Having Vertical Adjustment Patents (Class 248/283.1)
  • Patent number: 11919153
    Abstract: Implementations relate to a counterbalance mechanism including a force transformation mechanism that provides a drive ratio. In some implementations, a counterbalance apparatus includes a spring, a first tension element, a second tension element, a force transformation mechanism coupled to the spring by the first tension element and coupled to the second tension element, and a plurality of counterbalance pulleys coupled to the second tension element. At least one of the counterbalance pulleys is coupled to a load that is moveable with reference to a mechanical ground, and a force provided by the spring is modified in magnitude by the force transformation mechanism and is applied to the load via the second tension element. The force transformation mechanism includes a plurality of elements and the modification of the force is based on a drive ratio of the elements of the force transformation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Hsien-Hsin Liao, Timothy P. Haines
  • Patent number: 11903377
    Abstract: A boom for an agricultural machine includes at least two boom sections and a breakaway system. The first boom section connects to a vehicle and supports fluid delivery components. The second boom section connects to the first boom section in an extended position aligned with the first boom section. The breakaway system is coupled between the first boom section and the second boom section. The breakaway system moves the second boom section with respect to the first boom an initial amount in response to an external force exceeding an initial resistance of the breakaway system, and moves the first boom beyond the initial amount in response to the external force exceeding a second resistance of the breakaway system, wherein the initial resistance is greater than the second resistance. The breakaway system is further configured to return the second boom to the extended position upon removal of the external force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Exel Industries
    Inventor: Greg Long
  • Patent number: 11653765
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a seat caddy. The caddy connects to a support shaft below a seat and has a laterally extending arm. Connected to the laterally extending arm are various trays, connectors, and the like for connecting various utility devices to the laterally extending arm, such as cup holder, phone holder, quick connects for receipt of an umbrella, fishing net, or other extending rods, bucket holder, or other items. In some embodiments, the seat caddy is rotatably connected to the base of the seat, such that the caddy may be rotated about an axis of the support for positioning in different locations relative to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventor: Keith Norman Johnson
  • Patent number: 11142289
    Abstract: An accessories mounting arrangement for a recreational seat includes a planar mounting plate adapted and configured to be mounted superjacent to a pedestal seat plate or pedestal, or otherwise a pedestal assembly, with the plate supporting the attachment and positioning of a seat. The mounting plate is disposed between the pedestal assembly and the underside surface of the seat that is generally attached to the pedestal assembly. The mounting plate has a tubular member upwardly depending and extending the top surface of the plate and adapted to slidably receive an umbrella support post/shaft in a snug-fit manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: C. Scott Anderson
  • Patent number: 10799404
    Abstract: A clamping mechanism is provided far attaching an instrument to a litter pole. The mechanism includes a platform, a base, first and second clamps, a quick-release pin and first and second thumb screws. The platform attaches the instrument and includes an elongated plate terminating in serifs at both ends. The base disposes the platform and includes a floor bounded by corner posts that extend above the floor, a block that extends below the floor, and a flange. The flange extends below the floor opposite the block, and the flange includes a first hinge. The clamp pivots on the base between the black and the flange. The clamp includes a second hinge that engages the first hinge, a curve member that connects to the second hinge for receiving the pole, and a tang that connects to the curve member. The spacer includes a convex surface to engage a joint on the pole and a flat surface opposite the convex surface to engage the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Michael W. Harris
  • Patent number: 10274924
    Abstract: A system and method are presented for docking an actively stabilized platform. The platform includes an active stabilizing mechanism selectively engageable to orient the platform in at least a first axis of rotation. Once the docking procedure is initiated, a docking device engages the platform to prevent rotation in the first axis. When the docking device becomes fixedly engaged with the platform, the active stabilizing mechanism can be disengaged and the platform sustained in a first orientation defined by the first axis of rotation. In addition, the method may sustain the platform aligned in a first spatial position defined by at least two orthogonal axes. Similarly, if the docking device does not provide complete stability for the platform (i.e., engages the platform with a tolerance error), the active stabilizing mechanism can be partially engaged to minimize the tolerance error while minimizing power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Dana Smith
  • Patent number: 10064476
    Abstract: Backpacks and systems which have at least a portion which is accessible from the front of a wearer. In one illustrative embodiment, a backpack system in accordance with the present invention includes a back portion with shoulder straps. A swing-around portion is formed as a storage compartment that is secured to the back portion in a carrying position. An articulated frame is secured to the back portion and the swing-around portion and allows a user wearing the backpack to pivot the swing around portion around the user's side and access the contents therein. A securing latch is used to secure the articulating frame to retain the swing-around portion in the carrying position. The entire storage compartment of the pack may be a swing-around portion, or the pack may include multiple storage compartments that are either fixed to the back portion or function as swing-around portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: XDesign, LLC
    Inventor: Paul R. Vierthaler
  • Patent number: 9555862
    Abstract: A rotatable boat rail and method of making and using same, the rail including a cylinder defining a passageway and a generally L-shaped member having a horizontal section and a vertical section coupled to the cylinder member such that a proximal end of the L-shaped member extends radially outward from a lower end of the cylinder. The horizontal section of the L-shaped member is arranged essentially perpendicular to the cylinder and the vertical section is arranged essentially parallel to the cylinder. In use, a seat on a boat seat stand is removed from the stand and the stand is inserted through the cylinder passageway so that the cylinder is rotatably supported on the stand and the vertical section of the L-shaped section extends upwardly. The seat is then re-attached to the top of the stand. In use, a person requiring support when exiting or entering the boat, can grasp the L-shaped member and apply pressure against the boat rail for steadying the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Johnny Sutherland
  • Patent number: 9414686
    Abstract: A seating assembly comprising a seat structure including a seat member having an undersurface and a seat edge, a mounting bracket mounted to the undersurface of the seat member, a base including a central hub and a plurality of leg members, the mounting bracket mounted to the base and spaced above the central hub, a first vertical axis passing through the central hub, a base tube mounted to and extending upward along the first vertical axis from the central hub, a mounting collar mounted to the base tube for rotation about the first vertical axis, the mounting collar positioned proximate the mounting bracket and located at least in part located between the mounting bracket and the central hub, a support arm having first and second ends, the first end mounted to the mounting collar for rotation therewith about the vertical axis, the support arm extending radially outward from the mounting collar along the undersurface of the seat member and upward to the second end and a tablet member mounted to the second end
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Sean M Corcorran, Keith Robert Machin, Cody Jay Holstege, William Carey, Larry Cheng, Elger Oberwelz, Thomas Overthun, Lukas Martin Scherrer, Joerg Christoph Student, David J Battey, Nickolaus William Charles Deevers
  • Patent number: 9241857
    Abstract: An accessory bar for a treatment bed is disclosed. The bar comprises a bracket releasably mounted, in use, to said treatment bed. An upright extends upwardly from the bracket in use. In one embodiment, an arm extends transversely from the upright. The arm has extending therefrom one or more pairs of posts. The posts extend generally horizontally, towards the area over the bed, in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Larry E. Cox
  • Patent number: 8985537
    Abstract: A support arm includes a bracket supported by a support, a bracket arranged away from the bracket, a parallel link arranged between the bracket and the bracket and coupled pivotally to the bracket and the bracket, and a self-weight compensation device producing a force that cancels a force of gravity acting on the parallel link. The parallel link has an upper shaft and a lower shaft arranged in parallel to each other with spacing, the spacing being changed with a pivoting movement of the parallel link. The upper shaft and the lower shaft are arranged offset with respect to each other in a direction of an axis on which the parallel link is pivoted. With such a structure, a support arm for which a large movable range is achieved is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Ishii, Shinji Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 8967569
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a support structure. A main hinge of the structure is installed with a stop mechanism, so when an object to be supported is placed at a higher location while being in an unfolding state, the object to be supported is restrained from being rotated from a vertical state to a horizontal folding state, thereby preventing falling due to the unstable gravity center; when a connection unit is folded towards a base, an upper end of a first auxiliary connection member links the stop mechanism to rotate for gradually altering the stopping location, so the object to be supported is enabled to be horizontally folded; as such, the object to be supported can be maintained in a stable state during the folding process, thereby preventing the occurrence of falling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu-Tsun Hsu
  • Publication number: 20150047535
    Abstract: A work station comprises a mounting bracket adapted to be mounted to a surface. An upper arm and a lower arm are mounted to the mounting bracket for pivoting motion about a first vertical axis. A track is pivoted to the upper arm and the lower arm about a second vertical axis where the track supports a vertically displaceable carriage. The carriage may support a monitor and work platform where the work platform supports a key board tray. A lift system supports the carriage for vertical movement. Work station mounting systems are also provided for movably supporting a work platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Roddy Burgess, Ian Cunningham, Robert Grant McRorie
  • Patent number: 7875039
    Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for supporting and positioning a tracking assembly for mounting variously configured medical devices for prostate imaging, biopsy, and other therapeutic applications. In one aspect, a support assembly provides multiple degrees of freedom for positioning a tracking assembly and mounted probe relative to a patient on a patient support structure such as an examination table or a gurney bed and/or maintaining a tracking assembly and mounted probe in a desired location throughout the rendering of imaging, biopsy, or other therapeutic procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Eigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Amit Vohra, Jasjit S. Suri
  • Patent number: 7748676
    Abstract: A wall-mount support includes: a wall bracket adapted to be mounted on a wall, defining a vertical track, and having front and rear connecting ends disposed outwardly of the vertical track; a carrier mounted slidably on the vertical track; a supporting unit connected to the carrier and adapted to support an electronic device thereon; and an arcuate cover plate having front and rear ends. The front and rear ends of the arcuate cover plate are respectively connected to the front and rear connecting ends of the wall bracket to define an accommodating space between the cover plate and the wall bracket. The arcuate cover plate is pivoted to one of the front and rear connecting ends of the wall bracket so as to be rotatable relative to the wall bracket about an axis parallel to the vertical track between opened and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Huang
  • Patent number: 7581708
    Abstract: A patient care apparatus is disclosed for use with a patient. The patient care apparatus is configured to support equipment for care of the patient. An illustrative patient care apparatus has a suspension system and a pair of modules that are coupleable together to form a cart and that are separable for attachment to different portions of the suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Newkirk
  • Publication number: 20090184224
    Abstract: An exemplary elevator (50) includes a support mechanism (51), an elevating mechanism (52), and an adjusting mechanism (53). The support mechanism includes a support bracket (511) and a coil spring (514). The elevating mechanism includes a rotatable member (521) rotatable attached to the support bracket, a driven member (524) fixed to the rotatable member, a sliding bracket (526) slidably connected to the support bracket, and a sliding member (527) fixed to the sliding bracket. The sliding member is capable of engaging with the rotatable member for converting rotation to linear motion. The adjusting mechanism includes a diver capable of engaging with the driven member and driving the driven member to rotate. A bottom end of the support bracket is fixed to the adjusting mechanism. An end of the coil spring is fixed on the sliding bracket, and another end of the coil spring is connected to the support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wen-Lin Gan, Er-Zhou Wang
  • Patent number: 7487787
    Abstract: A sunshade includes a supporting rod, a holding sleeve pivotably mounted to an upper end of the supporting rod, an arcuate tube slidably extended through the holding sleeve and including an end for coupling with a canopy support frame, a reel mounted to the other end of the arcuate tube, a mounting member mounted to the supporting rod, a quick release mounted around the other end of the arcuate tube, and a connecting rod including a first end pivotally connected to the mounting member and a second end pivotally connected to the quick release. When the quick release is in a clamping position, the quick release is fixedly clamped on the arcuate tube, and the other end of the arcuate tube is supported by the connecting rod. When the quick release is in a released position, relative sliding movement between the quick release and the arcuate tube is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Pai Tung
  • Patent number: 7487943
    Abstract: A dual arm articulating mounting system including a vertical adjustment feature. The vertical adjustment feature comprises a bracket that is secured to a rotation box and supports a bolt. The bolt goes through a support plate, with the support plate including at least two holes with bushings inserted therein. The bushings act as guides along smaller-diameter inside tubes while positioning the mount in the vertical position. A nut is threaded onto the bolt on the top side of the plate. As the nut is turned, the rotation box and the television or display device is raised or lowered under its own weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Peerless Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John Gillespie
  • Publication number: 20090026335
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheeting goods installation support. The present invention includes a system and techniques using a sheeting goods installation support for both overhead ceiling and vertical wall applications. A solo worker can install sheeting goods using the inventive sheeting goods installation support system. The inventive sheeting goods installation support can be operated by attaching an end articulation bracket to a support member with the end articulation bracket connected to a first elongated beam and placing sheeting goods upon the first elongated beam. Next, a worker can position the sheeting goods proximate to the end articulation bracket and temporarily secure the sheeting goods with a second elongated beam. Next, a worker can adjust the sheeting goods in a final position proximate to the support member, secure the sheeting goods to the support member, and remove the sheeting goods installation support from the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Gene Curtis McKinney
  • Patent number: 7431254
    Abstract: An axle mechanism capable of adjusting an elevation includes a support member, a lower hinge device at the bottom of the support member, an upper hinge device at the top of the support member, and a dual link rod module for connecting the upper and lower hinge devices. If the support member adjusts its elevation and front and rear distance, the turning radius of the dual link rod module is used as a moving range of the support member, such that two sets of pulling plates at the top produce a pushing action and an opposite pulling action to synchronously rotate the shaft rings on both sides of the top and drive the two movable rods to rotate without changing the original angle of the two upper support stands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kang Han Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080237424
    Abstract: A wall affixed vertically articulated flat panel display mount having a first frame assembly secured to a wall and a second frame assembly operatively connected to the back of a flat panel display. Two pairs of horizontally spaced parallel links extend between the first and second frame assemblies and have respective ends pivotally connected thereto. A pair of pneumatic springs and a linear actuator are connected between the first and second frame assemblies. Knob clamps are provided for holding the mount in a desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: David Michael Clary
  • Patent number: 7314200
    Abstract: A support and transport system for a patient care apparatus comprised of a first arm assembly connected to a stationary support and a second arm assembly connected to a patient transfer vehicle. An end cap for supporting a patient care apparatus is selectively attachable to the first arm assembly and to the second arm assembly. Locking means are provided on the end cap for locking the end cap onto one of the first and second arm assemblies. The other of the first and second arm assemblies is detachable from the end cap only when the end cap is locked onto the one of the first and second arm assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Alex Bally, Wendell Wilson, George Gounaris
  • Patent number: 7261180
    Abstract: A rigging system includes a lever arm permitting all speakers supported by the speaker whose rigging is adjusted to be angularly reoriented to focus the system, even out the coverage and fine tune the coverage. Multiple pivot attachment points for the moment arm are provided to enable an enhancement of the angular adjustment provided. A dozen or more angular positions can be provided for the lever arm to facilitate the trial-and-error method of optimizing the sound quality within the house.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: Anthony R Faranda, Richard P Chase
  • Patent number: 7121514
    Abstract: A mount is fixed to the floor of a vehicle, and supports a computer/display unit by means of an indexing cylinder assembly. The computer/display unit can be rotated horizontally in steps about the indexing cylinder assembly so that it can be easily positioned for use by the driver or the passenger in the vehicle. The computer/display unit can be adjusted vertically to suit the needs of the user while not interfering with the user's ability to see the road. The indexing cylinder may be mounted on either side of an upright member so as to provide selection of left or right positioning of the computer equipment. A bearing rod runs up the side of a computer equipment holding frame, and can be used to adjust the pressure point on the dashboard, thereby providing stabilization of the computer equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Datalux Corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Twyford
  • Patent number: 7073765
    Abstract: A patient care apparatus is disclosed for use with a patient. The patient care apparatus is configured to support equipment for care of the patient. An illustrative patient care apparatus has a suspension system and a pair of modules that are coupleable together to form a cart and that are separable for attachment to different portions of the suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Newkirk
  • Patent number: 7048655
    Abstract: A basketball goal system may include a rim assembly that forms part of a breakaway rim that can deflect downwardly when a force larger than a predetermined amount is applied to the rim. The basketball goal system may include a support pole, a support structure including a pair of upper arms and a pair of lower arms, a backboard support frame including a pair of elongated members, and a backboard. The elongated members of the backboard support frame are preferably connected to one of the upper support arms and one of the lower support arms of the support structure, and these upper and lower support arms are preferably connected to the support pole. The basketball goal system may also include a backboard connected to the backboard support frame and a rim assembly including a pair of support arms. The support arms of the rim assembly are preferably connected to the elongated members of the backboard support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Curtis Nye, Carl R. Stanford
  • Patent number: 6932725
    Abstract: A deformable basketball goal support structure configured to selectively engage a rigid upright member and allow for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal support structure has a backboard and an attachment member configured to selectively connect the goal support structure to the upright member. At least one support arm pivotally attaches between the attachment member and the backboard. Preferably, a pair of first support arms and a pair of second support arms pivotally attach between the attachment member and the backboard. The backboard includes a support frame having an internal periphery sufficient for receiving at least a portion of the attachment member and the support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Lifetime Products,
    Inventor: Charles Monsen
  • Publication number: 20040084578
    Abstract: A display apparatus having a display body displaying a picture, a stand supporting the display body, and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly has a tilting hinge provided between the display body and the stand to allow the display body to tilt relative to the stand; a pivoting hinge provided between the display body and the tilting hinge to allow the display body to pivot relative to the stand; and a swiveling hinge provided between the tilting hinge and the stand to allow the display body to swivel relative to the stand. Additionally, the display body can be installed on various kinds of arm stands in accordance with the VESA FDMI standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nam-Il Cho, Sung-Ki Min, Young-Tai Kim, Soon-Haeng Heo
  • Patent number: 6699146
    Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal system allowing for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal system including a rigid support pole having a first end, a second opposing end, and an intermediate body portion disposed between the first and second ends. A first parallelogrammic structure configured to pivotally engage the first end of the rigid support. A basketball goal attached to the first parallelogrammic structure. The first deformable parallelogrammic structure may be deformed into a plurality of configurations resulting in an adjustment to the height of the basketball goal above the playing surface corresponding to each configuration. A second parallelogrammic structure, which may also be deformed into a plurality of configurations, includes a first end pivotally connected to the first parallelogrammic structure and a second opposing end configured to pivotally engage the rigid support pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Winter, Edward G. van Nimwegen, Coplan E. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 6626773
    Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal system wherein a basketball goal is mounted to a moveable sleeve slidable a post. A ring is attached to the sleeve and connected to a cable. The cable runs through a pulley at the top of the post, then back through the ring and down to a winch. The winch functions to draw in cable thereby raising the sleeve and the attached goal, to release cable and thereby lower the goal, and to hold the cable in position and thereby fix the position of the goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis M. Fair
  • Patent number: 6419598
    Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal system allowing for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal system including a rigid support pole having a first end, a second opposing end, and an intermediate body portion disposed between the first and second ends. A first parallelogrammic structure configured to pivotally engage the first end of the rigid support. A basketball goal attached to the first parallelogrammic structure. The first deformable parallelogrammic structure may be deformed into a plurality of configurations resulting in an adjustment to the height of the basketball goal above the playing surface corresponding to each configuration. A second parallelogrammic structure, which may also be deformed into a plurality of configurations, includes a first end pivotally connected to the first parallelogrammic structure and a second opposing end configured to pivotally engage the rigid support pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Winter, Edward G. van Nimwegen, Coplan E. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 6419597
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compression crank adjustment mechanism for a basketball goal assembly that allows for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal into a plurality of configurations above a playing surface. The basketball goal assembly includes a deformable goal support structure having a first end pivotally attached to a rigid support pole. A basketball goal is preferably attached at a second opposing end of the goal support structure. An extension arm may be connected between the goal support structure and a first adjustment member preferably positioned along the back side of the support pole. A second adjustment member may be connected to the support pole and configured for threaded engagement with the first adjustment member. Preferably, the first and second adjustment members are operably disposed in compression relative to each other under the forces acting on the basketball goal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward G. van Nimwegen, David C. Winter
  • Patent number: 6402644
    Abstract: A novel constant force adjustment assembly for a basketball goal assembly is disclosed. The basketball goal assembly includes a deformable goal support structure attached at a first end to a support pole. A basketball goal is preferably attached at a second end of the goal support structure. An extension arm is operably connected between the goal support structure and a handle member operable by a user to adjust the height of the basketball goal. The constant force adjustment assembly includes one or more resilient members attached to the deformable goal support structure to counterbalance the weight of the basketball goal. The resilient members maybe attached to a cam fixture rigidly mounted, pivotally attached, or otherwise connected to the deformable goal support structure. The cam fixture varies the moment arm of the restorative force of each resilient member so that as the restorative force of the resilient member increases, the length of the moment arm of that force decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl R. Stanford, Charles Monsen
  • Patent number: 6378829
    Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated bracket for supporting especially office equipment, such as screens, telephones and the like, in variable positions. The inventive bracket comprises a base part (2) which is secured in a fixed position, a lower bracket part (4) which is connected to said base part via a first joint (8) in such a way that it can pivot, and an upper bracket part (6) which is connected to said lower bracket part (4) via a second joint (10) in such a way that it too can pivot. Said upper bracket part (6) is connected to the base part (2) by means of a pull element (16), said pull element being guided via the joints (8, 10). Elastic means (18) are arranged in such a way that a carrying force (F) is produced to support the bracket parts (4, 6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventors: Fritz Sträter, Uwe Sträter
  • Patent number: 6366452
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flat display with replaceable base stand. The flat display has a flat display panel for displaying an image frame, a support pedestal rotatably installed on the back of the flat display panel, and a base stand comprising an opening which can accommodate the support pedestal. The support pedestal has a protruding portion installed on the back of the flat display panel and a fixture rotatably installed on the protruding portion. The fixture fits inside the opening of the base stand to rotatably install the flat display panel onto the base stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Chien-Jui Wang, Chang-I Tseng, Yung-Chuan Ma, Chia-Chuan Lin
  • Patent number: 6334595
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for supporting a heavier hand-held tool, particularly a spot welding gun, comprising a tool stand provided with a support arm arrangement mounted thereon, and a constant force spring having a first end and a second end, said first end of the constant force spring being attached to said support arm arrangement, and said hand-held tool being hung from said second end of the constant force spring, wherein the constant force of the spring is such that a user of the hand-held tool is relieved from at least a substantial portion of the weight of the tool, and the drawn-out length of the spring is long enough to enable the tool to be hung in a plurality of different operation heights. Preferably, the constant force of the spring is such that the tool is hung in a weight-balanced state. A line element may be connected between the constant force spring and the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Car-O-Liner AB
    Inventors: Sivert Stenkvist, Juhani Marttiin
  • Patent number: 6189842
    Abstract: Tilt and swivel adjustment of a flat panel display including detents for landscape and portrait positions and a kickout feature for preventing contact between the flat panel display and its base. A stand for the display includes a neck member coupled to the base member and a riser member which is slidable with respect to the neck member. The display is mounted to an upper portion of the riser member via a swivel apparatus which allows a user to pivot the display between landscape and portrait orientations. The swivel apparatus includes a cam and corresponding ramp. When the display is pivoted between the portrait and landscape orientations, the cam and ramp cause the display to be tilted with respect to the stand such that a lower portion of the display is tilted away from the base member, thereby preventing contact therebetween. The swivel apparatus includes a bearing member which is mounted between the display and a portion of the swivel apparatus which is pivotable with respect to the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Palo Alto Design Group
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Bergeron Gull, Gregory Allen Springer, Malcolm Sloan Smith