Vertically Nestable Or Confined Patents (Class 280/33.998)
  • Publication number: 20100230916
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shopping basket in self service stores and/or supermarkets, of the type of those which can be stacked and incorporate rolling means (5) at their base and a drive handle (4) for transporting them in an inclined manner on the floor in which said drive handle (4) is located on a plane different from the load application plane, and further having its corners reinforced by means of bends (3) defining a plane (6) on which the side branches (7) of said handle (4) slide with the aid of guide means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: ARAVEM. S.L.
    Inventors: Isabel Gimeno Verdejo, Jose Antonio Puertolas Salanova, Ana Antoran Martin
  • Patent number: 7681892
    Abstract: The Invention is a wheeled military vehicle that may be stacked one on top of another for efficient transportation aboard an aircraft such as a helicopter. A tubular frame reinforces the fenders of the military vehicle, allowing a first vehicle to support the weight of a second vehicle and to withstand the load applied by rigging. A pintle hook is connected to the military vehicle by a hinge and has a deployed and a folded position. The hinged pintle hook allows a combination of the military vehicle and a trailer to be shortened selectably so that the combination will occupy a reduced space within the fuselage of an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: American Growler
    Inventors: Curtis T. Crews, William R. Crisp
  • Patent number: 7674087
    Abstract: A method used for loading semi-trailer chassis into a container, wherein the container includes a base frame and four frame structures attached to corner posts of the base frame. Four semi-trailer chassis are stacked into the container from bottom to top, where the first semi-trailer chassis is placed upside down, the second semi-trailer chassis is placed right-side up and turned horizontally at a 180 degree angle, the third semi-trailer chassis is placed upside down, and the fourth semi-trailer chassis is placed right-side up and turned horizontally at a 180 degree angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: China International Marine Containers (Group) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sidong He, Shulin Yang, Feng Wang, Xuezhong Ye
  • Patent number: 7625166
    Abstract: A trailer apparatus configured to be pulled behind a first vehicle includes a first or larger trailer and a second or smaller trailer. The first or larger trailer is configured to be pulled behind the first vehicle. The second or smaller trailer is configured to fit into the first trailer. The first or larger trailer can be used to haul a smaller vehicle, such as an ATV, snowmobile or other recreational vehicle, and the second trailer can be removed from the first trailer so that it can be towed behind the smaller vehicle as a stand-alone trailer. The second trailer can also be configured to form a ramp for the first trailer to aid in loading the first trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald L. Olson
  • Publication number: 20090278326
    Abstract: Stackable trailers, kits, and components for stackable trailers are disclosed. The kits and components provide added functionality to existing or newly manufactured trailers for carrying shipping containers of various sizes. Stackability, modularity, and cost savings can be achieved using the various disclosed components with trailers. Components include outriggers for receiving shipping containers, cradles for receiving trailer wheels, and assemblies for receiving trailer landing gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: STACKABLE CHASSIS INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Leroy J. Rowland, Frank C. Schachte
  • Publication number: 20090267313
    Abstract: A stackable dolly includes a platform having upper and lower surfaces and a peripheral edge. A plurality of legs are generally coextensive with the platform and extend from the platform beyond the peripheral edge and extend radially outwardly from the platform beyond the platform periphery. Each leg includes an upper surface generally coextensive with the upper surface of the platform a lower surface serving as a mounting surface. The legs are equally angularly spaced from each other about the axis along the periphery of the platform. Casters are secured to each mounting surface of each leg. Engaging members are provided below the platform lower surface each engaging member being arranged approximate to the peripheral edge to abut against the peripheral edge of a cooperating dolly placed below the platform when the platform is supported on the cooperating dolly. The engaging members are restricting lateral movements of the engaged dollies relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Artem Kalajyan
  • Publication number: 20090261546
    Abstract: Stackable trailers for transporting both forty and twenty foot trailers and when not in use can be stacked at ports or on ships.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: LEROY J. ROWLAND
  • Publication number: 20090230643
    Abstract: A stackable shopping trolley, with a chassis, includes wheels, a pushing device and a basket, the basket being formed from various parts, such as the basket sides, a basket base and a flap, wherein the parts of the basket are predominantly made from plastic and said shopping trolley is provided with an antenna. Each trolley has an antenna system with several antennae, each antenna being designed as a transmitting antenna or receiving antenna and each antenna is completely and/or partly enclosed by parts of the basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Eckert, Jürgen Hämmerle, Günther Nägele, Michael Rudolph
  • Patent number: 7559736
    Abstract: A wheeled cart having a bed, two side walls, a front wall and an open end which is connected to a towing vehicle. The bed of the cart is raised or lowered to be inclined toward the open end to load the cart. The bed is level when the cart is loaded. A latch secures the rack within the cart and the latch is manually releasable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Streett Mohan
  • Patent number: 7544915
    Abstract: Aircraft galley carts and methods for their manufacture are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a galley cart for use on an aircraft includes a body configured to be moved along a passenger aisle of the aircraft. The body can include a one-piece plastic shell forming a first side portion and at least one of a second side portion, a top portion, and a bottom portion of the body. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least a portion of the one-piece plastic shell can include an inner skin offset from an outer skin in a double-wall configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Ben P. Hu
  • Patent number: 7494136
    Abstract: The invention relates to a basket, in particular, intended for storing and transporting goods in shops and other selling premises. The basket is formed of a body, including a bottom wall and four lateral walls, castors, and a grasping mechanism. The casters enable the basket to move by rolling over the ground. According to the invention, the grasping mechanism is a telescopic arm deploying from one of the walls of the body of the basket, the one wall being called the proximal wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Joalpe Industria de Expositores, S.A.
    Inventors: Manuel Alves, Pedro Dinis
  • Patent number: 7464945
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in the storage and transportation of recyclable waste comprises a housing (10) having a bottom (16) for standing on the ground, a rear wall (20), a pair of opposed side walls (22), a handle (26) adjacent the top and rear of the housing, and a pair of wheels (28) adjacent the bottom and rear of the housing and arranged such that the housing can be tipped rearwardly using the handle so that the wheels engage the ground, so that the bottom of the housing no longer engages the ground and so that the apparatus can be moved on the wheels using the handle to move it. The housing provides at least one space (48) accessible from the front of the housing, the or each space being arranged to receive at least one recycling box (12) having a base (30), four side walls (32) and an open top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventors: Glynn Humphries, Christopher John Jackson
  • Publication number: 20080296856
    Abstract: A basket for public use includes a substantially upright tapered body for repeatedly moving purchasable items within a store; the body includes an interior space and an open top; the open top permits access to the interior for placing the plurality of purchasable items in the interior. Wheels allow rolling the basket within the store and a telescoping handle provided on a face of the body rollingly pulls the basket. A like-basket is nestable in the basket in a first and a second position; eg the telescoping handles are proximate to each other or the telescoping handles are distal from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: ARAVEN, S.A.
    Inventor: Marcos Alcala Sebastian
  • Patent number: 7458589
    Abstract: A stacked arrangement of travel coolers including a plurality of travel coolers arranged in a series of stacking pairs and a method of stacking the travel coolers. Each travel cooler includes a base with a bottom surface, a pair of wheels mounted to the base, an insulated container, a front end of the base and a rear end of the base. Each stacking pair includes an upper travel cooler disposed on top of a lower travel cooler. The bottom surface of the base of the upper travel cooler rests upon the bottom surface of the base of the lower travel cooler. Alternatively, a surface of a lid of the upper travel cooler rests upon a surface of a lid of the lower travel cooler. The front end of the upper travel cooler is disposed over and generally aligned with the rear end of the lower travel cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: M & C Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Alexander Vanderberg, Ian D. Kovacevich, Daniel Lee Bizzell, Chris Hoy
  • Patent number: 7448476
    Abstract: A cart having a frame for conveying cargo. The cart includes at least one brake assembly mounted within the frame of the cart. The brake assembly is configured to provide braking by engaging and disengaging a rear wheel axle. The cart further includes a control mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage the brake assembly by rotation of a cart handle. In addition, the cart includes a brake release device configured to disengage the brake assembly when carts are nested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Smart Carte, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan L. Otterson
  • Patent number: 7431312
    Abstract: Stackable basket (1) of those used in self-service shops and/or supermarkets, easy to use and adaptable to different users, that ensures the required hygiene when stacked and basically is provided, in addition to a conventional hinged handle, with a telescopic handle (5), a pair of wheels (11), two vertical L-shaped walls (15) that define corresponding small cubicles together with the side walls of the basket (1) so that when the baskets are stacked the wheels (11) of the basket placed above are located on the vertical projection of said cubicles, and with at least two through orifices (16) placed on the lower vertices of the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Araven S.A.
    Inventors: Marcos Alcala Sebastian, Maria Isabel Gimeno Verdejo, Jose Antonio Puertolas Salanova
  • Patent number: 7427076
    Abstract: A base tool caddy for janitorial cleaning supplies is disclosed. The tool caddy has an inner circular element which can be in the shape of a cylinder. This inner circular element fits around the base of a standard commercial trash barrel. The inner circular element has an inwardly disposed lip that is designed to fit between the bottom of a commercial trash barrel and the top of the trash barrel's standard commercial wheeled dolly thereby securing the tool caddy to the trash barrel, dolly combination. The inner circular element has one or more outwardly disposed compartments designed to hold janitorial tools and supplies. These outwardly disposed compartments may be configured to serve as a bumper, thereby protecting walls and other surfaces from being marked by the trash barrel. The outwardly disposed compartments may incorporate a stabilizing edge to prevent the trash barrel from rolling when laid on its side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: David Christopher Gwin
  • Patent number: 7392993
    Abstract: A container for storing, securing and transporting articles. The container comprises a plurality of members having predetermined lengths. A plurality of connectors interconnect the members to space apart and arrange the members generally vertically and horizontally to form a boxlike shape. A selectably securable closure is hingedly coupled to a first sidewall of the container. A pair of wheels are attached to a first edge of a bottom of the container, and a pair of legs attached to a second, opposing edge of the bottom of the container. The container may be stored in either a generally vertical orientation or a generally horizontal orientation. The container may also be pivoted about the wheels to transport the container. In addition, the container may be stacked with other containers when in the horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: SST Systems NFC, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Prohl, Michael Hacket, John Fike
  • Patent number: 7350789
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly, or kit, of injection molded components having integrated connectors which combine to form a storage container having a plurality of snap-in spherical roller assemblies and a cooperating lid member. The storage container components are formed of injection molded plastic and include integrally formed connectors to interlock with one another without the need for separate fasteners. The integrated assembly of the bottom storage container panel and the spherical roller assemblies simplifies storage container construction and minimizes the number of components required to complete the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Michael G. Uffner, Robert Kopp
  • Publication number: 20080073865
    Abstract: The invention relates to a basket, in particular, intended for storing and transporting goods in shops and other selling premises. The basket is formed of a body, including a bottom wall and four lateral walls, castors, and a grasping mechanism. The casters enable the basket to move by rolling over the ground. According to the invention, the grasping mechanism is a telescopic arm deploying from one of the walls of the body of the basket, the one wall being called the proximal wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: JOALPE INDUSTRIA DE EXPOSITORES, S.A.
    Inventors: Manuel Alves, Pedro Dinis
  • Publication number: 20070267834
    Abstract: A child stroller can be arranged into nested, stacked, and/or layered configurations to increase storage density. For example, the nose of a first such stroller can fit within a cavity formed in the rear of a second such stroller. In another embodiment, strollers can include a first interlock arrangement and a second interlock arrangement having complementary geometries, thereby facilitating vertical stacking of the strollers. A bottom surface of the strollers also can include a third interlock arrangement configured to mate with the second interlock arrangement to facilitate layering of the strollers. Embodiments of the stroller also can include an activity bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Keith Amdahl, Matthew Burk
  • Patent number: 7290775
    Abstract: A stackable refuse cart includes a container, an axle, a set of wheels. The container includes first and second axle supports. The first axle support supports the axle in an operative position to rotatably support the container. The second axle support supports the axle in a stowage position enabling the container to be stacked with other containers without interference from the axles. In one embodiment, the second axle support includes a recess defined in the floor of the container. In another embodiment, the second axle support includes a pair of supports that hold the axle against a sidewall within the container. In yet another embodiment, the second axle support is a cradle integral with the container handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Cascade Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. Parker, Mariano D. Acosta, James R. Kilduff, Joseph A. Bollo, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20070164524
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a unit structure of containers, wherein a penetrated hole is formed on every joint of the left wall, right wall, the upper edge of the rear wall of the container and the edge of the upper plane of the container. A female fastening tape is stitched on the upper surface of the penetrated hole and stuck with the male fastening tape which is stitched on the corresponding place. A front wall installed on the edge of the notch of the upper plane is stitched with the upper plane of the container. An adsorptive member is mounted on the front wall to be attracted with the adsorptive member on the lid. The wheels are mounted on the bottom of the lowest container in order to achieve the purpose that the user can move the multi-layer container easily. By such arrangement, the multi-layer container can be formed firmly and the upper plane of the top container is strengthen to bear the weigh from the stuffs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventor: Jing-Ru Chen
  • Patent number: 7213821
    Abstract: An expandable cart apparatus includes a cart that has a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The cart includes four vertically orientated corners each defining a post with an open upper end. A plurality of wheels is rotatably coupled to the bottom wall. A loop has a generally rectangular shape and includes a pair of lateral portions and a pair of end portions. Each of a plurality of secondary walls is attached to and extends downwardly from one of the lateral and end portions. Each of a plurality of rods is attached to the loop and extends downwardly therefrom. Each of the rods is extended into one of the upper ends of the posts. The rods are selectively positionable with respect to the posts so that each of the secondary walls is positioned outside of the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Roy F. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7182350
    Abstract: A cart with auxiliary wheels has a body having a bottom and two ends, a handle, at least one front swiveling wheel, a set of rear swiveling wheels and a set of auxiliary wheels. The handle is formed on the body. The front swiveling wheels and the rear swiveling wheels are mounted rotatably and respectively on the bottom of the body. The swiveling wheels are omni-directional and allow the cart to be moved in all directions. The auxiliary wheels are mounted centrally between the front swiveling wheels and the rear swiveling wheels. The auxiliary wheels are non-swiveling and are mounted parallel with the front-rear direction of the cart to provide straight-line stability to the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Hui-Chen Liao
  • Publication number: 20060290087
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stackable carrier for growing material, such as pot plants, cuttings and plants placed in trays, comprising a substantially rectangular flat plate (35); and supports (36) extending transversely of the plate from the short sides of the plate for the purpose of supporting the carrier in a stack of carriers. This measure results in simplified handling of the carriers with the plants placed thereon. The carriers with the plants can be easily stacked on top of one another from above, wherein this is avoided in horizontal direction between the vertical posts of the Danish trolleys. Such operations therefore entail less effort. The invention furthermore provides the option of the grower using the carriers for his internal transport and even as carrier for the plants on the seedbeds. The supports preferably extend upward from the plate and the carrier comprises a frame extending at least at the periphery and a plate placed separately inside the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony Visser
  • Publication number: 20060267300
    Abstract: A pair of portable storage containers, especially containers for household trash and for recyclable materials respectively, are interconnectable and movable as a unit as, for example, between a storage location adjacent a home and a curbside pick up site. As disclosed, the containers are adapted to be stacked on top of one another and interlocked when stacked by interlocking fasteners. As shown, the fasteners are of a bayonet type comprising integrally molded headed studs projecting from the bottom of the trash container and slots formed in a flanged support surface surrounding the opening in the other container. The studs fit within enlarged end portions of the slots, and upon relative movement, the studs move into a narrower end portion in which the two containers are locked together. Both containers have wheels for mobility either as a stack or separately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Inventor: Larry Shea
  • Patent number: 7134673
    Abstract: The various aspects of the present invention are directed to moving carts and moving cart assemblies. One embodiment comprises a moving cart assembly with a plurality of interlocking, vertically stackable, storage modules. The modules of this embodiment comprise a frame, preferably having at least four sides, e.g., a top, a back, a right side and a left side. Each module also comprises something to enclose the interior space, such as a pair of doors or a drawer which is selectively slidable into the frame. The needs of a particular office can be readily accommodated by using greater or fewer numbers of drawer modules and/or cabinet-type modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventors: Frank A. Ferraro, Robert J Murphy
  • Publication number: 20060232029
    Abstract: A stackable refuse cart includes a container, an axle, a set of wheels. The container includes first and second axle supports. The first axle support supports the axle in an operative position to rotatably support the container. The second axle support supports the axle in a stowage position enabling the container to be stacked with other containers without interference from the axles. In one embodiment, the second axle support includes a recess defined in the floor of the container. In another embodiment, the second axle support includes a pair of supports that hold the axle against a sidewall within the container. In yet another embodiment, the second axle support is a cradle integral with the container handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Inventors: Brian Parker, Mariano Acosta, James Kilduff, Joseph Bollo
  • Publication number: 20060201943
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly, or kit, of injection molded components having integrated connectors which combine to form a storage container having a plurality of snap-in spherical roller assemblies and a cooperating lid member. The storage container components are formed of injection molded plastic and include integrally formed connectors to interlock with one another without the need for separate fasteners. The integrated assembly of the bottom storage container panel and the spherical roller assemblies simplifies storage container construction and minimizes the number of components required to complete the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Uffner, Robert Kopp
  • Patent number: 7104553
    Abstract: A dolly and a tray and dolly assembly are provided. The dolly has a floor with upper and lower surfaces and with one or more features such that when the tray floor is received on the dolly floor, the feature interlocks the tray with the dolly. One feature is a plurality of protruding members extending upwardly from the dolly floor upper surface into openings in the tray floor to interlock the tray with the dolly. Another features is the presence of dolly side wall locking portions configured to abut and mate with corresponding tray side wall bottom locking portions on the tray to interlock the dolly with the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Robert V. Gruber
  • Publication number: 20060175779
    Abstract: A bucket comprises generally vertical sidewalls and a bottom portion, defining together a bucket interior. The bucket further comprises a back face, constituting one of the sidewalls, which extends substantially above the height of the bucket interior. The bucket still further comprises at least two wheels mounted to the bucket at the back face about an axis at a bottom area thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventor: Zvi Zak
  • Patent number: 7044483
    Abstract: A cooler is composed of a number of stackable units. Each unit has inner and outer shells with an air space between them. The outer shell has bottom, side and end panels connected together forming an outer tub with a drain. An inner shell has bottom, side and end panels connected together forming an inner tub. Drain openings in the inner tub allow water to flow to the drain in the outer tub. The bottom panel of the inner shell is spaced from the bottom panel of the outer shell creating an air space therebetween. The bottom of one unit can nest in the top of another unit to stack the units one atop the other. Wheels are attached to the bottommost unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Display Industries, LLC.
    Inventors: James David Robertson, Jason Walesh
  • Patent number: 6983946
    Abstract: An easily assembled and disassembled combination apparatus is disclosed for the segregated storage and transport of articles. The apparatus comprises at least one vertically stackable and interlockable storage container removably mounted atop a wheeled base and fitted with an adjustable pulling handle. Constructed of reinforced plastic, the durable, fully-enclosed storage container forms the backbone of the invention's novel integrated frame. The container lid can be secured with an elastic band or locked with an inelastic, tamper-evident band. Connectable handle members and a shoulder strap enable the container to be individually moved or carried. Support members can be used to elevate one container above another when ready access to the contents of both containers is desired, or to elevate one container above the ground surface when a cabinet-style configuration is preferred. Other accessories include an insulated container liner, a container partition assembly, a parts caddy, and a wheeled support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Porta Plastic Products
    Inventors: Hugh C. Sullivan, Jeffrey M. Saarman
  • Patent number: 6979005
    Abstract: Stackable dollies that each include a platform component having a plurality of indentations that is structured to receive wheel components of other dollies are provided. Stackable dolly systems and related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Chriscott Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve McLerran
  • Patent number: 6869097
    Abstract: A multi-level personal utility cart includes a handle having an upper portion, opposing side portions and a lower portion, a first basket assembly including panels at the front, sides, and bottom thereof, the first basket assembly being supported by the handle, a second basket assembly including panels at the front, sides, and bottom thereof, the second basket assembly being supported by the handle, the first basket assembly being positioned atop the second basket assembly, and the first and second basket assemblies being pivotally supported to the handle, so that the first and second basket assemblies are collapsible into a compact and substantially planar structure. An access door to the lower basket assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Mind Wurx, LLP
    Inventors: James G. Prather, Miguel Orozco
  • Patent number: 6866289
    Abstract: A multi-level personal utility cart includes a handle having an upper portion, opposing side portions and a lower portion, a first basket assembly including panels at the front, sides, and bottom thereof, the first basket assembly being supported by the handle, a second basket assembly including panels at the front, sides, and bottom thereof, the second basket assembly being supported by the handle, the first basket assembly being positioned atop the second basket assembly, and the first and second basket assemblies being pivotally supported to the handle, so that the first and second basket assemblies are collapsible into a compact and substantially planar structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Wynd Wurx, LLC
    Inventor: James G. Prather
  • Patent number: 6857642
    Abstract: A dolly and a tray and dolly assembly are provided. The dolly has a floor with upper and lower surfaces and with one or more features such that when the tray floor is received on the dolly floor, the feature interlocks the tray with the dolly. One feature is a plurality of protruding members extending upwardly from the dolly floor upper surface into openings in the tray floor to interlock the tray with the dolly. Another feature is the presence of dolly side wall locking portions configured to abut and mate with corresponding tray side wall bottom locking portions on the tray to interlock the dolly with the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Robert V. Gruber
  • Patent number: 6848695
    Abstract: A stackable cart upon which another cart can be stacked thereon includes a tray, a handle connected to the tray, and a plurality of wheels rotatably secured to the tray. The tray is configured to at least partially receive a handle of the another cart when the another cart is stacked on the stackable cart. The handle is configured to at least partially receive a plurality of wheels of the another cart when the another cart is stacked on the stackable cart. A plurality of the carts can be stored vertically with the carts oriented in alternating opposed directions. The carts are preferably nested together in a compact manner. In some disclosed embodiments the handle is a handle movable between an extended position and a retracted position and/or the cart includes a stand movable between a stowed position and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: UnionTools, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale A. Panasewicz, Dennis Futo, Jeffrey Kalman, Renard J. Passerell
  • Publication number: 20050006861
    Abstract: The invention provides a transport dolly for the transport of cuboid boxes and stackable transport containers in which the upper side is used as a bearing surface for the items to be transported. The transport dolly comprises a substantially rectangular support floor which is rollable on wheels and comprises anti-slip devices. An extendable additional element is provided on each of the two transverse ends of the support floor, which additional element can be flipped outwardly by 180°. The lateral extension of the additional elements produces an enlargement of the bearing surface of the support floor. Upwardly projecting stop edges are shaped on the upper edge of the two longitudinal sides of the support floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Publication date: January 13, 2005
    Applicant: GEORGE UTZ HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Dubois, Boris Schwab
  • Publication number: 20040108666
    Abstract: A wheeled container having an axle and a first wheel connected to the axle and container having a bottom portion. A slot is disposed in the bottom portion of the wheeled container and receives the axle. The first slot has an inboard end in which the first wheel is positioned for nesting of the wheeled container in another container, and an outboard end, in which the first wheel is deployed for use, and space therebetween to permit movement of the axle along the first slot. The first slot is configured to direct the axle toward the outboard end when the first wheel is placed on a ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLC
    Inventor: Robert W. Lauer
  • Patent number: 6726438
    Abstract: A vehicle chassis having substantially all of the mechanical, electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functional vehicle includes at least an energy conversion system, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis is configured for matability with a variety of different types or styles of vehicle bodies. Various prior art mechanical control linkages between a driver and controlled systems are replaced with non-mechanical control signal transmission components. Fuel cell technology is also implemented. A substantially flat and relatively thin vehicle chassis enables compact storage of multiple vehicle chassis. This compact storage is achieved by high density vertical stacking of the vehicle chassis, which improves packaging and shipping efficiency, reduces plant floor usage for storage during or before testing, assembly or shipping processes, and may reduce overall manufacturing, assembly, shipping, and/or vehicle costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian B. Chernoff, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Mohsen D. Shabana, Robert Louis Vitale
  • Publication number: 20040036239
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and storing one or more tires includes at least one container. The container includes mating first and second sections for enclosing a tire. The first and second sections may be connected. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of containers for storing a plurality of tires. The containers are configured to engage one another to retain them in a vertical configuration when they are stacked upon one another. In one embodiment, the containers are stacked upon a wheeled platform or the lower-most container includes wheels, permitting the stored tire or tires to be transported by rolling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Ronnald B. King
  • Publication number: 20040017055
    Abstract: A stackable cart upon which another cart can be stacked thereon includes a tray, a handle connected to the tray, and a plurality of wheels rotatably secured to the tray. The tray is configured to at least partially receive a handle of the another cart when the another cart is stacked on the stackable cart. The handle is configured to at least partially receive a plurality of wheels of the another cart when the another cart is stacked on the stackable cart. A plurality of the carts can be stored vertically with the carts oriented in alternating opposed directions. The carts are preferably nested together in a compact manner. In some disclosed embodiments the handle is a handle movable between an extended position and a retracted position and/or the cart includes a stand movable between a stowed position and an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Dale A. Panasewicz, Dennis Futo, Jeffrey Kalman, Renard J. Passerell
  • Patent number: 6672599
    Abstract: A stackable shopping cart (1) has a rolling frame (2), a basket (8), a pushing device (19), and a wall (10) that can be swiveled into the inside of the basket, through which wall the back (9) of the basket (8) can be closed, whereby two upwardly directed carriers (6) are positioned on the back end of the rolling frame (2), and the basket (8) is provided at its back (9) with support elements (13) that form a push-on connection with the carriers (6). The support elements (13) are formed by hollow receptacles (14) and the carriers (6) extend upwardly beyond the receptacles (14), and that the sections (7) of the carriers (6) located above the receptacles (14) are intended for the attachment of the pushing device (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Wanzl Metallwarenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Thalhofer, Markus Riesenegger, Bernhard Maatz, Carsten Glogger, Gottfried Wanzl
  • Patent number: 6607199
    Abstract: A dolly and a tray and dolly assembly are provided. The dolly has a floor with upper and lower surfaces and with one or more features such that when the tray floor is received on the dolly floor, the feature interlocks the tray with the dolly. One feature is a plurality of protruding members extending upwardly from the dolly floor upper surface into openings in the tray floor to interlock the tray with the dolly. Another features is the presence of dolly side wall locking portions configured to abut and mate with corresponding tray side wall bottom locking portions on the tray to interlock the dolly with the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Robert V. Gruber
  • Patent number: 6598890
    Abstract: A seed meter transfer and storage apparatus for storing seed meters of a type that are used, for example, on a corn or soybean planter. The apparatus includes a frame with a plurality of upwardly extending members operatively attached thereto. Each of the members are spaced a predetermined distance from each adjacent members and a slot is disposed at the top of each member for receiving a flange which is on each side of the seed meter. This allows one seed meter to be stored between each adjacent member for each pair of adjacent members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventors: Paul H. Mears, Randy L. Kester
  • Patent number: 6543795
    Abstract: A basket with a bottom and peripheral walls defining a cargo space therein. At least three legs are mounted to the underside of the bottom and each leg has a wheel assembly at the distal end. The legs are hollow and the internal diameter increases from the distal end so that the other end, mounted to the underside, cooperatively coincides with openings on the bottom. The legs are removably insertable through the openings and housed within each other so that the baskets can be stacked up in a volumetrically efficient fashion. Removable covers are mounted on the openings, when the basket is in use, to prevent objects from falling inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Manuel E. Merced Ferrer
  • Publication number: 20020153682
    Abstract: A dolly and a tray and dolly assembly are provided. The dolly has a floor with upper and lower surfaces and with one or more features such that when the tray floor is received on the dolly floor, the feature interlocks the tray with the dolly. One feature is a plurality of protruding members extending upwardly from the dolly floor upper surface into openings in the tray floor to interlock the tray with the dolly. Another features is the presence of dolly side wall locking portions configured to abut and mate with corresponding tray side wall bottom locking portions on the tray to interlock the dolly with the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Robert V. Gruber
  • Publication number: 20020140190
    Abstract: Compact carrier devices with stub walls, including wagons, carts and wheelbarrows, are disclosed, which include fixed, stowable and/or pivoting wheels, as well as stowable handles. In various embodiments, simple manually manipulable methods latch each wheel and handle in stowed flat positions within the overall perimeter and profile of the devices, which effectively allows the devices to fold to an ultra flat profile without any wheel or component being detached. Associated innovations include unique nesting methods, both unique center push/pull handles and U shaped handle designs, unique handle access panels, device couplers, simple methods to fixate or allow device wheels/axles to rotate, as well as snap on accessories which are designed to hold drink containers, fishing rods and implements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Richard N. Shapiro