Expansible Patents (Class 312/205)
  • Patent number: 10849254
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for thermal management provide conditioned air from an inlet of an electronics cabinet to a rear-mounted interface device using an enclosure mounted in the electronics cabinet. The enclosure is laterally expandable in order to make installation easier and to enable installation of the enclosure between electronics cabinets of several mounting widths. The enclosure is installed to an internal surface of the mounting rails of the electronics cabinet so that the interface devices are mounted directly to the mounting rails, so the enclosure does not support the mass of the interface devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: EMC IP HOLDING COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Samuel Maxwell Marrs, Alva Benjamin Eaton, Michael Hladick, Roger D. Segroves, Mark Donnell
  • Patent number: 10151425
    Abstract: A clamp fixture configured for affixing a tool tray to a post for supporting objects includes first and second clamp portions. Each clamp portion includes an engagement leg and a clamp leg. The engagement legs of the first and second clamp portions are configured to adjustably mate, such that the clamp legs of the first and second clamp portions engage surfaces of the post. The clamp legs of the first and second clamp portions are adjustably separable relative to each other via the engagement legs of the first and second clamp portions to affix the tool tray to the post. The first and second clamp portions each include overlapping flange portions and upright walls on the flange portions, to form tool tray halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bileth
  • Patent number: 10104798
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides security enclosures for rack mounted network devices. The security enclosures include an adjustable enclosure body, and an adjustable locking cover operatively connected to the enclosure body. The cover is movable between a closed position and an open position, and the cover has a lock assembly to lock the cover to the enclosure body when the cover is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Shadi Alex AbuGhazaleh, David Mark Peck, Richard James Merrell
  • Patent number: 9578963
    Abstract: A furniture apparatus includes a rectangular shaped housing having an open side, a washing vessel, including a faucet, located within the housing, a plurality of drawers located under the washing vessel and within the housing, an electrical socket located above the washing vessel and within the housing, double doors hingedly coupled to the housing and configured to move between an open position, wherein the open side is unobstructed by the double doors, and a closed position, wherein the double doors completely occlude the open side, at least one storage shelf located within an interior of each of the double doors, and at least one storage container located within an interior of at least one of the double doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Mayer
  • Patent number: 9098254
    Abstract: An information handling system accepts a storage device in a bay that interfaces through a standardized connector having a first set of pins, such as a SATA connector. The standardized connector has a second set of pins inserted within the standardized footprint to support communication by devices other the storage device. For example, a SATA connect shares one or more of its standardized pins with a USB connector so that one common connector within an information handling system bay supports multiple types of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: James Utz, Andrew T. Sultenfuss, Kevin Mundt
  • Patent number: 9084527
    Abstract: A door includes a first door assembly, a second door assembly mounted to the first door assembly, a left hinge, and a right hinge. The first door assembly includes a first panel, a first brace, and a plurality of tabs that extend from the first brace. The second door assembly includes a second panel, a second brace, and a plurality of slots formed in the second brace. The first brace is mounted between a left side flange of the first panel assembly and a right side flange of the first panel assembly. The second brace is mounted between a left side flange of the second panel assembly and a right side flange of the second panel assembly. The plurality of tabs are configured to align with and to slide down into respective ones of the plurality of slots to mount the first door assembly to the second door assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Wolf Appliances, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Haft, Colin R. Clerkin, Gerry Lippincott, Brian Wylie, Dan Yokes, Randy Campbell, Curtis Leroy Cruver, IV
  • Patent number: 8991599
    Abstract: A device for holding and carrying various items, e.g., hand tools or other small items, is disclosed. It includes a lower tray, an upper tray, a pair of foldable strut assemblies and a handle. Each strut assembly includes a pair of leg sections pivotably connected together. The strut assemblies are located at diagonally located corners of the trays with their leg sections arranged to be pivoted to an open position, whereupon the upper tray is spaced above said lower tray to provide ready access to any items in said lower tray. Torsion springs are provided to hold the tray in that position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Roger F. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8864248
    Abstract: A computer case includes a first sidewall, a plurality of peripheral walls, a retractable fence, and a second sidewall. One side of each of the peripheral walls connects with the first sidewall in a surrounding manner; one end of the retractable fence is disposed to the other side of each of the peripheral walls. The retractable fence is able to reciprocate along an extending direction of the peripheral walls. Besides, the second sidewall connects with the other end of the retractable fence in a surrounding manner. An inner space of the computer case is selectively increased or decreased by the reciprocating of the retractable fence for replacing a cooling module or an electronic component with different width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Giga-Byte Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jia Lin Yang
  • Patent number: 8833581
    Abstract: The present invention provides a packaging box and stop wall of packaging box. The packaging box includes at least bottom plate, four third box-body splicing elements and four stop walls. The third box-body splicing element is fixed at each corner of the bottom plate and the two ends of stop wall are connected respectively to the two third box-body splicing elements on a side of the bottom plate and fixed between the two third box-body splicing elements to form with the bottom plate a semi-closed packaging box having open top. As such, the present invention can realize the packaging of liquid crystal panels of different sizes and increase the utilization efficiency of the packaging box to protect the liquid crystal panels as well as reducing packaging cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yi-cheng Kuo, Shih Hsiang Chen, Jiaxin Li, Jiahe Cheng
  • Patent number: 8807355
    Abstract: A rectangular expandible container has lateral compartments each of which being composed of inner and outer panels which slide relative to each other for lengthening and shortening the effective length of the compartments. The container also has front and back compartments defined by sliding panels for lengthening the effective width of the front and back compartments. A middle compartment is surrounded by the lateral compartments and the front and back compartments. The walls of the middle compartment are all slidable for lengthening both the width and the length of the latter compartment. The front and back compartment may contain partitions which separate the interior of those compartments into a number of sub-compartment of differing sizes for accommodating articles of varying sizes both in length and in width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas B. Merey
  • Publication number: 20140225487
    Abstract: A computer case includes a first sidewall, a plurality of peripheral walls, a retractable fence, and a second sidewall. One side of each of the peripheral walls connects with the first sidewall in a surrounding manner; one end of the retractable fence is disposed to the other side of each of the peripheral walls. The retractable fence is able to reciprocate along an extending direction of the peripheral walls. Besides, the second sidewall connects with the other end of the retractable fence in a surrounding manner. An inner space of the computer case is selectively increased or decreased by the reciprocating of the retractable fence for replacing a cooling module or an electronic component with different width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: GIGA-BYTE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jia Lin Yang
  • Publication number: 20140217861
    Abstract: A work station includes tool containing or supporting features as well as workbench features, such as a work surface and work back. The work station is preferably mobile, permitting it to be moved or transported. In addition, the work station is preferably collapsible and securable. In one configuration, the work station has a work bench portion which can be raised or lowered relative to a base portion, wherein in the lowered position, the base portion is positioned in an interior space of the work bench portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: JPL Investments, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph W. Cole
  • Patent number: 8628153
    Abstract: The aisle containment system is mounted to two rows of equal width cabinets or cabinets varying in width between 600 mm, 700 mm and 800 mm. The aisle containment system includes door assemblies on both ends of the cabinet rows, vertical panels that mount to the cabinets and door frames to support the ceiling, cross tees that span the aisle, and ceiling panels. Additional cabinets of equal or varying width may be added to an aisle containment installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Pandult Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Mark Shurhay, Darren J. Reigle, William A. Bernard, Max W. Hibner
  • Patent number: 8608262
    Abstract: An expandable drawer adaptable to various size openings comprises a pair of locking tracks and expanding wall and floor portions. The expanding drawer assembly comprises a conventional drawer with width adjustment features along front, back, and bottom surfaces. The drawer's width is adjustable to correspond to the width of the opening, allowing the device to fully occupy the prescribed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Davide A. Daros
  • Patent number: 8499954
    Abstract: A packing mechanism includes a plurality of first connecting members connecting end to end to form a polygon; and a plurality of sidewalls mounted on the first connecting members. Each first connecting member includes a main body, and a fixing portion mounted on an end of the main body. The main body defines at least two latching portions and at least one connecting portion. Each sidewall includes a base body and at least one positioning portion formed at an end of the base body, and the positioning portion latches with the connecting portion of the corresponding first connecting member. The fixing portion engages with one of the latching portions of an adjacent first connecting member; such that a volume of the packing mechanism is adjustable by engaging the fixing portion with another one of the latching portions of the adjacent first connecting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industy Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zi-Ming Tang
  • Publication number: 20130099633
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed towards expandable storage units. Such units may be in a form of shelving units or closets. A closet in accordance with the disclosed subject matter comprises two side walls with at least two fixed shelves extending there between and an extension assembly associated with a respective side wall and comprising a support wall fixed with at least one retractable shelf and slidingly supported by a shelf opening configured at the respective side wall. The arrangement is such that the support is displaceable about a substantially vertical plain with respect to the respective side wall, between a retracted position extending near the respective side wall, and an extracted position wherein the support wall is displaced away from the respective side wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventor: Efraim Haimoff
  • Publication number: 20130063003
    Abstract: An upper corner cabinet includes front and rear frames separated from each other, first and second lateral panels each extending from the front frame to the rear frame and including an end pivotally joined to the front frame and another end joined to the rear frame and being foldable, a bottom panel selectively abutted against the front and rear frames and the first and second lateral panels, and a top panel selectively positioned above the bottom panel and abutted against the front and rear frames and the first and second lateral panels. Moreover, the upper corner cabinet is operable in an extended position and a collapsed position and able to be changed therebetween without the aid of a tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Jack Liu
  • Patent number: 8376477
    Abstract: A storage unit is provided for placement between upright studs of a wall. The unit may be unitary or be made into two telescoping box portions. Storage shelves are removably positioned in the interior area of the unit. For the two-piece unit, the storage shelves are made of two half shelves, with each half shelf having a terminal loop portion through which the other half shelf slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Lee Schinzing
  • Publication number: 20120133254
    Abstract: A table or similar structure is provided having an expandable surface area arrangement where the usable or working surface area is retractable into and out of a housing along a curvilinear path that includes both horizontal and vertical components and wherein weight compensating structure is provided to offset the impact of vertical movement of the surface area. The usable surface is formed from an array of adjacent panels connected by a backing web which allows them to lie flush together when the surface area is retracted for use and to separate as needed to follow the curvilinear path when retracted into the housing for storage. The extent of movement into and out of the housing is variable according to the amount of surface area required in a given instance. When implemented into a dining table, for example, vertical support legs for one end of the table can be attached to the end panel of the surface area which is first withdrawn from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Carl Chupp, Robert Fisher, Steve Hulse, Boug Kemp, Mike Walter, Mahlon Miller
  • Patent number: 8117973
    Abstract: A front component has top and bottom panels separated by a height. Left and right side panels are separated by a width. A rear opening and parallel front openings are separated by a depth. A rear component has top and bottom panels separated by a height. Left and right side panels are separated by a width. A rear panel and a parallel front opening are separated by a depth. The rear component is slidable between a forward contracted orientation and a rearward extended orientation. A door with a hinge pivotally couples the door to the front opening of the front component. A lock is adapted to selectively lock the door in the closed orientation. A size limiter precludes the rear component from moving rearwardly and separating from the front component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Donald E. Frank
  • Patent number: 8087734
    Abstract: Furniture systems are delineated including a first cabinet, a second cabinet and a base for supporting a provided object between the first cabinet and the second cabinet. One or both of the first cabinet and the second cabinet defines a space for which, in a first configuration of the system, the base resides outside of the space, and in a second configuration of the system, the base resides at least partially within the space. Accordingly, the delineated furniture systems can accommodate supporting on the base objects of various dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Furniture Designs by Aspen (Mauritius) Limited
    Inventor: Andreas K. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20110115345
    Abstract: An extendable instrument cabinet includes a rectangular framework and an extension frame assembly. By the extension frame assembly connected to the rectangular framework, the instrument cabinet can enhance its capacity. The extension frame assembly includes an end frame and a side frame. The rectangular framework can be selectively mounted with the end frame or the side frame, as desired. Besides, the rectangular framework can be mounted with more than one end frame or more than one side frame in conjunction with fasteners, through holes, end frame through holes, and side frame through holes. Furthermore, each of the end frame and the side frame has a bottom provided with a foot structure for supporting its weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Mu Chang Kang
  • Patent number: 7909421
    Abstract: An entertainment center includes a base that expands horizontally to accommodate different width home theater displays; and, a light bridge that rests on top of one or more cabinets placed on either side of the base. The side cabinets provide a vertical column of open space for accommodating wiring among the entertainment system components and ventilation for heat generated by those components. The base includes casters to facilitate moving the base in and out from between the side cabinets. Sliding portions of the base extend horizontally yet continue to transfer all load weight onto the casters. The front woodwork of the base presents a pleasing seamless appearance as a consequence of overlapping trim pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Furniture Designs by Aspen (Mauritius) Limited
    Inventor: Andreas K. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7735940
    Abstract: A volume-adjustable unit including a first layer, a second layer, and multiple inner paper layers disposed between the first and second layers. Each inner paper layer has two opposing sides, and each of the two opposing sides is adhered to an adjacent layer of the each inner paper layer through an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer includes multiple adhesive strips which are substantially in parallel, are spaced apart from each other and are arranged in such a way that each section of the each inner paper layer adheres to at most one adjacent layer on one of the two opposing sides through an adhesive strip, whereby multiple hexagonal columns are formed by the inner paper layers as the unit is stretched-out. The unit can be used to prepare a volume-adjustable frame of a piece of light furniture and transported from one place to another in smaller volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Chi-Shen Chiu
  • Patent number: 7645001
    Abstract: A shelf having two telescoping plates secured by a toothed crank is provided for locker users. The plates have a generally rectangular shape with perimeter edges reinforced by lips and pads to engage the locker walls. Friction between the pads and the walls holds the present invention at a desired elevation. This shelf has a toothed rack upon a first plate and a crank with teeth upon the second plate. The teeth upon the crank engage the rack and turning of the crank secures the second plate relative to the first plate longitudinally at a desired width for fitting against the inner walls of a locker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Wire Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Harris
  • Patent number: 7594706
    Abstract: An adjustable sliding sink drawer comprising a left side panel, a right side panel, a left front panel, a right front panel, a left center tray, and a right center tray. These panels and trays are shaped to permit insertion of the device, in a drawer-like manner, into a cavity adjacent to and partially surrounding the underside of a sink, particularly a bathroom sink. The panels and trays create a geometrically-shaped storage compartment, having a generally horizontal bottom and generally vertical side walls. Further, these panels and trays are slidably connected to permit the adjustable sliding sink drawer to occupy the entire breadth of the cavity adjacent to the sink, to fit around various sink widths and designs, and to occupy nearly all of the usable space between the sink and the walls of the cabinet in which the sink is mounted. Non-adjustable embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventors: Kimberly A. Styka, Thomas A. Derrico
  • Patent number: 7562949
    Abstract: Furniture systems are delineated including a first cabinet, a second cabinet and a base for supporting a provided object between the first cabinet and the second cabinet. One or both of the first cabinet and the second cabinet defines a space for which, in a first configuration of the system, the base resides outside of the space, and in a second configuration of the system, the base resides at least partially within the space. Accordingly, the delineated furniture systems can accommodate supporting on the base objects of various dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Furniture Designs by Aspen (Mauritius) Limited
    Inventor: Andreas K. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20090072681
    Abstract: A receiving device is provided, comprising a chamber, a plurality of spacers, a plurality of positioners and a spacer moving module. The spacers are disposed in the chamber, wherein the spacers define a plurality of receiving spaces. The positioners are disposed in the chamber, wherein the spacers are detachably disposed on the positioners. The spacer moving module is disposed in the chamber, wherein the spacer moving module moves the spacers relative to the positioners to change sizes of the receiving spaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chung-Yang Fu, Wei-Chen Lee
  • Patent number: 7464827
    Abstract: A shipping unit for shipping items of varying length defines first and second tray sections which are connected and selectively move relative to one another to accommodate items of varying lengths. The first and second tray sections include base portions that allow shipping units to be stacked upon one another. Alternatively, the shipping unit includes a tray and a lid. The lid is connected to the tray and defines a tab and a slot on an end of the lid opposite the tab. The shipping units are connected by snap fitting the tab of one shipping unit into the slot of another shipping unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Cynthia R. Meissen
  • Patent number: 7441846
    Abstract: An expandable cabinet furniture, especially a television cart, has laterally separable, usually rectangular solid cabinets and one or more extensions, typically shelves, slidably received in and supported by slots, rails or guides of the cabinets. The tops, shelves, or bottoms of the cabinets conceal the portions of the extensions that are received in the cabinets, either behind detail moldings or within false bottoms or hollow shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Chris Lupo
  • Publication number: 20080252188
    Abstract: An entertainment center includes a base that expands horizontally to accommodate different width home theater displays; and, a light bridge that rests on top of one or more cabinets placed on either side of the base. The side cabinets provide a vertical column of open space for accommodating wiring among the entertainment system components and ventilation for heat generated by those components. The base includes casters to facilitate moving the base in and out from between the side cabinets. Sliding portions of the base extend horizontally yet continue to transfer all load weight onto the casters. The front woodwork of the base presents a pleasing seamless appearance as a consequence of overlapping trim pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Andreas K. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20080218038
    Abstract: A refrigerated retail unit has a supporting structure, at least one insulating open-topped container that is movable with respect to the structure between a display position in which the interior of the container can be accessed through an access opening, and a full access position in which the interior of the container can be accessed through most or all of its open top. The container is capable of substantially retaining cold air within when in the full access position. The unit further comprises a cooling means for cooling the interior of the container and an insulating lid supported by the structure. The container defines an overall top plan area that is partially covered by the lid when the container is in the display position, and the remainder of said area of the container not then covered by the lid defines the access opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Ian David Wood, Xorge Castro Pelayo, Alexandra Eve Shelton
  • Patent number: 7404609
    Abstract: An entertainment center includes a base that expands horizontally to accommodate different width home theater displays;and, a light bridge that rests on top of one or more cabinets placed on either side of the base. The side cabinets provide a vertical column of open space for accommodating wiring among the entertainment system components and ventilation for heat generated by those components. The base includes casters to facilitate moving the base in and out from between the side cabinets. Sliding portions of the base extend horizontally yet continue to transfer all load weight onto the casters. The front woodwork of the base presents a pleasing seamless appearance as a consequence of overlapping trim pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Furniture Designs by Aspen (Mauritius) Limited
    Inventor: Andreas K. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20080169737
    Abstract: An adjustable pull-out frame structure includes two sliding racks installed face-to-face to each other, each sliding rack having a sliding pull rod set placed behind the sliding rack, and two mounts installed on each one of the sliding pull rod sets, each sliding rack having each of its both ends connected to a joining rack respectively, and each joining rack having a retaining rail installed on an upper side thereon, then each joining rack having its one end placed in contact with a retractable rack, each one of the two retractable racks having a hole implemented on an upper side thereof, and the hole being installed with respect to the retaining rail on the joining rack, then a retaining block being inserted through the retaining rail and hooked up in the hole, finally, each joining rack on each side of one sliding rack being connected to each retractable rack through the insertion of a bolt, while each joining rack on the other sliding rack being locked to the sliding rack by a locking element, in this way
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Min-Dy Shen
  • Publication number: 20080150403
    Abstract: A storage space variable type refrigerator having a food receiving unit for receiving food thereon, the refrigerator comprising a lifting unit for automatically moving the food receiving unit up and down according to a food capacity. In the refrigerator, a storage efficiency is increased, a loss of cold air generated when the shelf is drawn out with opening a door of the refrigerator in order to store food having a large volume in the refrigerator is prevented, and a user' s convenience is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Kwan-Shik Cho, Jong-Min Shin, Hyun Kim, Su-Won Lee
  • Publication number: 20080048537
    Abstract: A retractable electrical casing structure includes a casing and a sliding bracket connected to the casing. The casing comprises a hollow body and sliding members. The sliding bracket comprises sliding sections. The sliding bracket is able to slide with respect to the casing to vary the size of the electrical casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Shih-Kuo Chang
  • Patent number: 7316459
    Abstract: A display case includes at least one L shaped bottom member having a bottom and an upstanding back along with an L shaped top member having a top and a depending back. A tongue is disposed on an edge of one of the backs and a groove is disposed on an edge of another of the backs for coupling the backs to one another. Back extensions are provided in order to extend a distance between the top and bottom upon assembly of the bottom member, top member and the back extension. End caps and end cap extensions are configured for engaging the bottom and top for closing ends of the bottom member and the top member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Carl Evan TenBrink
  • Patent number: 7246561
    Abstract: An adjustable furniture assembly having a support structure for receiving a bridge of the furniture assembly is described. The support structure includes a horizontal support member which receives the bridge in a slidable engagement to provide the furniture assembly with adjustability in a right or left direction. The horizontal support member is further adjustable to provide the furniture assembly with adjustability in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: O'Sullivan Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Weatherly
  • Patent number: 7066563
    Abstract: Embodiments of an expandable drawer organizer for segregating articles within a drawer are disclosed. Each embodiment utilizes at least one tray maintained in slidable agreement with another a tray, providing for the expandable drawer organizer to be varied to approximate the dimensional constraints of the subject drawer. Each embodiment further employs a locking mechanism for securing the associated trays in a user dictated predetermined position. Additional embodiments utilizing various arrangements of an expandable partition that may be arranged in unique configurations within the various trays is also disclosed. Several embodiments having retainers for further limiting the movement of the expandable drawer organizer within the drawer are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Axis International Marketing, Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew L. Berger
  • Patent number: 7040724
    Abstract: An adjustable home entertainment cabinet for enclosing television sets of different sizes comprises a pair of movable tower cabinets and a bridge assembly that extends between the cabinets. A center section of the bridge rests on the tops of the cabinets. A bookshelf or shelf box is mounted on an underside of the center section. End sections movably mounted on the center section extend downwardly to cover gaps between the bookshelf and the inner sides of the tower cabinets. The center section includes a cornice molding that matches and is aligned with cornice molding on the tops of the tower cabinets. The end sections have a matching cornice molding that overlays and conceals the gap between the cornice moldings on the end sections and tower cabinets. Free standing television sets can rest on the floor. Table model sets and monitors can rest on free standing TV stands/storage cabinets of different widths that fit snugly between the tower cabinets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Sligh Furniture Co.
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, Ralph J. Byma
  • Patent number: 7012806
    Abstract: A portable device having improved configurability and adaptability. The portable device has a case or chassis that can be placed in either an open or closed position, to thereby allow for insertion and removal of other devices within the portable device. When increased functionality is required or desired, the device's case is expanded by placing it in an open position, to allow additional devices to be operated in conjunction with the portable device. These devices can provide various types of electronic or computer operations, such as electronic adapters or media drives, as well as mechanical operations such as air movement with one or more additional fans or other types of heat sink. When decreased functionality is required or desired, such as to reduce the overall size and weight of the portable device, the device's case is contracted by placing it in a closed position. This allows on-demand expansion and contraction capability for the portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Jones, Scott Thomas Jones, Michael Aaron Kaply, Alvaro Sanchez-Cifuentes
  • Patent number: 6896341
    Abstract: The storage assembly with an expandable double hanging closet includes: at least two lower horizontal bars forming a shoe-holder; at least an intermediate horizontal hanging closet bar, arranged substantially midway between the upper bar and the lower bars to hang short garments; and a vertical and mobile partition, whereof the lower part is mounted sliding on the lower bars and the upper part is integral with one of the ends of the intermediate hanging closet bar, the other end of the intermediate wardrobe bar being mounted slidably in the vertical post separating the two compartments, respectively, the linen closet and the hanging closet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Sogal France
    Inventor: Michel Cattoire
  • Patent number: 6877826
    Abstract: A shelf assembly has expandable shelves connected to upright legs that horizontally support the shelves in a locker. A drawer slidably mounted on one shelf for movement between open and closed positions engages a longitudinal rib to maintain the drawer generally horizontal when the drawer is moved to the out position. The drawer when in the closed position can be moved into a nested position in the shelf to facilitate packaging and display in a flat box. The legs having tight fit connections with the corners of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: George W. Wood, Robert A. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 6857711
    Abstract: A cabinet for storing vertically stacked items has a stabilizer. The cabinet has a door and a fixed base, the stabilizer adding to the total support base of the cabinet when extended. If fully extended, the stabilizer prevents tipping if the center of gravity of the cabinet shifts beyond the fixed base. The door automatically engages and extends the stabilizer when the door is initially opened from a closed position. The door continues to engage and extend the stabilizer until the stabilizer is fully extended. Once the stabilizer is fully extended, the door disengages the stabilizer if the door continues to be opened. When closed, the door returns to automatically re-engage and retract the stabilizer. If the stabilizer has been partially retracted during the interval in which the door has been open, the door will still re-engage and retract the stabilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Great Lakes Case & Cabinet Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Albert E. Straus
  • Publication number: 20040222721
    Abstract: An adjustable home entertainment cabinet for enclosing television sets of different sizes comprises a pair of movable tower cabinets and a bridge assembly that extends between the cabinets. A center section of the bridge rests on the tops of the cabinets. A bookshelf or shelf box is mounted on an underside of the center section. End sections movably mounted on the center section extend downwardly to cover gaps between the bookshelf and the inner sides of the tower cabinets. The center section includes a cornice molding that matches and is aligned with cornice molding on the tops of the tower cabinets. The end sections have a matching cornice molding that overlays and conceals the gap between the cornice moldings on the end sections and tower cabinets. Free standing television sets can rest on the floor. Table model sets and monitors can rest on free standing TV stands/storage cabinets of different widths that fit snugly between the tower cabinets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, Ralph J. Byma
  • Patent number: 6796622
    Abstract: An entertainment center includes a base that expands horizontally to accommodate different width home theater displays; and, a light bridge that rests on top of one or more cabinets placed on either side of the base. The side cabinets provide a vertical column of open space for accommodating wiring among the entertainment system components and ventilation for heat generated by those components. The base includes casters to facilitate moving the base in and out from between the side cabinets. Sliding portions of the base extend horizontally yet continue to transfer all load weight onto the casters. The front woodwork of the base presents a pleasing seam less appearance as a consequence of overlapping trim pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Aspen Furniture Designs, Inc.
    Inventor: Andreas K. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20040164655
    Abstract: A shelf assembly has expandable shelves connected to upright legs that horizontally support the shelves in a locker. A drawer slidably mounted on one shelf for movement between open and closed positions engages a longitudinal rib to maintain the drawer generally horizontal when the drawer is moved to the out position. The drawer when in the closed position can be moved into a nested position in the shelf to facilitate packaging and display in a flat box. The legs having tight fit connections with the corners of the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: George W. Wood, Robert A. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 6736467
    Abstract: A pier-type wall system with a pair of piers or upright furniture cabinets or the like movably coupled to a bridge mechanism whereby the piers can be moved relative to each other while maintaining an appearance of structural and ornamental continuity between the piers and the bridge mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Kushwood Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Kuvshinikov
  • Publication number: 20040080244
    Abstract: An expandable cabinet allows for the storing and positioning of electrical component boxes of different lengths. One or more expansion brackets are capable of being secured by one or more brace guides at fixed positions relative to a rear corner post or posts and the back portion of the cabinet fame. An expanded space is formed between a back door and back portion of the cabinet frame when the expansion brackets are extended in a rearward direction from the rear corner post or posts, enabling the expansion cabinet to accommodate electrical component boxes that are too large to fit within the cabinet frame. One or more box mounts are also installed within the cabinet at or near the rear corner posts and near the expanded space. Each box mount engages and positions a component box with respect to the back portion of the cabinet frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Robert J. Lowther, Arthur J. Whelan, William S. Santucci, Albert E. Strauss
  • Publication number: 20040070318
    Abstract: A system and method for providing horizontally folding decorative hanger closet for enabling a user practical, efficient and very convenient way of storing hangable clothing in a very compact and over 70% space saving manner. The closet, which can be attached to a wall, used as a stand-alone unit or built-in into a wall, can reach its fully extended form, to provide practical and convenient access to the clothing, by pooling the front door away from the steady frame while unfolding internal folding bar, that supports the hangers, to its full horizontal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Moti Shai