Abstract: A spring loaded drawer, such as an ashtray assembly (100) for use in automobiles or other vehicles includes a stationary frame (102) and a movable drawer (120) slidably mounted therein. A catch mechanism (164, 166, 168) releasably maintains the drawer (120) in a closed position. A damping assembly (180) mounted to the frame (102) includes an outer barrel (182), a rotatable inner barrel (190) interconnected to a gear (194) which engages a rack (160) mounted to the drawer (120), and a fluid-filled annular chamber (206) formed between the barrels (182, 190). When the catch mechanism (164, 166, 168) is released, a torsion spring (200) coupled to the inner barrel (190) is unloaded, causing the inner barrel (190) to rotate and the drawer (120) to move forward to an open position. The fluid within the annular chamber (206) produces a shear damping effect on the drawer movement.

Abstract: A lazy susan (24) including a shaft (30) supported for rotation about a vertical axis within an L-shaped cabinet (10) is provided with a rotary catch mechanism (40) which maintains the shaft at a selected rotary position relative to the cabinet (10). The catch mechanism (40) includes a cam (44) and follower (42) which maintain the shaft (30) in the selected rotary position. The follower (42) is provided with means for adjusting its angular position so as to change the orientation of the follower (42) with respect to the cabinet (10) and thus adjust the position of the shaft (30) and attached door (22a-b) relative to the cabinet (10). The follower (42) is adjusted by an eccentric (70) mounted for rotation with the follower (42) so that upon rotation of the eccentric (70), the follower (42) is likewise rotated to change its position relative to the cabinet (10).

Abstract: A rotary-position catch (30) for a lazy susan (20) includes a prism element (40) with at least one dog (42) which receives at least one recess (50) of an oblong element (48) in an interference-type fit. One of the elements (40, 48) is secured to one end of a shaft (24) of the lazy susan (20) and the other element is secured to a cabinet (10) adjacent the one end of the shaft (24). The interference-type fit provides a catch for holding the shaft (24) of the lazy susan (20) in a selected rotary position.

Abstract: A drawer glide assembly has a positively actuated locking mechanism which prevents accidental disengagement of the drawer (10) from the cabinet rails (12). The locking mechanism includes a lever arm (20) pivotally mounted on a bracket (18) on the drawer rail (11). The lever arm slides along the lower wall (14) of the cabinet rail (12) and is received within a slot (25) in the rail (12). The locking mechanism includes a handle (32) which pivots upwardly to disengage the stop member (30) from the slot (25), allowing easy removal of the drawer (10) from the cabinet (8). Additionally, the rails are provided with an offset guide track in which rollers (21), (22) are guided in order to facilitate movement of the drawer (10). The use of such an offset guide track permits the rails (11), (12) to be mounted to the drawer (10) or cabinet (8) by means of pan-head screws (50).

Abstract: A progressive action, full extension drawer guide which allows drawers to open completely, has first and second rails with recessed nesting portions and ball bearings therebetween for gliding of the second rail with respect to the first rail, and a third rail with roller guide means which fits within the recessed portion of the second rail. A friction roller is mounted for rotation on the second or middle rail and contacts tracks on the first and third rails to move the second rail progressively one-half the distance of movement between the first and third rails. Novel stops are provided to stop the movement of the first rail with respect to the second rail and to stop the movement of the second rail with respect to the third rail when the drawer is fully extended. The drawer guide is very compact so that it can be used on relatively shallow drawers.