Patent Publication Number: US-2003222042-A1

Title: Display device stand with rotatable storage

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
     [0001] This application claims the benefit priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/356,647, filed Feb. 13, 2002, and is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/759,873, filed Jan. 12, 2001, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/175,719, filed Jan. 12, 2000, and Provisional Patent Application No. 60/231,733, filed Sep. 11, 2000, the full disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] This invention generally relates to storage devices and more particularly to rotatable storage devices having a stand for a display device.  
       [0003] Rotatable storage devices are known in the prior art. Many of these devices are used to store CDs, disks, or the like. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 3,608,739 to Duboff describes a revolving storage table. A base member, preferably metal, is provided for support of the device. A through bore extends through the center portion of the base. An elongated pole extends upward from the base, the lower end of the bore being internally threaded. A nut is threaded onto the pole to secure the pole in a vertical position. A first collar means is then placed over the pole and slid down to the bottom adjacent the base member. A first tray means is slid down the pole and contacts the collar means. The tray is removably journaled for rotation on the pole. A second tray including a central bore is also removably journaled for rotation on the pole a distance above the first tray. A second collar means is disposed on the pole immediately beneath the second tray for supporting the second tray.  
       [0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,424,904 to Applegate, Jr. describes a rotary display rack for albums. The rack has a circular, planar turntable. The turntable has a vertically extending cylinder affixed to a circular hub at the center of the turntable. The cylinder is inserted into the hub and can be secured to the hub by a fastener. The cylinder has an open top and bottom. A closure member or a cap may be inserted into the top opening of the cylinder. The turntable is rotatably attached to a rectangular base or support and is coupled to the base by means of a circular ball bearing plate. The ball bearing plate allows the turntable to rotate with respect to the plate.  
       [0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,471 to Zahn et al. discloses a clip and support rack. In one embodiment of the invention, circular clip supports form storage bins for small items such as paper clips and stamps. The clip supports are adapted to be mounted in a free standing tier arrangement by a central post. Each hub has a reduced threaded portion on its upper end that threadably receives the lower portion of a post segment. The upper portion of each post segment is received within the hub of the next higher unit so that the unit can rotate about the post about a vertical axis in the manner of a carousel or Lazy Susan.  
       [0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,826,261 describes a carousel holder for computer disks. The holder has a circular stationary base plate with an upper surface having rotary wheels. The carousel includes a carousel wheel that has an annular track on its bottom surface that is supported for rotation by the base plate wheels. The carousel wheel has a hub which rotates around a stationary central cylindrical tube. The hollow cylindrical housing has a central circular aperture which is secured coaxially to the central tube. A sliding door is formed in the cylindrical sidewall of the stationary housing. A radially outwardly extending rim of the carousel wheel extends beneath the bottom of the cylindrical housing.  
       [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,043 to Kohler describes a carousel like unit for the storage of floppy disks that rotates about a vertical axis. The storage assembly rests upon a base and is enclosed by a cover. The cover contains a door, which is hinged at two points and pivots about a vertical axle. Within the cover are guide plates for holding disks vertical. A vertical axle and spacers holds the guide plates apart. The storage apparatus can be rotated about the vertical axle. The under surface of the guide plate, adjacent to the base, rests upon a friction reducing washer.  
       [0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,779 to Szenay et al. discloses a carousel for storing and displaying compact disk albums or cases. The carousel comprises one or more reels rotatably mounted on a turntable base. The reels include a central core and a pair of parallel spaced apart disks. A CD case fits between the pair of circular disks and is held upright with ribs. Two circular disks may be snapped together by fitting the central core of the top disk into the central core of the lower disk. A reel may be coupled together with another reel by inserting a portion of the core that extends below the bottom surface of the lower disk of one of the reels into a circular opening found within the upper disk of a second reel. The reels are vertically aligned with a pair of dimensioned detents that facilitate the turning of all of the reels at once. The base assembly includes a stationary circular tray and a plurality of wheels riding in the circular tray. At least one reel is placed upon the tray and rides on the wheels.  
       [0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,264 to DePalma describes a circular stackable display case for floppy disks or compact disks, which consists of a mechanism for radially storing the disks and a mechanism for rotating the case. The radially storing mechanism includes a bottom circular platter member having a central aperture and a plurality of spaced apart radial slots for storage on the top surface of the bottom platter. The mechanism also includes a top circular platter member with a central aperture and a plurality of spaced apart radial slots. The rotating mechanism includes a spindle member insertable up through the central aperture of the bottom platter. A cap member is insertable down through the central aperture in the top circular platter to engage with the spindle member and to allow for rotation of the radially storing mechanism. The spindle member includes an upright barrel with an internally threaded bore. The cap member includes an externally threaded boss that threadably engages with the internally threaded bore. An externally threaded boss can engage with a central threaded aperture in a circular base member for stabilizing the spindle member or a flat horizontal surface.  
       [0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,397 to Chow describes a stackable storage rack that receives compact disk cases. The rack includes a turntable with radially extending grooves for receiving the objects. A bearing assembly rotatably mounts a turntable to a base. The bearing assembly comprises a disc on the bottom of the turntable and a base beneath the disc. A spindle extends vertically upwards from the base and rotatably through an aperture in the disc. There is a washer mounted on the bottom of the disc and a similar second washer beneath the first washer mounted on the base. The washers allow for smooth rotation of the turntable on the base.  
       [0011] Rotatable storage devices are also described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,637,172, 4,762,237, 5,020,043, 5,244,270, and 6,075,758.  
       [0012] Though these devices act as rotatable storage devices they fail to provide a mechanism that would allow for a display device, such as a computer monitor, to be supported on the storage device. Additionally, these devices are quite complex and require numerous components for assembly.  
       [0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,090,783 to Chimner describes a rotatable disk storage assembly within a housing upon which a monitor may rest. The storage assembly has a base, an enclosed cover with a front access opening, and a rotatable wheel with dividers to provide storage compartments for diskettes. The storage compartments are accessible upon rotation of the wheel. The rotatable wheel is supported on a bearing assembly including grooves formed on the upper surface of the base and the lower surface of the wheel to facilitate rotation. The assembly also includes ball bearings supported in a bearing race held in between the base and the rotatable wheel. The base, the rotatable wheel, and the cover include a magnetic shield for protecting disks when the enclosure is supported between a central processing unit and a monitor.  
       [0014] The Chimner apparatus is big, bulky and not easily transported. This apparatus also requires many components, including ball bearings and a bearing race, and therefore is not easily manufactured or assembled. Furthermore, this apparatus fails to provide storage for a wide variety of items.  
       [0015] The full disclosures of each of the above references are incorporated herein by reference.  
       [0016] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a rotatable storage apparatus having a stand for securely supporting a display device, such as a computer monitor. It would be further desirable to provide a rotatable storage apparatus and stand that provide storage for a wide variety of items. It would still be further desirable to provide a rotatable storage apparatus and computer monitor stand that can be easily manufactured and assembled and allows for use of space around a computer monitor that is normally difficult to access for use. At least some of these objectives will be met by the inventions described hereinafter.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0017] The present invention provides a rotatable storage apparatus having a stand for securely supporting a display device, preferably a computer monitor. The present invention further provides a rotatable storage apparatus and stand that provide storage for a wide variety of items. Still further, the rotatable storage apparatus and computer monitor stand of the present invention can be easily manufactured and assembled and allow for use of space around a computer monitor that is normally difficult to access for use.  
       [0018] In a first aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a stand having a top and a first cylindrical tube extending downward from the top. The apparatus further includes a carousel beneath the stand top. The carousel has a base and an opening within the base. A second cylindrical tube extends upward from the base. The first and second cylindrical tubes have a coaxial relationship relative to one another. The carousel, including the second cylindrical tube, is elevated. A base plate elevates the carousel and clips secure the carousel to the stand. The elevated carousel advantageously rotates about the first cylindrical tube of the stand and on the base plate without touching a surface upon which the stand and/or base plate rest. Therefore, scratching of the table surface is prevented.  
       [0019] A major challenge exists in designing devices which are able to support the weight of a computer monitor, or like objects, yet that are easy to assemble and manufacture. In the present invention, a computer monitor, or the like, rests on top of the stand of the apparatus. In this embodiment, the first cylindrical tube of the stand rests upon the surface beneath the carousel, providing support. The first cylindrical tube supports most of the weight of the computer monitor. Ribs may be incorporated into the stand top to strengthen the surface that the computer monitor sits upon and to provide some additional support. The apparatus shape is desirable, in that it does not require much material to manufacture, yet it is sturdy.  
       [0020] Additionally, a peripheral skirt, extending downward from the top of the apparatus may be included in some embodiments. The skirt supports some of the monitor weight as well as primarily prevents the stand from tipping side to side. As the peripheral skirt supports significantly less weight than the first cylindrical tube, it need not surround the entire stand. Therefore, little material is required to manufacture the skirt. Spaces within the skirt provide a user with easy access to the storage carousel.  
       [0021] The carousel may be divided into storage compartments having varying shapes. A curved or radiused lip, found around an edge of the carousel, may be used to form a wall of one or more compartments. Compartments may be used to store a user&#39;s items, such as keys, CDs, pens, cell phones, glasses, PDAs, MP3 players, paperclips, or office supplies, thus utilizing the space around a monitor that often times goes unused.  
       [0022] In a second aspect of the present invention, a combined support and rotary storage apparatus for use with a display device may comprise a stand having a top and a first cylindrical tube having an axis. The apparatus further includes a carousel having a base and a second cylindrical tube extending upward from the base. The second cylindrical tube coaxially surrounds the first cylindrical tube. A base plate is coupleable to the first cylindrical tube, wherein the carousel is rotatable about the first cylindrical tube axis and on the base plate. As such, the carousel rotates without touching a surface upon which the base plate and/or stand rest which in turn minimizes scratching of the surface. The display device preferably comprises a computer monitor or a flat panel display.  
       [0023] In one embodiment, the base plate has an opening. The base plate is capable of maintaining an elevated position of the second cylindrical tube relative to the first cylindrical tube. Moreover, the first cylindrical tube fits in the base plate opening and terminates in the same horizontal plane as the base plate to provide display device support. The base plate (with or without an opening) further comprises a plurality of clips to from a ring lock with the first cylindrical tube. Alternatively, the base plate and the first cylindrical tube may each have at least one aligned opening for receiving a fastener that locks the base plate with the first cylindrical tube. Soft pads may be additionally attached to an underside of the base plate to further minimize any scratching of the desktop surface and/or prevent the base plate from spinning when the carousel is rotated.  
       [0024] The base plate, in some embodiments, is substantially the same size as the top, i.e., the base plate can a be a little larger or smaller than the top. The base plate may also have a central protrusion to provide further elevation of the carousel. The base plate, top, and carousel are preferably circular for ease of manufacturability and functionality purposes. It will be appreciated however that the apparatus of the present invention may have a non-circular shape as well. The top and the base plate may also have substantially the same diameter. Preferably, the top and the first cylindrical tube has ribs to further reinforce the display device stand strength. The top may also be formed from translucent materials so that a user may easily view and identify stored items within the carousel.  
       [0025] In some instances, a proximal portion of the first cylindrical tube is rotatably mountable to a distal portion of the first cylindrical tube which is coupleable to the base plate. As such, the top and proximal portion of the first cylindrical tube is independently rotatable of the carousel, distal portion of the of the first cylindrical tube, and the base plate. Rotation of the top stand advantageously allows a user to easily access a rear side of the display device supported by the stand. As such, a user may be able to easily access cables and plugs that reside at the rear side of the display device.  
       [0026] The apparatus may further comprise at least one spacer coupleable between the first cylindrical tube and the base plate to allow for ergonomic height adjustment of the stand and display device. The apparatus top may also include a peripheral support skirt extending downward from the top, wherein the skirt and the base plate terminate in the same horizontal plane. As noted above, the skirt comprises three support legs which prevent the stand from tilting.  
       [0027] The carousel is circular and a has a diameter in the range from about 13 inches to about 18.25 inches. It will be appreciated that the top, in some embodiments, particularly those without a peripheral support skirt, may be smaller than the carousel diameter so as to provide easier viewing, identification, and access to items stored within the carousel. The carousel includes compartments, which may be separate removable structures or integrated as one unit within the carousel. Independently removable structures allow for increased utility as a user may place such a compartment within the carousel for storage or alternatively arrange such a storage compartment on a desktop for actual use. Alternatively, the carousel may include removable space dividers to allow a user to divide the carousel storage space according to his/her needs. Hence, the present invention provides a wide variety of storage compartments (integrated or separate compartments or removable space dividers) to allow for optimization of storage capacity and storage of a wide variety of items. A diameter of the first cylindrical tube is in the range from about 1 inch to about 3 inches. A diameter of the second cylindrical tube is slightly wider than a diameter of the first cylindrical tube. A thickness of the first cylindrical tube and the second cylindrical tube is about 3 mm.  
       [0028] In a third aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a stand having a top with a first cylindrical tube extending downward from the top and a peripheral support skirt extending downward from the top. The skirt and the first cylindrical tube terminate in the same horizontal plane. The apparatus further includes a carousel having a base and a second cylindrical tube extending upward from the base. The first cylindrical tube is coaxial with the second cylindrical tube and the support skirt rests radially outside of the base. A ring lock maintains an elevated position of the second cylindrical tube relative to the first cylindrical tube, wherein the carousel rotates about the first cylindrical tube. The apparatus is preferably formed from plastic materials. The base may have a lip around its circumference or the carousel may include a curved or radiused lip around an edge of the carousel. The carousel includes a compartment, wherein the curved lip forms a wall for the compartment. Such radiused compartment walls allow a user to easily and smoothly slide objects out of a storage compartment as well as allows for easy cleaning of the carousel at the edges. The ring lock may include an opening, wherein the first and second cylindrical tubes align with the opening and the first cylindrical tube fits within the opening.  
       [0029] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a stand having a top and a first cylindrical tube having an axis. The apparatus further includes a carousel having a base and a second cylindrical tube extending upward from the base. The second cylindrical tube coaxially surrounds the first cylindrical tube. A ring lock maintains an elevated position of the second cylindrical tube relative to the first cylindrical tube, wherein the carousel rotates about the first cylindrical tube. In such an embodiment, the ring lock is substantially the same size as the top.  
       [0030] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes a stand having a top and a first cylindrical tube having an axis. The apparatus further includes a carousel having a base, a second cylindrical tube extending upward from the base, and removable space dividers or compartments. The second cylindrical tube coaxially surrounds the first cylindrical tube. A base plate is coupleable to the first cylindrical tube, wherein the carousel is rotatable about the first cylindrical tube axis and on the base plate. The first cylindrical tube and top preferably have ribs. Additionally, at least one spacer may be coupleable between the first cylindrical tube and the base plate to adjust the computer monitor height.  
       [0031] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and drawings. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0032]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the support and rotary storage apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
     [0033]FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the support and rotary storage apparatus of FIG. 1.  
     [0034]FIG. 3A is a first top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.  
     [0035]FIG. 3B is a second top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.  
     [0036]FIG. 4 is a cross sectional side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.  
     [0037]FIG. 5 is a partial cross sectional side view of the apparatus of FIG. 4.  
     [0038]FIG. 6 is a top view of a stand of the apparatus of FIG. 1.  
     [0039]FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the support and rotary storage apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
     [0040]FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the support and rotary storage apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
     [0041]FIG. 9A is a first top view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.  
     [0042]FIG. 9B is a second top view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.  
     [0043]FIG. 10A is a first side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.  
     [0044]FIG. 10B is a second side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.  
     [0045]FIG. 11 is a cross section side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8 without carousel space dividers.  
     [0046]FIG. 12 is a cross section side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8 with carousel space dividers.  
     [0047]FIG. 13 is a partial cross sectional side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8.  
     [0048]FIG. 14A is a cross section side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8 with a stand spacer for adjusting a stand height.  
     [0049]FIG. 14B is a cross section side view of the apparatus of FIG. 8 with two stand spacers.  
     [0050]FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the support and rotary storage apparatus constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0051] The apparatus of the present invention provides a secure support for a display device, preferably a computer monitor or flat panel display, and maximal use of space beneath a monitor and/or in between a monitor and keyboard that often times goes unused. Additionally, the apparatus of the present invention allows for organized storage of and easy access to many items needed for office or home use. Still further, the apparatus of the present invention can be easily manufactured and assembled.  
     [0052] Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a first embodiment of the support and rotary storage apparatus  10  of the present invention is shown. The apparatus  10  includes a stand  14 , which is preferably immobile but in certain instances may be rotatable as described below with respect to FIGS. 9B and 10B, and a rotating carousel  16 . The stand  14  has a thickness of approximately 3 mm. Both the stand  14  and the carousel  16  may be manufactured using inexpensive injection molded plastics, such as polycarbonate. Other materials that may be used to manufacture the apparatus comprise, but are not limited to, thermoplastics, metals, wood, glass, rubber, polymers, and ceramics. Furthermore, the parts of the apparatus have been designed for “simple draw” tooling. Therefore, expensive side pulls or lifters in the tools are not required. The plastic material may be translucent allowing the user to see through the stand to view contents stored within compartments  32  of the carousel  16 . The following depictions are for illustration purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the actual shape, size, or dimensions of the support and rotary storage apparatus  10 .  
     [0053] A computer monitor  12 , with keyboard  13  and mouse  15 , is shown in association with the apparatus  10 . The apparatus  10  supports the computer monitor  12 , or the like. For example, the apparatus  10  may support various items such as, but not limited to, a flat panel display, printer, a television, laptop computer, a personal digital assistant, and like display devices. The apparatus  10  has a height of approximately 2 to 4 inches. This stand height allows the computer monitor  12  to sit at a height that is ergonomically desirable for viewing by the user. This stand height may be adjustable as described in more detail below.  
     [0054] Referring to FIG. 2, it is seen that the stand  14  of the apparatus  10  includes a top surface  18  having a first central opening  24 . A first cylindrical tube  22 , supporting a large percentage of the weight of the computer monitor  12 , extends downward from the opening  24 . Tube  22  has, for example, a diameter in a range from 1 inch to about 3 inches and a thickness of approximately 3 mm. A peripheral skirt  20  extends downward from the top surface  18 . The skirt  20  supports primarily prevents the stand  14  from tipping side to side. As the peripheral skirt  20  supports significantly less weight than the first cylindrical tube  22 , it need not surround the entire stand. Therefore, little material is required to manufacture it. Spaces within the skirt  20  provide a user with easy access to the storage carousel  16 . Preferably, the skirt  20  forms three support legs as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The top surface  18  is pictured to be circular in shape, however other shapes, such as oblong, square, etc., may be used.  
     [0055] The carousel  16  of the apparatus  10  includes abase  29 , a second central opening  25 , and a second cylindrical tube  28  extending downward from the opening  25  and upward from the base  29  having an opening  31 . Tube  28  typically has a diameter slightly larger or wider than the first tube  22  and a thickness of approximately 3 mm. The base  29  is pictured to be circular in shape, however other shapes, such as oblong, square, etc., may be used.  
     [0056] The carousel  16  includes compartments  32  that may be used to store various items such as, but not limited to, keys, CDs, pens, cell phones, glasses, PDAs, MP3 players, paper clips, scissors, business cards, clips, adhesive tape, push pins, letter openers, or office supplies. A lip  30  found along an outer edge of the carousel  16  acts as a compartment wall. It has a height of, for example, of approximately 1 inch, allowing users to easily slide objects out of the storage compartments  32 . Other compartment walls  34  are present in various shapes and sizes. Compartments are connected to other compartments by connector walls  35 . Connector walls  35  together form a housing  39  within which the second cylindrical tube  28  is located.  
     [0057] The apparatus further includes a base plate  36  upon which the carousel  16  rotates. In this embodiment, the base plate  36  has clips  38 . Together clips  38  and base plate  36  comprise a ring lock  37 . The clips  38  assist in securing the first cylindrical tube  22  of the stand  14  to the carousel  16 . The clips  28  however are not necessary. The cylindrical tube  22  includes indentations or slots  40  that match up with the clips  38  of the ring lock. The clips  38  are attached to the indentations  40  so that the apparatus  10  can be lifted and carried as one unit. The simple 3-piece apparatus  10 , having stand  14 , carousel  16 , and base plate  36 , allows for quick and easy assembly.  
     [0058] J When assembled, as pictured in FIG. 1, the skirt  20  of the stand  14  rests outside of the carousel  16 . The first cylindrical tube  22  of the stand  14  also has a coaxial relationship with the second cylindrical tube  28  of the carousel  16  when assembled.  
     [0059] With reference to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the apparatus  10  is seen in a pre-rotation position and a post-rotation position, respectively. An alignment line Y is shown to indicate movement of the carousel  16 . Dotted lines Z indicate the position of some of the carousel walls beneath the surface of the stand  14 . In FIG. 3A, the carousel walls Z are substantially perpendicular to the alignment line Y. In FIG. 3B, the carousel  16  has been rotated in a clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow C and it is seen that the carousel walls are no longer perpendicular to line Y. When comparing FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B it is seen that the stand  14 , and the base plate  36 , including clips  38 , remain stationary, as they are in the same position with respect to line Y, while the carousel  16  rotates.  
     [0060] With reference to FIG. 4, it is seen that the first cylindrical tube  22  and the peripheral skirt  20  of the stand  14  terminate in the same horizontal plane. Cylindrical tube  22  fits within cylindrical tube  28  and an opening  60  (FIG. 2) of the base plate  36 , which is optional. Cylindrical tube  22  and skirt  20  terminate in the same plane as the base plate  36 .  
     [0061] With reference to FIG. 5, there is seen a partial cross sectional view of the apparatus  10  taken along the lines  5 - 5  delineated in FIG. 4. The carousel  16  is elevated in relation to the stand  14 , by base plate  36 , which comprises for example ring lock  37  having clips  38 . The base plate  36  elevates the carousel  16  above a table or desk surface  100 . This prevents marring or scratching of the table surface as the carousel  16  rotates on the base plate  36 , not the table surface  100 . The base plate  36  provides a low friction bearing surface for the carousel  16  to rotate on and eliminates the need for extra parts such as wheels for providing low friction rotatability. The carousel  16  rotates about the first cylindrical tube  22  and beneath the top  18  while the stand  14  and the base plate  36  remain stationary. The surface of contact of the base plate  36  and the carousel tube  22  is close to the axis of rotation and therefore generates smooth and predictable friction.  
     [0062] Tight tolerances of the dimensions of the cylinders  22  and  28  enable minimal tilt to no tilt of the carousel  16  relative to the table surface  100 . The first cylindrical tube  22  having a vertical axis A, and found for example within the second cylindrical tube  28 , acts as an axle about which the second cylindrical tube  28  rotates. The coaxial relationship keeps the carousel  16  centered beneath the stand  14  and also provides a bearing surface for the carousel  16  to spin.  
     [0063] In FIG. 6, support ribs  50  located on an undersurface of the stand  14  are seen. Translucent plastic used in this embodiment allows the ribs  50  to be seen from the top view. The ribs  50  flow in multiple directions and serve to strengthen the peripheral skirt  20 , the top surface  18  on which the monitor  12  sits, and the first cylindrical tube  22  which acts as the central support column for the weight of the computer monitor  12 . The ribs  50  are, for example, approximately 2 mm thick.  
     [0064] Referring to FIG. 7, an exploded view of a second embodiment of the support and rotary storage apparatus  90  constructed in accordance with the principles of the present is illustrated. In this embodiment, a stand  72  comprises a top surface  74  and a cylindrical tube  78  having a vertical axis B. The carousel  16  remains as described previously. Base plate  80  is wider than plate  36 . Plate  80  has substantially the same diameter of the carousel base  29  and top  74 . The base plate  80  provides a low friction bearing surface upon which the carousel  16  rotates. It also assists in supporting some of the weight of the monitor  12 . In one example, this embodiment includes clips  94  or other fastening mechanisms for securing the stand  72  to the carousel  16 .  
     [0065] Referring now to FIG. 8, an exploded view of a third embodiment of the support and rotary storage apparatus  100  constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is illustrated. The apparatus  100  may comprise a stand  102  having a top  104  and a first cylindrical tube  106  having an axis. The apparatus  100  further includes a carousel  108  having a base  110  and a second cylindrical tube  112  extending upward from the base  110 . The second cylindrical tube  112  coaxially surrounds the first cylindrical tube  106 . A base plate  114  is coupleable to the first cylindrical tube  106 , wherein the carousel  108  is rotatable about the first cylindrical tube axis and on the base plate  114 . The stand  102 , carousel  108 , and base plate  114  may be manufactured using inexpensive injection molded plastics, such as polycarbonate, or stamped metals. Other materials that may be used to manufacture the apparatus comprise, but are not limited to, thermoplastics, metals, wood, glass, rubber, polymers, and ceramics. The top  104  may also be formed from translucent materials so that a user may easily view and identify stored items within the carousel  108 .  
     [0066] The base plate  114  elevates the carousel  108  above a table or desk surface (not shown). This prevents marring or scratching of the table surface as the carousel  108  rotates on the base plate  114 , not the table surface. The base plate  114  provides a low friction bearing surface for the carousel  108  to rotate on and eliminates the need for extra parts such as wheels for providing low friction rotatability. The carousel  108  rotates about the tube  106  and beneath the top  104  while the base plate  114  remains stationary. The surface of contact of the base plate  114  and the carousel tube  106  is close to the axis of rotation and therefore generates smooth and predictable friction.  
     [0067] The base plate  114  is substantially the same size as the top  104 , i.e., the base plate in this case being slightly smaller than the top. The base plate  114  may also have a central protrusion  116  to provide further elevation of the carousel  108 . The base plate  114 , stand  102 , and carousel  108  are preferably circular for ease of manufacturability and functionality purposes. It will be appreciated however than the apparatus of the present invention may have a non-circular shape as well. The top  104  and the base plate  114  may also have substantially the same diameter. This simple 3-piece apparatus  100 , having a stand  102 , carousel  108 , and base plate  114  also allows for quick and easy assembly.  
     [0068] With reference to FIGS. 9A and 10A, the carousel  108  is circular and a has a diameter in the range from about 13 inches to about 18.25 inches, preferably about 13 inches. It will be appreciated that such a compact carousel further complements space saving monitors, such as flat panel displays, takes up less desk space as well as retail space, and is less costly to tool and produce. It will be appreciated that the top  104 , in this embodiment, may be smaller than the carousel  108  diameter so as to provide easier viewing, identification, and access to items stored within the carousel  108 . The carousel  108  includes space dividers  118  which may be separate removable structures, as illustrated, or integrated as one unit within the carousel  108 . Typically, the space dividers  118  may be secured into the carousel  108  by snaps  120  or like fasteners. Independently removable structures allow for increased utility as a user may place such a divider  118  within the carousel  108  to divide the carousel storage space according to his/her needs. Hence, the present invention provides a wide variety of storage compartments  122  to allow for optimization of storage capacity and storage of a wide variety of items, such as, keys, CDs, pens, cell phones, glasses, PDAs, MP3 players, paper clips, scissors, business cards, clips, adhesive tape, push pins, letter openers, or office supplies.  
     [0069] Referring now to FIGS. 9B and 10B, in some instances, a proximal portion  124  of the first cylindrical tube  106  is rotatably mountable to a distal portion  126  of the first cylindrical tube  106  which is coupleable to the base plate  114 . As such, the top  104  and proximal portion  124  of the first cylindrical tube  106  is independently rotatable of the carousel  108 , distal portion of the of the first cylindrical tube  126 , and the base plate  114 , as depicted by arrow D. Rotation of the top stand  104  advantageously allows a user to easily access a rear side of the display device supported by the stand  102 . As such, a user may be able to easily access cables and plugs that reside at the rear side of the display device. Arrow E denotes rotation of the carousel  108  independent of the of the base  114  and stand  102 .  
     [0070] With reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the stand underside  102  and the first cylindrical tube  106  has ribs  128  to further reinforce the top surface  104  on which the monitor sits and the first cylindrical tube  106  which acts as the central support column for the weight of the computer monitor. The ribs  50  are, for example, approximately 2 mm thick. It will further be appreciated that the base plate  114  also assists in supporting some of the weight of the monitor. Soft pads  130  may be additionally attached to an underside of the base plate  114  to further minimize any scratching of the desktop surface and/or prevent the base plate  114  from spinning when the carousel  108  is rotated.  
     [0071] Referring now to FIG. 13, in this embodiment the base plate  114  and the first cylindrical tube  106  each have at least one aligned opening for receiving a fastener, in this instance screws  132 , that lock the base plate  114  with the first cylindrical tube  106 . Screw attachments  132  are provided so that the apparatus  100  can be lifted and carried as one unit. Reference numerals  134  and  136  illustrate the low friction areas where the carousel tube  112  slides against the base  114  and first cylindrical tube  106 . Low friction area  134  is where the weight of the carousel  108  is supported on the base  114 . Since this area is close to the axis of rotation, friction is minimized. Low friction area  136  is where the carousel rotates about the first cylindrical tube  106 . The surface area of this interface is minimized, thus reducing friction and providing for a smooth rotation. Tight tolerances of the dimensions of the cylinders  106  and  112  enable minimal tilt to no tilt of the carousel  108  relative to a table surface. The first cylindrical tube  106  found within the second cylindrical tube  112  acts as an axle about which the second cylindrical tube  112  rotates. The coaxial relationship keeps the carousel  108  centered beneath the stand  102  and also provides a bearing surface for the carousel  108  to spin.  
     [0072] With reference to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the apparatus  100  may further comprise at least one spacer  138  coupleable between the first cylindrical tube  106  and the base plate  114  to allow for ergonomic height adjustment of the stand  102  and display device. The apparatus  100  has a height of approximately 2 to 4 inches. This stand height may be adjustable with height spacers  138  to an ergonomically desirable display stand height for viewing by the user.  
     [0073] Referring to FIG. 15, an exploded view of a fourth embodiment of the support and rotary storage apparatus  200  constructed in accordance with the principles of the present is illustrated. In this embodiment, the stand  102  and base  114  remains as described previously. The carousel  202  in this embodiment includes independently removable storage compartments  204 . Independently removable compartments  204  allow for increased utility as a user may place such a compartment  204  within the carousel  202  for storage or alternatively arrange such a storage compartment  204  on a desktop for actual use. The removable storage compartments  204  and the carousel  202  may additionally have complementary locating features  206 , such as extrusions, so that the compartments  206  may be safely secured within the carousel  206  and will not slide during rotation of the carousel  206 .  
     [0074] Although certain exemplary embodiments have been described in some detail, for clarity of understanding and by way of example, it will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications, changes, and adaptations of such embodiments may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the apparatus shape may be non-circular. Therefore, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.