US3883196A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
End panel support system
Assignee: Steelcase Inc
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Filing: 1974-10-11
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Granted: 1975-05-13
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Expires: 1994-10-11
Abstract
Abstract A furniture construction system wherein standardized 5 inch modular components are supported between special end panels. Cover members positioned over the end panels are provided with special releasable fastening means whereby the covers may be readily removed to provide access to the fastening mechanisms utilized to fix the panels and supported components, as desks, tables, and the like, together.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert G Mohr
- 👤 Ronald R Hodges
- 👤 Jack Hockenberry
- 👤 Douglas Scheerhorn
- 👤 Gale F Wilcox
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 19:11
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47B; A47B21/00; A47B21/06; A47B17/00; A47B83/00; A47B83/001; A47B91/00; A47B91/02; A47B91/022; A47B91/028; A47B2200/00; A47B2200/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
208 words
A system for supporting one or a number of standardized furniture components as desks, tops, cabinets or the like comprising: a supported member; end panel members adapted to support said supported member; first securing means in said end panels and said supported member for releasably securing same together; cover members for said end panels; and second securing means in said cover members and said end panels for releasably securing said cover to said panel whereby said cover members can be readily removed for access to said securing means; said second securing means includes tabs on said cover members and first slots on said end panel for receiving said tabs, said tabs including engaging means for holding said tabs in place in said first slots, a second slot adjacent and below each said first slot thereby defining a brIdge between each of said first and second slots, said bridge being of a bendable material whereby it can be bent in or out, up or down by inserting a tool into an appropriate one of said first and second slots and operating said tool against said bridge, said bridge thereby forming a means for adjusting said cover member in or out, up or down with respect to said end panel.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
208 words
A system for supporting one or a number of standardized furniture components as desks, tops, cabinets or the like comprising: a supported member; end panel members adapted to support said supported member; first securing means in said end panels and said supported member for releasably securing same together; cover members for said end panels; and second securing means in said cover members and said end panels for releasably securing said cover to said panel whereby said cover members can be readily removed for access to said securing means; said second securing means includes tabs on said cover members and first slots on said end panel for receiving said tabs, said tabs including engaging means for holding said tabs in place in said first slots, a second slot adjacent and below each said first slot thereby defining a brIdge between each of said first and second slots, said bridge being of a bendable material whereby it can be bent in or out, up or down by inserting a tool into an appropriate one of said first and second slots and operating said tool against said bridge, said bridge thereby forming a means for adjusting said cover member in or out, up or down with respect to said end panel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
86 words
The system of claim 1 in which said cover member includes a rearwardly projecting side flange at either side thereof; said end panel including a channel at each side thereof for receiving said side flanges with each side flange adjacent a channel wall; said channel wall including a tab therein made of a bendable material whereby said tab can be bent either inwardly or outwardly, said tabs bearing against said side flanges to thereby provide a means for adjusting said cover member from side to side.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
166 words
A system for supporting one or a number of standardized furniture components as desks, tops, cabinets or the like comprising: a supported member; end panel members adapted to support said supported member; first securing means in said end panels and said supported member for releasably securing same together; cover members for said end panels; and second securing means in said cover members and said end panels for releasably securing said cover to said panel whereby said cover members can be readily removed for access to said securing means; said cover membber includes a rearwardly projecting side flange at either side thereof; said end panel including a channel at each side therefor receiving said side flanges with each side flanges adjacent a channel wall; said channel wall including a tab therein made of a bendable material whereby said tab can be bent either inwardly or outwardly, said tabs bearing against said side flanges to thereby provide a means for adjusting said cover member from side to side.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
166 words
A system for supporting one or a number of standardized furniture components as desks, tops, cabinets or the like comprising: a supported member; end panel members adapted to support said supported member; first securing means in said end panels and said supported member for releasably securing same together; cover members for said end panels; and second securing means in said cover members and said end panels for releasably securing said cover to said panel whereby said cover members can be readily removed for access to said securing means; said cover membber includes a rearwardly projecting side flange at either side thereof; said end panel including a channel at each side therefor receiving said side flanges with each side flanges adjacent a channel wall; said channel wall including a tab therein made of a bendable material whereby said tab can be bent either inwardly or outwardly, said tabs bearing against said side flanges to thereby provide a means for adjusting said cover member from side to side.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-12 | 1978-11-11 | 1979-05-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-12 | 1982-11-11 | 1983-05-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-12 | 1986-11-11 | 1987-05-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |