Abstract:
A door assembly for use with a table top member that forms a table opening, the assembly including a support member mounted to the table top member, a first door member supported by the support member for pivotal movement between a closed position blocking at least a first portion of the table opening and an open position, a second door member supported by the support member for pivotal movement between an closed position blocking at least a second portion of the table opening and an open position, a single biaser supported by the support member and linked to each of the first and second door members to independently bias each of the first and second flapper members toward the open positions.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to table mounted power and communication utility bays and more specifically to a utility bay configuration that includes a biaser that assists in opening of a bay door. 
         [0004]    Function, aesthetics, cost and durability are the most important factors to consider when designing a conference or multi-person table. With respect to function, conference tables are typically designed to accommodate people on multiple table sides so that people attending a conference can generally face one another when communicating. In addition, because people often slide objects (e.g., paper, laptops, etc.) across table tops, optimally, a table configuration includes structure that forms a completely flat and uni-planar surface so that object sliding is substantially unobstructed. For instance, even a small upward extending lip along the center line of a table top would obstruct movement there across and therefore would be bothersome. Moreover, conference or large multi-person table users often use laptops and other electronic devices at the tables and therefore require or at least desire power and data hookups at the tables. 
         [0005]    One solution for providing power and data for use at tables has been to integrate easily accessible power and data receptacles into table configurations. For instance, in the case of an elongated conference table that includes a top member that forms a top surface and an oppositely facing undersurface, many such table top members form one or more openings along a central line and include separate utility (e.g., power and/or data) bays or structure below the undersurface for mounting one or more power and/or data receptacles. Here, power and data cords are fed up from a table supporting floor and through leg or other channel defining structure to the top member undersurface and to the receptacles. To link to the utility bay receptacles, cables are fed from laptops and the like into the centrally located utility bays. To hide excess cable lengths, often utility bays are formed with cavity forming structure that receives and supports excess cable lengths generally below the table top. 
         [0006]    With respect to aesthetics, receptacles and excess cable are typically considered unsightly and therefore many table configurations that includes utility bays also include one or two utility bay doors per utility bay for blocking sight lines through top member openings and into utility bays there below. Here, the bay doors are usually mounted to pivot between open and closed positions in which access to the receptacles is facilitated and blocked, respectively. In the closed position the doors are typically parallel to and at least somewhat aligned with a top member top surface. In the open position, the doors usually swing upward above the top surface or fold downward at least partially into the opening to reveal receptacle outlets. 
         [0007]    In some cases bay doors are dimensioned so that, when in the closed positions, a cable accommodating gap is provided between at least one edge of the door member and an adjacent edge of the table top opening so that the door can be in the closed position even when one or more cables passes through the opening to the utility bay receptacles. Here, to link a cable to a receptacle, the bay door is opened so that an enlarged cable end plug can be placed through the opening and into the bay. After linking the plug to a suitable outlet, the door is closed to block view into the bay with the cable passing through the gap. To further block lines of sight through the gap, some configurations include a rubber lip or a line of resilient bristles along the door edge that can deform to accommodate cables while still forming a visual barrier within the gap. 
         [0008]    Also, with respect to aesthetics, many tables are designed to have minimal seams in the top surfaces so that the top surfaces have sleek and uniform appearances. Here, table top openings generally disrupt the sleek appearance of a top surface and therefore, in some cases, the number of openings is minimizes. For instance, where two people at a table face each other from opposite table sides, instead of providing a separate opening for each of the two table users, in many cases a single opening is provided where an undersurface bay includes a number of receptacles sufficient to accommodate all of the power and data needs of the two facing table users. 
         [0009]    At least some bay door configurations are designed to help a user open and keep the doors when desired. To this end, some bay door configurations include gas springs or the like that, when activated, drives the doors into the open positions. For instance, where a door pivots about a rear edge hinge from a horizontal closed position into a substantially vertical open position, a gas spring may be supported at one end by structure below the top member, linked at the opposite end to the undersurface of the door member and oriented substantially perpendicular to the top member (i.e., perpendicular to the door member when the door member is in the closed position). Here, when the spring is allowed to expand, a spring shaft extends upward forcing the door member to pivot about the hinge and into the open position. 
         [0010]    While the bay door configurations described above help to block unsightly receptacles and excess cable lengths, unfortunately known configurations usually have one or more shortcomings. For example, many door designs require at least some mounting or support structure to reside above a top member top surface. For instance, in many cases a bezel member includes a grommet and lip structure that rests on the portion of a top surface that surrounds an opening. Here, the bezel member resides above the top surface and therefore obstructs sliding action across the top surface. 
         [0011]    As another example, where a bezel or other structure in addition to the top surface of a bay door member is visible from above a top member, the seams between the door member and other structure disrupt the sleek table top appearance. For instance, in the case of a door member surrounded by a bezel, at a minimum, a first seam appears between the outer edge of the bezel and the surrounding table top member and a second seam appears between the door member and the bezel. As another instance, where two door members are separated by a spine member to close a single opening, seams appear between each door and the spine member as well as between each door and the surrounding table top member. Similarly, rubber and bristle gap blocking structure breaks up the appearance of a table top. 
         [0012]    As one more example, many bay door configurations are designed to accommodate only a single table thickness. For instance, in many cases, door configuration mounting structure includes components (e.g., a bezel and brackets) that embrace both the top surface and the undersurface of a top member where the relative positions of the components is not adjustable. Here, where a design is to be used with multiple thickness table tops, multiple different versions of the design are required with differently dimensioned components for each of the thicknesses. Any time multiple versions of a product configuration are required, costs increase appreciably. 
         [0013]    As still one other example, where opening springs are provided to assist in opening bay doors, in known configurations, a separate spring is required for each bay door. Thus, for instance, where two doors are provided to close a single opening, two separate springs are required, one for each of the separate doors. In general more parts increase configuration costs and therefore configurations that require two springs are less optimal than configurations that include a single spring. In addition, in known configurations, the biasing springs are usually aligned so that they extend at least somewhat perpendicular to the doors that the springs open when the doors are closed. The space below the table top member required to accommodate the perpendicularly oriented springs means that the door configuration has to extend well below the undersurface of the top member which either reduces the amount of space within a bay for receptacles and excess power and data line storage or requires that the bay extend further below the undersurface to accommodate required receptacles. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    It has been recognized that a linkage can be provided between a gas spring shaft and a utility bay door that changes the trajectory of shaft force so that a gas spring that expands substantially parallel to a top member top surface can open a bay door by applying a force that is substantially perpendicular to the top surface so that the dimension of the space below a top member required to accommodate the spring can be minimized. In the illustrated embodiment described hereafter a pivoting crank link is used to change the trajectory of the applied force. 
         [0015]    In addition, it has been recognized that a single dual shaft gas spring (i.e., a spring including oppositely extending shafts) can be provided to independently open two utility bay doors where each shaft is linked to a separate one of the door members by way of trajectory altering members. By using a single spring for two doors, cost is minimized and the space required to accommodate the door driving force mechanism is minimized. 
         [0016]    Moreover, it has been recognized that a two bay door configuration can be provided that has an extremely sleek appearance. In this regard, a door configuration including two pivoting doors can be mounted to structure below a table top member top surface where the doors are flush with the top surface of the top member and where the edges of the door members are immediately adjacent the edge surfaces of the top member that forms an accommodating opening. Here, in at least some embodiments, a grommet cover may be provided in an opening to provide a finished appearance to the opening forming surface. In this case, the phrase immediately adjacent the opening surface means immediately adjacent the internal surface of the grommet. 
         [0017]    Furthermore, it has been recognized that a door adjustment mechanism can be provided as part of a door configuration for adjusting the height of a closed door assembly within a top member opening so that a single configuration can be used with table tops of various thicknesses. Here, in at least some embodiments, jack screws are provided that can be rotated to raise or lower closed door height so that the top surfaces of bay doors can be made flush with the top surface of a table top member. 
         [0018]    To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects of the invention. However, these aspects are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention can be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the utility bay door assembly according to at least one inventive embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the assembly of  FIG. 1  installed in an opening formed by a table top member; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line of  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view similar to the view of  FIG. 1 , albeit showing door subassemblies in an open position as opposed to a closed position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is similar to  FIG. 4 , albeit showing door subassemblies in open positions; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a hinge support shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the hinge support member of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a T-bracket assembly that forms a portion of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the assembly of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a lifter housing that forms a portion of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a perspective exploded view of one of the door assemblies of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a second exploded perspective view of the door subassembly of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a V-bracket subassembly that forms a portion of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the subassembly of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of first and second force transfer/latch subassemblies and a gas spring subassembly that form a portion of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the first force transfer/latch subassembly of  FIG. 16  where the components are in a closed door orientation; 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  is a perspective exploded view of the subassembly of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  is similar to  FIG. 17 , albeit showing the components in a door depressed orientation; 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  is similar to  FIG. 17 , albeit showing the components in a door open orientation; 
           [0039]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a lifter pad that forms part of the subassembly of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view of the gas spring of  FIG. 16 ; and 
           [0041]      FIGS. 23   a  through  23   d  show top plan views of other exemplary and additional embodiments that are consistent with at least some inventive aspects. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0042]    Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters and numerals correspond to similar elements throughout the several views and, more specifically, referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , the present invention will be described in the context of an exemplary utility bay door assembly  10  that is mounted to a table top  12  to optionally close or open an opening  14  formed by the table top member  12 . To this end, as best seen in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , top member  12  includes oppositely facing to or upper surface  16  and bottom or under surface  18  and an opening  14  defined by an opening edge surface  20  which extends through member  12 . Among other components, assembly  10  includes a flapper hinge support  22 , a first T-bracket assembly  24 , a second T-bracket assembly  26 , a first door assembly  28 , a second door assembly  30  and an open assist assembly  32 . 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  7  and  8 , flapper hinge support  22  includes an elongated tubal member  34  and a plurality of arm members (e.g., first arm member  36 , second arm member  38 , etc.) that extend therefrom. Tube member  34  has a generally square cross-sectional profile as best seen in  FIG. 4  including first and second lower wall member  42  and  44  and first and second upper wall members  46  and  48 , respectively. First lower wall member  42  is substantially parallel to second upper wall member  48  and is spaced apart therefrom while second lower wall member  44  is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from first upper wall member  46  so that the wall members  42 ,  44 ,  46  and  48  together define a channel  50  (see  FIG. 7 ). Proximate the integrally connected edges of upper wall members  46  and  48  arm members  36  and  38  extend from the external surfaces of wall members  46  and  48 , respectively. Each of the arm members  36  and  38  extend along the entire length of tube member  34  and, at distal ends  37  and  39  thereof, respectively, a plurality of hinge couplers  40  and  41  are formed. In the illustrated embodiment, three equi-spaced hinge couplers  40  are located along distal edge  37  of arm member  36  and, similarly, three hinge couplers  41  are equi-spaced along the length of distal edge  39 . 
         [0044]    Referring still to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , tube member  34  forms several openings that are functionally important to the illustrated embodiment. More specifically, proximate one end, upper wall  48  forms a flattened oval opening  52  (see also  FIG. 3 ). Similarly, proximate the second end of member  34 , upper wall  46  forms a flattened oval opening  54 . As best seen in  FIG. 8 , along the edge where upper walls  46  and  48  are connected, member  34  forms first and second adjustment openings  56  and  58  that extend through member  34  and into channel  50 . 
         [0045]    Referring once again to  FIG. 1 , T-bracket assemblies  24  and  26  have similar configurations and operate in a similar fashion and therefore, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, only T-bracket assembly  24  will be described here in detail. Referring also to  FIGS. 4 ,  9  and  10 , assembly  24  includes a T-bracket member  60 , a jack screw  61  and a compression spring  62 . T-bracket member  60  is an integrally formed member including an elongated member  64  and a central extending member  66  that extends from a mid-section of elongated member  64  and to one side thereof. Near a distal end, central extending member  66  forms a threaded opening  68 . Near distal ends, elongated member  64  forms first and second screw passing apertures or openings  70  and  72 . Jack screw  61  is an elongated screw member having first and second oppositely extending ends  63  and  65 , respectively. The external surface of screw  63  is threaded so as to be receivable within threaded aperture  68 . At end  63  screw  61  is keyed to receive an adjustment screw (e.g., a screw driver). When screw  61  is received in aperture  68 , when screw  61  is turned, the screw  61  moves along a jack screw axis  67  (see again  FIG. 4 ) perpendicular to T-bracket member  60 . Compression spring  62  forms a spring channel (not labeled) dimensioned so that the first end  63  of jack screw  61  is receivable therein. 
         [0046]    Referring once again to  FIG. 1 , each of the first and second door assemblies  28  and  30  have similar configurations and operate in a similar manner and therefore, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, only first door assembly  28  will be described here in detail. Referring also to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , door assembly  28  includes a main door member  74 , an edge flapper member  76 , a roll pin  78  and a wear pad  80 . Main door member  74  includes a flat rectilinear member  82 , an arm member  84  and a hinge coupler  85 . Member  82  includes oppositely facing top and under surfaces  90  and  92 , respectively, oppositely facing and parallel front and rear edges  89 ,  87 , respectively, and first and second oppositely facing and parallel lateral edges  91  and  93 , respectively. Here, while rear and front edges  87  and  89  are parallel and the lateral edges  91  and  93  are parallel, it should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the oppositely facing edges may not be completely parallel or may be substantially parallel and that, in at least some embodiments, one or more of the edges may not be completely straight (e.g., one or more of the edges may have some curvature to it). Along front edge  89 , member  82  forms a hinge bead  95  and a limiter bead  96 . Centrally along the length of hinge bead  95 , bead  95  forms a roll pin slot  94 . 
         [0047]    Referring still to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , proximate and parallel to rear edge  87 , two hinge couplers collectively identified by numeral  85  are formed on undersurface  92 . The hinge couplers  85  are spaced apart so that they are receivable between adjacent pairs of hinge couplers  40  (see again  FIG. 7 ) at the distal ends of arm member  36 . Adjacent hinge couplers  85 , arm member  84  extends from under surface  92 . At the end of arm member  84  proximate surface  92 , the arm member  84  extends substantially perpendicular to undersurface  92  but, near a distal end  97  of arm member  84 , arm member  84  curves toward the facing direction of rear edge  87 . At the distal end  97 , arm member  84  forms a bead (not labeled) for receiving wear pad  80 . 
         [0048]    Referring still to  FIGS. 1 ,  12  and  13 , edge flapper member  76  is a flat and rigid elongated member that includes a top surface  110 , an undersurface  112 , oppositely facing and parallel front and rear edges  104 ,  102 , respectively, and first and second parallel and oppositely facing lateral edges  106  and  108 , respectively. Here, it should be appreciated that in at least some embodiments the rear and front edges may not be parallel and that the first and second lateral edges also may not be parallel. It should also be appreciated that, in at least some embodiments, the front edge  104  and one or both of the lateral edges  106  and  108  may not be completely straight (e.g., each of the edges may have some curvature to it). Along rear edge  102 , elongated member  98  forms a hinge channel  14  configured to receive hinge bead  95 . In addition, proximate hinge channel  114 , member  98  forms a limiting surface  117 . Surface  117  is juxtaposed such that, when hinge bead  95  is received within channel  114  and member  99  is in a closed position (see  FIG. 4 ), surface  117  contacts a facing surface of limiter bead  96  such that rotation of member  99  about bead  95  is restricted. When bead  95  is received in channel  114 , a small gap is formed between facing edges of door member  74  and flapper member  76  such that flapper member  76  can rotate about bead  95  into an open position. In  FIG. 4 , rotation into the open position of flapper member  76  would be clock-wise as illustrated in phantom. A pin hole  116  is formed in member  76  proximate rear edge  102  that opens from top surface  110  into channel  114  which is aligned with slot  94  when bead  95  is received in channel  114 . 
         [0049]    Referring still to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , wear pad  80  is a relatively short pad member that, in cross-section, is generally C-shaped and can be slid onto the bead formed at distal end  97  of arm member  84 . A friction fit maintains pad  80  at a specific position along the length of distal end  97 . In at least some embodiments the wear pad  80  is spring steel. Roll pin  78  is an elongated pin member that forms an internal channel and has a slot along its length into the channel. When pin  78  is pressed into hole  116  formed by flapper member  76 , the pin compresses slightly so that the pin  78  is retained within the hole  116 . 
         [0050]    To install flapper member  76  at the front edge  89  of door member  90 , hinge channel  114  is aligned with bead  95  and then member  76  is slid along edge  89  until the first edges  106  and  91  of members  76  and  90  are aligned. At this point, hole  116  should be aligned with slot  95  such that, when pin  78  is forced into hole  116 , a leading end of pin  78  is received within slot  95 . In this way, pin  78  restricts sliding motion of flapper member  76  along bead  95  and maintains members  76  and  90  aligned. 
         [0051]    Referring once again to  FIGS. 1 and 4  as well as to  FIGS. 14-16 , open assist assembly  32  includes a plurality of sub-assemblies including V-bracket sub-assembly  124  (see specifically  FIGS. 14 and 15 ), a first force transfer/latch sub-assembly  126  (see  FIGS. 16 ,  17  and  18 ), a second force transfer/latch sub-assembly  128  (see  FIG. 16 ) and a gas spring sub-assembly  130  (see  FIGS. 16 and 22 ). Referring specifically to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , V-bracket sub-assembly  124  includes a V-shaped bracket member  132 , a first lifter pin pair  142 , a second lifter pin pair  144  and first through fourth pivot pins  146 ,  147 ,  148  and  149 , respectively. V-shaped bracket member  132  includes first and second rigid and substantially flat rectilinear and elongated members  134  and  136 , respectively, that are integrally formed along adjacent long edges where the members  134  and  136  form a right angle when viewed in cross-section (not illustrated). The bracket  132  extends from a first end  135  to a second end  137 . Along the long edge of member  134  opposite member  132 , a first arm member  138  extends substantially perpendicular to member  134  and generally parallel to member  132  proximate second end  137 . Similarly, proximate end  135 , a second arm member  140  extends substantially perpendicular to member  136  from the long edge of member  136  opposite member  134 . Referring specifically to  FIG. 15 , arm member  140  and member  134  form aligned dowel pin holes  153  and  151 , respectively, where hole  153  is proximate a distal end of member  140  and hole  151  is proximate the edge of member  134  opposite member  132 . Similarly, arm member  138  and member  136  form aligned dowel holes  157  and  155 , respectively, where the holes  157  and  155  are formed proximate the distal end and the distal edge of members  138  and  136 , respectively. 
         [0052]    Referring still to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , proximate end  135  and generally between arm member  140  and end  135 , the first lifter pin pair  142  extend substantially perpendicular to wall member  136  and parallel to wall member  134 . The pair  142  are parallel to each other. Similarly, proximate end  137  and generally between end  137  and arm member  138 , the second lifter pin pair  144  extend substantially perpendicular to and from wall member  134  and are parallel with member  136 . The pins that form pair  144  are parallel to each other. 
         [0053]    Referring yet again to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , pivot pins  146  and  147  extend substantially perpendicularly from member  134  and parallel to member  136  near a mid-section of member  134 . Similarly, pins  148  and  149  extend from a mid-section of, and generally perpendicularly from, member  136 . 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIG. 16 , each of the first and second force transfer/latch sub-assemblies  126  and  128  is similarly constructed and operates in a similar fashion and therefore, in the interest of simplifying this explanation, only sub-assembly  126  will be described here in detail. Referring also to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , first force transfer/latch sub-assembly  126  includes a torsion spring  160 , a catch member  162 , and trigger member  164 , and crank link member  166 , a lifter housing member  168 , a lifter pad member  170 , a ball stud  172 , a screw shoulder  174 , a roller  176 , a dowel pin  178  and an adjustment set screw  181  (see specifically  FIG. 18 ). Spring  160  includes first and second arm members  180  and  182 , respectively, that extend generally in the same direction but form an angle therebetween. When the arm members  180  and  182  are pressed toward each other, the spring is loaded and presses the arm members away from each other. 
         [0055]    Referring still to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , catch member  162  includes a substantially flat and rigid body member  184  that forms a pivot hole  186 . The peripheral edge of member  184  forms several functional features in the illustrated embodiment. Specifically, the peripheral edge of member  184  forms a spring recess  192  in one edge and a trigger recess  194  along an edge opposite the edge that forms spring recess  192 . In addition, the edge of member  184  forms a catch surface  190  along the same edge portion that forms trigger recess  194 . 
         [0056]    Referring yet again to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , trigger member  164  includes a rigid and substantially flat and elongated body member  196  and first and second limiting arm members  202  and  204  that extend from opposite edges of body member  196  in the same direction and generally perpendicularly from member  196 . Proximate one end, body member  196  forms a pivot hole  198 . At the end opposite the end that forms pivot hole  198 , a trigger nose extension  206  extends from member  196 . Nose extension  206  is dimensioned so as to be receivable within recess  194  formed by member  184  (see specifically  17  in this regard). Limiting arm members  202  and  204  are located between pivot hole  198  and nose extension  206 . 
         [0057]    Referring still to  FIGS. 17 and 18  crank link  166  includes a shoulder member  208 , an arm member  214 , a finger member  216 , a neck extension member  218  and a head member  220 . Should member  208  is a generally flat and rigid member that forms a stud hole  210 . Arm member  214  extends substantially perpendicularly from an edge of shoulder member  208  to a distal end at which finger member  216  extends substantially parallel to shoulder member  208 . Shoulder member  208  and finger member  216  form an aligned pair of pivot holes  219  that define a pivot axis (not labeled). 
         [0058]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 17 , neck extension member  218  extends from one end of shoulder member  208  and has a reduced width portion defined by oppositely facing first and second limiting surfaces  226  and  228 , respectively. Head member  220  extends from neck member  218 . A nose member  222  extends from the distal end of head member  220  and forms a latch surface or edge  224 . At an end opposite head member  220 , should member  206  forms a roller hole  212 . 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18  once again, ball stud  172  includes a ball at one end and a connector component at an opposite end for connecting the ball stud to shoulder member  208  via stud opening  210 . Here, although not illustrated, a screw or other mechanical fixing device may be used to secure stud  172  in hole  210 . Screw shoulder  174  and associated nut  175  are used to secure roller  176  to hole  212  such that roller  176  is disposed on the same side of shoulder member  208  as ball stud  172  and so that roller  176  is free to move around the supporting surface of screw  174 . 
         [0060]    Referring still to  FIGS. 17 and 18  as well as to  FIG. 11 , lifter housing  168  includes first and second channel forming members  230  and  232 , respectively, and a central connecting member  234 . As the label implies, channel forming member  230  forms an elongated channel  238  along its length. Similarly, member  232  forms an elongated channel  240  along its length. The channels  238  and  240  are parallel to each other and are dimensioned to slidably receive lifter pins  144  (see again  FIGS. 14 and 15 ). Around external surfaces, each of members  230  and  232  forms a laterally extending limiting ridge  236 . Central connecting member  234  does not extend along the entire lengths of members  230  and  232  such that first and second oppositely facing surfaces  242  and  244  are recessed from the ends of members  230  and  232 . Surface  242  forms a roller bearing surface while surface  244  forms an adjustment surface that faces in a direction opposite roller bearing surface  242 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18  and also to  FIG. 21 , lifter pad member  170  includes a body member  246  and first and second arm members  247  and  249 , respectively. Body member  246  forms a dual barrel channel  248  that is designed to receive the reduced dimensioned ends of channel forming members  230  and  232  in a keyed fashion. Body member  246  forms a bearing surface  254  opposite the side to which the dual barrel channel  248  opens. Body member  246  also a forms a threaded aperture or hole  250  that extends from bearing surface  254  into a central position of dual barrel channel  248  that is aligned with adjustment surface  244  when the reduced dimensioned portions of member  168  are received within channel  248 . Set screw  181  has a threaded external surface and is received threadably within hole  250  so that a distal end thereof may be variably adjusted to extend out of opening  250  and into at least a portion of channel  248 . Thus, when pad member  170  is received on housing member  168 , the distal end of set screw  181  contacts surface  244 . By rotating the set screw  181 , the combined length of members  168  and  170  can be altered. 
         [0062]    Referring still to  FIGS. 17 ,  18  and  21 , arm members  247  and  249  extend from body member  170  in a direction opposite bearing surface  254 . Member  247  and  249  are generally parallel to each other and are somewhat flexible yet rigid and resilient. At distal ends of members  247  and  249 , lateral lip members  252  extend in opposite directions. 
         [0063]    Referring now to  FIGS. 16 and 22 , gas spring sub-assembly  130  includes a cylinder  260 , a spring shaft  262  and first and second ball socket members  264  and  266 , respectively. Shaft  262  extends from cylinder  260  and first ball socket member  264  is mounted to a distal end of shaft  262 . Second ball socket member  266  is mounted to the end of cylinder  260  opposite shaft  262 . Ball socket member  264  forms a generally spherical socket recess  265  dimensioned to rotationally receive the ball portion of ball stud  172  (see again  FIG. 18 ). Similarly, socket member  266  forms a spherical socket  267  dimensioned to receive a ball (not labeled or illustrated) that is associated with the second force transfer/latch sub-assembly  128  (see again  FIG. 16 ). 
         [0064]    Next, assembly of configuration  10  will be described. To this end, referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15  as well as  FIGS. 17 and 18 , with ball stud  172  and roller  176  mounted to crank link member  166  as described above, dowel pin  178  is used to secure both trigger member  164  and link member  166  between arm member  138  and wall member  136  such that roller  176  is positioned between the pins that form pin pair  144 . To this end, member  164  is positioned between wall member  136  and member  166  with holes  198 ,  219 ,  155  and  157  aligned and then dowel pin  178  is slid through the aligned holes thereby forming a crank or pivot axis  270  (see  FIG. 17  specifically). When member  164  is positioned with respect to member  166 , member  164  is positioned such that neck member  218  generally resides between or aligned with the first and second limiting arms  202  and  204 . 
         [0065]    Next, catch member  184  is moved into a position such that latch surface  224  contacts catch surface  190 , so that nose extension member  206  is received within recess  194  and so that pivot hole  186  receives pivot pin  149 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , a press fit E-clip  272  may be secured to the distal end of pivot pin  149  to retain catch member  184  on pin  149 . 
         [0066]    Referring still to  FIGS. 14 ,  15 ,  17  and  18 , one arm  182  of spring  160  is received within recess  192  and the other arm  180  is secured to pivot pin  148  such that spring  160  is compressed between recesses  192  and  148 . Here, in at the illustrated embodiment, as shown best in  FIG. 17 , a press fit E-clip  274  may be used to secure the second spring arm  180  to pin  148 . 
         [0067]    Referring again to  FIGS. 14 ,  15 ,  17  and  18 , lifter housing  168  receives pins  144  in channels  238  and  240  and is slid downward until roller bearing surface  242  contacts roller  176 . 
         [0068]    Referring to  FIGS. 14-16 , the assembly method described above with respect to sub-assembly  126  is performed for sub-assembly  128  in a similar fashion. After sub-assembly  128  has been installed, gas spring  120  is mounted between sub-assemblies  126  and  128 . To this end, the ball studs (e.g., see  172  in  FIG. 17 ) are securely received with the spherical sockets formed by ball socket members  164  and  166 . At this point, the open assist assembly  32  which comprises all the components illustrated and described above with respect to  FIGS. 14 and 16  is completely assembled except for the lifter pads (e.g.,  170 ) and it is assumed that set screws (e.g.,  181 ; see  FIG. 18 ) have been installed in associated lifter pads (e.g.,  170 ). 
         [0069]    Next, referring to  FIGS. 4 and 7 , the open assist assembly  32  is slid into channel  50  formed by hinge support member  22  until the lifter housings (e.g., see  168  in  FIG. 17 ) are aligned with the elongated oval lifter openings  52  and  54  (see also  FIG. 8 ). Although not illustrated, screws or other mechanical fastening devices are used to secure the V-shaped bracket member  132  to hinge support  22 . Next, referring to  FIGS. 8 and 18 , the lifter pads (e.g.,  170 ) are aligned with openings  52  and  54  with arm members  247  and  249  extending toward the adjacent openings and then are forced down toward the openings so that the edges of the openings apply a force to the arms  247  and  249  causing them to flex inward until the lip members  252  pass through the openings  52  and  54 . As the lifter pads  170  are slid through the openings  52  and  54 , the reduced dimension portions of members  230  and  232  are received within the dual barrel channel  248  of lifter pad  170 . Sliding motion continues until the distal end of set screw  181  contacts bearing surface  234 . Once arm members  247  and  249  flex outward, the finger members  252  at the distal ends thereof will retain the filter pads (e.g.,  170 ) connected to the larger assembly unless a large pulling force is applied thereto. 
         [0070]    Continuing, after door assemblies  28  and  30  are assembled, the door hinge couplers  85  are aligned with hinge couplers  40  and  41  at the distal ends of arm members  36  and  38  (see  FIGS. 7 and 13 ) and hinge pins (not labeled) are slid through the aligned hinge couplers to attach the door assemblies to hinge support member  22 . Here, after the door subassemblies  28  and  30  have been attached, the wear pads  80  (see again  FIGS. 12 and 13 ) are slid along distal ends  97  of the arm members  84  until they are aligned with the bearing surfaces  254  (see  FIG. 18 ) of lifter pads  170  and the wear pads  80  bear there against. 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 ,  9  and  10 , the jack screw  71  is threadably received within aperture  68  and spring  62  is installed as illustrated. Continuing, referring still to  FIGS. 4 and 9 , with spring  62  compressed against an adjacent surface of T-shaped bracket member  60 , central extending member  66 , jack screw  61  and spring  62  are slid into one end of hinge support member  22  until jack screw end  63  is aligned with opening  58  (see  FIG. 8 ). When spring  62  is released, the end of spring  62  opposite T-shaped bracket  60  is forced up against the internal surface of member  22  (see  FIG. 4 ) thereby forcing bracket member  60  downward and forcing jack screw end  65  against the internal surface formed by member  22  opposite opening  58 . T-bracket subassembly  26  is assembled in a fashion similar to that described above with respect to subassembly  24  and it is installed in the other end of member  22  so that its jack screw is aligned with opening  56  (see again  FIG. 8 ). 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 , to mount assembly  10  to table top member  12 , assembly  10  is positioned below opening  14  formed by member  12  such that the door assemblies  28  and  30  are aligned with the opening edge surface  20  and assembly  10  is moved upward until the T-bracket members (e.g.,  60 ) contact under surface  18 . Next, screws (not illustrated) are fed through the screw holes  70  and  72  (see  FIG. 9 ) of each T-bracket member and into the undersurface  18 . At this point, depending on the relative juxtapositions of the jack screws (e.g.,  61  in  FIG. 4 ) and the T-bracket members (e.g.,  60 ), the top surfaces of the door subassemblies  28  and  30  may or may not be completely flush with the top surface  16  of member  12 . To adjust assembly  10  so that the top surfaces of the door subassemblies  28  and  30  are flush with top surface  16 , the head of a screw driver can be passed through the gap between door subassemblies  28  and  30  and can be used to rotate the jack screws  61  thereby raising or lowering hinge support  22  and the door subassemblies  28  and  30  secured thereto. 
         [0073]    In addition, it may be that after installation, one or both of the door subassemblies  28  and  30  sag within the opening  14  so that, from the rear portion of the door subassembly to the front edge portion of the door subassembly, the door subassembly is not completely horizontal. To adjust for sag, a door subassembly  28  may be rotated into an open position and a screw driver head or the like can be inserted through opening  250  and can be used to rotate set screw  181  thereby changing the overall length of lifter housing  168  and lifter pad member  170 . After set screw  181  is adjusted, the door subassembly  28  is again rotated down into the position where the distal end  97  of arm member  84  contacts the bearing surface  254  of lifter pad member  170  and is supported thereby. 
         [0074]    Next, operation of the open assist assembly  32  will be described. Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 4  and also to  FIG. 17 , with door subassembly  28  in the closed position, the components that comprise the force transfer/latch subassembly  126  are in the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 17  where latch surface  224  contacts catch surface  190  such that catch member  184  restricts rotation of crank link member  166  about axis  270 . Here, roller  176  is located in a low position relative to pins  144  and therefore lifter housing member  168  and lifter pad member  170  are also in a low position so that door assembly  28  is in the closed position. 
         [0075]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 19 , when a person pushes down on door subassembly  28 , the force of the door is transferred through arm member  84  to lifter pad  170  and housing  168  to roller  176 , which causes roller  176  to move generally downward. As roller  176  moves downward, crank link member  166  rotates about pivot access  270  which causes limiting surface  226  to bear up against first limiting arm  202  to cause trigger member  164  to also rotate about pivot access  178 . As trigger member  164  rotates, nose extension member  206  contacts an adjacent portion of recess  194  thereby causing catch member  184  to rotate about pin  149  and against the force of spring  160 . As catch member  162  rotates, eventually, catch member  162  reaches a position such that latch surface  224  clears catch surface  190  as illustrated in  FIG. 19 . When door subassembly  28  is released, referring also to  FIG. 16 , the shaft  262  of spring  130  extends forcing crank link member  166  to rotate along the trajectory indicated by arrow  300  in  FIG. 19 . Referring also to  FIG. 20 , as link member  166  rotates, roller  176  is forced upward which in turn causes housing  168  and pad  170  to be forced upward. Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , as pad  170  is forced upward and outward through opening  52  (see also  FIG. 7 ), the bearing surface  254  contacts the distal end  97  of arm member  84  and forces door subassembly  28  into the open position. 
         [0076]    In each of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , both door subassemblies  28  and  30  are shown in an open orientation. To close door subassembly  28 , a user simply pushes down on the door subassembly  28  causing the subassembly  28  to pivot about the hinge access which applies a force through arm  84  to pad  170  which causes the components that comprise the force transfer/latch subassembly  126  to again assume the position illustrated in  FIG. 17  where crank link member  166  is latched into a closed position by catch member  162 . 
         [0077]    Referring once again to  FIGS. 5 and 6  and also to  FIG. 16 , it should be appreciated that each of the door subassemblies  28  and  30  can operate completely independently of the other door subassembly to be opened and closed and that a single spring subassembly  130  is sufficient to open either of the door subassemblies  28  or  30  independently or to open both together if both subassemblies are pressed downward simultaneously. 
         [0078]    Referring now to  FIGS. 23   a  through  23   d , top plan views of other installed door assemblies that are consistent with some of inventive aspects are illustrated. In  FIG. 23   a , an assembly  350  is shown installed in an opening formed in a table top  352  where the assembly includes only a single door subassembly akin to subassembly  28  shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . In this embodiment, the door subassembly includes a single main door member  354  and a hinged edge flapper member  356  where edges of the door subassembly are immediately adjacent the opening edge forming surface of member  352 . In  FIG. 23   b , an assembly  360  installed in an opening formed by a top member  362  includes a main door member  364  that has a rear edge  368  and a lateral edge  369  and a single edge flapper member  366 . Here, while main door member  364  may be hinged along the rear edge  368 , in this embodiment it is contemplated that edge flapper member  366  may be hinged along the lateral edge  369 . Although not illustrated in other embodiments, it is contemplated that a second edge flapper member akin to member  366  may be hingedly secured to the other lateral edge  367  of door member  364 . 
         [0079]    Referring now to  FIG. 23   c , in this figure, an assembly  370  that is mounted within an opening formed in a table top member  372  includes a main door member  374  and a single edge flapper member  376 . Main door member  374  includes substantially parallel front and rear edges and nonparallel lateral edges. Similarly, edge flapper member  376  includes substantially parallel front and rear edges and nonparallel first and second lateral edges. Here, the front edge of member  374  is secured to the rear edge of member  376  and, it is contemplated that, the rear edge of panel  374  would be generally hingedly secured to table top member  372 . 
         [0080]    In  FIG. 23   d , an assembly  380  is mounted with an opening formed by a table top member  382  where the assembly  380  includes a main door member  384  that is similar to main door member  374  shown in  FIG. 23   c  but includes a flapper door member  380  that has a curved front edge that, in this embodiment, would be formed to mirror an edge formed by the surface that forms the opening edge in member  382 . 
         [0081]    One or more specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers&#39; specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure. 
         [0082]    Thus, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims. For example, while a gas spring is shown in the detailed embodiment above as providing open assistance for two doors, in some cases a similarly oriented spring could be used to open a single door. In addition, while one latch mechanism is illustrated for latching the open assist mechanism in a closed orientation, other mechanisms are contemplated. 
         [0083]    To apprise the public of the scope of this invention, the following claims are made: