Foldable Patents (Class 312/258)
  • Patent number: 6714407
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided with enhancements and other features that impart additional utility or amusement value to the basic underlying structure. The collapsible structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form a panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. An electrical component can attached to the fabric material, and an electrical coupling connected to the electrical component. Alternatively, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object can be attached to the fabric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Patent number: 6663203
    Abstract: A computer desk includes a plurality of shelves that is coupled to at least one of a pair of stanchion members. Each of the shelves is hingably coupled to at least one of the stanchion members for facilitating folding of the shelves into a storage position. Each of the shelves is for supporting objects when the shelves are in an extended position. Each of the stanchion members has a slide rail. A sliding shelf is slidably coupled to the slide rail of each of the stanchion members such that the sliding shelf is slidably adjustable with respect to the stanchion members of the frame assembly. The sliding shelf is for supporting a keyboard of the computer system. The sliding shelf is removable from between the stanchion members when the shelves are folded into the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Charles M. Miller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6648144
    Abstract: A collapsible ballot box for collecting ballots from an electronic ballot tabulating machine includes a base assembly, and front and rear support assemblies pivotally attached to the front and rear ends of the base assembly. The three assemblies are foldable into compact and generally parallel-spaced portions for transport and storage. In its storage state, the ballot box is a compact unit with wheels and a handle that can be comfortably transported and/or stored. The ballot box is easily transformed from the storage state to an upright voting state wherein the ballot tabulating machine is positioned at a convenient height for the voter by unfolding the assemblies. In its set-up or voting state, the ballot box receives ballots from the tabulating machine and stores them in one or more secure ballot compartments. An auxiliary ballot compartment can be provided in the front support assembly for receiving unmarked ballots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Vogue Election Products & Services, LLC
    Inventor: Richard F. Vogel
  • Patent number: 6601723
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a multi-paneled hamper where adjacent panels are coupled to one another via an exposed hinge-like pivoting coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Lamont Limited
    Inventor: Paul S. Ziglar
  • Patent number: 6460955
    Abstract: A cabinet for a refrigerator is formed from a twin sheet thermoformed panel (1) divided into a plurality of wall sections, (8, 9, 10) by seams (6) where the twin sheets (2, 3) contact. The panel is folded to form the rear (10) and two side walls (8, 9) of a refrigerator cabinet, and top end cap and a base plinth are fitted to retain the walls in position. Refrigeration system components are carried on the base plinth. The walls (8, 9) and back (10) are secured by having their upper and lower edges (25, 30) fitted within peripheral channels (28, 29) on the top end cap (20) and the base plinth (21). Additionally they may be further secured by fusing contacting portions (65, 76) of the inner sheet of the panel in the region adjacent folded seams (6). The panel is preferably filled with rigid insulating foam while still supported on the thermoforming mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Stewart Vaughan, Daniel Witten-Hannah
  • Patent number: 6450599
    Abstract: A locker apparatus for providing a storage locker having collapsible shelving. The locker apparatus includes a housing having a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall, and a back wall. A front of the housing has a peripheral edge defining a doorway for accessing an interior of the housing. A plurality of shelves are located in the housing and spaced from each other. Each of the shelves comprises a panel having a front edge, a back edge, and a pair of side edges. A hinge hingedly couples the back edge of the panel to the back wall such that the panel may be selectively positioned between a horizontal position and a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Betty J. Mamuyac
  • Patent number: 6449147
    Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided with enhancements and other features that impart additional utility or amusement value to the basic underlying structure. The collapsible structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form a panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. An electrical component can attached to the fabric material, and an electrical coupling connected to the electrical component. Alternatively, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object can be attached to the fabric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20020108541
    Abstract: A collapsible shelf unit has a three-sided frame made of a single sheet of foldable material and separate shelves which are hinged to the sides and rear of the frame so that the shelf unit can be collapsed to a substantially flat state by folding the shelves up against the rear of the back and folding the sides inward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Bevan E. Grueneberg
  • Publication number: 20020109441
    Abstract: A folding collapsible clothes cabinet includes a wheeled folding base unit formed of two symmetrical halves hinged together, two upright supports respectively fastened to the two symmetrical halves of the folding base frame at the top, two links pivoted together and coupled between the upright supports at one side, and a top panel coupled to the upright supports at the top, the top panel having one end pivoted to one of the upright supports and the other end detachably coupled the other of the upright supports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Wen-Tsan Wang
  • Patent number: 6309039
    Abstract: A container formed from a length of a laminated elongate board having a slot formed along a sufficient length of the board for receiving the edges of a bottom panel. A series of widthwise V-groove cuts are made on the elongate board to form a plurality of folding sections that are continuously joined by the laminate. The slot in the board receives the edges of the bottom panel when the folding sections are folded at the V-grooves to enclose the bottom panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: GH Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Sung Won Park, Sung Jun Kang
  • Patent number: 6289326
    Abstract: A portable kiosk configured to function as an architectural component of a exhibition and present a variable visual display to customer traffic while accommodating hands-on interaction with the customers during the exhibition and serve as a housing for the electronic components of the display during transport between successive exhibitions. The kiosk is constructed with an upright main body mounted upon casters, and a plurality of pivotally mounted internal, shock absorbing shelves configured to securely mount sensitive electronic and audio-visual equipment. A pair of oppositely mounted side frames are supported by the main body, and may be rotatably deployed during set-up to support the shelves and a mount for a variable visual display and a tray for other peripheral equipment such as a keyboard and mouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Bernard B. LaFleur
  • Patent number: 6267393
    Abstract: A caddy for allowing easy storage and transporting of personal items, having a rear panel. A bottom panel and a top panel are hingeably mounted to the rear panel such that they are capable of extending substantially perpendicularly from the rear panel during use, and extending substantially parallel to the rear panel for storage. A storage compartment is defined by a partition which extends parallel to the rear panel, soft side panels which extend between the partition and rear panel, and the top and bottom panels. The partition is movable toward the rear panel for storage. Wheels are provided immediately below the rear panel, and a handle is provided thereon to facilitate transportation and use of the caddy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventors: Frank Mengrone, Deborah Mengrone
  • Patent number: 6186607
    Abstract: A display and storage unit comprises a base unit having a front and a storage area within the base unit, a pair of movable sides attached to the base unit capable of being positioned between an open position and a closed position, a counter top attached to the front of the base unit capable of being positioned between an open position and a closed position, the counter top being positioned in the open position when the movable sides are in the open position, the pair of movable sides being secured to the counter top for securing the counter top and the sides in the open position and a display unit capable of being positioned on the base unit when the counter top and the sides are in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas D. Remby
  • Patent number: 6158831
    Abstract: Foldable, ready to use office furniture suite components are disclosed which include a foldable, ready to use office hutch which may be supported on a base. The hutch has an erect configuration for use as a furniture component and a folded configuration for storage. The hutch includes a back panel included in the hutch, a first side panel pivotally attached to the back panel and a second side panel pivotally attached to the back panel. A horizontal panel is pivotally carried by the back panel and a vertical case panel is pivotally carried by one of the back panel for forming a utility case with one of the first and second side panels. Cabinet panels for forming a utility cabinet within the interior of the hutch include a vertical cabinet panel pivotally carried by one of the back panel and the horizontal panel, and a horizontal cabinet panel pivotally carried by the vertical cabinet panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventors: Charles R. Brown, Marion O. Fogle, Thomas F. Salley
  • Patent number: 6142594
    Abstract: A rack for a switching cabinet with a lower frame and an upper frame, which have horizontal length and width struts on which vertical frame sections can be arranged. The upper and lower frames are easy to produce and involve little technical complexity if the length and width struts are connected to form a continuous section in a single piece and the section is formed from a stamped and bent piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rolf Benner, Martina Kohler, Udo Munch, Wolfgang Reuter
  • Patent number: 6113203
    Abstract: A tool box includes a rear panel and two side panels pivotally coupled together. A door frame is secured to the front portions of the side panels and a door panel pivotally coupled to the door frame. An upper panel and a lower panel have a number of peripheral projections engaged into and secured to the side panels and the rear panel and the door frame. A top panel and a base panel are further secured on top and on the bottom of the side panels and the rear panel and the door frame for solidly securing the panels and the door frame together without fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Kuen Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 6053588
    Abstract: A workplace is suggested that has work surfaces and especially desk surfaces in a body which can be opened up. To attain a spacious interior, two opposing side walls (3, 4) are connected via hinges (15, 16) to a transverse wall (5) to allow the body to be unfolded as a workplace with a large area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Franz Biggel, Burkhard Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6048044
    Abstract: A collapsible workstation, a collapsible service unit, a system of workstations, and a system and method for providing work environments is disclosed. The workstation has a first and second side wall and a third side wall hingedly attached to the first and second wall. A first worksurface is attached to one of the walls. A second worksurface moves between a vertical and a horizontal orientation, extending beyond the space within the side walls. A transportable and collapsible service unit comprises at least one device shared by a plurality of workstation users. A system of workstations comprises workstations and a service unit having a device shared by a plurality of the workstation users. A system and method for providing work environments at remote locations includes maintaining an inventory of workstations adapted to be arranged with other workstations to define a work environment. An order specifies a remote location and the workstations requested. A transporting means transports the workstations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Herman Miller Inc.
    Inventors: Franz Biggel, Burkhard Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6048043
    Abstract: A knock down kiosk is in the form of a trapezoid having a back wall and diverging side walls all of equal length. The trapezoid is open at its front to permit users to enter the kiosk. A floor, a lower front panel, a countertop and a roof are detachably mounted to the walls. The various components may be stored in a compact condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Bryce C. Kaspar
  • Patent number: 6039418
    Abstract: A folding wardrobe having a bottom wall, top wall and left and right side walls which are each constructed of front and rear panels. The rear panels of each wall are fixed to a back panel and extend forwardly from a front face of a back panel. The front panels of each of the bottom, top and left and right side walls are hinged to the rear panels of each of the side walls so that the front panels of each of the walls can be folded to a stowed position overlying the back panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Omni International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jackie K. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6039419
    Abstract: A preassembled, foldable entertainment stand for a computer printer and the like is disclosed having a folded and erect configuration wherein a vertical back panel pivotally carries a plurality of vertical shelf panels. The shelf panels fold upwardly to a generally vertically position disposed near the front surface of the back panel while a top shelf panel folds upwardly to overlay the rear surface of the back panel. A pair of side panels are pivotally carried by the back panel. Panel hinges with displaced pivots secure the top panel and the side panels to the back panel so that the top panel lies flush against the back panel and the side panels fold generally flat over the shelf panels when the stand is folded for a compact folded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Decolam, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Brown, Marion O. Fogle, Thomas F. Salley
  • Patent number: 6036289
    Abstract: An easel has generous shelf area disposed into a U-shaped workshop environment. The easel has a lower structure made of a central frame and lateral left and right frames hingedly connected to the central frame. Each of the central and lateral frames has one or more shelves set therein. The shelves are at arm's length to an artist standing or sitting within the workshop environment. The easel also comprises a work support structure connected to the top member of the central frame. Handrails are provided along the top edge of each frame and a footrest is mounted across a lower portion of each frame. These handrails and footrests are accessible to a user of the easel for bracing himself/herself when leaning forward toward a canvas or when moving into similar out of balance stances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Yolande Marcoux
  • Patent number: 6032912
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a one-piece cabinet base, including: a horizontal, generally rectangular, planar, cabinet receiving surface on which to place a cabinet; vertical supports at either end of the horizontal surface, formed of one piece with the horizontal surface and depending therefrom; and horizontal base plates at lower ends of the vertical supports and formed of one piece with the vertical supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: The Durham Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Francis Korn, Thomas Chittenden
  • Patent number: 5954412
    Abstract: A high load support stand or cabinet for aquariums or other heavy objects, the stand having a pair of side members pivotally joined by hinges to a front member, a back brace member fitting into slots in the side member, a bottom member and a top member each having a flange extending around front and side edges and a plural number of detent members to define a receiving channel to receive the top and bottom edges respectively of the top member and the bottom member, such that the stand can be stored in an unassembled flat version and assembled without the need for additional mechanical fasteners or adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventors: Richard Rutherford, Harold Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5931551
    Abstract: A detachable storage box including a cabinet body defining a plurality of sliding chambers, the cabinet body having a hanging rod transversely disposed at a top side thereof for mounting inside a wardrobe, and a plurality of detachable sliding storage boxes respectively inserted into the sliding chambers, the storage boxes being respectively made by folding up a sheet element into shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Wen-Tsan Wang
  • Patent number: 5904410
    Abstract: A furniture model system is provided including at least one model furniture piece having a three dimensional rectilinear configuration and a picture on each of the faces thereof which simulate an associated view of a related furniture piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Gerald D. Davies
  • Patent number: 5890782
    Abstract: A student carrel construction system including a pair of hinge members each being flexible along the longitudinal axis thereof and having a first and second board receiving slot on either side of the longitudinal axis thereof, each of the board receiving slots being defined by a pair of sidewalls that are coated with an adhesive and covered with a peel off cover member; and at least three desk clips, each of the desk clips including a first surface, coated with an adhesive and covered by a peel off cover member, a desk top contact ledge extending perpendicularly from one end of the first surface, a curved portion curving under and past the one end of the first surface, and a desk bottom contact ledge extending in a direction substantially parallel to the desk top contact ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Virginia Ann Alberts
  • Patent number: 5882098
    Abstract: A preassembled, foldable utility stand for a computer printer and the like is disclosed having a folded and erect configuration wherein a vertical back panel pivotly carries a plurality of vertical shelf panels. The shelf panels fold upwardly to a generally vertically position disposed near the front surface of the back panel while a top shelf panel folds upwardly to overlay the rear surface of the back panel. A pair of side panels are pivotly carried by the back panel. Panel hinges with displaced pivots secure the top panel and the side panels to the back panel so that the top panel lies flush against the back panel and the side panels fold generally flat over the shelf panels when the stand is folded for a compact folded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Decolam, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Brown, Marion O. Fogle, Thomas F. Salley
  • Patent number: 5791748
    Abstract: A collapsible compact disc holder comprises a housing with a lower wall, an upper wall, a pair of opposing side walls, and a pair of opposing open ends. Each of the upper and lower walls has a pair of opposing side edges. Each of the side edges of the upper wall is hingedly connected to a different one of the side walls and each of the side edges of the lower wall is hingedly connected to a different one of the side walls. The housing is adapted to be moved between an upright rectangular configuration, wherein each of the side walls of the housing extends perpendicularly from corresponding side edges of the upper and lower walls, to a collapsed configuration, wherein the upper wall extends from one of the side walls along the same plane and the lower wall extends from the other of the side walls along the same plane. First and second curved support members are provided. Each of the curved support members is insertable into one of the ends of the housing when the same is in the upright configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Computer Expressions Incorporated
    Inventor: Matthew D. Marhefka
  • Patent number: 5769514
    Abstract: A foldable ready to use computer desk is disclosed having a desk top for supporting computer equipment and the like and a pair of spaced foldable side members which include solid panels that form sides of the desk and support the desk above the floor. The solid side panels are carried by hinges having displaced pivot points which allow the side members to fold over one another in an overlapping manner to create a utility space between the side members and the desk top in which utility devices such as a keyboard drawer assembly, power surge strip, and cable tray are nested when the desk is folded. Brace assemblies urge the side members outwardly in an extended position to support the desk top above the floor and urge upper portions of the side members against the hinge brackets to provide a sturdy construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Decolam, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Brown, Marion O. Fogle, Thomas F. Salley
  • Patent number: 5735586
    Abstract: A cabinet structure includes a parallelepiped frame having a top side, a bottom side, a front side, a rear side and two opposite lateral sides. A drawer is provided on the upper portion of the frame, having a front panel comprised of four boards overlapping each other and releasably secured together by means of a bolt. Two L-shaped door panels are respectively hinged to two opposite sides of the frame to openably cover the front side. By opening the two door panels to be opposite to each other and un-folding the boards of the front panel of the drawer to have the boards supported on the L-shaped door panels, a stair-like platform ladder is formed with the top side of the cabinet serving as the platform. A safety rack is provided on the platform and is collapsible into a channel formed inside the cabinet so as to be selectively expanded when the cabinet is converted into the platform ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Nan-Shan Cheng
  • Patent number: 5730282
    Abstract: A portable container of the type generally used for retaining within a receptacle storage area items and thermal units, such as a refrigeration unit or ice packs, so as to maintain such items at a differential temperature relative to ambient temperature. The container includes U-shaped members positionable in a first position extending above and across the receptacle to define handle elements for carrying the receptacle and in a second position extending below the receptacle to define leg elements for supporting the receptacle thereabove. The invention further includes a mechanism for locking the U-shaped members in the second position and such mechanism comprises a handle/leg holder for attaching the U-shaped members directly to the sides of the receptacle. One embodiment employs a spring for providing proper tensions on the U-shaped members when in the locked and unlocked positions and another embodiment employs a non-spring holder secured by a wing nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: H. Lee Bureau
  • 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: 5678905
    Abstract: A concealed desk comprises a desktop with supporting side panels and a kneehole opening and storage compartments under the desktop. The front of the desk is completely enclosable by folding doors mounted on front side edges of the desk side panels. When the doors are opened, the doors fold against the side panels of the desk and do not obstruct either the appearance or the use of the desk. The door facades are those of conventional doors and conceal the presence of a kneehole opening or storage compartments in the desk opening inside the doors. The desktop surface of the desk is concealed by an upper storage unit mounted on the desktop or comprising an extension of the desk above the desktop work surface. Doors enclose the top portion of the desk unit in the same manner as the doors on the lower portion, giving the furniture the appearance of a cabinet or a secretary. Full length doors can enclose both the upper and lower portions of the desk to give the furniture the appearance of an armoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Sligh Furniture Co.
    Inventor: James O. Kelley
  • 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: 5662399
    Abstract: A ready-to-assemble cabinet including two upstanding side panels, at least two fixed shelves between the side panels, a folding back panel attached to the side panels, and hardware for holding the components together. The cabinet may optionally include additional fixed and adjustable shelves. The back panel is preattached to the side panels by the manufacturer to create a back panel/side panel sub-assembly. The back panel includes a number of vertically scored fold lines running from top to bottom, which delineate longitudinal sections of the back panel. The scored fold lines permit the sub-assembly to be folded accordion-style for packaging, whereby the back panel sections are sandwiched between the side panels. Serrated plastic dowel pins hold the shelves to the side panels to eliminate the need for tools and/or adhesives and permit assembly of the cabinet in only three to five minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Doxey Furniture Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Henkel, William A. Matzke, James T. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5642923
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a removable shelf system for a transport container. The removable shelf system includes shelves supported between opposed shelf supports. The shelf supports are supported in an upright position within an inner cavity of the container. The shelves may be removably supported relative to the shelf supports so that the shelves may be removed from the container when not in use or alternatively may be pivotally supported relative to the shelf supports so that the shelf system may be collapsed for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Temp Top Container Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick E. Meacham, Mark W. Wallace, Carl R. Nyberg, William W. Thompson, James P. Bland
  • Patent number: 5605389
    Abstract: A storage unit, in the category of a cabinet, bookcase, locker and cubby, as provided which includes a frame defining top, bottom, and side walls to the storage unit. At least one shelf member and at least one shelf supporting member are received in the frame to divide the frame into separate storage cubicles or lockers. The frame is made from two blanks. A first blank forms the top and at least a part of the sides. The second blank forms at least a part of the bottom and may form a part of the sides. Each blank, as well as the shelves and shelf supports, are made from a core having upper and lower surfaces which are covered with a coating. The coating extends beyond edges of the blanks to define a channel which receives a finishing piece. Grooves are formed in the top blank to define bending points and separate the what will be the top of the frame from the sides of the frame. Shallower grooves are formed in the first and second blanks and define one guide channels for the shelves and shelf supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Angeles Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray G. Kelly, Sharon A. Turnbough, Allan Flowers, Douglas L. Blocker
  • Patent number: 5593046
    Abstract: The collapsible housing frame has a pair of side frame boards opposed to each other, and connecting mechanisms which connect both the opposed ends of the side frame boards. Both ends of the side frame boards are connected to the connecting mechanisms through first hinges. Each of the connecting mechanisms is formed to be collapsible at a second hinge of the connecting mechanism, and a lock-unlock system to lock and unlock the hinge is provided at the second hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Nikko Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuo Katsuura, Takashi Dei
  • Patent number: 5562050
    Abstract: An article of furniture such as a table, having four sides connected to each other by corner hinges. Two of the sides are each formed as two halves hinged together and normally rigidified by top rails, and by a horizontal work support panel located between the sides. When the work support panel is lifted and removed from the front, and the top rails are removed, the hinged sides can be folded inwardly so that the table frame assumes a relatively flat configuration. The front side of the table can be formed as two separate pieces, in which case the intermediate hinges in the sides can be removed. The table can also be made in a three-sided configuration, or in a bookshelf or cabinet configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Ross M. Colquhoun
  • 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: 5551558
    Abstract: A portable container of the type generally used for retaining within a receptacle storage area items and thermal units, such as a refrigeration unit or ice packs, so as to maintain such items at a differential temperature relative to ambient temperature. The container includes U-shaped members positionable in a first position extending above and across the receptacle to define handle elements for carrying the receptacle and in a second position extending below the receptacle to define leg elements for supporting the receptacle thereabove. The invention further includes a mechanism for locking the U-shaped members in the second position. A cover overlying the storage area has extensions which pivot between an compact condition overlying the cover and a deployed condition where the extensions with the upper surface of a central portion of the cover define a table surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: H. Lee Bureau
  • 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: 5470142
    Abstract: A dishwasher having spray arm, motor and pump components configured and mounted so as to occupy very low height. In one form the complete wash system is arranged as a drawer which slides in and out of a cabinet. The cabinet opening is stiffened against racking forces by incorporating an inverse portal frame in the opening flange. A synchronous AC motor is used with the rotor running within the wash chamber driving a wash pump integrated with a rotating spray arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Adrian A. Sargeant, William H. Currie, Willem Ouwens, Philip J. Brace, Robert W. Todd, Hans-Joachim Scholz
  • Patent number: 5468061
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for storing and mounting the body for a cabinet, furniture or the like, consisting of two sides (2, 3), top (1) and base (4), where adjacent end sections of said sides, top and base are provided with articulation devices (6, 7, 8, 11) to join the parts together. Said sides, top and base are arranged in transport or storage state such that said top and one of the sides (1, 2) lie parallel with said base and the other side (3, 4). The body is mounted by moving said two sides (2, 3), together with the top (1) and base (4), in mutually parallel relationship like a parallellogram until said two sides (2, 3) are vertical, whereafter at least one of the two sets of articulation devices (6, 8) situated diagonally in the body is releasably locked into position. The means for forming an articulated joint between adjacent end sections of the structural parts, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: A/S Grorud Jernvarefabrik
    Inventors: Bror Fries, Yusho Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 5454635
    Abstract: A card organizer device (10) supported in a cabinet (12) for depositing cards (14) moved into the card organizer device into the cabinet, is described. The card organizer device is comprised of a plurality of panels (26) connected together by dividers (28) to form a plurality of compartments (30) for receiving cards that have been first sorted and then moved through the open top of the holders and into the compartments. The device is also provided with an open bottom which provides for depositing the cards into the cabinet when the card organizer device is removed from the cabinet. That way, the cards lay in the cabinet in a fanned and sorted order. The sorted cards can then be removed from the cabinet and placed back into a conventional set box container. The sorted cards can then be held in the set box container for appreciation or resale. A cover is also provided that mounts over the cards and the card organizer device mounted in the cabinet to protect the sorted cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Leslie D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5429432
    Abstract: A folding, collapsible playroom adapted for compact storage which is designed to encourage active and creative play by children as opposed to passive activities such as watching television.The playroom has first and second frames having transversely spaced apart top and bottom walls and opposite side walls all having front and rear surfaces, thereby defining inner and outer frame faces respectively. The frames are pivotally connected such that they may be pivoted from an open, upstanding position to an abutting, closed storage position. Play accessories are included which may be pivotally mounted on one of the frame inner faces and adapted to be moved from a secured stored position to a deployed, play position protruding substantially forwardly from the frame, upon movement of the frames from the closed storage position to the open, upstanding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Rodney L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5405192
    Abstract: Modular display booth units are made from an upstanding bent sheet body portion located at its top and bottom in respective depending and upstanding lips of counter top and tray portions. Inside the body portions, rails extend from side to side. Hooked ends latch into latching apertures in the side wall and the side wall of any adjacent unit to link them together. Special angled joining units are provided to allow the units to be joined to form elongate assemblies of varying configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Stephen E. McGrath
  • Patent number: 5390999
    Abstract: A folding bench has a first surface and first surface support girders. First and second support members are selectively positionable in an extended position, generally perpendicular to the first surface, and in retracted position, generally parallel and adjacent to the first surface. A second surface is selectively positionable in an extended position and in a retracted position. The second surface is connected to the first surface with a first mechanism and connected to the first support member with a second mechanism. A third mechanism is arranged to stabilize the support members in the first extended position and allows the support members to assume the second retracted position. A fourth mechanism secures the first and second support members in the second retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: A. Clayton E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 5382087
    Abstract: A portable bar or counter is disclosed consisting of several interchangeable parts. Interchangeable top and bottom parts fit onto a panel assembly to provide a table on which to rest objects or a podium to stand behind. The top part acts as a counter while the bottom part acts as a stabilizing base for the assembled unit. The panel assembly is made of four interchangeable panels which are hinged to each other allowing them to fold in accordion style. The connected panel assembly fits into the top and bottom parts forming a front and two sides while the rear is left open. Additional side-to-side and torsional rigidity is achieved by an interlocking shelf which attaches inside the invention. The component parts are designed to allow quick assembly and disassembly without the use of tools. When disassembled, the invention collapses to form its own carrying case with the top and bottom parts used as covers to hold the collapsed panel assembly, shelf, and other accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas S. Pouch