With Force-multiplying Means Patents (Class 108/147)
  • Patent number: 7908981
    Abstract: A height adjustable table is disclosed wherein all horizontal supports that span between legs have been eliminated to increase storage space and knee space in the area under the table work surface. A unique telescoping leg arrangement is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Agee
  • Patent number: 7909074
    Abstract: A workbench includes a wheel device secured to a work table, four floor engaging extremities attached to the work table, four rotary members rotatably attached to the work table and engaged with the floor engaging extremities respectively for adjusting the work table up and down relative to the floor engaging extremities, and a coupling device for coupling the rotary members together and for allowing the rotary members to be rotated relative to the floor engaging extremities simultaneously and thus for allowing the work table to be adjusted up and down relative to the floor engaging extremities simultaneously. A hand wheel may be coupled to the coupling device for operating the coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Ben Yu
  • Publication number: 20110048291
    Abstract: A counterbalance apparatus for use in a workstation to raise and lower a work surface of the workstation. The counterbalance apparatus compensates for the load on the work surface. The counterbalance apparatus includes an inner column telescopingly mounted in an outer column. A base member is positioned at one end of the outer column. A grooved member positioned between the inner column and the base member and a force mechanism between the grooved member and the inner column or the work surface. The grooved member moves in and out of the inner column and base member to raise and lower the work surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Humanscale Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis L. Long
  • Publication number: 20110023758
    Abstract: A telescopic lifting column for height adjustment of elevatable tables (1) consists of a stationary rectangular profile (2), which at the bottom rests against a floor, and of a sliding quadrangular profile (3), which slides inside the stationary profile (2) and which can be activated up or down by a linear actuator (4) and which at the top rests against a table top (7). The profiles (2, 3) each have an open side (resp. 8 and 9), and the linear actuator is embodied as a toothed rack (10), which is fastened to the internal side (3?) of the sliding profile (3) opposite the open side (9), and which is in mesh with a toothed wheel (11), which is coupled to a gear motor (12,13), which is fastened to the stationary profile (2) of the lifting column. On the side facing the open side (9), the toothed rack (10) is embodied with a guide way (18) with a width (a) in which two guide pins (19, 20)—with a mutual distance (b) and fastened to the stationary profile (2)—are in mesh.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Michael Overgaard, Gert Godvig Lassen, Jesper Ostergaard Kristensen
  • Publication number: 20100294178
    Abstract: A feeder/delivery board (81) includes a generally planar platform (83) made of a flexible material, and a plurality of legs (84) attached to the platform and extending downwardly for supporting the board on a printing press table (80a). A jack mechanism (88) is mounted in at least one of the legs (84) for selectively raising an area of the platform (83) relative to a remainder of the platform. The jack mechanism (88) includes a rack (89), a pinion (90) engaging the rack and a key (91) or thumbwheel (71) for rotating said pinion. The board (81) can include one of the jack mechanisms (88) mounted in each of the legs (84).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: James L. Moore
  • Patent number: 7805784
    Abstract: A patient bed includes a base, a patient support, and an elevation mechanism for raising or lowering the patient support relative to the base. The elevation mechanism comprises a first pair of arms and a second pair of arms, with both the pairs of arms mounted relative to the patient support and the base. The first pair of arms and the second pair of arms have pivot connections at the patient support, with the pivot connections of at least one pair of the pair of arms moving in a sinusoidal path when the patient support is raised or lowered with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Guy Lemire, Marco Morin, Richard Paré
  • Patent number: 7798070
    Abstract: A top plate is supported while being greatly projected forward of leg bodies, which forms a large lower leg space under the top plate. Upper ends of left and right leg bodies (2) having, at their lower ends, base legs (2a) that are directed in a front-rear direction are connected by lateral connection rods (3) that are directed in a left-right direction and have a non-circular cross-section. Rear end sections of at least a left and right pair of top plate support bodies (4) directed in the front-rear direction are fixed to the lateral connection rods (3) so as to project forward. The lower surface of the top plate (26) is installed on the top plate support bodies (4) such that the most part of the top plate (26) is located forward of the lateral connection rods (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Okamura Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiharu Ooba, Kenji Nakamura, Teru Kikuchi, Hidetaka Sekikawa
  • Patent number: 7789025
    Abstract: A desk or table assembly includes a support member such as a worksurface, and an upright member, which may be in the form of a privacy screen, adjacent an edge of the worksurface. The upright member is interconnected with the support member using a mounting arrangement including a spring to apply a constant upward biasing force on the upright member. The spring resists downward forces applied to the upright member, and assist upward forces applied to the upright member. The spring counterbalances the weight of the upright member so that the upright member is retained at a desired position when moved to the desired position thereto by either a downward or upward external force applied to the upright member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurice G. Michaud, II, Michael J. Mastalir, Gregory R. Rentfrow, Lon D. Seidl
  • Patent number: 7757618
    Abstract: A height-adjustable table comprises a base mounted thereon with a fixed brace, a shiftable brace for supporting a table board, an auxiliary brace pivotally connected between the shiftable brace and the fixed brace, a swingable brace settled on the fixed brace wherein a plurality of positioning recesses that are arranged in a curved array are provided on the swingable brace, and one end of the swingable brace is pivotally fastened to the shiftable brace while an opposite end is fixed with a second controller, a first controller for controlling a positioning pin to be settled in or separated from one of the positioning recesses. Thus, the second controller can swing the swingable brace when the positioning pin is separated from the positioning recess, so as to adjust an altitude of the table board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Chien-Kuo Chang
  • Patent number: 7743716
    Abstract: A motorized elevator unit for adjusting the height of counter tops has right and left elevator assemblies under control of a primary control switch. Each elevator assembly includes top and bottom frames which may be formed from T-slotted framing with the top frame sliding vertically along the bottom frame on rollers received in the bottom frame. A movable counter top is mounted on the top frames and a motor drive assembly raises and lowers the top frames in unison. The elevator unit may be housed in a standard base cabinet and may be integrated with other standard base cabinets having stationary counter tops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Eric S. Burka
  • Patent number: 7735432
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted display elevating device comprising a display rack for mounting a display, and being provided with a threaded structure; a screw rod, engaging with the threaded structure; a gear transmission pair for coupling the output shaft of a motor with the screw rod; a guide bar carrier, one end of which is connected to the base support, and on which lower guide bars are provided; upper guide bars located in the display rack; and a stop block, on which are provided with lower guide holes and upper guide holes, and stoppers. The vehicle-mounted display elevating device is provided with anti-clamping and self-protection functions, and can be fixed inside an instrument panel, thus reducing the possibility that the display is damaged due to long time exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Shenzhen Roadmate Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Philip Jin, Vicky Chen, Yucong Zou
  • Publication number: 20100126393
    Abstract: A height adjustable table with a table top having a first and a second end and two long sides and with at least one table leg at each end, said table leg comprising a linear actuator with an in all essentials rectangular motor housing (21). An electric motor and a gear are located in the housing (21) and a spindle unit, which with an upper end is mounted in an opening in the bottom (26) of the motor housing and connected to the gear. The opening is located at the rear end (22) of the housing. The table leg further comprises a telescopic guide (17) with a fixed member (18) and at least one telescopic member (19,20), said telescopic guide surrounds the spindle unit of the actuator and is with one end connected to the bottom (26) of the motor housing (21). The linear actuator is with the motor housing (21) secured to the table top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Tommy Møller
  • Publication number: 20100084534
    Abstract: A height adjustable platform and method include a ratchet platform. In an embodiment, the ratchet platform is height adjustable and includes a platform upper assembly having a platform and a ratchet. The ratchet includes a platform riser tube and a ratchet rail secured to the platform riser tube. The ratchet platform further includes a platform lower assembly having a support column and a platform base. The support column is secured to the platform base. An end of the ratchet is proximate the platform and an opposing end of the ratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column. The platform base is adapted to be secured within a vehicle. The ratchet platform also includes a platform upper assembly actuator having a pedal sub assembly and an upper linkage. The upper linkage is attached to the pedal sub assembly. Actuation of the pedal sub assembly actuates the upper linkage. In addition, actuation of the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of the ratchet platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: BMI DEFENSE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Kyle L. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 7658359
    Abstract: A force adjustment assembly for use within a telescoping subassembly that includes a first elongated member and a second elongated member that is supported by the first elongated member for sliding motion along an extension axis, the subassembly further including a force equalizer assembly that includes a strand having first and second ends that are supported by the second and first elongated members, respectively, the adjustment assembly comprising a preloader supported by at least one of the first and second elongated members and supporting at least a portion of the strand, the preloader applying a preload force via the strand when the second elongated member is in a fully extended position and an adjuster for adjusting the preload force applied by the preloader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: David K. Jones, Kurt Heidmann, Todd Andres
  • Patent number: 7559516
    Abstract: The furniture leg has a foot from which a lifting column projects transversely that comprises an external tube and an internal tube that is telescopingly movable relative to the external tube. The external tube is attached to a fastening part of the foot. In order to configure the furniture leg in such a way that the foot and the lifting column can be connected to one another such that deposit locations for dirt and the like are not formed, the exterior side of the external tube at least over most of its circumference passes continuously into the exterior side of the fastening part. In this way, at the transition from the foot to the lifting column no deposit location for dirt is formed. The furniture leg is suitable for tables of any kind, chairs, organ benches and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Kesseböhmer Produktions GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Köder
  • Publication number: 20090078167
    Abstract: An electrically adjustable piece of furniture, such as a table or armchair comprising at least one actuator and/or lifting column driven by an electric motor for adjustment of the piece of furniture. The adjustment is executed via a control with touch keys. It is characteristic that touch keys are located on the back of an element in the piece of furniture, and that indications for the touch keys are provided on a visible and accessible surface above the touch keys. The touch keys can, however, also be inlayed in an element of the piece of furniture providing possibility for operation from several sides of the element. This provides many variation possibilities for designing the control. Very simply, the indications can merely be painted directly onto the surface, while they, more sophisticatedly, can be inlayed symbols in wood, metal etc., alternatively be a plate mounted on or inlayed in the element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Kent Ellegaard
  • Patent number: 7506592
    Abstract: An adjustable-height workstation that can hold a laptop or tablet computer. The workstation includes a base section, an intermediate section having an upwardly-extending lower support structure, an upper support structure, and a pair of parallel side links connected there between, to accomplish a double-crank parallelogram four-bar linkage, with the upper support structure defining the coupler of the linkage. The workstation also has an upper working section supported by the intermediate section and having at least a first essentially horizontal shelf, to provide an adjustable-height workspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Jaco, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred P. Rossini
  • Publication number: 20090056597
    Abstract: A movable table positioned to a predetermined position with respect to a base through manual movement, fixed to the base after the positioning. A lift mechanism that releases a top plate from a fixed state and lifts the top plate from the base against an attraction force of a magnet, or against the attraction force and the gravity of the magnet, and a mechanism that lowers the top plate from a predetermined lifted position with either or both the attraction force or the gravity of the magnet, and fixes the top plate to the base with an action of the attraction force of the magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Sadayoshi HARA, Toshihisa Fujiwara
  • Publication number: 20090044734
    Abstract: An elevating device for the worktable of a manual planer includes at least one base, one movable worktable and one elevating device. The elevating device is composed of a driving shaft, a driven shaft, a rotary base, a connecting rod base, a combining shaft and a spindle. When an operating member of the driving shaft is rotated, a driving gear of the driving shaft will drive a first driven gear of the driven shaft to rotate, and a second driven gear of the driven shaft will drive a third driven gear of the rotary base to rotate at the same time. Simultaneously, the rotary base will be rotated to actuate the connecting rod base to operate, and the movable worktable positioned on the connecting rod base will be moved upward or downward and adjusted in its position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Bor-Yann CHUANG
  • Patent number: 7487690
    Abstract: An elevating mechanism for furniture installed in a height adjustable article of furniture includes a transmission unit and a rotary handle. The transmission unit utilizes a plurality of cylindrical gears mounted on respective shafts, such that the cylindrical gears will be engaged and rotate simultaneously. A rotary handle serves to activate a rotation of a bolt with respect to a still nut and an upward or downward motion of the article connected to the bolt with respect to the article on which the nut is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Chih Way Liu
  • Publication number: 20080289545
    Abstract: A module is disclosed. The module includes a pair of uprights, each being of adjustable-height. The module is used in a grouping of two or more with an equal grouping of work tops. In the grouping, which forms a workstation, the modules and the worktops are secured to one another in alternating relation such that each work top is supported at its ends by a respective pair of modules and is independently height-adjustable. A modular furniture system based on the module is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: UNIFOR S.P.A.
    Inventor: Cesare Picchio
  • Publication number: 20080264308
    Abstract: A stand includes a frame, a drive, and a moving support member; the frame has two opposing walls, and a base on a bottom thereof, which has two opposing upright parts; the drive includes a driving unit joined to the upright parts of the base, a driven shaft passed through the upright parts and pivoted on the opposing walls, chain wheels on two ends of the driven shaft, and two loop-shaped motion units passed over and engaged with respective ones of the chain wheels; the moving support member is joined to the loop-shaped motion units at two ends thereof by means of a coupling structure so as to be adjusted in height by means of operating the drive; L-shaped sliding pieces are secured on corners of the moving support member and propped against frame wall portions, which are joined to edges of said opposing walls of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Tzai-Wen Wu
  • Patent number: 7439694
    Abstract: An adjustable lectern includes a base portion having a tubular upstanding base member and a tubular upstanding tower member that is mounted in a telescoping arrangement with respect to the base member. The base member and the tower member are each respectively formed as rigid tubes or channels by a single, unitary piece of material such as sheet metal. The lectern further includes a work platform that is positioned at an upper end of the tower portion. The work platform is both vertically and horizontally adjustable with respect to the base portion, so that both users who will be standing behind the lectern making a presentation and users who will be sitting behind the adjustable lectern in a wheelchair when making a presentation may be accommodated. Both the work platform and the base member include industry-standard rackmount structure for facilitating integration of electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventors: Richard B. Atlas, Oleh M. Artym
  • Publication number: 20080250989
    Abstract: The work station disclosed herein may comprise a lift mechanism comprising a fixed column and a movable part that moves within a vertical range of motion along the fixed column and a work surface attached to the movable part. The work station may have a lift force adjuster that adjusts an amount of lift force necessary to move the movable part within the vertical range of motion, a lift force indicator for indicating the amount of lift force set by the lift force adjuster, and/or a plurality of first protrusions mounted on the fixed column and a locking mechanism with a plurality of second protrusions rotatably attached to the movable part for mating with a portion of the first protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: William Jacob Kozlowski, Benjamin Shane Bustle, Jeffrey Allan Chochinov
  • Publication number: 20080237417
    Abstract: An elevating mechanism is mounted on a woodworking bench for adjusting a cutting depth of a milling cutter. In the elevating mechanism, two curved arms are pivotally turnably connected at proximal ends to and between two frame members. When it is desired to clamp or release the milling cutter via the two curved arms, a compression spring provided between two distal ends of the two curved arms allows the two curved arms to be pushed against or pulled from the milling cutter via an adjusting lever at reduced force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Hsu Hsiu-Kwei Liu
  • Patent number: 7412931
    Abstract: A table or desk assembly (20) includes a base having a pair of legs (24), a worksurface (22) supported by and between the pair of legs, and a rapid, counterbalanced height adjustment mechanism interposed between the legs and the worksurface for providing adjustment in the elevation of the worksurface. The height adjustment mechanism includes a pair of high lead rotatable threaded rods (32) engaged with a mating stationary threaded member (33) associated with each leg. A handle (36) is engageable with one of the threaded rods for imparting rotation to the threaded rod, and a synchronizing arrangement, such as a sprocket (38) and chain system (40), is interconnected with the other of the threaded rods for rotating the threaded rods together. A lift assist or counterbalancing mechanism applies an upward bias, such as to the worksurface, to counteract the weight of the worksurface and any loads supported by the worksurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lon D. Seidl, James A. Tierney
  • Publication number: 20080178779
    Abstract: A height adjustable table is disclosed wherein all horizontal supports that span between legs have been eliminated to increase storage space and knee space in the area under the table work surface. A unique telescoping leg arrangement is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Agee
  • Patent number: 7398738
    Abstract: A work station with an adjustable height work surface includes a telescoping height adjustment mechanism. Stabilizers, spaced apart from the telescoping height adjustment mechanism, prohibit rotation of the work surface. A pair of guide members is attached to support walls by way of slides. The slides allow movement of the work surface vertically prohibiting rotational movement of the work surface. The workstation is provided with sidewalls allowing the workstation to be used with other pieces in modular configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Hekman Furniture Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Newhouse, Paul B. Jager, Robert E. Seaberg
  • Patent number: 7383786
    Abstract: A device for elevating a platform over a boat deck. This type of device can include a platform, a drive, and at least one driven lift which is in communication with the drive. This driven lift can be coupled at a first end to the platform and at a second end to the boat deck. There can also be at least one controller in communication with the drive. In this case, the controller can be for controlling a height of the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: John Giannasca
  • Publication number: 20080121149
    Abstract: A desk or table assembly includes a support member such as a worksurface, and an upright member, which may be in the form of a privacy screen, adjacent an edge of the worksurface. The upright member is interconnected with the support member using a mounting arrangement including a spring to apply a constant upward biasing force on the upright member. The spring resists downward forces applied to the upright member, and assist upward forces applied to the upright member. The spring counterbalances the weight of the upright member so that the upright member is retained at a desired position when moved to the desired position thereto by either a downward or upward external force applied to the upright member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Maurice G. Michaud, Michael J. Mastalir, Gregory R. Rentfrow, Lon D. Seidl
  • Patent number: 7324334
    Abstract: A cart including (a) a base (110) configured to hold a central processing unit; (b) an uninterruptible power supply (160) configured to provide power to the central processing unit; (c) a compartment (190) adjacent the base and configured to enclose at least a portion of the uninterruptible power supply; and (d) at least one wheel (180) coupled to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Sween, Yoko Iida
  • Patent number: 7311048
    Abstract: An adjustable table assembly incorporating pneumatics. In one aspect, the table assembly includes a table surface that is adjustable in a vertical direction and further includes wheels for transportation. In other aspects, the table assembly includes a step assembly as well as slots and magnetized compartments for receiving and storing tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Alltrade Tools, LLC
    Inventor: Walter W. Kopala, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20070266913
    Abstract: Disclosed is a workstation that includes a planar tray; a semi-circular body-recess in an edge of the planar tray; a telescoping column supporting the planar tray; and a foot trigger for releasing or locking the telescoping column. Also disclosed is a workstation that includes a first tray having a top surface, a first edge and a second edge. The second edge opposes the first edge. A second tray is hingedly attached to the first tray; and a cushioned member is in resting communication with the top surface of the planar tray and closer to the first edge of the planar tray than to said second edge. Additionally, a portable workstation is disclosed that includes a planar tray that has a first side and a second side. The second side opposes the first side. A first disc-tray is attached to the first side and a second disc-tray is attached to the second side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: BALT, INC.
    Inventor: John C. Hardt
  • Patent number: 7270062
    Abstract: A height adjustable structure comprises a base, a height adjustment column disposed above the base and supported thereon, and a table top or chair seat support disposed above the height adjustment column. Alternatively the height adjustable structure comprises two or more base sections, a height adjustment column disposed above each base section and supported thereon, and a table top or chair seat support disposed above the height adjustment columns. Each height adjustment column comprises a telescoping spring height adjustment lifting mechanism. The telescoping spring height adjustment lifting mechanism is typically a gas spring. Actuation mechanisms which actuate or unlock each lockable telescoping spring height adjustment lifting mechanism are used to allow the user to easily make height adjustments. The actuation mechanisms may extend above the table top. Connecting bars may be used to connect more than one actuation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: John E. Larson
  • Patent number: 7246784
    Abstract: A spring-loaded shelf for an existing beverage cooler, which obviates the need for a user to reach more deeply within the confines of the cooler for a beverage as the contents of the cooler become depleted. The spring-loaded shelf has a base, a platform pivotally attached to the base by two scissor-type linkages, and a lifting mechanism for selectively and automatically raising the platform with respect to the base upon the scissor-type linkages, as the weight of the beverages placed upon the platform gradually decreases. Use of the spring-loaded shelf prevents injury to the user while retrieving a beverage from the cooler, and also provides for increased accessibility and visibility of the contents of the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Hector Lopez
  • Publication number: 20070163475
    Abstract: A table with a moveable table surface includes: a base; a substantially planar table surface having an uppermost visible surface; and a lifting mechanism mounted to the base and to the table surface. The lifting mechanism is configured to move the table between a closed position, in which the table surface is horizontally disposed adjacent to and above the base, and an open position, in which the table surface is horizontally disposed above and forwardly of its position in the closed position. The lifting mechanism comprises: a front pivot link pivotally interconnected with the base and with the table surface, the front pivot link having a spring extension finger; a rear pivot link pivotally interconnected with the base and with the table surface; and a spring having opposite ends, one of the ends of the spring being attached to the spring extension finger of the front pivot link and the other end of the spring being fixed relative to the table surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventor: Marcus L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7242577
    Abstract: A CPU cart is provided for easily moving a vertical or tower configuration CPU and integrating a UPS. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the CPU cart includes a generally planar rectangular shaped base for receiving the CPU and four wheels located under the base for moving the cart and CPU. The cart includes a UPS and at least one compartment for enclosing at least a portion of the UPS, as well as providing support for the cart and preventing the CPU from falling off the cart. If desired the UPS can also be integrated with a surge protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Sween, Yoko Iida
  • Patent number: 7207278
    Abstract: An assembly for selectively lifting a computer monitor, and particularly a flat screen computer monitor, from a storage position below the top of a desk or table, to a use position above the top in which the monitor is visible to the user. The assembly includes a stationary member including a linear slide mechanism, a vertically slideable support member sized and dimensioned to receive a computer display monitor and coupled to the linear slide mechanism. The vertically slideable support member is coupled to an electrically-driven positioning device. When the user desires to lift the monitor onto the top of the desk, the user pushes a switch, which enables the positioning device to drive the vertically slideable support member upward along the linear slide, through an aperture in the desk, until the computer monitor rests on or just above the desktop. Monitor retraction to the stored position is accomplished by the push of another switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Wright Line, LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Latino, Edward Mello
  • Patent number: 7204193
    Abstract: The mobile holding apparatus has a support plate which has an upper side with a work surface and a lower side and is mounted height-adjustably on a stand. The stand is free-standing and the support plate has a guide with which it is guided on the stand. A gas spring arranged in the stand supports the upward movement of the support plate. Loading of the support plate is taken up by self-locking of the guide and in particular by canting of a profiled piece in a guide groove. The holding apparatus makes possible ergonomic positioning of a work aid, for example a laptop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: INOTOP AG
    Inventors: Ernst Scherrer, Peter Meier
  • Patent number: 7165498
    Abstract: A vibrating table assembly for an apparatus for filling and weighing bulk bags comprises a bag support table, a vibrating device for vibrating the bag support table, and a lifting device for raising an lowering the bag support table, the lifting device being located below the bag support table. Preferably, the lifting device comprises a convoluted air bellows. Location of the lifting device below the table overcomes problems encountered with known bag filling apparatus where the bag support table and the lifting mechanism are connected to the frame of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Control and Metering Limited
    Inventors: Don Mackrill, Carmine Cacciacarro, Viren Panchal
  • Patent number: 7163184
    Abstract: A drive device, preferably for lifting columns for height-adjustable tables, comprising an endless chain (31) running over first and second chain wheels (16, 17) with a first chain run and a second chain run between the two chain wheels, wherein at least one chain run may be connected with a movable element in the structure in which the drive device is incorporated. The drive device comprises a stick-shaped element (5), where the chain wheels (16, 17) are mounted at their respective ends and the one chain wheel (16) is driven by an electric motor (6) via a transmission and where both the electric motor and the transmission are likewise mounted on the stick-shaped element so that the drive device essentially appears as a finished, mountable unit. The length of stroke is determined solely by the selection of the length of the drive device, just as the drive device may be constructed for a slender column profile. The drive device is moreover easy to mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventor: Jens J. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7128003
    Abstract: A device for lifting and lowering visual displays, such as television sets, video monitors, plasma displays, pieces of art, or the like. The elevating device includes an elevating mechanism that elevates a first sliding frame and a second sliding frame. The first and second sliding frames move independently inside of a mounting frame. A motor rotates a pair of vertical threaded rods to drive the first sliding frame and cause the first sliding frame to rise and fall. A belt and pulley configuration transfers an elevating force from the first sliding frame to the second sliding frame. The second sliding frame includes supporting bars and is elevated to place the display at a desired height and is retracted to conceal the display in a cabinet, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Marek Okninski
  • Patent number: 7104203
    Abstract: A height adjustable device is received in the inner tube which is retractably inserted in an outer tube, and includes a base which is fixed in the inner tube and two stop plates are pivotably connected of the base. Two respective first ends of the two stop plates extend through apertures defined through the inner tube and are in contact with two respective insides of the outer tube so as to position the inner tube. A member is movably connected to the base and includes a driving portion for pivoting two respective second ends of the two stop plates. A cable is connected between the movable member and a pivotable member fixed to the inner tube. The pivotable member is pivoted to pull the cable and the two stop plates are pivoted inward so that the inner tube can be freely moved in the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Chiu-Hsiang Lo
  • Patent number: 7086632
    Abstract: A keyboard instrument support has a driving device to control upward and downward movement of inner tubes relative to the outer tubes and a ratchet device to retain the elevation of the inner tubes. The ratchet device includes a ratchet alternatively rotated by the driving device and a leverage to abut a ratchet tooth. Thus, after the inner tubes are elevated by the driving device, the abutment of the leverage to the ratchet retains the elevation of the inner tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Wu-Hong Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7077068
    Abstract: A height adjustable table includes a frame that has a pair of spaced apart, generally vertical frame sections, each supported upon a foot, a transverse, generally horizontal section that connects at its end portions to the vertical sections and a pair of lifts that are supported by the vertical frame sections to elevate between extended, higher elevational and retracted, lower elevational positions. The lifts support a table top with a work surface. The frame can be in the form of a universal base that accepts a number of different mechanism including, for example, a counterbalance mechanism, a motor drive mechanism, and a manually operable mechanism. These mechanisms can be selected by a user, depending upon the type of table that is to be manufactured. A plurality of panels are provided that cover the frame. These panels can also be selected by an end user to define an ornamental look and/or a selected color pattern. A superstructure extends from the frame upwardly to support a storage unit (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Baker Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: William Michael Agee
  • Patent number: 7070189
    Abstract: A creeper for use in working in the interior of a vehicle has a lower body portion, with wheels affixed thereto for movement of the creeper. An upper body portion is connected to the lower body portion. A head piece is mounted to the upper body portion, and has a leading edge which forms an acute angle with one side of the head piece such that when the leading edge is placed flush against the door jam of the vehicle, the creeper may be positioned in the space formed by an open door of the vehicle and the door jam without interference by the door. The creeper also includes struts arranged in scissor fashion for raising and lowering the upper body portion. The head piece may be rotated 180 degrees transversely relative to said upper body portion, such that the creeper may be positioned in the space formed by an open door on either side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Myk Reid Grauss
  • Patent number: 7063024
    Abstract: A lifting mechanism for selectively lifting a computer monitor, and particularly a flat screen computer monitor, from below a desktop to a position on the desktop includes a stationary member including a linear slide mechanism, a vertically slideable support member sized and dimensioned to receive a computer display monitor and coupled to the linear slide mechanism, and a latch member. The vertically slideable support member is further coupled to a stored mechanical energy source such as a constant force compression spring, and is retained in a position below the desk by application of the latch member. When the latch member is released, the stored mechanical energy source causes the vertically slideable support member to move upward along the linear slide, through an aperture in a desk, until the computer monitor rests on a plane equivalent with the desktop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Wright Line, LLC
    Inventor: Richard M. Latino
  • Patent number: 7048238
    Abstract: A telescope support stand system for side cutaway view of the present invention in the contracted position. The telescope support stand system includes a base that is permanently secured to a floor, a lower tube attached to the base, an upper tube slidably positioned about the lower tube, an elevating unit within the lower tube for elevating the upper tube, and a support plate attached to the upper tube for mounting a telescope thereto. The outer tube preferably includes a plurality of alignment plates for providing a reduced friction guide surface for sliding about the lower tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Vito Rotondi
  • Patent number: 7028957
    Abstract: Easy to assemble and disassemble tables have continuous frame members with at least two tapered sockets which support table legs. The continuous frame members are identical and thus can be used interchangeably as table bases and table top supports. The center of each taper within the continuous frame member is in the same position. Tapered sockets within each frame member insure that legs inserted into those sockets are parallel to one another. The parallelity of the table legs is further enhanced by inserting the other end of the table leg into a corresponding frame member in which the tapers are identically spaced. The tables are easy to assemble by inserting the tapered table legs into the “self-holding” tapered sockets in the frame members. Easy disassembly of the tables is facilitated by quick release mechanisms which press the end of the leg seated in the socket to displace the leg from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: John Larson
  • Patent number: 7024710
    Abstract: For the purpose of providing a parallel-link table that is moved up/down without moving the position of a subject in the longitudinal direction, an upper structure is placed over a base plate connected with a platform via parallel links, and a first bracket on the upper structure and a middle point of one parallel link are connected by a first position correcting link of a length half that of the parallel link using pivotal joint portions; and therefore, when the base plate is moved up/down with respect to the platform, the upper structure moves only in the vertical direction without moving in the horizontal direction, and the top plate over the upper structure, hence, the subject placed on the top plate can be moved up/down in the vertical direction without moving in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Akira Izuhara