U.S. patent application number 11/047944 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-03 for storage system with turntable swingable about multiple axes.
Invention is credited to Michael Antino, Chi-Pang Kwok, Hank Lippisch, Saul Palder.
Application Number | 20060169653 11/047944 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36755379 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060169653 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Palder; Saul ; et
al. |
August 3, 2006 |
Storage system with turntable swingable about multiple axes
Abstract
A storage system for multiple stacks of like articles has a base
and a stackholder assembly connected to the base for movement to
and from a position in vertical alignment with the base. The
stackholder assembly includes a support platform and a plurality of
vertical guide members each secured at a lower end directly to the
platform and extending vertically therefrom to define a plurality
of stackholder units each capable of receiving a stack of like
articles.
Inventors: |
Palder; Saul; (Hyde Park,
MA) ; Antino; Michael; (Southborough, MA) ;
Kwok; Chi-Pang; (Hong Kong, CN) ; Lippisch; Hank;
(Fitchburg, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
R. Neil Sudol
714 Colorado Avenue
Bridgeport
CT
06605-1601
US
|
Family ID: |
36755379 |
Appl. No.: |
11/047944 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/49.1 ;
211/78 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/281 20130101;
A47F 7/0064 20130101; A47F 5/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/049.1 ;
211/078 |
International
Class: |
A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00 |
Claims
1. A storage system for multiple stacks of like articles comprising
a base and a stackholder assembly connected to said base for
movement to and from a position in vertical alignment with said
base, said stackholder assembly including a support platform and a
plurality of vertical guide members each secured at a lower end
directly to said platform and extending vertically therefrom to
define a plurality of stackholder units each capable of receiving a
stack of like articles, said guide members being separate
structural members different from one another.
2. A storage system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
stackholder assembly is connected to said base by a pivoting
linkage, said linkage defining at least one pivot axis of said
stackholder assembly about which motion of said stackholder
assembly brings said stackholder assembly out of vertical alignment
with said base.
3. A storage system as set forth in claim 2 wherein said platform
comprises a turntable, said stackholder assembly including a rotary
coupling enabling an additional rotation of said turntable about a
vertical axis.
4. A storage system as set forth in claim 3 wherein said pivot axis
is taken from the group consisting of a horizontal axis and a
vertical axis.
5. A storage system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said vertical
guide members each include a plurality of prongs each extending
substantially perpendicularly to said platform.
6. A storage system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said prongs are
provided at lower ends with locking formations engageable with
cooperating locking formations on said platform to fix said
vertical guide members to said platform.
7. A storage system as set forth in claim 6 wherein said prongs
have upper ends connected to one another by a bight portion, said
stackholder units each including at least two of said vertical
guide members, the bight portions of said vertical guide members
having concave sides facing one another to define vertical storage
compartments.
8. A storage system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
stackholder units each include at least two vertical guide members
separately attachable to said platform and spaced from one another
to define a vertical storage compartment.
9. A storage system as set forth in claim 8 wherein said vertical
guide members each include a plurality of prongs each extending
substantially perpendicularly to said platform.
10. A storage system as set forth in claim 9 wherein said prongs
are provided at lower ends with locking formations engageable with
cooperating locking formations on said platform to fix said
vertical guide members to said platform.
11. A storage system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the prongs of
each of said vertical guide members have upper ends connected to
one another by a bight portion, the bight portions of the vertical
guide members of any given one of said stackholder units having
concave sides facing one another to define vertical storage
compartments.
12. A storage system for multiple stacks of containers and the like
for storage in a cabinet, comprising a base and a stackholder
assembly and means for interengaging the stackholder assembly for
movement between a position in vertical alignment with the base
within a cabinet and a position at least partially outside the
cabinet, said stackholder assembly having a plurality of vertically
extending pronged guide members defining a plurality of vertically
extending compartments to receive stacks of articles.
13. A storage system for multiple stacks of containers as set forth
in claim 12 wherein said stackholder assembly includes a platform,
said pronged guide members including prongs extending into
receptacles on said platform, said prongs being provided at lower
ends with locking elements for securing said guide members to said
platform.
14. A dispenser comprising: a base to be positioned in a storage
area; and a support having means for receiving and holding a
plurality of items in spaced relation to one another, said support
and said base being interconnected with one another by a pivot
mechanism connected to said base and said support for enabling a
swinging movement of said support about at least one pivot axis
from a first position in vertical alignment with said base to a
second position spaced from said first position.
15. A dispenser as set forth in claim 14 wherein said items each
comprise a stack of containers, said support having vertical guide
members defining vertical storage compartments for receiving the
stacks of containers in spaced relation to one another.
16. A dispenser as set forth in claim 15 wherein said vertical
guide members each include a plurality of prongs each extending
substantially perpendicularly to said platform.
17. A dispenser as set forth in claim 16 wherein said prongs are
provided at lower ends with locking formations engageable with
cooperating locking formations on said platform to fix said
vertical guide members to said platform.
18. A storage system as set forth in claim 14 wherein said support
includes a turntable.
19. A storage system as set forth in claim 18 wherein said pivot
axis is a horizontal axis.
20. A storage system as set forth in claim 18 wherein said pivot
axis is a vertical axis.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a storage system for
multiple articles in spaced relation to one another. The storage
system is particularly useful for storing stacks of articles such
as containers. More particularly, the present invention is directed
to a storage system or dispenser apparatus which has movable parts
to facilitate a user's access to the stored articles.
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,119 discloses a system for storing and
stacking like articles. In one embodiment of the invention, a base
is shaped and sized to fit within a storage cabinet or counter. A
rotatable modular stackholder is secured to the base by means that
permits the stackholder to move to and from a position within the
storage cabinet and remain in vertical alignment with the base. The
modular array of stackholders may be rotated at any position within
or outside the cabinet or counter. In this embodiment, the modular
stackholder comprises multiple units that have mating surfaces
adapted to interengage one another. Any number of these units may
be stacked, depending upon the space in which the stackholder is
positioned. Each of the stackholder units are similarly shaped with
a plurality of different sized compartments to receive stacks of
articles, such as containers and dishes.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved storage system of the above-described type.
[0004] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a
storage system which is lightweight.
[0005] A further object of the present invention is to provide such
a storage system which is inexpensive to manufacture.
[0006] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
such a storage system which requires reduced spaced for transport
and which can be easily assembled into its use configuration.
[0007] These and other objects of the present invention will be
apparent from the drawings and descriptions herein. Although every
object of the invention is believed to be attained by at least one
embodiment of the invention, there is not necessarily any single
embodiment that achieves all of the objects of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A storage system for multiple stacks of like articles
comprises, in accordance with the present invention, a base and a
stackholder assembly connected to the base for movement to and from
a position in vertical alignment with the base. The stackholder
assembly includes a support platform and a plurality of vertical
guide members each secured at a lower end directly to the platform
and extending vertically therefrom to define a plurality of
stackholder units each capable of receiving a stack of like
articles.
[0009] In accordance with other features of the present invention,
the vertical guide members each include a plurality of prongs each
extending substantially perpendicularly to the platform, the prongs
being provided at lower ends with locking formations engageable
with cooperating locking formations on the platform to fix the
vertical guide members to the platform. The locking formations may
include detents on the lower ends of the prongs and shoulders
disposed in receptacles on the platform.
[0010] Pursuant to further features of the present invention, the
prongs of each vertical guide member are arranged in a
substantially triangular array and have upper ends connected to one
another by a bight portion. Each stackholder unit may include at
least two of the vertical guide members, the bight portions of the
vertical guide members having concave sides facing one another to
define vertical storage compartments.
[0011] Prior to arrival at an end user's location, the storage
system of the present invention may be shipped and stored in a
collapsed configuration wherein the vertical guide members are
disassembled from the support. The end user can easily assemble the
storage system by plugging the free ends of the pronged guide
members into receptacles on the support platform. The guide members
are lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to
install.
[0012] Pursuant to an additional feature of the present invention,
the stackholder assembly is connected to the base by a pivoting
linkage. The linkage defines at least one pivot axis of the
stackholder assembly about which motion of the stackholder assembly
brings the stackholder assembly out of vertical alignment with the
base.
[0013] The pivot axis may be a horizontal axis. In that case,
motion of the stackholder assembly between one position in vertical
alignment with the base and another position horizontally or
laterally displaced relative to the base involves a motion having
both a vertical component and a horizontal component. Thus, where
the stackholder assembly is originally disposed vertically above
the base, the platform of the stackholder assembly initially swings
upwardly and in a lateral or horizontal direction and then
downwardly in the same lateral or horizontal direction to arrive at
a new stackholder position that is laterally or horizontally
displaced relative to the original position.
[0014] Alternatively, the pivot axis may be a vertical axis. Where
there is a single lever arm connecting the stackholder assembly and
the base, motion of the stackholder assembly between one position
in vertical alignment with the base and another position
horizontally or laterally displaced relative to the base involves a
motion having horizontal components along two orthogonal axes and
no vertical component. The stackholder assembly is moved from one
position to the other along a circular horizontal path determined
by the location of the pivot axis relative to a central axis of the
system an by the length of the lever arm.
[0015] A vertical pivot axis of the stackholder assembly may be one
of two pivot axes. In this case, there are two lever arms swingably
connected to one another and to the stackholder assembly at one end
and the base at the other end. The stackholder assembly executes a
pivoting motion with respect to at least one pivot axis, located at
the joint between the two lever arms. That axis at the lever arm
joint or articulation may in turn pivot with respect to the other
pivot axis, with the possible result that the stackholder assembly
executes only a translation with respect to the other pivot axis.
The stackholder assembly may be supported on the base entirely via
the lever arms. Alternatively, either the base or the stackholder
assembly may be provided with a projection that slides against the
other, enabling a low friction resting of the stackholder assembly
on the base.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the platform
comprises a turntable and the stackholder assembly includes a
rotary coupling enabling an additional rotation of the turntable
about a vertical axis. Objects on the turntable are subject to
multiple swinging or rotary motions about a plurality of axes.
[0017] As stated hereinabove, the stackholder units may each
include at least two vertical guide members separately attachable
to the platform and spaced from one another to define a vertical
storage compartment. The vertical guide members may be so shaped as
to define a storage compartment of a desired cross section. Typical
cross-sections are circular to accommodate dishes and plates, cups
and saucers, storage containers and lids. However, any of these
items might have a different cross section such as square (perhaps
with rounded corners). In that case the vertical guide members
define storage compartments that are generally square in
cross-section.
[0018] A storage system for multiple stacks of containers and the
like for storage in a cabinet comprises, in accordance with the
present invention, a base and a stackholder assembly and means for
interengaging the stackholder assembly for movement between a
position in vertical alignment with the base within a cabinet and a
position at least partially outside the cabinet. The stackholder
assembly has a plurality of vertically extending pronged guide
members defining a plurality of vertically extending compartments
to receive stacks of articles.
[0019] As indicated above, where the stackholder assembly includes
a platform, receptacles are provided on the platform for receiving
prongs of the guide members, the prongs and the receptacles being
provided with cooperating locking elements for securing the guide
members to the platform.
[0020] A dispenser comprises, in accordance with the present
invention, a base to be positioned in a storage area and a support
having means for receiving and holding a plurality of items in
spaced relation to one another, the support and the base being
interconnected with one another by a pivot mechanism connected to
the base and the support for enabling a swinging movement of the
support about at least one pivot axis from a first position in
vertical alignment with the base to a second position spaced from
the first position.
[0021] The pivot axis may be a horizontal axis, involving motion of
the support in both a vertical direction and a horizontal
direction. Alternatively, the pivot axis may be a vertical axis,
involving motion of the support in a horizontal plane along two
orthogonal axes only. In another alternative, the motion of the A
vertical pivot axis of the stackholder assembly may be one of two
pivot axes. In this case, there are two lever arms swingably
connected to one another and to the stackholder assembly at one end
and the base at the other end. The stackholder assembly executes a
pivoting motion with respect to at least one pivot axis, located at
the joint between the two lever arms. That axis at the lever arm
joint or articulation may in turn pivot with respect to the other
pivot axis, with the possible result that the stackholder assembly
executes only a translation with respect to the other pivot axis.
The stackholder assembly may be supported on the base entirely via
the lever arms. Alternatively, either the base or the stackholder
assembly may be provided with a projection that slides against the
other, enabling a low friction resting of the stackholder assembly
on the base.
[0022] Where the items each comprise a stack of containers, the
support has vertical guide members defining vertical storage
compartments for receiving the stacks of containers in spaced
relation to one another. Preferably, the vertical guide members
each include a plurality of prongs each extending substantially
perpendicularly to a horizontal support such as a platform, the
prongs being provided at lower ends with locking formations
engageable with cooperating locking formations on the platform to
fix the vertical guide members to the platform.
[0023] A storage system in accordance with the present invention is
lightweight and inexpensive to manufacture, requires reduced spaced
for transport, and can be easily assembled into its use
configuration. Stacks of containers that are stored in the storage
system are safeguarded against inadvertent damage, and stored in a
manner that improves quick availability while using a minimal
space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a storage system
in accordance with the present invention, showing a stackholder
assembly comprising a plurality of vertical guide members mounted
to a turntable.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the turntable included in the
storage system of FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a vertical guide member
shown in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view, on a larger scale, of
an end of a prong or leg of the vertical guide member of FIG.
3.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a receptacle on the
turntable of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing a locking engagement of the
prong or leg shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the receptacle.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another receptacle on
the turntable of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing two prongs of different
vertical guide members inserted into that receptacle.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a schematic top plan view of a turntable support
assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing a
turntable in a retracted and aligned position relative to a
base.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a schematic side elevational view taken from the
left side in FIG. 7.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a schematic top plan view of the turntable support
assembly of FIGS. 7 and 8, showing the turntable in a partially
extended position relative to the base.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a schematic front elevational view taken from the
bottom in FIG. 9.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a schematic top plan view of the turntable
support assembly of FIGS. 7-10, showing the turntable in a fully
extended position relative to the base.
[0035] FIG. 12 is a schematic front elevational view taken from the
bottom in FIG. 11.
[0036] FIG. 13 is a schematic top plan view of another turntable
support assembly in accordance with the present invention,
illustrating in solid lines a vertically aligned position of a
turntable relative to a base and showing in phantom lines an
extended position of the turntable relative to the base.
[0037] FIG. 14 is a schematic front elevational view taken
generally from the left side in FIG. 13.
[0038] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of yet another turntable
support assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing
the turntable in a partially aligned and partially elevated
position relative to a base.
[0039] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 15,
showing the turntable in a fully extended or shifted position
relative to the base.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] The storage system described herein is intended primarily
for use in storing containers, dishes and similar items. However,
it may be used to store other stackable or non-stackable articles
for household, business or food purposes. In one preferred form
illustrated in the present invention, the system is designed for
use in a restaurant, home kitchen cabinet, or counter. It may,
however, be used in other storage facilities as well. The present
storage system constitutes in part an improvement or modification
of the storage and stacking system described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,585,119, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0041] As depicted in FIG. 1, a storage and stacking system
comprises a turntable support or base assembly 102 and a
stackholder or guide assembly 104 disposed on the turntable support
assembly. The turntable support or base assembly 102 takes any form
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,119 and may alternatively take a
form as described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 7-16. In
particular, the turntable support or base assembly 102 may consist
primarily of a base 10 and means 30 for inter-engaging the base 10
and the stackholder or guide assembly 104 for movement of the
stackholder assembly 104 to and from a position in vertical
alignment with the base 10. The storage system may be made of any
suitable material, such as wood, plastic or metal. It may also be
formed of mesh material or a series of appropriately oriented bars
or slats. However, for mass-produced, relatively inexpensive units,
injection molded plastic is a preferred form of material.
[0042] The base 10 is cylindrical or disk-shaped. Alternatively,
the base 10 may have other shapes such as square or rectangular,
depending upon the particular shape and size of the space in which
the storage system to be located. When used in a kitchen or
restaurant to store containers such as dishes, the unit may be
cylindrical in shape with an overall diameter in the order of 10
inches to 2 feet. The overall height is determined by the cabinet
or counter or shelf height in which the unit is positioned.
[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the base 10 has a continuous
sidewall or skirt 11 depending from a top panel 12. The sidewall 11
may be formed with finger room for grabbing this base and pulling
it outward. The sidewall 11 may have any desired height and may be
further provided with elements for locking or securing the base to
a shelf. Securing elements might include tabs with screw holes
extending from the base or alternately screws extending downwardly
through the base 10 into the supporting shelf or cabinet base.
Alternatively, pads of interlocking hooks and loops (VELCRO) can be
used to hold the unit in place.
[0044] The top panel 12 is formed with an elongated slot 13 that
extends radially from the center of the top panel to a distance
short of the skirt 11. This slot 13 may be defined by a depending
circumferential flange (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,119) that extends
from its edge downwardly within the base 10. The base 10 may also
be provided with a pair or more of parallel re-enforcing ribs (not
shown) that extend transversely from the lower or under surface of
top panel 12 across the base. These transverse reinforcing ribs
terminate short of the circumferential flange so as not to
interfere with the slot 13. The upper surface of the top panel 12
may also be formed with a plurality of guide rails 16 that project
upwardly from the surface of the top panel 12 in spaced relation to
one another and parallel to slot 13.
[0045] The means 30 for inter-engaging the base 10 and stackholder
assembly 104 includes a bearing load base 31 that is coaxially
mounted on the top panel 12. The bearing load base 31 is formed
with an opening 32 coaxial with and having the same diameter as the
width of the slot 13 in the top panel 12. The bearing load base 31
is also formed with a plurality of upwardly extending ribs 33 and
downwardly extending ribs (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,119). The
downwardly extending ribs are spaced apart and parallel to one
another, with the ribs engaging and guided by the rails 16 formed
in the top panel 12. A ball bearing race 35 of conventional design
is positioned on the top surface of the bearing load base 31 at its
outer periphery. A bearing top cap 36 is coaxially aligned with the
bearing load base 31. An opening 37 in the bearing top cap 36 is
coaxially aligned with the opening 32 in the bearing load base and
the slot 13 in the base 10. The bearing top cap 36 is formed with
an upwardly displaced dome 38 having a top surface 39 and depending
sidewalls 40. There is also provided an annular flange 41 that
extends upwardly from the top surface 39 and is radially spaced
from the opening 37. The depending sidewalls 40 of the dome 38 may
be arcuately contoured as illustrated at 44.
[0046] The stackholder assembly 104 includes a rotatable platform
or turntable 106 that has an outer diameter coextensive with the
outer diameter of the base 10. Rotatable platform or turntable 106
is also provided with a downwardly extending continuous skirt 108
that is aligned with the skirt 11 of the base 10. The skirt 108
extends downwardly into close proximity to, but is spaced from the
upper end of skirt 11.
[0047] Platform or turntable 106 may be provided on an upper
surface with a cross-shaped opening 110 shaped to receive a
geometrically similar center spindle connector 112 which extends
downwardly into the base 10 through the openings 37, 32, and 13.
The connector 112 has a cap 114 and four orthogonally related
flanges 116 that are shaped and sized to slide through the cross
shaped opening 110 to rotationally engage the platform or turntable
106. A bottom end 118 of the spindle connector 112 engages a slide
plate 72 that extends length-wise of the slot 13. The bottom end
118 of the spindle connector 112 is secured by a cap nut 76 that
locks the connector to the slide plate 72 for sliding movement with
the slide plate slidingly engaging the flanges.
[0048] In an alternative configuration of the rotary coupling
between platform or turntable 106 and support or base assembly 102,
a spindle connector (not shown) may be integral with platform or
turntable 106 and depend from a lower surface thereof. In that
case, opening 110 is omitted as superfluous.
[0049] The stackholder assembly 104 further includes a plurality of
vertical guide members 120 (FIGS. 1 and 3) each secured at a lower
end directly to the platform or turntable 106 and extending
vertically therefrom to define a plurality of stackholder units 122
each capable of receiving a stack of like articles, such as
cup-shaped storage containers. The vertical guide members 120 each
have a plurality of prongs 124 and 126 each extending substantially
perpendicularly to the platform or turntable 106. The prongs 124
and 126 of each vertical guide member 120 are arranged in a
substantially triangular array and have upper ends connected to one
another by a bight portion 128. Each stackholder unit 122 includes
two of the vertical guide members 120, the bight portions 128 of
the vertical guide members having concave sides (not separately
designated) facing one another to define vertical storage
compartments. Storage units or compartments 122 may have any
desired cross-section. Typical cross-sections are circular to
accommodate dishes and plates, cups and saucers, storage containers
and lids. However, any of these items might have a different cross
section such as square (perhaps with rounded corners). In that case
the vertical guide members define storage compartments that are
generally square in cross-section.
[0050] The prongs 124 at the ends of bight portions 128 are
provided at their lower ends with locking formations 132 in the
form of detents (FIGS. 3-6) engageable with cooperating locking
formations 134 on the platform to fix the vertical guide members
120 to the platform 106. The locking formations 134 on the platform
106 take the form of shoulders disposed in receptacles 136 that are
integrally molded parts of the platform 106. (See FIGS. 2, 5, 6.)
The central prongs 126 are smooth at their lower ends, i.e., are
not provided with locking formations. Concomitantly, receptacles
136 provided on platform 106 for receiving the lower ends of prongs
126 are simple slots or recesses, without shoulders.
[0051] Prior to arrival at an end user's location, the storage
system of FIGS. 1-6 may be shipped and stored in a collapsed
configuration wherein the vertical guide members 120 are
disassembled from platform or turntable 106. The end user can
easily assemble the storage system by plugging the free ends of
prongs 124 and 126 into receptacles 136 and 137 on the platform
106. The guide members 120 are lightweight, inexpensive to
manufacture, and easy to install.
[0052] Among receptacles 134 are four radially oriented receptacles
136' that receive prongs 124 of two adjacent vertical guide members
120. The free or lower ends of prongs 124 may be provided with
transversely extending projections or nubs 138 that serve to space
the prongs 124 from one another in receptacles 136'.
[0053] In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 1, the Lazy
Susan-like storage unit may be stored in a position in which
platform or turntable 106 and the parallel stackholder units 122
are disposed in vertical alignment with the base 10. Alternately,
the platform or turntable 106 together with stackholder units 122
may be moved laterally from the base 10 by sliding the platform 106
together with the stackholder units 122 outwardly for more easy
access to the items stored within the vertical storage compartments
or wells defined by the stackholder units 122. Additionally, the
Lazy Susan configuration permits the platform 106 together with the
stackholder units 122 to be rotated at any time, for ease in
replacing or removing items such as dishes within the wells, about
an axis parallel to the prongs 124 and 126 and perpendicular to the
lateral movement.
[0054] When stored in a cabinet such as a kitchen or restaurant
cabinet, the base 10 of the unit may be fixed to the bottom of the
cabinet by adhesive foam pads, VELCRO or small screws and other
suitable securing means. If preferred, such small screws extend
through a mounting flange into the cabinet shelf. Thus the base 10
is fixed within the cabinet but the upper portions may be slid
outwardly and rotated for easy access to any one of the multiple
wells or vertical storage compartments with the articles stacked in
them. The wide openings or spacing gaps formed by the vertical
guide members 120 allow easy access to the stacked articles from
the sides of the stacks. The arrangement also allows for sample
inventory of the number of stacked articles in each well or
vertical storage compartment.
[0055] The stackholder assembly 104 of FIGS. 1-6, particularly
including platform or turntable 106, may be connected to a base 140
by a pivoting linkage 142 depicted in FIGS. 7-12. The linkage 142
defines a vertical pivot axis 144 of the platform or turntable 106
about which motion of the platform or turntable brings the
stackholder assembly 104 out of vertical alignment with the base
140. A single lever arm 146 connects the stackholder assembly 104
and the base 140 optionally via a turntable support disk 147.
Motion of the stackholder assembly 104 between one position in
vertical alignment with the base 140 (FIGS. 7 and 8) and another
position horizontally or laterally displaced relative to the base
(FIGS. 11 and 12) involves a motion having horizontal components
along two orthogonal axes and no vertical component. The
stackholder assembly 104 is moved from one position to the other
along a circular horizontal path 148 determined by the location of
the pivot axis 144 relative to a central axis 150 of the system and
by the length of the lever arm 146. A rotary coupling or spindle
151 connects platform or turntable 106 to support disk 147.
[0056] The stackholder assembly 104 of FIGS. 1-6, particularly
including platform or turntable 106, may be connected to a base 152
by a pivoting linkage 154 depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14. The linkage
154 defines two pivot axes 156 and 158 about which motion brings
the stackholder assembly 104 out of vertical alignment with the
base 152. The linkage 154 includes two lever arms 160 and 162
swingably connected to one another and to the stackholder assembly
104 at one end and the base 152 at the other end. The stackholder
assembly 104 executes a pivoting motion with respect to at least
one pivot axis 156, located at a joint 164 between the two lever
arms 160 and 162. Joint 164 (and axis 156) pivots about the other
pivot axis 158, with the possible result that the stackholder
assembly 104 executes only a translation with respect to the pivot
axis 158. The stackholder assembly 104 may be supported on the base
152 entirely via the linkage 154, particularly via lever arms 160
and 162. Alternatively, either the base 152 or the stackholder
assembly 104 may be provided with a projection (not illustrated)
that slides against the other, providing a low-friction movable
resting of the stackholder assembly on the base. A secondary base
165 serving as a buffer or support for platform or turntable 106
may be provided, while a rotary coupling or spindle 163 connects
platform or turntable 106 to support disk 174.
[0057] The stackholder assembly 104 of FIGS. 1-6, particularly
including platform or turntable 106, may be connected to a base 166
by a pivoting linkage 168 depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16. The linkage
168 includes two pivot arms 170 and 172 each pivotably rotary
coupling or spindle 180 connected at one end to the base 166 and at
an opposite end to a turntable support disk 174 on which
stackholder assembly 104 is disposed. Linkage 168 defines two
horizontal pivot axes 176 and 178 of the platform or turntable 106
about which motion of the platform or turntable brings the
stackholder assembly 104 out of vertical alignment with the base
166.
[0058] Pivot axes 176 and 178 are horizontal axes. Motion of the
stackholder assembly 104 in the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16 takes
place between one position (FIG. 15) in vertical alignment with
base 166 and another position (FIG. 16) horizontally or laterally
displaced relative to the base. The motion of the stackholder
assembly 104 in FIGS. 15 and 16 has both a vertical component and a
horizontal component. Thus, where the stackholder assembly 104 is
originally disposed vertically above the base 166 (FIG. 15), the
stackholder assembly 104 initially swings upwardly and in a lateral
or horizontal direction (for example, out of a cabinet) and then
downwardly in the same lateral or horizontal direction to arrive at
the new stackholder position (FIG. 16) that is laterally or
horizontally displaced relative to the original position (to extend
out of a cabinet).
[0059] Pivoting linkage 168 may include a cross-link 180 for
stability purposes, i.e., for inhibiting a tipping of support disk
174 and turntable 106 relative to base 166 during a motion of
stackholder assembly 104 with respect to base 166. A rotary
coupling or spindle 180 connects platform or turntable 106 to
support disk 174.
[0060] Although the invention has been described in terms of
particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in
the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional
embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of
or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is
to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are
proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the
invention and should not be construed to limit the scope
thereof.
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