Abstract: A socket mounted post system including a post with a hollow base portion attached to a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism includes a pillar, the pillar having a finger extending from the hollow base portion. The finger is engageable with a socket that is mountable in a floor. The spring mechanism allows the post to flex angularly relative to a vertical orientation of the post.

Abstract: A socket mounted post system including a post with a hollow base portion attached to a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism includes a pillar, the pillar having a finger extending from the hollow base portion. The finger is engageable with a socket that is mountable in a floor. The spring mechanism allows the post to flex angularly relative to a vertical orientation of the post.

Abstract: A seating unit for use in a space including a supporting floor surface, the seating unit comprising a seat structure comprising a mounting bracket having a female connector, a tablet assembly comprising a support arm having a mounting collar on an end and a base having a lower end to be supported by the floor surface and including a base mounting assembly and wherein the base mounting assembly comprises a cup attached to the base, a base tube having a first end inserted into the cup and a second end extending through the mounting collar and mateably engaging the female connector.

Abstract: A socket mounted post system including a post with a hollow base portion attached to a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism includes a pillar, the pillar having a finger extending from the hollow base portion. The finger is engageable with a socket that is mountable in a floor. The spring mechanism allows the post to flex angularly relative to a vertical orientation of the post.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hub construction for a rotatable chair, which automatically returns to the initial position when the chair is relieved. In a prior art hub the return force was counteracted mainly by the friction in the hub bearing, which, regardless thereof that the hub was loaded, was not always sufficient for the hub to maintain its rotational position, for example, when the sitting person lifted his feet off the floor. For obtaining higher friction when the hub is loaded, it has been provided with a brake. The brake can preferably be a pair of spring discs which are compressed when the hub is loaded, whereby the brake disc makes contact with the brake surface.

Abstract: A socket mounted post system including a post with a hollow base portion attached to a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism includes a pillar, the pillar having a finger extending from the hollow base portion. The finger is engageable with a socket that is mountable in a floor. The spring mechanism allows the post to flex angularly relative to a vertical orientation of the post.

Abstract: A piece of seating furniture having a base and a seat unit, wherein the base and the seat unit have provided between them a pivot bearing including a base-side bearing device and a seat-unit-side bearing device, via which the seat unit is rotatable about a vertical axis in relation to the base, and the pivot bearing has a switchable blocking device, via which the rotary movement capability of the bearing devices in relation to one another can be blocked.

Abstract: An unstable user support device designed for mounting on an exercise machine has a base or mounting bracket and an unstable user support platform configured for engagement by user and pivotally mounted on the base for pivotal movement through a limited angular range about a non-vertical pivot axis. The pivoting movement may be a side to side tilting movement. Stops between the base and the unstable user support platform control the amount of pivoting movement. This arrangement provides a degree of instability to the unstable user support platform, to provide a greater challenge to the user's core muscles in balancing the unstable user support platform while performing an exercise motion.

Abstract: Provided is a support apparatus including a support tube, a support column inserted in the support tube, and a rotational position return mechanism provided between the support tube and the support column to return the support column rotated relative to the support tube to a reference position in response to a reduction in rotational torque applied to one end of the support column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chair swivel mechanisms with an automatic return-to-center function when the occupant exits the chair or changes the loading on the chair. The chair swivel of the present invention improves upon existing chair swivels through use of dual thrust bearings to manage repeated and uneven loading of the swivel mechanism in high use environments.

Abstract: A bi-plate ball bearing is configured for horizontally mounting between a base and a chair. The ball bearing has an upper plate and a lower plate defining a ball bearing race and a tension member holding the plates together disposed through a central rotational axis of the bi-plate ball bearing. The tension member may be configured as a threaded metal tube fixed to a first one of the upper plate and the lower plate and held to a second one of the upper plate and the lower plate by a nut. The threaded metal tube defines a passage through the central rotational axis of the bi-plate ball bearing through which power and control wiring may pass. The bearing may provide a cost-effective swivel bearing for chair that includes powered electronics, for which it is desired to pass wiring from the swiveling chair into a chair base.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anchoring foot for chairs positioned at desks, comprising a column (1) having a lower anchor (2) for securing same to the ground and an upper supporting element (3), rotatably coupled thereto, for securing the body of the chair (13). The supporting element (3) includes a carriage (7) which can move longitudinally along a guide (8) forwards and backwards in relation to the desk (17) and which can rotate in relation to the column (1). In addition, the supporting element (3) can include a lower cam (25) positioned facing another complementary upper cam (22) that is inserted therein by means of helical tracks (24). The lower cam (25) is pushed upwards by the return force of a spring (27), thereby rotating the upper cam (22) and rotating the seat to the initial position thereof.

Abstract: A mailbox mount including a platform, a first angled element and a second angled element. A mailbox is attachable to the platform, which has a surface. The first angled element has an end connected substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the platform. The first angled element has an other end with an angled surface. The second angled element has an angled surface in contact with the angled surface of the first angled element. The first angled element being rotatable relative to the second angled element.

Abstract: A self-righting post assembly includes an elastomeric hinge tube and an elastomeric inner member is disposed in the hinge tube. In one embodiment, an extension post is disposed over the hinge tube. A sign panel can be secured to the extension post. In one embodiment, the inner member is free of any engagement with the hinge tube. In one embodiment, the hinge tube is secured to a base, preferably with a vertically oriented fastener. A method of assembling the post assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A commercial vehicle seating and operating unit fastened to a support (1) comprises a rotatably supported base plate (2), by means of which the seating and operating unit is supported rotatably about a vertical axis of rotation. The bearing arrangement comprises two cylindrical sleeves, which are disposed one coaxially in the other, a first inner sleeve (19) that is rigidly connected to the commercial vehicle and a second outer sleeve (21) that is rigidly connected to the seating and operating unit, the inner sleeve (19) forming a passage for the penetration of cables, pipes or hosepipes that connect the seating and operating unit to a unit of the vehicle. The bearing arrangement has a limiting device, which limits the rotation of the seating and operating unit about the vertical axis to a preset maximum angle.

Abstract: A mailbox arrangement is provided for mounting a mailbox to a mounting post, featuring a mailbox for receiving mail; a mounting base coupled to the mailbox; a mounting bracket for suitably coupling the mailbox arrangement to a mounting post; and a spring assembly for flexibly and rotationally coupling the mounting base to the mounting bracket in a predetermined relationship, the spring assembly being responsive to a force, for pivoting the mounting base in relation to the mounting bracket in one direction so as to resist and absorb a torque being applied as a result of the force, and for pivoting the mounting base in relation to the mounting bracket in the opposite direction as a result of the torque being stored in the spring assembly so as to return the mounting base and the mounting bracket back to the predetermined relationship when the force is no longer applied, so that when the mailbox is mounted on the mounting post, the mailbox is oriented in a desired position for receiving mail, and so that when th

Abstract: A display assembly for a retail product has a base and a platform adjustably mounted on an upper end of the base. The platform includes a lower housing which is pivotally supported in a cradle attached to the upper end of the base. The platform is pivotally mounted on the cradle by a pair of pivot pins, at least one of which is threaded to secure the platform in an adjusted titled position on the cradle. A plurality of notches are formed on the platform housing and selectively engage a detent formed on the cradle to retain the platform in an adjusted position. A sensor may be removably mounted on the platform and connected to the product and to the base by an expandable cord to actuate an alarm if the product is removed in an unauthorized manner from the sensor or base.

Abstract: A display assembly for a retail product has a base and a platform adjustably mounted on an upper end of the base. The platform includes a lower housing which is pivotally supported in a cradle attached to the upper end of the base. The platform is pivotally mounted on the cradle by a pair of pivot pins, at least one of which is threaded to secure the platform in an adjusted titled position on the cradle. A plurality of notches are formed on the platform housing and selectively engage a detent formed on the cradle to retain the platform in an adjusted position. A sensor may be removably mounted on the platform and connected to the product and to the base by an expandable cord to actuate an alarm if the product is removed in an unauthorized manner from the sensor or base.

Abstract: A mailbox mount which includes a heavy-duty spring connecting the mailbox to post via a mounting element. The spring allows the mailbox to return to its initial position after being contacted by another item, such as a snowplow or the like to prevent permanent damage to the mailbox. The mailbox mount also includes a mailbox mounting plate with a protective lip or shield on at least the delivery side of the mailbox.

Abstract: A combined supporting base includes a base body, a fixing device, an elasticity device and a supporting frame having a hook. The base body has a first through hole, while the fixing device has a second through hole. The fixing device is rotatably disposed within the base body. The elasticity device is disposed between the base body and the fixing device. The supporting frame is coupled with the fixing device by inserting the hook into the first through hole to drive the fixing device or separated from the fixing device by rotating the fixing device to withdraw the hook from the first through hole.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus, including: a generally horizontal support tray to support a mailbox; a post interface bracket for attachment to a mailbox support post; a spring attached to said generally horizontal support tray and said post interface bracket and disposed so as to return said generally horizontal support tray to its normal position after said generally horizontal support tray is rotated out of position; and a connection pivot bolt connecting said spring and said post interface bracket, said connection bolt being sole method of fixed attachment of said generally horizontal support tray and said post interface bracket.

Abstract: A damage resistant mailbox assembly to prevent damage to mailboxes and vehicles, persons or equipment which contact same. The mailbox is supported from an upright support post or structure by one or more expandable and bendable spring units. One end of each spring unit is attached to a plate which is in turn attached to the support post or structure. The other end of each spring unit is attached to the closed end of a standard mailbox enclosure. The device provides for movement of the mailbox when struck by external force, within a 360° radius about an axis substantially parallel to each support spring, with each spring biasing a return to the mailbox structure's original position.

Abstract: An improved mail receptacle that expands to accommodate a large volume of mail, which volume could include a parcel. To attain this, the mail receptacle has an expandable pouch. In an embodiment, the pouch is configured to be stored in a pouch box, which box is affixed to or integral with the mail compartment. In an embodiment, the mail receptacle has a flexible post. In an embodiment, the mail receptacle has a mounting plate incorporated into the mail compartment; such mounting plate couples the mail receptacle to the post such that the mail compartment can rotate about the post.

Abstract: A swinging mailbox support including a vertical member having a horizontal arm disposed thereon wherein a mailbox is affixed to an end portion of the horizontal arm and furthermore the assembly comprises two portions pivotably interconnected and tending to maintain a neutral initial state by the action of gravity. In operation the arm supporting the mailbox is free to rotate about an inclined axis in the event of a collision with a vehicle or other object Because of the inclined axis, rotation causes the mailbox to rise to a higher level above the ground. Once free of the impacting object, gravity restores the mailbox to a service position.

Abstract: A sign-mounting system for mounting a sign to a structure, includes a frame portion mountable to the sign and a mounting portion mountable to the structure. The system can be symmetrical with each side having coupling elements of the frame and mounting portions which include generally circular rims which fit generally concentrically one within the other. Each rim has locking parts of different radius than adjacent portions of that rim, and the locking parts of respective rims engage to resist rotation. The locking parts can be configured so that resistance to rotation occurs at a plurality of orientations. The respective locking parts can be of different arc lengths to provide a limited range of rotation before the locking parts resist rotation, and a spring can bias rotation in one direction. At least one of the coupling elements can be reversible with two opposite-facing rims.

Abstract: A flexible support is constructed by mechanically laminating a plurality of relatively wide, thin, elongate flexible members together. The members are preferably formed of spring steel, and each individually is quite flexible due to the thin configuration. Preferably, each of the members is curved about its longitudinal axis to provide additional rigidity. The members are used to support traffic delineators, road signs, and/or other objects as desired, with the strength and resiliency required being adjusted by adjusting the number of individual members comprising each laminated support. The flexibility may be further adjusted by placement of one or more tension adjusters at one or more points along the length of the laminated support, with the attachments for the tension adjusters also being used to secure the laminations together. The fasteners used may be installed through holes formed through the support, or may pass laterally about the sides or edges of the support.

Abstract: A base assembly of indifferent equilibrium. The base assembly includes a stationary member, a rotatable member and a constant-force spring. The rotatable member is rotatably mounted on the stationary member. The constant-force spring member has an end portion connected to the rotatable member and a coiled portion connected to the stationary member, wherein a restoring force of the constant-force spring member is equal to a frictional force between the stationary member and the rotatable member.

Abstract: An auto-returning height control assembly comprising a spindle which is inserted in an outer cylinder and one end is fixed to an end of the outer cylinder, and a first and second cam member which are inserted between the outer cylinder and a sleeve member so that the spindle can rotates about its longitudinal axis and returns; its original place at the same time. At least one projection is formed on the sleeve member and the first cam member is fixed at the inside cylindrical surface of the outer cylinder. A projection is formed on the second cam member and the projection is inserted into the groove of a sleeve member and allows the up and down movement against the sleeve member. A spring is installed at the lower part of the second cam member to push the second cam member towards the first cam member.

Abstract: A Bicycle Seat Support (14) includes a rotationally-biased centering mechanism (20) for coupling a seat mount (16) to a frame mount (18). The rotationally-biased centering mechanism has a biasing mechanism for causing the seat mount and an attached bicycle seat to rotate toward a normal angular position about a seat axis (36) while allowing the bicycle seat to be forced away from this normal angular position by pressure applied by a rider when pedaling the bicycle. The rotationally-biased centering mechanism includes bearing surfaces (48,50) having an interface which allows the seat mount and the frame mount to rotate while not allowing substantial axial movement. Stops are included for preventing excessive angular seat movement.

Abstract: Suspended seating apparatus comprising a chair supporting structure with an extensible cantilever arm and adjustable base structure for balancing the cantilever effect and also for accommodating one or a pair of suspended seating arrangements.

Abstract: A swinging mailbox support including a vertical post having a horizontal arm and brace disposed thereon wherein a mailbox is affixed to an end portion of the horizontal arm and furthermore the vertical post comprises two portions pivotably interconnected and tending to maintain a neutral initial state by the action of two opposing springs anchored to the ground on either die of the post. A pair of shields are provided to protect the mailbox from direct impact and additionally provide a surface for application of street numbers or other information. In operation the post supporting the mailbox is free to rotate about a central axis in the event of a collision with a vehicle or other object wherein springs restore the mailbox to an initial disposition thereafter.

Abstract: There is disclosed a rotatable post-arm assembly in combination with a rotatable protective cladding-rural mailbox assembly, wherein the post-arm assembly is movable axially and the arm serves as a mounting device and axle for the protective cladding-rural mailbox assembly, the latter of which is movable radially, upon the application of an outside force, and the combination is self-righting to its original position upon the removal of such outside force, whereby the combination protects the mailbox from damage by vandals, weather, snowplows, errant drivers and the like, and provides a measure of safety for the user upon retrieval of mail therefrom.

Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism for a swivel chair prevents a tightening phenomenon and involuntary adjustment of the position. The mechanism includes a supporting pillar pipe and a cylinder pipe coupled so that they can freely extend and contract relative to each other. A clutch unit is provided for connecting and disconnecting a height adjusting power transmission. The clutch unit includes a nut clutch and a clutch plate coupled or released to one another and a chamber of predetermined width is defined within the nut clutch. In the chamber, a rubber O-ring is provided for holding the nut clutch.

Abstract: A flexible sign post for use along roadsides which allows a sign to be deflected when hit by a passing object. The sign post consists of a number of mounting brackets which are spaced apart and secured to a substantially rigid vertical sign post. Each mounting bracket has a mandrel over which an elastomeric sleeve is fitted.A number of substantially rigid braces are connected to the mounting brackets by the elastomeric sleeves. The sign can then be attached to the ends of the braces in a vertical position.

Abstract: The invention is related to a hub construction for a rotatable chair, which automatically returns to the initial position when the chair is relieved. The hub construction comprises a vertical shaft (1) fastened to the lower side of the seat of the chair and a hub (2) on the leg portion of the chair, to which hub (2) the lower portion of the shaft (1) is rotatably fastened. The return movement is achieved by means of a cam surface (5) acting in the axial direction and located on the end of a spring loaded sleeve (6) enclosing the shaft (1), which cam surface (5) is arranged to cooperate with a radially directed guide pin (4). The invention is characterized in that the guide pin (4) is fastened to the lower portion of the shaft (3) and that the spring loaded sleeve (6) is mounted torsionally rigidly on the hub (2).

Abstract: The biasing mechanism of a refrigerator includes a spring connected to provide biasing force in the desired directions at the appropriate degrees of door opening and an arm and roller arrangement which compliments the action of the spring. Within about 30 degrees or so of its closed position the door is biased toward its closed position. From about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees of door opening the biasing mechanism slightly biases the door toward its open position. At about 90 degrees the door is stable and beyond about 90 degrees the mechanism provides an addition stable position.

Abstract: A rotatable support assembly which may be easily attached directly to an existing regulation-type mailbox and to an existing ground post for the mailbox. The mailbox is attached to the top surface of an inner sleeve which is telescopically inserted in an outer sleeve. Inwardly projecting from the outer sleeve is a fixed cam follower on which travels an upwardly curved camming slot formed in the wall of the inner sleeve and spanning a horizontal angle of 180.degree.. Thus, the follower and slot are both concealed from view and also are protected from damage by external forces. In the normal mail-receiving position of the mailbox, the upper end of the camming slot rests on the cam follower, and the mailbox points toward the road to facilitate the delivery of mail. A simple spring-loaded lock may be provided to maintain the mailbox in this normal position.

Abstract: The mailbox support-mounting disclosed has a pivoting arm. If the mounting receives a blow, e.g. from a snow-plow blade or from a vandal, the arm swings aside. After swinging aside, the arm resets itself to a central equilibrium position. The restoring force to reset the arm is provided by gravity, in that the pivot axis is set at an angle, and slopes forwards towards the road. The pivot bearing is sturdy and well-located, yet the bearing is inexpensive and not prone to seizure.

Abstract: Rotating displays include rotation mechanisms which allow the displays to be easily rotated by consumers, yet automatically returned to one or more desired positions when released by the consumer. Holders for the display are affixed to turntables rotatably mounted upon a base wherein the turntables are attached to a biasing means capable of exerting a sufficient torque upon said turntable, relative to said base to cause an angular acceleration of said turntable toward a predetermined desired orientation. In preferred embodiments, the amplitude of the torque may be adjusted, depending upon the moment of inertia of the display, to cause a predetermined angular acceleration. The number and placement of equilibrium orientations may be selected based upon the desired geometric configuration of the display with which the rotation mechanism is to be used.

Abstract: A sign holder includes a frame secured to a clevis journaled on a bracket for attachment to a price channel at the edge of a display shelf for projecting the frame, and a sign carried in the frame, laterally from the shelf edge into a display position of the sign, the clevis including an integral camming surface and a resiliently flexible arm for allowing swinging of the frame relative to the bracket out of the display position of the sign in response to collisions with the sign when the frame is in the display position of the sign, the establishing a biasing force tending to return the frame to and maintain the frame in the display position of the sign.

Abstract: A self-righting roadway marker support for a flexible boundary or roadway marker has a hollow anchor sleeve sunk into a supporting surface, a mounting collar secured to said anchor sleeve, a pivot strut extending through and upward from the collar, a compressible coil spring to resiliently urge the strut into contact with the collar, and a spring stop which selectively limits the extent to which the coil spring may be compressed. An oblong, radiused or chamfered aperture formed in the collar cooperates with a spring-mounting eyebolt to prevent the strut from rotating when deflected. A tool is also disclosed for installing the marker support. The force required to deflect the support assembly is set to be less than the force that would destroy or permanently set or deform the boundary marker.

Abstract: A slip connector is provided for swivel chairs, and other similar seating, of the type having a base, a seat rotatably supported thereon, and a weight actuated height adjustor, which engages when the seat is unoccupied to facilitate adjusting the seat height, and disengages when the seat is occupied to permit the seat to swivel on the base without affecting the seat height. The slip connector includes two coupling members, which rotate about a common axis when the seat swivels about the base. A stop mechanism positively interconnects the coupling members causing them to rotate together when they assume a first, angular relationship.

Abstract: A rotatable mailbox pedestal is disclosed having a locking mechanism configured such that after being unlocked to permit rotation, it can be relocked in a forward orientation automatically, i.e. without further manipulation of the lock. The locking mechanism comprises a bail member pivotally mounted to the rotatable portion of the pedestal and having a notch positioned such that when rotation of the pedestal brings the notch in alignment with the bolt of the lock, the bail member pivots downward under the force of gravity to engage the notch with the lock bolt. Means are provided for conveniently and securely mounting a lock of the type commonly used in postal applications so that a postal worker may unlock the pedestal for rotation, withdraw the key for use on a mailbox mounted on the pedestal, and relock the pedestal in a forward position without further use of the key.

Abstract: An adjustable support column for chairs, stools, tables or other furniture items in which a support tube telescopically receives a mounting cylinder. The mounting cylinder is seated on a diamond threaded support rod in the support tube by means of one or more drive nuts and a locking nut. A clutch selectively releases the locking nut to permit longitudinal adjustment of the mounting cylinder relative to the support tube. The diamond threaded support rod is connected to a power spring which stores energy as the support rod is rotated in one direction to cause a return of the support rod to its initial position when the locking nut is released.

Abstract: A rotatable seat for a multi-passenger automotive vehicle employs a latch mechanism releasable only by manual operation of an actuating lever. The latch mechanism includes latch-and-hook assemblies at both the front and rear of the seat to prevent inadvertent rotation of the seat. In addition, the seat rotation is governed by a cam having deep recesses at the two normal sitting positions. The cam is designed with sloping faces so that the weight of the seat drives rotation towards the normal positions. An additional safety mechanism prevents rotation of the seat unless the seat back is in a position preventing passengers from sitting thereon.

Abstract: A stable support comprising a free-standing base, a column extending upwardly from the base and located eccentrically with respect to the vertical axis of the base, a stem extending upwardly and laterally from the upper end of the column and across the central vertical axis of the base and carrying a lamp at the opposite side of the axis from the eccentric column. The column may be rotatable on the base. Means are provided for limiting that rotation and for adjusting the height of the lamp above the base.

Abstract: A support unit comprises a ground base unit made of a sturdy pipe having annular washers. The holes in the washers are aligned and adapted to receive a support pipe which extends above the ground base unit for supporting an object such as a mailbox. The object is rotatably attached to the support pipe with elastic elements which return the object to a predetermined orientation after displacement. Also, if the support pipe is damaged, it is easily replaced.

Abstract: A mailbox standard for maintaining roadside mail receptacles. Fundamentally, the invention includes a vertical post inserted into the ground and having extending therefrom, and perpendicular thereto, a horizontal member upon which the mailbox may be maintained. The horizontal member is rotational with respect to the vertical member and is biased by either gravity or mechanical biasing devices to maintain a predetermined normal position.