Abstract:
A pullout storage structure for a bathroom cabinet, such as a vanity or medicine cabinet, has a hinge linkage for moving a storage unit between an opened and a closed position such that the storage unit travels an arcuate path and maintains its orientation. Smooth and easy movement of the pullout storage structure is facilitated by an over-center assist member. The assist member tends to close, and keep closed, as well as open, and keep open, the pullout structure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a storage structure for a cabinet. More particularly, it relates to a pullout storage structure for use in a bathroom cabinet. 
     Cabinetry has evolved from a simple box having a door or drawer, to complex geometries including a mixture of doors, drawers, shelves and compartments. Cabinetry is no longer viewed as purely utilitarian; users have begun to demand more from high-end products. Cabinetry must now incorporate a bold look and sophisticated features (e.g., built-in televisions, speakers, LED lighting, etc.) in addition to the traditional utilitarian aspects users have come to expect (e.g., storage space, durability, ease of use, etc.). 
     While most cabinets provide storage, improve organization, and conceal the contents, more innovative designs provide the traditional utilitarian features while incorporating modern amenities. Furthermore, to be economical, the cabinetry must be easily manufactured, installed, adjusted, operated and maintained. 
     Traditional cabinets have numerous drawbacks. Oftentimes, in order to conceal stored items and maintain a clean appearance, the items are stored behind doors or placed into drawers. While this allows the items to be hidden away when not in use, locating items placed on high shelves (e.g., such as a high-mounted medicine cabinet) or deep within dark, crowded drawers (e.g., drawers of a vanity) can be difficult. As a further example, many medicine cabinets provide a mirrored surface on the outside of the cabinet; however, to access items within the cabinet the door, and hence mirror, must be pivoted away from the user. As a result, the user cannot both view the contents of the cabinet and the mirror simultaneously. 
     Thus, a need continues to exist for cabinetry that provides convenient access to and storage of items for use in a bathroom. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a pullout storage structure for a bathroom cabinet that addresses many of the shortcomings of current cabinetry. The invention provides convenient, ergonomic access to stored items while allowing the items to remain hidden from view when not in use. Access to stored items within the cabinet is achieved by moving the items toward the user in a consistent orientation without obstructing the user&#39;s view of the remainder of the cabinet. Furthermore, an assist member assists in opening and closing the storage structure. 
     In one aspect, the invention provides a pullout storage structure for a bathroom cabinet including a storage unit coupled to a support member. The storage unit is movable between a first position, a second position, and an intermediate position located between the first position and the second position. Additionally, an assist member assists the storage unit toward the first position when the storage unit is between the first position and the intermediate position and assists the storage unit toward the second position when the storage unit is between the second position and the intermediate position. 
     In another aspect, the invention provides a hinge linkage for movably mounting a storage unit to a bathroom cabinet. The hinge linkage includes a first set of links having opposite stationary and movable ends. The stationary ends of the links are adapted for pivotal mounting at a first end of a storage compartment of the cabinet. A second set of links has opposite stationary and movable ends, the stationary ends being adapted for pivotal mounting at a second end of the storage compartment. Additionally, a cross-member is pivotally coupled to the storage unit. The cross-member has a first end coupled to the movable ends of the first set of links and a second end coupled to the movable ends of the second set of links such that as the first and second sets of links are pivoted with respect to the cabinet, the cross-member moves along an arcuate path while maintaining an essentially constant orientation. 
     In still another aspect, the invention provides a bathroom cabinet including a cabinet base having a storage compartment. A movable storage unit having a support platform for storing items, which in a first position is disposed within the storage compartment with a front side of the storage unit being at a front side of the cabinet base. A hinge mounts the storage unit to the cabinet base such that the storage unit can move from the first position along an arcuate path to a second position in which the front side of the storage unit is spaced from the cabinet base. The storage unit is essentially in the same orientation in the first and second positions and can even stay in that orientation as it travels. 
     These and other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description and drawings. What follows are one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. To assess the full scope of the invention the claims should be looked to, as the example embodiments are not intended as the only embodiments within the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a partial perspective view of an example embodiment of the invention in connection with a bathroom cabinet; 
         FIG. 2  is a section view thereof taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1  showing the center panel propped open; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view thereof with the center panel removed; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view thereof showing the storage unit in an opened position; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view thereof; 
         FIG. 6  is a front section view thereof; 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view thereof with the center panel and storage units removed; 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view showing a storage unit removed from the cabinet; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing a hinge linkage in a closed position; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded, perspective view thereof; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged, broken section view taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 9  showing the hinge linkage in an open position; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial section view showing a storage unit in a closed position; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial section view showing a storage unit in an intermediate position; 
         FIG. 15  is a partial section view showing a storage unit in an open position; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of the invention in which the pullout storage structure is positioned horizontally in a bathroom cabinet; and 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view thereof showing the pullout storage structure in an open position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A wall-mounted medicine cabinet will be referenced to describe an example embodiment of the invention. It should be noted, however, that the invention is not limited to wall-mounted cabinets, but is equally applicable to vanities, cabinets, and the like, of all elevations (e.g., floor-, wall-, and ceiling-mounted vanities/cabinets). Additionally, while the example embodiment describes a vertically oriented pullout storage structure, the invention contemplates and covers horizontally oriented pullout storage structures and storage structures of any intermediate orientation, such as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . 
     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a bathroom cabinet  10  in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. The bathroom cabinet  10  includes a pair of storage units  12  flanking a cabinet base  14  and a center panel  16  hingedly secured to the cabinet base  14 . The bathroom cabinet  10  is shown elevated above a floor-mounted vanity  18  having a sink  20  set on a counter  22 . As mentioned above, the invention can be incorporated into cabinets and vanities of varying elevations, orientations and mounting locations. 
     While the bathroom cabinet  10  of the example embodiment includes a storage unit  12  on both the left and right sides of the bathroom cabinet  10  (as viewed in  FIG. 1 ), the bathroom cabinet  10  may include storage units  12  only on one of the left or right sides. Furthermore, the storage units  12  need not extend the distance end to end of the bathroom cabinet  10  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), but may instead extend merely a portion of the distance. Lastly, multiple, distinct storage units  12  may be used on a single side of the bathroom cabinet  10  (e.g., two storage units  12  extending from one side). 
     Portions of the bathroom cabinet  10  (e.g., storage units  12 , cabinet base  14 , and the like) are preferably produced from wood such as white maple, ash, plywood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), and the like. Veneers and laminates may be used to provide aesthetically pleasing surface finishes when manufactured woods (e.g., plywood and MDF) are used. The structure is preferably secured together by a combination of glue and screws to provide a sturdy cohesion between individual pieces and create a robust assembly. 
     The bathroom cabinet  10  may include various accessories and controls. The center panel  16  is mirrored but for a transparent area to allow a media screen  24 , mounted to the back side of the center panel  16 , to be visible from the front side of the center panel  16 . Faucet controls  26  extend through the center panel  16  and allow control of the faucet (not shown) that is mounted to the bottom side of the cabinet base  14 . Speakers  28  are shown mounted to the top of the cabinet base  14  to produce audio (either in connection with the media screen  24  content or separate therefrom); the speakers  28  may also be mounted to the bottom side or sides of the cabinet base  14  or to the center panel  16 . Lighting fixtures (not shown) are also provided and are mounted to the bottom side of the cabinet base  14 , and may be integrated into the storage units  12  to provide enhanced illumination within the storage units  12 . The lighting may be adjusted by a capacitive touch pad (not shown) mounted to the bottom side of the cabinet base  14  and/or in response to the position of the storage unit  12 . Additional accessories may be included with the bathroom cabinet  10 . For example, the center panel  16  or bottom side of the cabinet base  14  may include an automatic soap dispenser, controls for the media screen  24  and/or speakers  28 , and the like. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , the center panel  16  may be hinged to the top of the cabinet base  14  to provide convenient access to the accessories and controls. The center panel  16  pivots about a center panel hinge  30  and is held open by a prop rod  32  pivotally connected to the inside of the cabinet base  14  and releasably connected to the center panel  16 . The prop rod  32  preferably props the center panel  16  open at an angle θ of approximately at least 30 degrees from the front of the cabinet base  14 . This allows reasonable access to the backside of the center panel  16  and the inside of the cabinet base  14 , allowing the required electrical and plumbing connections to be made with relative ease. When the center panel  16  is in the closed position (shown in  FIG. 2  by hidden lines) the prop rod  32  is rotated upwards and secured to the prop rod latch  33 . The center panel  16  may be secured in the closed position by a fastener at the end opposite the center panel hinge  30 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , the bathroom cabinet  10  is shown with the storage units  12  in the closed position and the center panel  16  removed for clarity. Additionally, the partitions  34  are illustrated in hidden lines to allow the storage compartments  36  to be visible. The partitions  34  prevent items placed in the storage units  12  from dislodging from the storage units  12  and interfering with the operation of the storage units  12 .  FIG. 3  further illustrates a lighting mount  38  and a faucet mount  40  located in the bottom of the cabinet base  14 . Also, an additional speaker  28  configuration is shown by the central speaker mount  42  located in the top of the cabinet base  14 . 
     When the invention is embodied in the vertical orientation, each storage unit  12  may include shelves  44 , or support platforms, secured to the back wall  46  and side wall  48  of the storage unit  12  by shelf supports  50 . Preferably, the shelves  44 , or support platforms, are made of glass approximately 5 millimeters in thickness. Greater or fewer shelves  44  may be incorporated and may be produced from other materials (e.g., metal, wood, and plastic). When implemented in the horizontal orientation, the storage units  12  may additionally include shelves  44  longitudinally disposed (not shown) within the storage unit  12  or some combination of shelves  44  and compartments. 
     The rails  52  of the example embodiment have a tubular cross-section and are secured to the storage unit  12  by a two-step process. First one end is inserted into a blind hole in the side wall  48  and then the opposite end is partially inserted into a counter bored hole in the back wall  46 . A screw (not shown) is inserted through the bored hole in the back wall  46  and threaded into the end of the rail  52 . In the example embodiment, the rails  52  are preferably made of metallic rods. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate the motion of the storage units  12  and associated hinge linkage  54 .  FIG. 3  shows the orientation of the hinge linkage  54  when the storage units  12  are in the closed position and are substantially housed within the storage compartment  36  of the bathroom cabinet  10 . Turning to  FIG. 4 , the storage units  12  have been moved into the open position. As each storage unit  12  travels from the closed position of  FIG. 3  to the open position of  FIG. 4 , the storage unit  12  travels an arcuate path as the storage unit  12  swings out from the side of the cabinet base  14  and forward (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). Furthermore, in the example embodiment, the plane defined by the back wall  46  of the storage unit  12  remains substantially parallel to the plane defined by the front face  56  of the cabinet base  14  throughout the opening and closing process. The opening and closing process will be described in more detail below. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6 , an over-center assist member  58  is incorporated to assist the movement of the storage unit  12  to the open or closed positions depending upon the mounting location of the assist member  58  and the positioning of the storage unit  12 . One end of the assist member  58  may be mounted to the cabinet base  14  (shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 ) or any other suitable support member capable of supporting the assist member  58 . One socket end of the assist member  58  is secured over a ball mount  60  mounted to the cabinet base  14 . The remaining socket end of the assist member  58  is secured to the extension ball mount  62  mounted to the storage unit  12  (shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ) or any other suitable location. For example, one end of the assist member  58  may be directly coupled to the storage unit mount  64 . The ball mount  60  and the extension ball mount  62  are positioned relative to the other, both horizontally and vertically, to prescribe the amount of travel the assist member  58  will undergo during operation and the dynamics of the force applied by the assist member  58 . A more detailed discussion of the operation of the assist member  58  follows. 
     In the example embodiment, the assist member  58  is preferably a gas-charged spring biased toward extension. The assist member  58  can be any type of biasing member or configuration (e.g., spring, electromagnetic actuator, counter weight, and the like) provided the desired amount of force is applied given the application requirements. For instance, in the example vertical embodiment, where the storage unit  12  weighs approximately ten pounds and the storage unit  12  is capable of supporting ten to forty pounds, the assist member  58  provides approximately nine pounds force urging the assist member  58  to its fully extended position. As a result, a geometrically dictated amount of force is applied to urge the storage unit  12  toward the opened or closed position. 
     With further reference to  FIG. 5 , in addition to the biasing force of the assist member  58 , the storage units  12  may be removably restrained in the opened, closed, or intermediate positions by a secondary latch. For example, a storage unit latch  66  may be mounted to the storage unit  12  and couple with a mating latch (not shown) when the storage unit  12  is in the open and/or closed positions. In one embodiment, the storage unit latch  66  may be a magnet that couples to a mating magnet when the storage unit  12  is in predetermined positions. Additionally, bumpers  67  are provided around the periphery of the storage units  12  to cushion the closure of the storage units  12 . 
     With the general movement of the storage units  12  introduced and the overall urging of the assist member  58  described, an example embodiment of the hinge linkage  54  in accordance with the invention is described. 
     Turning to  FIG. 7 , the ability of the storage unit  12  to travel the arcuate path and maintain a near constant orientation is provided, in one example embodiment, by the implementation of the hinge linkage  54 . In the example embodiment, a hinge linkage  54  is located at both opposite ends of the storage unit  12 ; however, given ample strength and rigidity, one hinge linkage  54  pivotally coupled to the storage unit  12  and the cabinet base  14  is sufficient to achieve the desired motion. Furthermore, a pair of hinge linkages  54  coupled by a cross-member, while again not necessary, has additional benefits, as discussed below. 
     Turning briefly to  FIG. 8 , a single storage unit  12  is shown in isolation from the entire bathroom cabinet  10 . The hinge linkage  54  is illustrated in the closed position coupled to the hinge linkage  54  through the storage unit mounts  64 . 
     In the example embodiment, a mounting plate  68  is coupled to the cabinet base  14 . A set of links  70  is spaced apart and arranged in parallel, and each link  70  has a stationary end  80  rotatably coupled to the mounting plate  68 . However, the mounting plate  68  is not required as the link  70  may be directly coupled to the cabinet base  14 . When used, the mounting plate  68  provides a secure connection between the links  70  and the cabinet base  14 . The links  70  have opposite movable ends  82  fixedly secured to a cross-member, here one end of a pair of parallel spaced apart rods  72 . 
     The rods  72  are rotatably coupled to at least one storage unit mount  64  that is in turn secured to the storage unit  12 . The example embodiment includes a pair of storage unit mounts  64  for rotatably coupling the cross-member, and thus hinge linkage  54 , to the storage unit  12 . However, the storage unit mounts  64  may be integrated with the storage unit  12  or completely absent; for example, where the movable end  82  of the link  70  is directly rotatably coupled to the storage unit  12 . The remaining ends of the pair of rods  72  are connected to the movable ends  82  of a second pair of links  70 . Lastly, the stationary ends  80  of the second pair of links  70  are rotatably coupled to a mounting plate  68  located at an opposite end of the cabinet base  14 . 
     It is again of note that the storage unit  12  and associated hinge linkage  54 , or cross-members, need not extend the entire distance of the bathroom cabinet  10 . 
     The example embodiment includes a cross-member including a pair of rods  72 , however, it is not necessary to have any cross-member. The cross-member, here a pair of rods  72 , acts to transfer force between the hinge linkages  54  at opposite ends of the storage unit  12  and to minimize binding of the hinge linkages  54  during operation. For example, if the storage unit  12  is large and/or is carrying a significant load, the components (e.g., hinge linkage  54 ) may begin to deflect and deform, potentially leading to binding. This is especially prevalent when force is applied to an extreme of the storage unit  12  (e.g., a user opening the storage unit  12  by pulling on the bottom corner of the storage unit  12 ) creating a large uneven moment about the opposite end of the storage unit  12 . However, the storage unit  12  can act as a rigid member coupling the hinge linkages  54  to each other; thus, a cross-member is not obligatory. Furthermore, where the cross-member consists of rods  72 , one or multiple rods  72  may be used and the rods  72  may have various cross-sections (e.g., rectangular tube, I-beam), provided the rod  72  is capable of rotatably coupling to the storage unit mount  64 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12 , the structure and operation of the hinge linkage  54  and cross-member will be discussed.  FIG. 9  illustrates the hinge linkage  54  as it appears in a fully closed position and  FIG. 12  illustrates the hinge linkage  54  as it appears in a fully opened position. Looking first to  FIG. 10 , the assembly of the hinge linkage  54  and cross-member will be described starting from the lower end and moving toward the upper end (as it appears in  FIG. 9 ). 
     The mounting plate  68  is a substantially flat U-shaped plate having four spaced apart, countersunk cabinet base mounting holes  74  for securing the mounting plate  68  to the cabinet base  14  with fasteners, such as screws. Two threaded holes  76  are located near the corners of the U-shaped mounting plate  68  for receiving a respective shoulder bolt  78 . A pair of rectangular bar shaped links  70  has a stationary end  80  and a movable end  82 , both ends are rounded to provide increased clearance during rotation. 
     Turning briefly to  FIG. 11 , the coupling of the stationary ends  80  of the links  70  to the mounting plate  68  is shown in cross-section. The shoulder bolt  78  enters the top side of a hole formed in the stationary end  80  of the link where it abuts a bearing  84 . The shoulder bolt  78  continues through a bushing  86  placed between the bearing  84  and the mounting plate  68  to provide clearance between the mounting plate  68  and the link  70  during operation. The shoulder bolt  78  engages the threaded hole  76  in the mounting plate  68 . As a result, the links  70 , without further restraint, are free to rotate about the respective shoulder bolts  78 . 
     Returning briefly to  FIG. 10 , the movable ends  82  of the links  70  include chamfered through holes  88  sized to receive one end of a respective rod  72 . One end of each rod  72  is fixedly secured in the holes  88 , preferably by welding. Thus, the movement of the rods  72  influence the rotation of the links  70  about the stationary ends  80 . The storage unit mount  64  is a substantially flat bar having a longitudinal bend defining a top face  92  and a mounting face  94 . A pair of spaced apart through holes  96  are formed through the top face  92  for receiving the rods  72 . The distance between the holes  96  of the storage unit mount  64  is substantially similar to the distance between the threaded holes  76  in the mounting plate  68  for securing the stationary ends  80  of the links  70 . As a result, the links  70  are spaced apart in parallel and rotate in parallel unison throughout the allowable movement, thus maintaining the orientation of the coupled storage unit  12 . 
     Turning again to  FIG. 11 , a retainer bushing  90  is slid onto each rod  72  and partially through the holes  96  in the top face  92  of the storage unit mount  64 . A lip  91  of the retainer bushing  90  abuts the back side of the top face  92 . The storage unit mount  64  is prevented from sliding along the rods  72  toward the links  70  by the combination of annular grooves  98  formed in each rod  72  and retaining clips  100  snap fit into the annular grooves  98 . 
     Again returning to  FIG. 10 , the mounting face  94  of the storage unit mount  64  includes a pair of spaced apart slots  102 . The slots  102  establish adjustable mounting locations for the storage unit  12 . The location of the storage unit  12  with respect to the storage unit mount  64  can be adjusted to accommodate for variations in the assembly and construction of the components. 
     Continuing along the rods  72 , an additional pair of annular grooves  98  are formed near the opposite end of the rods  72  for use in securing a second set of retainer bushings  90  to a storage unit mount  64  and a mounting plate  68 . Note that the storage unit mount  64  is mirrored from the previously discussed storage unit mount  64 . This need not be the case; however, in the vertical configuration of the example embodiment, greater mounting stability is achieved. Additionally, note that the lip  91  of the retainer bushings  90  and the annular groove  98  are positioned to prevent the storage unit mount  64  from sliding along the rods  72  toward the lower hinge linkage  54 . This is a result of the vertical orientation of the example embodiment and is intended to better support the weight of the storage unit  12  and any items thereon. Where the invention is used in a horizontal (or some intermediate) configuration, the annular grooves  98 , retainer bushings  90 , and storage unit mount  64  can be positioned most appropriately to restrain the movement of the storage unit mounts  64  against the force of gravity or likely forces applied to the storage units  12 . 
     The movable ends  82  of the links  70  need not be fixedly secured to the rods  72 , but instead may be adjustably secured as illustrated by the upper hinge linkage  54  shown in  FIG. 10 . The movable ends  82  of the links have a slit  104  extending from the holes  88 . An adjustment hole  106  extends perpendicular to the slit  104  and extends through half of the movable end  82  into the slit  104 . The remaining portion of the adjustment hole  106  is threaded through the other portion of the movable end  82  defined by the slit  104 . After the rod  72  is inserted into the hole  88 , a cap screw  108  engages the adjustment hole  106  and as the cap screw  108  is tightened, the movable end  82  deflects, decreasing the width of the slit  104  and causing the movable end  82  to clamp to the rod  72 . As a result, the distance between one hinge linkage  54  and the opposite hinge linkage  54  can be adjusted by loosening the cap screw  108  (releasing the clamping force on the rod  72 ), sliding the rod  72  within the hole  88  to the desired position, and retightening the cap screw  108  (clamping the movable end  82  to the rod  72 ). 
     An elastomeric stop  110  (shown clearly in  FIGS. 10 and 12 ) is secured by a fastener  112  to the mounting plates  68  to help restrain the movement of the hinge linkages  54  when the storage units  12  are in the opened position. 
     The elements of the hinge linkage  54  and cross-member of the example embodiment are preferably machined or formed from steel having protective plating or manufactured from stainless steel. In certain environments, use of plastics or composite materials may be used to form the elements. 
     The operation of the hinge linkages  54  and the assist member  58  is best understood with reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  9 ,  12 , and  13 - 15 . First, with reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  9 , and  13 , the storage unit  12  is shown in the closed position. In the closed position, the links  70  are normal to the respective mounting faces  94  of the storage unit mounts  64 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , which depicts the left storage unit  12 , the assist member  58  biases the storage unit  12  toward the closed position due to the offset placement of the ball mount  60  and the extension ball mount  62 . A geometrically dictated portion of the force provided by the assist member  58  acts along the horizontal arrow of  FIG. 13  to bias the storage unit  12  toward the closed position. 
     Looking to  FIG. 14 , as the storage unit  12  is opened, the force required to move the storage unit  12  decreases until the ball mount  60  and extension ball mount  62  are aligned along an axis extending normal to the hinge linkages  54 , that is, the location at which the assist member  58  is at its minimum overall length and maximum compressed deflection. At this equilibrium point, the hinge linkages  54  are between the extreme orientations depicted in  FIGS. 9 and 12 . The force provided by the assist member  58  no longer acts in the horizontal direction, instead, the force is in the vertical direction as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
     Continuing to  FIG. 15 , as the storage unit  12  moves past the equilibrium point and continues to open, the assist member  58  now biases the storage unit  12  toward the open position shown in  FIGS. 4 and 12 . Again, a geometrically dictated portion of the force provided by the assist member  58  acts along the horizontal arrow of  FIG. 15  to bias the storage unit to the opened position. The stop  110  prevents the links  70  of each hinge linkage  54  from contacting each other and controls the location of the fully opened position of the storage units  12 . 
     Adjusting the force and equilibrium position of the storage units  12  can be accomplished, for example, by increasing or decreasing the force provided by the assist member  58  and/or by altering the relative mounting locations of the ball mount  60  and the extension ball mount  62 , thus altering the geometry and associated horizontal and vertical components of the force provided by the assist member  58 . For example, increasing the travel of the assist member  58  along its axis (i.e., the maximum compressed deflection) increases the total effort required to move the storage unit  12  from one position to another position. Additionally, lowering the ball mount  60  alters the geometry of the assist member  58  such that a larger portion of the force provided by the assist member  58  must be overcome to change the position of the storage unit  12 . 
     Turning to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , a horizontal example embodiment is illustrated. In this example embodiment, the storage unit  12  moves out and up from the cabinet base  14 . In this orientation, the force provided by the assist member  58  may be increased to provide a lifting force and counteract the additional gravitational forces acting on the storage unit  12 . For example, the force provided by the assist member may be increased to fifty pounds force and the mounting locations of the assist member  58  altered to accommodate thirty-five to forty pounds force of items stored in the storage unit  12 . Other horizontal configuration considerations have been discussed above; however, the overarching discussion is applicable. 
     It should be appreciated that merely preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above. However, many modifications and variations to the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, which will be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to the described embodiments. To ascertain the full scope of the invention, the following claims should be referenced.