Abstract: An apparatus and method of articulating a rack for a cooking appliance between a lowered position and a raised position. One or more cams drive one or more linkage members pivotably connected to the rack. One or more drive mechanisms may be used to pivot the one or more cams.

Abstract: A therapy desk and desk tops provide various therapies to the users while standing up or sitting down. It is configured to provide therapeutic benefits by two knobs that are rotated by hand to elevate and lower the desktop or the desk, providing excellent therapy to fingers, wrists, hands, back and legs. As it is operated while sitting down it avoids strain to the back. Also the peddling device used while sitting down provides excellent therapy to the legs.

Abstract: A furniture pull-down shelf has first and second opposed lateral webs delimiting a shelf receptacle. First and second pairs of pivot levers are pivotably secured on first and second opposed furniture sidewalls and on the first and second lateral webs and define first and second four-bar linkages. The first and second four-bar linkages transfer the shelf from a stowed position inside the furniture into a lowered access position. An operating element is connected to first pivot levers of the first and second pairs of pivot levers. It extends in an initial operating position along a front side of the shelf receptacle. When pivoting the pull-down shelf into the access position, the connecting element moves from the initial operating position into a downward open operating position.

Abstract: An interactive switch system for a stowage compartment system for a mobile platform (for example, commercial aircraft) is provided. The switch system is mounted to a moveable structure, such as an overhead stowage bin, and is responsive to a local input from a user, as well as to a remote input from an external control/monitoring panel. The switch system has at least one indicator surface responsive to the local input and the remote input to display indicator data. The indicator surface has a portion that forms at least one user input device for enabling the local input. The switch system further comprises a control system disposed behind the indicator surface. The control system is responsive to the local input and the remote input to transmit the indicator data to the indicator surface.

Abstract: A multi-functional table comprises an adjustable second support surface recessed below the upper support surface which extends outward therefrom for use as by a person seated adjacent to the table. When not in use, the second support surface is stored beneath the upper support surface of the table, requiring no additional storage or space requirements for the second support surface.

Abstract: A computer workstation is formed in the shape of a desk and has an extendible and retractable keyboard shelf and an inclined adjustable monitor supporting shelf. The workstation has a flat desktop surface, which has a door formed in it. When the keyboard shelf is extended, the door automatically rotates upward. When the keyboard shelf is fully extended, the open door fully reveals the screen of the computer monitor mounted on the monitor supporting shelf. When the keyboard shelf is retracted, the door automatically closes, returning the desktop surface to its normal flat shape. Two pivotable linkage arms are mounted to the desktop surface at each side of the door, and each have one end that passes through a slotted plate fixed to the keyboard shelf and another end that engages the underside of the door. Extending the keyboard shelf causes the linkage arms to rotate and cam the door open.

Abstract: A sewing machine cabinet for mounting a sewing machine and for housing and storing the machine when not being worked, which provides a drop platform interiorly of the cabinet below the top working surface thereof for lowering the machine into the interior of the cabinet maintaining the sewing machine in an upright position not tilting. The cabinet is well adapted to open-arm sewing machines. A hinged top cover when opened lifts the sewing machine up out of the interior of the cabinet by leverage action on a pivoting link attached to a guided sliding support arm which is attached to drop platform which supports the sewing machine and is guided by a rack. The rack is provided by one or a pair of guide columns. The hinged top cover when opened 180.degree. acts as a brake and lock for the moving drop shelf.

Abstract: The drawings illustrate an apparatus for housing articles between a ceiling and a roof, utilizing a switch means for actuating suitable electrically operated pivoting means for retracting the apparatus into the ceiling and lowering it from the ceiling.

Abstract: An adjustable table is provided which includes a table top disposed a predetermined distance above a supporting surface. This table top provides a work surface and support for office machinery such as a visual display terminal. The table also includes an adjustable platform which may support a detachable keyboard or similar devices. A unique linkage system supports this platform and allows the operator to adjust the platform to a desired elevation and to lock it in place using an actuating and brake assembly while maintaining maximum clear knee space beneath the platform.

Abstract: A lifting table top mechanism is provided wherein a table top can be raised or lowered between two stable positions with respect to the table base, by means of moving a handle. The handle is incorporated into a rotating bar which is configured so that, when attached to the lower faces of a lower plate attached to the table base and one or two upper plates attached to the table top, movement of the handle causes the upper plates to be drawn toward or pushed away from the lower plate. A connecting bar, configured to be attached to the lower plate and upper plates, rotates in tandem with the rotating bar. A linear linking member links each end of the rotating bar to the corresponding end of the connecting bar. The upper plates are stablized in one of two positions: adjacent to the lower plate or at a maximum distance permitted by the configuration of the connecting bar and rotating bar.

Abstract: A lift device for a sewing machine head of the type having a free arm to alternately provide flat bed, free arm and storage positions in a cabinet having a tabletop with a cutout for the sewing machine head and a pivoting lift mechanism disposed beneath the cutout. The lift device includes a base plate for the sewing machine head secured to the pivoting lift mechanism to permit movement of the sewing machine head between the flat bed, free arm and storage positions. The lift mechanism includes a pair of primary links having first ends pivotally secured to the underside of the tabletop adjacent and on opposite sides of the cutout and a pair of secondary links having first ends pivotally secured at opposite sides of the base plate remote from the points at which the primary links are secured to the tabletop with the second ends of the primary links being pivotally secured to the second ends of the secondary links.

Abstract: An ironing board supported by collapsible legs to which a box-shaped body can be connected either fixedly or in a removable manner. This body is provided with a specific housing suitable to accommodate an iron interconnected to a steam boiler by a fluid passage duct. The steam boiler may be formed directly in one of the collapsible legs supporting the board or carried, in a substantially vertical position, by one of said legs. Also, the steam boiler may be incorporated in the box-shaped body.

Abstract: A desk top keyboard display terminal includes a keyboard which may be latched to the front of the terminal or articulated over the edge of a desk to a level convenient for a typist.

Abstract: A closing mechanism 30 for a cabinet cover 14 is described including a pair of elongated flat links 32, 34 joined for sliding pivotal engagement. The remaining end of a first link 34 is pivotally secured to the enclosure cover 14 and the remaining end of the second link 32 is pivotally secured to the cabinet base 12. The links, when in their aligned position, are selectively locked in position by a cooperating notch 44 and tab 56. An articulated biasing means 59 in the form of two articulated coil springs 60, 62 serves to bias the links 32, 34 toward their axially aligned positions thus urging the cover 14 to its open position. The coil springs 60, 62 are hooked together with the remaining end of the second coil spring 62 hooked to a lip 20 on the cabinet base 12 adjacent the cover hinge 16. The remaining end of the first coil spring 60 is hooked to the link 32.

Abstract: A table extension suitable for use by a person confined to a wheelchair which is mountable beneath an existing table, and also a table in combination with such a table extension. The Table extension includes a pair of opposed spaced side frame members forming a housing, means for securing the housing to the underside of a table top, a first planar member, support means in each side frame member for slidably supporting the first planar member, a second planar member disposed above and substantially parallel to the first planar member, and locking hinge means connecting the planar members and providing for movement of the planar members from a collapsed position within the housing to an extended position wherein the second planar member is raised to a position substantially at the same level as the table top.

Abstract: A sewing machine supporting work table including a pair of front legs is connected to a chest of drawers by parallel links on which the table is movable between alternate positions in an arc carrying the legs over an underlying surface. In one position of the table, the top of the table is a top for the chest of drawers and the legs blend into the chest, whereas in the other position of the table the top projects frontally therefrom providing space for the knees of an operator and the legs are separated from the chest.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting a free arm sewing machine in a cabinet such that the machine is selectively movable to an upper use position, a lower use position and a storage position. The mechanism includes a sewing machine support platform which is pivotally connected to a lower arm, the latter being pivotally connected to an upper arm at a point intermediate the ends of the upper arm. The upper arm, in turn, is pivotally connected to and depending from the underneath side of the sewing machine cabinet top. In the storage position, the sewing machine is entirely disposed beneath the cabinet top, and the platform and lower arm are substantially parallel and inclined relative to the vertical direction so that the machine can be easily lifted by the user to the lower use position. In the lower use position, the platform and lower arm are also parallel, with the platform front edge being supported by a notched bracket and the rear edge being supported on the lower arm.

Abstract: A sewing machine cabinet is provided with a cradle which may be latched in a horizontal position, a mounting platform for a sewing machine, linkage means upon which the platform is suspended from the cradle in a lowered working position, and a manually operable lever for operating the linkage means to move the platform between the lowered working position and a raised working position.

Abstract: A mechanism for positioning a sewing machine in a sewing machine cabinet includes an improved linkage attached to the cabinet and supporting a mounting platform for the sewing machine. The linkage permits movement of the platform between a storage position within the cabinet to either one of two horizontal operating positions. The linkage includes one pair of pivot arms connected from each side of the platform to a bracket suspended from the cabinet. Also one support pin projects from each side of the platform and cooperatively engages an associated positioner attached to the cabinet. The positioners retain the platform in either horizontal operating position. The platform may be tilted from the horizontal operating positions to release the support pins from the positioners and permit movement of the platform to another desired position.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for a free arm sewing machine which is moveable selectively to an upper use position wherein the free arm is positioned above the work surface of the cabinet, a lower use position wherein the free arm is flush with the cabinet work surface, and a storage position wherein the entire machine is disposed below the work surface. The mechanism comprises a frame, a sewing machine support platform, and first and second pivot arms which are pivotally connected to the frame and the platform such that the platform is capable of limited rotating and swinging movement relative to the frame. The platform is latched in its upper use and lower use positions by means of a pair of spaced plates having forwardly and upwardly opening slots therein, which are adapted to releaseably retain and support either a pair of protruding pins on the platform or, in an alternative embodiment, one of the pivot arms which extends around the plates.

Abstract: A mechanism, suitable for mounting in a sewing machine cabinet, is provided for supporting a sewing machine in a first position in which the work supporting surface of the sewing machine is coplanar with the cabinet top and a second position in which the bed of the sewing machine is elevated above the cabinet top allowing for free arm sewing. The mechanism includes a mounting cradle spaced in parallel relation above a base, which is pivotally mounted to the cabinet, and crossing brackets interconnecting the cradle and the base. A lever actuated linkage raises and lowers the cradle between the two sewing machine positions.

Abstract: A device closed by a panel which is sequentially pivotable in opposite directions about two parallel transverse pivots, one of the pivots being slidable outwardly in a plane which extends parallel to the other pivot. The device is particularly suitable for use as a tuning circuit holder in television sets.

Abstract: A platform for mounting a sewing machine in a cabinet is disclosed which is pivotally mounted to the cabinet thereby allowing the sewing machine to be stored within the cabinet without being removed from the platform. This platform is intended for cylinder bed or convertible bed sewing machines in that it is also capable of raising and lowering the sewing machine, between a position where the work supporting surface of the sewing machine is coplanar with the cabinet top and a position where the work supporting surface is spaced above the cabinet top, without an accompanying horizontal shifting component. This enables the cabinet to be formed with a smaller sewing machine opening minimizing any gaps between the cabinet and the sewing machine and eliminating additional inserts needed to close these gaps.

Abstract: As article-carrying case and an article-supporting and hinge unit therefor in which the article-carrying case includes a body and a closure member or top horizontally connected thereto. An article or apparatus, such as a CB (Citizen's Band) radio unit, recording device, dictating unit, or the like, is mounted on and is attached to a supporting base plate of the article-supporting and hinge construction which includes an attaching hinge section which is attached to the inner surface of one side wall of the body of the article-carrying case. The hinge unit includes an article-supporting section and an intermediate hinge section between the attaching hinge section and the article-supporting section which enables the article-supporting section and an article mounted thereon to be enclosed within the body of the article-carrying case when not in use or to be withdrawn from the body of the article-carrying case unit and rested on the top of the closed cover of the article-carrying case when in use.

Abstract: A sewing machine cabinet for use with a free-arm type sewing machine in which the sewing machine is maintained at the same level when used either in a free-arm or flat bed mode of operation. The cabinet includes a hinged sewing machine support panel having a pair of depending brackets arranged to cooperate with rotatably notched dogs mounted on walls of the cabinet. The movement of the brackets influences the positions assumed by the dogs so that, in one position of the dogs, the support panel and sewing machine are secured in operating position and, in another position of the dogs, the support panel and sewing machine may be moved downwardly to storage position within the cabinet.

Abstract: A mechanism for mounting a free arm sewing machine in a work cabinet such that the machine is selectively supported in an upper work position wherein the free arm is positioned above the work surface of the cabinet, a lower work position wherein the free arm is substantially flush with the cabinet work surface, and a storage position wherein the machine is disposed completely beneath the work surface in a space efficient manner. The assembly comprises a base or platform to which the machine is mounted, a rear pivot arm rotatably secured to the platform and to the cabinet, a front pivot arm also pivotally secured to the platform and to the cabinet, and a pair of stops mounted to the cabinet and positioned within the vertical planes of rotation of the front pivot arms so that the front pivot arm and platform are supported against gravity in the lower use position. The stops include cam surfaces which enable the sides of the front pivot arm to ride over them when the machine is raised from the storage position.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a sewing machine in a cabinet includes means for adjusting the attitude of the machine in relation to the table top of the cabinet, in order to compensate for variations in structural tolerances of the hinge assembly and the cabinet, so that the machine when used either in a free-arm or flat-bed mode is disposed in accurate registration with the table top.

Abstract: A multiple position sewing machine cabinet to house in storage and operative positions a drophead sewing machine of the type adapted for use in multiple operative positions. Movement of the sewing machine from a horizontal, stored position within the cabinet to one or more vertically-elevated, operative positions above the cabinet is accomplished by a follower and guide mounting assembly. The machine is secured to a base plate having pairs of spaced-apart lugs extending outwardly from opposite edges thereof. A pair of spaced guide grooves receive the spaced-apart lugs and selectively guide movement of the base plate, with the machine attached thereto, through one or more operative positions and into storage position.

Abstract: An improved sewing machine head lifter mechanism for supporting a sewing machine head in a cabinet includes a support linkage with a spring support mechanism for the linkage. An adjustable cam member is provided for cooperation with the spring mechanism. Thus, the adjustable cam engages one end of a tension spring. The opposite end of the spring engages a head support bracket. The spring is supported intermediate its ends. Pivotal movement of the cam member adjusts tension of the spring to provide the requisite force for supporting the head support bracket and an attached sewing machine head.

Abstract: A mounting means in a storage cabinet for a free arm sewing machine is shiftable between a storage position, a first working position with the arm of the machine positioned flush with the top of the cabinet for conventional flat bed operation and a second working position wherein the free arm is positioned above the top of the cabinet for access. The mounting includes a pair of hinged members one of which is mounted for pivotal movement within the cabinet. In a first working position the members, folded together, are disposed within the cabinet parallel and below the top of the cabinet. In a second or free arm position, one member is flush with the top of the cabinet while the other is angularly disposed with respect thereto.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for mounting a sewing machine in a cabinet. The hinge assembly guides the machine for vertical movement to be selectively supported on the cabinet in two different positions corresponding to free arm and flatbed modes of operation. Additionally, the hinge assembly guides the machine to a position within the cabinet for storage.