Shelf Or Table Pivotal To Non-horizontal Position Patents (Class 312/313)
  • Patent number: 10631666
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes a divider secured to a support structure and a barrier that is moveable by rotation between a folded position and an upright position without a rotation biasing element. A product positioned in the system can contact the barrier when the product moves toward the forward end of the system and rotate the barrier from the folded position to the upright position. The system may include a rotational mounting structure to which the moveable barrier is connected. The rotational mounting structure may be removably connected to the forward end of the divider. The merchandise display system may be used in conjunction with a product tray which provides for product stored in the product tray to be slid from in the product tray into the product pocket of the merchandise display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen N. Hardy, Stuart Parsons
  • Patent number: 9420879
    Abstract: The present application relates to snap-together or press-together furniture. In a preferred embodiment, a table is provided that can be packaged and transported in a compact disassembled state, then easily assembled by the user without need for tools or hardware. Further, the table may be subsequently disassembled and re-assembled by the user as desired without need for tools or hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventor: Carl Brock Brandenberg
  • Patent number: 9289078
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall mounted to the base at an angle. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base. The system may further include an opening defined by the first side wall and the front retaining wall through which product may be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 9185995
    Abstract: A merchandising system that improves the merchandising of product by limiting the number and the frequency with which product can be removed from, for example, a merchandising shelf. The merchandising system may include a base configured to support product and a housing configured to engage the base. The housing may comprise a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a front retaining wall mounted to the base at an angle. The system may further include a spring-urged pusher movably mounted on the base. The system may further include an opening defined by the first side wall and the front retaining wall through which product may be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 9138075
    Abstract: A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes a divider secured to a support structure and a barrier that is moveable by rotation between a folded position and an upright position without a rotation biasing element. A product positioned in the system can contact the barrier when the product moves toward the forward end of the system and rotate the barrier from the folded position to the upright position. The system may include a rotational mounting structure to which the moveable barrier is connected. The rotational mounting structure may be removably connected to the forward end of the divider. The merchandise display system may be used in conjunction with a product tray which provides for product stored in the product tray to be slid from in the product tray into the product pocket of the merchandise display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen N. Hardy, Stuart Parsons
  • Patent number: 9010885
    Abstract: A cabinet table has a cabinet body, a front face, an interior box, and a sliding mechanism permitting the interior box to slide out of the cabinet body. The front face is connected to the interior box and has a top front face and a bottom front face. The interior box has a plurality of table components which are moveable into a table surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Kahle's Kitchens, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Kahle
  • Patent number: 8960826
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a cabinet having a first storage region with a plurality of shelves, a first door coupled to the cabinet by a first connection member and having a second storage region with a plurality of shelves and an opening providing to access to the second storage region, and a second door rotatably coupled to the first door by a second connection member so as to selectively provide access to the second storage region through the opening in the first door. An auxiliary shelf may be rotatably coupled in the opening formed in the first door such that an axis of rotation of the auxiliary shelf crosses, or is orthogonal to, the axis of rotation of the first and second doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ayoung Choo, Jaeyoul Lee, Taegyeong Kim
  • Patent number: 8814287
    Abstract: A refrigerator with a shelf varied by sliding and pivoting to store thick food items in a storage chamber. The refrigerator includes a main body which has an inner case defining a storage chamber and an outer case defining an external appearance thereof, a first shelf portion arranged at the storage chamber so as to be slidable in front and rear directions, a second shelf portion arranged at the storage chamber so as to be pivotable together with the first shelf portion received in a first shelf receiving portion, and support portions to support the first and second shelf portions, wherein each of the support portions includes a support wall integrally formed with the inner case and an insulation material foamed in a foam space of the support wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myoung Jin Jang
  • Patent number: 8752916
    Abstract: A refrigerator is provided that may include a refrigerator body having at least one cooling chamber, and at least one cooling chamber door that opens or closes the at least one cooling chamber. The cooling chamber door may include a first door configured to open or close the at least one cooling chamber, a second door configured to open or close an open portion formed in the first door, and a support provided at the open portion that supports articles or food. The second door may be rotated around a rotational shaft that extends in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the at least one cooling chamber door. With this structure, food may be supported using the support when the second door is opened, thereby facilitating the putting in and taking out of food from the open portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyokku Kwon, Seonkyu Kim, Hangbok Lee
  • Patent number: 8745780
    Abstract: A baby crib includes a support frame having a lower portion and an upper portion, and a bassinet connected with the upper portion of the support frame. The bassinet includes an enclosure substantially surrounding an inner space of the bassinet adapted to receive a baby, the enclosure being upwardly opened and having a sidewall provided with a side opening communicating with the inner space, and a movable board disposed at a bottom of the bassinet and adapted to support the weight of the baby placed thereon. The board is operable to slide through the side opening between a first position where the board and the baby placed thereon lie inside the inner space, and a second position where the board extends outward through the side opening so that the board and the baby placed thereon lie substantially outside the inner space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Yu-Ya Su
  • Patent number: 8696075
    Abstract: An outdoor cooking accessory organization system includes an outdoor cooker and an outdoor cooking accessory cart. The cart has a plurality of storage bays located in the cart top surface with an open top for receiving an item. The cart has a sliding drawer and a retractable cooking shelf with a cutting board surface on a cooking shelf first surface and a grill located on a cooking shelf second surface. The cooking shelf is pivotally mounted and is locked into position via a locking mechanism in a first position with the cutting board surface facing upwards or a second position with the grill facing upwards. The cart has a power supply with a connecting cord for connecting to a power source and a power outlet operatively connected to the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Angel L. Rios
  • Patent number: 8671850
    Abstract: A convertible table has a modesty panel pivotally coupled to a tabletop by a hinge fixed to the tabletop. The modesty panel is slidably coupled to the hinge and movable towards and away from the tabletop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mity-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Smith, Grant Rogers
  • Patent number: 8511509
    Abstract: Enclosure for storing sensitive materials are disclosed. They may be in a special container (1), sealed and purged, replacing the internal atmosphere with an inert purge gas, and leaving the sealed container slightly pressurized. By hinging a lid or door (5) to the container via hinges (12, 13), the respective parts of which can move relative to one another translationally, at least when the door or lid (1) is in the closed position, and in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the door or lid, much improved sealing may be achieved. The invention also relates to methods used to deliver and duct the purge gas within the container to ensure good purge gas delivery and mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Roylan Developments Limited
    Inventor: Paul Merritt
  • Patent number: 8418282
    Abstract: “The Fold Up Dormitory” is intended for use in situations where living and working quarters for a small or large number of people are required on short notice or irregular intervals. The apparatus is made of wood, steel and premanufactured hardware, and comprises components for sleeping, working and storage of small items. It is mobile, simple to operate and offers many options to those who use it. The apparatus comprises: a central core; a pair of folding frames, each pivotally connected to the central core on opposite sides thereof, for rotation about vertical frame-to-core axes of connection; a bed platform pivotally connected to a first side of the central core, for rotation about a horizontal bed-to-core axis of connection; a desk surface pivotally connected to a second side of the central core, for rotation about a horizontal desk-to-core axis of connection; and storage shelving within the central core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Michael E. Luft-Weissberg
  • Patent number: 8292379
    Abstract: The mobile cabinet and support is a portable storage cabinet and work surface for use in an office-type environment. The mobile cabinet and support includes a base with a plurality of wheels rotatably secured thereto. A plurality of vertical support members are secured between the base and an upper panel to define an open interior region. At least one front sliding drawer is slidably disposed within an upper portion of the open interior region and at least one side sliding drawer is slidably disposed within a lower portion of the open interior region. Additionally, at least one drop leaf panel is pivotally attached to an adjacent pair of the plurality of vertical support members by hinges or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Luis E. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8245874
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for connecting a door to a container. The door provides and restricts access to a chamber of the container in respective open and closed positions. The mechanism includes, at each corresponding lateral side of the container and the door, a rail mounted to the container, an elbow, and first and second linkage arms. The rail aligns along a fore-and-aft direction so that the elbow slides along that direction. The elbow has vertical and axial members. The axial member connects to the rail. The first linkage arm includes first, second and third joints that pivotably connect respectively to the vertical member, to the container, and to the door. The second linkage arm includes fourth and fifth joints that pivotably connect respectively to the door and to the container. The linkage arms are disposed to avoid lateral obstruction beyond the door in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Robert J. Fowler, IV
  • Patent number: 8240092
    Abstract: A headwall is adapted for use with a bed in a room of a healthcare facility. The headwall comprises a wall unit mounted relative to a wall of the room and a floor unit extending along a floor of the room. The bed docks to the floor unit. It is disclosed to use the headwall to provide services to patient care equipment mounted to a side rail of the bed. Such patient care equipment is, for example, a chest drainage unit, an infusion unit, or a vacuum bandage unit located in a cavity of the side rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, Dennis M. Lanci, Carl W. Riley
  • Patent number: 8127695
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a display stand including a display stand housing is included. The display stand housing can be configured to hold one or more graphic panels. The display stand housing can define a table pocket. The display stand also includes a table assembly configured to move between a stored configuration and a deployed configuration. The table assembly can be configured to be disposed within the table pocket and concealed from view by at least one of the graphic panels when in the stored configuration. The display stand housing can further include a counter top panel disposed over the display stand housing. Other embodiments are also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Aisle Advertising
    Inventors: Mark R. MacDonald, Robert W. Stimson
  • Patent number: 7901018
    Abstract: A portable workstation, in one embodiment, includes a base unit and a table. The base unit includes one or more vertical support members and a platform extending horizontally from the vertical support member. The platform forms the top of the base unit in an upright position. The table is configured to extend from the top of the base unit and includes a support leg. The table transitions between an extended position and a storage position. When the table is in the extended position, the table provides support to the base unit of the workstation, forming an integrated tripod system. Thus, the base unit may be compact and easily transported in a storage position; however, the platform and the table when extended may provide an ample work surface at a traditional working height. The base unit may include a frame structure and may be transported on wheels or carried like a back pack in certain embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Joe D. Baughman
  • Patent number: 7753461
    Abstract: A refrigerator shelving system includes an item retainer for securing items carried on a shelf, a mounting member for releasably securing a shelf to a cabinet of the refrigerator, and a spill tray carried by the shelf. The item retainer is movable between a first position and a second position such that when in the first position, a first side upwardly extends from the shelf and defines a fence and when in the second position the first side is parallel and adjacent to an upper surface of the shelf. The shelf mounting member includes a first portion rotatably interconnected to a lateral side of the shelf and a second portion for selectively engaging a horizontal slot of a cabinet of the refrigerator. The mounting member is rotatable from a first position to a second position to engage the second portion with the horizontal slot. The spill tray includes a main body portion and a plurality of mounting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Thetford Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Leistner, John M. Antos, James C. Butler, John W. Wissinger
  • Patent number: 7451709
    Abstract: A portable cooler and table assembly that may be easily transported in a single, self-contained unit is disclosed. The assembly may be converted for use as a table for a variety of recreational activities, e.g., dining, drinking, games such as ping pong, beer pong, table hockey, card games, board games, preparation for sporting events and meals. The table and cooler may be permanently attached to each other, or alternatively, the cooler may be detachable from the table. The table may fold or collapse to assist in converting the assembly from a compact, lightweight transportable unit into a fully extended and operable table and cooler. The table surface may contain surface features such as grooves, indentations, nets, game pieces, etc. The cooler may comprise any container that is capable of containing ice or some other refrigeration or heating system, e.g., a conventional 54 quart beverage cooler. Alternatively, the cooler may be replaced with a storage container or other storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Brian Allen Swartfager, Andrew William Shilling, Christopher David Senard, Michael Joseph Slifko
  • Patent number: 6895715
    Abstract: A headwall is adapted for use with a bed in a room of a healthcare facility. The headwall comprises a service delivery unit movable relative to a wall of the room between a storage position and a use position allowing the bed to dock to the service delivery unit to receive one or more services from the service delivery unit. It is disclosed to use the headwall to provide services to patient care equipment mounted to a side rail of the bed. Such patient care equipment is, for example, a chest drainage unit, an infusion unit, or a vacuum bandage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Gallant, Dennis M. Lanci, Carl W. Riley
  • Patent number: 6854217
    Abstract: A workstation includes at least one vertical wall that is pivotable between an open and a closed position. In the closed position, wires that are behind the pivotable wall are concealed from view. In the open position, easy access is provided to the wires for re-arranging or changing the wires. The pivotable vertical wall includes at least one horizontal work surface that extends forwardly. A stationary vertical wall may be positioned adjacent the pivotable wall and may provide partial support for another horizontal work surface that extends forwardly from the stationary wall. The stationary wall may include a pivotable panel that allows easy access to wires positioned behind the stationary wall. A top shelf may extend across both the pivotable and stationary walls and include apertures positioned behind the plane defined by the two walls so that wires can be inserted through the apertures to the space behind the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Nucraft Furniture Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Bockheim, William Frederick Schacht, Linda Elizabeth Chesser Schacht, Scott E. Carpenter, Michael G. Fedrigo
  • Patent number: 6811233
    Abstract: A foldable workbench provides ergonomic and flat horizontal working surfaces that can be folded vertically to occupy less space when desired. The top shelf may fold downwardly and provide a working space for arms and shoulders. The middle space is generally disposed at waist or hip height to provide arm and shoulder space while also providing an object against which a person might lean in order to provide stability, steady themselves, and work upon objects present on the middle shelf. The lower shelf has room for a person's shins or feet, especially when leaning against the middle shelf. The foldable workstation has a generally thin profile when folded up against a wall or other similar vertical support. The folded panels of the foldable workbench provide protection for tools hanging vertically on a pegboard or the like adjacent the upper folded panel. Similarly, foldable shelves provide horizontal storage or stowage space when needed yet fold vertically to occupy less space when so desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: CanAm Marketing Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen R. Packer
  • Patent number: 6796624
    Abstract: A multifunctional bookshelf, the bookshelf including an upper plate, a lower plate and a plurality of middle plates, wherein the bookshelf comprises: lighting unit mounted at the upper plate to provide a lighting to a lower front side thereof; a plurality of container bodies provide at the upper plate, the lower plate and the middle plates; and insecticide, dehumidifier, deodorizer and aromatic stored in the plurality of container bodies, such that dehumidifying and insect-proof functions thereof promote the property of preservation of data stacked on shelves, stench is prevented from generation and sufficient illumination is supplied, thereby providing users pleasant environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Hyuk Koo Park
  • Patent number: 6663202
    Abstract: A transportable medical cart includes a frame assembly and a plurality of panels removably mounted on the frame assembly including a horizontal top panel, a pair of side panels and a pair of extension panels. The side panels are movable from a retracted position wherein the side panels are disposed in parallel planes perpendicular to the top panel to a non-retracted position wherein the side panels are disposed at an angle to the planes. The extension panels are movable from a non-extended position wherein the extension panels overlap the side panels in the retracted position to an extended position wherein the extension panels are horizontally aligned with the top panel. The side panels in the non-retracted position support the extension panels in the extended position. A plurality of drawer assemblies are removably mounted to the frame assembly, each including a slide rail and a drawer supported on the slide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Promedica, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Spann
  • Publication number: 20030042826
    Abstract: A laundry center has a plurality of grooved vertical posts connecting together a top storage shelf and a middle snake wire frame. Plural sorting sacks are attached to the middle snake wire frame by ties. A height-adjustable, downwardly foldable ironing board is secured to two of the grooved vertical posts. Because the ironing board must be pulled up to be used, no one is injured when the ironing board is disengaged from its stored position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Sandy Alan Felsenthal
  • Publication number: 20020195911
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a member by which the member is angularly movable from a storage position to a working position, comprising: a first link adapted for pivotal mounting to a support at a first end of said first link at a connection point thereof, and for pivotal mounting to said member at a second end of said first link; and a second link adapted for pivotal mounting to the support at a first end of the second link, at a point on the support below the connection point of the first link, said second link being adapted for pivotal mounting to said member at a second end of the second link; wherein: said second link is abutted, in use, at the working position of the member, against a stop means or limit means on said first link to prevent angular movement of the member past the working position; and in use, at the working position of the member, the second end of the first link and the second end of the second link are both intermediate the first end of the first link and the first end of the second link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Garry William Allen
  • Patent number: 6474677
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a utility space without decreasing the space for passenger seats, by providing a utility function to a meal service cart and using the meal service cart after finishing the meal service as a bar counter. An in-flight meal service cart 1 includes a box-shaped main body 10 forming a storage space therein, and a utility mechanism (a counter board) 20 equipped so as to be rotatable to the box-shaped main body. The counter board 20 is provided movably between a position of being stored on top of the ceiling board 13 of the main body, and a rotated position of being vertical to the side wall board 12, and when the counter board 20 is in the position of being vertical to the side wall board, it is supported by the opened front and rear doors 17 and 19 in a horizontal condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Jamco Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihisa Kasuya
  • Publication number: 20020145368
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a bookcase 12 having an easel 14 pivotally attached to the back of the bookcase housing 12. The easel 14 is attached to the bookcase 12 using friction supports 16 having additional support members or hinges 24 having hinge pins 32 therein. At least one support member 16 is provided for fixedly holding the planar work surface 14 at the desired angle. Also provided is a raised edge element 26 for supporting work materials 18 upon the planar work surface 14 when in an angled position. Additionally, there is provided a centrally positioned removable rail 28 that can support additional work materials 18. The bookcase 12 has a plurality of shelves 22 mounted therein along with a plurality of casters 20 fixedly attached to its underside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Paul Brown
  • Patent number: 6450599
    Abstract: A locker apparatus for providing a storage locker having collapsible shelving. The locker apparatus includes a housing having a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall, and a back wall. A front of the housing has a peripheral edge defining a doorway for accessing an interior of the housing. A plurality of shelves are located in the housing and spaced from each other. Each of the shelves comprises a panel having a front edge, a back edge, and a pair of side edges. A hinge hingedly couples the back edge of the panel to the back wall such that the panel may be selectively positioned between a horizontal position and a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Betty J. Mamuyac
  • Patent number: 6435634
    Abstract: An office furniture system includes a furniture unit, such as a binder bin or main shelf, mounted to a partition. A display shelf assembly is mounted to the furniture unit, and includes a movable shelf, a first bent-wire support fixedly attached to the furniture unit and slidingly attached to the shelf, and a second bent-wire support operably pivotally attached to the furniture unit and pivotally attached to the shelf. The first and second support members are configured to support the shelf through a range of motion between a substantially horizontal storage position and a vertically inclined display position. In one embodiment, the second support is operably attached to the furniture unit for both pivoting and sliding movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Audrey K. Webb, John R. Hamilton, Michael W. Welsh, Scott M. Miller, Kevin B. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020109444
    Abstract: An office furniture system includes a furniture unit, such as a binder bin or main shelf, mounted to a partition. A display shelf assembly is mounted to the furniture unit, and includes a movable shelf, a first bent-wire support fixedly attached to the furniture unit and slidingly attached to the shelf, and a second bent-wire support operably pivotally attached to the furniture unit and pivotally attached to the shelf. The first and second support members are configured to support the shelf through a range of motion between a substantially horizontal storage position and a vertically inclined display position. In one embodiment, the second support is operably attached to the furniture unit for both pivoting and sliding movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Audrey K. Webb, John R. Hamilton, Michael W. Welsh, Scott M. Miller, Kevin B. Miller
  • Patent number: 6254208
    Abstract: A storage chest comprises: opposing front and rear walls; opposing side walls connecting the front and rear walls, wherein each of the side walls includes a recess having upper and lower horizontal surfaces and a vertical panel extending therebetween; and a shelf including a main panel. The shelf is pivotally attached to at least one of the rear wall, front wall and side walls and is movable between a raised position, in which the main panel is generally upright, with a front edge of the main panel being located above the rear edge, and a lowered position, in which the main panel is generally horizontally disposed and the shelf rests upon the upper horizontal surfaces of the side wall recesses. In this configuration, the shelf can be moved to the raised position so that the lower rear portion of the cavity defined by the front, rear and side walls can be easily accessed and can be used to store items that would not fit beneath a permanently mounted shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Delta Consolidated Industries
    Inventor: Richard A. Samsel
  • Patent number: 6241048
    Abstract: A storage platform and lift apparatus comprises a plurality of platforms; four cables; a plurality of elongated brace members; four elongated vertical members, each having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough; and a drive axle. A pulley wheel is rotatably coupled to two vertical members, while the other two vertical members support a drive axle which contains the four cables. A plurality of brace members support the vertical members in an upright, stable position. Upper and lower gear assemblies, in combination with the four cables extending outwardly away from the drive axle and coupled to the platforms, provide means to raise and lower the platforms to any desired height for either short- and long-term storage of machinery, equipment, and the alike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph John Heilmann
  • Patent number: 6234595
    Abstract: A media storage system and method for use in a cabinet in which a rail member is mounted to at least one of the walls of the cabinet. A side panel is pivotally connected to the rail member for pivotal movement relative thereto, and one or more additional panels are connected to the side panel one to form a storage area. The side panel can be pivoted relative to the rail member between a first position in which the storage area is closed and a second position in which the storage area is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: O'Sullivan Industries INC
    Inventors: Wade Andrew Farris Maple, Jeffrey Charles Jensen
  • Patent number: 6112889
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable humidor that allows for convenient storage and transport of cigars. A three-piece, rigid structure protects the cigars during transport and also includes a humidifying element that maintains the proper humidity level within the device. The humidifying element is housed within a receptacle at the bottom of the container, while a lid at the top of the container provides easy access to the cigars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Traveldor LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Wicker
  • Patent number: 6053588
    Abstract: A workplace is suggested that has work surfaces and especially desk surfaces in a body which can be opened up. To attain a spacious interior, two opposing side walls (3, 4) are connected via hinges (15, 16) to a transverse wall (5) to allow the body to be unfolded as a workplace with a large area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Franz Biggel, Burkhard Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6006903
    Abstract: A cigar humidor is provided which effectively and conveniently humidifies cigars. The cigar humidor is preferably a square box-like shape which is bisected at diametrically opposed corners into two equal half sections. The humidor is hinged along one corner and closed along the diametrically opposed corner preferably by magnets. A support for vertically holding the cigars is attached at the hinged corner exposing all the cigars for easy accessibility when the humidor is opened by spreading apart the hinged sections. Humidifying means is provided below the lower end of the cigars and rising humid air contacts the lower end of the cigars which are supported in the humidor. The cigar support preferably has a slidable drawer at the lower end thereof to hold the humidifying means. The cigars rest in through holes which holes communicate with the humidifying means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Cigar Savors Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Henry S. Milone
  • Patent number: 5997112
    Abstract: A storage case has a plurality of walls surrounding an internal compartment, a door provided in a front wall for providing access to the internal compartment, a top panel for covering the internal compartment, and a removable table top assembly resting on the top panel. The table top assembly has a plurality of table top panels that are removably coupled together to form the table top assembly, and which are adapted to be stored in the internal compartment. The storage case further includes a base panel between the plurality of walls, and a set of wheels provided adjacent the base panel. A shelf may be provided in the internal compartment when the storage case is used as a combined storage cabinet and table top. The storage case is especially adapted for use in storing components are that used to assemble a modular display system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Abex Display Systems
    Inventors: Stuart Karten, Michael J. Rocha, Robert Blumenfeld, Dennis Schroeder, Paul Kirley
  • Patent number: 5951128
    Abstract: For a vehicle front bench seating arrangement in which an arm rest is pivotal between a horizontal in-use position and a vertical non-use position at a location between the driver's and the passenger's seats, and a lap-top computer in a housing is positioned in facing relation to the driver supported upon the in-use armrest position, and the lap-top computer housing has a vertical degree of adjusting movement to account for the different heights of armrests, so that the keyboard of the lap-top computer is horizontally oriented to facilitate the use of the push buttons on the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Sal Aidone, Steve Fyne
  • Patent number: 5829581
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable humidor that allows for convenient storage and transport of cigars. A three-piece, rigid structure protects the cigars during transport and also includes a humidifying element that maintains the proper humidity level within the device. The humidifying element is housed in a receptacle at the bottom of the container, while a lid at the top of the container provides easy access to the cigars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Traveldor, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Wicker
  • Patent number: 5800029
    Abstract: A cabinet for a sewing machine or the like defines a chamber having a front and a back including a back panel. A pull-out platform for the machine is supported in the chamber for motion inwardly and outwardly of the front thereof and defines a generally horizontal working surface. The back panel is flexibly connected to the platform for movement therewith from (A) a generally vertical position wherein the back panel closes the back of the chamber (e.g. during machine storage, the vertical position corresponding to an innermost position of the platform), to (B) a generally horizontal position wherein the back panel is in generally co-planar relation to the platform (to provide a large working surface) and the back of the chamber is open (to allow fabric etc. being worked on to be moved through the open back). The horizontal position also corresponds to an outermost position of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Suite Solutions Designs Ltd.
    Inventors: Joann Robertson, Andy Holisky
  • Patent number: 5795045
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a swing shelf swings the shelf according to the dimensions and quantity of stored items accommodated within a cooling chamber to employ the swing shelf in the stretched or erected state. The swing shelf is shaped as an alphabet "T" for swinging about a portion of crossing a horizontal plate and a vertical plate. The swinging position is classified into the stretched state and erected state, and support rods and slot parts separable from the side walls of the cooling chamber are installed for settling respective states. When the swing shelf is in the erected state, the horizontal plate is provided to the vertically-raised place to simply and conveniently accommodate the large-sized stored item regardless of the dimensions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-Moo Lee
  • Patent number: 5580253
    Abstract: A geographical globe to provide geographical data about all of the continents so that a person can learn about those particular continents of interest. The geographical globe with an information base comprises an orb-shaped model assembly of the earth. A base member supports the orb-shaped model assembly. A structure in the base member supplies data about different countries on each continent of the earth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Shakshouki Abdalla
  • Patent number: 5568773
    Abstract: A multifunctional computer desk includes a rear board, two lateral boards, a face board, two corner insertion blocks and a pivotable board. A vertical wire channel is formed on an inner rear edge of each lateral board, whereby wires of business machines are placed in the wire channels and extend along a transverse partitioning board and extend out from recesses of the rear board to connect with the business machines on the desk. A small vertical channel is formed beside the wire channel, whereby each end of the longitudinal partitioning board is inserted in the small vertical channel. A transverse insertion groove is formed on a lower edge of the longitudinal partitioning board. One side of the transverse partitioning board is inserted in the groove, while the other side thereof is fitted in a stepped channel of the rear board. Two insertion slots are formed on two sides of the rear board. The corner insertion blocks can be inserted therein and mounted on two corners of the rear board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Wang-Ho Hung
  • Patent number: 5556181
    Abstract: The adjustable level play desk is for a child. It comprises at least three elongated legs of substantially circular cross section, each of the legs having a lower end for resting on the ground and an outer cylindrical surface provided with a first locking device; and a top body having an upper play surface, and at least three sleeves oriented downwardly when in use, the sleeves being for slidably receiving respectively the legs, the sleeves being solid with the top body at positions providing steadiness thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: The Ritvik Group Inc.
    Inventor: Victor J. Bertrand
  • Patent number: 5500028
    Abstract: An article storing arrangement having a filter device 11 mounted to the back side of an article storing shelf assembly 4, the filter device 11 having a mounting frame member 12 removably attached to a support frame 6, a filter 14 provided at a position corresponding to an opening of the mounting frame member 12, and a cover member 17 covering the outer surface of the filter 14, the cover member 17 having an air inlet port 20 at the top thereof. The filter device is mounted to the support frame through the mounting frame member. Therefore, when a filter performance test is required in an actually mounted condition, such a test can be carried out simply by fixing the filter device to the mounting frame member. Accordingly, such performance test can be effected with far much greater ease than in the case where a performance test is carried out, for example, by attaching the filter, cover member, and the like directly to the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Iizuka
  • Patent number: 5497878
    Abstract: Work surface extensions for tool storage units comprising a horizontally disposed housing adapted to be located between a pair of tool boxes, the housing being of a rectangular configuration positionable in a generally horizontal plane with a periphery generally corresponding to the periphery of adjacent tool boxes above and below, a pair of apertures, one on each side of the housing, the apertures being located at varying elevations with respect to each other, with a chamber formed within the housing and being accessible through the apertures and a pair of reciprocable members, the reciprocable members being of a planar configuration in the form of rectangles, each of the members being positioned through one of the apertures, each of the members having a first work surface on one side and a second work surface on the other side, each reciprocable member movable in a generally horizontal plane between an extended orientation wherein the majority of the work surface is exterior of the housing extending through
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Henry L. Sandonato
  • Patent number: 5494285
    Abstract: A pinball machine is provided and includes a game cabinet having disposed therein a playfield movable between open, intermediate, and closed positions. A support assembly is used for maintaining the playfield within the cabinet. The support assembly includes a pair of cabinet brackets mounted one to each side of the cabinet where each of the brackets has a riding surface. A pair of wheels are mounted to the playfield and are provided to ride along the riding surface of a corresponding one of the cabinet brackets. A pair of support arms is further provided each having one end thereof pivotally attached to the cabinet and the other end thereof pivotally attached to the playfield wherein at least one of the support arms has pivotally attached thereto a prop arm which is engageable with the playfield when the playfield is disposed in the intermediate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Gamestar, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Coldebella, Christopher A. Shipman, Robert S. Morrison