Abstract: A folding, collapsible playroom adapted for compact storage which is designed to encourage active and creative play by children as opposed to passive activities such as watching television.The playroom has first and second frames having transversely spaced apart top and bottom walls and opposite side walls all having front and rear surfaces, thereby defining inner and outer frame faces respectively. The frames are pivotally connected such that they may be pivoted from an open, upstanding position to an abutting, closed storage position. Play accessories are included which may be pivotally mounted on one of the frame inner faces and adapted to be moved from a secured stored position to a deployed, play position protruding substantially forwardly from the frame, upon movement of the frames from the closed storage position to the open, upstanding position.

Abstract: An armrest provided with a writing surface for a seated user, such armrest being of narrow, elongate construction and having a rear end, a front end, an interior portion and an upper portion. A usable surface of elongate configuration is disposed in the upper portion of the armrest, with this usable surface being supported in a manner enabling the usable surface to be slidably withdrawn from the front end of the armrest, and thereafter to be returned at the option of the user to a retracted location in the interior of the armrest. The usable surface is unimpaired as a writing surface by virtue of the slidable mounting for this member being located on the underside of the usable surface. A tiltable writing surface may be hingedly mounted on the usable surface, with the tiltable writing surface having a device thereon by which writing material can be removably attached to the tiltable writing surface.

Abstract: The desk comprises a metal base including leg attachment means and a sheet, the sheet providing a bottom of a storage compartment of the desk, two wood side panels having upper, lower, rear and front edges, the lower edge resting on and being protected by said sheet, the side members being connected to said base, a front panel member connected to said base and covering said front edges of the two wood side members, a rear panel member connected to said base and covering said rear edges of the two wood side members, and a top cover member hingedly connected to said rear member for covering said storage compartment formed by said sheet and said side, front and rear panels. The special construction reduces finishing costs for the wood and metal desk.

Abstract: A self-assembly furniture system including a self-assembly table comprising a generally planar table element defining a plurality of first mating portions; and a plurality of legs arranged to support the table element, each of the legs defining a second mating portion configured to lockably engage a selected one of the plurality of first mating portions so as to define therewith a self-locking joint arranged to prevent substantial relative movement between the first and second mating portions.

Abstract: Portable electronic devices, such as personal computers, are provided by this invention which include hinged housing compartments containing a monitor and a keyboard as well as at least one extendable flap for extending the keyboard surface to more closely approximate a full size keyboard. These devices are much easier to type on and do not sacrifice functionality of compactness. Extendable supports are provided to retain the flap in a substantially planar orientation.

Abstract: An operator interface console for protecting a process control equipment such as an industrial computer in a harsh factory environment has a central processing unit and a video display uit for the computer accommodated in a compartment behind a sealed door which has a sealed keyboard and a window to permit operating of the computer and viewing of the display unit while the door is closed, the window being disposed at an ergonomically desirable oblique angle facing somewhat downward to facilitate clear viewing of the display unit under changing lighting, dust and other conditions encountered in many process control situations.

Abstract: A housing and stowage mechanism for a terminal key board and data display. A rectangular housing mounted vertically on a wall has a front face hinged along the lower edge for opening to a horizontal position. A keyboard is mounted on the upper portion of the housing face interiorly of the housing. A data display panel is pivotally suspended from the lower edge of the keyboard. A mechanism activated by the front face engages the lower edge of the display panel and elevates the panel to an angle inclined for convenient viewing when the front face is lowered to a horizontal position.

Abstract: A barrier assembly with a spring biased barrier for attachment to a refrigerator shelf. Upper and lower mounting plates clamp to the shelf. A barrier hinge is provided by forwardly projecting hinge members having eyes formed to receive the barrier. A limit stop is provided by angulated grill work members of the barrier which contact a mounting plate to limit upward travel of the spring biased barrier.

Abstract: A one-piece sewing machine bed extension including portions which deform as the extension is placed on a sewing machine and generate internal stresses coacting with interlocks between the bed extension and sewing machine so arranged as to firmly secure the bed extension in place in a manner which is augmented by forces applied to the bed extension incident to normal operation and handling of the sewing machine.

Abstract: A foldable refrigerator shelf is provided in which a lower shelf is nested directly beneath an upper shelf in a locked position and can be moved to a plurality of positions spaced from the upper shelf by means of sliding and pivoting links. The shelf is positively locked while in a folded position and is continuously biased into a stable position when in the open position.

Abstract: A games table comprising a first games playing surface and a second table top surface normally disposed above the games playing surface, the second table top surface being formed by two panel elements or two groups of panel elements connected to the games playing surface whereby the panel elements can be moved bodily and pivoted to a non-vertical position adjacent to and substantially below the level of the games playing surface, and an elevating mechanism being provided to enable the games playing surface to be moved to a level suitable for use as a games table.

Abstract: The device comprises a swivel joint coupling, connecting the top plate of the product carrying plate stack to the rod of the flacon sealing cylinder-piston assembly and adapted to allow a given inclination of the top plate and hence of all the other plates operatively associated therewith, an engagement member being provided acting laterally on at least one plate of the stack and adapted to interlock the plates on one side to forcibly tilt them as the rod is raised.

Abstract: A tilting table includes a table top attached to an upper U-shaped bracket. A lower U-shaped bracket is rotatively attached by a bearing to a base. The lower U-shaped bracket includes a pair of opposed side, substantially horizontal slots and a pair of opposed side angle slots. The angle slots include a plurality of notches. Pins are slidably received in the slots, and are carried by the upper bracket for supporting the table top. The pins are selectively positioned in the notches of the angle slots, while the pins slidably move in the substantially horizontal slots for selectively inclining the table top.

Abstract: An inflatable, inert-gas purged welding chamber assembly ideally suited for use in welding workpieces made of a metal (e.g., titanium), or of an alloy, which is susceptible to atmospheric contamination during welding. The welding chamber of the assembly is defined by a collapsible, reusable, inflatable member (e.g., a polyethylene bag) that is releasably connected to a closeable opening in a wall member. The inflatable member, while in a collapsed condition and while containing the workpieces to be welded and the accessories therefor (e.g., a welding torch, extra tungsten electrodes, and filler wires) on a shelf protruding from the wall member, is purged of air (i.e., the ambient atmosphere) by the use of an inert gas (e.g., argon), thereby inflating the collapsed member and creating an inert gas environment in which the air-contaminable workpieces can be welded without fear of contamination.

Abstract: A retainer for a shelf including a barrier member. The barrier member is adapted to be supported by the shelf and releasably secured to the shelf in at least two positions of adjustment including an article retaining position and an article access position. With the barrier member secured in the retaining position, articles are prevented from inadvertently falling from the shelf.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a novel system for controlling the climate of one or more of a variety of environments, particularly those in which valuable art objects are housed or displayed. This system contemplates an in situ reconditioning/regeneration method and apparatus whereby the use of two silica-type gels or a single silica-type gel in conjunction with a saturated salt solution located within a control volume effectively controls the relative humidity within the volume housing the valuable object sought to be preserved.

Abstract: A spray assembly for a refrigerated display case has inclined bottom plates defining a first chamber below the bottom plates and a spray chamber above the bottom plates. Pressurized water is delivered into the first chamber through a water pipe having a normally closed control valve connected thereto for pressure delivery of water to a spray support pipe which extends from the first chamber into the spray chamber centrally thereof. A spray pipe is mounted on and communicates with the spray support pipe and has a plurality of opposed rows of water outlets for delivering a pattern of pressurized streams of water onto interior surfaces of the case and the undersurfaces of the grates and tubing of the cooling system for washing them down and for successive disposal through a drain pipe depending from the bottom plates.

Abstract: A dishwasher structure having a stop device responsive to swinging of the dishwasher door beyond a small preselected angle from a vertical closed position thereof for preventing pivoting of a control console by gravity from a retracted position within a recess in the door against biasing action of a biasing structure normally retaining the control console in retracted position within the door. The stop structure further effectively prevents the user from swinging the control console to the operative position when the door is swung from the vertical closed position beyond the preselected angle toward the open access position of the door. The stop structure is arranged to provide the latching function automatically as a result of the swinging movement of the door.

Abstract: A folding caravan in which upper parts of the side walls are foldable inwardly of the caravan from a vertical to a horizontal attitude. The caravan contains at least two pieces of furniture adjacent opposite said side walls, these pieces being opposite or partly opposite one another. The first piece which is tall has a stationary base and an upper part pivoted thereon to fold down onto the caravan floor. The second piece of furniture also has a stationary base and an upper part pivotably connected to that base by a parallelogram linkage permitting this upper part to swing off the base and sit on the folded down upper part of the first piece, thus allowing enough room for the upper parts of the side walls to be folded.

Abstract: A sewing machine storage cabinet is disclosed wherein a first portion is attached to a wall and contains a sewing machine attached to a table capable of moving from a vertical folded position, about a horizontal axis, to a horizontal operative position. A second part of the cabinet is attached to the first part and provides a door to cover the table and associated machine when in its folded position. The exterior of the door may be provided with a design to improve its aesthetic quality when in its closed position. The cabinet also contains a sewing basket in which extra needles, thread, bobbins, etc. may be stored.

Abstract: A cabinet defining an interior space which may be optionally enclosed by a pivotally attached cover is disclosed. To the ends of the pivotally attached cover are connected brackets which include L-shaped slots. A shelf is provided which includes finger-tipped rods attached to its underside. The finger tipped rods are inserted within the L-shaped slots to allow the shelf to slide and pivot among three positions about the cabinet, namely, a first position vertically oriented above the cabinet, a second position horizontally oriented above the cabinet and a third position vertically oriented alongside the cabinet. The cover is supported when in an open position by a spring latch carried within the cabinet. The shelf is supported in its second horizontal position above the cabinet by hinged braces provided on the shelf underside, the brace being adapted to fit through slots in the cover and within holders arranged within the cabinet.

Abstract: A component adapted for attachment to a library unit stand for use in storing magazines, pamphlets and other information-bearing media, said component comprising a frame assembly having means for attaching it to a library unit stand, and a shelf assembly mounted to the frame assembly so as to be movable from a first media-storing position where it is in a plane that is horizontal or nearly horizontal and a second media-displaying position where its rear end has been advanced and its front end has been lowered so that it is inclined at a selected angle for displaying the media stored thereon.

Abstract: A computer interface console includes a cathode ray tube display, an operators keyboard, and an engineers keyboard. The engineers keyboard is so mounted that it may be moved to a position in front of the console in substantial alignment with the cathode ray tube and the operators keyboard when it is desired to make changes in the computer data base. At other times, the engineers keyboard is moved to a retracted position below the work space of the console, under the operators keyboard. In that retracted position, the work space is clear and uncluttered by the engineers keyboard. Additionally, with the engineers keyboard in the retracted position, it is unobstrusive and unavailable to unauthorized operators. Thus the probability of inadvertent or unauthorized manipulation of the engineers keyboard is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A retractable cabinet-mounted bathroom-scale including a cabinet or housing mounted to or recessed into a wall and a conventional spring-type bathroom-scale having its rear end pivotally mounted to the housing, with its pivots extending into elongated vertical pivot-guiding recesses in the side-walls of the housing, in which the pivots can move up and down, and the bathroom scale being so arranged in relation to the housing that when it is retracted it is vertically disposed and its operative top-side faces outwardly and its front end is in the bottom of the housing and its rear end in the top of the housing, and when the bathroom-scale is swung outwardly into its horizontal operative position its front end is spaced outwardly from the housing and is supported on the floor on a pair of gliders mounted to or rollers on pivots mounted to the front end thereof and its rear end is pivotally mounted in the housing with its rear pivots in the bottoms of the pivot-guiding recesses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foldable desk or table comprising a support frame having pivotal support portions in the upper portions of the riser portion thereof, a single rectangular top plate of a length greater than the height of the pivotal support portions from a floor surface and swingably supported on the pivotal support portions to have a pivotal line across the width and at a position closer to the base end thereof, the pivotal line defining a swinging length of the top plate slightly shorter than the height of the pivotal support portions, and a leg swingably connected to the underside of the top plate at the outer free end thereof, the leg member being folded onto the underside of said top plate when the outer free end of the top plate is rotated about the pivotal line into a vertical folded position. Also disclosed is a foldable desk usable as a bed desk by providing an auxiliary leg in addition to the main leg.

Abstract: The specification discloses a novel method and apparatus for utilizing the void spaces previously present in kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and the like. The solid front panel normally present in front of the depression serving as the bathroom or kitchen sink is hingedly mounted to swing forwardly and outwardly for an angle of at least 90.degree.. To this panel there is mounted a shelf having a forward portion hingedly mounted to the panel adapted to swing forwardly and outwardly, and a rear portion complimentary in shape to the space available under the vanity. The shelf has perpendicular sides and thus there is formed substantially a rectangular shelf with a cutaway complimentary in shape to the sink being utilized. The rear of the shelf is provided with a pin assembly which rides on a pair of rails mounted on the inside side walls of the cabinet at an angle, preferably 221/2.degree.

Abstract: A dispenser comprising a rectangular housing defining an air inlet chamber between the first partition and the top wall of the housing, a valved air inlet communicating with the air inlet chamber, a second partition defining an air outlet chamber between the second partition and the bottom wall of the housing and a central chamber between the first and second partitions, a valved air outlet communicating with the air outlet chamber, apertures in the first and second partitions for affording air flow from the air inlet chamber, at least one tray member, a support on the end walls for horizontally supporting the tray member in the central chamber and for facilitating at least partial withdrawal of the tray member, a holder on the tray member for removably holding a plurality of relatively thin rectangular envelopes which contain a substance to be dispensed and which are arranged in parallel vertical relation to each other to permit air flow past the envelopes from the air inlet chamber to the air outlet chamber

Abstract: A machine includes a housing with a door or panel which is removable to provide an opening for access to the interior of the machine. The chassis which is normally horizontal carries two rear rollers at its sides near the rear of the chassis. The rear rollers engage horizontal guide rails on the sides of the housing. The chassis carries two front rollers at its sides near the front of the chassis. The front rollers engage a vertical guide. By these means the chassis is movable between its normal horizontal position and a vertical position in the opening at the front of the machine so that components on the underside of the chassis are accessible for servicing and repair.

Abstract: A shoe rack or cabinet is provided with at least one flap door. A first shoe receiving compartment is journalled to pivot within the rack about a horizontal axis. A second shoe receiving compartment is secured to the inside of the flap door and is connected by control levers to pivot with the first shoe receiving compartment secured to the rack.

Abstract: A protective, retaining device for shelf items stored in refrigerated or unrefrigerated enclosures to protect the items from spilling or breakage when the enclosure is jarred or moved is disclosed. The device of this invention is particularly adapted for use in recreational vehicles. The device consists of parallel, mutually spaced rods interconnected by at least one support. Each of said rods telescopes, and is longitudinally adjustable and spring-loaded. In addition, each rod has a skid resistant foot at either end so that the device may be mounted between opposed structural walls to retain objects on storage shelves while permitting access to the objects without removal of the retaining device of this invention.

Abstract: The spark ignition distributor cap assembly includes a distributor cap and a base with coupling means for removably securing the cap to the base during use of the ignition cap assembly. Sealing means is operatively associated with the cap and the base to provide a barrier therebetween so as to prevent liquid such as road water splash, or the like, from entering the interior of the cap and stalling the motor vehicle. Detecting means is operatively associated with the cap for indicating by visual means the moisture condition of the air within the cap. The detecting means comprises a chemical compound that changes its color when hydrated or percipitated, and housing means is mounted on the cap for receiving the detecting means therein.

Abstract: A keyboard unit for an electronic organ wherein the bed of the housing supports two adjustably mounted bearing members which are adjacent the inner sides of the respective side walls of the housing and have round holes for posts provided in the end portions of C-bars forming part of discrete pivotable carriers for tablets, switches, stops, drawbars, keys or analogous components. The components are mounted on plate-like supports which are secured to the respective C-bars by screws extending through the slots of the respective C-bars and mating nuts non-rotatably but slidably installed in the respective C-bars. The two lowermost supports carry piano type manual keyboards, and the additional support or supports carry tablets, switches, drawbars or the like.

Abstract: An adjustable refrigeration shelf is provided having means for directing cold air onto the goods on the shelf and means for holding the goods in a highly visible position within the refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A knife drawer assembly includes a casing within which a drawer slides between open and closed positions. A stationary riser extends upwardly into the drawer from the floor of the casing through a bottom opening in the drawer. The riser supports a knife holder at an inclination within the drawer. The holder is pivoted at one end to the sides of the drawer near the back of the drawer for vertical swinging movement. As the drawer opens, the holder rides up over the riser, swinging the holder's outer free end upwardly toward the top opening of the drawer and projecting the knife handles out of the drawer where they can be easily grasped and removed from the holder and drawer. When the drawer closes, the holder rides downwardly along the riser to lie wholly within the drawer when it is fully closed.

Abstract: A deodorizer containing a deodorant material is mounted within the cabinet of a trash compactor for continuously releasing a scent to the air in the cabinet to mask odors emanating from the compacted trash.

Abstract: A bar for motor vehicles includes a box-like container which is pivotally mounted on a horizontally disposed sliding mechanism beneath the dashboard. The container is slidable from a storage position beneath the dashboard where it is horizontally disposed and is then pivotable to a vertical position at least partially in front of the dashboard for access to the contents of the container.

Abstract: A multi-shelf type of showcase comprises a number of shelf plate supported substantially in a horizontal position at different levels. A shelf plate at each shelf level consists of a rear shelf section carried by shelf supports on the left and right sides of the showcase, and a movable front shelf section fitted in said rear shelf section slidably in the forth and back directions. The movable front shelf section can be drawn out forwardly of said rear shelf section upon using the same, while it can be inserted and accommodated within said rear shelf section when it is not in use. According to one aspect of the present invention, the respective rear shelf sections are fixedly secured to a framework of the showcase. However, according to another aspect of the invention, each of said rear shelf sections is pivotably mounted on a framework of the showcase so as to be rotatable upwardly about an axis at the rear end portion thereof.

Abstract: An automatic checkout system for a supermarket, or other retail merchandise store or the like. The system includes a checkout counter and a bagging cart movably mounted to the rear of the checkout counter for supporting bags orientated to receive items from the checkout counter. In one mode of operation, the cart is positioned to allow the operator to both check out and load merchandise items into the bags on the cart. In another mode of operation, the cart is rotated away from the checkout counter and a counter shelf is positioned between the cart and the checkout counter to allow a bagger to continue to receive and load items from the checkout counter into the same bags. The construction of the checkout counter and the bagging cart allows transition from one mode of operation to the other to occur without interrupting the checkout operation.

Abstract: A cabinet of the sort used as a vanity, or the like, is molded in several components connected in articulated relation for shipment in a flat, folded condition yet readily erected for installation. The components include a front panel formed with integral hinges connected to cooperating integral hinges formed on a pair of side panels adapted to fold over against one another and the front panel when the cabinet is in a collapsed position. A pair of shelves is provided, each with integral hinge pins pivotally engaging the front and side panels by sockets formed between the side panels and the front panel, both shelves being foldable against the front panel when collapsed. A back panel is provided for closing the rear of the cabinet when erected and means are provided for re-inforcing and supporting the various components from damage during shipment.

Abstract: Decanting apparatus for removing spent wash liquids from agglomerated red blood cells and like substances contained in an elongated pliable bag-like container has an inclined slide bed over which the container is draped. A cell-containing end portion of the container depends from the raised end of the slide bed, and the slide bed supports an elongated wash-receiving portion of the bag to maintain the bag under the tension required for decanting spent wash liquid from the former portion into the latter portion.An elevator mechanism supports the raised end of the slide bed and enables an operator selectively to elevate the bed as required for the decanting operation.A modular construction of the apparatus allows the slide bed and the elevator mechanism to be replaceably removed from the housing for cleansing and maintenance.