U.S. patent application number 11/648495 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-03 for rolling support mechanism for pivoting bookcase or the like.
This patent application is currently assigned to Woodfold Mfg., Inc. Invention is credited to Dave Van Dyke.
Application Number | 20080079338 11/648495 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39260442 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080079338 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Van Dyke; Dave |
April 3, 2008 |
Rolling support mechanism for pivoting bookcase or the like
Abstract
A folding bookcase or other furniture or wall unit having a
rolling mechanism guided along a floor track, the rolling mechanism
supporting a substantial portion of the weight of the unit. One
preferred construction includes a first wall section having first
and second vertical lateral edges, the first vertical lateral edge
being pivotally connected to a support, a second wall section
having first and second vertical lateral edges, the first vertical
lateral edge being pivotally connected to the second vertical
lateral edge of the first wall section along a vertical axis
therebetween; a floor track or guide; and a pivoting roller
mechanism rotatable mounted at a bottom edge of the second wall
section proximate the first vertical lateral edge of the second
wall section for supporting a load the second wall section on the
floor guide, wherein the pivoting roller mechanism includes one or
more rollers, roller rotating about a horizontal axis and engaging
the floor guide, wherein the rollers are constructed and arranged
to have an effective rotational axis in line with the load applied
from the second wall section. The preferred configuration for the
roller is a V-groove wheel that mates with a V-shaped ridge of the
floor track.
Inventors: |
Van Dyke; Dave; (Beaverton,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STOEL RIVES LLP
900 SW FIFTH AVENUE, SUITE 2600
PORTLAND
OR
97204-1268
US
|
Assignee: |
Woodfold Mfg., Inc
Forest Grove
OR
|
Family ID: |
39260442 |
Appl. No.: |
11/648495 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60758577 |
Jan 11, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/201 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 53/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/201 |
International
Class: |
A47B 53/02 20060101
A47B053/02 |
Claims
1. A folding furniture or wall section unit, comprising a first
wall section having first and second vertical lateral edges, the
first vertical lateral edge being pivotally connected to a support;
a second wall section having first and second vertical lateral
edges, the first vertical lateral edge being pivotally connected to
the second vertical lateral edge of the first wall section along a
vertical axis therebetween; a floor guide; a pivoting roller
mechanism rotatable mounted at a bottom edge of the second wall
section proximate the second vertical lateral edge of the second
wall section for supporting a load the second wall section on the
floor guide, wherein the pivoting roller mechanism includes one or
more wheels, each wheel rotating about a horizontal axis and
engaging the floor guide, wherein the wheels are constructed and
arranged to have an effective rotational axis in line with the load
applied from the second wall section.
2. A folding furniture or wall section unit according to claim 1
wherein the first and second wall sections comprise first and
second bookcase sections.
3. A folding furniture or wall section unit according to claim 2
wherein the pivoting roller mechanism comprises a single wheel
having an axis of rotation in line with the load applied from the
bookcase.
4. A folding furniture or wall section unit according to claim 1
wherein the floor track comprises an upwardly extending V-shaped
ridge, wherein pivoting roller mechanism comprises a V-groove type
wheel that engages the V-shaped ridge of the floor track.
5. A folding furniture or wall section unit according to claim 1
wherein the pivoting roller mechanism comprises a V-groove wheel
having a rotational axis in line and perpendicular with the
rotational axis of the roller mechanism.
6. A folding furniture or wall section unit according to claim 5
wherein the floor track comprises an upwardly extending V-shaped
ridge, wherein pivoting roller mechanism comprises a V-groove type
wheel that engages the V-shaped ridge of the floor track.
7. A folding furniture or wall section unit according to claim 5
wherein the roller mechanism further includes a guide mechanism
connected to and cantilevered out from the wheel, the guide
mechanism engaging the floor track and steering the wheel for
keeping the wheel on the floor track.
8. A folding furniture or wall section unit according to claim 7
wherein the guide mechanism comprises sliding block having a
V-groove that engages the V-shaped ridge in the floor track.
9. A folding furniture or wall section unit according to claim 8
wherein the sliding block is spring-loaded for maintaining
engagement with the floor track.
10. A folding bookcase comprising a first bookcase section having
first and second vertical lateral edges, the first vertical lateral
edge being pivotally connected to a support; a second bookcase
section having first and second vertical lateral edges, the first
vertical lateral edge being pivotally connected to the second
vertical lateral edge of the first bookcase section along a
vertical axis therebetween; a floor track having an upwardly
protruding V-shaped ridge; a pivoting roller-mechanism rotatable
mounted at a bottom portion of the second bookcase section
proximate the second vertical lateral edge of the second bookcase
section for supporting a load the second bookcase section on the
floor track, wherein the pivoting roller mechanism includes a
V-groove wheel, wherein the V-groove wheel is constructed and
arranged to engage the V-shaped ridge of the floor track.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application
60/758,577 filed Jan. 11, 2006, hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The field of the present invention is directed to folding
furniture or wall section such as pivoting bookcases or other types
of furniture and rolling support mechanisms for supporting the
bookcase that allow for pivoting operation.
[0003] Heretofore, there have been various attempts to construct a
bookcase which in a first position is disposed flat against a wall,
or across a doorway, and then in a second position, the bookcase
folds, pivoting outwardly in the middle and sliding to one side of
the opening, extending perpendicularly out from the wall.
[0004] Unlike closet doors, which employ essentially a sliding
mechanism supported from the ceiling, the bulk and weight of heavy
units such as a bookcase, particularly one loaded with objects, is
too heavy to be supported solely from a top suspension mechanism.
Thus the system includes a lower runner along which the lower
section of the bookcase may slide. Various mechanisms have been
proposed for providing this sliding support, but the present
inventor has determined desirability for an improved support system
that can handle the high loads of the bookcase.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a pivoting bookcase in
an extended position against a wall.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the bookcase of FIG. 1
in the folded position.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the bookcase of FIG. 1
in a left folding configuration.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the bookcase system of
FIGS. 1-3.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a partial right bottom perspective view of the
bookcase of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the roller section of the
bookcase of FIG. 3.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the wheel assembly of FIG.
6.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the wheel assembly of FIGS.
6-7 removed from the bookcase section.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cross-section of FIG.
8.
[0014] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the cross-section of FIG. 9.
[0015] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 taken along
line 11-11.
[0016] FIG. 12 is a detail of the spring assembly of the slider
component of FIGS. 8-11.
[0017] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the spring assembly of FIG.
12.
[0018] FIG. 14 is a detail of the pivot section of FIG. 3.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a bottom left perspective view of the pivot piece
of FIG. 14.
[0020] FIG. 16 is a right top perspective view of the pivot section
as in FIGS. 14-15 as removed from the bookcase section.
[0021] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the pivot and slide
mechanism of FIG. 16.
[0022] FIG. 18 is a cross-section of FIG. 17 taken along line
18-18.
[0023] FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the slider element of
FIGS. 16-18.
[0024] FIG. 20 is a cross-section of FIG. 19 taken along line
20-20.
[0025] FIG. 21 is a detailed cross-section of the track element of
FIGS. 7-8.
[0026] FIG. 22A is a perspective view of a pivot block of alternate
construction.
[0027] FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the pivot block of FIG.
22A showing internal details.
[0028] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a first alternative
pivoting caster system.
[0029] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a second alternative
pivoting caster mechanism.
[0030] FIG. 25A is a side elevation view of the mechanism of FIG.
24 showing internal details.
[0031] FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 24 taken along
line 25B-25B.
[0032] FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate a third alternative rolling
caster of a single wheel construction.
[0033] FIGS. 28-29 illustrate a fourth alternative pivoting roller
mechanism of a two-wheel design.
[0034] FIGS. 30-31 illustrate a fifth alternative embodiment of a
rolling pivot mechanism with an alternate wheel design.
[0035] FIGS. 32-33 illustrate a sixth alternative pivoting roller
support mechanism of a two-wheel design wherein the wheels ride
within a floor slot.
[0036] FIGS. 34-35 illustrate a seventh alternative mechanism of
another two-wheel design with slider posts engaged within a slide
channel.
[0037] FIGS. 36-37 illustrate an eighth alternative design using a
single wheel in line with slider posts all engaged within a floor
guide channel.
[0038] FIG. 38 is a detail of the upper left pivot mechanism of the
bookcase system of FIG. 3.
[0039] FIG. 39 is a detail of the upper right pivot and slide
mechanism of the upper right portion of the bookcase mechanism of
FIG. 3.
[0040] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the
bookcase system of FIG. 3 illustrating details of the upper support
system.
[0041] FIG. 41 is a top left perspective view on an enlarged scale
of the top left section of the upper support system of FIG. 40.
[0042] FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view of the upper support
system of FIG. 41.
[0043] FIG. 43 is a top right perspective view of the upper right
section of the support system of FIG. 40 on an enlarged scale.
[0044] Additional aspects and advantages will be apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which
proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0045] Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference
to the drawings. To facilitate description, any element numeral
representing an element in one figure will represent the same
element in any figure. The preferred embodiments will describe a
particular folding furniture or wall section unit in the form of a
folding bookcase, but it will be appreciated that details of the
bookcase may be applied in other forms of furniture, wall sections
or the like.
[0046] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a typical bookcase 10 that may
incorporate the rolling support mechanism according to a preferred
embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates the bookcase 10 disposed in an
extended position against the wall 5. The left and right sections
12, 14 are interconnected via a vertical hinge mechanism 16
(visible in FIG. 2) that allows the interconnected central portions
of the left and right sections 12, 14 to pivot relative to each
other and outwardly away from the wall 5, both sections then
sliding to the right side of the opening 7 within the wall 5. The
bottom of the bookcase 10 includes a bottom support mechanism,
described below, that engages a floor guide 20 and an upper crown
section.
[0047] FIGS. 3-21 illustrate a preferred configuration for a
pivoting bookcase 10 and bottom support system for such a pivoting
bookcase or other pivoting or sliding structure. It will be
appreciated that the bottom support system will be applicable to
any pivoting or sliding mechanism besides bookcases such as a
cabinet, sliding door or swinging door, fire door, room divider,
fold-out desk, cupboard, china hutch, or the like.
[0048] The bookcase 10 as illustrated in FIG. 3 is of the same
construction as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 only in the reverse
configuration with the sections 12, 14 folding to the left rather
than the right. The pivoting roller mechanism 60, details of which
are described below with respect to FIG. 6 et seq., is illustrated
in the right side of the figure at the outer lower corner of the
far side section 14 of the bookcase 10. On the lower left side of
FIG. 3 is illustrated the pivot mechanism 80, described in detail
below with reference to FIG. 14 et seq., the pivot mechanism 80
being located at the lower left edge of the bookcase 10 at the
corner of the pivoting section 12. The floor track 20 is as
previously described and will be described in further detail below.
It will be appreciated that the left and right bookcase sections
are interchangeable, namely that the bookcase may be folded and
slide to the right as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 or the respective
hardware, namely wheel assembly 60 and pivot assembly 80 may be
interchanged such that the bookcase may fold and slide to the left
which is the orientation illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0049] The upper wall section 30 includes a rear angle plate 32
having a plurality of horizontal slots for facilitating easy
mounting to a wall. The details of the left and right upper slider
sections are described in further detail below with respect to
FIGS. 38-42 below.
[0050] As shown in the bottom perspective view of FIG. 5, the
bookcase 10 includes left and right sections 12,14 with the pivot
mechanism 80 underneath the corner of the pivoting bookcase section
12 and the wheeled slider/roller mechanism under the lower corner
of the sliding bookcase section 14. Both the pivot mechanism 80 and
the roller mechanism 60 engage the upper angled ridge of the slider
track 20.
[0051] Details of the rolling support mechanism 60 will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 6-13. The roller mechanism 60
includes the housing or enclosure 62 that is pivotably mounted to a
frame support member 40 (shown in FIG. 8) via a post 64 secured to
the frame member 40 via nut 66. The frame member 40 is preferably
made of metal such as steel and is sized to fit within a cavity
underneath the outer corner of the bookcase section 14. This
support frame member 40 has a side lip or flange which extends
beneath the side wall of the bookcase section 14 to provide for
firm support and connection thereto. Though the frame support may
be omitted and the wheel mechanism mounted directly bookcase, but
the frame support may offer certain advantages such as better
distributing the load and transferring the load up the side of the
bookcase.
[0052] The rolling support mechanism 60 includes a caster wheel 70
pivotally or rotatably mounted to the housing 62 via shaft or post
68 secured to the housing via a cotter pin 69. The rotational axis
70a of the wheel 70 is centered below the connection point to the
frame member 40, i.e., in line with the pivot axis 61 of the
rolling support mechanism (see, FIGS. 10-11), such that the weight
from the bookcase is transferred directly and in line onto the
wheel shaft 68. As shown in FIG. 6, the pivot axis 61 of the roller
mechanism is in line (intersects perpendicularly) In a preferred
configuration, the wheel 70 is a V-groove type wheel whereby the
V-groove 71 has an internal angle .THETA. as best illustrated in
FIGS. 9 and 11. The V-groove 71 is preferably about 90 degrees and
mates with the V-shaped ridge 22 of the floor track 20. This mating
connection between the V-groove 71 in the wheel 70 with the V-ridge
22 in the floor track 20 provides for secure directional
sliding/rolling stability for the rolling mechanism 60 along the
track 20.
[0053] As one would understand from maneuvering a shopping cart
about a grocery store, a pivoting wheel has a tendency to remain
upon a given line of travel. Such a tendency may tend to urge the
wheel 70 to "jump the track" and disengage from the V-ridge 22 of
the track 20. In order to maintain alignment of the wheel 70 along
the track 20, the rolling mechanism 60 also includes a guide track
mechanism. The housing 62 extends forwardly away from the wheel 70
and includes a slide block 72 which is urged downward by a spring
mechanism 75 onto the V-ridge 22 of the track 20. The slide block
72 also includes a V-groove 73 (having an internal angle .THETA.
similar to the wheel 70) which engages the V-ridge 22 of the track
20. The slide block 72 is retained within the channel 79 formed
within a forward section of the wheel housing 62. The V-groove 73
in the slide block 72 engages the V-ridge 22 in the floor track 20
and serves to guide the rolling assembly 60 along the track 20.
Since the slide block 72 is cantilevered forward of the wheel 70
(the wheel 70 being positioned along the pivot axis of the post
64), the sliding V-block maintains the direction of travel of the
rolling mechanism 60 in alignment with the V-ridge 22 of the track
20.
[0054] The slide block 72 is preferably made of ultra high
molecular weight plastic (UHMW) and may alternately be made of
nylon, Teflon, bearing bronze (which is a bronze material
impregnated with oil, for example SAE 660 or 640), or a coated
material such as Teflon coated metal or plastic. The wheel 70 is
preferably a mild steel or low carbon steel having an integral ball
bearing construction but may be made from other suitable materials
such as iron, stainless steel, plastics, or polyurethane depending
upon the load requirements. Such V-groove wheels are available
through the McMaster-Carr catalog. Various manufacturers can make a
suitable wheel for a given application. Specific wheel
design/selection will depend upon several factors such as load,
cost, size and operating conditions (e.g. corrosive areas). A
preferred wheel for the bookcase system 10 illustrated is slightly
smaller diameter than a standard size wheel and would be available
from suitable manufacturers such as Killian Casters and Wheels.
[0055] As best illustrated in FIGS. 9-13, the slide block 72 is
urged by a spring mechanism 75 downward into contact with the
V-ridge 22 of track 20. The spring mechanism may be any suitable
mechanism and this embodiment includes a coil spring 76 to which
are attached upper and lower plates 78, 77. In the illustrated
embodiment, the spring mechanism is designed to exert a load of
between 5 lbs and 10 lbs. The upper plate 78 is attached to the
upper section of the wheel housing 62 via bolt holes 78a, 78b. The
lower plate 77 is in turn attached to or otherwise in contact with
the slide block 72.
[0056] The slide block 72 translates vertically, being retained
within the channel 79 in the forward section of the housing 62.
Other suitable configurations may be employed for retaining the
slide block such as internal pins or posts (e.g. one post on either
side of the spring 76), or even a single pin disposed within the
spring 76.
[0057] The wheeled end of the bookcase 10 is provided with the
wheel mechanism 60 as it is that end that must traverse much of the
length of the track 20 during folding and unfolding operation. The
other end of the case is relatively fixed during the folding and
unfolding operations and need only pivot. Preferably a pivot block
configuration 80 is employed at the pivot end, and details of a
preferred pivot block assembly system 80 are disclosed in FIGS.
14-20. Pivot block assembly 80 includes a block 82 into which a
post structure 84 is inserted as is described below. The post
structure 84 is mounted to frame member 90. Frame member 90 is of
the same configuration and thus is interchangeable with the frame
member 40 on the other side of the bookcase.
[0058] The block 82 includes a V-groove 83 having an internal angle
A (typically about 90.degree. which corresponds to the angle .phi.
of the V-ridge 22 in the floor track 20. The floor track 20 is
preferably secured to the floor via suitable connection mechanism
such as by screws or bolts connected into the floor along the
length of the track. The block 82 is secured in a fixed position
via four screws or bolts (not shown) passing through the holes 82a,
82b, 82c, 82d in the block 82 and then through holes 21a, 21b, 21c,
21d in the floor track 21. The post 84 carries and transfers a
substantial portion of the weight of the bookcase onto the block
and thereby to the floor. Materials of the post 84 and block 82 are
selected to permit rotation therebetween to allow the desired
pivoting of the left side of the bookcase.
[0059] In order to facilitate moving of the unit and aligning the
post 84 into central opening 88 in the block 82 on the floor track,
the post 84 includes an extension member 85 which slides along
curved or angled guide surfaces 86 in the top of the block, thereby
guiding the extension portion 85 radially inward and thus providing
self-seating for the post 84 into a proper seating position within
the block 82. When in position, the extension 85 nests within the
central opening 88 within the block 82.
[0060] FIG. 21 illustrates an enlarged detail of the floor track
20. The floor track 20 includes the upwardly extending V-ridge 22
which is shown to have an angle .phi.. Each of the engaging angles,
namely angle .theta. for the V-groove of the wheel 70, angle
.theta. for the V-groove in the slide block 72, angle .lamda. in
the V-groove in the pivot block 82, and the angle .phi. in the
V-ridge of the floor track 20, are about 90.degree. but other
angles may be desirable. For example, the steepness of the angle
(i.e., less than 90.degree.) may provide for more alignment force
for the elements but potentially could be more of an impediment to
user's crossing over the floor track either on foot or such as in a
wheel chair. Other possible configurations may be used for the
rolling/wheel pivoting mechanism. Preferably, the primary load from
the bookcase or other object being supported is aligned with the
rolling axis of the wheel or other rolling/sliding support.
[0061] Despite the heavy load anticipated by a typical bookcase
configuration, the roller mechanism including the V-groove wheel 70
and cantilevered V-groove slide block 72 allow use of a V-ridge
floor track with a relatively low raised/vertical dimension on the
order of 0.5 inches. Such a low threshold may advantageously
minimize tripping hazard.
[0062] The block 82 of the previous embodiment has a generally
square or box-shaped configuration. When pivoting about the block
82, the frame member 90 must have sufficient clearance so as not to
contact the block 82. As shown in FIGS. 17-18, the block 82 is
entirely below the frame member 90. Alternately, the block 82 may
nest within the frame member 90 Figs, but would need to be
sufficiently spaced from the side walls 90a, 90b. FIGS. 22A-22B
illustrate an alternate configuration for the block 82, the
alternate block 282 having a more round or cylindrical shape. This
round shape is preferred because it enables a closer fit of the
block 282 when it is nested within the frame member 90 (i.e. closer
to the side walls 90a, 90b). The block 282 is otherwise of similar
configuration with a bottom V-groove 283 that engages to floor
track guide 22. The block 282 includes an angled guide surface 286
for guiding the extension portion 85 radially inward toward the
central opening 288 and thus providing self-seating for the post 84
into a proper seating position within the pivot block 282. The
block 282 is secured in a fixed position via two screws or bolts
(not shown) passing through the holes 282a, 282b in the block 282
and then through holes in the floor track 21.
[0063] FIG. 23 illustrates a first alternative embodiment 110
including a V-groove wheel 112 with a forwardly extending slide
block 114. The wheel 112 is mounted to be disposed in line with the
load point of the bookcase and thus in line with the pivot axis 61
of the wheel 112. The slide block 114 is supported by a curved leaf
spring 116.
[0064] FIGS. 24, 25A, 25B illustrate a second alternative
embodiment 120 also including a V-groove wheel 122 disposed with
its rolling axis in line with the load point of the bookcase. A
slide block mechanism 124 supported by an angled leaf spring 126
extending forwardly in front of the wheel 122.
[0065] FIGS. 26-27 illustrate a third alternative embodiment 130
comprised of a single V-groove wheel 132 having its rolling axis in
line with the load point. FIG. 26 also illustrates an alternative
floor track (usable in various other embodiments) where the V-ridge
134 is disposed within a slot 136 within the track system 135. If
practical, the entire floor track 135 of this embodiment or other
embodiments may be recessed into the floor to provide a more smooth
contour relative to the floor surface. The single wheel design of
embodiment 130 does not include a guide mechanism but may
nonetheless be suitable for certain applications.
[0066] FIGS. 28-29 illustrate a fourth alternative embodiment 140
comprised of a dual V-groove wheel configuration. The assembly 140
includes first and second V-groove wheels 142, 144 spaced in line
and apart for engaging the V-ridge track 148. By locating the
rolling axis of each of the wheels 142,144 on opposite sides of the
pivoting support post 146 (equally spaced therefrom), the load from
the bookcase is in line with the effective rolling axis of the
wheels 142, 144 in combination.
[0067] FIGS. 30-31 illustrate a fifth alternative embodiment 150
similar to the previous embodiment. The wheel assembly 150 includes
first and second wheels 152, 154. These wheels comprise double
flange wheels which engage a square ridge 156 either on the surface
of the floor or as illustrated disposed within a track groove 158.
As in the previous embodiment, the effective rolling axis of the
wheels 152, 154 is, in combination, in line with the load being
applied to the wheel assembly.
[0068] FIGS. 32-33 illustrate a sixth alternative embodiment 160
comprised of a pair of in line wheels 162,164. The wheels 162,164
extend into a notch or a groove 166 in a track 168 or within the
floor itself. Similar to the previous multiple wheel embodiments,
the effective rolling axis of the wheels 162, 164, is, in
combination, in line with the load on the wheel assembly 160.
[0069] FIGS. 34-35 illustrate a seventh alternative embodiment 170
comprised of a pair of flat roller wheels 172, 174 disposed on a
common shaft 175. The rolling axis of each of the wheels is in line
with the load being applied to the wheel assembly 170. Forward and
behind the wheel pair and in line with the groove track 176 are a
pair of guideposts 177, 178 which are disposed within the groove
track 176 for keeping the wheel assembly aligned with the
track.
[0070] FIGS. 36-37 illustrate an eighth alternative embodiment 180
having a central wheel 182 which rides within the track groove 186.
The rolling axis of the wheel 182 is in line with the load applied
to the wheel assembly 180. One or more guide posts 187, 188,
arranged in line with and on one or both sides of the wheel 182,
are also disposed within the track groove 186.
[0071] FIGS. 38-43 illustrate various details of the upper support
system 30 of the pivoting bookcase system of FIGS. 1-4. The rear
angle bracket 32 includes slots 33 for facilitating fastening to a
wall. Three extenders 34, 35, 36 are connected to the angle bracket
32 and extend outward for supporting the transverse bar 37. The end
mechanisms 38, 39 on the left and right sections slide along a
U-shaped channel 31 (visible in FIG. 43) within the transverse bar
37. When pivoting to the left, the post 39 slides within the
channel 31 as the right section 14 slides to the left and the post
38 holding left section 12 is permitted to rotate as the section 12
pivots thereabout. FIG. 42 illustrates a preferred assembly and
operation method of the end mechanisms 38, 39. To assemble, the
post or pin 38 is inserted into the hole 34b in extender 34. To
access the hole 34b, the flexure element 34a is flexed away from
the hole 34b because it its at rest position, the flexure 34a
covers the hole 34b. When inserted, the pin 38a passes through a
hole in the bar 37 and then through a bushing 38c (the bushing 38c
is disposed within the U-shaped channel 31 of the bar 37) and then
into retainer 38 within the left section 12. The head of the pin
38a is larger than the hole 34b so it does not pass therethrough.
When the flexure 34a is released, it return over the head of the
pin 38 and act to retain the pin in place. Alternately, the pin 38a
may be held in place by a cotter pin 38a. The bushing 38c rides
within the channel 31. The end mechanism 339 on the right side is
of similar construction.
[0072] Though the present invention has been set forth in the form
of its preferred embodiments, it is nevertheless intended that
modifications to the disclosed systems and methods may be made
without departing from inventive concepts set forth herein.
* * * * *