Wall-mounted devices, systems, and methods for selectively positioning objects

Abstract

An apparatus for adjusting the height of a furniture item can comprise a frame structure that includes a vertically positioned track member that extends a particular height. A furniture item can be in communication with the frame structure through the vertically positioned track member. Additionally, an adjustment guide can be in communication with both the furniture item and the frame structure. The adjustment guide can further comprise a driving mechanism that can cause the furniture item to change vertical location with respect to the frame structure.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for adjusting the height of a furniture item, the apparatus comprising:
 a frame structure, the frame structure comprising a vertically positioned track member that extends a particular height;   a furniture item in communication with the frame structure through the vertically positioned track member; and   an adjustment guide in communication, through a cable, with both the furniture item and the frame structure, wherein the adjustment guide further comprises:
 a cable tensioner device in communication with the cable, wherein the cable extends from the cable tensioner device to the frame structure, and 
 wherein actuating the cable tensioner device cause the furniture item to change vertical location with respect to the frame structure. 
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the cable tensioner device comprises a rotatable spool. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the cable tensioner device comprises a tension plate connected to a driving shaft, wherein the driving shaft is configured to move the tension plate in different directions along the shaft based upon the direction of rotation of the driving shaft. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein actuating the cable tensioner device causes the cable to retract and the furniture item to rise with respect to a modular wall. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a cable engagement point that is configured to receive and hold the cable. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the adjustment guide is attached to the furniture item. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , wherein the furniture item comprises an interface surface that is substantially parallel to a floor and wherein the adjustment guide is attached to an underside of the interface surface. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 7 , wherein actuating the cable tensioner device such that the cable extends, causes the furniture item to lower with respect to a modular wall, and further wherein extending the cable does not directly exert a significant downward force on the furniture item. 
     
     
         9 . A system for adjusting the height of a furniture item attached to a modular wall system, the system comprising:
 a modular furniture item configured to connect to a modular wall system;   the modular furniture item comprising an adjustment guide, wherein the adjustment guide is configured to adjust the vertical positioning of the modular furniture item relative to the modular wall system, the adjustment guide comprising:
 a cable engagement point that is configured to receive and hold a cable, the cable engagement point disposed upon a tension plate, 
 the tension plate connected to a cable tensioner device, wherein the cable tensioner device is configured to move the tension plate and thereby extend or retract the cable. 
   
     
     
         10 . The system as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the cable tensioner device comprises a driving shaft. 
     
     
         11 . The system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein:
 the tension plate moves different directions along the shaft based upon the direction of rotation of the driving shaft, and   rotating the driving shaft in a first direction causes tension on the cable to increase and the furniture item to rise with respect to the modular wall system.   
     
     
         12 . The system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the driving shaft comprises a driving head that is configured to attach to a drill. 
     
     
         13 . The system as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the driving shaft comprises a driving head that is a standard sized bolt head. 
     
     
         14 . The system as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the cable tensioner device comprises an integrated electronic cable tensioner device that is integrated within the adjustment guide and that when activated moves the tension plate. 
     
     
         15 . The system as recited in  claim 9 , wherein the modular furniture item, is configured to tilt towards the modular wall system when it contacts an item while being lowered by the adjustment guide. 
     
     
         16 . A system for adjusting the height of a furniture item attached to a wall system, the system comprising:
 a wall mounted furniture item in communication with a channel bracket, wherein the wall mounted furniture comprises an upper surface and a lower surface;   the channel bracket physically attached to a wall;   the wall mounted furniture item comprising an adjustment guide attached to the lower surface, wherein the adjustment guide is configured to adjust the vertical positioning of the modular furniture item relative to the channel bracket, the adjustment guide comprising:
 a driving mechanism, wherein the driving mechanism is configured to exert an active force in only a single direction. 
   
     
     
         17 . The system as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the adjustment guide comprises a cable engagement point that is configured to receive and hold a cable, the cable engagement point disposed upon a tension plate. 
     
     
         18 . The system as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the driving mechanism moves the tension plate. 
     
     
         19 . The system as recited in  claim 16 , the system further comprising:
 the channel bracket extending parallel to the wall, the channel bracket comprising a front wall and a back wall that are separated by a first width;   a channel insert disposed within the channel bracket; the channel insert configured to slide along a longitudinal length of the channel bracket;   a first bearing disposed proximate a first end of the channel insert, the first bearing comprising a diameter that is less than the first width;   a second bearing disposed proximate a second end of the channel insert, the second bearing comprising a diameter that is less than the first width;   the first bearing in communication with the front wall of the channel insert; and   the second bearing in communication with the back wall of the channel insert.   
     
     
         20 . The system as recited in  claim 19 , wherein when the wall mounted furniture item contacts an item while being lowered by the adjustment guide the first bearing contacts the back wall and the second bearing contacts the front wall, causing the wall mounted furniture item to tilt towards the wall system.