Abstract: A baby changing station includes a platform coupled by a hinge to a wall structure. The platform is movable between a closed position and an open position. The interlocking configuration of the hinge and the combination of the geometries of the platform, the wall structure and a wall portion result in a baby changing station which is sturdy and is not susceptible to contamination, given the blow-molded parts. The platform is hollow and includes a trough for receiving a baby when in the open position. The wall structure is smaller than the platform in order to be nested within the platform when in the closed position. The blow-molded hinge configuration eliminates the use of a steel pin or rod generally used in the art to strengthen the hinge. The baby changing station of the present invention provides a secure interface which may be easily cleaned and maintained and is less subject to structural damage.

Abstract: A spring counterbalanced folding wall bed having a vertically disposed shell including side walls spaced from each other and a bed frame pivotally mounted to the shell for movement between an open position and a closed position. In the open position the bed frame is substantially horizontal; in the closed position the bed frame is substantially vertical and between the side walls. A spring is mounted between a head end of the bed frame and one of the side walls and is biased to retain the bed in the closed position. One end of the spring is secured to the head end by a first pivotal connection and the other end of the spring is secured to the side wall by a second pivotal connection. At least one of the first and second pivotal connections are movable so that the length of the spring can be adjusted, whereby the spring force can be adjusted.

Abstract: A wall-mounted station for changing the diapers of a baby comprises a base configured for being vertically mounted to a wall and defining a base plane and a baby platform hingedly mounted to the base and defining a platform plane. The baby platform is operable for being movable between an opened position wherein the platform plane is disposed generally perpendicular to the base plane for the platform to receive a baby and a closed position wherein the platform plane is generally parallel to the base plane. A stop structure extends from a rear edge of the baby platform proximate the base and generally perpendicular to the platform plane. A mounting pad is positioned on the base and is disposed generally parallel to the base plane. The stop structure is operable for abutting against the mounting pad when the baby platform is moved to an open position to support the platform and maintain the baby platform perpendicular to the base when the weight of a baby is placed thereon.

Abstract: A baby diaper changing station comprises a base and a support platform hingedly mounted at one side to the base and a rail structure on at least one side of the platform to increase the effective depth of the platform. A utility channel surrounds the platform for holding various diaper changing supplies and removable protective panels are positioned on bottom and side surfaces of the platform to reduce vandalism damage. A waste chute is formed in the base or support platform of the diaper changing station and cooperates with a waste receptacle proximate the station for receiving used diapers and other related waste. Accessory hooks on the platform are configured to receive and hold diaper changing supplies, such as a diaper bag. An alternative embodiment of the diaper changing station utilizes a platform having nested sections which telescope to increase the effective depth of the platform.

Abstract: A wall-mounted station for changing the diapers of a baby comprises a base configured for being vertically mounted to a wall and defining a base plane and a baby platform hingedly mounted to the base and defining a platform plane. The baby platform is operable for being movable between an opened position wherein the platform plane is disposed generally perpendicular to the base plane for the platform to receive a baby and a closed position wherein the platform plane is generally parallel to the base plane. A stop mechanism secures the platform generally perpendicular to the base in the opened position. A flange positioned around a periphery of the base is configured for engaging a wall when the base is inset therein for covering an exposed edge of the wall and stabilizing the base in the wall.

Abstract: A folding furniture apparatus for selectively and alternatively moving a pivotally connected furniture component between a substantially horizontal usable position and a substantially vertical storage position includes a counterbalancing piston assembly and associated mounting hardware that can provide one of a selected value of torques, counterbalancing the weight of furniture component. At least one counterbalancing piston extends between an upper mounting bracket secured to a support assembly and a lower bracket secured to the furniture component, each of these brackets having a plurality of corresponding mounting points. A counterbalancing piston is pivotally secured to and extends from a selected mounting point on the lower bracket to an associated mounting point on the upper bracket.

Abstract: A wall-mounted infant changing apparatus configured to provide a relatively uniform surface in an open position for cleaning of the apparatus. The infant changing apparatus includes a support frame, a bed, a hinge means and a drive cylinder. The bed is pivotably attached to the support frame by the hinge means. The drive cylinder is also attached to the support frame and the bed to provide controlled movement of the bed from a closed position to the open position. A retaining end of the support frame and a pivot end of the bed are configured for mating interaction such that in the open position, the hinge means and the drive cylinder are shielded from waste material.

Abstract: A space saving institutional bed that is pivoted from a horizontal use position to a vertical non-use position, such that the bed lies flat against the wall upon which it is mounted. The bed includes a body supporting member, two wall mounted brackets, and pivoting assemblies mounted to the brackets and to the body supporting member. A key actuated locking assembly locks the bed in use or non-use positions.

Abstract: A baby diaper changing station comprises a base and a support platform hingedly mounted at one side to the base and a rail structure on at least one side of the platform to increase the effective depth of the platform. A utility channel surrounds the platform for holding various diaper changing supplies and removable protective panels are positioned on bottom and side surfaces of the platform to reduce vandalism damage. A waste chute is formed in the base or support platform of the diaper changing station and cooperates with a waste receptacle proximate the station for receiving used diapers and other related waste. Accessory hooks on the platform are configured to receive and hold diaper changing supplies, such as a diaper bag. An alternative embodiment of the diaper changing station utilizes a platform having nested sections which telescope to increase the effective depth of the platform.

Abstract: A folding bed apparatus having a novel moving pivot that enables the bed to be moved effortlessly from a generally horizontal operational position to a generally vertical stowed position within an attractive enclosure and also to be pulled away from the enclosure for sleeping and to permit free access to the mattress. A novel safety locking mechanism is provided to maintain the bed in the generally horizontal position when it is pulled outwardly from the storage enclosure. When the bed is in the stowed position, a comfortable seating bench is provided to accommodate one or more persons.

Abstract: This invention provides a vibration-free sleeper bed for over-the-road tractors. More particularly, this invention concerns a sleeper compartment device which provides a system whereby an off-duty driver may sleep in a vibration-free bed which remains at a preselected height, even during the over-the-road operation of the tractor. This is accomplished by providing a vertically-slidable support for the bed and using an air spring alongside a shock absorber to damp vibrations. Also, the bed itself is mounted on vibration-damping hard rubber mounts.

Abstract: A convertible furniture frame assembly (8) having a stationary base assembly (12) that supports at least one retractable supporting means (14, 16). This supporting means (14, 16) is used to support retractable furniture components (10a, 10b) as they are raised and lowered. The invention further incorporates at least one generally horizontal self standing support means (18) to stabilize the furniture frame assembly (8) and at least one torsion system (20, 20') that aids users in raising and lowering the furniture components (10a, 10b). The user is also aided by a self-energizing latching means (28) that automatically latches the retractable supporting means (14, 16) in its lowered position. The user is further convenienced by a retaining means that prevents loose articles on the furniture components (10a, 10b) from sliding into the base assembly (12) during retraction.

Abstract: A fitting for connecting a collapsible piece of furniture, particularly a folding bed, to a wall or the like. The fitting includes bearings for the piece of furniture, for at least one swivel leg linkage of the piece of furniture and/or for devices for damping or load reduction during swivel movements of the piece of furniture. The fitting has a fastening member to be connected to a wall and a support member which can be non-rotatably connected to the fastening member, wherein the fastening member is constructed so as to position the support member and wherein the bearings are provided on the support member.

Abstract: A folding bed assembly including a box-shaped support assembly connected to a wall, a box-shaped bed pad pivotally connected to the support assembly with a counter-balancing member connected between the support assembly and the bed pad to bias the pad toward a vertical position, and a bed foot pivotally connected to the bed pad and configured to allow the foot to vertically swing between positions for storage and support of the bed pad, respectively, and wherein the bed foot includes a handle. The bed pad is configured with a partially hollow construction. The bed pad also includes a transverse axle therethrough for pivotal connection with the support assembly.

Abstract: A three element pivot bearing for wood frame wall bed systems includes a spindle having an anchoring tang at one end perpendicular to its axis and two cylindrical bearing bushings each with an annular collar at one end journaled around the spindle with the annular collars facing each other. One bearing bushing is received in a hole drilled into/through a wood side frame of a mattress pallet for a wall bed with its annular collar facing out. The other bearing bushing extends into a hole drilled into-through a wood vertical side support of the wall bed with its annular collar facing in. The spindle extends through either the wood side frame of the mattress pallet or wood vertical side support of the wall bed into the respective bearing bushings with its anchoring tang secured to either of the side frame of the mattress pallet or vertical side support.

Abstract: A convertible sofa/end table/bed structure having a sofa frame having a first and second pair of sofa legs, the sofa frame being adjacent to one side of an end table having a top member and an upright bed having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion of which is attached to the opposite side of the end table from the sofa. The end table is pivotally attached to pivot support members which are, in turn, attached to the first pair of sofa frame legs adjacent to the end table. The structure is convertible into its bed mode by the top member of the end table being lifted upwards and attached to the rear side of the bed and the bed being rotated downward to a horizontal position above the sofa and end table with the top end of the upper portion of the bed resting on the top of the second pair of sofa legs.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a folding bed which includes a bed body pivotally rotatably secured to be opened or closed in a cabinet, a front panel divided into an upper panel fixed to the bed body and a lower panel for maintenance access, the lower panel being pivotally secured at a lower end thereof to a lower front portion of the bed body from a pivotal fulcrum of the bed body so as to solely opened or closed by the pivotal rotation of the bed body at the time of storing the bed body, a guide rail provided with the bed body and the lower panel extending longitudinally of the bed body, and an engaging roller projected from the lower panel and coupled to the guide rail to be movable in the opening and closing direction of the bed body, the lower panel being opened or closed in cooperation with the bed body at the time of opening or closing the bed body.

Abstract: A convertible furniture frame assembly having a stationary base assembly that supports at least one retractable supporting means. This supporting means is used to support retractable furniture components as they are raised and lowered. The invention further incorporates at least one generally horizontal self standing support means to stabilize the furniture frame assembly and at least one two-bar torsion system that aids users in raising and lowering the furniture components. The user is also aided by a self-energizing latching means that automatically latches the retractable supporting means in its lowered position. The user is further convenienced by a retaining means that prevents loose articles on the furniture components from sliding into the base assembly during retraction.

Abstract: A multifunctional, configuration-convertible furniture item is selectively convertible between at least two functional configurations. Such a furniture item includes a generally vertically upright shelving unit, with a movable frame portion and a movable extension portion. The frame portion is selectively movable between a generally vertically-extending orientation when in the above-mentioned first functional configuration and a vertically-elevated, generally horizontally-extending orientation when in a second functional configuration. The extension portion is selectively extendable outwardly from the shelving unit and selectively retractable thereto. When extended, the extension portion is vertically supported by the frame portion when the frame portion is in the second, generally horizontally-extending configuration, thus defining an elevated horizontal surface extending outwardly from the shelving unit, which can serve as a bed, a desk, a bench-type seat, or other functions in various embodiments.

Abstract: A folding baby bed has a vertically-long rectangular housing frame body portion which can be fixedly attached to a wall surface, a floor surface, or the like, at a back or bottom portion of the housing frame, and a bed portion provided at a front upper half portion of the housing frame body portion, the bed portion being pivotally attached to the housing frame body portion at opposite sides so that the bed portion can be horizontally extended and vertically folded so as to be housed in the housing frame body portion. The bed portion is constructed by upper and lower plates and a trim such that the trim is interposed between the upper and lower plates. When the bed portion is either in a vertically folded state or in a horizontally extended state, the state can be safely maintained by a supporting spring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety feature for wall beds which provides for jamming of the linkages of a counter-balancing mechanism if anchors for the mounting frame of the counter-balancing mechanism accidentally dislodge.

Abstract: A folding baby bed has a vertically-long rectangular housing frame body portion which can be fixedly attached to a wall surface, a floor surface, or the like, at a back or bottom portion of the housing frame, and a bed portion provided at a frontal upper half portion of the housing frame body portion, the bed portion being pivotally attached to the housing frame body portion at opposite sides so that the bed portion can be horizontally extended and vertically folded so as to be housed in the housing frame body portion. When the bed portion is either in a vertically folded state or in a horizontally extended state, the state can be safely maintained by a supporting spring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wall bed within an enclosure that looks like a fireplace when the bed is in a vertical position.

Abstract: A combination leaf spring hinge assembly suitable for use in retractable beds or other retractable apparatus such as work benches.The leaf spring hinge assembly includes a base and a moving slat connected by a pivot means and a combination leaf spring adapted to engage a roller chain attached to a chain sprocket attached to the moving slat. The combination leaf spring hinge assembly is designed to efficiently transfer energy from the deflected load to the springs and back again upon load repositioning.

Abstract: A wall bed is disclosed employing a linkage assembly which moves the wall bed outwardly from the wall cavity in a fashion so that the head end of the bed will not be in the wall cavity and the level of the mattress will be at a height which approximately corresponds to the height of conventional beds. There is also provided a counter balancing spring assembly employing an angle member which connects extension springs to the bed base so that they are contained within a compact structure which is received within the wall cavity. A headboard is also provided which may be tilted rearwardly or positioned at a right angle to the sleeping surface.

Abstract: A wall bed is disclosed employing a linkage assembly which moves the wall bed outwardly from a wall or cabinet in a fashion so that the head end of the bed will not be in the cavity and the level of the mattress will be at a height which approximately corresponds to the height of conventional beds. Three counter-balancing spring assemblies are disclosed. One employs an angle member which connects extension springs to the bed base so that they are contained within a compact structure which is received within the cavity. The second employs a linkage assembly having short and long links pivotably connected to each other by their ends, with an extension spring connected to the short link and a mounting frame. The third employs a linkage assembly with extension springs that neutralize the counter-balancing force when the wall bed is open to eliminate floating. A headboard is also provided which may be tilted rearwardly or positioned at a right angle to the sleeping surface.

Abstract: An automatic folding headboard for a folding wallbed functions, when the bed is in its horizontal use position, to cover the recess in the wall or cabinet into which the bed folds. The headboard automatically folds to a storage position in response to movement of the bed to its vertical storage position, without the need for separate mechanical actuators or manual operations by the operator. The headboard assembly is selectively releasable to provide access to the hinge mechanism for the bed.

Abstract: It comprises a frame which consists of two stringers joined by a plurality of spaced bars, which are articulated by at least an intermediate area which allows the take down of a track against the contiguous one to fold the frame, through one end they are articulated to some supporting feet fastened on the floor which correspond to the area of the head of a bed, on which frame is supported the framework of a bedspring or similar which supports the corresponding mattress. The frame may adopt two main positions, a horizontal and folded position to act as a bed, and a vertical extended position to act as exercise frame for the practice of gymnastics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wall bed having a support with a collapsible side table mounted to the support. The side table is movable between a folded storage position enabling the table to be retracted into the wall with the support and an extended position with the table next to the bed.

Abstract: A combination cabinet and folding bed wherein the bed may be stored in the cabinet. The cabinet can be used for other purposes, for example, a drop-down shelf on one or more sides can be provided. The folding bed is a unique arrangement of three pallets that can open out from the cabinet into a continuous horizontal surface or can fold back on each other in substantially a configuration and can be stored in the cabinet in an upside down configuration.

Abstract: A spring counter-balanced folding wall bed is described in which compression springs are mounted along the inside surfaces of the bed frame members. The bed frame members are pivoted on a supporting framework and a connecting rod extends between one end of the spring and a spring pivot which is mounted a distance D on the opposite side of the bed pivot from the bed and by a distance H above the bed pivot so that when the bed frame is raised the bed spring is extended and when the bed is lowered the spring is compressed to thereby counter-balance the weight of the bed.

Abstract: An improved wall bed lifting mechanism for providing the support and pivotal motion of both a bed and headboard structure of conventional design about a transverse axis wherein the mechanism accommodates the storing of a bed and fixed headboard in vertical relation to the floor and adjacent to the wall, and, the rotation of the wall bed and headboard into horizontal relation with the floor for usage. The mechanism comprises a lifting assembly which is independently structured and, both attached to the frame of the bed and pivotally mounted on a support frame. The support frame is fixed to a wallbed cabinet, for the successive lifting and recessing of the bed structure and is activated or operated by application of pressure to the foot of the bed by a user, either lifting the bed for storage or pulling the bed out from storage into the reclining position.

Abstract: A cabinet having a retractable bed formed from the two major components of a bed frame and a cabinet having a chamber therein for pivotally receiving the bed frame. The structure for pivotally mounting the bed frame is a pair of coiled torsion springs. These springs are mounted on a rod member whose opposite ends are secured to the side walls of the cabinet frame. The coiled torsion springs have a laterally extending leg member that is detachably captured by structure in the bed frame. These coiled torsion springs also have a second leg member and it is secured to structure for preventing the rotation of that end of the coiled torsion spring about the rod member. A vertically oriented headboard and a vertically oriented footboard each have one of their vertical edges pivotally hinged to the front edge of the side walls of the cabinet frame.

Abstract: A combined exercise station and sleeping bed is provided allowing placement of safe exercise equipment and a bed in the same area normally occupied only by a bed. This allows placement of exercise equipment in a hotel room or other place of limited space. One edge of the bed is hinged to a slidable support so that the bed may be pivoted to a vertical position to expose exercise equipment normally located under the bed.

Abstract: A convertible furniture unit includes a tip-up bed (11) whose frame (12) is movable from a horizontal to a vertical position in a wall unit (10) around a torsion bar pivot (20). Connected to the frame (12) is an auxiliary furniture piece (30) such as a table (32) or sofa which is kept horizontal by a parallelogram linkage. As the bed unit (11) is moved from the vertical to horizontal position pivot point (34) attached to the bed frame moves forwardly and downwardly collapsing legs (37,38) with respect to fixed leg (35) and moving legs (37,38) outwardly from its point of connection with pivot connector (50). The table then nests under the bed when the bed is in the "down" position. The pivot connector (50) includes a floor connector (51), a U-shaped post member (57-59) and a hook member (55) which holds the post member on the floor connection.

Abstract: A folding child support (10) for diaper changing and infant dressing includes an elongate housing (12) having a back (14) and side portions (15) for mounting on a wall or other vertical surface with hinge projections (16) projecting from the side portions (15) near the bottom of the housing (12). An elongate base (20) provides a recessed child support surface (40) with safety boundary panels (42, 44) and is constructed for complementary engagement in the elongate housing (12). The base (20) is provided with complementary hinge projection receivers or bearing surfaces (62) for removable and replaceable interfitting hinged coupling of the base (20) with the hinge projections (16) of the housing (12) and for pivotal folding of the base (20) relative to the housing (12) between a closed position and a substantially horizontal open position.

Abstract: An adjustable torsion bar assembly (10) includes a torsion bar frame (9) having upstanding legs (17, 18) and a structural frame (22) for holding a tip-up bed (11). A pair of torsion rods (20, 21) extend between a frame leg and a structural frame side. A lead screw (31) having threaded portions (32, 33) threaded in opposed helices extends between the structural frame sides which upon rotation moves a pair of pivot plates (35, 36) either inwardly or outwardly in unison. Each pivot plate includes a torsion rod-confining aperture (53, 54) in sliding engagement with a portion of a torsion span of rods as rotation of the lead screw adjusts the movement of the pivot plates along the rods changing the effective span of the torsion rods.

Abstract: Conventionally, fold-away beds include lift mechanisms either pneumatic or coil springs reacting between the rear of the bed frame and the base of the vertical support framework in order to act as counterbalances for raising and lowering the bed. This places considerable stress and strain upon the vertical frame which has to be anchored firmly to the wall or supporting surface and these anchors often become loose due to the strains imposed thereon. The present invention includes a relatively lightweight frame and bed unit pivoted by the rear thereof to adjacent the base of the frame. A pair of lift arms extend upwardly and rearwardly from the bed unit just forwardly of the pivot points and springs extend from the lift arms upwardly and rearwardly to be secured to the vertical frame sides intermediate the ends thereof. The leverage action provided is such that the vertical frame is easily secured to the wall or supporting structure as very little strain is placed thereon as the bed is raised and lowered.

Abstract: A retaining element for swinging weights includes two supporting parts which are spaced apart along a covering. The covering is pivotable around a shaft of rotation between two angular positions. A short arm, which is fixed against pivoting on the shaft of rotation, extends obliquely to the direction of extension of the covering and the direction between the supporting parts. One of the supporting parts is pivotally connected through a rod, to the free end of the oblique arm. Stretchable elements extend between the spaced supporting aparts. Pivoting of the covering between its angular positions pulls the supporting parts apart or permits them to move together, varying the tension on the stretchable elements. The second supporting part is supported on a threaded rod which permits adjustment of the tension of the stretchable elements.

Abstract: A pillow and bedding retainer for a made-up tip-up bed (11) includes a flexible concave panel (21) extending across a bed storage recess (14). The panel is freely mounted in a parallel spaced pair of horizontal open channels (22, 23) attached to a pivot frame (9) forming a bedding cavity (40). As bed (11) is tilted from a horizontal position (A) to a vertical position (C) through an intermediate position (B) the upper edge (24) of the head of a mattress (13) slidingly engages and presses the panel rearwardly further into the storage recess and tensions the pillow and upper bedding portions against the mattress head top surface retaining them in a diminishing volume of the cavity. The center of curvature of the panel is displaced from the pivot axis (30) of the bed and the panel has a radius of curvature greater than the radius of curvature of the bed pivot axis.

Abstract: Reclining radiographic wall table assembly including a wall mounted rack, a wheeled bed table having floor engaging wheels mounted at one end of the table and a rack engaging member at the other for engaging the wall mounted rack, and a control mechanism providing control of the positioning of the table so that it is selectively oriented either horizontally, vertically, or in a semi-reclining position intermediate the first two positions. The table is also provided with an ankle holding attachment mounted on the surface of the table near the rack engaging member for securing a patient onto the table when the table is in an inclined or vertical position, the patient then being inverted while being X-rayed for determining an amount of the scoliotic bend capable of being attributed to the gravitational pull upon the patient were the patient standing in an essentially upright position.

Abstract: A foldable bunk bed assembly is disclosed including an upper and lower bed assembly that can be opened independently. The upper bed assembly includes a leg assembly which includes at least one rung to facilitate climbing into the upper bed assembly. Also included are biasing means to aid in the opening and closing of the upper bed assembly.

Abstract: Convertible furniture comprising a bed frame pivotally mounted about a transverse axis between raised and lowered positions. Means is provided for applying a torque on the frame acting opposite to the force of gravity so that the forces are in substantial equilibrium in an intermediate arc of travel. In one embodiment a utility module such as a love seat is mounted with the frame through a parallelogram connection, and a latch mechanism is provided for releasable locking the frame in its horizontal position. In another embodiment a bed frame is pivotally mounted to move into a wall cavity, and a latch mechanism is provided for releasably locking the bed in either its raised or lowered positions.

Abstract: A support structure (10), preferably a rotatable bed, pivotable between a generally horizontal use position and a generally vertical storage position is disclosed. A counterbalancing mechanism (20) which reduces the amount of force needed to rotate the support structure (10) is operatively connected to the support structure (10). A drive arm (70) driven by a motor mechanism (64) in a linear direction is also operatively connected to the support structure (10). The drive arm (70) is connected to the support structure (10) through a linkage apparatus. The linkage apparatus has linkage plates (82) pivotably connected to drive arm (70) and connecting plates (92) extending from the support structure (10). A T-shaped rod mechanism (102) is engaged by latch (116), rotatably connected to the linkage plates (82), and extends through a hole in frame member (14) of support structure (10) where a coil spring (124) is received about the rod mechanism (102).

Abstract: A spring-balanced, wall-type bed-frame member, which is adapted to support at least a portion of a mattress assembly, is pivotable between a vertical position adjacent a wall and a horizontal position upon a floor for use. The bed frame portion upon which the mattress assembly will lie is pivotally mounted upon a support member mounted on rollers. One end of a connecting bar is pivotally attached to that bed frame portion towards the foot end of the bed frame relative to the pivot and the other end of the connecting bar is fixed relative to the floor and also pivotally mounted. Spring means join the bed frame portion lying towards the headboard portion of the bed frame with the bottom portion of the support section mounted on rollers.

Abstract: An improved counterbalance hinge assembly has a bias spring and uniquely shaped cam for counterbalancing inherently nonlinear forces represented by pivoting loads such as fold up wall type beds, desks, and the like. A cable attached to the spring wraps progressively around the cam surface as the bed or other load is pulled out from the wall, thereby compressing the spring. The effective radius of the cam at a given point is designed in conjunction with the peripheral extent of the cam surface up to that point, to give the desired counterbalancing force as a function of the angular position of the load. In the preferred embodiment, the effective radius is thus smaller with the bed in its horizontal position than with the bed in its vertical position. Additionally, a small offset angle may be provided in the counterbalancing mechanism near the vertical position, to aid in moving the load to and from its stored position.