Kenneth R Hill

US Patent:

6507975, Jan 21, 2003

Filed:

May 10, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/852932

Inventors:

Michael Harrison Maupin - Burleson TX 76097
Michael Shawn Maupin - Burleson TX 76097
Kenneth Roy Hill - Haltom City TX 76117

International Classification:

B60B 3306

US Classification:

16 34, 16 19

Abstract:

A retractable caster system comprises a rectangular, steel box defining a chamber, a plurality of which may be attached to the bottom of a storage container to elevate the container above a surface upon which it rests. Inside the chamber, a caster is mounted to a hinged plate which pivots near the bottom of one sidewall of the chamber. The plate articulates between a substantially vertical position, with the caster fully retracted into the chamber, and a horizontal position with the caster wheel protruding beneath the chamber. A coiled spring biases the plate toward a vertical position, and an automatic locking mechanism holds the caster in its extended position. The caster may be raised and lowered without separately supporting the weight of the container.

US Patent:

51929635, Mar 9, 1993

Filed:

Jun 12, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/713790

Inventors:

Kenneth R. Hill - Dallas TX

International Classification:

G03B 2900

US Classification:

354 81

Abstract:

A suspension apparatus that enables an operator to make fluid camera movements without holding up the weight of the camera. The apparatus includes a yoke rotatably mounted on a wheeled base for rotation about a vertical axis. A primary lever arm having having first and second ends and a medial portion is pivotably mounted on the yoke to form a fulcrum. A secondary arm has a first end pivotally attached to the second end of the primary lever arm, and a second end including a support for the camera. A counterweight arm has a first end pivotally attached to the first end of the primary lever arm. To insure balance, the apparatus includes a chain drive mechanism, responsive to pivoting of the secondary arm about the second end of the primary lever arm in a first direction, for pivoting the counterweight arm about the first end of the primary lever arm in a second opposed direction. In addition, the apparatus includes a chain drive mechanism for maintaining the camera level relative to the base as the secondary arm is pivoted about the second end of the primary lever arm.