In Plane Of Accessible Side Of Housing Patents (Class 312/328)
  • Publication number: 20110241507
    Abstract: A hinge pulley for a household appliance having a housing, a washing container in the housing, a door pivotable about a horizontal axis at the lower part of the door between an open and a closed position for accessing an interior of the washing container, and a transmission element coupled between the door and the housing. The hinge pulley includes a unitary molded body having an integral first channel having a first curved portion for guiding the transmission element, and an integral second channel having a second curved portion for guiding the transmission element, wherein a portion of one of the integral first channel and the integral second channel includes a sliding surface formed from an ultra high molecular weight material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steffen Diebold, David Hite
  • Publication number: 20110235249
    Abstract: A workstation comprises a support and a work platform mounted on the support by an articulation mechanism. The articulation mechanism pivots the work platform between a storage position and a deployed position about a pivot axis and raises the pivot axis relative to the support as the work platform moves from the storage position to the deployed position. The workstation comprises a support supporting a flat monitor in a monitor housing having a depth. In the storage position the work platform is located below the monitor and in the deployed position the work platform may be used as a keyboard support and a desk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: RUBBERMAID INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Benjamin Shane Bustle, Jacob Connelly, Robert Grant McRorie
  • Patent number: 8020548
    Abstract: A household appliance includes a storage compartment and a useful storage volume that is closable by a door. The door is able to slide into the storage compartment with a guiding system during opening. To simplify the assembly of the household appliance, the useful storage volume is provided in a useful storage volume module while the storage compartment is provided in a storage compartment module. The two modules represent two separate components that are assembled so as to form the household appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Bartmann, Jochen Herbolsheimer, Horst Krenz, Heiko Meyer
  • Patent number: 8022299
    Abstract: A kind of rotatory emergency stop cover with plug-in unit includes lock cover 11 having shutter 9 that contains raised block b and return spring inside, lock base 15 having groove a, stop button 4 having torsional spring; lock cover has cam 8 and torsional spring, stop button 4 has retainer 3 and plug-in unit that is passing through stop button 4 to go into cam 8 for the connection of stop button 4 to cam 8. Shape and size of unit 1 are adjusted to woke in with that of cam 8 for only use in plug-in unit 1. Plug-in unit is operable to actuate and separate synchronously stop button 4 from cam 8 to ensure that stop button 11 won't open if plug-in unit is not inserted after locking. Support plate 13 has additional hole b, with rectangular hole c being on lock cover 7; it is convenient for user to secure with a lock without removal of unit when lock cover 11 is operated. Stop button 4 has retainer 3, retainer is used to cover hole g to prevent foreign objects from falling into after removal of plug-in unit 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Zhejiang Kedu Electric Mfg. Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Chun Kai Zheng
  • Patent number: 8013246
    Abstract: A push-in emergency stop cover with a plug-in unit includes a retainer, a stop button, a lock cover, a lock base, a combination of a lock and lock spring assembled in the lock cover, a plug-in unit, a slide block, a push button and an associated spring, a slide block and associated spring, a groove provided in said lock cover, said plug-in unit having a key extending through an opening provided in said stop button and to one side of said slide block, the push button having a push rod provided with an inclined plane and a raised block having an inclined plane at the rear of the lock. When the plug-in unit is inserted in the stop button to separate the lock from a lockstitch of the lock base, the lock cover will open; the lock cover will not open when the plug-in unit is removed after the cover is locked. The stop button has a retainer to cover an opening in the stop button to prevent foreign obstacles from falling into the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Zhejiang Kedu Electric Meg. Co. Ltd
    Inventor: Chun Kai Zheng
  • Patent number: 8011741
    Abstract: A flap drive system for moving a flap mounted in a movable manner on the body of a piece of furniture has a mechanical actuating unit with an actuating arm that can be linked to the flap, and has an energy accumulator that can apply a force to the actuating arm. The flap drive system also has an electric drive secured to the actuating unit for driving the flap. The electric drive has at least one electric motor and is designed as a self-contained component, such that the electric drive can be secured to the actuating unit even when the actuating unit is already mounted on the body of the piece of furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Mattle
  • Patent number: 7948746
    Abstract: A cover opening/closing device of the present invention is formed so that a height of a rib to be in contact with a sealing member asymptotically decreases from a shaft toward an edge of a cover opposite to the shaft. With this configuration, the cover can be closed with only a small load imposed on the cover, whereby the operability in the opening/closing of the cover can be improved. Further, air-tightness of a recessed part provided with a disk drive sealed by the cover can be ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Nakatani, Shintaro Tanaka, Haruka Kaneko, Yoshiaki Nagamura
  • Patent number: 7934783
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided, comprising a door pivotably engaged with a body and a counterbalance assembly coupled therebetween for facilitating pivoting of the door. The counterbalance assembly includes a first and second biasing member, each coupled to the body and serially engaged with a respective first and second flexible element coupled to the door. A guide member is secured to the body and includes a fixed arcuate member defining a first guide track, and a pulley rotatable about an axis and defining a second guide track. The first flexible element is at least partially wrapped about each of the fixed arcuate member and the pulley so as to serially engage the first and second guide tracks. The second flexible element is at least partially wrapped about a second side of the fixed arcuate member so as to engage the first guide track. An associated apparatus and method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Van Vooren, Jerry Olesen, Jason Duckworth, Ronald G. Tynes, Daniel M. Stewart, John Helgesen
  • Patent number: 7877931
    Abstract: The present superstructure involves, for each upright, a spacer section bar (3), a hinge-bearing section bar (6), a hinge (8), a piston (13) that helps to lift the pane (1), and is completed by a gripper (9) for supporting the pane (1), a closing section bar (11) and a gasket; the section bar (3) has a box section so that it can be adjusted to be joined together with the section bar (6); each hinge (8) is fixed to the section bar (6) and at its end to be fixed to the gripper (9), bears conical guides (8.1) suitable for fitting the conical arms (9.1) situated on the gripper (9) itself; a gasket (12) is fixed to the gripper (9); where spherical panes (1) are involved, hinges (15) are used containing a body (15.1) and a connecting piece (15.2) that can be rotated with respects to the body (15.1) so that the panes (1) can be fitted on at different lengths of the circular arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: N.E.M. Nord Est Meccanica S.N.C.
    Inventor: Alessandro Cianetti
  • Patent number: 7880085
    Abstract: A water deflection system is provided for use with a wall mounting assembly, wherein the water deflecting system and the wall mounting assembly are suitable for mounting to a wall of a structure, such as a building. The mounting plate and the cover plate of the wall mounting assembly are spaced apart from one another and/or provide sufficient clearance to allow for a downward flow of water therebetween. The water deflection system interrupts, channels, and/or directs this downward flow of water and safely diverts the water away from the region proximate to the top portion of the cut hole towards a region proximate to and/or below the bottom of the cut hole, thereby preventing the damage associated with water being introduced behind the siding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tapco International Corporation
    Inventors: Aundrea Nurenberg, Michael C. Clark
  • Patent number: 7862132
    Abstract: A dishwasher is provided, comprising a door pivotably attached to a body and having a counterbalance assembly coupled therebetween for facilitating pivoting of the door, wherein the counterbalance assembly includes a biasing member coupled to the body and serially engaged with a flexible element coupled to the door, and a guide member secured to the body and including a fixed arcuate member defining a first guide track, and a pulley rotatable about an axis and defining a second guide track, wherein the flexible element is at least partially wrapped about each of the fixed arcuate member and the pulley so as to serially engage the first and second guide tracks, and wherein the first guide track of the fixed arcuate member is offset from the second guide track of the pulley along the axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald G. Tynes, Daniel M. Stewart, John Helgesen
  • Publication number: 20100327718
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a door on a side surface of a body of the apparatus. Three pivot points for supporting the door to be capable of pivoting horizontally are disposed in the rear side of the apparatus body, in an upper section, in a middle section and in a lower section, respectively. The upper pivot point and the lower pivot point are adjustable with reference to the middle pivot point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kouki Muramoto, Hideyuki Nukumi
  • Patent number: 7829788
    Abstract: Apparatus for coupling a signal between a wiring and a device. Junction box mounting is popular in North America, whereas cavity mounting is popular in Europe and the Middle East. The apparatus includes an adapter and provides universal mounting for specialized faceplates which are designed and intended for junction box mounting. The adapter features clamps for gripping the inner surface of a wall cavity or sleeve and a plate for mounting an faceplate designed for junction box mounting. The plate has mounting points with a nominal center-to-center distance of 3¼ inches, corresponding to the requirements of junction box mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mosaid Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Yehuda Binder, Ami Hazani
  • Patent number: 7820910
    Abstract: An electrical device cover with a lid coupled to a base assembly including an adapter that couples to the base through sliding lateral to the opening in the base. Particular implementations of an adapter include adapters with “L-” or other-shaped engagement tabs and adapters including straight, flat or pin-shaped engagement tabs. In particular implementations using an engagement tab, the adapter may be moved toward the base either before or after sliding parallel to the base surface, and thus engages with the base. In other implementations, the adapter is simply slid parallel to the base surface to engage with the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: TayMac Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Cleghorn, Jeffrey P. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7770985
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a door having an outer panel portion and an inner panel portion, with a plurality of mounting members being spaced about the outer panel portion of the door. A glass panel assembly, including a glass panel and a plurality of mounting elements, is detachably mounted to the door through the interengagement of the plurality of mounting elements with the plurality of mounting members. The mounting elements are adhesively secured to the glass panel. Neither the plurality of mounting members nor the plurality of mounting elements are readily visible normally when viewing the kitchen appliance such that the glass panel appears to float relative to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventors: Norman B. Davis, Lawrence J. Ertz, Jon Freesmeier, Steven M. Haring, Chad Jonathan Rotter, Barry E. Tuller
  • Patent number: 7712850
    Abstract: The drop-bin unit has at least several bins arranged to pivot outwardly about a generally horizontal axis, from a closed position where outer faces of the bins are generally aligned vertically with each other, to an open position where the outer surfaces angle outwardly from their closed positions. The bins are stacked one above another within a housing, and are connected together, for example via at least one gang bar, such that pivoting one bin outwardly causes all of the bins to pivot outwardly in unison. The units may be sold separately, for use as stand-alone containers, or may be sold to be placed in a holder which holds one or preferably a number of the units. The holder can be sold with one or more of the units, or may be sold as a completely separate item. The holder can take a variety of forms. The units on their own or in holders provide flexibility for carrying job-specific items, avoiding the need to carry an entire toolbox to a particular job.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Team Fair Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Kailash C. Vasudeva
  • Patent number: 7707687
    Abstract: An opening/closing device for a double flap door of an item of furniture, wherein the top part and the bottom part of the door are not hinged to each other. The device is connected to the furniture item to cause the top part of the door to rotate with respect to the furniture item and an articulated quadrilateral causes the bottom part of the door to rotate with respect to the top part concomitantly with the rotation of the top part of the door with respect to the furniture item. The articulated quadrilateral includes a first and a second arm each having one end hinged to the bottom part of the door and the other end hinged to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Effegi Brevettie S.r.l.
    Inventor: Antonio Giovannetti
  • Patent number: 7617947
    Abstract: A reusable box has a floor having opposite side edges and opposite end edges bridging the side edges, respective side walls extending upward from the side edges, a fixed end wall extending upward from one of the end edges and fixedly bridging between the side walls, and a movable end wall extending in a closed position upward from the other of the end walls and fitting between the side walls. The movable end wall is displaceable between a position clear of the side walls and giving access to an interior of the box at the other end. Formations extend to upper edges of both of the end walls that for nesting interfit and that for stacking vertically engage each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Fritz Schafer GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Schäfer
  • Patent number: 7579548
    Abstract: An adapter for mounting electrical outlet faceplates designed for mounting on rectangular junction boxes in hollow walls onto solid walls with cylindrical cavities and sleeves. Junction box mounting is popular in North America, whereas cavity mounting is popular in Europe and the Middle East. Such an adapter provides universal mounting for specialized faceplates which are designed and intended for junction box mounting. The adapter features clamps for gripping the inner surface of a wall cavity or sleeve and a rectangular plate for mounting an faceplate designed for junction box mounting. The rectangular plate has mounting points with a nominal center-to-center distance of 3¼ inches, corresponding to the requirements of junction box mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Mosaid Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Yehuda Binder, Ami Hazani
  • Publication number: 20090200904
    Abstract: In a closet with an upper shelf and a door opening defined laterally by two vertical door frame posts which extend to the ceiling, a box frame having a box frame opening and a box frame door system is installed between these posts and above the location of the door opening. The box frame is fastened either to the door frame posts or to the ceiling to provide an opening by which articles may be more readily placed on the upper shelf. The upper shelf within the closet may extend only for a portion of the depth of the closet leaving a gap between such shelf and the box frame thereby providing access to objects present on the shelf through such gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: JEAN-JACQUES DESGRANGES
  • Patent number: 7552983
    Abstract: A door basket for a refrigerator is provided that includes a fixed casing portion and a pivotable accommodation portion. The fixed casing portion includes a predetermined seating space opened upward and forward and is formed to extend from side to side and be fixed horizontally to a door liner. The pivotable accommodation portion includes a predetermined accommodation space opened upward is pivotably installed to the fixed casing portion, and is formed to extend from side to side. A lower surface of the pivotable accommodation portion is supported on a bottom surface of the fixed casing portion in a state in which food is accommodated in the accommodation space. Both the fixing casing portion and the pivotable accommodation portion may be formed by injection molding. With such structure, the door basket for a refrigerator may be manufactured at reduced cost, prevent accommodated foods from hindering pivoting thereof, be easily manufactured and installed, and be freely adjusted in installation height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Tae-Su Shin
  • Patent number: 7536752
    Abstract: A rack mounted component door system according to the present invention is used in conjunction with a conventional equipment rack to secure components in the rack and to provide access to features of the components positioned away from the front side of the rack. The component door system includes two hinge assemblies that can be attached directly to two opposing vertical members of the front side of a conventional rack. The component door system also includes a panel that can be of conventional configuration or tailored for the component door system. The panel is attached to the two hinge assemblies to extend between the two front side vertical members of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Erik Laursen
  • Patent number: 7516704
    Abstract: A portable paint station that includes a work table and a pair of legs that are positionable in a retracted position and an extended position. In one form, the paint station provides a work surface that may be selectively positioned at two distinct heights. In another form, the paint station provides a work surface with a roller tray recess that may be selectively covered to resist the formation of a skin on paint that is located in the recess. In a further form, the paint station provides a work table with a pair of legs. At least one set of the legs has a handle aperture that may be employed to hand carry the paint station on its side. In yet another form, the paint station includes a roller tray assembly that facilitates the short-term storage of a paint roller that is loaded with paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Snider, Robert H. Gifford, Thomas J. Wheeler, Alfred H. Judge, Christopher J. Murray, Mark Lawrence, Marcus W. Bosch, Jason Busschaert, Robert David Watters, Aldo Faustino Balatti, Michael Georges Sirois, Cliff Dean Read, Steven Canova
  • Patent number: 7497532
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carcass member, in particular a cupboard, a chest of drawers or the like, comprising a flap by which the carcass member can be closed and comprising a fitting which has a mounting panel and a support arm connected in its end region to the flap directly or indirectly, with the mounting panel being mounted on the outer side of a wall of the carcass member and with the support arm being pivotally arranged on the mounting panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Arturo Salice S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Patent number: 7494195
    Abstract: An electronic device enclosure includes a base (20), a bracket (10) pivotally connected with the base; and a pair of connecting pieces (30) pivotally attached to the bracket. The base forms a pair of projections (213). The connecting pieces each defines a guideway (35) corresponding to the projections for guiding rotation of the bracket with respect to the base, and a retaining hole (353) engaging with the projections for suspending the bracket over the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shao-Bo Han
  • Patent number: 7478891
    Abstract: An actuating-arm drive is provided for cupboard doors. The drive includes an actuating arm that is hinged to a door and is subjected to the action of a spring. The actuating arm can be tilted over a pivoting area that is delimited by two end positions. The actuating-arm drive is equipped with at least one damper that damps the tilting motion of the actuating arm before the arm reaches either of the two end positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Julius Blum GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Hollenstein
  • Patent number: 7472972
    Abstract: A fireproof filing cabinet is disclosed. The cabinet has a shelf on which material such as files can be stored, having an open front side enclosable by a fireproof door. The door rotatably engages a retracting mechanism having a lift assist, so that the door rotates from a closed position, enclosing and sealing the shelf, to an open position, and then to a retracted position inside a compartment mounted adjacent to the shelf A lift assist mechanism enables opening and closing the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Schwab Corporation
    Inventor: Donald J. Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 7455373
    Abstract: An electric arc engine welder housing has an opening defined by the housing and a door connected to the housing. The door has a first panel and a second panel. The second panel has a pair of members extending from opposite ends of the second panel. The members are selectively received by slots formed on opposite walls of the opening. The members slide along the slots during movement of the second panel. The housing has mounting brackets each of which has a first leg and a second leg, each having an opening therethrough. The legs are substantially perpendicular to one another. The first leg is mounted to a side wall of the cabinet, and the second leg is mounted to a support surface for the cabinet. Fastening members secure the legs to the cabinet side wall and the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Bender, David E. Osicki
  • Patent number: 7456359
    Abstract: An outlet cover system for efficiently covering an electrical outlet. The outlet cover system generally includes a cover including a front portion, wherein the front portion includes an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface and at least one post including an inner end and an outer end opposite the inner end, wherein the post extends from the inner surface of the front portion. The post is nonconductive and removably positionable within a ground contact of an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Roger M. Tidd
  • Patent number: 7357467
    Abstract: A door assembly is made up of a door provided in a cabinet of a home appliance, such as a dishwasher, and a door handle for operating the door. The door assembly includes a door, installed in the cabinet, having an exterior surface; a door handle, affixed to the door at the exterior surface of the door, for manually operating the door; and at least one door handle coupler, fixed to the door handle and detachably fixed to the door. The door handle coupler has a pair of axially arranged coupling devices, including a first coupling device for fixing the at least one door handle coupler to the door handle, and a second coupling device for detachably coupling the at least one door handle coupler with the door. The door handle is affixed to the door by receiving an insertion of the first coupling device to a predetermined depth. The door has an interior surface, opposing the exterior surface, for preventing an escape of the second coupling device. The door assembly is particularly adapted for use in a dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jae Hyuk Lee
  • Publication number: 20070210681
    Abstract: A network cabinet is provided comprising a door comprising first and second opposing lateral sides. A hinge lever is rotatably connected to the door and a retractable hinge pin is connected to the hinge lever and is positioned closer to the first lateral side of the door than the second lateral side. A lever stop is also connected to the door and is associated with the hinge lever. The lever stop prevents retraction of the hinge pin from an extended position with the second lateral side of the door in an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: PANDUIT CORP.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Adducci, Jonathan D. Walker, Brendan F. Doorhy
  • Patent number: 7176379
    Abstract: An electrical cover plate includes a base having a planar member. A first set of removable tabs is connected to the base so that removal of the first set of removable tabs forms a first set aperture, and a second set of removable tabs is connected to the base so that removal of the second set of removable tabs forms a second set aperture. The first set aperture and the second set aperture may each be bounded by an aperture periphery line so that the aperture periphery lines intersect. Also, the first tab set and the second tab set may have at least one tab in common, and each tab set may be bounded by a tab set periphery line so that the tab set periphery lines intersect. The tabs may be connected to the base by grooved connectors, connecting tabs, or other connections that removably connect the tabs to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: Michael J. Shotey, Marcus J. Shotey, Edgar W. Maltby
  • Patent number: 7168477
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting apparatus for a two-leaf folding flap or folding door which can be pivoted about horizontal axes, consisting of a two-arm lever which is pivotably supported about a horizontal pivot axis on a side carcass part and whose longer arm is hinged to the lower leaf of the folding flap or folding door and of a pressure element whose one end is pivotably connected to the carcass part and whose other end is connected to the lever. In accordance with the invention, the longer lever arm of the two-arm lever is hingedly and displaceably connected to the lower leaf. Furthermore, the relative movement between the hinge point of the lever and the lower leaf is braked by a spring or friction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Arturo Salice S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Salice
  • Patent number: 7111914
    Abstract: A combination tilt-out and pick-off basket assembly for storing items on a door of a refrigerator includes a coated wire basket pivotally attached to a molded plastic basket frame. Pivot shafts on the basket snap-fittingly engage apertures in the basket frame and allow the basket to move between a retracted position, wherein the basket is substantially recessed within the basket frame, and a tilt-out position, wherein a substantial body portion of the basket is exposed outside the basket frame. A stop member is provided for limiting the degree to which the basket can pivot relative to the basket frame. Mounting members formed in the basket frame allow the assembly to be removably supported on mounting supports on a freezer or fresh food compartment door liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Jose G. Avendano
  • Patent number: 7090316
    Abstract: A tilting organizer including a base section and a supply section movably connected to the base section. The base section being a single unit having no movable parts and including at least one sidewall with a groove formed therein. The supply section being a single unit having no movable parts and including a plurality of compartments formed therein for storage and an arm formed in an exterior sidewall for movably engaging the groove. When the arm moves within the groove the supply section moves within the base section. The supply section can extend from the base section and tilt so as to provide a topical view and access to the compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Model
  • Patent number: 6969129
    Abstract: An anti-tip linkage mechanism for vertical file cabinets of the type having drawers and/or pivotal front panels includes molded polymeric cam follower housings that snap-fit onto each of the slide channels for the drawers or panels and non-circular connecting rods attached to cam actuators that enable interaction of the anti-tip mechanisms incorporated with each slide channel. Lock actuated auxiliary cam mechanisms and panel locking assemblies controllable by a single cabinet lock are connected with a cabinet lock by linkage bars or cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: CompX International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Ludwig, Jamie L. Payne, Todd T. Andres, Robert Dalton, Glyn A. Finch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6969130
    Abstract: An electronic device enclosure is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the enclosure includes a housing and at least one door pivotally connected to the housing, wherein the door is pivotally moveable between a closed position and an open position about a first pivot axis. The enclosure also includes at least one shield connected to the housing, wherein the shield is pivotally moveable between a closed position and an open position about a second pivot axis, and wherein the shield is adapted to protect the enclosure from adverse environmental conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Newton, Jr., Frederick James Diggle, Paul Brent Rivers
  • Patent number: 6863358
    Abstract: A storage cabinet employing a door formed in one monolithic piece from a thin sheet of light-weight but relatively rigid material, such as compressed resin-bonded plastic fibers. The door has a pair of panels, such as upper and lower door panels, integrally joined through a living hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Beyer, Steven J. King, Mark A. Powell, Bryan L. Roels, Thomas F. Ysseldyke
  • Patent number: 6854814
    Abstract: A point of sale display station for holding products to be sold, includes a peripheral wall which forms an enclosure for the products, the peripheral wall having a front open area for removal of the products from the enclosure; a roof secured to the peripheral wall, the roof extending substantially to a front surface of the display station; a cover pivotally mounted at a top front section of the peripheral wall for movement between a first position in covering relation to the front open area and a second position above the front open area and substantially flush and parallel with the front surface of the display station, the cover including a display arrangement on a rear surface thereof for providing information regarding the products in the enclosure; and a securing arrangement for releasably securing the cover in the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: InterMarket Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Gardner, Joseph Gerardiello
  • Patent number: 6793300
    Abstract: An apparatus for the convenient storage of a cutting board in a kitchen cabinet and the method of installation thereof. The method involves three easy steps of marking the cabinet wall, cutting out the marked portion and placing a framed door and storage pocket unit into the opening formed by the removed portion and installing a plurality of screws into the frame and cabinet wall to secure the unit in place. The apparatus has a frame and hinged door that includes a storage pocket on the inside thereof for receiving a cutting board and is retractable to expose the cutting board for ready use. After use, the cutting board is returned to the pocket and the cutting board is stored out-of-the-way ready for future use. Two embodiments of the frame member are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Frank Gillette
  • Publication number: 20040004421
    Abstract: A device to lock a cover of a door shelf of a refrigerator. The door shelf has a main body and a cover hinged to the main body in such a way as to selectively open the main body. The device includes a seating unit and a projection. The seating unit has a seat and elastically engages with the projection to provide an improved engagement between the cover and the main body of the door shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Myeong Han
  • Publication number: 20030230956
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub, a frame extending around the tub, and a door pivotally secured to the frame for movement between a vertical closed position and a horizontal open position. Hinges are provided on each side of the door to provide a door pivot axis, and are fixed to the frame of the dishwasher. The hinges are accurately positioned relative to the tub by providing at least one boss on each side of the tub, and a recess or hole in each hinge to receive the boss. The hinges are then secured to the frame with screws or by welding. Thus, the hinges are accurately aligned with one another at the proper location on the frame so as to provide proper sealing between the door and the tub when the door is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Christopher L. Flowers, Thomas M. Johnson, Barry E. Tuller
  • Publication number: 20030205952
    Abstract: An escutcheon for an appliance door assembly is provided. The escutcheon includes a control panel mounting surface comprising a lower edge, and a plurality of formations depending from said lower edge and defining a retaining slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: John Joseph DiEnno, Roger Shawn Nelson, Jeffrey Thomas Kiesler, Deryl Craig York, Raymond Edward Yuenger
  • Publication number: 20030205954
    Abstract: An outer door panel for an appliance door assembly is provided which includes a frame comprising opposite lateral sides, an outer surface extending from the frame and bowed between the lateral sides, and a recessed control mounting surface extending from the outer surface between the lateral sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Max Douglas Oyler, Jeffrey Thomas Kiesler, Deryl Craig York, Lance Alan Wolf
  • Patent number: 6629620
    Abstract: A food service receptacle suited for storing and protecting a variety of prepared food items using efficient and manageable containers to allow easy and efficient food transfer. One embodiment includes a box, a closure unit, specialized containers and support members. The box can be lined with a watertight material such as plastic or galvanized metal. The closure unit is hingedly mounted to said box and has openings covered by a netting material and also has a plurality of collapsible support arms to support an open position. The support members can be detachable and covered with a non-corrosive material at their bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Christine A. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20030168952
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Ching-Yang Huang, Jung-Sheng Huang
  • Publication number: 20030052578
    Abstract: A pivot axis structure of an industrial computer door guard comprises a big-head screw, two side shells and two washers; wherein a root portion of a screw post of the big-head screw is disposed circularly with a basin-shaped side shell and a washer is disposed therein; another basin-shaped side shell is also disposed with a washer therein; two end portions of the computer door guard protrude outside two sides of a machine face plate; the screw posts of the big-head screws go outwardly through the respective side plates of the door guard and the mentioned side shells from inside; the distal ends thereof are screwed to the machine body to make the two washers attach relatively to the two sides of the side plates of the door guard in a certain tightness to produce a proper resistance so as to enable the door guard to be positioned at any angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Kuo-Chuan Hung
  • Publication number: 20030052577
    Abstract: A bulk merchandise-vending machine with a base supporting a merchandise storage member, a mechanism plate positioned to form a closure member for the base and removable therefrom by a forward pivotal movement about its bottommost edge while the storage member is tilted slightly upwardly about its rearmost edge, wherein the front of the storage member is provided with a locking element cooperative with a lock carried by the mechanism plate and operable positively to prevent the storage member from tilting about its rear lower edge and separate from the mechanism plate, whereby unauthorized access to the mechanism carried by the mechanism plate and/or a coin receptacle there behind is positively prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Richard K. Bolen
  • Patent number: 6471312
    Abstract: A storage apparatus includes a storage unit defining a front opening, and a closure member configured to cover the front opening. The closure member is attached to the storage unit for movement between open, intermediate and closed positions. The storage apparatus further includes a dampening element operably coupled to the closure member and the storage unit. The dampening element provides enhanced resistance to the movement of the closure member during a final phase of the opening and closing movements of the closure member while not providing enhanced resistance during an initial phase of the opening and closing movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Coffey, Richard S. Hand, Theodore M. Haan, Russell T. Holdredge
  • Patent number: 6382743
    Abstract: The news-stand body comprises a rotation-moulded plastic shell. The walls of the shell are arranged in folds, and the hinge-pin mounting holes are provided therein. The hinge pin straddles the folds, which provides for a secure and rigid mounting. The edges of the (transparent) door are bent to form flanges, and the hinge pin passes through holes in the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Go-Plastics Inc.
    Inventor: Neal Christopher Gollob