Modular sub-cabinet for motion furniture

• US 6,902,243 B2
• Filed: 02/25/2003
• Issued: 06/07/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/25/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Wieslaw Bober
• Original Assignee: Wieslaw Bober
• Inventors: Bober, Wieslaw
• Primary Examiner(s): Cuomo, Peter M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MCPARTLIN, SARAH BURNHAM
• Application Number:
  US10/373,997
• Publication Number:
  US 20040164659A1
• Time in Patent Office: 833 Days
• Field of Search: 312/312, 312/283, 312/290, 312/196, 312/306, 312/319.5, 312/319.7, 108/147
• US Class Current: 312/306
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/0073 liftable above the desk top
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2220/0013 Table or cupboards with upwardly concealable compartments
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 51/00 Cabinets with means for moving compartments up and down for cabinets with parts rotating about a horizontal axis A47B46/005; for show or display A47F3/06
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 81/064 vertically
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/64 Constructional details of receivers, e.g. cabinets or dust covers furniture aspects of television cabinets A47B81/06
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49716 Converting
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4984 Retaining clearance for motion between assembled parts
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49904 Assembling a subassembly, then assembling with a second subassembly

Abstract

The present invention is a sub-cabinet readily insertable and removable from a larger decorative cabinet. The invention is comprised of a box-like structure having at least three panels perpendicularly disposed with respect to a floor panel and attached thereto, a lift vertically disposed within the box-like structure and fastened thereto, and a control module disposed within the box-like structure and fastened thereto. The control module receives commands from a limit switch so as to stop the lift motion when filly retracted or extended. Furthermore, the control module regulates electrical power to a display device fastened to the lift based upon the direction of travel of the support unit. The control module receives function commands from either a wireless remote or a switch. An alternate embodiment of the present invention further comprises a safety strip attached about an edge along one or more panels adjacent to a movable lid hinged to a decorative cabinet. The safety strip communicates with the control module so as to reverse the direction of the lift when contacted. Another embodiment of the present invention further comprises one or more storage areas within the box-like structure.

Claims

1. A modular pre-assembled sub-cabinet structured and arranged to be received in a cavity of a larger finished decorative cabinet comprising:

a box-like structure having at least three panels perpendicularly disposed about a floor panel and attached thereto,

a lift vertically disposed within said box-like structure and fastened to one of said panels;

a control module disposed within said box-like structure and fastened thereto, said control module receiving commands so as to direct motion of said lift; and

safety means for detecting and communicating contact with an object to said control module, thereby ceasing motion of said lift.

2. The modular sub-cabinet of claim 1, further comprising:

(d) at least one storage area within said box-like structure.

3. The modular sub-cabinet of claim 1, wherein said safety means further comprises:

a safety strip attached about an edge along one or more said at least three panels adjacent to a movable lid, said safety strip communicating with said control module so as to reverse direction of said lift when contacted.

4. The modular sub-cabinet of claim 3, further comprising:

at least one storage area within said box-like structure.

5. The modular sub-cabinet of claim 4, wherein said safety strip is pressure activated.

6. The modular sub-cabinet of claim 3, wherein said safety strip is pressure activated.

7. The modular sub-cabinet of claim 1, wherein said safety means further comprises means for reversing the movement of said lift.

8. A furniture system comprising:

a finished article of furniture having a cavity formed therein; and

a modular pre-assembled sub-cabinet structured and arranged to be received in said cavity comprising;

a box-like structure having at least three panels perpendicularly disposed about a floor panel and attached thereto,

a lift vertically disposed within said box-like structure and fastened to one of said panels;

a control module disposed within said box-like structure and fastened thereto, said control module receiving commands so as to direct motion of said lift; and

safety means for detecting and communicating contact with an object to said control module, thereby ceasing motion of said lift.

9. The furniture system of claim 8, wherein said safety means further comprises:

at least one storage area within said box-like structure.

10. The furniture system of claim 8, further comprising:

a safety strip attached about an edge along one or more said at least three panels adjacent to a movable lid, said safety strip communicating with said control module so as to reverse direction of said lift when contacted.

11. The furniture system of claim 10, further comprising:

at least one storage area within said box-like structure.

12. The furniture system of claim 11, wherein said safety strip is pressure activated.

13. The furniture system of claim 10, wherein said safety strip is pressure activated.

14. The furniture system of claim 8, wherein said sub-cabinet is removable from said article of furniture.

15. The furniture system of claim 8, wherein said modular pre-assembled sub-cabinet further comprises means for reversing the movement of said lift.