The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 16, 1999
Filed:
Nov. 12, 1996
Beatrice E Martinez, Alexandria, VA (US);
Louis S Polster, Alexandria, VA (US);
Other;
Abstract
An apparatus for supporting a variable number of objects, such as books or CDs, on a shelf unit includes two or more relatively movable support members having surfaces defining substantially opposed planes of support for supporting the objects, and a constant force spring operably connecting the two support members to support the variable number of objects therebetween. The apparatus can include: a track section affixable parallel to a shelf unit; at least one constant force spring; at least one slidable track element constrained for longitudinal movement along the track section, the slidable track element being operably connected to the constant force spring; and/or at least one support member defining a plane of support for the objects connected to the slidable track element. The support member, which is movable due to its connection to the slidable track element, is capable of retaining at least one book or other object between the support member and a second support member, which can be part of the existing shelf unit or a fixed or movable support member having a surface defining an opposed plane of support for an opposite end of the objects downwardly suspended from the track section. To aid in operability, a rate of travel governor, lock member and handle can be provided.