Show-case Type Patents (Class 312/114)
  • Publication number: 20030057809
    Abstract: A transparent case with a collectible positioned over an angled mirror element thereby presenting the collectible for viewing, top and bottom, front and back, and from side to side without the necessity of removing the collectible from the display case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: James J. House, Erin E. Logan
  • Patent number: 6513888
    Abstract: A merchandising display includes a housing for sheltering and protecting a displayed product whether indoors or outdoors, a pallet carried support frame is mounted within the housing and adapted for displaying the product within the display. The housing has a front and rear wall each formed by a series of vertically extending, transparent doors, a roof, a floor and side walls. Each door selectively pivots between an open position and a closed position and has side lips that engage and extend over a side edge of the housing when in the closed position. At least some of the doors have a bottom lip that engages and extends over an adjacent door's front surface, and at least one of the doors engages a pivotable roof flap when in the open and closed positions, to continuously shelter the displayed products whether the doors are in an open or closed position. The support frame includes sets of cross-bars, and spaced vertical supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignees: Midwest Quality Gloves, Inc., Midway Displays, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Lucht
  • Publication number: 20030015945
    Abstract: A convertible illuminated display case includes:
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Francis Vandenbussche
  • Patent number: 6497461
    Abstract: A display case includes a shelf, a bracket and a clear cover. The shelf has at least one riser and at least one tread integrally formed together. The shelf is shaped to compliment at least one tread. The clear cover has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end may be coupled to the riser and the lower end may be coupled to the tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Campbell Harlan
  • Publication number: 20020185942
    Abstract: Apparatus for displaying objects having a lower part fixed to an underframe and an upper part pivotally attached to the lower part. The upper part includes front, rear, right, left and upper side parts, of which at least the upper side part consists of a glass pane and wherein the upper part can be moved by an electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Till Hahn, Thomas Otto Hahn
  • Publication number: 20020145365
    Abstract: A decorative and practical framed showcase for pendant medals comprising a slotted display panel positioned between a primary back panel and a transparent viewing pane. The showcase attractively displays pendant type awards. The display panel comprises a slot or series of slots arranged uniformly in rows. The ribbon portion of an award is inserted into a slot in the display panel, and is pulled through to the back of the panel. The medal and a part of the ribbon remain visible from the front of the display panel. Retainers attached to the rear surface of the display panel secure the excess length of ribbon out of view and hold the medal suspended in place on the front side of the display panel. The showcase further comprises an integral means for secure attachment and simple removal to and from a wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: E. Scott Johnson, William B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6428008
    Abstract: An arcade game assembly with various arcade games including a large housing having an exterior configuration resembling a vehicle. The interior portion includes a plurality of separate receptacles which each receive a portion of at least one arcade game. Each game unit has side panels with a transparent portion in each. The housing also has at least one transparent panel on the exterior surface. A plurality of panels further define the interior, and at least one of the panels has an aperture. The configuration of the present invention permits a longitudinal and lateral line-of-sight to pass completely unimpaired through the assembly to increase the visibility of the prizes and of the viewers and players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Craig B. Singer
  • Patent number: 6425646
    Abstract: A display stand for displaying plants, ornamental items, merchandise or the like which can be quickly converted to provide a lighted artificial Christmas tree. The display stand includes an open upright triangular shaped assembly resembling the outline of a Christmas tree when viewed from the front or back of the display stand. The display stand structure includes a plurality of horizontally disposed display shelves within and supported by the triangular shaped assembly to provided surfaces upon which articles may be displayed thereon. The assembly includes a plurality of decorative electrical Christmas lights permanently disposed about the perimeter edges within front and rear facing channels with removable covers disposed thereover. The covers may be removed to reveal the decorative lights so that the display stand is converted to resembling a lighted Christmas tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Gloria J. Andrews
  • Publication number: 20020084726
    Abstract: A merchandise display case having an open sub-frame or exo-skeleton and one ore more interchangeable side panels is provided. The display case includes a lower base section and an upper display section. The base section includes a skeletal sub-frame. One or more interchangeable wall panels are releasably attached to the sub-frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Brian O'Neill, Dennis Pound
  • Patent number: 6412890
    Abstract: A pedestal capable of quickly, safely, and securely protecting an exhibited ornament and effectively preventing the ornament from being overturned, dropped, or damaged. The pedestal is constituted so as to open a pair of openable shutter plates (6) and (7) by using a support stand (1) whose top and bottom are provided with a pair of openings (5) and (11) so that they are faced to each other, setting the two openable shutter plates (6) and (7) to the top-side opening (5) of the support stand (1) so that they can be closed while butting them each other at the central portion of the opening (5), suspending the upper-end opening margin (12a) of a bag (12) having a cushioning performance to catch the ornament from the lower portion of the bottom-side opening (11), the pedestal further including a drive (20) for the shutter plates and a vibration sensor (22) and operating the drive (20) when the vibration sensor (22) detects vibrations due to an earthquake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Tomonao Kaneko, Kouichi Murakoshi
  • Publication number: 20020079788
    Abstract: A display case security apparatus comprises a housing, a plurality of platform guide tracks, a platform, an elevating mechanism, and a closure. The housing includes a lower storage section and an upper display section disposed above the storage section. The storage section has an opaque exterior wall and the display section has an exterior wall which is at least partially transparent. The platform guide tracks are disposed on the interior of the housing. The platform is disposed within the housing and includes a generally horizontal portion for supporting articles to be displayed. The platform is selectively movable between a first position, wherein any articles supported on the platform are displayed in the display section of the housing, and a second position, wherein any articles supported on the platform are stored in the storage section of the housing. The platform interfits with the platform guide tracks so as to constrain the movement of the platform to vertical translation only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: John F. Canedy, Leo Faubion, Paul Lenox, Larry G. Stanford
  • Publication number: 20020074907
    Abstract: A glass display case being held together by clamping fittings and a clamping fitting for the corner connection of three adjoining wall structures, especially glass panes or the like. The invention focuses on the fact that the clamping fitting presents a central coupling member, to which are associated three rotatable and lockable connecting axles, the center longitudinal axes of which respectively stretch out or extend radially with regard to the coupling member at an angle of approximately 120 degrees from one another, whereby, at their free end opposite to the coupling member, the connecting axles present a stiffening connector articulation for the connection to an adapter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Hubert Elmer
  • Patent number: 6398322
    Abstract: A showcase comprises a base, a plurality of side walls and a roof. Elongate connecting members, for connecting the side walls to the base, each have a channel defined therein for receiving a lower edge of a respective one of the side walls. Releasable fastenings, preferably in the form of screws, are provided for fastening the connecting members to the base. Further such connecting members may also be provided for connecting the side walls to the roof. The edges of the side walls may be fixed in the respective channels of the connecting members using adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Netherfield Visual Limited
    Inventor: Michael Peter Brian Chaplin
  • Patent number: 6375286
    Abstract: A security cover for display cases includes cooperating generally L-shaped rigid frangible-resistant panels. A hook-shaped lower edge of each panel is coupled to an anchor rail fixedly mounted to the base of the display case. Each panel is then pivoted upwardly to cover a portion of the display case. The panels include flanges along an upper terminal edge thereof. The flanges are mated together in a U-shaped lock bar and a lock to securely couple the panels together and enclose the glass faces of the display case in a frangible-resistant protective cover to inhibit breakage of the glass faces and theft of the contents of the display case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: LockNET, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Benson Lee Miller, Paul Townsend Scherer
  • Patent number: 6322174
    Abstract: An arrangement for exhibiting an object, for example a flower arrangement. It includes a bottom panel (2) and a panel made of a transparent material (3) between which the object is adapted to be placed and members are adapted to secure the bottom panel relative to the transparent panel. The arrangements has a frame molding (1) which is adapted to surround the bottom panel (2) and the transparent panel (3). The frame molding has a first cavity (5) extending around and inside the frame molding (1) in which the bottom panel (2) is adapted to be secured. On an inside thereof the frame molding has a second cavity (6) that is disposed a distance from the first cavity (5) in which the transparent panel (3) is disposed after being inserted and rested therein. The arrangement has further a member adapted to permit pushing in and pulling out of the transparent panel into and out from the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Åsa Palmqvist
  • Patent number: 6322180
    Abstract: A first device for use in conjunction with display cases include a frame, a support member slidably disposed on the frame, an arm disposed on the support member for slidable movement therewith, a first work surface disposed on the support member, and a dampening member disposed between the second work surface and the support member for reducing vibration transfer to the first surface. A second device comprises a rail, a support member slidably disposed on the rail, and a dampening member disposed between the rail and the support member. A third device includes a window frame slidably engaged with a display case, a window supported by the frame member, and a work surface disposed on the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventors: Donald M. Hall, Ross M. Hall, Morison Ryan Hall
  • Patent number: 6276769
    Abstract: A window is attached to a bezel, housing, or other assembly. The bezel, housing, or other assembly has a series of pins surrounding an opening, and the window has a corresponding series of holes. The centers of the holes are slightly off-center from the centers of the pins in one dimension. When the window is pressed into place over the opening, the window deflects slightly. This deflection causes the edges of the holes to “dig into” the pins, and retains the window in place over the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Michael Wortman
  • Patent number: 6158828
    Abstract: A jersey display frame for displaying the jersey of a uniform in a life-like manner with a three-dimensional view. The display frame includes a frame body and support member fixed to the frame body for supporting the jersey within the display frame. The support member includes a predetermined width, height and depth to provide the visual perception of the jersey in a life-like manner. For example, a football jersey is displayed such that it is visually perceived as it is supported on shoulder pads. The display frame is customized to display all types of jerseys. A hook is threadedly engaged in the support member and is adjustable to allow the jersey to be properly positioned within the display frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Picture Perfect
    Inventors: Kurt A. Vacovsky, John A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6129428
    Abstract: The object storage device (7) is a carousel and holds objects in object carriers (8). They lie only partially on a structure of the object storage device (7) and can be lifted up. The storage station has a carousel-like object storage device (7) and a transport device (11) with an element (50) for holding the object carriers (8) which moves the object carriers (8) parallel and perpendicular to the axis of the carousel-like object storage device (7). The climatic test cabinet (1) has a window (6) whose opening can be tightly closed by a sturdy casement. The window opening has dimensions such that one object carrier (8) at a time can be moved through it. The climatic test cabinet (1) also has a storage station inside it consisting of an object storage device (7) and a transport device (11), which transports one of the object carriers (8) at a time back and forth between the object storage device (7) and the vicinity of the window (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Kendro Laboratory Products GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Helwig, Cosmas Malin
  • Patent number: 6113198
    Abstract: A cabinet having height-adjustable shelves and power receptacles in the interior of the cabinet. A power cord is attached to and runs essentially the height of the cabinet. In-line power receptacles are releasably attached to and in electrical communication with the power cord, enabling each receptacle to be positioned adjacent each shelf. The height-adjustable shelves are supported by T-shaped shelf clips removeably installed in bore holes in the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Howard Miller Clock Company
    Inventor: Jack L. Hommes
  • Patent number: 6076292
    Abstract: A hybrid grave marker and cremains container includes a plurality of side walls, a transparent top cover, and a base, bonded to each other by ultraviolet glue so as to form a hermetic receiving envelope for containing ashes or memorabilia of a deceased person. The container is partially interred into the ground with the top portion of the container extending above the ground. Friends and relatives of the deceased may have the possibility of viewing the cremains contained in the container through the transparent top cover and/or side walls. The grave marker and cremains container may be used singly or may be combined with other cremains containers to form a memorial group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph Kawa
  • Patent number: 6024775
    Abstract: A substantially sealed case for enclosing objects has at least one openable surface and an inlet-outlet port through a surface of the case, permitting the ingestion and expulsion of air during case thermal expansion and barometric pressure changes. The inlet-outlet port has an inlet passage and an outlet passage therethrough, with a check valve in the inlet passage permitting ingestion of air into the case through an inlet filter and blocking the expulsion of air therethrough. The inlet-outlet port also has a check valve in the outlet passage permits the expulsion of air from the case through an outlet filter and blocks the ingestion of air therethrough. A flexible membrane bag encloses the inlet and outlet filters, and may optionally include air treatment means for controlling the relative humidity and the oxygen content of air in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventors: Jack V. Miller, Ruth Ellen Miller
  • Patent number: 5924778
    Abstract: A modular display case is disclosed. The display case comprises at least one frame member. The frame member is preferably "C"-shaped, having a front face selectively enclosed with a window. The frame member preferably includes grooves and bosses on an inside bottom surface for special use in displaying model train components. Frame members may be joined in end-to-end fashion with a tongue which slidably engages a first locking structure of each frame. In addition, each frame preferably has a second locking structure on a bottom surface and a corresponding locking structure on a top surface, whereby the frames may be arranged vertically in interlocking fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Carl Evan TenBrink
  • Patent number: 5873641
    Abstract: A liner for a food product case is made from a non-woven textile mat which is non-absorbent to liquid but permeable to both air and liquid to permit circulation of liquid and cooled air through the liner and around the food items. Moreover, an upper surface of the mat includes a pattern of a non-skid medium, preferably a thermal expanding or puff ink to inhibit food items placed atop the liner from sliding downwardly along a sloped surface of the food case. Advantageously, the thermal expanding or puff ink is preferably applied through a silk screening process which enables highly detailed and multi-colored graphics including commercial advertisements to be applied to the mat and serve as a point of purchase display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Larry Spinelli
  • Patent number: 5868477
    Abstract: A fire alarm station pull cover with a rectangular box shape enclosure that is open in the front, back and bottom and has a removable cap. The cover is mounted to a wall fully encasing a fire alarm pull lever. A glass pane resides in grooves on both sides of the apparatus and is supported laterally by said grooves and vertically by a detent at the bottom of each groove. One or a plurality of equi-spaced vertical score marks formed on the pane of glass causes the pane to controllably break into parts when struck by a striker preferably attached by a tether to the cover. The sections of glass fall down and out through the open bottom to expose said pull lever and allow actuation of the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Paul Decarie
  • Patent number: 5865516
    Abstract: A model display case, which may be decorated to be simulative of a building, includes a base having a raised support surface providing a "floor" in which an electrically powered rotating turntable is centrally positioned. A clear cover is mounted over the base and includes a raised extension in which a plurality of lights are mounted to provide illumination of the case. The lights are screened from view from the outside of the case by reflectors extending from the extension and screen-covered vents are preferably provided to allow for dissipation of heat produced by the lights from the interior of the case to the outside environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Rodger O. Woy
  • Patent number: 5853235
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the burglar-proof jewelry case has a showcase with a front panel, a solid rear panel, two opposing end panels, a glass top panel, and at least one shelf therein. Jewelry is displayed on the shelf which is hingedly connected to the rear panel, and is spaced apart and parallel with the top panel. A solenoid is connected to the shelf and the showcase is mounted on a cabinet. The cabinet has a partially covered steel chamber with a curved opening. When the solenoid is energized, the shelf swings downwardly and any jewelry sitting on the shelf falls into the chamber and becomes unreachable by a thief. In another embodiment, the showcase may have multiple shelves where the shelves are connected to one another by cables. A cable stop is connected to one of the cables and holds the shelves in place. The cable stop is held in place by a solenoid. When the solenoid is energized, the cable stop is released and moves upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Harry W. Barnes
  • Patent number: 5848498
    Abstract: A casket display structure has a back wall and wing walls that are removably-attached to the back wall to form an alcove. A double-tiered display rack is mounted between the wing walls. The display structure includes a lower casket rollout rack connected to the fixed double-tiered rack by a scissors unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Batesville Casket Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Lajos L. Szabo, Sr., Lajos L. Szabo, Jr., Alton F. Doody, Dennis J. Riga
  • Patent number: 5820233
    Abstract: A cabinet has a top part (1) consisting of glass sheets and an under part (8), wherein the top part (1) is composed of a top face (2) and a plurality of sides (3, 4, 5 and 6). A screw jack (10) driven by an electric motor (11) is fitted in each corner in the under part (8) to raise the top part (1). Synchronous running of all the electric motors (11) during the raising or lowering operation of the top part (1) is ensured by a common electronic control device (12) which is fitted in the under part (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Glasbau Hahn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Hahn
  • Patent number: 5733021
    Abstract: A theft-resistant display case includes a housing having a lower storage section and an upper display section mounted above the storage section. The storage section has an obscuring exterior wall and the display section has an exterior wall that is at least partly transparent. A platform is movably mounted within the housing for supporting items to be displayed. The platform is selectively raised into a first position in the housing wherein items supported on the platform are displayed in the upper section of the housing. The platform is selectively lowered into a second position in the housing wherein items supported on the platform are stored in the lower section of the housing. An obscuring closure is selectively interposed between the upper and lower sections when the platform is in the second position such that the platform and items supported thereon are enclosed within the lower section of the housing and hidden from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Tampco Fixture Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. O'Neill, Dennis R. Pound
  • Patent number: 5732515
    Abstract: A cemetery headstone/monument intended to be anchored upright in or on a foundation includes a carved or hollowed-out portion which functions as a display area. The hollowed portion may extend through the width of the headstone from the front face to the rear face thus creating a display window. The removed front and rear faces of the headstone may be replaced by a flat rigid material, preferably transparent in nature, so as to create a protective enclosure for the display area. A locking mechanism may be provided so as to secure the contents placed within the display area. A second embodiment of the invention provides for a headstone/monument suitably adapted to permit the non-permanent attachment of display devices To the top and side surfaces of the headstone. The display devices are detachably mounted to the headstone through the use of appropriate bolting means anchored into the headstone and by aligning complimentary holes located in the display device with the pre-drilled holes in the headstone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventors: Robert Wallace Rodrigues, Wallace Joseph Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 5727857
    Abstract: A portable knockdown display apparatus for displaying food and keeping the food fresh on ice during use of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a rack for holding food receptacles, a cover removably seated on the rack for protecting the food receptacles, a plurality of individual legs, and a container having a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls that define a cavity for retaining ice during use of the apparatus. The container has a plurality of attachment wells for releasably attaching the legs to the container so that the container is elevated to table height. During use of the apparatus, the container is capable of receiving the rack in its cavity to maintain the food receptacles in physical proximity to the ice. When knocked down into a portable formation, the container is capable of receiving the rack, the cover, and the legs in its cavity to facilitate ease of transportation and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Lorena D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5722747
    Abstract: This invention concerns a merchandising display, and in particular an eye level display incorporating internal lighting. The display provides an eye-level merchandising unit, comprising a stage (2) on which to place product (3). A light source (10) is situated below the front of the stage (2) to illuminate product placed at the front of the stage. A transparent screen (12,13) is positioned in front of the light source to allow forward illumination, and signage (14) will often be associated with the transparent screen. A reflector (5) is placed above the front of the stage to reflect light from the light source in the forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Australian Slatwall Industries Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Baron
  • Patent number: 5718494
    Abstract: A convertible system which is changeable from a portable storage mode to a display mode is formed by a first container, a second container and conversion material. The second container and the conversion material are held within the first container when the system is in the storage mode and the conversion material is removable from the first container and used to convert the system from the storage mode to the display mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: G. D. Hanna Incorporated
    Inventor: Klaus Luddemann
  • Patent number: 5709052
    Abstract: A casket display structure has a back wall and wing walls that are removably-attached to the back wall to form an alcove. A double-tiered display rack is mounted between the wing walls. The display structure includes a lower casket rollout rack connected to the fixed double-tiered rack by a scissors unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Batesville Casket Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Lajos L. Szabo, Sr., Lajos L. Szabo, Jr., Alton F. Doody, Dennis J. Riga
  • Patent number: 5700075
    Abstract: A storage and dispenser apparatus includes a back wall panel and a first, a second, and a third side wall panel projecting outward from the back wall panel. The width of the third is greater than the width of the second side wall panel, and the width of the second is greater than the width of the first side wall panel. A first front wall panel is transparent and is connected between the first and the second side wall panels. A second front wall panel is transparent and is connected between the second and the third side wall panels. A bottom portion is connected to the back wall panel. The bottom portion extends below the respective front wall panels for providing a first dispensing gap between the first front wall panel and the bottom portion and for providing a second dispensing gap between the second front wall panel and the bottom portion. The back wall panel includes installation apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Robert N. Perone
  • Patent number: 5690402
    Abstract: A novel product display case is disclosed having detachable and separately functional upper and lower units. The upper unit comprises a plurality of slidable display panels on which items can be secured for inspection, and can be slid aside to reveal shelves for the secure storage of items corresponding to the items on display. The lower unit comprises a display box which encases items secured for display and inspection, and is hingedly movable to reveal a plurality of shelves for the secure storage of items corresponding to items in the display box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Rudolf Koppe
  • Patent number: 5671984
    Abstract: A protective member is disposed in a contracted state thereof within an exhibition case for an exhibition apparatus. When a larger shaking of the exhibition case than a predetermined level is detected by a detector, an actuation mechanism expands the protective member in response to the detection of shaking. The protective member thus expanded surrounds an exhibit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Showa Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kodera
  • Patent number: 5664851
    Abstract: A weather resistant case for displaying construction permits and the like. The case has a base member and a door hinged to the base member. A tack board mounted to the rear wall of the base member supports documents being displayed. The door has a transparent window for viewing the documents. Novel features include a cylindrical internal cavity cooperatively formed between the cover and base members for holding rolled up drawings, a slot for insertion of mail or written messages, pull down latches for securing the cover, a lock for the cover, a document holder located on the inside of the cover, an external rear recess configured to steady the display case against and mount the display case on a four inch by four inch post, and a frontal area protected by being recessed, for posting notes or writing messages with ink markers. The cover hinge is a piano hinge embedded in both the cover and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Gary D. Dunn
  • Patent number: 5664854
    Abstract: A collapsible showcase has a rear panel, top panel, front panel, floor panel and two pairs of side panels. These panels are hinged in such a manner as to allow the top panel to fold back and hang parallel to the rear panel, the floor panel to fold up parallel to the front panel, the pairs of side panels to fold inward, drawing the front panel and rear panel together to achieve a collapsed configuration. A means for support for at least one shelf is attached inside the showcase and is rotated 90.degree. out of the way in the collapsed configuration. An access to the interior is provided through the rear of the showcase. The top panel can be secured in position in the assembled configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald C. Letch
  • Patent number: 5665304
    Abstract: A rack unit display system is provided to display goods, such as in a retail store, in a well structured and ordered manner. The goods are horizontally stacked in the rack unit. A theft protection member is provided which limits unauthorized access to the goods. The left protection member is adjustable in height to allow the display unit to accommodate different sized goods. The goods are pushed forward in the unit by a slide member where the units can then be removed from the rack in small quantities. The back unit is releasably mounted and secured by a lock mechanism on a base member, which in turn is mounted on a rectangular bar. The rack unit can be released from the base member by means of a key. The slide member can be locked in a rear end position of the display unit when the rack unit is removed from the base member. The unit can be filled or refilled with ease without interference from the slide member. The height of the theft protection member is also adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventors: Thomas Heinen, Christian Engel
  • Patent number: 5655462
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a free edge of a security cover relative to a free edge of a finery case containing jewelry, precious metals and the like. The apparatus includes an elongate coupling member having first and second open channels formed therein. The free edge of the security cover is fastened within the first open channel. An elongate locking channel includes an elongate coupling edge and a J-shaped cross section, with the coupling edge fastened within the second open channel of the coupling member. The second open channel of the coupling member and the coupling edge of the locking channel include correspondingly-shaped cross sections having corners to enable the coupling edge to interlock within the coupling member. The locking channel is configured and dimensioned to interlock around the free edge of the finery case when the cover is placed against a sidewall of the case and further secured relative to the case, to thereby secure the free edge of the cover relative to the free edge of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: John L. Holler
  • Patent number: 5622121
    Abstract: A protective cover for finery cases containing jewelry, precious metals and the like. The cover is made of nontransparent plastic sheets which are hinged together. A J-shaped channel is disposed on the free edge of one of the sheets for interlocking around a lower lip of a jewelry case. The plastic sheets correspond in size to the walls of the jewelry case to permit the sheets to hingedly extend around the edge corners of the case so that each plastic sheet is coextensive with and covers an outer glass-paneled wall of the case. The free edge of the cover opposite the J-shaped channel is locked to the case to prevent removal of the cover, which renders the case nontransparent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: John L. Holler
  • Patent number: 5618089
    Abstract: A device for the swiveling movement of a sheet is described. A stationary bearing part supports an articulated part in a swivelable manner. The articulated part supports the sheet and is movable about a substantially horizontal swivel axis. The sheet is accordingly movable between a lowered position and a raised position, the direction of this movement being determined by a vertical swiveling plane. Energy accumulators, e.g., pneumatic springs, serve as auxiliary lifting means for raising the sheet. These energy accumulators have two connection ends which are loaded in opposite directions and determine the effective direction of force of the energy accumulator. For the purpose of an advantageous arrangement of the device which economizes on space, it is proposed that the energy accumulator be arranged with its effective direction of force substantially transverse to the swiveling plane of the sheet. The two connection ends of the energy accumulator are constructed as three-dimensionally acting rolling joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Gerd und Bernd Vieler KG
    Inventor: Bruno Stenemann
  • Patent number: 5589958
    Abstract: A kitchen ensemble includes one or more appliances and one or/more cabinets. Some or all of the appliances and cabinets have windows made of a material having a controllable opacity. The windows are opaque in the normal state, but can be made transparent by operation of a suitable control. Therefore, one can view the contents of the cabinets and/or appliances without opening any doors. The invention therefore enhances the convenience of using the kitchen, and saves energy by minimizing the number of times a refrigerator or range door is opened. It also enhances the aesthetic qualities of the kitchen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph A. Lieb
  • Patent number: 5584547
    Abstract: This panel assembly (30) for a merchandiser (10) includes frame assembly (34) includes attached to the merchandiser and wall (22) and an aracuate translucent sheet (34). The frame assembly (34) includes opposed side retaining rails (36) receiving the flexed arcuate sheet (34) in retained relation, a lower base member (46) having an arcuate front wall (52), and an upper cap member (56) having an arcuate front wall (62). The panel assembly (30) includes a back-lighting assembly (80) for illuminating the translucent sheet (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: True Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Steven L. Trulaske, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5584545
    Abstract: A sneeze guard having a guard assembly comprising an acrylic pane held within a channeled tubular frame, a pair of swept back support legs, and a spring-pin assembly for detachably mounting said guard assembly on said legs and for independently pivoting each of said legs with respect to said guard assembly to either an open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventors: Peter A. LaVaute, Sydney W. Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 5560692
    Abstract: A shrouded container includes a display stand having a general configuration of a rectangular prism and bounding an internal space for receiving items to be displayed when the display stand is in its erected position of use, and a shroud configured to be slid over the display stand and including a top that completes the enclosure of the internal space when the shroud is mounted on the display stand to permit shipping of the items to be displayed in such enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Arrow Art Finishers, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5558416
    Abstract: A cabinet for displaying objects, consists of a plurality of sides, of which one side is in the form of a door and bears in the closed state on the end surfaces of the two adjoining sides, wherein its outer edges are aligned with the outsides of these sides. The cabinet comprises two hinges arranged one above the other, each consisting of a door hinge part fixed to the door and a housing hinge part, which are rotatably connected together by a pin. Each housing hinge part is fitted on the end of a rod which is movable axially and perpendicular to the closing plane of the door in a bearing body fixed on a lower sheet metal frame located in the lower part of the cabinet or a bearing body fixed on an upper sheet metal frame located in the upper part. In the region of the lower part of the cabinet a gas pressure spring is fitted horizontally in the region of the lower part of the cabinet between the lower sheet metal frame and the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Glasbau Hahn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Florea Dumitru
  • Patent number: 5551772
    Abstract: An elongated upright rectangular frame surrounds a backboard having a front surface overlaid by a coextensive section of fabric material is provided with a monofilament strand tautly stretched across the fabric and backboard front and back surface from opposing sides thereof defining a series of longitudinally spaced parallel runs of the strand on the visable portion of the backboard for supporting a plurality of jewelry pieces when placed thereon. The frame further includes a plurality of shelves supported by vertically spaced pairs of knobs on the inner surfaces of opposite side panels of the frame. A shelf and drawer unit is similarly removably supported by pairs of knobs in which the drawers may be separately removed from the unit or the entire unit removed from the frame. Additionally, a series of horizontally inwardly projecting dowel-like rods support necklaces and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Michael E. Keffer