Abstract:
The automatic book-end system for shelves includes a shelf, a book-end housing that is movably connected to the shelf, and a limit switch connected to the book-end housing. The housing includes a rechargeable battery, an electric circuit, electric motors, and a pair of chain sprockets. The shelf includes a pair of roller chains that engage the chain sprockets. The electric motors, chain sprockets, and roller chains work in conjunction to achieve linear motion of the housing along the shelf bottom. The book-end housing can support the books in an upright, side by side arrangement on the shelf. Once a book is removed from the shelf, the housing is automatically repositioned to push the remaining books together and close any resulting gaps between the remaining books.
Abstract:
A spring-loaded compression device for retention of documents or other objects within a storage container, or on a surface, such as a shelf. One or more springs are disposed between two plates, which can both serve as pushers to apply compressive force to adjacent documents or objects. The device can be secured so the spring mechanism remains in a fully compressed posture. When released, the spring(s) can expand to any position up to as much as the length of the storage area, to secure adjacent documents or objects in a desired orientation within the storage unit. The spring(s) and attached pusher plate can also be retracted to allow documents or objects to be readily removed from, or placed into, the storage unit. The device can be permanently installed in a storage unit, made portable for use in different storage units, or adapted for use as free-standing bookends.
Abstract:
A media holding device for supporting media in an upright position comprising a vertical element and a horizontal extension element, created from a continuous length of rod stock formed into segments. The vertical element is a vertical plane defined by at least three corner points creating a geometric shape, for providing lateral support for the held media. The horizontal extension element extends from the vertical element perpendicularly to the vertical plane, creating a horizontal plane for supporting the vertical element.
Abstract:
The present invention is a free-standing assembly of identical or similar modules with vertical panels that can support all kinds of reading and writing materials including books, binders, magazines, and files, in an upright manner. The multiple panels in an assembly can keep a set of the materials uprightly while users freely withdraw from or insert some copies into the set. The space between panels is adjustable to fit various thickness of the reading and writing materials between the panels. The total length of the assembly can be adjusted by changing the number of modules in the assembly. The modules are solidly interlocked with each other by snapping the notches on an arm and feet of one module to narrowing gaps at the openings of neighboring modules. The assembly requires no additional parts and tools. Thus it is easy to assemble and the manufacturing cost is low. Yet the structure of the assembly is rigid due to the interlocked arms and feet of the modules.
Abstract:
A shelf restraint for holding books and other objects on a shelf in the event of an earthquake comprises a pair of identical bookends on the shelf, each with a deep central slot into which a rod is pivoted to form a gate spanning the space between the bookends. The gate is easily lifted for removal of a book and drops to a position near the center of the bookend for retaining the books.
Abstract:
An adjustable book shelf is equipped with a plurality of telescopic rod members adjustably disposed between a pair of side boards and a couple of length variable support sticks which are attached in parallel with the rod members to the side boards. A plurality of spring biased limiting arms are pivotably mounted to one of the rod members and are located contiguously side by side. Each limiting arm is spring biased and can be pivoted when pushed by an inserted book or books so that the same can be held in place by the next neighboring limiting arms which are in abutmenmt with the books, and when the book or books is taken away the pivoted limiting arm or arms will resume the original position. The number of limiting arms pivotably pushed away by the inserted book or books is approximately dependent of the thickness of the same.
Abstract:
A novel adjustable holder and support device for books, files, recorded music discs and the like comprised of two upright end units each with a longitudinal leg that extends under the materials being contained. In addition, an optional flat extender may be positioned between the two end units singly or in plurality. Said units in combination, hold the contained materials on an even plane above the surface upon which the holder rests, one unit leg having a female opening to receive the second unit's male-tongue leg. The two base legs interlock, when positioned, by means of a plurality of indexed shapes along the outside edge of the male unit tongue and the facing edges of the female unit's opening. This engagement thus allows for easy adjustability while insuring that the space allotted for containment is fixed against change while in use.
Abstract:
A horizontally positioned restraining bar which has at each end a spring biased guiding member. The bar is located in the access opening of a magazine compartment, bookcase, storage bin or the like which is provided with vertically mounted rails at the vertical sides of the access opening. The bar is slidingly arranged by the guiding members in the rails and positioned at a predetermined horizontal level within the access opening for restraining objects from falling out of the compartment. By manually raising the bar, an object can be retrieved from the compartment after which the bar automatically will return to its previous restraining level by gravity. The apparatus is particularly designed for use on airplanes, moving vehicles, etc. and is provided with features to assure a rattle free and noiseless operation as well as quick installation and removal features.
Abstract:
A bookrack comprising an open framework of metal wire elements includes spaced, parallel rails constituting an inclined floor for supporting a series of books in a position inclined from the vertical, so that their titles may be viewed easily from levels above the horizontal surface of a table top, desk, or other support on which the rack may be seated. Bookends connected by retracting springs are detachably mounted on the floor rails for slidable movement thereon longitudinally of the rack. An element constituting one longitudinal side bar of the rack frame is arranged to provide a stop engageable by books positioned between the bookends to hold the books in positions in which no part of any of the books is in contact with the horizontal surface of a support on which the rack may be seated.