Abstract: A seamless aluminum container of the type used for beer, soft drinks, edible goods or the like is provided which container is adapted to be manually axially collapsed in a predetermined pattern to a smaller size when its contents are exhausted, the container collapse being accomplished without the need of any apparatus for guiding the container sidewall collapse and without the aid of any mechanical or fluid pressure device. The container sidewall is embossed with a number of adjacent rows of similar, shallow, elongate embossments, adjacent embossments of a row being separated by narrow increments of the lateral surface. Rows of sharply angled rib means separate the rows of embossments. Increments in a row of embossments are each offset peripherally from increments of an adjacent row. Manual axial forces collapse adjacent rows of embossments about an interposed rib means to form a collapsed container approximately one-fifth the size of the original container.

Abstract: A flat thin electrical connector attached to the end of a wire and for releasable engagement with an electrically conductive cylindrical pin at the end of a fixture-mounted fluorescent tube comprises a resilient metal plate having coplanar prongs on opposite sides of a narrow-throated pin-receiving and engaging aperture which extends inwardly from an outer edge of the plate. The prong edges bordering the aperture make electrical contact with the pin. A slit extending from the aperture and between the prongs facilitates temporary displacement of the resilient prongs from their common plane in opposite directions to enable widening of the aperture throat sufficiently to accommodate pin passage. Insulating material covers the metal plate except for the prong edges bordering the aperture. Preferably, a smaller diameter pin-receiving aperture is provided inwardly of the slit for use with a relatively small diameter cylindrical pin.

Abstract: A portable and stackable storage bin fabricated from lightweight insulating material such as polystyrene and which is rendered portable by a removable caster ring assembly in the bottom thereof. The bin has removable shelves for accommodating produce or the like and also includes a removable cover tray for the display of produce and also for the purpose of strengthening the upper portion of the bin to prevent distortion of the bin.

Abstract: A knock-down display rack for displaying articles, such as bottles or the like, at the point of purchase and which includes a vertical support member extending from a base and also includes a series or removable and unattached shelves for supporting layers of the articles, one shelf being located between each layer of articles. The shelves each have a slot therein and extending from its periphery to the central portion of the shelf whereby the shelves may be inserted around vertical support for resting on the layer of articles therebeneath. The slots of the shelves are non-aligned with one another, that is they extend in different directions, thereby each shelf prevents the others from all being disengaged by a single lateral movement of the display rack, and thereby provide stability to the display rack.

Abstract: An overhead sign having polyhedral sections tapered vertically in opposite directions, the lower section comprising downwardly converging translucent panels having picture transparencies backlighted by concentrated light from overhead fluorescent room lights while upwardly converging decorative opaque panels overhang the upper edges of the translucent panels to minimize front lighting and perceptively brighten the pictures viewed by customers as well as minimizing shadows on the display counters below the sign.

Abstract: A molded unit of polystyrene foam having one corner and three sides which with other like units may be compactly nested for storage yet is readily assembled in a wide variety of knock-down arrangements for merchandise display, the units being used in various assembly configurations and orientations to display a wide range of goods in different presentations, two units preferably being capable of providing a six-sided hollow configuration having five walls with twelve equal length corners and one open side.

Abstract: A circlet or lift ring is loosely affixed between the annular roll ridges of a conventional polyethylene drum to enable the drum to be secured to a conventional hand truck utilizing the standard hand truck hook. The circlet is formed with a diameter greater than the diameter of the drum, but smaller than the outer diameter of the roll ridges. The circlet is thus loosely, but securely affixed between the roll ridges with sufficient space between the circlet and the drum easily to be engaged by a standard hand truck hook to enable the drum to be handled easily on the truck.

Abstract: A self-contained, readily-attached electrical connector unit for fluorescent light fixtures is disclosed which hangs from and attaches to the separate prongs of a pair of single or double pronged fluorescent bulbs. The device provides a convenient means for providing auxillary power e.g., connecting extra lighting or a motor for lighted or animated displays to ceiling fixtures and eliminates extraneous wiring and brackets normally used for these purposes, and further eliminates the use of battery-powered motors with these inherent shortcomings and expense.In one embodiment a housing unit for an outlet plug and motor drive is disclosed having a pair or receptacle cups engageable over the ends of a pair of fluorescent tubes for making electrical connection to said outlet and/or motor. In another embodiment the receptacle cups are flexibly attached to the housing so as to be engageable with the prongs of variously spaced tubes.

Abstract: A cross-sectionally V-shaped, improved display sign illuminated by overhead lights and locatable at any selectable level without interference with floor level lighting in stores having different height ceilings with ceiling supported fluorescent lighting fixtures, the sign receiving substantially vertical rays of light which it deflects at a selectable determined angle approaching horizontal.

Abstract: An animated display suspended for rotation about a vertical axis carries a motor and power source that rotates a depending ribbon preferably of varying area and cross-sectional weight about a second axis eccentric to and preferably inclined to the vertical axis to attract attention for advertising in providing the illusion of a natural pouring stream of liquid, such as a beverage from a bottle as accelerated by gravity, with light reflective surfaces and coloring that adds to the illusion of the beverage expected from the bottle.

Abstract: A self-contained, readily-attached electrical connector unit for fluorescent light fixtures is disclosed which hangs from and attaches to the separate prongs of a pair of single or double pronged fluorescent bulbs. The device provides a convenient means for providing auxillary power e.g., connecting extra lighting or a motor for lighted or animated displays to ceiling fixtures and eliminates extraneous wiring and brackets normally used for these purposes, and further eliminates the use of battery-powered motors with these inherent shortcomings and expense.In one embodiment a housing unit for an outlet plug and motor drive is disclosed having a pair or receptacle cups engageable over the ends of a pair of fluorescent tubes for making electrical connection to said outlet and/or motor. In another embodiment the receptacle cups are flexibly attached to the housing so as to be engageable with the prongs of variously spaced tubes.