Pivotal, On Pivoted Link Patents (Class 312/325)
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Publication number: 20090121593Abstract: A vanity table organizer that includes multiple compartments for storing jewelry, cosmetic and/or both items in a user friendly and efficient, manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventor: Lori Greiner
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Patent number: 7527343Abstract: A refrigerator having a basket lift apparatus comprises: a body having cooling chambers for storing food; a frame accommodated in the cooling chamber arranged at a lower portion of the body in a slidable manner; a basket placed on the frame and for storing food; a door positioned at a front side of the frame and hinge-connected to the frame; a first link hinge-connected between the frame and the basket; a second link hinge-connected between the first link and the door; and a driving unit for rotating the first link in order to lift the basket. When the basket arranged at the lower portion of the body is opened, the basket is lifted up thereby to enhance a user's convenience.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seung-Hwan Oh, Kyung-Han Jeong, Sang-Oh Kim
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Publication number: 20090005128Abstract: A slidable and rotationally attaching unit configured to slidably and rotatably attach a movable housing on a supporting base so that a part of the movable housing is overlapped with the supporting base, the slidable and rotational attaching unit includes a base plate provided between the supporting base and the movable housing and attached to the supporting base; a plate cam provided between the supporting base and the movable housing and attached to the movable housing; a slide guide provided on a surface of the base plate facing the plate cam, the slide guide being formed by a slit or a groove along upper and lower directions in a standard pose that is a basic using state of the movable housing; a guide pin provided on a surface of the base plate facing the plate cam, the guide pin being positioned on an extended line of a lower end of the slide guide; and a connecting pin slidably and rotatably engaged with the plate cam so that the connecting pin prevents the plate cam from coming off from the slide guidType: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicants: YAMAMOTO PRECISION CO. LTD., FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Yoshinori HARA, Hisamitsu Takagi
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Patent number: 7448703Abstract: A retaining and adjusting device is provided for displaceable furniture parts, in particular for a leaf that is hinged so that it can pivot horizontally on an item of furniture, e.g. for a leaf of an upper cupboard. The device includes at least one control lever, whose length can be adjusted and which can be hinged on the part, the length of the control level and/or the position of the bearing point of the control lever being adjustable when the furniture part is closed.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Julius Blum GmbHInventor: David Küng
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Patent number: 7395765Abstract: A rotatable table includes a shelf unit which is mounted on a support structure and a rotatable unit having a work surface which may be rotated from a horizontal position to a vertical position. The rotatable unit may be placed in (1) a horizontal position, (2) specific detent angular positions, (3) other angular positions selected by the user, and (4) a storage position wherein the work surface is vertical. A truss assembly guide which slidably receives a truss assembly makes the various angular positions possible. In an embodiment of the invention, the entire rotatable table is vertically positionable on the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Inventor: Mitchell K. Dorfman
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Patent number: 7168773Abstract: A drawer expander that includes a plurality of trays that are stacked on top of each other. Spring-biased arms connect the trays together so that the trays will open when the drawer is opened and close when the drawer is closed. One form of the drawer expander can be used in a drawer, and another form can be attached to the bottom surface of a support element so the expanding trays can act like drawers that expand when opened.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Grant S. Emary
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Patent number: 6877830Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a two-leaf folding flap, whose upper leaf is hinged to a top or partition wall of a cupboard around a horizontal first axle and whose lower leaf is pivotally connected to the upper leaf around a second axle parallel to the first axle, comprises at least one two-armed lever which is pivotally mounted to a side body part around a horizontal pivot axle and whose longer arm is linked to the lower leaf. One end of the compressing spring element is pivotally connected to the body part and the other end is pivotally connected to the lever. To prevent the leaf from coming into contact with the end surfaces of body parts of the cupboard closed by the folding flap, the lever is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner on its pivot axle and the shorter lever arm is guided in a cam guide fixed to the body via a slide block or a roller.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Arturo Salice S.p.A.Inventor: Luciano Salice
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Patent number: 6779856Abstract: A storage unit includes a cabinet defining an interior and a door assembly, which has a first door section and a second door section. Each of the door sections is pivotably mounted to the cabinet for movement between an open position and a closed position. The first and second door sections prevent access to the interior of the cabinet when in the closed position and provide access to the interior of the cabinet when in the oven position. The storage unit also includes a link pivotably interconnected between the first and second door sections so as to synchronize movement of the first and second door sections between the open and closed positions. A biasing arrangement counterbalances the door assembly and maintains the first and second door sections in both the open position and closed position and positions therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Krueger International, Inc.Inventors: Timothy G. Hornberger, Karl J. Koehler, Dennis G. Griepentrog
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Patent number: 6779857Abstract: A door structure includes a door frame having edge portions of which at least some are curved. The door structure further includes a flexible door panel which is pivotable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The door panel is resiliently deformable from a substantially flat configuration to a curved configuration which corresponds to the curvature of the curved edge portions of the door frame. In the closed configuration the door panel is adapted to adopt the curved configuration and in the open position, the door panel is freely straightenable to the substantially flat configuration. The door structure may be embodied in a storage structure which includes a framework defining an interior including a storage space and an opening to the storage space. The door panel may be hingedly connected to an auxiliary portion which is slidably mounted substantially within the interior of the framework.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Formway Furniture LimitedInventors: Neville Waisbrod, Kent Wallace Parker, Lyall Stewart, Peter Alan Tierney
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Patent number: 6764146Abstract: A computer enclosure includes a base (10), a hood (20), a pair of first locating plates (50), a pair of second locating plates (70), a pair of positioning plates (60), and a pair of connecting mechanisms (40) pivotably connecting the hood to the base. Each connecting mechanism has a first lever (44), a second lever (46), and a horizontal lever (42). One end of each first lever pivotably connects with the corresponding first locating plate. One end of each second lever pivotably and slidably connects in a slot (72) defined in the corresponding second locating plate. Each horizontal lever pivotably connects with the corresponding positioning plate and respective opposite ends of the first and second levers. The positioning plates are secured to opposite sides of the hood. The locking plates are secured to opposite sides of the base. Two locking devices (30) are secured to opposite sides of the hood.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yun-Lung Chen
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Patent number: 6761421Abstract: A computer enclosure includes a base (10), a hood (30), a pair of locating plates (50), a pair of positioning plates (60), and a pair of connecting mechanisms (70). The hood includes a top cover (32), and a bezel (38) perpendicularly attached to an end of the top cover. The locating plates are secured to opposite sides of the base. The positioning plates are secured to opposite sides of the hood near the bezel. The connecting mechanisms are disposed between the base and the hood, and pivotably connected with the locating plates and the positioning plates. The hood is thereby pivotably secured to the base.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jung-Chi Chen, Yun-Lung Chen
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Patent number: 6622345Abstract: A simple and inexpensive hinge system or mechanism that may apply to the front panel or door so as to obtain an easy access to the inside without making the mechanism much more complicated or expensive. The hinge mechanism for a front panel or door is hingedly connected to an enclosure (or cabinet case) and comprises an axis (or shaft) and an axis supporting member having an opening that supports the axis at a first position for door swinging, at a second position for holding the door in a certain state, and at an intermediate position for the axis moving with or without any turning.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Hoshizaki America, Inc.Inventors: Jun Liu, Jeremy L. Neill, Christopher L. Kight
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Publication number: 20030168952Abstract: A tool box includes a casing with at least one open side for a plurality of boxes pivotally received therein. A link is pivotally connected to the boxes and located at a distance from the pivotal point of the boxes. An activation member is pivotally connected to one of the boxes and has a slot for receiving a boss extending from the link so that when pivoting the activation member, the link pivots the boxes to open. A spring is connected between the activation member and the casing so as to close all the boxes by pulling the activation member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2002Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventors: Ching-Yang Huang, Jung-Sheng Huang
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Publication number: 20030151332Abstract: A computer enclosure includes a base (10), a hood (20), a pair of first locating plates (50), a pair of second locating plates (70), a pair of positioning plates (60), and a pair of connecting mechanisms (40) pivotably connecting the hood to the base. Each connecting mechanism has a first lever (44), a second lever (46), and a horizontal lever (42). One end of each first lever pivotably connects with the corresponding first locating plate. One end of each second lever pivotably and slidably connects in a slot (72) defined in the corresponding second locating plate. Each horizontal lever pivotably connects with the corresponding positioning plate and respective opposite ends of the first and second levers. The positioning plates are secured to opposite sides of the hood. The locking plates are secured to opposite sides of the base. Two locking devices (30) are secured to opposite sides of the hood.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2002Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventor: Yun-Lung Chen
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Patent number: 6557958Abstract: An assembly includes panels forming a bin or cabinet, and a flipper door operably attached to the bin by a pair of opposing modules. Each module includes a body forming a groove forming a curvilinear track along its upper edge, and the door includes a follower operably engaging the track. Each module further includes a spring-biased lever pivoted to the body of the module at a mid-lever pivot. A first leg of the lever is pivoted to the door at a door pivot, and an oppositely extending second leg is connected to a spring-biased force-generating device. The arrangement is constructed to counterbalance a weight of the door in most intermediate positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Giuseppe Luigi Motta, Piero Molteni
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Publication number: 20030042830Abstract: A pivoting television support shelf capable of supporting a television extended from a cabinet. The pivoting television support shelf including: a shelf for pivotably supporting the television, the shelf having a pivot point disposed at a first end of the shelf; a pivot for pivoting the shelf relative to the cabinet about the pivot point between a first position within the cabinet and a second position extended from an exterior surface of the cabinet; and a slide for supporting the shelf at a second end, the slide having first and second mating slide halves, one of the first and second mating slide halves being fastened to the shelf, the other of the first and second mating slide halves being fastened to the cabinet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventor: Michael A. Gregorio
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Patent number: 6520610Abstract: A device includes a main container unit and top container units that can be stored inside the main container unit. A lid doubles as a lid and as a table to support food thereon. Legs support the lid on the top container units.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Inventor: Michael A. Miller
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Patent number: 6442799Abstract: A hinge comprising a base and a plate rotataby coupled to the base about a turn axis fixed in the base. The hinge further includes a swing member rotably coupled to the plate about a pivot axis fixed relative to the plate and a spring coupled between the base and the plate which urges the plate to rotate about the turn axis in a first direction. The plate has limited rotation in the first direction about the turn axis as the swing arm has limited movement relative to the plate about the pivot axis in a second direction, opposite of the first direction. The limited movement of the swing arm is defined by a pivot limit. Movement of the swing arm toward and away from the pivot limit occurs about the pivot axis without effect of the spring on the arm. During contact of the swing arm with the pivot limit, the arm and the plate can move about the turn axis against the effect of the spring.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Inventors: Carlos Duarte, Fred S. Romero
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Publication number: 20020113532Abstract: A storage unit includes a cabinet having an open front, and a counterbalanced door arrangement is interconnected with the cabinet for selectively closing the open front of the cabinet. The counterbalanced door arrangement includes an upper door member located between a pair of arms, each of which is pivotably mounted to the cabinet, in combination with a lower door member including a pair of arms pivotably interconnected with the cabinet. The pivotable connections of the upper and lower door member arms to the cabinet provides movement of the upper and lower door members between an open position, in which the upper and lower door members are moved apart, and a closed position in which the upper and lower door members are moved together. A link is interconnected between the upper and lower door member arms, for providing synchronous movement of the upper and lower door members between their open and closed positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2002Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Timothy G. Hornberger, Karl J. Koehler, Dennis G. Griepentrog
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Patent number: 6394566Abstract: A storage riser for mounting atop a work surface has an open-front wall structure including rear, side and top walls and a bifold door assembly for closing the front opening. The door assembly has an upper panel hingedly connected to the front of the top wall and a lower panel hingedly connected to the bottom of the upper panel for pivotal movement between a vertical, unfolded, closed position and a non-vertical, folded, open position disposed in the storage compartment adjacent to the top wall. Coupling brackets respectively project inwardly of the compartment from the opposite sides of the lower panel adjacent to its upper end, the brackets respectively carrying guide rollers which respectively roll in channel tracks on the side walls. Opening of the door assembly is assisted by gas springs, respectively disposed adjacent to the side walls and having cylinders pivotally coupled to the coupling brackets and rods pivotally coupled to the side walls adjacent to the lower end of the front opening.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.Inventors: George R. Slivon, Jack A. Parise, Kenneth C. Happ, Gordon A. Putney
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Patent number: 6340214Abstract: A pull down storage shelf assembly for a standard wall cabinet to access items on the upper storage shelf is described. The shelf assembly has two arms on each side attached to an upper support member on one end and a lower support member on the other end. The position of the two side arms with respect to the upper and lower support member allows the shelf to hold in place when in the up position. A handle is secured to the front and bottom of the pull down shelf. When the handle is pulled forward, the upper shelf rotates to the down position to provide easy access to items on the upper shelf. A stop is placed on the side of the upper support members to stop the downward motion and support the shelf at the optimum working level.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Inventor: H. Lee Adams
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Patent number: 6309038Abstract: A swinging drawer takes the form of an upper open compartment that is fastened to the underside of an upper wall cabinet/furniture such as, for example, an upper kitchen cabinet that is attached or hung on a wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Grass GmbHInventor: Georg Domenig
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Publication number: 20010013744Abstract: An electronic appliance, in particular a car radio, has a housing (1) which has, in front of a front side (2), a front flap (3) which has a display (7) and/or operating elements (8) and can be pivoted by means of a single drive (11) from a vertical position closing the housing (1) into an obliquely inclined position lying with its lower edge in front of the housing (1) and with its upper edge below the upper edge of the housing (1) and thereby releasing an upper region (4) of the front side (2) of the housing (1). For this purpose, the upper edge of the front flap (3) can be hinged to a vertical guide (12), while the lower edge is held such that it can be moved linearly in the horizontal direction by means of a sliding-out means (9) which can be moved by the drive (11).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2000Publication date: August 16, 2001Inventor: Volker Jakel
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Patent number: 6220681Abstract: An armoire includes an enclosure having an opening defined therein. A door is located in the opening and is connected to the enclosure by a vertical hinge. A desk panel is mounted in the outside of the door and is connected to the door by a pair of four-bar linkages. The enclosure, the door and the desk panel all have convexly curved exterior surfaces, so that when the door is closed and the desk panel is closed, the convex exterior surfaces are co-extensive.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Wellness, LLCInventors: Earl S. Swensson, David S. Gilbert
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Patent number: 6061229Abstract: A mounting arrangement for communications network base stations within a tower interior wherein each base station is secured between upper and lower platform plates by a pair of co-axial swivel mounts. The swivel mounts allow the base stations to be rotated about a vertical axis between a first angular position suitable for the base station to operate and to allow the platform to be raised and lowered and a second position in which the base station door can be fully opened to provide access to the base station interior for maintenance purposes.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Frank V. Gates, Daniella R. Rubinovitz
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Patent number: 5971514Abstract: An over-the-top type cabinet door prop unit is characterized in that it comprises a fitting case to be rigidly fitted to the inner surface of one of the lateral walls of the cabinet, a movable spring holder vertically movable relative to the fitting case containing it and urged downward by compression springs, a link arm pivotably linked at the upper end to the movable spring holder by a pivot pin and a swing arm swingable around an arm spindle located in a lower portion of the fitting case and having a base section arranged around the arm spindle and linked to the lower end of said link arm by a link pin and an arm section extending from the base section and pivotably linked at the distal end thereof by an anchor pin to an anchor pin bearing secured to the over-the-top type cabinet door and that the pivot where the link arm and the base section of the swing arm is linked by the link pin is located closer to the cabinet door relative to the vertical axial line connecting the pivot pin and the arm spindle whenType: GrantFiled: January 14, 1999Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Sugatsune Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tatsuya Hayakawa
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Patent number: 5938306Abstract: A cabinet and door assembly including a cabinet having a horizontal member such as a top including a lower surface and at least one side wall. The assembly further includes at least one first door member pivotly mounted on at least one second door member. The second door member is pivotly mounted on the side wall of the cabinet. The first and second door members are moveable between closed and open positions. The assembly further includes a hinge assembly operatively connected to the lower surface and the first door member for guiding the first and second door members during movement between the closed and open positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Sauder Woodworking Co.Inventors: Michael D. Lambright, Richard A. Nelson, Steven R. Munday
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Patent number: 5915804Abstract: An improved snack table comprised of a rectangular table surface with a substantially horizontal width, a built-in glass holder located near the upper right edge of the table surface and a swing-out compartmented drawer, pivotally secured to the underside walls of the said table surface by a set of tilt-out hinges, to allow the drawer to be tilted out and back to an upright position within the frame. The table surfaces is rigidly supported by four angular legs which are mounted on casters. The legs are reinforced by leg braces and foot support strips, each extending horizontally at the base of the table thereby providing strong support and stability to the table.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Inventor: Amelita Crescenzo
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Patent number: 5902028Abstract: A fire extinguisher box is composed of a box body in which a base frame and a link mechanism are mounted. The base frame is fastened pivotally with a seat for locating the fire extinguisher in the box body. The link mechanism is composed of an upright rod fastened with the base frame, a first link rod fastened with the upright rod, and a second link rod coupled with the first link rod and a pull rod of a door of the box body. As the door of the box body is opened, the link mechanism is actuated by the pull rod such that the base frame is driven by the link mechanism to locate at an inclined position, thereby causing the fire extinguisher to locate likewise so as to enable a person to remove the fire extinguisher from the box body easily and quickly.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1998Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Inventors: Wen-Chien Hsu, Tin-Huang Hsiao
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Patent number: 5857756Abstract: In a furniture assembly comprising a furniture element mounted on a base plate on a vertical wall for movement between an upper position close to the wall and a lower position remote from the wall, the furniture element comprises a device for moving the furniture element between the upper and lower positions and a guiding device. The moving device comprises a drive, pivots fixedly connected to the base plate, the drive being connected to the pivots, coupling links and pivoting elements connecting the coupling links to the pivots. The guiding device comprises coupling links and pivots connecting the coupling links of the guiding device to the base plate. The moving device is connected to a pivot fixedly connected to a common fixing device, and pivots connect the coupling links of the guiding device to the common fixing device.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Inventor: Jurgen Fehre
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Patent number: 5735080Abstract: A rigid bearing staff, substantially C shaped, the central element of which is hinged along the axis passing within the thickness of a wall of a wardrobe, fitted with two arms the free ends of which are rotatingly linked to two opposite pins anchored to end of the medial axis, or quasi medial axis, lying in the internal part of a door to be governed, while two other arms, next to an appropriate distance from and to one side only common to the previous ones to which they are parallel and of equal length, have their four ends rotatingly linked to other two axes again parallel to the previous ones and located one in the rigid structure of the wardrobe and the other along the inside of the same door: all this constitutes the functional design of two articulated parallelogram hinges, superimposed and distanced, rigidly and directly linked and invisible inside and on all external sides of a wardrobe.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Inventor: Modesto Pratolongo
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Patent number: 5664290Abstract: Device for swivel holding of leaf flap which can swivel especially around a horizontal axis comprises a straight four-bar mechanism (8.1, 8.2, 10.1, 11.1) and elastic means (18) to damp the swivel motion. The elastic means have spring element (18) which is guided with its extensible part to move around anchoring element (7). Anchoring element (7) is for example a plastic ring which is inserted in hinged frame (1) of device. Its diameter corresponds to a multiple of a diameter of spring element (18). The entire device is preferably structured symmetrically with respect to the plane defined by the movement of four-bar mechanism (8.1, 9.1, 10.1, 11.1).Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1996Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: USM U. Schaerer Sohne AGInventor: Kurt Scherrer
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Patent number: 5494285Abstract: A pinball machine is provided and includes a game cabinet having disposed therein a playfield movable between open, intermediate, and closed positions. A support assembly is used for maintaining the playfield within the cabinet. The support assembly includes a pair of cabinet brackets mounted one to each side of the cabinet where each of the brackets has a riding surface. A pair of wheels are mounted to the playfield and are provided to ride along the riding surface of a corresponding one of the cabinet brackets. A pair of support arms is further provided each having one end thereof pivotally attached to the cabinet and the other end thereof pivotally attached to the playfield wherein at least one of the support arms has pivotally attached thereto a prop arm which is engageable with the playfield when the playfield is disposed in the intermediate position.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1995Date of Patent: February 27, 1996Assignee: Gamestar, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Coldebella, Christopher A. Shipman, Robert S. Morrison
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Patent number: 5462347Abstract: A pull down shelf assembly (20) for facilitating access to an upper storage shelf (22). The storage shelf (22) is movably mounted to a shelf guide track mechanism (23, 23') for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. The pull down assembly (20) includes a pantographic assembly (25, 25') which is mounted to a support member (21) by a shelf mounting bracket member (24). The pantographic assembly includes a pair of arms (26, 27) pivotally mounted to the track mechanism (23, 23') and the mounting bracket member (24, 24') at spaced-apart locations. This configuration produces pantographic movement of the track mechanism (23, 23') throughout an arcuate path between a deployed position and an elevated stored position while maintaining the horizontal orientation of the shelf (22) throughout the pantographic movement. A shelf locking mechanism (35, 35') locks the shelf (22) in the extended position during pantographic movement between the elevated stored position and the deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1993Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Inventors: Doug Vogelgesang, Douglas Ching
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Patent number: 5456529Abstract: An overhead stowage system for holding luggage above a passenger seat of an airplane has a holding bin movably coupled to a support structure of a modular design which may be preassembled prior assembly with the airplane. A motor drives a cable chain which is attached to the holding bin for moving the holding bin with respect to the structure. The motor is operatively coupled to a horizontal shaft which has a length corresponding to the length of the overhead stowage bin and which has an drive sprocket driving the cable chain as it is driven by the motor. A pulley disposed on the support structure redirects the force of the cable chain, as driven by the motor, for lifting the holding bin relative the support structure. The motor provides all or a partial force for lifting the holding bin. Switches and sensors located on the support structure and holding bin operate in accordance with the position of the holding bin relative the support structure for determining when and how the motor is to operate.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1993Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Kwun-Wing Cheung
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Patent number: 5383724Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for mounting an outer or external panel to a door for a mid-sized built in dishwasher. A treatment chamber access opening is normally covered by a dishwasher door (17) which is pivotally supported at its lower horizontal edge for movement from a vertical, closed position to a horizontal, open position. The dishwasher door (17) includes an outer door (18) with a panel whose peripheral parts (19) facing the treatment chamber are placed adjacent a front edge (20) of a cabinet shell surrounding the chassis (21) when the dishwasher door is in its closed position. During movement of the dishwasher door from the closed to the open positions, a lower edge of the outer door (18) is always positioned in front of a vertical plane defined by the front edges (20) of the cabinet shell, allowing the outer door to move without interference from the surrounding cabinetry.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1993Date of Patent: January 24, 1995Assignee: Aktiebolaget ElectroluxInventors: Jan S. Wrangberth, Nils S. Nilsson
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Patent number: 5308158Abstract: A pull down shelf assembly (20, 20a) for facilitating access to upper storage shelves (22, 22a). The shelf assembly includes a shelf guide track mechanism (24, 24', 24a, 24a') and the storage shelf (22, 22a) slidably mounted for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. A pantographic pull down mounting assembly (26, 26', 26a, 26a') coupled between a shelf mounting bracket (28, 28', 28a, 28a') and the track mechanism produces pantographic movement thereof between a deployed position, for increased access, and an elevated stored position. The pantographic assembly is mounted therebetween at locations producing near-horizontal pantographic movement of the track mechanism with the storage shelf carried thereby throughout an arcuate path between the deployed position and the elevated stored position. A spring biasing mechanism (38, 38', 38a, 38a') coupled between the mounting bracket and one of the arms biases the track mechanism toward the stored position.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1992Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Inventors: Doug Vogelgesang, Douglas Ching
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Patent number: 5249858Abstract: A motor driven movable cabinet that provides top shelf accessibility by being lowered outwardly onto the underlying counter top and retracted back to its original position against the wall. A motor driven threaded screw lifting mechanism powers the cabinet's movement and consists of a reversible electric motor and a drive shaft assembly, including a drive shaft and a threaded screw drive rod. The motor is attached to the drive shaft assembly by a universal joint and a load bearing bracket pivot assembly. This motorized mechanism is then fastened to a wall frame that is secured to the wall behind the cabinet. The cabinet is also attached to the wall frame by at least four L-shaped swing arms and to the motorized mechanism by a pivot mount bracket hingedly attached to the bottom of the cabinet. The pivot assembly supports the drive shaft assembly and the universal joint allows for a change in the angle from the pivot assembly along the drive shaft and threaded screw drive rod to the bottom of the cabinet.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1992Date of Patent: October 5, 1993Inventor: Marjorie A. Nusser
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Patent number: 5247877Abstract: A novel barbecue grill with mechanical linkages which automatically perform the following functions when the user pulls a single handle: (1) the lid opens; (2) the grill surface moves out of the grill; (3) a drip pan may optionally travel under the grill surface to catch drippings; and (4) the lid closes after the grill surface is out of the grill. The user then has access to the grill surface while the lid to the grill remains closed. Pushing on the handle reverses the sequence of events. An optional feature permits the user to lift the lid in the conventional manual manner, independently of the position of the grill surface. An optional safety feature inhibits the motion of the grill surface when the lid has been lifted manually, thus preventing the lid from accidentally slamming closed after it has been opened in the conventional manual manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1992Date of Patent: September 28, 1993Assignee: Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical CollegeInventors: John E. Beard, Mehdy Sabbaghian
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Patent number: 5224677Abstract: A pull down display and storage device in one aspect has a member movable with respect to a fixed support having pivot apparatus interconnected between the fixed support and the movable member, the movable member moving out and down from the fixed support, and in one aspect a spring or springs and/or a dampener controlling motion of the movable member and permitting balanced movement of the movable member or of the movable member and a load thereon; in one aspect, the device including the fixed support; and in another aspect, the device being releasably locked in a downward position due to the disposition of the pivot apparatus and spring. A support, shelf or case with one or more such devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1990Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Hoyt-Close Products, Inc.Inventor: James G. Close
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Patent number: 5215366Abstract: A storage apparatus for support either on a ground surface or from a ceiling surface. The apparatus includes a container portion with a tubular member positioned adjacent to each vertical corner thereof. A leg is telescopingly positioned in each tube. The legs may extend downwardly to the ground surface or, alternatively, may be reversed to extend upwardly to the ceiling surface. The tubes extend above the top of the container portion and below the bottom thereof so that when pluralities of the storage apparatus are stacked, the loading is carried by the tubes. A horizontally folding door assembly is disposed across an opening in the container portion. The door assembly has lips thereon to prevent access to gaps between the door assembly and the container portion and between upper and lower portions of the door assembly. The lower portion of the door assembly is guided as the door is opened and closed, and counterbalancing is provided to assist in opening and closing.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1991Date of Patent: June 1, 1993Inventor: Charles S. Givens
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Patent number: 5193807Abstract: The playfield is supported on a moving pivot that allows the playfield to move linearly away from the back box as it rotates away from the cabinet such that the playfield can pivot through an angle greater than 90.degree.. The moving pivot includes a pivot pin fixed to the wall of the cabinet which slidably engages a rail fixed to the underside of the playfield. The rail terminates in a locking mechanism that engages the pivot pin when the playfield is moved linearly to thereby fix the playfield to the pivot pin such that the playfield is capable only of pivoting motion.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1992Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventors: Winston H. Schilling, John W. Skalon
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Patent number: 5171078Abstract: A door arrangement for a cabinet or the like having an access opening communicating with an internal compartment includes an inner door mounted on the cabinet for movement about a first hinge axis to facilitate access to the cabinet compartment. The inner door has an opening therethrough and carries a second door for hinged movement about a second hinge axis laterally offset from the first hinge axis to facilitate access to the cabinet compartment by hinged movement about the second hinge axis, access to the cabinet compartment thus being obtainable by selective right-hand or left-hand opening of the door arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1992Date of Patent: December 15, 1992Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.Inventors: G. Robert Oslin, Edward Droho
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Patent number: 5128829Abstract: The computer includes a computer housing, a cover and a hinge. The hinge overlies the top face of the housing and has three flaps defining a pair of spaced hinged axes, the edge flaps being secured to the rear face of the housing and the proximal edge of the cover, respectively. The cover is pivoted between positions covering the display screen and control elements closing the computer and an open position. In one open position, the cover is pivoted into opposition into the rear face of the housing and latched in that position whereby the cover serves as the base of a stand for the housing with the intermediate flap of the hinge serving as a generally upright support leg supporting and elevating the upper edge of the housing, whereby the display screen and controls lie in a plane inclined to the horizontal.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1991Date of Patent: July 7, 1992Assignee: Health Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Loew
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Patent number: 5110120Abstract: A latch for securing the hinged back box of a pinball game to a horizontal playfield cabinet engages a self-contained secondary tab when not engaging a locking tab on the back box preventing damage to the locking mechanism of the latch when the game is prepared for shipment.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1991Date of Patent: May 5, 1992Assignee: Williams Electronics Games, Inc.Inventor: Walter Smolucha
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Patent number: 5096271Abstract: A display unit that rotates a video monitor between a stowing cavity and an exposed position so that viewers can see the monitor. The monitor is attached to a frame which is typically mounted into the ceiling of the passenger cabin of an airplane. Also attached to the frame is an electric motor that rotates the monitor into the stowed and exposed positions. Attached to the output shaft of the electric motor is a slip clutch that allows the monitor to rotate up from the exposed position when a predetermined force is applied to the viewing device. A spring is operatively connected to the monitor and electric motor, that pulls the monitor up into the stowed position if the electric motor becomes disabled. An electric brake is also attached to the output shaft of the electric motor to hold the monitor in the exposed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1991Date of Patent: March 17, 1992Assignee: Sony Trans Com, Inc.Inventor: John R. Portman
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Patent number: 5058846Abstract: The invention is a movable frame for connection to and movement with respect to a fixed support, said movable frame may be comprised of multiple elements including a movable frame member, a pivot means, a spring means, a dampening means, and a support means. The combination of the movable frame, the pivot means and a fixed support form the preferred invention embodiment of a pull down display and storage apparatus. The invention also includes a method for moving products from an initial raised position to a final lower position by the step of pulling down on a movable frame, when the movable frame is comprised of the elements discussed herein.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1990Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Assignee: Hoyt-Close Products, Inc.Inventor: James G. Close
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Patent number: 5056878Abstract: A storage apparatus for support either on a ground surface or from a ceiling surface. The apparatus includes a container portion with a tubular member positioned adjacent to each vertical corner thereof. A leg is telescopingly positioned in each tube. The legs may extend downwardly to the ground surface or, alternatively, may be reversed to extend upwardly to the ceiling surface. The tubes extend above the top of the container portion and below the bottom thereof so that when pluralities of the storage apparatus are stacked, the loading is carried by the tubes. A horizontally folding door assembly is disposed across an opening in the container portion. The door assembly has lips thereon to prevent access to gaps between the door assembly and the container portion and between upper and lower portions of the door assembly. The lower portion of the door assembly is guided as the door is opened and closed, and counterbalancing is provided to assist in opening and closing.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1990Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Inventor: Charles S. Givens
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Patent number: 5009470Abstract: A lateral file cabinet hinge that secures the file drawers in an open position or in a closed position. The means to secure the drawer in a closed position also slows the drawer before it is fully closed.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1989Date of Patent: April 23, 1991Assignee: AdanlockInventors: Timothy J. Roller, Robert E. Thiele
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Patent number: RE33588Abstract: A desk having a lectern and apparatus for slidably guiding the lectern into a resting position under the top of the desk and for enabling the lectern to be pulled from the resting position into a working position in which the lectern projects over the desk top. The lectern is supported in the working position by at least one extension, at least one supporting arm, and apparatus secured beneath the desk top for slidably receiving the extension.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1990Date of Patent: May 14, 1991Inventor: Helmut Steinhilber