Patent ID: 6416143
Filing Date: 2002-07-09
Classification: A47B,B65G,F16B

Abstract:
A storage assembly adapted for movement relative to a supporting surface between first and second positions, comprising:a storage member including a pair of spaced surfaces located toward a lower end defined by the storage member; a base including a set of rotatable wheels adapted for engagement with the supporting surface to provide movement of the storage member thereon; a removable mounting arrangement interposed between the base and the storage member, comprising a locking slot associated with the base and defining a laterally facing entrance, wherein the locking slot is located between the pair of spaced surfaces defined by the storage member; and a locking member releasably engageable within the locking slot and defining a pair of spaced engagement surfaces located one on either side of the locking slot, wherein each engagement surface is adapted to overlie one of the spaced surfaces of the storage member; wherein the locking slot is configured such that movement of the locking member in the locking slot inwardly of the entrance is operable to move the engagement surfaces of the locking member into contact with the spaced surfaces of the storage member to maintain engagement of the storage member with the base; a guide assembly for guiding movement of the storage member between the first and second positions, wherein the guide assembly includes an inner mounting member adapted to be secured to the supporting surface; and an axially telescoping slide assembly interposed between the inner mounting member and the base, including a fixed-position guide member mounted to and extending from the mounting member, and an axially movable extension member interconnected with the guide member and the base, wherein the guide member and the extension member are operable to guide movement of the storage member between the first and second positions; an engagement structure interposed between the base and the extension member, wherein the engagement structure is constructed and arranged to accommodate relative vertical movement between the base and the extension member as the storage member is moved between the first and second positions; a retainer mechanism for releasably maintaining the storage member in the first position, comprising a catch member mounted to one of the base and the inner mounting member, and a movable retainer member mounted to the other of the base and the inner mounting member, wherein the catch member includes an engagement surface with which the movable retainer member is engageable to maintain the storage member in its first position, wherein the retainer member is movable out of engagement with the engagement surface upon application of an axial force to the storage member tending to move the storage member from its first position toward its second position to enable movement of the storage member to its second position, and wherein return movement of the storage member to the first position results in subsequent engagement of the retainer member with the engagement surface to releasably retain the storage member in the first position; and a shim system for altering the elevation of the storage member relative to the base, comprising two or more shim members mounted to the base via a mounting arrangement providing fixed-position mounting of a first one of the shim members relative to the base and movable mounting of a second one of the shim members relative to the first shim member and relative to the base, wherein the second shim member is located between the first shim member and the base and is movable between a shimming position in which the second shim member is positioned between the storage member and the base, and a withdrawn position in which the second shim member is withdrawn from between the storage cabinet and the base to provide direct engagement of the storage cabinet with the base.