Rotatable Patents (Class 248/349.1)
  • Publication number: 20110278417
    Abstract: A system and method for inverting a cubical device 100 that inverts one or more faces of the cubical device 100 in a single fluid motion. In an embodiment, the cube faces are split in two face piece assemblies 210, in an alternative embodiment faces have only one invertible section 802, 702. The face piece assemblies 210 are initially held by cubical device 100 with a particular side facing inward. Operating the cubical device 100 causes one or more face piece assemblies 210, 803 to expand out from the center point of the cubical device 100, to rotate, and then collapse inward until cubical device 100 is reformed with the particular side of the faces in an outward-facing orientation. The joints, links and gears in the mechanism restrict the degrees of freedom to one such that the entire inversion movement is coupled. Multiple applications are proposed for the device, and embodiments having actuators for driving the inversion are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: The Trustees of Dartmouth College
    Inventor: Solomon G. Diamond
  • Patent number: 8047487
    Abstract: A display apparatus including a display main body displaying a picture, and a base supporting the display main body about an installation surface. The display apparatus further includes a tilting unit provided between the display main body and the base and allowing the display main body to be tilted about the base; a pivoting unit provided between the display main body and the tilting unit and allowing the display main body to be pivoted about the base; a lifting unit provided between the tilting unit and the base and allowing the display main body to move up and down about the base; and a swiveling unit coupled to the base and allowing the display main body to be swiveled about the installation surface. With this configuration, the present invention provides a display apparatus of which a display main body not only rotates about a base in various directions, but also moves up and down about the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-sung Hwang, Byung-jo Kang
  • Patent number: 8018714
    Abstract: A portable electronic device and an operation method therefor are provided. The portable electronic device comprises a first body portion, a second body portion, a sliding module and a rotating module. After the second body portion is slid along the surface of the first portion by the sliding module, the rotating module is promptly triggered to automatically rotate the second body portion to a first angle with respect to the first body portion. The second body portion can be further rotated to a second angle when the second body portion bears a thrust force at the first angle. The portable electronic device can operate in corresponding operation modes according to the angles that the second body portion presents with respect to the first body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Hok-Sum H Luke, Ying-Yen Cheng, Ying-Xing Lee, I-Cheng Chuang
  • Patent number: 8014145
    Abstract: A cooling plate for a notebook comprises a base, a deck, a support jig, and a mouse piece, wherein the base is axially connected with the deck and includes an air hole formed thereon, the air hole includes a fin and a fixing panel connected therewith, the base also includes a recessed opening adjacent to the air hole, the deck includes a chamber formed on a middle portion thereof and having a number of positioning tabs attached on two sides of the chamber individually, and includes two covers disposed on two sides thereof respectively, each cover includes a cut mounted on an inner side thereof and a plurality of engaging protrusions adjacent to an inner side of a bottom surface thereof, the support jig is pivotally disposed in the opening of the base, and the support jig includes two retaining foots arranged on two sides of the rear end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Aidma Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Pei Ho
  • Patent number: 8014140
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing and a hinge arm. The housing has peripheral wall having an opening. The hinge arm is made of metal and secured in the housing, extending along the peripheral wall. The hinge arm has a connector holding part that opposes the opening. An external connector is secured to the connector holding part. The external connector is exposed outside the housing through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomoko Kitamura, Toshikazu Shiroishi, Masataka Tokoro
  • Publication number: 20110204203
    Abstract: A steerable vehicle lighting system includes a steerable platform assembly and a control assembly. The steerable platform assembly has a body adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, a platform adapted to receive a payload and adapted to rotate with respect to the body, an actuator at least partially placed in the body, and an actuator rod rotatably mated to the actuator and rotatably mated to the platform. A rotation of the actuator rotates the platform. The control assembly includes a first wheel adapted to be placed on a rotating portion of a steering apparatus, a transducer adapted to be mated to a stationary portion of the steering apparatus, a second wheel mated to a rotatable portion of the transducer and adapted to be rotated by the first wheel, and an elastic member that elastically urges the transducer and the second wheel towards the first wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas C. Miller
  • Patent number: 8002228
    Abstract: A rotary supporting structure without drawing is provided. A base is designed to have a protrusion to cooperate with a locating hole of an electronic device to make the base rotate between the accommodating position coinciding with the bottom surface of the electronic device and the supporting position intersecting with the bottom surface without drawing. The tenons used in the conventional design are replaced, and thus the operation is more convenient. The base is composed of an upper lid and a lower lid, and this may overcome the thickness limitation of the conventional single plastic component and provide stable support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Keng-Ping Wang, Chin-Chang Meng, Chih-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20110200176
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a stationary frame (104) and a pivotable frame (106) that is pivotably attached to the stationary frame (104) and configured to pivot about a transverse axis (108). A rotating frame (110) is rotatably supported by the pivotable portion (106) and configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis (114) around an examination region (112) and a rotating frame balancer (118) selectively introduces a rotating frame mass imbalance. A radiation source (116) is affixed to the rotating frame (110) and emits radiation from a focal spot, wherein the radiation traverses the examination region (112). A detector array (128) detects the radiation that traverses the examination region (112) and generates a signal indicative thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Ronald B. Sharpless
  • Patent number: 8000094
    Abstract: A rotation module includes a base and a rotation member rotatably positioned on the base. The base includes a resisting surface and a connecting surface opposite to the resisting surface. A cylindrical protrusion is formed on the resisting surface. A locking portion is formed at an end of the cylindrical protrusion. The cylindrical protrusion defines an opening through the locking portion. The rotation member includes a bottom surface and a supporting surface opposite to the bottom surface. The rotation member defines a circular through hole. The locking portion is deformable due to the opening so that the cylindrical protrusion is able to pass through the circular through hole. The locking portion releases after the locking portion passes through the circular through hole and resists the rotation member to prevent the rotation member from detaching from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Fan Zhou, Guo-Qi Zhang
  • Patent number: 7992851
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a magnetic indexing device that can be connected to a conveyor, the device firmly holding a golf ball in a particular orientation for the purposes of printing of indicia and logo on the ball when device and ball move along the conveyor. The device includes a stationary base portion and a rotating cup portion which are magnetically coupled to each other. Each portion has recesses for housing magnets to create a magnetic field of attraction which firmly locks the two portions together. When rotation of the cup portion to the base portion is required, the rotation is substantially friction-free because of a thrust bearing ring set in the base portion. The cup portion is caused to rotate 45° or 90° upon being biasly urged by station locks located on the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael F. Vieira, Thomas L. Mydlack, Edmund T. Maher, Thomas E. Moore
  • Patent number: 7984883
    Abstract: An exemplary support structure includes a support body, a connecting body, and a rear board. The connecting body is fixed on the support body. The rear board is rotatable relative to the support body. The rear board defines a through hole therein. The connecting body forms a latch protrusion. When the support body is located at a first position, the latch protrusion is capable of passing the through hole of the rear board. When the support body and the latch protrusion are located at opposite sides of the rear board, and the support body rotates past the first position, the latch protrusion resists the rear board and prevents the support body detaching from the rear board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jian-Jun Li, Te-Sheng Jan, Yu-Tao Chen, Chun-Che Yen
  • Patent number: 7984889
    Abstract: A rotatable display mount for mounting a display device at desired rotational orientation. In one set of embodiments, the rotatable display mount comprises a base plate adapted to operatively connect the display mount to a mounting surface, a sprocket plate operatively connected and rotatable in relation to the base plate, the sprocket plate adapted to be operatively connected to the display device, and a latch member selectively engageable with the sprocket plate. Rotational orientation of the display device is established at defined angular orientations by engagement of the sprocket plate with the latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Peerless Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy Whitley, Dominic Vaglica
  • Patent number: 7980737
    Abstract: An electronic device support includes a V-shaped base, a supporting leg, a cable and a number of lights. The V-shaped base includes a pair of legs extending from an apex of the V-shaped base. The supporting leg is pivotably connected to the V-shaped base adjacent to the apex. The cable is embedded in at least one of the legs and the supporting leg and includes a connector plug electrically connected to the other end. The lights are rotatably mounted on one of the distal end of the legs of the base away from the apex of the V-shaped base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Rui-Bin Hu
  • Patent number: 7975969
    Abstract: An exemplary rotatable positioning structure includes a first element and a second element. The first element includes a positioning track portion and defining a hole therein. The second element includes a pivot shaft engaging in the hole. The pivot shaft includes a through hole defined therethrough, a restriction portion and a positioning portion. The first element is restricted by the restriction portion of the pivot shaft. The positioning portion and the positioning track portion are capable of making the first element and the second element maintain a fixed position after relatively rotation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignees: Hon Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Te-Sheng Jan, Yu-Tao Chen, Chun-Che Yen, Meng-Hua He, Jian-Jun Li, Zheng-Qiang Song, Gang Cheng, Bing-Jing Xu
  • Patent number: 7967383
    Abstract: A furniture member swivel base includes a hollow first ring having L-shaped walls, including an outer wall vertically oriented and a ball contact wall horizontally oriented in an operating position. A hollow second ring includes ball bearing cavities proximate a second ring outer perimeter. The second ring is positioned below the first ring in the operating position. A ball bearing is rotatably received in each of the ball bearing support cavities and extends partially above the second ring to rotatably support the ball contact wall and permit the first ring to rotate with respect to the second ring. The first ring is fixed to the furniture member so the furniture member is supported on the first ring. The furniture member and the first ring are rotatable about an axis oriented transverse to the second ring with the second ring non-rotatably in contact with a floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Larry P. LaPointe
  • Patent number: 7950610
    Abstract: A display base including a torque limiter capable of inhibiting the number of components from increase and the torque limiter are obtained. This display base includes a driving source turning a display screen portion and a transmission gear portion for transmitting driving force of the driving source to a turning portion. The transmission gear portion includes a torque limiter having a driven gear member integrally provided with a plurality of support sections formed concentrically with rotational axis, a drive gear member fitted onto an outer peripheral surface of each of the support sections of the driven gear member, and a spring member pressing the support sections against the drive gear member by being press-fitted into an inner peripheral surface of each of the support sections of the driven gear member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kunio Sawai
  • Patent number: 7940023
    Abstract: A geometric end effector system for use on a robot. The system includes a platform and a frame secured to the platform. At least one base is arranged at a predetermined position on the frame. The system also has an anchor mount secured to the base and a component connected to an end of the anchor mount by a collar assembly. A key is arranged between the component and the anchor mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason M. Kniss, Michael J. Goff, Jerry Berendt, Ron Micallef
  • Patent number: 7922134
    Abstract: Generally large objects including ergonomic gaming stools are provided with a supporting assembly including an easy rolling support base to enable them to be moved easily along a generally unidirectional line of movement. An easy rolling support base for the supporting assembly includes a shaped disc member to the underside of which are affixed a plurality of freely mounted roller members in predetermined angular spaced relationship. The freely mounted roller members are so mounted that the rollers are in alignment with each other and rotate in the same direction. A roller members connecting plate is provided to facilitate mounting the roller members in predetermined angular position before they are mounted into assembled position on the easy rolling support base and to facilitate repair of a roller member that may fail. The roller members are formed of materials to support the load and shaped to oppose other than unidirectional movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Gasser Chair Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Gasser
  • Patent number: 7891629
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a rotatable support for a beach chair that has a low profile, can be lightweight, is durable and may include a bearing that is resistant to sand. The support is easy to use, store and transport. It may be easily attached and removed from a beach chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Labrador Development LLC
    Inventor: Brent Moyers
  • Patent number: 7891634
    Abstract: A trailer rail assembly includes a base plank with a planar top surface raised above a horizontal plane and extending along an entire longitudinal length of the base member. Such a base plank has a U-shaped cross-section. The assembly further includes a cylindrical shaft with an annular cross-section spanning along an entire longitudinal length of the top surface. A support plate is statically and fixedly attached to the shaft and spanning along the entire longitudinal length of the base plank, and a mechanism for simultaneously rotating the shaft and the support plate in sync and about a fulcrum axis extends along an entire longitudinal length of the shaft while the base plank remains statically affixed at a stationary position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Tarling
  • Patent number: 7874537
    Abstract: A swivel device includes a motor as a driving source, gears for transmitting a driving force of the motor, a ring member to which the driving force of the motor is transmitted, and a disk member made of a metal sheet to which the driving force of the motor is transmitted via the ring member. This disk member is integrally provided with eight boss portions that are arranged with equal spaces in the swivel direction. The ring member is integrally provided with a groove portion in a circular pattern into which the boss portions are inserted. In addition, the boss portions of the disk member are inserted in the groove portion of the ring member in a slidable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kameoka, Akihiro Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 7866623
    Abstract: A computer retail display stand includes a base with an adjustable rear locking bracket assembly that can be engaged with an in-store locking bar, adjusted as necessary for the particular configuration of the in-store locking bar. A support platen on which a computer can be disposed for display is rotatingly coupled to the base. Informational material can be supported on a brochure tray that slides into and out of the base at the front of the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Linda Lampman, Anthony Ian Lynas
  • Patent number: 7854422
    Abstract: A swivel device for a display apparatus includes: a swivel mechanism to which a lead wire is connected; a swivel member that is capable of being turned by the swivel mechanism; a swivel mechanism housing portion that houses the swivel mechanism that is disposed so as to overlap the swivel member; a fixing member that fixes the swivel mechanism housing portion; and an attachment member that is attached to the swivel mechanism housing portion, and the swivel mechanism housing portion is provided with a first engaging portion for positioning the attachment member, and the attachment member is provided with a second engaging portion that engages the first engaging portion and has a draw out portion for drawing out the lead wire from the swivel mechanism housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kameoka, Akihiro Fujikawa
  • Publication number: 20100308195
    Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a remotely-controlled instrument driver, including a first member, a second member for supporting the instrument driver, and an interface assembly for allowing the second member to rotate relative to the first member about a first axis, and for allowing the second member to rotate relative to the first member about a second axis that forms an angle relative to the first axis, wherein the interface assembly comprises a ball that is rotatable relative to the first member, and a shaft extending through the ball, the shaft configured for coupling to the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: HANSEN MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Alan Lau Yu, Daniel T. Adams, Frederic H. Moll
  • Publication number: 20100288902
    Abstract: A support for a notebook includes a main plate with a turn table arranged to a backside of the main plate and a supporting plate arranged to a top side thereof. A handle is formed to the main plate. A blowhole is formed to the supporting plate. A linking rod is arranged between the main plate and the supporting plate. Two turning rods are arranged to two ends of the linking rod. A positioning rod perpendicularly extends from each turning rod. Positioning hooks and retaining rings are formed to a backside of the supporting plate. The positioning hooks are supported by the turning rods so that the supporting plate will tilt from the main plate with certain angle. The turning rods can be moved to other positioning hooks so that angle of the supporting plate to the main plate will be changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Jan-Ban Liu
  • Patent number: 7806380
    Abstract: A furniture swivel of the thrust bearing type is taught herein having a top plate and bottom plate made entirely of an internally-lubricated polymer. A central top hole surface projects upwardly and integrally from the top plate, and a central top annular surface projects upwardly and integrally from the same plate wherein two flat, raised annular surfaces are integrally defined on the top inside surface of the top plate made of the polymer. The bottom plate is substantially similar to the top plate made entirely of the polymer and has a raised central bottom hole surface in face-to-face relation with the central top hole surface and a raised bottom annular surface in face-to-face relation with the top annular surface, wherein load support and low-friction rotation is maintained without overlain metal components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventors: Ted W. Faull, James K. Faull
  • Patent number: 7798071
    Abstract: A rotary table system having high axial and radial run-out accuracy, high resolution, and thin and medium- or large-sized system. The rotary table system includes a guide apparatus and a rotary table mounted on the guide apparatus. The guide apparatus includes a ring-shaped integrated rail having no discontinuity in the travel direction thereof, and a plurality of guide blocks assembled to the rail from the direction of their surfaces opposing the rail. The surface of the rail opposite to the surface thereof opposing the guide blocks and the underside of the rotary table are joined together. The rail has an L-shaped cross-sectional configuration formed from a vertical portion and a horizontal portion extending from the upper end of the vertical portion in the radial direction of the rotary table. A tape scale that is detected by a detecting mechanism is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignees: THK Co., Ltd., THK Intechs Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Ishikawa, Shunji Matsutomi, Tsutomu Hasegawa, Mitsuteru Nanba
  • Publication number: 20100224642
    Abstract: A rotatable centerpiece provides a decorative element for displaying and serving food items on a dining table with reconfigurable and interchangeable components. The centerpiece provides connectable containers for food, condiments, nuts and the like, and decorative items such as flowers, arrangements or fish in water. A base assembly includes a turntable and a platter or bowl. The platter or bowl is removably engaged with the turntable. The base assembly supports other upper components, such as a bud stem or vase, a globe, a brandy snifter, a pillow disk and/or a dip bowl, which may be arrayed in numerous interlocking configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: BEE SERVED
    Inventors: Juanita Jean Beeson, Kimberlee Sue Beeson, Roy Paul Prosise
  • Patent number: 7789367
    Abstract: A tilt angle adjusting device has a shaft configured to be fixed to a bottom surface of a housing at least one end, and a moment transmission member connected to the shaft. The moment transmission member allows relative rotation between the shaft and the moment transmission member when a moment equal to or more than a predetermined value is applied about an axis of the shaft from the housing, and restricts the relative rotation when the moment is released. The moment transmission member includes a leg configured to be placed on a surface on which the housing is installed. The leg is provided with part of a bearing to support the shaft. The moment transmission member also includes a plate member to press an outer peripheral surface of the shaft. The plate member forms the rest of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: NEC Viewtechnology, Ltd.
    Inventor: Junsi Lee
  • Patent number: 7784760
    Abstract: A motorcycle turntable includes an elongated ramp assembly pivotally supported for slidable rotation about an approximate mid-point. The elongated ramp assembly includes an outer low friction skid plate attached to its reverse side generally adjacent each of its opposed outer ends. The weight of a conventional motorcycle is sufficient to cause the elongated ramp assembly to flex so that its ends bend downwardly towards the floor. As the elongated ramp assembly with its drooping ends is rotated about its midpoint on a pedestal-bearing assembly, the low friction skid plates skid across the floor. Most of the weight is born by the pedestal-bearing assembly, which includes at least one low friction plate. The thickness of the skid plates and the flexibility of the structure are such as to allow the ends to droop into light contact with the floor. This permits slidable rotation to be accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Jerry Ramsey
  • Patent number: 7766297
    Abstract: A rotatable mechanism includes a U-shaped holding seat having left and right arm, a spring unit having a limiting stem received in a reception space defined between the right arm and a protection sheath extending from the left arm toward the right arm, a control shaft extending from the left arm toward the right arm and a torsion spring sleeved the control shaft to provide a torque, and a U-shaped holding frame fastened securely to the control shaft simultaneous rotation of the holding frame together with the spring unit with respect to the holding seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventor: Ting-Hui Chih
  • Patent number: 7766296
    Abstract: A wall mounting structure includes a display screen, a stand, and a base. The stand has an upper end connected to a rear surface of the display screen via a first hinge so as to enable the display screen to be rotated forward and backward. The base is fixed to a lower end of the stand and includes at least two rotatable mounting members formed on a lower part of the base. The rotatable mounting members enable the base to be detachably mounted on mounting brackets of a wall. The wall mounting structure enables a user to not only use a flat panel display on a table, but also to hang the flat panel display on mounting brackets fixed to a wall in an easy and simple manner without disassembling the display screen and the stand assembly from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Chang Woo Choi, Jin Uk Baek
  • Publication number: 20100187395
    Abstract: To enable a wheel chair bound person to rotate 360 degrees to more easily position themselves to a desired position, either at a work station, entering or exiting a transport vehicle, hunting platform or anywhere a wheel chair bound person has to position themselves in a 360 radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald Jeffrey Callahan
  • Patent number: 7762513
    Abstract: A display screen turning apparatus includes a base portion for placing a display screen portion thereon, a transmission gear portion for transmitting driving force of a driving source arranged inside the base portion, a display screen support member supporting the display screen portion rotatably in a horizontal plane and a vertical plane, a rack plate arranged on the base portion and including a rack gear meshed with the transmission gear portion in a horizontal direction, and a coupling portion rotatably coupling the rack plate in the horizontal plane with respect to the display screen support member. The display screen support member is rotated in the anteroposterior direction with respect to the vertical plane by a prescribed angle through the coupling portion coupled to the rack plate following reciprocation of the rack plate in the horizontal plane with normal and reverse rotation of the driving source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Sawai, Toshiharu Hibi
  • Patent number: 7758005
    Abstract: A rotation apparatus of a flat display including a standard shaft which is implanted and fixed in the base, a clutch plate which is pivotally supported by the standard shaft so as to be able to freely rotate and is driven to rotate by rotation drive means as needed, a standard gear which is attached and fixed to the standard shaft, an idle gear which is attached to the clutch plate to be able to freely rotate and is engaged with the standard gear to roll around the standard gear, and a rotation output gear which is engaged with the idle gear and attached to the clutch plate to be able to freely rotate and orbit the circumference of the standard gear while rotating itself to support the flat display via the supporting shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Simontec Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Uemura
  • Patent number: 7758006
    Abstract: A swivel device for a monitor capable of adjusting the swivel operating force even after assembling. The device includes a base plate, an output gear disposed rotatably on the base plate and rotated and driven by an electric motor, a clutch plate rotated and driven while frictionally contacting with the output gear by way of a slip portion, a monitor mounting plate mounted and fixed on the clutch plate, and a part for adjusting the contact frictional force of the clutch plate on the output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Simotec Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Katsumata, Yasuyuki Uemurai
  • Patent number: 7748680
    Abstract: A stand for a display is provided. The stand can reduce a delivery volume of the display and can provide for adjustment of a rotation angle thereof during use. The stand may include a support connected to a lower portion of the display, a pivot block pivotably coupled to the support, a rear base connected to the pivot block, a swivel that pivotably couples the pivot block and the rear base, and a front base coupled to the rear base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Chi Young Choi
  • Patent number: 7712711
    Abstract: A display apparatus including a display main body to display a picture thereon, a base to support the display main body on an installation surface, and a lifting unit provided between the display main body and the base to move the display main body up and down relative to the base, the lifting unit having a guide frame vertically disposed relative to the base, a lifting member slideably provided in the guide frame and coupled to the display main body, and an oil groove formed in at least one of the guide frame and the lifting member. With this configuration, the present general inventive concept provides a display apparatus in which a display main body can lift up and down relative to a base. The present general inventive concept also provides a display apparatus in which a display main body can rotate in various directions relative to a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Se-ki Jang
  • Publication number: 20100108848
    Abstract: The present invention provides a moving and locating device of a padding plate, which could adjust the poker block to control the moving or locating action of the padding plate through a disk with a poker block, along with the preset slot of the padding plate; it is structurally designed in a manner that, a disk is built-into the lower padding plate, and a movable poker block is placed on the disk; when the upper padding plate is mated with the lower padding plate, the snapping relation between the poker block and bottom locating hole of the upper padding plate could be controlled by adjusting the position of the poker block, such that the upper padding plate can be placed in a rotary or fixed state, and switched quickly where necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Pi-Chao Chang
  • Patent number: 7708239
    Abstract: A turntable includes a rotatable member rotatable together with a display portion about a predetermined axis line, a fixed member disposed on one side of the rotatable member in a direction of the axis line, a first friction plate whose rotation about the axis line is restricted by the rotatable member (and movable relative to the rotatable member in a direction of the axis line), and a second friction plate whose rotation about the axis line is restricted by the fixed member (and movable relative to the fixed member in a direction of the axis line). The first friction plate and the second friction plate are disposed between the fixed member and the rotatable member in a direction of the axis line. At least, a sliding contact portion between the fixed member and the first friction plate, a sliding contact portion between the first friction plate and the second friction plate, and a sliding contact portion between the second friction plate and the rotatable member are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Norihiro Watanabe, Atsushi Michimori, Tetsuji Homma, Masumi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7710062
    Abstract: A driver with a reverse-rotation preventer for an inflatable rotating exhibit is mounted inside an inflatable rotating exhibit having a transparent inflatable body and a rotating body and has a rotating assembly and a reverse-rotation preventer. The rotating assembly connects to and rotates the rotating body and has a synchronous motor that rotates in a direction and has a shaft. The shaft is driven by the synchronous motor and rotates the rotating body. However, the synchronous motor will reverse its rotation when the rotating body encounters even temporary resistance while rotating. The reverse-rotation preventer applies a resistance when the rotating body rotates in the wrong direction to make the synchronous motor reverse rotation. Consequently, the reverse-rotation preventer ensures that the rotating inflatable exhibit rotates in the desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Gemmy Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Sheng-Hung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20100097747
    Abstract: A rotation module includes a base and a rotation member rotatably positioned on the base. The base includes a resisting surface and a connecting surface opposite to the resisting surface. A cylindrical protrusion is formed on the resisting surface. A locking portion is formed at an end of the cylindrical protrusion. The cylindrical protrusion defines an opening through the locking portion. The rotation member includes a bottom surface and a supporting surface opposite to the bottom surface. The rotation member defines a circular through hole. The locking portion is deformable due to the opening so that the cylindrical protrusion is able to pass through the circular through hole. The locking portion releases after the locking portion passes through the circular through hole and resists the rotation member to prevent the rotation member from detaching from the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIN-XIN WANG, FAN ZHOU, GUO-QI ZHANG
  • Patent number: 7686270
    Abstract: Disclosed is a computer support device comprising a base, a rectangular support plate attached to the base in a manner that permits rotation of the support plate around a vertical axis in the center of the base, and a support construct that is moveably attached to the top surface of said support plate, wherein said construct is capable of being vertically elevated relative thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Jon A. Sharver
  • Publication number: 20100071740
    Abstract: The present invention is a beach cabana that provides a central corridor between two lounge portions and a frame rotatable about an axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: James Harrison
  • Patent number: 7677517
    Abstract: A swivel stand of the present invention has a mechanism by which while equipment 1 such as a TV monitor or monitor camera is rotated manually, the rotation of the equipment 1 (TV monitor 1) is controlled such that a disc 4 fixed by a worm gear 8 slides on a pole 2 joined to the equipment, or by which while the equipment 1 is rotated by the motor 9, the rotation of the equipment 1 is controlled such that the disc 4 rotated by the worm gear 8 synchronizes the pole 2 joined to the equipment 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Murakami Corporation
    Inventor: Hisaya Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7673843
    Abstract: A pedestal comprising lower and upper vertical columns having different vertical axes, and a horizontal support which is rotatably connected to the top of the lower column and the bottom of the upper column. The pedestals are particularly useful in the catering and hospitality industries for supporting food and beverage containers, tableware, flower vases and sculptures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Petra Reed
  • Publication number: 20100051774
    Abstract: A platform comprising: a base; a first platform unit rotatably mounted to the base and being rotatable about a first axis relative to the base; a second platform unit rotatably mounted to the first platform unit and be rotatable about a second axis relative to the first platform unit; and a flexible transmitting device connected between the base and the first platform unit and/or the first platform unit and the second platform unit for transmitting power and/or data. The flexible transmitting device is arranged to wind about the first axis when the first platform unit is rotated about the first axis and/or wind about the second axis when the second platform unit is rotated about the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Bin SHI, Xing Quan LI, Hong LI, Yong Gang ZHANG
  • Patent number: 7658358
    Abstract: A rotatable base apparatus for use with a hose reel enclosure. The base comprises an upper and a lower portion. A bearing is located in between the upper and lower portions and allows the portions to rotate with respect to each other. The bearing can comprise balls mounted in sockets in the lower base portion which ride in a track in the upper base portion. Clips are provided on the upper base portion to secure the hose reel enclosure thereto. This arrangement allows the user to remove the hose from the reel in any direction without the danger of the hose reel enclosure tipping over. The hose reel enclosure will rotate to the direction in which the hose is being removed. It also allows the hose reel enclosure to rotate to the direction that the hose is being wound onto the reel. This prevents the hose from being unevenly wound onto the reel, i.e. piling up on one side of the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Lyle A. Rosine, Torrence Anderson
  • Patent number: 7644903
    Abstract: A rotating pedestal with an integrated locking mechanism configured to lock the pedestal in a desired angular position. The pedestal incorporates a soft heat-resistant top rotatably connected to a fixed base. The integrated locking mechanism is a sliding latch mounted in the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Metra Electronics
    Inventors: Alexander Amato, Anthony Amato
  • Publication number: 20100001162
    Abstract: A rotation mechanism for mounting and rotatably supporting a laser emitter thereon includes a casing including a bottom wall and a side wall connected to the bottom wall, said casing defining therein a receiving space. A plurality of rotation rings are arranged as being layered with each other in the receiving space of the casing. The rotation rings include an uppermost rotation ring in the form of a manual coarse rotation ring that is directly connected to the laser emitter so as to support the laser emitter, for manually rotating the laser emitter to achieve a coarse angular positioning thereof, an automatic coarse rotation ring for rotating the laser emitter at a relatively high speed together with the rotation ring thereon, a manual fine rotation ring for slightly rotating the laser emitter manually together with the rotation ring thereon, and an automatic fine rotation ring for rotating the laser emitter at a relatively low speed, together with the rotation ring thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Kazuo Sato, Wataru Iwasaki, Koichiro Mano