Straight line suspension system for kiosks

• US 6,457,277 B1
• Filed: 08/25/2000
• Issued: 10/01/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Albin J. Tiley, John L. Hansen
• Original Assignee: Companion Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Meyers, David O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stephan, Beth A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GREEN, CHRISTY MARIE
• Application Number:
  US09/645,908
• Time in Patent Office: 767 Days
• Field of Search: 52/361, 52/64, 312/334.27, 312/334.3, 312/223.1, 248/419, 248/676, 109/24.1, 109/50
• US Class Current: 52/36.1
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/20 Automatic teller machines [ATMs]
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 19/205 Housing aspects of ATMs

Abstract

An apparatus and method for support automatic teller machines (ATM'"'"'s). A framework is formed and adapted to house the ATM. A support plate is positioned within the framework and is adapted to be linearly movable between two positions. The first position places the support plate entirely within the framework. The second position allows the support plate to at least partially protrude from the framework. The plate is then simply supported rather than by cantilever. Simply supporting the plate may include coupling the plate to the frame work with a pivotal linkage assembly.

Claims

1. A support system in combination with an automatic teller machine (ATM), wherein said support system includes a baseplate supporting said ATM and adapted for extension and retraction with respect to a housing such that an outboard edge of said baseplate extends from said housing and an inboard edge of said baseplate remains within said housing, said support system comprising:

a sliding support arrangement for said inboard edge of said base support, constructed and arranged to accommodate horizontal movement of said baseplate;

vertical support members located adjacent said baseplate;

sliding bracket structure, associated with said vertical support members and adapted for vertical travel with respect to said vertical support members;

hypotenuse links pivotally connected between respective sides of said outboard edge of said baseplate and said sliding bracket structure; and

structural links pivotally connected between said hypotenuse links and a support structure adjacent said baseplate.

2. The support system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wheels coupled to said baseplate.

3. The support system of claim 1, further comprising at least one bearing mechanism coupled to said baseplate.

4. The support system of claim 3, wherein said bearing mechanism includes a roller bearing.

5. The support system of claim 3, wherein said bearing mechanism includes a slide bearing.

6. The support system of claim 1, wherein said sliding bracket structure further includes bearing elements for facilitating vertical travel along said vertical support members.

7. The support system of claim 6, wherein said bearing elements include a slide bearing.

8. A method of supporting an automatic teller machine (ATM) comprising:

providing a framework for housing said ATM;

disposing a plate within said framework, said plate being sized and configured to support said ATM;

positioning said plate for substantially linear motion between a first position within said framework and a second position wherein said plate at least partially protrudes from said framework; and

coupling said plate to said framework through a pivoting linkage system, thereby simply supporting said plate during said protrusion from said framework; and

placing said ATM on said plate.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising operably coupling a drive mechanism to said plate to effect motion thereof between said first and second positions.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein said drive is electrically operated.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein said drive is manually operated.

12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising coupling at least one bearing element to said plate at a location for facilitating said substantial liner motion.