a frame installed in the cabinet to reinforce stiffness of the cabinet; and a function module may include a towel care module. The function module includes an outer case configured to provide a storage space, a back plate provided inside the outer case to form a rear surface of the storage space, and an attachment groove being formed at a front surface at the back plate, a metal plate disposed at a rear surface of the back plate, and a partition removably coupled to the front surface of the back plate to divide the storage space. The partition may include an attachment protrusion configured for insertion into the attachment groove and a magnet coupled to the metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeongyun Kim, Seongho Kim, Ungje Jo
  • Patent number: 10617030
    Abstract: When moving casing accommodating electronic equipment for maintenance of electronic equipment, stability of casing is maintained and safety is ensured. Casing separation mechanism 1 separates and connects a pair of casings 2a, 2b. A pair of rail portions 11 are set in bottom frame 21a of one casing 2a with rail portions 11 overhanging from frame 21a. A pair of rail portions 12 extend from one ends of rail portions 11 and retract into rail portions 11 so as to be able to stop during movement of rail portions 12 by rail movement mechanism. A pair of rail portions 13 are set in bottom frame 21b of other casing 2b with rail portions 13 overhanging from frame 21b, and extend from one ends of rail portions 12 and retract into rail portions 12 so as to be able to stop during movement of rail portions 13 by rail movement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: MEIDENSHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuo Okazaki, Akihiko Kodama, Makoto Miwa, Shigenori Ikeda, Yoshio Kijima
  • Patent number: 10238207
    Abstract: A shelving unit comprises a lower section movable between a first shelf-supporting condition and a first collapsed condition, and an upper section separately movable from the lower section between a second shelf-supporting condition and a second collapsed condition. The upper section is movably connected to the lower section among a first mode mounted on top of and fully engaged with the lower section, a second mode partially disengaged from the lower section and a third mode located behind the lower section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Advantus, Corp.
    Inventors: David A. Schenker, Chris Pitzo
  • Patent number: 9677307
    Abstract: A vertically floating hinge includes a pin having a linear configuration, a first leaf, and a second leaf. The first leaf includes a pair of spaced apart first-leaf knuckles rotatably coupled to the pin. The second leaf includes at least one second-leaf knuckle rotatably coupled to the pin, the second-leaf knuckle situated between the pair of spaced apart first-leaf knuckles and configured to slide along the pin between the pair of first-leaf knuckles. The first-leaf knuckles are spaced apart from one another and define a first-leaf space therebetween, each first-leaf knuckle defining a first-leaf knuckle channel configured to receive the pin therethrough. The at least one second-leaf knuckle is smaller than the first-leaf space so as to selectively slide vertically along the pin between the pair of first-leaf knuckles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Michael T. McCuistion
  • Patent number: 9462710
    Abstract: A compartment of an arc resistant enclosure for an electrical component includes a plurality of wall structures defining an interior space for housing an electrical component. One of the wall structures has aperture structure for permitting pressure and gases to flow there-from and vent from the compartment. A stop structure is associated with the aperture structure. Flap structure is associated with the aperture structure and is movable from a closed position covering the aperture structure to an opened position extending outwardly of the compartment permitting pressure and gas to exit the compartment through the aperture structure. In the closed position, a portion of the flap structure engages the stop structure to prevent the flap structure from collapsing into the interior space of the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Harshavardan M. Karandikar, Robert S. Karnbach, Rahul Pawar
  • Patent number: 9458650
    Abstract: A latch assembly is provided for a holding a vehicle endgate in a closed position. The assembly includes a latch pin having a main shaft disposed generally along an axis and a projection that is spaced apart from and projects toward the main shaft axis. A first receiving member is connected to one of a vehicle frame and the endgate and has a hole for receiving the latch pin main shaft. A second receiving member is connected to the other of the frame and the endgate and has a hole for receiving the latch pin main shaft. The first receiving hole and the second receiving member hole are in alignment when the endgate is in the closed position. The first receiving member includes an inclined annular groove for receiving the latch pin projection. When the latch pin projection is disposed in the annular groove, gravity will impede the latch pin projection from exiting the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: U-Haul International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Votruba, Robert A. Dolan
  • Patent number: 9451823
    Abstract: An adjustable shelving system includes a base member having rear, first, and second sides in a triangular configuration suitable for a room corner. A first shelf assembly is pivotally coupled to the first side of the base member and movable between a first rearward configuration perpendicular to the base member and a first forward configuration offset relative to the rearward configuration. A second shelf assembly is pivotally coupled to the second side of the base member and movable between a second rearward configuration perpendicular to the base member and a second forward configuration offset relative to the rearward configuration. Each shelf assembly includes rollers configured to support the weight of the shelf assembly and enhance movement, especially on an uneven surface. Each shelf assembly may include a vertically floatable hinge configured to allow the shelf assembly to move up or down according to changes in elevation of a floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: SwingStow, LLC
    Inventor: Michael T. McCuistion
  • Patent number: 9445667
    Abstract: An adjustable shelving system includes a base member having opposed first and second sides. A plurality of first shelf assemblies are coupled to the first side of the base member, each first shelf assembly being movable between a first rearward configuration perpendicular to the base member and a first forward configuration forwardly offset relative to the rearward configuration. A second plurality of shelf assemblies are pivotally coupled to the second side of the base member, each second shelf assembly being movable between a second rearward configuration perpendicular to the base member and a second forward configuration forwardly offset relative to the rearward configuration. Each shelf assembly includes rollers configured to support the weight of the shelf assembly and enhance movement. Each shelf assembly may include a vertically floatable hinge configured to allow the shelf assembly to move up or down according to changes in elevation of a floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: SWINGSTOW, LLC
    Inventor: Michael T. McCuistion
  • Patent number: 9180968
    Abstract: A standardized/modularized partition wall with a basic sandwich structure for purposes of separating a cabin area of an aeroplane. The partition wall has a multiplicity of defined zones for the flexible positioning of holding fixtures for the connection of accessories such as flat screens, baby carriers, newspaper racks, and similar, and which is dimensioned for a maximum population with accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Felix Helfrich, Holger Warner
  • Patent number: 8725600
    Abstract: In an embodiment, articles are left in storage areas, such as lockers or other receptacles that may be associated with a household services company. A divided storage receptacle is discussed. The receptacle is divided by an angled plane such that the top portion may be used to hang clothes of various lengths thereby utilizing the space efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Laundry Locker, Inc.
    Inventor: Arik Seth Levy
  • Patent number: 8641534
    Abstract: A gaming machine is provided, which includes a cabinet having a front opening, a front door, a display device, an input device and a controller. The front door is pivotably coupled to the cabinet via a hinge that is attached to a lateral end portion at a front face of the cabinet, and opens and closes the front opening. The display device is placed in the front face of the cabinet. The input device allows a player to perform operation related to the game. The front door has an operation table that projects forward from the cabinet. The input device is placed on the operation table. A cutout is arranged such that a side portion of the operation table closer to the hinge has a recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventor: Koichiro Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8616982
    Abstract: A gaming terminal for conducting a wagering game includes a main body having a cabinet door and a top box positioned above the main body. The cabinet door has a closed position and an open position. The top box includes a crown that is moveable from a first position that prohibits access to the top box to a second position that provides access to the top box. The gaming terminal further includes a latching assembly for securing and releasing the crown. The latching assembly is configured to release the crown in response to the cabinet door being in the open position so as to permit movement of the crown from the first position to the second position. The latching assembly is further configured to secure the crown in response to the crown being moved from the second position to the first position when the cabinet door is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob C. Greenberg, Bradley D. Cornell
  • Patent number: 8406915
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mobile rack for a library and an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system for a library including the same, wherein the mobile rack includes a plurality of racks configured to keep books each attached with an RFID tag and mounted with an RFID reader for recognizing tag information stored in the RFID tag, a moving unit configured to move at least one of the plurality of racks, a server configured to manage the books that are inputted, outputted and stacked, and a controller configured to control the moving means in response to a user command through the server or the tag information and to adjust a discrete distance between racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: LS Industrial Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Kuk Hong, Jae Yul Choo, Jeong Ki Ryoo
  • Patent number: 8359249
    Abstract: In an embodiment, articles are left in storage areas, such as lockers or other receptacles that may be associated with a household services company. A divided storage receptacle is discussed. The receptacle is divided by an angled plane such that the top portion may be used to hang clothes of various lengths thereby utilizing the space efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Laundry Locker, Inc.
    Inventor: Arik Seth Levy
  • Patent number: 8319603
    Abstract: A control device for a mobile storage system includes a data entry device, such as a numeric keypad. The user enters an access code on the keypad, and the access code is compared against a data table including a list of security levels associated with access codes. If the access code entered is included in the data table, the user is permitted to control the mobile storage system according to the access rights granted by the security level associated with the access code. Each of the access codes and attempted commands entered in the numeric keypad are recorded in an activity log. The activity log is downloadable to a computer for later review.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventors: Brian P. Bourke, Eric J. Wipperfurth, Tim Wawrzynczak
  • Patent number: 8234888
    Abstract: A washing machine is disclosed. A washing includes a tub holding wash water, a drum rotatable within the tub to hold laundry, a first cabinet forming a first space provided with the tub and the drum to wash laundry, a second cabinet forming a second space for additional function, the second cabinet formed as one body with the first cabinet, and a single partition provided between the first and second cabinets to partition off the second space from the first space, wherein facing ends of the first and second cabinets are in contact with each other to form a single border line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Yeon Kim, Hyung Gyu Lim, In Ho Cho
  • Patent number: 8046942
    Abstract: An electronic sign with multiple direction positionable rear access doors, wherein sliding rear access doors are utilized to provide for access to the inner regions of the electronic sign while maintaining a thin profile. One or more of a plurality of sliding rear access doors can be disengaged from a back panel and urged rearwardly a minimal distance and then positioned laterally and unobtrusively along the length of a top track opposing a bottom track allowing the electronic sign to maintain a thin and unobtrusive profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Daktronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kory D. Kludt, Jonathan Tremblay
  • Patent number: 7841676
    Abstract: A merchandising display system has modular sections that have removable display pallets. Cabinet modules, spacer modules, fixed modules, and slat-wall modules assemble together in a multitude of various combinations to create different merchandising displays. Cabinets may include merchandising displays on the inside and outside of the cabinet. Removable display pallets facilitate stocking and reconfiguring product displays. Fiber-optic lighting illuminates the pallets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: David L. Hawkins Design Management, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7828399
    Abstract: A universal locker system that enables different sizes of lockers for custom configuration of a row of lockers. The number of lockers using a common housing may be one, two, three, four or six. Also, lockers with taller and shorter portions can be accommodated. A universal housing and universal, segmented hinge enable insertion of dividers at pre-selected elevations in the housing and installation of independently operable locker doors covering the distance between the pre-selected elevations and thus the opening between the dividers to create individual lockers from portions of the universal housing. The dividers thereby serve as the top of the locker below and the bottom of the locker above. Special dividers with two elevations may alternatively be inserted to create lockers having taller portions and shorter portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Partition System Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Bass
  • Patent number: 7747209
    Abstract: A printing apparatus including a first component having a photosensitive member and a transcribing portion transcribing a toner image formed on the photosensitive member onto a web, and a second component having a web guide portion guiding the web transported to the transcribing portion and a fixing portion fixing the toner image transcribed onto the web, the first component and the second component being able to be connected/divided, the first component is provided with a transcribing portion base supporting the transcribing portion, the second component is provided with a web guide portion base arranged at a position opposed to the transcribing portion base supporting the web guide portion, and an adjusting member for restricting a position of the second component relative to the first component is provided between the transcribing portion base and the web guide portion base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiko Yamazaki, Isao Nakajima, Sho Sawahata
  • Patent number: 7583037
    Abstract: The present invention is a mobile storage unit including an electric motor operably connected to wheels movably supporting the unit, and a motor brake operably connected to the electric motor. A shaft is rotatably mounted to the unit and supports the wheels on which the unit moves, and is engaged with an electric motor. The electric motor operates to rotate the shaft and the wheels to move the unit in the desired direction. Upon deactivation of the motor, the motor brake, which is also engaged with the shaft, operates to prevent any further rotation of the shaft to maintain the mobile storage unit in a specified location regardless of deflection of the surface on which the storage unit is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventors: Brian P. Bourke, Steven M. Lehmann, Brian R. Nemec
  • Patent number: 7518863
    Abstract: A cabinet system comprises a chassis having a plurality of openings, a plurality of modular doors, and at least one radio frequency system. Each opening has removably attached chassis-hinge portions on one of two edges. Each modular door comprises an outside surface, an inside surface opposing the outside surface, and door-hinge receptacles on at least two edges. The door-hinge receptacles receive door-hinge portions. Each door-hinge portion is positioned in a respective door-hinge receptacle on one edge of the plurality of modular doors and is configured to mate with a respective chassis-hinge portion on the one edge of one of the plurality of openings so the mated chassis-hinge portion and door-hinge portion form a hinge to rotatably attach the modular door to the one of the openings. The radio frequency system comprises electronic components attached to the inside surface of at least one of the plurality of modular doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Wayman, Dean Zavadsky, Philip M. Wala
  • Publication number: 20080238270
    Abstract: A cabinet system comprises a chassis having a plurality of openings, a plurality of modular doors, and at least one radio frequency system. Each opening has removably attached chassis-hinge portions on one of two edges. Each modular door comprises an outside surface, an inside surface opposing the outside surface, and door-hinge receptacles on at least two edges. The door-hinge receptacles receive door-hinge portions. Each door-hinge portion is positioned in a respective door-hinge receptacle on one edge of the plurality of modular doors and is configured to mate with a respective chassis-hinge portion on the one edge of one of the plurality of openings so the mated chassis-hinge portion and door-hinge portion form a hinge to rotatably attach the modular door to the one of the openings. The radio frequency system comprises electronic components attached to the inside surface of at least one of the plurality of modular doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: ADC TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Wayman, Dean Zavadsky, Philip M. Wala
  • Publication number: 20080042530
    Abstract: A merchandising display system has modular sections that have removable display pallets. Cabinet modules, spacer modules, fixed modules, and slat-wall modules assemble together in a multitude of various combinations to create different merchandising displays. Cabinets may include merchandising displays on the inside and outside of the cabinet. Removable display pallets facilitate stocking and reconfiguring product displays. Fiber-optic lighting illuminates the pallets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: David L. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6793299
    Abstract: A method of assembling the storage unit is disclosed. The storage unit includes a unitary sheet of material folded into an enclosure about a plurality of grooves. A cap formed from a unitary sheet of material is mounted above the enclosure and configured to provide usual or physical access to the top of the storage unit. The method comprises applying heat to a groove separating a pair of walls to melt at least a portion of the plastic material, and pivoting the walls so that the surfaces of the groove contact and join as the melted plastic material solidifies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: The Mills Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Newberry, Klaus Fromme, Mark A. Thielke, James R. Heimler, Richard A. Goodare, Bryan H. Mullett, Carolyn E. Johnson, Thomas E. Pelt, Larry K. Stover
  • Publication number: 20030117045
    Abstract: A medium voltage controller for electrical equipment, such as motors, transformers, reactors, and capacitors, having an arc resistant cabinet, swaged internal electrical connections, a one-piece self-aligning withdrawable finger cluster, a pull-out instrument compartment, a load discharge device, cast fuse holders, disconnect switch, a switch illuminator, low power current transformers, and an optical temperature measuring system. The arc resistant cabinet relies on the pressure generated by an arc fault to provide the sealing action to contain the fault forces. The cabinet's rear panels are inside the cabinet and the panel lips mate to edges of the cabinet opening. The front doors each have a series of latching tabs along one side and a hinge along the opposing side. A dimple-in-a-dimple joint provides shear strength for panel joints. At the top of the cabinet is an exhaust vent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Eldridge R. Byron, Gregory O. Motley, Mary B. Groff
  • Publication number: 20020130597
    Abstract: A method of assembling the storage unit is disclosed. The storage unit includes a unitary sheet of material folded into an enclosure about a plurality of grooves. A cap formed from a unitary sheet of material is mounted above the enclosure and configured to provide usual or physical access to the top of the storage unit. The method comprises applying heat to a groove separating a pair of walls to melt at least a portion of the plastic material, and pivoting the walls so that the surfaces of the groove contact and join as the melted plastic material solidifies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: The Mills Company Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Newberry, Klaus Fromme, Mark A. Thielke, James R. Heimler, Richard A. Goodare, Bryan H. Mullett, Carolyn E. Johnson, Thomas E. Pelt, Larry K. Stover
  • Patent number: 6416143
    Abstract: A storage assembly includes a storage cabinet removably mounted to a wheeled base which is supported by a supporting surface such as a floor. A guide assembly is interconnected with the floor and the base for guiding movement of the base in a longitudinal direction, so as to provide movement of the storage cabinet between an extended position and a retracted position in response to application of an axial pull-out or push-in force to the cabinet. The guide assembly includes an inner mounting member secured to the floor, and an extendible and retractable guide mechanism extends from the inner mounting member. The guide mechanism may be in the form of a telescoping drawer slide assembly including a fixed-position member secured to the inner mounting member and an extension member secured to and interconnected with the base and slidably mounted to the fixed-position guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Steven L. Janson
  • Patent number: 6253568
    Abstract: A a refrigerator with enhanced freezer compartment access for slidably receiving a frame into the freezer compartment. The a refrigerator with enhanced freezer compartment access includes a refrigerator. The refrigerator has a top wall, a back wall, a bottom wall, a first side and a second side, the housing has a middle wall, the middle wall is oriented generally horizontal to the sides, the middle wall divides a refrigeration compartment and a freezer compartment. The freezer compartment is between the first side and the middle wall. A frame is slidably received in the freezer compartment. The frame has a back wall, a top wall, a front wall and a bottom wall. The front wall defines a freezer door. A plurality of racks extends between the freezer door and the back wall. A plurality of guide rails, each having base portion, are mounted to the middle wall and the first side. A plurality of brackets slidably guide the frame in the freezer compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: David A. Peffley
  • Patent number: 5951126
    Abstract: A locker door retrofit assembly is disclosed which is adapted for replacing door assemblies on metallic or other lockers with a plastic door assembly. The locker door retrofit assembly may include a plastic jamb hinge that covers the existing hinge and a door assembly. The retrofit locker assembly may be assembled off-site and attached to the existing locker assembly as one unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Compression Polymers Group
    Inventors: John C. Wolff, Scott R. Gardner, Delbert P. Keisling, Jr., Kevin T. Burt
  • Patent number: 5813735
    Abstract: Disclosed is a combination-type hiding sideboard with movable cabinets. The sideboard comprises a body and a plurality of movable cabinets. The space of the body is divided into a ornamental area and a hidden area which can not be seen and accessible to ordinary people when locked. Many articles can be stored in the hidden area so as not to be stolen by a thief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Inventor: Chin-Jung Wu
  • Patent number: 5749636
    Abstract: A storage for retaining CD cassettes or the like includes at least two opposed towers that are hingedly connected along adjacent upright peripheral segments of the towers. The towers include a plurality of aligned ribbed portions that retain the cassettes when the towers are moved to a first locked position. The storage rack permits ready hand access to the cassettes when moved to a second unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Nabil Boury
  • Patent number: 5624166
    Abstract: Mobile storage cabinets which are "slide-by" cabinets, that is, the cabinets ride on a carriage in a longitudinal direction on a cabinet track to allow access to the contents of a posterior cabinet. The top surface of the posterior cabinet includes an anti-tip track which is substantially parallel to the cabinet track. The anti-tip track has a cylindrical groove with a longitudinally extending top opening which forms a slot. A football-shaped is captured in the groove to form a journaled follower which optionally includes roller bearing surfaces, vertical link extends through the slot and is joined at a fixed angle to a horizontal link which is pivotally joined to a bracket member attached to the back surface of a front cabinet. The bracket extends beyond the top of the cabinet. If multiple rows of cabinets are used, the anti-tip assemblies for the cabinets of each row are stepped so that they clear the top of posterior cabinets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventors: Randall R. Theken, Jack W. Jeter
  • Patent number: 5584546
    Abstract: A transportable office work station enclosure with door and retractable casters, adequate interior room to stow a chair when closed, a desktop that is a level, full size, load bearing, wheelchair-accessible work surface but incorporates a front section that is alternatively vertically adjustable for use with a keyboard, overhead storage for major computer components with an elevator for raising and lowering them to user height, internal plug-in outlets prewired to external connectors for phone and power hookups, and interior cabinets for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventors: Robert N. Gurin, Cynthia S. Gurin
  • Patent number: 5303996
    Abstract: A cable or wire (information bus, power supply, etc.) retention method and apparatus for modular computer cabinets and the like in which the cabinet frame end walls have notch-like voids. The preferred embodiment for a cable retainer has a frame member with two cantilever portions, which frame member is spot-welded to several struts at other (non-cantilever) portions. The top and bottom struts protrude the frame member, and are longer than the distance between the cabinet end walls. The cable retainer is connected to the cabinet by inserting one pivoting strut tip into a receiving hole and causing the cantilever portion nearest the receiving hole to deform (causing deeper penetration of the inserted tip) so that a clearance is obtained between the other pivot end and its corresponding receiving hole, prior to releasing the cable retainer. Insertion is completed by pivoting the cable retainer to an upright position to latch the latching ends in cabinet end wall grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Sawyer C. Hsu, James Fratis, Robert W. Fischer, Jr., Sidney L. Valentine, Carlo V. Daleo
  • Patent number: 5135293
    Abstract: A closet, for use as a locker for storage of items such as clothing, school books and the like, consisting of: a closed, hollow, rigid frame, defining top, bottom and front walls, at least one door opening being made in the front wall; a rigid door for each door wall opening, the door being of substantially semi-cylindrical shape; a first disc rotatably mounted to the top wall by a first stem; a second disc rotatably mounted to the bottom wall by a second stem, the second stem being coaxial to the first stem. The door fixed to and surrounding about a half edgewise section of the discs. The door is rotatable about the coaxial items, between a closed position completely closing the door wall opening so as to be convex when viewed from the outside, and an open position substantially clearing the door wall opening. The door is releasably locked in its closed position, the discs and stems thereafter becoming beyond reach. The closet is characterized by its resistance to physical abuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: Raymond Sigouin
    Inventors: Andre St-Germain, Antonio Diaz Torga
  • Patent number: 5129491
    Abstract: A box for storing, transporting, and displaying clothes having front and rear portions, the front portion being divided into left and right portions, a first hanger rod located in the rear portion, and second and third rods located inside the left and right portions of the front portion, where when the left and right portions are fully opened, the first, second and third hanger rods form a substantially continuous hanger rod extending across the combined width of the left, right and rear portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventor: Elizabeth A. Seidman
  • Patent number: 4821535
    Abstract: A coupling device is provided for mounting a dryer above a washer wherein the device includes side brackets attachable to side walls of the washer to permit removal of the washer top panel without disassembly of the coupling device or removal of the dryer. A rear brace strengthens the coupling device and a front panel provides a finished look. A rear spacer bracket is used if an exhaust conduit is to be directed downwardly behind the dryer, the spacer bracket preventing crushing or dislodging of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Chester W. Wassilak, Richard J. Conrad
  • Patent number: 4608932
    Abstract: An improved safety deposit box system includes a casing having parallel vertical side walls and parallel horizontal top and bottom walls. A plurality of vertical casing partitions and horizontal casing shelves within the side, top and bottom walls define a plurality of compartments. A die cast frame is mounted to the front of the casing. The frame includes horizontal frame shelves forwardly disposed of the respective casing shelves; top and bottom walls; and vertical walls forwardly disposed of the vertical casing walls and partitions. The vertical walls of the frame are positioned so that one of said vertical partitions or side walls of the casing adjacent to each compartment is accessible. The vertical frame walls also include latch receptacles. The latch receptacles are positioned in each compartment opposite from the accessible casing wall. The accessible vertical casing partition or side wall in each compartment is fixably attached to a first leaf of a hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1986
    Assignee: Diebold, Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert J. Bohland, Charles E. Delamater, John W. Elseser, William L. Gensamer
  • Patent number: 4561705
    Abstract: A storage and transport container comprises a pair of like housings each having a normally vertical back wall having upright and parallel side edges and horizontal top and bottom edges, a pair of generally parallel side walls extending horizontally in one direction from the side edges, and respective generally parallel top and bottom walls bridging the side walls and extending in one direction from the top and bottom edges. Thus the housing has a front side open in the one direction. At least one horizontally extending partition projects in the one direction from the back wall intermediate the top and bottom walls, bridges the side walls, and forms two housing compartments. The top, side, and bottom walls each have a rear edge attached to the respective edge of the back wall and a front edge spaced in the one direction therefrom. A loop formed generally at the front edge of the top wall and extending upwardly therefrom is generally centered between the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Fritz Schafer Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventor: Gerhard Schafer
  • Patent number: 4559027
    Abstract: In manually operated mobile storage apparatus which moves back and forth in guided movement by floor mounted tracks and which includes a manually operable drive wheel accessible by the user and connected to a storage unit drive shaft by a chain there is provided a chain tensioning device to eliminate slack and provide the appropriate tension. The chain tensioning device comprises a bearing block with a roller bearing which is journalled on the shaft and which can be drawn by bolts to deflect the shaft and tighten the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Sattel
  • Patent number: 4549777
    Abstract: A guide channel member for a shelving system permits a shelf with an electrical safety device mounted thereon to be vertically repositioned while minimizing potential damage to the wire leads and maintaining a neat appearance. The invention is particularly useful in mobile storage systems wherein movement of a movable unit is stocked, thereby preventing injury to a person standing next to the unit, when the safety device is actuated. The channel member defines a vertically oriented slot leading to a vertical passage. The wires pass from the safety device, through the slot, along the vertical passage, and to the system control unit. Storing excess wires in the channel member permits convenient repositioning of the shelf while protecting and hiding the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Michael D. Schindler
  • Patent number: 4528916
    Abstract: A deposit box construction is disclosed wherein vertically adjacent deposit boxes are interlocked in any combination to provide a deposit box installation having any desired mix of box sizes. In the preferred embodiment, each box door is grooved to receive a metallic strip member that is slidably disposed within juxtaposed grooves so that vertically adjacent doors are rigidly interconnected by the strip members. The interlocking means further includes a flat, preferably metallic plate member that is fixedly secured at longitudinally opposed ends of the adjacent doors. Thus, one strip member and one plate member interlock two vertically adjacent door members to provide a single deposit box of twice the capacity of a single box. A larger number of vertically adjacent doors may be similarly interlocked by n-1 pairs of strip members and plate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Safe Deposit Box Construction
    Inventor: Lloyd F. Knight
  • Patent number: 4432589
    Abstract: Mobile storage apparatus which includes a plurality of carriages carrying shelving which are movable on a track system to open up an isle to provide access to adjacent faces includes cantilevered light fixtures which are supported from the top of the units and which extend outwardly over adjacent units so that when units are separated to open an aisle the light fixture is located above the aisle to illuminate the storage faces of the shelving. Mounting brackets are positioned on the tops of the shelving so that the light fixture from one unit will not interfere with the mounting bracket on an adjacent unit when the units are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Sattel
  • Patent number: 4417774
    Abstract: A collapsible display booth is disclosed which is used to vend merchandise at concerts on a tour, the booth comprising two easily movable boxes with storage areas inside the boxes for storing merchandise when the booth is being moved from one location to another, the merchandise being sold directly from the storage areas. The front box contains a sales counter, an elevated display which is mounted above the counter to prominently display the merchandise being vended, and two side doors which fold out of the front box to both form the sides of the booth and open the merchandise storage compartment in the front box. The rear box is fastened to the side gates of the front box to form a structurally secure, pilfer-resistant sales booth, and has an additional merchandise display which, when moved into position to display the merchandise, opens the merchandise storage area in the rear box to the interior of the booth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Assignee: Hastings, Clayton, Tucker & Craig, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark H. Bevan, Garry C. Kief