Abstract: A table has a storage area for ice, comestibles and cold beverages composed of a table top having an upper surface, a lower surface and an opening medially spaced in said upper surface extends through the table top. A number of spaced legs are connected to the table top on opposite sides of the medially disposed opening for supporting the table top at a predetermined height above a supporting surface. A container defining a storage compartment is affixed to the table top about the opening, and a removable lid is disposed in the opening to maintain the storage compartment normally closed. The container has a length equal to that of the legs and works together with the legs in supporting the table top. The table top, legs and container are so assembled that a plurality of the tables can be stacked one upon the other in the shipping, storing and moving of the tables. Spacer fins are connected to the container to prevent the table from sticking when a plurality of the tables are disassembled.

Abstract: A shelving construction comprises a plurality of quadrangular panels and a plurality of sets of supporting legs. At least one panel overlies two parallel, spaced apart panels. One set of legs couples the overlying panel to one of the two panels and another set of legs couples the overlying panel to the other of the two panels. The legs interlock the three panels to one another and maintain them securely in their respective positions.

Abstract: A table that is useful alone and in combination with a tray and/or other inserts supported atop the table. The table is of a unitary molded plastic construction and is configured for nested stacking with like tables for convenient and compact storage and handling. The table has a top surface of regular polygonal shape with four truncated corners, and a plurality of legs depending from the table top at respective ones of the truncated corners. The legs, going from top to bottom, diverge outwardly with each being in the form of a channel that opens inwardly for nested receipt of a corresponding leg of a subjacent table of like construction. The table top has an upstanding marginal rim extending along the peripheral edge of the top surface thereof, and the marginal rim functions to prevent objects from rolling or sliding off the top surface and/or as containment structure for an insert such as a decorative panel and/or a removable tray that may have a design printed thereon.

Abstract: A lobby table (10) for use in a post office lobby is described. The lobby table has lockable boxes (14) which are mounted together and spaced apart by front and back horizontal spacers (64 and 66). A counter top (12) is mounted on the uppermost horizontal row of lockable boxes and is supported by the underlying lockable boxes. The lockable boxes have a top wall (14A), a bottom wall (14B) and two sidewalls (14C) which form a front opening (14D) which allows access to the interior of the lockable box. The perimeter of the front opening is surrounded by a frame (30) formed by a top frame member (32), a bottom frame member (34), a right frame member (36) and a left frame member (38). The lockable box can also be provided with a central wall and a center frame member (42) in order to provide right and left small boxes (24 and 26).

Abstract: A lightweight stacking table with folding legs. There are a pair of unitary plastic H-shaped legs each having a pair of leg portions separated by a cross-piece. There is a unitary plastic top having a flat top surface and a waffle-patterned under-structure. The under-structure has a pair of mirror imaged H-shaped slots therein holding the pair of H-shaped legs. The top has side edges which angle down and slightly outward from a top edge at the periphery of the top surface and has a curved bottom edge which grips the top edge of a second table when two tables are stacked one upon the other. The H-shaped legs are separately pivotable between stored positions within the H-shaped slots and support positions out of the H-shaped slots supporting the top by four pivot pins through bores in the under-structure and bores top ends of the leg portions.

Abstract: A shelf, shelf system or partition is to be configured so that a rigid connection of the individual module units is guaranteed when they are stacked atop one another and when assembled next to one another. This is achieved in that U-shaped module units (1) have blind holes (7) that are placed at least approximately centrally to narrow sides (6) of carrying uprights (5). Module units (1) placed atop one another can be connected to one another by connecting elements (12) that can be inserted in blind holes (7) (FIG. 1 ).

Abstract: A movable utility cart includes a frame and a tray assembly appended to the frame. A latch assembly is provided to move between an engaged position coupling the tray assembly to the frame and a disengaged position uncoupling the tray assembly from the frame.

Abstract: A storage rack assembly system is made up of a plurality of vertical members and a plurality of cross-members supported by the vertical members. The vertical members can be stacked one on top of another and locked together by means of suitable connectors, which connectors are also used to support the cross-members. In a first embodiment of the invention, the connectors are rods on the ends of the cross-members engaging aligned holes extending laterally through connecting portions of the vertical members. In another embodiment, the vertical members are vertically locked to each other by suitable bolts, the bolts providing stepped portions for engaging recesses in shelves extending between the vertical members. The connectors further enable the system to be expanded horizontally as well as vertically.

Abstract: A modular assembly comprised of a plurality of shelf members, each having a plurality of equally spaced sockets for selectively receiving a plurality of legs insertable therein to facilitate a variety of arrangements of interconnected shelf members. Cap members can be inserted into said sockets to provide a smooth surface.

Abstract: An activity table is made from a plurality of stackable cots and a top surface which is placed on the uppermost cot. The activity table may clamp onto particular components of the formed cots. The top surface applies as a cover on to the top of the stacked cots, and this surface may also include walls to define a basin which may hold water, toys, or even an infant. The top surface of the cots may also include other indicia, such as to form a game board, or the like. The activity boards are removably connected to the sides of the table by means of clips or brackets which engage frame members on the cots. Additionally, the activity boards are constructed to clamp onto other supporting structures, such as a table, cart, rails or balusters of a staircase.

Abstract: A set of shelving units which can be interlockingly mated together. Each shelving unit has a set of end panels is provided with substantially identical dimensions. At least one elongated cross member is joined to an edge of the end panels so that the end panels are spaced apart along the length of the cross member. At least two elongated cross members are joined to an opposite edge of the end panels. The two cross members are parallel and spaced apart to form a gap for receiving a cross member of a second shelving unit similarly constructed so that the shelving units can be interlockingly mated. The cross members of each shelf form a shelving surface.

Abstract: An activity table is made from a plurality of stackable cots and a top surface which is placed on the uppermost cot. The activity table may clamp onto particular components of the formed cots. The top surface applies as a cover on to the top of the stacked cots, and this surface may also include walls to define a basin which may hold water, toys, or even an infant. The top surface of the cots may also include other indicia, such as to form a game board, or the like. The activity boards are removably connected to the sides of the table by means of clips or brackets which engage frame members on the cots. Additionally, the activity boards are constructed to clamp onto other supporting structures, such as a table, cart, rails or balusters of a staircase.

Abstract: A tool cabinet has rollers depending from a bottom wall for rolling engagement with an underlying floor. A retractable step is carried by a support arm which extends laterally from the step and has an upstanding shaft portion which extends through an axial bore in a spiral cam which is fixed to the bottom wall of the cabinet. The shaft has a cam follower pin which extends therefrom and is slidably engageable with a spiral cam surface on the cam for accommodating simultaneous pivotal swinging movement and vertical movement of the step between a stowed position disposed beneath the cabinet and above the floor and a use position extending from beneath the cabinet in engagement with the floor.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for storing audio/video cassettes and compact discs which consists of a plurality of shelf units. Each shelf unit is sized to hold only one type of the audio/video cassettes and compact discs therein. A mechanism is for mounting each shelf unit against a vertical flat surface. A structure is for interconnecting the shelf units together in a stacked one over the other relationship against the vertical flat surface.

Abstract: A tray rack is constructed with a plurality of tray supports of approximately Z-shaped form adapted for supporting trays, each having four through holes arranged in the corners thereof, four supporting columns extending across the four through holes of their respective tray supports and having castors mounted to the lowermost ends thereof respectively, a plurality of spacer tubes fitted onto the four supporting columns for spacing the tray supports at equal intervals, and four retainer members attached to the uppermost ends of the supporting columns respectively for tightly fastening the tray supports and the spacer tubes mounted alternately. Accordingly, the tray racks can nest in a traverse direction for compact storage.

Abstract: A free standing stacking shelf system is provided wherein the stacking elements of each shelf are selectively collapsible or foldable with respect to the shelf and can be selectively locked into a predetermined angular disposition with respect to the shelf element. Each of the stacking elements is substantially U-shaped having first and second legs and a base extending therebetween. The free ends of the legs are pivotally coupled to a respective shelf. A device is provided for selectively locking the legs and hence the stacking element with respect to the shelf in a predetermined orientation. When the legs are unlocked from the shelf element, the stacking elements can be collapsed or folded so as to be closely adjacent to the shelf element thereby significantly reducing the overall height of the shelf for transport and storage.

Abstract: A chair having ganging apparatus for interconnecting a number of such chairs together and a stacking pad is attached to the underside of the chair seat, the bottom surface of which conforms closely to the top surface of the seat. The ganging apparatus includes first and second ganging members, each connected to the seat underside, and swingable between a retracted position beneath the chair seat and an extended position extended out from under the chair seat. Both of the ganging members are wire-like members formed in a generally U-shape and are interlinked with corresponding members of an adjacent chair. The stacking pad accommodates the attachment of a frame, to which the legs and ganging members are attached. The pad includes recesses for accommodating the ganging members when in their retracted position. A spring is provided for biasing the ganging members toward the retracted position, and a catch is provided for locking the ganging members in the extended position.

Abstract: A radially expandable shelf display includes a plurality of stacked shelves, arrayed at a plurality of selected vertical levels and clustered about a central axis. A post extends vertically and is connected to each shelf in a vertical stack. A guide beam, fixedly attached to the post, extends radially outward from the central axis. A platform, above the layers of shelves encloses a rectangular box-like structure having an open bottom. Guide rails extend radially from the platform, the guide rails being separated by a gap wherein the guide beam is seated. In use, each post, and connected shelves, may be individually moved radially outward from the axis with the guide beam sliding between the guide rails.

Abstract: A multi-tier tower has at least two successive tier trays and at least one spacing support connecting the tier trays, the spacing support being coupled with the respective tier tray at each of its two ends. The coupling is formed so that uncoupling of the tier tray from the support is possible in a horizontal direction, i.e. transverse to the direction of the height of the multi-tier tower.

Abstract: A self-leveling dispenser provides a rack supporting a stack of trays within a frame. A reversible motor drivably connected to spiral shafts mounted at the corners of the frame rotates the shafts to provide upward or downward movement of the rack, which is supported on the spiral shafts by threaded sleeves. An upper sensor mounted to the frame is operably connected to the motor to move the rack downward upon detecting a tray at an upper horizontal level above a desired height. A lower sensor mounted to the frame is operably connected to the motor to raise the rack upon sensing the absence of a tray at a lower horizontal level below the desired height. The sensors cooperate to automatically and continuously reposition an uppermost portion of a top tray in the stack at the desired height with respect to the frame, thereby to facilitate dispensing of dishes or food products.

Abstract: In a multi-tier tower for goods display, at least two platforms (10) arranged one above the other are detachably connected with one another by a plurality of spacing supports (12). Along a forward edge (16) of a base plate (14) of the respective platforms there is provided a first wall (18) directed substantially downwards therefrom and along a second edge (21) of the base plate (14) there is provided a second wall (22) directed substantially upwards. The base plate (14) is inclined downwards from the first edge to the second edge.

Abstract: A subsidiary bench top apparatus for a work bench or the like comprises a standing section secured to laterally extended brackets at opposing distal ends, four support members joined respectively to the brackets at one end and connected in pairs at the opposing distal end by medially disposed bolt and nut assemblies for fastening onto a work bench with lateral variation of the standing section respective of the work bench.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nestable bed. The bed includes a rectangular frame adapted to receive a mattress. The frame has a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. A pair of first legs are mounted to a first end of the frame with the legs lying in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A pair of second legs are mounted on opposite sides of the frame with the second legs lying in spaced apart planes perpendicular to the transverse axis of the frame. The first and second legs are skewed or canted such that substantially identical beds may be nested on top of each other with their sides and ends coincident. Rollers are mounted to the first legs such that the bed may be stood on end and rolled about.

Abstract: A universal table A-frame that is constructed as a unitary structure for use in a booth seating system including a series of booths. The A-frame is a basic module for the booth seating system. The A-frame includes a pair of spaced apart frame rails arranged in a longitudinal parallel relationship and in the same horizontal plane by means of legs secured to the rails adjacent the ends of the rails. The A-frame includes a pair of elements that are individually secured to the inner edge of one of the rails and each extends upwardly towards the other rail. A horizontal frame element is secured in a cantilevered relationship to the free ends of the pair of elements to thereby complete the frame. The horizontal element is adapted to mount a table top. The legs of the A-frame may be offset for permitting the stacking of the A-frame in a nesting relationship. The frame rails are also provided with mounting plates for permitting the longitudinal adjustability of the frames.

Abstract: A folding table construction embodying a planar top, foldable legs and a novel apron assembly connected to the underside of the top. The apron unit comprises elongated discrete, relatively short straight lengths of formed metal side and end strips, or stringers, which are securely interconnected together by spaced apart, one-piece, blow molded corner moldings adapted to be affixed to the underside of the table top. Due to the novel design of the corner moldings and the stringers, the construction of the supporting apron requires no metal bending or welding. Further, the corner moldings can be colored during the molding step and the stringers can be painted to match in small painting units prior to apron assembly. In an alternate form of the invention, the planar top is constructed in two pieces and the side stringers are constructed in two pieces which are hingably interconnected so that the table top can be folded for ease of transport and storage.

Abstract: Device for spacing apart the refrigerating plates in horizontal plate freezers, comprising spacers and relevant seats borne by the plates, the seats being provided on the lower faces of the plates, and the spacers being prevented from separating from the seats due to the action of gravity.

Abstract: A modular display stand for exhibition of articles of manufacture is described, made up basically of only three components. The stand may be assembled and disassembled without the use of tools. The stand is stable when loaded with relatively heavy loads of articles to be exhibited. Advantageously, the stand is constructed of materials, all of which can be recycled after use with minimal impact on the environment.

Abstract: A framework for furniture is formed by an assembly of basic modular units or segments made each of a pair of arcuate tubes or rods disposed in a single plane and interconnected by radial tubes or rods. Feet extending perpendicular to the plane of the unit or segment can be connected to the corresponding feet of a second modular unit or segment disposed such as to form a mirror image of the first unit or segment.

Abstract: A set of tables which may be stacked in any order of stacking, one directly over another. The set of tables includes a first table having a polygonal table top and at least three downwardly extending legs, the inner sides of the upper ends of the legs being joined at spaced apart locations on the sides of the table top, and the legs, throughout their length being disposed entirely outside of the perimeter of the table top. The additional tables of the set each include a polygonal table top of substantially the same dimensions as the polygonal table top of the first table, and at least three downwardly extending legs, which are joined to spaced apart locations on the sides of the associated table top.

Abstract: A support structure that may be used as a seat, table or step stool has a top panel substantially 10".times.18" secured between two angled panels substantially 10" above the floor. A pair of normally vertical support members extend between the end panels in contact with the bottom of the top panel and are each formed with a groove that accommodates a tension rod fastened between the end panels. A handle opening is formed near the top of each end panel. The end panels are formed with legs that project beyond the projection of the top panel as seen from the top, both longitudinally and transversely.

Abstract: A modular display unit for vertically stackably arranging products in inclined gravity feed orientation including a plurality of shelf members having a planar floor portion and a plurality of stacking/socket members located at spaced locations adjacent the opposed side portions thereof, the stacking/socket members being arranged in opposed relationship to the floor portion of each of the shelf members and each having a locating surface oriented at the same acute angle relative to the plane of the respective floor portions, a plurality of elongated support members each having opposed end portions adapted to cooperatively engage a respective locating surface associated with the stacking/socket members on adjacent shelf members for connecting the adjacent shelf members in spaced apart relationship, and a plurality of base support members supporting the connected shelf members on a horizontal surface with all of the support members oriented in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A free-standing stacking shelf system is disclosed which includes at least two shelves, each of the shelves being provided with at least two stacking elements which are removably coupled thereto and extend downwardly therefrom. Each of the stacking elements is substantially U-shaped having first and second arms and a base extending therebetween. The arm members are removably coupled at the ends thereof to a respective shelf and include means for preventing relative vertical movement of the shelf and the stacking element coupled thereto. Each of the stacking elements also includes indented portions for engaging a next lower shelf so that the stacking element maintains adjacent shelves in vertically spaced relation. The stacking elements also preferably include a horizontally extending bar element on at least one arm thereof so as to maintain the stacking element and the shelf in a predetermined angular orientation.

Abstract: A folding table construction embodying a planar top, foldable legs and a novel apron assembly connected to the underside of the top. The apron unit comprises elongated discrete, relatively short straight lengths of formed metal side and end strips, or stringers, which are securely interconnected together by spaced apart, one-piece, blow molded corner moldings adapted to be affixed to the underside of the table top. Due to the novel design of the corner moldings and the stringers, the construction of the supporting apron requires no metal bending or welding. Further, the corner moldings can be colored during the molding step and the stringers can be painted to match in small painting units prior to apron assembly.

Abstract: A shelf assembly is disclosed for use with an appliance. The appliance has a top work surface with opposing side edges and a control panel disposed at a rear portion of and extending above the top work surface. The shelf assembly comprises a tray for providing an additional work surface and having opposite first and second ends. First and second side support panels are disposed substantially vertically and each has a top end adapted to be attached to a corresponding one of the first and second ends of said tray and a bottom end adapted for resting upon the top work surface. A bracket extends between and is attached at opposite ends to the first and second side support panels, respectively. The bracket has at least one foot disposed at a height above the top work surface and rests on the top of the control panel to steady the shelf assembly and to orient the additional work surface horizontally.

Abstract: A piece of furniture is formed as a plurality of panels having ends joined together with at least some panels extending perpendicular to and parallel to other panels. Each panel is formed by at least one rectangularly parallepipedal coupling bar having a predetermined length and extending along as respective end of the respective panel. Each such bar has a plurality of like longitudinally extending faces and is formed with a respective longitudinally extending and equispaced succession of like mortises opening perpendicularly at each face. Each panel is also formed by a respective group of like flat slats extending coplanar and parallel to one another and having ends received snugly in the mortises of the respective coupling bar with the slats projecting perpendicularly from the respective bar face. Each end of each slat is cut back to form a tenon complementary to any of the mortises.

Abstract: A console-housed tray table set including a console cabinet having a solid top wall, solid opposite side walls and a front wall, said front wall having a plurality of slot-like openings therein extending horizontally between said side walls and arranged in vertically stacked spaced relation; and a corresponding plurality of tray tables removably stored one by one within said horizontal slot-like openings.

Abstract: Described herein is a movable cart of the "push" type, adapted to carry various items of hardware or building material such as lumber, carpentry materials, plumbing supplies, and the like. The cart comprises a base frame including a split level deck or platform member which consists of a rear deck member and a front deck member, the rear deck member being of slightly larger dimensions than, and positioned slightly above, the front deck member. Both front and rear deck members are rectangular, and may be (and preferably are) provided with decking. The base frame is provided with small wheels or casters, are rollably moving the cart. The cart also includes a pair of parallel upstanding members attached to the ends of the base frame and inclined slightly forwardly from the vertical, to the upper ends of which members is secured an open-ended tray member of rectangular outline, which projects forwardly a predetermined distance form the upstanding members and a connecting member joining their upper ends.

Abstract: A seating frame is provided useable as a settee-cluster frame or individual settee each having an individual table top. The settee-cluster frame is of a unitary construction and is stackable, one frame on top of another. The settee-cluster frames may be arranged in a side-by-side relationship to support bench-type seating units and back rests to provide a settee seating unit providing individual seating with an individual table top.

Abstract: A pedestal unit has first and second structures each with a raisable and lowerable platform on a corresponding end. The first structure is telescopically nestable in the second and the second structure is similarly nestable in a framework having the platform raising and lowering mechanism therein to define the pedestal unit.

Abstract: A combination hand truck and display stand comprising a lower unit including a generally planar base adapted to rest on a supporting surface, and a pair of generally planar side walls having upper edges and forward edges and extending upwardly from the base, and a portion of the base extending forwardly of the side walls, and an upper unit having a shape substantially identical to the shape of the lower unit and including a generally planar base having a bottom surface, and a pair of generally planar side walls having upper edges and forward edges and extending upwardly from the base, the upper unit being releasably connected to the lower unit such that the bottom surface of the upper unit is supported by the upper edges of the side walls of the lower unit.

Abstract: A stacking element comprising interconnectable panels, each consisting of at least two wires or bars bent in the plane of the panel, said wires or bars being interconnected with interposition of at least one wire or bar bent in the shape of a U, substantially projecting at the bottom from the two wires or bars bent in the plane of the panel. On the upper elements there may be provided set and/or floor portions which may be fitted at the top with recesses or the like for mounting chairs thereon.

Abstract: An ironing board comprises a plurality of sections which are connected by a link system. The sections are graded in size such that adjacent sections can be nested within one another. The link system comprises individual links having sufficient length to permit the sections to go from a nested condition to an aligned condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bottle rack comprising shelves provided on one side with adjacent cavities extending transversely of the direction of the length of the shelves for receiving the bottles and with spacing members arranged between the shelves. Each spacing member is constructed at one end in a manner such that the end concerned fits in at least one cavity.

Abstract: An improved molded tray for a display stand is shaped to provide a rectangular planar product-support member, whose support area is free of structural invasion by other parts of the tray. The planar product-support member is reinforced by an integral, transverse, peripheral reinforcing flange that extends vertically along the periphery of the support member. Integral, tubular corner post-receiving means are provided adjacent each corner of the support member and tangent to the peripheral flange. Reinforcing strips extend parallel to and outwardly of the reinforcing flange at two opposed sides of the tray, and are integral with the tubular post-receiving means. A horizontal top wall joins the upper edges of the peripheral flange and each parallel reinforcing strip. The underside of the planar support member is reinforced by a grid of orthogonal ribs, and the support member is apertured, between the reinforcing ribs to reduce the amount of plastic used in forming the tray.

Abstract: A shelf unit includes a U-shaped frame having a pair of spaced legs connected by a bight. The frame comprises first and second L-shaped members, having cooperable coupling structures provided at the ends thereof for rigidly and releasably interconnecting the members together. The cooperating coupling structures prevent movement of the L-shaped members relative to each other, except angular movement between a use position in which the legs of the frame are substantially parallel and an assembly position in which the outer ends of the legs are adjacent each other. The members can be separated in the assembly position to disengage the coupling structures. A plurality of vertically spaced horizontal grooves are provided on the inner surfaces of the frame, and a planar shelf can be slidably received in each groove when the L-shaped members are in the use position, thereby preventing the legs of the frame from moving toward each other.

Abstract: A utility shelf has a body which is provided with an enclosed storage well so that articles, such as combs and brushes, may be stored in the storage well in an upright position. The storage well is formed from a hinged panel which can be pivoted out of the body of the shelf, so that the entire back of the shelf is open to permit another identical shelf to be nested within it. The shelf is also provided with a gripping device for releasably gripping articles, such as towels.

Abstract: A sectional display rack comprising a novel construction of horizontal rectangular trays and support legs, each tray and leg formed of plastic, wherein both upper and lower sides on each tray bottom wall are formed with upstanding ribs defining a space between the rib and the side wall into which a wing portion of each support leg is fitted and in which wedge shaped cams are provided on side walls of the tray to lock in corresponding recess or groove portions in the wing portions of the supporting leg to lock the leg in position. A spaced apart pair of wedge shaped cams is provided in each wall and the cams in the upper wall portion above the floor of the tray are offset from those cams formed in the lower wall. The advantages of these upright rib projections on the bottom walls and the locking tabs in the side walls in the tray are to provide a stable rack and to permit a low cost molding operation for manufacturing the attachment means comprising ribs, cams and recesses above and below the tray floor.

Abstract: A storage system comprising a plurality of shelf units adapted to be stacked vertically upon one another. Each of the shelf units includes a relatively rigid, horizontally disposed shelf member and a liner member fabricated of an inexpensive, yet relatively strong and durable material, such as corrugated paperboard, cardboard or the like. The vertically stacked shelf units are adapted to be mounted upon either a fixed or a rolling base, and in the case of a rolling base, said base may be operatively associated with a track system whereby vertically stacked assemblies of the storage shelf units may be moved along the track system to provide a highly compact storage system incorporating only a single aisleway for multiple storage units.

Abstract: A storage cabinet comprising a plurality of identical shell-like sections and similar complementary slidable drawers, each section comprising a molded plastic planar rectangular panel integral along three sides with similar edges of a pair of sidewalls and a rear wall to form a continuous U-shaped wall configuration and a front opening similar in area to the rear wall. In use, the sections are stacked vertically upon each other with the planar panel uppermost and the front openings facing a common front plane except the lowermost section which has the rear wall disposed in said plane to form a base member and drawers of complementary size are slidably supported in all sections except the bottom one. Connecting screws extend between the sidewalls of adjacent sections to connect all sections into a unitary cabinet.

Abstract: A stackable utility chair embodying interlocking side bar members which function to releasably interlock together adjacent chairs of identical configuration to form semi-permanent rows. The side bar members also function to positively align the chairs during vertical stacking and, due to their unique Z-shaped cross-sectional configuration, provide substantial lateral stability to the stacked array.