US1613188A - Show case - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 4,1927. 1 613,188

J. E. MULLE N snow CASE Fild Feb. 11, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 lNVENTOR I JOHN E. MULLEH.

Jah. 4, 1927.

J. E. MULLEN SHOWCASE Filed Feb. 1 1926 2' Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Jan. 4, 1927.

JOHN E. IULLEH, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, ASSZGNOR OF ONE-EAL? TO E. 1

M M this a JUDELL (it COBTPANY, 01'! $511? FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA.

SHOEV CASE.

Application filed February 11, 1926.

My invention relates to improvements in show-cases and the like for the display and sale of merchandise wherein a top member is movable upwardly and rearwardly to give access to the case from the front thereof whereby the purchaser may select the goods desired.

The present invention is an improvement upon the device disclosed in my co-pending application Serial Number 53,836, filed Sept. 1, 1925, and consists of an improved construction and arrangement of elements adapted to obtain a more eifective closure of the case and to obtain a more simple and eflicient display case.

The primary object of the invention is to provide an improved show case wherein the top member is arranged to efliciently close the top of the case and to be efiiciently locked against unauthorized opening.

Another object is to provide an improved device of simplified construction which will be highly-efiicient in operation.

A further object is to provide an improved construction in which the movable top memher is eiiiciently guided along a prescribed path and normally held against movement other than the normal opening and closing A still further object is to provide an improved construction which may be more economically manufactured and which will afford increased strength and durability.

I accomplish these and other objects by means of the improved device disclosed in the drawings fori'ning a part of the present specification wherein like characters of reference are used to designate similar parts tln'o-ughout said specification and drawings and in which,

Fig. 1 is a transverse section of my improved show case vith the top member in closed position.

Fig. 2 is a transverse section with the top member in fully opened position.

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the case, partly broken away to disclose the construction.

Fig. 4 is a rear elevation, parts being broken away to show the interior construction. of the case.

Fig. 5 is a broken sectional detail showing the manner in which the top member enthe guiding cam.

Serial No. 87,582.

Referring to the drawings my invention will be seen to consist of a case provided with end members 1 the upper edges of which are inclined downwardly toward the front of the cabinet. Beads 2 are secured upon the inner sides of the end members 1 parah lel to the top edges thereof and in spaced relation thereto. The beads 2 form acute angles with the front member 3 of the case.

The back of the case consists of a fixed portion l extending across the lower portion of the back and a portion 6 pivotally mounted at its lower edge upon the fixed portion 4 by means of suitable hinges 7. Doors 8 and 9 are mounted in the back portions 4 and 6 respectively to give access to the case through the back thereof as hereinafter more fully explained. A top member 11 is pivotally connected at its rearward edge to the top of the movable back portion 6. The top member extends entirely across the top of the case and normally rests upon the beads 2 flush with the upper edges of the end membcls 1. The forward edge of the top member is beveled as at 12 to fit into the acute angle between the heads 2 and the front member 3 of the case, said beveled edge operating as a wedge pressing against the front members 8 and forcing the cover iirmly down upon the heads 2 to obtain a tight and substantially dust proof lit. The beveled edge fitting against the front member 3 also serves to efficiently lock the top member against pivotal movement when in closed position as hereinafter more fully explained.

Cams 13 are mounted upon the inner sides of the end members 1 of the case adjacent the ends of the beads 2, said cams being provided with inwardly extending flanges 1% adapted to be slidably engaged by the top member 11. The ends of the cams adjacent the beads are arranged with the flange portions slightly spaced from the adjacent ends of the beads and substantially aligned therewith.

Retaining members 16 are secured upon the under sides of the top members 11 and arranged to engage the heads 2 and the flanges 1%, said members 16 being arranged to engage the under sides of said beads and flanges to prevent pivotal movement of the top member 11 independently of its movement with the back portions 6 as hereinafter described.

lid

The top member consists of a itrame provided with a transparent pane 11 and the front member 3 is preferably provided with a transparent pane 3 whereby the contents of the case may be effectively displayed.

Shelves 17 are preferably provided with in the case to support merchandise such as boxes of cigars or the like as indicated in dotted lines at 18.

in operation the case is closed by moving the back portion (9 and the top member 11 to closed position as shown in Fig. 1 ot the drawings. hen it is desired to open the case to perm t a purchaser to select goods therefrom, the back portion 6 is swung rearwardly upon its hinges 7. The rearward movement of the back portion 6 causes the top member 11 to he slid upwardly and rearwardly along the heads 2 and onto the cams or guides 13. As the top member is moved rearwardly it is supported upon the cams 13 ant as the rearward end is lowered with the back portion 6 the forward edge will be elevated a corresponding amount until the top member is tipped rearwardly to a fully opened position as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. The members 16 ingthe under sides of the earns 13 hold the top 11 in engagement with said cams. As the members 16 approach the rearward end of the cams 13 said members engage suitable stop 19 limiting the movement of said n'iembers and thereby limiting the movement or the top 11 and back portion 6. T he members 16 normally limit the movement oi the top member 11 to its normal movement by and with the back portion 6 as above described. said n'iembers being arranged to engage the beads 2 and the flanges 14 to prevent independent pivotal movement of the top member 11. Should it be desired to swing the top member 11 entirely away from the case for cleaning or for other purpose, the members 16 are moved opposite the spaces 21 provided between the adjacent ends of the beads 2 and came 18. iVhen in this position the members may be moved through said spaces and the top member swung independently of the back portion 6 to any desired position.

When the top member 1 is in closed position, the beveled edge wedges the top firmly against the beads At the same time the beveled edge ell ectually locks the top against pivotal movement independent of the normal moven'ient with the back portion (3. 'lhus any etlort to swing the top upwardly without a corresponding rearward movement of the back portion 6 will cause said er t e to bear directly against the front member I} and thereby e ,tually prevent the trout edge from being swung upwardly even to a very slight degree such as might admit an instrument for prying open the case. Suitable locking means 22 are mounted upon the back of the back portion (3 to haul: said portion (3 and the top member 11 in closed, position.

in vending goods, the customer is given l'rert access to the merchandise from the eve described, thereby permitting .itomer to select the particular articles desired. The doors 8 and 9 give access to the case without moving the top member 11 to open position whereby the attendant may have convenient access to the case from the rear thereof.

The improved construction above described is extremely simple and ellicient. The cams 13 and the beads 2 are simply conrated and easily applied upon the inside i: X I of the end members 1 of the case. There are no lll'llt or delicate actuating mechanism whatever and no moving parts capable of becoming out of adjustment. The device may thus be made extremely rugged and as the top member is eliectually guided and held in correct position at all times the case made substantially fool-proof, and suited to .vithstai'id all ordinary usage and abuse by attendants and customers.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Let tors Patent is,

l. A new article of manufacture comprising a show-case provided with end portions haying their upper edges inclined downwardly toward the trout ot the show-case; supporting beads arranged inside of each end portion parallel to and in spaced relation to said upper edges; a back portion pivotally mounted at its lower edge to said show-case; a top member pivotally connected to the top edge of the back portion and arranged to extend between the end portions and to rest upon the supporting beads; and n'ieani' on the end portions for guiding the top portion upwardly and rearwardly to give acc ss to the case when the back portion swung rearwardly upon its pivot mormting.

A new article of manufacture comprising a show-case provided with end portions having their upper edges inclined downwardly toward the front of the show-case; supporting beads arranged inside of each end portion parallel to and in spaced relation to said upper edges; :1 back portion pivotally mounted at its lower edge to said show-case; a top member pivotally connected to the top edge of the back portion and arranged to extend between the end portions and to rest upon the supporting beads; and means tor guiding the top portion upwardly and rearwardly to give access to the case when the hack portion is swung reaiwvardly upon pivot mounting; and means for normally preventine: a pivotal .iuovemcnt ot the top member when the top and back portions are in closed position.

his

A new article of manufacture comprising a show-case provided with end portions having their upper edges inclined downwardly toward the front of the show-case; supporting beads arranged inside of the end portions parallel to and in spaced relation to said upper edges; said beads forming acute angles with the front of the case; a back portion pivotally mounted at its lower edge to said show case; a top. member pivotally connected to thetop ed 'e of the back portion and arranged to extend between the end portions and to rest upon the sup porting heads, the forward edge of the top member being beveled to fit into the acute angle between the beads and the front of the case to wedge said top member against the beads and thereby form a dust proof joint and to lock the top member agains pivotal movement when said top and back portions are in closed position; and means on the end portions for guiding the top member upwardly and rear'wardly to give a cess to the case when the back portion is swung rear' ardly upon its pivot mounting.

i. A new article of manufacture comprising a show-caste provided with end portions having their upper edges inclined downwardly toward the front of the show-case; supporting beads arranged inside of the end portions parallel to and in spaced relation to said upper edges; a back portion pivotally mounted at its lower edge to said show case; a top member pivotally connected to the top edge of the back portion and arrange-d to extend between the end portions and to rest upon the supporting beads; and cams mounted upon the inner sides 01" the end portions adjacent the upper ends of the beads, said cams being arranged to be slidably engaged by the top member to guide same upwardly and rearwardly to give access to the case when the back portion is swung rearwardly upon its pivot mounting.

A new article of manufacture comprising a show-case provided with end portions having their upper edges inclined downwardly toward the front of the show-case; supporting beads arranged inside of the end portions parallel to and in spaced relation to said upper edges; a back portion pivotally mounted at its lower edge to said show case: a top member pivotally connected to the top edge oi the back portion and arranged to extend between the end portions and to rest upon the supporting heads: and cams mounted upon the inner sides oi the end portions adjacent the upper ends of the heads. said cams being arranged to be slidabl r engaged by the top member to guide same upwardly and 'iearwardly to give access to the case when the back portion swung rearwardlv upon its pivot mounting; and means mounted upon the top portion and arranged to engage the beads and ie cams lo normally prevent pivotal movement oi the top independentlyof the movement by and with the back portion.

6. A new article of manufacture comprising a show-c; 5e provided with end portions having their upper edges inclined downwardly towart the front of the show-case; supporting beads arranged inside of the end portions parallel to and in spaced relation to said upper *dges; a back portion pivott lly mounted at its lower edge to said show use; a top member pivot-ally connected to the top edge of the back portion and arranged to extend between the end portions and to rest upon the supporting beads; and cams mounted upon the inner sides of the end portions adjacent the upper ends of the beads, said cams being arranged to r be slidably engaged by the top member to guide the same upwardly and rearwardly to give access to the case when the back portion is swung rearvi'ardly upon its pivot mounting; and means mounted upon the top portion and arranged to the beads and the cams to normally prevent pivotal movement of the top independently of the movement by and with the back portion; and means for locking the hack portion and top members in closed position.

'4". A r w article of manufacture comprising a show-case guovided with end portions having their upper edges inclined downwardly/ toward the front of the show case; a baclr portion pivotally mounted at its lower edge upon the show case; a top memliter pivotally connected to the upper edge of the hack portion and arranged to extend between the end portions; beads iuoui'ited upon the ir sides of the end portions to 'l'oim supports for the top member; cams mounted upon the inner side; (it the end portions adjacent the upp r ends. of the beads. said cams being provided with inwardly extending flanges arranged to be slidably engaged by the top meinl'ier to guide said n'ien'iber upwardly and rearwai i to give access to the case when the bacn portion is swung rez-uwardly upon its pivot mountin and means mounted upon the b7 top member and arranger to engage the beads and flanges to normally prevent pivotal movement of the top independently of the movement by and with the hack portioin and to limit-the rearward movement oi the top.

8. A new article of manufacture comprising a show-case provided with end portions having their upper edges inclined downwardlv toward the front of the show-case:

a back portion pivotally mounted at its iii all)

supports for the top member; cams mounted upon the inner sides of the end portions adjacent the upper ends of the beads said cams being provided with inwardly extending flanges longitudinally spaced from the adjacent ends of the beads, said flanges being arranged to be slidably engaged by the top member to guide said member upwardly and rearwardly to give access to the case when the back portion is swung rearwardly upon its pivot mounting; and members secured upon the under side of the top member and arranged to engage the beads and cams to normally prevent pivotal movement of the top member independently of the movement by and with the back portion and to limit the rearward movement of said top and back portions said members being movable outwardly through the space between the beads and cams to permit the top mem her to be swung outwardly for cleaning.

9. A new article of manufacture comprising a show-case provided with end portions having their upper edges inclined downwardly toward the front of the showcase; a back portion pivotally mounted at its lower edge upon the show-case; a top member pivotally connected to the upper edge of the back portion and arranged to extend between the end portions; beads mounted upon the inner sides of the end portions to form supports for the top member, said beads forming acute angles with the front of the case and arranged to receive a beveled edge formed upon the front edge of the top member to wedge said top member tightly against the beads and to lock said member against pivotal movementwhen in closed position; cams mounted upon the inner sides of the end portions adjacent the upper ends of the beads said cams being provided with inwardly disposed flanges longitudinally spaced from the adjacent ends of the beads and arranged to be slidably engaged by the top member toguide said member upwardly and rearwardly to give access to the case when the back portion is moved rearwardly upon its pivot mounting; and members secured upon the under side of the top member and engaging the beads and flanges to normally prevent pivotal movement of the top member independently of the movement by and with the back portion and to limit the movement of said top member.

10. A new article of manufacture comprising a show-case provided with end portions having their upper edges inclined downwardly toward the front of the showcase; a back portion pivotally mounted at its lower edge upon the show-case; a top iember pivotally connected to the upper edge of the back portion and arranged to extend between the end portions; beads mounted upon the inner sides of the end portions to form supports for the top member, said beads forming acute angles with the front of the case and arranged to receive a beveled edge formed upon the front edge of the top member to wedge said top member tightly against the beads and to lock said member against pivotal movement when in closed position; cams mounted upon the inner sides of the end portions adjacent the upper ends of the beads, said cams being provided with inwardly disposed flanges longitudinally spaced from the adjacent ends of the beads and arranged to be slidprising a show-case provided with end portions having their upper edges inclined downwardly toward the front of the showcase; a back portion pivotally mounted at its lower edge upon the show-case; a top member pivotally connected to the upper edge of the back portion and arranged to extend between the end portions; beads mounted upon the inner sides of the end portions to form supports for the top member said beads forming acute angles with the front of the case and arranged to receive a beveled edge formed upon the front edge of the top member to wedge said top member tightly against the beads and to lock said member against pivotal movement when in closed position; cams mounted upon the inner sides of the end portions adjacent the upper ends of the beads said cams being provided with inwardly disposed flanges longitudinally spaced from the adjacent ends of the beads and arranged to be slidably engaged by the top member to guide saidmember upwardly and rearwardly to give access to the case when the back member is moved rearwardly upon its pivot mounting; and members secured upon the under sides of the top member and engaging the beads and flanges to normally prevent pivotal moven'ient of the top member independently of the movement by and with the back portion and to limit the movement of said top member; and a door hingedly mounted in the back portion and arranged to give access to the case from the rear thereof independently of any movement of the back and top members.

In witness whereof I hereunto set my signature.

JOHN E. MULLEN,

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