Surface Adjusting Link Spaced From Axis Patents (Class 108/9)
  • Patent number: 5413051
    Abstract: A drawing table includes two parallel stands, two top supports pivoted to the stands at the top and supported on short horizontal rods on the stands by a second adjusting device being controlled to adjust the angular positions of the top supports on the stands, a drawing board mounting frame having a front side pivoted to two parallel top supports and a rear side connected to the stands by a first adjusting device being controlled to adjust the angular position of the drawing board mounting frame on the top supports, two lifting gears mounted on an upper cross rod between the stands and respectively connected to the drawing board mounting frame and a cross rod between the top supports, and two tie rods mounted on a bottom cross rod between the stands and respectively connected to either short horizontal rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Chin JWU Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Chu Tseng
  • Patent number: 5277129
    Abstract: A work table or office desk having two pairs of support arms which are pivotable attached on a cross brace of the table frame. The support arms comprise two support arm halves which enclose each one of two rails of the cross brace by grooves such that the support arm is captively maintained, but can be adjusted at a preset pivot angle. A definite lockable setting of the support arms in the set pivot position is obtained in a simple manner where at least one support arm half of each support arm is provided with a denticulation in the area of the groove, the segment element has a counter-denticulation which is in engagement with the denticulation of the support arm half, and a pre-stressed resilient element, in a loosened state of a bolt connection holding said support arm halves together, pulls the support arm halves together and adjustably maintains a functional connection of the denticulation and the counter-denticulation by a limited resilience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Dyes GmbH
    Inventor: Daniel Korb
  • Patent number: 5078056
    Abstract: A folding table construction provides a "Z"-shaped table for use and a minimum folded shape for storing. A table top and base member are connected by a diagonal support. The table top and base member are pivotable inwardly against each side of the diagonal support for folding, and pivotable outwardly to extend from each end of the diagonal support to be ready for use. A holding and locking device is used to lock the table top and base member in their extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Stephanie S. McCauley
  • Patent number: 5044284
    Abstract: A computer workstation for supporting and positioning a computer and/or its video display terminal or screen and its keyboard at minimum fatigue locations. The computer and/or the video display terminal can be located at a desired elevations and tilted. The keyboard is supported on a keyboard shelf which can also be positioned at a desired elevation and tilted. The computer table and shelf are located between side wall panels of a frame having racks with slots at different elevations. Both the keyboard shelf and the computer table are pivotally mounted on members which can be positioned in different ones of the slots to select the elevation thereof. A belt connected at one end to the frame extends around a pulley under the computer table so as to support the table. The belt has holes which are engaged by a hook on a handle which is pivotally mounted to the bottom of the table. By pivoting the handle the length of the belt underneath the table can be changed thereby tilting the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Milton Gross
  • Patent number: 4985602
    Abstract: A digitizer tablet is disclosed having a movable cover and a support which automatically stably holds the cover open when the cover is opened. The digitizer tablet comprises a base structure, a cover pivotably connected thereto and a support coupled to the cover and to the base structure for automatically holding the cover open when it has been pivoted to its open position. The support is constructed to self engage in the open position such that the application of a substantial force to the support is required to unlock it from the open position. Preferably, the support includes a spring resiliently urging the support to self engage in the open position. The support comprises a first support arm pivotally connected at one end to the cover and a second support arm pivotally connected at one end to the base structure, the first and second support arms each including an opposite end which are pivoted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Summagraphics Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Kouhia
  • Patent number: 4848243
    Abstract: A drawing table construction includes a frame, a drawing board which is hingeably attached to the frame, a drawing board support assembly, an instrument tray and a pair of mounting arms which are attached to the frame for mounting the instrument tray in forwardly spaced relation to both the frame and the drawing board. The drawing board is securable in various different inclined positions relative to the frame with the support assembly; but since the instrument tray is attached to the frame rather than to the drawing board, it remains stationary when the drawing board is repositioned relative to the frame. The drawing board is also positionable in a collapsed position wherein it overlies the frame; and since the instrument tray is spaced forwardly from both the drawing board and the frame, it can be effectively utilized as a carrying handle for the drawing table when the drawing board is in the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: John M. Giordano
  • Patent number: 4836492
    Abstract: A stand for a knitting machine provides for easily moving the machine from a first knitting position to a second knitting position by tilting the machine relative to the stand. The second knitting position is adjustably set by the user of the knitting machine. A tilt locking mechanism is mounted to lock the position of the machine relative to the stand in the first position, the second position, or any position in-between. The legs of the stand are removable for storage and transportation of the stand and storage trays may be mounted on the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Inventors: Kurtis R. Kennedy, Lee R. Childs
  • Patent number: 4789048
    Abstract: A checkout counter having a portion of the counter surface tilted in a direction facing the operator in which surface portion is mounted an optical scanner. The tilted counter surface portion also includes an adjacent supporting surface for a keyboard member. The remaining portion of the counter surface supports a check endorsement stand and a support member for supporting a customer display or a printing mechanism. Located adjacent the tilted counter surface are shelves for supporting cash and media drawers and doors enclosing a number of secure storage areas for storing electronic devices and other associated modules. A second embodiment is disclosed in which the tilted countertop portion is rotatably mounted to position the optical scanner at an angle to a horizontal plane in accordance with the checkout operator's preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1988
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Martin L. Cramer, Mark J. Moneypenny
  • Patent number: 4705438
    Abstract: A material machining center for the machining of workpieces of varying size and of various materials has a worktable supported by a base assembly. The worktable has a vacuum table for immovably holding the workpiece during the machining thereof. The machining center also has a gantry assembly movably mounted on the worktable, the gantry assembly further has a workhead assembly movably mounted thereon and a machining tool adapted for movement. The movements of the gantry assembly, the workhead assembly and the machining tool define a coordinate system having an X, Y, and Z axis, respectively. The machining center further includes a means for controllably inclining the worktable relative to the base assembly whereby dust and chips created during the machining of the workpiece fall from the workpiece to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Wesflex International Corporation
    Inventors: Sanford S. Zimmerman, Louis W. Syarto
  • Patent number: 4702176
    Abstract: A shelf construction for use with an elevating type of hospital bed is disclosed. The shelf construction includes an upper bracket having a depending flange for removably resting upon the rail of the bed. A shelf is pivotally interconnected with the bracket through front and rear links to permit angular adjustment of the shelf relative to changes in angularity of the rail to thereby maintain the shelf in level orientation. One of the links is provided with an elongated, longitudinally aligned slot to facilitate the angular adjustment of the shelf relative to the upper bracket. In a second embodiment of the invention, the shelf and the upper bracket are affixed in a preselected angular offset relationship to allow the shelf to be angularly offset from the rail of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Inventor: Henry M. Goshow
  • Patent number: 4694967
    Abstract: An accessory storage device for various tools and accessories used in drafting such as triangles templates, lettering guides, pencil sharpeners, mechanical pencils, etc. is attached to the rear top portion of a drafting table. The device includes a frame which supports a light for illuminating the table and has an open top in which a tray for storing accessories is mounted. The frame has top and bottom portions which are pivotally attached to each other and an adjustment rod interconnecting these two portions and mounted slidably in one of the portions such that the top portion can be pivotally adjusted and set in a desired angular position relative to the bottom portion of the frame thereby permitting leveling of the top portion with various drafting table slant angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Burke
  • Patent number: 4664039
    Abstract: A writing table includes a writing surface countersunk into a working plate. Continuous adjustment of the inclination of the working surface towards a user from being coplanar with the working plate to a maximum angle is achieved through provision of a roller situated beneath a rear portion of the working surface. An adjustable footrest for the writing table that can be manipulated by a user's foot comprises a further roller, the ends of which are supported by left and right profile members having a desired adjustment profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Inventor: Rudolf T. Schneider
  • Patent number: 4610415
    Abstract: A tilt mechanism, particularly well suited for a control console such as a low profile keyboard is disclosed. Elongated spring biased links extend lengthwise of the console in side-by-side relationship. A pair of support feet, pivotally mounted on the underside of the keyboard are movable from retracted positions by the spring biased links to positions at which the keyboard is progressively more tilted. Control means consisting of a button or key selectively control the movements of the links under the action of the biasing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: Decision Data Computer Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Miller
  • Patent number: 4592285
    Abstract: A drawing table is provided, which has a top hingedly connected at a first end thereof, to a first end of a base, so as to be pivotable between a closed position, and at least one open position with respect to the base. At least one arm, and preferably a pair of arms, are provided, which are movable to an unextended position when the top is in the closed position and in which the arm or arms lies substantially parallel to the top and the base, and one or more extended positions. Each extended position corresponds to an open position of the top. Retaining means preferably of a releasable adhesive material, such as that sold under the trademark VELCRO, releasably retain each arm in each extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Inventor: Gordon J. Egli
  • Patent number: 4550666
    Abstract: A data-processor stand has a platform for the display screen which is mounted on a vertically adjustable upright from a base while the keyboard can be placed upon a second platform connected to the support formed at the underside of the first platform by a linkage whose link member can be vertically adjusted by a screw spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Firma Svoboda Entwicklung AG
    Inventor: Rudolf Svoboda
  • Patent number: 4516508
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively adjusting the angle of inclination of a work surface, such as a desk top, comprising a casing attached to the bottom side of one end of the work surface, with a foot device comprising a circular cylindrical part with positioning channels in the periphery thereof and a foot member extending therefrom and with the cylindrical part contained within the casing, an engaging member projecting in the inside of the casing and for locking selected ones of the channels, and resilient member for holding the cylindrical part against the engaging member, whereby manual rotation of the foot member to different locking positions of the channels and engaging member, enables adjustment of the length and angle of extension of the foot member outside of the casing, and thus determine the space between the work surface and a base, with the other end of the work surface being pivotally connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitumasa Kako, Michifumi Ishigami
  • Patent number: 4494795
    Abstract: An adjustor for chairs with tilting backs and the like, comprises a threaded spindle connected with the chair back, and a gear wheel threadedly mounted on the spindle. The gear wheel is retained in a housing attached to a relatively stationary portion of the chair, such that when the chair back is tilted, the spindle rotates the gear wheel in the housing. A pawl is shifted into and out of engagement with the gear wheel to selectively lock the chair back in a wide variety of different angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Charles P. Roossien, Brian Chambers, Bruce Hiemstra
  • Patent number: 4474115
    Abstract: A tilting table includes a table top, a base, linkage operatively interconnecting the base to the table top and an adjustment connected to the linkage for adjusting the angle of the table top relative to the base. The linkage includes a pivot connection interconnecting the table top and the base, a first link pivotally connected to the table top at one end and at the other end pivotally connected to the base and a second link connected to the first link and selectively actuated by the adjustment for actuating the first link and tilting the table top. The second link is connected to a traveling nut which is actuated by a threaded shaft for moving the second link and tilting the table top. The traveling nut and second link are carried by rollers supported by the base for supporting the table top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: Tiffany Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles D. Carlton
  • Patent number: 4467727
    Abstract: Provided is a collapsible, easily cleaned, flat folding, storable, lightweight, readily portable and adjustable artist's light box apparatus. The apparatus has a base plate which serves as the foundational structure plate. It has an upper transparent plate or organic plastics material in spaced relationship over the base plate. Hinge means adjacent forward portions of the side edges of the transparent plate and base plate provides for pivotal elevational tilting of the transparent plate above the base plate. An adjustable means is provided for temporarily locking the transparent plate at any of a multiplicity of preselected tilt angles with respect to the base plate. The bottom of the base plate is provided with friction means for anti-slip temporary resting of the base plate on a planar surface. Snap closure means is provided for temporarily locking the transparent plate in folded relationship to the base plate for storage or portability of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1984
    Inventor: Stanley R. Strommer
  • Patent number: 4448133
    Abstract: A collapsible drafting table which in the open configuration has the appearance of an attractive contemporary desk and when collapsed, occupies one-fifth the space of the open use configuration. The collapsible drafting table has a rigid central structure which has side panels hingedly attached thereto and a drafting top slidably engaged thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Inventor: Paul G. Randall
  • Patent number: 4437411
    Abstract: A multi-purpose table is adapted for use in schools, and particularly in science or art labs, as a desk or laboratory table. The top of the table may be adjusted in height either to a sitting height or to a standing height. The top may also be placed in either horizontal or sloping position at either adjusted height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignee: General Equipment Manufacturers
    Inventor: Ronald M. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 4404914
    Abstract: A collapsible drawing table which also can be used as an easel, having a tabletop which can be inclined horizontally, vertically, or obliquely.In an alternate embodiment of the invention a separate easel body is provided for the assembly. The easel body can be skeletonized and can have vertically adjustable keeper and ledge means to allow the effective height of the easel to be varied without moving its frame.The invention is especially adapted for use by those who need both an easel and a tiltable folding table but have room for only one such appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Inventor: Max F. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4397245
    Abstract: A tilting work table for supporting articles during work operations and having a base structure, a bed plate pivotally connected to the base structure, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders connected between the base structure and the bed plate to raise or tilt the bed plate from a horizontal position to a vertical position, a plurality of folding leg braces connected between the bed plate and the base structure and extendable into a position to form a "stiff-leg" arrangement for bracing the bed plate in substantially any tilted position, secondary cylinders connected between the leg braces and the base structure for urging the leg braces into the extended position and to "break" or initiate the folding of the leg braces when the bed plate is lowered from the vertical position to the horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Inventor: Monard G. Washburn
  • Patent number: 4314407
    Abstract: A drafting board tray for use in a drafting board having a cable guide track mounting for use with a straight edge assembly slideably adjustable on the cable guide track. The tray is disclosed to be pivotally attached and pivotally adjustably positionable at each end to two base mounts which are slideably adjustable on the cable guide track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1982
    Inventor: James B. Kawahara
  • Patent number: 4196674
    Abstract: A multi-level drafting table construction including a table base supporting a drafting board, and an arrangement of link members pivotally interconnecting the drafting board and table base. One of the link members, which is pivotally interconnected at one end to the drafting board, has its other end selectively receivable in ratchet teeth provided on the table base for adjusting inclination of the drafting board in multi-level positions of the board. A front link member is pivotally connected at one end to the table base at a first pivot axis which is a common axis for inclination of the drafting board about said axis for inclination of the board in a first range of inclined positions. The front link member is pivotally connected at its other end at a second pivot axis to the drafting board to provide pivotal movement of the drafting board about said pivot axis in a different range of inclined positions and at different levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1980
    Inventor: Jacques Van Laarhoven
  • Patent number: 4154221
    Abstract: A tracking system is provided for positioning solar energy collection units to face the sun during daylight hours. The collectors are mounted generally in north-south alignment with rotatable connections to a supporting base. The connections are laterally offset from the center of gravity of the collector. Thus, the weight of the collector ends to rotate the collector about the connection points to bring the center of gravity to the lowest possible point, thereby orienting the collector generally to face the western horizon. A rotation restraint mechanism is provided to prevent the uncontrolled rotation of the collector to a degree coordinated with rotation of the earth relative to the sun, thereby positioning the collector to directly face the sun during daylight hours. A rank of collectors in parallel alignment can be connected for tandem rotation under the control of a single rotation restraining mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1979
    Assignee: American Solar
    Inventor: David H. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4058066
    Abstract: An adjustable table wherein front and rear legs open to provide a rigid support for a pair of pivotably mounted upper legs, to which a table is pivotably attached; slotted arms adjust the position of the upper legs with respect to the front legs; and slotted arms adjust the position of the table with respect to the upper legs; a bar spaces the front legs apart and a smaller space the upper legs aparts; each bar encloses a rod with a threaded end for a thumb nut to cinch a slotted arm in a preselected position for holding the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1977
    Inventor: Nicholas M. Altman