Abstract:
A kitchen cabinet installation device to install upper wall cabinets and suspended cabinets is provided. The kitchen cabinet installation device of the present invention is a lightweight box for easy transportation and to provide an easy and quick installation procedure with precision and make the installation procedure a one man job. The kitchen cabinet installation device includes a box having a base and a cap, and a double scissor jack installed into the box. The box features rails with rollers to provide a smooth movement of the jack. The jack includes a lead screw. By cabinet installation the object is placed on the cap and is lifted by turning the knob in lead screw and held during the installation in a secure position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to a cabinet installation device and more particularly to a lifting and supporting device for mounting upper wall cabinets at a designated height. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Cabinet installation procedure usually requires more than one person. In order to secure the cabinets in the kitchen, in view of the size of the cabinets, a standard of two installers are involved to complete the installation. One installer holds the cabinet in the designated place, while the other installer secures the cabinet to the wall. In addition, the cabinets can be very heavy, which again may require two people to lift and align them to a desired vertical position. 
         [0003]    The prior art discloses various devices to make cabinet installation easier, less time consuming and allow for a more accurate alignment. For example, various jack type devices have been suggested to lift the cabinet to a desired installation level. However, the prior art devices have several drawbacks. Many of them are very bulky and difficult to use. Therefore, installer is not able to easily carry them around and they are not very portable. Some of the prior art devices are portable but they are not proper for precise lifting and alignment. Cabinet installation requires precision for ultimate look and luxury. Only, a few millimeter misalignments may destroy the look of a valuable cabinet. The prior art devices are also prone to slippage and tilting of the cabinet during the installation. Another drawback of the prior art devices is that they do not become compact enough to fit in the limited spaces between the base cabinets and upper wall cabinets or corners. 
         [0004]    Therefore, there is a need for a cabinet installation device that is portable and compact to be easily transported by the installer; able to operate in any size of work environment, and strong enough to lift and hold a cabinet securely during the installation process. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    A cabinet installation device comprising of a rectangular shaped box having a base part and top cap and a lifting jack system mounted into the box so that the bottom end of the lifting jack system is secured to an inner area of the base part and a top end of the lifting jack system is secured to an inner area of the top cap. 
         [0006]    The lifting jack system comprises of two sets of scissor columns spaced apart and parallel to each other, each scissor column comprises of movable arms with the ends of each arm of each set pivotally connected to the end of an arm in an adjacent set. Plurality of cross elements are used to assure that both sets of scissor columns remain in parallel relationship, vertically and horizontally, as the scissor mechanism is extended and retracted. One of the two end arms of each scissor columns is screwed and secured to both longitudinal edges of inner side of the support base and the opposite end arm of each scissor set is screwed and secured to the inner side of the top cap of the box. The jack system is designed for simultaneous operation for raising and holding the kitchen cabinets. The scissor columns are connected to each other by rod mechanism for raising and lowering the two jack columns. 
         [0007]    The box comprises of a base part and a top cap. The top cap having the same dimension as the base part with a lower depth, and an inner edge to fit on the base part. The top cap acts as a support plate for lifting and holding the objects such as kitchen cabinets. Both the bottom base and the top cap have smooth bottom and top surfaces, respectively, to prevent any damage to the counter tops or cabinets. 
         [0008]    A pair of 3 channel rolling tracks is provided to the inner side of the base. Said 3 channel rolling tracks are mounted on the longitudinal sidewalls of the base part and extend from one edge to its middle portion. The open sides of the channels face each other. A pair of C shape rails is also provided to the inner side of the top cap. Said rails are mounted on the longitudinal sides of a rectangular device. Said device is secured to the inner side of the cap with a distance from the side walls. The open channel of the rails face to the side walls. 
         [0009]    A scissor jack is a requirement for the needed precision in this application. The scissor jack comprises of a pair of double X-shaped scissor columns disposed vertically parallel to each other. Each scissor column comprises of a first arm and a second arm, which are rotatably joined to each other at their mid-portion and form an X-shaped structure, and a third arm and a fourth arm which are also rotatably joined to each other at their mid-portions and form an X-shaped structure. The lower ends of the third and fourth arm are rotatably connected to the upper ends of the first and second arms respectively, whereby a double X-shaped structure is formed. 
         [0010]    The first arm in each scissor column has a lower end fastened by a bracket to the inner part of the base oppose to the channels. The second arm of each scissor column has a lower end connecting pivotally to a shaft. The shaft is fitted from each end into the 3 channel rolling tracks of the base to provide a smooth and slidable movement of the arms along the channels, thereby causing the jack component to expand and contract. 
         [0011]    A cap, which is used for lifting and holding an object like kitchen cabinet, is horizontally supported on the upper ends of the jack. The upper ends of the third arms is fastened by a bracket to the inner part of the top cap oppose to the C shape rails. A roller bearing is attached to the end of the fourth arm of each scissor column. Said fourth arms are slidably mounted in each rail of the cap, to provide a smooth movement. 
         [0012]    Plurality connecting rods connect two scissor columns in a manner that the arms can pivotally move, thereby causing the jack component to expand and contract. The first connecting rod extend horizontally from the middle of the first and the second arm and the second and third rod connect two ends of the third and fourth arm and the fourth rod connect the middle of the third and fourth arm and thereby the two scissor column connect together. 
         [0013]    The installation device is further comprised of a horizontally extending, rotatable lead screw. The rotatable lead screw is provided on its outer edge with threads that extend from one end of the lead screw and across approximately two-thirds to three-fourth of the length of the lead screw and a turning knob situated on the end of the unthreaded portion of the rotatable lead screw. The turning knob is of a micro fine turning knob to precise height adjustment. The lead screw can be turned using bare hand or drill. The connection rods which receive the lead screw are shafts having a bore at the middle of each, so that the lead screw will advance simultaneously through the connection rods. Each of the shafts is provided with a bore. In the case of the shaft on the turning knob side, the bore provided there through is unthreaded. In the case of the shaft on the threaded side of the lead screw, the provided bore is threaded. 
         [0014]    When the jack is in an assembled position the threaded portion of the lead screw is rotatable received by the threaded bore in the shaft and the unthreaded portion of the screw is rotatably received by the bore in shaft. 
         [0015]    The present installation device is equipped with a level on the cap to provide a thoroughgoing installation. The installation device is also provided with a height scale indicator in the inner base part of the box. 
         [0016]    By turning the turning knob, the jack assembly raises to the desired height. The roller bearing mechanism provided in upper and lower channels creates a smooth glide of the arms in an effortless lift and lower action. 
         [0017]    In its collapsed position, the jack is 40-45 cm in length, 25-30 cm in width at the widest point and less than 20 cm in height, so that it can fit in a box of about the same size. The jack&#39;s height starts from 12.7 cm and reaches an optimal height of 64 cm in the most expandable height. The base and cap parts of the present installation device are made of high density polyethylene giving it a sleek look yet making it almost indestructible. Their smooth top and bottom surfaces prevent any damage to counter tops and cabinets. The inner components are constructed of aluminum therefore conforming to its lightweight to be easily transported. 
         [0018]    It is an objective of the present invention to perform a smooth and easy movement of the device by providing channels in the upper and lower structures of the device. 
         [0019]    It is another object of the present invention to provide elements which simplify the installation process, eliminate the need for second and third person and make the installation a one-man job. 
         [0020]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable cabinet installation device that has the ability of lifting the cabinets up to 150 pounds and holding them in a secure manner without any movement. This enables the installer to work with both hands. 
         [0021]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an easy and comfortable micro turning knob for precise height adjustment. 
         [0022]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a level on the top cap and a height scale indicator inside the base bottom of the installation device for proper alignment. 
         [0023]    According to the size of the present invention it is an ideal device for special needs cabinets and handicapped kitchens due to its low profile under lower base cabinets and ideal for cabinet installation in slight places. 
         [0024]    Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated from the following description. The description makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustration of the preferred embodiment. However, such embodiments do not represent the full scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]    Embodiments herein will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the claims, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which: 
           [0026]      FIG. 1( a )  is a front perspective view of the cabinet installation device according to the present invention, 
           [0027]      FIG. 1( b )  is a perspective view of the cabinet installation device according to the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the present invention in collapsed position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a schematic perspective view of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  is a perspective top view of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6( a )  is a perspective view of the base part of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6( b )  is a perspective view of the base part of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the cap part of the present invention; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the retractable handle of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    A cabinet installation device  10  according to the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 1( a ) and 1( b ) , comprising of a rectangular shaped box having a base part  11  and top cap  12 . The base part have a dimensions of 17 inches in length, 9¾ inches in width and a 3¾ in depth. The base part  11  including opposing sidewalls  13 ,  15  and  14 , 16  fixedly attached. The top cap further having a dimensions of 17 inches in length, 9¾ inches in width and 2 inches in depth. The cap  12  including opposing sidewalls shown by the numeral  17 ,  19  and  18 ,  20 . A scissor jack  21  mounted into the box so that the bottom end of the scissor jack is secured to the base part  11  of the box and the top end of the jack is attached underneath the top cap  12  of the box. The box is constructed of H.D.P.E (polyethylene with high density) and the jack is made if aluminum to enhance a lightweight to be easily transported. 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  shows the installation device  10  in collapsed position which is a rectangular box having dimensions of about 17 inches in length, 10 inches in width and about 5 inches in depth. The scissor assembly fits in the box shape by said base part  11  and said top cap  12  to enhance the transportation. 
         [0038]    According to  FIGS. 1( a ) and 1( b )  again the installation device system  10  consists of a scissor jack  21  comprising of two sets of scissor columns spaced apart and parallel to each other, each scissor column comprises of movable arms  24 , 25 , 26 , 27  and  34 , 35 , 36 , 37 . Each scissor column comprises of a pair of double X-shaped jack components disposed vertically parallel to each other and building a set of lifting jack  21 . Each scissor column comprises of a first arm  24 ,  34  and a second arm  25 ,  35 . A first arm  24  and a second arm  25  of the first scissor column are rotatably joined to each other at their mid-portion and form an X-shaped structure. A first arm  34  and a second arm  35  of the second scissor column are rotatably joined to each other at their mid-portion and form an X-shaped structure. A third arm  26  and a fourth arm  27  of the first scissor column, and a third arm  36  and a fourth arm  37  of the second scissor column are also rotatably joined to each other at their mid-portions and form an X-shaped structure. The lower ends of the third and fourth arm  26 ,  27  are rotatably connected to the upper ends of the first and second arms  24 ,  25 , so that lower end of third arm  26  is pivotally connected to the upper end of second arm  25  in first scissor column and lower end of third arm  36  is connected pivotally to the upper end of the second arm  35  in second scissor column respectively, whereby a double X-shaped structure  21  is formed. As shown in  FIG. 1( b ) , base part further having an opening  69  for access to the turning knob  43  on the side wall  14  of the base  11 . 
         [0039]    According to  FIGS. 1( a ) and 1( b )  again Plurality connecting rods  38 ,  39 ,  41 ,  42  horizontally connect two scissor columns in a manner that the arms can pivotally move, thereby cause the jack assembly  21  to expand and contract. A connecting rod  38  extend horizontally from the middle of first arm  24  and second arm  25  of the first scissor column to the middle of first arm  34  and second arm  35  of the second scissor column. Another connecting rod  39  connect the middle of the third arm and fourth arm  26 ,  27  of the first scissor column to the middle of third and fourth arm  36 ,  37  of the second scissor column. Thereby the two scissor sets connect together. 
         [0040]    According to  FIGS. 1( a ) and 1( b )  again, the jack assembly  21  comprises of a horizontally extending, rotatable lead screw  40 , having a turning Knob  43 . The lead screw  40  is rotatable connected to a pair of shafts  41 ,  42 . 
         [0041]    According to  FIG. 3  The lead screw  40  of the jack assembly  21  is connected to a pair of shafts  41 ,  42  each having a bore in the middle  46 ,  51 . The unthreaded portion  44  of the lead screw  40  is received by the unthreaded bore  46  of the shaft on the turning knob side  41 . The threaded portion  45  of the lead screw  40  is received by the threaded bore  51  of the opposite side shaft  42 . When the jack assembly  21  is in an assembled position the threaded portion  45  of the lead screw  40  is rotatably received by the threaded bore  51  in the second shaft  42  and the unthreaded portion  44  of the screw  40  rotates in unthreaded bore  46  in the first shaft  41 . 
         [0042]    According to  FIG. 1( b )  and  FIG. 3  the first shaft  41  connect both the lower end of the fourth arms  27 ,  37  and the top part of the first arms  24 , 34  of the jack sets. The second shaft  42  connect both the lower end of the third arms  26 ,  36  and the top part of the second arms  25 , 35  of the jack sets. Both shafts  41 ,  42  are parallel to each other. The rotatable lead screw  40  is perpendicularly extends from the middle of the first shaft  41  through the middle of the second shaft  42 . The lead screw is provided on its outer edge with threads. Threads can be a double lead Acme thread that are well known in scissor jacks and traditionally has proven to be advantageous where heavy objects need to be raised quickly. The threads have a pitch of 10 or more threads per inch, to ease and comfortable micro height adjustment, that extends from one end of the lead screw  40  and across approximately two-thirds to three-fourth of the length of the lead screw  40 . Said lead screw  40  further have a micro turning knob  43  on one end situated on unthreaded portion  44  of the rotatable Lead screw  40 . 
         [0043]    According to  FIG. 3  again the lead screw  40  is joined by the first shaft  41 , and the unthreaded portion  44  of the lead screw  40  passes through the unthreaded bore  46 . 
         [0044]    The lead screw  40  comprises of a micro knob  43 , a first washer  48  and a second washer  49 . Said micro knob  43  is provided at the end of the unthreaded portion  44  of the lead screw  40 . A first washer  48  is situated immediately beside the unthreaded bore  46  and fit in the space, where the lead screw  40  is joined by the shaft  41 . A second washer  49  is provided to the other end of the unthreaded bore  50 . 
         [0045]    According to  FIGS. 1( a ) and 1( b )  and  FIG. 3  the threaded portion  45  of the lead screw  40  extend through the threaded bore  51  of the second shaft  42 . 
         [0046]    The connecting rods  38 ,  39  and the shafts  41 ,  42  assure that scissor columns remain in parallel relationship as the scissor jack  21  is extended and retracted. 
         [0047]    As show in  FIG. 3  a pair of brackets  52 ,  53  is mounted to the bottom end of each second arm  25 ,  35  to fasten and secure the jack assembly  21  to the base  11 , and a pair of brackets  55 ,  56  is mounted to the top end of each third arm  26 ,  36  to fasten and secure the jack assembly  21  to the top cap  12 . The shaft member  60  connects two first arms  24  and  34  together and engages to the roller track  61  of the 3 channel roller track  59  in one end. The shaft member  60  engages on its oppose end to the roller track  62  of the 3 channel roller track  58 . Each end part of the fourth arms  27 ,  37  having a roller bearing  67 ,  68  facing each other. 
         [0048]    According to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , one end of each scissor column is screwed and secured to the base part  11  of the box and the opposite end is screwed and secured to the cap part  12  of the box. 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 4  one end part of the second arm  25  in first scissor set is fastened by a bracket  52  to the inner surface of the base part  54 . The end part of the second arm  35  of second scissor column is fastened by a second bracket  53  to the inner surface of the base  54 . Both arms are screwed to the both longitudinal edges of inner side of the base, parallel to each other and close to the side wall  14 . 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 5  the end part of the third arm  26  in first scissor column is fastened by a bracket to the inner surface  57  of the top cap  12 . The end part of the third arm  36  of second scissor column is fastened by a second bracket  56  to the inner surface  57  of the cap  12 . Both arms are screwed to the both longitudinal edges of inner side of the cap  12  parallel to each other and close to the side wall  18 . The roller bearings connected to the end of each fourth arm  27  and  37  are received by the rails  65 ,  66 . 
         [0051]    According to  FIGS. 6( a ) and 6( b )  a pair of 3 channel rolling tracks  58 ,  59  are provided on two sidewalls  13 ,  15  of the base part  11  and extend from one end of the base  11  to its middle portion. The open sides of the tracks  58 ,  59  face each other. The end parts of the first arms  24 ,  34  in both scissor sets are pivotally connected to a shaft member  60 . 
         [0052]    According again to  FIGS. 6( a ) and 6( b ) , the 3 channel rolling tracks  58 ,  59  provided in the base part of the present installation device  10  is to enhance a smooth movement of the arms  24 ,  34  along the tracks  58 , 59  and cause to reduce the size of the jack assembly  21  to fit in the space between the base  11  and the cap  12  when the installation device  10  is in collapsed position. 
         [0053]      FIG. 7  shows the cap part  12  of the installation device. A rectangular device  64  having a dimension to fit to two third of underside  57  of the cap  12  with the distance to the edges  17 ,  19 ,  20 . Said device  64  has two C-shape rails  65 ,  66  mounted on its longitudinal edges thereon. The first rail  65  faces to the longitudinal edge  17  of the cap  12  and the second rail  66  face to the other longitudinal edge  19  of the cap  12 . 
         [0054]    The installation device  10  is designed for simultaneous operation for raising and holding the kitchen cabinets. The scissor columns are connected to each other by rod mechanism for raising and lowering the installation device  10 . The jack assembly  21  is mounted in a rectangular box. Said box comprises of a base part  11  and a top cap  12 . The top cap  12  is used for lifting and holding objects like kitchen cabinet in the present installation device  10  and is horizontally supported on the jack  21 . Both bottom base  11  and top cap  12  features smooth bottom and top surface to prevent any damage to counter tops or cabinets. 
         [0055]    As shown again in  FIG. 4  a level  71  is inserted on top cap  12  of the installation device to maintain a thoroughgoing installation. The installation device is equipped furthermore with a height scale indicator  70  on the inner base part  11  of the box. 
         [0056]    According to  FIG. 8  the installation device  10  includes a retractable handle  72 , mounted on the side wall  16  of the base part for easily transportation of the device  10 . Said handle having sleeves mounted on the inner part of the side walls  13  and  15 . The retractable handle is movable through the openings on the sidewall  16 . Said handle  72  is a pull out movable handle by a spring mechanism  76 . 
         [0057]    In cabinet installation procedure, the present installation device  10  is employed after the installation of the ground level cabinets. The cabinet lifting system is positioned on the top of the ground level cabinet; the wall cabinet to be installed is placed on the cabinet lifting system. The wall cabinet to be installed is then raised to the appropriate height on the wall, and held in place by the cabinet lifting device. After the wall cabinet is secured to the wall, the cabinet installation device is removed by turning the turning knob  43 , thereby lowering the top cap. In this procedure a single installer can do the whole job, due to the size, light weighting and easy transportation. In work areas, where cabinets with higher lengths are being installed the installer is able to use two sets of the present installation device. The present installation device is ideal for installing special needs cabinets, handicapped kitchens due to its low profile under lower base cabinets and ideal for installation of floating or suspended base cabinets. By turning the turning knob the installation device raises to the desired height. The easy and micro turning knob enables to reach the exact height. The roller bearing mechanism provided in upper and lower rails creates a smooth glide and effortless lift action. 
         [0058]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 
         [0059]    With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the parts of the invention in regard to size, shape, form, materials, function and manner of operation, assembly and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to those skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.