Rotatable About Vertical Axis Patents (Class 108/103)
  • Patent number: 5080322
    Abstract: A turntable element (10) is disclosed which comprises a substantially flat bearing holder (16) and a plurality of bearing members (22) which are rotatably engaged in respective apertures (24) extending inwardly towards the center of rotation of the turntable element (10) from the outer edge of the bearing holder (16). The bearing members (22) are rotatably engaged in their apertures (24) by cooperating retaining portions (28,30,34) on the bearing holder (16) and bearing members (22). A method of making such a turntable element (10) with the bearing holder (16) and bearing members (22) formed as an integral body is also disclosed. In the method the bearing members (22) are linked to the bearing holder (16) by frangible portions (36) which are broken by forcibly displacing the bearing members (22) to bring them into their rotatable engagement with the bearing holder (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Titus Tool Company Limited
    Inventor: David N. Harley
  • Patent number: 5024175
    Abstract: The present invention is a multi-machine carousel assembly which supports at least two machines for use at a work station. The invention comprises a base, pivot device, bearing assemblies, and a platform. The base supports the platform by the bearing assemblies and the platform rotates about an axis in common with the base by the pivot device. The platform is rotatable to selectively position any of the machines at a work station. The assembly has a securing device to lock the platform in a desired relation with the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: William E. Epstein
  • Patent number: 4995681
    Abstract: A two-piece, foldable ironing board is pivotally mounted at one end thereof for folding movement into and out of a cabinet, which is disposed to be mounted in a rectangular recess in the wall of a kitchen, or the like. The board is formed in two, separate sections which are hingedly connected together by a pair of double-acting hinges, which permit the two sections of the board to be folded between an operative position in which they lie in a substantially common, horizontal plane, or an inoperative position in which one section is folded back over the other. One section of the board is mounted for rotational movement about the axis of a lazy susan-type support, which is carried on the outer end of an ironing board support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Fasco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Clyde B. Parnell
  • Patent number: 4976450
    Abstract: A mechanic's mobile tool chest comprising: a plurality of cantilevered horizontal pivotal tool trays mounted on a chest containing a plurality of drawers enclosed within inwardly recessed top, rear, and side panels. The top panel having a top opening, with the rear and side panels having an outside and top opening. The tool trays are pivotally mounted on posts which are vertically extendible from corners of the chest for positioning the tool trays in an elevated position over vehicle fenders or similar structures. A plurality of cantilevered, horizontal pivotal arms are also mounted on the posts for mounting articulating lamps to illuminate a working area. The chest is mounted on a base with a plurality of wheels and a counterweight attached to prevent over-turn during normal operating conditions with the pivotal tool trays extended. The tool chest may also comprise a door which opens to approximately 260 degrees from either side with inside recessed stowage trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Laurence M. Ellefson
  • Patent number: 4938364
    Abstract: Variable display presentation of carpet samples with variable juxtaposition is accomplished by a presentation display storage system which is economical, light in weight, easily assembled without tools, easily movable and subject to easy rearrangement of the samples. The system is made up of a wheeled starbase which supports a vertical spindle upon which presentation platforms are mounted. A slide-and-spin-resistant support slider is positioned at a baseline position axially on the spindle. A bottom presentation platform, made up of a relatively fragile lightweight presentation platform shelf and a hold-down slider, cantilever the presentation platform by compressing the shelf between itself and the support slider. The top surface of the hold-down slider forms a support surface for the presentation platform shelf of the overlying presentation platform, in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventors: Hildegarde A. Stadelman, Fred E. Stadelman
  • Patent number: 4934891
    Abstract: It is necesary to supply electronic components to a precise location in a transfer station 26, the components being supplied in a plurality of magazines 22 e.g. for a component placement machine. Desirably the magazines may be readily exchanged without significant time being taken in setting up the magazine position accurately. Suitably the magazines are mounted on a turntable 24 each magazine having a location mark 362 positioned accurately relative to a transfer position 286. Drive structure 264 moves the turntable 24 to present the transfer position 286 of the magazine 22 at the transfer station 26 and sensing structure 358 senses the mark 362 when the supply structure 18 is in a characterizing mode. Information supplied by the sensing structure 358 determines when the transfer position 286 is at a precise location of the transfer station 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Emhart Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor T. Hawkswell
  • Patent number: 4905610
    Abstract: A rotatable drafting table includes a flat base board; a top drafting board position on top of the flat base board, the drafting board having a substantially rectangular configuration with slightly rounded corners; a swivel arrangement secured to the base board and drafting board for rotatably securing the drafting board on the base board; the base board having slide extensions at two front corners thereof; four pins provided at the free ends of the slide extensions and the opposite two corners of the base boards; a wire secured around the four pins; a parallel slide slideably mounted on the wire and positioned above the drafting board; and a braking assembly including at least one rubber brake pad secured at an underside of the drafting board for movement into braking contact with the upper surface of the base board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventor: Daniel Kelley
  • Patent number: 4763582
    Abstract: An assembly of furniture comprising an upstanding base including at least one and preferably a plurality of stanchions to which at least one or a plurality of support platforms are pivotally attached wherein the support platforms are structured to have fixedly secured thereto horizontally oriented panel members themselves structured to be supporting surfaces for serving, eating, display, etc. The support platforms and panel members mounted thereon are selectively movable about the longitudinal axis of the respective stanchion to which they are attached. The support platforms, panel members thereon, and stanchions are cooperatively positioned such that support surfaces are provided at various levels and adjustably positioned at such levels to vary the geometric configuration of the furniture assembly which would result in varying the quantity of floor space (or other horizontal surface) required for its usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Inventor: Joseph C. Rigsby
  • Patent number: 4721246
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a system for spraying an insecticide or the like, automatically and for a given period of time. The system includes a spray applicator mounted on a rotary table so as to direct a spray of insecticide all around the axis of the rotary table upon rotation of the latter. The rotary table includes a housing with a rotatable base, which is fixed at the top, a shaft extending in the housing and maintained fixed with respect to the housing. The base should be rotatable with respect to the housing. A rotatable sleeve is mounted at the bottom of the fixed shaft and is operatively connected to the rotatable base. A gear arrangement which is motor operated causes rotation of the sleeve and thereby rotates the base. An insecticide which is preferably mixed continuously is continuously fed to the spray applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Microspray International Inc.
    Inventors: Gaston Lefebvre, Denis Chamberland
  • Patent number: 4717104
    Abstract: A wall bracket for mounting a shelf within an area defined by two walls that intersect at an angle deviating from ninety degrees. The wall bracket has a cradle section and an integral back plate. The cradle section supports a side portion of a shelf. The back plate is convex to allow rotation of the wall bracket about a generally vertical axis, and elongated slots in the back plate to receive wall fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Lee-Rowan Company
    Inventor: E. Desmond Lee
  • Patent number: 4697778
    Abstract: A turntable wherein a base member supports rotatably a rotatable member through a shaft and a bearing. The bearing consists of a plate member positioned between the base member and the rotatable member and rollers which are rotatably held in a plurality of roller retaining bores formed in the plate member. The shaft is inserted rotatably through the plate member. The bores extend radially around the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Murakoshi Seiko
    Inventor: Eiichi Harashima
  • Patent number: 4687167
    Abstract: A computer support includes a base member to which an inner swing arm is pivotally mounted with an outer swing arm being pivotally mounted on the outer end of the inner swing arm and supporting a platform support by a lazy-susan bearing on its outer end. The pivotal connections are provided by pivot shafts over which pivot sleeves are positioned with upper and lower spaced roller bearing sets therebetween and a low-friction load bearing sleeve of substantial hardness engaging the lower end of each pivot sleeve to support same. Brake/lock means at each pivot permits retention of the arms in any desired rotational position in separate horizontal planes of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Inventors: Gerald P. Skalka, Stanley H. Skalka
  • Patent number: 4648574
    Abstract: An improved rotary stand, particularly intended to be used as a work table to support a table computer terminal and comprising a disc which is rotatably mounted on a thrust bearing. The disc is provided with a pull-out leaf. The leaf is movable between an inner end position for use when the stand is to be rotated, and an outer end position for use when work is to be carried out on the computer terminal. In the inner position, the leaf will be located interiorly of the edge of the stand in order not to prevent the rotational movements of the latter. The leaf is provided with feet which, in the outer position of the leaf, are arranged to abut against the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Axhamre International AB
    Inventor: Ingvar Granlund
  • Patent number: 4640486
    Abstract: A seat swivel apparatus includes a first mounting plate rotatively mounted to a second mounting plate. Each of the first and second mounting plates has a circular recess formed therein to define a pair of bearing races which hold bearing means such as a plurality ball bearings. The first and second mounting plates are held together utilizing fastening means that include a Belleville spring to provide a continuous and substantially constant biasing force on the plates to maintain them in proper rolling contact with the ball bearings. Each of the races include two arcuate sidewall portions and a connecting portion between the sidewall portions, the connecting portions being substantially flat to help prevent the bearings from tightening within the races.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: International Glide Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Donald G. Neville
  • Patent number: 4635894
    Abstract: A multi-purpose furniture swivel assembly includes a ball bearing race base providing a pair of back-to-back bearing races, one being deeper than the other and includes a ball bearing assembly. In a first configuration, the bearing race base is pivotably mounted to a platform which is to be swiveled with the ball bearing assembly between them in the shallower bearing race, and this assembly is pivotably mounted with respect to a tabletop. In a second configuration, the bearing race base is inverted to support the bearing assembly in the deeper bearing race. The bearing race base is pivotably fastened to the platform, and support pads are carried on the now bottom side of the race base to support the race base in spaced relation with respect to a tabletop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Fournier Accessory Furniture, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregg J. Sammons
  • Patent number: 4589741
    Abstract: A stage which can be revolved and moved linearly simultaneously by turning a single knob. The specimen revolves in an involute curve beneath the objective lens. A wheel revolves the stage while a threaded shaft applies linear displacement of the stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Inventor: John E. Clegg
  • Patent number: 4546708
    Abstract: A support for supporting a cathode ray tube display screen and keyboard of a computer terminal at a work station. The support includes a base, a turntable rotatably mounted on the base for supporting the display screen, and a rotatable platform connected to the turntable by a pair of articulated arms for supporting the keyboard. Both the turntable and platform may be rotated to any desired position and the platform may additionally be moved toward and away from as well as laterally with respect to the turntable to allow the display screen and keyboard to be moved to a multiplicity of positions at the work station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Inventor: Daniel N. Wilburth
  • Patent number: 4377114
    Abstract: The present invention provides hanging storage compartment apparatus with various shelf levels adapted to be suspended by a plurality of tension lines from an overhead structure, such as a ceiling. The storage apparatus includes at least one storage unit rotatably mounted to a suspended stationary member, such as a platform. Tension lines secured to the suspended member or platform are used to hang the storage apparatus from the overhead structure. A rotation bearing, such as a ball bearing ring, interposed between the suspended member or platform and the storage unit enables rotation of the storage unit relative to this suspended stationary member. In a further embodiment of the invention, upper and lower storage units, both of which are rotatable, may be mounted respectively above and below the suspended platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1983
    Inventor: R. Buckminster Fuller
  • Patent number: 4269124
    Abstract: A decorative merchandise display rack includes a support structure rotatable about a vertical axis and having a plurality of disk-like transparent shelves maintained in spaced, super-posed relation by a series of discrete, stacked, mirrored spacer units, each having pins for coupling the shelves and opposed end portions of adjacent spacer units for rotation as a unit. Opposed cup-shaped members are provided at opposite ends of the support structure and receive the ends of a series of vertically oriented transparent rods which extend through aligned openings provided adjacent the outer peripheral portions of the shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Stanley H. Rosenthal
    Inventors: Stanley H. Rosenthal, George A. Poteat
  • Patent number: 4237796
    Abstract: This invention is a revolving examination table apparatus to be used by, for example, optometrists during eye examination to place a desired instrument between the patient and the doctor. More particularly, the table apparatus includes (1) a main, circular support base assembly; (2) a revolving table top assembly rotatably mounted on the support base assembly; and (3) an electrical control and drive assembly operable to control rotation of the revolving table top assembly. A central portion of the support base assembly and the revolving table top assembly is cut out to receive a chair and person (optometrist) therein while the patient sits opposite therefrom with the table apparatus therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1980
    Assignee: Ro-Ta Development Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Gordon, Hollis D. Baker
  • Patent number: 4117627
    Abstract: A freely rotatable, effectively tilt-free stand for carrying plants and the like. The stand includes a plurality of relatively rotatable members cooperatively defining a ball bearing structure wherein the ball bearings are disposed in an annular array at the periphery of the assembly so as to provide an effectively tilt-free rotation thereof. Support of the structure relative to the bearings is effected by metallic bearing plates which may be adhesively secured to other elements of the structure. The base member may have a lateral extent substantially greater than that of the rotatable portions to provide further tilt-free stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1978
    Inventor: Henry H. Slingerland, Jr.
  • Patent number: 3991686
    Abstract: A display stand includes a central post supporting a number of vertically spaced brackets having arms extending outwardly from the post for supporting displayed articles, such as potted plants suspended therefrom. A revolvable table surrounds the post below the brackets and may be used to support additional articles for display or for other purposes. The stand is comprised of a number of parts joined to one another by slip fit joints enabling the parts to be readily assembled and disassembled and to be packaged in a relatively small space for storage or shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1976
    Inventor: James I. Mechachonis
  • Patent number: 3980027
    Abstract: The invention provides a display table for simultaneously displaying various kinds of ornamental objects, particularly objects which are designed to decorate a table. The display table comprises a circular central panel, an outer panel concentric with and mounted for rotation about the central panel, and a storage space situated under the outer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1976
    Assignee: Oreevrert D'Ercuis
    Inventor: Charles-Henri Marie Maes