US4403700A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular office accessory for personal items
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-05-15
•
Granted: 1983-09-13
•
Expires: 2001-05-15
Abstract
Abstract An office accessory or utility constructed in the form of a frame or holder that forms a trackway for a plurality of individual modules. Modules are provided individually designed for holding different office items such as pencils, ashtray, photograph, clock, memo pad, calendar, business cards, tape dispenser, paper organizer, etc. The frame structure is constructed to be utilizable either on a horizontal surface or suspended from a vertical surface or vertical columns. The modules are positionable in any desired order in the accessory and are readily slideable along its length. Separate individual divider members are provided that are insertable in the accessory trackway to provide individual compartments of desired size and position for holding office supplies or items used.
Inventors
- 👤 Marvin D. Manlove
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 07:54
CPC Classifications
B; B43; B43M; B43M99/00; B43M99/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
182 words
As an article of manufacture, in combination, means forming an integral frame structure having ends constructed to support individual modular holders for office accessories, a plurality of individual holders forming modules constructed to be held in the frame structure, the frame structure having a flat bottom an open top to receive and hold the said modules, the said frame structure having a front wall and a back wall the front wall being lower then the back wall, the top edge of each wall forming a rail so as to provide a trackway, the modules each having an upper part having front and back portions formed to engage said rails to be slideable along the trackway, each of the modules being constructed to allow it to be manually removable and replaceable with respect to the frame structure, each individual module, having an office accessory carried by the said upper part within the said frame structure, the said frame structure being constructed so as to be adapted to be movably supported on a horizontal surface and having means for attachment to a vertical surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
182 words
As an article of manufacture, in combination, means forming an integral frame structure having ends constructed to support individual modular holders for office accessories, a plurality of individual holders forming modules constructed to be held in the frame structure, the frame structure having a flat bottom an open top to receive and hold the said modules, the said frame structure having a front wall and a back wall the front wall being lower then the back wall, the top edge of each wall forming a rail so as to provide a trackway, the modules each having an upper part having front and back portions formed to engage said rails to be slideable along the trackway, each of the modules being constructed to allow it to be manually removable and replaceable with respect to the frame structure, each individual module, having an office accessory carried by the said upper part within the said frame structure, the said frame structure being constructed so as to be adapted to be movably supported on a horizontal surface and having means for attachment to a vertical surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
69 words
An article as in claim 1 including support bracket means whereby the frame structure can be supported from a vertical surface, the frame structure having at least one side forming a guide track, at least one support bracket having parts formed to be engaged in the said guide track whereby to allow horizontal movement of the frame structure, the said bracket having means for securement to a vertical member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
An article as in claim 1 including divider members constructed to fit into the frame structure transversely, the said dividers and the frame structure having mutually engageable parts constructed to engage with a snap fit to removably hold the dividers in position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
An article as in claim 1 wherein the said frame structure is an elongated extrusion having a length for holding a plurality of modules and including end plates secured to the extrusion forming end walls.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
An article as in claim 1 wherein the upper edges of the walls of the frame structure have grooves in them providing guide rails, the front and back edges of the upper part of each of said modules having downwardly extending ribs forming elements adapted for sliding along the guide rails.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
An article as in claim 2 wherein the bracket securement means includes an extending portion of the bracket having a hooklike element adapted for engagement in an opening in a supporting surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
An article as in claim 6 wherein the said bracket securement means includes a second element, the elements having relative positions adapted for both of the elements to be inserted into openings formed in a supporting surface.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
An article as in claim 3, said mutually engageable parts including a longitunal dove tailed rib at the bottom of the frame structure each divider having a plurality of vertical slots at the bottom forming elements between the slots configurated to receive the said dove tailed rib in holding relationship.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1986-09-12 | 1987-03-14 | 1987-09-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-09-12 | 1991-03-14 | 1991-09-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-09-12 | 1995-03-14 | 1995-09-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |