Pivoted Shelves Patents (Class 211/150)
  • Patent number: 5873355
    Abstract: A grill 10 is disclosed having: a burner housing 12; a frame 14 to support the burner housing 12; work surfaces 16, 18, and 20; and a gas supply system 22. These components provide a means for relatively easily adjusting the grill 10 between a cooking configuration and a storage configuration. Work surfaces 16 and 18 are positionable between a horizontal cooking position and a vertical storage position. A work surface 20 is removably attachable to grill 10. When work surfaces 16 and 18 are in a vertical position, and the work surface 20 is removed, the burner housing 12 and work surfaces define a first smallest perimeter around the grill. This configuration is ideal for moving and storing the grill 10. Depending on how many of the working surfaces 16, 18, and 20 are in a cooking position, second, third and fourth perimeters are defined. Thus, there is provided ample working surface space with optional reduction thereof for using, moving, and storing the grill 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Weber-Stephen Products Co.
    Inventors: Erich J. Schlosser, James C. Stephen
  • Patent number: 5833083
    Abstract: A drying rack is provided with a plurality of self-supporting shelves. The shelves telescope with respect to one another to provide easy loading and unloading of objects, such as clothing garments, to be dried upon the shelves. Each shelf comprises a frame member over which a jacket is slidably fit. The jacket is constructed of a mesh fabric to allow air circulation therethrough. The jacket can be easily removed from the frame member for cleaning, if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Dirk Miller
  • Patent number: 5816419
    Abstract: A display rack or stock cart including a base structure, a pair of spaced posts upstanding from the base structure, and a plurality of shelves supported on the posts in vertically spaced relation. A series of pins are provided on the posts for selective coaction with a series of notches on the shelves to allow each shelf to be mounted on the posts in a first generally horizontal position, or a second downwardly inclined position, or a third generally vertically downwardly extending nesting position. The shelves are moveable between their various positions by simple pivoting and sliding movement of the shelves relative to the posts and the shelves in their downwardly extending position allow nesting the plurality of display racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Lockwood Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Frederick W. Lamson
  • 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: 5791500
    Abstract: The inclined display rack has a frame with a base and posts extending therefrom. The posts have supports thereon, with the supports being separated from the base by a distance. There is provided an extension that has first and second ends. The second end of the extension slidingly engages the base so as to move between a fully extended position and a partially extended position. The first end of the extension is closer to the base when the extension is in the partially extended position than when the extension is in the fully extended position. There is also a rack having a main section and one or more secondary sections. The main section has first and second ends, with the first end being pivotally coupled to the first end of the extension. The second end of the main section is pivotally coupled to a secondary section. The rack is received between the posts and bears on the supports such that the main section of the rack is inclined to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Marco Display Specialists, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade P. Burke, Ray M. Lewis, II
  • Patent number: 5774343
    Abstract: A modular front panel system for circuit cards utilizes hinged, interlockable, first and second circuit-card-carrying front panels. Each panel has a hinge component, e.g. a pivot element) that can mate with the component on the other panel (e.g., a groove). The hinged arrangement permits the panels to be releasably secured to one another so as to form a card assembly unit. The hinged arrangement also permits the panels to be moved angularly with respect to one-another, thereby facilitating assembly and disassembly of the two hinge components without obstruction by components mounted on the circuit cards. This is particularly well suited to applications in which the circuit cards have surface mounted connectors that mate and electrically connect when the panels are moved angularly. Moreover, the hinge arrangement permits a panel to be readily added and interlocked with, or removed from, an existing card assembly in electrical equipment, without requiring replacement of the existing front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Digital Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew C. Benson, Kenneth D. Gagnon
  • Patent number: 5749480
    Abstract: A display rack for supporting a shelf-like member in a range of inclinations includes upright, generally vertically oriented support members, each defining a longitudinal axis and each having at least two spaced apart support pegs extending therefrom, generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. A support bracket defining a mounting plane and mountable to the shelf-like member and the support member includes an arcuate portion and a straight portion contiguous therewith defining an open central region. The straight portion defines a central notch therein, and the arcuate portion defines a plurality of spaced apart, circumferential, radially oriented notches formed therein contiguous with the open central region. The bracket is engageable with the support pegs such that a lower one of the support pegs engages the central notch and an upper one of the support peg engages a selected one of the radially oriented notches to orient the shelf-like member at a selected orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Stamford Investments, Inc.
    Inventor: Graham Robert Wood
  • Patent number: 5746331
    Abstract: A collapsible stand, having a number of shelves, which can be placed on the floor of a school locker to store and arrange small articles thereon in a convenient manner, and wherein the stand is self-locking and requires no manually manipulated braces for maintaining it in an operational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Rachel M. Kurtis
  • Patent number: 5590796
    Abstract: An improved stand for displaying merchandise is provided in a rack for displaying merchandise comprising; a bottom frame comprising; a front member; a pair of side members; a display frame pivotally attached to the bottom frame wherein the display frame comprises; side legs; two parallel shelf arms pivotally attached to the side legs; at least one cross-member attached to each shelf arm such that the shelf arms remain parallel; at least one swing support attached to the shelf arm and the side legs; at least one adjustable support rotatably mounted to the bottom frame and rigidly attached to the display frame wherein the adjustable support comprises; a tube; an elongated member slidably mounted to the tube; a locking element for reversibly fixing the position of the elongated member relative to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: Richard J. Herman
  • Patent number: 5553724
    Abstract: An improved display rack for the commercial display of tableware comprising a back panel, having two side panels attached thereto, a plurality of full shelves in parallel relationship to one another, each abutting the back panel and side panels, at least one rotatably hinged front panel corresponding to each full shelf, each front panel positioned so that a bottom edge is aligned with a corresponding full shelf, a display pad detachably affixed to at least one front panel, at least one hinge rotatably affixing each front panel to the rack, and at least one retainer for retaining tableware on the front of the display pad for display thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Oneida Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Moher, Thomas J. Nook
  • Patent number: 5505318
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing articles includes a rack, structure for supporting the rack, structure for rotatably connecting the rack to the structure for supporting so that the rack can rotate from a first stable position described by a horizontal plane to a second stable position described by a vertical plane, structure for fixedly holding the rack when the rack is in the first stable position; and structure for fixedly holding the rack when the rack is in the second stable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald L. Goff
  • Patent number: 5503279
    Abstract: One embodiment is a height-adjustable, angle-adjustable display rack which includes a base frame having a front end and a rear end; an angle-adjustable uniplanar tilt top having a top end, a bottom end, and two sides connecting the top end and the bottom end; and a tilt bar attachable to the tilt top and attachable to the base frame at various distances from the front end of the base frame.Another embodiment is a height-adjustable, angle-adjustable display rack which includes a base frame having a front end and a rear end; a tilt top having a top end, a bottom end, and two sides connecting the top end and the bottom end, the tilt top being attachable to the base frame at various distances from the front end of the base frame; and a tilt bar attachable to the tilt top and the base frame in such a way that the tilt top may be supported at various angles. The tilt top may be expandable to expand its height from the top end to the bottom end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventor: Richard W. Wentworth
  • Patent number: 5487474
    Abstract: The display cabinet includes a fixed frame with front vertical stanchions 2 bearing fixed load or feeding bars 20 which support the front end of display racks 22. A mobile frame including rear vertical stanchions 10 is able to move vertically with respect to the fixed frame and bears load bars 25 supporting the rear end of the racks 22. A motor borne by the fixed frame rotary-drives an endless screw engaged in a nut integral with the mobile frame so that, depending on its direction of rotation, the motor moves the mobile frame either upwards or downwards. In the top position of the mobile frame, the racks 22 are slanted forwards by propelling the bottles 35 they contain by means of gravity in this direction. When the mobile frame is in the bottom position, the racks are slanted towards the rear allowing for easy loading, the bottles 35 being propelled via their weight towards the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: FAPEC
    Inventor: Bernard Heimendinger
  • Patent number: 5464279
    Abstract: A new and improved hot oven countertop display station is provided in a hot oven countertop display unit having a reclosable front door panel opening and an integral upper sign and menu board structure. A dispenser display rack is provided in the oven compartment for supporting flanged food packages in gravity feed arrays of columns and rows terminating at the front door opening. The rack has been designed to reduce or eliminate the presence of any heated rack surfaces at the front opening of the oven. An optional refrigerated condiment dispensing display may be located adjacent the hot oven display to complete the self-service food station. The hot oven countertop food station provides a clean and safe arrangement for displaying and storing pre-cooked preheated ready-to-eat foods for extended periods of up to four hours until purchased by the self-service customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation
    Inventors: Cindie M. Wells, Scott A. Halverson, John A. Jonovic
  • Patent number: 5421467
    Abstract: A shelving system includes first and second support members extending in parallel vertical planes, and a pair of shelves mounted intermediate the support members. Each of the shelves has a longitudinal pivot axis perpendicular to the planes of the support members. Each shelf is continuously positionable at any angular orientation about its pivot axis. Each of the support members includes an upper and a lower stacking surface. Modular units may be stacked to form a larger shelving system wherein mating upper and lower stacking surfaces abut. To facilitate alignment when stacked, the stacking surfaces include first and second alignment portions, and upper and lower alignment cavities formed in each support member. To maintain alignment of the units, an alignment member is received in mutually facing alignment cavities in the assembled shelving system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Napa Valley Box Company
    Inventor: Alberto Dittborn
  • Patent number: 5370241
    Abstract: An improved holder for remote controls is disclosed which houses at least two remote controls. The holder includes at least two shelves, one shelf for each remote control. Folding shelves connect to a vertical support member of the holder by means of a pivotal fastening means such as a hinge which permits the user to raise the upper shelves to gain access to remote controls on the lower shelves. Each shelf is fitted with a hook and loop fastener strip and each remote control is fitted with a matching hook and loop fastener strip on the back of the remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Michael J. Silvers
  • Patent number: 5366100
    Abstract: A single corrugated paper board layer with horizontal corrugations is formed into a rear and two doubled over side walls which fold overlapping the rear wall reinforced with a single corrugated corrugated paper board layer. The side walls have doubled over top and bottom edges. A molly type molded thermoplastic fastener and metal grommet assembly secure shelf support ropes to the two side walls via members clamped to the rope ends. Corrugated paper board display shelves fold over into overlapping members via juxtaposed hinge flanges which are secured to the rear wall by the fastener assemblies. The shelves rotate to an open display state where they are supported by the ropes at their front regions. The shelf hinge flanges are apertured to permit one flange to slide relative to the other as the shelves are rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Stephan T. Maglione
  • Patent number: 5361937
    Abstract: An articulated gravity feed module includes a curved chute for holding items for sale, the chute having a curved bottom wall with a radius of curvature decreasing from a rear portion to a front portion, and side walls connected with the bottom wall; a mounting assembly mounting the chute to a wall; a hopper for supplying items to the chute, the hopper including an elongated enclosure having an open upper end for restocking the items and an open lower end which is always open to the chute for depositing items on the chute, the elongated enclosure being formed by a rear wall, a front wall and interconnecting side walls, the rear wall having a lower portion with a radius of curvature similar to that of the rear portion of the bottom wall of the chute so that the lower portion of the rear wall rides along the rear portion of the bottom wall of the chute; pivot pins pivotally securing the hopper to the chute at a position above the chute, such that the hopper is pivotable between an upright dispensing position adj
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Henschel-Steinau, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee R. Wiese
  • Patent number: 5344033
    Abstract: An adjustable display rack is detailed which provides several advantages including ease of operation and stability. The adjustable display rack comprises a bottom frame, a bin pivotally mounted to the bottom frame, an adjustable support member connecting the rearward portion of the bottom frame and bin, optional legs, optional walls and optional drawers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Richard Herman
  • Patent number: 5324105
    Abstract: A storage device including a lid and a plurality of shelf members, pivotally mounted to a frame member. The lid, the base, and the plurality of shelf members form pairs of opposed cooperating rack assemblies. Each pair of cooperating rack assemblies is adapted to hold articles stored in the storage device in an offset nesting relationship until use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Arlington Rack and Packaging Company
    Inventor: Mark R. Christensen
  • Patent number: 5301824
    Abstract: In the case of a stacking column for storing storage articles one on top of the other at mutual intervals on twin-armed ratchet levers, the latter are rotatably mounted on approximately horizontal rotary axles arranged between two wall strips. Each ratchet lever exhibits, on the one hand, a supporting arm for holding the storage article and, on the other hand, a control arm. The two wall strips form an acute angle with a base surface, baseplate or the like. Moreover, the ratchet levers between the two wall strips are arranged successively, laterally offset in the same direction, on the rotary axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Croon & Lucke Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Schoeller
  • Patent number: 5244104
    Abstract: A drying rack with multiple wire framed shelves with at least one spacer support shaft and a spacer for each wire framed shelf, wherein the spacer comprises (a) a member having a perimeter, preferably a substantially cylindrical member having a substantially circular perimeter, opposing faces, and a central longitudinal axis, (b) a slot extending inwardly or outwardly from the perimeter between the opposing faces along a line substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis, and (c) a hole extending inwardly from one face, such that the slot is capable of receiving the wire framed shelf and the hole is capable of receiving the spacer support shaft of the wire framed shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Sias Equipment Company
    Inventors: Melvin E. Green, Claude H. Oltra
  • Patent number: 5197610
    Abstract: A high density pack out gondola display rack comprises a fixed base, an upright extending vertically from the rear of the fixed base, which upright has at least one shelf supported in cantilever fashion over the fixed base. Both the base and the shelf have downwardly and forwardly sloping top surfaces such that product supported on the top surfaces slide forwardly against abutments at the front edge of the base and shelf. A fixed display rack having multiple columns and rows of forwardly and downwardly sloping shelves is mounted on the base. There are also spring-up shelves adjustably supported from the upright by novel shelf supporting bracket assemblies. The shelves are preferably made from a plurality of longitudinally extending rods and a plurality of transverse rods, which rods are welded at their intersections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Rafael T. Bustos
  • Patent number: 5094350
    Abstract: An adjustable rack construction in which the shelf is supported so that its vertical position and angle of inclination with respect to the vertical can be changed by an operator without using any tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Smock Material Handling Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Smock
  • Patent number: 5005712
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage and transportation rack for stacking and transporting generally flat components, comprising a framework mechanism; a plurality of support columns attached to the framework mechanism, the support columns including bearing slots; and a plurality of support arm assemblies pivotally disposed in selected ones of the bearing slots of the support columns. The support arm assemblies are positionable between a rest position and an extended position so that when a support arm assembly is in the extended position, the support arm assembly supports at least a portion of the flat component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Klaus Niederprum
  • Patent number: 4962860
    Abstract: A merchandising display unit particularly suited for storing and displaying groups of small items of variable sizes such as nails, bolts and similar hardware. The basic unit includes an elongate horizontal channel having a rigid arcuate wall extending at least 180.degree. around the horizontal axis to provide a partial enclosure having an upper elongate slot providing access and visibility to the contents therein. Each end of the channel has a fixed transverse barrier. One or more dividers are transversely positioned between the end barriers to provide separated segments or item compartments. Each divider is a rigid arcuate disc extending at least co-extensively with the arcuate wall of the channel and having an effective diameter slightly larger than that of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Inventor: Paul F. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 4938364
    Abstract: Variable display presentation of carpet samples with variable juxtaposition is accomplished by a presentation display storage system which is economical, light in weight, easily assembled without tools, easily movable and subject to easy rearrangement of the samples. The system is made up of a wheeled starbase which supports a vertical spindle upon which presentation platforms are mounted. A slide-and-spin-resistant support slider is positioned at a baseline position axially on the spindle. A bottom presentation platform, made up of a relatively fragile lightweight presentation platform shelf and a hold-down slider, cantilever the presentation platform by compressing the shelf between itself and the support slider. The top surface of the hold-down slider forms a support surface for the presentation platform shelf of the overlying presentation platform, in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventors: Hildegarde A. Stadelman, Fred E. Stadelman
  • Patent number: 4862812
    Abstract: A window tray assembly comprising a vertical wall having a window therein, a lower margin of the window being defined by a sill, and a planar tray member adapted to be moved from a position parallel to the wall and removed from the window to a position in the window overlying and resting upon the sill, to provide a horizontal tray surface on the window sill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Charles E. Godfrey
  • Patent number: 4858773
    Abstract: A foldable cooling/baking rack has first and second end frames, each of which includes a pair of laterally spaced posts. The rack also has a plurality of generally rectangular shelving elements which are generally horizontally disposed and which are connected to the end frames. The shelving elements and end frames are movable between an upright, operable position and a folded, inoperable position. In the upright positions, the shelving elements are disposed generally perpendicularly to the end frames, while in the folded, inoperable position, the shelving elements and end frames are disposed in a generally non-perpendicular relationship. In one embodiment, the shelving elements are detachably connected to the second end frame, and are pivotably, but non-detachably, connected to the first end frame. A number of alternative joints, including T-shaped and L-shaped joints, are suggested for the pivotal connection between the sheliving elements and the first end frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Karen M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 4809855
    Abstract: A high density pack out gondola display rack comprises a firxed base, an upright extending vertically from the rear of the fixed base, which upright has at least two parallel columns of vertically spaced slots from which at least one shelf is supported in cantilever fashion over the fixed base. Both the base and the shelf have downwardly and forwardly sloping top surfaces such that product supported on the top surfaces slide forwardly against abutments at the front edge of the base and shelf. In the preferred embodiment, a fixed display rack having multiple columns and rows of forwardly and downwardly sloping shelves is mounted on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Legettt & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Rafael T. Bustos
  • Patent number: 4793497
    Abstract: A tilt-shelf cart system includes spaced, parallel uprights mounted atop a wheeled base with merchandise receiving shelves pivotally mounted between the uprights for limited pivotal movement between forwardly and rearwardly inclined positions. The pivot axes of the shelves are positoned so that the shelves, when fully loaded with merchandise, normally pivot toward their rearwardly inclined positions. The shelves are secured in either of the forwardly or rearwardly inclined positions by a latch mechanism which includes laterally extending latch pins which engage selected edges of a latch plate. The pins are withdrawn by a drawbar mechanism which requires both operator hands to operate. The two-handled drawbar is pivotally connected to a connecting link which, in turn, is pivotally connected to a rotatably mounted plate to cause limited rotation of the plate in response to movement of the connecting link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Cumberland Corporation
    Inventors: Don Hall, Charles F. A. Laitner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4776472
    Abstract: A plurality of horizontal shelves extend outwardly from a vertical supporting wall. Each of the shelves is formed on an arm structure having a pair of horizontally spaced arms connected by a cross member and a rack slidably resting on the arms across the width of the shelf lengthwise from arm to arm. The rack has a front section and a back section articulatingly interconnected, and slidable on the arms from a forward position wherein the front and back sections of the rack rest upon the arm and a rearward position wherein the front section only of the rack rests upon the arm and the back section of the rack extends perpendicularly therefrom and abuts against the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Brand Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Howard Rosen
  • Patent number: 4760928
    Abstract: A beverage display case having a back panel, side panels and a bottom panel made from corrugated sheet plastic material. The case is rigidified by a U-shaped metal rod which rests atop the top edge of the back panel and the side panels and is secured thereto by extruded plastic caps which fit over the rod and the top edge of the back panel and side panels. A pair of rigid reinforcement rods also overlie the front edge of the side panels and are secured thereto by extruded plastic caps which fit over the rods and the front edges of the side panels. An adjustable snap-up shelf is secured to the front side of the back panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Rafael T. Bustos
  • Patent number: 4750623
    Abstract: A product display shelving system for holding product containers in a stackable arrangement thereon comprising a base structure, a pair of frame members extending upwardly from adjacent one end portion of the base structure, a base shelf member adaptable to be supported on the base structure and a plurality of additional shelf members each adaptable to rest upon and to be supported by the product containers positioned on a shelf member located immediately therebelow, the base shelf member and the additional shelf member each including a product supporting floor portion having a surface contour defining a plurality of adjacent product support areas thereover, each of the product support areas being adaptable for holding and supporting at least one product container positioned respectively thereon, each of the plurality of additional shelf members being hingedly attached to the upwardly extending frame members at spaced vertical locations therealong such that each is pivotally movable between a substantially ho
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Paul Flum Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Flum
  • Patent number: 4730738
    Abstract: A shelf system utilizes a hingedly mounted shelf, and an assembly including a brace piece having a back portion contoured to provide elements disposed progressively inwardly with respect to a vertical axis. Securing the brace piece at any of several transverse positions on the shelf, relative to the vertical reference, will vary the angular attitude of the shelf; normally, the vertical reference will be the wall to which the shelf is attached and against which the contacting element of the brace piece will rest for supporting the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: United Plastic Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Bartus, Vincent Dicioccio
  • Patent number: 4712691
    Abstract: A device for stacking substantially planar finished parts, such as sheet metal panels, in a stacked vertical array. A plurality of latch columns are secured to a base member to define a space intermediate the columns for receiving the finished articles. Each latch column includes a plurality of latching arms having a receiving portion and a oppositely-directed, weighted arm structured so that each latch arm is capable of assuming a rest position, free from interference with said space, a receiving portion ready to receive said finished article thereon, and a loaded position. Pivoting of a latch arm upon loading from its receiving position to its loaded position causes a pivoting of the next uppermost latch arm from its rest position to its receiving position. Means are provided for locking said finished articles on said device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Inventors: Hans Grill, Gerhard Tappen
  • Patent number: 4688681
    Abstract: The assembly, in the embodiment shown, is adapted for replaceable and operative installation upon the back of a standard door or on a wall space. It comprises a plurality of foldable shelves, which are maintained at an angle, to accomodate a number of shoes or boots and allows dirt and fluid to drain. The shelves are attached to a vertical support frame and they fold inwardly into the frame when not in use. A base collector is positioned at the bottom of the frame in order to retain all materials which are drained from the stored shores. A undershelf storage bin has connectors which allow it to be placed under any of the shelves and to be removed as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Inventor: Paul U. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 4678090
    Abstract: The improved latch is used for selectively securing and releasing a shelf in a storage unit. This improved latch includes a pivot leg, first and second connecting legs and a support leg. A spring or other biasing means is used between the pivot leg and a bolt of the hinge, and the latch is designed to rotate about the bolt of the hinge. The first connecting leg extends outside of the storage unit, and the second connecting leg extends through a respective side panel of the storage unit and connects the first connecting leg and the support leg. In operation, the upward moving shelf first pushes the latch out of the way and, after the shelf is moved completely upward, the latch springs back into position and the support leg holds the shelf firmly in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Ross Bicycles Inc.
    Inventor: Sherwood B. Ross
  • Patent number: 4629143
    Abstract: A creel assembly and section beam pallet minimize downtime, enhance loading and unloading operations and facilitate automation, in slasher, dyeing, and like textile operations. First and second creels are mounted side-by-side on a frame. Air bearings lift the frame off of the floor, and a powered wheel rotates the frame 180.degree., when changing over from the section beams on one creel, to the other. The section beam pallets include outwardly extending arms having shoes on their bottoms. The shoes cooperate with rails associated with the support frame, and air is delivered between the rails and the pallet shoes when it is desired to move the pallets along the rails. The rails are tilted from a level position to a slightly downwardly inclined position so that the pallets glide on air to the end of the rails, at which position they may be unloaded with a forklift or an automated guided vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Assignee: Burlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Everett Griffin
  • Patent number: 4627542
    Abstract: Apparatus for transporting and displaying goods has a frame having a base, a pair of opposed side frames, a shelf support post in each frame, and a vertical row of keyholes in each post for pivotal support of a plurality of shelves; the shelf for the apparatus has a center section for supporting a tray, a front barrier for retaining a tray on the shelf, a pair of opposed transverse arms and a key on an outer end of each arm, and a rotator lever on a back of the shelf; a tilt column is connectible to the shelf levers and as the tilt column goes up and down, the shelves pivot from a horizontal transport position to a tilted or inclined display position and back to the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: Cornelius Cannon, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard J. Fredrickson
  • Patent number: 4625873
    Abstract: A compact garment rack features a master frame that attaches to a pole or wall fixture in a closet. The master frame has a series of tiered sub-frame sections that are articulated with respect to the master frame. Each sub-frame section has a respective hanger rod member that carries an item of apparel. The sub-frame sections are movable from a generally fold-down position to an open access position. When a sub-frame section is in the open access position, its corresponding hanger rod member is slidably disengageable from the sub-frame section, whereby the apparel item can be easily inserted or removed from the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Inventor: Keiichiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 4620489
    Abstract: An extendible merchandise shelving display embodies an elongated, stationary shelf support which extends laterally from and is connected to at least one vertical support. An elongated, movable shelf support extends alongside and is slidably connected to the stationary shelf support. The movable shelf support is adapted for sliding movement relative to the stationary shelf support selectively to an extended position spaced from the vertical support and to a retracted position adjacent the vertical support. Cooperating locking members are carried by the movable and stationary shelf supports in position to engage each other and limit sliding movement of the movable shelf support while in its extended and retracted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: The Kent Corporation
    Inventor: Vincent J. Albano
  • Patent number: 4605131
    Abstract: A utility table for attachment to a vertical wall, particularly to a wall of a switch cabinet, with a tabletop platform and a support member joined to the wall such that it assumes an initial inoperative position folded parallel to the wall out of which the tabletop platform is moved into an inclined operative position. The support member moves into a supporting position due to its own weight whereby the tabletop platform is supported inclined to the wall so that it is prevented from returning to its initial inoperative position under load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jurgen Debus, Claus-Dieter Ehrhardt
  • Patent number: 4602570
    Abstract: An extendable shelf for a display rack permits the shelf to be pulled out to permit stocking and product rotation and permits it to be used in different sizes. A wire shelf is formed of hingedly connected sections with their sides connected to telescoping sheet metal side support brackets. The side support brackets are constructed and mounted so that they may be positioned to extend vertically either above or below plane of the wire shelving to selectively form side edges of the shelf. The rearmost section of the shelf when pivoted out of the plane of the shelf and held by a detent may contact product on the shelf to pull the product forward when the shelf is pulled out. This will allow restocking of fresh product at the rearmost section of the shelf when it is again pivoted down to the plane of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Frito-Lay, Inc.
    Inventor: Vernon E. Lee
  • Patent number: 4572382
    Abstract: A rack (1) for stacking and transporting flat components comprises a base (2), support columns (3) extending generally vertically from the base (2), and shelves (5) mounted in the support columns (3) for pivotal movement about horizontal axes and arranged closely one above the other. Each shelf (5) includes a support part (5), for receiving a flat component (15), disposed on one side of the pivot axis (7), and a counterweight (9) and a control arm (8) disposed on the other side of the pivot axis. In use, when a component (14) is placed on the support part (6) of a shelf (5), the latter is moved from an inclined receiving position into a horizontal supporting position, and during such movement the control arm of the shelf cooperates with the control arm of the shelf (5) immediately above to move the upper shelf from a vertical position in which the shelf is retracted between the support columns (3) to the inclined receiving position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Klaus Niederprum
  • Patent number: 4547242
    Abstract: A small autoclave for bonding composite lenses comprising a cylindrical pressure vessel adapted to contain therein a lens tray for holding optical lenses aligned horizontally in a vertical array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Assignee: Coburn Optical Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Tusinski, Phillip D. Hill, John M. Griffith
  • Patent number: 4531646
    Abstract: A product display rack having a series of vertically spaced tiltable tray assemblies movable simultaneously between a first inclined position to permit gravity-fed product package loading of the shelves and a second inclined position for display and gravity-fed product package dispensing. The rack includes a hinged header which is automatically displaced upwardly when the tray assemblies are in the first position to provide unobstructed access to the uppermost tray assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: Consolidated Foods Corporation
    Inventor: Fred Howard
  • Patent number: 4505394
    Abstract: An electrical apparatus frame mounting a number of electrical assemblies. Access to said electrical assemblies is provided for maintenance purposes, while the assemblies are in operation. Access is provided by a slide out and hinge down arrangement. The electrical assemblies rest on support guides which may be inclined at an angle to the horizontal to provide convection cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: GTE Automatic Electric Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Reimer
  • Patent number: 4492169
    Abstract: An adjustable cantilevered shelf is disclosed comprising upright supports and a shelf with a pivotally engaged bracket for supporting the shelf on the supports from either above or below. The shelf and bracket are attachable to keyhole slots in the upright supports. The relative positions of the shelf and the bracket in the keyhole slots adjusts the angle of inclination of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: S.B.F. Corporation
    Inventors: Warren O. Ware, Gary M. Borst, Ronald E. Abitz
  • Patent number: 4480773
    Abstract: A holding device installable on a motorcycle for supporting saddlebags, lateral baggage pouches or luggage pieces is made of a strong, fracture-resistant synthetic material and includes two lateral holding frames which support upper frames interconnected by a transverse luggage rack. The rear part of the lower side of the upper frames has an extension for supporting transverse fastening screws which are guided in grooves formed in the top side of the underlying holding frame. The upper guiding groove permits the tilting of the upper frames downwardly about a quadrant. At the front end of the lower side of the upper frame is formed a locking nose engageable in a corresponding recessed receptacle in a lateral wall of the top side of the holding frame. By displacing and tilting the holding device, it is possible to swing open the seat of the motorcycle to access a storage compartment below the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Krauser Kraftfahrzeug-Zubehoer Vertriebs GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Krauser