Card Or Sheet Patents (Class 211/50)
  • Patent number: 6129222
    Abstract: A display and storage device includes a first storage portion and a second display portion pivotally and removably secured to the front of the storage portion. The storage portion includes a vertical side and a bottom. The width of the bottom is at least one-half the width of the product to be stored. The display portion is constructed to receive and display a single item to allow a consumer to examine it. Once a buying decision has been made, the display portion is opened relative to the storage portion to permit the consumer to remove one or more fresh, saleable products. Both portions may be made from wire rods. Also included is a system comprising a plurality of the display and storage devices arranged together, so that the side of the storage portion of one device acts as a containment wall for product stored in an adjacent device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Intercraft Company
    Inventors: Paul H. Mylander, Joan T. Roth, Mike Banaczuk, Jim Tennant
  • Patent number: 6098818
    Abstract: A floor display stand which improves the visibility of the displayed items while providing easy self-service access to the items by the consumer. The configuration of the floor display stand includes a horizontal base or shelf, two parallel panel vertical side members and a vertical back member. The vertical side panel members and the back panel member are connected to the horizontal base or shelf such that the base or shelf is positioned at a predetermined distance from the floor. The front edge of each of the two side panel members contains an inwardly directed flange which extends a predetermined distance along the front edge of the side panel member such that the distance between the leading edges of the two flanges is less than the distance between the two parallel side panel members so packages or sheets of displayed material, when stacked horizontally on the base or shelf, are prevented from sliding out of the display stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Ali Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Ali, Christopher Ali, Phillip Glenn Ali
  • Patent number: 6092673
    Abstract: It is known to provide a collapsible dispenser, for example leaflets and small articles, having an upstanding, elongate recess open at one end for the insertion and dispensing of such articles. However, the need to incline the recess rearwardly means that such a known receptacle is unstable unless a detachable stabilizer is secured thereto. The invention relates to a receptacle foldable to an erect configuration from a blank, the blank comprising a base having hingedly secured thereto a plurality of walls. The base includes extending therefrom a rigid member that serves to stabilize the receptacle. One of the walls includes a recess for the member so that the blank can occupy a completely flat configuration before erecting of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: EML Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Charles Woolnough, Sydney James Harris
  • Patent number: 6082555
    Abstract: A method for storing a plurality of electronic smart cards each comprising a card body with a front surface and a rear surface, as well as an electronic module arranged in a recess in the front surface of the card body. The cards are stacked in series so as to be arranged in a number P of different directions such that the electronic module of a card having rank n is facing the rear surface of the card having rank n+P, while the front surface of the card having rank n and the rear surface of the card having rank n+P are separated by an air space with a thickness that is P-1 times that of the card body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Schlumberger Systemes
    Inventor: Madjide Fane
  • Patent number: 6070744
    Abstract: The display assembly includes an elongated support member attached to a supporting surface upon which the display assembly is adapted for attachment. The support member includes a downwardly extending flange with at least one opening formed in the downwardly extending flange. The display assembly also includes at least one display holder adapted for releasably receiving merchandise information such that the merchandise information is presented to consumers as they move past the display assembly. The display holder includes a U-shaped clip hook which is shaped and dimensioned for releasable receipt in the opening formed in the downwardly extending flange such that the display holder is pivotally mounted to the elongated support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventors: Lawrence Levinson, Eric L. Levinson, Jared S. Levinson
  • Patent number: 6068138
    Abstract: A dispenser for a stack of sheets. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a dispenser for a stack of sheets comprising a tray including a support surface and a plurality of corner members attached to the tray, where each of the corner members include a first wall and a second wall extending above the support surface, where the second wall is non-parallel to the first wall, and where the support surface is exposed between two adjacent of the plurality of corner members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Casey L. Carlson, Daniel E. Siltberg, James J. Trussell, David C. Windorski
  • Patent number: 6006927
    Abstract: A paint chip display device including a rectangular container having: a rectangular rear wall having a front surface and a back surface; an oppositely disposed open front face; oppositely disposed upper and lower walls, coupled between said rear wall and said front face; oppositely disposed left-side and right-side walls, coupled between said rear wall and said front face; retaining means for retaining paint chips contained within a cavity formed by said rear, upper, lower, left-side and right-side walls; and, biasing means for biasing paint chips contained within said cavity away from said rear wall and toward said open front face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Raymond H. Levy
  • Patent number: 5979841
    Abstract: A bag dispensing system for suspending and dispensing plastic bags such as T-shirt bags and merchandise bags comprises a bag dispenser constructed to be mounted underneath counters of checkouts. The bag dispensing system comprises relatively short bag engaging hooks which are inserted through apertures formed in T-shirt bags. The apertures are positioned to enable downward removal of the T-shirt bags from the bag dispenser by applying a small downward force. The bag dispensing system further comprises removably detachable bag supporting members to simultaneously support different sized merchandise bags. Merchandise bag engaging hooks provided on the bag dispenser, and slits formed through the merchandise bag panels and gussets, assist in the opening of the bags during dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Carmelo Piraneo, Salim Bana, Gary A. Woodruff, Richard S. Petrie
  • Patent number: 5957456
    Abstract: A bingo sheet stacking apparatus having a first panel, a second panel hingedly connected to the first panel, and a multi-sectional support panel hingedly connected to the first panel. The multi-sectional support panel is configurable between a first planar configuration and a second configuration of a generally triangular cross-section. The second panel has a fastener member affixed to a surface thereof opposite the first panel. The support panel has a fastener attached thereto. The fastener of the second panel is engagable with the fastener of the support panel so as to retain the support panel in the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Melvin Tullos
  • Patent number: 5955170
    Abstract: A mail holder for a message board having a retaining grip, an elongate rear portion extending from the retaining grip, a bottom portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the elongate rear portion, and an elongate front portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the bottom portion towards the retaining grip, the rear, bottom, and front portions defining a cavity for retaining one or more planar objects therein. The front portion may be biased to provide a slight clamping force towards the rear portion to retain the planar objects between the front and rear portions. The rear portion may be substantially flat and the front portion curved towards the rear portion as it extends away from the bottom portion. The bottom portion may have waves formed therein extending generally parallel to the front and rear portions. The retaining grip has a substantially "C" shape, including a substantially flat portion extending between front and rear portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Boone International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Davis, Michael K. Boone
  • Patent number: 5934487
    Abstract: A data document handling or processing apparatus with a plurality of continuous, angular top surfaces to hold checks to be processed and an open side for the insertion of a computer keyboard to expose the numerical keyboard section for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Dianne E. Hoeg
  • Patent number: 5931316
    Abstract: A receptacle for receiving, holding and displaying relatively flat articles, and in particular, pamphlets and brochures. The information receptacle consists of a body which actually holds the pamphlets and brochures and adjustable front and rear mounting brackets which may be interchanged with each other to mount to most shelving whether it is solid or metal shelving with lips underneath. A preferred embodiment of the front mounting bracket is J-shaped and the rear mounting means consists of two dog-legged brackets with upper lips to overlap the top of a shelf. A second embodiment of a mounting bracket is U-shaped and may be used at the front or rear or both ends of the information receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Michael J Carpinelli
  • Patent number: 5927545
    Abstract: A medication delivery cartridge for dispensing unit dose medication packages is provided, comprising a base; a plurality of support members extending upwardly from the base, the support members being shaped and dimensioned to hold a plurality of unit dose medication packages; and an attachment device on the base for allowing the cartridge to be installed within a medication delivery system. Preferably, the medication delivery cartridge further includes a removable retaining device connected to each of the support members, wherein the retaining device is shaped and dimensioned to retain the unit dose medication packages within the cartridge prior to installation of the cartridge within the medication delivery system. Also, a bar code or other identifying indicia are located on the cartridge corresponding to the particular unit dose medication packages within the cartridge, wherein the identifying indicia are readable by the medication delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Walter G. Pearson
  • Patent number: 5921406
    Abstract: A passive paper stacker is disclosed for stacking large quantities of paper in a correctly collated order without the need for an externally powered motor. The stacker does not require any outside power source beyond the force of gravity acting on the paper itself. The paper enters the stacker with printed side facing upwards, the paper is pulled by the force of gravity acting on it down a slide ramp and into a radiused ramp oriented to flip the paper such that it is now facing with the printed face down. The paper then passes under a plurality of fingers and enters a paper tray where it is stacked on top of previously printed sheets of paper. The invention thus yields a stack with the first printed sheet at the bottom, the last printed sheet at the top, and each sheet having the printed side face down. When it is flipped over, the resultant stack is oriented in proper collated order: the first printed sheet on top, the last printed sheet on the bottom, and each sheet having printed face up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Patrick Leone
  • Patent number: 5897000
    Abstract: A napkin holder comprised of two separate plates. Each plate is fastened with one pivot point to the same base. This pivot point is between the center and right end on one plate and between the center and the left end on the second plate. Thus, the pivot points being offset, will cause the plates to close when rotated in one direction and to open when rotated in the other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Frank J. Leanza
  • Patent number: 5884784
    Abstract: A draining laboratory drying rack system comprises a panel having a plurality of apertures formed therein, a plurality of pegs mounted in the apertures for supporting wet laboratory equipment, and a dispensing unit mounted to the panel by hooks on the dispensing unit being received within the apertures. The incorporation of the dispensing unit provides for mounting safety article dispensers within convenient reach of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Paul J. Betts, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5868066
    Abstract: A containing and baling device for paper, paper board or any other flat stock that is being contained for binding and baling purposes. The invention both, contains and obscures the flat stock material and allows for the easy binding or baling using the human arms and hands, or a tool equivalent, to transport or pass the binding medium under and around the flat stock without in any way lifting, moving or removing it from the container during the binding and baling operation. The bound bales are removed from the invention and the device can be reused indefinitely. The invention utilizes one of three lid designs. The lid functions to both further obscure the flat stock accumulation and offer a utilitarian horizontal surface so that the invention can be used as a work surface or as a furniture item such as an end table or coffee table in the closed position. The device is designed so that paper or flat-stock products can be introduced into the device with the lids in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: David Frank Maher
  • Patent number: 5862980
    Abstract: A box, and a blank sheet for forming the box, are disclosed. When assembled, the box includes a floor panel which slopes downwardly from a rear end to a front end, and a brace panel which cooperates with other display panels to support the elevated rear end of the floor panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Leon C. Samuelson
  • Patent number: 5853155
    Abstract: An expandable holder for storing cardboard, newspapers or similar itmes has a front support and a rear support connected to one another by arms. The arms are pivotally connected to the supports along each side. The rear support is mounted on a vertical wall. The supports are formed from elongated members. When cardboard and the like is inserted into the holder, the supports are moved further apart. As more cardboard is inserted the supports move still further apart until the holder is in a fully open position. In each position between a closed position and an open position the cardboard is clamped between the supports either by gravity or by manually moving the holder toward the closed position after inserting the cardboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventors: Gerald R. Sullivan, Daniel R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5845791
    Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing a plurality of articles, said device being comprised of an elongated body shaped to contain said plurality of articles in a stacked arrangement, said elongated body having a longitudinal axis with a predominantly vertical orientation, at least one wall of said elongated body including an aperture extending along a substantial portion of a length of said body, said aperture being sized to allow removable of at least one of said articles through said aperture, at least one removable clip being positioned inside said elongated body to provide separation of at least two groups of said articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: The Meyer Company
    Inventor: Raymond P. Kawolics
  • Patent number: 5836459
    Abstract: A compact, high-visibility display rack and assembly system is disclosed. The innovative display rack includes a base, a pair of sides, and a mounting bracket which is connected to the base and the sides at an angle relative to the horizontal elongated plane of the base. Because the mounting bracket is at an angle relative to the base and the rest of the display rack, when the rack is mounted on a supporting surface, the display rack extends outward from the supporting surface at an acute angle, providing an angular view of the front of product packages contained therein. In addition, the top, most of the front, and a portion of a side of the display rack is open, allowing for easy access of the product packages contained therein. Furthermore, the sides of the display rack are built using wire-frame construction or transparent plastic to further enhance the visibility and the ease of access of the contents therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph F. Nezwek, James R. Plumb
  • Patent number: 5810182
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for displaying objects, and is more particularly directed toward an easel comprising one or more ridges upon which devices to be displayed are hung or propped. The easel is constructed of material such a card board, plastic, or similar material which can be scored and folded into the desired configuration. Construction materials and manufacturing steps are relatively inexpensive. Various methods are disclosed to prevent the easel from collapsing under the weight of the displayed objects. The easel is also suitable for displaying articles of varying size and shape. Furthermore, the easel can be easily disassembled for storage or shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Samuel Levin
  • Patent number: 5755337
    Abstract: A record keeping holder having a C-shaped or U-shaped bracket for removably holding a tape marker flag dispenser containing multiple tape flags of various colors and a writing surface suitable for recording information pertaining to food items placed in a food storage unit, such as a refrigerator or freezer. The holder is provided with a color coded bar adjacent to the writing surface having color indicators that correspond to the tape flag colors and a writing instrument holder adapted for removably holding a writing instrument. In use, a single tape flag is placed on a food storage container to designate, in conjunction with the writing surface, what food item is contained therein. Later retrieval of the food item is facilitated by the sighting of the tape flag corresponding to the color indicator adjacent to the description previously recorded on the writing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Maynard W. Linn
  • Patent number: 5755340
    Abstract: The holder is used for a notepad formed of a stack of note slips which are connected with one another at one of their edges. It has a concave, arc-shaped or gutter-shaped support for the notepad. This support has two edges parallel to its imaginary generating straight line. These two edges project away from the concave support surface. One of the edges has a height (h) which corresponds roughly to the height of the notepad to be received by the holder. The distance (A) between the two edges measured along the concave support corresponds to the width (B) of the notepad to be received. The edge whose height (h) corresponds roughly to the height of the notepad projects away from the concave support approximately at a right angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Neutrik Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bernhard Weingartner
  • Patent number: 5746327
    Abstract: A free-standing holder for a stack of receiving material in sheet form has two supports disposed at an angle of 65.degree.. The holder is formed by two members and a wire rack. The rack is fixed between the two members and has a concave supporting surface. An abutment ledge is at the bottom of the holder and is perpendicular to the support surface. The supports are connected at the top by a brace forming a handle for moving the holder. Channel-shaped yokes can be fixed to the wire rack to accommodate rolls of receiving material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: OCE-Nederland, B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes M.H.P.L. Leermakers, Albertus M.B.M. Van Os, Cornelis H.J. Slaats
  • Patent number: 5732833
    Abstract: A floor standing dispensing assembly for supporting a plurality of packs of plastic bags. The floor standing dispensing assembly includes a vertical member attached to a base member. A support hook includes a horizontal segment, an inclined planer segment and an attachment segment for attaching to the vertical member. A bag closure dispenser is mounted to the vertical member. A backing bar for providing support across the width of the plastic bags is attached to the vertical member. A header is connected to the plastic bags. The header includes an elongate opening therethrough to fit onto the support hook. The header is made from a substantially rectangular piece of material having a handle formed from a generally central area of the rectangular piece. The header includes continuous front and back flanges along the length of header. The header fits onto the inclined segment of the support hook and the back flange contacts the backing bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Better Bags, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael A. Alvarado, Francis Charles Ritter, Kim L. Burnett
  • Patent number: 5722628
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible reading stand for supporting a book, magazine or other sheet reading materials includes a blank of substantially rigid material having adjacently positioned panels hingedly movable relative to one another and including a base panel, a first panel group and a second panel group. The first panel group is structured for upward and rearward sloping of a frontal panel thereof throughout a range of angular, adjusted positions relative to the base panel. The second group of panels is structured to provide a support lip adjacent a lower portion of the frontal panel, the support lip being movable through a range of angular adjusted positions relative to the frontal panel so as to support a bottom edge of the reading materials. At least one of the panels accommodates a tape flag dispenser housing for providing tape flags in order to mark pages of the reading material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: David L. Menaged
  • Patent number: 5690024
    Abstract: A device for collecting and packing paper material comprises a receptacle having a mainly square-shaped bottom, back and front walls, and two side walls. A box may be fixed either to the exterior surface of the back wall or to the exterior surface of one of the side walls for loosely retaining a string bobbin. The free end of a string wound onto the bobbin passes through an adjacent aperture in the side or back wall. String lengths are obtained using a knife preferably fixed to a slit in one of the side walls for cutting the string when pulled out to a suitable length through the aperture. A dummy knife is fixed to any corresponding slit or slits made in other walls but not needed for a knife. The string lengths are fixed in a holder arranged in the back and front walls. The string lengths are kept freely movable in the front wall holder. When tied using the string lengths, the pile of paper material is lifted from the receptacle via a handle having hooks introduced under the string lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Olle Jarund
  • Patent number: 5685429
    Abstract: Photographic film, paper, etc. in sheet form or sealed within a pouch, is packaged in containers. An adjustable bracing or chocking element allows standard size containers to be used to package custom finished film sheets. The chocking element is securely attached to the bottom of a shell, and spaced apart from the walls of the shell. A pouch or stack of sheets is disposed between the chocking element and a pair of substantially orthogonal walls to restrain movement of the pouch or sheets relative to the bottom of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Keith D. Myers
  • Patent number: 5664676
    Abstract: A display book box is disclosed which is useful for carrying a relatively large book and which is constructed in a manner such that when it is opened it can function as a display easel for the book contained therein. The display box also provides punch out supports and an insert piece to support one or more books.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Michael Levins
  • Patent number: 5657880
    Abstract: A modular container provides a first bin having a compartment for holding general shaped objects and a second compartment for holding vertically a pad of paper in the longitudinal dimension relative to the first compartment. The container includes a slidable printing surface extending from and recessing into said first bin while being prevented from complete removal. A second modular bin is removably attachable to the first bin without covering the compartment of the first bin for vertically holding a pad of paper, and is positionable in a plurality of selectable positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Alan H. Birnbaum
  • Patent number: 5615781
    Abstract: A system for supporting literature relative to a support surface. The inventive device includes a pocket assembly which can be secured to a wall surface or supported upon a table. A plurality of dividing members can be provided for partitioning the pocket assembly to fit a particular item of literature. A plurality of the pocket assemblies can be mounted to a wall surface in a desired orientation or coupled together so as to hang in a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel A. Janssen
  • Patent number: 5613672
    Abstract: A paper retainer assembly for attachment to a feed-in mechanism at a paper inlet or a feed-out mechanism at a paper outlet, includes a flexible, linear paper retainer, such as a metal or plastic wire. The paper retainer is operable to be extended to an extended position for use and retracted to a retracted position when not in use. The assembly also includes a locking mechanism operable to maintain the paper retainer in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Tanaka, Yuji Ohashi, Masashi Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 5607067
    Abstract: A notepad system for releasable attachment to a surface such as the visor of a car is disclosed and comprises a notepad and a notepad holder. The notepad has a backing sheet supporting a plurality of rectangular sheets of writing paper. The notepad holder comprises two rectangular support sheets having a high degree of rigidity adhered together in face-to-face relation to define a slot therebetween. The backing of the notepad is inserted into the slot, and the friction between the backing sheet and the rectangular support sheets retains the notepad and the notepad holder in an assembled condition. The notepad system may be releasably secured to a surface such as the visor of a car through the use of conventional hook and loop material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Jot-That-Thought, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Morrissey
  • Patent number: 5597219
    Abstract: A box-shaped container for temporary storage of filled or empty cigarette trays defines a plurality of compartments for temporary storage of a set of trays. The compartments have open front sides for introduction or extraction of trays and at least partially open undersides to permit evacuation of tobacco particles and/or other solid particulate matter. The container is provided with pairs of tracks at the lower portions of upright or sloping partitions which flank the compartments, which extend to an upright rear wall of the container, and which are overlapped by a horizontal top wall of the container. The latter is or can be designed in such a way that the contents of filled trays in the compartments are at least substantially sealed from the surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Hauni Maschinenbau AG
    Inventors: Matthias Horn, Peter Kageler, Christian Kreusch
  • Patent number: 5586493
    Abstract: A paper recycling rack includes an upper paper stack binding area and a lower bundled paper storage area. The upper area comprises a platform having two orthogonally disposed channels thereacross and corresponding discontinuous side walls, with a generally rectangular stack of papers placed therein being supported at the four corners of the stack and being exposed along the orthogonal channels. Thus, a user of the rack may easily reach through the upper portion of the lower storage area to pass binding twine, cord or the like beneath papers stacked in the upper area to secure them together, and store the bound papers in the lower storage area for later transfer to a recycling point. The rack is preferably monolithically formed of an injection molded translucent, smoke tinted plastic material, but may alternatively be formed using other materials and manufacturing techniques as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: Marjorie N. McEntee
  • Patent number: 5584402
    Abstract: A rack for storing and dispensing a supply of bags incudes a base member. The base member includes a track extending between first and second ends of the base member. The rack has first and second ends and is adapted for supporting a supply of bags. The rack includes structure for engaging the track of the base member. The rack is slidable on the base member between a bag loading position in which the rack first end is disposed adjacent to the base member second end, and a bag storing and dispensing position in which the rack first end is disposed adjacent to the base member first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Vanguard Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Johnson
  • Patent number: 5577440
    Abstract: A container having opposite side walls or panels joined with opposite end walls or panels to provide an open box-like structure for insertably receiving a plurality of newspapers to form a disposable stack. Releasable fasteners are employed to detachably join the walls or panels together. A spool of binding string is removably carried on a selected end wall and string is trained in a cross-over pattern with string ends extending exteriorly thereof. The string passes through slotted apertures in the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Wendy L. Marie
  • Patent number: 5542551
    Abstract: An erectable display stand includes a generally planar back panel, a generally planar shelf for supporting objects, and at least one generally planar supporting wall. The shelf and the supporting wall are connected to the back panel for movement relative thereto between their collapsed positions in which they extend in substantial parallelism with one another and with the back panel in close proximity of the latter, and an erected position in which they extend substantially normal to the back panel and parallel to each other in large-area surface-to-surface contact with one another for the supporting wall to support the shelf from below when the stand is in use. The supporting wall may have a rearward extension that transfers the area of ground contact to behind the stand proper, so that the latter may assume a rearwardly tilted attitude when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Arrow Art Finishers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerrold A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5533630
    Abstract: A compact disk assembly rack structure includes two elongated strips, a lower frame, two rods, two support frames and an upper frame as well as a multiplicity of screws. Each of the strips have an upper groove for receiving a longer side of the lower frame which is squeezed through a gap into a circular portion below to be positioned therein. A rod is then fitted into the upper groove of the strip. The support frames each have a clamp for fastening onto a corresponding narrow portion of a shorter side of the lower frame. The upper frame has flat surfaces formed at two shorter sides thereof corresponding to flat surfaces formed at the top of the support frames. Each of the shorter sides of the upper frame is fastened to each of the support frames by screws passing through the flat surfaces of the upper frame into the flat surfaces of the support frames. A number of compact disk racks may be placed one on top of the other for storage or transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Hui-Huang Chen
  • Patent number: 5526943
    Abstract: This invention relates to a toilet accessory comprising a storage rack particularly adapted for use in the toilet stalls of public rest rooms and in the bathrooms of homes. The storage rack has shelves for holding personal items and books, compartments for temporarily holding magazines, file folders, and the like, and a newspaper holder. The rack may also include amenities for successive users of the toilet stall or bathroom, such as note paper and pen, a drop-down table, a removable mirror, and toilet paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Dexter G. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5512996
    Abstract: An electrophotographic apparatus incorporating a sorter device formed by a double pair of driving rollers for ejecting sheets from the apparatus and delivering them into a collecting bin, the two roller pairs acting on the side edges of the sheets at selectively controllable velocities to selectively produce an angular deflection of the outgoing sheets in either of two directions and their delivery into the collecting bin in different positions rotated from each other, the bin having an opening dihedral with side walls which define the maximum amounts of imparted deflection for the two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Bull HN Information Systems Italia S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlo Fare
  • Patent number: 5497888
    Abstract: A modular display system for the efficient storing and displaying of a variety of substantially flat products, such as alphanumeric sign characters, includes a first display module having a width of a single length unit, an open front, a first arrangement of internal divider elements separating the internal volume of the first module of a plurality of predetermined volumes, each shaped to receive a predetermined amount of a particular product, a second display module having a width of two length units, a second internal divider arrangement separating the internal volume into a second plurality of volumes, each shaped to receive a predetermined amount of a particular product, a strip extending along the first and second modules for receiving indicia indicative of the contents of each of the first and second volumes and a connector for interconnecting a first and second module such that a plurality of first and second modules can be attached to each other and arranged in a plurality of configurations to form di
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: American Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Michaels, Steven T. Sheiler, Michelle L. Fioritto, Sharon D. Hughes, Stephan W. Cole
  • Patent number: 5497877
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single sheet sandpaper delivery system which includes at least one stackable tray having a support surface, with at least two sides, wherein one of each said sides is connected an opposing edge portion of the support surface and extends generally normal thereto, and wherein the support surface has an edge portion laterally spacing the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Ali Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Ali, Terry L. Ali
  • Patent number: 5485916
    Abstract: A foldable insert to collate an open box for receipt, withdrawal and reinsertion of two separate stacks of stationary items, the box defined by a flat base of overall rectangular shape having a pair of vertical end walls held in spaced-apart arrangement by a pair of vertical side walls, all attached through devices that define the rectangular periphery thereof, the insert including a narrow display portion extending transverse to the ends of the box defined by a pair of spaced-apart elongated side edges and a pair of shorter end edge, a first support section extending from one of the elongated side edges toward one end of the box for passing under one stack of items, including an upwardly directed support portion, a second support section extending from the opposite elongated side edge of the display portion reversibly down under the display portion and then toward the other end of the box for passing under the second stack of items, including an upwardly sloping portion to angle the items upward toward the o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Carl A. Dean
  • Patent number: 5484064
    Abstract: A vertical document holder for use in displaying and dispensing flexible paper documents includes a compartment having left and right sidewalls, a bottom and an open top for receiving a stack of documents. The bottom of the compartment rises toward the front of the compartment to provide vertical separation between the exposed top edges of the documents, and the spacing between the sidewalls of the compartment is progressively decreased toward the front of the compartment to provide a spacing between the center portions of the exposed edges as the documents progressively bow toward the open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Inventor: Paul R. Melichar
  • Patent number: 5480037
    Abstract: A note paper pad holder and method, the tablet-like note paper pad of which is a plurality of usually rectangular stacked sheets secured to each other at one end is disclosed. The holder portion has a receiver or magazine section, and a mount. The receiver or magazine section has lateral sides, a head, and an open foot portion. The open foot portion, however, is optionally interrupted at a mid-portion with a centering stop which extends upwardly from the base portion of the receiver to which the pad is secured. A pair of yieldable side grips are provided at the forward portion of the sides terminating adjacent the head to yieldably secure the forward secured portion of the pad. The head of the pad abuts the head of the receiver and is secured in that relationship by a combination of the yieldable grips and the front centering stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Kip R. Pope
  • Patent number: 5472100
    Abstract: A greeting card display device comprising a base and a pair of display modules stacked one atop another and mounted on the base. Each module comprises four upright support panels secured together at adjacent vertical edges, and a plurality of card-supporting tiers secured to the upright support panels. Each of the support panels is in the form of a U-shaped channel section having a pair of side walls and a web wall connected between the side walls. Adjacent vertical edges of the support panels are secured together by securing the side wall of one of the adjacent panels to the web wall of the other adjacent panel. The panels include a plurality of slots which accept tabs on the tiers. Each tier comprises a back, bottom and a front wall connected at adjacent horizontal edges, a pair of securement tabs connected at the upper free edge of the back wall and projecting upwardly and rearwardly, and a pair of securement tabs connected to the lower edge of the back wall and projecting downwardly and rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Hamilton Fixture Company
    Inventors: Donald W. Garrison, William S. Keighley, Jerry D. Pavone, Kevin P. Shatzer
  • Patent number: 5458242
    Abstract: A literature holder is formed of an elongated sheet having spaced first and second transverse score lines. The sheet is bent along the first score line to form a front panel and a back panel, which extends in a first direction from the front panel, and bent along the second score line to form a bottom panel, which extends in a second direction from the front panel. A substantially U-shaped flap is formed in the front panel such that the two ends of the U contact the first score line. A tab extents from the bottom panel. A layer of adhesive is provided on the tab so that when the adhesive layer is contacted with the back panel to secure the tab to the back panel, the sheet can be formed into a triangular shape in which the holder is in a use configuration. Then the U-shaped flap can be bent out of the plane of the front panel and back towards the rear panel to accommodate goods, such as pamphlets, in the holder for display and dispensing. The holder can also be folded flat for storage or shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Fasteners For Retail, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Baka, Daniel J. Kump, Christopher M. Paterson
  • Patent number: 5447234
    Abstract: Photographic film, paper, etc. in sheet form is packaged in recyclable containers or cases for reuse by returning to suppliers for filling. Containers obviate disposal problems and high costs associated with customary two-part set-up box and interior padding. Plastic cases comprise a base section in the form of a tray-like structure with an open bed for a film stack, etc. Case has built-in structural features for rigidity, crush resistance, impact protection, and air, dust and light tight seal when used with a cover section. Such environmentally friendly designs are suitable as low cost, reusable one-size plastic containers for packaging standard size sheet products. For packaging special, less frequently called-for size films, papers, etc., interiors may be made infinitely adjustable with rows of parallel channels for placement of at least one chocking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Luke T. Faulstick, Keith D. Myers