Including Pawl And Ratchet, Mating Serrations, Rack And Pinion, Or Gear Patents (Class 248/292.12)
  • Publication number: 20120193495
    Abstract: An angle adjustment device, include a fixed portion; a movable portion; a connection portion which rotatably connects the movable portion to the fixed portion; and an elastic member which is arranged between the movable portion and the fixed portion and restricts rotational movement of the movable portion with kinetic friction generated between the movable portion and the fixed portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicants: NEC ENGINEERING, LTD., NEC ACCESS TECHNICA, LTD.
    Inventors: Namie SUGIYAMA, Keisuke HATOMI
  • Patent number: 8201782
    Abstract: A height adjustable stand comprises a base, a connecting member, a height extender, and a positioning mechanism. The base includes a support member protruding therefrom. The connecting member comprises a first surface and a first end frictionally and rotatably connected to the support member. The height extender is slidably connected to the connecting member and comprises a second surface and an upper connecting end for connecting with a flat panel display device. The positioning mechanism comprises a plurality of recessed portions formed in one of the first surface and the second surface, and a compressed elastic member slidably received in a receiving hole defined in the other one of the first surface and the second surface, one end of the elastic member being biased to be received in one of the plurality of recessed portions to locate the height extender in a desirable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gang-Tao Fan
  • Patent number: 8196884
    Abstract: A dual-purpose fixing stand for a computer screen and a keyboard holder includes: a main body, having an axial pivoting hole disposed at the middle of a distal surface at an end of an axle pivotal disk and a plurality of positioning grooves coaxially disposed around the external periphery of the axial pivoting hole; a universal connector, pivotally and axially coupled to another end of the axle pivotal disk, and a support plate coupled to the universal connector for selectively mounting the computer screen or the keyboard holder; a fixing base, having a support bottom selectively connected to the top or the bottom of a table, and two stand plates convexly disposed with an interval apart and at the top of a distal surface to accommodate and axially and pivotally couple the axle pivotal disk of the main body, and a positioning pin installed individually at positions on the lateral side corresponding to the positions of a plurality of positioning grooves of the axle pivotal disk for providing an elastic extensio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Vance Chiang
  • Patent number: 8186638
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a supporting body, a rotating body assembled with the supporting body and rotating at least between a standard position and a deployed position through an intermediate position, and a biasing device for applying a biasing force to the rotating device in a direction of returning the rotating body to the standard position. A speed switching device changes a rotational speed of the rotating body from the deployed position to the intermediate position different from that from the intermediate position to the standard position in a return rotational movement of the rotating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventors: Ryuhei Nishida, Keiji Yamaguchi, Takehiko Nemoto
  • Patent number: 8174612
    Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for imaging comprising a base, an outer dome mounted on said base, a central shaft intersecting said base, an imaging array including at least one imaging chip mounted on said shaft, means for focusing light onto said imaging chip having at least one pixel, at least one signal processing system, means for rotating said shaft, and means for transmitting data from said imaging chip to said signal processing system and from said signal processing system to an external receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Steve Koehler
  • Patent number: 8162280
    Abstract: An adjustable joint for a flat object is disclosed. The adjustable joint includes an extending portion connected to the flat object, a fixed portion, and a resilient portion connected to the extending portion and the fixed portion. The resilient portion includes a joint member connecting the extending portion and the fixed portion, a latching member received in the joint member and latching the extending portion, an operating lever rotatably connected to the joint member and configured for adjusting the tightness of the extending portion and, a connecting member connecting the latching member and the operating lever, wherein when the operating lever is rotated, the connecting member drives the latching member to grasp or release the extending portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hai-Yang Yu, Hong-Wei Zhu, Er-Zheng Zhao
  • Patent number: 8146879
    Abstract: An umbrella holder includes a hollow tube for placing an umbrella handle. A fixing mechanism assembled is on the hollow tube and has a rotary button with a threaded rod screwed with a fixing block in the tube for tightening or releasing the umbrella handle, with a stop plate positioning the threaded rod of the rotary button. A first angle-adjusting mechanism is positioned under the hollow tube and has an immovable geared disk and a movable geared disk mounted on a rotary base and has an eccentric actuating member to engage or disengage the immovable and the movable geared disks. The holder also has a second angle-adjusting mechanism assembled under the first angle-adjusting mechanism and having an immovable geared disk with a fixed shaft and a movable geared disk disposed on a base having an eccentric actuating member for engaging or disengaging the immovable and the movable geared disks of the second angle-adjusting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Unique Product & Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Liao
  • Publication number: 20120037777
    Abstract: A video image display apparatus is configured such that a monitor case includes a first gear unit that rotates according to a screen angle of the monitor case, and a clutch mechanism includes: a first torsion coil spring; a second gear unit that is meshed with the first gear unit, wherein a cylindrical portion is fitted to one end of the first torsion coil spring so as to rotate; a cam unit that rotates with a cylindrical portion being fitted to the other end of the first torsion coil spring; and an engagement unit that restricts the rotation of the cam unit, wherein when the screen angle of the monitor case is changed in a near direction, the restriction for the rotation of the cam unit by the engagement unit is removed, and the second gear unit, the first torsion coil spring, and the cam unit are rotated as being interlocked with one another, and when the screen angle of the monitor case is changed in a push-in direction, the restriction for the rotation of the cam unit by the engagement unit is not removed
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshinari Nagao
  • Patent number: 8079166
    Abstract: A support assembly for a digital photo frame is provided. The support assembly comprises a base member, a pivot member, a support arm, a positioning structure, and a an elastic member. The base member comprises two side walls spaced from each other. The support arm comprises a connection end disposed between the two side walls and is rotatably attached to the base member via the pivot member. The connection end comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The pivot member is attached across the two side walls. The positioning structure is disposed on the first surface and the side wall opposite the first surface and comprises a projection portion and at least two concave portions. The projection portion is capable of being received in the at least two concave portions, the two concave portions intersect to form an edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming Li, Chi-Hsie Fong, Kun-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8079446
    Abstract: The invention provides an operational mechanism for a movable body in which, after a movable body is in an opened state, the movable body can return to a closed position, including a movable body rotatably attached to a support and rotatable between an engaged position, a closed position, and an open position; a rotating member rotatably attached to the support, that rotates due to movement of the movable body to the engaged position; a biasing member, one end of which is attached to the movable body, and the other end of which is attached to the rotating member; and an operation member, which rotates the rotating member, changes the biasing position of the biasing member with respect to the center of rotation of the movable body, and generates in the biasing member a rotational force that moves the movable body to the closed position or the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Takehiko Nemoto
  • Patent number: 8052208
    Abstract: An apparatus for locking a table of a seat back to selectively secure the table in multiple stages, may include a base, a shaft coupled to the base and the table, an actuating arm fastened to the shaft and rotatable with the shaft, the actuating arm having actuating gear teeth, a locking arm rotatably provided on the base, wherein the locking arm includes locking gear teeth and the locking gear teeth is selectively engaged with the actuating gear teeth by the actuating arm such that when the actuating arm is rotated in a forward direction, the actuating gear teeth is engaged with the locking gear teeth or pass over the locking gear teeth according to rotational degree of the actuating arm, and a locking arm holding unit co-axially coupled with the actuating arm to the base and selectively activated by the actuating arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Dymos Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Ho Kim, Hyun Ko, Chae Hoon Ma, Sung Ah Kim, Seung Hyock Tak, Jong Kweon Pyun, Jin Ho Seo
  • Patent number: 8014048
    Abstract: An image forming device including: a platen glass on which a document is placed; a platen cover that presses and retains the document placed on the platen glass; an engagement portion provided at a side surface of the platen cover; a link component attached to a side surface of the device main body to be movable in a substantially vertical direction; a groove portion provided at an upper end portion of the link component, that engages with the engagement portion when the link component is moved substantially upward from a housed position thereof, whereby the platen cover opens or closes due to movement of the link component, and that does not engage with the engagement portion when the link component is at the housed position; and an operating portion provided to be positioned beneath the platen cover, for moving the link component in the substantially vertical direction, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Koiwai, Kazuhiro Gotoh
  • Patent number: 7959120
    Abstract: A universal support is provided in the present invention. The universal support includes a brace unit, a mounting unit and a connecting unit, in which the brace unit has several joint assemblies with stronger mechanical strength and several quick-release clamp unit to carry heavier load, while the connecting unit can be securely fastened to a stationary object and the mounting unit can perform universally rotation so as to perfectly satisfy every need of the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Chin-Hui Liao
  • Patent number: 7922138
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dental apparatus having a flexible arm for a dental apparatus. A benefit of the inventive flexible arm is the ability to make fine adjustments in orientation of one end of the arm relative to the other. More specifically, the ability to adjust or optimize the horizontal attitude of a movable end of the arm quickly and easily without resorting to expensive and time consuming remanufacture of the arm components. Adjustment of the end of the arm is accomplished via an adjusting mechanism with a rotatable shaft having an offset pin, where rotation of the shaft caused the pin to translate as defined by the offset of the pin center relative to the shaft center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Dental Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: Tom Benfield, Joe Bria
  • Patent number: 7891621
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to support a device from a platform is provided. The apparatus can comprise a clamp attached to the apparatus at the platform, a mount plate to receive the device, and a clutch assembly interconnecting the mount plate with the clamp. The clutch assembly can be operable to maintain a generally same pre-defined alignment of the mount plate and supported device during movement of the mount plate from a raised position of the mount plate above the platform to a lowered position of the mount plate below the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Gary Secora, Ryan Ramos
  • Patent number: 7891624
    Abstract: A mount for attaching a projection device to an overhead structure includes a device interface operably attachable to the projection device and a device orientation adjustment structure operably coupled with the device interface. The device orientation adjustment structure has structure defining up to three independent axes for adjustment of projector pitch, roll, and yaw. A single selectively adjustable friction element may be provided to enable projector position to be fixed about for any one or all of the independent axes. A gear adjustment mechanism may be provided to enable fine adjustment of projector position. Moreover, any one or all of the independent axes may pass through the projector device, preferably proximate its center of gravity so that it is self balanced on the mount to ease adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Milestone AV Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Jay Dittmer, Paul Smith
  • Patent number: 7866613
    Abstract: The claimed invention provides an apparatus and system for mounting a wheelchair arm pad to a wheelchair that provides a high degree of support and adjustability such that it can be used with wheelchairs from a wide variety of different manufacturers. In order to provide this custom fit, the claimed invention provides for a single point mounting system having elevation, articulation, depth, and width adjustability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: The Comfort Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Cramer
  • Patent number: 7866618
    Abstract: An automated tilt head assembly for tilting of an electronic display screen from a vertical plane and for rotation of the tilt head assembly about a vertical axis of rotation. The automated tilt head assembly generally includes a mobile carrier surface to which an electronic display device is mounted, a guide system for defining a range of tilt motion about a tilt axis, and a power-driven unit having a motor and gear assembly for automatically and selectively controlling the tilt motion. The motor drives a worm member, which by means of a gear, mates with a toothed sector of the mobile carrier surface, to thereby control the tilt motion of the mobile carrier surface. The tilt head assembly further includes a second power-driven unit having a motor and gear assembly to control rotation of the head assembly about a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Milestone AV Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Bogdan Grabania, Kamil Sienkiel
  • Patent number: 7857271
    Abstract: A surgical tool holder that includes a holding member with a clamping jaw, which is movable between open and clamping positions. A gripping member is configured to supportingly grip a surgical tool and is selectively placed in a rotatable or fixed association with the holding member. Engagement portions of the holding member and gripping member are engagable to block rotation therebetween to obtain the fixed association.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Automated Medical Products Corporation
    Inventor: John Lees
  • Patent number: 7793899
    Abstract: A suction device is provided, including a suction unit, a fixing unit, a press unit and a linkage positioning unit. The fixing unit is located on top of the suction unit. The press unit is restricted between the area close to circumference of the fixing unit and the top surface of the suction unit. The linkage positioning unit is fixed to above the fixing unit and performs linked movement with the pulling element of the suction unit. When the fixing unit tilts partially by the exerted force of a hanging object, the press unit can still press tightly against the area close to the circumference of the suction unit to maintain a strong suction hold and improve the suction durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Eagle Fan
  • Patent number: 7789364
    Abstract: The display monitor of a rear projection system is pivotally connected to the projector body and provided with a resilient member that permits opening of the monitor in a vertical direction by the application of a small force during maintenance of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Simotec Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Katsumata, Yukihiro Nishida
  • Patent number: 7758006
    Abstract: A swivel device for a monitor capable of adjusting the swivel operating force even after assembling. The device includes a base plate, an output gear disposed rotatably on the base plate and rotated and driven by an electric motor, a clutch plate rotated and driven while frictionally contacting with the output gear by way of a slip portion, a monitor mounting plate mounted and fixed on the clutch plate, and a part for adjusting the contact frictional force of the clutch plate on the output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Simotec Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Katsumata, Yasuyuki Uemurai
  • Patent number: 7699275
    Abstract: A stand for a display device is provided. The stand prevents a viewer located at a side of the display from experiencing the problems of a narrow viewing angle by allowing the display device to be pivoted in a wide angle without interference from a wall behind the device. The stand includes a base, a swivel hinge, a fixed unit, a telescopic unit, and a movable unit. The swivel hinge is fixed to the base. The fixed unit is rotatably fixed to the swivel hinge. The telescopic unit includes one member fixed to the fixed unit. The movable unit, to which the other member of the telescopic unit is fixed, is capable of being translated in left and right directions of the base and being rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Woon Geun Jang
  • Patent number: 7658353
    Abstract: The present invention is an adjustable support for installing a planar sheet of material between opposed surfaces for protection from events such as storms. The supports secure the planar sheet to an opening such as a door and window, thereby holding it in place during storms, etc. The supports are easily removed and include a substantially L-shaped base and a clamp. The clamp is removably and adjustably attached to the first side of the L-shaped base, thereby forming an aperture between the second side of the L-shaped base and the bottom surface of the clamp. The aperture is adaptable to accept various thicknesses of substantially planar objects. A device is provided for engaging the adjustable support with a support structure, passing through the clamp and passing through a hole in the first side of the L-shaped base and interfacing with support surfaces to hold the substantially planar object between the first support surface and a substantially opposed second support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Larry Ford
  • Patent number: 7637468
    Abstract: An adjustable notebook computer support includes a carrier member holding a notebook computer, a base member having a sliding slot, a first link that has one end pivoted to one end of the carrier member and the other end pivoted to one end of the base member, a second link that has one end pivoted to the other end of the carrier member and the other end coupled to and movable along the sliding slot of the base member, a braking unit movable between an unlocking position for allowing adjustment of the elevation and angle of the first and second links relative to the carrier member and a locking position where the first and second links are locked to the carrier member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: Ming-Hsing Huang
  • Patent number: 7635112
    Abstract: A connecting structure of an MP3 device holding unit and an articulated connecting rod includes a connecting rod, a coupling unit, and a holding unit for holding a MP3 device; the connecting rod has a plug to be inserted in a car cigarette lighter socket; the coupling unit includes an angle main body, and a connecting member, which is connected to a first end portion of the angle main body at one end, and the connecting rod at the other end for allowing the angle main body to be turned relative to the connecting rod; therefore, the holding unit can be pivoted left and right as well as up and down for adjusting orientation of the MP3 device; the holding unit includes a back shell part, and it is connected to a second end of the angle main body so as to be turnable relative to the coupling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Jow Tong Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chung-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 7571883
    Abstract: A device suitable for supporting a component, such as a flat display screen, which device comprises a first arm, which can be connected to a wall with a first end thereof, being pivotable about a first pivot axis, and which is connected to a first end of a second arm with a second end thereof, being pivotable about a second pivot axis, which second arm can be connected to the component that is to be supported with a second end thereof, being pivotable about a third pivot axis. The device is furthermore provided with a third arm, which can be connected to the wall with a first end, being pivotable about a fourth pivot axis, and which is connected to a first end of a fourth arm with a second end, being pivotable about a fifth pivot axis, which fourth arm can be connected to the component to be supported with a second end, being pivotable about a sixth pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Vogel's Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Maria Van Groesen, Ewald Van Kuijk
  • Patent number: 7556229
    Abstract: A clamp for securing an item includes a locking rod, first and second clamping members, and a retainer. The locking rod includes an elongated body and a locking member connected to a first end of the elongated body. The locking member is movable between a clamping position and a release position. The first clamping member includes a first opening for receiving a second end of the locking rod body therethrough. The second clamping member is adapted to align with the first clamping member to receive the item therebetween. The retainer is connected to the second clamping member and includes a second opening for receiving the second end of the locking rod body and an interlocking feature for engaging a corresponding interlocking feature on the locking rod body when the locking rod body is in a first rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Master Lock Company LLC
    Inventors: Joe Elliott, Frank Scott
  • Patent number: 7552487
    Abstract: A bottom bracket of a playpen includes a support seat, and a rotation seat. The support seat includes two covers, a slide, a locking rod, a drive rod, an elastic member, a pull handle, and a pull strap. The rotation seat includes two pivot members and a limit plate. Thus, the user only needs to pull the pull strap upward so to fold the bottom bracket, so that the bottom bracket is folded easily and rapidly, thereby facilitating the user folding the bottom bracket. In addition, each of the two pivot members is locked by the locking rod exactly when the bottom bracket is expanded, thereby preventing the pivot members from being pivoted unintentionally, so that the bottom bracket is positioned rigidly and stably without detachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: Owen Chen
  • Patent number: 7549246
    Abstract: A display device includes a display, a frame, and two fixing members connecting the display to the frame. The frame includes two support arms, each of the support arms defines a longitudinal sliding slot, and the display is movable along the sliding slots of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Szu-Wei Kuo
  • Patent number: 7523904
    Abstract: A ratcheting mounting device has a substantially rigid base that is formed with a receptor surface projected above a foot portion that is structured with one or more through holes for securing the base to an external surface such as a floor or wall; a substantially rigid ratcheting coupler that is formed with an insertion surface and an appendage coupler for securing an appendage thereto; a plurality of cooperating radially extended teeth and radially extended sockets arranged between the respective receptor and insertion surfaces of the base and ratcheting coupler for orienting the surface of the ratcheting coupler relative to the surface of the base in different stepwise angular orientations; and a clamping mechanism that is structured for constraining the respective receptor and insertion surfaces of the base and ratcheting coupler in different angular relationships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7523907
    Abstract: A hanger for an electronic apparatus. The hanger comprises a base mounted to a wall, a bracket pivoting on the base, a first link pivoting on the base and comprising a ratchet with a plurality of teeth, and a second link with a stopper rotatably connecting the first link and the bracket. The angle between the bracket and the base is varied by the stopper engaging each tooth of the ratchet. The bracket can rotate between a first position and a second position. When the bracket is in the first position, the bracket overlaps the base, and in the second position, the angle between the bracket and the base is maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: BENQ Corporation
    Inventor: Min-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 7520481
    Abstract: A mounting assembly includes first and second mounts that connect two objects, such as an electronic instrument housing and a surface. The first mount engages the second mount at a receptacle by way of cooperating detent members. One mount includes a resilient member, upon which cooperating detent members are disposed. The resilient member provides a bias to cause secure engagement of the cooperating detent members. Other features of the mounting assembly include rotational engagement between first and second cooperating detent members such that the angle of the first mount may be adjusted with respect to the angle of the second mount. Also, lead-ins may be included on the second mount so that the resilient members on the first mount may be depressed to ensure proper engagement of the cooperating detent members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Navico, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenton Jopling
  • Patent number: 7494100
    Abstract: A torsion coil spring spring-biases a rotary plate in such direction that a display unit may be rotated around rotary shafts, so as to rise from a horizontal position. An extension spring spring-biases the display unit, so that the display unit may be changed from an anti-rising direction to a rising direction while the display unit is being rotated, whereby a driving torque may become substantially constant against the weight of the display unit. One end of the extension spring is engaged with the rotary plate and the other end thereof is engaged with an engagement pin disposed at a position displaced from the center of the rotary shaft of the display unit. The length of the extension spring becomes longest while the rotary plate is being tilted and rotated. Thus, the electronic equipment tilting and rotating apparatus can tilt and rotate the display unit with application of a necessary and minimum driving torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takehiko Tanaka, Hisahiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7490796
    Abstract: A mount for an image display apparatus allows a viewing angle, height, and aspect ratio of the image display apparatus to be adjusted. The mount includes a base, a support member disposed vertically with respect to the base, and an elevator which moves up and down within the support member. An upper bracket is engaged with the elevator, and a pivot bracket is engaged with a rear surface of the image display apparatus and rotates about a pivot shaft of the upper bracket. Rotation of the bracket causes an activation bar to move up and down, for forcing a holder into a fixed position or a released position the holder from. The holder prevents rotation of the display if the display is not already positioned at its upper position. The holder also prevents downward movement of the display if the display has been rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Mun Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7490807
    Abstract: A embodiment of a stand includes a base, a support, and a biasing member. The biasing member provides a biasing force to urge the support to a first position relative to the base from a second position relative to the base. When in the second position the support is allowed to rotate on a pivot, and when in the first position the support is prevented from rotating on the pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Souza, Dennis R. Esterberg, David L. Smith, Jeffrey Scott Bakkom
  • Patent number: 7461826
    Abstract: A ratcheting mounting device has a base that is formed with pair of flanges, each of the flanges for securing the base to an external surface, and a receptor gear surface formed with a quantity of gear teeth arranged in a radial pattern. A ratcheting coupler has an insertion gear surface formed with a quantity of gear teeth arranged in a radial pattern that is structured to cooperate with the radial pattern of gear teeth of the receptor gear surface of the ratchet base. A rigid arm appendage is secured to the ratcheting coupler in a ratcheting rotational relationship to the base. A coupler clamping mechanism secures the ratcheting coupler to the base with the gear teeth interlocked. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ratcheting coupler also has two sets of gear teeth arranged on opposite sides of the ratcheting coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7455271
    Abstract: A speaker mount includes a support structure attachment, an adjustable mount connected to the structure attachment and including a first connector, and a speaker attachment including a second connector. The first and second connectors may selectively be connected or disconnected, permitting a speaker to be connected to and disconnected from the remainder of the mount. The first connector is mounted to a ball. A lock plate is mounted at an opposing side of the ball from the first connector. A fastener controls the distance between the first connector and the lock plate. In one position, the fastener draws the lock plate and first connector towards one another, fixing the lock plate in a position on the ball, and in another position allows the first connector to be moved relative to the ball. The mount permits orientation of a speaker in a variety of positions relative to a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: RGB Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David Pincek, Andrew C. Edwards, William Cameron Stewart, Jr., Xiaozheng Lu, Stanley S. Coe
  • Patent number: 7441738
    Abstract: A monitor driving apparatus of a car audio/video system having a monitor is provided. The apparatus includes: a monitor main body hinged, at its lower end, to inside of the car audio/video system, and having a pair of mutually spaced pins provided at one side surface; a sliding plate installed at one side surface of the monitor main body, and having a first guide hole and a second guide hole; a driven gear installed at a gear shaft fixed to the inside of the car audio/video system; a driving arm having one end connected to the second guide hole, and the other end engaged with the driven gear; a worm wheel having a small-diameter part and a large-diameter part, the small-diameter part being toothed with the driving arm; a worm gear toothed with the large-diameter part; and a driving motor for providing a rotary force to the worm gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Autonet Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung Wook Kim
  • Patent number: 7441737
    Abstract: Sunglass holder with built-in clip for attachment and detachment can be used on industrial sites besides sports type of hat (cap) by being conjoined with the sunglass and goggle of military helmet. When fishing at the desert where wind of sand is rampant, river or ocean, it protects the eyes from the sand and ultraviolet rays from sunlight. Towards this end, it is possible to use by conjoining hat and sunglass lens, and the product is invented to apply in diverse areas such as sunvisor, cowboy hat beret, knit wool hat, hat and hair band for jogging etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Seung Bae Park
  • Patent number: 7437843
    Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a banner from a support member at a display height above ground level includes upper and lower banner mounting arms that are capable of receiving and mounting a banner with the assistance of an operator located at ground level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Hugues Y. Lefebvre
  • Patent number: 7431254
    Abstract: An axle mechanism capable of adjusting an elevation includes a support member, a lower hinge device at the bottom of the support member, an upper hinge device at the top of the support member, and a dual link rod module for connecting the upper and lower hinge devices. If the support member adjusts its elevation and front and rear distance, the turning radius of the dual link rod module is used as a moving range of the support member, such that two sets of pulling plates at the top produce a pushing action and an opposite pulling action to synchronously rotate the shaft rings on both sides of the top and drive the two movable rods to rotate without changing the original angle of the two upper support stands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Jarllytec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kang Han Cheng
  • Patent number: 7419127
    Abstract: An articulated-arm arrangement for plumbing fixtures, for example, a shower head, contains a mounting fixture that may be fastened to a wall. A pivot joint for a wall-mounting arm that may be pivoted about a horizontal axis is accommodated within the mounting fixture. The pivot joint contains a brake for locking the wall-mounting arm in place and a slip-clutch in order to allow pivoting the wall-mounting arm upwards, against the action of its own weight, without releasing the brake from its braking setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventor: Juergen Buehler
  • Patent number: 7395991
    Abstract: An automatic support mechanism. The automatic support mechanism includes a fixed base, a first supporting member, a second supporting member and an extendable supporting member. The first supporting member is rotatably connected to the fixed base. The second supporting member is rotatably connected to the fixed base and is slidably connected to the first supporting member. The extendable supporting member is movably disposed between the first supporting member and the second supporting member. The extendable supporting member automatically moves between a received position and an extended position by relative rotation and sliding of the first and second supporting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: QISDA Corporation
    Inventor: Ying-Hsien Kuo
  • Patent number: 7380761
    Abstract: A bracket is provided for mounting and aligning communication equipment. The bracket includes at least one pivot joint mechanically coupled between the communication equipment and a mounting structure. At least one curved arm is connected to the communication equipment. The arm describes an arc of a circle having any point along a length of the arc substantially equidistant from the pivot joint. A plane of the arc is substantially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the pivot joint. A clamp is connected to the mounting structure, and is configured to clamp the arm along a length thereof. A locking mechanism locks the clamp to the arm to prevent rotation of the communication equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew E. Shillington
  • Patent number: 7374137
    Abstract: A directional support structure for use with solar panels, flat satellite antennas, and the like items that are directed toward a point in space. The support structure includes a mounting plate with an extension tube extending outwardly therefrom, pivotally secured to a mounting bracket permitting rotational azimuth alignment of the mounting plate. At least one locking turnbuckle is attached between the extension tube and the mounting bracket to provide locking and vertical adjustable alignment of the mounting plate. The base member includes an attached first flange positioned along an upper end of the base member, an attached flaring positioned on the lower end of the mounting bracket, and an unattached second flange positioned over the flaring, securable to the first flange with fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Wayne Staney
  • Patent number: 7364128
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a support mechanism are provided. The support mechanism includes an engagement pin including an engagement surface and a latch surface wherein the engagement pin is coupled to a base. The support mechanism also includes a pawl that includes an engagement surface complementary to the pin engagement surface and a latch surface complementary to the pin latch surface wherein the pawl is biased toward engagement of the pawl latch surface with the pin latch surface. The support mechanism also includes a ring latch that includes an annular ring having a toothed edge, the ring latch is coupled to the pawl such that the pawl extends axially away from the ring latch in a direction opposite the toothed edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: GE Security, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Donaldson, Arnold Top
  • Patent number: 7300030
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting bracket for securely storing a tool including a receiving member having a plurality of gear-like teeth, wherein the receiving member includes a frame that defines an opening for closely receiving the tool, and a mounting member having a base and an engaging portion, wherein the engaging portion is adapted to mesh with the plurality of gear-like teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: American Rescue Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Scott Michalo, Joseph John Simon
  • Patent number: 7264215
    Abstract: The inventive technology relates to methods and apparatus for providing supplemental support for items used in manual tasks and may include one or more of the following features: a supplemental support apparatus, a supplemental support method, techniques for providing supplemental support in a compact manner, techniques for providing supplemental support in a variably-adjustable manner, techniques for correlating supplemental support to an overall workspace height, techniques for maintaining a parallel support surface through a variable-adjustment range, and techniques for retaining an item on a support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Western Heat, LLC
    Inventor: Pete N. Niehoff
  • Patent number: 7261267
    Abstract: “Tilt mechanism for a device including a support member for supporting the device, a movable support member and a support structure. The support member is supported by the movable support member and the movable support member is supported by the support structure. The mechanism is further arranged to support the device essentially in a lateral direction of the movable support member, and the device may be supported by the mechanism in a state of equilibrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Bang & Olufsen A/S
    Inventor: John Frydkjær