US20060214547A1 - Mechanized drawer - Google Patents
Mechanized drawer Download PDFInfo
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- US20060214547A1 US20060214547A1 US11/089,680 US8968005A US2006214547A1 US 20060214547 A1 US20060214547 A1 US 20060214547A1 US 8968005 A US8968005 A US 8968005A US 2006214547 A1 US2006214547 A1 US 2006214547A1
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- Prior art keywords
- drive
- housing
- pulley
- end fixed
- spring
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B88/00—Drawers for tables, cabinets or like furniture; Guides for drawers
- A47B88/40—Sliding drawers; Slides or guides therefor
- A47B88/453—Actuated drawers
- A47B88/46—Actuated drawers operated by mechanically-stored energy, e.g. by springs
- A47B88/467—Actuated drawers operated by mechanically-stored energy, e.g. by springs self-closing
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to actuating mechanisms for opening or closing drawers or other receptacles, extending shelves and the like, and relates more particularly to such a mechanism for actively driving the extension of a drawer or shelf, the mechanism having a push latch and at least one spring motor operable to extend the drawer or shelf via a cable or gear system.
- the present invention comprises a drive system for extending a reciprocable unit, e.g. a drawer, shelf, bin, cassette, tray, or similar member.
- the drive system is preferably housed at least partially within a modular housing unit, and preferably includes a plurality of spring motor drive units.
- the modular housing is mounted to a frame that houses the reciprocable unit.
- the spring motor drive units actuate the drawer by rotating a toothed gear wheel that meshes with a complementary gear rack, preferably attached to the drawer.
- the spring motor actuates the drawer by winding a cable, preferably attached to the drawer about a central armature.
- FIGS. 1 and 1 a illustrate top and side views, respectively, of a drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates a drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention engaged with a gear rack
- FIG. 2 a illustrates a schematic side view of a mounted drive module according a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 3 and 3 a illustrate top views, respectively, of a grooved gear wheel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 4 and 4 a illustrate top and side views, respectively, of a drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a drive module similar to FIG. 4 ;
- FIGS. 6 a - d illustrate various top and side views of a latch and pulley module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7 illustrates a combination drive module and latch-and-pulley module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 8 and 8 a illustrate top and side views, respectively, of drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a combination drive module and latch-and-pulley according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 11 and 11 a illustrate top and side views, respectively, of a drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 12 illustrates a drive module in combination with a plurality of pulley modules according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 13 a - c illustrate top, front and side views, respectively, of a bullet-nose pulley device according to the present invention
- FIGS. 14 a and 14 b illustrate side and top views, respectively, of a catch mechanism according to the present invention
- FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of a bullet-nose pulley device having a ring thereon, according to the present invention
- FIGS. 16 a - 16 d illustrate serial positions of a catch mechanism similar to FIGS. 14 a and 14 b engaging a pulley device similar to FIG. 15 ;
- FIG. 17 illustrates a drive module engaged with a rack and slide assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 18 illustrates a drive module utilizing a pulley and slide assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention of FIG. 18 ;
- FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention of FIG. 18 ;
- FIG. 21 illustrates a drive module according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 22 illustrates a vehicle storage receptacle for use with a modular drive unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- Module 10 includes a housing 12 , preferably formed from sheet steel but also possibly of plastic or another suitable material, within which a spring motor 11 is positioned.
- Spring motor 11 is preferably a conventional constant force spring motor having two take up pulleys 14 a and 14 b , however, a variable force spring motor such as a watch spring, or a greater or lesser number of pulleys might be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- Each take up pulley 14 a and 14 b preferably includes a spring 16 wound around and anchored to a center armature 18 of a main drive pulley 20 .
- Main drive pulley 20 preferably includes a drive wheel 22 populated with a plurality of teeth 26 .
- a rotary damper 30 is positioned adjacent main drive pulley 20 , and has a toothed damper wheel 32 engaging drive wheel 22 .
- Rotary damper 30 is preferably a conventional rotary damper that dampens the rotation of main drive pulley 20 in a first direction, but does not damp the rotation of pulley 20 in the opposite direction, i.e. a winding direction as explained below. If desired, a dual-directional damper might be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. All the component parts of the present invention are manufactured by known methods and by known materials.
- module 10 of FIG. 1 with gear teeth 26 of drive wheel 22 meshed with teeth on an elongate gear rack 36 .
- module 10 is mounted under the subject drawer or bin, etc.
- gear rack 36 is mounted to the drawer itself.
- the mounting configuration could be reversed without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- embodiments are contemplated in which module 10 is mounted to the drawer itself, and the gear rack 36 is mounted to the frame housing the drawer.
- drawer and the appurtenant descriptions herein, are intended to refer to any structure such as a drawer, bin, shelf, slide, cassette, tray, etc. to which the present invention might find application.
- a latch mechanism 40 is mounted to housing 12 , actuation of which initiates unwinding of the springs 16 and rotation of the spring motors 14 to drive the associated drawer (described below) to an open position, preferably limited in speed by damper 30 .
- the latch mechanisms preferably used in combination with the present invention are “push-push” latches, well known in the art. Such latches are pushed to disengage, and pushed to engage.
- FIG. 2 a there is shown a side view of unit 10 mounted in a housing assembly 11 .
- modular unit 12 is mounted in an interior of housing assembly 11 , proximate the side from which a drawer 70 extends.
- latch 40 When an operator pushes against drawer 70 (when closed), latch 40 disengages, allowing unit 12 to extend drawer 70 to an open/extended position.
- the operator can push against drawer 70 , driving it back toward a stored position, at which it re-engages latch 40 .
- Manually returning drawer 70 to its stored position re-energizes the drive unit by unwinding coil springs 16 from their respective pulleys 14 , and winding the springs onto the drive pulley 20 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative configuration for a drive pulley wheel 50 for use with the above embodiment (as well as others), particularly for use where the associated drawer is removable.
- Pulley wheel 50 has a substantially spiral groove 52 , into which a slide-bracketed pin 54 extends.
- Pin 54 is slidably mounted in a bracket 56 , and thus slidably reciprocates along bracket 56 due to rotation of wheel 50 .
- wheel 50 is rotated in a first direction (counter clockwise in FIG. 3 )
- pin 54 traverses groove 52 until it reaches a first end 58 of groove 52 or, preferably, until it bears against a physical stop (not shown) affixed to bracket 56 and preferably spanning the slot 56 a within which pin 54 slides.
- FIG. 3 a illustrates a side view of wheel 50 with bracket 56 and pin 54 .
- bracket 56 is mounted to the module housing.
- the length of the spiral path traversed by pin 54 might be varied according to the distance of drawer reciprocation desired; for example, a larger number of spirals (tighter spiral) allows wheel 50 to rotate further before pin 54 reaches the end of groove 52 , corresponding to a greater length of spring that may be wound around armature 18 . Conversely, a smaller number of spirals (broader spiral path) traversed by pin 54 corresponds to lesser rotation and a lesser length of spring wound around armature 18 .
- FIG. 4 there is shown a top and an end view of another alternative embodiment of a module 60 similar to the module of FIG. 1 .
- Module 60 differs from the FIG. 1 embodiment, however, in that a cable 62 is utilized to drive the drawer, rather than an interface with a gear rack.
- cable 62 has one end secured to a body 64 of the main drive pulley 66 , and a second end secured to the drawer 70 , as shown in FIG. 5 .
- drive pulley 66 is rotated in a manner similar to that described with respect to the FIG. 1 embodiment.
- spring-driven rotation of drive pulley 66 winds cable 62 around drive pulley 66 , pulling the drawer to an extended position.
- a unidirectional damper 68 is also preferably included with module 60 , controlling the speed of extension of the drawer.
- cable 62 extends substantially in the same direction in which the module/associated drawer travels during opening and closing, however, alternative configurations are contemplated. For certain applications, for instance, where the cable drive unit is considered too large to mount in the front of a cabinet, it may desirable to mount the cable drive mechanism of FIG. 4 at the rear of the cabinet. In this embodiment, the cable is redirected through a pulley to ultimately pull the drawer in the desired direction.
- FIG. 6 illustrates several views of a combination pulley-latch pin device 80 that properly locates the push latch mechanism, and also redirects the force from the cable.
- FIG. 7 is a module similar to the module from FIG. 4 , in combination with device 80 of FIG.
- FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment 100 in which the opening force is redirected by redirecting travel of the cable.
- a roller assembly 110 is attached to the module housing, and redirects the cable travel substantially 90°.
- the module 100 may be mounted at a right angle to the direction of pull force on the associated drawer.
- FIG. 9 illustrates module 100 and the associated cable extended.
- FIG. 10 illustrates module 100 in combination with a pulley-latch pin device similar to device 80 .
- the cable is initially directed through roller 110 , and then redirected once more through device 80 .
- Module 200 has a first cable 262 and a second cable 264 that are extendible from the module housing 201 in substantially opposite directions. In a preferred embodiment, cables 262 and 264 are redirected through a pair of pulleys 272 (as shown in FIG.
- the cables might be oriented differently.
- One cable might extend directly to the rear of the drawer, with the other cable extended at a right angle before being redirected to the rear of the drawer.
- the cables might extend initially in a substantially forward direction (parallel to the drawer travel direction), then be redirected 180° to the rear of the drawer.
- FIGS. 13 a , 13 b , and 13 c there is shown a catch mechanism 300 , particularly for cable drive applications in which it may be desirable to remove the drawer.
- Catch 300 includes a body piece 301 having a groove 304 , and a mounting plate 302 with apertures 305 for receipt of a fastener such as a screw.
- a pulley 303 is mounted in body 301 , and is preferably substantially aligned with groove 304 .
- catch 300 is mounted at or near the front of the drawer/bin frame.
- FIGS. 13 a , 13 b , and 13 c show top, front, and side views, respectively, of catch mechanism 300 .
- Hook 310 includes a hook plate 312 that is preferably mounted directly to the underside of the subject drawer.
- a plurality of holes 314 are preferably punched in plate 312 .
- the holes are punched such that they leave barbs 315 along the side of plate 312 where the punching tool exits.
- the protruding barbs assist in preventing slippage between plate 312 and the drawer to which it is attached.
- Fasteners are preferably used in conjunction with a plurality of apertures 316 in plate 312 to fasten hook plate 312 to the associated drawer.
- Hook 310 also includes a protruding hook member 317 , preferably extending downward from plate 312 .
- FIGS. 16 a - d there are shown sequentially arranged views of catch 300 engaging hook 310 .
- hook 310 is preferably affixed to a drawer 320
- catch body 301 is affixed to a drawer frame (not shown).
- FIG. 16 a illustrates the two components as they would preferably appear with drawer 320 removed from its stored position.
- hook plate 310 and catch 300 are preferably mounted such that hook member 317 is aligned with groove 304 , shown in a front view, as in FIG. 15 . As drawer 320 is moved toward the drawer frame, hook member 317 becomes engaged with groove 304 .
- drawer 320 Further movement of drawer 320 brings hook member 317 into engagement with a ring member 330 fitted over the nose of body piece 301 . As hook member 317 engages ring member 330 , and passes beyond groove 304 , hook member 317 draws ring member 330 off the nose of body piece 301 . Ring member 330 is attached to the cable used to drive the drawer 320 , and is thus held under spring tension against the nose of body piece 301 . Thus, as the drawer is moved inward, ring 330 draws the attached cable through groove 304 and across pulley 303 , winding the associated drive pulley at the opposite end of the cable, and tensioning the drive spring(s).
- the operator can actuate the drawer toward its extended position, and manually pull the drawer out of its frame.
- hook member 317 passes body piece 301
- spring tension draws the cable through groove 304 and, consequently, draws ring 330 snugly against the nose portion of body piece 301 , thereby preventing the cable from retracting into the module.
- the preferably bullet-nose shape of the nose portion of body piece 301 facilitates centering of ring 330 , leaving it in the proper position to be engaged by hook member 317 upon reinsertion of the drawer.
- FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a slide mechanism serves as a platform upon which the drawer is mounted.
- the FIG. 17 embodiment includes a dampened gear drive assembly 400 similar to that described with respect to the embodiment pictured in FIG. 1 .
- This embodiment also includes an elongate gear rack 436 mounted on a carriage 410 .
- Carriage 410 can be mounted on rollers, low-friction sliding members, or any other suitable means by which it can smoothly reciprocate within the frame.
- the actual drawer, bin, etc. can be mounted directly on top of carriage 410 .
- FIG. 18 illustrates yet another embodiment, in which a cable drive assembly 500 is mounted externally of a carriage 510 , the direction of cable travel being redirected through a pulley 520 preferably mounted on the carriage itself.
- a damper 530 is in cooperation with the cable drive assembly 500 , but is mounted such that its gear teeth 532 mesh with a gear rack 536 attached to carriage 510 inboard of the slide assembly.
- FIG. 19 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention, in which a cable drive assembly 600 similar to that disclosed with respect to FIG. 18 is employed.
- the FIG. 19 embodiment differs, however, in that the cable drive assembly 600 is mounted at the rear of the carriage 610 .
- the cable travel, and thus the pull force, is redirected 180° through a pulley 620 .
- FIG. 20 is yet another iteration of the present invention, utilizing a cable drive module 700 and carriage 710 .
- the FIG. 20 version is similar to the FIG. 19 embodiment, but employs two pulleys 720 and 721 , allowing the cable travel and opening force to be redirected a second time.
- This embodiment allows the drive unit 700 to be mounted at the rear of carriage 710 , but at approximately 90° from the direction of travel.
- FIG. 21 there is shown yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the FIG. 21 embodiment provides a drive module 810 wherein an adjustable “clock” spring 815 is positioned within a rotatable armature 813 .
- Spring 815 is preferably a standard power spring or clock spring in which energy is stored by winding it around armature 813 .
- a first end of spring 815 is preferably fixed to an inside of armature 813 , whereas a second end of spring 815 is fixed to a shaft assembly 817 .
- the drive means for drive module 810 is thus preferably embedded in the center of the rotatable drive apparatus that drives the module, allowing the drive motor and entire module to be substantially smaller than embodiments utilizing multiple drive and/or take up pulleys.
- the module design further provides a choice of gear drive or cable drive applications.
- drive module 810 preferably includes a toothed drive wheel 820 , as well as a cylindrical outer surface on which a cable (not shown) may be wound.
- Drive module 810 further provides for an adjustable force of spring 815 .
- Shaft assembly 817 preferably comprises a head portion 819 having a shaped recess 821 in a first end thereof.
- Shaft assembly 817 is further reciprocable between a first position and a second position, and is preferably biased toward its second position with a wave spring 823 positioned between head portion 819 and a housing 811 .
- a preferably threaded member 809 is engaged with a protrusion 830 , preferably attached to or integral with housing 811 .
- a notch, groove or other similar feature is formed in member 809 , and engages protrusion 830 in a substantially mating fashion.
- Various threaded members such as nylock type nuts or jam nuts may be used, preferably minimizing relative rotation between the threaded portion of shaft assembly 817 and the nut. A mating there between fixes shaft assembly 817 against rotation relative to housing 811 .
- shaft assembly 817 might be utilized, so long as the assembly is rotatable at a first position, and fixed against rotation relative to the housing at a second position.
- shaft assembly 817 may be rotated relative to armature 813 , increasing or decreasing a tensioning of spring 815 .
- Shaped recess 821 facilitates rotation of shaft assembly 817 by allowing engagement with an adjustment tool such as a screwdriver, hex or torx wrench, etc. (not shown).
- the degree of spring adjustment depends on the number of rotations of shaft assembly 817 relative to armature 813 .
- the force of wave spring 823 causes threaded member 809 to re-engage with protrusion 830 .
- Drive module 810 is preferably mounted in any suitable configuration in cooperation with a drawer, cassette, etc. as discussed relative to the foregoing embodiments. Thus, those skilled in the art will contemplate a great variety of cable and gear drive designs suitable for application of drive module 810 .
- spring 815 When the associated “drawer” is pushed closed, spring 815 is preferably energized, i.e. wound in a direction against its inherent spring bias.
- Various push-push latches, as described herein, may be utilized in conjunction with drive module 810 .
- the present description is for illustrative purposes only, and should not be construed to limit the breadth of the present invention in any way.
- the present invention might be adapted for use as a rotational drive system.
- the modular unit described with respect to FIG. 1 might be adapted to rotationally drive a unit, for example, by affixing a rounded rather than linear gear rack to the unit to be driven.
- This application might be useful for driving a rotating shelf unit such as a “Lazy Susan.”
- the cable drive units for instance those described with respect to FIG. 4 , might be adapted for use with a rotating structure.
- Still further designs are contemplated, including, for example, tie racks, shoe racks and similar devices might all benefit from the use of the present push-push controlled drive mechanism.
- Other contemplated applications include automobile storage containers such as tape or CD trays.
- a modular unit such as the molded plastic unit shown in FIG. 22 is fitted with any of a variety of drive modules, as described herein. Further modifications to the plastic drive unit of FIG. 22 might include integrally molded gearing features such as a gear rack molded as part of the original module.
- a push-push latch similar to those previously described might be utilized.
Abstract
A modular drive unit for controllably extending a storage receptacle such as a drawer or shelf, wherein the drive unit comprises a drive pulley, a take up pulley and an elongate spring member biased such that the spring member has a tendency to wind about one of the take up pulley and the drive pulley. The modular drive unit further includes a drive wheel rotatably coupled to the drive pulley, a rotation thereof providing a drive force for extending of the storage receptacle. The drive wheel includes either or both of a toothed gear wheel and a cylindrical shaft for receiving a drive cable windable thereon.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to actuating mechanisms for opening or closing drawers or other receptacles, extending shelves and the like, and relates more particularly to such a mechanism for actively driving the extension of a drawer or shelf, the mechanism having a push latch and at least one spring motor operable to extend the drawer or shelf via a cable or gear system.
- Various means for driving opening and/or closing of cabinet drawers, shelves, and various types of storage racks have long been known in the art. For example, various spring-loaded cash registers and tool drawers are known. In one typical design, an operator pushes a button, electronically or mechanically actuating a release mechanism, allowing extension of a drawer, shelf or similar storage receptacle under the action of a spring. Although such designs have been shown to be useful in certain applications, they tend to be relatively bulky and require complex and expensive retrofitting of structures to which they are applied. Moreover, many examples of such devices require manual actuation of a switch, button, latch or similar mechanism. In certain environments, manual manipulation of switches, handles, etc. can provide a significant risk of bacterial and/or chemical contamination. It is thus desirable to provide an actuating mechanism that overcomes one or more of the problems or shortcomings set forth above.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a drive system for a reciprocable unit that allows hands-free opening and closing.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a modular drive system for a drawer or similar unit.
- The present invention comprises a drive system for extending a reciprocable unit, e.g. a drawer, shelf, bin, cassette, tray, or similar member. The drive system is preferably housed at least partially within a modular housing unit, and preferably includes a plurality of spring motor drive units. In one preferred embodiment, the modular housing is mounted to a frame that houses the reciprocable unit. In another preferred embodiment, the spring motor drive units actuate the drawer by rotating a toothed gear wheel that meshes with a complementary gear rack, preferably attached to the drawer. In another preferred embodiment, the spring motor actuates the drawer by winding a cable, preferably attached to the drawer about a central armature.
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FIGS. 1 and 1 a illustrate top and side views, respectively, of a drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention engaged with a gear rack; -
FIG. 2 a illustrates a schematic side view of a mounted drive module according a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 3 and 3 a illustrate top views, respectively, of a grooved gear wheel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 4 and 4 a illustrate top and side views, respectively, of a drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a drive module similar toFIG. 4 ; -
FIGS. 6 a-d illustrate various top and side views of a latch and pulley module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a combination drive module and latch-and-pulley module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 8 and 8 a illustrate top and side views, respectively, of drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 illustrates a combination drive module and latch-and-pulley according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 11 and 11 a illustrate top and side views, respectively, of a drive module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 illustrates a drive module in combination with a plurality of pulley modules according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 13 a-c illustrate top, front and side views, respectively, of a bullet-nose pulley device according to the present invention; -
FIGS. 14 a and 14 b illustrate side and top views, respectively, of a catch mechanism according to the present invention; -
FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of a bullet-nose pulley device having a ring thereon, according to the present invention; -
FIGS. 16 a-16 d illustrate serial positions of a catch mechanism similar toFIGS. 14 a and 14 b engaging a pulley device similar toFIG. 15 ; -
FIG. 17 illustrates a drive module engaged with a rack and slide assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 18 illustrates a drive module utilizing a pulley and slide assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention ofFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention ofFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 21 illustrates a drive module according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 22 illustrates a vehicle storage receptacle for use with a modular drive unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 1 a, there are shown top and side views, respectively, of agear drive module 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Module 10 includes ahousing 12, preferably formed from sheet steel but also possibly of plastic or another suitable material, within which aspring motor 11 is positioned.Spring motor 11 is preferably a conventional constant force spring motor having two take uppulleys 14 a and 14 b, however, a variable force spring motor such as a watch spring, or a greater or lesser number of pulleys might be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Each take uppulley 14 a and 14 b preferably includes aspring 16 wound around and anchored to acenter armature 18 of amain drive pulley 20.Main drive pulley 20 preferably includes adrive wheel 22 populated with a plurality ofteeth 26. In a preferred embodiment, arotary damper 30 is positioned adjacentmain drive pulley 20, and has atoothed damper wheel 32engaging drive wheel 22.Rotary damper 30 is preferably a conventional rotary damper that dampens the rotation ofmain drive pulley 20 in a first direction, but does not damp the rotation ofpulley 20 in the opposite direction, i.e. a winding direction as explained below. If desired, a dual-directional damper might be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. All the component parts of the present invention are manufactured by known methods and by known materials. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , there is shownmodule 10 ofFIG. 1 withgear teeth 26 ofdrive wheel 22 meshed with teeth on an elongate gear rack 36. In a preferred embodiment,module 10 is mounted under the subject drawer or bin, etc., and gear rack 36 is mounted to the drawer itself. It should be appreciated, however, that the mounting configuration could be reversed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For instance, embodiments are contemplated in whichmodule 10 is mounted to the drawer itself, and the gear rack 36 is mounted to the frame housing the drawer. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term “drawer,” and the appurtenant descriptions herein, are intended to refer to any structure such as a drawer, bin, shelf, slide, cassette, tray, etc. to which the present invention might find application. Alatch mechanism 40 is mounted tohousing 12, actuation of which initiates unwinding of thesprings 16 and rotation of the spring motors 14 to drive the associated drawer (described below) to an open position, preferably limited in speed bydamper 30. The latch mechanisms preferably used in combination with the present invention are “push-push” latches, well known in the art. Such latches are pushed to disengage, and pushed to engage. Referring toFIG. 2 a, there is shown a side view ofunit 10 mounted in ahousing assembly 11. In the embodiment pictured inFIG. 2 a,modular unit 12 is mounted in an interior ofhousing assembly 11, proximate the side from which adrawer 70 extends. When an operator pushes against drawer 70 (when closed), latch 40 disengages, allowingunit 12 to extenddrawer 70 to an open/extended position. When closing ofdrawer 70 is desired, the operator can push againstdrawer 70, driving it back toward a stored position, at which it re-engageslatch 40. Manually returningdrawer 70 to its stored position re-energizes the drive unit by unwindingcoil springs 16 from their respective pulleys 14, and winding the springs onto thedrive pulley 20. -
FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative configuration for adrive pulley wheel 50 for use with the above embodiment (as well as others), particularly for use where the associated drawer is removable.Pulley wheel 50 has a substantiallyspiral groove 52, into which a slide-bracketedpin 54 extends.Pin 54 is slidably mounted in abracket 56, and thus slidably reciprocates alongbracket 56 due to rotation ofwheel 50. Whenwheel 50 is rotated in a first direction (counter clockwise inFIG. 3 ),pin 54 traverses groove 52 until it reaches afirst end 58 ofgroove 52 or, preferably, until it bears against a physical stop (not shown) affixed tobracket 56 and preferably spanning the slot 56 a within whichpin 54 slides. Whenwheel 50 is rotated in a second direction (clockwise inFIG. 3 ),pin 54 traverses groove 52 until it reaches asecond end 59 ofgroove 52. In alternative embodiments (not shown), a stop might be attached tobracket 56 at both ends of the path traversed bypin 54, limiting vertical travel ofpin 54, and thus rotation ofwheel 50, in both directions. By selecting the proper groove length, the groove and slide-bracketed pin allows rotation ofwheel 50 to be limited in either or both directions such thatwheel 50 does not rotate far enough under influence of its associated coil springs (not shown inFIG. 3 ) that they become disengaged when the drawer unit is removed from its housing.FIG. 3 a illustrates a side view ofwheel 50 withbracket 56 andpin 54. In a preferred embodiment,bracket 56 is mounted to the module housing. The length of the spiral path traversed bypin 54 might be varied according to the distance of drawer reciprocation desired; for example, a larger number of spirals (tighter spiral) allowswheel 50 to rotate further beforepin 54 reaches the end ofgroove 52, corresponding to a greater length of spring that may be wound aroundarmature 18. Conversely, a smaller number of spirals (broader spiral path) traversed bypin 54 corresponds to lesser rotation and a lesser length of spring wound aroundarmature 18. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , there is shown a top and an end view of another alternative embodiment of amodule 60 similar to the module ofFIG. 1 .Module 60 differs from theFIG. 1 embodiment, however, in that acable 62 is utilized to drive the drawer, rather than an interface with a gear rack. In a preferred embodiment,cable 62 has one end secured to abody 64 of themain drive pulley 66, and a second end secured to thedrawer 70, as shown inFIG. 5 . When opening of the drawer is initiated, drivepulley 66 is rotated in a manner similar to that described with respect to theFIG. 1 embodiment. Thus, spring-driven rotation ofdrive pulley 66winds cable 62 around drivepulley 66, pulling the drawer to an extended position. Aunidirectional damper 68 is also preferably included withmodule 60, controlling the speed of extension of the drawer. - In the embodiment depicted in
FIGS. 4 and 5 ,cable 62 extends substantially in the same direction in which the module/associated drawer travels during opening and closing, however, alternative configurations are contemplated. For certain applications, for instance, where the cable drive unit is considered too large to mount in the front of a cabinet, it may desirable to mount the cable drive mechanism ofFIG. 4 at the rear of the cabinet. In this embodiment, the cable is redirected through a pulley to ultimately pull the drawer in the desired direction.FIG. 6 illustrates several views of a combination pulley-latch pin device 80 that properly locates the push latch mechanism, and also redirects the force from the cable.FIG. 7 is a module similar to the module fromFIG. 4 , in combination withdevice 80 ofFIG. 6 , illustrating the relative direction of travel of thecable 62.FIG. 8 illustrates yet anotherembodiment 100 in which the opening force is redirected by redirecting travel of the cable. Inmodule 100, aroller assembly 110 is attached to the module housing, and redirects the cable travel substantially 90°. In this embodiment, themodule 100 may be mounted at a right angle to the direction of pull force on the associated drawer.FIG. 9 illustratesmodule 100 and the associated cable extended.FIG. 10 illustratesmodule 100 in combination with a pulley-latch pin device similar todevice 80. Thus, in theFIG. 10 embodiment, the cable is initially directed throughroller 110, and then redirected once more throughdevice 80. - Referring to
FIG. 11 , there is shown yet another embodiment of thepresent invention 200, utilizing a dual cable system. It is contemplated that this embodiment will find particular application where the cable drive must move relatively heavy loads, for instance, a tool drawer weighing a hundred pounds or more when loaded. Heavier drawers have the tendency to “bind” if they are pulled asymmetrically, and it is thus desirable to attach multiple cables at or near the corners of the subject drawer.Module 200 has afirst cable 262 and asecond cable 264 that are extendible from themodule housing 201 in substantially opposite directions. In a preferred embodiment,cables FIG. 12 ), and attached to the drawer, which they can move in a fashion similar to that described with respect to the foregoing embodiments. Various modifications to the dual drive embodiment disclosed herein might be made. For instance, the cables might be oriented differently. One cable might extend directly to the rear of the drawer, with the other cable extended at a right angle before being redirected to the rear of the drawer. Similarly, the cables might extend initially in a substantially forward direction (parallel to the drawer travel direction), then be redirected 180° to the rear of the drawer. - Referring now to
FIGS. 13 a, 13 b, and 13 c, there is shown acatch mechanism 300, particularly for cable drive applications in which it may be desirable to remove the drawer. Catch 300 includes abody piece 301 having agroove 304, and a mountingplate 302 withapertures 305 for receipt of a fastener such as a screw. Apulley 303 is mounted inbody 301, and is preferably substantially aligned withgroove 304. In a preferred embodiment, catch 300 is mounted at or near the front of the drawer/bin frame.FIGS. 13 a, 13 b, and 13 c show top, front, and side views, respectively, ofcatch mechanism 300.FIGS. 14 a and 14 b illustrate side and bottom views, respectively, of ahook mechanism 310.Hook 310 includes ahook plate 312 that is preferably mounted directly to the underside of the subject drawer. A plurality ofholes 314 are preferably punched inplate 312. In a preferred embodiment, the holes are punched such that they leavebarbs 315 along the side ofplate 312 where the punching tool exits. The protruding barbs assist in preventing slippage betweenplate 312 and the drawer to which it is attached. Fasteners are preferably used in conjunction with a plurality ofapertures 316 inplate 312 to fastenhook plate 312 to the associated drawer.Hook 310 also includes a protrudinghook member 317, preferably extending downward fromplate 312. - Referring to
FIGS. 16 a-d, there are shown sequentially arranged views ofcatch 300engaging hook 310. As described,hook 310 is preferably affixed to adrawer 320, whilecatch body 301 is affixed to a drawer frame (not shown).FIG. 16 a illustrates the two components as they would preferably appear withdrawer 320 removed from its stored position. In a preferred embodiment,hook plate 310 and catch 300 are preferably mounted such thathook member 317 is aligned withgroove 304, shown in a front view, as inFIG. 15 . Asdrawer 320 is moved toward the drawer frame,hook member 317 becomes engaged withgroove 304. Further movement ofdrawer 320 bringshook member 317 into engagement with aring member 330 fitted over the nose ofbody piece 301. Ashook member 317 engagesring member 330, and passes beyondgroove 304,hook member 317 drawsring member 330 off the nose ofbody piece 301.Ring member 330 is attached to the cable used to drive thedrawer 320, and is thus held under spring tension against the nose ofbody piece 301. Thus, as the drawer is moved inward,ring 330 draws the attached cable throughgroove 304 and acrosspulley 303, winding the associated drive pulley at the opposite end of the cable, and tensioning the drive spring(s). When removal of the drawer is desired, the operator can actuate the drawer toward its extended position, and manually pull the drawer out of its frame. Whenhook member 317 passesbody piece 301, spring tension draws the cable throughgroove 304 and, consequently, drawsring 330 snugly against the nose portion ofbody piece 301, thereby preventing the cable from retracting into the module. The preferably bullet-nose shape of the nose portion ofbody piece 301 facilitates centering ofring 330, leaving it in the proper position to be engaged byhook member 317 upon reinsertion of the drawer. -
FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a slide mechanism serves as a platform upon which the drawer is mounted. In particular, theFIG. 17 embodiment includes a dampenedgear drive assembly 400 similar to that described with respect to the embodiment pictured inFIG. 1 . This embodiment also includes anelongate gear rack 436 mounted on acarriage 410. Because thedrive assembly 400 is mounted externally of the animated carriage, a longer extension is possible than in embodiments utilizing a drive module positioned beneath the animated unit.Carriage 410 can be mounted on rollers, low-friction sliding members, or any other suitable means by which it can smoothly reciprocate within the frame. In a preferred embodiment, the actual drawer, bin, etc. can be mounted directly on top ofcarriage 410.FIG. 18 illustrates yet another embodiment, in which acable drive assembly 500 is mounted externally of acarriage 510, the direction of cable travel being redirected through apulley 520 preferably mounted on the carriage itself. In the embodiment pictured inFIG. 18 , adamper 530 is in cooperation with thecable drive assembly 500, but is mounted such that its gear teeth 532 mesh with agear rack 536 attached tocarriage 510 inboard of the slide assembly. -
FIG. 19 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention, in which acable drive assembly 600 similar to that disclosed with respect toFIG. 18 is employed. TheFIG. 19 embodiment differs, however, in that thecable drive assembly 600 is mounted at the rear of thecarriage 610. The cable travel, and thus the pull force, is redirected 180° through apulley 620.FIG. 20 is yet another iteration of the present invention, utilizing acable drive module 700 andcarriage 710. TheFIG. 20 version is similar to theFIG. 19 embodiment, but employs twopulleys 720 and 721, allowing the cable travel and opening force to be redirected a second time. This embodiment allows thedrive unit 700 to be mounted at the rear ofcarriage 710, but at approximately 90° from the direction of travel. - Turning now to
FIG. 21 , there is shown yet a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. TheFIG. 21 embodiment provides a drive module 810 wherein an adjustable “clock”spring 815 is positioned within arotatable armature 813.Spring 815 is preferably a standard power spring or clock spring in which energy is stored by winding it aroundarmature 813. A first end ofspring 815 is preferably fixed to an inside ofarmature 813, whereas a second end ofspring 815 is fixed to ashaft assembly 817. The drive means for drive module 810 is thus preferably embedded in the center of the rotatable drive apparatus that drives the module, allowing the drive motor and entire module to be substantially smaller than embodiments utilizing multiple drive and/or take up pulleys. The module design further provides a choice of gear drive or cable drive applications. Thus, drive module 810 preferably includes atoothed drive wheel 820, as well as a cylindrical outer surface on which a cable (not shown) may be wound. - Drive module 810 further provides for an adjustable force of
spring 815.Shaft assembly 817 preferably comprises ahead portion 819 having a shapedrecess 821 in a first end thereof.Shaft assembly 817 is further reciprocable between a first position and a second position, and is preferably biased toward its second position with a wave spring 823 positioned betweenhead portion 819 and ahousing 811. At the shaft assembly's second position, as shown inFIG. 21 , a preferably threaded member 809 is engaged with aprotrusion 830, preferably attached to or integral withhousing 811. In a preferred embodiment, a notch, groove or other similar feature is formed in member 809, and engagesprotrusion 830 in a substantially mating fashion. Various threaded members such as nylock type nuts or jam nuts may be used, preferably minimizing relative rotation between the threaded portion ofshaft assembly 817 and the nut. A mating there betweenfixes shaft assembly 817 against rotation relative tohousing 811. - It should be appreciated that alternative means for fixing
shaft assembly 817 might be utilized, so long as the assembly is rotatable at a first position, and fixed against rotation relative to the housing at a second position. By disengagingshaft assembly 817 from its fixed position relative tohousing 811, i.e. by overcoming wave spring 823 and movingshaft assembly 817 axially such that member 809 disengages withprotrusion 830,shaft assembly 817 may be rotated relative toarmature 813, increasing or decreasing a tensioning ofspring 815.Shaped recess 821 facilitates rotation ofshaft assembly 817 by allowing engagement with an adjustment tool such as a screwdriver, hex or torx wrench, etc. (not shown). The degree of spring adjustment depends on the number of rotations ofshaft assembly 817 relative toarmature 813. When downward pressure is released fromshaft assembly 817, the force of wave spring 823 causes threaded member 809 to re-engage withprotrusion 830. - Drive module 810 is preferably mounted in any suitable configuration in cooperation with a drawer, cassette, etc. as discussed relative to the foregoing embodiments. Thus, those skilled in the art will contemplate a great variety of cable and gear drive designs suitable for application of drive module 810. When the associated “drawer” is pushed closed,
spring 815 is preferably energized, i.e. wound in a direction against its inherent spring bias. Various push-push latches, as described herein, may be utilized in conjunction with drive module 810. - The present description is for illustrative purposes only, and should not be construed to limit the breadth of the present invention in any way. Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications might be made to the presently disclosed embodiments without departing from the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. For instance, rather than being used to drive a drawer unit in a substantially linear fashion, as is conventional with drawers, slides, trays, etc., the present invention might be adapted for use as a rotational drive system. The modular unit described with respect to
FIG. 1 might be adapted to rotationally drive a unit, for example, by affixing a rounded rather than linear gear rack to the unit to be driven. This application might be useful for driving a rotating shelf unit such as a “Lazy Susan.” Further, rather than a gear interface, the cable drive units, for instance those described with respect toFIG. 4 , might be adapted for use with a rotating structure. - Still further designs are contemplated, including, for example, tie racks, shoe racks and similar devices might all benefit from the use of the present push-push controlled drive mechanism. Other contemplated applications include automobile storage containers such as tape or CD trays. In one such embodiment, a modular unit such as the molded plastic unit shown in
FIG. 22 is fitted with any of a variety of drive modules, as described herein. Further modifications to the plastic drive unit ofFIG. 22 might include integrally molded gearing features such as a gear rack molded as part of the original module. In these contemplated embodiments, a push-push latch similar to those previously described might be utilized. Other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon an examination of the attached drawing figures and appended claims.
Claims (42)
1. A drive module for extending a storage member in a controlled fashion comprising:
a housing;
a drive pulley rotatably mounted to said housing and comprising an armature;
at least one substantially circular drive wheel mounted to said drive pulley, said drive wheel rotating with said armature;
a take up pulley rotatably mounted to said housing;
an elongate spring member having a first end fixed relative to said armature, and a second end fixed to said at least one take up pulley, a bias of said spring imparting a tendency to said spring to wrap about said take up pulley.
2. The drive module of claim 1 further comprising:
a first and a second take up pulley rotatably mounted to said housing; and
a first and a second elongate spring member, each of said spring members having a first end fixed relative to said armature, and a second end fixed to one of said take up pulleys, a bias of each said spring member imparting a tendency to each said spring member to wrap about one of said take up pulleys.
3. The drive module of claim 1 wherein said at least one drive wheel comprises a gear wheel having a plurality of teeth.
4. The drive module of claim 3 wherein said gear wheel comprises a spiral groove with an inner terminus and an outer terminus, said groove adapted for sliding receipt of a peg fixed relative to said housing in a first linear direction and movable relative to said housing in a second linear direction substantially perpendicular to said first linear direction.
5. The drive module of claim 4 wherein said spiral groove has a radius decreasing around a clockwise traversal of said groove, said groove adapted for receipt of said pin at said inner terminus when said spring is substantially de-energized.
6. The drive module of claim 1 wherein said at least one drive wheel comprises a drive shaft fixed to said armature and flanked by two discs, said discs being positioned at separate axial positions relative to a rotational axis of said armature, and wherein said drive pulley is adapted to receive between said discs a drive cable windable there around.
7. The drive module of claim 6 wherein said at least one drive wheel further comprises a gear wheel having a plurality of teeth.
8. The drive module of claim 6 further comprising a roller mounted to said housing, said roller receiving said drive cable thereacross and reorienting same by at least about 90°.
9. An apparatus for controlled extension of a storage member comprising:
a housing;
at least one drive pulley rotatable relative to said housing for providing a drive force relative thereto;
a shaft assembly mounted to said housing and axially reciprocable between a first axial position at which said shaft assembly may be rotated relative to said housing, and a second axial position at which said shaft assembly is fixed relative to said housing;
an elongate spring member having a first end fixed to said shaft assembly, and a second end fixed to an inside of said drive pulley;
wherein a radial position of said shaft assembly relative to a radial position of said drive pulley defines a tensioning of said spring member, and a rotational spring force thereof.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a toothed wheel rotatably fixed to said drive pulley and a toothed rack mating therewith, a rotation of said toothed wheel meshing said toothed wheel with said toothed rack and urging said housing therealong.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising an outer cylindrical surface integral with said drive pulley, a rotation of said drive pulley winding a drive cable about said cylindrical surface.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said housing is attached to a reciprocable storage cassette, a drive force provided to said housing thereby urging said cassette in a linear direction.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said shaft assembly comprises a first end shaped to engage with an adjustment tool, and a second end shaped to engage with a protrusion on said housing, said shaft assembly biased toward said second position.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said shaft assembly comprises a shaped recess at said first end and a slotted nut threadedly received at said second end;
said nut is disengaged with said protrusion when said shaft assembly is at said first axial position whereat said shaft assembly is rotatable relative to said housing; and
said nut is engaged with said protrusion when said shaft assembly is at said second axial position, thereby preventing a rotation thereof.
15. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising a push-push latch.
16. A controllably extensible storage apparatus comprising:
a storage unit having a storage unit body and at least one receptacle movable between a retracted and an extended position;
a modular drive unit for providing a drive force for moving said receptacle to said
extended position, said drive unit comprising:
a housing;
a drive pulley rotatably mounted to said housing and comprising an armature; at least one substantially circular drive wheel mounted to said drive pulley, said drive wheel rotating with said armature;
a take up pulley rotatably mounted to said housing;
an elongate spring member having a first end fixed relative to said armature, and a second end fixed to said at least one take up pulley, a spring bias imparting a tendency for said spring to rotate said drive pulley and move the receptacle to said extended position;
a latch for retaining said receptacle at said retracted position whereat said spring is wrapped in a substantially energized state.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said spring bias imparts a tendency for said spring to wrap about said armature.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said spring bias imparts a tendency for said spring to wrap about said take up pulley.
19. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said drive unit is mounted to said storage receptacle.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising an elongate toothed rack attached to an interior of said storage unit body, wherein said drive wheel comprises a toothed drive wheel engageable with said toothed rack, a rotation of said drive wheel meshing said drive wheel with said rack and urging the storage receptacle toward its extended position.
21. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said drive wheel comprises a drive shaft fixed to said armature and adapted to receive a drive cable windable there around, said drive cable having a first end fixed to said drive shaft and a second end fixed to said storage unit body.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said drive unit is mounted to said storage receptacle.
23. The apparatus of claim 21 further comprising a plurality of drive cables windable about said drive shaft, each of said cables having a first end fixed to said drive shaft and a second end fixed to said storage unit body.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein at least one of said drive cables is passed through a roller that alters an orientation of said at least one drive cable.
25. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said roller is attached to said storage receptacle.
26. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said roller is attached to said storage unit body.
27. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said plurality of drive cables comprises at least two drive cables windable about said drive shaft in opposite directions.
28. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said drive unit is mounted to said storage unit body.
29. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein:
said drive wheel comprises a drive shaft integral with said armature and adapted to receive a drive cable windable there around, said drive cable having a first end fixed to said drive shaft and a second end fixed to a ring; and
said storage receptacle comprises a member adapted to insert through said ring upon positioning said storage receptacle in said storage unit body at said retracted position, an urging of said storage receptacle toward said retracted position energizing said elongate spring member.
30. The apparatus of claim 28 further comprising an elongate toothed rack attached to said housing, wherein said drive wheel comprises a toothed drive wheel engageable with said toothed rack, a rotation of said drive wheel meshing said drive wheel with said rack and urging said storage receptacle toward its extended position.
31. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said drive wheel comprises a drive shaft fixed to said armature and adapted to receive at least one drive cable windable there around, said drive cable having a first end fixed to said storage unit body drive shaft and a second end fixed to said storage unit body.
32. The apparatus of claim 31 further comprising a plurality of drive cables windable about said drive shaft, each of said cables having a first end fixed to said storage unit body and a second end fixed to said drive shaft.
33. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said at least one drive cable is passed through a roller that alters an orientation of said cable.
34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said roller is attached to said storage receptacle.
35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said roller is attached to said storage unit body.
36. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said plurality of drive cables comprises at least two drive cables windable about said drive shaft in opposite directions.
37. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said drive unit is mounted upon a carriage body having an elongated gear rack attached thereto.
38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said elongated gear rack meshes with teeth on said drive wheel.
39. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said carriage body is mounted on rollers.
40. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said drive unit comprises a drive shaft fixed to said armature and adapted to receive at least one drive cable windable there around, said drive cable having a first end fixed to said drive shaft and a second end fixed to said carriage body.
41. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said drive cable is passed through at least one roller that alters an orientation thereof.
42. The apparatus of claim 40 further comprising a plurality of drive cables.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/089,680 US20060214547A1 (en) | 2005-03-25 | 2005-03-25 | Mechanized drawer |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/089,680 US20060214547A1 (en) | 2005-03-25 | 2005-03-25 | Mechanized drawer |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060214547A1 true US20060214547A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
Family
ID=37034513
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/089,680 Abandoned US20060214547A1 (en) | 2005-03-25 | 2005-03-25 | Mechanized drawer |
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US (1) | US20060214547A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060261717A1 (en) * | 2005-05-17 | 2006-11-23 | Itw Industrial Components S.R.L. Con Unico Socio | Device for automatic extraction of a drawer, in particular a supply drawer for a household appliance such as a washing machine |
US20090127990A1 (en) * | 2006-06-22 | 2009-05-21 | Fredi Dubach | Retracting device for a drawer |
US20100038467A1 (en) * | 2007-04-23 | 2010-02-18 | Simon Gassner | Coupling for a movable furniture part |
US20100176255A1 (en) * | 2009-01-15 | 2010-07-15 | Cavella Joseph C | Quick lift computer stand |
US8764135B1 (en) * | 2013-03-18 | 2014-07-01 | Nan Juen International Co., Ltd. | Linking mechanism |
US9682011B2 (en) * | 2014-05-20 | 2017-06-20 | Wuxi Robust Medical Co., Ltd. | Movable medical case |
-
2005
- 2005-03-25 US US11/089,680 patent/US20060214547A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060261717A1 (en) * | 2005-05-17 | 2006-11-23 | Itw Industrial Components S.R.L. Con Unico Socio | Device for automatic extraction of a drawer, in particular a supply drawer for a household appliance such as a washing machine |
US7651179B2 (en) * | 2005-05-17 | 2010-01-26 | ITW Industrial Components SRL Con Unico Socio | Device for automatic extraction of a drawer, in particular a supply drawer for a household appliance such as a washing machine |
US20090127990A1 (en) * | 2006-06-22 | 2009-05-21 | Fredi Dubach | Retracting device for a drawer |
US7780251B2 (en) * | 2006-06-22 | 2010-08-24 | Julius Blum Gmbh | Retracting device for a drawer |
US20100038467A1 (en) * | 2007-04-23 | 2010-02-18 | Simon Gassner | Coupling for a movable furniture part |
US8344670B2 (en) * | 2007-04-23 | 2013-01-01 | Julius Blum Gmbh | Coupling for a movable furniture part |
US20100176255A1 (en) * | 2009-01-15 | 2010-07-15 | Cavella Joseph C | Quick lift computer stand |
US8764135B1 (en) * | 2013-03-18 | 2014-07-01 | Nan Juen International Co., Ltd. | Linking mechanism |
US9682011B2 (en) * | 2014-05-20 | 2017-06-20 | Wuxi Robust Medical Co., Ltd. | Movable medical case |
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