Concealed In Stored Position Patents (Class 108/86)
  • Patent number: 11963611
    Abstract: The present subject matter discloses a removable panel assembly for an expandable folding table. The removable panel assembly includes a movable panel and a frame that is retractable. The expandable frame also includes a fixed frame connected with a pivot device and a movable frame. The movable panel is foldable and can be horizontally arranged between two panels of the folding tables when it is in use. Furthermore, the movable panel can be stored under the fixed frame when it is collapsed. With the removable panel assembly, the table can be both foldable and extendable without structural interference. In addition, while being easy to operate, the removable panel assembly further enhances the functions and appearance of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: YIXIANG BLOW MOLDING FURNITURE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jinglei Jiang
  • Patent number: 11622619
    Abstract: A table with a central extension, includes a frame, two movable trays bearing on the frame and adapted to be brought close to one another to constitute a continuous surface on their own, or to be symmetrically brought away from each other, or independently of each other to enable the set-up of one or several so-called central extension(s) between the movable trays. The edges of the movable trays and of the extension(s) include at least one tab located on a first half of the edge and a groove located on a second half of the edge, the tab having a height increasing from its distal edge up to its central portion and decreasing from its central portion up to its proximal edge, and the depth of the groove being larger than the tab height, enabling an assembly by mortise-and-tenon joint even when the trays and/or the extension are deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: LAFUMA MOBILIER SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Noël Pernet, Corrado Roani
  • Patent number: 10548398
    Abstract: A wheeled kitchen apparatus with a collapsible work surface includes a wheeled cabinet with a cabinet top and four cabinet sides. The cabinet top has a surface with an opening accommodating a basin, and also has a heating unit. The cabinet has four extensions located at the four cabinet sides. The four extensions are configurable between at least two positions including a first position that laterally extends the surface of the top of the cabinet and a second position in which the extensions fold down along the sides of the cabinet. The unit can include running water, including hot and cold water, and can also include an oven. The collapsible work surface permits the apparatus to fit through classroom doors and therefore usable in every school environment. The shape of the extensions, when configured in the upward position, safely moves school-age children away from the potentially dangerous heating unit and other equipment that may pose harm if within reach of the children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: EDIBLE EDUCATION LLC
    Inventor: Ann Louise Butler
  • Patent number: 9622568
    Abstract: An extendable table movable between an extended position and a retracted position is disclosed. The table includes a generally rectangular table frame, outer sliding tracks secured to the rails of the table frame, first and second cross members also secured to the rails of the table frame, as well as four table legs. The table includes first and second movable table tops, each having a molded plastic table top surface, and inner sliding tracks which are slidingly received within the outer sliding tracks so that the first and second table tops are movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The table includes a leaf, having a molded plastic table top surface and first and second retainers disposed on an underside of the table leaf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Zhuhai Shichang Metals Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 9033438
    Abstract: A shelf assembly is provided for a refrigerator with a food compartment that includes a rear wall and a pair of opposed side walls. The shelf assembly includes a first and second shelf portion with first and second support surfaces. The second shelf portion is slidably moveable relative to the first shelf portion between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the second shelf portion is arranged such that the second support surface is substantially coplanar with the first support surface and the second support surface is located generally between a first support surface and a side wall of the food compartment. In the retracted position, the second planar support surface is arranged subjacent to the first planar support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul H. Kelly, Benjamin Mobley, Akhil Karibandi, Caleb Gossens, Peter Jenkinson
  • Patent number: 8777341
    Abstract: Sliding shelves (2a, 2b, 4a, 4b) are provided for refrigerators and freezers, which have a movement along side support guides (1) that enable the retracting, fitting and bounce of the shelves, allowing the choice of different configurations for the inner space of the household appliance, according to the area to be used to store food. This configuration enables different arrangement of shelves, including: extended shelves, retracted shelves, vertically bounced shelves, or even, in an associated form, an extended shelf and another bounced one.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Do Brasil S.A.
    Inventors: Gustavo Gnoatto Amaral, Adriano Davin, Valkiria Pedri Fialkowski, Jacques Edouard de Holanda Miranda, Rodrigo Telles Wolff, Mario Filho Gnypek, Rafael Amaral Alonso Lopes
  • Patent number: 8550011
    Abstract: An adjustable table has a base, a telescopic tube assembly, two outside tabletop components and two inside tabletop components. The base has at least one leg and a mounting bracket. The telescopic tube assembly has a shaft, a central tube and two sliding tubes. The shaft is located over the mounting bracket. The central tube is mounted securely around the shaft. The sliding tubes are mounted slidably around the shaft. The outside tabletop components are mounted slidably on the mounting bracket and are slidably mounted respectively on the sliding tubes. The inside tabletop components are foldable and each has a first board mounted pivotally and slidably on one sliding tube and a second board connected pivotally to the first board. Each inside tabletop component independently folds and flips underneath the outside tabletop components abut each other or abut one of the inside tabletop components to shorten a total tabletop length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Shyi-Yueh Lee
  • Publication number: 20130047895
    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: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Daiying Huang, Samuel J. Clavette, Stephanie A. Grotta, Sara L. Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20130047898
    Abstract: An adjustable table has a base, a telescopic tube assembly, two outside tabletop components and two inside tabletop components. The base has at least one leg and a mounting bracket. The telescopic tube assembly has a shaft, a central tube and two sliding tubes. The shaft is located over the mounting bracket. The central tube is mounted securely around the shaft. The sliding tubes are mounted slidably around the shaft. The outside tabletop components are mounted slidably on the mounting bracket and are slidably mounted respectively on the sliding tubes. The inside tabletop components are foldable and each has a first board mounted pivotally and slidably on one sliding tube and a second board connected pivotally to the first board. Each inside tabletop component independently folds and flips underneath the outside tabletop components abut each other or abut one of the inside tabletop components to shorten a total tabletop length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Shyi-Yueh Lee
  • Patent number: 7752789
    Abstract: An exemplary display device includes a support member, a pair of displays slidably attached to the support member, and positioning members disposed between the displays and the support member. The support member includes a straight slideway, and a curved slideway defined therein. The curved slideway includes a slanting portion, and a first straight portion and a second straight portion extending out from opposite ends of the slanting portion. The straight slideway is parallel to the first straight portion of the curved slideway and in line with the second straight portion of the curved slideway. The displays are slidably received in the straight slideway and the curved slideway respectively. The displays may be positioned to form a large screen, or slid to overlap leaving a single display visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ke Sun, Zhen-Xing Ye
  • Patent number: 7464653
    Abstract: A table comprises a table base having a table top, horizontally-fixed sections positioned atop the table base, and a plurality of self-storing expansion leaves that have at least a first length and a second length. The expansion leaves have a first length when stored within the table base and a second length when placed between the fixed sections. Double pivoting hinges connect the expansion leaves to the table base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Statecraft International Inc.
    Inventor: Martin J. Dodge
  • Patent number: 6742461
    Abstract: An extensible table with its unextended tabletop formed by leaves that are slidably fixed on the supporting frame of the table. The sliding leaves are moved away from each other to reveal a hidden extension leaf that is raised by momentarily applying an initiating downward force. The extension leaf raises itself to the same level as the sliding leaves are to form an extended tabletop. The extension leaf is moved down to its original level by an applied downward force and allows for the sliding leaves to be slid toward each other to form the unextended tabletop. Latching is accomplished by a latching pin. The first end of the latching pin is in a pin housing. This allows the second end of the latching pin to move in the groove of the grooved block. A spring in the pin housing holds the second end of the pin in the grove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Green Continental Furniture (M) SDN BMD
    Inventor: Lor Lean Sen
  • Patent number: 6729243
    Abstract: An extendable table having a stowable leaf member. The table includes a first table section having a first table surface and a second table section having a second table surface. The second table section is movably coupled to the first table section in a coplanar relationship. A leaf member is further provided and is selectively positionable in an operable position between the first table surface and the second table surface and a stowed position below the table surface. A pivoting assembly couples the leaf member to the first and second table sections and permits the leaf member to rotate about a generally vertical axis and a generally horizontal axis between an operable position and a stowed position. When in this stowed position, the leaf member is generally nestled along the underside of the extendable table out of sight of a guest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: La-Z-Boy Incorporated
    Inventor: Timothy L. Annas
  • Publication number: 20030192459
    Abstract: An extendable table having a stowable leaf member. The table includes a first table section having a first table surface and a second table section having a second table surface. The second table section is movably coupled to the first table section in a coplanar relationship. A leaf member is further provided and is selectively positionable in an operable position between the first table surface and the second table surface and a stowed position below the table surface. A pivoting assembly couples the leaf member to the first and second table sections and permits the leaf member to rotate about a generally vertical axis and a generally horizontal axis between an operable position and a stowed position. When in this stowed position, the leaf member is generally nestled along the underside of the extendable table out of sight of a guest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy L. Annas
  • Patent number: 6443073
    Abstract: An extendable table has a pair of main top panels (14, 16) and a pair of extension top panels (18, 20) that are stowable under the main panels. The main panels are secured to sliding frames (32) which are slidably movable relative to a fixed table frame (10). Each extension panel is seated on one sliding frame. As the main panel (14, 16) is pulled outwardly, the associated extension panel (18, 20) is automatically lifted up into the gap opened above the table frame (10), by interaction of guide means (42, 52) on the undersurface of the extension panel with the sliding frame (32) and the fixed frame (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: B.T. Furnishing Sdn. Bhd.
    Inventors: Shing Chi Tsang, Shing Yip Tsang
  • Patent number: 6038985
    Abstract: A dining table consists of a locating frame which is supported by a frame support and is provided with a sliding mechanism mounted thereon to permit opening and closing of a first table top. A second table top is held between two fastening supports of the locating frame on the frame support. The sliding mechanism comprises two slide rail members. Each slide rail member has two slide plates and a frame strip. Each slide plate has four slide wheels and a traction unit fastened on the slide plate. Each slide plate of the two slide plates are slidably engaged on each of the two frame strips of the sliding mechanism. The second table top can be activated to extract or retract in an opening between the first table top after it has been opened on the sliding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Pei Chi Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sen-Jung Chang
  • Patent number: 5927212
    Abstract: A table is provided having first and second side bars positioned generally parallel to and spaced-apart from each other. A first table end segment is secured to the first outer ends of the first and second side bars, and a second table end segment is secured to the second outer ends of the first and second side bars. First and second crossing bars are connected to and extend between the first and second side bars. A removable table segment is positioned between the first and second table end segments, the removable table segment having a first leaf and a second leaf, with the first leaf pivotally coupled to the first and second crossing bars. A storage space is defined by the first and second side bars and the first and second crossing bars. The first and second leaves may be folded against each other and stored in the storage space to reduce the overall size of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Latitude Tree Furniture Sdn. Bhd.
    Inventor: Chun Te Huang
  • Patent number: 5806437
    Abstract: A table has first and second extendable bar structures positioned parallel to each other. A first table end segment is secured to the first outer ends of the extendable bar structures, and a second table end segment is secured to the second outer ends of the extendable bar structures. First and second crossing bars are connected to and extend between the first and second extendable bar structures. A rod is connected between the first and second crossing bars, and a plurality of removable table segments are positioned between the first and second table end segments. Each removable table segment is rotatably coupled to the rod to facilitate storage of each removable table segment under the first and second table end segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Latitude Tree Furniture Sdn. Bhd.
    Inventor: Chun Te Huang
  • Patent number: 5799571
    Abstract: A positioning device for an extentable table includes a plurality of stops having a plurality of holes defined therein and a central plate having a plurality of bosses formed on two opposed side faces thereof. Therefore, when the central plate is in storage state, the bosses will be inserted into the holes of the stops to securely retain the central plate in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventors: Hsi-lun Lee, Tseng-jung Lee
  • Patent number: 5577450
    Abstract: A variable-length table has a tabletop assembly which includes two leg mounting boards, two guide beams that interconnect the leg mounting boards, two connecting beam sets, two fixed tabletop units and a removable tabletop unit. Each connecting beam set includes two connecting beams disposed respectively on two sides of a corresponding one of the guide beams and mounted slidably thereto. Each fixed tabletop unit is mounted on a respective one of the connecting beams of each of the connecting beam sets. The removable tabletop unit includes a board member that is to be disposed removably between the fixed tabletop units when the fixed tabletop units are pulled apart so as to obtain a longer table length, and an opposite pair of flanges that are mounted foldably on the board member thereof and that cooperate with flanges of the fixed tabletop units so as to conceal the guide beams and the connecting beam sets when the longer table length is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Chien-Hsiung Huang
  • Patent number: 5329863
    Abstract: A table with table leaves displaceable away from one another so as to extend the table area, and with additional leaves (6, 7) which are hingedly interconnected and stored in a folded condition in a storing chamber situated centrally below the table when the table leaves are in the non-extended condition. The additional leaves (6, 7) are connected to a vertically displaceable carrying member (11) in turn connected to a driving means (22). Guide means (12) are provided in connection with the additional leaves (6, 7), said guide means supporting each additional leaf (6, 7) at a substantially fixed and relatively short distance from the hinged rims (8, 9) thereof substantially along the entire moving path thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Skovby Mobelfabrik A/S
    Inventors: Preben Rasmussen, Per Hansb k
  • Patent number: 5156095
    Abstract: A table comprises table leaves (4, 5, 6,) displaceable between a first position, in which the table area is relatively small, and a second position, in which the table area is relatively large by insertion of additional leaves (10, 11, 12, and 13). The table leaves (4,5, 6,) are radially displaceable from a first position in which they abut one another substantially along radial planes extending from the central axis. The additional leaves (10, 11, 12, and 13) are mutually defined and hingedly interconnected along rims extending in the second position of the table leaves (4,5,6) substantially along straight lines between innermost points of each table leaf (4,5,6) and the innermost point of the adjacent table leaf (4,5,6). A storing chamber is situated centrally below the table in a centrally situated supporting column (2) for the storing of the additional leaves (10,11,12,13) when the table is not extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Skovby Mobelfabrik A/S
    Inventors: Per Hansbaek, Wojtek D. Carstens
  • Patent number: 4828342
    Abstract: Disclosed is a convertible computer desk with a construction that allows it to convert from a conventionally appearing desk into a configuration in which computer equipment, such as a monitor and related equipment, is raised to desktop level from internal storage and a keyboard is exposed. A pair of upright, space-apart support walls extend from the front to the rear of the desk and are provided with tracking means along their upper portions, and a concealable keyboard support shelf extends between forward parts of the support walls. A storage compartment located between the support walls holds an elevatable equipment platform for raising equipment from within the compartment to desktop level. A pair of rectangular desktop panels are mounted to the tracking means in a manner which allows them to be manipulated during conversion from one desk configuration to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Inventor: Alexander Stefan
  • Patent number: 4794869
    Abstract: A table comprising two semi-elliptical plates, table legs, two posts, and an engaging plate formed of a first plate and a second plate hinged together. Several protrusions are disposed at either side of the engaging plate and a side plate is arranged on each of the two posts. At both ends of the side plates are connected with two rails. Thus, a rotating space is formed between the side plates and rails such that the engaging plate can either be positioned between two semi-elliptical plates to form a larger table or it can be concealed within the rotating space to form a smaller table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventor: Jack Chiu
  • Patent number: 4553485
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved extension table with single leg, and in particular to one comprising two movable top sections. Two detachable leaves which can be folded up and placed therein, and some accessories, charaterized in that the detachable leaves can be easily placed within the table by means of guidances provided under the movable top sections in association with guide pins and supporting plates of the detachable leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Inventor: Chain-Hsiang Lee
  • Patent number: 4494466
    Abstract: A table (20) comprises a pair of side leaves (22,23) movable with respect to each other to abut each other for forming a small tabletop (27), a center leaf (24) selectively interposable between the pair of side leaves (22,23) for forming a large tabletop (37), and a moving mechanism (25) for selectively automatically configuring the leaves (22,23,24) into a small or a large tabletop (27,37). The moving mechanism (25) includes an apparatus (40) for sliding the side leaves (22,23) toward and away from each other, a cam apparatus (41) for raising and lowering the center leaf (24) and for storing the center leaf (24) below the side leaves (22,23) and for retrieving the center leaf (24) from storage, and a driving apparatus (88) for moving the slide apparatus (40) and the cam apparatus (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Inventors: Ervin H. Synek, David Volejnicek
  • Patent number: 4475464
    Abstract: An extendable table has a legged base defining a horizontal support surface extending in longitudinal and transverse directions and having a pair of outer transversely extending edges, a first table panel resting on the support surface and having a transversely extending inner edge intermediate and generally parallel to the outer edges, and a second table panel restable on the support surface, having a transversely extending inner edge buttable with the inner edge of the first panel, and formed with a pair of transversely open and longitudinally extending grooves. Respective rollers on the base underneath the second panel define a transversely extending first pivot axis, and extend transversely into guiding engagement with the grooves. Thus the second panel can slide longitudinally relative to the base on the rollers and can be pivoted on the rollers about the first pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Assignee: Allibert Exploitation
    Inventor: Didier Deconinck
  • Patent number: 4344369
    Abstract: A table (10) includes an extensible top surface including end leaves (20, 22) which are slidably mounted on a frame (12). The end leaves (20, 22) are mounted by means of a roller mechanism (62, 66) which permits easy movement of the leaves between an opened and closed position to allow for insertion of a center leaf (28). The center leaf (28) is carried on the frame (12) and is displaceable between a down position below the top surface of the table and an up position wherein the center leaf forms a portion of the top surface. The leaf (28) is mounted to the table by means of a linkage (34, 46) which allows the center leaf (28) to be displaced between the up and down positions. In order to facilitate movement of the center leaf (28) to the up position, at least one torsion rod (40) or other spring element is mounted between the center leaf (28) and the table frame (12) to provide the desired biasing force to maintain the center leaf (28) in the up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1982
    Inventor: Andrew J. Van Noord
  • Patent number: 4020771
    Abstract: An extendible table characterized, in one invention embodiment, by outwardly movable end sections which conceal a center or extension section at a non-extended position and which reveal the center section when at an extended position, the middle section being rotatable to present an upper surface which is coplanar with the upper surfaces of the end sections at the extended position. In another invention embodiment, the center section is vertically movable from the concealed position thereof, when the end sections are non-extended, to a position of use when the end sections are extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1977
    Inventor: James A. Hasenour