Foldable Or Collapsible Patents (Class 211/195)
  • Patent number: 4978014
    Abstract: A shipping rack which is convertible to a first rack length for snug lengthwise loading across the interior width of a semi-trailer and convertible to a second rack length for snug loading lengthwise across the interior width of a railroad boxcar. Pivotal rack extensions are provided on one end wall which will yield to potentially damaging forces and then self center. The rack extensions are held in a first position folded into the end wall to form the first rack length and are pivotal out of the end wall and are self positioning in a second position to form a second rack length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: John N. Humitz, Robert W. Potter, Kenneth J. Kostrzewa
  • Patent number: 4959911
    Abstract: A novel portable garment drying device for quickly drying garments is comprised of an air circulating means assembled with a support frame, an air permeable sheet upon which a garment is placed for drying, and bottom covering. The device is easily assembled and disassembled for storage or transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Inventors: John Wolens, Nancy McGee
  • Patent number: 4953318
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding or carrying fishing rods having a pivotable rod support arm and two pivotable support stands which can function as legs for the apparatus or as carrying fixtures for fishing rods when the apparatus is carried in a vertical position. Also included is a spill-proof tackle box which has a lid which fits flush with the tops of the tackle compartments therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Adrian Vasseur, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4949851
    Abstract: A collapsible display designed to display products and packaged goods having connected back and side walls, foldable shelves secured to the side walls, and a divider fastenable to the shelves and moveable with respect to the back wall. The divider and shelves are releasably securable to the back wall to form a freestanding display assemblable from a substantially flat, folded package when in the collapsed condition to a freestanding, multishelved product and package supporting furniture when in the assembled condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Chesapeake Display & Packaging Company
    Inventor: Douglas E. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 4942830
    Abstract: A paper-product shelving construction composed of a single-piece paper-product shroud and a shelving assembly, fitted within the shroud, and formed from paper-product components. The shelving assembly includes a plurality of fluted shelf members extending between a pair of support walls. The shroud includes a back wall, two sidewalls and an open front face. A pair of flaps folded from the tops of the front face and the back wall each have a locking flap which is folded downward into aligned slots formed by two pairs of side flaps folded from the tops of the two sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: Cornerboard, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent A. Macaluso, Conrad Hade
  • Patent number: 4917341
    Abstract: This invention concerns a trestle support for musical keyboards of the type equippd with legs crossed in the form of an `X`, equipped with a new device that permits rapid and easy adjustment of the angle of spread of the aforesaid legs and the height of the keyboard above the ground by means of a special new and original joint that allows for easy and quick mounting and detachment of transversal tubular bars positioned at either end of the legs of the trestle, those positioned at the base resting on the ground and acting as stabilizing feet for the trestle, while the ones positioned at the upper ends act as supporting arms for the keyboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: MPM Music - S.r.l.
    Inventor: Paolo Pirchio
  • Patent number: 4917250
    Abstract: A shelf furniture unit, comprising trestle sides with their front legs and rear legs upperly hinged, at least some of the shelves being rotatably supported by the front legs and by bars forming with said shelves an articulated parallelogram structure, with at least one of the shelves arranged to cooperate with the rear legs in order to modify the inclination of the shelves and to enable the legs to be closed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventors: Raul Barbieri, Giorgio Marianelli
  • Patent number: 4895382
    Abstract: A distribution system comprises box-shaped transport containers, (5) each provided with a bottom (18) and walls (20), and a truck (1) provided with wheels and having swinging side walls (3 and 4) in hinged connection with a vertical end wall (2). The side walls (3 and 4) have supporting elements placed oppositely in pairs, e.g. horizontal L-shaped rails (22) which are positively engageable with members formed on the transport trays (5), e.g. channels (21). The channel members are incorporated at the bottom (18) of the transport trays, to facilitate in cooperation with the L-shaped rail members loading by insertion of the transport trays (5) and securing of the side walls (3 and 4) when the side walls are in their active position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: AB Tetra Pak
    Inventor: Kjell Andersson
  • Patent number: 4887725
    Abstract: A storage rack assembly for storing articles such as audio and video cassettes, compact disc containers and records on shelves, cabinets and the like includes a rack formed of a base and U-shaped wires which form side supports, a base formed of elongated wires and mounting the U-shaped wires and cross-wires which form supports for the articles. A track slidably mounts the rack for sliding movement with the rack mountable on a shelf or in a cabinet. The rack and track are constructed to a size to conform to the particular articles. In a cassette and disc-container holder, the U-shaped wires are mounted at an oblique angle to each other so that the back legs of the wires form stops for the cassettes or disc containers which lie flat on the cross-wires with the cassettes or disc containers extending out from the front legs of the U-shaped wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Kent Design & Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. VanNoord
  • Patent number: 4878682
    Abstract: A center collapsible transport cart having at least two floor panels pivotally connected along a longitudinal pivot axis. Side panels and end members may be attached to the outer edges of the floor panel to form a desired cargo bed enclosure. When the cart is in its "operative" configuration the floor panels are horizontally disposed in approximate edge-to-edge juxtaposition. When converted to its "stowed" configuration the floor panels are generally vertically disposed in surface-to-surface juxtaposition, thereby forming a relatively flat collapsed structure. A tow bar handle is also pivotally disposable between the vertically juxtapositioned floor panels when the cart is in its stowed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Inventor: David M. Lee
  • Patent number: 4875590
    Abstract: A display assembly which is adjustable between an open display and a flat storage position which includes a rack member adapted to support items for display thereon in the display position, at least one leg having an end which is pivotally connected to the rack member, and a base pivotally connected to the other end of the leg and adjustably positioned such that the base underlies and supports the rack member and the leg in the display position, and is received between the rack member and the leg in the storage position. The display assembly further includes a releasable latch structure which releasably locks the rack member to the base in the display position to thereby form a triangular configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Harbor Industries
    Inventors: Gregory G. Martin, Thomas J. Nook
  • 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: 4819816
    Abstract: A combination is provided comprising a shipping rack and a support pallet therefor. The shipping rack includes a bottom wall and upstanding end walls. The shipping rack is provided with casters so that it may be rolled along a surface. The pallet includes support structure for holding the shipping rack slightly above the ground when the pallet is placed therebeneath so that the casters do not engage the ground thereby preventing unwanted movement of the shipping rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventor: William L. Noble, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4794712
    Abstract: A portable display device for displaying educational material or student's work comprising a plurality of panels, each panel separated from the next adjacent panel by a score line to permit relative movement between adjacent panels, each panel comprising a base portion including a first and second corrugated substantially rigid section separated by a substantially rigid member and a writing surface adhered to the outer surface of the first corrugated substantially rigid section, the score line formed between adjacent panels extending entirely through the second corrugated substantially rigid section and a portion of the first corrugated substantially rigid section such that adjacent panels may be folded relative to each other for storage and transport or extended relative to each other for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Showboard, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald L. Wood
  • Patent number: 4773348
    Abstract: A collapsible boat fender holder is disclosed. The boat fender holder has two configurations, one for shipping or storage and the other for use in holding a boat fender. The holder is formed entirely of plastic members which are held together, preferably, with non-corrosive fasteners. The holder for each fender includes a frame member with two parallel legs and an arcuate section joining them. A pair of rings encircle each boat fender and are pivotably mounted at diametrically opposite locations to the legs of the frame member. Four links, two connected with each leg of the frame members, connect the two frame members to each other. The links and legs together define two parallelograms. When in the operative condition, the links and legs are essentially mutually perpendicular and the rings are perpendicular to the axis of the legs so that a boat fender may be inserted through the rings to rest on the bottom arcuate section of the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Inventor: William W. Rowley
  • Patent number: 4768916
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for loading motor vehicles into a standard cargo-carrying enclosure, such as a container or van, for transport therein. The vehicles are loaded onto a frame exterior of the enclosure so as to be supported therby in multiple columns of vertically-spaced vehicles in end-to-end relation to one another. Thereafter the frame and vertically-spaced vehicles are inserted in unison matingly into the cargo-carrying enclosure for transport to a destination where the frame and vehicles are withdrawn from the enclosure for unloading purposes. Positioning of the vehicles on the frame prior to insertion into the container is accmplished by a powered gantry which successively detachably engages each of a plurality of different vehicle-support assemblies and lifts them and their associated vehicles separately relative to the frame into elevated positions where the support assemblies are retained against downward movement by locking to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: G & G Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Gearin, Everett A. Leech
  • Patent number: 4765491
    Abstract: A device [9] for supporting the end of a firewood stack and the like including a first pair of elongated members [14,15] fixed together by a first cross piece [16] and fixed to a base [19] by a hinge [17] with a third elongated member [27] extending between and fixed to the first cross piece and one end of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventor: Dan P. Mueller
  • Patent number: 4763902
    Abstract: A three-dimensional structure defines space in the form of a tetrahedron as the simplest of the five Platonic solids with junction restraints at each of four vertices that allow lineation of size and angulation of shape and form by flexure and frictional slippage, respectively. This structure has use as an educational toy, puzzle, or game; in miniature as jewelry and pendants or support for variable requirements of easels or tables or display racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Inventor: Ted A. Erikson
  • Patent number: 4757769
    Abstract: A display-type shelving unit comprises stacked, factory-assembled modules, each of which comprises four vertically elongated hinges connected by horizontal connecting elements and unfoldable from an exaggerated rhomboidal condition in which the connecting members are essentially parallel to one another to a condition in which the connecting elements define a rectangle. Shelves may be dropped into frames formed by the connecting elements to hold the modules in a rectangular condition. Hinge pins project upwardly from each hinge, and a corresponding pin-receiving recess is provided at the bottom of each hinge, so that the hinge pins are used to hold the modules in vertical alignment. The hinges have trim retaining tabs which are appropriately spaced, when the shelf module is in the unfolded condition, to engage slots along the edges of vertically elongated trim strips which serve to hide the knuckles of the hinges from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: Royston Corporation
    Inventor: J. Marshall Suttles
  • Patent number: 4746022
    Abstract: A collapsible three dimensional support structure is provided which may be either free standing or adapted to hang from an overhead support. The structure has utility as an ornament or ornament support as well as general utility as a support rack. The structure includes a base formed from interfitting flat cross members which includes an upstanding central post member and a collapsible and expandable cover structure which mounts on the base. The cover structure is made of a single element comprising concentric rings connected by integral flexible connectors which permit the rings to be laterally separated along an axis normal to their common center point to form a conical framework. The cover element is placed over the upright post member and expanded along its longitudinal axis and connected to the top and bottom portions thereof to form a conical configuration. Interfitting flat decorative top pieces may be press fitted to the top end of the central post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Inventor: Junior H. Benham
  • Patent number: 4741262
    Abstract: A collapsible support rack includes a generally planar support member connected to a lifting frame by means of a plurality of collapsible members. The rack is particularly well suited for supporting and lifting food products during cooking and is adapted to collapse so as to provide a low profile when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Inventor: Nellie L. Moncrief
  • Patent number: 4726602
    Abstract: A hand truck comprising a main frame which is supported by a plurality of wheels on one end and has a handle on the other end is disclosed. The main frame is provided with platforms which extend the load bearing surface of the main frame. Each of the platforms is provided with side members which extend outwardly from the surface of said platforms. Each of the side members in turn have a toe plate extension which is adapted to engage and attach to a toe plate which extends outwardly from the main frame on the side opposite from where the wheels are supported. The platforms, the side members, the toe plate and the toe plate extensions combine to form a three-sided load carrying compartment for handling bulky freight such as loaf bread and the like. Swivel rollers may be provided on the underside of the toe plate for allowing lateral movement of the hand truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1988
    Assignee: William Melvin Sanders
    Inventors: William M. Sanders, G. Wayne Watts
  • Patent number: 4724882
    Abstract: An adjustable awning structure which can be assembled for use or disassembled for shipping and storage has two sides. The size of one or both sides of the canvas can be adjusted. The supporting angle of one or both sides of the canavas can also be adjusted. After being disassembled, the whole structure can be reduced to a small bundle for shipping and storage. The awning finds particular use for a user who travels quite often. Moreover, since the structure has a considerable supporting strength, the size of the canvas can be suitably varied, if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Inventor: Jeng-Horng Wang
  • Patent number: 4699280
    Abstract: A shipping rack is provided which is convertible to a first rack length for snug lengthwise loading across the interior width of a semi-trailer and convertible to a second rack length for snug loading lengthwise across the interior width of a railroad boxcar. This is accomplished by providing pivotable extensions on one end wall of the rack which may be pivoted into the end wall to form a short rack length and out of the end wall to form a longer rack length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Donald A. Hoss
  • 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: 4678088
    Abstract: A collapsible display and storage container adaptable for use in modular display units or as an open, free-standing bin, which container is collapsible into a flat package requiring minimum storage and shipping space. The present container device may be constructed from any suitable lightweight material, however, the preferred material of construction is corrugated plastic board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Paul Flum Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Flum
  • Patent number: 4678018
    Abstract: An exhibition screen arrangement is formed by a plurality of mutually joined rightangular frames, foldable in two directions relative each other, which are arranged in two sets (1,2), one end frame in each set being foldably connected to each other about a hinge (4). The side frame members (101,201) in both sets (1,2) are each formed by two parallel, spaced section elements (30), with an undercut projection (31). The elements (30) are mutually alike and are oriented in each such side member for mutually forming one half of a dovetail joint. The projections (31) are formed with cuneiform surfaces so that the dovetail joint is established by snap-lock action, the sections (30) deflecting out in a direction normal to the plane of the frame. The turned-over portions (33) of the projections are tapered towards the end of the respective element (30) so that the edge section of the turned-over portion (33) of the element projection is substantially adjusted to the deflection curve of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Hennix i Stockholm AB
    Inventors: Peter Grundstedt, Bill Taube
  • Patent number: 4676383
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a light weight yet durable shelf or panel unit. The preferred material of the invention is corrugated fiberboard. It will be appreciated, however, that the inventive concepts may will be applied to other materials such as plastic compounds and derivatives.In use of the design, light weight materials are folded together to yield a durable shelving structure with fastening means being formed on side edges thereof. The basic panel is designed as a one-piece unit with two rectangular pieces inserted therein in use of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Merchandising Innovations Co.
    Inventor: Phil B. Sheffer
  • Patent number: 4657149
    Abstract: A display assembly of the type having a rear display panel angularly joined by lateral display panels includes foldable end sections which allow the display assembly to become relatively flat when disassembled. The relatively flat folded assembly may then be packed into a relatively small container for more cost-effective shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Lingo Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Paul J. Masson
  • Patent number: 4651883
    Abstract: A two-tiered display rack merchandiser for gravity feeding two columns of products one after another to the front of the rack as the lead product in either column is successively removed by a customer, each column of which includes a roller-mounted tray which, when loaded with product, is operative to push products located in front of the tray forwardly over a slip surface over which the products would not slide in the absence of the roller-mounted tray pusher at the rear of the column. The rollers of each tray are entrapped within tracks which extend parallel to opposite sides of the slip surfaces such that the trays cannot easily be removed from the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventors: Edwin P. Gullett, Leo J. Franz
  • Patent number: 4648517
    Abstract: A shelf support structure with upright posts of sheet metal sections and horizontal braces of sheet metal sections, connecting these with each other, provides with a simple structure an inherently stable connection between the posts and the horizontal braces. The sheet metal sections of the posts have an aperture at one longitudinal side and are symmetrical in cross-section with respect to a plane crossing this aperture. The aperture is terminated on both sides by flanges protruding outwardly at right angles from the walls adjoining it and a longitudinal ledge protruding into the post is located opposite the aperture, symmetrically to the plane crossing the aperture. The horizontal braces engage with their ends into the sheet metal sections forming the posts up to the wall lying opposite the aperture and are there equipped with an indentation in whose area they embrace the longitudinal ledge in the posts in a fork-like manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Fritz Schafer Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventor: Gerhard Schafer
  • Patent number: 4623066
    Abstract: A collapsible support structure for supporting and transporting a plurality of plant culture trays. The structure comprises a rectangular frame having at least two spaced parallel support tracks for receiving end portions of culture trays therebetween. Each track has an outer wall and are secured at their ends to opposed end walls. A retractable leg assembly is secured on adjacent ends of the frame and pivotally connected thereto and displaceable from the underside thereof whereby the leg assembly may be displaced from a support position wherein the frame is supported elevated from a ground surface by the leg assembly to a collapsed position wherein the leg assembly is located entirely within the frame. A retention slot releasably retains the leg assembly within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1986
    Inventor: Normand Talbot
  • Patent number: 4621878
    Abstract: A fabricated, knock-down merchandise display fixture which includes a base having forwardly disposed generally vertically extending spaced structural arms mounted in coupled relation to the base, generally adjacent the forward boundary of the base, and extending upwardly relative to the base, with the arms being adapted to provide structural support for the merchandise display deck of the fixture, and with the coupling of the arms providing for folding of the arms relative to the base, thus decreasing the overall height of the base and arms and facilitating shipment of the fixture in knock-down condition. A drawer structure adapted for being disposed in sliding condition on the base, is provided with the drawer including a removable front panel with a rotatable cam lock for detachably securing the front panel to the drawer. The general idea is to simplify the assembly and skill necessary to assemble the fixture at the site of use, while facilitating shipment of the fixture to the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Johnson, Edward O. Gandolf, Stephen N. Hardy
  • Patent number: 4595106
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier structure for a suspension conveyor system, provided with load-bearing shelves mounted for adjustment between a horizontal carrying position and a space-saving storage position. It is intended to improve a carrier structure of this type so that in the carrying configuration the goods to be conveyed are prevented from dropping down, while still permitting the carrier structure to be readily converted to a storage configuration in which it requires little space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Veit GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Walter Kunze, Alfred Hess
  • Patent number: 4582003
    Abstract: A unitary multiple-shelved folding display stand intended to be made principally from corrugated board comprising a pair of triple-layer board side wall members hingedly affixed to a double-board rear wall panel and able to fold backwardly flat against the back side of the rear wall panel. The side wall members are joined by a plurality of elastic bands removably affixed near the forward edges of the side wall members by means of formed shelf support members removably secured to the side wall members. A plurality of triple-layer board shelves are hingedly secured to the front of the rear wall panel so that they may fold flush against the rear wall panel for storage or transportation and be unfolded down against the formed shelf support members for horizontal location and load-bearing support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Ultimate Display Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Valero
  • Patent number: 4555029
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing and displaying bicycles or like vehicles which can be folded and angularly adjusted for display and storage purposes. The bicycles are supported on tubular elements that freely cooperate with a ground abutting framework. Each tubular element has receiving means which support a bicycle vertically and is provided with contoured portions at both ends to support and position the wheels of the bicycle and a vertical arm in between the contoured portions that supports the lower portion of the bicycle frame. For display purposes the tubular elements freely cooperate with pairs of posts of different sizes that cooperate freely with the supporting framework. The supporting framework has two independent tubular elements to which the posts are attached and to which a tubular element can be attached directly. The posts and tubular elements are attached to ferrules projecting from the independent elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Inventor: James Fiol
  • Patent number: 4540213
    Abstract: A motor vehicle cargo loading floor has a plurality of parallel slats extending longitudinally from a rear access opening. The slats, which normally serve as cargo skids, have their aft ends hinged to the floor about a common transverse axis adjacent the access opening. The forward ends of the slats are secured by a transverse cross-rail with support means adjacent each end of the rail. The hinged slats and cross-rail define a rack which may be pivoted upwardly and secured in a canted position by the support means free ends being secured to either side of the access opening. The canted rack defines a plurality of cargo receiving spaces which, upon the access door being closed, maintains cargo placed in the rack spaces in an upright manner during operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: John E. Herlitz, Carl A. Cameron
  • Patent number: 4538365
    Abstract: A dryer for drip dry type of clothing. The dryer has a horizontal screen, on which clothing to be dried can be placed, supported by two parallel rails, which are fastened to the tops of two pair of legs which have pivots to permit the dryer to be folded into a compact storage position. When in use, the area bounded by the feet is much smaller, about 40 percent of the width and 50 percent of the length, than the area of the screen.As a fraction of the length of the leg from the bottom of the leg, the pivots are about one fourth and the leg bend, inward about 30 degrees, starts at about one third. This makes the dryer low in height when used, and makes the angle the legs make with the screen small, so screen tension increases with load keeping the screen quite flat. When the dryer is stored, the location of the pivots and the bend of the legs provides clearance so the screen is not squeezed. The feet are spaced apart in the stored position so the dryer can be stored upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Inventor: Martin P. Aho
  • Patent number: 4537421
    Abstract: A foldable dolly in which the arms are rotatably mounted to the frame preferably by means of interengaging sleeves formed with opposed ramps and opposed shoulders and positioned in relatively vertical alignment such that the ramps and shoulders of the first sleeve mate with the ramps and shoulders of the second sleeve. The sleeves are thereby found to permit rotation of the arms between a folded, collapsed position and an extended deployed position, while at the same time providing enhanced rigidity and stability of the arms at the extended, deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1985
    Inventor: Paul H. Teachout
  • Patent number: 4523768
    Abstract: A collapsible cart-stand, convertible to a bandstand comprises a pair of upright parallel spaced frames mounting casters, with spaced pairs of foldable support links at their free ends pivotally connected to lower ends of the side frames. A platform spans a support rod on each side frame and is removably secured thereto. A pair of spaced anchor links at their one ends are pivotally connected to upper end portions of one side frame and at their other ends adjustably connected to upper end portions of the other side frame. The frames, on removal of the platform and adjusting the other ends of the anchor links, are adapted for collapsing into parallel engaging registry. The platform being alternately mountable upon top rods of the side frames and secured thereto. With a change in the connections of the anchor links to the other side frame the platform is inclined forwardly and downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Inventor: Joseph C. Dlubala
  • Patent number: 4493421
    Abstract: A side-loading rack for storing wheeled container chassis in a nearly vertical, slightly leaning position has a framework of dividers defining plural vertical slots open on one or both sides for receiving a container chassis sideways in each slot. Each divider includes a chassis support arm which extends front to rear along an upper side of each slot. A wheel support on one side of each divider is positioned in a lower part of each slot to support the wheels of a container chassis so that the chassis frame leans at a small angle from vertical against the chassis support arm of an adjacent divider. Corner castings are positioned at opposite ends of the rack so that it can be handled in the same manner as a container. The dividers of one embodiment are constructed with an upper portion, including the chassis support arms, either removable from or collapsible into the lower portion of the frame means to form a more compact structure for ease of handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Assignee: Brudi Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall W. Matthewson, Earl H. Benefiel, Ronald A. Brudi
  • Patent number: 4454950
    Abstract: The collapsible receptacle includes first and second planar pieces pivotally connected together by a piano hinge, thus forming a V-shaped receiving section. A third piece cooperates with an extension of the first piece to form a U-shaped support base. A back piece is removably secured to the first and second piece, and the receiving section slopes toward the back piece so that debris is directed rearwardly. Finally, a chain is used to restrain the outward movement of the first and third pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Inventor: Paul J. Stefanelli
  • Patent number: 4427117
    Abstract: A side-loading rack for storing wheeled container chassis in a nearly vertical, slightly leaning position has a framework of dividers defining plural vertical slots open on one side for receiving a container chassis sideways in each slot. Each divider includes a chassis support arm which extends front to rear along an upper side of each slot. Wheel supports are mounted on the dividers in a lower part of each slot so that the wheels of a container chassis stored in the slot rest on the wheel support and against one divider and the chassis frame leans at a small angle from vertical against the chassis support arm of an adjacent divider. Corner castings are positioned at opposite ends of the rack so that it can be handled in the same manner as a container. The dividers are constructed with an upper portion, including the chassis support arms, either removable from or collapsible into the lower portion of the frame means to form a more compact structure for ease of handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Assignee: Brudi Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall W. Matthewson, Earl H. Benefiel, Ronald A. Brudi
  • Patent number: 4415077
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a modular tower-like structure for displaying merchandise for point of purchase sale. In one form, the basic tower is formed of cylinders of a plastic sheet material, such as clear "rigid" die cut vinyl plastic, of a thickness enabling it to be collapsed into a relatively flat form for shipping and storage. The sheet plastic tower elements are given a rigid cylindrical form by means of molded plastic end rings, which are of a channel-like cross sectional configuration to lockingly receive the ends of the cylinders. The end rings are of a form and configuration enabling two of them to be bonded in back-to-back relation, providing a structural interlock between the top of one tower module and the bottom of a second tower module above it. In an alternate form, the lowermost tower element is formed of corrugated board, which has certain structural, practical, and economic advantages in the overall assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Inventor: Thomas V. Murphy
  • Patent number: 4415090
    Abstract: A corrugated paper merchandising display device for use at the end of a store aisle for displaying large quantities of merchandise. The device comprises three interconnected panels, each of which is in the form of a closed corrugated paper box. The boxes may be opened and overlaid one upon the other for shipment in a flat knock-down condition. When erected, the three boxes form a pair of wing panels and a center panel. Merchandise supporting spring-away shelves are attached to opposite sides of the center panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Rafael T. Bustos
  • Patent number: 4377231
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a modular tower-like structure for displaying merchandise for point of purchase sale. The basic tower is formed of cylinders of a plastic sheet material, such as clear "rigid" die cut vinyl plastic, of a thickness enabling it to be collapsed into a relatively flat form for shipping and storage. The sheet plastic tower elements are given a rigid cylindrical form by means of molded plastic end rings, which are of a channel-like cross sectional configuration to lockingly receive the ends of the cylinders. The end rings are of a form and configuration enabling two of them to be bonded in back-to-back relation, providing a structural interlock between the top of one tower module and the bottom of a second tower module above it. The structure is simple, inexpensive, conveniently packaged and shipped, and easily assembled at the display site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1983
    Inventor: Thomas V. Murphy
  • Patent number: 4285163
    Abstract: A four sided collapsible plant enclosure is described for supporting and maintaining growing plants safe from rodents and other intruders. The structure described includes four sides, each side being hinged to an adjacent side. The hinged sides permit collapsing of the structure for storage. Two adjacent sides of the structure are selected to have a width less than the remaining two adjacent sides of the structure, thereby permitting the enclosure to be collapsed for efficient and safe storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Inventor: William G. Booker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4209183
    Abstract: A load carrying pallet of the type comprising a base provided adjacent each end of each side with a support surface level with the deck of the base and terminating in an upstanding lug, and with an upwardly facing channel subjacent each support surface, for use with detachable walls, each having at the lower end an upper transverse frame member to rest on the support surfaces and having depending leg members with lower transverse members for locating in the channels, is improved--as to ease of application and removal of the walls and as to interchangeability with known pallets--by providing between each support surface and the subjacent channel a catch on an axis parallel to the support surface, the catch having upper and lower outward projections and spring latching means, whereby, in one position of the catch the lower projection extends from the slot and over the channel, in another position of the catch the lower projection is withdrawn into the slot, and in both positions the upper projection extends fro
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1980
    Assignee: Twil Handling Systems Limited
    Inventors: Brian G. Jones, Barry Brown
  • Patent number: 4189056
    Abstract: A portable rack sized to fit in the trunk of a car has a back, base, sides and several partitions forming compartments for minimizing the movement of articles placed therein while being transported in a vehicle between point of purchase and point of utilization. All connections between the wire-form or rod-form parts of the rack are hinged so that when not in use or when packaged for shipment or sale the rack can be folded into a compact flat break-down configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1980
    Inventor: Elmer J. Majewski
  • Patent number: 4181221
    Abstract: A portable gun display including a base, supports extending upwardly from the base, a cross member connecting the upper portions of the supports, the base including two box sections each having side and end panels, a top panel joining the side and end panels, and an open bottom, the box sections being disposed next to each other with a side panel of one adjoining and parallel to a side panel of the other, hinge means connecting at least a portion of the edges of the adjoining side panels which are remote from the top panels, the top panels having support-receiving means disposed adjacent and inside the end panels, spaced gun butt-receiving slots in each of the top panels, the slots having a tapered bottom section, the supports being of a length less than the distance between the end panels of each box section and having cross member-receiving means adjacent the upper portions thereof, the cross member being of a length less than the distance between the end panels of each box section and including means for c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Inventor: Walter Tennant