Adjustable organizer shelf system
11571063 · 2023-02-07
Assignee
Inventors
- Shashidhar Taraka (Hyderabad, IN)
- Mahesh Swamulapalli (Hyderabad, IN)
- Madan Gopal Reddy Pathapati (Newburgh, IN, US)
Cpc classification
F25D2325/021
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
A47B96/025
HUMAN NECESSITIES
F25D25/02
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
A47B57/06
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
Abstract
Adjustable organizer shelf system and assemblies for use with an appliance are provided. Shelf assembly includes a pair of brackets and a fixed shelf mounted between the brackets. Shelf assembly also includes a movable shelf with a pair of rear lower hinges and a pair of lower guides. Shelf assembly also includes a lifting arm assembly attaching the movable shelf to the brackets. The lifting arm assembly can include a pair of lifting arms attached to each of the brackets. Lifting arm assembly also include an upper rear hinge affixed to each bracket, an upper guide affixed to each bracket, and a roller disposed within each of the upper guides and lower guides. The end of each lifting arm can be fastened to one of the rollers disposed with each of the guides.
Claims
1. An adjustable organizer shelf assembly for a consumer appliance, the shelf assembly defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction, the vertical, lateral, and transverse directions being mutually perpendicular, the shelf assembly comprising: a first bracket and a second bracket; a fixed shelf mounted to the first bracket and the second bracket; a movable shelf having a first rear lower hinge, a second rear lower hinge, a first lower guide and a second lower guide; a first lifting arm assembly movably attaching the movable shelf to the first bracket, wherein the first lifting arm assembly includes a plurality of lifting arms, a first upper rear hinge affixed to the first bracket, a first upper guide affixed to the first bracket, and a roller disposed within each of the first upper guide and the first lower guide, wherein the first upper guide includes a channel, a guide surface disposed with the channel, a cavity disposed within the channel, said cavity being formed, at least in part, by the guide surface, a plurality of passages formed in the guide surface, a stop bar disposed within the cavity, a plurality of nodules affixed to said stop bar, and wherein the nodules project through said passages from the cavity into the channel; a second lifting arm assembly movably attaching the movable shelf to the second bracket, wherein the second lifting arm assembly includes a plurality of lifting arms, a second upper rear hinge affixed to the second bracket, a second upper guide affixed to the second bracket, and a roller disposed within each of the second upper guide and the second lower guide; and a stabilizer assembly extending between the first lifting arm assembly and the second lifting arm assembly.
2. The adjustable organizer shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the roller disposed within the first upper guide further comprises: a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge; and a plurality of nodule reception cavities disposed between said first and second circumferential edges.
3. The adjustable organizer shelf assembly of claim 2, wherein the roller disposed within the first upper guide further comprises: a striking surface and a holding surface disposed within each of the plurality of nodule reception cavities.
4. The adjustable organizer shelf assembly of claim 3, wherein the stabilizer assembly comprises a cable stabilizer assembly.
5. The adjustable organizer shelf assembly of claim 3, wherein the stabilizer assembly comprises a bar stabilizer assembly.
6. A refrigerator appliance, the refrigerator appliance defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction, the vertical, lateral, and transverse directions being mutually perpendicular, the refrigerator appliance comprising: a cabinet defining a chilled chamber; a door being operably coupled to the cabinet to provide selective access to the chilled chamber; and an adjustable organizer shelf assembly positioned within the chilled chamber, wherein the adjustable organizer shelf assembly comprising: a right bracket and a left bracket; a fixed shelf mounted to said right bracket and left bracket; a movable shelf having a first rear lower hinge, a second rear lower hinge, a first lower guide and a second lower guide; a first lifting arm assembly movably attaching the movable shelf to the right bracket, wherein the first lifting arm assembly includes a plurality of lifting arms, a first upper rear hinge affixed to the right bracket, a first upper guide affixed to the right bracket, and a roller disposed within each of the first upper guide and the first lower guide, wherein the first upper guide includes a channel, a guide surface disposed with the channel, a cavity disposed within the channel, said cavity being formed, at least in part, by the guide surface, a plurality of passages formed in the guide surface, a stop bar disposed within the cavity, a plurality of nodules affixed to said stop bar, and wherein the nodules project through said passages from the cavity into the channel; a second lifting arm assembly movably attaching the movable shelf to the left bracket, wherein the second lifting arm assembly includes a plurality of lifting arms, a second upper rear hinge affixed to the left bracket, a second upper guide affixed to the left bracket, and a roller disposed within each of the second upper guide and the second lower guide; and a stabilizer assembly extending between the first lifting arm assembly and the second lifting arm assembly.
7. The refrigerator appliance of claim 6, wherein the roller disposed within the first upper guide further comprises: a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge; and a plurality of nodule reception cavities disposed between said first and second circumferential edges.
8. The refrigerator appliance of claim 7, wherein the roller disposed within the first upper guide further comprises: a striking surface and a holding surface disposed within each of the plurality of nodule reception cavities.
9. The refrigerator appliance of claim 8, wherein the stabilizer assembly comprises a cable stabilizer assembly.
10. The refrigerator appliance of claim 9, wherein the cable stabilizer assembly further comprises: a first cable; a second cable; a first cable pulley assembly affixed to the first lifting arm assembly; a second cable pulley assembly affixed to the second lifting arm assembly; and wherein the first cable extends from a cable clip affixed to the first rear upper hinge affixed to the right bracket, to first cable pulley assembly, to second cable pulley assembly and to a cable clip affixed to second upper guide affixed to the left bracket, and wherein the second cable extends from a cable clip affixed to the second rear upper hinge affixed to the left bracket, to second cable pulley assembly, to first cable pulley assembly and to a cable clip affixed to first upper guide affixed to the right bracket.
11. The refrigerator appliance of claim 6, wherein the stabilizer assembly comprises a stabilizer bar attached to at least one of the lifting arms of both the first lifting arm assembly and the second lifting arm assembly.
12. The refrigerator appliance of claim 11, wherein the stabilizer assembly further comprises: a mounting nodule attached to at least one of the lifting arms of both the first lifting arm assembly and the second lifting arm assembly; a mounting coupler including a clip passage; and a clip including a locking member.
13. A shelf assembly, the shelf assembly defining a vertical direction, a lateral direction, and a transverse direction, the vertical, lateral, and transverse directions being mutually perpendicular, the shelf assembly comprising: a pair of brackets comprising a first bracket and a second bracket; a fixed shelf mounted to said pair of brackets; a first rear upper hinge mounted to the first bracket; a second rear upper hinge mounted to the second bracket a first upper guide mounted to the first bracket; a second upper guide mounted to the second bracket; a movable shelf having a pair of rear lower hinges and a pair of lower guides; a roller disposed within each of the first upper guide and the second upper guide; a roller disposed within each of the lower guides; a first lifting arm assembly attached to the first bracket and a second lifting arm assembly attached to the second bracket, said first lifting arm assembly and said second lifting arm assembly each including a first lifting arm and a second lifting arm, wherein said first lifting arm and said second lifting arm of each of the first lifting arm assembly and the second lifting arm assembly is mechanically attached at a pivot joint, and wherein the first lifting arm of the first lifting arm assembly is attached to the first rear upper hinge and the roller disposed within one of the pair of lower guides, and the first lifting arm of the second lifting arm assembly is attached to the second rear upper hinge and the roller disposed within one of the pair of lower guides, and each of the second lifting arms of the first lifting arm assembly and the second lifting arm assembly is attached to a rear lower hinge and the roller disposed within one of the first upper guide and the second upper guide; and a cable stabilizer assembly further comprising a first cable, a second cable, a first cable pulley assembly affixed to the first lifting arm assembly, a second cable pulley assembly affixed to the second lifting arm assembly; and wherein the first cable extends from a first cable clip, affixed to the first rear upper hinge, to the first cable pulley assembly, to the second cable pulley assembly and to a second cable clip affixed to second upper guide, and wherein the second cable extends from a third cable clip affixed to the second rear upper hinge, to the second cable pulley assembly, to the first cable pulley assembly and to a fourth cable clip affixed to first upper guide.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
(16)
(17)
(18)
(19)
(20)
(21)
(22)
(23) Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(24) Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure, not limitation of the disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
(25) As used herein, terms of approximation, such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about,” refer to being within a ten percent margin of error.
(26) Referring now to the figures, example aspects of the present disclosure will be discussed in greater detail.
(27)
(28) Refrigerator appliance 100 includes a base cabinet or housing 110 that extends between a top portion 112 and a bottom portion 114 along the vertical direction V. Housing 110 defines a chilled chamber for receipt of food items for storage. In particular, housing 110 defines fresh food chamber 120 (shown in
(29) Housing 110 also extends between a right side portion 106 and a left side portion 108, e.g., along the lateral direction L, forming a front portion 105. Housing 110 defines an opening 140 (shown in
(30) Refrigerator doors 124 are rotatably mounted or hinged to an edge of housing 110, e.g., at front portion 105 of housing 110, for selectively accessing chilled chamber 120. In addition, a freezer door 126 is arranged below refrigerator doors 124 for selectively accessing freezer chamber (not shown). Freezer door 126 is coupled to a freezer drawer (not shown) slidably mounted within freezer chamber (not shown). Refrigerator doors 124 are shown in an closed position and freezer door 126 are shown in a closed position in
(31)
(32) Various storage components are mounted within chilled chamber 120 to facilitate storage of food items therein as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In particular, the storage components include bins (not shown), drawers 132, and shelves 134 that are mounted within chilled chamber 120. Bins (not shown), drawers 132, and shelves 134 are configured for receipt of food items (e.g., beverages and/or solid food items) and may assist with organizing such food items. As an example, drawers 132 can receive fresh food items (e.g., vegetables, fruits, and/or cheeses) and increase the useful life of such fresh food items. Refrigerator 100 can also include an adjustable organizer shelf assembly 300.
(33) Although the illustrated embodiment shows two shelves 134 positioned adjacent each other along the lateral direction L and a shelf 134 positioned adjacent to adjustable organizer shelf assembly 300, that are positioned adjacent to shelves 134 along the vertical direction V, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure may be applied to other shelf assembly styles and configurations. For example, shelves 134 or adjustable organizer shelf assembly 300 could instead include a single storage shelf extending from the right side portion 106 to the left side portion 108 of refrigerator 100 along a lateral direction L. In addition, shelves 134 and additional shelves 134 may have any other suitable sizes or configurations. Moreover, it should be appreciated that adjustable organizer shelf assembly 300 as described herein may be utilized as one or more of shelves 134, and adjustable organizer shelf assembly 300 is designed such that shelves 134 may be interchangeable within the chilled chamber 120 and can be positioned at mounting points 142 affixed to a cabinet wall 110, or any other suitable mounting point or location within chilled chamber 120.
(34) Referring now generally to
(35)
(36) A fixed shelf 320 is mounted to and between brackets (302 and 304). Thus, fixed shelf 320 extends between right-side bracket 302 and left-side bracket 304, e.g., along the lateral direction L. A plurality of fasteners (not shown), e.g., screws, bolts, and/or clips, couple fixed shelf 320 to brackets 302 and 304. Fixed shelf 320 can include a fixed plate 322 having a top surface 324. Plate 322 can be formed from glass, plastic, metal or another suitable material. Food items can be placed on and/or stored on top surface 324 of fixed plate 322, e.g., within chilled chamber 120. Brackets 302 and 304 each have an upper guide 330 that extends along at least a portion of bracket 302 and bracket 304 in the transverse direction T. A plurality of fasteners 710 (shown in
(37) Adjustable organizer shelf 300 can also include a pair of rear upper hinges 350 situated at or near the distal end 308 of brackets 302 and 304. Rear upper hinges 350 can be integrally formed with brackets 302 and 304 or coupled to each of brackets 302 and 304 by a known fastening method, e.g., welding, adhesive, screws, bolts, and/or clips.
(38) Movable shelf 340 is positioned below fixed shelf 320, in the vertical direction V, and can be moved up and down along the vertical direction V relative to fixed shelf 320 as described further herein. Movable shelf 340 includes a plate 342 having a top surface 344. Plate 342 can be formed from glass, polycarbonate, metal or any other known material suitable for use a refrigerator shelving. Movable shelf 340 is selectively adjustable, up and down along the vertical direction V, by a user between the fully extended position shown in
(39) In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when the movable shelf 340 is in the retracted position, the distance in a vertical direction V between movable plate 342 and fixed shelf 320 is such that top surface 344 is not suitable for storage of food items. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, when the movable shelf 340 is in the fully retracted position, upper guides 330 and lower guides 346 come into physical contact or are in close proximity as depicted in
(40) Movable shelf 340 has a proximate end 354 and a distal end 352. Movable shelf 340 has a pair of lower guides 346 situated at or near the proximate end 354 of movable shelf 340. Movable shelf 340 has a pair of rear lower hinges 348 situated at or near the distal end 352 of movable shelf 340. Lower guides 346 and rear lower hinges 348 can be integrally formed with plate 342 to form a unitary movable shelf 340. In other embodiments, lower guides 346 and rear lower hinges 348 can be coupled or affixed to plate 342, to form movable shelf 340, by any method suitable for the material used to construct or form movable shelf 340, such as welding, adhesive, screws, bolts, and/or clips.
(41) Adjustable organizer shelf 300 also includes one or more lifting arm assemblies 362, which include a first lifting arm 356 and a second lifting arm 358. Adjustable organizer shelf 300 can include a lifting arm assembly 362 disposed near each bracket 302 and 304. More specifically a first lifting assembly 362 can be movably attached to right-side bracket 302 and a second lifting assembly 362 can be movably attached to left-side bracket 304. For each lifting arm assembly 362, a first lifting arm 356 extends between the rear upper hinge 350 and the lower guide 346 of movable shelf 340. For each lifting arm assembly 362, second lifting arm 358 extends between rear lower hinge 348 and upper guide 330. Each lifting arm 356 and 358 includes a pin slot configured to accept or receive a pin (such as pin 610), screw, rivet or other similar device. Lifting arms (i.e., first lifting arm 356 and second lifting arm 358) of lifting arm assembly 362 are connected at a pivot joint 360 such that lifting arms 356 and 358 form an “X” pattern or scissor mechanism. Pivot joint 360 is formed by the insertion of a pin, screw, rivet or other suitable devices through the pin hole of first lifting arm 356 and second lifting arm 358. The pin mechanically attaches first lifting arm 356 and second lifting arm 358 at the pivot joint 360. Pivot joint 360 allows both lifting arms 356 and 358 to pivot or rotate about an axis formed along lateral direction L by the pin of the pivot joint 360.
(42) Lifting arm assemblies 362 engage upper guides 330, lower guides 346, rear lower hinge 348 and rear upper hinge 350 in order to facilitate movement of movable shelf 340, e.g., along the vertical direction V, as described in greater detail below.
(43) Rear upper hinges 350 include two side supports 364 (shown in
(44) Similarly, rear lower hinges 348 include two side supports 370, extending upward in the vertical direction V away from movable shelf plate 342, and a bottom support (not shown and when lower hinge is integrally formed with movable shelf plate 342, bottom support of rear lower hinge 348 may be movable shelf plate 342) extending between the side supports 370 to form a “U” shape. Rear lower hinges 348 are configured to accept a portion of second lifting arm 358 and secure second lifting arm 358 to rear lower hinge 348. Each side support 370 includes a pin hole configured to allow insertion of a pin, screw, rivet or other suitable devices through each pin hole and through second lifting arm 358. The pin mechanically attaches second lifting arm 358 and rear lower hinge 348 and allows second lifting arm 358 to pivot or rotate about the pin.
(45) Referring now generally to
(46) Each lower guide 346 includes a bottom member 364 that rests on and/or is affixed to movable shelf plate 342. Lower guide 346 affixed to the portion of the movable shelf plate 342 situated near the right-side bracket 302 is depicted in
(47) In the embodiment depicted in
(48) Lower roller hinge 518 is configured to accept a portion of first lifting arm 356 between hinge side supports 520 and secure first lifting arm 356 to lower roller hinge 518. Each hinge side support 520 includes a pin hole (not shown) configured to allow insertion of a pin 524, screw, rivet or other suitable devices through each pin hole (not shown) and through first lifting arm 356. Pin 524 mechanically attaches first lifting arm 356 and lower roller hinge 350 in such a manner as to allow first lifting arm 356 to pivot or rotate about pin 524.
(49) Each upper guide 330 includes a bottom member 502. Upper guide 330 affixed to right-side bracket 302 as depicted in
(50) Bottom member 502, outside member 530, guide surface 540, and second inner member 512 define a cavity 542. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in
(51) In the embodiment depicted in
(52) Upper roller hinge 604 is configured to accept a portion of second lifting arm 358 between hinge side supports 606 and secure second lifting arm 358 to upper roller hinge 604. Each hinge side support 606 includes a pin hole (not shown) configured to allow insertion of a pin 610 through each pin hole (not shown) and through second lifting arm 358. Pin 610 mechanically attaches second lifting arm 358 and upper roller hinge 604 in such a manner as to allow second lifting arm 358 to pivot or rotate about pin 610.
(53) Upper guide 330 of adjustable organizer shelf 300 includes stop bar 602. Stop bar 602 includes a plurality of nodules 612. Guide surface 540 includes a plurality of passages 614 corresponding to each of the plurality of nodules 612. Passages 614 extend between cavity 542 and channel 544 in a vertical direction V. Each of the plurality of nodules 612 can pass through passages 614 from cavity 542, such that nodules 612 protrude upward, in the vertical direction V, into channel 544 through passages 614 or retract downward, in the vertical direction V, into cavity 542.
(54)
(55) Referring now generally to
(56)
(57) Referring again generally to
(58) As discussed above, movable shelf 340 is movable between a fully extended position (shown in
(59) User can select the vertical position of movable shelf 340 relative to fixed shelf 320 by selectively engaging a nodule reception cavity 804 of roller 800 with the nodule 612 (including stop nodule 724 and storage nodule 726) corresponding to the location or vertical position of movable shelf 340 which is desired by user.
(60) User can move movable shelf 340 from the fully retracted position by pressing or applying downward force to stop bar handle 720, thereby compressing spring 722 and causing all nodules 612, except stop bar nodule 724, to retract into cavity 542. This allows roller 800 to move or roll along guide surface 540 in a transverse direction T toward distal end 308 of bracket 302.
(61) Referring again generally to
(62)
(63) Bottom member 502, outside member 530, guide surface 540, and second inner member 512 define a cavity 542. In the embodiment depicted in
(64) In the embodiment depicted in
(65) Upper roller hinge 604 is configured to accept a portion of second lifting arm 358 between hinge side supports 606 and secure second lifting arm 358 to upper roller hinge 604. Each hinge side support 606 includes a pin hole (not shown) configured to allow insertion of a pin 610 through each pin hole (not shown) and through second lifting arm 358. Pin 610 mechanically attaches second lifting arm 358 and upper roller hinge 604 in such a manner as to allow second lifting arm 358 to pivot or rotate about pin 610.
(66) Upper guide 920 includes a plurality of depression stops 924. Depression stops 924 can be a series of depressions in guide surface 922 that extend in a downward direction V toward cavity 542 from channel 544. Alternatively, depression stops 924 can be passages, gaps or holes in guide surface 922.
(67) Depression stops 924 are sized and configured based, at least in part, on the size of roller 800. More specifically, roller has an outside diameter 926 (shown in
(68) Roller 800 can move or roll along guide surface 922 between the plurality of depression stops 924. User can select the vertical position of movable shelf 340 relative to fixed shelf 320 by selectively engaging roller 800 with one of the plurality of depression stops 924 corresponding to the user desired location or vertical position of movable shelf 340. User can move movable shelf 340 from the fully retracted position toward the fully extend position by pressing or applying downward force to movable shelf 340, thereby causing roller 800 to move out of the depression stop 924 in which roller 800 is situated, thus forcing the entirety of roller 800 into channel 544 such that roller can move or roll along guide surface 922 in a transverse direction T toward distal end 308 of bracket 302 until roller 800 reaches another of the plurality of depression stops 924 which correspond with the user's desired location or vertical position of movable shelf 340.
(69) Similarly user can move movable shelf 340 from the fully extended position toward the fully retracted position by pressing or applying an upward force to movable shelf 340, thereby causing roller 800 to move out of the depression stop 924 in which roller 800 is situated, thus forcing the entirety of roller 800 into channel 544 such that roller can move or roll along guide surface 922 in a transverse direction T toward proximate end 306 of bracket 302 until roller 800 reaches another of the plurality of depression stops 924 which corresponds to the user's desired location or vertical position of movable shelf 340.
(70) Referring now generally to
(71) Cable stabilizer assembly 950 is operably connected to upper guide 330 attached to right bracket 302 and upper guide 330 attached to left bracket 304 such that rollers 800 of both upper guides 330 move in substantially the same positions along a plane formed in the lateral direction L as rollers move in a transverse direction T within channels 544 of upper guides 330. In this manner, cable stabilizer assembly 950 avoids adjuster organizer shelf assembly 300 (specifically first lifting arm 356 and second lifting arm 358) from racking or twisting when movable shelf 340 is moved between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position.
(72) Cable stabilizer assembly 950 includes a pair of cables 952. Cables 952 can be made from metal, plastic, nylon or another similar material. Cable stabilizer assembly 950 includes a plurality of cable clips 956 which include a slot configured to accept and secure cables 952. As depicted in
(73) As detailed in
(74)
(75) Referring now generally to
(76) Bar stabilizer assembly 970 is operably connected to second lifting arm 358 which is movably attached to upper guide 330 that is attached to bracket 304 and second lifting arm 358 which is movably attached to upper guide 330 that is attached to bracket 302 such that rollers 800 of both guides 330 move in substantially the same positions along a plane formed in the lateral direction L as rollers 800 move in a transverse direction T within channels 544 of guides 330. In this manner, bar stabilizer assembly 970 prevents adjustable organizer shelf assembly 300, and specifically second lifting arms 358, from racking or twisting when movable shelf 340 is moved between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position.
(77) Referring now generally to
(78) Bar stabilizer assembly 970 includes a bar 972 which extends in a lateral direction between the second lifting arm 358 which is movably attached to the guide 330 that is attached to bracket 304 and the second lifting arm 358 which is movably attached to the guide 330 that is attached to bracket 302 (as shown in
(79) Bar stabilizer assembly 970 includes a mounting coupler 982 and a clip 984 situated at a first end 971 of bar 972. Mounting coupler 982 includes a coupler protrusion 986. Coupler protrusion 986 and mounting nodule void 980, of first mounting nodule 978, have corresponding shapes and dimensions such that coupler protrusion 986 may be inserted partially or completely within mounting nodule void 980 of first mounting nodule 978. Mounting coupler 982 forms a cavity or void 988. Stabilizer bar 972 includes a first mounting protrusion 990 at first end 971 of stabilizer bar 972 and a second mounting protrusion 991 at a second end 973 of stabilizer bar 972. First mounting protrusion 990 and second mounting protrusion 991 extend from stabilizer bar 972 in a lateral direction L toward one of each of the mounting nodules 978 and 979. First mounting protrusion 990 and mounting coupler void 988 have corresponding shapes and dimensions such that first mounting protrusion 990 may move in a lateral direction within coupler void 988. First mounting protrusion 990 can be inserted partially or disposed entirely within mounting collar void 988. Second mounting protrusion 991 and mounting nodule void 980 of second mounting nodule 979 have corresponding shapes and dimensions such second mounting protrusion 991 may be inserted partially or completely within mounting nodule void 980 of second mounting nodule 979.
(80) Mounting coupler 982 includes a clip passage 992. Clip 984 includes a locking member 994. Clip can be attached around coupler 982 such that locking member 994 passes through clip passage 992 and extends into the mounting coupler void 988. When locking member 994 extends into mounting coupler void 988, locking member 994 to prevents first mounting protrusion 990 from moving in a lateral direction L within coupler void 988 toward coupler protrusion 986. In this manner first mounting protrusion 990 cannot be disposed entirely within mounting coupler void 988. Locking member 994 prevents first mounting protrusion 990 from moving into collar void 988 past clip cavity 992 in a lateral direction L toward collar protrusion 986.
(81) Second mounting protrusion 991 can be inserted into nodule void 980 of the second mounting nodule 979 which is affixed to one of the second lifting arms 358 as shown in
(82) In this way bar stabilizer assembly 970 depicted in
(83) It should be appreciated that the stabilizer assemblies described are only exemplary and that other stabilizer mechanisms may be used according to alternative embodiments.
(84) Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, any feature of a drawing can be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
(85) This written description uses examples for the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.