With Force Multiplying Means Patents (Class 248/404)
  • Publication number: 20110012003
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for raising a retractable mast include engaging at least three flexible bands such that each band forms a side of a mast. Each band includes a right edge side and a left edge side, each edge having disposed thereon a set of spaced teeth, each tooth having a slot disposed therein and a tab disposed between adjacent teeth, the tab configured to engage the slot of an opposing tooth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: GEO SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher D. WOODRUFF, Kevin GROAH, George E. WOODRUFF
  • Publication number: 20110001032
    Abstract: The lift pedestal is used to raise and lower a television or video monitor between a retracted storage position and an extended viewing position. The lift pedestal can be used as a stand alone support device or incorporated into cabinetry or a furniture enclosure. The lift pedestal includes a stationary back plate and an extensible support plate to which the television or video monitor is mounted. A pair of cabinetry drawer slides allow vertical translational movement of the support plate relative to the back plate between the retracted storage position and the extended viewing position. The drawer slides are mounted between angled sides of the back plate and support plate. The lift pedestal is actuated by a gas prop mounted to a third drawer slide. A cable and pulley operate in conjunction with the gas prop to increase the effective travel of the gas prop piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Stewart E. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20100313494
    Abstract: A telescoping mast able to efficiently extend and retract multiple telescoping sections without jar and minimal energy. The telescoping mast has multiple telescoping sections, a position feedback sensor, a motor, a spring motor, and a computation unit. The position feedback sensor is coupled to at least one telescoping section and configured to identify a position of the telescoping sections. The motor is also coupled to the telescoping sections, and raises and lowers the telescoping sections. The computation unit controls the motor based on the position of the telescoping sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Davidson Ford
  • Patent number: 7850131
    Abstract: The invention is a telescopic column (1) comprising: two or more tubular members (2; 3) telescopically engaging one inside the other; a drive unit (6) contained inside the tubular members (2; 3); a cover (4) attached to the end of the inner tubular member (3); a supporting plate (8) attached to the outside of the cover (4); a tubular rod (5) associated with the drive unit (6), installed inside the tubular members (2; 3) with its end (5a) associated with the cover (4); means (7) for controlling the extension and withdrawal of the tubular members (2; 3). During the withdrawal of the tubular rod (5) inside the tubular members (2; 3), a safety device (9) operatively connected to the control means (7) stops the drive unit (6) if a counteracting element (C) obstructs the lowering of the supporting plate (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Sir Societa' Italiana Riduttori SRL
    Inventor: Francesco Battistella
  • Patent number: 7834259
    Abstract: An adjustable, foldable support leg for a bass drum has a cylindrical leg member movable longitudinally within a tubular leg member. A threaded portion of the tubular member includes apertures in which ball bearings are located. The bearings are retained in the apertures by an annular locking collar which is also threaded to allow the collar to move longitudinally on the tubular member as the collar is turned. The locking collar has an interior frustoconical surface. When the collar moves downwardly on the tubular member, this surface presses the ball bearings against the cylindrical member, locking the leg members in place. A mounting bracket includes a pin about which the folding leg pivots and a channel which receives the inner end of the leg. The leg is biased against the floor of the channel which includes detents to receive the end of the leg in the folded and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ego Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter B. Jeffries, Tyler D. Hauth
  • Patent number: 7793897
    Abstract: An exemplary elevating mechanism used for a flat-panel display monitor includes a support structure, a sliding structure, and a pneumatic cylinder. The support structure includes a pair of guide rails. The sliding structure is mounted to the support structure and is capable of sliding along the guide rails. The pneumatic cylinder includes a cylinder body, a piston shaft, and a first piston. The cylinder body is connected to the support structure. The piston shaft includes a first end received in the cylinder body, and a second end opposite to the first end connected to the sliding structure. The first piston is positioned in the cylinder body and partitions the cylinder body into two chambers. The two chambers are filled with gas. The first piston is fixed to the first end of the piston shaft and defines a through hole for communicating the two chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Ying-Jun Peng
  • Patent number: 7793898
    Abstract: An exemplary display device includes a display panel and a rotating apparatus. The rotating apparatus includes a first spindle assembly, a conveyor connecting to the first spindle assembly, and a second spindle assembly. The first spindle assembly includes a first spindle configured to synchronously rotate with rotation of the display panel. The second spindle assembly includes a second spindle meshed with the first spindle, and is configured to be able to rotate and simultaneously rise or fall along the connecting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignees: Innocom Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Chimei Innolux Corporation
    Inventors: Shao-Ren Dong, Bin Huang, Chih-Huang Lien
  • Patent number: 7789354
    Abstract: An adjustable support mechanism (30) includes a fixed unit (70), an adjustable suspension unit (80) and a connecting unit (90). The adjustable suspension unit is slidably mounted on the fixed unit. The connecting unit is configured for connecting the fixed unit and the adjustable suspension unit. The connecting unit comprises a first elastic member (96) and an adjusting bracket (94). Opposite ends of the first elastic member are connected to the fixed unit and the adjustable suspension unit correspondingly. The adjusting bracket includes two rotary wheels (942, 945) and a coiling member (944) looped around the rotary wheels. The adjustable suspension unit is fixed to the coiling member. At least one of the rotary wheels is rotatable relative to the fixed unit to coil the coiling member around the rotary wheels, sliding the adjustable suspension unit relative to the fixed unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen-Lin Gan, Yi-Xiong Wang, Jun-Wu Duan, Chang-Sheng Fan
  • Publication number: 20100207351
    Abstract: An adjustable-length seat post has a stanchion with first and second openings. The seat post has a sliding tube, a locking device and an energy transmission device. The sliding tube is guided through the first opening into the stanchion and is displaceable along a longitudinal direction of extension of the stanchion. The sliding tube is movable relative to the stanchion. An overlap between stanchion and sliding tube in a first position is greater than in a second position. The locking device can be transferred between a locking position and a releasing position, wherein in the locking position the sliding tube is fixed. The energy transmission device can transmit energy from an external actuating element to be provided to the locking device for releasing or locking. When the sliding tube is in the second position, the energy transmission device arranged guided from an external actuating element to be supplied through the second opening of the stanchion as far as the locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Jochen Klieber
  • Patent number: 7708243
    Abstract: A stand includes a frame, a sliding member, and two torsion springs. The frame has two guide rail subassemblies. The sliding member is slidably attached to the guide rail subassemblies. A first end of each torsion spring is connected to the frame, and a second end of each torsion spring is connected to the sliding member to provide an elastic force to overcome the total weight of the sliding member and a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Xin Wang, Jian Li
  • Publication number: 20100084536
    Abstract: An extension and retraction arrangement with a sliding door construction for adjusting a monitor from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The door is slidable between an open position and a closed position for at least partially closing the aperture in the framework. A pocket door is pivotally coupled to an arm aperture portion in the door, and a flipper door is pivotally coupled to an arm aperture portion in a framework. The flipper door and the pocket door interlock to be retained in closed positions to seal the arm aperture when the extension and retraction arrangement is in a storage configuration. The door is articulated with multiple sections and is guided by drive pins engaged with drive slots and slide pins that slide along guide surfaces of drive path subassemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Sava Cvek
  • Publication number: 20100084535
    Abstract: An extension and retraction arrangement with a control system for adjusting a monitor from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The control system controls an extension and retraction of a trolley structure and a retained monitor and an opening and closing of a door through which the monitor can be extended. The control system has an operation mode with an UP sequence and a DOWN sequence. Sensors can sense open and closed positions of the door and raised and extended and retracted positions of the trolley and the monitor. The control system can automatically react to monitor positioning issues, losses in power, and obstructions to the travel of the door and the trolley structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Sava Cvek
  • Publication number: 20100084534
    Abstract: A height adjustable platform and method include a ratchet platform. In an embodiment, the ratchet platform is height adjustable and includes a platform upper assembly having a platform and a ratchet. The ratchet includes a platform riser tube and a ratchet rail secured to the platform riser tube. The ratchet platform further includes a platform lower assembly having a support column and a platform base. The support column is secured to the platform base. An end of the ratchet is proximate the platform and an opposing end of the ratchet is disposed within an interior of the support column. The platform base is adapted to be secured within a vehicle. The ratchet platform also includes a platform upper assembly actuator having a pedal sub assembly and an upper linkage. The upper linkage is attached to the pedal sub assembly. Actuation of the pedal sub assembly actuates the upper linkage. In addition, actuation of the upper linkage actuates the ratchet to adjust the height of the ratchet platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: BMI DEFENSE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Kyle L. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 7669812
    Abstract: A stand for a display device that adjusts the height and tilt of the display device in a variety of ways to increase user convenience is provided. The stand includes a sliding portion, a supporting portion, and a base. The sliding portion extends toward a rear surface of the display device. The supporting portion slidably supports the sliding portion. The base extends the supporting portion upward. The sliding portion and the supporting portion are formed to extend in mutually different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Kum Young Yun
  • Publication number: 20090320206
    Abstract: A lifting column comprising two or more telescopically arranged column elements, where each column element comprises at least two column sub-elements arranged symmetrically on either side of a first vertical plane, one set of sub-column elements closer to the plane than the other set of sub-elements, where the outer sub-elements are slidingly connected to adjacent inner sub-elements by means of guiding sledges, and further where each column sub-element comprises at least two pulley wheels, one up-per and one lower, and further where one first continuous flexible member runs from an upper pulley wheel of a first sub-element to a lower pulley wheel on an adjacent sub-element, so that the first flexible member runs on the upper or lower pulley wheels of the innermost sub-elements on either side of the vertical plane, and that the flexible member is shortened or lengthened by rolling at least one end of the flexible member around a drive wheel on a rotatable axle of an actuating motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Dick Daniel Dyreby, Mogens Soele Eriksen
  • Patent number: 7621490
    Abstract: A height adjustable holding apparatus for supporting a display comprises a holding component, a moving component, an elastic component, an active component, a first rolling component, a driven component, a second rolling component, a first cable and a second cable. The moving component is movable along the holding component. The display is connected to the moving component and is movable along the holding component. The elastic component is disposed in one end of the holding component and is stretchable along the moving direction of the moving component. When the moving component generates a first displacement, the first cable drives the active component to rotate together with the driven component. The second rolling component rolls back the second cable and makes the elastic component to generate a second displacement smaller than the first displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Qisda Corporation
    Inventor: Li-Tien Tseng
  • Publication number: 20090250585
    Abstract: The invention is a telescopic column (1) comprising: two or more tubular members (2; 3) telescopically engaging one inside the other; a drive unit (6) contained inside the tubular members (2; 3); a cover (4) attached to the end of the inner tubular member (3); a supporting plate (8) attached to the outside of the cover (4); a tubular rod (5) associated with the drive unit (6), installed inside the tubular members (2; 3) with its end (5a) associated with the cover (4); means (7) for controlling the extension and withdrawal of the tubular members (2; 3). During the withdrawal of the tubular rod (5) inside the tubular members (2; 3), a safety device (9) operatively connected to the control means (7) stops the drive unit (6) if a counteracting element (C) obstructs the lowering of the supporting plate (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Sir Societa' Italiana Riduttori SRL.
    Inventor: Francesco Battistella
  • Patent number: 7594633
    Abstract: A telescoping pole mount having a clamping mechanism, formed of a substantially rigid platform forming a substantially planar contact surface and having a clearance hole therethrough that is substantially crosswise to the platform contact surface; a substantially rigid arm formed with spaced-apart opposing substantially planar proximal and distal contact surfaces and being formed with a clearance hole therethrough between the opposing contact surfaces; a substantially rigid columnar rod passing through the respective clearance hole in the platform and arm, the rod being formed with threads at an end thereof adjacent to the arm; a substantially rigid threaded actuator having a substantially planar contact surface and being threadedly coupled to the threads formed at the end of the rod; and a thrust bearing between the actuator contact surface and the arm distal contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7584973
    Abstract: A system for the storage and convenient presentation of tools or other items is disclosed. Specifically, the invention disclosed is a multilevel tool lift which consists of a base assembly, a substantially vertical tube assembly and shelf assemblies attached to the substantially vertical tube assembly. The substantially vertical tube assembly can be extended or contracted, thereby raising and lowering the shelf assemblies attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Steve Brager
  • Patent number: 7523911
    Abstract: A telescoping pole mount having a clamping mechanism, formed of a substantially rigid platform forming a substantially planar contact surface and having a clearance hole therethrough that is substantially crosswise to the platform contact surface; a substantially rigid arm formed with spaced-apart opposing substantially planar proximal and distal contact surfaces and being formed with a clearance hole therethrough between the opposing contact surfaces; a substantially rigid columnar rod passing through the respective clearance hole in the platform and arm, the rod being formed with threads at an end thereof adjacent to the arm; a substantially rigid threaded actuator having a substantially planar contact surface and being threadedly coupled to the threads formed at the end of the rod; and a thrust bearing between the actuator contact surface and the arm distal contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Publication number: 20090087251
    Abstract: A telescopic device includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a sustaining rod, an elastic body, and a locking device. The outer tube receives the inner tube for axial traveling. A positioning portion is formed opposite to the locking device on the inner tube, the inner tube is free to axially travel inside the outer tube and only stopped by the engagement of the locking device and the positioning portion. The sustaining rod is arranged inside the outer tube, an end thereof is fixed to a retaining seat of the outer tube and another end serves to sustain the elastic body. The elastic body is arranged inside the inner tube, the two ends thereof are fixed to the opposite sides of an end of the inner tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Chao-Ken Chen
  • Patent number: 7458546
    Abstract: Provided is a monitor stand, capable of preventing an “auto-lift” phenomenon that occurs when a monitor installed thereon is tilted past a predetermined angle, due to a shift in the monitor's weight. The monitor stand includes a base, a stand body, a stand top, a stop slide, a first elastic member, and a one-way clutch assembly. The stand body is supported by the base. The stand top is pivotably supported on the stand body. The top slide slides along the stand top, has a rack extending in a sliding direction fixed thereto, and has a monitor installed thereon. The first elastic member is supported by the stand top, to impart elasticity in an upward direction to the top slide. The one-way clutch assembly is capable of engaging and disengaging to and from the rack, to prevent the rack from rising when engaged to the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Woon Geun Jang
  • Publication number: 20080251678
    Abstract: An exemplary a display apparatus (2) includes a display panel (21) and a height adjusting device (25). The height adjusting device includes a base (26), a supporting member (27), a locking unit (30), and an elastic member (28). The display panel is fixed to the locking unit. The supporting member is fixed on the base. The supporting member includes two generally vertical friction grooves (2723, 2725). A depth of one of the friction grooves decreases with increasing height above the base, and a depth of the other friction groove increases with increasing height above the base. The locking unit is accommodated in the supporting member. The locking unit includes two sliders (33, 35) corresponding to the two friction grooves of the supporting member respectively. One of the sliders abuts a corresponding one of the friction grooves. The elastic member spans between the locking unit and the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Chih-Huang Lien, Shi-Liang Li
  • Patent number: 7398952
    Abstract: A telescoping pole mount having a clamping mechanism, formed of a substantially rigid platform forming a substantially planar contact surface and having a clearance hole therethrough that is substantially crosswise to the platform contact surface; a substantially rigid arm formed with spaced-apart opposing substantially planar proximal and distal contact surfaces and being formed with a clearance hole therethrough between the opposing contact surfaces; a substantially rigid columnar rod passing through the respective clearance hole in the platform and arm, the rod being formed with threads at an end thereof adjacent to the arm; a substantially rigid threaded actuator having a substantially planar contact surface and being threadedly coupled to the threads formed at the end of the rod; and a thrust bearing between the actuator contact surface and the arm distal contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
  • Patent number: 7374139
    Abstract: A retractable support arm structure, which is applied between a base and a steering mechanism of a LCD stand includes an upright arm having a hollow part, an telescopic arm having one end inserted into the hollow part, and a spring member located between the upright arm and the telescopic arm to store a upwardly extending potential energy and several friction members therebetween are used to maintain the balance. The upright arm and the telescopic arm are constituted by square tube made by seamless corner bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Jiinming Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Tsai Tsai, Chin-Lung Tsai, Chi-Chang Chen
  • Publication number: 20080087788
    Abstract: A height adjustable device includes two main bodies installed to correspondingly parallel each other, and a power device installed to move between the main bodies. Each main body has a long rack positioned at its one side, having teeth facing to those of another correspondingly. The power device has a main box, a power source set inside the main box, and plural guiding wheels. The power source is connected with shafts extending out of the main box to form as extended shafts that are respectively fixed with a gear to engage with the long racks to keep the main bodies moving up and down in mutually opposite directions, doubling a distance to be moved for using.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Ko-Po Cheng, Meng-Long Fang
  • Patent number: 7328875
    Abstract: An adjustable-height chair column comprises an upright tube and a gas spring, the piston rod of which is fixed in the upright tube, and the housing of which is displaceably guided in the upright tube. A safeguard against rotation is provided which, in the extended position, locks the housing and the upright tube against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Suspa Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Kastner, Gerhard Wunderling
  • Patent number: 7306192
    Abstract: A height-adjustable chair column includes a vertical post axially extending along a longitudinal axis, a bottom plate, a guide cylinder bushing permanently inserted into the upper end area of the vertical post, and a guide tube inserted in the guide cylinder bushing so that it is guided with freedom of axial movement and secured against rotation in the guide cylinder bushing. Further, the chair column includes a lockable gas spring assembly with a pressure cylinder, which is installed coaxially in the guide tube such that it is secured against axial displacement relative to the guide tube and it is free to rotate about the longitudinal axis, and with a piston installed in the pressure cylinder with freedom of sliding axially. The piston is connected to a piston rod which is fastened to the bottom plate and supported there with freedom of rotation about the longitudinal axis. Moreover, a height-adjustable foot rest is attached to the upper end region of the guide tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Peter Sopp
  • Publication number: 20070215776
    Abstract: A display including a body and an elevation adjusting base is provided. The elevation adjusting base is secured to the body. The elevation adjusting base includes a base, an elevation adjusting mechanism, an outer bushing, an inner bushing and a friction ring. The elevation adjusting mechanism is connected to the base. The outer bushing is connected to the base and mounted on the elevation adjusting mechanism. The inner bushing is embedded inside the outer bushing. The friction ring is disposed between the outer bushing and the inner bushing. After the elevation of the elevation adjusting mechanism is adjusted, the friction ring provides a friction force between the outer bushing and the inner bushing to fix the elevation of the elevation adjusting mechanism. Users can accurately adjust the elevation of the display panel according to the view-angle and personal preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Applicant: BenQ Corporation
    Inventors: Liang-Yi Chen, Chung-Hsien Chin
  • Patent number: 7270062
    Abstract: A height adjustable structure comprises a base, a height adjustment column disposed above the base and supported thereon, and a table top or chair seat support disposed above the height adjustment column. Alternatively the height adjustable structure comprises two or more base sections, a height adjustment column disposed above each base section and supported thereon, and a table top or chair seat support disposed above the height adjustment columns. Each height adjustment column comprises a telescoping spring height adjustment lifting mechanism. The telescoping spring height adjustment lifting mechanism is typically a gas spring. Actuation mechanisms which actuate or unlock each lockable telescoping spring height adjustment lifting mechanism are used to allow the user to easily make height adjustments. The actuation mechanisms may extend above the table top. Connecting bars may be used to connect more than one actuation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: John E. Larson
  • Patent number: 7028957
    Abstract: Easy to assemble and disassemble tables have continuous frame members with at least two tapered sockets which support table legs. The continuous frame members are identical and thus can be used interchangeably as table bases and table top supports. The center of each taper within the continuous frame member is in the same position. Tapered sockets within each frame member insure that legs inserted into those sockets are parallel to one another. The parallelity of the table legs is further enhanced by inserting the other end of the table leg into a corresponding frame member in which the tapers are identically spaced. The tables are easy to assemble by inserting the tapered table legs into the “self-holding” tapered sockets in the frame members. Easy disassembly of the tables is facilitated by quick release mechanisms which press the end of the leg seated in the socket to displace the leg from the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: John Larson
  • Patent number: 7017872
    Abstract: A pedestal assembly for supporting a seat including a first cylinder having an inner surface with a plurality of longitudinally-extending channels, and a second cylinder having an inner surface with a plurality of longitudinally-extending channels and an outer surface with a plurality of longitudinally-extending grooves. The assembly also includes a first bushing that is operably coupled to one end of the second cylinder by a plurality of fasteners received within an end of the channels of the second cylinder, and a second bushing that is operably coupled to one end of the first cylinder by a plurality of fasteners received within an end of the channels of the first cylinder. The second bushing includes a plurality of tabs slidably received within the channels on the inner surface of the first cylinder and is adapted to telescopingly guide the second cylinder within the first cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Attwood Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Hogle, Jamie Payne
  • Patent number: 6921056
    Abstract: A mechanical assembly includes an arm and an extension link that rotate about a pivot point, a yoke, and a force generating device. The yoke includes a first slot in which a pin of the link resides. The yoke translates in a plane responsive to rotation of the counterbalance extension link pin about the pivot point. The force generating device is connected between the counterbalance extension link pin and a fixed point on the yoke to exert a force on the counterbalance extension link pin. The orientation and magnitude of the force produced by the force generating device remains constant as the yoke translates. The force generating device and extension link produce a torque that is equal and opposing to the torque produced by the force of gravity acting on the arm so that the arm is in static equilibrium. The static equilibrium condition is independent of the rotational position of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Anthony Holung
  • Patent number: 6918564
    Abstract: A height-adjustable apparatus for supporting a flat monitor is disclosed. The height-adjustable apparatus includes a first support unit, an elastic element, and a second support unit. The first support unit has a first engaging device. One end of the elastic element is affixed on the first support unit. The second support unit, which is movably sleeved into the first support unit, has a second engaging device, a first end, and a second end. The first end touches the elastic element, and the second end connects the flat monitor. When the first engaging device and the second engaging device engage with each other, the height-adjustable apparatus has a first length. When the elastic element is extended with an external force, the second support unit slides to a position such that the apparatus has a second length. The first length is longer than the second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventors: Ching-Hui Yen, Chi-Jung Wu
  • Patent number: 6796537
    Abstract: A lifting base for a LCD monitor includes a frame, a lifting device and a pair of clamping members. The frame has two rails extending from two sides respectively. The lifting device has a pair of sliding parts and a pair of guiding plates. The sliding parts are connected at the bottom ends with the top ends spreading apart like the shape of an English letter V. Two outer edges of each sliding part are bent to form a guiding rail thereat. The sliding parts are secured with the guiding plates connected to a monitor. The guiding plates are inserted within the rails of the frame. The clamping members are two torque springs in an opposite position. Each clamping member has one end secured to the frame and another end connected with a roller to engage with the rail of each sliding part of the lifting device for locating purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Pei-Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 6766995
    Abstract: An adjusting device used for a stand with a base and an equipment stand is composed of a three-part telescoping post, a primary actuator, a secondary actuator, a driving device and at least one cable. The driving device is mounted in the primary actuator and directly raises or lowers one part of the three-part telescoping post. Each cable is securely attached to two parts of the three-part telescoping post and reeves over and around guide rollers mounted in the secondary actuator so the inner post is raised or lowered simultaneously with the middle post to increase the speed and stability of adjusting the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Wu-Hong Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6761339
    Abstract: According to a conventional hydraulic-pump-type barber or beauty chair having legs which spread out, radiately and in parallel to a floor surface, from the lower part of a pump, a seat part itself is large and heavy, which results in a high center of gravity. Thus, the chair can quite possibly turn over while it is moved. Further, the legs are arranged at the lower position on the floor surface and are arranged in parallel to the floor surface, resulting in a difficult cleaning under the legs. The present invention is provided with a ring-shaped bracket for fixing the legs with sandwiching the upper part of the hydraulic pump, the upper bracket, and the cylinder part, one another, thereby realizing a design, wherein the legs are radiately arranged therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Oohiro Works Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Minami
  • Patent number: 6702238
    Abstract: An adjustable supporting device for a display panel includes a stationary supporting member having a tube portion disposed uprightly on a base portion, and a movable rod member movably extended into and in friction engagement with the tube portion. The rod member includes a rod body coupled to a display panel and formed with an inner recess, and a mounting cap mounted on the rod body and cooperating with the inner recess so as to confine a receiving space. A biasing member has a straight coupling portion coupled to the tube portion of the stationary supporting member, and a spiral portion connected to the coupling portion and disposed in the receiving space. The mounting cap is formed with a positioning unit for positioning the spiral portion of the biasing member in the receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Top Victory Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Yueh Wang
  • Publication number: 20030234332
    Abstract: A height-adjustable apparatus for supporting a flat monitor is disclosed. The height-adjustable apparatus includes a first support unit, an elastic element, and a second support unit. The first support unit has a first engaging device. One end of the elastic element is affixed on the first support unit. The second support unit, which is movably sleeved into the first support unit, has a second engaging device, a first end, and a second end. The first end touches the elastic element, and the second end connects the flat monitor. When the first engaging device and the second engaging device engage with each other, the height-adjustable apparatus has a first length. When the elastic element is extended with an external force, the second support unit slides to a position such that the apparatus has a second length. The first length is longer than the second length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Ching-Hui Yen, Chi-Jung Wu
  • Patent number: 6659417
    Abstract: An elevating device includes a casing with an upper opening defined to allow the upper tube to extend into the casing and a lower opening defined to communicate with the upper opening and allow the lower tube to extend into the casing, a worm gear rotatably received in the casing to mesh the rack of the upper tube, and a worm shaft extending into the casing to mesh the worm gear so as to drive the movement of the upper tube relative to the lower tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Wu-Hong Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6572059
    Abstract: A camera pedestal has a column attachable to a base. The base includes a base plate, side plates and a cover. The base and side plates are flat and are bolted together to facilitate manufacture. A cable guard system on the base has separate guard plates which can be independently shifted up and down quickly and easily by hand. A drag assembly sets a holding force on the guard plates. The guard plates have greater ground clearance at the ends away from the corners of the pedestal, to avoid contact with high points on an undulating or uneven ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 6523799
    Abstract: An adjustable-height stand that attaches to a device and allows for rough and fine adjustment of the height of the device. The stand has a screw rod, an adjusting mechanism, and a supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism attaches to the device. The adjusting mechanism is connected to the supporting mechanism and the screw rod and has two states. In the fine adjustment state, the height is adjusted by turning the screw rod. In the rough adjustment state, the contact between the screw rod and the adjusting mechanism can be broken so that the supporting mechanism can slide up and down the length of the screw rod without turning the screw rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Min Su
  • Patent number: 6478269
    Abstract: A longitudinally adjustable leg assembly, comprising a holder (9, 12) which is adapted to be fixed to the underside of a table top (1); first and second elongate carrier elements (2, 3) which are directed away from the holder (9, 12) and cooperate by threaded engagement. The first carrier element (2) is mounted rotatably but axially immovably in the holder (9, 12) and one (2; 3) of the first and second carrier elements (2, 3) having an external thread and the other (3; 2) of the first and second carrier elements (2, 3) being a tube having an internal thread portion at one end in threaded engagement with the external thread. An electric motor is arranged for rotating the first carrier element (2). A device is arranged for interrupting the current to the motor when the leg assembly is in a limit position of maximum or minimum length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Svenska Kenab Karlshamns Ergonomi
    Inventor: Matts Forsberg
  • Publication number: 20020153465
    Abstract: An adjustable-height stand that attaches to a device and allows for rough and fine adjustment of the height of the device. The stand has a screw rod, an adjusting mechanism, and a supporting mechanism. The supporting mechanism attaches to the device. The adjusting mechanism is connected to the supporting mechanism and the screw rod and has two states. In the fine adjustment state, the height is adjusted by turning the screw rod. In the rough adjustment state, the contact between the screw rod and the adjusting mechanism can be broken so that the supporting mechanism can slide up and down the length of the screw rod without turning the screw rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Cheng-Min Su
  • Patent number: 6390424
    Abstract: An accessory holder that can support an item in an infinite number of positions and orientations has advantages, especially in supporting a hair drier. The device includes a substantially longitudinal base member and a support device that enables securing the base member to a structure. A positioning support is included that is adapted to receive the base member. This enables both linear and rotary movement about the base member. A substantially longitudinal secondary member is received by the positioning support that enables linear movement or linear rotary movement thereon. An open ended mounting clamp is pivotally attached to the distal end of the secondary member. The clamp allows the user to easily secure an item, such as the handle of a hair dryer, and position the dryer in a desired location by movement of the secondary member with respect to the base member. The user can then keep the item in place while having both hands free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Margo Kidushim, Ralph M. Kidushim
  • Patent number: 6378446
    Abstract: A counterbalance apparatus (10) for moving the work surface (100B) of a work station (100) including outer and inner members (12 and 20) having outer and inner inserts (16 and 26) with outer and inner cam surfaces (16B and 26B). A dampener (30) having a threaded rod (36) is mounted within the inner member. A cam follower (50) is mounted on the dampener such that the rollers (54) are in contact with the outer and inner cam surfaces. Springs (69, 70 and 71) are mounted between the cam follower and an adjustment nut (42) around the dampener. As the work surface moves, the inner member moves in and out of the outer member to compress and expand the springs. The cam rollers move along the cam surfaces and allow for a constant force on the work surface throughout the movement of the work station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Dennis L. Long
  • Patent number: 6361110
    Abstract: A tilt control mechanism for an office chair includes a spring arrangement which permits forward and rearward tilting of the chair while also urging the chair to a normal upright position. The spring arrangement includes front and rear springs which act in combination such that the upward acting forces acting on the chair can be varied during use. The forces being applied by the front spring are adjusted by a side-actuated tension adjustment mechanism which incorporates a wedge block for adjusting the spring forces. Further, the rear springs provide a variable spring force such that the spring force is maximized when in the normal position but is decreased substantially once the chair is fully reclined. This reduction in spring force allows a user to maintain the chair in the fully reclined position with significantly less force than was required to tilt the chair rearwardly while a sufficient spring force continues to be applied by the front spring to urge the chair to the normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Roslund, Jr., Patrick Nelson, Larry Allen Wilkerson, Troy Roark, Joel Dral, Steve Simpson, John Clark
  • Patent number: 6352308
    Abstract: A support frame device for connecting a seat portion to an upright post includes a base mounting plate with right and left anchoring plates secured to right and left anchored plates of a spacer plate, respectively. An annular stiffening member has an annular abutment end abutting against a lower peripheral edge portion of the spacer plate. A hollow stem with an upper flange portion is extended through a post mounting bore in the spacer plate and an axial passage of the stiffening member such that the flange portion abuts against an upper peripheral edge portion of the spacer plate. An annular lower end of the stem is then malleated to form a flared portion that abuts against a lower end of the stiffening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventor: Su-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 6276756
    Abstract: A height adjusting assembly for chairs. The assembly includes a first member having a taper holder positioned near an opening/closing pin and a taper arm engaged with the taper holder so as to push the opening/closing pin. A second member having a case, a lead arm engaged with the case and a button which operates the lead arm. A third member having a wire in which one end is connected to the taper arm and the other end is connected to the lead arm and a covering member in which one end is connected to the taper holder and the other end is connected to the case so that the wire is slidable in the covering member and the opening/closing pin is pushed by an operation of the taper arm which is engaged with the wire when the lead arm is operated by the button. The pushing force of the button can be controlled by the length of the taper arm and the rod arm. The height of a chair is adjusted easily and conveniently as the button is installed in the arm resting member of a chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Samhongsa Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Tae Cho, Song Hur
  • Patent number: 6224155
    Abstract: A chair includes a base having a vertically extendable gas spring with an upwardly disposed release button movable horizontally/laterally between a vertically oriented locked position where the gas spring is lock and non-extendable, and a laterally shifted actuated position where the gas spring is released and extendable. A seat is mounted on the gas spring and includes an actuator constructed to selectively move the release button between the locked position and the actuated position with a sideways movement. The actuator includes a link slidably mounted to a control housing under the seat for horizontal movement, and a lever that is pivoted to a side of the control housing for operating the link. The link includes an aperture with angled side surfaces configured to facilitate downward assembly of the link onto the release button, but so that the side surfaces will actuate the release button when the link is moved laterally by the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Inc.
    Inventors: Larry DeKraker, Kurt R. Heidmann