US3814033A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
C-frame structural module
Assignee: Innovations Inc
•
Filing: 1972-09-01
•
Granted: 1974-06-04
•
Expires: 1992-09-01
Abstract
Abstract A C-shaped core module constructed of metal skeletal elements, a number of which are embedded in rigid self-skinned polyurethane foam, assembled so that the polyurethane foam material provides both strength and a decorative finish, the module being adapted to accomodate and support sinks, shelves, cupboards, storage cabinets, drawers, hangers, electrical and lighting fixtures and plumbing arrangements useful in hospital pharmaceutical units, laboratories, and various mobile assemblies such as marketing displays.
Inventors
- 👤 E Rudat
- 👤 E Medler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 11:15
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47B; A47B96/00; A47B57/00; A47B57/06; A47B57/08; A47B57/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
110 words
A structural module for supporting shelves, cupboards, sinks and the like comprising: a. Vertical supports comprising two spaced structural metal support members; b. Lateral supports consisting of a bottom panel, a back panel and a top panel made of self-skinned rigid foam plastic; c. Connecting elements comprising longitudinal channel metal integrally molded into each of said bottom panel, back panel and top panel proximate each side thereof, and d. Fastening means for connecting said connecting elements to said vertical supports whereby said bottom panel, said back panel and said top panel are securely fastened together into a rigid self-supporting structure having the general shape in side aspect of a ''''C.''''
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
110 words
A structural module for supporting shelves, cupboards, sinks and the like comprising: a. Vertical supports comprising two spaced structural metal support members; b. Lateral supports consisting of a bottom panel, a back panel and a top panel made of self-skinned rigid foam plastic; c. Connecting elements comprising longitudinal channel metal integrally molded into each of said bottom panel, back panel and top panel proximate each side thereof, and d. Fastening means for connecting said connecting elements to said vertical supports whereby said bottom panel, said back panel and said top panel are securely fastened together into a rigid self-supporting structure having the general shape in side aspect of a ''''C.''''
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
A structural module according to claim 11 wherein said connecting elements in said back panel are channel members arranged vertically with the channel opening facing the front of the module and adapted to receive fastenings for securing various accessory components to said module.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
88 words
A structural module according to claim 11 wherein said metal support members are vertical channel members having their channel openings facing each other, and said vertical supports each further comprise a vertical flat member and a horizontal channel member secured to each vertical channel member so that each said vertical channel member is secured together in an L-shape with a respective flat member and horizontal channel member and the vertical supports are held in spaced apart relationship by said bottom panel, said back panel and said top panel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A structural module according to claim 11 wherein said top panel and said bottom panel are identical moldings.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
59 words
A modular frame assembly for supporting shelves, cabinets, sinks and various miscellaneous facilities and accessories comprising: a. Top, back and bottom assemblies of molded self-skinned rigid foam plastic with integral metal support members; and, b. Vertical structural metal members secured to said integral metal support members holding said top, back and bottom assemblies together in a substantially C-shaped configuration.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
A modular frame assembly for supporting shelves, cabinets, sinks and various miscellaneous facilities and accessories comprising: a. Top, back and bottom assemblies of molded self-skinned rigid foam plastic with integral metal support members; and, b. Vertical structural metal members secured to said integral metal support members holding said top, back and bottom assemblies together in a substantially C-shaped configuration.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
A modular frame assembly according to claim 5 in which said metal support members integral in said back assembly are two vertical spaced apart channel members adapted to receive fasteners for supporting accessory units.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
52 words
A modular frame assembly according to claim 5 in which said vertical structural metal members comprise two rear channel members, one on each side of said module and two flat stiffening members, one secured to each of said rear channel members and adapted for fastening a plurality of modules in side-by-side relationship.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A modular frame assembly according to claim 5 wherein said molded foam plastic is a rigid self-skinned polyurethane foam having an average density in the range of 20 to 40 pounds per cubic foot.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A modular frame assembly according to claim 8 wherein said metal support members and said structural metal members are steel.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
A modular frame assembly according to claim 5 wherein the metal support members for said top and bottom assemblies are concealed from view by plastic skirts molded into said top and bottom assemblies.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2767609A
Cited
GB863488A
Cited
US3040905A
Cited
US3059983A
Cited
US3241898A
Cited
US3341233A
Cited
US3583123A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-03 | 1977-12-03 | 1978-06-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-03 | 1981-12-03 | 1982-06-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-03 | 1985-12-03 | 1986-06-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |