Patent Publication Number: US-2010108629-A1

Title: Rotary shelf system

Description:
FIELD 
     This application is entitled to the filing date of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/025,948 filed Feb. 4, 2008. 
     The present invention relates to a rotary shelf construction and assembly and, more particularly, to a fixed-post rotary shelf construction and assembly. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to improving the rotation and stability of fixed-post rotary shelf systems. 
     RELATED ART 
     Corner cabinets, e.g., corner kitchen cabinets, are common features in most houses or businesses. These cabinets offer significant storage space that is commonly difficult to access because of the depth or shape of the cabinet. Rotary shelving or “Lazy Susan” type shelving is often used to enhance access to the space contained within corner cabinets. Rotary shelves typically come in two types, rotating-post types and fixed-post types. With rotating-post types of rotary shelves, the shelf is fixedly attached to the rotating post to achieve shelf rotation within the cabinet. With fixed-post types of rotary shelves, the shelf is allowed to rotate around the fixed post to achieve shelf rotation. Each of these types of rotary shelves also commonly has a desired rest-position for the shelf. For example, a rest-position may be a position along the rotation of the shelf that is somewhat resistant to rotation and used to maintain the shelf at a particular location. Rest-positions are desirable, for example, for proper cabinet door positioning or simply to allow for a reference point for positioning or locating items on a shelf. 
     The fixed-post type of rotary shelf has historically had drawbacks. For example, they are either unable to rotate a full 360 degrees smoothly or without a bump at 180 degrees from the rest-position, or they are unable to adequately distribute the load of the shelf. Some, for example, in an effort to distribute the load of the shelf evenly, have constructed shelves that rotate on dual contact points. With this type of construction, shelves have a desired first rest-position, e.g., at 0 degrees, and an undesirable second rest-position or bump, e.g., at 180 degrees. This second “bump” disrupts operation and can cause items stored on shelves to topple during rotation. To address this problem, others have constructed shelves that rotate on a single contact point, which allows for only a single rest-position. These shelves, however, fail to evenly distribute the shelf load on both sides of the post, and thus lead to an unstable or un-level shelf. 
     It is to these, and other, problems that the present invention is directed. 
     SUMMARY 
     In typical embodiments, the object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a rotary shelf that can rotate a full 360 degrees with only a single rest-position; 
     Another object of typical embodiments of the present invention is to provide a rotary shelf that rotates smoothly and in a substantially level position; 
     Still another object of typical embodiments of the present invention is to provide a rotary shelf that rotates on at least dual contact points; 
     A further object of typical embodiments is to provide a fixed-post type of rotary shelf that rotates on dual contact points and that can rotate a full 360 degrees with only a single rest-position; 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a rotary shelf system that is easy to manufacture and install. 
     To summarize, one embodiment of the invention includes a shelf system for use with a post having an aperture. The system comprises a first head and a second head configured to mount to the post. The system also includes a collar configured to encircle the post and rest on the first and second heads. The collar may engage a shelf or may be integral with a shelf. The collar has an inner track configured to contact the first head and an outer track configured to contact the second head. The collar is configured to allow the shelf to rotate around the post from a first rest-position and return to the first-rest position without encountering a second rest-position. 
     The above summary was intended to summarize certain embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention will be set forth in more detail in the figures and detailed description below. It will be apparent, however, that the detailed description is not intended to limit the present invention, the scope of which should be properly determined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the shelf system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2   a  shows a partial view of the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2   b  shows is a partially exploded perspective view of the system shown in  FIG. 2   a;    
         FIG. 3  shows a close-up exploded perspective view of part of the system shown in  FIG. 2   b;    
         FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  show close-up, partial views of the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  show close-up, partial views of the system shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b,  with the collar rotated out of the rest-position; 
         FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  show another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  show another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  shows another embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 10  shows another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view one embodiment of a fixed-post type of rotary shelf system  2 . In this embodiment, system  2  includes base plate  4  connected to post  6 . Base plate  4  is configured to be mounted to the floor of a cabinet through mounting apertures  4   a  defined by base plate  4 . A pair of shelves  10   a  and  10   b  encircle post  6  and are able to rotate from a first rest-position 360 degrees around post  6  and return to the first rest-position without encountering a second bump or rest-position. Shelves  10   a  and  10   b  define pie-shaped notches  12   a  and  12   b.  Notches  12   a  and  12   b  may serve as a location for mounting doors (not shown) to the shelf system or may be a space into which doors are closed. Others embodiments include other shapes or no notches at all. 
       FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  show the shelf system of  FIG. 1 , however, portions of shelves  10   a  and  10   b  have not been illustrated to facilitate viewing; in particular, only the hubs of shelves  10   a  and  10   b  are shown.  FIG. 2   b  is similar to  FIG. 2   a,  except that  FIG. 2   b  is partially exploded along post  6  to further illustrate components of the shelf system. As seen in  FIG. 2   b,  system  2  includes collar  12 , which is preferably substantially annularly shaped, encircling post  6 . Post  6  includes aperture  16 . System  2  also includes first head  14   a  and second head  14   b  configured to mount to post  6 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a close-up perspective view of the lower portion of the system of  FIG. 2   b.  First head  14   a  and second head  14   b  are configured to mount to post  6 . In this embodiment, heads  14   a  and  14   b  are mounted to post  6  by connecting pin  20   a  to pin  20   b  through aperture  16 . As shown, pin  20   a  and pin  20   b  connect by snaps  22   a  and  22   b.  In other embodiments, pins connect in other ways, e.g., threadably, still others may desire other ways of mounting heads, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     Collar  12  slidably and rotatably encircles post  6 . Collar  12  is also configured to mount within recess  10   c  of shelf  10   b,  in a manner that prevents collar  12  from rotating relative to shelf  10   b.  While collar  12  is shown as separate from shelf  10   b,  those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that collar  12  could be integral with shelf  10   b,  for example, such that the collar and shelf hub or shelf are a single piece. 
     Collar  12  includes an inner track  22  and an outer track  24 . Preferably inner track  22  defines inner indent  22   a,  and outer track  24  defines outer indent  24   a.  In this embodiment, inner indent  22   a  is substantially opposite outer indent  24   a,  but in other embodiments include other positioning. When assembled and heads  14   a  and  14   b  are mounted to post  6 , collar  12  will rest on heads  14   a  and  14   b,  typically in a substantially level position, with inner track  22  contacting first head  14   a  and outer track  24  contacting second head  14   b.  As seen, inner indent  22   a  is shaped to engagably receive first head  14   a,  and outer indent  22   a  is shaped to engagably receive second head  14   b.  Inner indent  22   a  has a first slope  22   b,  and outer indent  24   a  has a second slope  24   b.  Preferably, slopes  22   b  and  24   b  are configured to allow inner indent  22   a  to rest on inner head  14   a  smoothly and evenly, at substantially the same time as outer indent  22   a  rests on outer head  14   b,  thereby allowing for a smooth and even force distribution as collar  12  rotates into and out of the rest-position, as shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b.  The smooth and even transition into and out of the rest-position may be further facilitated by a curved portion of the first head, the second head, or both. For example, the curvature of circular heads  14   a  and  14   b  may allow them to be more smoothly received by the inner and outer indents. Others may desire other types of curvature, e.g., semicircular, oval or other rounded shapes. All such embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  show various perspective views of shelf system  2  similar to the view shown in  FIG. 3 , however, in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  shelf  10   b  and mounting plate  4  are not shown to further facilitate viewing. Referring to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  generally, collar  12  is resting on first head  14   a  and on second head  14   b.  First head  14   a  is offset from post  6  a first distance D 1 , which is in this embodiment, very minimal, e.g., about 1 mm. Second head  14   b  is offset from post  6  a second distance D 2 , which is preferably greater than D 1 , e.g., about 5 mm. The offset distances, D 1  and D 2 , of heads  14   a  and  14   b  are selected to allow first head  14   a  to engagably support inner track  22 , and to allow second head  14   b  to engagably support outer track  24 . In these views, first head  14   a  is received by inner indent (not visible) of inner track  22 , and second head  14   b  is received by outer indent (not visible) of outer track  24 , such that the collar is in a rest-position. Inner indent and outer indent are configured to create a single rest-position, for the collar (or shelf attached thereto), and the remainder of the inner and outer tracks are substantially flat, thereby allowing the collar to rotate around the post a full 360 degrees and return to the rest-position without encountering a second rest-position. Some may also desire to position guides (not shown) along side tracks to facilitate head-to-track alignment, and such embodiments are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b  show various perspective views of the system shown in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b,  with collar  12  rotated out of the rest-position. As collar  12  rotates, inner indent  22   a  and outer indent  24   a  rotate off of, and no longer receive, first and second heads  14   a  and  14   b.  As collar  12  rotates, first head  14   a  supports inner track  22 , and second head  14   b  supports outer track  24 . 
     In this embodiment, to facilitate rotation of collar  12 , and movement into and out of the rest-position, first head  14   a  and second head  14   b  are circular rollers. However, others may achieve the invention with any number of fixed, heads or rollers or combinations thereof. For example, with fixed heads, rather than rolling over the heads, the collar would slide over the head or heads. In such embodiments, applicants suggest selecting materials for the head and collar that have coefficient of friction low enough to achieve the desired movement, e.g., plastics. In other embodiments, rather than having the head itself roll, the head may be fixed and include smaller mounted rollers, e.g., ball or needle bearings. All such embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     In terms of assembly, referring primarily back to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b,  post  6  is mounted to a cabinet (not shown) through mounting plate  4 . Heads  14   a  and  14   b  are mounted to post  6 . Collar  12  may be inserted into the hub of a self, e.g.,  10   a  or  10   b,  and the combination may be placed on post  6 . Alternatively, collar  12  may be placed on post  6  and the shelf may be lowered down post  6  to engage collar  12 . After assembly, the shelves will rest on heads  14   a  and  14   b,    2  as shown in  FIG. 2   a.  Those of ordinary skill will recognize that mounting plate  4  will preferably be mounted to the interior floor of a cabinet, yet other embodiments of the present invention will work equally as well if mounting plate  4  is mounted, for example, to the interior top of the cabinet. Additionally, while one of the benefits of the present invention is its ability to operate smoothly with only one mounting plate, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other embodiments may use two mounting plates, e.g., a plate to attach to the internal floor of a cabinet and a plate to attach to the internal top of a cabinet. Typically, system  2  will be installed to have a rest-position of the system configured to correspond with the corner of a kitchen cabinet. 
     As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art based on the teachings contained herein, heads may mount to the post in a variety of ways. For example, heads may mount to the post by connecting to each other in a variety of ways, e.g. threadably, snapably, with the assistance of different components, etc., and all combinations thereof.  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b,  for example, show heads  30   a  and  30   b  connecting to each other by attaching to opposite ends of pin  32 . Assembly can be easily achieved by positioning pin  32  into post  6  and connecting heads  30   a  and  30   b  to opposite ends of pin  32 . 
       FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of heads connecting to each other. First head  40   a  is fixedly mounted to one end of pin  42  and second head  40   b  connects to the opposite end of pin  42 . As seen, second head  40   b  defines an aperture  44  sized to receive a portion of pin  42 . Assembly can be easily achieved by positioning pin  42  into post  6  and connecting head  40   b  to pin  42 . 
       FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  show another configuration for mounting heads to the post. For example, heads may threadably engage at least one aperture of the post rather than connect to each other as discussed in some of the previous embodiments. In the depicted embodiment, threaded inserts  52  are positioned into aperture  16 . Bolts  54  are positioned within apertures  56  of heads  50   a  and  50   b  are threadably received by threaded inserts  52 . Others may prefer to thread aperture  16  rather than using threaded inserts  52 , and all such embodiments and combinations thereof are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     Although the previously disclosed embodiments include two heads, typically mounted substantially linearly or substantially opposite each other, others may prefer additional heads or mounting heads in other ways. For example,  FIG. 9  shows a post configuration  60  allowing heads  62   a  and  62   b  to be mounted in a substantially non-linear fashion.  FIG. 10 , somewhat similarly, includes three heads  72   a,    72   b,  and  72   c  mounted to post  70  with threaded inserts  74  and bolts  76  similar to those previously described. As will be appreciated, each of heads  72   a,    72   b,  and  72   c  are configured to engage a collar having an inner indent (configured to engage heads  72   a  and  72   b ) and an outer indent (configured to engage head  72   c ). Others may prefer more or less heads to engage either the inner or the outer track. All such embodiments are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. 
     From the preceding description, it can be seen that the present invention provides a system that meets all the advantages of related systems and offers additional advantages not heretofore achievable. With respect to the foregoing invention, the optimum dimensional relationship to the parts of the invention including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, use and assembly are deemed readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed herein. 
     The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of certain embodiments of the present invention. Numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, and it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. The present invention is intended to be limited only by the broad scope of the appended claims.