Having Biasing Means Patents (Class 312/319.1)
  • Patent number: 8100487
    Abstract: A slide assembly with an auxiliary positioning device includes a positioning member and a guiding base. The positioning member is pivotally connected to a first slide member and includes a pin member. The guiding base is connected to a second slide member and includes a separation body, an engaging body, multiple passages and slots. When the second slide member is retracted, the pin member is located in a first passage. When the second slide member is pushed inward, the pin member moves from the first passage into a first slot. When the force is released, the pin member moves through a second passage and the second slide member pops out. When the second slide member is retracted again, the pin member is engaged with the engaging body and then disengaged from the engaging body by a pushing force, the pin member moves through a third slot and a third passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: King Slide Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hsiu-Chiang Liang, Ken-Ching Chen, Chun-Chiang Wang
  • Patent number: 8083304
    Abstract: A self-closing mechanism for drawer slides includes a stationary housing, a slider, and a latch. The slider is configured to slide relative to the housing, and the latch is configured to translate along with the slider and to rotate within the slider to lock and unlock the slider at predetermined locations. The housing may be coupled to a cabinet member, with a drawer member adapted to engage the latch as the drawer is opened and/or closed. In embodiments of the invention, the self-closing mechanism may include a damper mechanism, such as, e.g., a cylindrical damper or a rotary gear damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Accuride International, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Sheng-Shyong Hu
  • Publication number: 20110309729
    Abstract: An ejection device for a furniture component moveably housed in or against a furniture body. The ejection device includes a swivellably housed lever. A first castor is attached to a free end of the lever, and a second castor is attached to the lever at a distance from the free end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Ingo GASSER
  • Publication number: 20110298348
    Abstract: A linkage mechanism is configured between two relatively slidable first housing and second housing of a handheld device. The linkage mechanism can be actuated by a first actuator of the first housing when the second housing slides out at an opening status relative to the first housing. The linkage mechanism is actuated to rotate and then to drive a second actuator to slide on the second housing and the second actuator forces a supporter, which pivots to the second housing, to open at a predetermined angle relative to the second housing. The handheld device is made steady on a plane through the support provided by the opened supporter. When the handheld device slides in at a closing status, a restoring spring configured between the supporter and the second housing automatically folds the supporter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Chih-Kai Hu, I-Cheng Chuang
  • Patent number: 8052232
    Abstract: A biaxial flow damper used in an auto-close mechanism of a sliding rail assembly is disclosed to include a cylinder body defining flow parallel flow chambers, two pistons respectively slidably mounted in the flow chambers of the cylinder body, and two piston rods respectively connected to the pistons and respectively extending out of the front and rear sides of the cylinder body for a reciprocating motion in reversed directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: KV IP Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 8052233
    Abstract: A spring buffer for a furniture item has a furniture body and a furniture part movable from a closed position in or on the furniture body. The spring buffer can be arranged relative to the furniture body and the furniture part such that the movable furniture part in its closed end position can be moved against the force of the spring buffer towards the direction of the furniture body. The spring buffer includes a buffer element for the movable furniture part and the buffer element is acted upon by a spring. The buffer element is movably arranged such that the distance covered by the buffer element against the force of the spring can be changeably adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventors: Emanuel Netzer, Ingo Gasser, Markus Bodingbauer
  • Publication number: 20110266937
    Abstract: A force engine operable to counterbalance a load. The force engine includes one or more energy reservoirs operable to store energy. The one or more energy reservoirs are operable to generate a force to balance the load through the displacement in an operating mode. A traveling member is hingedly connected to the one or more energy reservoirs. The force generated by the one or more energy reservoirs is transferred to the load through the traveling member and an associated linkage. A variable member is coupled to the one or more energy reservoirs. In the adjusting mode the variable member is displaced to configure an operating relationship between the one or more energy reservoirs and the traveling member. A release interacts with the variable member to fix a position of the variable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Jonathan Roberts, Clark Davis, Ian Davis, Jonathan George
  • Patent number: 8043442
    Abstract: Counterbalance devices are provided for a closure mounted with respect to a container. The devices can include a stationary friction member, an elongated flexible member, and a biasing member. The stationary friction member can be comprised of a mounting portion and a friction portion. An intermediate portion of the elongated flexible member can also slidingly engage the friction surface of the stationary friction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Haeberle
  • Publication number: 20110254416
    Abstract: The self-closing and opening device (1) particularly of a movable furniture part (103) comprises a fixed guide (8) having a supporting body (2) in which a first slider (3) can slide reversibly along a sliding axis (100) in opposition to and through the action of first elastic means (5), the first slider (3) being engageable with first driving means (106) present on a driving element (6) which slides reversibly in the direction of the sliding axis (100), the supporting body (2) comprising first movement means (4) for movement of the first slider (3) suitable to engage with guide means (12, 13) of the first slider (3), so as to release it from the driving means (106), also provided with a mechanical or elastically yielding stop (9, 120) against which the first slider (3) rests directly or indirectly before it engages with the guide means (12,13) in the first movement means (4) the driving element (6) being then pushed by an ejector (20) generating an initial opening movement of said movable furniture part (103)
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: Arturo Salice S.P.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Publication number: 20110255243
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism for fixing a portable device includes a casing. A track is disposed on the casing for guiding the portable device to slide. At least one hole is formed on the casing. The fixing mechanism further includes a resilient component, which includes a wedging part fixed on the casing and at least one bending part. An end of the bending part passes through the hole and inserts into an opening of the portable device so as to fix the portable device inside the casing. The resilient component further includes at least one torsional part. An end of the torsional part is connected to the wedging part, and the other end of the torsional part is connected to the other end of the bending part. The torsional part is for providing torsional force to drive the end of the bending part to pass through the hole of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Jo-Chiao Wang
  • Patent number: 8037720
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a laundry-detergent and fabric-softener drawer that can be pulled out of the machine. A movement assist device is provided that cooperates with the drawer so as to assist an opening and/or closing movement of the drawer. The movement assist device includes a scroll spring for causing a restoring force for an autonomous closing procedure of the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hellhake, Robert Muether
  • Publication number: 20110249398
    Abstract: A fixing mechanism for fixing a portable device includes a casing. A track is disposed on the casing for guiding the portable device to slide. At least one hole is formed on the casing. The fixing mechanism further includes at least one spherical component installed inside the hole on the casing for wedging into a sunken part on the portable device so as to fix the portable device inside the casing. The fixing mechanism further includes a resilient component installed on a side of the casing and the spherical component for providing resilient force to the spherical component so as to push the spherical component to wedge into the sunken part on the portable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Jo-Chiao Wang, Cheng Tu
  • Publication number: 20110234069
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a base body, a pair of slidable bodies and a pair of switch mechanisms disposed on the slidable bodies. Each of the switch mechanism includes a housing, a cover, an operating member, a locking member and a spring unit. The operating member includes a coupling portion received in the housing and an operating cap located out of the housing. The coupling portion includes a base bevel. The locking member received in the housing includes a sliding bevel contacting to the base bevel and a locking block passing through the cover and engaging with the base body. The spring unit urges between the locking member and the housing. When the operating cap is pressed towards the housing, the base bevel engages with the sliding bevel to drive the locking member compress the spring unit, thereby the locking block disengaging from the base body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHIN-HU CHEN, CHUN-CHUNG LAI, JUI-HSIANG LIN
  • Publication number: 20110234070
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing a device for a railway vehicle, comprises a storage case having an opening at a front side, a tray accommodated into the storage case, the tray being movable forward and backward with the device mounted thereon, a lever disposed at an upper side of the tray to extend along a forward and backward direction, the lever being vertically pivotable around a pivot forward relative to a center of the tray in the forward and backward direction, an operation member coupled to a front end portion of the lever and disposed at a front side of the tray, an engagement portion provided at a rear end portion of the lever and protruding downward outside the tray, and a recess provided in the storage case, the engagement portion being fitted into the recess from above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shin KATAOKA, Kunihiko TAKAGI, Yutaka KITAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20110221319
    Abstract: In one example, we describe a case (otherwise known as a sleeve, holder, portfolio, jacket, or shell) for an electronic device, such as a tablet computer. This case allows the user to protect and personalize their tablet computer. This case has the unique property of allowing the user to position the device for viewing in either portrait or landscape mode. This is an increasing useful function as media (such as videos) are engaging the users for longer periods of time. This case does not require the user to hold the device in the desired orientation. In another example, we describe a distinct hinge, with a stop that limits its rotational travel allowing the user to prop the tablet computer up, at a viewing angle. In another alternative, this friction hinge can have an angular zone of travel, where little or no friction is encountered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: David John Law, Ryan Hill Mongan
  • Publication number: 20110215690
    Abstract: A hidden self-closing drawer slide assembly comprises a base, a pressure cylinder, a traction member and a spring. The traction member is movably received in the base. The traction member is provided with a guiding block. The base is formed with a slide groove, and one end of the slide groove is folded into a positioning portion. The guiding block guides the traction member to linearly moves in the slide groove, and slides through the slide groove and finally into the positioning portion, and the locking protrusion of the traction member will disengage from the concave locking portion of the pressure cylinder. The traction member will be pushed back by the spring to its original position, and the pressure cylinder provides a buffering effect to absorb the shock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Teng-Yi JUAN, Shih-Wang Chen
  • Publication number: 20110210653
    Abstract: The device for opening and closing a movable part of a furniture unit comprises a body (108), associated with a fixed part of the furniture unit (116), for supporting a slider (3) reversibly sliding along a sliding axis (100) in contrast and due to the action of first elastic means (5), the slider being engageable with drawing means provided on a drawing element (105) slidable in the direction of the sliding axis with an integral or reversibly couplable connection to the movable part (103) of the furniture unit, the supporting body comprising first displacement means suitable for moving the drawing means so as to release said drawing means and the slider from their mutual engagement, an elastically yielding stop element against which the drawing element abuts directly or indirectly before engaging with the drawing means in the first displacement means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Publication number: 20110198975
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuation device for pull-outs, shelf boards, flaps, or other such elements to be opened, particularly front elements of particularly kitchen and office furniture, kitchen appliances and flush-mounted appliances, product dispensing devices, and the like, having components comprising a corpus, wherein the element to be opened can be transferred into an open position relative to the corpus 2 by way of a drive unit 5, the drive unit 5 can be activated by way of control means, and the control means comprise a front body sound sensor 6 that is associated with the front element 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: HEINRICH J. KESSEBOHMER
    Inventors: Rene Barkau, Heiko Schnier
  • Patent number: 7980640
    Abstract: An auto-returning drawer rail is implemented in furniture having a drawer cavity and a drawer, and the auto-returning drawer rail has a drawer rail assembly, an auto-returning device and a buffering device. The drawer rail assembly is mounted in the drawer cavity and has a rail bracket, an outer track and an inner track. The auto-returning device is mounted in the drawer rail assembly and has a base, a sliding block, a connector and two springs. The base is mounted on the rail bracket. The sliding block is mounted slidably on the base. The connector is connected securely to the sliding block between the rail bracket and the base and has two clasping tabs engaging the base. The buffering device is mounted in the auto-returning device to prevent the drawer from returning too fast and has a damper and a drive shaft being connected to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Jun-Long Yang
  • Patent number: 7983026
    Abstract: A surface-mount touch panel cradle is disclosed for use in electrically controlling remote components. The surface-mount touch panel cradle comprises a surface mounted receptacle. A cradle frame can be coupled to the receptacle. A frame biasing mechanism can be configured to move the cradle frame away from the information mount to enable the touch panel to be inserted and removed from the receptacle. An electrical connection can be located within the receptacle. The electrical connection can be configured to be electrically coupled to the touch panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Control4 Corporation
    Inventors: William B. West, Paul E. Nagel, Roger T. Johnsen, Brent D. Madsen
  • Publication number: 20110163645
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a slide device wherein slide sections can be opened and closed, while concealing a torsion spring. A slide device includes a first case, a second case, a spring which is arranged between the first case and the second case and assists opening and closing of the first and second cases; and a shielding member which conceals the spring, wherein the shielding member is arranged in a position to conceal the spring when the first case and the second case are in an open state and is arranged between the first case and the second case when the first case and the second case are in a close state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Akihiko Kato
  • Publication number: 20110156560
    Abstract: A cabinet for securely storing items includes a drawer enclosure, a drawer, a cover, an electric actuator, and a switch. The drawer is slidable at least partially into and out of the enclosure, and includes a compartment. The cover is designed to block access to the compartment of the drawer when the cover is in a first configuration, and to allow access to the compartment when the cover is in a second configuration. The electric actuator is designed to move the cover from the first configuration to the second configuration. The switch is connected to the electric actuator, and when activated the switch selectively shorts the electric actuator. Sliding the drawer relative to the enclosure activates the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: James A. Michael
  • Publication number: 20110156561
    Abstract: The self-closing device for a drawer or for a moveable part of a piece of furniture includes, associated to a fixed part of the piece of furniture, a support body for a slider moveable within a guide between a rear and a front position and vice versa in contrast and by the action of first elastic means, the slider being actuated by a drawing element integral with an extractable part associated to the drawer or the like, the guide, at the zone corresponding to the rear position of the slider, comprising first means for moving the slider, suitable for engaging with first means for guiding the slider during its engagement with drawing means present on the drawing element, there being further provided a stop element against which the slider lies directly or indirectly before engaging with the first guide means in the first movement means of the guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Patent number: 7967402
    Abstract: Provided is a slide rail unit which, when accommodating a second rail (2) in a first rail (1), can automatically draw in the second rail to an end position and retain it at that position and which can be produced easily with a small number of parts and at low cost, the slide rail unit being equipped with a retaining pin (30) provided upright so as to be movable with respect to the first rail (1) in the longitudinal direction and the width direction thereof, an elastic member (31) for urging the retaining pin (30) toward the stroke end of the second rail (2), a pin guide member (32) provided on the first rail (1) and adapted to lock the retaining pin (30) at a standby position spaced apart from the stroke end against an urging force of the elastic member (31) and to guide the retaining pin (30) detached from the standby position toward the stroke end with the urging force, and a cam member (33) provided on the second rail (2) and adapted to detach the retaining pin (30) from the standby position of the pin gui
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: THK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Hoshide, Akira Sato, Soichi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7959242
    Abstract: A slidable structure for a pocket door cabinet. The slidable structure may be coupled to a false wall of the pocket door cabinet, with a door hinged to the slidable structure. In some aspects, the slidable structure includes a self-open mechanism to force the door to a fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Accuride International Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Del Castillo
  • Patent number: 7960924
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a furniture portion, in particular a drawer or a door which is mounted movably in or to a furniture item, includes a drive device which is guided movably with respect to a base and which is acted upon by a force storage means, a damping device, and a retraction device. The drive device has an ejection element for moving the furniture portion from a closed end position into an open position, and a locking element which is guided by a preferably heart-shaped guide track which is formed on the base. The damping device, the force storage means which acts on the drive device, and the refraction device are connected in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Fitz
  • Publication number: 20110133617
    Abstract: Furniture fitting with a damper, wherein the damper has a space for accommodating a damping medium, wherein the space is filled substantially completely with a multiplicity of solid particles, and wherein the interspaces remaining between the solid particles are filled substantially completely by a liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Bernhard KRAMMER
  • Patent number: 7954914
    Abstract: A household consumer product comprises a cabinet having a peripheral wall that partially defines an interior space for the cabinet and includes an opening that provides access to the interior space. A hanging element having a proximal end is mounted to the cabinet for movement through the opening between an extended position, where the proximal end extends beyond the peripheral wall, and a retracted position, where the proximal end does not extend beyond the peripheral wall. The hanging element can include a biasing device that biases the hanging element from the retracted position toward the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: James William Kendall, Lorraine L. Achterberg, Raymond L. Yao, Vicki Lyn Wyatt
  • Publication number: 20110109212
    Abstract: A sliding mechanism comprises a sliding plate, a main plate, a sliding enabling member, a biasing member and a stopping member. The sliding plate has sidewalls and the main plate has peripheral walls corresponding to the sidewalls, respectively. The slide enabling member is coupling the sidewalls to the peripheral walls such that the sliding plate is slid relative to the main plate between closed and open position. The biasing member provides a force for biasing the sliding plate to slide relative to the main body. The stopping member is coupled between the sliding plate and the main plate. When the sliding plate is slid from the open position to the closed position, the stopping member provides a mechanism for the sliding plate to steadily slide relative to the main plate and to firmly stop in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: Chao Duan, Fan-Zhe Ding, Chia-Hua Chen
  • Publication number: 20110101837
    Abstract: The storage and retrieval system includes a frame having at least two columns adjacent to one another. A track is disposed in each column, each track being generally parallel to one another. A plurality of storage units reside and move within the tracks. An actuator coupled to the frame displaces the storage units in the columns and a pair of conveyors move the storage units between columns to permit sequential clockwise or counterclockwise movement of the plurality of storage units within the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: WORTHWHILE PRODUCTS
    Inventor: Stanley B. Solomon
  • Publication number: 20110095019
    Abstract: A door opening mechanism for a domestic appliance (for example, a microwave oven), the domestic appliance including a housing, a front door, and a resilient member (e.g. spring bias), for urging the door open, wherein the door opening mechanism is adapted to be located within the housing; the door opening mechanism comprising: a retention mechanism, engageable with the door and movable between a first configuration, in which the door is retained in a closed position, and a second configuration, in which the door is non-engaged; a cam, the cam having a plurality of cam surfaces, each being adapted to move the retention mechanism out of said first configuration through camming action; and a rotary motor, for driving the cam in response to control signals. The cam suitable comprises a plurality of equally angularly spaced projections, the outer surfaces of the cam between successive projections comprising a cam surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Davies
  • Publication number: 20110095665
    Abstract: A vanishing design wall operable to hold pieces of cloth in a substantially assembled position to permit evaluation of a design appearance before sewing the assembly. A preferred embodiment includes a flannel-backed vinyl-faced sheet that may be deployed to form a vertically oriented planar working surface in proximity to a foundation to expose the flannel side. Pieces of cloth may be adhered to the flannel working surface by compressing the design wall between the piece of cloth and the foundation. The design wall may then be collapsed (e.g. by furling onto a spring-loaded roller) to store the wall in an out-of-the-way location. Design elements may be trapped inside the furled design wall for temporary storage. A design wall may be placed in a stored configuration substantially inside an ornamental box and out of casual observation. A preferred box includes a structurally supportive shelf on which items may be displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Susan P. Kelsey
  • Patent number: 7929300
    Abstract: An electronics assembly (48) is disclosed that utilizes a filter (24) within a plenum (50). The filter (24) may be electrically isolated from at least certain portions of the electronics assembly (48) by an electrical insulator (64). The electronics assembly (48) furthermore alleviates the need for a separate filter tray, and in this regard it may be such that only a first filter end (80) and a second filter end (82) of the filter (24) are supported within the electronics assembly (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Bisbikis, Steve Koo, Todd Collis
  • Patent number: 7922270
    Abstract: A pull-in and damping device for a displaceable element has a displacement part (2), movable transversely to the displacement direction of the element, with a cam (14), which displacement part (2) is pullable, via spring means (13), from a moved-out position into a moved-in position, the cam (14) co-operating with curved pathways (6, 7), which have a minimum (24) and a maximum (25). The displacement part (2) is held in a clamped way via a clamping device (4) when, during displacement of the displaceable element from the end position into a moved-out position, the cam (14) of the displacement part (2) reaches the maximum (25) of the curved pathways (6, 7), and which clamping holding of the displacement part (2) is released when, during the pushing back of the displaceable element, the cam (14) of the displacement part (2) reaches the maximum (25) of the curved pathway (6, 7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Peka-Metall AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Weber
  • Publication number: 20110080080
    Abstract: In an acceleration device including a carrier element movably disposed in a housing together with a first energy store which is connected to the carrier element for moving the carrier element from a locked parking position to an end position while its energy is being discharged, a second energy store, which is charged with an initial energy amount when the carrier element is in the parking position, is associated with a guide element and is discharged upon release of the carrier element from the parking position while the carrier element is moved to an end position opposite the parking position. The second energy store, while being discharged to a residual energy amount, controls, by means of the guide element, the energy change rate of the first energy store at least in a part of its discharge time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Günther Zimmer, Martin Zimmer
  • Patent number: 7914093
    Abstract: An automatic position restoring slide rail device includes: a slide rail device having a bottom rail and an inner rail slid with respect to the bottom rail; a control device having a control base, a spring connected between the control base and the slide cover, and a control plate with a concave guide slot, and the guide slot having a latch groove on one side and an aslant guide slot on another side, and the slide cover being covered at the control base, and having a first return slot and a second return slot; a swing element, including a first actuating block at the first return slot and a second actuating block at the second return slot, a link element, fixed at the inner rail. Therefore, the present invention can achieve a smoother and better automatic position restoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Nan Juen International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Sheng Huang
  • Publication number: 20110068669
    Abstract: Furniture drive for moving a furniture part which is mounted in a vertically adjustable manner, having a drive apparatus, which has an electric motor, for moving the movable furniture part, and having a compensation device which exerts a force which is opposite to the weight force on the movable furniture part, wherein a measuring device is provided for detecting the weight of the movable furniture part, and therefore the force exerted by the compensation device on the movable furniture part can be variably adjusted as a function of the measured weight of the movable furniture part by an adjusting device which has a further electric motor and can be actuated by the measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Helmut HOLLENSTEIN
  • Patent number: 7901017
    Abstract: A self-closing, self-locking security file cabinet having one or more lateral and vertical file drawers mounted on sliding supports includes a lock return mechanism for returning the lock to the lock position after the individual has released his/her hold on the key with the key staying with the lock when the lock is in the unlock position for opening the drawers, a plurality of lock catches pivotally mounted to vertically slidable lock bars mounted to the interior cabinet side walls adjacent the cabinet front and which interact with fixed protrusions on the exterior surfaces of the drawer side panels to allow the opening of the drawers upon lock rotation and closure of the drawers upon release of the lock by the individual, and a constant rate coil spring having a distal end attached to each drawer for returning an open drawer to the closed position at a controlled rate of acceleration when the drawer is manually released by the individual so that the drawer is not damaged against the cabinet back wall durin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Corry Contract, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Kafferlin
  • Publication number: 20110037362
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sliding apparatus with a self-closing means. The apparatus includes a rail bracket provided on each of opposite sides of a main body to face a movable rail, having a cover space spaced apart from the main body, and supporting a fixed rail in a direction towards the movable rail. A self-closing means is provided at a predetermined position on the fixed rail and secured to the rail bracket. A cover protrudes from each of the opposite sides of the storage part to surround the sliding apparatus and the self-closing means, and moves along with the storage part to be inserted into the cover space when the storage part is closed. A drive part is provided at a predetermined position on the cover, protrudes towards the self-closing means, and moves along with the storage part to be latched by the self-closing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Yoon Sig PARK, Hyun Ho CHA
  • Publication number: 20110031857
    Abstract: The invention relates to an item of furniture including a furniture body, a furniture part which is displaceably received in or on the furniture body, and an ejection device having at least one ejection element for displacing the moveable furniture part from a closed position into a first open position. At least one lockable drive device is provided for driving the at least one ejection element. The invention is characterized by means for displacing the at least one ejection element beyond the first open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: David KARG
  • Publication number: 20110031858
    Abstract: An elasticity module suitable to be used as a spring of a slide opening/closing apparatus of mobile devices such as wireless phone, PDA, PMP, portable game machine, electronic scheduler is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Han Sang Lee
  • Patent number: 7874597
    Abstract: A movable member moved forward to a predetermined position can automatically move further forward. The mechanism includes first and second connecting members provided in the movable member and an immovable member. The second connecting member includes a catcher for catching the first connecting member and an urging device for urging the catcher. The catcher is arranged to be able to move or relatively move along a moving direction of the movable member, and held in a waiting position while receiving an urging force by the urging device toward a forward movement direction or backward movement direction of the movable member. When the movable member is moved to the predetermined position, the first connecting member is retained by the catcher of the second connecting member, and upon releasing of retention, the movable member is automatically moved forward to the stopped position by the urging force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Tomita, Mikio Nezu
  • Patent number: 7874627
    Abstract: An assembly for connecting plates is provided. A first plate has a first opening and a second opening; a metal wire is movably connected to one surface of the first plate, and the metal wire includes a bending portion corresponding to the position of the first opening; a spring connects the first plate and the metal wire; a pressing element is fixed on the metal wire and passes through the second opening of the first plate to protrude from the other surface of the first plate. The second plate has a hook. When the first plate and the second plate are assembled, the hook of the second plate passes through the first opening of the first plate, and the bending portion of the first plate prevents the hook from separating from the first opening by tension force of the spring thus to connect the first plate and the second plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Asustek Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Hsin-Hung Hsiao, Lin-Hsu Chiang
  • Publication number: 20110012488
    Abstract: A self-moving device for movable furniture parts includes a movable part which is movable with respect to a stationary part. The movable part includes first and second connecting portions. A closing mechanism includes a slide base which is movable in response to a force generated by a first elastic member. A locking member connected to the slide base is adapted to engage with the first connecting portion so that the movable part is urged by the first elastic member to be self-closing with respect to the stationary part. An opening mechanism includes a push member urged by a second elastic member to act on the second connecting portion. The movable part may be pushed by an external force to disengage the locking member from the first connecting portion so that the movable part is urged by the second elastic member to be self-opening with respect to the stationary part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: KING SLIDE WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HSIU-CHIANG LIANG, KEN-CHING CHEN, CHUN-CHIANG WANG
  • Publication number: 20100283359
    Abstract: An appliance comprises a body and a door panel and/or drawer panel movable between a home position, an open position, and an over-travel position. A cosmetic panel may be coupled to the door and/or drawer panel. The appliance may further include an installation system and/or a positioning device. The positioning device is configured to bias the door and/or drawer panels to the home position from the over-travel position. The installation system is configured to establish the front-to-back alignment of the appliance. The installation system may be a direct mount installation system. The installation system may include an adjustment system configured to facilitate positioning the cosmetic panel to be co-planar with the surrounding cabinetry. The adjustment mechanism may further help establish small and consistent reveals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Philip F. Hottmann, Mark J. Blahnik, Chad A. Wohlrab, John F. Andrews
  • Publication number: 20100264793
    Abstract: A system for assisting the linear opening and closing movement of a pull-out component relative to a housing includes a first bracket coupled to a slide member of the housing, a second bracket coupled to the pull-out component, and a strut that, at one end, is pivotally coupled to the first bracket and, at a second end, is pivotally coupled to the second bracket. The strut includes an elongate hollow member that houses a spring and a cylindrical piston, as well as a rod sub-assembly that translates through one end of the hollow member. The cylindrical piston is situated between, and at its respective ends is coupled to, the spring and the rod sub-assembly. The free end of the spring is held inside the hollow member by a clevis for the first bracket, and the free end of the rod sub-assembly includes a clevis for the second bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: ACCURIDE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Saul GUTNIK
  • Publication number: 20100264794
    Abstract: A system for assisting the linear movement of a pull-out component relative to a housing includes a first bracket coupled to a slide member of the housing, a second bracket coupled to the pull-out component, and a strut that is pivotally coupled to the first and second brackets at its respective ends. The strut includes an outer hollow member that houses a primary spring, a cylindrical piston that translates through one end of the outer hollow member, and a reverse damping mechanism. A free end of the primary spring is held inside the outer hollow member by a clevis for the first bracket, and its opposite end rests on the piston. The piston's free end includes a clevis for the second bracket. An inner hollow member houses a second spring which regulates movement of a damper shaft such that damping occurs when the shaft is pulled out of the damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: ACCURIDE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Sheng-Shyong Hu, Saul Gutnik
  • Patent number: 7815267
    Abstract: An insert element for a drawer slide to assist in a drawer closure. A support member of generally rectangular form may be sized for positioning in a drawer slide element. A slide member may be slidably mounted on slide pins that may be attached at each end to a slide pin flange at a back end and an engagement end of the support member. A spring may be disposed on each of the slide pins intermediate the engagement end and the slide member. A shaft may be disposed at a first end in a roller slot formed longitudinally in a base of the support member and the roller slot may have a lock slot. A second end of the shaft may be disposed in a slide roller slot formed laterally in the slide member and a shaft retainer may be disposed between the support member and the slide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Gus Frousiakis
  • Publication number: 20100259146
    Abstract: An elastic mechanism for a slide assembly includes a first rail having an opening. The elastic mechanism includes a first elastic section, a second elastic section, and a connection section connected between the first and second elastic sections. The first elastic section, the second elastic section and the connection section define an elastic space. The first elastic section includes two first sidewalls and a first recess is defined between the first elastic section and the two first sidewalls. The second elastic section includes two second sidewalls and a second recess is defined between the second elastic section and the two second sidewalls. The elastic mechanism is connected to the opening of the first rail to provide an elastic force by the first and second recesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: KING SLIDE WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: KEN-CHING CHEN, CHUN-CHIANG WANG
  • Patent number: 7802856
    Abstract: A drawer slide includes an outer slide, an inner slide moveable relative to the outer slide between a closed position and an extended position, a first engagement member, a second engagement member moveable by engagement with the first engagement member between a latched position to latch the inner slide in the closed position and an unlatched position disengaged from the second engagement member, and a first spring coupled to any one of the outer slide and the inner slide and configured to bias the inner slide to the extended position when the inner slide is proximate to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Accuride International Inc.
    Inventors: Darush David Hashemi, Atma Kainth Singh