Patents by Inventor Robert W. Grace
Robert W. Grace has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9580097Abstract: A method for delivering articles using a container having a substantially vertical rear wall with a baseplate extending therefrom is disclosed herein. A plurality of articles may be loaded onto the baseplate. The rear wall, baseplate, and articles are preferably transported to the destination. Once at the final destination, the articles can be removed from the baseplate by sliding the baseplate and rear wall away from the articles. In some embodiments, the rear wall remains substantially vertical during transportation to the destination. In other embodiments, the rear wall can be removably connected to a wheeled apparatus for secure transport.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: RWGCO, LLCInventor: Robert W. Grace, VII
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Patent number: 9358997Abstract: A container for transporting articles and the method for using the same is disclosed herein. The container preferably has a rear wall with a bottom portion, a pair of sidewalls extending from the rear wall, and a baseplate extending from the bottom portion of the rear wall. An aperture may be placed on the rear wall to secure the container during transport. To allow for nesting of the containers, it is preferable that the sidewalls extend from the rear wall at an angle greater than 90 degrees. The rear wall may also contain a stabilizing rib for stabilizing the container during transport. In an exemplary embodiment, the aperture may contain a ledge which may correspond with a latch on a wheeled apparatus for quickly securing the container to the wheeled apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: RWGCO, LLCInventor: Robert W. Grace, VII
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Publication number: 20150086323Abstract: A method for delivering articles using a container having a substantially vertical rear wall with a baseplate extending therefrom is disclosed herein. A plurality of articles may be loaded onto the baseplate. The rear wall, baseplate, and articles are preferably transported to the destination. Once at the final destination, the articles can be removed from the baseplate by sliding the baseplate and rear wall away from the articles. In some embodiments, the rear wall remains substantially vertical during transportation to the destination. In other embodiments, the rear wall can be removably connected to a wheeled apparatus for secure transport.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventor: Robert W. Grace, VII
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Publication number: 20130223971Abstract: A container for transporting articles and the method for using the same is disclosed herein. The container preferably has a rear wall with a bottom portion, a pair of sidewalls extending from the rear wall, and a baseplate extending from the bottom portion of the rear wall. An aperture may be placed on the rear wall to secure the container during transport. To allow for nesting of the containers, it is preferable that the sidewalls extend from the rear wall at an angle greater than 90 degrees. The rear wall may also contain a stabilizing rib for stabilizing the container during transport. In an exemplary embodiment, the aperture may contain a ledge which may correspond with a latch on a wheeled apparatus for quickly securing the container to the wheeled apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: Beverage Operations, LLCInventor: Robert W. Grace, IV
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Patent number: 7873542Abstract: A method of utilizing a mini-pallet to create, organize, and move product stacks is provided where orders are preloaded on mini-pallets, placed in a trailer and then offloaded by account location with a hand truck.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc.Inventors: Norman C. Strohfus, Robert W. Grace, David J. Glancy
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Publication number: 20090299921Abstract: A method of utilizing a mini-pallet to create, organize, and move product stacks is provided where orders are preloaded on mini-pallets, placed in a trailer and then offloaded by account location with a hand truck.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2007Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Joseph D. Krawczyk, Norman C. Strohfus, Robert W. Grace, David J. Glancy
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Patent number: 7192237Abstract: A series of transport carts are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van to leave an aisle between them. The carts have wheel supported upright frames with bottom supports for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts which are disengageably locked in track sections provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets with discs projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack from the cart.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Inventors: Norman C. Strohfus, Robert W. Grace, David J. Glancy
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Patent number: 7025548Abstract: A series of transport carts are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van to leave an aisle between them. The carts have wheel supported upright frames with bottom supports for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts which are disengageably locked in track sections provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets with discs projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack from the cart.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Inventors: Joseph D. Krawczyk, Norman C. Strohfus, Robert W. Grace, David J. Glancy
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Patent number: 6874981Abstract: A series of transport carts are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van to leave an aisle between them. The carts have wheel supported upright frames with bottom supports for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts which are disengageably locked in track sections provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets with discs projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack from the cart.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Inventors: Joseph D. Krawczyk, Robert W. Grace, Norman C. Strohfus, David J. Glancy
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Publication number: 20040071520Abstract: A series of transport carts are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van to leave an aisle between them. The carts have wheel supported upright frames with bottom supports for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts which are disengageably locked in track sections provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets with discs projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack from the cart.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Joseph D. Krawczyk, Norman C. Strohfus, Robert W. Grace, David J. Glancy
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Publication number: 20040071521Abstract: A series of transport carts are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van to leave an aisle between them. The carts have wheel supported upright frames with bottom supports for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts which are disengageably locked in track sections provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets with discs projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack from the cart.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Joseph D. Krawczyk, Norman C. Strohfus, Robert W. Grace, David J. Glancy
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Publication number: 20040067129Abstract: A series of transport carts are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van to leave an aisle between them. The carts have wheel supported upright frames with bottom supports for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts which are disengageably locked in track sections provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets with discs projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack from the cart.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Joseph D. Krawczyk, Norman C. Strohfus, Robert W. Grace, David J. Glancy
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Patent number: 6655892Abstract: A series of transport carts (21) are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van (22) to leave an aisle (58) between them. The carts have wheel supported frames (28) with bottom supports (131) for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts (58) which are disengageably locked in track sections (66, 67) provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets (30) with discs (34) projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack (31) from the cart.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Norman C. Strohfus, Robert W. Grace, David J. Glancy
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Patent number: 6626634Abstract: A method of utilizing a mini-pallet to create, organize, and move product stacks. In a preferred configuration, the mini-pallet is a nestable lightweight shipping tray which provides a convenient means for handling packaged units, in particular packages of beverage containers. The mini-pallet can support loads at an elevation above a supporting surface through the use of a deck supported by two side legs and a central support. The legs are located to facilitate a user in positioning a carrier under the deck for transportation. The central support, in a preferred embodiment, compatibly fits with a designated opening in the lifting portion of the carrier. When not loaded, the mini-pallet is capable of “nesting” within another mini-pallet for convenient storage.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Coca Cola EnterprisesInventors: Phillip C. Hwang, William P. Apps, Norman C. Strohfus, Robert W. Grace, David J. Glancy
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Publication number: 20020101049Abstract: A series of transport carts (21) are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van (22) to leave an aisle (58) between them. The carts have wheel supported frames (28) with bottom supports (131) for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts from which the carts can be unloaded. The carts have rear posts (58) which are disengageably locked in track sections (66, 67) provided in longitudinally spaced relation along the van side walls. Pallets (30) with discs (34) projecting downwardly from the floors of the pallets support the product stacks on the cart bottom supports. A hand truck with a bifurcated nose plate defining disc receiving arms engages under each pallet to enable removal of a pallet and product stack (31) from the cart.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2001Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventors: Joseph D. Krawczyk, Norman C. Strohfus, Robert W. Grace, David J. Glancy
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Publication number: 20010041131Abstract: A method of utilizing a mini-pallet to create, organize, and move product stacks. In a preferred configuration, the mini-pallet is a nestable lightweight shipping tray which provides a convenient means for handling packaged units, in particular packages of beverage containers. The mini-pallet can support loads at an elevation above a supporting surface through the use of a deck supported by two side legs and a central support. The legs are located to facilitate a user in positioning a carrier under the deck for transportation. The central support, in a preferred embodiment, compatibly fits with a designated opening in the lifting portion of the carrier. When not loaded, the mini-pallet is capable of “nesting” within another mini-pallet for convenient storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2001Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventors: Phillip C. Hwang, William P. Apps, Norman C. Strohfus, Robert W. Grace, David J. Glancy
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Patent number: 5238349Abstract: An article sorting and retrieval system for use in warehouses and distribution centers wherein articles are stored in vertical racks with open-sided storage bins. The system includes a linearly extensible lower conveyor assembly adapted to transport items parallel to the rows of storage bins and a vertically movable upper conveyor assembly located above and parallel to the lower conveyor assembly and adapted to convey articles in a direction opposite to that of the lower assembly and to be raised and lowered between an upper position and a lower position as desired so as to service all of the bins in each of the rows of bins. Another conveyor assembly is provided for conveying articles vertically between one end of the lower conveyor assembly and one end of the upper conveyor assembly and for reversing the direction of travel of the articles during that vertical movement.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1992Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Inventor: Robert W. Grace, Sr.
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Patent number: 5111963Abstract: A storage and dispensing apparatus for articles, containers and the like includes two opposing vertical stacks of shelf assemblies pivotally mounted relative to support structure for rotation between an upwardly tilted receiving and storage position in a downwardly tilted discharge position. Each shelf assembly includes a transfer stop and transfer control for retaining the shelf assembly in the receiving position until the next lower shelf assembly is prepared to receive a container. Each shelf assembly can also include a receiving stop for retaining the shelf assembly in the receiving position until a container is fully disposed on the shelf surface. The shelf assembly can further include a discharge drive for overcoming static between a stored container and the underlying shelf surface during transfer operations. The apparatus automatically advances container downwardly through the stack to the lowest unfilled shelf for selective dispensing at the bottom of the stacks.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1991Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Assignee: Frederick J. StingelInventor: Robert W. Grace, Sr.
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Patent number: 4621745Abstract: A vertically accumulating storage and dispensing apparatus for containers and the like wherein the containers are loaded at the top of a tower and selectively dispensed from the bottom. The tower has a frame that defines first and second tower sections, each supporting a number of vertically spaced shelf trays which in turn support the containers which are stacked on the trays when loaded. The shelf trays of each tower section face inwardly toward and are staggered relative to each other. Each tray is mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis and is operated so that when a container is dispensed from a bottom shelf tray, each higher tray beginning at the bottom and progressing upward one at a time, pivots to transfer its carton to the upwardly tilted next lower empty shelf tray. This process is repeated until each container has been transferred to the next lower shelf tray.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1984Date of Patent: November 11, 1986Inventor: Robert W. Grace