Method and apparatus for movable structure having alternative accessible sides

Abstract

A method and apparatus for a structure having a moving object are disclosed in the present application. The structure, in one embodiment, includes an object and a outside structure. A first side of outside structure is situated at a substantially fixed distance from a second side of outside structure. The structure further includes two links wherein a first end of a first link is coupled to the first side of outside structure and a second end of first link is coupled to the object. Also, a first end of a second link is coupled to the second side of outside structure and a second end of second link is coupled to the object. The object is capable of performing a rotaxial rotation in response to the first and second links.

Description

PRIORITY

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/877,530, filed on Jun. 24, 2004, which claims priority to the provisional application Ser. No. 60/482,048, filed on Jun. 24, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to storage structures that are used for supporting, holding and safekeeping objects. More particularly, the present invention relates to a reversing storage cabinet.

BACKGROUND

A typical structure, such as a cabinet, furniture, et cetera, may contain rotatable unit(s), for example, a cabinet may have a “lazy Susan” tray. These rotatable units have widespread applications from cabinetry design to sophisticated high precision equipment. There are a number of commercially available designs with regard to rotatable units within a structure on the market.

There are storage cabinets known in the prior art that rotate around an axis. For example, the storage cabinet described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,531 by Scheffer (2001) is located on the top of a desk and can be rotated around an axis. By rotating the cabinet around an axis one can alternatively access articles located on different sides of the cabinet. Other examples having similar designs are also described in various references, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,492 by Molander et al. (1986), U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,595 by Willis (1997) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,599 by Weisburn et al. (1996).

There are disadvantages associated with these conventional designs. For example, the first disadvantage is loss of space because these conventional designs require significant space around the rotating object so that it can perform a rotation around an axis. Space loss in the front of the cabinet can typically be seen as a temporary loss because the space is lost only when the cabinet is rotating. The space loss, however, is more wasteful when space is lost behind the cabinet. Space loss behind a cabinet is typically considered a permanent loss of space because such space has no practical utilization. Such permanent loss of space is illustrated in various conventional designs, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,492 by Molander et al. (1986) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,531 by Scheffer (2001).

Another conventional design for rotating an object within a structure uses non-obstructive rotation. To provide non-obstructive rotation of an object or cabinet, it is permanently moved forward away from a wall or other structure. A drawback associated with this design is space loss in front of the cabinet. This type of space loss can become a serious problem if space is at premium.

A second disadvantage associated with some conventional designs is lack of exclusive access. Conventional designs do not typically offer exclusive accessibility to one side of the storage cabinet while other sides of the cabinet are not accessible. This is not suitable when alternative access to different sides is needed. Examples of these situations are the cabinets in which one of the cabinet sides is used for jewelry or expensive collectibles while another side of the cabinet stores firearms, etc. In order to resolve this problem, conventional designs offer some designs including special enclosures and shields as such those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,492 by Molander et al. (1986). However, providing special enclosures and/or shields as solutions are typically impractical in terms of convenience or cost, e.g., when storage cabinet is used for relatively large articles (books, TV sets, etc.).

A problem associated with the above-referenced designs is safety. For example, if the weight of stored articles in a cabinet is greater then the weight of the cabinet itself, the loaded cabinet can become heavy and cumbersome to rotate and may also create safety issues because it could tip over if it is not supported from the top. However, providing support from the top may increase the complexity and bulkiness of such designs and may also increase the total cost of the storage cabinet.

As mentioned, one problem in these conventional designs is waste of space. In the case of a bookcase in which the bookcase has two storage sides for accessing stored articles waste of space is significant in conventional rotating designs. To solve the problem of waste of space, a known solution employs a cam system including cam followers and grooves to resolve the problem of waste of permanent space behind a shelf in a cabinet, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,262 by Schill (1978).

The cam system of Schill can reduce extra space needed for rotation. In other words, with application of the disclosed cam system, the rotating shelf within the cabinet does not require a big clearance for rotation. When rotation is needed, the center of the shelf is moved forward on its two (top and bottom) centered cam followers sliding in the transverse grooves of the enclosure. A pair of followers, mounted on opposite sides of the rotating shelf, guides one side to the opposite side of the stationary enclosure. In order for this rotation to perform correctly, there must be accurate grooves in the enclosure.

Even though the cam system reduces the problem of space waste, it generates new problems. For example, a problem associate with the cam system is uneven loading of the cabinet weight. The cam system loads the entire weight of the shelf with its content on the bottom center cam follower. In addition to supporting the shelf during the rotation, the bottom center cam follower also guides itself along the transverse groove through out the enclosure. This multi-functionality of the central bottom cam follower lowers the reliability and lifetime of the cabinet.

Another problem associated with the cam system of Schill is that upper and lower cam followers move independently of each other in the guides. There is no guarantee that these guides will move synchronously. Quite to the contrary, one cam will tend to move faster than another. This will happen for two reasons. First, uneven weight distribution of the cabinet articles inside the cabinet; and second, uneven pull or push of the shelf by the person rotating the shelf. Independent movement of the cam followers may cause the cam followers to be jammed in the guides. Even if there is no jam there is a high degree of wear and tear in the guiding system, which shortens the lifetime of the cabinet.

The conventional design using a cam system with an upper guiding system to support the cabinet in addition to the bottom guiding system, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,262, adds an undesirable complication of the shelf design when the cabinet is used for light loads and top support is not needed.

Another problem with the design of the cam system is that it is dimension dependent. When dimensions of the cabinet are such that it is not deep but wide, the center cam follower of the cabinet is required to extend outside of the cabinet enclosure for shelf rotation. This adds serious complications in the cabinet design by requiring dynamic elongations to the guiding grooves of the enclosure with telescoping guides. Also, for heavy loaded cabinets that are not deep but wide, it is especially impractical for reliability and safety concerns.

FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,262 also shows wasted space on the left and right sides of the cabinet. In order to compensate for some of this waste, the left and right sides of the shelf are cylindrically shaped. This design prevents two or more such cabinets to be placed next to each other in close proximity without wasted space. When the user has more than one cabinet it is advantageous to place them next to each other without wasted space for convenience of use and also for saving the total space allocated for the cabinets.

What is needed, therefore, is a cabinet with alternatively accessible sides that is economical in utilizing the space around it, convenient for accessing different sides of this cabinet, has some practical way of preventing access to side that are supposed to be inaccessible at given time, is strong so it can handle heavy loads using a reliable low wear mechanical arrangement for jam free rotation and is simple in design and not expensive when handling light loads.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a compound movement link mechanism that allows an object to move from the space it occupies in one orientation and return to the same space in a different orientation. Preferably the object is a support structure having at least two selectively accessible sides. In a preferred embodiment, the object is supported by a pair of synchronous compound movement link mechanisms. Objectives of various aspects of the invention are mentioned below.

In view of the above-stated disadvantages of the prior art, objectives of the invention include providing an improved rotational storage for applications where alternative access to different sides of the cabinet is practical or needed.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a storage cabinet that is economical in utilizing the space allocated for it. In addition to being economical in utilizing the space around the storage cabinet, its design should provide access to different sides of the cabinet with convenience and ease.

A further objective of the invention is to provide limited access to the side or sides of the cabinet that are not being accessed at a given time. This secure access should be achieved economically and with simplicity of design.

A still further objective of the invention is to provide a storage cabinet that can be utilized for applications with heavy loads such as for example storing books, firearms, electronic equipment, and the like.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a storage cabinet that can be simple in design with low cost for light load applications such as for example CDs, DVDs, stamp collections, and the like.

A reversible object with alternatively accessible sides, in one embodiment, includes a storage structure, which is used to hold at least one article. Means for holding the storage structure includes a rotaxial mechanism. In one embodiment, the rotaxial mechanism includes links rotatably connected to the structure.

Additional features and benefits of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description, figures and claims set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only.

FIG. 1A-1N are diagrams illustrating a storage structure in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2-FIG. 3 are diagrams of storage structure with different storage articles in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A-4D are diagrams illustrating light articles storage mounted on a desk in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A-5E are diagrams illustrating rotaxial movement of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A-6E are schematic representations illustrating rotaxial movement in one embodiment of the invention wherein two links are attached to the movable object offset from the center of the object;

FIG. 7A-7E are schematic representations illustrating rotaxial movement in one embodiment of the invention wherein the links are located in the corners;

FIG. 8A-8A are schematic representations illustrating operations of the storage with outside joints located in diagonal corners in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9A-9B are diagrams illustrating a storage designed for light loads mounted on a desk;

FIG. 10A-10C are diagrams illustrating a storage moving between alternate access positions around horizontal axes in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11A-11D are diagrams illustrating four square storages mounted next to each other on one square stationary plate in accordance with one embodiment of invention;

FIG. 12A-12D are diagrams illustrating a wheel system in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 13A-13B are diagrams illustrating a support frame assembly in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a set of diagrams illustrating rotaxial movement in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment of the invention wherein the rotaxial linkage is attached to the top of the cabinet only;

FIG. 16 depicts an embodiment of the invention with a particular arrangement of the links that provide for rotaxial motion; and

FIG. 17 depicts an embodiment of the invention with a particular arrangement of the links that provide for rotaxial motion; and

FIG. 18A-18G are diagrams illustrating a television directly mounted to a wall in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that these specific details may not be required to practice the present invention.

In the following description of the embodiments, substantially the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, while references such as top, bottom and side may be used throughout the specification, it is to be understood that their orientation requirements are only to facilitate the explanation of the various embodiments and depending on the application, the top could be the side or bottom or vice versa.

An apparatus for a reversible storage system having a moving object 102 is disclosed in the present application. The reversible storage system, in one embodiment, includes an object 102 and a frame 200. A first side of frame is situated at a substantially fixed distance from a second side of frame. The reversible storage system further includes two links 304 and 308 wherein a first end of a first link 304 is coupled to the first side of frame and a second end of first link is coupled to the object 102. Also, a first end of a second link 308 is coupled to the second side of frame and a second end of second link 308 is coupled to the object 102. The object 102 is capable of performing a rotaxial movement in response to the first and second links 304 and 308.

FIGS. 1A-1N are diagrams illustrating a design of a structure with a moveable object in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows a reversible storage system, which includes a movable object 102 that holds articles. Reversible storage system also includes an outside structure 200, bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300 (Shown best in FIG. 1C) and top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400 (shown best in FIG. 1C).

Referring to FIG. 1A, movable object 102, in this embodiment, includes a first accessible side 111, a second accessible side 121 (not shown), a bottom plate 104, a top plate 106, and sidewalls 108, 110. The first reversible side 111 in this embodiment is a bookcase, which includes shelves 112 to hold articles 114. As shown for illustration in the given example, these articles 114 are books. The bookcase 111 also includes vertical wall 116, which is visible behind the books. The vertical wall 116 is one of the strengthening elements of the bookcase 111 together with the sidewalls 108, 110, and the top and bottom plates 104, 106.

In one embodiment, the shelves 112 are adjustable and form a shelving system. The shelving system may help provide overall support to the movable object 102. Different shelf arrangements or configurations can provide different support to the bookcase 111. Adjustable shelves provide flexibility so that the shelves 112 can be arranged to a particular need. Vertical wall 116, in one embodiment, separates the first accessible side 111 and the second accessible side 121 of the movable object 102 for alternative access. The movable object 102, in one embodiment, includes handles 240 to facilitate reorientation of the movable object.

The outside structure 200 provides structural support for the movable object 102. The outside structure 200 includes a top stationary plate 210, a bottom plate 202, and two vertical support members 204 and 206. In this embodiment, the outside structure 200 is anchored to a wall 212 via two security brackets 214 and 216.

FIG. 1B depicts movable object 102 moved from the original space that it occupied. Portions of the link mechanism 400, which will be described more fully with regard to FIG. 1F can be seen.

FIGS. 1C and 1D show the second accessible side 121 of movable object 102, which in this embodiment is an entertainment center. The second accessible side 121 of movable object 102, as shown in FIGS. 1C, 1D and 1E, includes shelves 118, articles 120 (TV set), stereo system 122, collection of CD's 124, and collection of tapes 126. These articles 114, 120, 122, 124 and 126 are shown for illustration purposes and the second accessible side 121 can have different shelving configurations and different articles for holding, storing or safekeeping. Examples of other articles include wine, jewelry, stamps, rifles, and guns.

The entertainment center embodiment includes protective covers 130 and 132 that are preferably attached with hinges as depicted in FIGS. 1C, 1D and 1E. These protective covers 130 and 132 may, if desired also be included on the first accessible side 111. To provide secure access to the articles in the entertainment center, keyed (or keyless) locks 134 (FIGS. 1C, 1E, 2) may be installed on the protective covers 130 and 132. As seen in FIG. 1C, in one embodiment, the shelves include moldings 140 prevent stored articles from sliding off of the shelf during rough, sudden, or fast rotation.

The outside structure 200 of this embodiment, best depicted in FIG. 1F, provides support for the movable object 102 and also supports the rotaxial link mechanisms 300 and 400. In this embodiment, outside structure 200 includes a stationary base 202, a top stationary plate 210 (shown in FIG. 1A) and vertical support members 204, 206 located respectively on the left and right sides of the outside structure 200. Base 202 preferably rests on the floor. Vertical support members 204 and 206 at their lower ends are attached firmly to base 202 at their lower ends and the upper ends of vertical support members 204 and 206 are firmly connected to top stationary plate 210. All four components (202, 204, 206 and 210) form the strong outside structure 200. A strong outside structure 200 is desirable when heavy loads are introduced. For additional vertical stability, the top plate 210 is anchored to a wall 212 of the environment where the reversible storage structure is located by security brackets 214 and 216. In another embodiment, vertical support members 204 and 206 may be directly anchored to a concrete floor for heavy loading applications. In yet another embodiment, vertical support members 204 and 206 may be anchored to a ceiling or roof. In certain applications it may be desirable to eliminate both the base 202 and the top plate 210 and attach the vertical supports directly to the floor or ceiling of the environment in which the reversible storage structure is located.

Referring back to FIG. 1F, the reversible storage structure further includes a bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300 and a top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400. Depending on the application and the loading of the movable object 102, top rotaxial linkage 400 may not be necessary.

The rotaxial linkage may include multiple links capable of rotaxial motion, that is a combination of a rotating movement and a transverse movement. Preferably the rotaxial linkage is constructed to allow an object to be moved from an original space in a first orientation and returned to the original space in a different orientation. With reference to FIGS. 1F and 1G, preferably the rotaxial linkage includes a first link 304 and a second link 308. The outer ends of first and second links 304 and 308 of rotaxial linkage mechanism 300 may be rotatably connected to the base 202. Preferably base 202 has risers on each side to which the first and second links are preferably rotatably connected by first and second pins 310 and 312. The inner ends of first and second links 304 and 308 are preferably rotatably connected to plate 306 by third and fourth pins 314 and 316. A plate 306, in this embodiment, is preferably bolted to the bottom plate 104 of the movable object 102.

The inner ends of the first and second links are preferably also rotatably attached to a low friction contact device such as for example, wheels, rollers, gliders or casters that are attached between the links and the base. The low friction contact device may also simply include the use of low friction materials for the base and the links or a low friction piece of material attached to the inner end of the links. The risers may be used to elevate the first and second links to compensate for the space needed for the low friction contact device. With reference to FIGS. 1G and 1H, the preferred embodiment employs wheels 350 and 352 as the low friction contact device. The low friction contact device can be mounted anywhere along the length of the links.

Depending on the application, plate 306 can be eliminated and first and second links 304 and 308 may be connected directly to bottom plate 104. In yet another application the outer ends of the links can be rotatably attached to the floor. In the latter embodiment appropriate spacers between the floor and the links should be employed to compensate for the distance needed by low friction contact device.

Top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400 is preferably located between the outside structure 200 and movable object 102. The top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400 is constructed, in one embodiment, substantially similar bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300. Top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400 provides top support for the movable object 102. The outer ends of top first and top second links 404 and 408 may be rotatably connected to top plate 210. Preferably the links 404 and 408 are rotatably connected to vertical support members 204 and 206 by pins 410 and 412. The inner ends of links 404 and 408 are preferably connected to a plate 406 by pins 414 and 416. Plate 406, in one embodiment, is bolted to top storage plate 106.

As with the bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300 there are various embodiments that will provide the desired rotaxial movement. Top and bottom rotaxial linkage mechanisms 300 and 400 together with outside structure 200 form means to hold and support the movable object 102 and provide a predetermined path for its movement from one alternate orientation to another.

Top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400, in one embodiment, is constructed similar to the bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300. As such, the length of the links of top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400 is substantially the same as the links in bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300. Because of this, the respective pins of both bottom and top rotaxial linkage mechanisms 300 and 400 are located on the same axes allowing relatively jam free rotation of the movable object 102.

In the presently preferred embodiment, bottom and top rotaxial linkage mechanisms 300 and 400 are connected to each other to form a synchronized rotaxial linkage mechanism. This facilitates the movement of the movable object 102 helping to form a strong and rigid reversible storage structure that can hold significant load. The synchronized rotaxial linkage mechanism preferably comprises two rotaxial linkage mechanism interconnected in a manner that such that the first bottom link and the first top link rotate around their respective outer ends simultaneously and strike the same length arc. Similarly, the second bottom link and the second top link rotate around their respective outer ends simultaneously and strike the same length arc. In the preferred embodiment, a torsion bar 430 is used to interconnect the two rotaxial linkage mechanisms. Preferably the outer end of torsion bar 430 is connected to the first bottom link 304 at its pin 310 and the other end of the torsion bar 430 is connected to first top link 404 at its pin 410 to form a rigid coupling between first bottom link 304 and first top link 404. Partially due to the rigid coupling, links 304 and 404 are able to rotate synchronously and reduce the possibility of jamming. Minimizing the possibility of jamming is an advantage of the present invention over the conventional rotating cabinetry design, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,262. Another advantage of employing torsion bar 430 is to enhance the safety of the reversible storage system since it reduces the possibility of being tipped-over.

To provide additional strength, a fully synchronized rotaxial mechanism may be employed. The fully synchronized rotaxial mechanism comprises a synchronized rotaxial mechanism with a rigid connection between the second top and second bottom links. The rigid connection is preferably accomplished by adding a second torsion bar 440 and connecting one end of torsion bar 440 to second bottom link 308 at pin 312 while the other end of torsion bar 440 is connected to second top link 408 at pin 412 to form a rigid connection between links 408 and 308. This second torsion bar 440 increases the strength of the reversible storage system and with the first torsion bar 430 further decreases the likelihood of jamming during movement.

FIGS. 1G and 1H illustrate preferred features of wheels 350 and 352 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1G and 1H, wheels 350 and 352 are attached to the bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300. They are attached to the inner ends of bottom first and bottom second links 304 and 308 of the rotaxial linkage mechanism. The wheels support the load from the movable object 102 when it rotates and also when it is in stationary position. Weight of the movable object 102 is transferred by the wheels to base 202. The wheels roll across the base 202 in an arc as constrained by the rotation of the bottom links. The wheels 350 and 352 in this embodiment are non-rotatably attached to the links 304 and 308 at the ends of the links or at any other location along the link. It should be noted that the wheels may also be rotatably attached. The non-rotatable attachment feature simplifies the design. Base 202 preferably has smooth surface along the arc struck by the rotation of the links to provide for smooth rotaxial movement of the movable object 102.

FIG. 1I illustrates an embodiment that includes an electrical wire, phone or other data type outlet or connection in the movable object 102. This is preferably accomplished by attaching cables 250 which may carry electricity, phone signals, cable TV signals or other data signals, to top second link 408. For example, cable 250 is used for transporting electrical power and signals running from outside of the reversible storage system along link 408 to the articles such as TV 120, stereo system 122, lamp 138, etc. In one preferred embodiment, the cable 250 includes a loop 252 at each point of attachment that is sufficiently large to compensate for the movement of the second top link 408. While other types of cable connections exist for making these types of connections and may certainly be employed, this loop type connection which may be used because the present invention allows an object to be alternatively reoriented without exceeding a 360 degree movement, may improve service life of the cables. In another embodiment, cables 250 run inside of link 408 or inside a torsion bar 440 that is hollow.

FIGS. 1J and 1K illustrate a reversible storage system with a locking device 136 in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. Locking device 136 may be any commercial type of door hardware including keyed deadbolts and standard style doorknobs. The locking device may be attached to wall 116 as shown. When using standard keyed deadbolt hardware, the locking device includes a locking bolt 144 and a spring-loaded wedged bar 146. When the locking device 136 is engaged the locking bolt 144 and the wedge bar 146, preferably extend into holes in the vertical member 206 of the outside structure 200. A purpose of having a locking device 136 is to secure the stationary position of the movable object 102 from unintentional movements. The locking device 136, in one embodiment, is operable with a key to protect cabinet from unauthorized rotation and from unauthorized access to the other side of the movable object 102.

FIG. 1L shows a reversible storage system with a control system in accordance with the present invention. A control system can be used to control the rotation of the movable object 102. The control system can be electrically operated and may include mechanical gearbox driven by a motor. In a preferred embodiment the control system includes a gear motor 260 rotatably attached at the top of the vertical member 206. Either a pin or a hinge assembly 262 can be used with any of the rotatable attachments discussed with regard to various embodiments of the invention. The gear motor 260 is preferably attached to a shaft 264 that will drive a gearbox assembly that is attached to the top plate 210. Preferably the gearbox assembly includes a gearbox housing (not shown), a worm gear 268 attached to one end of the shaft and a gear 270 with teeth that can engage the worm gear 268 and ball bearing assemblies 274 and 276 to hold the gears. Rotation of the motor is transferred by described mechanism to cause the movable object to move. The rotaxial linkage mechanism causes the movable object 102 to move in the prescribed path. Since the path is not purely rotational, the change of the position of the movable object 102 relative to the outside structure 200 is preferably compensated by making the shaft 264 telescopic and by hinge 262.

FIGS. 1M and 1N illustrate a reversible storage structure having an additional compartment 170 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment, there is an additional vertical wall 116 installed inside of the movable object 102. This vertical wall 116 is installed a small distance from the first one to create a gap between them. On the right side 110 of the movable object 102 as shown in FIG. 1M there is opening 170 formed in the sidewall 110. This creates an additional “secret” compartment 170 in the movable object that can be useful for many applications such as for example storing maps and drawings and holding a motion picture screen. FIG. 1N shows a fully displayed map 180 pulled out of the compartment 170.

In operation, movable object 102 shown in FIG. 1A is positioned with one side of the movable object 102 open for access. This side is for holding books. Most of the time the movable object 102 is in one of the stationary positions or orientations with one of two main sides open for access. In one embodiment, some modifications of the built storage protective covers 130, 132 should be unlocked for access to “open” side. FIG. 1A illustrates that the second alternative access side of the movable object 102 faces the wall of the environment and therefore is not accessible.

To access the other side of the movable object 102, one must release of the locking device 136 if it is engaged. Then one pulls the movable object using one of the handles 240. In the starting position, links 304 and 308, in this embodiment, are essentially parallel. Therefore the initial motion of the movable object 102 is mostly rectilinear with a small rotational component. As a force is continued to be applied to the moveable object 102 it is directed away from the wall 212 resulting in a small angle to the one of the left or right sides. Transitional positions of the movement of the movable object are shown on FIGS. 1B-1D. FIG. 1E shows a second standard position for access of the articles that are held on opposite side to the first access side. As can be seen, the movable object was reoriented and the movable object in the original and reoriented state still occupied the same space. This second side is shown with articles related to TV and stereo system. After completing the reorientation, the locking device 136 can be re-engaged if needed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a storage structure with different storage articles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows the application of the reversible storage structure for holding or safekeeping collectibles 152 and 154, such as knives and coins. Holder 160 holds knives and coins in place. The second side of storage structure may be used for storing books. Above one of the cabinet shelves lamps 138 may be located to provide light when it is needed. For keeping articles from sliding off the movable object 102, holders, such as 160 can be added for stronger attachment of the articles to one of the accessible sides. In addition to the depicted holder, cells, clamps, brackets, hooks, locks, and the like, can be used.

FIG. 3 illustrates a structure with different storage articles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows the safekeeping of the firearms 156 and 158, wherein the firearms 156 and 158 are held to the movable object by holders 142.

In another embodiment of the present invention, instead of having a holder or other means of storing equipment, a device can be attached directly to a wall. For example, instead of having shelves attached to a wall 116 (see FIGS. 1J and 1K), a device can be attached directly to a wall 116. For example, a flat screen television, such as a television using LCD or plasma technology, can be attached directly to a wall 116. When attaching a television or other electronic device to an embodiment of the present invention, it may be desirable to include a cable management system to prevent the power and signal cables from becoming entangled with the various moving parts. Thus, in one orientation, a television is alternatively accessible and hidden from users.

An example of such an embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 18A-18G. Elements 202, 204, 206, 210, 304, 306, 406, 408, 430, and 440 are as described above with reference to FIGS. 1A through 1N. In FIG. 18A, however, television 122a is attached directly to wall 116. FIG. 18B shows the other side of wall 116. While it is shown as bare in FIG. 18B, it should be understood that a variety of different objects can be placed on wall 116. For example, without limitation, a cork board, white board, chalk board, or other device could be mounted on wall 116. In the alternative, shelving can be placed on wall 116 as shown in the previous embodiments. FIGS. 18C and 18D show alternative views of the same embodiment, with wall 116 and television 122a in different orientations.

A view of the embodiment without television 122a and wall 116 is shown in FIG. 18E through 18G. First and second links 304 and 308 are coupled to vertical support members 204 and 206, respectively, as described above. First and second links 304 and 308 are also coupled to bottom plate 306. Also shown is cable track 251. The purpose of cable track 251 is to route one or more television cables 250 (not visible). Television 122a requires various cables to operate, including, but not limited to, power cables, video signal cables, and audio signal cables. Cable track 251 guides the cables 250 such that cables 250 do not become tangled when the rotaxial motion is performed.

FIGS. 18E through 18G show first and second links 304 and 308 and bottom plate 306 in various stages of the rotaxial motion. In FIG. 18E, the side with television 122a is visible. In FIG. 18G, the side with wall 116 is visible. FIG. 18F shows an intermediate position where television 122a is approximately halfway through the rotaxial motion. In FIG. 18E, cable track 251 is approximately U-shaped. As first and second links 304 and 308 and bottom plate 306 go through the rotaxial motion, cable track 251 becomes S-shaped. In one embodiment this change from a U-shape to an S-shape is accomplished by using a flexible cable track, such as the Energy Chain manufactured by IGUS or various products manufactured by Kabelschlepp, and modifying it such that the cable track can be bent in two different directions. This can be accomplished by, for example, finding the approximate center of the cable track and reversing half of the links such that the two halves of the cable track bend in two different directions. In such a manner, the cable track 251 is capable of forming both an S-shape and a U-shape. Because the movement of cable 250 is restricted by cable track 251, cable 250 does not become entangled with the various pieces of the rotaxial motion system. In addition, there is no need to disconnect cables from television 122a when a rotaxial movement is desired.

FIG. 4A-4D illustrate a structure having light article storages 1106 and 1116 mounted on a desk 1202 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A shows two designs of light article storages 1106 and 1116 that are shown in two alternate positions. There are two minor differences in their common components. In the depicted embodiment, the distance between the joints is defined by the distance from joint 1310 to joint 1312 is shorter than the size of the bottom plate 1104. When the distance from 1310 to 1312 is larger than the bottom plate 1104 (not shown), simple straight torsion bars (not shown) may be mounted outside of the storage frame to create a fully synchronized rotaxial linkage mechanism.

In FIGS. 4A-4D, one access side is shown with shelves and the second opposite access side is shown blank without shelves. The second access side can be used for simplified posting of post notes, calendars, list of things to do, or just to use it as a black board or screen, etc. If desired, the second access side also can have more developed storage accommodations.

FIG. 4A shows a right storage 1106 in a first starting position with side labeled “open” available for access. A left storage 1116 is shown in rotated 180° in opposite and alternate position as the right storage 1106. The side labeled “open” is facing back wall 1212 and this side is closed for access. Both storages are mounted on the simplified outside structure that in this embodiment is the top plate 1202 of the desk or table. Back wall 1212 is optional.

FIG. 4B shows exploded view of FIG. 4A with visible parts of the rotaxial linkage mechanism 1300. Rotaxial linkage mechanisms of both storages are identical but shown in alternate positions corresponding to position of the structures.

FIG. 4C shows an exploded view of the structure when the movable objects are in reversed position relative to FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 4D shows a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of rotaxial linkage mechanism 1300 through the link 1308. This cross-section shows a design of all the links and their hinged connection to the stationary base 1202 and to the movable link 1104 when it serves also as the bottom plate of the storage 1102. Joints 1312 and 1316 in this embodiment are constructed substantially the same. For simplicity of the example, joints 1312 and 1316 are shown without special rotation bearings. Joints 1312 and 1316 are preferably made from metal. Link 1308 is preferably made from plastic with good tribological performance to provide good friction pair to the joints. Being made from plastic, the link 1308 will have also good friction performance when it is sliding on the surfaces of the stationary plate 1202 or bottom plate 1104. In another optional configuration joints and links may be made from metal with bearings installed between them. To improve sliding between the links and the plates 1202 and 1104, the links can be covered on their sliding surfaces with fabric or felt with good friction properties.

FIGS. 5A-5E, 6A-6E, 7A-7E, and 8A-8E show examples of different geometrical variations of for the rotaxial linkage mechanism causing rotaxial movement in accordance with the present invention. To simplify the demonstration of the working principle of the present invention, only bottom plate 104 of movable object 102 is shown. All movements of the bottom plate 104 will represent the movements of the proposed reversible storage relative to the stationary base 202.

FIG. 5A illustrates a bottom plate 104 of the reversible storage system rotatably connected to first and second links 304 and 308 at points B and C respectively by revolute joints 314 and 316. The outside ends of the first and second links 304 and 308 are connected by revolute joints 310 and 312 to a stationary base 202. In this embodiment the stationary plate 202 can be viewed as a stationary link AD.

FIGS. 5A-5E are diagrams illustrating a rotaxial movement in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 5A-5E, figures show the essence of inner workings of implementation shown on FIGS. 4A-4D. These figures can also represent the relative movement of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E with a shortened distance between AD. To obtain a more exact representation of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E, the joints A and D should be positioned outside of the perimeter of bottom plate 104 (or plate 104 should be shorter than the distance between AD).

In one implementation, revolute joints A and D are located at remote sides of the stationary base generally in the middle area of the width of the base. Points B and C (revolute joints 314 and 316, respectively) are shown located on different sides of the line AD generally symmetrically relative to this line. Also, joints B and C are shown located at approximately the middle of the length of the bottom plate 104. In order for bottom plate 104 to rotate between alternate positions spaced generally 180° apart, the line BC is generally perpendicular to AD in starting position of the storage.

The process of reversing the position of the plate 104 (i.e., movable object) from the starting position of FIG. 5A to 180° reversed final position in increments of 45° is shown in FIGS. 5B-5E. Rotation of the plate 104 starts by pulling the right side of the movable object represented here by plate 104 as depicted by arrow 309. In all the transitional positions as seen on FIGS. 5B-5D no part of the movable object as represented here by bottom plate 104 crosses the backside perimeter of the stationary plate 202. Available clearance shown as dimension “a” serves as needed margin for this requirement. In this embodiment, for unobstructed movement of the movable object, there should be some clearance on left and right sides of the movable object 102.

FIGS. 6A-6E illustrate the movement of a movable object with the points A and D located closer to the back of the stationary plate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A shows, in one embodiment, the locations of points A and D representing revolute joints 310 and 312, which are moved back on stationary base 202. Locations of revolute joins B and C are shifted left (as shown in FIG. 6A) on bottom plate 104. Line BC remains essentially perpendicular to AD on starting position.

FIGS. 6B-6D show the movement of plate 104 in steps of 45° to a position shown in FIG. 6E in which plate 104 is in a 180° reversed position relative to its starting position of FIG. 6A. Previously the backside of the movable object shown in FIG. 6A that was not accessible now occupies the front position in FIG. 6E and became accessible. This embodiment shows that in transitional positions points B and C do not move as far forward in the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6E as they do in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A-5E. This means that stationary plate 202 that supports wheels 350 and 352 (see FIG. 1F) located generally under the revolute joints B and C does not need to extend forward very much. In other words, using the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 the bottom plate can be smaller. Also this embodiment of the present invention saves space in front of the reversible storage system, which is used only for transitional positions and can result in a more stable system with less likelihood of tipping.

For clarity of the explanation of the principal differences between different embodiments of the present invention the different embodiments are shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. However, there are many different variations in the location of the joints that have not been shown and the precise location of the joints is not to be construed as a limitation of the scope of the invention so long as the object exhibits rotaxial motion. For example, FIG. 6A shows points A and D, B and C located at positions that allow some uniformity with the other drawings but for optimization of each particular embodiment the locations of these points could be changed. For example, points A, D shown in FIG. 6A could be moved further apart from each other to allow even better clearance than shown on FIG. 6C.

FIGS. 7A-7E are schematic representations illustrating the movement of an object with the outside joints of the links located in diagonal corners of the stationary plate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, joints A and D as shown in FIG. 7A are located at diagonal corners of stationary plate 7202. Joints B and C are located on the bottom plate 7104 approximately in the middle areas with relation to the width on different sides of the line AD. Line BC in the starting position as shown in FIG. 7A is essentially perpendicular to line AD.

FIGS. 7B-7D show transitional movement of the plate 7104 in steps of 45° to the position shown in FIG. 7E where plate 7104 is in 180° reversed orientation relative to its starting position shown in FIG. 7A. Originally the access to the back side of the object shown in FIG. 7A was not accessible, but after movement even though it occupies the same space, the previously inaccessible side is now oriented to the front as shown in FIG. 7E became accessible. One of the most important advantages of this embodiment is that during rotation through 180° in all transitional positions the movable object generally does not need clearance or additional space for movement. This is because during movement of the movable object its transitional positions are shifted away from the generally short side, particularly the side where one of the joints A and D is moved forward. For example, the left side as shown in FIG. 7A does not need extra clearance whereas the right side needs a little clearance (FIG. 7D). One of the applications when this advantage can be realized is when two movable objects are located side by side as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C.

FIGS. 8A-8E are schematic representations illustrating movement of an object with the outside joints of the links in the mechanism located in diagonal corners of the stationary plate and the object being reoriented only 90° between positions of alternate access in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A shows another embodiment of the present invention. It can be viewed in comparison with previous examples as having stationary base 8202 and bottom plate 8104 generally as square plates.

As shown on FIG. 8A, for clarity, stationary plate 8202 is larger than bottom plate 8104. In other embodiments the plate 8202 could be smaller than bottom plate 8104. Joints A and D are located at remote diagonal locations of the stationary plate 8202. Joints B and C are located generally symmetrical to the center point O of the line AD in a such way that line BC forms a 45° angle with the line AD. Plate 8104 has optionally rounded corners 170. On the back and right sides of the movable object obstacles 8220 and 8222 are shown. They can be walls, barriers, other similar cabinets, etc. For easier understanding of the process of moving the storage from the starting access position as shown in FIG. 8A to the reversed, final access position as shown in FIG. 8E, the bottom plate 104 has labels marking all four sides as viewed from the starting position.

Because of the 45° degree angle between BC and AD the angular distance between the two alternate access positions is 90° (not 180° as in previous examples). Transitional positions from the starting to the final position are shown in intervals of 22.5° in FIGS. 8B-8D. During movement the bottom plate 8104 will not interfere with the back and sidewalls of 8220 and 8222, especially if it has rounded corners 8170 or if there is even minor clearance between bottom plate 8104 and walls 8220 and 8222. Because of the movement of the plate 104 is 90° (not 180° as in previous examples) alternating access to the sides of the object is planned differently. For example, a storage structure may be organized into front and backsides (as shown in FIG. 8A) for holding articles. Left and right sides may be blank. The front side as shown in FIG. 8A and the right side are accessible and the backside and left side is blocked from access by wall 8220. After movement by 90° clockwise to the position as shown in FIG. 8E, the “front” labeled side and the left side is accessible, and the side labeled back and the right side are blocked by walls 8220 and 8222.

Another example of a storage structure is one which only the front side has a developed storage structure for holding essential articles while the other three sides could be just blank walls. Then rotation of the object by 90° will block access to the storage completely. Rotation of the object back to the starting position will open the front side again for access. There are many more applications of these aspects of the present inventions that could differ in details but follow the essentials of these aspects of the inventions.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate a storage system designed for light loads mounted on a desk with rotaxial movement as described with regard to FIGS. 8A-8E. FIG. 9A represents a practical implementation of one aspect of the rotaxial linkage mechanism shown on FIGS. 7A-7E. FIG. 9A shows two storage objects 9002 and 9004. For clarity the sides of the storage devices that are designed to be accessed are labeled “open”. In this example, the sides to be accessed are on the front sides in the starting position. The details of construction are similar to those shown in FIGS. 4A-4D and the movement is similar to those shown in FIG. 7 except that they only move 90° degrees.

FIG. 9B is an exploded view of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9C is an exploded view of the storage devices when they are moved 90° counterclockwise for left storage and clockwise for right storage. In these alternated positions, open sides of the storage are blocked by the neighboring storage device. In this example, two storage devices are located next to each other and do not interfere with each other during rotation utilizing the advantages of the scheme represented in FIGS. 7A-7E.

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate a tray rotating between alternative accessing positions horizontally in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A shows nominal starting position of the tray while FIG. 10B shows the tray 180° reversed of the tray with the other side of the tray accessible. FIG. 10C is an explored view of the tray in the starting position.

The storage includes tray 2102 that is to hold articles. The tray 2102 mounted to the storage by rotaxial linkage mechanisms 300 and 400 includes right plate 2104, left plate 2106, and optional front and back walls 2108 and 2110. The tray also includes cellular holder 2160 to hold articles that are not shown here for generalization purposes. The cellular holder is arbitrarily shown in this example as having 48 cells for articles and bottom holder 2162 shown in FIG. 10B has 24 cells.

The storage includes box 2200. Box 2200 has an optional cover 2250. Right and left walls 2202 and 2210 of the box 2200 serve as stationary bases of the right and left side rotaxial linkage mechanisms 2300 and 2400 respectively for movement of tray 2102. There are also front and back walls 2204 and 2206, respectively.

Right rotaxial linkage mechanism 2300 and left rotaxial linkage mechanism 2400 are connected to the tray 2102 and the outside box 2200. FIG. 10C shows the details of the right rotaxial linkage mechanism 2300. Left rotaxial linkage mechanism 2400 is not visible on this view but it is generally the same as rotaxial linkage mechanism 2300 as being symmetrical to it on the other side of the storage. Links 2304, 2306 and 2308 of rotaxial linkage mechanism 2300 are connected by their outside ends to the stationary box wall 2202 by pins 2310 and 2312. Links 2304 and 2308 are connected by their inner ends to the right plate 2104 of the tray 2102 by pins 2314 and 2316.

FIGS. 11A-11D depicts four square storage units mounted next to each other on one square stationary plate in accordance with one embodiment of present invention. FIGS. 11A-11D show four substantially identical storage units located next to each other in circular symmetry around a central axis. There is no obstruction around this group of four storage units. This group of storage units can be accessed from all four sides. Stationary plates of all four storage units are combined into one common stationary plate 3202 serving all four proper storage units 3102. Each proper storage 3102 has one side with developed shelving 3112. For clarity on the top of each storage label “open” is placed on the side with shelving for each storage 3102.

Detailed mechanical operation of this embodiment is similar to the operation shown in FIGS. 8A-8E. FIG. 11B shows all four proper storage units rotated 90° clockwise to the second alternated positions. All four “open” sides with open shelves are closed for access.

Each of the storage units are connected to the base by a rotaxial linkage mechanism. FIG. 11C shows a top view of the structure shown in FIG. 11B including rotaxial linkage mechanism 3300. Designations of the components are similar to designations shown in FIG. 8A and the same rotaxial movement of each of the storage units is achieved. There is a convenience if the movement of all four storage units is synchronized so that making one storage box to move makes all four storage units to move. In addition to moving all storage units at once, when all storage units move simultaneously, there is more margin for clearance between them because each storage unit is moving away from the common center and gives more clearance for itself and two of its neighboring storage units therefore taking up less space.

There are many possible schemes for simultaneous movement of these four boxes. FIG. 11D shows top view of one of the simpler designs in accordance with the present invention. Generally square shape member 3330 rotates around central axis “O”. This member has at each of its corners four identical joints 3332. Each of these joints 3332 is connected by a link 3321 to links 3304 at joints B. Because of the symmetry of the system, movement of all storage units 3102 is synchronized when the square shaped member is rotated. Theoretically, there is dead point for rotation when link 3306 and link 3308 are on one line, but as with other similar mechanisms, continuation of the storage rotation by inertia resolves this situation for all practical purposes.

FIGS. 12A-12D are diagrams illustrating a presently preferred wheel system for attachment to the bottom links in the embodiments depicted in FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of present invention. FIG. 12A shows a top view of wheel system having two wheels 4202-4204 and a wheel frame 4210. The wheels 4202-4204 are mounted on an axle 4212 of the wheel frame 4210. The wheel frame also includes a lazy type mechanism 4214. The wheel frame attaches either to a bottom plate 104 (FIG. 1) or bottom frame plate 4304 (FIG. 13) and can act as the means for attaching the first or second bottom link to the bottom plate 104 or the bottom frame plate 4304.

FIG. 12B shows a cross-section view of a wheel system depicted in FIG. 12A. Referring to FIG. 12B, one side of the lazy Susan mechanism 4214 attaches to the bottom frame plate 4304 and the other side attaches to the axle. Thus, the wheels can rotate with respect to the bottom frame plate 4304. A first or second bottom link of a rotaxial linkage mechanism 4230 attaches to the same side of the lazy Susan type mechanism as the axle such that the wheel assembly does not rotate with respect to the link 4230. This wheel mechanism can be used to replace the pins that rotatably attach the links of the rotaxial linkage mechanism to the bottom plate 104 depicted in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 13A-13C are diagrams illustrating a movable support frame capable supporting a movable object of attaching a set of wheels in accordance with one embodiment of present invention. The movable support frame includes a top frame plate 4302 and bottom frame plate 4304. In one embodiment, the bottom frame plate 4304 further includes two wheel-mounting structures 4306-4308. The first and second wheel mounting structures 4306-4308 are capable of receiving mounting wheel frames 4210 with sets of wheels 4202-4204. The wheels 4202-4204 are further attached to first and second links for controlling the movement of the movable support frame. It will be appreciated that the movable support frame can used in place of the movable object described in FIG. 1 and type of storage structures or other structures can be attached to the movable support frame. Such a structure can greatly facilitate the manufacture of reversible storage devices.

FIG. 13B illustrates another embodiment of one aspect of the invention. In this embodiment the bottom frame support 4304 replaces the bottom plate 104 depicted in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 and illustrating the manner in which the wheel mechanisms are attached to the bottom frame support. The two links 4312-4314 correspond to the first and second bottom link of FIG. 1 and the bottom frame plate 4304 corresponds to the base 202. While not shown, top plate 210 can be replaced with top frame plate 4302. In this arrangement an entire storage cabinet or bookcase could be easily removably attached to the top and bottom support frames to facilitate manufacture of the reversible storage structures.

FIG. 14 is a set of diagrams illustrating rotaxial movement in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a top view of the movable object. Movable object has two sides 4404-4406. The set of diagrams shows a sequence of rotaxial movement to reorient the movable object so that side 4404 is first accessible and ultimately side 4406 becomes accessible of the object. Upon the completion of the rotaxial movement or rotaxial rotation, the object is back to the same space with a different orientation. In addition to illustrating how one movable object can be reoriented through rotaxial movement, FIG. 14 also illustrates how a bank of movable objects can lined up side by side and reoriented without interference from its neighbor.

FIG. 15 depicts an object 5102 that is attached to a wall by a first top link 5404 and a second top link 5408. First top link 5404 is rotatably attached at one end to the wall and rotatably attached at the other end to the top of the object 5102. Second top link 5408 is rotatably attached at one end to the wall and rotatably attached at the other end to the top of the object 5102. While the links are shown attached to the wall by hinges 5410 and 5412 and to the object by pins 5414 and 5416 they may be attached in way to provide for rotatable attachment. Wheels are mounted to the bottom of the object 5102 to provide for low friction movement of the object 5102. The two links provide for rotaxial movement of the object 5102.

FIG. 16 illustrates a rotaxial linkage mechanism capable of providing a rotaxial movement for an object in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The rotaxial linkage mechanism, as shown in FIG. 16, includes two links 304 and 308 wherein one end of the link 304 is pivotally coupled to a revolute joint 310 representing a location of point A while another end of the link 304 is pivotally coupled to a revolute joint 314 representing a location of point B on the bottom plate 104. One end of the link 308 is pivotally coupled to a revolute joint 312 representing a location of point D while another end of the link 308 is pivotally coupled to a revolute joint 316 representing a location of C on the bottom plate 104. In this embodiment, the location of point A is situated on the left side of the stationary base 202 and the location of point D is situated on the backside of the stationary base 202. During the operation, links 304 and 308 provide rotaxial movement for the movable object.

FIG. 17 illustrates a rotaxial linkage mechanism capable of providing a rotaxial movement for an object in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The rotaxial linkage mechanism, as shown in FIG. 17, includes two links 304 and 308 wherein one end of the link 304 is pivotally coupled to a revolute joint 310 representing a location of point A while another end of the link 304 is pivotally coupled to a revolute joint 314 representing a location of point B on the bottom plate 104. One end of the link 308 is pivotally coupled to a revolute joint 312 representing a location of point D while another end of the link 308 is pivotally coupled to a revolute joint 316 representing a location of C on the bottom plate 104. In this embodiment, the location of point A is situated on the left side of the stationary base 202 and the location of point D is situated on the backside of the stationary base 202. It should be noted that link 304 is a U-shaped link. An advantage of using a U-shaped link is to allow different links having different lengths. During the operation, links 304 and 308 provide rotaxial movement for the movable object.

In the foregoing specification the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

an object having a first orientation and a second orientation;

an outer end of a first link pivotally coupled to a first location and an inner end of the first link pivotally coupled to a first location on the top side of the object; and

an outer end of a second link pivotally coupled to a second location and an inner end of the second link pivotally coupled to a second location on the top side of the object, wherein the first link, the top side of the object, and the second link are coupled in a series allowing the object to move from an original space with the first orientation and return to the original space with the second orientation.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an outer end of a third link pivotally coupled to a third location and an inner end of the third link pivotally coupled to a bottom side of the object; and

an outer end of a fourth link pivotally coupled to a fourth location and an inner end of the fourth link pivotally coupled to the bottom side of the object.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

a first end of a first support member coupled to the first location and a second end of first support member coupled to the third location; and

a first end of a second support member coupled to the second location and a second end of second support member coupled to the fourth location, wherein the first support member is situated at a substantially fixed distance from the second support member.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the object is a storage structure.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising:

a first end of a first torsion bar coupled to the outer end of the first link; and

a second end of said first torsion bar coupled to the outer end of the third link, wherein said first torsion bar provides substantial synchronous movement between the first and third links.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising:

a first end of a second torsion bar coupled to the outer end of the second link; and

a second end of said second torsion bar coupled to the outer end of the fourth link, wherein said second torsion bar provides substantial synchronous movement between the second and fourth links.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the object is capable of performing a rotaxial movement in response to the first and second links, wherein the rotaxial movement includes a compound motion that allows the object to move from original space with the first orientation and return to the original space with the second orientation.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising:

a first low-friction contact device coupled to the third link for support of the third link; and

a second low-friction contact device coupled to the fourth link for support of the fourth link.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the object is a storage device having one storage section, wherein the storage section is on the first orientation of the object.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the object is a storage device having two separate storage sections, wherein one storage section is on the first orientation of the object and another storage section is on the second orientation of the object.

11. An apparatus comprising:

an outside structure having a first vertical support member and a second vertical support member, wherein the first vertical support member is placed at a substantially fixed distance from the second vertical support member of the outside structure;

a first end of a first link coupled to a top end of the first vertical support member and a second end of the first link coupled to a first location of a top plate;

a first end of a second link coupled to a top end of the second vertical support member and a second end of the second link coupled to a second location of the top plate; and

an object coupled to the top plate, wherein the first link, the top plate, and the second link are coupled in a series allowing the object to move from original space with a first orientation and to return to the original space with a second orientation.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:

a first end of a third link coupled to a bottom end of the first vertical support member and a second end of the third link coupled to a first end of a bottom plate;

a first end of a fourth link coupled to a bottom end of the second vertical support member and a second end of the fourth link coupled to a second end of the bottom plate, wherein the bottom plate is coupled to the object.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the object is a storage device, wherein the storage device includes two storage sections.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:

a first end of a first torsion bar coupled to the first end of the first link; and

a second end of the first torsion bar coupled to the first end of the third link, wherein the first torsion bar assists substantial synchronous movement between the first and third links.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising:

a first end of a second torsion bar coupled to the first end of the second link; and

a second end of the second torsion bar coupled to the first end of the fourth link, wherein the second torsion bar provides substantial synchronous movement between the second and fourth links.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising:

a first low friction contact device coupled to the first link for support of the third link; and

a second low friction contact device coupled to the fourth link for support of the fourth link.

17. A method for moving an object comprising:

coupling a first end of a first link pivotally to a first support member;

coupling a first end of a second link pivotally to a second support member;

coupling a second end of the first link pivotally to a first location on the first surface of an object;

coupling a second end of the second link pivotally to a second location on said first surface of the object;

moving the object through a pre-defined trajectory from original space occupied by the object with a first orientation; and

returning the object back to the original space with a second orientation.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

attaching a first end of a third link pivotally to the first support member; and

coupling a second end of the third link pivotally to a second surface of the object.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

attaching a first end of a fourth link pivotally to the second support member; and

coupling a second end of the fourth link pivotally to the second surface of the object.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

attaching a first end of a first torsion bar to the first end of the first link; and

attaching a second end of the first torsion bar to the first end of the third link, wherein attaching the first torsion bar further includes synchronizing movement between the first link and the third link.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

attaching a first end of a second torsion bar to the first end of the second link; and

attaching a second end of said second torsion bar to the first end of the fourth link, wherein attaching said second torsion bar further includes synchronizing movement between the second link and the fourth link.

22. An apparatus of moving an object comprising:

means for coupling a first end of a first link pivotally to a first support member;

means for coupling a first end of a second link pivotally to a second support member;

means for coupling a second end of the first link pivotally to a first location on a first surface of an object;

means for coupling a second end of the second link pivotally to a second location on said first surface of the object; and

means for moving the object through a pre-defined trajectory from original space occupied by the object with a first orientation; and

means for returning back to the original space with a second orientation of the object.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising:

means for attaching a first end of a third link pivotally to the first support member; and

means for coupling a second end of the third link pivotally to a second surface of the object.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising:

means for attaching a first end of a fourth link pivotally to the second support member; and

means for coupling a second end of the fourth link pivotally to the second surface of the object.

25. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising:

means for attaching a first end of a first torsion bar to the first end of the first link; and

means for attaching a second end of the first torsion bar to the first end of the third link, wherein attaching the first torsion bar further includes synchronizing movement between the first link and the third link.

26. The apparatus of claim 24, further comprising:

means for attaching a first end of a second torsion bar to the first end of the second link; and

means for attaching a second end of the second torsion bar to the first end of the fourth link, wherein attaching the second torsion bar further includes synchronizing movement between the second link and the fourth link.

27. An apparatus comprising:

a structure having a first location and a second location, wherein the second location of the structure is situated at a substantially fixed distance from the first location of structure;

a moveable orientable object;

a first link having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the first link is coupled to the first location of structure and the second end of first link is coupled to a first location on the object; and

a second link having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second link is coupled to the second location of the structure; and the second end of the second link is coupled to a second location on the object, wherein the first location is physically different location from the second location on the object.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the object is capable of being held at a nominal space in a first nominal position and in a first nominal orientation; and wherein the object is capable of moving from the nominal space in a first position with the first nominal orientation in compound motion to a second position.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the object is capable of finishing the compound motion of the object in second position such that the object is occupying substantially same nominal space with second nominal orientation; and wherein the object is capable of being held in the second position and the second orientation.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the object is capable of moving in compound motion from the second position with the second orientation to the first position; and wherein the object is capable of finishing the compound motion of the object in the first position such that the object is occupying substantially same nominal space with the first nominal orientation.

31. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising:

a first end of a third link is coupled to the structure at a location corresponding to the first location of the structure; and

a second end of the third link is coupled to the object at a location on the object corresponding to the first location on the object, wherein motion of the third link corresponds to motion of the first link.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, further comprising:

a first end of a fourth link is coupled to the structure at a location corresponding to the second location of the structure; and

a second end of the fourth link is coupled to the object at a location on the object corresponding to the second location on the object, wherein motion of the fourth link corresponds to motion of the second link.

33. The apparatus of claim 32,

wherein the object is capable of being held at a nominal space with a first nominal position and a first nominal orientation;

wherein the object is capable of moving from the nominal space with the first position and the first nominal orientation in compound motion to second alternate position;

wherein the object is capable of finishing the compound motion of the object in second alternate position such that the object is occupying substantially same the nominal space with second nominal orientation;

wherein the object is capable of being held in the second position and the second orientation;

wherein the object is capable of moving in compound motion from the second position and the second orientation to the first nominal position; and

wherein the object is capable of finishing the compound motion of the object in the first nominal position such that the object is occupying substantially same nominal space with the first nominal orientation in response to the third and fourth links.

34. The apparatus of claim 33 further comprising:

a first end of a first bar coupled to the first link and a second end of first bar is coupled to third link.

35. The apparatus of claim 34 further comprising:

a first end of a second bar coupled to the second link and a second end of second bar coupled to the fourth link; wherein the first and second bars assist the object to perform a rotaxial motion.

36. The apparatus of claim 35,

wherein the object is capable of being held at a nominal space in a first nominal position in a first nominal orientation;

wherein the object is capable of moving from the nominal space and the first position and the first nominal orientation in compound motion to second alternate position;

wherein the object is capable of finishing the compound motion of the object in second alternate position such that the object is occupying substantially same the nominal space with second nominal orientation;

wherein the object is capable of being held in the second position and the second orientation;

wherein the object is capable of moving in compound motion from the second position and the second orientation to the first nominal position; and

wherein the object is capable of finishing the compound motion of the object in the first nominal position such that the object is occupying same the nominal space with the first nominal orientation.

37. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the object is a storage structure, wherein said structure has at least one side for storing objects.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the first end of first link is pivotally attached to the first location of structure and the first end of second link is pivotally attached to the second location of structure.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the second end of first link is pivotally attached to the third location on object and the second end of second link is pivotally attached to the third location on object.

40. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the links are located at the top of the object.

41. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising a support means for supporting at least one link.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the support means includes one of wheels, slides, and bearings.

43. The apparatus of claim 27,

wherein the object has two sides;

wherein the object is a storage device having two separate storage sections; and

wherein one storage section is on the first side of object and another storage section is on the second side of object.

44. A device having more than one access sides comprising:

a movable structure for holding at least one article;

means for holding the movable structure, wherein the means for holding includes a linkage mechanism of at least one link;

wherein the movable structure is capable of performing a rotaxial motion; and

wherein the rotaxial motion includes a compound motion that allows the structure to return to the same space at the end of motion with one of many predefined orientations.

45. The device of claim 44, wherein the movable structure is a cabinet having a front storage section and a back storage section.

46. The device of claim 44, wherein the linkage mechanism includes a first link and a second link.

47. The device of claim 46,

wherein the two-link mechanism includes a third link, wherein the first, second, and third links are movable and serially connected; and

wherein two outside links are pivotally coupled.

48. The device of claim 44, further comprising a second two-link mechanism located at opposite side of movable structure, wherein the second two link mechanism includes a third link and a fourth link.

49. The device of claim 48, wherein the first link of the first two-link mechanism is rigidly connected to corresponding third link of the two link second mechanism.

50. The device claim 44, wherein the means for holding the movable structure further includes a motor system for facilitating rotaxial motion automatically.

51. A method for providing a structure having moveable object comprising:

coupling first location of the object to first corresponding location of the structure by linkage of at least one link;

coupling second location of the object to second corresponding location of the structure by linkage of at least one link;

holding the object at a nominal space in first nominal position in first nominal orientation;

moving the object from the nominal space and the first position and the first nominal orientation in compound motion to second position;

finishing the compound motion of the object in second position such that the object occupies substantially same nominal space with second nominal orientation;

holding the object in the second position and the second orientation;

moving the object in compound motion from the second position and the second orientation to the first nominal position;

finishing the compound motion of the object in the first nominal position such that the object occupies substantially same nominal space with the first nominal orientation.

52. The method of claim 51, further comprising accessing the object via a third orientation during motion from one alternate position to another alternate position.

53. The method of claim 51, further comprising:

attaching a second end of first link to a first support; and

attaching a second end of second link to a second support.

54. The method of claim 51, wherein moving the object through a trajectory away from its original space with rotaxial motion further includes transporting the object by moving object axis along a predefined trajectory while the object rotates around its axis.

55. The method of claim 51, wherein changing orientation of the object further includes rotating the object by moving object axis along a predefined trajectory while the object rotates around its axis.

56. The method of claim 51, wherein moving the object back to its original space further includes rotating the object back to its original space by moving object axis along a predefined trajectory while the object rotates around its axis.