Patent Abstract:
A pivoting storage apparatus that is adapted to storage structures such as cabinets, refrigerators, and the like, whose horizontal interior storage surfaces are generally rectangular. The shelving system is presented in the form of a shelf accessory, in addition to use as an independent storage platform. A portion of the rotary shelving is capable of being manually drawn out of the confines of the storage structure&#39;s interior by the user, thereby enabling easy access to shelf contents.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This divisional application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/149,064 a provisional application filed Feb. 2, 2009, U.S. Ser. No. 12/684,740 a non-provisional application filed Jan. 8, 2010. Each of these applications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to pivoting or rotary shelving systems, and more specifically, to a pivoting storage apparatus that is adapted to refrigerators or any other structure possessing horizontal generally rectangular storage surfaces. A portion of pivoting storage apparatus is able to be manually drawn out of the confines of the storage structure&#39;s interior by a user, thereby enabling easy access to shelf contents thereon. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Even though the use and advantages of various rotary or pivoting storage devices applied to storage structures are known, there remain voids regarding desirable attributes pertaining to such rotary or pivoting storage devices, their methods of use, as well as solving and/or overcoming the underlining motives that prompts their use. 
         [0004]    The following are related art examples of rotary or pivoting shelving systems for use in storage structures such as cabinets, refrigerators, and the like. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,172,715 to Powder and U.S. Pat. No. 2,692,813 to Toronto disclose shelving systems that require a pivoting joint assembly capable of bearing essentially the full load of the mobile shelf and its contents. Such systems require complex, heavy-duty, space consuming, hardware. In addition, the refrigerator side walls must be capable or configured to accept such mounting hardware as well as possessing the strength to tolerate such loads. 
         [0005]    Both U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,462 to Lee and U.S. Pat. No. 1,899,171 to Warren describe shelving systems that call for several regions of attachment or points of support, including a refrigerator side wall, back wall, and a required support joint type connection affixed to the refrigerator&#39;s front door. The required connection to the front door mandates that the load burden of the mobile shelf and its contents are manipulated by a user during every door opening episode. Furthermore, the entire contents residing on the shelf are removed from the climate controlled interior of the refrigerator to the outside environment during each door open/close cycle, compounding the opportunity for thermal loss, food spoilage, and the like. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,823 to Maglinger discloses a shelving system that utilizes a pull-out drawer member incorporating a full round rotating storage container having a bottom with attached side walls. The container&#39;s circular shape results in a loss of available storage area in comparison to the available rectangular storage footprint where such a unit would typically reside. In addition, due to the absence of a home position (commonly lacking in full round rotating storage units), the relative arrangement of stored objects is not maintained from one visit to the next. Additionally, the apparatus creates an awkward accessibility scenario where the drawer unit must be maneuvered to the extreme forward extended position before complete accessibility to container contents, via a top opening, is possible. 
         [0007]    The purpose of the present invention is to overcome several shortcomings in the aforementioned prior art as well as the introduction of additional novel features. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention is directed toward a pivoting storage apparatus, and more specifically, to a pivoting storage apparatus that is adapted to storage structures of generally rectilinear geometry having generally rectangular interior storage surfaces, such as cabinets, refrigerators, and the like. The basic system is comprised of a pivoting main tray connected to the top of a flat base that is attached to a substantially fixed feature comprising a storage structure (e.g. a shelf, side walls, a back wall). The main tray component of the pivoting storage apparatus is capable of being manually drawn out of the confines of the structure&#39;s interior by a user, thereby enabling easy access to shelf contents thereon. 
         [0009]    The basic method of retrieving object(s) resting on the pivoting storage apparatus comprises the steps of opening the door(s) of the storage structure, extending the main tray forward from its home position, locating and retrieving the object(s) of interest, closing or returning the main tray to its home position, and closing the storage structure&#39;s door(s). 
         [0010]    Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a quadrant shaped, pie shaped, or a sector shaped pivoting storage shelf assembly, configured for quick simple attachment to an existing surface, such as a shelf; as well as the ability to be affixed to standard mounting structures such as slots, slotted track, and the like, typically found in refrigerators, cabinets, and the like. 
         [0011]    Another object of the present invention is to maximize the efficient use of storage space pertaining to the commonly utilized rectangular storage footprint. 
         [0012]    Yet another object of the present invention is to maintain the relative location of stored objects with respect to each other and with respect to the storage structure environment. The preservation of object placement operates in conjunction with the pivoting storage feature of the present invention providing easy access to stored contents as well as an unchanging storage surface to promote easy item location via memory recall. 
         [0013]    Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, each embodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in any combination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarily meet each objective. 
         [0014]    Thus, having broadly outlined the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated, there are, of course, additional features of the present invention that will be described herein and will form a part of the subject matter of the claim(s) appended to this specification. 
         [0015]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. 
         [0016]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the description be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the conception regarded as the present invention. 
       PARTICULAR ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    The present invention provides several advantages, including simple attachment to storage surfaces, such as racks, shelving, and the like located in refrigerators, cabinets and the like. The storage surface can be of the solid type (e.g. continuous sheet of glass or plastic), or the open area variety (e.g. wire rack, perforated metal or plastic). Additionally, the present invention of configured to make efficient use of the commonly found rectangular storage footprint typically found in storage structures. The unique pivoting feature in combination with a corner tray outperforms simple full round rotating storage units. Such full round rotating storage units (i.e. revolving servers or Lazy Susans) are plagued with undesirable attributes such as inherent storage losses, central dead spot issues, and the loss of relative arrangement of stored objects. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The invention will be described by reference to the specification and the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and wherein: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1A  shows a perspective top view of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with one embodiment having an attached corner tray. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1B  shows an orthogonal top view of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1A   
           [0021]      FIG. 1C  shows an orthogonal side view of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0022]      FIG. 1D  shows an orthogonal bottom view of the pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 1E  shows a partial cutaway side view of the pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A  depicting additional detail. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3A  shows a perspective top view of the base corresponding to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0026]      FIG. 3B  shows an orthogonal top view of the base corresponding to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0027]      FIG. 3C  shows a perspective top view of an alternate embodiment of a base having an integrated corner tray. Also depicted are examples of various means of attaching the base to open type of shelving (e.g. wire rack and the like). 
           [0028]      FIG. 3D  shows a perspective bottom view of an alternate embodiment of a base to a main tray pivoting system. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4A  shows an orthogonal top view of a main tray of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4B  shows a perspective top view of a main tray of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4C  shows an orthogonal side view of a main tray of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4D  shows an orthogonal bottom view of a main tray of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5A  shows an orthogonal top view of a corner tray of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5B  shows a perspective bottom view of a corner tray of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIG. 5C  shows an orthogonal bottom view of a corner tray of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIG. 6A  illustrates an orthogonal top view of two adjacent pivoting storage devices showing clockwise and counterclockwise mounting schemes in a typical storage environment having a generally rectangular geometry and two opposing doors. 
           [0037]      FIG. 6B  illustrates an orthogonal top view of two adjacent pivoting storage devices, with the left storage device pivoted in the open position, showing clockwise and counterclockwise mounting schemes in a typical storage environment having a generally rectangular geometry and two opposing doors. 
           [0038]      FIG. 7A  shows a perspective top view of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with an alternate embodiment having two support arms configured to mount to a pair of vertical rails having periodic mounting slots. 
           [0039]      FIG. 7B  shows an orthogonal top view of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0040]      FIG. 7C  shows an orthogonal side view of a support arm used in accordance with the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0041]      FIG. 7D  shows an orthogonal bottom view of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 7A . 
           [0042]      FIG. 8A  shows a perspective top view of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with an alternate embodiment having a side rail mounting scheme configured to mount into a storage structure having corresponding horizontal slotted rail pairs on each of the two opposing side walls. 
           [0043]      FIG. 8B  shows an orthogonal top view of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0044]      FIG. 8C  shows an orthogonal bottom view of a pivoting storage apparatus in accordance with the alternate embodiment of  FIG. 8A . 
           [0045]      FIG. 9A  shows a perspective top view of a standalone corner tray container. 
           [0046]      FIG. 9B  shows a perspective top view of a standalone corner tray container resting on the corner tray portion of one embodiment of a pivoting storage apparatus. 
           [0047]      FIG. 9C  shows an orthogonal top view of a standalone corner tray container resting on the corner tray portion of one embodiment of a pivoting storage apparatus. 
       
    
    
       [0048]    The drawings are not to scale, in fact, some aspects have been emphasized for a better illustration and understanding of the written description. 
       Parts List For Pivoting Storage Apparatus 
       [0000]    
       
           110 . Pivoting storage apparatus 
           112 . Main Tray 
           114 . Corner Tray 
           114   a . Integrated corner tray 
           116 . Mating Interface 
           118 . Corner Based Pivot Point 
           120 . Assembly First Side Dimension 
           122 . Assembly Second Side Dimension 
           124 . Bottom Surface (Base) 
           126 . Slide Edge Cavity 
           128 . First Edge (Main Tray) 
           130 . Second Edge (Main Tray) 
           210 . Main Tray Pivot Fastener Receiver 
           212 . Main Tray pivot Aperture 
           214 . Base Pivot Fastener 
           216 . Resting Surface Fasteners (Suction Cups) 
           218 . Base Corner Tray Fasteners 
           310 . Base 
           311 . Base retaining lip 
           310   a . Alternate base 
           312 . Locking receptacles 
           312   a . Fastening receptacles 
           312   b . Detail of fastening receptacles 
           313 . Base pivoting corner 
           314 . Base-Corner Tray Apertures 
           315 . Alternate fasteners 
           315   a . Tie wrap 
           315   b . Twist tie 
           315   c . Nut, bolt, and washer 
           316 . Base pivot aperture 
           316   a . Integrated base pivot aperture lip 
           316   b . Integrated main tray tabs 
           318 . Base Width 
           320 . Base Length 
           322 . First Stop Post 
           324 . Second Stop Post 
           326 . Channel 
           328 . Top Surface 
           330 . Elevated Surface 
           410 . Main Tray Ribs 
           412 . Vertical Wall 
           413 . Main tray pivoting corner 
           414 . First Stop Tab 
           416 . Second Stop Tab 
           418 . Slide Edge 
           420 . Main Tray First Edge Dimension 
           422 . Main Tray Second Edge Dimension 
           424 . Main Tray First Edge 
           426 . Main Tray Second Edge 
           428 . Arciformed Edge 
           430 . Bottom Surface 
           510 . Corner Tray Top Surface 
           512 . Retaining Lip 
           514 . Base Fastener Receptacles 
           515 . Corner Tray Bottom Surface 
           516 . Positioning Member 
           518 . Corner Tray First Side 
           520 . Corner Tray Second Side 
           610 . Resting Surface 
           612 . Support Member 
           614 . Storage Structure 
           616 . Clockwise Mounting 
           618 . Counterclockwise Mounting 
           620 . Clockwise Arc Trajectory 
           622 . Counterclockwise Arc Trajectory 
           624 . Left Door 
           626 . Right Door 
           628 . Left Side Wall 
           630 . Right Side Wall 
           632 . Back Wall 
           634 . Open Position 
           710 . Back Wall 
           712 . Left Slotted Track 
           714 . Right Slotted Track 
           716 . Pivoting Storage Apparatus (with Support Brackets) 
           716   a . Bottom of Pivoting Storage Apparatus 
           718 . Left Support Bracket 
           720 . Right Support Bracket 
           722 . Bracket Mounting Holes 
           724 . Mounting Tabs 
           726 . Clockwise Mounting Holes 
           728 . Counterclockwise Mounting Holes 
           730 . Support Bracket 
           810 . Right Side Wall 
           812 . Left Side Wall 
           814 . Interior 
           816 . Storage Structure 
           818 . Back Wall 
           820 . Left Slot 
           822 . Right Slot 
           824 . Pivoting storage apparatus (with Side Rails) 
           826 . Left Rail 
           828 . Right Rail 
           830 . Rectangular Base 
           832 . Bottom (of Base) 
           900 . Corner tray container 
           902 . Corner tray container cover 
           902   a . Corner tray container cover aperture 
           904 . Corner tray container bottom 
           906 . Container bottom 
           910 . First main tray handle 
           911   a . First main tray edge 
           911   b . Second main tray edge 
           912 . Second main tray handle 
           914 . Main tray 
       
     
         [0154]    It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
       Definitions Of Terms Used In This Specification 
       [0155]    The pivoting storage apparatus adapted to rectilinear structures aforementioned shall have equivalent nomenclature including: the pivoting storage apparatus, the device, the present invention, or the invention. Also, the term rectangular is understood to include case where all sides of the geometric shape are of equal length, also known as an equilateral rectangle or a square. 
         [0156]    As used in the this specification, the term pie-cut, quadrant shape, sector shape, sector-cut, or ninety degree sector shape, shall be defined by the ordinary mathematical meaning of a “sector” defined by the region of a circle formed by two radii and their intercepted arc, where the angle between the two radii, in the present invention, is about 90 degrees. Additionally, the term “exemplary” shall possess only one meaning in this disclosure; wherein the term “exemplary” shall mean: serving as an example, instance, or illustration. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0157]    The first embodiment of the pivoting storage apparatus  110  having a separate corner tray  114  is depicted in  FIGS. 1A to 1E ,  FIG. 2 ,  FIGS. 3A and 3B ,  FIGS. 4A to 4D ,  FIGS. 5A to 5C . This embodiment is configured to be used as an accessory type device for use in storage structures such as refrigerators, cabinets, and the like, to facilitate object manipulation. The device is intended to function as a removeably attachable storage aid or accessory, and is depicted as an accessory mounted on resting surface  610  of existing support member  612  located in storage structure  614 , as depicted in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . The existing support member  612  provides a resting surface  610 , and includes shelves, racks, ledges, and the like. 
         [0158]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  depict a perspective top view and an orthogonal top view of the pivoting storage apparatus  110  respectively showing main tray  112  having sliding relationship with corner tray  114  via mating interface  116  (see  FIG. 1E  for detail) and pivoting corner  118 . Referring to  FIG. 1E , it is understood that sliding edge cavity  126  with retaining lip  512  are not corner tray  114  required features, alternatively, such features can be incorporated into base  310 ; in such a system, corner tray  114  becomes an optional component of pivoting storage apparatus  110 . 
         [0159]    It is well known that the center of rotation or pivot point of a circular planar object, such as a disk, is a location characterized by little to no relative movement as the circular planar object is rotated about the pivot point. Therefore, access to a centrally located object(s) stored on a full round rotating type devices (e.g. Lazy Susans) is not substantially improved by the rotation of such devices. As can be seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the present invention&#39;s pivot point is not centrally located, but positioned on a corner based pivot point  118  locations. Referring to  FIG. 6A , when pivoting storage apparatus  110  is mounted such that corner based pivot points  118  are positioned on the accessible front portion of an existing support member  612 , the accessibility dead spots on main tray  112  are essentially eliminated. The accessibility of centrally located objects on a full round rotating unit is not substantially improved by the rotation of the unit due to the center of rotation residing at the geometrical center of the unit; whereas in the present invention, the center of rotation is configured to reside on a front corner of the device when installed, thereby overcoming the inaccessibility issue. 
         [0160]    Furthermore, the relative arrangement of stored objects on the present invention is maintained (unlike full round rotating units lacking a home position); this feature may be of particular interest to those who prefer such spatial reproducibility (e.g. visually impaired, elderly, and the like). 
         [0161]      FIG. 2  depicts an exploded perspective view of pivoting shelving assembly  110  that is adapted to resting surface  610  of support member  612  (e.g. refrigerator rack, cabinet shelf, and the like) of  FIG. 6A . The pivoting shelving assembly  110  includes a base  310 , having a generally planar geometry, that contains an array of locking receptacles  312  integrated into base  310 , accessible via bottom surface  124  of base  310  (bottom view best depicted in  FIG. 1D ). Locking receptacles  312  are configured to accommodate resting surface fasteners  216  that are of the suction cup variety and the like. The function of resting surface fasteners  216  of the suction cup variety is to attach the device to typical continuous smooth surfaces such as refrigerator racks, cabinet shelves, fabricated from smooth glass, plastic, or the like. Resting surface fasteners  216  depicted, are in the form of suction cups configured to firmly adhere to smooth flat surfaces commonly used in shelving associated with refrigeration type appliances and the like. Such suction cup type devices are commonly fabricated from pliable polymeric type materials. 
         [0162]    Alternate means of attaching the device are depicted in  FIG. 3C . Fastening receptacles  312   a  are shown as a generally rectangular aperture in alternate base  310   a , but are not limited to such geometry. Fastening receptacles  312   a  are adapted to cooperate with alternate fasteners  315  that are configured to cooperate with a support member  612  having a resting surface  610  that possesses large open areas (e.g. wire racks, shelving with perforation type patterns, or the like) where suction cups type fasteners would not properly function. Alternate fasteners  315  include a plurality of tie wraps  315   a , twist ties  315   b , nut, bolt, and washer  315   c  assemblies, or any combination thereof. Note that in preferred embodiments, the uses of fasteners that are removeably attachable are preferred so that the pivoting storage apparatus can be removed to facilitate the cleaning of the device as well as the surrounding storage area(s). Therefore, the use of the particular type of tie wraps  315   a , having a release tab is preferable for the aforementioned reasons as well as to enable the reuse of such fasteners. Aperture geometries other than rectangular, for example circular, are understood to better cooperate with cylindrical type fasteners such as bolts, and are therefore are considered to be a viable option. Additionally, it is understood that other fastener methodologies (e.g. hook and loop, magnetic, and the like) can be used to secure the storage device to a variety of surface types, such fastening means are well known in the fastening arts. 
         [0163]    Referring to  FIG. 1D , resting surface fasteners  216 , depicted in the form of suction cups, are removeably attached to locking receptacles  312  in a positive locking manner, thereby substantially immobilizing the fasteners and securing them to base  310 . This is due, in part, to locking receptacles  312  having a figure eight configuration that enables the accommodation of suction cups  216  in a non-permanent manner. The nonpermanent attachment scheme facilitates suction cup replacement as they deteriorate, as well as enabling easy device removal from service. 
         [0164]    Again referring to  FIG. 2 , main tray  112  is pivotally attached to the top surface  328  of base  310  via a base pivot fastener  214  passing through both base pivot aperture  316  and main tray pivot aperture  212 , closing the pivoting joint with a main tray fastener receiver  210 . Base pivot fastener  214  and main tray fastener receiver  210  combination can be chosen from a variety of well known fastener technologies (e.g. nut and bolt, snap-fit, etc.). It is desirable to utilize a fastener technology that is easily unfastened to enable disassembly of the device to promote clean-up due to spills and the like.  FIG. 3D  depicts an integrated pivoting system where base pivot aperture lip  316   a  feature is fabricated as an integral part of alternate base  310   a  (shown in  FIG. 3C ) is configured to pivotally cooperate with integrated main tray tabs  316   b . Such a pivoting system having integrated components provides a cost effective pivoting means capable of fast and easy assembly as well as disassembly. The integrated pivoting system of  FIG. 3   d  reveals one possible pivoting system embodiment where integrated main tray tabs  316   b  are depicted as a plurality of tabs. The plurality of tabs can be configured to snap-fit into place, or provide simple nesting; additionally the plurality of tabs can be replaced with a full circle continuous ring, or the like. It is understood that there exists a myriad of viable equivalent pivoting system embodiments that are capable of satisfactory performance given the pivoting application. 
         [0165]    Again referring to  FIG. 2 , main tray  112  possesses a ninety degree sector shape having a first edge  128  that is perpendicular to a second edge  130 , further possessing a third curved or arciformed edge  428 , having a slide edge  418 . Corner tray  114  is attached to base  310  using base-corner tray fasteners  218  passing through base-corner tray apertures  314  and fastening to base fastener receptacles  514  located on the bottom of corner tray (best depicted in  FIG. 5C ). Retaining lip  512  of corner tray  114  forms a slide edge cavity  126  (best depicted in  FIG. 1E ) with base  310  where slide edge  418  of main tray  112  is allowed pivoting movement while simultaneously providing confining support within the geometric plane. It is understood that the retaining lip  512  feature comprising the slidably mating interface (best shown in  FIG. 1E ), is not limited to the present configuration. In the present configuration, retaining lip  512  is integrated into corner tray  114  as depicted in  FIG. 2 . The retaining lip  512  feature can alternatively be attached or constitute an integral feature of base  310  as depicted in  FIG. 3   c  where base retaining lip  311  is integrated into base  310 . 
         [0166]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  show a perspective top view and an orthogonal top view of base  310 , respectively. Base  310  exemplary dimensions for the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3   a , include: base width  318  range from 23.0 cm to 43.0 cm, base length  320  from 42.0 cm to 62.0 cm.  FIG. 3B  shows additional details of top surface  328  of base  310 , including a first stop post  322  and a second stop post  324  which is designed to interface with main tray  112  bottom surface  430  first stop tab  414  and second stop tab  416  respectively (depicted in  FIG. 4D ); such features provide travel limits that prevent or safeguard main tray  112  from over extension. The present configuration of  FIG. 4D  shows first stop tab  414  and second stop tab  416  attached to one of a plurality of main tray ribs  410  attached to bottom surface  430  of main tray  112 . In the device&#39;s fully assembled state, first stop tab  414  and second stop tab  416  are configured to cooperate with mating first stop post  322  and second stop post  324  respectively; where first stop post  322  and second stop post  324  are disposed into at least one predetermined channel  326  located on top surface  328  of base  310 . The depiction is intended to be understood as one of many possible arrangements to provide travel limit protection. 
         [0167]    The plurality of channels  326  and plurality of elevated surfaces  330  provide base  310  with a corrugated like geometry, such a geometry supplies base  310  structure with additional strength in addition to providing a reduced friction sliding surface. In the situation where the reduction of sliding surface friction is the sole concern (additional base strength is not an issue), there exist additional geometries or features to accomplish the friction reducing task (e.g. bumps, pads, and the like). The reduced friction sliding surface is created by one or more protuberances; these protuberances decrease the surface area between base  310  top surface  328  and interfacing bottom surface  430  of main tray  112 . In alternate embodiments, the protuberances can exist solely on base  310  top surface  328  or interfacing bottom surface  430  of main tray  112 , or any combination thereof; including the situation where base  310  top surface  328  and interfacing bottom surface  430  of main tray  112  both possess friction reducing protuberances. 
         [0168]    Friction reducing protuberances are understood to be constructed from a plurality of elevated features that are not limited to the configurations disclosed. Other possible friction reducing configurations include: rails, posts, periodic high/low surface profiles, random protuberances, and the like. Rail and or channel type protuberances and the like, provide the additional advantage of boosting stiffening properties when applied to base  310  and/or main tray  112  type configurations. 
         [0169]      FIG. 3C  depicts alternate base  310   a  configuration having an improvement where the alternate embodiment possesses an integrated corner tray  114   a . In preferred renderings of such an embodiment, integrated corner tray  114   a  and alternate base  310   a  would be fabricated as a single unit in a given manufacturing process (e.g. injection molding). 
         [0170]    Base  310   a  depicts two fastening receptacles  312   a  (best depicted in detail of fastening receptacles  312   b ); each receptacle having an aperture that is configured to cooperate with a variety of fasteners that are designed to attach to open area shelving types (e.g. wire rack, perforated metal or plastic). Examples of such fasteners that are designed to attach the present invention to open area type of shelving are depicted as alternate fasteners  315 . One such fastener is tie wrap  315   a  that provides a ratchet-like closure; preferred versions of tie wrap  315   a  include those with release tabs that enable the tie to be released and subsequently reused. Another type of fastener is twist tie  315   b ; variations include simple wire, plastic coated metallic wire, and the like. Yet another type of fastener is the common nut, bolt, and washer  315   c . The basic structures and methods of attachment of the aforementioned attaching schemes are well known. 
         [0171]      FIG. 3D  depicts alternate base  310   a  configuration having an alternate pivoting scheme where the alternate embodiment incorporates a base pivot aperture  316  having integrated base pivot aperture lip  316   a  configured to pivotally cooperate with a main tray having integrated main tray tabs  316   b . The disclosed pivoting scheme, and its equivalents, allows the fastening components to be integrated into their respective base and main trap parent members, thereby providing a removeably attachable assembly having fewer individual parts. 
         [0172]      FIGS. 4A to 4D  show various views and aspects of the main tray  112 . Additional details of main tray  112  include a vertical wall  412  best shown in  FIG. 4B  that provides a means for stiffening main tray  112  as well as furnishing an optionally continuous elevated perimeter to help contain spills and the like. When vertical wall  412  is solely used as a means for stiffening main tray  112 , a portion of the main tray perimeter possessing vertical wall  412  may suffice depending upon the device application. Variations of the present configuration include providing a vertical wall  412  for main tray first edge  424 , main tray second edge  426 , arciformed edge  428 , or any combination thereof. 
         [0173]    Similar to base  310 , the plurality of ribs  410  located on bottom surface  430  of main tray  112  provides main tray  112  with a corrugated like geometry, supplying main tray  112  a structure having additional strength or rigidity in addition to a reduced friction sliding surface. Since main tray  112  is the component that is pivoted forward resulting in a freestanding type condition, providing additional structure that increases strength or rigidity will help main tray  112  maintain a flat, planar profile under loaded conditions. In the situation where the reduction of sliding surface friction is the sole concern (additional base strength is not an issue), there exist additional geometries or features to accomplish the friction reducing task (e.g. bumps, pads, and the like). The reduced friction sliding surface is created by one or more protuberances; these protuberances decrease the surface area between base  310  top surface  328  and interfacing bottom surface  430  of main tray  112 . In alternate embodiments, the protuberances can exist solely on base  310  top surface  328  or interfacing bottom surface  430  of main tray  112 , or any combination thereof; including the situation where base  310  top surface  328  and interfacing bottom surface  430  of main tray  112  both possess friction reducing protuberances. Friction reducing protuberances are understood to be constructed from a plurality of elevated features that are not limited to the configurations disclosed. Other possible friction reducing configurations include: rails, posts, periodic high/low surface profiles, random protuberances, and the like. Substantially continuous structures such as rails, channels, and the like, type of protuberances provide the additional advantage of increasing strength, more specifically boosting stiffening properties when disposed to base  310  and/or main tray  112  members. Other possible friction reducing configurations include: rails, posts, periodic high/low surface profiles, random protuberances, and the like. 
         [0174]    Exemplary main tray  112  dimensions of the embodiment of  FIG. 4A  include: main tray first edge dimension  420  range from 29.0 cm to 39.0 cm, main tray second edge dimension  422  range from 29.0 cm to 39.0 cm, where the two aforementioned dimensions are substantially equal. Note that assembly first side dimension  120  and assembly second side dimension  122  depicted in  FIG. 1B  share the same dimensional attributes as main tray first edge dimension  420  and main tray second edge dimension  422  due to the generally square geometry of the device. The generally flat nature of the device is revealed in side view illustration  FIG. 4C  in addition to side view depicted in  FIG. 1C . 
         [0175]      FIGS. 5A to 5C  show various views and aspects of the corner tray  114 . Additional details of corner tray  114  include a positioning member  516  located on corner tray bottom surface  515 , shown in  FIGS. 5B and 5C . Positioning member  516  provides assistance in properly aligning corner tray  114  to the other device elements during assembly. Exemplary corner tray  114  dimensions of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5A  include: corner tray first side  518  dimension ranges from 15.0 cm to 35.0 cm, corner tray second side  520  dimension ranges from 15.0 cm to 35.0 cm, where the two aforementioned dimensions can differ. Additionally, in order to ensure proper main tray  112  support, it is recommended that the radius of curvature of retaining lip  512  of corner tray  114  be substantially equal to that of arciformed edge  428  of main tray  112  of  FIG. 4A  to ensure adequate engagement as depicted in  FIGS. 1B and 1E . 
         [0176]    Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the pivoting storage apparatus  110  has two possible mounting orientations, clockwise mounting  616  corresponding to clockwise arc trajectory  620 , and counterclockwise mounting  618  corresponding to counterclockwise arc trajectory  622 . The two mounting options  616  and  618  provide a default closing scheme for main tray  112  when the clockwise and counterclockwise arc trajectories correspond with those of left door  624  and right door  626  respectively. The closing of left door  624  and/or right door  626  will help move the corresponding main tray  112  of corresponding devices left in the open position  634 , safely return toward its closed (home) position.  FIG. 6B  depicts the present invention having clockwise mounting  616  with the main tray  112  in open position  634 . In order for the device to furnish the two aforementioned mounting orientations depicted in  FIG. 6A , (i.e. clockwise mounting  616  with associated clockwise arc trajectory  620 , and counterclockwise mounting  618  with associated counterclockwise arc trajectory  622 ) it is recommended that main tray  112  be substantially modeled after a sector shape, where the term “sector shape” is characterized by the ordinary mathematical meaning of a “sector” that&#39;s defined by the region of a circle formed by two radii and their intercepted arc, where the angle between the two radii, in the present invention, is about 90 degrees. 
         [0177]    Referring to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , both the pivoting storage apparatuses  110  associated with the two mounting orientations, in an alternate embodiment, are either temporarily or permanently attached to each other. Such a pivoting storage configuration will provide the advantages of a seamless or joined construction which include a larger, sturdier device that provides increased storage. 
         [0178]      FIGS. 7A to 7D  show various views and aspects of another embodiment consisting of a pivoting storage apparatus  716  with support brackets  718 ,  720  that are adapted for mounting onto a slotted track  712  and  714  respectively. For example, the slotted track  712  and  714  can be mounted onto a back wall  632  of storage structure  614  (shown in  FIG. 6A ) which can represent cabinets, refrigerators, and the like. 
         [0179]    In  FIG. 7C , support bracket  730  depicts mounting tabs  724  that removably attach to slotted tracks  712  and  714  of  FIG. 7A . Support brackets  718  and  720  of  FIG. 7A  possess a plurality of bracket mounting holes that align with both clockwise mounting holes  726  and counterclockwise mounting holes  728  located on bottom of pivoting storage apparatus  716   a  shown in  FIG. 7D , these holes are situated in two linear type of arrays, parallel to each other, creating two sets of hole pairs. Either a clockwise arc trajectory  620  or a counterclockwise arc trajectory  622  (depicted in  FIGS. 6A and 6B ) are attainable via selecting the proper hole pair for support bracket  730  mounting. The pivoting storage apparatus  716  is attached to one set of mounting holes (i.e. clockwise mounting holes  726  or counterclockwise mounting holes  726 ) using an appropriate fastening means (e.g. screws, nuts &amp; bolts, rivets, locking pin hardware, snap-fit, and the like). To preserve the ability to select the aforementioned mounting options, selecting removeably attachable fasteners (e.g. screws, nuts &amp; bolts, etc.) is preferable over fastening means not intended for disassembly (e.g. rivets, adhesives, etc.). 
         [0180]      FIGS. 8A to 8C  show various views and aspects of another embodiment consisting of a pivoting storage apparatus  824  having a left rail  826  and opposing right rail  828  located on bottom  832  of rectangular base  830 , best depicted in  FIG. 8C . Pivoting storage apparatus  824  left rail  826  and a right rail  828  are slidingly received by left slot  820  and right slot  822  horizontal supports respectively, or any other horizontal pair of receiving slots, providing height adjustment depicted in  FIG. 8A . Left slot  820  and opposing right slot  822  are located on the right side wall  810  and left side wall  812  respectively, of interior  814  of storage structure  816 . Back wall  818  furnishes pivoting storage apparatus  824  a natural back stop when inserted into any pair of receiving slots. 
         [0181]    The pivoting storage apparatus  824  sliding relationship with a corresponding slot pair provides a user positionable feature giving the user additional access to shelf contents when pivoting storage apparatus  824 , as a whole, is pulled forward. When the pivoting storage apparatus  824  is pulled forward, objects stored on the non-pivoting corner tray  114  as well as the objects resting on pivoting corner tray  114  become more accessible to the user; furthermore, accessibility to objects resting on corner tray  114  is further improved when corner tray  114  is situated in open position  634  (as depicted in  FIG. 6B ) and pivoting storage apparatus  824  is concurrently set to the forward position. 
         [0182]      FIG. 9A  illustrates a standalone corner tray container  900  having a corner tray container bottom  904 , with a container bottom  906  that possesses a generally triangular bottom geometry that is substantially similar in both size and shape to integrated corner tray  114   a  overall general shape, or perimeter geometry, so that corner tray container  900  provides a space efficient means for storage when resting upon integrated corner tray  114   a , or like corner tray versions. Corner tray container  900  system possesses optional corner tray container cover  902  having a plurality of optional corner tray container cover apertures  902   a ; apertures provide a venting means for deodorizers, baking soda, and the like. 
         [0183]      FIG. 9B  is a perspective illustration of corner tray container  900  system resting on integrated corner tray  114   a  of the present invention depicting a space efficient means for storage.  FIG. 9C  is a top view of corner tray container  900  system resting on integrated corner tray  114   a  further depicting a space efficient means for storage. 
         [0184]      FIG. 9B  further illustrates optional first main tray handle  910  and second main tray handle  912 . The function of both main tray handles is to provide a user an easily accessible feature to facilitate the deployment of main tray  914 . First main tray handle  910  and second main tray handle  912  are depicted as integrated tabs that are vertical extensions of first main tray edge  911   a  and second main tray edge  911   b , respectively. The depictions of first main tray handle  910  and second main tray handle  912  are exemplary, and thus are not limited to the depicted embodiment. 
         [0185]    Another embodiment of the present invention further includes a main tray utilizing a self-closing feature (not shown) where the main tray, in its open position, upon being released by the user, automatically returns to the home position. The apparatuses for accomplishing such self-closing features are well known and their relatively simple designs enable prompt understanding of the associated mechanical workings. An example of such a mechanism is based on the use of coil springs where energy is stored during the opening of the main tray (by the user) is used to wind the spring and returning the main tray back to its home position is powered by the unwinding spring. Another such example is a gravity based weight system where the opening of the main tray (by the user) is used to elevate a weight and returning the main tray back to its home position is powered by the weight, connected to the main tray (via a cable or the like), being pulled back downward by gravitational forces. Other examples of such self-closing features are based upon compression springs, leaf spring, electric motors, and the like. 
         [0186]    The materials that comprise the bulk of the present invention are preferably those of relatively high strength and low weight. In the polymer family, moldable plastics such as Lexan, Nylon, ABS, and the like, can provide relatively high strength and low weight properties in addition to providing high production, low cost advantages. If necessary, additional material&#39;s strength can be accomplished through the use of plastic fillers (e.g. glass fiber, and the like); the amount of filler used depends upon the characteristics desired. Exemplary polymers or plastics containing filler include: 30% glass fiber filled nylon, 10% glass fiber filled ABS, or 30% glass fiber filled Lexan (polycarbonate, to name a few. The use of transparent or translucent plastics provides the user with additional benefits including improved illumination and object identification (hindered by opaque materials). From the metals family of materials, aluminum is an example of such a high strength and low weight material, although the use of heavier stainless steel may be preferred in commercial food service type environments. 
         [0187]    Composites such as fiberglass are other options that can provide a desired aesthetic look and/or feel in addition to supplying preferred or target combination of engineering properties such as thermal expansion, weight, creep, UV resistance, etc. for specific users and/or environments. The fasteners, brackets, and tracks aforementioned in the present invention with all its embodiments can be fabricated from most any engineering material that can withstand the stresses and wear requirements including polymers, metals and composites, with metals such as surface finished steel, aluminum, and the like, are considered commonplace in such applications.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5