Patent Publication Number: US-9833072-B1

Title: Rack and drawer systems and devices

Description:
PRIORITY 
     The present U.S. patent application is related to, claims the priority benefit of, and is a U.S. continuation patent application of, U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 13/303,240, filed Nov. 23, 2011, which is related to, and claims the priority benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/416,612, filed Nov. 23, 2010, 61/473,637, filed Apr. 8, 2011, and 61/526,637, filed Aug. 23, 2011. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Cabinetry, including kitchen and other cabinets, routinely become filled with various items, at times preventing additional items to be stored therein. When cabinets either have limited shelf space, or have not enough shelves, space may be present within such cabinets and no means to utilize the space. Furthermore, a number of cabinets have external features, such as the recessed portion underneath a kitchen wall cabinet, that is typically only used, if ever, as a base for lighting or a kitchen radio. Accordingly, devices and systems useful to provide additional storage space within or around current cabinetry would be well received, including such devices and systems having features to make their use easy and convenient. 
     SUMMARY 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the rack system comprises a tray having a bottom, a first side, and an opposing second side, a first glider mechanism coupled to the first side of the tray, a second glider mechanism coupled to the second side of the tray, a first hinge mechanism coupled to a first end of the first glider mechanism, and a second hinge mechanism coupled to a first end of the second glider mechanism, wherein the first glider mechanism and the second glider mechanism are operable to allow the tray to move back and forth along a glider mechanism axis, and wherein the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism are operable to allow the tray to pivotally move relative to a pivot point. In another embodiment, the first glider mechanism and the second glider mechanism each comprise a side wall bracket and an engagement bracket. In yet another embodiment, the side wall bracket and the engagement bracket of each said glider mechanism slidingly engage one another. In an additional embodiment, the first glider mechanism and the second glider mechanism each further comprise a coupler bracket, wherein the side wall bracket slidingly engages the coupler bracket of each said glider mechanism, and wherein the coupler bracket slidingly engages the engagement bracket of each said glider mechanism. In yet an additional embodiment, the first glider mechanism and the second glider mechanism each further comprise a bracket cover coupled to the engagement bracket. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the rack system comprises a tray having a base panel, a first side, and an opposing second side, a first glider mechanism coupled to the first side of the tray, a second glider mechanism coupled to the second side of the tray, a first rotation mechanism coupled to the first side of the tray, and a second rotation mechanism coupled to the second side of the tray, wherein the first glider mechanism and the second glider mechanism are operable to allow the tray to move back and forth along a glider mechanism axis, and wherein the tray is operable to rotate about the first and second rotation mechanisms. In another embodiment, the rack system further comprises a first hinge mechanism coupled to a first end of the first glider mechanism, and a second hinge mechanism coupled to a first end of the second glider mechanism, wherein the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism are operable to allow the tray to pivotally move relative to a pivot point. In another embodiment, the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism are counterbalance hinges operable to facilitate the pivotal movement of the tray. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the tray has a first access configuration and a second access configuration, the first access configuration corresponding to no rotation of the tray about the first and second rotation mechanisms, and the second access configuration corresponding to rotation of the tray about the first and second rotation mechanisms at or about 180°. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the rack system further comprises a first tray cover, the first tray cover coupled to the tray at a relative top of the tray. In another embodiment, the rack system further comprises a second tray cover, the second tray cover coupled to the tray at a relative bottom of the tray. In an additional embodiment, the first tray cover is hingedly coupled to the first tray so that the first tray cover may open and close about the first tray. In another embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the rack system further comprises a first closure mechanism operable to secure the first tray cover in a closed position about the tray. In an additional embodiment, the first closure mechanism comprises a hook coupled to the tray and a receiver coupled to the first tray cover. In yet an additional embodiment, the first closure mechanism comprises a hook coupled to the first tray cover and a receiver coupled to the tray. In another embodiment, the rack system further comprises a second closure mechanism operable to secure the first tray cover in a closed position about the tray. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the first glider mechanism and the second glider mechanism each comprise a side wall bracket and an engagement bracket. In another embodiment, the side wall bracket and the engagement bracket of each said glider mechanism slidingly engage one another. In yet another embodiment, the first glider mechanism and the second glider mechanism each further comprise a coupler bracket, wherein the side wall bracket slidingly engages the coupler bracket of each said glider mechanism, and wherein the coupler bracket slidingly engages the engagement bracket of each said glider mechanism. In an additional embodiment, the first glider mechanism and the second glider mechanism each further comprise a bracket cover coupled to the engagement bracket. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism each comprise a first arm and a second arm hingedly coupled to one another. In an additional embodiment, the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism are counterbalance hinges operable to facilitate the pivotal movement of the tray. In an additional embodiment, the first glider mechanism, the second glider mechanism, the first hinge mechanism, and the second hinge mechanism are each configured to engage an external structure when the rack system is positioned relative to the external structure. In yet an additional embodiment, the first glider mechanism and the second glider mechanism each comprise a side wall bracket and an engagement bracket, wherein each engagement bracket engages the external structure at a pivot point, wherein the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism each comprise a first arm and a second arm hingedly coupled to one another, and wherein each second arm engages the external structure at a connection point. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the rack system further comprises at least one glider spacer coupled to either the first glider mechanism or the second glider mechanism. In another embodiment, the first rotation mechanism is further coupled to the first glider mechanism. In yet another embodiment, the first rotation mechanism is further coupled to the at least one glider spacer. In an additional embodiment, the tray further comprises a cover plate positioned adjacent to the front side of the tray. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the rack system further comprises a latch mechanism, the latch mechanism configured to engage a latch member positioned external to the tray. In another embodiment, the latch mechanism is further configured to engage the latch member to support the tray and its contents. In yet another embodiment, the latch mechanism is coupled to the tray. In an additional embodiment, the latch mechanism is coupled to cover plate positioned adjacent to the front side of the tray. In yet an additional embodiment, the latch mechanism is positioned within a tray pocket of the cover plate. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the rack system further comprises one or more tray stops coupled to the tray, the one or more tray stops capable of stopping rotation of the tray about the first rotation mechanism. In an additional embodiment, the one or more tray stops each comprise a stop body and a stop fastener. In another embodiment, the rack system further comprises at least one glider actuator coupled to the tray, the at least one glider actuator capable of automatically facilitating back and forth movement of the tray. In yet another embodiment, the rack system further comprises at least one glider actuator coupled to one or more of the first glider mechanism and/or the second glider mechanism, the at least one glider actuator capable of automatically facilitating back and forth movement of the tray. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the rack system further comprises at least one hinge actuator coupled to the tray, the at least one hinge actuator capable of automatically facilitating pivotal movement of the tray. In another embodiment, the rack system further comprises at least one hinge actuator coupled to one or more of the first glider mechanism and/or the second glider mechanism, the at least one hinge actuator capable of automatically facilitating pivotal movement of the tray. In yet another embodiment, the rack system further comprises at least one rotation actuator coupled to the tray, the at least one rotation actuator capable of facilitating rotational movement of the tray. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the rack system further comprises a lock mechanism coupled to the tray, the lock mechanism capable of locking the tray in place before or after rotation of the tray. In an additional embodiment, the lock mechanism comprises a spring-loaded ball configured to engage a lock receiver coupled to an adjacent component of the rack system. In another embodiment, the lock receiver is selected from the group consisting of a receiver plate having an aperture defined therethrough and a pocket. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the rack system is configured as a drawer. In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the rack system comprises a tray having a base panel, a first side, and an opposing second side, a first glider mechanism coupled to the first side of the tray, a second glider mechanism coupled to the second side of the tray, a first rotation mechanism coupled to the first side of the tray, a second rotation mechanism coupled to the second side of the tray, a first hinge mechanism coupled to a first end of the first glider mechanism, a second hinge mechanism coupled to a first end of the second glider mechanism, a first tray cover, the first tray cover coupled to the tray at a relative top of the tray, a second tray cover, the second tray cover coupled to the tray at a relative bottom of the tray, a first closure mechanism operable to secure the first tray cover in a closed position about the tray, and a second closure mechanism operable to secure the first tray cover in a closed position about the tray, wherein the first glider mechanism and the second glider mechanism are operable to allow the tray to move back and forth along a glider mechanism axis, wherein the tray is operable to rotate about the first and second rotation mechanisms, and wherein the first hinge mechanism and the second hinge mechanism are operable to allow the tray to pivotally move relative to a pivot point. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the rack system comprises a first tray having a base panel, a first side, and an opposing second side, a second tray having a base panel, a first side, and an opposing second side, a first glider mechanism coupled to the first side of the second tray, a second glider mechanism coupled to the second side of the second tray, and at least one pivot mechanism coupled to the first tray and the second tray, wherein the first glider mechanism and the second glider mechanism are operable to allow the second tray to move back and forth along a glider mechanism axis, and wherein the first tray and the second tray are operable to pivot relative to one another by way of the first pivot mechanism. In yet another embodiment, the at least one pivot mechanism comprises at least one lift actuator capable of pivoting the first tray relative to the second tray. In an additional embodiment, the rack system further comprises a first tray cover, the first tray cover coupled to the first tray at a relative top of the tray. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of a rack system of the present disclosure, the rack system comprises at least one cam mechanism configured to engage at least one guide channel, the at least one guide channel configured to enable the second tray to tilt as the first and second glider mechanisms extend. In yet another embodiment, the rack system comprises a tilt actuator coupled to the second tray and configured to automatically facilitate tilting motion of the second tray. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an top view of a tray of a rack system in a relatively open configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an outer portion of a first side of a rack system in a relatively open configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of an inner portion of a first side of a rack system in a relatively open configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of an outer portion of a second side of a rack system in a relatively open configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an inner portion of a second side of a rack system in a relatively open configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an outer portion of a first side of a rack system in a relatively closed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of an outer portion of a second side of a rack system in a relatively closed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  shows a front perspective view of an outer portion of the front of a rack system in a relatively closed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  shows a top view of the inside of a tray of a rack portion, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  show side views of a latch mechanism and a latch member, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  shows a front view of a rack system coupled to a kitchen wall cabinet, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  shows a front view of a rack system coupled to a free-standing cabinet having doors, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a tray of a rack system in a relatively open configuration retaining a plurality of spices, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  shows a block diagram of various components of a rack system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 15 and 16  show opposing side views of a rack system, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 17  shows a top perspective view of a rack system in a first access configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 18  shows an exemplary latch mechanism of a rack system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 19  shows a top perspective view of a rack system in a second access configuration; according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of a tray being rotated about a rotation mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21A  shows a side view of a portion of a tray having a lock mechanism coupled thereto, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 21B and 21C  show side views of a component of a rack system having various lock receivers coupled thereto or defined therein, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22  shows a top perspective view of a rack system in a first access configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 23 and 24  show a perspective view of a tray being rotated about a rotation mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 25  shows a front view of a rack system as part of a kitchen base cabinet, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 26  shows a view of a rack system in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 27  shows a view of a rack system in an open configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 28  shows a view of a rack system in an open configuration and with an open cover, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 29 and 30  show perspective views of a rack system having a first tray and a second tray, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 31 and 32  show perspective views of portions of a first tray and a second tray of an exemplary rack system with an actuator positioned therein, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 33  shows a perspective view of a rack system configured as an insert, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 34A and 34B  show front views of a rack system positioned under a wall cabinet, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 35  shows a side view of a rack system positioned under a wall cabinet, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 36  shows an isometric view of a portion of a rack system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 37  shows a view of a rack system in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 38  shows a side view of a rack system in a first access configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 39  shows a side view of a rack system in a second access configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 40  shows a front perspective view of a rack system in a second access configuration with tray cover in an closed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 41  shows a front perspective view of a rack system in a second access configuration with tray cover in an open configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 42  shows a view of a rack system in a transition between a second access configuration and a third access configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 43  shows a side view of a two-sided of a tray rack system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is thereby intended. 
     An exemplary rack system of the present disclosure is shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , an exemplary rack system  100  comprises a tray  102  having a bottom  104 , a first side  106 , and an opposing second side  108 . In various embodiments, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , rack system  100  may further comprise an optional front side  110 , an optional opposing back side  112 , and/or an optional cover plate  114  coupled to optional front side  110 . 
     In addition, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , rack system  100  may further comprise hardware  116 , such as, for example, one or more knobs, handles, pulls, pockets, etc. In various embodiments, rack systems  100  may also comprise one or more optional dividers  118  which may be positioned within tray  102 , for example, using one or more divider braces  120 ,  122 . 
     In at least one exemplary embodiment of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , rack system  100  is a spice rack useful to store one or more spice containers. Various other embodiments of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure may be used to store any number of other items, including, but not limited to, paperwork, books, food, clothing, etc. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , an exemplary rack system  100  may comprise one divider  118 , positioned in the relative middle of tray  102 , to create two sections of tray  102 . Divider  118 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , is positioned using divider braces  120 ,  122 . Each section of tray  102  can then be used to store various spices, in an embodiment of a rack system  100  used as a spice rack, for example. 
     An exemplary glider mechanism useful with a tray  102  of the present disclosure is shown in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , glider mechanism  200  (of rack system  100 ) comprises a side wall bracket  202  and an engagement bracket  204 , whereby side wall bracket  202  and engagement bracket  204  can either directly slidingly engage one another or indirectly engage one another by way of a coupler bracket  206  positioned therebetween. As referenced herein, a glider mechanism  200  of the present may refer to the mechanism positioned on a side of a tray  102 , and in an embodiment having two glider mechanisms  200 , said mechanisms may be referred to as a first glider mechanism and a second glider mechanism. Portions of glider mechanism  200 , in at least one embodiment, may move back and forth in a direction shown by the bi-directional arrow A in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , engagement bracket  204  may further comprise an optional bracket cover  208  coupled to side wall bracket  202  or engagement bracket  204 . Bracket cover  208 , in at least one embodiment, may comprise the same or similar material (wood, plastic, metal, etc.) as tray  102 , front side  110 , and/or cover plate  114 , in order to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of rack system  100  and/or to match components of rack system  100  to surrounding cabinetry and/or furniture. For example, cover plate  114  may be made of mahogany, and bracket cover  208  may also be made of mahogany with the same or similar finish. 
     In various embodiments, cover plate  114  and/or various other components of exemplary rack systems  100 , may comprise various types of wood, including but not limited to oak, cherry, maple, pine, teak, etc., and may have any number of types of stains and/or finishes, such as lacquer, polyurethane, etc., applied thereto. In addition, cover plate  114 , and potentially additional components of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure, may comprise any number of “standard finishes,” such as stained natural oak to match or compliment standard off-the-rack cabinetry available at various home improvement centers for immediate purchase, or it/they may comprise any number of “custom finishes” that are available at home improvement centers or custom cabinet shops for special ordering. 
     Various glider mechanisms  200  of the present disclosure may further comprise a hinge mechanism  210 , such as shown in  FIG. 2 . Hinge mechanism  210 , in at least one embodiment, is coupled to engagement bracket  204  (or bracket cover  208 ), whereby a first end  212  of hinge mechanism  210  engages engagement bracket  204  or bracket cover  208  at a first end  216  of engagement bracket  204  or a first end  218  of bracket cover  208 . A second end  214  of hinge mechanism  210  may then be coupled to an external structure  220 , such as a kitchen cabinet or another type of cabinet, as shown in  FIG. 2 . As such, and in at least one embodiment, the first end  212  of hinge mechanism  210  is coupled to the first end  216  of engagement bracket  204  (or a first end  218  of bracket cover  208 ), and the second end  214  of hinge mechanism  210  is coupled to external structure  220 . 
     Hinge mechanism  210 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , can comprise a first arm  222  and a second arm  224 , whereby first arm  222  and second arm  224  are hingedly coupled to one another at hinge  226 . Various embodiments of hinge mechanism  210 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , can pivot away from and toward an external structure  220 , such as the underside of a wall kitchen cabinet, in a direction shown by the bi-directional arrow B in  FIG. 2 . The various glider mechanisms  200  and hinge mechanisms  210  disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive in nature, as other gliders and/or hinges suitable to permit tray  102  to glide back and forth along a glider axis and suitable to permit tray  102  to pivot up and down about a pivot point, respectively, may be useful in one or more embodiments of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure. 
     Another view of portions of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure is shown in  FIG. 3 . In the perspective view shown in  FIG. 3 , a relative inside of engagement bracket  204  is visible, whereby coupler bracket  206  slidingly engages engagement bracket  204 . Such a sliding engagement allows tray  102  to move back and forth in a direction shown by the bi-directional arrow A in  FIG. 3 . Furthermore, hinge mechanism  210 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , would allow tray  102  to pivot away from and toward an external structure  220  in a direction shown by the bi-directional arrow B. An overall pivot movement of tray  102  is further facilitated by way of coupling a second end  228  of engagement bracket  204  or a second end  230  of bracket cover  208  to external structure  220  at pivot point  232 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Such a coupling may be made using one or more fasteners  234 , which may include, but are not limited to, screws, nails, and/or bolts. In addition, pivot movement may be facilitated by way the coupling of portions of hinge mechanism  210 , such as second arm  224 , to external structure  220  at connection point  236 , using one or more fasteners. 
       FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of a glider mechanism  200  comprising a hinge mechanism  210  coupled to opposing second side  108  of tray  102 . Glider mechanism  200 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , may contain the same or similar components as the glider mechanism  200  coupled to the first side  106  of tray  102  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Similarly,  FIG. 5  shows an inside perspective view of portions of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure, which may contain the same or similar components as shown in  FIG. 3 .  FIGS. 1-5 , as described herein, show exemplary embodiments of rack systems of the present disclosure in relatively open configurations. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show opposing side views of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure in a relatively closed configuration. As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , tray  102  is substantially or completely housed within a portion of an external structure  220 , namely the bottom portion of a kitchen cabinet.  FIG. 8  shows a front view of an exemplary rack system  100  of the present disclosure in a relatively closed configuration, whereby tray  102  is positioned underneath a kitchen wall cabinet (external structure  220 ). As shown in various figures herein, external structure  220  may comprise a kitchen wall cabinet having a recessed portion, so that spices, for example, positioned within tray  102  may be positioned underneath external structure  220  at least partially within the recessed portion of said cabinet. External structure  220 , in at least one embodiment, may further comprise one or more doors  800  coupled thereto. 
       FIG. 9  shows an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a tray  102  of the present disclosure having an latch mechanism  900  coupled thereto. As shown in  FIG. 9 , latch mechanism  900  may be either directly coupled to tray  102 , such as at the inside of front side  110 , or may be indirectly coupled thereto by way of a spacer  902 . Latch mechanism  900 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , may be configured to engage a latch member  904  (as shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B ) coupled to structure  220 , so that when rack system  100  is in a relatively closed position, tray  102  is held in place by way of the engagement of latch mechanism  900  and latch member  904 . Alternatively, latch mechanism  900  may be coupled to structure  220 , and latch member  904  may be coupled to tray  102 , in various embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10A , an exemplary latch mechanism  900  can engage a latch member  904  by moving said components toward one another in a direction shown by bi-directional arrow C. In at least one embodiment, protrusion  906  of latch member  904  engages button  908  of latch mechanism  900 , whereby engagement of button  908  causes arms  910 ,  912  of latch mechanism  900  to close about protrusion  906 . Button  908  may click in place, similar to the engagement portion of a writing pen, whereby button  908  is pressed using protrusion  906  to an initial distance and releases back slightly in order to close latch mechanism  900  about latch member  904 , as shown in  FIG. 10B . To open latch mechanism  900 , button  908  could be pressed again (using protrusion  906 ) to the initial distance, but then button  908  would release back to its original distance to open arms  910 ,  912  of latch mechanism  900  and release latch member  904  from latch mechanism  900 . 
     The exemplary latch mechanism  900  shown in  FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B  is but one exemplary latch mechanism  900  of the present disclosure, as any number of other latch mechanisms  900 , utilizing magnets, snaps, and or other componentry sufficiently strong to hold a relatively heavy and filled tray  102  in place without tray  102  disengaging from structure  220  at or near latch mechanism  900 , could be used with various embodiments of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure. In addition, and for example, latch mechanism  900  could comprise a spring-loaded indexing plunger, whereby engagement of the plunger could lock and/or release the same so that tray  102  (or another component of rack system  100 ) can move relative to an external structure  220 , for example. 
     Various embodiments of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure are operable as follows. First, and when a rack system  100  is in a relatively closed position, a user can press the bottom of tray  102  upward to release tray from external structure  220 , such as, for example, pressing the bottom of tray  102  upward so that protrusion  906  of latch member  904  engages button  908  so that arms  910 ,  912  of latch mechanism  900  open to release latch member  904  from latch mechanism  900 . After such disengagement, tray  102  can then pivot downward to a relatively open configuration, such as shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . Tray  102  can then be pulled out (toward a user, for example), whereby glider mechanism  200  permits tray  102  to move toward the user (out and down), providing the user with ready access to the inside of tray  102  when glider mechanism is in a relatively open position. To close said tray  102 , a user would then push tray  102  up and back (so that glider mechanism  200  is in a relatively closed position), and then the user would pivot tray  102  upward so that engagement of latch mechanism  900  can occur to effectively close rack system  100  and prevent tray  102  from pivoting downward. 
     Furthermore, various rack systems  100  of the present disclosure can be used in connection with any number of structures  220 , including, but not limited to, kitchen cabinets, office cabinets, walls, doors, countertops, and other structures suitable to support various rack systems  100  of the present disclosure. For example, and as shown in  FIG. 11 , an exemplary rack system  100  may be placed under a wall kitchen cabinet (an exemplary external structure  220 ). In another embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 12 , an exemplary rack system  100  may be placed within a free-standing cabinet (another exemplary external structure  220 ) underneath a shelf  1200  of said cabinet, whereby rack system  100  can also be enclosed within said external structure  220  using one or more doors  1202 . 
       FIG. 13  shows an exemplary embodiment of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure used as a spice rack. As shown in  FIG. 13 , rack system  100  comprises a tray  102  sized and shaped to retain a plurality of spice containers  1300 . 
     In addition to the foregoing, and in various embodiments of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure, said rack systems  100  may comprise one or more automated components. For example, and as shown in the block diagram of  FIG. 14 , an exemplary tray  102  of a rack system  100  may have one or more glider actuators directly or indirectly coupled thereto, such as a first glider actuator  1400  and a second glider actuator  1402 , whereby said actuator(s) facilitate automatic glide movement of tray  102 . 
     In at least one embodiment, rack system  100  comprises a first glider actuator  1400  coupled either directly or indirectly to tray  102 , whereby first glider actuator  1400  is operable to move tray  102  back and forth as described herein. In addition, and as shown in  FIG. 14 , an exemplar rack system  100  of the present disclosure may have one or more hinge actuators directly or indirectly coupled thereto, such as a first hinge actuator  1404  and/or a second hinge actuator  1406 , whereby said actuator(s) facilitate automatic hinge movement of tray  102 . In at least one embodiment, rack system  100  comprises a first hinge actuator  1404  coupled either directly or indirectly to tray  102 , whereby first hinge actuator  1404  is operable to hingedly move tray  102  up and down as described herein. In various embodiments, first glider actuator  1400 , second glider actuator  1402 , first hinge actuator  1404 , and/or second hinge actuator  1406  are coupled to one or more power sources (such as an electrical outlet and/or a battery, not shown) to facilitate operation thereof. Glider actuators  1400 ,  1402  and hinge actuators  1404 ,  1406  may be any means of enabling the applicable automated movement of tray  102 , including, but not limited to, stepper motors, servo motors, spring-loaded gas springs, or the like. 
     An exemplary side view of at least a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure is shown in  FIG. 15 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , rack system  100  comprises a tray  102  (with first side  106  shown in the figure) having a rotation mechanism  1500  coupled thereto. Rotation mechanisms  1500 , in various embodiments, are capable of being coupled to tray  102  and one or more other components of rack system  100  (such as portions of a glider mechanism  200 , for example, or a glider spacer  2000  as referenced in further detail herein), so that tray  102  is operable to rotate or capable of rotation about rotation mechanism  1500 . Rotation mechanisms  1500  may include, but are not limited to, lazy-Susan bearings, swivel bearings, wheel bearings, simple axles, or the like. 
       FIG. 16  shows an exemplary side view of at least another portion of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 16 , tray  102  (with second side  108  shown in the figure) has a rotation mechanism  1500  coupled thereto. As referenced herein, such an embodiment of a rack system  100  may comprise a “first rotation mechanism” and a “second rotation mechanism,” each referring to a rotation mechanism  1500 . As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , rotation mechanisms  1500  may be positioned at or near relative middles of first side  106  or second side  108 , as applicable, to facilitate rotation of tray  102  as described in further detail herein. 
       FIG. 17  shows a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 17 , rack system  100  has a first access configuration, which corresponds to a native or a non-rotated configuration of tray  102 . In operation, tray  102  could be engaged by a user and pressed so that a latch mechanism  900  disengages a latch member  904 , for example, so that tray  100  is allowed to pivot downward by way of a hinge mechanism  210 . Tray  102  can then be pulled toward a user by way of a glider mechanism  200 , resulting in a positioning of tray  102  as shown in  FIG. 17 . Such a procedure does not involve rotation of tray  102  about a rotation mechanism  1500 , and such positioning may be referred to herein as a first access configuration, whereby the relative top of tray  102  is revealed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , an exemplary rack system  100  of the present disclosure may comprise a first tray cover  1700  coupled to tray  102 . Tray cover  1700 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , may be made of Plexiglass, but in various other embodiments, tray cover  1700  may comprise a number of other materials, including, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, and glass. 
     Tray cover  1700 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , may be hingedly coupled to tray  102  by way of one or more cover hinges  1702 . In other embodiments, tray cover  1700  may be coupled to (or otherwise engage) tray  1700  by other means, including, but not limited to, various hooks, clasps, and/or pockets in various components of rack system  100 . 
     Tray cover  1700  may be held in a closed position about tray  102  by way of one or more closure mechanisms  1704 , as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , closure mechanism  1704  may comprise a hook  1800  and a receiver  1802  configured to receive at least part of hook  1800 . Hook  1800 , in various embodiments, may be coupled to tray  102 , and receiver  1802  may be coupled to tray cover  1700 , and in various other embodiments, said hook  1800  and receiver  1802  may be coupled tray cover  1700  and tray  102 , respectively. Closure mechanisms  1704  of the present disclosure are not intended to be limited only to hook  1800  and receiver  1802  embodiments, as various other closure mechanisms  1704  capable of securing a cover/lid (such as a tray cover  1700 ) to a receptacle (such as a tray  102 ) may be within the scope of closure mechanisms  1704  as referenced herein. As referenced above, hinges  1702  may facilitate the opening and closing of tray cover  1700 , and closure mechanisms  1704  may be used to secure tray cover  1700  in a closed position. 
       FIG. 19  shows a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 19 , rack system  100  has a second access configuration, which corresponds to a rotated configuration of tray  102 . For example, and in various embodiments of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure, a tray  102  of a rack system  100  could be extended to a first access configuration (as shown in  FIG. 17  and described herein), and then subsequently rotated by way of rotation mechanism(s)  1500  to reveal the relative bottom of tray  102 , effectively positioning rack system  100  in a second access configuration. 
     The relative bottom of tray  102 , similar to the relative top of tray  102 , may comprise a tray cover  1700  coupled to tray  102  by way of hinges  1702  and a closure mechanism  1704 , as shown in  FIG. 19  and described herein with respect to other embodiments and/or views of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure. Closure mechanisms  1704 , in various embodiments, are used to keep tray covers  1700  closed such that any contents of tray  102  (such as spice containers  1300  if used as a spice rack, documents if used for document storage, books if used to store books or provide a platform to hold one or more books, etc.) will not fall out of tray  102  when tray is rotated about rotation mechanism(s)  1500 . 
     In at least one embodiment of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure, rack system  100  can be used to contain two rows of spice containers  1300  on both the relative top  1712  and bottom  1714  of tray  102 . For example, and as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 19 , rack system  100  comprises a base panel  1706  (somewhat similar to a bottom  104  of a tray  102  as otherwise described herein), which can serve as a base to receive one or more items. Tray  102  may then include one or more optional dividers  118 , which, in various embodiments, could be held in place with optional divider braces  120 ,  122 . Divider(s)  118 , in various embodiments, could separate tray  102  into two or more rows, each of which could be used to hold a variety of items, such as spices (spice containers) or other items as may fit within said tray  102 . Divider(s)  118  may be positioned relative to base panel  1706  at a first side  1712  of base panel  1706 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , and/or relative to base panel  1706  at a second side  1714  of base panel  1706 , as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     Tray cover(s)  1700 , in various embodiments, could comprise various indicia. As shown in  FIG. 17 , tray cover  1700  comprises indicia  1708  in the form of hand-painted words and images. In various other embodiments, indicia  1708  may comprise other words, other images, numbers, various labels/stickers, carvings, drawings, indentions/depressions, openings, etc., which may be used to indicate contents of tray  102 , potential contents of tray  102 , or merely as decoration, for example. 
     In at least one embodiment according to the present disclosure, rotation of tray  102  performed to move tray  102  from a first access configuration (as shown in  FIG. 17 ) to a second access configuration (as shown in  FIG. 19 ), may be performed by engaging various parts of rack system  100 , including, but not limited to, the top edge of the front side  110  or other areas of tray  102 , hardware  116  present upon (or engaging) the front side  110  of tray  102  (as shown in  FIG. 17 ), hardware  116  present upon (or engaging) the back side  112  of tray  102  (as shown in  FIG. 19 ), hardware  116  present upon (or engaging) other areas of tray  102  (or other components of rack system  100 ), pockets/apertures formed in various portions of rack system  100 , or by merely engaging, pushing, or pulling portions of rack system  100  in various directions. For example, and as shown in the perspective view of various components of an exemplary rack system  100  as shown in  FIG. 20 , a user may engage hardware  116  present upon (or engaging) the back side  112  of tray  102  and push or pull hardware  116  to facilitate rotation of tray  102 . 
     In addition to hardware  116 , or as an alternative to hardware  116 , rotation of tray may be facilitated by a rotation actuator  1408  coupled to tray  102  as shown in  FIG. 14 . Rotation actuator  1408 , in various embodiments, may be coupled to tray  102  or other components of rack system  100 , and may facilitate automated rotation of tray  102  in addition to, or in lieu of, manual rotation. Rotation actuator  1408  may be any means of enabling automated rotation of tray  102 , including, but not limited to, stepper motors, servo motors, or the like. 
     In the view of rack system  100  shown in  FIG. 20 , rotation mechanism  1500  is not visible because it is positioned beneath a glider spacer  2000 . Glider spacer  2000 , as shown in  FIG. 20 , may be used to facilitate operative connection of tray  102  to glider mechanism  200 , and in such an embodiment, rotation mechanism  1500  would directly engage glider spacer  2000 , be positioned within an aperture defined within glider spacer  2000 , or otherwise engage glider mechanism  200  by way of (or through) glider spacer  2000 . Glider spacer  2000 , in various embodiments, would be sized and shaped so that various portions of rack system  100  would couple to and/or engage one another as intended so that tray  102  may rotate in embodiments of rack systems  100  comprising a rotatable tray  102 . 
     Various embodiments of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure may comprise a latch mechanism  900  coupled to tray  102 , as described herein and as shown in  FIG. 9 , for example. However, in at least one additional embodiment and as shown in  FIG. 17 , latch mechanism  900  may be coupled to tray  102  within a tray pocket  1710 . Tray pocket  1710  may itself be a recessed portion defined within the front side  110  of tray  102 , or, as shown in  FIG. 17 , defined within a cover plate  114  coupled to the front side  110  of tray  102 . Positioning latch mechanism  900  (or a corresponding latch member  904 , in various embodiments) within tray pocket  1710 , or within at least a part of tray pocket  1710 , could not only improve the overall aesthetics of rack system  100 , but could itself not get in the way of, or hinder placement of, any contents within tray  102 . 
     In addition, and as shown in  FIGS. 15, 16, and 20 , for example, exemplary rack systems  100  of the present disclosure could comprise one or more tray stops  2002  coupled thereto. Tray stops  2002 , as shown in  FIG. 15  for example, may comprise a stop body  2004  secured to tray  102  by way of a stop fastener  2006 , such as a screw or other securing device. Stops  2002 , in various embodiments of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure, would be positioned about tray  102  (or other portions of rack system  100 ) so that rotation of tray  102  would eventually stop to provide a user with a more stable platform to hold various items, and so that tray  102  would not unintentionally or undesirably rotate. 
     Various embodiments of rack systems  100  may further comprise a lock mechanism as shown in  FIG. 21A-21C . As shown in  FIG. 21 , a first side  106  and/or second side  108  of tray  102  may comprise a lock mechanism  2100  operable to lock or secure tray  102  in place upon rotation so that tray  102  does not move when a user of rack system  100  does not desire tray to rotate. Lock mechanism  2100 , in at least one embodiment and as shown in  FIG. 21A , may comprise a spring-loaded ball  2102  held in place by mechanism faceplate  2104 . In various embodiments, mechanism faceplate  2104  may be secured to tray  102  using fasteners  2106 , such as screws or nails. In such an embodiment, spring-loaded ball  2102  would be at least partially recessed in tray  102 , and could engage a lock receiver  2108 , which in at least one embodiment would comprise receiver plate  2110  having an aperture  2112  defined therein configured to receive at least part of spring-loaded ball  2102 , as shown in the side view of a glider spacer  2000  as shown in  FIG. 21B . In at least another embodiment, spring-loaded ball  2102  could engage another embodiment of a lock receiver  2108 , comprising a pocket  2114  defined within glider spacer  2000  as shown in  FIG. 21C . Fasteners  2106  could also be used to secure a receiver plate  2110  to glider spacer  2000  or another component of rack system  100 . 
     The aforementioned embodiments of lock mechanisms  2100  of the present disclosure are not intended to define the comprehensive scope of potential lock mechanisms  2100  useful in the present disclosure. For example, other embodiments of lock mechanisms, such as various protrusions, hardware components, etc., could be used of said embodiments are operable to or capable of temporarily locking tray  102  in place before or after rotation. In addition, and in at least one embodiment, lock mechanism  2100  may be placed within or upon glider spacer  2000 , and lock receiver  2108  could be positioned upon or defined within tray  102 , for example. 
     For overall clarity within the present disclosure, at least one embodiment of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure would comprise an effective one-sided tray  102 , and at least one embodiment of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure would comprise an effective two-sided tray  102 . An exemplary one-sided tray  102  may be as shown in one or more of  FIGS. 1-8 , and an exemplary two-sided tray may be as shown in one or more of  FIGS. 15-20 . 
       FIG. 22  shows a top perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 22 , rack system  100  comprises a tray  102  configured so that tray  102  can then be pulled toward a user by way of a glider mechanism  200 , resulting in a positioning of tray  102  as shown in  FIG. 22 . In such a configuration, rack system  100  has the appearance of a traditional drawer; however, the functionality of rack system  100  as compared to a traditional drawer is quite different. 
     As shown in  FIG. 22 , an exemplary rack system  100  of the present disclosure may comprise a first tray cover  1700  coupled to tray  102 . Tray cover  1700 , as shown in  FIG. 22 , may be made of Plexiglass, but in various other embodiments, tray cover  1700  may comprise a number of other materials, including, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, and glass. 
     Tray cover  1700 , as shown in  FIG. 22 , may be hingedly coupled to tray  102  by way of one or more cover hinges  1702 . In other embodiments, tray cover  1700  may be coupled to (or otherwise engage) tray  1700  by other means, including, but not limited to, various hooks, clasps, and/or pockets in various components of rack system  100 . 
     Rotation of tray  102 , in such an exemplary embodiment, is shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 . Rotation of tray  102  may be performed to move tray  102  from a first access configuration (as shown in  FIG. 22 ) to a second access configuration (as shown in  FIG. 24 , whereby a relative second side of tray  102  is facing relatively upward). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , tray  102  (with second side  108 ) has a rotation mechanism  1500  coupled thereto. As referenced herein, such an embodiment of a rack system  100  may comprise a “first rotation mechanism” and a “second rotation mechanism,” each referring to a rotation mechanism  1500 . As shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , rotation mechanisms  1500  may be positioned at or near relative middles of first side  106  and/or second side  108 , as applicable, to facilitate rotation of tray  102  as described herein. Tray  102 , as shown in the sequence of figures from  FIGS. 22 through 24 , may be rotated using rotation mechanisms  1500  so that a user of rack system  100  can access both relative sides of tray  102  and the contents of each relative side of tray  102 . 
     As referenced above, various rack systems  100  of the present disclosure can be used in connection with any number of structures  220 , including, but not limited to, kitchen cabinets, office cabinets, walls, doors, countertops, and other structures suitable to support various rack systems  100  of the present disclosure. For example, and as shown in  FIG. 25 , an exemplary rack system  100  may comprise part of a kitchen cabinet (such as a base cabinet, for example), which is generally referred to herein as an exemplary external structure  220 . Various embodiments may also be used with, for example, a kitchen wall cabinet, a bathroom cabinet, a garage cabinet, a closet cabinet, and/or any number of other cabinet, shelving, or storage structures. 
     In use, the embodiments of rack systems  100  shown in  FIGS. 22 through 25  may be used as follows. First, a user may engage the drawer handle (hardware  116 ) to pull the drawer (rack system  100 ) away from the rest of the cabinet so that rack system  100  is open as shown in  FIG. 22 , for example. This may be accomplished using a glider mechanism  200  as referenced in further detail herein. After the drawer is opened, the user may access the contents of the first side of tray  102  by opening tray cover  1700 . Should the user decide to access the contents of the second side of tray  102 , the user would then rotate tray  102  (using rotation mechanism  1500 , for example), as shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , to access the second side of tray  102 . The second side of tray  102  would also have a tray cover  1700  to prevent any contents of tray  102  from falling out. When the user is done, the user can push rack system  100  back into the cabinet so that rack system  100  is closed as shown in  FIG. 25 , for example. 
       FIGS. 26 and 27  show front and perspective views, respectively, of an additional exemplary embodiment of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure.  FIG. 26  shows a closed embodiment, and  FIG. 27  shows a relatively open embodiment. In such embodiments, rack system  100  is configured as a drawer shown within a base cabinet, but in other embodiments, for example and as referenced generally herein, rack systems  100  may be within, or under, upper cabinetry as well. 
     As shown in  FIG. 27 , an exemplary rack system  100  of the present disclosure comprises a tray  102  configured so that tray  102  can then be pulled toward a user by way of a glider mechanism  200 , resulting in a positioning of tray  102  as shown in  FIG. 27 . In such a configuration, rack system  100  has the appearance of a traditional drawer; however, the functionality of rack system  100  as compared to a traditional drawer is quite different. 
     As shown in  FIG. 27 , an exemplary rack system  100  of the present disclosure may comprise a first tray cover  1700  coupled to tray  102 . Tray cover  1700 , as shown in  FIG. 22 , may be made of Plexiglass, but in various other embodiments, tray cover  1700  may comprise a number of other materials, including, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, and glass. 
     Tray cover  1700 , as shown in  FIG. 27 , may be hingedly coupled to tray  102  by way of one or more cover hinges  1702 . In other embodiments, tray cover  1700  may be coupled to (or otherwise engage) tray  1700  by other means, including, but not limited to, various hooks, clasps, and/or pockets in various components of rack system  100 .  FIG. 28  shows a perspective view of an exemplary rack system  100  of the present disclosure whereby tray cover  1700  is open so that contents of tray  102  can be accessed. 
       FIGS. 29 and 30  show perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure having two trays. As shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , rack system  100  comprises a first tray  102  and a second tray  2900 , whereby first tray  102  is positioned above second tray  2900 . First tray  102  and second tray  2900  may be hingedly coupled to one another by way of one or more tray coupler hinges  2902  as shown in  FIG. 30  and/or one or more lift actuators  2904  as shown in  FIGS. 31 and 32 . Tray coupler hinges  2902 , as shown in  FIG. 30 , may be positioned at the relative back of rack system  100  so to couple the first tray  102  at the bottom of first tray  102  to the second tray  2900  at the top of second tray  2900 . Furthermore, one or more lift actuators  2904  could be coupled to the underside of first tray  102  and to the inside of second tray  2900 , so that when first tray  102  and second tray  2900  are closed (completely or substantially resting/stacked upon one another), lift actuators  2904  are within second tray  2900  so that rack system  100  can open and close as desired. In such an embodiment, contents of first tray  102  and second tray  2900  can be readily accessed with minimal movement or shifting of items contained therein. 
     As referenced above, first tray  102  is described as being above second tray  2900 . In other embodiments, said trays may be reversed, and in various embodiments, components referenced herein in connection with various rack systems  100  of the present disclosure, such as various glider mechanisms, pulls, hinges, covers, face plates, etc., may be used in connection with either tray  102 ,  2900 . Furthermore, tray coupler hinges  2902  and lift actuators  2904  (which may be generally referred to herein as “pivot mechanisms”) are not intended to be the sole mechanisms used to couple and allow pivoting movement of one tray relative to another, as other mechanisms, such as other hardware useful to pivot one item relative to another, may be used with, or in lieu of, tray coupler hinges  2902  and lift actuators  2904 . 
     Embodiments of rack systems  100  shown in  FIGS. 26 through 31  may be used as follows. First, a user may engage the drawer handle (hardware  116 ) to pull the drawer (rack system  100 ) away from the rest of the cabinet so that rack system  100  is open as shown in  FIG. 27 , for example. This may be accomplished using a glider mechanism  200  as referenced in further detail herein. After the drawer is opened, the user may access the contents of the first tray  102  first by opening tray cover  1700 . Should the user decide to access the contents of the second tray  2900 , the user would then pivot first tray  102  upwards to access second tray  2900 . When the user is done, the user can close first tray  102  relative to second tray  2900 , push rack system  100  back into the cabinet so that rack system  100  is closed as shown in  FIG. 26 , for example. 
     At least another embodiment of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure is shown in  FIG. 33 . As shown in  FIG. 33 , an exemplary rack system  100  (also referred to herein as an “insert”) comprises a first tray  102 , a second tray  2900 , and one or more tray coupler hinges  2902  to couple and/or allow pivoting movement of first tray  102  relative to second tray  2900 . As shown in  FIG. 33 , and as applicable to various other embodiments of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure, rack system  100  comprises one or more optional dividers  118  which may be positioned within first tray  102 , for example, to separate contents of first tray  102 . 
     In such an embodiment, rack system  100  would be configured to fit within a drawer or other cabinetry, and would allow a user to access first tray  102  and second tray  2900  as referenced herein. So to take advantage of as large of a rack system  100  as desired, the drawer may utilize one or more glider mechanisms  200  of a sufficient length to allow for the drawer to be pulled forward as far as desired so to allow a desired sized rack system  100  to be placed therein. 
     Additional schematics of exemplary rack systems  100  of the present disclosure in various types of cabinetry are shown in  FIGS. 34A, 34B, and 35 .  FIGS. 34A and 34B  show front views of an exemplary embodiment of a rack system  300  of the present disclosure positioned underneath an upper cabinet in a closed configuration ( FIG. 34A ) and in an open configuration ( FIG. 34B ).  FIG. 35  shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a rack system  300  of the present disclosure in a full open configuration. In various embodiments, and as shown in  FIG. 35 , rack system  300  may comprise a first tray  102  and a second tray  2900 , whereby first tray  102  is positioned above second tray  2900 . First tray  102  and second tray  2900  may be hingedly coupled to one another by way of one or more tray coupler hinges  2902  as shown in  FIG. 30  and/or one or more lift actuators  2904  as shown in  FIGS. 31 and 32 . Tray coupler hinges  2902 , as shown in  FIG. 30 , may be positioned at the relative back of rack system  300  so to couple to first tray  102  at the bottom of first tray  102  and to couple to second tray  2900  at the top of second tray  2900 . Furthermore, one or more lift actuators  2904  could be coupled to the underside of first tray  102  and to the inside of second tray  2900 , so that when first tray  102  and second tray  2900  are closed (completely or substantially resting/stacked upon one another), lift actuators  2904  are within second tray  2900  so that rack system  300  can open and close as desired. 
     In various embodiments, and as shown in  FIG. 35 , rack system  300  may further comprise at least one cam mechanism  3502 , at least one guide channel  3504 , a support box  3500 , and at least one tilt actuator  3604 . The cam mechanism  3502  may be positioned at the relative back of the second tray  2900  and positioned such that cam mechanism  3502  moves within, along, or through the guide channel  3504 . The guide channel  3504  may be formed in the side wall of the support box  3500  or the external structure  220 , either of which may support the glide mechanism hardware for the second tray  2900 , including the side wall bracket  202 , the coupler bracket  206 , and the tilt actuator  3604 . Moreover, the guide channel  3504  may be formed to engage the cam mechanism  3502  and enable tilting of the rack system  300 . Furthermore, the guide channel  3504  may be formed to enable the rack system  300  to move parallel to ground initially but to tilt the relative front edge of second tray  2900  downward as the second tray  2900  reaches the end of its travel, thereby positioning the rack system  300  in an open access configuration as shown in  FIG. 35 . 
       FIG. 36  shows an isometric view of a portion of a rack system  300 , according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 36 , the guide channel  3504  may be angled upward along its length  3505  relative to the ground to enable the tilting motion described. In at least one embodiment, the rack system  300  may further include at least one tilt actuator  3604 , which may be operably attached to a back edge of the second tray  2900  and the support box  3500  or the external structure  220  by any appropriate means, to further assist the tilting and return motions of tray  2900 . Tilt actuator  3604  may be any means of enabling and assisting tilting of tray  102 , including, but not limited to, gas springs or the like. 
     In operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the rack system  300  is opened, the cam mechanism  3502  moves within, along, or through the guide channel  3504 . As the guide channel  3504  angles upward along its length  3505  relative to the ground, the relative front edge of the second tray  2900  tilts downward as the tray reaches the end of its travel, pivoting about the at least one rotation mechanism  1500 . As the second tray  2900  pivots, the lift actuators  2904  raise the first tray  102  as described herein, thereby positioning the rack system  300  in an open access configuration and allowing access to the space within both the first tray  102  and the second tray  2900 . Such embodiments may include one or more additional features of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure other than those shown herein. 
       FIG. 37  shows a view of a rack system  400  in a closed configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the rack system  400 , having a first side  480  and an opposing second side  460 , may be mounted underneath an upper cabinet  220  and hidden from view by cover plate  414  as shown in  FIG. 37 . As shown in  FIG. 38 , the rack system  400  includes a housing  404 , a glider mechanism  420  operably coupled thereto, and a tray  402  (with a first side  480  shown in figure) having at least one rotation mechanism  4500  operably coupled thereto. The rotation mechanism  4500 , in various embodiments, is capable of being coupled to tray  402  and one or more other components of rack system  400  (such as portions of the glider mechanism  420 , for example, or a side wall bracket  409  as referenced in further detail herein), so that tray  402  is operable to rotate or capable of rotation about rotation mechanism  4500 . As referenced herein, such an embodiment of a rack system  400  may comprise a “first rotation mechanism” and a “second rotation mechanism,” each referring to a rotation mechanism  4500 . Likewise, such an embodiment of a rack system  400  may comprise a “first glider mechanism” and a “second glider mechanism,” each referring to a glider mechanism  420 . As shown in  FIGS. 38, 39 and 42 , rotation mechanisms  4500  may be positioned at or near relative middles of first side  480  and second side  460 , as applicable, to facilitate rotation of tray  402  as described in further detail herein. In the view of rack system  100  shown in  FIG. 20 , rotation mechanism  1500  is not visible because it is positioned beneath a glider spacer  2000 . 
       FIG. 38  shows a side view of a rack system  400  in a first access configuration, with the cover plate  414  open and secured to cabinet structure  220  by cover hinge  4703 .  FIG. 39  shows a side view of a rack system in a second access configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 39 , the glider mechanism  420  may include a counterbalance hinge  410  coupled to a drop down arm  408  at pivot point  426  and attached to the housing  404 . The drop down arm  408  may be slidingly engage a coupler bracket  406 , which slidingly engages a drawer guide  407 , which may be attached to a side wall bracket  409 . In at least one embodiment, the drop down arm  408 , coupler bracket  406 , drawer guide  407  are configured to enable sliding motion relative to one another in a direction shown by the bi-directional arrow A in  FIG. 39 , thus enabling the tray  402  to extend away from pivot point  426  and into a second access configuration. Further, the counterbalance hinge  410  enables smooth and controlled rotation of the tray  402  and glide mechanism  420  as each concurrently pivots from the first to the second access configuration. Further, counterbalance hinge  410  at least partially counterbalances the weight of the rack system  400  such that less force is required to return the rack system  400  from the second to the first access configuration. 
     In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the glider mechanism  200  may further include a glider actuator  4904  attached at a first end to the housing  404  and at a second end to the drop down arm  408 . In at least embodiment, the glider actuator  4904  may be attached to any component of glider mechanism  200  that enables the desired motion and function described herein. The glider actuator  4904  enables smooth and controlled motion as the glide mechanism  420  moves the tray  402  from the first to the second access configuration. Glider actuators  4904  may be any means of enabling the applicable automated movement of tray  102 , including, but not limited to, stepper motors, servo motors, spring-loaded gas springs, or the like. 
       FIG. 40  shows a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rack system  400  in a second access configuration with tray cover in an closed configuration, according to the present disclosure. As shown in  FIGS. 39 and 40 , rack system  400  has a second access configuration, which corresponds to a native or a non-rotated configuration of tray  402 . In operation, tray  402  could be engaged by a user and pressed so that a latch mechanism  900  disengages a latch member  904  (shown in  FIG. 39 ), for example, so that tray  402  is allowed to pivot downward by way of a counterbalance hinge  410 . Tray  402  then extends toward a user by way of a glider mechanism  200 , resulting in a positioning of tray  102  as shown in  FIG. 40 . Such a procedure does not involve rotation of tray  102  about a rotation mechanism  1500 , so such a positioning may be referred to herein as a second access configuration, whereby the relative top of tray  402  is revealed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 40 , an exemplary rack system  400  of the present disclosure may comprise a first tray cover  4700  coupled to tray  402 . Tray cover  4700  may be made of Plexiglas, but in various other embodiments, tray cover  4700  may comprise a number of other materials, including, but not limited to, wood, metal, plastic, glass or a combination of these as shown in  FIG. 40 . Tray cover  4700  may be hingedly coupled to tray  402  by way of one or more cover hinges  4702 . In other embodiments, tray cover  4700  may be coupled to (or otherwise engage) tray  402  by other means, including, but not limited to, various hooks, clasps, and/or pockets in various components of rack system  400 . Tray cover  4700  may further include an opening  4701  formed to enable latch mechanism  900  to couple with the latch member  904  as described herein. 
     The exemplary latch mechanism  900  shown in  FIG. 40  is but one exemplary latch mechanism  900  of the present disclosure, as any number of other latch mechanisms  900 , utilizing magnets, snaps, and or other componentry sufficiently strong to hold a relatively heavy and filled tray  102  in place without tray  102  disengaging from structure  220  at or near latch mechanism  900 , could be used with various embodiments of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure. 
       FIG. 41  shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of a rack system  400  in a second access configuration with tray cover in an open configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Tray cover  4700  may be held in a closed position about tray  402  by way of one or more closure mechanisms  4704 , as shown in  FIG. 41 . As shown in  FIG. 41 , closure mechanism  4704  may include, but is not limited to, a strike plate formed with spring tension that engages a fastener (not shown) holding hardware  416  to the tray cover  4700 . Closure mechanisms  4704  of the present disclosure are not intended to be limited only to strike plate formed with spring tension embodiments, as various other closure mechanisms  4704  capable of securing a cover (such as a tray cover  4700 ) to a receptacle (such as a tray  402 ) may be within the scope of closure mechanisms  4704  as referenced herein. As referenced above, hinges  4702  may facilitate the opening and closing of tray cover  4700 , and closure mechanisms  4704  may be used to secure tray cover  4700  in a closed position. 
       FIG. 42  shows a view of an embodiment of a rack system  400  in a transition between a second access configuration and a third access configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 42 , rack system  400  has a third access configuration, which corresponds to a rotated configuration of tray  402 . For example, and in various embodiments of rack systems  400  of the present disclosure, a tray  402  of a rack system  400  could be extended to a second access configuration (as shown in  FIG. 39  and described herein), and then subsequently rotated 180 degrees by way of rotation mechanism(s)  4500  (in a direction shown by the bi-directional arrow C) to reveal the bottom cover  4710  of tray  402 , effectively positioning rack system  400  in a third access configuration. 
     In at least one embodiment of a rack and drawer system  100  according to the present disclosure as shown in  FIG. 42 , rack system  400  may include a second glider actuator  4904  on both the first side  480  and the second side  480 . The second glider actuator  4904  may further assist and control the motion of the glide mechanism  420  as the tray  402  moves from the first to the second access configuration. In at least one embodiment, the second glider actuator  4904  is configured to continue its articulating motion after the first glider actuator  4904  has reached the end of its travel or otherwise stopped its articulating motion. 
     In at least one embodiment of a rack and drawer system  100  according to the present disclosure as shown in  FIG. 43 , rack system  400  may include a tray  402  with at least two compartments to receive one or more items: the first compartment  4712  defined by a base panel  4706  (somewhat analogous to a bottom  104  of a tray  102  as otherwise described herein), the tray cover  4700 , the first side  480 , and the opposing second side  460 ; the second compartment  4714  defined by the base panel  4706 , the bottom cover  4710 , the first side  480 , and the opposing second side  460 . Rotation of tray  402  into a third access configuration of rack system  400  enables easy access to the second compartment  4714 , which may include additional storage for the items disclosed herein. 
     The bottom cover  4710 , similar to tray cover  4700 , may be coupled to tray  402  by way of hinges  4702  and a closure mechanism  4704 , as shown in  FIG. 43 , and described herein with respect to other embodiments or views of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure. Closure mechanisms  4704 , in various embodiments, are configured to either keep tray covers  4700  closed so that any contents of tray  402  (such as spice containers  1300  if used as a spice rack, documents if used for document storage, books if used to store books or provide a platform to hold one or more books, etc.) will not fall out when the tray  402  is rotated about rotation mechanism(s)  4500 . 
     In at least one embodiment according to the present disclosure, rotation of tray  402 , performed to move tray  402  from a second access configuration (as shown in  FIG. 39 ) to a third access configuration (as shown in  FIG. 43 ), may be performed by engaging various parts of rack system  400 , including, but not limited to, hardware  416  present upon (or engaging) the tray cover  4700  of tray  402  (as shown in  FIG. 40 ), hardware (not shown) present upon (or engaging) other areas of tray  402  (or other components of rack system  400 ), pockets/apertures formed in various portions of rack system  400 , or by merely engaging, pushing, or pulling portions of rack system  400  in various directions. In addition to hardware  416 , or as an alternative to hardware  416 , rotation of tray may be facilitated by a rotation actuator  1408  coupled to tray  402 , for example, as shown in  FIG. 14 . Rotation actuator  1408 , in various embodiments, may be coupled to tray  402  or other components of rack system  400 , and may facilitate automated rotation of tray  402  in addition to, or in lieu of, manual rotation. 
     According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure as shown in  FIG. 39 , a rack system  400  may further comprise a lock mechanism  4102 , such that tray  402  does not move when a user of rack system  400  does not desire tray  402  to rotate. Similar to the lock mechanism  2100  as shown in  FIG. 21A , lock mechanism  4102  may include a spring-loaded pin attached to the side wall bracket  409  that interfaces with a mating aperture in first side  480  or second side  460  of tray  402 . The lock mechanism  4102  may be further operable to lock or secure tray  402  in place upon rotation so that tray  102  does not return to its native position until the local mechanism  4102  is disengaged by a user. The aforementioned embodiments of lock mechanism  4102  of the present disclosure are not intended to define the comprehensive scope of potential lock mechanisms  4102  useful in the present disclosure. For example, other embodiments of lock mechanisms, such as various protrusions, hardware components, etc., could be used of said embodiments are operable to or capable of temporarily locking tray  402  in place before or after rotation. 
     Various embodiments of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure, as referenced herein, may be coupled to a kitchen wall cabinet (an exemplary external structure  220 ). Various embodiments of kitchen wall cabinets have a recessed portion underneath, which could be, in various embodiments, 1¼″ deep, 1½″ deep, ¾″ deep, less, or more. Various embodiments of rack systems  100  of the present disclosure could either be provided separately, as component parts, and/or as a system in connection with an external structure  220 , such as a cabinet or a shelf, for example. In addition, at least one embodiment of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure would comprise a cushioning member, such as foam, at felt pad, rubber, etc., to provide cushion in the case of impact between one rack system  100  component and another, or a portion of a rack system  100  with an external structure  220  and/or a wall, for example.\ 
     Although various embodiments of rack systems  100  are described and shown herein, not all embodiments are labeled with each and every component. It is understood that a component or element of one embodiment of a rack system  100  may apply, and be part of, another embodiment of a rack system  100  of the present disclosure. 
     While various embodiments of rack systems and methods for using the same have been described in considerable detail herein, the embodiments are merely offered by way of non-limiting examples of the disclosure described herein. It will therefore be understood that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
     Further, in describing representative embodiments, the disclosure may have presented a method and/or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. Other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps disclosed herein should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. In addition, disclosure directed to a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written. Such sequences may be varied and still remain within the scope of the present disclosure.