Dropleaf Patents (Class 108/77)
  • Patent number: 12137804
    Abstract: A platform leveling apparatus with a platform attached to a frame, two and only two linear actuators, and one and only one heim joint. The upper ends of the linear actuators are rotatably attached to the front frame member, and the heim joint is connected to the rear frame member. The lower end of the heim joint is connected to an upper end of a heim joint support, and the lower end of the heim joint support is connected to a rear base support by front and/or rear heim joint braces. The rear base support is oriented parallel to the rear frame member when the heim joint is at a centered position, and the rear base support is positioned below a front edge of the rear frame member. The lower ends of the linear actuators are rotatably connected to a first fixed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Inventors: Ryan Huff, Brian Fulton
  • Patent number: 11219324
    Abstract: A cupholder assembly adapted to be mounted to a support structure and a table including a cupholder assembly are provided. In one example, the cupholder assembly includes a housing that extends in a distal direction from a proximal housing portion to a distal housing portion. The housing is configured to pivotally couple to the support structure to move between a mounted position and a rotated position that is rotated relative to the mounted position. A cupholder subassembly is slidingly coupled to the housing to move between a stowed position substantially within the housing and a deployed position extending from the housing in the distal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Inventors: Anand Raghoonandan, Jacob Norton, Yves Caron
  • Patent number: 9770719
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for performing maintenance on grinding discs are disclosed. The apparatus can be positioned below the housing of a vertical grinding mill and attached to the housing in order to provide temporary support for grinding discs when the grinding discs are removed from the housing. The apparatus can be rotated so that it is in a longitudinal position when the grinding discs are within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventors: Steve Shiba, Brian Shaw, Craig Stark
  • Publication number: 20150101514
    Abstract: A table system that includes at least first and second table assemblies. The first table assembly includes a horizontally oriented first table member having a first upright member extending downwardly therefrom and a top surface and a bottom surface, a first flap member hingedly connected to the first table member and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The first flap member has a top surface and a bottom surface. The second table assembly includes a horizontally oriented second table member having a first upright member extending downwardly therefrom and a top surface and a bottom surface. A first top surface horizontal distance is defined between the top surfaces of the first and second table members. The top surface of the first flap member defines a first top surface width dimension. The first top surface horizontal distance and the first top surface width dimension are approximately the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Emanuele Massimini
  • Publication number: 20140338572
    Abstract: An expandable table includes a basic table leaf and at least one supplementary table leaf which can be positioned next to the basic table leaf. In order to be able to expand the table to a relatively great extent in spite of having a narrow basic table leaf, the at least one supplementary table leaf is constructed as an insert leaf which can be guided obliquely downwards beneath the basic table leaf. The insert leaf has a respective component of a respective pivot bearing at its lower end on both transverse sides and a respective further component of the pivot bearing, which is connected to the basic table leaf, engages into the component in an extended condition of the insert leaf to complete the pivot bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Benno Schiefer
  • Patent number: 8763538
    Abstract: A folding table is provided that includes: a table frame that enables a table body to move between the in-use position and the stowed position, that is disposed within the table body, and that supports the table body; a support member that pivotably supports the table frame; and a lock, provided in a position where the support member and the table frame are linked, that holds the table frame in the in-use position and prevents the table frame from pivoting. The lock has: a retaining member in which an engagement groove is formed; a pivoting member capable of engaging with and disengaging from the engagement groove; and a lock biaser that biases the pivoting member in the direction of engagement with the engagement groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Fukuhara
  • Patent number: 8746154
    Abstract: A concealed 180° hinge for the movable connection of two parts between a collapsed state and a fully opened-out state of the parts has at least two U-shaped pivoting brackets. The hinge, which has the highest possible strength and also allows the two parts to be moved in relation to one another without any risk of collision, includes rotary pins of the two pivoting brackets on the one hinge part that are arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the part, which can be connected to this one hinge part. The rotary pins of the two pivoting brackets on the second hinge part are disposed in a plane located substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the part, which can be connected to this second hinge part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: FACC AG
    Inventors: Jakob Schoerkhuber, Bernhard Kammerer
  • Patent number: 8651029
    Abstract: A potting bench includes an upper frame section and a lower frame section. The lower frame section is defined by a first front support, a first rear support, a second front support, a second rear support and a work surface. The work surface includes a fixed section having a first end and a second end, an extendable section rotatably coupled to the first end of the fixed section and configurable into a lowered and a raised position and a removable section configurable into a user work position and a stowed position. The first end of the removable section is located adjacent to the second end of the fixed section in the user work position and the removable section is supported on a support hook mounted on a side wall located between the second front support and the second rear support in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Daiying Huang, Samuel J. Clavette, Stephanie A. Grotta, Sara L. Pedersen
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8421407
    Abstract: Inductively coupled work surfaces with integrated primary coils are provided. Power is inductively coupled from a work surface with an integrated primary coil to a handheld device containing a secondary coil. The inductively coupled work surface may be a home work surface, an ergonomic industrial work bench, a work surface installed in the interior of a vehicle, or a collapsible work surface accessible from the exterior of a vehicle. Primary coils integrated into a work surface may provide varying amounts of power. Devices containing secondary coils, such as laptop computers, PDAs, cell phones, and power tools, are charged when placed on the work surface where primary coils are integrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: L & P Property Management Company
    Inventor: LeRoy Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120097077
    Abstract: A furniture piece has a body, a surface, at least one moveable leg, and at least one stationary leg. The surface is in communication with the body and has a surface portion and a leaf portion. The leaf portion is moveable in relation to the surface portion. The at least one moveable leg is in communication with the body and is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. The at least one moveable leg in the extended position is operable to provide structural support to the leaf portion. The at least one stationary leg is in communication with the body. The at least one stationary leg is affixed to the body such that the at least one stationary leg remains stationary in relation to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: DMI MANAGEMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Arthit Surinlert
  • Patent number: 7597054
    Abstract: A desk that has a working platform which has a set of legs that are mounted on the bottom surface of the working platform. The legs are pivotable from a retracted position in juxtaposition with the working platform to an outwardly extended position located transverse to the working platform. Attached to each leg is a brace and this brace is swingable to engage the outer free end of the brace with an attaching plate that is fixed relative to the bottom surface of the working platform. There is a separate attaching plate for each leg. With the brace clamped to the attaching plate, each leg will be securely positioned in the extended position permitting the working platform to rest in a spaced relationship relative to a supporting surface permitting a chair to be used in conjunction with the desk with a human user to be located in the chair and the user to then perform tasks on the desk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: James E. Grove
  • Publication number: 20090078173
    Abstract: A table may include a table top and at least one leg assembly. The table top may include a first table top section and a second table top section. The table top sections may be movable between a first position in which the table top sections are generally aligned and a second position in which the table top sections are at an angle. The leg assembly may be movable between an extended position and a collapsed position relative to the table top. The leg assembly may include a first support structure and a second support structure. The support structures may be movable between a generally aligned position and an angled position when the leg assembly is in the extended position. Moving the support structures to the angled position may help retain the leg assembly in the extended position. Moving the table top sections to the second position may help retain the support structures in the angled position and thus further help retain the leg assembly in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Katie Staples Topham, Jay Calkin, Larry Larcom, Paul Branch
  • Patent number: 7168372
    Abstract: An expandable and collapsible table for use with a miter saw or for recreational use. A support structure includes a truss that is expandable and collapsible in the horizontal direction. A pair of expansion leaves are pivotally connected to opposing sides of the support structure. A support arm and extension arm work in combination with a locking mechanism to maintain the expansion leaves in the horizontal position or alternatively to allow the expansion leaves to collapse to a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Standalone, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank M. Fotia
  • Patent number: 7036160
    Abstract: A footboard desk designed to extend over the foot of a bed to provide for an efficient use of space while maintaining the aesthetically pleasing aspects of a room's décor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Deborah S. Pecoraro
  • Patent number: 6923126
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use with a movable section that is coupled to a structure for movement relative to the structure between a use position and a storage position. The apparatus comprises a first arm pivotally coupled to the movable section and a second arm pivotally coupled to the first arm. The apparatus further comprises a latch coupled to the movable section for pivoting movement between a latched position preventing movement of the movable section from the use position to the storage position and a released position allowing movement of the movable section from the use position to the storage position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael B. Verkley
  • Patent number: 6854696
    Abstract: A portable, foldable display apparatus that can be folded into a structure that is approximately one foot wide so that it can be easily stored. The apparatus is fitted with wheels so that the apparatus can be easily moved once it has been set up. An optional telescoping advertisement sign is provided. Multiple levels of display surfaces are provided. The apparatus can be used to display floral arrangements or other articles. The apparatus can be easily manufactured with display surfaces having different shapes to accommodate different merchandize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Marcy Britigan
  • Patent number: 6820563
    Abstract: A table (10) is angularly mobile on an vertical rotation axis (X—X) with respect to a fixed base (1, 3); an articulated rod 16) forming a strut is articulated by means of end ball joints (18, 20) both under the flap (12) and to a support (14) of the base (1,3) at a distance from the axis (X—X) of angular mobility of the table; the flap is raised when the table is turned in one direction and the same flap is lowered when the table is turned in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventors: Donato D'Urbino, Paolo Lomazzi
  • Patent number: 6763769
    Abstract: A drop-leaf table comprises a center leaf and two drop leaves, which are articulated to the center leaf by a hinge and mounted for pivoting into a dropped position and a position that is directed upwards beyond the center leaf. The table further comprises a table frame, which has a basic body fixed to the center leaf with supporting arms pivot-mounted therein, which are mounted for pivoting into a swung-in first position of support of the center leaf and a swung-out second position of support of a drop leaf. The supporting arms are provided with table-legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Dauphin Entwicklungs- u. Beteiligungs-GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Ballendat
  • Publication number: 20040069191
    Abstract: A table (10) is angularly mobile on an vertical rotation axis (X-X) with respect to a fixed base (1, 3); an articulated rod 16) forming a strut is articulated by means of end ball joints (18, 20) both under the flap (12) and to a support (14) of the base (1,3) at a distance from the axis (X-X) of angular mobility of the table; the flap is raised when the table is turned in one direction and the same flap is lowered when the table is turned in the opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Donato D'Urbino, Paolo Lomazzi
  • Publication number: 20040045487
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use with a movable section that is coupled to a structure for movement relative to the structure between a use position and a storage position. The apparatus comprises a first arm pivotally coupled to the movable section and a second arm pivotally coupled to the first arm. The apparatus further comprises a latch coupled to the movable section for pivoting movement between a latched position preventing movement of the movable section from the use position to the storage position and a released position allowing movement of the movable section from the use position to the storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Michael B. Verkley
  • Patent number: 6694964
    Abstract: A barbecue grill assembly includes aside rack mounted foldably on a main frame, which has a mounting seat formed with an insert hole for access to a slide passage and installed with a resilient locking pin and an operating shaft coupled to the locking pin. The side rack has an insert rod extending slidably into the slide passage and formed with an engaging groove for engaging the locking pin so as to retain the side rack at a horizontal unfolded position. The insert rod extends through a side hole portion of the insert hole when in the unfolded position. The operating shaft is operable against restoring action of the locking pin so as to disengage the locking pin from the insert rod. The insert rod is slidable outwardly and is turnable downwardly to extend through a bottom hole portion of the insert hole when disengaged from the locking pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen USA Inc.
    Inventor: Tsan-Kuen Wu
  • Patent number: 6629504
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an improved convertible table construction that includes a central table base section having a central tabletop section with at least two adjacent edges to which at least one adjustable table leaf is attached. The adjustable table leaf is “L” shaped, with one leg of the “L” being a large work surface and the other leg being a smaller work surface. The “L” shaped leaf has attachment hardware along the intersection of the legs that allow the leaf to be attached to the edges of the top work surface of the table base. The hardware is uniquely configured to allow the “L” shaped leaves to be attached in two different orientations providing for a work surface that is adjustable in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Seth Stem
  • Patent number: 6520093
    Abstract: A multi-use table has a central table flanked by extension wings which are independently positionable in vertical upward, horizontal and vertical downward orientations. A locking device is provided in association with each wing, and may consist of a right-angle arm mounted to a lower surface of the central table for sliding and rotational motion. A distal end of the arm engages the wing for locking purposes. In a preferred embodiment the distal end of the arm is retained in a pocket in the wing between upper and lower wing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Milton J. Merl
  • Publication number: 20030019404
    Abstract: An extensible table includes a first support frame consisting of a plurality of rods for supporting a first carrier member, and a second support frame pivotally engaged with the first support frame at a pivotal axis which serves a fulcrum to allow the second support frame moving a selected displacement to support a second carrier member. The second carrier member is pivotally engaged with the first carrier member at one side through a pivotal element. The second carrier member may be extended about the pivotal element and supported by the second support frame to couple with the first carrier member to form an extended table with a larger area for holding goods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Lausan Chung-Hsin Liu
  • Publication number: 20030019405
    Abstract: A drop-leaf table comprises a center leaf and two drop leaves, which are articulated to the center leaf by a hinge and mounted for pivoting into a dropped position and a position that is directed upwards beyond the center leaf. The table further comprises a table frame, which has a basic body fixed to the center leaf with supporting arms pivot-mounted therein, which are mounted for pivoting into a swung-in first position of support of the center leaf and a swung-out second position of support of a drop leaf. The supporting arms are provided with table-legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: DAUPHIN ENTWICKLUNGS - u. Betelligungs - GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Ballendat
  • Patent number: 6324997
    Abstract: A train of like event tables in which a height adjustment mechanism is provided which includes a locking device which must be pulled to release. There is further provided a latch mechanism which selectively supports leaves hingeably attached to the top of each of the tables, or inter connects adjacent tables to form a train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Gary Baker
  • Patent number: 6318684
    Abstract: A valance assembly (10) for a merchandising fixture (11) includes a bracket (15) positioned at both longitudinal ends of the valance assembly (10) and adapted to be connected to the fixture (11). An arm (16) is pivotally carried by each bracket (15), and a panel (39) extends between the arms (16). The panel (39) is formed with a nose (40) at one lateral edge thereof and an attachment assembly (41) along the other lateral edge thereof. The longitudinal edges of the nose (40) and the attachment assembly (41) are received in a hollowed-out area (29) formed in each of the arms (16), and the panel (39) is connected to the arms (16) at that location. Each bracket (15) includes a flexible arm (26) having a notch (27) therein. Each arm (16) includes a cam surface (35) having a lug (36) formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Darko Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Ireland, Jeffry A. Myler
  • Publication number: 20010013306
    Abstract: A wagon 1 comprises a first wagon 10 including a lower face plate 12 and an upper face plate 11 constituting storage space, and a second wagon 20 to be stored within the storage space of the first wagon 10. The longitudinal side edges of the upper face plate 11 of said first wagon 10 is equipped with auxiliary table plates 15 rotatably connected thereto, and the first and second wagons 10, 20 are formed to rotate with the rotary axis set to a center column 30 mounted to the center of the upper and lower face plates 11, 25, 12, 21. The second wagon 20 can be moved from a first position where the wagon is completely stored within the first wagon 10 to a second position taking an angle of 90 degrees from the first wagon, and the auxiliary tables 15 can each be pivoted from a position hanging from the upper face plate 11 to a position leveled with the upper face plate 11.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Applicant: Jamco Corporation
    Inventors: Ushio Itakura, Osamu Ishii
  • Patent number: 6041722
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi faceted event table having the capability of achieving a variety of different and highly useful configurations, either in combination with one or more like tables, or standing alone, to thereby provide a single table usable in a wide variety of events, while at the same time being light weight and easily handled both in set up and break down with greatly reduced storage space compactness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Gary Baker
  • Patent number: 5967055
    Abstract: A scoring table for use at sporting includes a table top, a front section adapted to support the forward portion of the table top, and legs adapted to support the rear portion of the table top. The legs are formed with upper and lower leg members. Each lower leg member is hinged to the respective upper leg member for movement between (1) a first position aligned with and extending downwardly from the upper leg member for supporting the rear portion of the table top from the floor and (2) a second position extending upwardly from the hinge and generally adjacent the upper leg member to allow the upper leg members to support the rear portion of the table top from a generally horizontal surface which is at a height above the floor such as a bleacher seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Larry Schumacher
  • Patent number: 5941180
    Abstract: A calculator mount includes a self closing hinge with a frame wing and a door wing. The frame wing is attached to a desk with a top and overhang, and a calculator mounting bracket is carried by the door wing. The door wing and bracket swing between a position at which the calculator is at a position adjacent the top surface of the desk and a position at which it folds under the desk. It can be mounted on either side of the desk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Robert D. Becker
  • Patent number: 5709155
    Abstract: A tray table assembly which can be positioned horizontally for use by a person in a chair. When not in use, the tray table can be folded against the side of the chair. A mount bracket is attached to the arm of the chair. Pin tracks are disposed in the mount bracket. A hinge bracket is attached to a tray table. Pin holes are disposed in the hinge bracket. The hinge bracket is pivotally engaged to the mount bracket by a clevis pin that extends through the pin holes and the pin tracks. The tray table can be moved from a first position where the tray table is maintained in a horizontal position, to a second position in which the tray table is free to rotate to the side of the chair. In the horizontal position, tabs on the hinge bracket engage slots in the mount bracket, thereby retaining the tray table in the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: MUL Acquisition Corp. II
    Inventor: James M. Terracciano
  • Patent number: 5588377
    Abstract: A convertible table can be conveniently configured into either a coffee table or a dining table. The convertible table includes a table bottom unit supported by four legs and a table hinge secured to the table bottom unit via four lower hinge brackets. A table top unit is secured to the table hinge via four upper hinge brackets. The hinge moves between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration to vertically move the table top unit away from the table bottom unit and back into contact with the table bottom unit, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Hal Fahmian
  • Patent number: 5513578
    Abstract: A four-sided drop leaf table is provided which can be converted between a square table and a round table, or between a elongated rectangular table and an oval table. The mating edges of the table and leaves have complementary routed contours. The corners of the leaves have a 45.degree. miter cut edge which abuts a similar edge on an adjacent leaf when the leaves are in a raised position. The leaves also have a 45.degree. compound cut edge extending from the bottom surface thereof, which allows the leaves to fold downwardly 90.degree. from the raised position to a lowered position without interference. The table is provided with a telescoping pedestal so that the height of the table top can be adjusted between a coffee table height and dining table height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Milton D. Tordsen
    Inventor: Robert H. Tordsen
  • Patent number: 4836114
    Abstract: A table top for use in constricted areas has a plurality of support arms abutting at one end to form a hub. The support arms are arranged in equidistant, spaced-apart relation to each other at the ends distal to the hub. A plurality of work surface leaf sections mounted between the support arms are individually pivotable through 360 degrees about their longitudinal axes. The table top additionally has a plurality of distal leaves, each distal leaf being attached to the distal end of one of the arms. The distal leaves are pivotable between an upright position level with the support arms and a stored position below the support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Marc M. Cohen, Jan Kaplicky, David A. Nixon
  • Patent number: 4606279
    Abstract: A two piece table leaf slide support consisting of a U-shaped metal channel member and a metal support bracket slidably supporting the channel member, the elongated U-shaped channel member having a vertical base wall, and a top flange and a bottom flange extending longitudinally orthogonally of the base wall, one end of the channel being curved with the top and bottom flanges remaining substantially in their respective planes, and a pair of lengthwise spaced apart lancings through the channel member vertical base wall effective to prevent the channel member from jamming or shifting endwise out of the support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: Tucker Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert J. Tucker, Frederick A. Tucker
  • Patent number: 4446796
    Abstract: A table and improved hinge mechanism therefor. A table top (11) having extension leaves (13, 14) secured to opposite edges (15, 16) of top (11) by hinges (17, 17A, 17B, and 17C). Hinge (17) including a pivot member (20), a slide member (21), a pivot pin (22) and an extension spring (23) operate to permit extension leaves (13, 14) to be oriented in three positions, horizontal and even with the table top (11), vertically upward, and vertically downward. When in the horizontal orientation, tongue (43) is engaged within channel (35). To reorient the extension leaves, tongue (43) is withdrawn from channel (35) against the spring (23) and may be pivoted on the pin (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: Sico Incorporated
    Inventors: Kermit H. Wilson, Ronald R. Carlson
  • Patent number: 4362114
    Abstract: A table top for an embroidering machine having a plurality of embroidering units with stitch plates which are arranged in a plane on an associated embroidering frame, comprises a step bearing adapted to be secured in position adjacent the frame. A bearing strap is pivotally mounted in the step bearing for rotation about a horizontal axis and it carries a table top which may be pivoted therewith between a horizontal position aligned adjacent the plane of the stitch plates to a substantially vertical position below the stitch plates. The pivot for the strap is located in a horizontal plane below the assemblies of the embroidering units. The position of the table may be finally adjusted by means of an adjusting screw. Construction includes a control shaft for actuating the embroidering units which are located beneath the units and extend over the entire length of the table top and is displaceable for controlling the embroidering machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1982
    Assignee: Pfaff Industriemaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Bolldorf
  • Patent number: 4324397
    Abstract: A platform, for use in a sheet stacking device in which the platform descends as a stack being formed on it grows higher, is so constructed that its length can be varied according to the length of sheets to be stacked. The platform is made in two or more sections (10, 11, 12) each hinged (15, 17) to the next, and all sections are supported horizontally to receive long sheets, less than all the sections being horizontal and the remaining sections hanging vertically when shorter sheets are being stacked. Wheels (13, 16, 18) may be provided on the platform so that it may easily be moved out of the stacking device when loaded, all the sections being restored to a horizontal position for such movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1982
    Assignee: Masson Scott Thrissell Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Graham A. Byrt, Bernard A. Graves
  • Patent number: 4301744
    Abstract: A slide device for supporting the folding leaf of a dropleaf table comprises a bar and an elongated retainer having a channel which receives the bar for lengthwise reciprocation. The channel has a depth slightly greater than the width of the bar, and the retainer is provided with oppositely extending coplanar flanges on opposite sides of the channel which define a substantially flat mounting surface. A first boss is provided on each flange near one end which projects above the mounting surface. A second boss of substantially the same height as the first boss is also provided on each flange and is disposed adjacent to the first boss on the side thereof toward the other flange end. Each second boss has a first mounting hole therethrough, and each flange is provided with a second mounting hole near the other end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: B. Walter & Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Walter
  • Patent number: 4261266
    Abstract: An extensible table (10) has one or more pivotal leaves (11) movable between an upper use position and a lower storage position. Each leaf is pivotally supported by a pair of hinges each of which includes a journal (34) which is connected to the pivotal leaf and is received within a journal block (30) formed in the frame of the table. One hinge of each pair is a positioning hinge and the journal thereof has first and second recesses corresponding to the use position and the storage position, respectively. A locking pin (42) disposed in an aperture extending transversely through the journal block of each positioning hinge and engages one of the recesses in the journal when the pivotal leaf is in one position and engages the other of the recesses when the leaf is in the other of its positions. The locking pin also has a recess formed in its shaft which can be oriented to initially register with one of the recesses on the journal to thereupon permit pivotal movement of the end leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1981
    Assignee: Design Institute America
    Inventors: Donald L. Hedinger, Alfred E. Ruckriegel
  • Patent number: 4221173
    Abstract: A convertible article of furniture wherein successive sections each comprise a table top panel and a leg panel. The table top panels are hingedly connected in a row to form an elongated table when the article is in full open position but each table top panel is adapted to fold downwardly with its associated leg panel moving under the next adjacent panel to form successively smaller units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1980
    Assignee: Victoria Miller
    Inventor: Carl C. Sanford, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4109589
    Abstract: A glass top table has pivotally supported end leaves mounted between spaced side frames for movement between an inwardly projecting storage position and an outwardly projecting use position. Each side frame has an upper frame member and a pair of legs projecting downwardly from opposite ends of its upper frame member. A glass table top extends laterally between the upper frame members and is located above the end leaves in their storage position and in alignment therewith in the use position. Each end leaf includes a peripheral rectangular frame which is elongated in a lateral direction and a glass leaf secured to the rectangular frame. A pair of support frame members extend laterally between the upper members of the side frames and are located adjacent the end leaf frames in the storage position thereof so as to provide an aesthetically appealing appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1978
    Assignee: Winzeler Stamping Company
    Inventors: Alfred E. Ruckriegel, David W. Buehler
  • Patent number: 4068551
    Abstract: Power saws, e.g., radial arm saws or table saws, are provided with a folding extension table to accommodate comparatively long workpieces. The distal end of the table is supported by folding legs, the proximal end of the table being pivotally connected to one edge of the normal worktable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1978
    Inventor: Lloyd D. Kreitz
  • Patent number: 4064814
    Abstract: A self-leveling table has a rectangular top bolted to a unitized base. The base has a horizontal rectangular frame which supports the top fabricated from four welded angle irons. The frame is supported by two pairs of crossed legs, welded at the cross, each of which terminate in a foot. The feet are heavy sheet metal bent slightly so as to touch the floor only at the ends. The table top is fitted with latching devices at each end of the top for attachment of a table extension or another table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1977
    Inventors: Joseph E. Pokorny, Richard N. Keller
  • Patent number: 3931771
    Abstract: A carrel-like module which, in one configuration, accommodates a single user, and in an expanded configuration, accommodates two or more users. The carrel module includes an arcuate shaped writing panel, preferably having a concavely shaped rear edge opposite from a seated user and a convexly shaped near edge presented adjacent the seated user, with two end edges, respectively, connecting the rear and near edges. The end edges and the rear edge are bounded by upright panels, the panels extending generally above the writing panel to the head level of the seated user. The two panels presented adjacent the respective end edges are rotatably connected to leg-like support members located at corners of the writing panel formed by the intersection of the rear edge and the end edges, respectively, of the writing panel. The end panels are removably secured to the writing panel, such that they may be conveniently disengaged therefrom, and rotated about their associated leg members by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1976
    Inventor: Edward J. Kramer