Show-case Type Patents (Class 312/114)
  • Patent number: 5551774
    Abstract: A food bar is formed of a double walled, insulated open chamber and a support grid disposed within the chamber. The support grid is formed of divider bars and cross rails arranged in a pattern across the open chamber of the food bar to divide the opening into compartments for support of food containers and panel inserts. The divider bars have a substantially U-shaped cross section and have spaced apart openings along the top. The cross rails have a substantially U-shaped cross section and have ends which terminate in a downward flange adapted to be received in the openings of the divider bar. A clear panel of material is preferably suspended above the food bar to act as a "sneeze bar".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Cambro Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Argyle Campbell, Larry D. Maddux
  • Patent number: 5549372
    Abstract: A skill crane cabinet having an extruded aluminum frame assembly formed with channels selectively receiving panels forming the side, back and front walls of the cabinet. The panels have various decorative appearances to blend in and compliment the decor of the particular business establishment in which the cabinet is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Michael W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5524977
    Abstract: A security display case provides top and bottom frames, each comprising an inner frame nested within an outer frame. The inner frames are assembled around top and bottom panels, and side panels are provided along their top and bottom edges with components for the outer frame which are inserted laterally into channels formed in the inner frame. Once the door is mounted the ends of the inner frame channels are closed off, and the side panels cannot be removed. The resulting display case is secure yet has no vertical frame components, leaving an unobstructed view of the display compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Walter Orawski
  • Patent number: 5503471
    Abstract: An adjustable shelf support system for display cases and showcases for containing articles for display. The system includes a plurality of individual pins that are each for adjustable mounting onto a showcase vertical support whereto showcase walls are maintained, each pin to extend into the showcase, at a right angle to the vertical support. Each vertical support includes a longitudinal slot formed therein that has a keyhole cross section the longitudinal slot to receive a head end of the pin fitted to travel therein, which pin head end is an end of a threaded shaft to extend through a narrow section of the slot, at a right angle, into the showcase. A sleeve, that has a smooth wall center longitudinal passage formed therethrough, is disposed over the threaded shaft, and a cylinder, that includes a threaded center longitudinal passage formed therethrough, is arranged for turning onto the threaded shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Jahabow Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Aspenwall
  • Patent number: 5484195
    Abstract: A display assembly for displaying the interior construction of a bedding system comprises the bedding system to be displayed rotatably mounted on a support pedestal so that the viewer, standing in a single location, can see both sides of the system simply by rotating the system with respect to the pedestal. Portions of the ticking and padding layers covering each of the major surfaces of the bedding system are cut-away so that the viewer can see the interior structure as well as each layer of padding and ticking of the piece, i.e., the mattress or the foundation, being examined. To save space, the bedding system is preferably vertically mounted on the pedestal, and to facilitate better understanding by the viewer, the foundation is preferably arranged so that its mattress-receiving surface faces outwardly rather than towards the mattress as occurs in an actual in-use configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Sealy, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 5480225
    Abstract: A foldable display unit having sections hingedly connected to a base wherein when the sections pivot inwardly toward the base, the sections and base fold into a self-contained portable shipping container. The unit includes a base, front section and top sections hingedly connected thereto. The top surface of the base is configured to nestingly receive the front and top sections when they are folded. The unit may also have side sections hingedly connected thereto. The side sections extend outwardly from the sides of the base in an unfolded state and pivot inwardly toward the sides of the base so that the sides are in face to face relation with the side surfaces of the base. Latching mechanisms secure the hingedly connected sections to the base when the unit is folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Randall J. Bailey
  • Patent number: 5427808
    Abstract: A method for preserving and displaying fresh mushrooms is provided which minimizes air flow, moisture penetration and mushroom shrink. The container method includes disposing fresh mushrooms in a container which has a plurality of ventilation openings and a cover. The container is transparent to provide an upscale and attractive display and to allow a consumer to see the container's contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: United Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Loyal Adams
  • Patent number: 5419627
    Abstract: A cabinet having top, bottom, side, and back walls, and a door for closing the cabinet. A support rod is positioned in the cabinet, and a hair tress is mounted on the support rod. The cabinet interior is illuminated by lamps, and a control panel with a switch governs the supply of electric power delivered to the lamps, for adjusting the intensity of light emitted from the lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Oldinski
  • Patent number: 5377829
    Abstract: A football display case comprising a base in a rectangular configuration having an upper surface and a lower surface, the base being sanded, stained and finished with polyurethane; a piece of plywood in a rectangular configuration having an upper and lower surface and glued at its lower surface to the upper surface of the base; a piece of artificial turf in a rectangular configuration having an upper surface and a lower surface and glued at its lower surface to the upper surface of the plywood, the piece of turf having a length and width essentially the same as that of the plywood; four apertures formed in the base, plywood and turf in a rectangular configuration, the four dowels located in the apertures to an extent upwardly for holding a football on the dowels; and an oak frame resting on the base, the frame having a rectangular upper section with an external periphery greater than the plywood and turf but less than the base, the frame also including four vertical posts coupled at their upper ends to the re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald J. Bahl
  • Patent number: 5345043
    Abstract: A weighing scale housing has a top cover wall removably fastened to the housing rear wall, whereby after the top wall has been unfastened and removed from the rear wall, the transparent side and front walls of the housing may be removed from the housing base for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Paul Luechinger, Eduard Fringeli
  • Patent number: 5251972
    Abstract: A device (10) removably matable to the front of a box (12) allows consumer products to be displayed and dispensed from the box in which they are shipped. The device (10) comprises a frame (14) including a lower front wall portion (32) spaced from the front of the box (12) for defining a compartment (36). A rear opening in the frame (14) communicates with an opening in the front of the box (12) such that products from the box pass into the compartment (36) for easy access by consumers. The device (10) is also capable of supporting interchangeable point-of-sale written materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Michael Zurawin
  • Patent number: 5165767
    Abstract: A stock cart for accommodating a number of wound magnetic tape units includes a plurality of cantilevered support members each of which is formed with a longitudinally extending opening portion of which the upper side is exposed to the outside. A plurality of wound magnetic tape units can be supported on each support member in a suspended state in a coaxial relationship with the support shaft inserted into the center hole of each hub. With this construction, successive forward removal of a series of wound magnetic tape units from the corresponding support member can be achieved by inserting the operator's finger into an opening portion of the support member from above and pulling off a wound magnetic tape unit while raising up it with the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Sakai
  • Patent number: 5165768
    Abstract: A display case security apparatus has a lower chamber having a top partition wall and a bottom wall. There is an upper chamber. A partition wall has a plurality of ports therethrough that provide access between the lower chamber and upper chamber. There is at least one trapdoor, hingingly connected to the partition wall. There is at least one trapdoor biasing device, that has one end attached to the trapdoor and that has another end attached to the bottom wall. At least one security door, slidably attached to the partition wall, slidingly closes the ports when the trapdoor has moved to the open position. There is at least one security door biasing device that has one end attached to the partition wall and that has another end attached to the security door. The security door is secured in an open position by at least one first lock device attached to the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventors: Farzin Zarrabi, Ahmad Sedehi
  • Patent number: 5127718
    Abstract: A sealed display and storage case is disclosed for viewing and storing a museum piece or the like in a protected and controlled environment. The display case includes a base having apertures therethrough, a top cover, and a bottom cover. A first seal mechanism attaches the top cover to the base, providing an upper microclimate chamber, and a second seal mechanism attaches the bottom cover to the base, providing a lower microclimate chamber. The apertures within the base limit air flow exchange between the upper and lower microclimate chambers. A rotatable disc mechanism is used to close the apertures when either cover is removed for servicing, thereby eliminating outside air flow into the unopened microclimate chamber. The humidity buffer is contained within an open vessel having an externally adjustable lid, thereby providing a way to adjust the microclimates without any outside air flow into the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Shelley R. Paine
    Inventors: Shelley R. Paine, Ralph W. Scott
  • Patent number: 5125726
    Abstract: Device for the presentation of objects, comprising at least one pane made of transparent material and having one or more sections made nontransparent, the inner surfaces of said sections being provided with fixing or attachment elements for joining the pane(s) with other parts of said device and/or for supporting accessory means. By means of said concealed fixing or attachment elements, the construction of which is therefore simple and moderate in price, a frameless joining of the pane(s) to form a device with continuous, uninterrupted panes is possible in which all the accessory means such as intermediate display platforms, illumination means, dust protection means, etc., which required heretofore complicated base portions and understructures and hood constructions, are directly attached on the nontransparent sections of the inner surfaces of the panes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: Glasbau Hahn GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Till H. Hahn, Klaus H. Fischer, Thomas O. Hahn
  • Patent number: 5120116
    Abstract: A display case having a framework and a plurality of panels forming an enclosure for the displaying of merchandise is provided with a light fixture for highlighting the merchandise therein. The light fixture is positively mounted to the framework through fasteners which are accessed from the interior of the enclosure. Furthermore, the panels are mounted upon extruded supports which reduce manufacturing costs and ease reinstallation of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1992
    Assignee: Amstore Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Amstutz, Ronald A. Vanderboegh
  • Patent number: 5118171
    Abstract: A display case is disclosed which is particularly useful for mounting and attractively displaying an article of headgear along with memorabilia related to the headgear. The case has generally rectangular box-like frame divided into an upper portion and a lower portion by a shelf member extending transversly between the side walls. A background panel of rigid penetrable material is disposed adjacent the back wall and has fabric material secured thereon to serve as an ornamental background. The fabric material comprises a first section of decorative fabric material, such as a flag, disposed in the frame upper portion to serve as an ornamental background for an article of headgear, and a second section of fabric fastener material disposed in the frame lower portion serves as a mounting surface for awards, medals, and other memorabilia related to the headgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Sigifredo Ortiz
  • Patent number: 5066078
    Abstract: A furniture top insert holds a scale model of a familiar landscape within a recess and is protected by a double layer of transparent material. The furniture top is constructed to be inserted within the edges of a table, cabinet, credenza or the like and lie flush with the supper surface of the furniture. Within the recess, miniature trees, shrubs, ponds, turf, walkways or driveways, and other replicas of landscape features are placed so that they accurately depict a known landscape, such as a particular hole at a famous golf course. The frame for the landscape is made primarily of wood, reinforced with braces to support the weight of the scale model and its protective transparent bilayer. Exposed regions of the frame are constructed from finished wood, or may comprise a veneer of a variety of materials to provide a variety of ornamental appearances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Inventor: Michael Wurst
  • Patent number: 5054863
    Abstract: A display case having a framework, a plurality of panels, and a unique lighting system includes a releasably mounted light fixture, a releasably mounted backfeed housing, and releasably mounted downfeed channel for feeding the cord through the display case. The light fixture, the backfeed housing and the downfeed channel are all capable of being installed and removed without the use of tools. Secondly, a display case assembly involving a pair of adjacent abutting display cases includes a plurality of clips and latches which securely couple the display cases together in a manner which is generally hidden from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Amstore Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Amstutz, Ronald A. Vanderboegh
  • Patent number: 5048900
    Abstract: A storage cabinet for grinder plates and knives is set forth particularly to be used in a butcher shop. Disk-like grinder plates and multi-edged rotary knives are stored on hooks in a housing having a front door, the door being supported by a long piano hinge at one end to hold the grinder plates and knives in view through a translucent window in said housing. A separate compartment with a separate door with separate hangers is included for dirty grinder plates and knives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Gene Nunn
  • Patent number: 5040102
    Abstract: A mirror arrangement having two parallel side walls 2, a front wall 3 with semireflecting mirror and a rear wall 4 creates an improved visual effect by arranging the front wall 3 and the rear wall 4 non-parallel to each other. The base of the compartment enclosed by the walls 2, 3 and 4 is thus trapezoid, and between the front and rear walls 3, 4 and an adjoining side wall 2 an acute angle .alpha. is defined which does not exceed 85.degree.. The walls 2, 3 and 4 are secured to a frame 9 of square tubes 10. Several showcases 1 composed of the walls 2, 3 and 4 and the frame 9 can be joined together in any number and design at any size through modular assembling. In the showcases, a number of juxtaposed mirror images of the objects, which are exhibited in the showcases, are generated along a primary path which is flanked by further, in some cases opposingly arched paths so as to allow viewing of the objects from all sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Inventor: Sonja Bengert
  • Patent number: 4955044
    Abstract: A display case having a framework, a plurality of panels, and a unique lighting system includes a releasably mounted light fixture, a releasably mounted backfeed housing, and releasably mounted downfeed channel for feeding the cord through the display case. The light fixture, the backfeed housing and the downfeed channel are all capable of being installed and removed without the use of tools. Secondly, a display case assembly involving a pair of adjacent abutting display cases includes a plurality of clips and latches which securely couple the display cases together in a manner which is generally hidden from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Amstore Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Amstutz, Ronald A. Vanderboegh
  • Patent number: 4951555
    Abstract: Show case (1) for keeping and exhibiting objects, the sides (4), the bottom (3) and the cover construction (2) of which encompass the interior of the show case more or less hermetically, wherein filter means (7) comprising preferably dust and/or gas protection filters and being accommodated in an air vent (5) clean air flowing into or being directed into said show case. When air flows in automatically due to changed pressure and temperature conditions inside and outside the show case, the show case is vented preferably through an air vent (6, 9) formed as an outlet valve. When it is impossible to seal the show case sufficiently, it will be ventilated forcibly with the least possible quantity of air by means of a pump or ventilating device connected to the interior of the show case through the filter means, which quantity of air is adapted to the air volumes flowing automatically into the show case when the air pressure increases suddenly or the temperature varies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Glasbau Hahn GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Till H. Hahn, Klaus Seidel, Klaus Fischer
  • Patent number: 4886327
    Abstract: A merchandise showcase including transparent side and top windows and illumination means for a display portion of the showcase. A frame for mounting the windows is fabricated from roll-formed stainless steel with very little welding. Frame corner posts are frictionally and adhesively held within a channel in a top frame member by a wedge member inserted into the channel along with a top portion of the corner posts. Side window retention means firmly but flexibly grasp the edge portions of each side window and thereby utilize the windows as structural members to add strength to the showcase. The illumination assembly includes a lighting fixture and a down-feed tube for shielding the electrical feed wires. The tube is joined to the fixture only by the wires extending through both to allow the illumination assembly to be compactly folded for storage or shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Amstore Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas D. Amstutz, Ronald A. Vanderboegh
  • Patent number: 4836622
    Abstract: A display cabinet has a series of rigidly interconnected similar parallel frames, each including a standard set back from the front of the cabinet and inclining rearwardly to its top. The standards carry supports for shelves located between frames, their fronts in a plane parallel to the standards. Glass front panels, their main lower parts in front of and inclined parallel to the standards are supported closely adjacent by a transverse channel in which their bottom edges are pivotally engaged so each can be swung forwards to open position, or back to normal closed position when their upper parts, which are rearwardly curved, come to rest on a counter mounted on the frames, means being provided for releasably holding the front panels in closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventor: John W. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 4827439
    Abstract: An operator interface console for protecting a process control equipment such as an industrial computer in a harsh factory environment has a central processing unit and a video display uit for the computer accommodated in a compartment behind a sealed door which has a sealed keyboard and a window to permit operating of the computer and viewing of the display unit while the door is closed, the window being disposed at an ergonomically desirable oblique angle facing somewhat downward to facilitate clear viewing of the display unit under changing lighting, dust and other conditions encountered in many process control situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Harold J. Licht
  • Patent number: 4804877
    Abstract: Protective covers for elevated display cases having multiple faces including at least one glass face, for example, a jewelry display case. The protective covers include a plurality of panels of a non-frangible, rigid material. The panels are of a size and shape sufficient to cover the glass faces of the display case. The panels are joined together, one edge, by a plurality of hinge assemblies. Since each panel is attached to the joining panel by a hinge assembly, the protective cover is foldable such the panels lie in approximately parallel planes. The cover, when unfolded is comprised of one or more columns and one or more rows of the panels, depending on the size and shape of the display case being protected. The ends of each row or column of two or more panels have latching members attached thereto. These latching members are compatible with latching assemblies attached to the display case to affix the protective cover to the display case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Harwood Protection Industries Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Harwood
  • Patent number: 4790609
    Abstract: A foldable-screen room divider in combination with a curio cabinet, wherein the room divider is defined by at least three screen sections, the central or intermediate screen section having a curio cabinet mounted thereon, so as to allow ornamental objects or articles to be stored and displayed. The curio cabinet can be mounted in two modes. In one arrangement, the cabinet is hinged to the center screen section for access to the section having a transparent panel. In the other arrangement, the curio cabinet is fixed to the screen section which has a hinged door provided with a transparent panel for viewing the interior of the curio cabinet. The side screen sections are hinged to the central section and can be adapted with ornamental panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: Richard Guy
  • Patent number: 4755881
    Abstract: A transportable video apparatus which is usable outdoors. The apparatus includes a cart which protects the components of the video system from environmental effects, such as rain, snow or the like and allows viewing of a video monitor in bright sunlight without a substantial loss of brightness of the viewed image. The cart houses a video monitor with a face which is substantially horizontal. An upper member includes an opening for viewing the video monitor at an acute angle to the monitor face. A hood pivotally mounted on the top of the cart is movable between a closed position when the apparatus is not in use and an open position for viewing the monitor. The hood has a front edge which prevents incident light from outside of the cart to be reflected back to the viewer from the monitor face, thus eliminating washout of the video image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Harrison K. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 4753495
    Abstract: A merchandising stand is provided with a plurality of walls for displaying items for sale, and the walls enclose storage space that can be used for storage of additional merchandise. Adapter panels can be fixed to one or more of the walls to change the surface, and change the mounting arrangement for items for sale. With the several walls and several surfaces, a great variety of forms of merchandise can be displayed. One or more of the adapter panels may be stored within the stand. The merchandising stand includes a base allowing rotation of the stand so the merchandising stand can be placed adjacent to a wall or the like and all surfaces are viewable by a customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Inventor: Michael A. Swink
  • Patent number: 4750793
    Abstract: A display case having a base frame upon which is mounted a transparent enclosure and further including a floor panel for supporting an object to be displayed which interlocks with the base frame at different positions so that the supporting surface can be recessed at different levels within the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Rioux's Wildlife in Wood and Pewter
    Inventor: Robert A. Rioux, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4749241
    Abstract: A display case for supporting and viewing of a museum piece, the case including a base providing a lower chamber for a humidity buffer and a transparent cover providing an upper chamber for the piece on display. The case is substantially airtight, with sealed access ports in the base for inserting and removing humidity buffer containers, and with a clamped soft seal between the cover and base for removal of the cover to provide access to the display space. In the preferred embodiment, the humidity buffer is contained in cylindrical containers which rest on a sloping shelf in the base for ease of handling, and the lower and upper chambers are separated by a platform which provides a restricted airflow path between the chambers so that opening an access port does not result in substantial airflow into or out of the upper chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: The J. Paul Getty Trust
    Inventors: Lisbet N Thoresen, Calvin Rogers
  • Patent number: 4719513
    Abstract: A compact video system includes a collapsible cart for housing the components of a video system which is usable outdoors to record athletic events and the like. A wheeled lower housing supports an upper housing by adjustable arms. When the upper housing is collapsed against the lower housing, a brake is actuated to lock the wheels to prevent easy removal of the cart and theft of components housed in the lower housing. Housed in the upper housing is a video monitor which has an upwardly oriented tube face. The monitor face is viewed by a mirror and glare screen which are operatively associated with a lid which covers the monitor when closed. When the lid is opened, the video monitor may be viewed in bright sunlight without a substantial loss of image brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1988
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Dean M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4706821
    Abstract: A merchandise display and dispensing device includes a frame which carries at least one shelf. The shelf defines a slot, and the shelf supports a pushplate which includes an upstanding section and a guide section oriented parallel to the shelf. The pushplate is disposed on the shelf over the slot. Four low friction glides are mounted to the guide section of the pushplate to bear on an upper planar surface of the shelf to support the pushplate on the shelf and to reduce sliding friction therebetween. First and second guide pins are mounted to the pushplate to extend through the slot and thereby guide sliding motion of the pushplate on the shelf. The guide pins have enlarged heads sized to bear against the lower surface of the shelf to hold the pushplate in place. A spring is mounted between the pushplate and the shelf to bias the pushplate toward a first end of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Jockey International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell L. Kohls, Loren G. Smith, H. David Zahringer
  • Patent number: 4702534
    Abstract: A display case having a center enclosure, suited for containing trophies and/or other memorabilia, equipped with hinge mounted opposite glass faced picture mounting wings. The center enclosure is any of many different shapes rectangular with a pivot edge opening top, triangular with a removable top, cylindrical, oval or octagonal. Some of the enclosures may be opened from the front instead of the top or from the back. In any event items may be placed on display in the case center enclosure and pictures related to items displayed may be mounted behind glass in the opposite side wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Inventors: Henry C. Witt, Myong C. Witt
  • Patent number: 4678246
    Abstract: A display apparatus that is adapted to be used in a display position but may also be folded to a carrying position in which it is folded to a more compact arrangement. The display apparatus is in the form of a base housing having a front wall including a first display means which may be a rear projection display, and an upper housing overlying the base housing including a second display means. The upper housing preferably is formed in top and bottom housing sections. The top section is disposed over the bottom section in the display position so that the display is essentially in an upright position. In the folded position, the bottom section covers the top surface of the base housing while the top section extends to cover the first display means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Extraversion, Inc.
    Inventor: Willy Ytter
  • Patent number: 4660902
    Abstract: A locking device for securing the doors of a cabinet or the like of the type having a pair of doors mounted for hinged movement about spaced, substantially perpendicular axes, the device providing an engagement member adapted to be mounted on the cabinet, and a body portion adapted to be installed on one of the doors having a first retaining element and a second retaining element adapted to be disposed in restraining relation to the doors when the doors are disposed in a closed attitude, with a locking member borne by the first retaining element for lockable engagement with the engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Inventor: Henry N. Resendez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4632469
    Abstract: A housing for displaying articles comprised of sidewalls formed by a plurality of transparent panels disposed in a polygonal configuration and at least two frameworks forming the top and bottom of the housing to collectively define with the panels an interior compartment within which various articles may be placed and removed through at least one opening provided in the sidewalls. The housing also includes an adjustable support for disposing the housing at a desired vertical position, and internal lighting for illuminating the displayed articles and ambient area surrounding the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventor: David V. Lampman
  • Patent number: 4611865
    Abstract: An improved display stand is disclosed which holds periodicals such as newspapers and magazines. The periodicals are placed on a bottom plate which is inside a U-shaped hood supported by a support which is inclined. A hinged lid is provided which can be easily opened and closed. The lid is kept shut by gravity. In addition, the angle at which the support is inclined prevents the periodicals from falling out of the display stand. The display stand is economical to construct and easy to fabricate because it is comprised of a minimum number of parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Phoenix Newspapers, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan E. Daws
  • Patent number: 4601524
    Abstract: A display apparatus that is adapted to be used in a display position but may also be folded to a carrying position in which it is folded to a more compact arrangement. The display apparatus is in the form of a base housing having a front wall including a first display means which may be a rear projection display, and an upper housing overlying the base housing including a second display means. The upper housing preferably is formed in top and bottom housing sections. The top section is disposed over the bottom section in the display position so that the display is essentially in an upright position. In the folded position, the bottom section covers the top surface of the base housing while the top section extends to cover the first display means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: Extraversion, Inc.
    Inventor: Willy Ytter
  • Patent number: 4572593
    Abstract: Disclosed is a display case comprising a gate-shaped front frame and a gate-shaped rear frame, both ends of each frame being separably mounted on four corners of a bed frame. The display case also includes a left and a right square side frame, the lower portions of both side frames being mounted by hinges interiorly of both left and right sides of the bed frame. Both left and right side frames are able to be laid down and housed within the bed frame and are able to be erected internally of the front frame and the rear frame, both of the erected left and right side frames being separably secured to the front frame and the rear frame. Transparent sliding doors are provided in the front frame and the rear frame and transparent glass plates are provided in both left and right square frames and on the upper surface of the display case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Inventors: Daisuke Takamizawa, Aguri Okada, Hisayoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 4560214
    Abstract: A merchandise show case convertible between different display configurations. The case includes a carcass structure having a base and end walls or gables extending upwardly from the base. Top and front panels, e.g. glass panels are supported on top and front edges of the end walls for defining a display space. The panels are held in place by an external rectangular frame which traps the edges of the panels against the edges of the end walls. In one embodiment, the frame includes top and bottom cross members. The bottom cross member is hinged to the base of the show case and the top cross member can be releasably secured at the back so that, when released, the frame can be tipped forward to allow the panels to be easily removed and/or changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1985
    Inventor: Martin Otema
  • Patent number: 4433880
    Abstract: A free standing modular unit for storing, displaying, and selling merchandise is shown in the preferred embodiment including standarized parts which can be assembled and disassembled without the use of tools by unskilled labor. According to the teachings of the present invention, the unit is constructed of non-combustible or fire treated material and includes a generally open top and sides which can be opened and closed by rolling up or down flexible coverings to maximize fire protection while minimizing expense. The unit includes a plurality of posts interconnected to and spaced by members locked thereto by visually hidden locking members. The open ceiling is formed by lattice grids resting on lips formed on the post separation and connector members. Merchandise storing, displaying, and holding members are provided in various forms including peg boards, shelf members, and cabinets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: Deck the Halls, Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Maravelas, Jr., Alexandria D. Bighley, Marco A. Calabrese
  • Patent number: 4381876
    Abstract: A wood-type front lighted display case is disclosed which can be assembled on-site using preinstalled cam lock fasteners. An extrusion and trim strip therefor hold the front and top glass panels in place, and are configured for easy glass replacement in the event of breakage. The extrusion also functions as a mounting for the light fixture, having an integral wireway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1983
    Assignee: Litton Business Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Jay G. Fenwick
  • Patent number: 4359249
    Abstract: A display case being rectangular in a plan elevation, characterized by side walls and a door, each consisting of a glass panel (3,4,5,6) of equal thickness having side edges abutting at each other and having fastening means (16,17), some of them being fastened to an upper and a lower frame (1,2) respectively, the outer surfaces of the upper and lower frames (1,2) ending at a distance from the outer surfaces of the glass panels which distance is at least half of the thickness (25) of one of the glass panels, each one of the glass panels at one end abutting with its inner surface at the end face (21) of the neighboring glass panel, and at its other end (22) abutting with its end face (26) at the inner surface of the glass panel neighboring that other end, and that the fastening means (16,17) of the glass panels (3,4,5,6) are not protruding over the outer surface of their glass panel.There also is described a modular display system consisting of several such display cases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1982
    Assignee: Glasbau Heinrich Hahn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus Fischer
  • Patent number: 4255001
    Abstract: A plate showcase device for supporting a plate or the like in a display position having a protective cover with a lid over a base portion. The plate is supported within the cover and on the base portion in an almost vertical position by a stud projecting from the rear wall of the protective cover and a slot located in the upper surface of the base portion. In a second preferred embodiment, a plate showcase device has an integral cover and base portion made of a single sheet of material providing a relatively flat showcase capable of being wall hung or self supporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Assignee: Akko, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Frishman
  • Patent number: 4141610
    Abstract: A show case for displacing articles of commerce having an electronic lock and partially open in the front side for slidably receiving a pair of sliding doors which are adapted to overlap at their inner edges when the doors are in the closed position, said doors having holes at their inner edges adapted to align with each other when the doors are the closed position and said electronic lock including a solenoid in a position corresponding to the position of said inner edges of the doors in the closed position, a lock pin movable between the retracted position in which the lock pin is received in the solenoid and the extended position in which the lock pin is received in the holes in the doors in the closed position, a receiver adapted to receive radio waves from an external source, door closing detection means and a solenoid drive circuit electronically connected to said receiver though a timer for driving said lock pin to the retracted position upon receipt of the output signal from said receiver and also con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Inventor: Shoichiro Ando
  • Patent number: 4104973
    Abstract: A mobile bread unit which replaces the lower shelves of a display rack for bakery products and carries front and back rows of bread so that as the front row is sold, the unit may be pulled out, reversed and reinserted to bring the back row into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1978
    Inventor: John R. Dwyer
  • Patent number: 4025137
    Abstract: A terraced expandable storage shelf consisting of two telescoping sidepieces each having a back, an outside end, and a terraced front or top consisting of alternating vertical risers and horizontal shelves forming a terraced surface beginning at the front end with a vertical riser and terminating at the upper portion of the backside with a horizontal shelf. One of said sidepieces is just slightly smaller than the other sidepiece so as to telescope therein, allowing for adjustment of the width of the storage shelf, depending upon the degree of telescoping of one side into the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1977
    Inventor: Margaret C. Wyler
  • Patent number: 3963289
    Abstract: A greeting card display comprising an enclosure formed of transparent front and side walls and wherein partition means is provided forming a pair of spaced receptacles.A greeting card having a front cover and a back cover is cut in half, and each of such covers is placed in a separate one of such receptacles. The front cover can be viewed through the transparent front wall of the enclosure and the rear cover can be viewed through the transparent side walls. Means for hanging the enclosure on a wall is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1976
    Inventor: Lois A. Pralle