Abstract: A foldable structure which can be used as the basis for a wide variety of articles, such as furniture, office equipment, freight containers and portable buildings, is foldable between a generally flat form and an erected, three-dimensional form. A first pair of opposed frame units (10,11) are connected by at least one further frame unit (12), which is hingedly attached to one (11) of the pair of frame units and is hingedly and slidably attached to the other (10) of the pair of frame units, for example by means of swivel cleats (13). Further components are connected to one or both of the pair of frame units (10,11) so that such further components can be disposed in a folded-flat position adjacent to said pair of frame units (10,11) when the latter are in their collapsed state and can be disposed in a second, ready-for-use position in planes at an angle to the planes containing the frame units to which they are attached.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as a portable cabinet. The apparatus is comprised of a lower section (11) with a first end (12), a second end (13), a front portion (14), and a bottom portion (15), that is attached to an upper section (16) with a first end (17), a second end (18), a front portion (19) and a top portion (20) by a hinging element (24). The upper section (16) is arranged and configured to allow it to fold into the lower section (11) creating open and closed positions. The apparatus further comprises a securing element (39) to support the upper section (16) when in the open position and elements to improve the mobility of the apparatus.

Abstract: A lightweight collapsible trade show display case has a transparent showcase. The support legs are opposing rectangular side panels which are hinged to the base of the showcase. A single front facia panel slides into grooves of the support legs and locks in place thereby providing an extremely stable base. Assembly is accomplished in under a minute. A UPS suitable shipping container holds the sliding front facia panel and pre-assembled showcase.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for storing tools in an organized fashion and which also converts to a combination saw table, router table and workbench. The apparatus can be readily maneuvered, loaded into a truck bed and stored when folded. It also provides a rigid work surface with easy tool access when in the set-up position.

Abstract: A portable collapsible lectern is featured that is easily transposed into an attache case. The lectern comprises an upright front panel having opposing vertical side walls perpendicularly joined thereto, and top and bottom panels horizontally disposed and perpendicularly fixed to the front panel and side walls. A pair of vertically disposed wing panels is pivotally joined along the respective vertical edge of the side walls for receiving and supporting a leaf panel therebetween. The leaf panel is pivotally joined along the horizontal edge of the top panel within the confines of the side walls, and is arranged so that it will extend from a closed position, wherein it is parallel to the front panel, to a deployed position, wherein it is outwardly extended about its pivotal axis to form a declining platform relative to the top panel.

Abstract: A collapsible compartment-forming and shelving insert system for use in a storage locker includes a plurality of flat panels of predetermined dimensions with respect to dimensions of the interior of the locker. The panels are normally positioned in closely stacked relationship with each other for storage or transport before insertion into the locker. Hinges are connected to the panels for enabling the panels to be inserted into and expanded to a zigzag configuration within the locker to form a plurality of vertically aligned storage compartments.

Abstract: A cabinet formed from corrugated cardboard blanks in which a first blank forms a cabinet assembly having a back, top, bottom and sides and a movable cover. Second and third blanks form first and second shelving units in the cabinet assembly. Portions of the first blank and a fourth blank engage the second and third blanks to retain the blanks in the cabinet assembly in fixed positions.

Abstract: A movable heavy duty voting booth with a structural frame and lightweight panels to accommodate electronic voting mechanisms.

Abstract: Folding furniture to be used as a table, pedestal, supporting structure or the like which may be easily collapsed into a low-volume configuration for portability and storage. The furniture generally consists of four panels which function as top, bottom and sides, hinged together to form a rectangular structure. Adjoining panels at two diagonally opposed corners of the rectangular structure contain axially aligned bores in a tongue-and-groove assembly, receiving pins to secure the adjoining panels; this assembly allows the adjoining panels to swing obtusely. Panels meeting at the other two diagonally opposed corners of the rectangular structure are attached with hinges, allowing the panels to swing acutely. The side panels contain variously shaped support members which are hinged to said side panels.

Abstract: A portable display case having front, rear, top and first and second side members with a quickly fitted middle shelf adapted to be easily set up and retained together as a display case in a recess on top of a base and to be quickly dismantled and placed within a tote bag for transport and storage and, in a second embodiment where said display case's base includes a storage compartment, for storage and transport of all the members of said display case.

Abstract: An improved pedestal base for beds including drawers particularly of the type which may be transported and stored in a totally flat condition and assembled by the user without the use of any tools. The base is designed so that it is adjustable to fit under the various bed sizes. It includes a pair of longitudinal rails defining drawer openings and head and foot frame members which are segmented and assembled by keys or splines. The number of segments in the head and foot frame portions defines the width of the assembled bed. The key joints are assembled merely by placing the two members to be joined together in position and slipping the keying member into the corresponding slots. Preferably a double dovetail or hour glass joiner is used. Drawers fit into the frame and are located beneath the bed proper which is sitting on top of the frame. Drawers are comprised of a front, a back, two sides and a bottom.

Abstract: Knockdown units forming drawers or bins include a one-piece molded plastic bottom and side panel unit with the side panels being connected to the bottom panel by reduced thickness thickness zones and molded plastic front and rear panels. Interengaging connecting means are formed integrally at the upper portions of the side panels and the upper ends of the front and rear panels.

Abstract: A portable cupboard formed as a collapsible container which is made from plate members hinged on their edges so that the whole container is collapsible, holding panels which enable the container to be kept solidly box-shaped and a pair of legs on top of which the container is supported.

Abstract: A pair of portable self contained voting booths comprised of main base members which fit together to form a compact carrying case for all of the other components of the two booths including support legs and foldable privacy shields. Each base member has corner sockets for receiving the support legs from below and a recessed central portion that provides storage space for the support legs and shield, when the base members are held together by removable clips in their storage and transporting mode. When erected for use, the base members are separated by release of the clips so that, the support legs and privacy shields for both booths can be quickly installed and set up to provide two voting stations.

Abstract: Hingedly connected rectangular panels are used to construct demountable module assemblies useful alone or in combination as multifunctional furniture items. A modular dressing table includes four such module assemblies secured in a two-by-two matrix, and a restraint belt and pad affixed to the top of the matrix. The module assemblies are provided with an aperture to allow user access to the interior space of said assemblies for storage.

Abstract: A cupboard, more particularly a bathroom cupboard, contains a housing consisting of at least two profiled parts which are joined together in a corner-area at an angle of less than 180.degree.. The purpose of the invention is to make it possible to build the cupboard at low production and assembly costs and without the use of corner connections. The profiled parts consist of a single initially straight profiled rail in which, for the purpose of producing the relevant corner-area, a cut is made from the outside. Located in the vicinity of the inside of the corner-area is a continuous strap which joins the profiled parts together, a clamping element being inserted into the gap obtained upon bending.

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.

Abstract: The trash bag assembly includes a flexible open-topped trash bag having a holder releasably disposed inside the trash bag and holding it up for easy insertion of trash thereinto. The holder includes a frame and trash bag clamps to lock the bag to the top of the holder. The frame has a horizontal portion supported on depending vertical legs with rounded bottoms. The horizontal portion is collapsable and includes four arms pivotably interconnected at opposite ends thereof. In the operative position they are at right angles to each other to form an open-centered square or rectangle. The arms and/or legs can be adjustable in size, as by telescoping or the use of turnbuckles, to fit various sizes of trash bags. The clamps may be channel-shaped bars mounted on top of the arms, and the pivotably interconnected corners of some or all of the arms can be releasably locked to hold the arms in their operative position. With the holder inside the bag, it can expand freely to its full size during filling.

Abstract: Hingedly connected rectangular panels are used to construct demountable module assemblies useful alone or in combination as multifunctional furniture items. A modular dressing table includes four such module assemblies secured in a two-by-two matrix, and a restraint belt and pad affixed to the top of the matrix. The module assemblies are provided with an aperture to allow user access to the interior space of said assemblies for storage.

Abstract: A hinge for mounting a substantially planar faced door in a cabinet flush with the cabinet frame. The hinges are substantially invisible when viewed from the front and sides of the cabinet. The top hinge has a door plate member connected to the top edge of the door and a base plate member connected to the bottom face of the top base of the cabinet. The two hinge members are connected by a pivot pin. The hinge assembly is located adjacent the front face of the door and adjacent a side edge of the door. A similar hinge is attached to the bottom edge of the door.

Abstract: A collapsible storage cabinet having a set-up, operating position and a collapsed, storage position. The cabinet includes a pair of side portions, a rear portion formed by a pair of hinged rear panels, a front portion including two hinged doors, and a top portion. Each side portion includes a vertical front leg and a vertical rear leg with a side panel extending therebetween. The rear panels forming the rear portion are hingingly attached to the rear legs such that the rear panels are perpendicular to the side portions when the cabinet is in the operating position and are parallel to the side portions when the cabinet is in the storage position. Each door is reversibly hingingly attached to a front leg such that the doors may be pivoted inwardly when the cabinet is in the storage position, and pivoted outwardly when the cabinet is in the operating position. Each of the doors has a vertical groove therein into which is received an edge of the corresponding front leg when the door is in a fully opened position.

Abstract: A laundry press of the type suitable for pressing all articles of apparel, especially shirts, is contained in a rectangular cabinet. The cabinet upon opening includes at least one panel member hinged at the bottom for bracing the cabinet in an upright position. The cabinet provides at its upper end the support structure for a buck and heated pressing plate for placing on the garments the desired press. The buck and heated pressing plate in turn fold upwardly from the cabinet and are supported so as to cantilever from the cabinet overlying the bracing panel member. The buck is provided with the capability of rotation with respect to the pressing plate. Thus, a garment once mounted to the buck can be pressed on all sides. The buck is provided with side arm members that fold outwardly to support a duality of function to the buck. First, the outwardly folding members expand the buck to enable pressing of virtually all sizes of shirts, coats and other abdominal garments.

Abstract: The plastic blow-molded container of the present invention is illustrated in the form of a tool chest including a lower tool compartment that is initially blow molded in a flat condition with side walls being simultaneously molded with and joined to a bottom wall by integral flexible plastic hinges so that the side walls can be raised up into right angular relationship with the bottom wall. The simultaneous blow molding of the walls of the compartment in flat condition with the bottom wall permits the integral formation of drawer supporting ribs extending inwardly from the side walls and also permits the formation of a compartment having a greater depth than has been possible in known types of unitary one-piece blow-molded containers. Support ledges are integrally formed on the interior walls and adjacent the living hinges so that the side and rear walls are rigidly supported on the support ledges when the rear and side walls are raised up into right angular relationship with the bottom wall.

Abstract: A portable voting booth/lectern having a generally horizontal support panel mounted on a plurality of detachable legs and to an upper surface of which may be attached a multi-section enclosure panel is disclosed. The enclosure panel is securely mounted to an upper surface of the support panel by inserting each of its foldably attached sections into a respective groove on an upper surface of the support panel. Four apertures on a lower surface of the support panel are adapted to receive a respective support leg, each of which is angled outwardly to provide a wide base for increased structural stability. The lower surface of the support panel includes a plurality of grooves, or recessed portions, into which the detached legs of two support panels may be positioned. With two support panels positioned adjacent one another and in alignment, the support legs of both panels may be positioned within the adjacent grooves of the two support panels.

Abstract: A foldable modular unit (11) with cabinets (14) adapted for office use as described. The unit includes foldable panels (19 and 21) and is portable when folded.

Abstract: One corner connecting element (5), in the form of a rail, is present at each corner of a box-like structure having four side walls (3) and one bottom or rear wall (2). With longitudinal grooves (8), the rail engages bent-over edge portions (13) of the walls of the structure. The corner connecting elements (5) are preferably realized in two parts (6,7) in the longitudinal direction, the parts being held together by screws (12). Since the outside of the connecting rail (5) is embodied in the shape of one-quarter of a circle, the corners of the structure are rounded. The fabrication of such structures, such as bathroom cabinets and the like, is simplified as a result, because welded connections can be dispensed with.

Abstract: A fabricated, knock-down merchandise display fixture which includes a base having forwardly disposed generally vertically extending spaced structural arms mounted in coupled relation to the base, generally adjacent the forward boundary of the base, and extending upwardly relative to the base, with the arms being adapted to provide structural support for the merchandise display deck of the fixture, and with the coupling of the arms providing for folding of the arms relative to the base, thus decreasing the overall height of the base and arms and facilitating shipment of the fixture in knock-down condition. A drawer structure adapted for being disposed in sliding condition on the base, is provided with the drawer including a removable front panel with a rotatable cam lock for detachably securing the front panel to the drawer. The general idea is to simplify the assembly and skill necessary to assemble the fixture at the site of use, while facilitating shipment of the fixture to the site.

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.

Abstract: A laundry hamper arrangement is disclosed which has been particularly configured to include a plurality of individually removable inner hamper bags. The arrangement includes a box-like hamper having spaced front and rear panel members, and laterally spaced side panel members extending therebetween. Notably, the hamper includes generally rectangular upper and lower frames which are respectively positionable in contiguous relationship with the upper and lower edges of the hamper panel members, and which in the preferred form are of identical configuration to facilitate economical manufacture. A plurality of substantially non-rigid hamper bags are removably positionable within the box-like hamper, with the upper frame thereof including upturned supporting lips for removably supporting the hamper bags. In one embodiment of the invention, means are provided for slidably joining the side panel members to extruded corner members affixed to the front and rear panel members.

Abstract: Collapsible staging formed from modules each having end frames and side frames, the side frames incorporating vertical hinges allowing the side frames to be collapsed in a concertina fashion as the end frames are moved toward one another, so that the folded framework lies in a flat "sandwich" configuration. The frames support a platform which may be detached, or alternatively hinged to one end frame and also folded in a concertina fashion. Alternative configurations provide folding stairs and ramps.

Abstract: A cabinet which is collapsible from an erect condition to a collapsed condition includes a base panel to which are hinged first and second side panels and a front panel extending perpendicular to the first and second side panels. Each of the panels is hinged to a progressively higher flange so that the panels collapse over one another in an overlapping relationship. The front panel is hinged intermediate its ends and folds back upon itself. A top panel forming a top for the cabinet is hinged to the front panel and overlies the first and second side panels and folded front panel when the cabinet is collapsed. The cabinet includes at least one shelf which can be stored beneath the collapsed sides and front. Castors are provided so that the cabinet may be conveniently moved when either erected or collapsed.

Abstract: An assembly of electronic apparatus housed in a case is assembled so that a pair of opposed panels associated with the case are integrally connected through a circuit board. Pillar-like portions having guide grooves and engaging shoulders associated therewith are projectingly provided on each of the panels. The circuit board is formed with engaging portions which are inserted into the guide grooves and which come into abutment with the engaging shoulders for removal engagement. The pillar-like portions are subjected to elastic distortion as the engaging portions are inserted into the guide grooves. The pillar positions resiliently return to their original state and bring the engaging shoulders into abutment with the engaging portions.

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.

Abstract: A compact, foldable voting booth of corrugated cardboard or other suitable material can be set up in seconds into a sturdy voting booth of standard height. In storage or transit configuration, it is folded and forms into a compact, portable box/carrying case. The voting booth is of two components, a top portion which is the carrying case and also forms the voting table, and a base portion which can be folded and stored inside the carrying case. The top portion is in the form of a container having a lid which is swung pivotally around against the bottom of the container to expose a back shield and a pair of side shields, forming the voting table. The container is placed, with its open side down, on the erected rectangular base portion.

Abstract: An object that may be shaped by means of folding in a tri-dimensional box-like structure, comprises a main blank consisting of a bottom panel defined by score lines along the sides and by lateral sections extending beyond said score lines; at least, one section is lateral and consists of several members that may be folded among themselves in a box-like way, so as to form a side of the structure with an, at least partially, box-like shape.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained dental operatory is disclosed. The operatory includes all of the equipment necessary for the ordinary practice of dentistry contained in a cabinet that serves both as a compact carrying case and as a chairside dental workbench. The cabinet includes foldable front and top panels that fold outwardly and downwardly to form a dental workbench positioned in front of a tool support panel that supports dental handpieces and other equipment. The cabinet further contains an electric air compressor that supplies pressurized air to drive the handpieces and to provide a source of pressurized water from a water reservoir. The operatory further includes a vacuum bottle that may be selectively evacuated by the air compressor as required to operate an oral saliva evacuator. The air compressor includes an electric motor that can be tapped to drive grinding and polishing equipment.

Abstract: Modular units including foldable panels are (22, 23) mounted on either side of a central divider, such as a conveyor surface (12) mounted on a frame (13). The modular units provide multiple work stations (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20) on either side of the central divider. The units are joined together to form a conveyor line for sequenced handling of various items in the work stations. The conveyor system is particularly adapted for materials handling.

Abstract: A portable voting booth is pivotally positionable in a compact storage mode and an expanded voting mode. The voting booth comprises a base storage container and a support console pivotally mounted to the container. A voting console having a ballot means is pivotally mounted to the display console. A pair of panels are connected to the voting console in a generally upright voting mode. The base container forms a generally horizontally disposed base support. The support console and voting console are in generally upright relationship with the booth means being rearwardly supported and forming a generally forward overhang structure. Means are also provided to lower the ballot display to a position for access by handicapped voters.

Abstract: A freight container is disclosed which can be used for transporting stackable items and hanging items. The container is particularly stable and features at least one section which contributes to the load-bearing frame, runs transversely and features an undercut groove in which sliding fixtures of flexible supports for hanging the hanging items can be inserted and, if desired, can be fixed at a predetermined spacing. A strut section with both ends attached to the base of the container and a vertical strut attached to the upper part of the frame or to a load-bearing section can be released from the frame at least at one end and secured to a profiled section in the upper part of the container.

Abstract: A combination voting booth/speaker's lectern which is disposable, yet reusable is disclosed. The voting booth/lectern includes an upper shelf member and a lower support member both preferably comprised of cardboard, or other commonly used, semi-rigid, lightweight and inexpensive material. The lower support member is foldable into three sections which are generally vertically oriented, the top portions of which are insertable into a series of slots on the lower side of the upper shelf member. The upper shelf member includes four foldable sections, one of which is positioned upon and engaged by the lower support section by means of the aforementioned slots. The remaining three sections of the upper shelf member may be folded upon one another in forming a speaker's lectern or may be extended to a generally vertical orientation so as to form a semi-enclosed area providing the privacy required when the present invention is used as a voting booth.

Abstract: First and second major components are folded into a compact knock-down condition for storage and shipment and may be quickly and easily erected and assembled to form a rigid caselike article of furniture. The first major component includes a rectangular front panel with drawer openings and a pair of rectangular end panels hingedly connected to opposed side edges of the front panel so that the end panels may be positioned in an inwardly folded compact position when in kit form and may be unfolded to a position at right angles to the front panel in preparation for assembly. The second major component of the kit includes a rectangular rear panel and a rectangular top panel hingedly connected to the upper side edge of the rear panel so that the top panel may be positioned in an inwardly folded compact position against the rear panel when in kit form and may be unfolded to a position at right angles to the rear panel in preparation for assembly.

Abstract: A portable, compact and fully equipped workshop which includes enclosure or cubicle characterized by four hinged panels mounted on rollers and containing interior cabinets, shelves and lighting, and further including a hinged counter positioned inside the enclosure and raised when the panels are in folded configuration. The counter can be deployed in horizontal position to provide additional work space when the panels are opened to provide access to the cabinets and shelves. Various hand and power tools, as well as miscellaneous supplies and equipment can be stored in compartments provided in the cabinets and on the shelves, and the panels can be locked into the folded configuration to secure the tools, supplies and equipment inside the enclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus is a carrying case, with integral top and bottom case sections. The bottom case section has a working surface for supporting a paper ballot or for pivotably securing a tray for receiving a vote recording device. A latch member secures the recording device on the tray. The bottom case section has a depressed well which externally stores erectable leg members which are integrally connected by an elastic cord to the case section. The top case section has a door which provides access to the recording device or other voting paraphernalia during the stored condition of the apparatus. The access door supports a light fixture internally provided with a test circuit which permits the light fixture to be tested when the apparatus is in stored condition. A defective light or light fixture can be readily removed by opening the access door. The latch member on the tray may be locked to prevent removal of the recording device. The access door has a locking tab which can be locked to the bottom case section.

Abstract: A portable self-contained voting booth has improved features of compactness, lightness of weight, leg-holding stability, durability and convenience in use. Its carrying case includes interior corner members that both provide leg sockets for receiving legs from below and also serve to receive and hold down a vote recorder or board/carrier to which a vote record system may be secured. The unit is very quickly set up and produces a sturdy free-standing voting booth. The booth may also be used for paper ballot voting by simply removing the vote recorder or other voting system carrier from the booth.

Abstract: A portable storage device and table for outdoors activity which unfolds from a trunk-like container into a table, having a front shelf face which foldably lifts from the container providing support for the table surface, and the trunk-like base providing a storage receptacle.

Abstract: A shipping container for relay racks has a platform base with pallet skids beneath. Two end panels are hingedly attached to opposite ends of the platform and extend upwardly. The end panels are attached to the ends of the relay rack by means of toggle bolts. The hinged construction allows the device to be easily folded for return shipping and also provides substantial protection against forklift puncture.

Abstract: A support system for shelving or the like comprising a first female element hich is attached to the side wall or other wall of a display stand and a second male element which is attached to the sides or ends of shelving provide for the display stand. The support system elements are designed so that they may be snapped together when the display stand is assembled and slid apart when the display stand is disassembled.

Abstract: The trash bag assembly includes a flexible open-topped trash bag having a holder releasably disposed inside the trash bag and holding it up for easy insertion of trash thereinto. The holder includes a frame and trash bag clamps to lock the bag to the top of the holder. The frame has a horizontal portion supported on depending vertical legs with rounded bottoms. The horizontal portion is collapsable and includes four arms pivotably interconnected at opposite ends thereof. In the operative position they are at right angles to each other to form an open-centered square or rectangle. The arms and/or legs can be adjustable in size, as by telescoping or the use of turnbuckles, to fit various sizes of trash bags. The clamps may be channel-shaped bars mounted on top of the arms, and the pivotably interconnected corners of some or all of the arms can be releasably locked to hold the arms in their operative position. With the holder inside the bag, it can expand freely to its full size during filling.