U.S. patent application number 16/594900 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-09 for roll-out shelving system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Royston LLC. Invention is credited to Jonathan Hendrix, Terry Norton.
Application Number | 20200107634 16/594900 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 70051267 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-09 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200107634 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hendrix; Jonathan ; et
al. |
April 9, 2020 |
ROLL-OUT SHELVING SYSTEM
Abstract
This disclosure provides a shelving system comprising a first
shelf member fixedly on shelf support members and a second shelf
member positioned above the first shelf member and movably mounted
on the shelf support members. Further, sliding means are provided
for horizontally moving the second shelf member on a top surface of
the shelf support members such that the second shelf member moves
out of a vertically stacked alignment with respect to the first
shelf member. Also, locking means are provided for detachably
locking the second shelf member with the first shelf member after a
predefined amount of the horizontal movement permitted to the
second shelf member
Inventors: |
Hendrix; Jonathan;
(Danielsville, GA) ; Norton; Terry; (Bowman,
GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Royston LLC |
Jasper |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
70051267 |
Appl. No.: |
16/594900 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62742291 |
Oct 6, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 96/025 20130101;
A47B 57/42 20130101; A47B 57/00 20130101; A47B 88/40 20170101; A47B
57/045 20130101; A47B 96/07 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 57/00 20060101
A47B057/00; A47B 96/07 20060101 A47B096/07; A47B 88/40 20060101
A47B088/40 |
Claims
1. A shelving system comprising: a first shelf member fixedly on
shelf support members; a second shelf member positioned above the
first shelf member and movably mounted on the shelf support
members, sliding means for horizontally moving the second shelf
member on a top surface of the shelf support members such that the
second shelf member moves out of a vertically stacked alignment
with respect to the first shelf member; and locking means for
detachably locking the second shelf member with the first shelf
member after a predefined amount of the horizontal movement
permitted to the second shelf member.
2. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the first shelf member
and the second shelf member are selected from the group consisting
of shelving members, hanging rods, drawers, bins, and combinations
thereof.
3. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the sliding means are
selected from a group of tracks, pulleys, rollers, and combinations
thereof.
4. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the locking means are
selected from a group of hook type locking member, spring-biased
locking members, and combinations thereof.
5. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the locking means
include a series of locking slots disposed at various points along
the side edges of the first shelf member to allow for customization
of a shelf size of the second shelf member.
6. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the second shelf member
is adapted to horizontally move from a retracted position to an
extended position.
7. The shelving system of claim 6, wherein the second shelf member
includes a back cover which slides or arrives over the first shelf
members to complete a shelf surface during the extended position of
the second shelf member.
8. The shelving system of claim 6, wherein the second shelf member
includes spring members, and wherein when the locking means are
disengaged, the spring members automatically return at their
initial rest position under the bias of internal spring structures
associated with spring members, so as to return the second shelf
members to the retracted position.
9. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein each of the shelf
support members includes a support arm and a mounting hook, and
wherein the support arm provides support for mounting of the first
shelf member and the second shelf member, and the mounting hook
mounts the shelf support members on mounting slots of a mounting
frame.
10. The shelving system of claim 9, wherein the sliding means are
mounted on the top surface of the support arms of the shelf support
members.
11. The shelving system of claim 10, wherein the sliding means are
connected to the support arms by a connecting structure.
12. The shelving system of claim 11, wherein the connecting
structure is a channel extending from the shelf support members to
the sliding means.
13. The shelving system of claim 11, wherein the connecting
structure defines a substantially U-shaped or i-shaped
configuration.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
Section 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/742,291, filed Oct. 6, 2018 and titled "Roll-Out Shelving
System," the entire content of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This application generally relates to enhanced storage
systems. In particular, this application relates to roll-out
shelving systems including adjustable shelves that are capable of
extending and retracting to facilitate efficient storage of, and
access to, a variety of items and products. Exemplary systems
according to this disclosure include a mechanism(s) that permit
reliable and efficient repositioning of one or more shelves,
thereby enhancing utilization and efficiencies associated
therewith.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Generally, conventional shelving systems include upright
mounting frame, shelf supports or shelf brackets, and shelves that
are supported by the brackets on the mounting frame. These shelving
systems are typically designed to store a specific category of
articles. For example, a shelving system such as specialized shoe
trees and shoe stands are designed to organize or store one's
shoes. Similarly, sweaters can be organized in specialized sweater
shelving systems, and garden supplies can be organized in a
specialized garden or potting benches of the shelving systems.
While dedicated shelving systems can be very useful for their
intended purpose, they may not work as well to organize other
items. Storage racks have incorporated a storage shelf that has the
ability to extend and retract to meet the accessibility
requirement.
[0004] Also, another disadvantage of the conventional shelving
systems is that they often are designed for articles having a
defined shape and size. In case there is any variance in the shape
and size of articles, the conventional shelving systems cannot be
expanded or easily modified. In other words, a user cannot add on
to or change the existing layout of the shelving systems to create
more organizational space for articles having non-regular shape or
size. Instead, the user has to purchase a second or third shelving
system for organizing differently shaped or sized articles.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a shelving system capable
of expanding or being modified. Further, there is a need for the
shelving system that may be expandable without increasing its
footprint. It is to these needs, among others, that this
application is directed.
SUMMARY
[0006] This application discloses a roll-out shelving storage rack
system or roll-out shelving system. The roll-out shelving storage
rack system includes adjustable shelves that also substantially,
completely extend and retract.
[0007] This disclosure relates to a shelving system. The shelving
system includes a first shelf member fixedly on shelf support
members; a second shelf member positioned above the first shelf
member and movably mounted on the shelf support members; sliding
means for horizontally moving the second shelf member on top
surface of the shelf support members such that the second shelf
member moves out of a vertically stacked alignment with respect to
the first shelf member; and locking means for detachably locking
the second shelf member with the first shelf member after a
predefined amount of the horizontal movement permitted to the
second shelf member.
[0008] In an aspect, a shelving system comprising a first shelf
member fixedly on shelf support members; a second shelf member
positioned above the first shelf member and movably mounted on the
shelf support members, sliding means for horizontally moving the
second shelf member on a top surface of the shelf support members
such that the second shelf member moves out of a vertically stacked
alignment with respect to the first shelf member; and locking means
for detachably locking the second shelf member with the first shelf
member after a predefined amount of the horizontal movement
permitted to the second shelf member.
[0009] In an aspect, the first shelf member and the second shelf
member are selected from the group consisting of shelving members,
hanging rods, drawers, bins and combinations thereof.
[0010] In an aspect, the sliding means are selected from a group of
tracks, pulleys, rollers, and combinations thereof.
[0011] In an aspect, the locking means are selected from a group of
hook type locking member, spring-biased locking members, and
combinations thereof.
[0012] In an aspect, the locking means include a series of locking
slots disposed at various points along the side edges of the first
shelf member to allow for customization of a shelf size of the
second shelf member.
[0013] In an aspect, the second shelf member is adapted to
horizontally move from a retracted position to an extended
position.
[0014] In an aspect, the second shelf member includes a back cover
which slides or arrives over the first shelf members to complete a
shelf surface during the extended position of the second shelf
member.
[0015] In an aspect, the second shelf member includes spring
members, and wherein when the locking means are disengaged, the
spring members automatically return at their initial rest position
under the bias of internal spring structures associated with spring
members, so as to return the second shelf members to the retracted
position.
[0016] In an aspect, each of the shelf support members includes a
support arm and a mounting hook, and wherein the support arm
provides support for mounting of the first shelf member and the
second shelf member, and the mounting hook mounts the shelf support
members on mounting slots of a mounting frame.
[0017] In an aspect, the sliding means are mounted on the top
surface of the support arms of the shelf support members.
[0018] In an aspect, the sliding means are connected to the support
arms by a connecting structure. The connecting structure is a
channel extending from the shelf support members to the sliding
means. The connecting structure defines a substantially U-shaped or
n-shaped configuration.
[0019] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be
best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts
are designated by like numerals throughout. The following
description is intended only by way of example, and simply
illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and
methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed
herein, wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a shelving
system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of the shelving system, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of the shelving system, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 2C illustrates a longitudinal side view of the shelving
system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this
disclosure; and
[0025] FIG. 2D illustrates a cross-section of the side view of the
shelving system, in accordance with an embodiment of this
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of
the disclosure is described herein with reference to the
accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are
described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the
disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not
intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this
disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0027] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be
devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein,
embody the principles of this disclosure. Moreover, all statements
herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of this
disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass
equivalents thereof.
[0028] It should also be noted that in some alternative
implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the
order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in
succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes
be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality/acts involved.
[0029] Embodiments explained herein pertain to a roll-out shelving
systems (commercially available as "Storage Switching Systems")
and, more particularly, to storage systems that facilitate
efficient storage of, and access to, a variety of articles, items,
or products. The disclosed shelving systems permit reliable and
efficient repositioning of one or more shelves relative to upright
supports, thereby enhancing utilization and efficiencies associated
therewith. The disclosed shelving systems offer a stable, flexible
construction that enhances safety for system users and significant
economic benefits through cost-effective use of storage space.
[0030] Further, the shelving systems of this disclosure are
susceptible to wide-ranging applications. For example, the
disclosed shelving systems may be advantageously employed in
free-standing shelving systems, e.g., shelving systems for use in
commercial or domestic applications such as retail product
displays, warehouse storage, electronic and telecommunication
equipment storage, garage and attic storage, food storage, etc.
Moreover, the disclosed shelving systems may be advantageously
employed within enclosures, e.g., within armoires, closets, storage
bins, freezers, refrigerators, kitchen cabinetry and the like.
[0031] In addition, the disclosed "shelves" may take a variety of
forms without departing from the spirit and/or scope of this
disclosure. For example, the exemplary "shelves" disclosed herein
may alternatively take the form of hanging rods, drawers, bins, and
the like. Additionally, the disclosed shelving systems may be
manufactured and/or distributed as free-standing, independent units
or as components for use in retrofitting existing shelving unit(s)
and/or shelving system(s). Thus, as used herein, the terms "shelf"
"shelves," "shelving system" and "shelving systems" are intended to
broadly encompass shelving/storage applications wherein storage is
achieved through vertically spaced storage elements and wherein
efficiencies and/or benefits may be achieved through vertical
repositioning of such storage elements.
[0032] The above-mentioned implementations are further described
herein with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be
noted that the description and figures relate to exemplary
implementations, and should not be construed as a limitation to
this subject matter. It is also to be understood that various
arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described
or shown herein, embody the principles of this subject matter.
Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and
embodiments of this subject matter, as well as specific examples,
are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary shelving system 100 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. This
figure illustrates the components comprising the roll-out shelving
system 100 according to specific embodiments. The components
include a frame 10, shelf members 102A and 102B, and mounting hooks
106A, 106B. As per an implementation, the shelving system 100
includes a mounting frame (not shown in FIG. 1). For the purposes
of exemplary shelving system 100, the mounting frame has a
substantially rectangular cross-section that is substantially
uniform from a lower end to an upper end thereof Thus, the
exemplary mounting frame defines "box-like" beams and may be
advantageously detachably mounted to surrounding structure(s),
e.g., walls, cabinetry, adjacent shelving supports, etc. However,
alternative cross-sectional configurations are contemplated, e.g.,
cross-sections that are, in whole or in part, elliptical,
trapezoidal, etc., as may be desired to achieve aesthetic effects
and/or to accommodate external considerations, e.g., space
constraints or manufacturing efficiencies. Mounting frame designs
featuring non-uniform cross-sections are also contemplated, e.g.,
wherein a greater cross-sectional area is defined at the "base" of
the mounting frame relative to the "top" of the mounting frame,
thereby providing potentially enhanced stability to exemplary
storage systems of this disclosure.
[0034] The mounting frame defines elongated slots at both
longitudinal ends. The dimensional characteristics of the mounting
slots at both the longitudinal ends are generally identical, i.e.,
the mounting slots typically have the same width and length/height.
The elongated slots are sized and dimensioned to accommodate
vertical movement of shelf support members 102A,102B as described
in greater detail below, while ensuring structural
stability/integrity of the mounting frame. In exemplary embodiments
of this disclosure, the shelf support members 102A, 102B have
substantially identical structural features and dimensions (subject
to manufacturing tolerances and the like).
[0035] Of note, it is contemplated according to this disclosure
that the shelf support members 102A, 102B may be externally mounted
on the mounting frames, thereby obviating the need for the mounting
slots.
[0036] The shelf support members 102A, 102B typically includes
support arms 104A, 104B. Further, it is contemplated according to
this disclosure that the support arm 104A, 104B may extend from
individual mounting hook (106A, 106B), mounting leg (106A, 106B),
mounting cantilever (106A, 106B), or the like, to mount or support
the shelf support members 102A, 102B on the mounting slots of the
mounting frame.
[0037] Pulleys or tracks 108A, 108B are mounted on a top surface of
the shelf support arms 104A,104B. To prevent the shelves from
tilting to the sides, the pulleys or tracks 108A, 108B may be
advantageously connected to the shelf support arms 104A, 104B by a
connecting structure (not shown in figures). The connecting
structure may be a channel extending from the shelf support members
102A,102B to the pulleys/tracks 108A, 108B according to an
exemplary implementation of this disclosure. In an example, the
connecting structure defines a substantially U-shaped or
.pi.-shaped configuration. Also, the manner in which the connecting
structure is mounted to respective shelf support members 102A, 102B
is not critical and a variety of mounting mechanisms are
contemplated, e.g., by welding, conventional coupling, crimping
and/or clamping mechanisms, and the like.
[0038] As shown in the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIGS.
2A-2D, the shelving system 100 includes first shelf members 110 and
second shelf member 112. The first and second shelf members 110,
112 generally include sides, upper surfaces, and inner edges.
[0039] As will hereinafter be described, the first shelf members
110 may be advantageously positioned, as a unit, relative to the
second shelf members 110. In the circumstance where the first shelf
members 110 are positioned below the second shelf members 112 (as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B), positioning of the first shelf members
110 to the second shelf members 112 permits the second shelf
members 112 to be accessible to users, and places the second shelf
members 110 on the pulleys/tracks 108A, 108B mounted to respective
shelf support members 102A, 102B. However, as can be appreciated by
those skilled in the art, positioning of the first and second shelf
members 110, 112 may be altered according to this disclosure may be
undertaken for a variety of advantageous reasons.
[0040] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure,
movement of the second shelf members 112 relative to the first
shelf members 110 is facilitated by horizontal movement of the
second shelf members 112 relative to the first shelf members 110.
With reference to FIG. 1, structural aspects of an exemplary shelf
support member 102A, 102B for fixed support of the first shelf
members 110 is provided. As noted above, the first shelf members
110 are fixedly supported on the shelf support members 102A, 102B,
while the second shelf members 112 are telescopically movable on
the pulleys/tracks 108A, 108B mounted to respective shelf support
members 102A, 102B. The telescoping movement described herein may
be achieved through sliding (or drawer-like functionality) of the
second shelf members 112. The second shelf members 112 may be
advantageously formed integrally with the associated first shelves,
e.g., the first shelf members 110.
[0041] For purposes of the advantageous shelving system 100 of this
disclosure, it is generally not necessary that both the first shelf
members 110 and the second shelf members 112 be capable of
horizontal motion relative to the associated shelf support members
102A, 102B, although such dual motion is not precluded according to
this disclosure and is preferred in certain disclosed
embodiments.
[0042] Thus, in the case where only a first set of shelves are
adapted for horizontal motion, the second shelf members 112 are
fixed over the pulleys/tracks 108A, 108B mounted at the support
arms 104A, 104B for purposes of potential horizontal motion, as
described above. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the second shelf members
112 may include back covers 114 which slides or arrives over the
first shelf members 110 to complete the shelf surface during the
extended position of the second shelf members 110. On the other
hand, the first shelf members 110 may be fixed and the first shelf
members 110 need not accommodate telescoping motion. In such case,
the fixed shelf members 110 are generally fixedly mounted to the
associated shelf support members 102A, 102B, and are interconnected
with the movable second shelf members 112 in any manner known in
the art.
[0043] Structural features, e.g., stop levers 116, are generally
included beneath telescoping elements, e.g., the second shelf
members 112. The stop levers 116 of the second shelf members 112
may engage with the fixed the first shelf members 110, to predefine
the amount of horizontal motion permitted to second shelf members
112. Accordingly, each of the second shelf members 112 is permitted
equal degrees of horizontal motion relative to the first shelf
members 110 and the shelf support members 102A, 102B.
[0044] In an example, the stop levers 116 can be hook-type locking
members. In an alternative example, the stop levers 116 can be
spring-biased type levers.
[0045] In operation, the first shelf member 110 is initially
vertically aligned with the second shelf member 112. That is, the
movable second shelf member 112 is in a fully retracted position.
As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, during retracted position, the stop
lever 116 is shown extending out from the front edge, and the back
cover 114 is shown extending up from the back portion of the
movable second shelf member 112. Then, by manual operation of the
user, the second shelf members 112 may be advantageously
repositioned relative to the first shelf members 110 by
horizontally sliding the second shelf members 112 outward
(forward), i.e., out of vertically stacked alignment with the first
shelf members 110. When the second shelf members 112 reaches a
fully extended position, as per an exemplary embodiment of this
disclosure, the stop lever 116 of the second shelf member 112 is
detachably locked therein with an edge of first shelf members 110
while the back cover 114 slides and arrives over the slidable
tracks 108A, 108B mounted on the support arms 104A, 104B so as to
complete the shelf surface for receiving or storing articles in
extended position of the second shelf member 112.
[0046] Although this disclosure is described using the stop levers
116, those skilled in the art may include a series of locking slots
disposed at various points along the side edges of the first shelf
members 110 to allow for customization of the shelf size of the
second shelf members 112. Also, embodiments may be envisioned in
that do not include the back cover 114.
[0047] Also, in an implementation, the second shelf members 112 are
provided with spring members. When the stop levers 116 are
disengaged, the spring automatically return at their initial rest
position under the bias of internal spring structures associated
with spring members, thereby returning the second shelf members 112
to the retracted position.
[0048] Further, an angular orientation of the shelving system 100
may be adjusted relative to a shelving frame (shelf support members
102A, 102B). This adjustment can occur while the shelving system
100 is in the retracted position or the extended position. In the
exemplary embodiments, the mounting frame includes mounting slots
in which mounting hooks 106A, 106B of the shelf support members
102A, 102B are angled in such a way that the angle of the shelving
system 100 may be adjusted depending on which the mounting hooks
106A, 106B engage the shelving frame and can be removably
mounted.
[0049] Further, with the implementation of the embodiments of this
disclosure, the second shelf members 112 in their extended position
provide about 10-75% more shelf space. In a preferred embodiment,
the second shelf members 112 in their extended position provide
about 50% more shelf space. In particularly preferred embodiment,
the second shelf members 112 in their extended position provide
about 33% more shelf space.
[0050] While certain embodiment include two shelf members, those of
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the system may be
adapted to control a single shelf member or three or more shelf
members.
[0051] Although the present invention has been described in terms
of the foregoing embodiment, such description has been for
exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art, many alternatives, equivalents, and
variations of varying degrees will fall within the scope of the
present invention. That scope, accordingly, is not to be limited in
any respect by the foregoing description; rather, it is defined
only by the claims that follow. The claims, as originally presented
and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives,
modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial
equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein,
including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and
that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and
others.
* * * * *