Abstract: A convertible furniture assembly having a bed frame pivotally coupled to a frame assembly. The bed frame is pivotally moveable between an upright position and a lowered position. A counterbalance member is coupled to the bed frame and adapted for counterbalancing the bed frame during movement, thereby minimizing the size of a corresponding torsion system. The present invention further includes a hinge assembly capable of providing a spacing distance between the bed frame and a lower platform.

Abstract: A convertible furniture assembly having a bed frame pivotally coupled to a base assembly. The bed frame is pivotally moveable between a upright position and a lowered position. A computer workstation is further coupled to the base assembly and adapted for supporting and stowing a computer monitor and related computer accessories even when the bed frame is in the lowered position. The convertible furniture assembly eliminates the need to provide a computer workstation separate from a bed assembly.

Abstract: A convertible furniture assembly having a bed frame pivotally coupled to a base assembly. The bed frame is pivotally moveable between a upright position and a lowered position. A computer workstation is further coupled to the base assembly and adapted for supporting and stowing a computer monitor and related computer accessories even when the bed frame is in the lowered position. The present invention eliminates the need to provide a computer workstation separate from a bed assembly.

Abstract: A retractable dome stadium having a plurality of generally lune-shaped panels mounted for movement between an open position in which they are stacked one above the other in a superimposed relationship and a closed position in which they are disposed in a generally side-by-side relationship. In the open position, the dome has a low and open view in one end thereof.

Abstract: A retractable dome stadium having a plurality of generally lune-shaped panels mounted for movement between an open position in which they are stacked one above the other in a superimposed relationship and a closed position in which they are disposed in a generally side-by-side relationship. In the open position, the dome has a low and open view in one end thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is an emergency driver system for a motor vehicle. The emergency driver system allows a passenger in the motor vehicle to safely maneuver the motor vehicle should the driver become incapacitated by exposing a brake actuator and an accelerator actuator concealed by a cover. Upon opening the cover, a cover sensor actuates emergency lights, headlights, and a horn, and disengages the operation of the driver brake pedal and accelerator pedal. This allows the passenger to control the steering with the left hand and the acceleration and braking of the motor vehicle with the right hand, via the brake actuator and the accelerator actuator positioned on an emergency control panel located under the cover.

Abstract: A foot dryer designed to dry the toes and areas between the toes on an individual's foot includes a housing which is designed to accept and support a conventional hair dryer. The housing is a box-like structure which defines an internal cavity. A cradle is located within the cavity and the cradle is designed to accept a number of the conventional hair dryers available on the market. The cradle supports the hair drying in a position where the air flow from the hair dryer is directed through a plurality of apertures in the top panel of the housing. An aperture in one of the side panels of the housing allows for the insertion and removal of the hair dryer into engagement and disengagement with the cradle.

Abstract: A convertible furniture frame assembly (8) having a stationary base assembly (12) that supports at least one retractable supporting means (14, 16). This supporting means (14, 16) is used to support retractable furniture components (10a, 10b) as they are raised and lowered. The invention further incorporates at least one generally horizontal self standing support means (18) to stabilize the furniture frame assembly (8) and at least one torsion system (20, 20') that aids users in raising and lowering the furniture components (10a, 10b). The user is also aided by a self-energizing latching means (28) that automatically latches the retractable supporting means (14, 16) in its lowered position. The user is further convenienced by a retaining means that prevents loose articles on the furniture components (10a, 10b) from sliding into the base assembly (12) during retraction.

Abstract: A system for warning a vehicle driver of obstacles to the front, rear and sides of the vehicle. If the vehicle is stopped and a front or rear obstacle is detected, the vehicle is prevented from moving forward or reverse, respectively. The inhibition of movement can be overridden by the driver once he acknowledges the obstacle. Similarly, the driver is warned of front, rear and side obstacles while the vehicle is moving. In the case of side obstacles, only when it appears that the driver will move the vehicle toward the obstacle is he warned.

Abstract: A foot dryer for drying toes on a foot of an individual has a blower which directs air through apertures in a top panel of a housing. A switch is positioned on the top panel adjacent to the apertures such that when the switch is activated by the individual using the ball of their foot, the toes of the individual are located directly above the apertures. Both a heating device and/or a powder dispenser may be incorporated between the blower and the apertures to either warm the air and/or dispense powder to the toes respectively. An optional timing mechanism may be incorporated to allow the powder to be dispensed automatically after the toes of the foot have had a sufficient time to dry. The air time for drying and/or powder could be set by the user or it could be set to a normal setting.

Abstract: A retractable dome stadium or the like utilizing a plurality of generally lune-shaped dome panels mounted for movement between an open position in which they are stacked one above the other in superimposed relationship and a closed position in which they are disposed in a generally side-by-side relationship, and a mechanism for guiding and moving said panels between said open and closed positions. A method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A convertible furniture frame assembly having a stationary base assembly that supports at least one retractable supporting means. This supporting means is used to support retractable furniture components as they are raised and lowered. The invention further incorporates at least one generally horizontal self standing support means to stabilize the furniture frame assembly and at least one two-bar torsion system that aids users in raising and lowering the furniture components. The user is also aided by a self-energizing latching means that automatically latches the retractable supporting means in its lowered position. The user is further convenienced by a retaining means that prevents loose articles on the furniture components from sliding into the base assembly during retraction.

Abstract: Convertible furniture comprising a bed frame pivotally mounted about a transverse axis between raised and lowered positions. Means is provided for applying a torque on the frame acting opposite to the force of gravity so that the forces are in substantial equilibrium in an intermediate arc of travel. In one embodiment a utility module such as a love seat is mounted with the frame through a parallelogram connection, and a latch mechanism is provided for releasable locking the frame in its horizontal position. In another embodiment a bed frame is pivotally mounted to move into a wall cavity, and a latch mechanism is provided for releasably locking the bed in either its raised or lowered positions.

Abstract: A convertible furniture unit having upper and lower platforms which are mounted for conjoint movement. In different embodiments the upper platform comprises a bed or table and the lower platform can be structures such as a desk, a credenza and desk, and the like. Releasable locks are provided for holding the upper platform in a prone position while the lower platform is lowered. When the locks are released a torsion bar arrangement automatically applies a yieldable force urging the upper platform toward the upright position as the lower platform is raised while maintaining a horizontal attitude. Terminal movement of the upper platform is cushioned by an air pocket created in the recess of an upright housing. The upper and lower platforms are held in a upright mode by over center positioning of the pivot points which permits the upper platform to be manually pulled downwardly to convert the unit to another mode.

Abstract: Combination bed and desk furniture is disclosed in which a bed frame and desk are mounted on a base for conjoint movement between raised and lowered positions. In the raised position the bed frame is pivoted upright where its bedding is concealed from view, and at the same time the desk is elevated to a standard height above the floor. In the lowered position the bed frame is pivoted to a horizontal orientation spaced above the top of the desk to provide clearance for articles left on the desk surface. In the lowered position the bed frame is lowered to standard bed height above the floor which is lower than the desk. Means are provided for simultaneously moving the bed and desk elements between the raised and lowered positions without altering the horizontal alignment of the desk and its drawers in respect to the floor.