Connecting Panels Patents (Class 312/265.5)
  • Patent number: 6981747
    Abstract: A fully upholstered, ready-to-assemble article of furniture which may be custom ordered by a consumer, packaged by the seller for shipment to the consumer by a parcel delivery service, and then assembled by the consumer from the packaged components. The article of furniture includes a frame of a plurality of interlocking, planar frame members which are secured together by fasteners received in push-in connector elements. Upholstery coverings, the design of which is custom selected by the consumer, are attached to the frame and secured to one another by hook and loop fasteners. Foam elements are received within a second plurality of upholstery covers which have large openings for receiving the foam elements to provide cushions for the article of furniture. The frame members, upholstery covers, and foam elements are packaged in first, second, and third containers, respectively, which are each light enough to be shipped for home delivery by a parcel delivery service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Home Reserve, Inc.
    Inventors: Blaine L. Wieland, Blair Wieland
  • Patent number: 6937466
    Abstract: A rear panel (1) of a computer enclosure for covering a rear part of a computer enclosure includes a base (10) and four brims (20). The base defines a plurality of parallel expansion slots (108) for receipt of expansion cards of the enclosure. The base comprises a support plate (114) integrally extending therefrom in a first direction for securing the expansion cards. The brims extend from respective edges of the base. Each of the brims comprises an inner wall (202) extending from the base in the first direction and an outer wall (206) extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction for attaching the panel to the computer enclosure. The base and the inner walls of the brims cooperatively define a cavity for receiving one or more components thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 6932447
    Abstract: A computer enclosure includes a base (10), a side panel (80), a top panel (90), and a locking bar (50). The locking bar independently and readily secures the side and top panels to the enclosure. Either of the side and top panels can be detached from the enclosure independently, without affecting the attachment of the other to the enclosure. The enclosure is also easily protected from being opened by unauthorized persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Jung-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 6899406
    Abstract: A housing for a telecommunications system is described. The housing contains a housing base for accommodating modules and module frames, and a covering shroud connected releasably to the housing base and, with the housing base, encloses the modules and the module frames. The covering shroud has a casing plate forming at least part of the covering shroud, and plastic moldings connected, in part, to the casing plate and/or the housing base. Some of the plastic moldings can be lined up in a row one beside another to form a wall surface of the covering shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: DeTeWe AG & Co.
    Inventors: Harro Krispin, Manfred Klingbeil, Katharina Krämer, Peter Pütz, Jürgen Schulz
  • Patent number: 6883882
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved cabinet assembly comprising more than one flat piece and a curved connecting member; wherein a latch is disposed on the edge of the flat piece, so that the flat pieces and the connecting member are engaged and connected by means of the latch member to form a rack with curved edges in various combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: UMA Team Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yavulas Lin
  • Patent number: 6879483
    Abstract: A hood is for preventing moisture from penetrating an outdoor electrical enclosure. The outdoor electrical enclosure includes a housing having a panel member, two sidewalls and a bottom wall extending from the panel member to define an opening. A telescoping door covers the opening when closed. The hood includes a unitary top portion with two sides and a panel tab for engaging the housing, and an integral gutter member which overlaps and extends beyond the sidewalls of the housing, in order to divert moisture from the hood to exterior portions of the sidewalls of the outdoor electrical enclosure housing. The integral gutter member has an s-shaped cross-section with an upper portion and a lower portion. When the telescoping door is closed, a door flange overlaps a gutter flange formed by the lower portion. Pin-slide hinges permit the door flange to rest flushly upon the gutter flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Johnson, Percy A. White
  • Patent number: 6843542
    Abstract: An image display device such as a television set or a monitor is disclosed. The image display device includes a front casing on which a screen and a rear casing are mounted. A frame surrounding the screen is detachably fastened to the front casing independently of the rear casing. The frame includes tabs capable of being manually handled in order to separate the frame from the front casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing S.A.
    Inventors: Claude Bressan, Bernard Guerin, Gérard Vergneau
  • Patent number: 6827028
    Abstract: A collapsible support includes at least one leg that can be stored in a cavity and at least one substantially smooth surface when assembled in a deployed condition. The collapsible support can also include at least one substantially smooth surface when assembled in a collapsed or stored condition. The collapsible support includes unique provisions for associating the legs with a base in both the collapsed condition and the deployed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: E. Pryor Callaway
  • Publication number: 20040227436
    Abstract: A work surface panel of a cabinet-type household appliance has a rearward surround at which it is attachment at the rear. The panel is intended to have a position which is defined transversely with respect to the attachment direction. The work surface panel is attached to the body of the household appliance by means of at least one holding pin. In this case, the holding pin has a slotted-link section that passes through an elongated hole in the surround and holds the surround at a defined level. To allow tolerance compensation, which is suitable for mass production, between the work surface panel and the housing, or a further part mounted on the top face of the housing, the surround is held exclusively by the holding pins, whose slotted-link sections have a substantially rectangular cross section, allowing the work surface panel to be adjusted in the lateral direction during installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Hans Gunter Felske, Jurgen Jakuscheit, Michael Lamprecht
  • Publication number: 20040222722
    Abstract: A kind of board connecting structure composed of the connected board with baffle plate and side plate, square tube and square nut in the square tube, holes on the square tube surface in corresponding with those on the square nut; and connecting bolt with one threaded end and one recessed end. The connected board is drilled with deep vertical holes at the connecting part, with turn fastener embedded on each hole bottom. Insert the connecting bolt into each deep hole and the turn fastener, and secure the clasp to the recess to conveniently and quickly make the cabinet frame or shelf of any volume, shape and style.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Shaobin Yang
  • Publication number: 20040217678
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved cabinet assembly comprising more than one flat piece and a curved connecting member; wherein a latch is disposed on the edge of the flat piece, so that the flat pieces and the connecting member are engaged and connected by means of the latch member to form a rack with curved edges in various combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: UMA Team Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yavulas Lin
  • Patent number: 6808239
    Abstract: Casing, in particular plastic casing (1; 101; 201; 301) of a hand-held electronic apparatus, having a first and a second casing shell (3, 5; 103, 105; 203, 205; 303, 305) and connecting means pressing the first and second casing shells against each other along the contact region, the connecting means having at least one holding element (17), arranged on the first casing shell (5), for a separate locking element (7; 107a, 107b; 207; 307) and at least one hook element (13) arranged on the second casing shell (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Harald Bader
  • Patent number: 6808074
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of fabricating showcases in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, while allowing both novices, with an interest and skill in arts and crafts (or framing), and professional framers to enjoy the easy-to-construct features of the present invention. The showcase system includes, but is not limited to (1) novel molding pieces that are used in conjuction with (2) standard picture frame pieces, which are themselves used in novel manner, (3) standard glass, mirrored glass, ceramic or other similar materials that can be suitably used to make the showcase walls, (4) standard adhesives, sealants, and/or glass retaining strips, (5) standard matting and/or foam core materials, and/or (6) the use of standard tools, including, but not limited to, a razor knife, stapler, and/or a diamond point attachment tool. A second embodiment of the showcase having a hexagonal shape, is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Fred G Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6802168
    Abstract: A modular wall panel system in which individual panels are constructed with a lightweight aluminum frame. In a preferred embodiment, the frame is substantially filled with a foam core material and decorative display surfaces are affixed to opposite sides thereof. One edge of each panel contains a plurality of ball-shaped connector pins, while the opposite edge has a plurality of connector slots having a diamond configuration. A similar panel placed adjacent to the first panel may be mated thereto by engagement of the connector pins with respective connector slots in the other panel. The pins/slots are shaped and sized so that the connector pin may enter/exit the connector slot at a wide region thereof but not in the apex region thereof. Secure coupling with fast assembly/disassembly is thereby achieved, without tools or detachable components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Larry A. Minnick
  • Publication number: 20040189160
    Abstract: A semi-frameless cabinet system including a top panel, bottom panel, two side panels, and a back panel. The cabinet may also include one or more middle shelves, drawers, or doors. Each of the forward facing sides of the cabinet include a grooved surface, wherein edging is secured to each panels such that the panels and edging form an interior space within the cabinet. The edging overlaps the outer edge of the cabinet panels, but not the inner edge, such that the edging and panels are flush within the interior space of the cabinet. As such, the cabinet employs the advantages of both framed and frameless cabinets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: MASTERBRAND CABINETS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Wells, Wayne Andrew Brinkman, John Bennett Rose
  • Patent number: 6783197
    Abstract: A storage system made of cardboard comprising a load bearing structure defining a rectangular storage space and storage elements in the structure, wherein the load bearing structure is a mantle having a U-shaped profile and vertical boundary plates, the mantle (1) comprises a rear plate (2), a pair of side plates (3, 4) and reinforcement beams (5, 6) constituting extension of the side plates and defines at both sides together with the rear plate (2) and side plates (3, 4) respective U-shaped vertical channels open towards inner direction; further comprises upper and lower cross reinforcement members (11a, 11b) fixed to the mantle (1) and close the channels. The channels receive spacing members and the storage elements being generally shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: András Balogh
  • Publication number: 20040160149
    Abstract: A computer enclosure includes a cage (40), a bezel (60), and two pivot devices (80). The cage has a front panel (43) defining two holes (422). Each pivot device (80) is fixed to the bezel, and includes a cylinder (13), a spring (20) and a pivot (30). The cylinder receives the spring therein. Two L-shaped apertures (131) are defined in opposite sides of the cylinder. Each pivot includes a central pin (31), and a circumferential wall (32) surrounding most of the pin. Two resilient L-shaped hooks (324) are formed at opposite sides of the circumferential wall. The spring is compressed between a top end of the cylinder and the circumferential wall. When the hooks are slid from horizontal portions (132) of the apertures to vertical portions (133) of the apertures, the spring pushes the pivot downwardly, and the pin is pivotably engaged in a corresponding hole of the front panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Li Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 6769750
    Abstract: A mechanical joint for joining a pair of structural components. The mechanical joint includes a bracket having a pair of legs, a first recess formed in the first structural component, and a second recess formed in the second structural component. The first recess accommodates a first leg of the bracket, while the second recess accommodates a second leg of the bracket. The first leg of the bracket is positioned in the first recess and is affixed to the first structural component. The second structural component is placed in abutting relationship with the first structural component, covering the first recess and resting atop the second leg of the bracket, with the second leg of the bracket positioned in the second recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary L. Hughes, Jay M. Henriott
  • Publication number: 20040119384
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bezel assembly comprising a bezel having a first and second receiving members opositely disposed about a first side of the bezel. Each receiving member has a receptacle. The bezel assembly also comprises a mounting member. The mounting member comprises a body and a first and second engaging arm oppositely disposed at each end of the body. The receiving members provide for captive engagement of the mounting member such that the bezel may pivot more than ninety degrees between a closed and open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Richard W. Davis, Mark D. Feldmeyer
  • Patent number: 6724633
    Abstract: A sectional computer housing includes a plurality of frame posts and a plurality of sectional panels molded using aluminum extrusion. Each of the frame posts is provided with a screw groove at one side thereof and a track at two adjacent sides to the side having the screw groove, respectively. Each of the sectional panel having a turtledove tail-shaped protruding seat at one end thereof and a track at the other end thereof. A plurality of sectional panels is similarly fastened to one another using the protruding seats and the tracks at one side thereof for forming side, top or bottom panels. Outermost protruding seats and the tracks are coordinated with the tracks of the frame posts, and further positioned by longitudinally penetrating screws through the sectional panels and into the screw grooves of the frame posts, thereby assembling into a computer housing having any desired dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Apoint International Co., Ltd. & Bytech Inc.
    Inventor: James Wu
  • Patent number: 6695420
    Abstract: A system for attaching a drawer face includes a fixture capable of attaching to a drawer box. The fixture has a surface that is substantially planar to a surface of the drawer box. A semi-permanent attachment device is capable of connecting the surface of the fixture to the drawer face. This system holds the drawer face in place while the carpenter screws the drawer face to the drawer box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Tracy Edgar Ackerman
  • Patent number: 6688708
    Abstract: A stabilizing and enclosure system for a series of side-by-side mobile storage units. Each mobile storage unit includes a storage member, such as a cabinet assembly, mounted for extendible and retractable movement relative to a base which is rigidly fixed to a supporting structure such as a floor. A stationary stabilizing member is provided for each storage unit. An extendible and retractable engagement mechanism is interposed between each stabilizing member and the storage member of each storage unit, and is movable along with the storage member upon movement between its extended and retracted positions for maintaining engagement of the storage unit with the stabilizing member, to prevent the storage unit from tipping. In one embodiment, each stabilizing member is in the form of a top panel which overlies one of the storage units. Adjacent top panels are connected together, and each top panel is preferably engaged with the storage unit base by a vertical post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventor: Steven L. Janson
  • Patent number: 6658904
    Abstract: An air handling unit (AHU) includes a frame structure and panels that are assembled to provide ducting for handling air. Each panel is rectangular with two sides and four edges. Each edge is integrally formed with the panel by extruding a perimeter of the panel. The extrusion has one flat edge that serves as a receiver for a cammed leg of a latch that is mounted in the same frame structure that retains the panel. While the latches are unengaged, the panel is inserted into the rectangular opening in the structure. The latches are then individually rotated 90 degrees such that the cammed leg pushes the panel further into the pocket, thus compressing a perimeter seal and eliminating air leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Christian C. Herbeck, Michael W. Austin
  • Patent number: 6657861
    Abstract: A distribution cabinet (1) for accommodating weak-current distribution installations, in particular for arranging outdoors, having a base box (2), an outer cabinet body (3) with at least one door (4), a cabinet cover (5), and an inner installation frame (6), the installation frame (6) being made up of profile sections (50), of which the cross-sectional shapes has two insertion pockets (51a,b), of which the insertion directions (52a,b) run at right angles to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Krone GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Irmer
  • Publication number: 20030218407
    Abstract: A combinational case has a top plate, a base plate, a rear plate, a pair of lateral plates, and a door plate. The lateral plates are disposed on the base plate. The rear plate is disposed on the base plate. The rear plate is disposed between the lateral plates. The top plate is disposed on the rear plate and the lateral plates. The door plate is disposed between the top plate and the base plate. A plurality of connection plates fasten the top plate and the lateral plates together. A plurality of connection bars fasten the base plate and the lateral plates together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Ming-Chi Chen
  • Publication number: 20030205952
    Abstract: An escutcheon for an appliance door assembly is provided. The escutcheon includes a control panel mounting surface comprising a lower edge, and a plurality of formations depending from said lower edge and defining a retaining slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: John Joseph DiEnno, Roger Shawn Nelson, Jeffrey Thomas Kiesler, Deryl Craig York, Raymond Edward Yuenger
  • Patent number: 6626017
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for an air handling duct which includes a plurality of interconnected modules which together made up the duct. The locking mechanism includes a male retainer contained on a frame member of a first module, with the male retainer having a locking arm adapted to be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position. A complementary female retainer is contained on a frame member of a second module, with the female retainer being in the form of an elongated keyway designed to receive and hold the locking arm in a locked position. Means are provided to move the arm from an unlocked position to a locked position when the male and female retainers are in alignment for locking the modules together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Christian C. Herbeck, Michael W. Austin, Walker A. Johnson, Jr., Timothy E. Ruhl, Peter J. Hoch
  • Publication number: 20030164664
    Abstract: A modular currency bin has a pair of spaced end walls, a rear wall extending therebetween, and at least one support wall extending between the end walls and abutting the rear wall. At least one divider wall extends vertically parallel to and intermediate the end walls to define a multiplicity of compartments. One of the end walls has a pair of outwardly angled flanges extending along its side margins and the other of the end walls has inwardly angled flanges extending along its side margins and defining a channel therebetween configured and dimensioned to receive the outwardly extending flanges of another currency bin. Bins may be assembled in side-by-side relationship by interengaging the end wall flanges, and in vertically stacked relationship by interengaging end covers with the end wall flanges of the stacked bins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Robert A. Allexon, Douglas R. Magee
  • Patent number: 6604799
    Abstract: A computer having configurable air vents. A louver assembly may be attached to the computer enclosure or removed therefrom so that the enclosure may be adapted to the environment in which it will be used. For a desktop or other office environment, the louver assembly may be attached to the computer enclosure. For an industrial or rack-mount setting, the louver assembly may be removed. The louver assembly may be mounted in a bezel, which itself may be removably attached to the computer enclosure. A catch on the louver assembly engages a corresponding hole or depression in the enclosure or bezel, forming a detent. The holding force of the detent may be overcome by pushing the louver assembly out of the enclosure or bezel by hand, but is sufficiently strong to hold the louver assembly in place during normal operation of the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Tom J Searby, Paul B. Black
  • Patent number: 6592194
    Abstract: An improved, multifunction office furniture system having a novel interlocking connecting mechanism which permits the easy assembly of a variety of different structural components in a variety of different configurations to form highly efficient work areas. The system includes uniquely configured, vertical support columns to which a number of different types of structural components can be quickly and easily connected and provides a highly versatile work station system which is very attractive, is easy to assembly, disassemble and adjust, and yet, is structurally sound and durable in use. Because of its novel construction, the system is capable of readily accommodating changing work conditions in the users' facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventors: Robert R. Lininger, Julian Vochelli, Michael G. Haber, Timothy Skinner
  • Publication number: 20030122458
    Abstract: An outdoor unit for an air conditioner having a reinforcing structure is disclosed. The outdoor unit comprises a base plate arranged at a bottom portion of a body of the outdoor unit; an upper plate arranged at an upper portion of a body of the outdoor unit; a plurality of support members connected between the base plate and the upper plate and arranged towards a circumference of the body with predetermined intervals; and a reinforcing member arranged between the support members for supporting the body of the outdoor unit, wherein the reinforcing member includes an upper reinforcing rod connected to both sides of the upper plate and prolonged to a lower direction; a lower reinforcing rod connected to both sides of the base plate and prolonged to an upper direction; and a connection reinforcing rod connected between the upper and lower reinforcing rods, thereby simplifying a construction of the reinforcing member which increases an intensity of the body of the outdoor unit and reduces a vibration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Chang-Min Choi, Il-Kwon Oh
  • Patent number: 6582785
    Abstract: A front panel 11 has a plurality of caulking pieces 16 each of which is formed in a tongue-like shape defined by a pair of slits 17 in a side edge portion 11c of the front panel. The caulking piece is inwardly bent at its base end portion 16a and bent sideward at its distal end portion 16c to form a substantially L-shape. Side panels 12 whose forward end portions are abutted on an inner face 11a of the front panel 11. The side panels are formed along the forward end portions 12a with caulking holes 18 into which the caulking pieces 16 are adapted to be engaged. The front panel 11 is joined to a mount panel 2 in substantially intimate contact along its whole surface. The front panel 11 and the mount panel 2 are formed into an integral structure, whereby the mechanical strength in a direction of the thickness of the front panel can be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Futoshi Nagata, Koji Otani
  • Publication number: 20030090183
    Abstract: A mechanical joint for joining a pair of structural components. The mechanical joint includes a bracket having a pair of legs, a first recess formed in the first structural component, and a second recess formed in the second structural component. The first recess accommodates a first leg of the bracket, while the second recess accommodates a second leg of the bracket. The first leg of the bracket is positioned in the first recess and is affixed to the first structural component. The second structural component is placed in abutting relationship with the first structural component, covering the first recess and resting atop the second leg of the bracket, with the second leg of the bracket positioned in the second recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Gary L. Hughes, Jay M. Henriott
  • Publication number: 20030090182
    Abstract: A product according to the invention comprises a base unit comprising an enclosure having a plurality of exterior surfaces. A cosmetic bezel is attachable to at least one of the exterior surfaces to cover at least a portion of the at least one of the exterior surfaces, the cosmetic bezel having a customer-specific design, the cosmetic bezel being interchangeable with other cosmetic bezels having other customer-specific designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Kristianne E. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030080654
    Abstract: A computer enclosure includes a base (10), a removable first side plate (90), and a drive bracket (30). The base has a front plate (12), a second side plate (14), a rear plate (15), and a bottom plate (16). The drive bracket is adapted to accommodate different sized disk drives. The drive bracket has a base plate (32) and a pair of side walls (34, 36). A rack (38) is formed adjacent one of the side walls. A pair of shelves (46) is respectively formed on the rack and the other side wall. A distance between the side walls is dimensioned to receive a large disk drive. A distance between the said other side wall and the rack is dimensioned to receive a small disk drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Yun-Lung Chen, Jung-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 6550877
    Abstract: An input/output (I/O) panel with one chassis that supports multiple baseboards. In an aspect, the I/O panel has an extension to mate with a server chassis U-seam. In an aspect, the I/O panel includes a fastener for fastening to a server chassis, and unfastened from a server chassis, without the use of a tool. In an aspect, the fastener is a tab that fastens to a server chassis spring latch. In an aspect, an I/O panel is provided that maximizes EMI containment. In an aspect, an I/O panel is provided that maximizes thermal evacuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Paul H. Anderson, Robert A. Eldridge, Craig J. Jahne, Christian Le, James D. Williams, Lane C. Cobb
  • Patent number: 6550879
    Abstract: A cabinet having a wall comprising an inner wall and an outer wall attached to the inner wall. A strengthening piece or material is positioned between the inner wall and the outer wall to provide strength and rigidity to the wall. Preferably, the strengthening piece or material has a honeycomb structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Herman Milles, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Kurrasch, Michele Bekins, Stephen R. Teays
  • Patent number: 6547348
    Abstract: An electrical enclosure includes gap-free trim plate installation. A switchboard or power panel includes an enclosure face with a central opening covered by a top label plate, a bottom label plate and a plurality of trim plates. The trim plate flanges cooperatively engage one another in an interlocking fashion. The interlocking arrangement allows the trim plates to remain in their installed position without external restraint during installation and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hamon Leroy Craft, Michael Paul Lafond, Robert Lee Hilgendorf
  • Patent number: 6536856
    Abstract: A moulded copolymer door for built-in household electrical appliances to which a panel is to be adjustably connected to the door. The panel is configured to be adjusted in height, laterally and in depth. Adjustable mounting brackets are mounted on the door adjacent to undercuts on the vertical sides of said door and are accessible from a face of the door opposite of the panel through which the undercuts of the panel may be secured to the adjustable mounting brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Armando Pelizzari, Andrea Ansaldo, Matteo Reni, Giorgio Giudici
  • Patent number: 6533372
    Abstract: A beverage cart is described that includes a bottom portion with a substantially rectangular shape, having front, rear, right, and left sides. Upstanding wall portions extend upwardly from the bottom portion at each of the front, rear, right, and left sides, mate with the bottom portion, and rigidly interlock with one another through tongue and groove fasteners provided thereon. A top portion rigidly interlocks with the right and left upstanding wall portions through tongue and groove fasteners provided thereon. At least one intermediate upstanding wall portion is disposed between the right and left upstanding wall portions and rigidly interconnects with the front and rear upstanding wall portions through tongue and groove fasteners provided thereon. At least one horizontal shelf portion is disposed between any two of the upstanding wall portions and rigidly interlocks with the two upstanding wall portions through tongue and groove fasteners provided thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Nolu Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. McCrossin, Carl D. Hipp
  • Patent number: 6530551
    Abstract: A drive bracket fastening structure includes first and second drive brackets (30, 70) and a connect panel (60). The first drive bracket includes a bottom plate (32). A pair of arcuate first slide rails (40) depends from the bottom plate. A first flange (42) depends from the bottom plate near a side thereof. A pair of through holes (44) is defined in the first flange. The connect panel is secured to the second drive bracket. The connect panel upwardly forms a pair of arcuate second slide rails (62). A second flange (64) extends upwardly from a side edge of the connect panel. A pair of screw holes is defined in the second flange. The second slide rails are slidably engaged with the first slide rails. The screw holes are aligned with the through holes for insertion of fasteners therein. The second drive bracket is thereby fastened to the first drive bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li Yuan Gan
  • Patent number: 6527351
    Abstract: An equipment mounting rack is composed of a seismically sound skeleton structure having spaced vertical uprights supplemented by distinct spaced equipment mounting structures attached to that skeleton structure and extending along these vertical uprights and constituting side wall structures of a mounting rack interior space. The distinct spaced equipment mounting structures may have elongate first sections extending along the spaced vertical uprights, and elongate second sections extending along these first sections and constituting side wall structures of a mounting rack interior space. Cabinet walls may be attached to the skeleton structure, and the equipment mounting structures may constitute inside such cabinet walls side wall structures of a mounting rack interior space. The vertical uprights advantageously are reinforced by elongate partial enclosures that may avoid the need for a large number of weakening mounting holes in these uprights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hendry Mechanical Works
    Inventors: Richard W. Sevier, Dominic J. Louwagie
  • Patent number: 6517174
    Abstract: An equipment mounting rack is composed of a seismically sound skeleton structure having spaced vertical uprights supplemented by distinct spaced equipment mounting structures attached to that skeleton structure and extending along these vertical uprights and constituting side wall structures of a mounting rack interior space. The distinct spaced equipment mounting structures may have elongate first sections extending along the spaced vertical uprights, and elongate second sections extending along these first sections and constituting side wall structures of a mounting rack interior space. Cabinet walls may be attached to the skeleton structure, and the equipment mounting structures may constitute inside such cabinet walls side wall structures of a mounting rack interior space. The vertical uprights advantageously are reinforced by elongate partial enclosures that may avoid the need for a large number of weakening mounting holes in these uprights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Hendry Telephone Products
    Inventor: Richard W. Sevier
  • Patent number: 6499817
    Abstract: A locker. The locker comprises a first side wall having an interlocking portion, a second side wall having a first interlocking portion engaging the interlocking portion of the first side wall and a second interlocking portion, and a third side wall having an interlocking portion engaging the second interlocking portion of the second side wall. A coin receptacle, coin receptacle locking mechanism, a shelf and a door for the locker are also disclosed. A method of manufacturing a locker is also provided. The method comprises cutting a first wall from a first material to a desired length, cutting a second wall from the first material to the desired length, cutting a third wall to the desired length, and slidingly engaging the first, second and third walls. A method for limiting access to a locking mechanism is also provided, which comprises positioning the locking mechanism adjacent an inward facing surface and fastening the locking mechanism to the locker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: American Locker Group Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard B. Jermain
  • Patent number: 6497463
    Abstract: Apparatus for removably supporting a front cover upon an air conditioning unit. The cover includes a top wall and a bottom wall that are separated by a given distance at the rear opening of the cover. The top wall includes a hanger for rotatably mounting the top wall of the cover at the rear opening upon the top edge of a support member mounted upon the unit. A horizontally disposed rib is mounted upon the base pan of the unit beneath the top edge of the support member and the bottom surface of the rib is located a given distance from the top edge of the support member that is substantially equal to the given distance between the top and bottom walls of the cover at the rear opening so that the cover can be secured over the support member and rib when it is brought to a closed position. A stop is provided to locate the cover in the closed position and magnets are employed to latch the cover in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen L. Moretti
  • Publication number: 20020185944
    Abstract: A detachment and assembly structure of a master computer's faceplate comprises a frame body, a faceplate, and a control rod. One side of the faceplate uses retaining bodies to retain retaining holes of the frame body. The control rod is pivotally disposed at the other side of the frame body. A rejection portion, a receiving groove, and a wrench portion are disposed on the control rod. The other side of the faceplate uses projective poles to match the receiving groove so that the faceplate can be assembled at the front end of the frame body. The wrench portion is used to turn the control rod to let the projective poles come off the receiving groove and the rejection portion shore up the projective poles so that the projective poles can come off the frame body. The retaining bodies can thus be separated from the retaining holes, thereby accomplishing detachment operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Feng-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 6484647
    Abstract: An improved, multifunction office furniture system having a novel interlocking connecting mechanism which permits the easy assembly of a variety of different structural components in a variety of different configurations to form highly efficient work areas. The system includes uniquely configured, vertical support columns to which a number of different types of structural components can be quickly and easily connected and provides a highly versatile work station system which is very attractive, is easy to assembly, disassemble and adjust, and yet, is structurally sound and durable in use. Because of its novel construction, the system is capable of readily accommodating changing work conditions in the users' facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Virco Mgmt. Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Lininger Jr., Julian P. Vochelli, Michael G. Haber, Timothy W. Skinner
  • Patent number: 6478391
    Abstract: An improved storage cabinet that is relatively light weight while providing enhanced structural strength. The cabinet has specially formed side panels and back panels which, when joined together, form columns throughout the height of the cabinet's rear corners to enhance the cabinet's structural strength. The cabinet also has an end panel door stop, whose front edge is folded to create a reinforcement section, for cabinet doors to bear against. The cabinet also has double doors with complimentary forty-five degree and one hundred and thirty-five degree angle bends at the double doors' center line to prevent unauthorized line-of-sight access to the contents contained within the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Sandusky Cabinets, Inc.
    Inventor: John A. Stoever
  • Patent number: 6473295
    Abstract: A computer enclosure includes a chassis (20), a rear panel (50), a loading board (80), first and second drive brackets (110, 150), a power supply bracket (130) and a cover (170). The chassis includes a bottom panel (22) and a front panel (24). Various latching components such as interengaging holes and hooks are formed on the enclosure. The rear panel is secured to the bottom panel of the chassis opposite the front panel. The loading board is secured between the front and rear panels. The first drive bracket is also secured between the front and rear panels, over the loading board. The power supply bracket is secured to the rear panel. The second drive bracket is secured to the first drive bracket and the front panel. The cover, the bottom panel, and the front panels cooperatively surround the loading board, the first and second drive brackets and the power supply bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun Lung Chen
  • Publication number: 20020153813
    Abstract: A modular furniture construction system and kit having a horizontal platform with a coordinate region on a bottom side. The coordinate region has a coordinate pattern formed from a plurality of bore clusters, with each bore cluster preferably having two bores. The construction also includes first and second substructures each having at least two vertical panels which are vertically hinged together to form a preferably a ninety degree angle. The upper ends of the vertical panels are releasably connected to the bores such that a first panel of a first substructure contacts or at least confronts a second panel of a second substructure in a parallel manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Samuel T. Hadinata