US3829187A - Counter fixture - Google Patents

Abstract

A counter fixture for financial transactions having a die, one or more cabinet members supported by a base member and a countertop with curbing supported by the die and cabinet members. The one or more cabinet members and base member are plumbed and leveled simultaneously prior to assembling the die and countertop thereto. The die when supported on the base is elevated from the floor surface and positioned adjacent the cabinets, thereby acquiring a plumbed and leveled condition from the previously plumbed and leveled base and cabinet members. The countertop being supported by aligned surfaces of the cabinets and the die is substantially plumbed and leveled upon assembly thereto.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Stewart 1451 Aug. 13,1974

[5 COUNTER FIXTURE [76] Inventor: Harry M. Stewart 1130 Hampton Ave., St. Louis, Mo. 63139 [22] Filed: Mar. 23, 1972 [21] App1.No.: 237,437

[52] US. Cl. 312/l40.1, 312/257 SK [51] Int. Cl. A47b 96/18, A47b 43/00 [58] Field of Search 312/140, 140.1, 140.3, 312/140.4, 257 SK, 257 A, 195, 107, 108,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,374,868 4/1921 White et a1. 312/275 SK 1,420,942 6/1922 Peyton 312/140.1 1,946,633 2/1934 Johnston 302/1401 1,970,705 8/1934 Montigney 248/19 X 2,098,453 11/1937 Janes et a1. 312/140.1 2,323,153 6/1943 Pilson 248/19 2,475,079 7/1949 Clouse et a1. 312/257 SK 2,688,525 9/1954 2,843,347 7/1958 2,866,676 12/1958 2,894,604 7/1959 v 3,056,639 10/1962 Caminker et a1. .J. 312/204 3,142,521 7/1964 Petroff 312/239 V 3,169,811 2/1965 Stewart 312/140.1

3,178,246 4/1965 RICCS 312/257 s1 3,410,621 11/1968 Schreyer 3l2/253 R 3,565,502 2/1971 Bracy et a1 312/257 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,217,337 12/1970 Great Britain 312/1401 Primary Examiner-Paul R. Gilliam Attorney, Agent, or Firm.1ohn D. Pope, III

[57] ABSTRACT A counter fixture for financial transactions having a die, one or more cabinet members supported by a base member and a countertop with curbing supported by the die and cabinet members. The one or more cabinet members and base member are plumbed and leveled simultaneously prior to assembling the die and countertop thereto. The die when supported on the base is elevated from the floor surface and positioned adjacent the cabinets, thereby acquiring a plumbed and leveled condition from the previously plumbed and leveled base and cabinet members. The countertop being supported by aligned surfaces of the cabinets and the die is substantially plumbed and leveled upon. assembly thereto.

13 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures COUNTER FIXTURE This invention is directed to new and useful improvements in counter fixtures and more particularly to a counter fixture for use in financial transactions.

Counter fixtures of this type are generally massive structures that are usually immovable after installation in buildings and thus form a permanent part of the surroundings. Most counter fixtures reduced to their main components generally comprise one or more cabinets accessible to a clerk, teller or the like, a countertop supported by the cabinets and a front panel which faces the customer, generally known as a die.

As most counter fixtures are subject to long and continuous use, it is desirable that the components thereof be made of durable material having an aesthetically pleasing appearance. To this end the countertop generally includes a granite deal portion upon which transactions involving paper, coin, etc., are made. The durability of granite in resisting wear as well as marring and scratching is well-known. The front die is generally formed of marble,.slate, granite, etc., with steel being the usual dominant cabinet material.

Although most counter fixture components are prefabricated, the die is generally custom fitted to the counter fixture at the final location of the fixture because the bottom edge of the die usually rests on a floor having individually distinct surface characteristics that render it an imperfect plane surface. The bottom edge of the die must therefore be shaped to properly engage the floor and toensure that the die has adequate clearance from the countertop. One known conventional method for positioning a die in a counter fixture includes standing an edge of the die on the floor adjacent a countertop, sizing the die with respect to the height of the countertop, plumbing and leveling the die, and fastening the die to vertical steel backing members fixed onto the floor adjacent the counter cabinets. Such work is tedious and time-consuming. Furthermore, it is generally conventional practice to separately plumb and level each cabinet in a counter fixture as such cabinets are usually separately mounted directly onto a floor surface. In a multicabinet counter fixture this plumbing and leveling is a tedious operation since the cabinets must generally have corresponding heights and attitudes.

Among the several objects of the present invention may be noted the provision of a novel counter fixture; a novel counter fixture wherein only one plumbing and leveling operation is needed; a novel counter fixture having a novel-die; a novel counter fixture having a novel base member; a novel counter fixture having a novel base member for supporting a die; a novel counter fixture having a novel base member for supporting cabinets and a die; a novel counter fixture having a novel truss subassembly for rendering the counter structure rigid; a novel counter fixture having a novel base member for simultaneously plumbing and leveling all cabinets within the fixture; a novel counter fixture having novel floor tie means for securing the fixtureto the floor; a novel counter fixture having novel access panels for gaining access to the die and base member; a novel method for incorporating a die in a counter fixture; and a novel method for assembling a plurality of counter fixtures in side-by-side arrangement. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The present invention relates to a novel counter fixture for use in financial transactions. The fixture comprises one or more cabinets and a die commonly supported on a single base member.

In the preferred embodiment of my invention the base member includes three generally rectangular base frames welded together in side-by-side relationship to form a rigid platform. Cabinet structure or'the like are positioned on and secured to the base frames such that a portion of the base member extends beyond the rear surfaces of the cabinets. The cabinets and base member are then plumbed and leveled simultaneously as a unit and tie straps associated with the individual base frames are fastened to the floor to anchor the base member to the fioor. A die including a die frame is then disposed onto the extended portion of the base member such that the bottom of the die frame rests on the extended portion of the base. The die facing or skin is fastened to the die frame and need not be supported by the floor. Thus the die facing is elevated above floor level. A rigid tie strap, secured at opposite ends to the cabinets, fastens to the die to lock the die against the cabinets. Since the cabinets and base member have already been plumbed and leveled there is no need to repeat this operation for the die because it is installed onto the already leveled base. Under this arrangement the die and cabinets form a support surface for the countertop which is fastened thereto. Curbing members are then secured to the countertop.

The invention accordingly comprises the constructions and methods hereinafter described, the scope of the invention being indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which several of various possible embodiments of the invention are illustrated,

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a counter fixture incorporating the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the counter fixture die frame with bottom locating brackets exploded therefrom;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the counter fixture base member;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the counter fixture with the countertop, die and base panels removed;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a counter fixture showing another embodiment of the die of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary rear view partly shown in section of two counter fixtures assembled in side-by-side arrangement; and 1 FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the counter fixture with the countertop removed.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the I drawings.

height to support a generally rectangular countertop member 20 that spans cabinet members 14 and 16 and die 18. A pair of spaced identical curbing members 22 and 24 are disposed on countertop member 20.

Base member 12 comprises a pair of identical generally rectangular outer frame members 26, 28, joined to an inner frame member 30. Frame members 26, 28, and 30 are formed of any suitable material such as steel. Frame member 26 includes spaced parallel opposite side wall portions 32, 34 and front and rear wall portions 36, 38, which wall portions all have upper and lower flanges generally indicated by reference numbers 40 and 42, respectively. A leveling member 44 is provided in each corner of frame member 26 and comprises a gusset 46 welded to lower flange 42, which gusset includes leveling bolt 48 threadably secured therein in a conventional manner. Leveling' bolt 48 includes a head 50 at one end thereof for engagement with a floor surface.

Frame 26 also includes a rigid floor tie strap 52 formed of steel, for instance, having right angle end portions 54, 54, respectively fastened to blocks 58, 58 welded to side wall portions 32 and 34. Right angle end portions 54,54 each include an elongated slot 60 through which a strap height fastener 62 threadably engages blocks 58, 58. Floor tie strap 52 also includes spaced holes 64 provided therein intermediate right angle end portions 54, 54. Outer frame member 28, being identical to outer frame member 26, is provided with reference numbers that correspond to those of outer frame 26.

Inner frame member 30 is constructed similarly to outer frame members 26 and 28 and includes spaced and parallel side wall portions 68, 68, which are shorter than the corresponding side wall portions 32, 34 of outer frame members 26 and 28, to which inner frame 30 is joined as by welding, for instance. Outer and inner frames 26, 28,130 thus form a rigid unitary base mem ber 12. Inner frame 30 also includes front and rear wall portions 70, 72, and upper and lower flanges 74, 76, respectively similar to upper and lower flanges 40, 42, of outer frame member 26. Inner frame member 30 further includes a. floor tie strap 78 similar to floor tie strap 52 and identical corner leveling members 44, previously described.

Cabinet members 14 and 16, which are formed of any suitable material such as steel, are each disposed on a respective outer frame member-26, 28, such that a portion of base member 12 extends beyond back walls 80 and 82 of cabinets 14 and 16 a predetermined amount as most clearly seen in FIG. 5. It will also be noted that cabinets 14 and 16 overhang rear wall portions 38, 38, of outer frame members 26, 28. Cabinet 16 includes side walls 84, 86, that are aligned with side wall portions 32, 34 of base frame 28. Cabinet side walls 84, 86 are joined by a lower ledge 88, the side walls and lower ledge having a lower flange portion 90 that is of complementary configuration with upper flange 40 of outer frame member 28. Cabinet 16 is secured to outer frame member 28 by bolting complementary flanges 40 and 90 together or by mechanically fastening the flanges together with fasteners 92 extending therethrough.

Cabinet 16 further includes a base panel 94 spanning cabinet side Walls 84, 86. Panel 94 is sized for a detachable slip fit on flange 90 being held in place thereon by gravity and includes gripping recesses 96 for holding and lifting purposes. Cabinet 16 also includes a door 98 hinged to wall 86 with hinges 100 and an upper flap 102 hinged with a hinge 104 to a divider panel 106. Latching or locking means (not shown) can be provided on door 98 and wall 84.

Cabinet 14, which has exterior dimensions that substantially correspond with those of cabinet 16, is arranged on outer frame member 26 in the same manner that cabinet 16 is arranged on outer frame member 28. Cabinet 14 has compartments and cabinet components that differ from those of cabinet 16 as evidenced by provision of drawers 108, and safe 112. However, although not shown, cabinet 14 includes a lower ledge and lower flange securing arrangement identical to that previously described for cabinet 16. Cabinet 14 also includes a removable base panel identical to base panel 94 of cabinet 16.

A cabinet component 114 comprising a drawer 116 and a partitioned compartment 118 is joined to cabinets 14 and 16 in any suitable conventional manner.

Cabinet component 114 is disposed over inner frame 30 free from connection therewith and includes a back wall 120 that is recessed from back walls 80 and 82 of cabinets 14 and 16.

Die 18 comprises a die frame 122 of generally rectangular shape and formed of any suitable material such as steel. Die frame 122 comprises oppositely disposed side pieces 124 and 126 joined to upper and lower cross pieces 130 and 132. Side pieces 124, 126 and upper and lower cross pieces 130, 132, are provided with front and rear flanges generally indicated by reference numbers 134, 136. Upper cross piece 130 includes countertop fastener holes 138 whereas lower cross piece 132 is provided with a generally rectangular conduit opening 140 intermediate side pieces 124, 126. Lower cross piece 132 is also provided with a pair of spaced L-shaped brackets 142, 142 having one leg 144 arranged to be welded or fastened to cross piece 132 such that the other leg 146 depends below lower cross piece 132. A pair of spaced and parallel lateral members148 and 150 are joined to upper and lower cross pieces 130 and 132 intermediate side pieces 124 and 126. Side pieces 124, 126 and lateral members 18, 150 are each provided with aligned generally rectangular access apertures 158 adjacent lower cross piece 132 and aligned pairs of spaced circular conduit openings 160, 162 intermediate access aperture 158 and upper cross piece 130. Comer access apertures 164, 164 of square shape are provided at the junction of side pieces 124, 126 and upper cross piece 130, and are in alignment with upper square access apertures 166 in lateral members 148, 150. Side pieces 124, 126 also include frame fastener holes 168, 168 provided intermediate corner access apertures 164, 164 and circular conduit openings 160, 162, respectively.

Die 18 further comprises three spaced and parallel channel-shaped longitudinal members 152 joined by welding to side pieces 124, 126 and lateral members 148, 150, intermediate upper and lower cross pieces 130, 132. A die facing 170 formed of marble or any other suitable material is fastened to longitudinal channel members 152 by means of fasteners (not shown) provided in die facing fastener holes 172 of said longitudinal channel members. Die facing 170 can be formed as one piece or several pieces as indicated by marble skins 174, 176 and 178 arranged in side-by-side relationship, such that each marble skin forms a continuation of the other skin. Skins 174, 176, 178 collectively extend from side piece 124 of frame 122 to side piece 126 and also extend from lower cross, piece 132 toward upper cross piece 130, being spaced below upper cross piece 130 a predetermined amount.

In another embodiment of a die as shown in FIG. 6, die frame 122 is provided with identical elongated slats 180, 180 secured to flange 134 of frame 122 and flanges 184 of lateral members 148, 150. Each slat 180 extends the length of longitudinal members 152 and includes a surface 186 downwardly inclined toward die frame 122 such that a nest opening 188 is defined by the space between surface 186 and die frame 122. A one-piece die facing 189 is similarly provided with identical slats 190, 190 secured thereto by fasteners or adhesive. Slats 190, 190 are equivalent in length to and are of complementary configuration with slats 180, 180. Each slat 190 includes a surface 194 that is in clined upwardly toward die facing 189, complementing the downwardly inclined surface 186 of slat 180. A nest opening 196 similar to nest opening 188 is defined by the space between inclined surface 194 and die facing 189. .With die facing 189 in mounted position on die frame 122, inclined surface 186-of slat 180 engages nest opening 196 of slat 190 and inclined surface 194 of slat 190 engages nest opening 188 of slat 180. Under this arrangement the force of gravity maintains die facing 189 in mounted position on die frame 122. If desired, slats 180 and 190 can be sized to permit die facing 189 to bear against longitudinal channel members 152 when slats 180 and 190 are nestably engaged as described. Die facing 189 and die frame 122 canthus be assembled and detached without tools. A multi-skin die facing such as skins 174, 176, 178 can be constructed according to the embodiment of FIG. 6 by providing each skin with slats (not shown) formed to extend an amount corresponding to the respective skin size.

Cabinets 14 and 16, cabinet component 114 and die frame 122 include top surfaces 198, 200, 202 and 204 arranged to form a support surface for countertop 20. Countertop 20 comprises a counter surface 205 formed of any suitable material such as granite. A backing material 206 such as particle board of substantially the same dimensions as counter surface 205 is bonded thereto. Countertop 20 includes a customer ledge 208 projecting beyond die 18 and front and rear flanges 210, 212, depending from counter surface 205 an amount substantially equivalent to the thickness of backing material 206. Countertop 20 is secured to surfaces 198, 200, 202 and 204 by fasteners (not shown) disposed in holes 213, 214, 216 and 138, and which fasteners engage backing material 206.

Curbing members 22, 24 are formed of any suitable material such as marble and each comprise side walls 217, 218 joined to a front wall 220 and a top wall 222 spanning the front and side walls 217, 218. Curbing members 22, 24, are secured to counter surface 205 in a conventional manner as by bonding or fastening.

Counter fixture also includes a generally L-shaped I knee-space component 224 formed of any suitable material such as steel. Knee-space component 224 is arranged for disposition on inner base frame 30 and comprises a base panel 226 joined to a back panel 228, which panels extend between side walls 230 and 84 of cabinets 14 and 16. Knee-space component 224 also includes a flange 234 depending from base panel 226.

Counter fixture 10 is generally prefabricated and suitable for on site assembly in a bank, office or the 6 like. It has been found desirable to preassemble base member 12, cabinets 14, 16 and cabinet component .114 to form a rigid truss subassembly 236 (FIG. 5) before delivering these items to their on site location. This saves on site assembly time and enables truss subassembly 236 to be plumbed and leveled as a unit. During the plumbing and leveling procedure base panels 94, 94 are removed from cabinets 14, 16 to permit access to corner leveling members 44 and floor tie straps 52, 52. Plumbing and leveling of truss subassembly 236 requires adjustment of only those leveling bolts 48 adjacent wall 32 of outer frame 26 and wall 34 of outer frame 28. The remaining leveling bolts 48 are adjusted to provide supplemental support after truss subassembly 236 has been plumbed and leveled. Strap height fasteners 62 are then loosened to permit floor tie straps 52, 52 and 78 to engage a floor surface, suchthat fasteners (not shown) disposed in holes 64 can anchor the tie straps to the floor. Strap height fasteners 62 are tightened to prevent relative movement between tie straps 52, 52, 78 and base member 12, and base panels 94, 94 are redisposed in cabinets 14 and 16.

Base member 12 extends beyond back walls 80, 82 of cabinets 14, 16 an amount approximately equivalent to the width of lower cross piece 132 of die frame 122. Die 18 is disposed on this extension portion of base member 12 adjacent back walls 80, 82 of cabinets 14, 16. In this position of die 18, bracket legs 146, 146 of brackets 142, 142 abut upper flanges 40, 40 of outer base frames 26, 28, thereby restraining movement of die 18 away from cabinets 14, 16. Die 18 is further secured in position by a rigid tie strap 238 formed of steel, for instance, having rightangle end portions 240 fastened to side walls 230, 84 of cabinets 14, 16. Flange 136 of die frame 122is secured to tie strap 238 by fasteners (not shown) disposed in holes 242 and 244 of the die strap and flange, respectively. Die facing 170, owing its support on counter fixture 10 to die frame 122, is free from connection with base member 12 and maintained in an elevated position above the floor surface. Die facing 170 also projects forwardly of base member 12 to avoid interference therewith. Die 18 need not be plumbed or leveled because this operation has previously been performed on truss subassembly 236. Once die 18 has been installed, countertop 20 is shimmed level before being fastened to cabinets 14, 16, cabinet component 114 and cross piece of die frame 122. Knee-space component 224 is held in position by elongated spring clips 245, 246 having strip portions 248, 250, secured to cabinets 14, 16 and resilient deflectable channel portions 252, 254 biased against side flanges 255 of back panel 228. Depending flange 234 of base panel 226 is fastened to front wall portion 70 of inner base frame 30 with fasteners 256.

A plurality of counter fixtures 10 can be assembled next to each other in side-by-side arrangement suCh that die facing and countertop 20 of one counter fixture 10 are substantially continuous with the same components of an adjacent counter fixture 10. In assembling a row of counter fixtures 10, front and rear portions 36, 38 of each base member 12 are aligned, and truss assemblies 236 are plumbed and leveled, leveling bolts 48 being adjusted so that there are no steps between cabinet top surfaces 198, 200 of adjacent counter fixtures. After all truss subassemblies 236 in a single row of counter fixtures have been aligned, plumbed and leveled, dies 18, countertops 20, curbing members 22, 24 and knee-space component 224 are installed.

One desirable way of arranging counter fixtures 10 in side-by-side arrangement is to form die frame 122 and countertop to project beyond sides 258 and 86 of cabinets 14, 16 a predetermined amount as most clearly shown in FIG. 7. Thus when adjacent die frames 122 and countertops 20 abut there is a space 262 between cabinets l4 and -16 and also between base members 12 of adjacent counter fixtures 10.

A double L channel-shaped rear filler panel 264 is positioned in space 262 between base members 12 and cabinets 14, 16 of adjacent counter fixtures 10. Filler panel 264 is held in position by frictional engagement with spring pieces 266, 268 and sides 86, 258 of cabinets 14, 16 to which spring pieces 266, 268 are secured. Panel 264 can be installed or detached without tools and bridges space 262 to form a continuation'surface between cabinets 14, 16 of adjacent counter fixtures 10. A straight channel-shaped front filler panel 270 is similarly installed in space 262 between adjacent base members 12 at the front of counter fixture 10. Filler panel 270 is held in position by engageable spring pieces 272 and 274 (similar to spring pieces 266, 268) on side wall portions 32 and 34 of adjacent outer base frames 26, 28 of adjacent counter fixtures 10. Wood blocks 276 having holes 278 are also disposed in space 262 between adjacent base members 12. Base member 12 of one counter fixture 10 is drawn toward base member 12 of another counter fixture 10 by adjusting fasteners (not shown) extending through holes 278 of block 276 and holes 280, 282 of outer frames 26 and 28. Block 276 serves to limit the drawing movement of one base member 12 toward another base member 12 and also helps to maintain side walls 32 and 24 of adjacent outer base frames 26 and 28 parallel to each other. After base members l2, 12 have been drawn together a predetermined amount, truss subassemblies 236 are plumbed, leveled and tied to the floor through tie straps 52 and 78. Die frames 122, 122 are mounted on basev members 12, 12 in abutting relationship and secured together by fasteners (not shown) in holes 168 of side pieces 124, 126. Countertops 20, 20, knee-space component 224 and filler panels 264, 270 are then -installed. If desired a cover material such as vinyl 283 can be secured to front wall portions 36, 36, 72 of outer and inner base frames 26, 28 and 30. I

Telephone and electrical conduit 284 and 286 are supplied to counter fixture 10 through opening 140 in lower cross piece 132 of frame 122. Conduit 284 and 286 can be arranged in branches (not shown) that are supported in aligned openings 160, 162 of side pieces 124, 126 and lateral members 148, 150, which openings are also arranged to align with corresponding openings in die frames 122 of adjacent counter fixtures 10. Thus no special holding attachments are needed to position or hold conduits 284, 286. Access apertures 158, 164, 166 facilitate installation and servicing of the electrical and telephone conduit as well as installation of die frame 122.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art the size and shape of counter fixture 10 can be varied in many ways, some of which include varying the size and shape of base frames 26, 28, 30 or cabinets 14, 16, or by adding an extra base frame and cabinet combination (not shown) to either or both outer base frames 26, 28. This addition can be made by fastening the extra base frame and cabinet combination to front wall 36 of base frames 26, 28 after base member 12 has been plumbed and leveled. Countertop 20 can be similarly varied in shape to correspond to the added cabinets.

Some advantages of the novel counter fixture evident from the foregoing description include a multi-cabinet counter fixture structure that requires only one plumbing and leveling operation and has a die facing that is elevated from the floor. Other advantages include a base member for supporting more than one cabinet, which base member can simultaneously plumb and level all cabinets supported thereon. The base member also serves as a nucleus for adding extra base members and cabinet components thereto. Still other advantages include a die structure having a die frame for supporting a die facing, which die can be adapted to detachably hold a die facing without fasteners and which die frame supports telephone and electrical conduit.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. In a counter fixture having a base and a first cabinet member having front and rear wall portions supported on the base with the base extending beyond the rear wall portion of said cabinet member to define a ledge portion of said base, characterized by a die member comprising an outer die frame having interconnected bracing members, at least one side of said die member being disposed on said ledge portion, attaching means on said die frame and said base for locating and returning said die frame on said base in a predetermined position, said die member also having a die facing and interconnecting means projecting from said die frame and die facing for joining said die facing to said die frame and to space said die facing from said die frame with a lower free edge portion of said die facing spaced from said base and a floor when said die frame is disposed on said ledge.

2. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said die member and said first cabinet member extend upwardly from said base platform member to a predetermined common height to form avsupporting-surface, and counter top means disposed on said supporting surface.

3. A counter fixtur as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base platform member includes adjustable leveling means for simultaneously adjusting said base platform member and said first cabinet member to a plumbed and level condition on a floor surface.

4. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 3 wherein said base platform member includes floor tie means for anchoring said base platform member to a floor surface after said base platform member and said first cabinet member have been placed in a plumbed and level condition.

5. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein a second cabinet member is supported on said base platform member in spaced relationship from said first cabinet member such that said ledge portion extends beyond said second cabinet member and said die member spans the space between said first and second cabinet members.

6. A counter fixture as claimed in claim wherein said base member includes an inner base member component and a pair of oppositely disposed outer base member components rigidly secured to said inner base member component in side by side relationship, said first cabinet member being supported on one of said outer base member components and said second cabinet member being supported on the other said outer base member component.

7. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first and second cabinet members are rigidly secured to said base platform member, said counter fixture further including a bracing member spaced from said base platform and rigidly interconnecting said first and second cabinet members, said first and second cabinet members, said bracing member and said base platform member forming the rigid framework of a truss structure.

8. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 5 wherein said die member is disposed adjacent said first and second cabinet members, said counter fixture further in- 10 eluding attachment means for securing said die member to said first and second cabinet members.

9. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said connecting means detachably connect said die facing to said die frame.

10. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 9 wherein said die frame includes nesting means having a nesting portion for supporting said die facing, said die facing including nest-engaging means for disposition on said nesting portion to detachably interconnect said die facing to said die frame.

11. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 10 wherein said nesting portion includes a nest opening, said nestengaging means including a nest-engaging portion of complementary shape with said nest opening for detachable insertion in said nest opening.

12. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said die frame includes entry openings for electrical conduit.

13. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said die facing is formed of a slab of inorganic material. s

Patent No. 3,829,187 Dated Aug st 13, 197 4 Inventor( M Stewart It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the title page after "E761" insert Assignee: Bank Building 8; Equipment Corporation of America, 8t, Louis, Missouri n On the title page, reference "1 9 46 633 302/l l0.l" 7, should read 'l,9 !6 533 3l2/l lo=.l

Column l, line 11 "18 150" should read 1 48 150 Column 6 line 37 "die strap" should read tie strap line 56 "such" should need such --u line 62 "eesemhllee" should read subassemblies Column 7 line 35 "'32 and 2'4" ehould read 32 and 3 4 Column 8 line 38 "returning" should read retaining Column 95, line 4, "base member" should read base platform member Signed end sealed this 29th day of October 1974.

(SEAL) Attemt:

McCOY Mm GIBSON JR C0 SHALL DANN Atteeting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM P0405) (10-69) USCOIMM-DC 60376-P69 U.5. GOVERNMENT PRINYING OFFICE 1 i959 O355'334

Claims (13)

1. In a counter fixture having a base and a first cabinet member having front and rear wall portions supported on the base with the base extending beyond the rear wall portion of said cabinet member to define a ledge portion of said base, characterized by a die member comprising an outer die frame having interconnected bracing members, at least one side of said die member being disposed on said ledge portion, attaching means on said die frame and said base for locating and returning said die frame on said base in a predetermined position, said die member also having a die facing and interconnecting means projecting from said die frame and die facing For joining said die facing to said die frame and to space said die facing from said die frame with a lower free edge portion of said die facing spaced from said base and a floor when said die frame is disposed on said ledge.

2. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said die member and said first cabinet member extend upwardly from said base platform member to a predetermined common height to form a supporting surface, and counter top means disposed on said supporting surface.

3. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base platform member includes adjustable leveling means for simultaneously adjusting said base platform member and said first cabinet member to a plumbed and level condition on a floor surface.

4. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 3 wherein said base platform member includes floor tie means for anchoring said base platform member to a floor surface after said base platform member and said first cabinet member have been placed in a plumbed and level condition.

5. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein a second cabinet member is supported on said base platform member in spaced relationship from said first cabinet member such that said ledge portion extends beyond said second cabinet member and said die member spans the space between said first and second cabinet members.

6. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 5 wherein said base member includes an inner base member component and a pair of oppositely disposed outer base member components rigidly secured to said inner base member component in side by side relationship, said first cabinet member being supported on one of said outer base member components and said second cabinet member being supported on the other said outer base member component.

7. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first and second cabinet members are rigidly secured to said base platform member, said counter fixture further including a bracing member spaced from said base platform and rigidly interconnecting said first and second cabinet members, said first and second cabinet members, said bracing member and said base platform member forming the rigid framework of a truss structure.

8. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 5 wherein said die member is disposed adjacent said first and second cabinet members, said counter fixture further including attachment means for securing said die member to said first and second cabinet members.

9. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said connecting means detachably connect said die facing to said die frame.

10. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 9 wherein said die frame includes nesting means having a nesting portion for supporting said die facing, said die facing including nest-engaging means for disposition on said nesting portion to detachably interconnect said die facing to said die frame.

11. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 10 wherein said nesting portion includes a nest opening, said nest-engaging means including a nest-engaging portion of complementary shape with said nest opening for detachable insertion in said nest opening.

12. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said die frame includes entry openings for electrical conduit.

13. A counter fixture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said die facing is formed of a slab of inorganic material.

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