Suspended rotary rack

Abstract

The suspended rotary rack may be configured as a rotary clothes hanger with folding arms, multiple arm or hook rotary hanger racks, and single or multiple level rotary article holders, rotary platforms, or multiple arm article holders. The rotary rack is suspended from an overhead support by a bearing assembly having two tandem bearings. The bearing assembly has an anchor block, an anchor bearing having an inner race attached to the upper end of the anchor block, and an outer race fixed within an upper end of a column. The outer race of a guide bearing is fixed within the lower end of the anchor block. The inner race of the guide bearing is fixed to a guide block, the guide block being fixed within the upper end of the column below the anchor bearing. The tandem bearing assembly precludes any radial or axial play of the column.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/778,106, filed Mar. 2, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to devices for holding and supporting various articles. More specifically, the present invention is a suspended rotary rack, with various embodiments including a specific bearing structure for supporting the underlying rack portion and also for allowing the rack to rotate as desired.

2. Description of the Related Art

Innumerable racks and article holders have been developed in the past, ranging from simple shelves and platforms to more sophisticated devices with adjustable or movable shelves or other components. A subset of such devices comprises rotary racks and the like supported from the floor or other underlying surface. The well-known rotary clothes drying hanger for indoor use is among these devices.

One of the problems with such floor-supported devices is their relative lack of stability, particularly in the case of taller and narrower devices supported by a relatively narrow tripod or similar support structure. Such devices are easily knocked over, allowing breakable articles thereon to crash to the floor and incur damage, or at least be soiled by contact with the floor or underlying surface. Another problem with such devices is the amount of floor space they require. The requirement of a relatively small “footprint” area for the device and the need for stability are mutually exclusive, with relatively tall and narrow devices failing to provide the required stability and wider devices requiring too much floor space.

As a result, a number of suspended racks have been developed in the past. Such overhead supported devices solve the problems of the requirement of too much floor space and lack of stability. A few such devices have been developed which allow the rack to rotate or spin about a central suspended column, or to allow the column to rotate about a relatively stationary attachment. An example of such is found in Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-024,496 published on Jan. 30, 1996. According to the drawings and English abstract, this device is a motorized rotary clothes dryer, with a stationary overhead motor rotating a hanger shaft from which a series of hanger arms extend radially. The rotary hanger shaft has an eye at its upper end, through which a hook from the motor shaft is loosely installed. The assembly may be installed in the ceiling of an existing room, or within a floor supported rack or frame.

None of the above-mentioned patents or publications shows the present invention as claimed. Thus, a suspended rotary rack solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The suspended rotary rack includes a pair of bearings in tandem within a rotating shaft, with a stationary fastener passing through the center of the upper or anchor bearing to engage the overlying structure. The inner race of the anchor bearing is relatively stationary, with the outer race rotating and being captured within and rotationally fixed relative to the rotary column or tube depending therefrom. An anchor block is affixed to the inner race of the anchor bearing, and thereby to the overlying support structure from which the device is suspended. The anchor block is somewhat smaller than the inside diameter of the depending tube, with the tube rotating around the stationary anchor block. The end of the anchor block opposite the anchor bearing contains a guide bearing of smaller diameter than the anchor bearing, with the outer race of the guide bearing being rotationally fixed within the stationary anchor block. The inner race of the guide bearing is secured to a guide block, with the guide block extending from the guide bearing to affix to the inner wall of the rotary tube or column and rotate therewith.

The above-described assembly not only provides free rotation of the rotary column or tube, but also assures that the tube will remain axially rigid due to the two tandem bearings of the assembly. The rotary bearing and column assembly is particularly well suited for the overhead support of a rotary clothes rack or the like, with the axial rigidity of the system assuring that the rack will not tip, tilt, or sway to any significant degree, regardless of any imbalance of the load placed thereon. Such a rotary clothes hanger may incorporate a folding arm mechanism to fold the arms parallel to the central rotary column when the device is not in use, thereby freeing up usable space around the central column. Other embodiments comprising other devices may be installed upon the above described rotary assembly, e.g., multiple arm or hook rotary hanger racks, single or multiple level rotary article holders, single or multiple level rotary platforms, i.e., “lazy Susans,” single or multiple level, multiple arm article holders, etc., as desired.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a first embodiment of a suspended rotary rack according to the present invention, showing various features thereof.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the central hub assembly and arms of the suspended rotary rack of FIG. 1, showing further details thereof.

FIG. 3 is a partially broken away elevation view in section of the hub assembly of the rack of FIGS. 1 and 2, showing further details thereof.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the upper bearing assembly used in the various rack embodiments of the present invention, showing various details thereof.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view in section of the upper bearing assembly of the suspended rotary rack of the present invention, showing further details thereof.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a suspended rotary rack of the present invention configured as a multiple arm hanger.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a suspended rotary rack of the present invention configured as a multiple level article holder.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a suspended rotary rack of the present invention configured as a multiple level rotary tray.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a suspended rotary rack of the present invention configured as a multiple arm article holder.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention comprises various embodiments of a suspended rotary rack, in which the rack is anchored to an overhead structure (e.g., ceiling, etc.) and is free of contact with the underlying surface. The rack may have any of a large number of different configurations, including a rotary clothesline assembly with folding arms, article holding receptacles, hooks for holding clothing or other articles, etc., as desired. All of the various rotary rack embodiments utilize the same bearing assembly configuration, which allows the suspended rack support column and article holding elements extending therefrom to rotate freely while holding the assembly in an axially rigid relationship to the mounting structure in order to prevent swinging and swaying of the device.

FIG. 1 of the drawings provides a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present suspended rotary rack, comprising a rotary clothes-drying hanger 10. The hanger 10 includes a rigid, hollow rotary rack support column 12 having an upper end 14 in which an axially rigid bearing assembly (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and discussed further below) is installed, an opposite lower end 16, and a medial portion 18. An article support comprising a plurality of elongate folding arms 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d extend radially from a hub 22, with a series of flexible lines 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d extending between each of the arms 20a-20d and generally surrounding the hub 22. While four arms and four flexible lines are shown in the example of FIG. 1, it will be understood that more or fewer arms and lines may be provided, as desired.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the detailed structure of the hub 22 and its operation. The hub 22 is fixed within the lower end 16 of the rotating support column 12 (i.e., the hub 22 cannot rotate relative to the support column 12 but rotates in unison therewith) and includes a series of radially disposed arm attachment flange pairs 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d extending therefrom. Each arm 20a through 20d includes a proximal end, respectively 28a through 28d, inserted between corresponding flange pairs 26a through 26d. A lateral pin 30 is installed through each flange attachment pair 26a through 26d and corresponding arm proximal end 28a through 28d, pivotally securing the arms to the hub 22 and defining a pivot axis for each arm. Each arm proximal end 28a through 28d further includes an arm extension locking flat, respectively 32a through 32d, disposed substantially parallel to the length of its corresponding arm, and a folding arm locking flat, respectively 34a through 34d, substantially normal to the plane of the corresponding extension locking flats and elongate axes of the arms 20a-20d. While a series of four arms and corresponding attachment and pivot components is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and described above, it will be understood that any practicable number of three or more arms may be provided, as desired.

An arm position lock rod 36 passes concentrically through a passage in the hub 22, with the rod 36 having a spring retainer end 38 (e.g., mating threaded nut 40 engaging the threaded end of the rod or bolt 36) disposed within the lower end 16 of the support column 12, and an opposite external end 42 with a relatively large diameter, flat plate arm position lock 44 immovably affixed to the external end 42 of the rod 36 and disposed concentrically therewith. The arm position lock 44 preferably includes a handle 46 protruding therefrom to facilitate operating the device. An arm position lock spring 48 is compressively installed concentrically about the arm position lock rod 36 between the spring retainer end 38 thereof and the internal end of the hub 22.

Operation of the above described folding arm mechanism is most clearly shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings. The arm position lock spring 48 is in compression and normally holds the lock rod 36 (and accordingly, the arm position lock 44) up against the lower end of the hub 22 and lower end 16 of the support column 12 in which the hub 22 is immovably affixed. When the lock 44 is in this position, the flat upper surface thereof bears against either the arm extension locking flats 32a through 32d or the folding arm locking flats 34a through 34d, depending upon whether the arms 20a through 20d are extended or folded, respectively. To fold the arms upwardly adjacent to the support column 12, or to extend the folded arms to radiate from the hub 22 when they are folded, the arm position lock 44 is pulled away from the hub 22 and lower end 16 of the support column 12. This provides a sufficient span between the lock 44 and hub 22 (and support column lower end 16) to provide clearance for the corners of the arms 20a through 20d, i.e., the intersections of the arm extension lock flats 32a through 32d and respective arm folding lock flats 34a through 34b, to pivot below the lower surface of the hub 22 (and support column lower end 16), thereby allowing the arms 20a through 20d to pivot from their extended position (shown in solid lines in FIG. 3) to their folded position (shown in broken lines in FIG. 3), or vice-versa.

When the arms have been positioned as desired, the tension on the arm position lock 44 is released, and the spring 48 pulls the lock 44 up against the appropriate lock flats of the proximal ends 28a through 28d of the arms 20a through 20d to hold the arms in the selected extended or folded position. While it is anticipated that the arms will be folded or extended in unison with one another, it will be seen that the arms pivot independently of one another, and need not be folded or extended collectively. One or more of the arms may be extended while the others remain folded, or one or more may be folded while the others remain extended, if so desired.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the structure of the axially rigid bearing assembly 50, which is enclosed within the upper end 14 of the rotary rack support column 12 and which secures the support column 12 to the overlying structure (e.g., ceiling, etc.). A rotationally stationary anchor block 52 has a relatively small diameter upper or structure attachment end 54, and an opposite relatively large diameter guide bearing housing end 56 with a guide bearing housing or receptacle 58 formed therein (shown in FIG. 5). The anchor block 52 has a concentric passage formed therethrough, through which a structure attachment fastener (e.g., a machine screw or bolt 60, as shown in FIG. 4, or a lag bolt or screw 62, as shown in FIG. 5, etc.) passes to attach column 12 to the overlying structure (e.g., ceiling plate P, as shown in FIG. 4, or ceiling joist J, as shown in FIG. 5, etc.). The assembly is spaced away from the overlying structure, as shown in FIG. 5, in order to provide clearance to allow the outer rotary rack support column 12 to rotate, but the anchor block 52 and structure attachment fastener 60 or 62 are immovably affixed to the overlying structure and do not rotate or move relative thereto.

The structure attachment end 54 of the anchor block 52 has an anchor bearing 64 (e.g., ball bearing, as shown, or other type of bearing, such as a plain or tapered roller bearing, needle bearing, etc.) installed thereon, with the inner race 66 being immovably installed concentrically upon the anchor bearing installation and structure attachment end 54 of the anchor block 52. The inner race 66 of the anchor bearing 64 is preferably a press fit over the bearing installation and structure attachment end 54 of the anchor block 52 to assure that the inner race 66 is axially rigid and rotationally stationary relative to the anchor block 52. The outer race 68 is press fit or otherwise rotationally affixed and immovably secured in an axially rigid installation within the upper end 14 of the support column 12. A set screw (not shown) or other additional locking means may be provided to secure the outer race 68 of the anchor bearing 64 within the upper end 14 of the support column 12, as desired. While the inner race 66 of the anchor bearing 64 is immovably locked relative to the overlying structure, the outer race 68, and therefore support column 12, are free to rotate about the inner race 66.

A relatively smaller diameter guide bearing 70 (e.g., ball bearing, as shown, or other type of bearing as desired) is installed concentrically within the guide bearing housing or receptacle 58 of the anchor block 52, with the outer race 72 of the guide bearing 70 being immovably affixed in an axially rigid relationship with the anchor block 52. The guide bearing 70 may be press fit within the anchor block 52, and/or a conventional set screw (not shown) or other means may be used to provide further security for the guide bearing 70. It will be seen that as the anchor block 52 does not rotate relative to the overlying structure, neither will the outer race 72 of the guide bearing 70.

However, the inner race 74 of the guide bearing 70 is free to rotate relative to its outer race 72, and is installed upon the relatively small diameter guide bearing end 76 of a guide block 78. The inner race 74 of the guide bearing 70 is preferably a press fit onto the guide bearing end 76 of the guide block 78, with the inner race 74 of the guide bearing 70 and the guide block 78 being rotationally locked to one another in an axially rigid relationship. The opposite rotary column engagement end 80 of the guide block 78 has a relatively larger diameter which fits tightly and immovably in an axially rigid concentric relationship within the inner diameter of the rotary rack support column 12.

Further security for the guide bearing 70 installation to the guide block 78 is provided by a guide bearing and guide block assembly fastener 82, which passes concentrically through the guide block 78 and inner race 74 of the guide bearing 70. A relatively large diameter washer 84a is installed beneath the head of the fastener 82, in order to overlap and positively retain the inner race 74 of the guide bearing 70 on the guide bearing end 76 of the guide block 78. A similar but somewhat larger diameter washer 84b may be installed between the structure attachment end 54 of the anchor block 52 to overlap the inner race 66 of the anchor bearing 64, and further to space the rotating outer race 68 and upper end 14 of the rotary rack support column 12 from the overlying structure.

In the above described structure, the anchor block 52, inner race 66 of the anchor bearing 64, and outer race 72 of the guide bearing 70 are all immovably affixed relative to the overlying structure. The outer race 68 of the anchor bearing 64, inner race 74 of the guide bearing 70 and rotationally attached guide block 78, and the upper end portion 14 and remainder of the rotary rack support column 12, which is rotationally attached to the outer race 68 of the anchor bearing 64 and rotary column engagement end 80 of the guide block 78, are free to rotate. As the anchor block 52 is relatively stationary and the overlying rotary rack support column 12 rotates therearound, the relatively larger diameter guide bearing end 56 of the anchor block 52 is made somewhat smaller than the inner diameter of the support column 12, in order to provide a clearance gap 86 therebetween to preclude contact between the two components.

The above described axially rigid bearing assembly is not limited to use with the rotary clothes hanger rack 10 of FIG. 1. It will be seen that a great variety of different suspended rotary rack configurations may be provided using the above-described bearing assembly, with the following embodiments being exemplary of but a few such devices.

FIG. 6 illustrates a suspended rotary rack 10a in which a series of hooks 88 extend radially from the rotary support column 12. The hooks 88 may be distributed both radially around the support column, and axially along the length of the support column, in any regular or irregular arrangement or configuration as desired. The support column 12, along with its axially rigid bearing assembly (not shown in FIG. 7), is essentially identical to the support column 12 of FIG. 1 and bearing assembly 50 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIG. 7 provides an illustration of another embodiment 10b of a suspended rotary rack wherein a series of receptacle racks extend from the lower end 16 of a shortened rotary rack support column 12. A series of support rods 90 extend downwardly and outwardly from the lower end 16 of the support column 12, and turn vertically downward essentially parallel to the rotational axis of the support column 12. A plurality of vertically spaced multiple receptacle racks 92 are installed within the area defined by the support rods 90, with each rack 92 providing for the holding and containment of a plurality of articles (e.g., bottles, etc.) therein. The number of receptacles in each rack tier 92 is preferably equal to the number of support rods 90, with each rack 92 being in the general form of a regular polygon with the support rods 90 connecting to their flat sides. In this manner, the receptacles themselves may be placed at the corners of the polygonal racks 92, to facilitate placement and removal of articles to and from the racks 92. A lower shelf 94 with accessory hooks 96 may also be provided at the base of the support rods 90, if so desired.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment 10c of the present invention, wherein a plurality of circular trays 98a and 98b are installed upon the support column 12 to form a “lazy Susan” type device. At least one such tray is installed, or more than the two trays 98a, 98b shown in FIG. 8 may be installed, as desired. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, a first or upper tray 98a is installed along the medial portion 18 of the support column 12, with a second or lower tray 98b being installed at the lower end 16 of the column 12. It will be seen that additional trays may be installed as desired and that the trays may have other than the circular shape shown in FIG. 8. For example, an arcuate section may be removed from the circular shape, etc., as desired. It will further be seen that the rotary rack support column 12 may be extended to form two or more sections that rotate independently of one another by means of the installation of additional axially rigid bearing assemblies 50 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. In this manner, two or more trays installed upon such an embodiment will be free to rotate independently of one another.

FIG. 9 illustrates still another embodiment of the suspended rotary rack, designated as 10d, wherein a series of radially disposed arms 100 extend from the support column 12. As in the case of the embodiment 10a of FIG. 6, the various arms may be distributed radially and/or axially in any even or uneven pattern along the length of the support column 12, as desired. Each of the arms 100 terminates in a distal end 102 having an article support receptacle 104 extending therefrom, e.g., a ring or the like for holding a plant pot or similar article. The suspended rotary rack 10d of FIG. 9 is particularly well suited for the storage and display of potted plants, but will be recognized as being useful for other purposes with little or no modification. It will also be noted that as in the case of the lazy Susan embodiment 10c of FIG. 8, the support column 12 may comprise several sections, each separated from the next by an axially rigid bearing assembly 50 with each arm 100 extending from a joint between adjacent sections of the column 12. Alternatively, the arms 100 may be rotationally affixed to a single column 12, or each to a separate segment of a multiple segment column, as desired.

In conclusion, the suspended rotary rack provides a rotating, suspended column that does not sway axially or transversely. The rack is particularly well suited for use as an indoor rotary clothes drying rack, with its folding arms providing further convenience when the device is not in use. However, the various other embodiments disclosed herein, as well as others falling within the scope of the present invention, are well suited for the storage and display of innumerable goods and articles in retail stores and other environments. Accordingly, the suspended rotary rack will prove to be a most desirable device to homeowners, as well as to those engaged in retail trades, and/or any other environment where such a suspended rotary rack may be useful.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A suspended rotary rack, comprising:

a bearing assembly adapted for suspension from an overhead support;

a rigid, hollow rotary rack support column having an upper end, a medial portion, and a lower end opposite the upper end, the bearing assembly being disposed concentrically within the upper end of the column and constrained from axial movement within the column, the column being rotatable about an axis defined through the bearing assembly; and

at least one article support extending radially from said rotary rack support column, the article support being fixed to the column for rotation therewith.

2. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 1, wherein said at least one article support further comprises:

a plurality of elongate folding arms extending radially from the lower end of said rotary rack support column; and

a plurality of flexible clotheslines extending between each of said folding arms.

3. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 2, wherein each of said folding arms has a proximal end, the rotary rack further including:

a hub rotationally affixed to the lower end of said rotary rack support column;

a plurality of radially disposed arm attachment flange pairs extending from said hub;

an arm extension locking flat disposed upon the proximal end of each of said folding arms, the flats extending substantially parallel to the length of the corresponding one of said folding arms;

a folded arm locking flat disposed upon the proximal end of each of said folding arms, the folded arm locking flats extending substantially normal to the corresponding said arm extension locking flat;

an arm attachment pin pivotally securing each of said folding arms to a corresponding one of said arm attachment flange pairs;

an arm position lock rod having a spring retainer end and an external end opposite the spring retainer end, the rod extending concentrically through said hub;

an arm position lock spring compressively disposed about said arm position lock rod between the spring retainer end thereof and said hub; and

an arm position lock disposed upon the external end of said arm position lock rod and extending concentrically from said hub, the lock selectively bearing against each said arm extension locking flat or each said folding arm locking flat of said folding arms and correspondingly selectively locking said folding arms in a radially extended position or in a folded position adjacent said rotary rack support column.

4. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 1, wherein said axially rigid bearing assembly further comprises:

a rotationally stationary anchor block having a small diameter structure attachment end and a large diameter guide bearing housing end opposite the structure attachment end;

an anchor bearing having a rotationally stationary inner race and a rotating outer race, the inner race seated axially rigidly and concentrically about the structure attachment end of said anchor block;

a rotationally stationary structure attachment fastener passing concentrically through said anchor bearing and said anchor block, the fastener securing said anchor bearing to said anchor block;

a guide bearing having a rotationally stationary outer race seated axially rigidly and concentrically within the guide bearing housing end of said anchor block, and a rotating inner race;

a rotating guide block having a small diameter guide bearing end seated axially rigidly and concentrically within the inner race of said guide bearing, and a large diameter rotary column engagement end opposite the guide bearing end; and

a guide bearing and guide block assembly fastener passing concentrically through said guide bearing and said guide block, and securing said guide bearing to said guide block, the upper end of said rotary rack support column being disposed concentrically about and in axially rigid rotational contact with the outer race of said anchor bearing and said guide block, and free of contact with said anchor block.

5. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 4, wherein said anchor bearing and said guide bearing comprise ball bearings.

6. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 4, wherein said structure attachment fastener is selected from the group consisting of machine screws and lag bolts.

7. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 1, wherein said at least one article support is selected from the group consisting of a plurality of hooks extending radially from said rotary rack support column, a plurality of vertically disposed multiple receptacle racks extending from the lower end of said rotary rack support column, at least one circular tray concentrically disposed upon said rotary rack support column, and a plurality of radially disposed arms extending from said rotary rack support column, with each of the arms having a distal end and an article support receptacle extending therefrom.

8. A suspended rotary rack, comprising:

a bearing assembly adapted for suspension from an overhead support;

a rigid, hollow rotary rack support column having an upper end, a medial portion, and a lower end opposite the upper end, the bearing assembly being disposed concentrically within the upper end of the column and constrained from axial movement within the column, the column being rotatable about an axis defined through the bearing assembly;

a plurality of elongate folding arms extending radially from the lower end of said rotary rack support column; and

a plurality of flexible clotheslines extending between each of said folding arms.

9. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 8, further including:

a hub rotationally affixed to the lower end of said rotary rack support column;

a plurality of radially disposed arm attachment flange pairs extending from said hub;

an arm extension locking flat disposed upon a proximal end of each of said folding arms, the flat extending substantially parallel to the length of the corresponding one of said folding arms;

a folded arm locking flat disposed upon the proximal end of each of said folding arms, the folded arm locking flat extending substantially normal to the corresponding said arm extension locking flat;

an arm attachment pin pivotally securing each of said folding arms to a corresponding one of said arm attachment flange pairs;

an arm position lock rod having a spring retainer end and an external end opposite the spring retainer end, the rod extending concentrically through said hub;

an arm position lock spring compressively disposed about said arm position lock rod between the spring retainer end thereof and said hub; and

an arm position lock disposed upon the external end of said arm position lock rod and extending concentrically from said hub, the lock selectively bearing against each said arm extension locking flat or each said folding arm locking flat of said folding arms and correspondingly selectively locking said folding arms in a radially extended position or in a folded position adjacent said rotary rack support column.

10. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 8, wherein said axially rigid bearing assembly further comprises:

a rotationally stationary anchor block having a small diameter structure attachment end and a large diameter guide bearing housing end opposite the structure attachment end;

an anchor bearing having a rotationally stationary inner race and a rotating outer race, the inner race seated axially rigidly and concentrically about the structure attachment end of said anchor block;

a rotationally stationary structure attachment fastener passing concentrically through said anchor bearing and said anchor block, the fastener securing said anchor bearing to said anchor block;

a guide bearing having a rotationally stationary outer race seated axially rigidly and concentrically within the guide bearing housing end of said anchor block, the guide bearing having a rotating inner race;

a rotating guide block having a small diameter guide bearing end seated axially rigidly and concentrically within the inner race of the guide bearing, and a large diameter rotary column engagement end opposite the guide bearing end; and

a guide bearing and guide block assembly fastener passing concentrically through the guide bearing and said guide block, and securing the guide bearing to said guide block, the upper end of said rotary rack support column being disposed concentrically about, and in axially rigid rotational contact with, the outer race of said anchor bearing and said guide block, the upper end of said rotary rack support column being free of contact with said anchor block.

11. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 10, wherein said anchor bearing and said guide bearing comprise ball bearings.

12. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 10, wherein said structure attachment fastener is selected from the group consisting of machine screws and lag bolts.

13. A suspended rotary rack, comprising:

an anchor block having a small diameter structure attachment end and a large diameter guide bearing housing end opposite the structure attachment end, the anchor block being adapted for being rigidly suspended from an overhead support structure;

an anchor bearing having an inner race fixed about the structure attachment end of the anchor block and an outer race rotatable about the inner race;

a structure attachment fastener passing concentrically through the anchor bearing and the anchor block, the fastener being adapted for rigidly attaching the anchor block to the overhead support structure;

a guide bearing having an outer race rigidly fixed within the guide bearing housing end of the anchor block and an inner race concentric with and rotatable within the outer race;

a guide block having a small diameter guide bearing end seated rigidly within the inner race of the guide bearing and a large diameter rotary column engagement end opposite the guide bearing end;

a guide bearing and guide block assembly fastener passing concentrically through the guide bearing and the guide block, the fastener attaching the guide bearing to the guide block;

a hollow support column having an upper end, a medial portion, and a lower end opposite the upper end, the rotary column engagement end being fixed within the column; and

at least one article support extending radially from the rotary rack support column.

14. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 13, wherein said anchor bearing and said guide bearing comprise ball bearings.

15. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 13, wherein said structure attachment fastener is selected from the group consisting of machine screws and lag bolts.

16. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 13, wherein said at least one article support comprises:

a plurality of elongate folding arms extending radially from the lower end of said rotary rack support column; and

a plurality of flexible clotheslines extending between each of said folding arms.

17. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 16, further including:

a hub rotationally affixed to the lower end of said rotary rack support column;

a plurality of radially disposed arm attachment flange pairs extending from said hub;

an arm extension locking flat disposed upon a proximal end of each of said folding arms, the flat extending substantially parallel to the length of the corresponding one of said folding arms;

a folded arm locking flat disposed upon the proximal end of each of said folding arms, the folded arm locking flat extending substantially normal to the corresponding said arm extension locking flat;

an arm attachment pin pivotally securing one of said folding arms to a corresponding one of said arm attachment flange pairs;

an arm position lock rod having a spring retainer end and an external end opposite the spring retainer end, the rod extending concentrically through said hub;

an arm position lock spring compressively disposed about the arm position lock rod between the spring retainer end thereof and said hub; and

an arm position lock disposed upon the external end of the arm position lock rod and extending concentrically from said hub, selectively bearing against each said arm extension locking flat or each said folding arm locking flat of said folding arms and correspondingly selectively locking said folding arms in a radially extended position or in a folded position adjacent said rotary rack support column.

18. The suspended rotary rack according to claim 13, wherein said at least one article support is selected from the group consisting of a plurality of hooks extending radially from said rotary rack support column, a plurality of vertically disposed multiple receptacle racks extending from the lower end of said rotary rack support column, at least one circular tray concentrically disposed upon said rotary rack support column, and a plurality of radially disposed arms extending from said rotary rack support column, each of the arms having a distal end and an article support receptacle extending therefrom.