Vertically Patents (Class 312/247)
  • Patent number: 7770986
    Abstract: A pivot assembly that can be inserted into kitchen cabinets to utilize otherwise unused and unreachable overhead spaces over kitchen wall cabinets. The pivot assembly has a pair of pivot arms pivotally connected to opposite sides of a frame, the frame slidably attached within a cabinet. A drawer is connected to the pivot assembly between the pivot arms. The drawer slides out of the cabinet on a pair of drawer slides and rotates down and out 180 degrees on the pivot arms, from an up position to a down position, wherein the drawer remains stable even as the pivot arms pass through a middle position. The pivot arms form a primary and secondary parallelogram shape during operation, the secondary parallelogram supporting the primary parallelogram at its weakest point in the middle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Vaidotas Joseph Simaitis
  • Patent number: 7736711
    Abstract: The device prevents the loss of articles otherwise susceptible to falling behind furniture, appliances, fixtures or equipment or other large objects placed next to a wall which are not easy to move or reach under such as, but not exclusively, couches, wardrobes, desks, washers, dryers, refrigerators, filing cabinets and dressers. The compressible and flexible device is fitted from above into the crevice between the furniture and the wall. It is held in place by friction created by the pressure caused by the deformation of the device between the furniture and wall. The device, when flexed or compressed, creates a u-shaped channel which catches valuables such as jewelry, makeup, currency, papers, office supplies or other items which are left on top of furniture and which without such invention, may otherwise fall behind the furniture where it would be difficult or impossible to retrieve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Howard A. Dobelle
  • Publication number: 20100007253
    Abstract: A drawer based storage system is disclosed. It comprises a drawer adapted to be supported on a support frame having sides and, preferably, a front. The drawer is supported for pivotal movement between a closed, generally horizontal position and an open, non-horizontal position and, further, for sliding movement, only when the drawer is in the open position, between a retracted position and an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Craig Ryerson
  • Patent number: 7575098
    Abstract: A lift system and method for lifting or lowering items from one level to another within a building is accomplished by providing a lift platform. An upper level support structure having an opening is configured to allow passage of the platform through the opening. The opening is suspended above a generally open area of a lower level. An upper level frame is coupled to the support structure. A winch having a motor that rotates a drum is supported by the upper level frame. A length of cable secures at one end to the winch and at the other end to the platform through a biasing member. Operation of the winch rotates the drum to wind or unwind the cable to raise or lower the platform through the open area of the lower level without any laterally adjacent support or guidance structure within the open area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Jason Hartley
  • Patent number: 7506772
    Abstract: A wall-mount rack includes at least two vertical posts, at least two hangers, and at least one container. Each of the vertical posts is provided on two lateral sides with one longitudinal row of holes each. The hangers are hooked to two corresponding holes at the same level on two opposite inner lateral sides of the two vertical posts. The container is hung on the two hangers and thereby stably mounted on and between the two vertical posts. The container may be a box-type container to define a receiving space therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Protrend Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Chen
  • Patent number: 7341054
    Abstract: A raised-level built-in cooking appliance, such as a wall-mounted oven, has a muffle and a bottom-side muffle opening. The latter can be closed with a lowerable bottom door. A drive device produces a lifting movement of the bottom door. In order to determine the weight of a cooking item, the wall-mounted cooking appliance has a weight detection device that determines the weight load on the bottom door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Edmund Kuttalek
  • Patent number: 7334530
    Abstract: A stacking table system includes: a first table having a first top, first peripheral support rails extending downwardly from the first top and a plurality of alignment projections extending downwardly from the first peripheral support rails; a second table having a second top, second peripheral support rails extending downwardly from the second top and a plurality of alignment projection receptacles that receive respective alignment projections when the first table is in a stacked position on the second table; and a table hoist having a plurality of cables being selectively attachable to the tables. The first table may be hoisted upwardly by the hoist when the cables are attached to the first table and a stack of the first and second tables may be hoisted upwardly by the hoist when the cables are attached to the second table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Edward J. Ruff Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Ruff
  • Patent number: 7168371
    Abstract: A stacking table system includes: a first table having a first top, first peripheral support rails extending downwardly from the first top and a plurality of alignment projections extending downwardly from the first peripheral support rails; a second table having a second top, second peripheral support rails extending downwardly from the second top and a plurality of alignment projection receptacles that receive respective alignment projections when the first table is in a stacked position on the second table; and a table hoist having a plurality of cables being selectively attachable to the tables. The first table may be hoisted upwardly by the hoist when the cables are attached to the first table and a stack of the first and second tables may be hoisted upwardly by the hoist when the cables are attached to the second table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Edward J. Ruff Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward J. Ruff
  • Patent number: 7080806
    Abstract: An overhead area access staircase stowage system (7) includes a servicing unit (10) having a stowage unit and a staircase (12) proximate to the stowage unit. The staircase (12) has a stowed state (18) and a deployed state (20). The staircase (12) includes multiple stair elements (40) and a state actuating system (60). The state actuating system (60) transitions the stair elements (40) between the stowed state (18) and the deployed state (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher J. Mills
  • Patent number: 7069924
    Abstract: A raised-level built-in cooking appliance, such as a wall-mounted oven, has a housing with a cooking chamber that is downwardly open. A floor chamber opening is selectively closed by a lowerable trapdoor. A door guide enables the bottom door to be lowered along a lifting path. The trapdoor guide has a first guide element on the housing side and a second guide element on the trapdoor side. In addition, at least one intermediate element is provided so that the trapdoor may be lowered over as long a lifting path as possible. The intermediate element connects the first guide element to the second guide element and extends the lifting path of the trapdoor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Edmund Kuttalek, Peter Mallinger
  • Patent number: 6843245
    Abstract: A high-level built-in oven unit including a bottom opening in the oven unit. A removable trap-door including lifting elements to open and close the bottom opening of the oven unit. The trap door has a baking tray mounting arrangement detachably mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Klemens Roch, Christian Zimmermann, Peter Mallinger, Wolfgang Schneii, Klaus Rabenstein, Josef Gerl, Michael Wagner, Reinhard Fleissner, Christian Unterreiner, Johann Herbst, Bernd Hopfenmuller, Edmund Kuttalek
  • Patent number: 6755492
    Abstract: A sliding cabinet that provides safe, ergonomic, and convenient access to shelves in elevated cabinets. The sliding cabinet comprises an inner cabinet and an outer cabinet housed by a support frame. In operation, the outer cabinet pulls out of the support frame by rolling horizontally on a roller and track system. Next, the inner cabinet lowers through the bottom of the outer cabinet by rolling vertically on a second roller and track system. After reaching a desired item, the inner cabinet can be raised back into the outer cabinet. Next, the outer cabinet is pushed back into the support frame for further storage. The sliding cabinet's components may be sized to fit into any size or style of cabinetry. Furthermore, the sliding cabinet is supplied with an adjustable counterweight, allowing the inner cabinet to be easily raised or lowered regardless of the weight on the shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Inventors: Don W. Hyde, Penny Hyde
  • Patent number: 6676233
    Abstract: A storage lift includes two vertically extending tracks mounted to a wall surface such as a garage wall. The tracks guide associated sliding members through vertical motion up and down adjacent the wall. The sliding members are in turn hinged to a platform that serves in alternative embodiments as a storage platform base or a variable-height work surface, and which may also be folded compactly when not in use or during shipping. A full box framework is provided for most applications, and panels are slidable within framework grooves or brackets to fully enclose the platform. A cover may optionally be provided as required. In the preferred embodiment, an electric motor is provided within the storage platform base for motive power, and a key switch control is provided to safely actuate the motor. The electric motor in the preferred embodiment is attached to the tracks through a combination of cables and pulleys, though other techniques are contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Paul E. Evans, John S. Titus
  • Patent number: 6547183
    Abstract: A moveable closet for storing articles in an aircraft includes a fixed outer housing and a moveable inner housing capable of being displaced from a loading position for articles to be placed within a storage compartment to a stowed position, which allows for additional cabin space during taxiing and flight. The storage compartment defined by the inner housing may be further sub-divided by shelves for storing articles of various sizes and may also be fitted with bars in order to accommodate hanging items. The moveable closet is capable of being accessed from a lengthwise extending aisle and therefore may be located directly adjacent a fixed structure on an aircraft such as a lavatory, galley, fixed closet, or the like. Once the storage compartment defined by the inner housing is loaded with articles, it is displaced into the outer housing to provide additional cabin space for passenger leg room or seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Farnsworth
  • Patent number: 6471311
    Abstract: A downward extendable and retractable shelving system has a cabinet assembly. A support panel is coupled to a wall from which the system is to be mounted. The support panel is used for mounting the cabinet to the wall. An extendable and retractable mechanism is coupled to the cabinet and to the support panel for lowering and raising the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: David E. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6439676
    Abstract: A clothes storing cabinet is adapted to hold soiled clothes preparatory to washing. The cabinet includes a body forming a plurality of chambers. The body forms a filling opening and a discharge opening for each chamber. The body is movable up and down between a lower clothes-loading position, and a raised clothes-discharging position. This movement can be achieved by sliding the body up and down along a vertical path, or, swinging the body by ninety degrees about a horizontal axis. When the body is in a raised clothes-discharging position, closures attached to the body can be swung open to enable clothes to gravitate from the respective chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Miroslav Badoni{haeck over (c)}
  • Patent number: 6394564
    Abstract: An overhead storage unit for a modular open office system is provided. The storage unit can be either a freestanding unit or a panel mounted unit. The present invention provides easy to assemble units utilizing a minimum of different components for inexpensive manufacturing and ease of construction. In the freestanding unit, identical end panels are used; whereas in the panel mounted unit complementary right and left end panels are formed. In either unit, the shelves and doors are of identical shape. When assembled, engagement tabs on the panel mounted unit prevent the storage unit from being inadvertently removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Knoll, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter C. Mrotz, III., David P. Noel, Thomas A. Langworthy
  • Patent number: 6367898
    Abstract: A cabinet assembly moves reversibly along a track on roller guide bearings which are attached to the cabinet housing. The cabinet assembly can be used, for example, in a kitchen setting and in place of an upper kitchen cabinet positioned above a countertop. The cabinet can be moved along the track from a position adjacent a wall, down toward the countertop, and out away from the wall allowing access to the contents of the cabinet to an individual seated in a wheelchair. Preferably, the cabinet is moved by a motorized hoist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin Jobe
  • Patent number: 6250728
    Abstract: A hanging closet apparatus for storing items in the ceiling. The hanging closet apparatus includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. A plurality of apertures is in the first and second side walls. A latch means selectively holds the housing in an extending position from the ceiling and a retracted position in the ceiling. The latch means extends through the apertures in the housing in a locked position. An enclosure receives the housing in the ceiling. The enclosure is mounted in the ceiling. The enclosure has two pairs of opposing walls. A first pair of opposing walls has apertures therein. The apertures in the enclosure are positioned such that the apertures in the housing are aligned with the apertures in the enclosure when the housing is in the enclosure. A biasing means biases the housing toward the retracted position in the enclosure. The biasing means comprises a pulley system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Bobby J. Thorp
  • Patent number: 6112913
    Abstract: A support assembly for a furniture system including a pair of standards which extend vertically in spaced relation, each standard having two rows of openings formed therein to extend vertically in spaced relation to one another, with the outermost rows on the pairs of standards having a first spacing therebetween and the innermost rows having a second spacing therebetween less than the first spacing. A first support member is mounted on the standards by a first arrangement for detachably mounting disposed in the outermost rows of openings, and the first support member has a first support surface which extends outwardly from the standards and braces which extend vertically along the standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Kewaunee Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt P. Rindoks, Alan W. Stephenson, Don F. Olson
  • Patent number: 6073624
    Abstract: A swing-out supporting arrangement (7) primarily intended for a wall-mounted oven (1) of domestic type comprises a bottom plate (6) supported by link arms (9, 10), said bottom plate (6) and an insert (8), possibly associated with said bottom plate, being retractable from the oven (1) by a swing-out movement without the use of any front door. The bottom plate (6) with the insert (8) can be moved between a first position inside the oven and a second swing-out position below and in front of the over front wall (2). Preferably, the swing-out movement is performed by means of an electric motor which is rotatable between two end positions. The principle of invention can also be used for a ceiling plate (4) supported by link arms, said plate being swingingly displaced in a corresponding lifting movement from an oven positioned at a low level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Ulf Laurent
  • Patent number: 6045204
    Abstract: The invention provides a high cost saving method of achieving restricted bin motion. A linkage that supports an overhead stowage bin (22) in an aircraft (12) and is operable for moving the stowage bin (22) between open and closed positions. The linkage includes an upper link (26), a lower link (28') and a gas spring (36). The gas spring (36) is pivotally connected at an upper first end to the upper link (26) and at a lower second end to the lower link (28'). Modifying apparatus comprises an additional link (56) that is connectable at a first end to the upper link (26) and at a second end to the first end of the gas spring (36). A new or extended existing lower link (28) may be used. This apparatus changes the location of the pivotal connection (40) of the upper end of the gas spring (36) to the upper link (26), so as to change the open position of the overhead stowage bin (22) in a way that lessens projection of the stowage bin (22) into aisle space (18) when the stowage bin (22) is in its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventors: Joe K. Frazier, Robert J. Shimota, Gary L. Ferson
  • Patent number: 5909933
    Abstract: An ergonomic adjustable work surface system (12) comprising a cabinet (14) having a counter top (16) thereon. An assembly (18) is for setting the cabinet (14) in a height up and down movable manner against a wall (20) in a room (22) of a building (24). A facility (26) is for adjusting the height of the counter top (16) of the cabinet (14) with respect to a floor (28) in the room (22) of the building (24), so as to greatly reduce a lower back problem caused by an individual working in a standing position at the cabinet (14), by affording the individual easy height adjustment of the counter top (16) to ergonomically correspond to the individual's statue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Inventors: Jeffrey C Keene, Alexander G. Markin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5893616
    Abstract: A knock-down hang-on storage unit for portable partition systems includes first and second end members with shelf support flanges having inwardly protruding horizontal support legs and vertical support legs that define narrow vertical slots. Forward edges of the end members have rearwardly opening notches that capture the forward edge of a shelf that extends horizontally between the end members. The shelf includes first and second depending attachment flanges along opposite sides thereof that are inserted into the slots. The rear portion of the shelf is supported on the horizontal support legs adjacent upstanding tabs on the shelf support brackets to horizontally capture the shelf member between the end members and provide a fastenerless interconnection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Steelcase, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. MacDonald, James L. Stickland
  • Patent number: 5867847
    Abstract: The height adjustable sink and vanity includes a fixed base portion that preferably includes two doors on the front that swing open to the sides. The cabinet is freestanding, but has no supporting surfaces on the front portion. The sink and countertop are vertically adjustable as a unit, with a standpipe below the sink that easily accommodates the adjustability. Projecting downward from the right and left edges of the countertop are panels that help prevent fingers and other objects from being pinched between the adjustable countertop portion and an adjacent, fixed surface. A remote control unit may be located on the end of a cord connected to a small electric motor that moves the unit up and down, depending on the selection made on the remote control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: BJ Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Barbara A. Klawitter, Wesley D. Vagle
  • Patent number: 5845980
    Abstract: An overhead storage cabinet having a housing defined by top and bottom wall rigidly joined by end walls to define an interior storage compartment therein. A door assembly is vertically swingably mounted on the housing and includes a door panel which vertically closes a front access opening of the housing when in an open position, and which swings upwardly into an open position wherein the door panel is stored generally above the top wall. The door assembly includes end panels which exteriorly overlap and are hingedly couple to the end walls. The end panels mount one or more counterweight elements adjacent the ends thereof to counterbalance the door panel weight. The number or position of counterweight elements is selected in accordance with the longitudinal length of the door panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Fricano, Scott A. Lang, Richard G. Haworth
  • Patent number: 5839694
    Abstract: A luggage compartment system especially for a passenger cabin of an aircraft is equipped with shells or bins (2) that are suspended from a support structure forming part of the aircraft body, by a four-bar or four-link system, the journals or pivots of which are substantially positioned in or above a reference plane defined by a top wall of the bin so that none of the links nor any of the journals take up space between end walls of longitudinally aligned bins. One journal may even be positioned below the reference plane, but not axially outside the end walls of the bin. Thus, additional space for luggage is gained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventors: Olaf Bargull, Bernd Roessner
  • Patent number: 5820076
    Abstract: A luggage compartment system for a passenger cabin, especially for commercial airliners, is equipped with compartment units each formed by at least two compartments interconnected or coupled through a coupling, guide and drive mechanism (13) for moving the compartments of a unit from a closed upper position to an open lower position and vice versa. Each unit has a large compartment and a small compartment, the latter is intended for smaller luggage items, including fragile items, while the larger compartment is intended for large luggage including suitcases. In the closed position the two compartments of a unit are arranged next to each other in a direction extending crosswise to a longitudinal central vertical plane (10) through the aircraft cabin. The compartments have for their bottom contoured panels that are integrated into the ceiling of the cabin in the closed compartment position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Schumacher, Andrew Muin
  • Patent number: 5743603
    Abstract: A furniture unit comprises a closed-front credenza that folds out to form an L-shaped desk. The unit comprises a stationary desk having a partially open front, with a kneehole opening forming at least a portion of the open front. A moveable return pivotally mounted at on one side of the desk comprises a vertical face panel and a work surface mounted at a rear side of the face panel. The return is pivotal between a closed position, wherein the face panel covers the open portion of the front of the desk and the return work surface is concealed behind the face panel, and an open position, wherein the face panel is pivoted outwardly from the front of the desk, exposing the kneehole opening in the desk. The return work surface extends forwardly from the desk alongside the kneehole opening when the return is opened. The face panel is configured so as to create the impression that the furniture unit is a credenza with no kneehole opening when the return is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Sligh Furniture Co.
    Inventors: James O. Kelley, Ralph Byma, Gregg J. Persons
  • Patent number: 5535852
    Abstract: A lift apparatus is provided for raising or lowering objects through an opening in a ceiling which has associated ceiling supports, such as ceiling joists. The lift apparatus includes a frame, mounted to and supported by the ceiling supports, having first and second frame members, and a third frame member which extends between and is fixedly connected to the first and second frame members. A receptacle, for holding the objects and sized to fit through the ceiling opening, is fixedly connected to a movable guide mechanism slidably cooperating with at least one of the first or second frame members to allow substantially vertical movement of the receptacle between a retracted position, substantially above ceiling level, and an extended position substantially below ceiling level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventors: David J. Bishop, Carroll E. Sherwin
  • Patent number: 5467954
    Abstract: A track mounting system for mounting electronic devices is described. The mounting system includes a mounting plate having a pair of tracks extending forwardly and a pair of mounting brackets to which a device is attached. The mounting brackets include sidewardly extending mounting fingers which engage inner surfaces of the tracks to lock the brackets to the tracks by forcing edges of the mounting fingers to "bite" into the inner surfaces of the tracks. The edges of the mounting fingers are biased into the inner surfaces of the tracks by force from a tensioning arm which is flexed as the device is rotated into its mounting position. The device and brackets are retained in their alignment orientation by retaining tabs which engage the tracks. To ease alignment of the mounting brackets to the tracks, a guide extension extends from the mounting brackets and is curved sidewardly to guide the brackets into their alignment position as a device is rotated into its mounting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: SpaceLabs Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: William O. Wekell
  • Patent number: 5462347
    Abstract: A pull down shelf assembly (20) for facilitating access to an upper storage shelf (22). The storage shelf (22) is movably mounted to a shelf guide track mechanism (23, 23') for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The pull down assembly (20) includes a pantographic assembly (25, 25') which is mounted to a support member (21) by a shelf mounting bracket member (24). The pantographic assembly includes a pair of arms (26, 27) pivotally mounted to the track mechanism (23, 23') and the mounting bracket member (24, 24') at spaced-apart locations. This configuration produces pantographic movement of the track mechanism (23, 23') throughout an arcuate path between a deployed position and an elevated stored position while maintaining the horizontal orientation of the shelf (22) throughout the pantographic movement. A shelf locking mechanism (35, 35') locks the shelf (22) in the extended position during pantographic movement between the elevated stored position and the deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventors: Doug Vogelgesang, Douglas Ching
  • Patent number: 5383628
    Abstract: An overhead luggage compartment for a passenger conveyance is secured to a fixed overhead structure by a single guide lever at each end of the movable trough that can be tilted up or down. Each guide lever has one end journalled to the fixed overhead structure and one end journalled to a respective side wall of the trough. Two gear sectors (6, 7) mesh with a common gear wheel journalled to the guide lever between the gear sectors which have a gear center coinciding with the journal axes of the journals that secure the guide lever. One gear segment is rigidly secured to the overhead structure. The other gear segment is rigidly secured to the trough sidewall. The gears control the up and down motion of the trough. A biasing spring and a shock absorber are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Harriehausen, Dieter Kasch, Heinz Manthey
  • Patent number: 5348385
    Abstract: A modular, wall-mounted shelf and furniture system which utilizes the combination of wood, plastic, and metal materials to provide space saving advantages and increased storage and functional utility by using multi-function support brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Berg Jacob and Sons (Furniture), Ltd.
    Inventor: Israel Berg
  • Patent number: 5333827
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for suspending the housing of a radio or other electrical appliance from the elevated bottom wall of a kitchen wall cabinet includes first and second concentric substantially circular members which are turnable and axially movable relative to each other and one of which is fixed to the top of the radio housing, stepped surfaces extending along respective arcs adjacent a periphery of the first member and being selectively engageable by seating elements extending radially from the second member for adjusting the axial position of the second member relative to the first member in dependence upon the rotational position of the first and second members relative to each other, and fasteners adapted to be extended from above through the bottom wall of the cabinet and then through holes in the second member into engagement with tapped bores in the first member for securing the latter to the bottom wall of the cabinet and preventing relative turning of the first and second members so that the adjus
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Sony Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Gioscia
  • Patent number: 5244269
    Abstract: An overhead baggage compartment has a lowerable trough, especially for a passenger aircraft, wherein the trough is connected by two quadrilateral bellcrank type levers or links, with the side walls of the trough inside a box-like housing which is open at the bottom and also has two side walls. A substantial weight compensation is achieved by pneumatic springs, whereby each pneumatic spring (14) works on an adjustable attachment point on the corresponding quadrilateral bellcrank link through a guide roller 15. During loading of the trough 3, its weight is so determined and the pneumatic spring 14 is so swivelled by a weighing lever 13, that the guide roller 15 is placed on the corresponding quadrilateral bellcrank link at an attachment point chosen according to the determined weight. It is a special advantage that closing of the baggage compartment only requires a minimal manual force which is largely independent of the weight of the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Deutsche Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Harriehausen, Dieter Kasch, Heinz Manthey
  • Patent number: 5228763
    Abstract: A storage element includes a body and a structure which moves the body between retracted and extended positions and includes a motor drive and two parallel links which move parallel to one another during the movement of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Lawrence Gingold
  • Patent number: 5224677
    Abstract: A pull down display and storage device in one aspect has a member movable with respect to a fixed support having pivot apparatus interconnected between the fixed support and the movable member, the movable member moving out and down from the fixed support, and in one aspect a spring or springs and/or a dampener controlling motion of the movable member and permitting balanced movement of the movable member or of the movable member and a load thereon; in one aspect, the device including the fixed support; and in another aspect, the device being releasably locked in a downward position due to the disposition of the pivot apparatus and spring. A support, shelf or case with one or more such devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Hoyt-Close Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Close
  • Patent number: 5203619
    Abstract: A vertical retractable storage system includes a frame, a storage unit, and a vertical lift mechanism retractably supporting the storage unit relative to the frame. The vertical lift mechanism includes a lift structure that operates on a horizontal plane to provide both vertical and horizontal stability to the storage unit during movement between a storage position and an access position. In one aspect of the present invention, the frame is fixed to a roof or super-structure above a suspended ceiling such that in a retracted position the storage unit is disposed above the ceiling, and a base or bottom portion of the storage unit conforms with the ceiling and thereby hides the unit. In another aspect of the present invention, the vertical lift mechanism retractably supports the storage unit such that in the retracted position an access portion of the unit remains extended below the ceiling to permit access to at least a portion of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: InterMetro Industries Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Welsch, Thomas E. Meacham
  • Patent number: 5127715
    Abstract: A tape case has a hexagonal housing having a planar top surface provided with VELCRO and magnetic fasteners for attaching the housing to an interior ceiling of a motor vehicle. A rotary carousel is mounted on a piston rod for movement into and out of the stationary housing. A push button latching mechanism serves to retain the carousel in a retracted position within the housing. When a user wishes to replace or remove a tape from the storage carousel, the latching mechanism may be released by pushing a single button which lowers the storage carousel from the housing. The carousel is rotatably mounted by a piston rod which is slidably received with a hollow sleeve in the interior of the housing. Air vent apertures are formed in the hollow sleeve for lowering the carousel at a gradual rate of descent and for allowing the carousel to be rapidly moved to a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventors: Edwin T. Doyle, Chris L. Bartunek
  • Patent number: 5097771
    Abstract: A shelf unit includes side panels and top and bottom shelves that extend between the side panels. The shelves are coupled to the side panels. The side panels each have plural interior cavities that are open at the rear edges of the side panels. The cavities are adapted to receive wall mounting brackets that project out from a wall. The rear edge of each side panel has a channel for receiving a shelf standard or wall mounting strip. The shelf unit is installed onto a wall by pushing the unit towards the wall, with the brackets being received by the cavities and the mounting strips being received by the channels. When installed, the mounting hardware is concealed from view. Another embodiment utilizes side panels without interior cavities. Instead, the side panels each have a channel along their respective rear edges. Wall standards, having keyhole shaped slots, are received by the channels. Fasteners are located in each channel and are coupled to the side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventor: J. Hatcher James, III
  • Patent number: 5078459
    Abstract: A can dispenser bracket for use in a modular shelf display; each can dispenser bracket includes a recurvant guide for dispensing an individual can, planar side-end surfaces, an entrance opening, an exit opening, and a back-end surface having a metal bracket attached thereto. The can dispenser bracket may be mounted side-by-side in a modular shelf display which is particularly adapted to stores which have high shelf-space costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: United States Tobacco Company
    Inventor: William C. Sclater
  • Patent number: 5058846
    Abstract: The invention is a movable frame for connection to and movement with respect to a fixed support, said movable frame may be comprised of multiple elements including a movable frame member, a pivot means, a spring means, a dampening means, and a support means. The combination of the movable frame, the pivot means and a fixed support form the preferred invention embodiment of a pull down display and storage apparatus. The invention also includes a method for moving products from an initial raised position to a final lower position by the step of pulling down on a movable frame, when the movable frame is comprised of the elements discussed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Hoyt-Close Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Close
  • Patent number: 4955672
    Abstract: A drawer interlock for a drawer-and-cabinet assembly wherein a cabinet mounts one or more drawers for sliding movement between a retracted position in the cabinet housing and an extended position at least partially out of the front of the housing. The interlock comprises a latch pivotably mounted to the cabinet back wall proximate to a back wall of the drawer or drawers with the latch having an upstanding catch and a depending catch extending from a central portion in vertical relationship. The latch interfaces with a hook on the drawer or drawers in the cabinet to prevent more than one drawer from opening at one time. The latch is pivotably mounted and biased against the hook in such a way that the latch does not interfere with the movement of any one drawer but will engage a hook when more than one drawer is opened at a time. In a preferred embodiment, each cabinet has one drawer and the latch interfaces with the drawer in the cabinet and with a drawer in an adjacent cabinet, preferably mounted on a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Dinh-Tuong Pham
  • Patent number: 4953601
    Abstract: Tool-box (1) comprised of a female box (50) and a male box (10) which is retractable in the female box (50) or which may be rigidly set on the female box so as to form a workbench and/or a step-ladder. The male box (10) comprises two series (15, 16) of drawers (17) and, between those two series (15, 16), a tiltable and removable tray (20) having two compartments (25, 26). The tray (20) may be tilted on one side up to a stop and may be removed on the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Julien Herdies
  • Patent number: 4915461
    Abstract: A storage device for cabinets is disclosed wherein shelves are carried by pairs of spaced, pivotally mounted arms. The arms are adapted to swing outwardly and downwardly, with the shelves maintaining a substantially horizontal attitude. A flexible cord is attached to a drawbar affixed to the shelf assembly, and a power unit is provided for extending and retracting the cord to move the shelf assembly between storage and retrieval positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventors: Michael R. Kingsborough, Dale D. Owens
  • Patent number: 4907773
    Abstract: An assembly of elements for providing a mounting surface for wall furniture includes a bracket which is attached to a wall framing member, at least one horizontally extending, inwardly opening, horizontally adjustable channel mounted on the bracket and preferably a second vertically extending, inwardly opening, vertically adjustable channel mounted on the first channel, providing a mounting surface which is both horizontally and vertically adjustable, to accommodate wall furniture having mounting means which are not spaced to coincide with the spacing of the wall framing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: National Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Menchetti, Robert M. Chapman
  • Patent number: 4799436
    Abstract: A storage cabinet adapted for mounting on a wall having side panels, a bottom panel, a top wall, and a door. Keyhole slots extend through edge portions of the bottom panel. A conventional screw and non-removable stud extend through each slot, with the studs being non-removably secured to the side panel. The screws engage the front portions of the keyhole slots and the studs engage the back portions of the keyhole slots. A cover is removably secured to the back inside portion of the side panel so that the back edge of the bottom panel; is in abutting engagement with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve F. Goodman
  • Patent number: 4722285
    Abstract: A storage cabinet adapted for mounting on a wall having side panels, a bottom panel, a top wall, and door. Keyhole slots extend through edge portions of the bottom panel. A conventional screw and non-removable stud extend through each slot, with the studs being non-removably secured to the side panel. The screws engage the front portions of the keyhole slots and the studs engage the back portions of the keyhole slots. A cover is removably secured to the back inside portion of the side panel so that the back edge of the bottom panel is in abutting engagement with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Assignee: Herman Miller Inc.
    Inventor: Steve F. Goodman
  • Patent number: RE33263
    Abstract: A storage cabinet adapted for mounting on a wall having side panels, a bottom panel, a top wall, and door. Keyhole slots extend through edge portions of the bottom panel. A conventional screw and non-removable stud extend through each slot, with the studs being non-removably secured to the side panel. The screws engage the front portions of the keyhole slots and the studs engage the back portions of the keyhole slots. A cover is removably secured to the back inside portion of the side panel so that the back edge of the bottom panel is in abutting engagement with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve F. Goodman