Foldable Patents (Class 211/149)
  • Patent number: 11584415
    Abstract: The invention is a wheeled folding tray cart and method. The wheeled folding tray cart comprises a collapsible wheeled framework pivotally supporting a set of split shelves, each split shelf comprises a pair of half shelves. The wheeled folding tray cart moves between an open operating position wherein the set of split shelves are held in spaced-apart, stacked, horizontal orientation within the collapsible wheeled framework and a closed storage position wherein the collapsible wheeled framework is collapsed in manner to move each half shelf pair into an accordion-like, inverted “V”-shaped or accordion like configuration. An extension coiled spring attached to the collapsible wheeled framework assists in the movement of the wheeled folding tray cart between open operating position and the closed storage position. A sheath encloses at least a portion of the spring to provide resistance to the spring's movement to limit potential operator exposure to pinch injuries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Jack Chen
  • Patent number: 11147369
    Abstract: A point of sale shelf stacker display system has a front wall with a plurality of apertures and cross-bars. The rear wall supports one or more tab locking systems. The system further includes two side walls coupled to the front wall and the rear wall. The tab locking systems may receive a tab from a shelf. The shelf is supported by a cross-bar and at least one tab locking system. The shelf may include a front facing member which wraps around a respective cross-bar. Each tab locking system may include an upper slot and a lower slot positioned within the rear wall. Each tab from the shelf may exit an upper slot and may enter a lower slot. The shelf having at least one tab may be made from a single sheet of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Peachtree Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan Walker Dell
  • Patent number: 10966519
    Abstract: Foldable storage compartment having front and rear panels that are traversable closer to or further away from each other is disclosed. Left and right side collapsible panels may be attached to the front and rear panels. The shelves of the foldable storage compartment may be interlinked with each other by way of a vertical linkage rod and connected to the front panel with a front panel linkage so that traversal of the front and rear panels closer to or further away from each other will also collapse and erect the shelves simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Kelvin Ng
  • Patent number: 10058171
    Abstract: A folding shelf may include a first shelving unit having first side frames, one or more shelving boards, a first retractable control unit; and a second shelving unit having second side frames, one or more second shelving boards, a second retractable control unit. The first/second retractable control unit may include a first/second main body; a first/second pole partially received in the first main body; and a first/second locking member. When the folding shelf is folded, the user can first twist a first/second locking element to untightened first/second main body and first/second pole. The user can then lift the side frames in the center portion as to collapse the shelf. More specifically, the sliding movement of the first pole and the second pole can bring two side frames toward the center portion of the folding shelf to significantly minimize the size thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: IP Power Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Shaomao Deng
  • Patent number: 9820570
    Abstract: A collapsible support apparatus with hinged multi-tier shelves and separable buckle hinges provides multiple tiers of shelves with a folding upper shelf that is designed to support a television, and that can be pulled out and secured with separable buckle hinges, so as to enable enhanced lateral stability of the television or any other object being supported. The apparatus further comprises a middle and lower shelf disposed arranged in a stacked arrangement beneath the upper shelf. The apparatus further comprises strategically positioned separable buckle hinges that pivot up to 90° and separate for facilitated collapsibility and assemblage. The apparatus further comprises elongated crossbars, support members, connecting bars, and a rectangular frame that hingedly interconnect about at least one separable buckle hinge and at least one simple hinge to easily pivot between an expanded position for supporting the television, and a collapsed position for stowage and portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Harry Kai Lee
  • Patent number: 9763354
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for mounting and supporting a plurality of cylindrical form or other computer systems having specialized physical form, for example Apple Mac Pro computer systems, in a data center, so as to optimize placement, cooling air flow, access to cabling, and maximizing use of space. The disclosed arrangement provide for mounting up to 16 Mac Pro computers or similar devices on a single shelf, in a horizontal position, up to 8 shelves, for a total of up to 128 Mac Pro computers in a single rack assembly, with accessibility from both sides of the rack, and convenient arrangements for power and communications cabling, as well as generally vertical cooling air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: MACSTADIUM, INC.
    Inventors: Jason A. Michaud, Michael L. Oken, Gregory P. McGraw
  • Patent number: 9756765
    Abstract: A data center mounting rack for mounting and supporting a plurality of generally rectangular small form computer systems in a vertical stacked arrangement. The shelving arrangement comprises a pair of spaced apart vertical end panels supporting a plurality of horizontal mounting shelves. Each of the shelves includes a pair of rows of spaced apart first openings extending along the length of each shelf, for allowing the passage of cabling for computers and for permitting cooling air flow. Each of the shelves also includes a plurality of rows of spaced apart air flow openings in a staggered arrangement. Each of the shelves support a plurality of U-shaped computer system mounting brackets. Each of the mounting brackets supports a rectangular small form computer system in a vertical orientation such that air flow is directed along the top surface and bottom surface by the air flow openings to aid in cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: MACSTADIUM, INC.
    Inventors: Jason A. Michaud, Michael L. Oken, Gregory P. McGraw
  • Patent number: 9623890
    Abstract: A combination including a folding wagon having pairs of front and back wheels, a frame, a fabric basket coupled to the frame, a cooler located within the basket to carry food and beverages to he kept cold, and a flexible table removably attached to the wagon at the frame thereof. The wagon is capable of being folded from an expanded configuration, at which the cooler is transported within the basket, to a compact collapsed configuration to facilitate storage or transport of the wagon. The flexible table is also detachably connected to the top of the cooler so that the table is held over the open top of the wagon basket by the cooler. The cooler is disconnected from the table to be lifted out of the wagon basket and removed from the wagon by way of a cooler access opening formed through the top of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Horowitz
  • Patent number: 9351591
    Abstract: The expanding device (200) comprises a plate (20) connected internally to at least one panel of the display and divided by a first hinge into first and second plate portions (20a, 20b). An elastic tensile element (7) pulls the first and second plate portions (20a, 20b) to fold the plate (20) around the first hinge from a flat folded position to an angled working position. A limiting member (23) is hingedly connected to the first plate portion (20a) by a second hinge (22) and is provided with a free edge (23a) which, when the plate (20) is in an angled working position, is in contact with the second plate portion (20b) in order to limit the folding of the plate (20) to the angled working position. The second hinge (22) forms an angle greater than zero degrees with respect to the first hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Ferran Mestres Armengol
    Inventor: Ferran Mestres Armengol
  • Publication number: 20150136720
    Abstract: A display hutch includes a hutch blank and a plurality of shelf blanks The hutch blank includes a back wall and at least two side walls. The back wall includes a plurality of back-wall slots. The at least two side walls include a plurality of side-wall slots. The plurality of shelf blanks includes a plurality of side tabs and one or more back tabs. Each of the side tabs is inserted into a respective side-wall slot and attached to the hutch blank. The plurality of shelf blanks and the hutch blank are configured to lay K.D. flat with the plurality of shelf blanks attached to the hutch blank. Each of the one or more back tabs is configured to be inserted into a respective one of the plurality of back-wall slots to form a plurality of shelves. The plurality of shelves is configured to support product for display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Scott M. Miller
  • Publication number: 20150083682
    Abstract: Hanging close organizers providing highly rigid and highly stable shelves for supporting shoes and garments are relatively inexpensive to manufacture while, at the same time, provide a relatively large number of potential positions at which the rigid shelves may be securely yet removably positioned. A collapsible fabric body includes a plurality of straps disposed and stitched vertically within the interior of the body. The straps are stitched to the overall body along the majority of the length of each strap. Periodic gaps in the stitching, at horizontally aligned, predetermined positions along the length of each strap, form slots, or slot regions. Each of four horizontal side hooks, disposed proximate an associated corner of a removable shelf, may be advanced axially through an associated slot. A distal protrusion or barb of each side hook serves to further secure each shelf in place, inhibiting unwanted slippage or inadvertent removal of a shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Neatfreak Group Inc.
    Inventors: BERTRAND BARRE, FRANCIS LEPAGE
  • Publication number: 20150041420
    Abstract: A collapsible shelving unit includes a support base, a first side wall extending upwardly from one side of the base, and a second side wall extending upwardly from an opposite side of the base. Each of the first and second side walls are comprised of a plurality of rigid panels connected to each other with at least one hinge such that the rigid panels are moveable between a display position where the panels extend vertically to form the first and second side walls and a stowed position wherein at least two of the rigid panels at least partially overlap each other. A plurality of shelves are supported by the first and second side walls such that the shelves can be selectively removed therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: John B. Zelek, Suzanne Whitfield Clark, Ryan C. Meers
  • Patent number: 8915383
    Abstract: A plant stand includes a first support having a first tier, a second tier and a third tier and a second support having a first tier that corresponds with the first tier of the first support, a second tier that corresponds with the second tier of the first support and a third tier that corresponds with the third tier of the first support. The third tier of the second support has a height that is substantially equal to a height of the third tier of the first support. The plant stand also includes a plurality of shelves. The height of the third tiers substantially corresponds to a length of each shelf. In addition, the first support, the second support and the plurality of shelves are configured into one of a flat pack state having a flat pack height and an assembled state having an assembled height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Sara L. Pedersen, Samuel J. Clavette, Daiying Huang, Stephanie A. Grotta
  • Patent number: 8905254
    Abstract: The invention provides a container which has an erect condition in which it defines a load space within which goods to be transported are receivable and a collapsed condition. The container is configured such that a plurality of like containers, when in their collapsed condition, are receivable in the container for transport together therewith. The container includes a pair of ends, at least one and preferably two sides, which, in the erect condition of the container extend between the ends and a base. The ends, the or each side and the base may be formed of elongate elements. Alternatively, the ends, sides and base may be clad such that the load space is partially or fully enclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Mechana CC
    Inventor: Simon John Joubert
  • Publication number: 20140345316
    Abstract: A modular cooler assembly is disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, the modular cooler assembly may be configured to house one or more beverage containers therein. In some instances, the modular cooler assembly may include a number of panels. The panels may be interconnected by way of a number of joints. In certain embodiments, at least one of the panels may be configured to be opened and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Vinayak S. Godbole, Anish Mehta
  • Patent number: 8875908
    Abstract: An item display stand including, in a substantially rigid and foldable material, a polyhedral compartment. The polyhedral compartment including a support wall and two side walls, and being articulated to change between a flat folded state and an open and operational unfolded state for receiving an item on the support wall extending between the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Francois L'Hotel
  • Patent number: 8857633
    Abstract: A shelving display system formed from a single blank of corrugated material. The display system including a plurality of shelves formed from a first shelf component and a second shelf component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Menasha Corporation
    Inventor: Doug Dewhurst
  • Patent number: 8839965
    Abstract: An insertable, semi-flexible shelf apparatus suspended and attached in a horizontal relationship within a compartment and anchored to anchor elements bonded to the inside wall surface of a portable cooler or drop-in horizontal freezer or portable storage bin container for better visibility, access, organization, and protection of food and food containers; fishing bait; and other items to retain and protect these items from damage due to wetness, frost and combination with other items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventors: John Christian Benneche, Kelly Boehm Brown
  • Publication number: 20140217043
    Abstract: A support rack for holding a plurality of pans includes a first side frame including a first vertical support member and a second vertical support member, and a second side frame including a first vertical support member and a second vertical support member. A hinge assembly couples the first and second side frames and is operable to position the rack in a first position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are parallel and spaced a predetermined distance apart, a second position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are nonparallel, and a third position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are parallel but closer in proximity than the predetermined distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Arturo Gonzalez, Steven M. Kessell, Michael D. Potter, Jerry Vance Foster, III
  • Publication number: 20140217047
    Abstract: A rack display comprising a base having a front panel with a plurality of horizontal and vertical slots included thereon; left and right side panels extending from sides of the front panel; a back panel extending between the left and right side panels; and one or more shelf members including horizontal and vertical tabs. The shelf members are secured to the base by inserting the vertical and horizontal tabs within the vertical and horizontal slots respectively. The rack display is erected from a knockdown configuration by securing the shelf members to the front panel of the base via insertion of the horizontal and vertical tabs within the horizontal and vertical slots respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Vanguard Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: JERRY RYAN FROST
  • Publication number: 20140167919
    Abstract: A collapsible storage rack includes an integral RFID tag scanner configured to read RFID tags of products stored thereon. The storage rack is adjustable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicants: Interstate Battery System International, Inc., Seeonic, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Singh, Bruce Hellen
  • Publication number: 20140151318
    Abstract: The modular folding table includes a collapsible truss framework that supports a folding table top and a folding utility shelf, and includes legs that can be connected horizontally or vertically to the legs of one or more similar modular folding tables, to provide desired table and shelf space with a structure that is foldable, strong and stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 8672147
    Abstract: An expandable clothes frame includes a pair of laterally disposed end support assemblies for engagement with a ground surface, two longitudinally disposed foldable assemblies each extending between and hingedly engaged with each of the end support assemblies, wherein each foldable assembly is provided in two portions having relative movement therebetween to allow folding of each foldable assembly about a fold axis between the pair of end support assemblies, a linkage assembly extending longitudinally between the foldable assemblies, and a locking assembly for securing the two portions of at least one of the foldable assemblies relative to each other so as to secure the frame in the extended configuration. Upon the frame being urged towards an extended configuration the engageable and cooperative portions are urged towards each other and engage so as to secure the two portions relative to each other and maintain the frame in the extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sincere International Trading Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Wing Yiu Lam
  • Publication number: 20140027396
    Abstract: A foldable shelving unit, its components, and a method for deploying and compacting same are described herein. The shelving unit includes first and second supports which are typically panels, and which help to support against the loads generated by the objects being stored. The shelving unit also includes shelf(ves) which has(ve) one pivotally engaged end, and one free end. The shelving unit also includes connecting members (e.g. arms) which connect the shelf(ves) to the supports, and allow the shelf(ves) to pivot about the supports. The shelving unit operates between a deployed position, where the shelf(ves) extends between the supports so as to support objects, and a compacted position, where the shelf(ves) is(are) rotated so as to bring the supports close to one another, thereby compacting the shelving unit. A corresponding method for deploying and compacting such a shelving unit is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: PRATIKO INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Landry, Michel Landry
  • Publication number: 20130319963
    Abstract: The invention provides a packaging and display box that can be bundled and transported in an unassembled, compact blank. The packaging and display box can be quickly, easily, and conveniently assembled into a structurally and functionally stable display and deployed for commercial use. The packaging and display box can contain and display a variety of merchandise, including, but not limited to, packaged food products, consumer products, and the like. The packaging and display box provides modularity so that several assembled boxes can be stacked into a multi-box display that is also structurally and functionally stable. The invention also provides methods and systems for using the packaging and display box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Tri-State Container Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Coon, Walter Spade, IV, Robert Fuerst, Daniel Forster, Michael Macchi, Allen Friedman
  • Patent number: 8584872
    Abstract: An adjustable folding utility tray for removable attachment to a tripod comprising a portable frame with attached collapsing or folding members is provided. The folding utility tray removably attaches to two legs of an easel or tripod. Once the device is positioned at the desired operational height, two slidingly attached arms are adjusted to engage and contact the easel or tripod legs. After use, the device is folded, or collapsed, into a compact size for transport or storage and removed from the easel or tripod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Denise Eiseman
  • Patent number: 8540091
    Abstract: A blank for a rack with at least one shelf designed as a starting plate with at least one bending region in the form a number of segments and openings. The starting plate includes a number of elements which each have a side extending along a bending region while the other sides of the element are free whereby the rack is quickly and easily formed by bending these elements about their bending regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Teddy Kristensen
  • Publication number: 20130221818
    Abstract: The invention relates to a foldable display unit comprising a lower half supporting an upper half. The lower half includes a lower right wall and a lower left wall, housed therein. The upper half comprises an upper right wall and an upper left wall, housed therein. The walls of the right side are interconnected in a hinged manner, and the walls of the left side are also hinged. Each half includes shelves that are pivotally connected thereto. Once the lower left and right walls, the upper left and right walls and the lower and upper shelves are housed, the upper half rotates over the lower half supported on the hinged connection existing between the lower and upper left walls and the hinged join existing between the lower and upper right walls, thereby the display unit is folding in two parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Ricardo Ceballos Godefroy
  • Publication number: 20130213915
    Abstract: The present invention provides a display unit. The unit includes a hutch formed from corrugated material. The hutch has a back wall, a first side wall extending from a first end of the back wall, and a second side wall extending from a second end of the back wall. The back wall of the hutch includes a plurality of spaced horizontal slots. The hutch also includes a first side wall support attached to the first side wall, and a second side wall support attached to the second side wall. The first and second side wall supports include shelf support tabs. The hutch further includes a plurality of shelves formed from a foldable blank of material, each shelf having a tab insertable into one of the plurality of spaced horizontal slots, and supported by the shelf support tabs. In other embodiments, the display unit further includes a shelf support pad, a bottom tray, and a riser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: MENASHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: MENASHA CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8485370
    Abstract: A shelving display system formed from a single blank of corrugated material. The display system including a plurality of shelves formed from a first shelf component and a second shelf component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Menasha Corporation
    Inventor: Doug Dewhurst
  • Patent number: 8464988
    Abstract: The present invention features a keyboard instrument stand having concave sides on the main beam. A set of legs is pivotably attached to the sides of the beam, wherein the beam can stably rest on the extended legs. The unique positioning of the legs provide for many advantages, including reduction in rocking of the stand during a performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Brock B. Walker
  • Patent number: 8453854
    Abstract: A display structure has a base with non-rotatable sides and rotatable sides containing a first part with and a second part, the parts fastened by a rotatable fastener; a post containing a first and second face, the two non-rotatable sides fastened to the lower end of the posts, and the rotatable sides fastened to the lower end of the posts, a rotatable fastener specially located so as to allow rotation of the parts in regards to the post; and a top with non-rotatable and rotatable sides, the non-rotatable sides of the top fastened to the top of the post, the rotatable side of the top fastened to the non-rotatable sides of the top with rotatable fastener, said rotatable fastener of the top are specially located to allow rotation of the parts in regards to the non-rotatable side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Pop Ontime Supply Services, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Bernardo Herman Baran, Mauricio Herman Dantus, Ruben Arcas, Roman de Jesus Chavez Herrera
  • Patent number: 8444232
    Abstract: A collapsible showcase including a lower panel; an upper panel detachably mounted on the lower panel; a lower collapsible compartment attached to the lower panel and protruding outwards thereof; an upper collapsible compartment attached to the upper panel and protruding outwards thereof; wherein the lower an upper compartments are folded on the panel to which they are hingedly attached at least at one of their side walls. The showcase also has a collapsible base attached to the lower panel and protruding in a contrary direction from the compartments to provide stability to the showcase. The compartments may be divided in sub-compartments by dividers and the showcase may also include a shelf. When the showcase is folded, the collapsed compartments are located between both panels in a sandwich manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Ricardo Ceballos-Godefroy
  • Patent number: 8381922
    Abstract: A shelf includes a rear frame, two side frames pivotally mounted on two opposite ends of the rear frame respectively, two connecting frames each detachably mounted on the rear frame and each located between the two side frames to locate the two side frames, and at least one placement board mounted between and supported by the rear frame and the two side frames. Thus, the shelf can be folded to have a smaller volume so as to decrease the cost of packaging, storage and transportation of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Chen-Yu Chung, Zi-Cong Wen, Cheng-Chun Wang, Sheng-Chi Chung
  • Patent number: 8317664
    Abstract: A portable exercise device including a support structure and a pair of opposing handrails pivotably connected to the support structure. The handrails are movable between a storage position and a use position. A platform is selectively positionable on the handrails for adjusting a vertical position of the platform relative to the handrails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Matthew David Gorsuch, Daniela Suzanne Gorsuch
  • Patent number: 8286809
    Abstract: A self-expanding foldable structure for a display has a structure that includes a pair of side walls (2) hinged at respective connection edges (2a) to opposing edges of a back wall (1) and a shelf (3) linked to the back and side walls (1, 2) such that they can adopt a flat position in which the back wall, side walls and shelf (1, 2, 3) are substantially coplanar and an expanded position in which the back wall, side walls and shelf (1, 2, 3) form respective dihedrons. An elastic element is arranged to push the structure to the expanded position. The side walls (2) comprise a transverse fold line (14) having one or more scored sections (14a) wherein an inner structure of the wall material is crushed, in combination with one or more cut sections (14b) wherein said inner structure of the wall material has flat edges that can mutually face and support one another in the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventors: Ferran Mestres Armengol, Francisco López Fernandez
  • Patent number: 8256630
    Abstract: A frame structure includes two side frames and a foldable frame coupled with the side frames to fold between an unfolded position and a folded position. The foldable frame includes a transmission link supported between the side frames, a sliding joint slidably coupling with the transmission link, and two folding arms coupling the transmission link to the side frames respectively. Each of the folding arms has an upper end pivotally coupling with the sliding joint and a lower end pivotally coupling with the respective side frame. At the unfolded position, the sliding joint is upwardly slid to an upper end of the transmission link to move the side frames away from each other. At the folded position, the sliding joint is downwardly slid away from the upper end of said transmission link to move the side frames towards each other for folding the side frames side-by-side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventors: Shou Qiang Zhu, Edward Zheng
  • Patent number: 8256629
    Abstract: A foldable and portable storage shelf includes two spaced apart side frames, a plurality of foldable shelf panels spacedly supported between the two side frames, and a foldable frame pivotally coupled between the two side frames to fold between an unfolded position and a folded position. At the unfolded position, the side frames are pivotally moved apart from each other to retain each of the foldable shelf panels in a horizontal manner, and at the folded position, the side frames are pivotally moved towards each other such that each of the foldable shelf panels is folded in an overlapped manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventors: Shou Qiang Zhu, Edward Zheng
  • Patent number: 8167255
    Abstract: “HINGE WITH ELASTIC ELEMENT AND TAB ADAPTED IN CARDBOARD DISPLAY STANDS FOR ASSEMBLY, FLATTENING AND AUTOMATIC SET-UP SYSTEMS”, formed from a cardboard plate (1) with creases (2), (3) and (4) which mark the swinging segments (6), (7), (8), (9) and (10), forming a hinge (14) to be applied to display stands (such as display shelf, display-box, totem and other similar objects obtained from the central cardboard cutting and creasing design), operating through tension imposed by the elastic loop (15) anchored into the cuts (17) of a beveled tab (16) internal or posterior, positioned in the junction points of the adjacent walls (P) of the display stand (D). The hinge (14) works in clamping system, closing itself strongly tensioned during the display stand (D) flattening, for piling, transportation and delivery to the client, secured in an envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Chung Kwo Tzuo
  • Publication number: 20120055897
    Abstract: A rack assembly includes a framework, and a foldable shelf mounted on the framework. The foldable shelf includes a support plate attached to the framework, an adjustable panel pivotally connected with the support plate, and a plurality of support legs pivotally mounted on the adjustable panel. Thus, the foldable shelf is expanded outward for use with a user and is folded when not in use. In addition, the foldable shelf can be folded when not in use so as to reduce the whole volume of the rack assembly, thereby decreasing the cost in packaging, transportation and storage of the rack assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Shu-Yi Li
  • Publication number: 20120024810
    Abstract: A shelf includes a rear frame, two side frames pivotally mounted on two opposite ends of the rear frame respectively, two connecting frames each detachably mounted on the rear frame and each located between the two side frames to locate the two side frames, and at least one placement board mounted between and supported by the rear frame and the two side frames. Thus, the shelf can be folded to have a smaller volume so as to decrease the cost of packaging, storage and transportation of the shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Chen-Yu Chung, Zi-Cong Wen, Cheng-Chun Wang, Sheng-Chi Chung
  • Publication number: 20110266239
    Abstract: A product display includes nestable shelves and foldable uprights that allow the display to be packaged within a relatively small storage container. The uprights include three sections pivotally connected to one another and are adjustable between a folded configuration, in which the sections are at least partially nested with one another, and an unfolded configuration in which each of the uprights are generally angled relative to the other uprights. Spanning members and cross braces are coupled to and extend between the uprights. The nestable shelves can be detachably positioned at selectable heights along the upright for supporting products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Blake Daily
  • Publication number: 20110226717
    Abstract: A self-expanding foldable structure for a display has a structure that includes a pair of side walls (2) hinged at respective connection edges (2a) to opposing edges of a back wall (1) and a shelf (3) linked to the back and side walls (1, 2) such that they can adopt a flat position in which the back wall, side walls and shelf (1, 2, 3) are substantially coplanar and an expanded position in which the back wall, side walls and shelf (1, 2, 3) form respective dihedrons. An elastic element is arranged to push the structure to the expanded position. The side walls (2) comprise a transverse fold line (14) having one or more scored sections (14a) wherein an inner structure of the wall material is crushed, in combination with one or more cut sections (14b) wherein said inner structure of the wall material has flat edges that can mutually face and support one another in the expanded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Ferran Mestres Armengol, Francisco López Fernandez
  • Patent number: 7954655
    Abstract: A presentation display for use in displaying products, samples and/or premiums. The display is comprised a shelf that is attached to a backer panel by means of a flexible hinge. The display may be made with flexible material as in paperboard, or with more permanent material as in plastic, wood, metal or other suitable material. Additional shelves may be added. The orientation of the additional shelves should be in a “nesting” way where when they are in the “Up” or “Closed” position there is minimal space between the shelves (“nesting” way), and when they are in the “Down” or “Open” position the area covered up during storage or shipping is revealed, giving a substantially “open” look a and feel to the display and allowing for easy access to the product. The revealed area may contain imagery or messaging to inform, entertain or to help sell the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Alexander Virvo
  • Publication number: 20110120966
    Abstract: A portable display rack is provided with a frame having a front side, a rear side, a left side, a right side, a top side, and a bottom side. A plurality of shelves positioned between the left and rights sides and extending from the rear side towards the front side. Each shelf has a width defined such that the front portion extends between first and second vertical posts defined by the front side. The left and right side of the frame is pivotally hinged to the rear side, such that when the shelves are removed, the left and right sides of the frame are capable of being folded along the pivotally hinges against the rear side of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: HANDI-FOIL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Scott L. Salzstein
  • Publication number: 20110115356
    Abstract: A spill proof shelf, a refrigerator using the same and a method for assembling a shelf are disclosed. The shelf has a frame, which has a peripheral frame portion having a pair of sliding channels. The shelf further has a plate, which slides into the peripheral frame portion through the sliding channels. The shelf further has a pair of brackets mountable to the frame. The shelf further has a resilient finger, which deforms to allow the plate to slide into the peripheral frame portion and returns to its original configuration to lock the plate relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Jonathan Nash, Donald Breit
  • Patent number: 7918351
    Abstract: A point of purchase display structure (300) is described incorporating one or more shelves (132) for supporting items, wherein the display structure in a partially assembled configuration is a generally flat structure, and may be converted to a finished structure by movement of an inner slide (150) within an outer sleeve (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Atlas AGI Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Darren Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20110068072
    Abstract: A frame structure includes two side frames and a foldable frame coupled with the side frames to fold between an unfolded position and a folded position. The foldable frame includes a transmission link supported between the side frames, a sliding joint slidably coupling with the transmission link, and two folding arms coupling the transmission link to the side frames respectively. Each of the folding arms has an upper end pivotally coupling with the sliding joint and a lower end pivotally coupling with the respective side frame. At the unfolded position, the sliding joint is upwardly slid to an upper end of the transmission link to move the side frames away from each other. At the folded position, the sliding joint is downwardly slid away from the upper end of said transmission link to move the side frames towards each other for folding the side frames side-by-side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Shou Qiang Zhu, Edward Zheng
  • Publication number: 20110068071
    Abstract: A shelving system includes a frame with vertical frame members and cross braces, a shelf with three-sided perimeter groove and under-shelf groove, a wire perimeter shelf support engaging the perimeter groove and vertical frame members, and a wire under-shelf support constructed to engage the under-shelf groove and the vertical legs in a stable arrangement. The assembled shelving system does not require tools or separate fasteners for assembly, and assembly is quick, easy and intuitive, yet allows for flexibility, customization, and adaptation for different uses and desired aesthetics. A variety of very different shelving systems can be constructed by purchasing different frames, shelves, and accessories. The system can be leaned against a wall at an angle, or fastened vertically against a wall. Shelves are angularly adjustable, height adjustable, and replaceable. A pair of systems angled against each other form a free standing arrangement, and can support a header panel therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Suman, Lynn Smith
  • Publication number: 20110031200
    Abstract: A collapsible rack includes a middle frame, a first lateral frame, a second lateral frame and at least one shelf. The middle frame includes a first pair of ears formed thereon and a second pair of ears formed thereon. The first lateral frame includes a pair of screws driven through the first pair of ears, thus pivotally connecting the first lateral frame to the middle frame. The second lateral frame includes a pair of screws driven through the second pair of ears, thus pivotally connecting the second lateral frame to the middle frame. The shelf includes a first edge pivotally connected to the middle frame and a second edge for engagement with the first and second lateral frames when the collapsible rack is in an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Po-Ju Chen