Door Or Closure Constructions Patents (Class 312/109)
  • Publication number: 20090206711
    Abstract: An organizer having a top panel and a bottom panel with side panels and a rear panel attached between the top panel and the bottom panel. At least one partition panel attaches to the side panels and rear panel so that the side panels, rear panel, top panel, bottom panel, and at least one partition panel define compartments within the organizer. Each compartment corresponds with an opening, wherein the bottom panel serves as a bottom wall for one compartment and wherein the at least one partition panel serves as a bottom wall for another compartment. At least one access panel moveably attaches to a front edge of at least one compartment and bottom wall. The access panel corresponds to a compartment and the opening for that compartment, the opening being located above the bottom wall to which the access panel is attached. The access panel is sized and shaped to pivot in a downward direction to an open position in which the corresponding opening of the corresponding compartment is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Whitney Design, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Glenn
  • Publication number: 20090179531
    Abstract: Work stations for nail technicians are provided. In this regard, a representative work station, among others, includes a center console module having front, rear, top, and bottom walls. The rear wall includes holes at the proximal end and distal end for storing a nail drill device. The rear wall further includes an opening for storing a control unit of a nail drill device. The opening is adjacent to the holes at one of the proximal end and distal end. The rear wall further includes a drawer positioned between the holes at the proximal end and distal end. The work station further includes two end modules that are coupled to the center console module, forming a “U” shape configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: QUY THAT TON
  • Publication number: 20090108718
    Abstract: A kitchen unit arrangement (10) having three or more storage units (12, 14, 16), the arrangement comprising first and second end walls (22) and at least two internal walls (20), the first end wall and a first said internal wall together defining a first said storage unit (12), the second end wall and a second said internal wall together defining a second said storage unit (14); wherein two of said internal walls (20) are connected by a substantially horizontal shelf (26) to define a third storage unit (16). A method of assembling such a kitchen unit apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: James William CRAIG, Stuart HUTCHINSON
  • Publication number: 20090021124
    Abstract: A cabinet provided with a cabinet body having at least one vertical row of superimposed compartments which are separated by shelves and which can be opened and closed with compartment doors articulated on the cabinet. This invention simplifies and substantially reduces the cost of parts and of mounting the cabinet. Thus, a joint rod extending over a height of the cabinet body is assigned to each vertical row of compartments. The shelves are guided by a shoulder in the hinge zone having the joint rod and are fixed vertically on the joint rod by flange sleeves overlooking the upper and/or lower side of the shelves and their shoulder. The compartment doors which are adjusted to the heights of the compartments bear, on their rear surface, in the hinge zone, housings for the flange sleeves and can be covered with a shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: KEBA AG
    Inventors: Samuel Klassen, Matthias Kruger
  • Patent number: 7412807
    Abstract: A cabinet dryer door includes a truss attached to the door to establish seal compression for adequate sealing of the door against the drying cabinet. The inner door has spacers molded into the inner door. The truss cooperates with the spacers to bias the door against the seal. The drying cabinet may utilize a pair of doors with at least one having a truss that establishes a seal compression in both of the doors. The truss is joined to the inner door by a screw located in the center of the truss. The method has the step securing a truss member to the door and curving the door to create a biasing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Troy A. Johnson, Joseph M. Keeler
  • Patent number: 7360681
    Abstract: A mail receptacle system incorporating multiple individually accessible discrete storage compartments disposed within a frame structure with lockable user access doors disposed in mated hinging relation relative to the frame structure such that when the access doors are in a closed position, a male/female relation is established between portions of the doors and the frame structure. The access doors utilize a multi-piece construction wherein the hinging edges of the doors are displaceable from the door body thereby permitting the door body to be easily and readily replace in the event of damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Bommer Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Pittman, B. Stewart Jackson
  • Patent number: 7351153
    Abstract: In the slot machine 1, it is provided the hinge construction for rotatably supporting the frame plate 63 of the frame 6 against the door 3, and the hinge construction is basically constructed from: the lower bracket 82 arranged at the lower position in one side of an opening 80 which is formed in the door 3 corresponding to the frame 6; the support hole 83 formed in the ceiling plate 81 positioned at the upper side of the door 3 and the support hole 84 formed in the lower bracket 82; and the support shaft 64 that the upper end thereof inserted in the through hole 633 of the upper support plate 634 is rotatably supported in the support hole 83 of the ceiling plate 81 and the lower end thereof inserted in the through hole 635 of the lower support plate 636 is rotatably supported in the support hole 84 of the lower bracket 82.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Nagano
  • Publication number: 20070278910
    Abstract: A door through which an authorized person can see into a locked locker. The door can close a locker located in a school, a bus station, an airport, or the like, and the authorized person can be a security guard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Robert D. Cash, Mechell C. Cash
  • Patent number: 7255101
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a door, in particular, a cooking appliance door, through which a useful space can be closed, and having a stowage space, into which the door can be lowered at least partly, guided by a guide system that has a pivot axis and at least one guide element guided in a guide track, through which the door is guided in its movement along the guide track during a pivoting movement. The position of the pivot axis is fixed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Grützke, Thomas Rembold
  • Patent number: 7240974
    Abstract: A folding lid for a cabinet. The folding lid or cover (8) can be displaced between an opened position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Huwil-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Artur Hirtsiefer
  • Patent number: 7216944
    Abstract: An outer door panel for an appliance door assembly is provided which includes a frame comprising opposite lateral sides, an outer surface extending from the frame and bowed between the lateral sides, and a recessed control mounting surface extending from the outer surface between the lateral sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Max Douglas Oyler, Jeffrey Thomas Kiesler, Deryl Craig York, Lance Alan Wolf
  • Publication number: 20040239213
    Abstract: A folding chair for a cupboard, whereby the folding cover (8) can be displaced between an opened position and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Artur Hirtsiefer
  • Publication number: 20030222543
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for mounting a door or other element to an article of furniture using an existing slide mechanism of the type known for use in drawers, wherein the slide mechanism is hidden from view when the door or other element is in both a closed and in an open position to enhance the aesthetic design of the article of furniture. The slide mechanism is mounted to a rear or interior surface of the article of furniture, and a bracket connects the slide mechanism to a door or other element which is disposed adjacent a front face of the article of furniture. In this manner, the slide mechanism and bracket are hidden from view regardless of the position of the door or other element. In one embodiment, a cabinet with a door connected thereto by hidden slides is provided, and in another embodiment, a display board with covers connected thereto by hidden slides is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Jay M. Henriott, Kevin T. Rauscher
  • Patent number: 6553727
    Abstract: A columbarium for cremation remains constructed of at least one unit which includes a generally planar bottom surface and at least five vertical outer sides with each side having a corner. A cover supported by a plurality of walls which, along with said outer sides and said bottom, form compartments. An opening in each outer side providing access to a compartment for receiving cremation remains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventors: Marion Erskine Thomas, Ron Scarcella, Harry Lee Jordan
  • Publication number: 20020092247
    Abstract: A columbarium for cremation remains constructed of at least one unit which includes a generally planar bottom surface and at least five vertical outer sides with each side having a corner. A cover supported by a plurality of walls which, along with said outer sides and said bottom, form compartments. An opening in each outer side providing access to a compartment for receiving cremation remains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: M. Erskine Thomas, Ron Scarcella, H. L. Jordan
  • Patent number: 6392140
    Abstract: An access door for an electrical enclosure is disclosed. The access door includes a hinge mechanism extending from the access door, the hinge mechanism defining an aperture including a support surface within the aperture, a flange extending from the enclosure and engaged within the aperture wherein the flange makes contact with the support surface when the door is in a fully open position to support the access door against the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edgar Yee, Charles Piper, Lloyd E. Wentler, Gilbert A. Soares
  • Patent number: 6127627
    Abstract: A housing for distributing conductors from a cable includes an enclosure, and an insertable chamber separator detachably mounted to and disposed within the enclosure for dividing the enclosure into chambers. The separator includes a first dividing wall for dividing the volume of the enclosure along a first plane and a second dividing wall for dividing the volume of the enclosure along a second plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Bassel Hage Daoud
  • Patent number: 6082843
    Abstract: The invention concerns a supporting framework, in particular for house furniture, the framework taking the form of a rectangular grid structure consisting of load-bearing vertical supports and horizontal adjustable panels (4) inserted between the supports. Preferably, the furniture constructed from the kit also comprises adjustable units which are provided with movable door and/or window elements (5) and are accessible from the front, the back of the units generally being closed by a rear panel which covers the entire area and, as well as providing greater protection from dust also increases rigidity at the corners of the furniture. The supporting framework comprises ladder-like supports, which consist of at least two--or in the case of furniture with a graduated cross-sectional shape generally of three--pre-fabricated vertical uprights (10) extending parallel at a spacing from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventors: Tibor Somogyi, Maria Oryne Sal, Istvan Szatura
  • Patent number: 5951126
    Abstract: A locker door retrofit assembly is disclosed which is adapted for replacing door assemblies on metallic or other lockers with a plastic door assembly. The locker door retrofit assembly may include a plastic jamb hinge that covers the existing hinge and a door assembly. The retrofit locker assembly may be assembled off-site and attached to the existing locker assembly as one unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Compression Polymers Group
    Inventors: John C. Wolff, Scott R. Gardner, Delbert P. Keisling, Jr., Kevin T. Burt
  • Patent number: 5902025
    Abstract: A modularized computer servo working cabinet having side wall plates which are assembled by a plurality of unit pieces. A sliding track is installed in a proper position of each side wall plate on an inner portion thereof for receiving one or more main frame racks. The racks have a U-shape and feed track grooves installed thereon. Each unit piece is a large plate with notches and stopping portions installed thereon for assembling with assembling pieces and connecting pieces. Each assembling piece is a medium plate with a flange installed thereon for engaging with the stopping portion and with a plurality of assembling piece holes installed thereon for fixing the sliding track and locking with the connecting pieces. Each connecting piece is a small plate with at least one insertion portion having holes for engaging with the assembling pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Symphony Group International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Chun Yu
  • Patent number: 5810458
    Abstract: A locker door retrofit assembly is disclosed which is adapted for replacing door assemblies on metallic or other lockers with a plastic door assembly. The locker door retrofit assembly may include a plastic jamb hinge that covers the existing hinge and a door assembly. The retrofit locker assembly may be assembled off-site and attached to the existing locker assembly as one unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Compression Polymers Group
    Inventors: John C. Wolff, Scott R. Gardner, Delbert P. Keisling, Jr., Kevin T. Burt
  • Patent number: 5641215
    Abstract: A multi-cabinet assembly comprises single cabinets which are arranged next to one another. The single cabinets include at least one master cabinet and one slave cabinet. All of the cabinets have a door. The multi-cabinet assembly further comprises an interlock system for the slave doors which includes at least one horizontally movable interconnecting rod, a locking means connected to the interconnecting rod for being displaced between an engagement position and a release position, and a counterlocking means for engaging said locking means in a locked position of the slave door in case said locking means is arranged in engagement position. The counterlocking means is arranged at the slave door and the interconnecting rod is movably connected with the master door for displacing the locking means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Hans Skeppner
    Inventor: Luc Pochet
  • Patent number: 5595426
    Abstract: A locker door retrofit assembly is disclosed which is adapted for replacing door assemblies on metallic or other lockers with a plastic door assembly. The locker door retrofit assembly may include a plastic jamb hinge that covers the existing hinge and a plastic jamb lock that receives a plastic door assembly when in a closed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Compression Polymers Group
    Inventors: John C. Wolff, Scott R. Gardner, Delbert P. Keisling, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5571276
    Abstract: A channel member is provided which is configured to be held on the frame of an appliance. The frame includes a lip perpendicular to a first portion of the frame with a flange extending perpendicular to the lip parallel to and in the direction of the first portion of the frame. At least one tab projects out of the first portion of the frame. The channel member is configured to receive a retaining strip having a projecting portion. The channel member has a channel portion and a back portion. The back portion extends between the lip and the tab and has a portion retainingly held by the tab. The channel portion comprises a first resilient leg and a second resilient leg. The first and second legs are spaced apart to form a channel for receiving the projecting portion of the retaining strip. At least one of the first and second legs has a detent formed thereon to retainingly engage the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Duane M. Kobos, Gary M. Lindgren, Joseph T. Ferencevich
  • Patent number: 5564806
    Abstract: A locker is disclosed which comprises plastic panels and connectors on the edges of the panels for a snap together assembly that can be knocked down for shipment. A swing open front door plastic panel is also provided which preferably has a plastic hinge and plastic latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Compression Polymers Group
    Inventors: Alan P. Keisling, Scott R. Gardner, Jeffrey J. Palfrey, Jay T. Wood
  • Patent number: 5489106
    Abstract: A cart for maintaining items, which are used in a cleanroom, at a predetermined cleanliness level. The cart includes a cabinet having an internal cavity and opposed first and second internal walls. The cart further includes a shelf affixed horizontally within the cavity to form top and lower compartments within the cabinet. In addition, a lower horizontal track is affixed to the cabinet above the top compartment. A lower door is slidably affixed within the lower track. Additionally, the cart includes an upper horizontal track affixed to the cabinet above the lower track and an upper door slidably affixed within the upper track, wherein the upper and lower doors are movable in a horizontal direction above the top compartment. The top compartment is substantially isolated from contamination when the upper door contacts the first wall and the lower door contacts the second wall or when the upper door contacts the second wall and the lower door contacts the first wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronic Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Engelking, Carol Magallanez
  • Patent number: 5466058
    Abstract: A modular storage system is formed from a plurality of stackable cube-shaped or rectangular-shaped units. Each unit is locked to another adjacent unit with fasteners inserted through their side walls. Each cube modular unit is formed by four identical rectangular panels which face each other in a box-like configuration without a lid or bottom, There are a plurality of tabs and notches in the beveled surface of the abutting edges of each panel. The beveled top edge of each panel mates with the beveled bottom edge to form a miter joint and to allow the complementary tabs and notches in the edges to lock together to prevent lateral displacement. There are a pair of grooves near each edge to allow for a curved molding to slide into to lock the edges of the panels together. The inside wall of each panel has a series of channels to allow shelves to be positioned in the body of the cube. A hanging door can be placed in the front of the cube to conceal the shelving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: One Two One Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shiu C. Chan
  • Patent number: 5419628
    Abstract: A durable knockdown cabinet and kit for making the same includes, a bottom panel, a top panel, a left panel, a right panel and a plurality of clips. When assembled the left side panel with a lower interior portion of the left panel is aligned by and detachably connected to a left exterior region of the bottom panel with at least one of the clips and an upper interior portion of the left panel is aligned by and detachably connected to a left interior region of the top panel with at least one of the clips. The right side panel with a lower interior portion of the right panel is aligned by and detachably connected to a right exterior region of the bottom panel with at least one of the clips and an upper interior portion of the right panel is aligned by and detachably connected to a right interior region of the top panel with at least one of the clips. The clips each include a first and second clip section and a C-shaped locking plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Ronald F. Nowak
    Inventors: David P. Myslinski, Jr., Timothy P. Andrews
  • Patent number: 5399006
    Abstract: A plurality of U-sectioned shelf units 14 are disconnectably mounted one upon another between a base unit 12 and a top unit 13, each drawer 15 for accommodating cassettes or cassette blocks 16 is inserted into each shelf unit 14, freely slidable and a projection 45 is formed on the upper edge of the rear wall 41 of the drawer 15 which disengageably engage with the indented stoppers 31 provided in the underside of the top unit 13 and each shelf unit 14 so that the drawer 15 can be pulled out stepwise because of the projection 45 being engaged with the indented stopper 31. It is convenient since the number of shelf units 14 disconnectably connected is adjustable as necessary. Also, the drawer 15 can be pulled out stepwise being stopped at any of the stoppers provided in the shelf unit, hence the drawer 15 pulled out halfway is ensured against further sliding out of the shelf unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Murazumi Industrial Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Takuya Murazumi
  • Patent number: 5399005
    Abstract: A structure for the display and dispensing of tickets whereby top and bottom units are demountably attachable in a stackable arrangement. Each unit is of box-like configuration having a floor, a roof, a pair of sidewalls and an open rear end. A door is pivotally attached at a lower portion of the rear end and semi-permanently attachable in an opposite upper portion of the rear end of the unit to serve as a rear wall for the unit when in a closed position. The bottom unit has a front flange on the bottom portion of the front wall extending downward and rearward into a cavity in the top portion of the front wall to provide a forwardly extending lip portion engageable by the front flange of the top unit when the units are in a stacked relationship. The top unit also has a rear flange on its lower rear portion that extends through at least one opening in the roof of the bottom unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Schafer Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher E. Schafer
  • Patent number: 5372415
    Abstract: A storage locker constructed of recyclable thermoplastic that utilizes insertion tabs and sockets molded into the sides, top, bottom, front and side panels for permanent interlocking without the need of conventional fasteners. The storage locker is assembled on site by inserting the tabs of the appropriate panel into the socket receptacles of an adjoining panel. Assembly of a basic locker requires snap attachment of the side walls to the top and bottom panel. A front frame, preassembly with a hinged door panel, is snap attached to the structure to complete the assembly wherein the structure is available for mounting directly to a wall. For a stand alone locker assembly, a perforated rear panel is available for attachment to the rear of the locker by use of locker pins. The rear panel provides aeration and allows various hook placement for hanging items. Shelves are available in either fixed or adjustable disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Suncast Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Tisbo, Stephen P. Whitehead, Lyle A. Rosine
  • Patent number: 5354125
    Abstract: A shelf kit for producing a shelf arrangement includes a number of vertical upright members and a number of compartment bases for forming shelf compartments. The upright members are composed of a plurality of upright segments, each taking up approximately the height of a shelf compartment. The compartment bases are longer than the width of a shelf compartment. The front and rear regions of the upright segments, where they project beyond the compartment bases, are provided with vertical passages into which vertical rods can be inserted which extend over the height of the shelf arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Flototto Einrichtungssysteme GmbH & Co.KG
    Inventor: Simon Desanta
  • Patent number: 5211303
    Abstract: A secure container system comprising a first container with a second container mounted thereon, the containers having adjacent sides that are complementary to one another. The first container includes two pairs of spaced channels and the second container includes opposite flanges which engage the channels for mounting the second container on the first. The first container has a door which, when closed, includes an extended portion comprising a stop for selectively preventing lateral movement of the second container relative to the first container when the second container is mounted in only one of the two pairs of spaced channels. The door also includes a pair of detents for temporarily holding the second container relative to the first container when the second container is mounted in a second of the two pairs of spaced channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Sage Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald J. Mosior
  • Patent number: 4934764
    Abstract: A computer system module assembly has modular equipment enclosures slidable and securable in a modular exoskeletal frame structure on a base. The frame structure includes horizontal frame members on which the enclosures slide with pawls movable on a threaded rod to engage studs on the enclosures to clamp the enclosure to the frame. Air cooling units in the enclosures provide independent cooling for each enclosure, moving air preferably from front to back of the enclosures, through perforated frame doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Kendall Square Research Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Leitermann, Neal H. Marshall, John C. Costello, Gianfranco D. Zaccai
  • Patent number: 4875745
    Abstract: Conversion apparatus (1) for a multiple door cooler (C). A seal (3) for forming a seal between a door and the cooler housing (H), when the door is closed, has a base element (5) which is affixed to the inner face (1F) of the door and extends around its periphery. A latch (27) attaches to the base element of one door and the base element of an adjoining door to form a rigid connection between the doors so they open and close in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: True Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur W. Trulaske
  • Patent number: 4863057
    Abstract: A secure container system comprising a first container with a second container mounted thereon, the container having adjacent sides that are complementary to one another. The first container includes a pair of spaced channels and the second channel includes opposite flanges which engage the channels for mounting the second container on the first. The first container has a door which, when closed, includes an extended portion comprising a stop for selectively preventing lateral movement of the second container relative to the first. When the door is opened, the second container may be laterally removed from its mounting on the first container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Sage Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul H. Hanifl, John J. Newton, Jr., Donald J. Mosior
  • Patent number: 4732431
    Abstract: A door frame is provided comprising a pair of laterally spaced, vertically directed and parallel frame members defining channels opening laterally towards each other. A bottom frame member connects between the two side frame members and defines an upwardly opening channel. A decorative panel sheet is dimensioned so that it must be bowed slightly to present its opposite edges to the channels in the side frame members. Upon releasing the panel, the edges penetrate the channel and are confined against fore and aft shifting. The dimension between a control console on the top of the door and the bottom frame member is greater than the spacing between the upper and lower edges of the panel. This allows the panel to be unbowed without interference from the bottom frame member. With the panel assuming its flattened state the panel can be shifted downwardly into the channel in the bottom frame member. A retaining strip holds the upper edge of the panel against the control console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony Mason
  • Patent number: 4729612
    Abstract: A hinge support system for a cabinet door to prevent the skewing down of the door during movement of the door from the closed position to a retracted position. The system includes pulleys mounted on the side wall so the cabinet with a cable connected around the pulleys and with the ends of the cable connected to the slides for the sliding hinge assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Inventor: Allen F. Stone
  • Patent number: 4641896
    Abstract: A retractable door structure for a storage case including a pair of guide grooves formed from the front end to the back end of the inner surfaces of the case panel, sliding blocks connected to each other by a connecting rod provided in the guide grooves, and a pinion mounted in each of the sliding blocks which is designed to engage with a rack formed in the guide grooves. The door is pivotally held between the sliding blocks by rotary shafts attached to the corners of the door. By means of this structure, the door can be slid inside the case after it is opened and the door is easily pushed in and pulled out of the case since the sliding blocks holding the door slide smoothly in the guide grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Inventors: Kyosuke Iimura, Kiyoshi Maruyama
  • Patent number: 4516813
    Abstract: A cabinet door in its closed position depends from the cabinet top wall and is coupled to a follower slidably engaging a longitudinal track on the top wall underface so that the door may be swung upwardly open and retracted into the cabinet. The follower and track have longitudinal races embracing retainer holding balls. The coupling mechanism includes an anchor on the door having transversely spaced first and second hinge pins and a bracket on the follower having third, fourth and fifth transversely spaced hinge pins and links extending between the first and third and second and fourth hinge pins and a leaf spring extending between the second and fifth hinge pins so that the door is swingable between a closed position perpendicular to the top wall and an open position parallel to and below the top wall and when approaching closed position is spring urged to close. Alternatively, the track and anchor positions are reversed so that the door in its open position overlies the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Grant Hardware Company
    Inventor: Michael Sekerich
  • Patent number: 4375907
    Abstract: A flipper door assembly for use on a cabinet or the like. A generally rectangular door sized to cover the desired cabinet opening is suspended by a rack and pinion suspension mechanism. The rack and pinion suspension mechanism includes a pair of gear racks mounted in the cabinet opening and a corresponding pair of pinion gears located above the gear racks and engageable therewith. The pinion gears are connected to each other by an axle shaft. Hinges are mounted to the upper inside surface of the door with the hinge pivots parallel to the top of the door. The ends of the hinges mounted to the door are flat and the other ends are L-shaped with the outermost end of each hinge being rotatably mounted on the axle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1983
    Assignee: Trendway Corporation
    Inventors: David Vander Kooi, Donald Flamboe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4265502
    Abstract: An improved panel wall system is disclosed with means for interconnecting the panels in any desired angular relationship while providing a sight barrier through the joint. As many of the panels may be connected as are desired; and they may be placed in any desired configuration. Each panel includes an insert assembly to provide its exterior face; and these may be removed and changed, if desired. A full line of shelving and cabinets may be assembled to the panels with a limited number of interchangeable components. The cabinets include a flipper door which will not rack when opened or closed, and which slides beneath the top of the cabinet in the open position, yet has its edges flush with the top and bottom of the cabinet in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1981
    Assignee: American Seating Company
    Inventors: Leif Blodee, Robert L. Knapp, Simon W. Oppenhuizen