Hinged Horizontal Surfaces Patents (Class 108/166)
  • Patent number: 11878630
    Abstract: A system and method for mounting structures to a vehicle may include providing an anchor point; the anchor point may have of an anchor point aperture in a structural member. The system and method may also include securing a plate to the anchor point by aligning an aperture in an anchor flange of the plate with the anchor point aperture. The system and method may also include locating a fastener through the anchor flange aperture and the anchor point aperture to secure the plate to the anchor point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Adrian Steel Company
    Inventors: Earl Richard Austin, III, Mark Anthoney Henry, Jr., Joshua Merle Rogers, Thomas Michael Willis, Kyle Jeffery Lakatos
  • Patent number: 11761576
    Abstract: A portable, collapsible support for holding electronic equipment including programmable logic controllers (PLC), human machine interfaces (HMI), instruments, switches, Din rail mounting devices, and other equipment when testing, demonstrating, programming, or repairing such devices at remote job sites, testing labs or facilities, trade shows, training centers, and other places. The portable, collapsible support includes a base having a holding bar in parallel with a back bar forming a holding recess to hold HMIs, a cover including a Din rail, and a pair of mounting pegs for holding the electronic equipment, and a pair of locking arms for releasably, pivotably locking the cover in an open, vertical position while holding the electronic equipment, or for closing the cover to easily carry and transport the collapsible support from one location to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventor: David Bryner
  • Patent number: 11597020
    Abstract: A saw support assembly includes a base member defining a receiving channel. The receiving channel of the base member is configured to receive a leg of a saw therein to secure the base member to the leg of the saw. An arm member is pivotably coupled to the base member. The arm member is configured to pivot towards or away from the base member. The arm member is configured to extend from the base member to support the leg of the saw to which the base member is secured. A branch member extends between the base member and the arm member. The branch member defines a first end connected with the base member and a second end connected with the support arm. The branch member is configured to limit a degree to which the arm member can pivot away from the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Sean Radigan
  • Patent number: 11506331
    Abstract: A trussed suspended modular platform having uniform weigh distribution for use as a platform to construct a temporary shelter such as a tent or other structure or to hold or hang equipment and other materials off the ground. The modular geometric design includes a polygon shaped center cell, a plurality of polygon shaped body cells, and a plurality of polygon shaped edge cells forming the platform edge and corners, each corner having an anchor bar with attachment holes and hardware for attaching the platform to support posts and for attaching a center extended truss hub structure positioned over the center cell with truss cables extending from the hub to anchored platform corners. The modular design allows for use as a sturdy suspend able mobile platform with trussing system that allows for assembly and disassembly in the field without need for an even ground surface or footings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventor: Bozikis Vaios
  • Patent number: 11096480
    Abstract: A collapsible tray table is provided. The collapsible tray table is adapted for use in confined seating situations. The collapsible tray table is movable between a collapsed condition and at least one operable condition. The collapsible tray table may have one or more tray legs and one or more second leg portions that depend from a tray top. The tray legs and second leg portions are interchangeable for providing different operable conditions and thus elevations of the tray table relative from its footing. The tray legs and second leg portions are adapted to removably connect to the underside of the tray table in a collapsed condition, thereby minimizing the low profile of the assembly in crowded seating arrangements. The collapsible tray table may provide handles and a carrying strap for facilitating transportation and manipulation of the tray table while in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Khwanda Gail Moore-Davis
  • Patent number: 10947766
    Abstract: A dampened hinge construction for braking pivoting movement of one structure relative to another. The dampened hinge construction can be utilized in a folding table assembly in an aircraft passenger suite including a base panel and at least one folding panel pivotally attached to the base panel by multiple dampened hinges. Each dampened hinge includes a first assembly attachable to a first structure and a second assembly attachable to a second structure such that the first structure is pivotable relative to the second structure between a first condition and a second condition, such as a folded condition and a planar condition, and at least one damper that brakes pivoting movement of the first structure relative to the second structure as the first condition or second condition is approached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kuyper, Deepak Chandra Kokkalla, Ian L. Frost
  • Patent number: 10945526
    Abstract: A collapsible, portable shelving unit that is useful within tents and the like when one is camping. The device is easy to pack and carry and is lightweight but will hold a fair amount of weight when in use. There is no requirement for supporting the shelving unit to posts or trees or the like, as the device is self-supportable, even when it contains various objects on the shelving. It is especially useful for tent camping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Kareus
  • Patent number: 10842262
    Abstract: A tray attachment assembly providing a horizontal surface for placement of items thereon. The assembly includes a tray that defines the horizontal surface and a connection mechanism for fixedly clamping the tray to an attachment surface. The tray includes a first planar section extending between a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge that defines the horizontal surface. A second planar section extends from the second lateral edge of the first planar section at a transverse angle from the first planar section for preventing unintended interaction with the connection mechanism. The transition between the first planar section and the second planar section presents a rounded profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventors: Tod Zimmerman, Doreen Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10457309
    Abstract: A carrier for transporting a grill and cooler over difficult terrain includes a chassis that includes a first frame and a floor. The first frame has a front end that includes a front axle to which a front wheel may be coupled with and rotatable about, and a rear end that includes a rear axle to which a rear wheel may be coupled with and rotatable about. The floor is coupled with the first frame, and together, the first frame and the floor define a receptacle disposed between the front and rear wheel and that is configured to hold a cooler. The carrier also includes a second frame coupled with the chassis and operable to hold a grill. The second frame is positionable relative to the first frame to: 1) a first position where the grill is operable to cook food when the second frame holds the grill, and 2) a second position where the grill is stored for transportation when the second frame holds the grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Jana deVarona
  • Patent number: 8857350
    Abstract: The modular folding table includes a collapsible truss framework that supports a folding table top and a folding utility shelf, and includes legs that can be connected horizontally or vertically to the legs of one or more similar modular folding tables, to provide desired table and shelf space with a structure that is foldable, strong and stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 8671852
    Abstract: The modular folding table includes a collapsible truss framework that supports a folding table top and a folding utility shelf, and includes legs that can be connected horizontally or vertically to the legs of one or more similar modular folding tables, to provide desired table and shelf space with a structure that is foldable, strong and stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 8671850
    Abstract: A convertible table has a modesty panel pivotally coupled to a tabletop by a hinge fixed to the tabletop. The modesty panel is slidably coupled to the hinge and movable towards and away from the tabletop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mity-Lite, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Smith, Grant Rogers
  • Publication number: 20130233210
    Abstract: A foldable table may include a table top and legs that are movable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The table top may include a first section and a second section that are connected by a hinge assembly. A locking member may be sized and configured to lock the hinge assembly in a fixed position. Advantageously, moving the legs between the extended and collapsed positions may cause the locking mechanism to move between the locked and unlocked positions. Thus, when the legs are in the extended position and the locking mechanism is in the locked position, the table top may be secured in the unfolded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: LIFETIME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Ju Young Jin, Cai Yixian
  • Patent number: 8522769
    Abstract: The present invention relates to outdoor grill accessories, and more particularly, a foldable worktable attachment for an outdoor grill that includes a large table area that is interconnected to a lower shelf by two sets of foldable legs. When in an erect position, the table provides ample space for preparing foods and the like, but when in a collapsed position, the table lies flush against one of the sides of the grill housing, thus, enclosing the lower shelf and supporting legs that are folded and stored between the table and a recessed area included in the grill housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: The Grill Company, LLC
    Inventors: John Ducate, Jr., Sond-Kae (Robin) Ho
  • Publication number: 20130160681
    Abstract: The modular folding table includes a collapsible truss framework that supports a folding table top and a folding utility shelf, and includes legs that can be connected horizontally or vertically to the legs of one or more similar modular folding tables, to provide desired table and shelf space with a structure that is foldable, strong and stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20130139737
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a table comprising a tabletop and at least first and second legs, at least the first leg of which is a moving leg, said table further comprising a connecting strut connected to the tabletop via a first horizontal axis and to the first leg via a second horizontal axis, so that, starting from a first position in which its first end and its second end face respectively towards the tabletop and towards the floor, the first leg is suitable for being turned over by pivoting about the second axis of the connecting strut so as to take up a second position in which its first end and its second end face respectively towards the floor and towards the tabletop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: GROSFILLEX SAS
    Inventors: Norbert Kleinklaus, Fabrice Lambert
  • Patent number: 8397651
    Abstract: A configurable table assembly comprises two table-base sub-assemblies shaped to removably connect together and two table-surface sub-assemblies, each supported by one of the two table-base sub-assemblies. Each table-surface sub-assembly has first and second surface portions, the second surface portion being operable to rest upon the first surface portion and selectively unfold therefrom. The table-base and the table-surface sub-assemblies, together, have a single-table configuration and a double-table configuration. In the single-table configuration, the table-base and the table-surface sub-assemblies are separably mated together to form an integrated table base and an integrated table surface. In the double-table configuration, the table-base sub-assemblies are separated from one another to form two separate tables, each supporting thereon a respective one of the table-surface sub-assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Davida Levy, Carole Posner
  • Patent number: 8393279
    Abstract: The modular folding table includes a collapsible truss framework that supports a folding table top and a folding utility shelf, and includes legs that can be connected horizontally or vertically to the legs of one or more similar modular folding tables, to provide desired table and shelf space with a structure that is foldable, strong and stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20130025509
    Abstract: A foldable table may include a table top and legs that are movable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The table top may include a first section and a second section that are connected by a hinge assembly. A locking member may be sized and configured to lock the hinge assembly in a fixed position. Advantageously, moving the legs between the extended and collapsed positions may cause the locking mechanism to move between the locked and unlocked positions. Thus, when the legs are in the extended position and the locking mechanism is in the locked position, the table top may be secured in the unfolded position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: LIFETIME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Ju-Young Jin, Cai Yixian
  • Publication number: 20130008356
    Abstract: The modular folding table includes a collapsible truss framework that supports a folding table top and a folding utility shelf, and includes legs that can be connected horizontally or vertically to the legs of one or more similar modular folding tables, to provide desired table and shelf space with a structure that is foldable, strong and stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20120285351
    Abstract: A folding table assembly having both a tabletop and legs that fold into smaller sizes. The tabletop has a main panel, a first side flap panel, and a second side flap panel. The side flap panels are joined to the main panel with hinge connections. The hinge connections enable the side flap panels to rotate from open positions that are coplanar with the main panel to folded positions that are under the main panel. The folding legs are coupled to the side flap panels. The folding legs can move between extended positions, where the legs support the tabletop, and retracted positions, where the legs are folded flush against the side flap panels. This enables the legs to fold flush against the side flap panels so that the legs are interposed between the main panel and the two side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Warren Cohen
  • Publication number: 20120279429
    Abstract: A foldable table that is supported by a pole includes a first table portion rotatably coupled to a second table portion. The table can be folded by rotating one or both of the table portions about a joint between the table portions. The table includes a recess for receiving the pole when the table is in an unfolded arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: JGR Copa, LLC
    Inventor: JACOB GOLDSZER
  • Patent number: 8272337
    Abstract: The modular folding table includes a collapsible truss framework that supports a folding table top and a folding utility shelf, and includes legs that can be connected horizontally or vertically to the legs of one or more similar modular folding tables, to provide desired table and shelf space with a structure that is foldable, strong and stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Publication number: 20120174835
    Abstract: A linked structure for foldable table comprises a main frame, legs, props, connecting plate 1 and connecting plate 2. The main frame includes a plate body which connects multiple table plates with flexible wire on each side of the plate body. Each concave body and supporting leg is set under each end of the plate body. A connecting unit with a receiving concave is set in the concave body. The legs are set in the receiving concave of the connecting unit. Connecting plate 1 is set on the props on the connecting unit. Connecting plate 2 which set on the legs connects with connecting plate 1. The table plates are connected on each side of the plate body on main frame with flexible wire. When folding the present invention, the legs, props, connecting plate 1 and 2 are folded under the plate body through rotating the connecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Te-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 8196530
    Abstract: The Christmas tree supporting table includes a box support, a circular tabletop that has a hole about the middle and is divided into two sections that are hingedly connected. The box support contains the Christmas tree stand and a power strip for powering the Christmas tree lights. The circular tabletop folds flat upon the box and the Christmas tree stand and base of the Christmas tree. The supporting table elevates the Christmas tree, hides the Christmas tree stand, and provides a hiding place for a power strip to supply electricity to the Christmas tree lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Elizabeth Van Dyk, Andre Van Dyk
  • Patent number: 8096246
    Abstract: The modular folding table includes a collapsible truss framework that supports a folding table top and a folding utility shelf, and includes legs that can be connected horizontally or vertically to the legs of one or more similar modular folding tables, to provide desired table and shelf space with a structure that is foldable, strong and stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7966952
    Abstract: An exemplary implementation of an aircraft interior table includes a base unit which includes a storage compartment having laterally projecting ends. A bi-fold table comprised of a table panels is horizontally stowed and supported on the upper surface of the base unit. Thus, in a stowed condition, one of the table panels is folded so as to be sandwiched between the other of the table panels and the upper surface of the base unit. The edge of the other table panel opposite to its hinged edge adjoining both table panels is pivotally connected to the base unit by means of a primary hinge. In use, the table panels may be rotated as a unit about the primary hinge so as to achieve an intermediate fold-out condition. While in such a position, the table will present itself half-sized so as to provide the associated aircraft seat occupant with minimal forward obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Embraer—Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A.
    Inventors: Armand Fissette, Magnus Aspegren
  • Patent number: 7604027
    Abstract: A retractable workbench is provided that is mounted to a vertical surface such as a wall. The workbench is retractable between a horizontally oriented deployed position, and a vertically oriented retracted position. The workbench is vertically adjustable along wall mounts. Bench mounted tools may be mounted on rotatable panels, and the panels may be inverted when the workbench is retracted, thereby allowing the workbench to be fully rotated to the vertically oriented retracted position without removing the tools. Storage of tools and hardware may be achieved by a rotatable mounting surface that attaches to the workbench. Workbench legs that support the workbench when deployed are also retractable, and the legs may be adjusted for height and securely attached to the floor for additional stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: John T. Thatcher
  • Publication number: 20090114481
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the sale of greeting cards and related merchandise. More specifically to a novel retail store concept designed to create a personal, experience-based shopping experience for consumers. This concept is effectuated by physical aspects such as a moveable wall system, unique storefront, and specially designed fixtures and furniture. The concept is also effectuated by having several themed zones and intermingling cards and gift merchandise throughout the store. Every aspect of the store, from the store layout and design to the merchandise assortment is carefully chosen to create an experience-based shopping environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Nelson Tejada, Don Batson, Christopher P. Weigand, Allan Stefan, Mathew Webb, Randhir Singh, Megan Buettner, Elizabeth Olson
  • Patent number: 7503266
    Abstract: The modular folding table includes a collapsible truss framework that supports a folding table top and a folding utility shelf, and includes legs that can be connected horizontally or vertically to the legs of one or more similar modular folding tables, to provide desired table and shelf space with a structure that is foldable, strong and stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 7448330
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for a folding table assembly comprising a lifting assist center torsion bar assembly, a lift off caster assembly and a stability locking mechanism. A folding table assembly with a lifting assist mechanism provides a lifting assist force during a portion of the folding process of a foldable table from an unfolded use position to a folded storage position. A lift off caster assembly maintains an unfolded table assembly in a stationary position and prevents the unfolded table from wandering or deviating from its original location on the floor. There is also provided a stability locking mechanism that can set the folding table in a folded and stable semi-closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Midwest Folding Products
    Inventors: Jeremias C. Rivera, Jr., John Daniel Lazar, Doss Samikkannu, Scott M. Zeeb, Philip M. Anthony, III
  • Patent number: 7171911
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for a folding table assembly comprising a lifting assist center torsion bar assembly, a lift off caster assembly and a stability locking mechanism. A folding table assembly with a lifting assist mechanism provides a lifting assist force during a portion of the folding process of a foldable table from an unfolded use position to a folded storage position. A lift off caster assembly maintains an unfolded table assembly in a stationary position and prevents the unfolded table from wandering or deviating from its original location on the floor. There is also provided a stability locking mechanism that can set the folding table in a folded and stable semi-closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Midwest Folding Products
    Inventors: Jeremias C. Rivera, Jr., John Daniel Lazar, Doss Samikkannu, Scott M. Zeeb, Philip M. Anthony, III
  • Patent number: 6708630
    Abstract: A foldable furniture incorporates with a foldable side support arrangement which includes a pair of side supporting units pivotally connected to two side frame of a foldable frame of the foldable furniture and a pair of retaining units coupling with the side supporting units respectively to reinforce the side supporting units pivotally extended to retain the first and second side frame legs of the side frame in position when the foldable frame is unfolded to stretch out wherein two side edge portions of a tension fabric are substantially supported by the two side supporting units respectively. Therefore, the foldable side supporting arrangement is capable of substantially increasing the supporting area of tension fabric to more evenly distribute and support the downward force and stress applied on the tension fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Edward Zheng
  • Patent number: 6223661
    Abstract: A folding sectional table assembly includes a pair of table sections, each of which includes a table top and leg structure pivotably mounted to the table top. Each leg structure includes a pair of upper tubular members pivotably mounted between a pair of apron members secured to the underside of the table top, for providing pivoting movement of the leg structure relative to the table top. A torsion bar assist mechanism is disposed within selected ones of the upper tubular members of the leg structures, and includes a torsion bar located within an internal passage defined by the upper tubular member. Each end of the upper tubular member is pivotably mounted to a hub member secured to one of the apron members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis G. Griepentrog
  • Patent number: 6158361
    Abstract: A foldable table frame includes a table support apparatus which includes a set of our tabletop support arms slidably connecting at their inner, crossing ends to two opposing tabletop support arm holders and at their outer ends pivotally connecting to four frame top joints, such that each set of two tabletop support arms opposedly face with each other and are parallel to the other set of the two tabletop support arms. The table support apparatus further includes a pair of table support pillars for providing greater stability for the table support apparatus for supporting a foldable tabletop, each connecting at its upper end between the respective pair of tabletop support arm holders and at its lower end to a foldable table frame body. The foldable table frame is arranged to allow being pushed together in one motion to fold up the foldable table frame or pulled open to unfold the foldable table frame for the foldable tabletop to mount thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Tofasco of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Zheng, Paul Zheng
  • Patent number: 5794546
    Abstract: The collapsible display table includes a collapsible truss framework that supports a folding table top and one or more folding utility shelves. The two link members in each truss pair of the framework are pivotally connected together in a scissors configuration so as to be extendable horizontally from a first collapsed position to a second extended position. A pair of table top support arms pivotally connected to the top of the framework on opposite sides are provided for supporting the table top, and at least one pair of shelf support arms is removably attachable between adjacent legs on opposite sides for supporting a lower shelf. The legs of the collapsible display table preferably include telescoping foot extensions. The table top and lower utility shelf are preferably made of a plurality of segments hingedly connected together, allowing them to be foldable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Mark C. Carter
  • Patent number: 5311826
    Abstract: The furnishing element with foldable panels of the disclosure comprises a support base to the top of which there is connected, by a hinge, at least one primary movable panel rotatable from a substantially vertical rest position to horizontal position, and carrying by a hinge connection at least one secondary movable panel which when the primary movable panel has attained its horizontal position can be rotated from a folded position in which it rests against the primary movable panel to a horizontal extended position coplanar with the primary movable panel, structure being provided for supporting the movable panel or panels in the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Giuseppe Baggiani