Stacked Similar Units Patents (Class 211/188)
  • Patent number: 5908121
    Abstract: A storage and display tower assembly transported and distributed in a disassembled in a small box. The components thereof are easily and readily assembled to the configuration selected by the user to provide the desired appearance and use. The shelves, pinch clamps, weighted base and first and second sets of rods of the kit are removed from the box. The rods of the first set are threaded into upright securement to the base; a first shelf is slid through its openings along the rods; the lower ends of the second set of rods are threaded on top of the top ends of the respective rods of the first set with a stabilizing and article display shelf, if needed, sandwiched and fixed between them; and a second shelf is slid through its openings onto the rods of the second set. Using the support clamps, the first and second shelves are mounted at the desired heights to the first and second sets of rods, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Shahriar Dardashti
  • Patent number: 5881653
    Abstract: Shelf assembly system for the rapid assembly of planar shelf boards having opposing interchangeable connector assemblies located at the ends of a leg where each connector assembly frictionally engages a bore in a planar shelf board. The interchangeable connector assemblies include tapered and split male and female connectors which mutually engage and compress inwardly toward each other and outwardly against the planar shelf board bore to secure the leg to each planar shelf board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Joel W. Pfister
  • Patent number: 5839587
    Abstract: A lens display assembly, which has left and right hand end members which can be supported generally upright, interlock attachments on inwardly facing surfaces of the end members in registration with one another, and spaced axially apart, transverse shelves extending between the end members, and interlock parts at opposite ends of the shelves, interlockable with the interlock attachments on the end members, so that the shelves can be supported transversely between the end members and, lens display supports on the shelves, for supporting lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: CDA Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Robert Gress, Lindsay James Lummiss
  • Patent number: 5803277
    Abstract: System for the mounting of shelving for pieces of crockery and the like, consisting of a multiplicity of identical modules (1), stacked vertically and interconnectable through tongue and groove pressure coupling, each of which has lateral and internal protrusions each with blind orifices, to house the rods (6) belonging to the relevant shelves, so that the selves (3) remain separated by a distance equivalent to the length of the modules (1), a minimum distance which is however sufficient to allow the placements of plates, bowls or other prices of crockery on each self, with maximum use of available space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Ignacio Alvarez-Momoitio
  • Patent number: 5752610
    Abstract: A free standing adjustable storage system includes a pair of support feet in spaced parallel alignment with a pair of vertical support members mounted onto the support feet with a horizontally extending wire shelf being sandwiched therebetween. The support feet are provided with grooves and slots therein to receive vertically spaced front edge wires of the wire shelf and a cavity is provided to receive a downwardly extending leg of the vertically extending support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Clairson, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Remmers
  • Patent number: 5746139
    Abstract: An adjustable storage rack system includes at least two shelf assemblies arranged generally parallel to each other in a step-like configuration such that the shelf assemblies are at least partially overlapping, stackable supports for supporting the shelf assemblies and allowing the height of the shelf assemblies to be varied, and connectors for connecting the shelf assemblies. Each shelf assembly includes a pair of slidably connected horizontal members which allow the width of the shelf assemblies to be adjusted and each horizontal member further includes a molded end portion containing a plurality of bore holes which allow the amount of overlap between the shelf assemblies to be adjusted, thereby allowing the depth of the rack to be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Villanueva
  • Patent number: 5722544
    Abstract: A modular shelving system includes at least two shelving units interconnected by support posts. Side and back panels can be attached to the support posts to define an enclosed compartment accessible from the front of the unit. An angled panel can be attached to the front to prevent any objects placed therein from easily falling out. Caster wheels can be attached to the bottom of the unit. Binding clips can be used to connect multiple base units together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Martha Williams
  • Patent number: 5718343
    Abstract: A suspendable assembly for displaying goods at approximately customer eye level is formed by two elongated side members on which are mounted at least two display trays. The trays have slots therein for insertion of the elongated side members and a sidewall portion with an upturned flange. The side members have tray-supporting bosses which increase in size with descending position and the slots in the trays increase in length with relative descending position so that the lower trays will pass over the upper bosses but not over the lower bosses. The bosses are aligned to support the floor of each tray tilted downwardly in the direction of the upturned flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventors: Paul Belokin, Martin P. Belokin, Norman P. Belokin
  • Patent number: 5718441
    Abstract: A transport and display cart is formed of light weight plastic and metal components including a base unit formed from an open framework in which is disposed and fastened a molded plastic tray. Wheels preferably including casters are provided on the underside of the base unit and opposed ladder units having horizontal bars or rungs are removably connected to opposed ends of the base unit by fitting within post supports rigidly connected to the base unit. Upper shelves include plastic trays that are constructed identical to the tray connected to the base unit and reinforcing rods having downwardly open jaws or hooks at their opposed ends for engaging the horizontal rungs or bars of the opposed ladder units. The upper shelves can be selectively disposed in horizontal or tilted positions simply by hooking the ends of the reinforcing rods over different rungs of the ladder units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Rehrig International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan R. Kern, John A. LaFleur, Bradley Dean Miller, Scottlan R. Henry
  • Patent number: 5709158
    Abstract: A plastic molded shelf assembly is comprised of rectangular shelf units. Each shelf unit is comprised of a grid having a beam structure which includes a channel depending from the grid periphery and a longitudinal central channel, the channels having generally U-shaped cross-sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Contico International Company
    Inventor: Robert Oliver Wareheim
  • Patent number: 5695081
    Abstract: A modular shelving system which can be easily assembled and disassembled is disclosed. The system comprises: (1) vertical posts; (2) horizontal beams; (3) side horizontal braces; (4) connectors capable of being mounted on the vertical posts and having 1-4 identical ears protruding from the sides of the connector capable of being coupled to the horizontal beams and braces; and (5) shelf pieces which are positioned on the horizontal beams. The width of the side horizontal braces is substantially similar to the width of the connectors, thus forming one continuous surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Julius Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Uri Alkalay
  • Patent number: 5689929
    Abstract: An earthquake and severe weather resistant, fail-safe building block and construction method for fabricating the blocks and structures therefrom. The blocks are hollow and include at least two subassemblies joined by interconnecting webs with provisions for single subassemblies to square off wall edges. Each subassembly includes upper and lower frames joined together by a plurality of structural columns perpendicular to the planes of the upper and lower frames. The upper and lower frames are dimensioned to form interfitting male and female receptacles that permit the blocks to be interconnected so that an assembly of blocks with structural integrity may be created by snapping together courses of blocks with each course staggered relative to the adjacent course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Advanced Building Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bob G. Newsom
  • Patent number: 5685441
    Abstract: A video display unit such as a computer monitor or similar device is supported at a selected ergonomically correct height by a pedestal unit having one or more vertically stacked pedestal members, each defined by a generally horizontal plate portion and a depending wall. A peripheral ledge is interposed between the plate portion and the depending wall and the lower distal edge of the depending wall is spaced from an internal set of support gussets for supporting the pedestal members vertically stacked in nested relationship one on the other. Selected ones of the pedestal members have an opening in the side or depending wall portion providing a pocket for storing files, computer disks and other materials at the video display unit site. Opposed parallel inner walls extend from the opening to an opposite side wall to provide a smooth walled pocket for receiving the articles stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Vu Ryte, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford T. Calfee
  • Patent number: 5683004
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable support has a plurality of vertically stackable and unstackable platforms, adjacent ones of the platform being joined by a coupling each of which extends downwardly from a socket in an upper platform in which the coupling is accommodated and has projections for gripping a portion of the next adjacent lower platform so as to join the upper and lower platforms in such manner as to minimize the inadvertent separation or slipping of adjacent platforms relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Structural Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: A. Stephen Aho
  • Patent number: 5676263
    Abstract: A modular rack includes at least three spaced post units, a plurality of tubular sleeves and a plurality of trays. Each of the post units includes a hollow upper post, a cylindrical connector, and a hollow lower post. Each of the upper and lower posts has an outer surface formed with a plurality of annular peripheral grooves. The connector threadedly interconnects the upper and lower post. The connector further includes a radially protruding flange portion between the upper and lower posts. The flange portion has an outer diameter smaller than that of the upper and lower posts and cooperates with the upper and lower posts to form an annular retaining groove. The tubular sleeves are sleeved on the post units. Each of the tubular sleeves is formed with a radial inward protrusion which extends into a selected one of the peripheral and retaining grooves in the upper and lower posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Hsi-Te Chang
  • Patent number: 5641080
    Abstract: A carousel storage assembly for jars, bottles and containers, and especially baby food jars, powdered formula containers, nurser bottles and the like. The assembly includes a first tray rotatably supported on bearings on a base, and at least one of a second tray or rack removably mounted on the first tray on spaced, bendable legs engaging leg retaining clips on the perimeter of the first tray. Preferably, a pair of the second trays, and a rack with container locating apertures therein, are successively stacked one on another on the first tray. The second trays include spaced, bendable legs and leg engaging clips, while the rack includes bendable legs. The assembly may be disassembled for storage or selective use of the trays and/or rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Gerber Products Company
    Inventors: David C. Humphrey, Douglas F. Wolff, Theodis C. Davis
  • Patent number: 5628256
    Abstract: A shelving assembly for stands, wall-mounted shelves, and the like, includes a plurality of posts each having at least two longitudinally-extending sections joined together at an angle to each other along a juncture section. Each post is formed with at least one transverse slot extending through the juncture section and partly through the two longitudinally-extending sections, and is further formed on the inner face of the juncture section with a pair of coaxial eyelets on opposite sides of the slot. A panel is received within the slots of the posts, and a pin passes through each pair of eyelets and the panel for securing the panel to the posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Hoff Development Ltd.
    Inventor: Abraham Lazarus
  • Patent number: 5626246
    Abstract: A modular display rack is formed by interconnected modular display units. Each such unit consists of a base member, a back member connected to and rising above the base member at the rear thereof, and a front member connected to and depending beneath the base member at the front thereof. The front member has flanges forming a transverse channel therein and the back member has projections thereon which slidably fit within the transverse channel to interconnect two units together, with the back member of one unit releasably coupled to the front member of another unit. Projections on the undersides of the base members can receive leg members to support the units and brackets to assemble multi-tier displays. Openings along the sides of the units receive side rails which prevent products displayed on the base members from being laterally dislodged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: McKee Foods Corporation
    Inventors: Kim D. Roddy, Kenneth Glasener
  • Patent number: 5595312
    Abstract: A storage and display tower assembly transported and distributed in a compact and disassembled kit form in a box. The components thereof are easily and readily assembled to the configuration selected by the user to provide the desired appearance and use. The shelves, pinch clamps, weighted base and first and second sets of rods of the kit are removed from the box. The rods of the first set are threaded into upright securement to the base; a first shelf is slid through its openings on the rods; the lower ends of the second set of rods are threaded on top of the top ends of the respective rods of the first set with a stabilizing and article display shelf sandwiched and fixed between them; and a second shelf is slid through its openings onto the rods of the second set. Using the support clamps, the first and second shelves are mounted at the desired heights to the first and second sets of rods, respectively. Decorative balls, plates and/or lamps can be attached at the top of the tower thereby defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Shahriar Dardashti
  • Patent number: 5588541
    Abstract: The modular shelf system disclosed allows for shelf construction of varying heights and/or configurations. The modular shelf system includes a first set of shelf members spaced vertically from each other and a second set of shelf members spaced vertically from each other. A plurality of interlocking leg members is coupled to the shelf members for supporting and spacing the shelf members vertically from each other. A shelf connecting clip is provided for connecting at least one shelf member of the first set to a horizontally adjacent shelf member of the second set. A slidable drawer may be supported by one of the shelf members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Alco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Goetz
  • Patent number: 5584398
    Abstract: A CD storage rack and lamp assembly including a base, a base covering covered on the base, four sets of connecting rods respectively connected in series by connectors, a lamp stand connected to the base and the base covering by the connecting rods, a plurality of telescopic arms connected between the lamp holder and the lamp stand, and a plurality of CD carrier plates fastened to the connecting rods at different elevations between the lamp stand and the base covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Jack Lin
  • Patent number: 5566839
    Abstract: A stand for holding compact discs and/or tape cassettes preferably has a rotatably mounted part (1) made up of a multiplicity of bar-shaped elements (7, 8) of two different types. These elements have transverse grooves enabling them to be fitted one on the other in parallel pairs, with alternate pairs at right angles to each other, thus giving two pairs of parallel walls. The elements (7, 8) also have longitudinal ribs (9) located opposite each other in pairs, thus providing lateral supports for the objects. The individual components can be provided as a kit which enables the stand to be transported and distributed in unassembled form. A second, smaller, part (2), can be mounted on the first (1) and connected to it. This second part is designed to hold differently shaped objects, such as audio cassettes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Hans-Peter Muller
  • Patent number: 5545561
    Abstract: The contrast chamber for spotlighting bacterial colonies with respecto to their culture medium performs the automatic counting, through the use of an automatic processor connected to a reading head (7), of bacterial colonies which develop in the capsules wherein the culture takes place; additionally, it also provides for the automatic introduction of the capsules (5) inside the contrast chamber The contrast chamber is provided with lateral lighting means, using the light reflected by a reflection tube (2) and emitted by a lighting source (1) postioned above the capsule (5) which has been closed by a lid provided with an opaque disc (3). The reading head (7) is positioned under the capsule (5) and is associated to a second light source (8) which moves together with the reading head and which is inclined with respect to the surface of the capsule (5), so that the light beams do not impinge on the reading head (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: IUL, S.A.
    Inventor: Miguel Lleonart Aliberas
  • Patent number: 5522514
    Abstract: Any number of generally identical shelves can be formed from any pair of generally identical semicircular shelf halves by removably attaching the shelf halves along the straight edge which subtends the semicircle. Each shelf half has an aperture in the straight edge concentric with the semicircle so that the shelf halves can be removably attached while encircling an umbrella table pole. A higher shelf is supported above a lower shelf by a triplet of generally identical struts removably attached to the top side of a lower shelf and removably attached to the bottom side of a higher shelf in tripod formation. A triplet of generally identical arm struts can be removably attached to the top side of the highest shelf in tripod formation so that accessories such as lights or flowers can be hung from the arm strut horizontal arm which projects away from the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: David Robinson
  • Patent number: 5499726
    Abstract: An adjustable height pedestal is formed of one, two, or more identical or variant height pleated upright members. The pleated upright members are interconnected by two or more connector rings at either end of each pleated upright member. When two or more pleated upright members are used to form one display pedestal, one connector ring interconnects the area between two of said pleated upright members. A disc rests upon four lid/base supports inside the topmost connector ring, and is covered by a lid which interconnects with said connector ring. A second identical disc rests on the four lid/base supports inside the bottom-most connector ring. Display pedestals over 12" in height are generally stabilized with a heavy block which is readily accessible and which sits on top of the disc in the bottom of the display. In one embodiment the lid and disc are not used leaving an open display pedestal for cylindrical merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Patrick J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5460279
    Abstract: A caddy organizer of collapsible construction for attachment to structures such as doors and walls, the caddy organizer comprising: at least two vertically extending frame members having at least two caddy support members extending therefrom, the caddy support members each having a terminal portion; each of the vertically extending frame members having operably connected thereto a caddy support element; and at least one caddy shelf disposed between the vertically extending frame members, the caddy shelf including a first shelf member having end portions adapted for releasable engagement with the terminal portion of the caddy support members and a second shelf member adapted to rest on the caddy support element of the vertically extending frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Better Sleep Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: William W. Emery, Russell A. Fritts
  • Patent number: 5452811
    Abstract: A stackable partitioned shipping container has a plurality of partitions and shelves defining compartments. The partitions are aligned parallel from one side of the shipping container to the other. The shelving is arranged in columns between the partitions. Rods are strung through the partitions to support the shelves. The frames have hollow tubular columns at each corner thereof. At the top of the columns are inserts which are insertable into the hollow columns of another shipping container stacked upon the first shipping container. Wheels that support the shipping container are supported above the top of a bottom container when the container is stacked upon the bottom container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Anchor Bay Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: Philip Taravella, Edward J. Blair, Ronald S. Domanski, Joseph C. Shippell
  • Patent number: 5433326
    Abstract: A rack for display and storage having multiple decks with each deck including corner supports, side supports and a supported plate. In addition, extruded side rails connect the several supports. Elongate columns make multiple decks possible. Casters under the lowermost deck provide a rolling feature to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Metro Bay Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Horian
  • 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: 5411153
    Abstract: A storage rack assembly system is made up of a plurality of vertical members and a plurality of cross-members supported by the vertical members. The vertical members can be stacked one on top of another and locked together by means of suitable connectors, which connectors are also used to support the cross-members. In a first embodiment of the invention, the connectors are rods on the ends of the cross-members engaging aligned holes extending laterally through connecting portions of the vertical members. In another embodiment, the vertical members are vertically locked to each other by suitable bolts, the bolts providing stepped portions for engaging recesses in shelves extending between the vertical members. The connectors further enable the system to be expanded horizontally as well as vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Greg J. Unfried
  • Patent number: 5304434
    Abstract: A cell rack assembly is disclosed which is capable of storing a plurality of cells such as large size sealed lead-acid cells having one terminal on one end and the other terminal on the other end, wherein a plurality of cell-receiving modules are generally detachably attached together. Each cell-receiving module has a top plate, a bottom plate and upstanding support members connecting the top and bottom plates and defining side-by-side cell-receiving areas and a central access area therebetween. The cells are stacked with the terminals facing the end of the modules and are held in position by a set of cell covers that retain the sides of the stacked cells. The modules may be sized to accept one or more sets of stacked cells, as desired for the particular application. In its more specific embodiment, a cap assembly, a base support, and safety panels are all employed with the stacked cell-receiving modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: GNB Industrial Battery Co.
    Inventor: Bradley W. Stone
  • Patent number: 5272991
    Abstract: Shelving apparatus includes a base member with upright supports. A frame member is telescopically inserted on the base supports, and includes horizontal slide supports for receiving slide mounting members of a shelf. Pairs of shelves may be mounted on a single slide support to provide flexibility in configuring the shelving apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: United Wire Craft, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Carrigan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5269419
    Abstract: A modular shelf system has normally upright tubular post parts each extending along a post axis and having an upper end and a lower end with one end of each post part formed with an axially projecting tapered pin and the other end of each post part formed with an axially open complementarily tapered seat. Main longitudinal beams have ends each having an upper side and a lower side with one side of each longitudinal-beam end formed with a vertically projecting tapered pin generally identical to the post-part pins and the other side of each longitudinal-beam end formed with an vertically oppositely open complementarily tapered seat generally identical to the post-part seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Ets Morice et Cie Traitogaz
    Inventors: Rene Aldeguer, Maurice Revelli, Michel Vardas
  • Patent number: 5253767
    Abstract: A rotatable display tower, preferably for use as a merchandising rack for the original sale of packaged products, preferably compact discs. The tower provides, in a relative minimum of space, a large number of compact discs to be viewed "head or face on." The display tower securely holds the packages, in a tilted-back manner, yet allows the consumer to easily remove the same for purchase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Gressco, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lloyd Koeppel
  • Patent number: 5238128
    Abstract: A knockdown stand for displaying merchandise, includes shelf members vertically spaced apart in tiered relationship by vertically extending post members positioned between the shelf members. Each post member is separably connected at its upper and lower end portions respectively to the upper and lower adjacent shelf members to connect the upper and lower adjacent shelf members in knockdown relationship. Each shelf member includes a post holder provided thereon for releasably holding one or more post members when the one or more post members are disconnected at their upper and lower end portions from the associated shelf members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventor: David C. F. Stoddard
  • Patent number: 5215004
    Abstract: A dehydrator for vegetables or the like is provided. The dehydrator includes a base having a heating wire and a concealed plug, a plurality of circular containers engageable each with another, and a cover mountable on top of one of the circular containers. The dehydrator can be collapsed by increasing the engagement between the respective circular containers and inverting the cover, when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventor: Johnson Su
  • Patent number: 5191985
    Abstract: A plastic modular support and display unit whose three sides and base are in grid or lattice form comprising intersecting bars with interstices therebetween; a flexible hinge joining the sides and base; the sides having a plurality of ridges or extensions adjacent the upper edge thereof; the base having a plurality of slots or recesses in undersides, said extensions and recesses being of substantially similar dimensions to provide for a snap fit or friction fit when joined whereby one modular unit may be stacked upon another through the joinder of the extensions on the top of the side walls in one unit within the recesses in the underside of the base in another unit; said units being shippable nested together in inverted form or U-shape; and a cover member for the top of the unit or the top of the stack comprising a plastic grid or lattice with slots or recesses in the underside thereof to be stack fitted or frictionally fitted to the extensions on the top edge of the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Yaffa Licari
  • Patent number: 5190171
    Abstract: A multi-tiered collapsible storage and transporter rack for banker boxes, or other products, which is formed of two or more rectangular horizontal shelves, each shelf having four vertical tubular sockets at the respective corners thereof; and which includes vertical frames at the respective ends thereof formed of vertical elongated tubular members and horizontal tie members welded thereto. The tubular members of the vertical frames are removably received in the vertical sockets attached to the shelves. Casters may be removably mounted in the lower end of the tubular sockets of the lower shelf. Diagonal braces at one or both sides may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: George W. Christman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5186340
    Abstract: There is disclosed a modular interlocking tray structure including a plurality of individual trays. Each tray is adapted for releasable interengagement with a further vertically preceding and succeeding tray when in an opposed and divergent relationship. The structure provides a vertically assembled and space conserving structure which is devoid of any additional supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: Antonio Vardaro
  • Patent number: 5183166
    Abstract: A foldable display stand includes a wall blank having substantially flat wall panels connected end to end foldably relative to each other to define a continuous wall structure. The wall blank is convertible to a flattened state for storage and transportation and an expanded display state in which a number of wall panels cooperatively bound a polygonal display space. Each of two side wall panels has a flap foldable inwardly to place the flaps in juxtaposition so as to form a polygonal shelf within the display space. The shelf and rear wall panel are interconnected by shelf tabs fitting releasably within a slot in the rear wall panel. A removable tray is supported on the polygonal shelf and braces the interior of the continuous wall structure. The tray is releasably secured within the display space. The display stands are modular and may be releasably vertically stacked. Openings in the continuous wall structure are formed of a geometrical configuration to receive articles having a similar configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventors: Paul Belokin, Jr., Martin P. Belokin, Norman P. Belokin
  • Patent number: 5158187
    Abstract: A two-component shelf-like or tray assembly of two end-joined interlocking panels each fabricated of molded plastics compositions. Abutting, inter-joinable end walls of the panels are of reciprocal structural configurations, making it possible to use a single mold in fabricating the panels themselves. The panels are pivotally interengageable and manually manipulable to lock and to assume a continuous, lineally extended, expanse constituting a stable, composite, unitary structure having a generally flat or planar support surface. Integrally formed auxiliary structures permit arrangement of a plurality of panel assemblies as a tiered, vertical array. Panels either of the same or of dissimilar longitudinal dimensions may be combined to provide shelves of selectable overall length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Ronald H. Taub
  • Patent number: 5123552
    Abstract: A stacking trolley particularly used to load plants and cut flowers at the growers and to transport the loaded trolley by lorry to the auction comprises a mobile sub-frame 1 with a number of trays fitted thereon above one another at a mutual spacing. Each tray constitutes part of a table 2 with legs 3 and each table is provided with structure for the stable support of a corresponding table stacked thereon. The tables can easily be removed from the trolleys and placed on the floor. The plants and flowers do not have to be removed from the trays in the shop and can be displayed to the public on the tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Feralkon B. V.
    Inventor: Johannes V. Aggelen
  • Patent number: 5097962
    Abstract: An adjustable, gravity feed display rack comprising at least a first and a second vertical member forming a pair of vertical members and having front and rear support elements connected therebetween, the front support element defining a front of the display rack, the rear support element being located opposite the front support means and slightly higher therefrom. Also provided are a plurality of interchangeable trays located on the front and rear support means between the first and second vertical members such that items placed on the interchangeable trays move through the force of gravity to the front of the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Santa Cruz Industries
    Inventors: Thomas E. Eklof, Walter M. Poterbin, Roger L. Fernandez
  • Patent number: 5035335
    Abstract: A stackable and nestable rack construction formed essentially of wire stock so as to be capable of use in displaying articles on one or a stack of racks, or capable of being nested in groups of two or more to avoid using an unnecessary amount of space. Each rack is composed of similar end leg members that promote the reduction in number of parts or components, and the range of parts adopted to care for a wide variety of articles to be displayed or stored. These characteristics are unique to the provision of obtaining a low cost product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Gusdorf Corporation
    Inventor: Mohammad E. Massoudnia
  • Patent number: 5027961
    Abstract: A modular stackable shelf storage apparatus for stacking with other units with a top shelf providing a base for mounting a facsimile machine, wherein a body unit is adapted to be interlockably stacked together with the units to provide segregated shelf spaces for storing documents such as are produced by a facsimile machine, the body unit having a flat top surface, first and second sides and an open front to define an open space within the body unit including a centrally disposed hollow finger serving as a space divider and as a mounting device; whereby in stacking two or more units together a firm base mount is provided for a facsimile machine and a plurality of shelf storage spaces are provided for segregated storage of documents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Curtis Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Howitt
  • Patent number: 4998023
    Abstract: A portable utility cart having a number of blow molded shelf members, supports on corner post members, wheel connector members and wheel members. A slip sleeve and bayonet hook assembly interconnect the various pieces thereby making the assembly of the cart simple and expedient. The portable utility cart has no small loose pieces which can be lost or misplaced during shipment or assembly. The assembly of the cart, therefore, requires no tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Lakeside Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith D. Kitts
  • Patent number: 4993583
    Abstract: A display container includes a receptacle housing defining an enclosure therein, the receptacle housing including a front wall, rear wall, side walls and a bottom wall, the receptacle housing including an upper opening through which articles can be deposited into and removed from the enclosure; the front wall having a downwardly and inwardly extending incline so that articles deposited in the enclosure are compactly and orderly arranged therein; bump-like separators on the bottom wall and grip-like separators at the front portion of the opening for separating elongated articles deposited in the enclosure and extending from the bottom wall out of the opening; and an L-shaped securing assembly at the upper part of the rear wall for supporting the display container on a vertical slat board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Coats & Clark
    Inventor: Lee R. Chasen
  • Patent number: 4984690
    Abstract: A simple device for separating pans of food stored in a vertical array, preventing the contents of the pan below from contacting the bottom of the pan above. The pan stacking device is used two at a time along with conventional food storage pans as commonly found in the food preparation industry. The ends of the devices include preferably intermittent or staggered shoulders for fitting snugly to the flange rims of the pan below and the outer surface of the pan above, thereby maintaining the stacked pans in relatively sturdy, stable position. The preferred embodiment of the pan stacking device is adjustable so as to fit food storage pans and containers of various sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Service Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick M. King, Harry F. Collins
  • Patent number: 4982849
    Abstract: An adapter member for angularly orienting at least one horizontally disposed shelf member in a modular display unit having one or more similar shelf members vertically arranged in spaced apart relationship one above the other and a plurality of support members disposed therebetween, the adapter member having first and second opposed end portions, the first adapter end portion being adapted to cooperatively engage respective upper and lower portions associated with each of the shelf members, the second adapter end portion being adapted to cooperatively engage the opposed end portions of each of the support members, the first and second adapter end portions being angularly related and tranversely offset relative to each other such that when a plurality of adapter members are operatively positioned between and engaged with the respective shelf members and support members forming the modular display unit, the shelf members engaged with the adapter members will be angularly oriented relative to the horizontal and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Paul Flum Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul L. Flum, Dewalt W. Fowler
  • Patent number: 4976360
    Abstract: A display stand assembly in which the main shelves have side rims provided with rectangular collars at opposite ends thereof. Vertical side members comprising top and bottom cross beams having channel-shaped top receivers and channel-shaped bottom inserts cooperate with the main shelves. The top receivers fit frictionally and snugly into the collars of a shelf rim thereabove and bottom inserts fit snugly into the receivers of a side member therebelow, whereby a pair of side members cooperate with the collar of the shelf to provide three-wall support for the shelf therebetween. The bottom cross beams cooperate with longitudinal recesses in the shelf rim to further stabilize the assembly. Extension end shelves are provided which are frictionally attachable to the main shelf side rims for increased merchandise support area. There are floor support feet which have a similar channel-shaped receiver insertable into a collar of the bottommost shelf of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: RTC Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Armand S. Zucker, David S. Breslow, Harald Giebel