Sectional Patents (Class 108/3)
  • Patent number: 10897991
    Abstract: A room service table, including a table top having two opposing edges; at least two opposing legs adjacent a respective opposing edge, for supporting the table top, the legs having wheels for rolling the table along a surface; a drawer located underneath of the table top for receiving food for room service delivery; wherein the table top is moveably connected to the opposing legs, and whereby the table top and drawer can be tilted upwards with respect to both of the opposing legs to allow nesting together of two or more like room service tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: IHS Global Design Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Nicholas Polidoros
  • Patent number: 10557247
    Abstract: A reinforcement unit and methods are provided for creating footings for supporting structures, such as a fence post, using a reinforcement unit that has a tower that is generally perpendicular to a base, the tower defining a cavity for receiving a portion of the structure and an anchoring material. The reinforcement unit can include a top portion of a tower that is frangible. The base of the reinforcement unit can further include a pocket (or similar recess) substantially similar in width or diameter to the top portion of the tower such that a second identical reinforcement unit can be inverted and stacked on top of the second reinforcement unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Glen Raven, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Charles Earhart, Matthew Landon Clark
  • Patent number: 10389180
    Abstract: An inductive charging station is provided for an electronic device. The inductive charging station includes a housing, an inductive charging feature and a device latch that is carried on the housing. The device latch is displaceable between a charging position wherein the electronic device is held in position for efficient charging, and a presenting position wherein the electronic device is tilted forward for easy access and removal from the inductive charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Laird, Anthony Ligi, Jr., Kenneth Alan Stoner
  • Patent number: 10363190
    Abstract: A limb support system for an operating table or hospital bed is provided and includes an adjustable member configured to be connected to a limb support associated with an operating table or hospital bed, where, in use, the system is configured to allow the adjustment member and an attached limb support to extend outwardly from the operating table or hospital bed when required, and allow the adjustment member and the limb support to be located under the operating table or hospital bed when not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Christopher Ian Elias
  • Patent number: 9486070
    Abstract: A sit/stand workstation includes a worktop that includes a powered drive and is moveable between a sitting height and a standing height. During use, a controller moves the worktop up and down following a user-defined schedule and uses sensors, such as a pressure mat, to detect how well the user follows the schedule and biometric indicators that convey fatigue and user energy level. In response to this monitored user information, the controller changes time, duration, and/or frequency of the schedule to better meet the abilities and fitness of the user and also to help encourage the user to continue regular use of both sitting height and standing height workstation positions. Sounds, voice, lights, colors, and numerical information are used to help encourage the user in use of the sit/stand workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Stirworks Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Labrosse, Michael Xinjie Chu, Scott Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9414981
    Abstract: A bed includes a first rail, a second rail, a wheelchair having a first armrest mounting unit to and from which the first rail is attached and detached in one side part, and a second armrest mounting unit to and from which the second rail is attached and detached in another side part. A bed main body portion has a first support portion and a second support portion, and the first support portion has a first bed mounting unit to and from which the first rail or the second rail is attached and detached in a front end. The second support portion has a second bed mounting unit to and from which the first rail or the second rail is attached and detached in a front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shohei Tsukada, Tohru Nakamura, Hideo Kawakami, Yohei Kume, Tomohiro Shimoda
  • Patent number: 9072376
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a teaching station that includes a lectern section and a desktop. A method for adjusting a lectern portion of a teacher's station is provided. The method may include releasing a lock wherein the lock, when engaged, fixes the position of the lectern portion with respect to the teacher's station. In response to releasing the lock, the method may further include adjusting a height of the lectern portion relative to a desktop portion of the teacher's station, while maintaining an angle of the of a table-top of the lectern portion in a fixed orientation with respect to the desktop. The method may further include applying the lock to fix the height of the portion of the table-top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Academia Furniture, LLC
    Inventor: Y. Isaac Wagner
  • Publication number: 20150068432
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a teaching station that includes a lectern section and a desktop. A method for adjusting a lectern portion of a teacher's station is provided. The method may include releasing a lock wherein the lock, when engaged, fixes the position of the lectern portion with respect to the teacher's station. In response to releasing the lock, the method may further include adjusting a height of the lectern portion relative to a desktop portion of the teacher's station, while maintaining an angle of the of a table-top of the lectern portion in a fixed orientation with respect to the desktop. The method may further include applying the lock to fix the height of the portion of the table-top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Academia Furniture, LLC
    Inventor: Y. Isaac Wagner
  • Publication number: 20150020715
    Abstract: A tray table with an articulating support for portable electronic devices provides adjustable support for use of a portable electronic device at passenger seats of various forms of transportation, regardless of whether the tray table is in a stowed or service position. The articulating support comprises a plurality of rotating joints and rotating sections which combine to provide a plurality of refracted and extended positions, allowing a passenger to position his or her portable electronic device as desired. The articulating support secures the portable electronic device to prevent unwanted movement of the same, while also preserving unobstructed use of the top surface of the tray table when desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Nick Pajic
  • Publication number: 20140373758
    Abstract: A tray table that facilitates consumption of entertainment and various other media via a portable electronic device is disclosed herein. The tray table includes an inner tray secures the portable electronic device for hands free operation. One or more channels at the inner tray receive at least a portion of the portable electronic device. The inner tray is capable of rotating between an open and closed position, while the tray table itself may rotate between a stowed and service position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Nick Pajic
  • Patent number: 8871419
    Abstract: The toner for electrostatic image development has excellent charge properties, by which excellent toner particle size-controlling ability is achieved, and moreover the sharpening of a particle size distribution is achieved. The toner is composed of toner particles containing a binder resin. The process has an aggregating step of adding an aggregating agent containing a transition element into an aqueous medium of dispersed fine binder resin particles to aggregate the fine binder resin particles, and an aggregation-stopping step of adding an aggregation stopper composed on a sulfur atom-containing compound exhibiting a reducing action on the aggregating agent. The aggregating agent is a salt of a bivalent or higher metal selected from Sr, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Saburou Hiraoka, Tomomi Oshiba, Mikihiko Sukeno, Tomoko Mine, Hitomi Motani, Tatsuya Nagase, Ken Ohmura
  • Publication number: 20140216305
    Abstract: A sterilizable surgical accessory table includes a pair of independently movable tabletops supported by a base. The front tabletop is supported by a carriage which allows the position of the front tabletop to be adjusted fore and aft, while maintaining it in a horizontal plane. The rear tabletop move fore and aft, and can also be tilted about a transverse horizontal axis. The tabletops can be raised or lowered in unison when a release pedal near the bottom of the base is depressed. Each tabletop can be independently moved fore and aft when a release bar at the front of the tabletop is moved to a release position, and the rear tabletop can be tilted when release levers below the tabletop are lifted to a release position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Scott D. Hodges, Christopher B. Young, Ira Bruce Young
  • Publication number: 20140060393
    Abstract: A foldable support apparatus is provided, including a join unit and a support frame. The support frame is coupled to the joint unit. The support frame includes two multi joint sets, with one multi-joint set further including a first arm, a first leg and a first foot, and the other multi joint set including a second arm, a second leg and a second foot. When folded, all components will be aligned close together to save space. When expanded, the first leg, the first arm, the second arm and the second leg form a ?-shape. The first foot coupled to the first leg and the second foot coupled to the second leg are responsible for supporting and maintaining the standing angle of the aforementioned ?-shape. As such, the user can use the present invention in bed, on floor or outdoor lawn to support and fasten portable electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Eagle FAN
  • Patent number: 8596204
    Abstract: A workstation has a structure including a work top and upright elements supporting the work top, and an electronic display device mounted on the work top. The work top includes a lower board, stably coupled to the upright elements, and an upper board, displaceable with respect to the lower board and subdivided into at least one front board part and one rear board part articulated to each other. The display device is substantially flat and is secured in a laying position substantially parallel to the front board part. The front board part and the rear board part are articulated to each other according to a substantially horizontal axis, such that the upper board is adapted to selectively take on a plurality of different configurations, corresponding to which different positions of use of the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Unidida S.R.L.
    Inventor: Daniele Costamagna
  • Publication number: 20130061781
    Abstract: An ergonomic support system that comprises a tray type support surface, in conjunction with a system of extendable support arms, designed to afford the user maximum functional capability in an ergonomic setting. The system may comprise a portable embodiment, or may also comprise a stationary mounted embodiment which may be located within an office apparatus such as a desk, or within a vehicle such as an automobile, a train, a boat or an airplane. The stationary mounted embodiments may additionally comprise components with retractable capabilities for ease of use and stowage and pivotable with respect to the support arm so that the same surface of the tray that faces upwardly during use that may become soiled also faces outwardly when the tray table is stowed in the seatback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Ryan Y. Wong
  • Publication number: 20130019547
    Abstract: A desk according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an upper panel, a support leg, a support member, a movable panel and a vertical panel. The upper panel is coupled to an upper end of the support leg. The support member extends from the upper panel. The movable panel has an upper end movable along the support member and a lower end movably placed on the upper panel. The movable panel is movable between a first position inclined with respect to the upper panel and a second position vertical to the upper panel and between the first position and a third position parallel to the upper panel. The vertical panel is rotatably joined to the support member. A lower end of the vertical panel is movably placed on the movable panel. The vertical panel moves along with the movement of the movable panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Sung Yoon Kim, Chong Jae Kim
  • Publication number: 20120137935
    Abstract: A sterilizable surgical accessory table includes a pair of independently movable tabletops supported by a base. The front tabletop is supported by a carriage which allows the position of the front tabletop to be adjusted fore and aft, while maintaining it in a horizontal plane. The rear tabletop cannot move fore and aft, but it can be tilted about a transverse horizontal axis. The rear tabletop is at all times well above the horizontal plane of the front tabletop. Both tabletops are normally locked in position, but the setting of each can be adjusted by depressing one of two pedals at the bottom of the base. The tabletops can be removed easily for cleaning and sterilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Scott D. Hodges, S. Craig Humphreys, Ira B. Young, Christopher B. Young
  • Publication number: 20120037047
    Abstract: A foldable laptop stand includes a laptop support surface with a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion and the second portion are non-co-planer. A support surface angle positioner is coupled to and co-planer with the first portion of the laptop support surface. A positioner engagement portion is coupled to and co-planer with the second portion of the laptop support surface. In addition, the support surface angle positioner and the first portion of the laptop support surface have a first hinged interface therebetween, the positioner engagement portion and the second portion of the laptop support surface have a second hinged interface therebetween, and the positioner engagement portion is removably coupleable with the support surface angle positioner to selectably position the laptop support surface at an angle to the support surface angle positioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Marius Moldovan
  • Publication number: 20120026663
    Abstract: A workstation has a structure including a work top and upright elements supporting the work top, and an electronic display device mounted on the work top. The work top includes a lower board, stably coupled to the upright elements, and an upper board, displaceable with respect to the lower board and subdivided into at least one front board part and one rear board part articulated to each other. The display device is substantially flat and is secured in a laying position substantially parallel to the front board part. The front board part and the rear board part are articulated to each other according to a substantially horizontal axis, such that the upper board is adapted to selectively take on a plurality of different configurations, corresponding to which different positions of use of the display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: UNIDIDA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Daniele Costamagna
  • Publication number: 20110168062
    Abstract: A work station with a built-in electric mechanical lift that will allow a user to adjust a work support member to a more ergonomically correct position (similar to a tilted drafting station) includes primary and, preferably, secondary work support members. A lifting structure urged by an actuator engages the primary work support member for pivoting from a position coplanar with the second work support member to a position at an angle relative to the secondary work support member. One or more structural support members are positioned to support the primary and secondary work support members, the lifting structure, and the actuator. The lifting structure includes first and second lifting arms pivotably connected to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Dellavecchia
  • Patent number: 7966947
    Abstract: A resting device assembly for supporting a person above a surface during a procedure includes a resting device and a trolley. The resting device includes a device top assembly having a padded device top that supports the person during the procedure, and a device frame that supports the device top assembly. The device frame includes a frame base, a frame leg assembly having a plurality of spaced apart legs that supports the frame base and the device top assembly above the surface, and a height adjuster that adjusts the length of the plurality of spaced apart legs so as to raise and lower the device top relative to the surface. The frame base is a substantially rigid frame base that significantly increases the overall strength, support, and stability of the resting device assembly. The trolley defines a storage area for storing procedure materials that are usable during the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Earthlite Massage Tables, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon W. Roleder
  • Publication number: 20110083587
    Abstract: A portable table apparatus which can be releaseably attached to a vehicle is disclosed. The portable table assembly comprises a horizontal assembly having a tubular member and a second member, wherein the second member is slidingly and rotatably disposed within the tubular member, and a fixturing means capable of releaseably attaching the second member to the tubular member. The portable table assembly further comprises a tubular vertical assembly attached to the second member and a table that can be releaseably attached to the vertical assembly, wherein by rotating the second member within the tubular member the vertical assembly is rotated with respect to the horizontal assembly and wherein the top surface of the table can be placed in a gravitationally level orientation by rotating the second member within the first member. The portable table assembly further comprises a shield assembly that can be releaseably attached to the table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: SCOTT E. FISHER
  • Publication number: 20100095565
    Abstract: An ironing board for multifunctional use comprising a base (1), a body (5) with a work surface (6), which body has a first longitudinal axis (I-I) and is connected to the base. A column (7) extends between the body and the base, the column having a second longitudinal axis (II-II) and a tilting means. The tilting means is arranged for tilting the body about a tilting axis (T-T) extending substantially perpendicularly to both the first axis and the second axis. A system comprises such an ironing board and an iron for cooperation with the ironing board. The invention further relates to a method for refreshing an article and a method for pressing an article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Kok Wah Ma, Derrick Wai Thong Loke, Mong Hua Tan, Mohankumar Valiyambath Mohankumar, Chandra Mohan Janakiraman, Swee Loon Michael Tang, Choon Hwee Tan, Franciscus Josef Bosman, Martijn Van Baren, Vignesh Nathamuni Balaji, Yong Jiang
  • Publication number: 20080276838
    Abstract: A resting device assembly for supporting a person above a surface during a procedure includes a resting device and a trolley. The resting device includes a device top assembly having a padded device top that supports the person during the procedure, and a device frame that supports the device top assembly. The device frame includes a frame base, a frame leg assembly having a plurality of spaced apart legs that supports the frame base and the device top assembly above the surface, and a height adjuster that adjusts the length of the plurality of spaced apart legs so as to raise and lower the device top relative to the surface. The frame base is a substantially rigid frame base that significantly increases the overall strength, support, and stability of the resting device assembly. The trolley defines a storage area for storing procedure materials that are usable during the procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Jon W. Roleder
  • Patent number: 6540457
    Abstract: A multi-section cover device is used to conceal a slide way for a work piece support of a machining apparatus, and includes a fixed shield member connected to the work piece support, a first movable shield member pivotally coupled to the first shield member, and a second movable shield member pivotally coupled to the first movable shield member. The first movable shield member has a roller unit for rolling contact with the slide way. A pair of link arms are pivotally connected to the second movable shield member, and have shield supporting edges for supporting a top wall of the second movable shield member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Yih Chuan Machinery Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-San Lai
  • Patent number: 6237507
    Abstract: An information apparatus has an input device with a portion to be supported in an information apparatus installing desk. The portion to be supported serves as a contact with an arc-shaped desk in which one point on a ridge line of a casing of the information apparatus is set to a center. A top plate having a concavity which can enclose an information apparatus, an arc-shaped receiving portion for supporting the arc-shaped portion to be supported, and a tilt mechanism for rotating the information apparatus around the center of the arc as a rotational center are provided on the desk side for installing the information apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryozo Yanagisawa, Atsushi Tanaka, Yuichiro Yoshimura, Katsuyuki Kobayashi, Masaki Tokioka, Hajime Sato
  • Patent number: 6038982
    Abstract: In a table (11), the tabletop (19) is divided into three parts (21, 22, 23), of which one (23) is fixedly connected to the frame (13) of the table (11), the second (22) is articulated on the first (23) by a joint (27) and the third (31) is in turn articulated on the second (22) by joint (25) and is adjustable as to height. Together with an arm (29) pivotally fixed on the frame (13) and on the height-adjustable tabletop part (21), the movable tabletop part (22, 21) and the frame (13) form a parallelogram. The angle .alpha. of the parallelogram is adjustable with a lever (31) on the middle tabletop part (22) and by a motor (33) with a spindle (35). The height of the table is thus adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Provenda Marketing AG
    Inventor: Uli Witzig
  • Patent number: 5794540
    Abstract: An article of children's furniture is convertible between a table configuration and an easel configuration. The article of furniture comprises a support member, a work surface, and a handle coupled to the work surface for changing the configuration of the article. The work surface includes a pair of panels that are attached to each other by a hinge, the handle being attached to the panels at the hinge. The handle includes a locking portion for engaging the support member to lock the work surface to the support member in the table configuration. The article is convertible to the easel configuration by rotating the handle to unlock the work surface from the support member and lifting both panels to the easel configuration. A lever lock is coupled to the support member for locking the panels in the easel configuration. The article is convertible to the easel configuration by depressing the lever lock to release the panels, which are then spread apart and lowered onto the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Fisher-Price Inc.
    Inventors: David Dombrowski, Kenneth Von Felten
  • Patent number: 5730068
    Abstract: A table for displaying produce and baked goods and the like that includes a base and a tiltable table top pivotally mounted in the base. A series of collapsible shelves are pivotally mounted in the table top and are controlled by a detachable linkage so that the shelves remain in a horizontal position when the table top is tilted. Detaching the linkage allows the shelves to lie flat against the table top when the table top is tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Robert A. Rioux, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5483898
    Abstract: A tilting and sliding surface for use with a table or other work surface is received within an opening or space defined by the stationary surface of the table or work surface. A combination tilting and sliding mechanism mounts the movable surface to the stationary surface. The tilting and sliding mechanism includes a fixed bracket assembly mounted to the stationary surface, and a movable bracket assembly pivotably interconnected with the fixed bracket assembly and to which the movable surface is mounted. A sliding mechanism is interposed between the movable bracket assembly and the movable surface. A tilt lock mechanism selectively clamps the movable bracket assembly to the fixed bracket assembly in a desired pivoting position according to user requirements. The sliding mechanism includes lateral guide members fitted with bearings, which are received within channel structure defined by a slide member mounted to the underside of the movable surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Krueger International
    Inventor: Lon D. Seidl
  • Patent number: 5443017
    Abstract: A modular work station includes a dual column construction with a separately adjustable work surface supported on each column. Each of the columns utilizes a tubular telescoping construction and can provide as many as three individual modes of adjustable movement to the work surface, including lift, tilt, and horizontal back and forth movements. Supporting columns can be selected with varying functions to provide extremely broad versatility. The lift and tilt functions are preferably provided by motor driven linear actuators mounted within the telescoping column with appropriate controls to prevent contact between adjacent work surfaces when one or both of the surfaces is also provided with back and forth sliding movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Mayline Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Wacker, Ronald J. Smies, Ronald K. LaFond, Dale M. Hemberger
  • Patent number: 5437236
    Abstract: A multi-functional table with elevational capabilities comprising a base in a generally rectangular configuration having an upper surface and a parallel lower surface; a table top in a generally rectangular configuration having an upper surface and a parallel lower surface; a central cylindrical support having an upper end secured to the lower surface of the table top and having a lower end secured to the upper surface of the base, the support being formed of a tubular member of an enlarged diameter at the lower end and a tubular member of a reduced diameter at the upper end for being slidably received within the lower component; a pump including a foot pedal secured to the base adjacent to the lower component whereby reciprocation of the foot pedal will act to supply air to the space between the upper and lower components to thereby raise the upper component and the working level of the table; and a plurality of apertures formed in the table top and supplemental components adapted to be secured to the table
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Inventor: Harold R. Zeiner
  • Patent number: 5398622
    Abstract: A dual worksurface support is provided for electronic data processing equipment and the like, and includes two separate worksurfaces adapted to support different pieces of equipment thereon. The worksurfaces are interconnected by a linkage assembly which permits vertical adjustment of one of the worksurfaces with respect to the other, and includes left and right hand linkages located at the opposite sides of the respective worksurfaces, which rotate about at least one horizontal pivot axis. A rigid stabilizer bar has its opposite ends fixedly connected with the two linkages at locations concentric with the horizontal pivot access, such that rotation of one of the linkages is transmitted through the stabilizer bar to the other linkage to ensure that the opposite sides of the adjusted worksurface move vertically together without sagging or binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Robert B. Lubinskas, Timothy H. Schipper, Roger E. Doane, Jeffrey A. Musculus
  • Patent number: 5261735
    Abstract: A deployable table stowable in and deployable from a storage compartment based upon a non-self rigidizing 4-hinge arch support structure that collapses or folds upon itself to stow and that expands to deploy. The work surfaces bypass each other above and below each other to allow the deployment mechanism to operate. This assembly includes first and second primary pivot hinges disposed respectively at the opposite ends of the storage compartment, first and second lateral frame members having proximal ends connected respectively to the first and second pivot hinges, a medial frame member offset from and pivotally connected to distal ends of the first and second members through third and fourth medial pivot hinges, left-side, right-side and middle trays connected respectively to the first, second and third frame members and being foldable into and out of the storage compartment by articulation of the first, second, third and fourth joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Marc M. Cohen, Peter Lissol
  • Patent number: 5199360
    Abstract: A table construction which makes possible work in a sitting position as well as in a standing position comprises two table tops (4,7) hingedly connected to each other and together with a link (10) and a part of a base frame (1) forming a parallel arm structure with one of the table tops (7) substantially horizontal irrespective of the angular position of the second table top. Pivotally connected to the link (10) is a catch arm (13) which cooperates with a catch (14) provided at the base frame. A resilient support arm (16) counteracts the folding up of the link when the latter approaches its uppermost position and maintains the catch arm in a safe engagement with the catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventor: Sirkka Koistinen
  • Patent number: 4725106
    Abstract: A reconfigurable workstation (10) is illustrated having video, keyboard, and hand operated motion controller capabilities. The workstation includes main side panels (12, 14) between which a primary work panel (A) is pivotally carried in a manner in which primary work panel (A) may be adjusted and set in a negatively declined or positively inclined position for proper forearm support while operating hand controllers (34, 36). A keyboard table (B) supports a keyboard (32) in such a manner that the keyboard (32) is set in a positively inclined position with respect to the negatively declined work panel (A). Declined forearm support surfaces (26, 28) are provided on either side of an alcove (24) accommodating a seated operator with forearms of the operator supported in a declined position for proper support and operation of the hand controllers (34, 36). A visual display unit (C) is inclined with respect to primary work panel (A) so that the operator seated at alcove (24) is properly positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Nicholas L. Shields, Fred D. Roe, Jr., Mary F. Fagg, David E. Henderson
  • Patent number: 4582003
    Abstract: A unitary multiple-shelved folding display stand intended to be made principally from corrugated board comprising a pair of triple-layer board side wall members hingedly affixed to a double-board rear wall panel and able to fold backwardly flat against the back side of the rear wall panel. The side wall members are joined by a plurality of elastic bands removably affixed near the forward edges of the side wall members by means of formed shelf support members removably secured to the side wall members. A plurality of triple-layer board shelves are hingedly secured to the front of the rear wall panel so that they may fold flush against the rear wall panel for storage or transportation and be unfolded down against the formed shelf support members for horizontal location and load-bearing support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Ultimate Display Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Valero
  • Patent number: 4469029
    Abstract: This work station is comprised of support legs (P) with a stable support base (1a) and uprights (1b) on which pivoting elbows are adapted to form adjacent arms (2a-2b) which are positioned and locked in place in an adjustable angular manner at one end of these arms, the other end bearing supports or work tops (3 and 4) positioned and locked in place in a manner which can be angularly adjusted at will, so that these supports or work tops (3-4) allow effects and uses which are multiple and can be combined together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Inventor: Marcel Ramond
  • Patent number: 4440096
    Abstract: An adjustable, split top table for accommodating word processing equipment and the like comprises a base support, a main frame connected to the base support and two independently movable table tops (front and rear) adjustably secured to the main frame. A first lead screw is mounted between the main frame and the front table top so as to slope forward at an acute angle to the vertical. A second lead screw is mounted between the main frame and a front section of the rear table top and parallel to the first lead screw. A third lead screw is pivotally mounted between the main frame and a middle section of the rear table top. Drive means are coupled to the lead screws to independently raise and lower the first table top, raise and lower the rear table top and tilt the rear table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: Haskell of Pittsburgh, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Rice, Peter T. Young
  • Patent number: 4415090
    Abstract: A corrugated paper merchandising display device for use at the end of a store aisle for displaying large quantities of merchandise. The device comprises three interconnected panels, each of which is in the form of a closed corrugated paper box. The boxes may be opened and overlaid one upon the other for shipment in a flat knock-down condition. When erected, the three boxes form a pair of wing panels and a center panel. Merchandise supporting spring-away shelves are attached to opposite sides of the center panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Assignee: Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
    Inventor: Rafael T. Bustos
  • Patent number: 4270460
    Abstract: The present invention concerns improved drafting tables provided with a drawing board, a shelf and a linkage device which enables the shelf to be maintained in a substantially horizontal position while the drawing board is moved between substantially horizontal and substantially vertical positions. Drafting tables which have been provided with a linkage device and shelf in accordance with this invention provide increased efficiency, comfort and convenience for persons using the tables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Inventor: Richard R. Husson
  • Patent number: 4040692
    Abstract: A multiple purpose unitary work table for student study having inclinable surface portions for efficiently accommodating a plurality of individuals or alternatively providing a relatively large and substantially smooth work surface. Each of the surface portions may provide a horizontal study table or, alternatively, an inclined table surface for drawing or other laboratory purposes according to the desire of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1977
    Inventors: Daniel B. Sass, William A. Earl, Joseph Fasano