Shelving System With Rotational Functionality

Abstract

The present disclosure provides enhanced storage systems that facilitate efficient storage of, and access to, a variety of items and products. Exemplary systems according to the present disclosure include mechanism(s) that permit reliable and efficient repositioning of one or more shelves, thereby enhancing utilization and efficiencies associated therewith. Shelving systems according to the present disclosure facilitate synchronized vertical motion of shelving units, e.g., based on coordinated pulley/cable systems, and advantageously include spring designs that facilitate controlled vertical motion of shelving units, e.g., based on fluid movement and/or discharge from the spring design. Rotational motion of the shelves relative to a stationary rod may be provided. Shelving units may be readily repositioned at elbow or eye level, and repositioned at their respective initial positions in an efficient and advantageous manner. The shelving systems may be original manufacture units or may be designed for use in retrofitting existing shelving systems.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to enhanced storage systems, and more particularly to storage systems that facilitate efficient storage of, and access to, a variety of items and products. Exemplary systems according to the present disclosure include mechanism(s) that permit reliable and efficient repositioning of one or more shelves, thereby enhancing utilization and efficiencies associated therewith.

2. Background Art

Shelves and shelf systems are widely used for displaying and storing items. Sometimes shelves are contained within cabinets, armoires, closets, etc., while in other applications, e.g., supermarket and book shelves, the shelving units are free-standing and are constructed to facilitate access to items stored thereon. In designing shelving systems, designers must ensure system stability while, to the extent possible, providing efficient access to stored items.

The height to which a stack of shelves can extend is typically limited by the reach of a person of average size. Alternatively, in some cases upper shelves are positioned out of the reach of users and various tools are provided to permit access to the contents of upper shelves. For example, users may be provided with tools that include footstools, stepladders, reach poles, etc. The use of such tools, however, can be inefficient and, in some cases, can contribute to dangerous conditions. For example, people may be injured from falls off of stepladders and/or footstools. Likewise, the use of reach poles can result in inadvertent knocking and/or dislodging of the desired item or an adjacent item from the shelf. In such circumstances, item(s) may be broken or, worse yet, item(s) may fall from the upper shelf, potentially string and injuring the person using the reach pole or another person in the vicinity thereof. In addition, such tools are typically a nuisance to have about, can lead to injuries merely by tripping a person, and are frequently misplaced or not readily available for use.

In the past, efforts have been directed to providing moveable shelves to address the problems associated with fixedly positioned shelves. Examples of previous efforts directed to developing enhanced shelving systems, which are disclosed in the patent literature, as discussed herein.

Ochse, U.S. Pat. No. 1,940,877, discloses extension shelving for display cabinets wherein the shelving may be drawn out of the display cabinet by means of tracks and rollers, and the shelves may be tilted to assume a rearward ascending step-wise arrangement, the lower-most shelf extending forward of the cabinet and the upper shelves.

Snyder, U.S. Pat. No. 3,640,389, discloses a display stand and expandable shelf for use thereon. The Snyder '389 system includes a base and a pair of upright shelf supports. The components of the system are slidably engageable with each other and conventional fastening means are not required for assembly. Additionally, the shelves include a portion (80) that can be extended vertically upward from the remainder of the shelf (70) to form a step, and other portion(s) (90 and 96) can be extended horizontally outward from the shelf to form a wider shelf (again having a step).

Brauning, U.S. Pat. No. 4,056,196, discloses a supporting framework for shelves including crosspieces interconnected with uprights. The cross pieces can ride up and down the uprights and, when positioned in a desired location, can be locked into place by a locking mechanism.

Wyckoff, U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,652, discloses a vertically adjustable work desk that is raised by a force applied by a lockable gas spring via a first pulley system. A second pulley system insures that all areas of the work surface are equally raised.

Duff et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,282, discloses movable gondola shelving for merchandise display having a rolling base that supports channeled uprights and a center panel. Cantilevered shelves are interconnected with the channeled uprights by means of cam assemblies at the rear corners of the shelves. The cam assemblies allow for the shelves to be vertically adjusted while the shelves are maintained in a level position.

Bustos, U.S. Pat. No. 5,014,862, discloses an assembly for a cantilevered display header for a gondola display rack that includes two uprights braced to the gondola display rack in vertical spaced relation. The header, which defines a light box that can receive a sign for illumination thereof, is mounted separately from the shelf and is vertically moveable with respect thereto for adjusting the height of the header with respect to the shelf.

Duane, U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,846, discloses a storage rack that includes vertically and horizontally moveable supports. The storage rack includes plural spaced horizontal supports for vertical motion. Vertical movement of the rack is powered by one or more hydraulic cylinders carried in the vertical support columns, and an associated control mechanism that allows adjustable vertical positioning of the rack. Horizontal supports of a compound nature are disclosed which permit lateral extension to expose material carried on the support element.

Hardy, U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,887, discloses an extendable shelf assembly that includes extender bars having slots and a cooperating pair of rotatable sprockets that are affixed to an axle. The sprockets include a plurality of teeth that engage the slots of the extender bars.

Anderson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,821, discloses a vertically adjustable shelf and support rail arrangement for use in a cabinet. The shelf arrangement includes a pair of rotatably mounted rear sprocket members and a driving mechanism for rotating the sprockets to vertically adjust the shelf within the cabinet. The driving mechanism can be manually or electrically powered, and the adjustable shelf may include elements that ensure that the sprockets are not disengaged from the rails while the shelf is within the cabinet.

Rindoks et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,913, discloses a support arrangement for a furniture system that includes a support assembly having a pair of standards which extend vertically in spaced relate. Each of the standards includes two rows of openings extending vertically in spaced relation. A first support member may be detachably mounted in a pair of outermost rows of openings, and a second support may be detachably mounted in a pair of innermost rows of openings.

Santiago, U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,610, discloses a cantilever shelf support system wherein the disclosed bracket includes a plurality of forwardly projecting cantilevered male members for insertion into mating female apertures formed in the shelf.

In addition to the prior art efforts discussed above, the present inventor has previously disclosed advantageous shelving systems. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,588 to Engel discloses advantageous shelving systems wherein shelves are provided in a stack arrangement mounted to two or more uprights. The uprights include one or more shelf support members which support the shelves. One or more of the shelves are movable out from the shelf stack, either by way of a telescoping support member, or otherwise, to permit movement of such shelf or shelves to or past a lower shelf. After an upper shelf or shelves are moved vertically past a lower shelf, the upper shelf or shelves can be moved back into alignment with the lower shelf. In this arrangement, the upper shelf or shelves may be positioned below the lower shelf to permit easy access to the upper shelf or shelves (and their contents). Additional efforts by the present inventor are disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0189021, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0006331, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0029209, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0032830.

Despite these prior art efforts, a need remains for enhanced shelving system designs that are stable in construction and that facilitate access to items stored thereon. These and other objectives are satisfied by the enhanced shelving systems disclosed herein, as will be apparent from the detailed description, which follows.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

These and other objects are achieved by the shelf system of the present invention, which includes two or more shelves in a stack arrangement mounted to uprights. The uprights include one or more shelf support members which support the shelves. One or more of the shelves are movable out from the shelf stack, either by way of a telescoping support member, or otherwise, to permit movement of such shelf or shelves to or past a lower shelf. The movable stack of shelves are generally connected such that outward movement of one shelf effects a corresponding movement of the other shelf (or shelves). After an upper shelf or shelves are moved vertically to or past a lower shelf, the upper shelf or shelves may be moved back into alignment with the lower shelf. In this arrangement, the upper shelf or shelves can thereby become positioned below the lower shelf. This permits easy access to the upper shelf or shelves.

In preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, a shelf/shelving unit that is moved to a “higher” or “upper” position, as described above, may be telescoped horizontally outward and moved past the “lower” shelves to again reverse position. In other words, the shelves/shelving units may be repeatedly moved past each other, with the shelf/shelving unit in the “upper” (or the “lower”) position being the shelf/shelving unit that is moved horizontally outward to create vertical clearance relative to the other shelf/shelving unit. Thus, the shelves/shelving unit positions may be repeatedly reversed in an efficient and reliable manner.

Vertical movement of the upper shelves and the lower shelf can be facilitated through a pulley arrangement whereby the upper shelf and the lower shelf are interconnected and constrained to move together in opposite directions. Alternative structures and/or mechanisms may be used to effect shelf movement, e.g., motorized mechanisms and/or bar systems. Also, rollers may be used to facilitate such movement of the shelves. Accordingly, movement of one roller corresponding to an upper shelf causes a corresponding opposite movement of another roller corresponding to a lower shelf, and thereby, movement of one shelf causes a corresponding opposite movement of the other shelf. Alternatively, integral tracks may be formed in the shelving system to guide the movement of upper shelves out from the stack, to or past a lower shelf, and back into position with the stack of shelves. Importantly, an upper shelf can be moved down the stack to take the place of a lower shelf so that the upper shelf can be accessed.

According to the present invention, numerous improved and advantageous shelving systems and shelving system components are disclosed, including:

1. Shelving systems may be provided whereby repeated repositioning of shelves/shelving units is effected by outward horizontal motion of the shelf/shelving unit then located in the “upper” position. Thus, it is not always the same shelf/shelving unit that is moved outward to create the desired clearance, but rather the shelf/shelving unit located in the same relative vertical position that is moved outward to create such clearance. The same advantageous result may be achieved according to the present disclosure by repeatedly manipulating the shelf/shelving unit located in the “lower” position, if desired. Advantageous mechanisms and structural arrangements facilitating such relative motion of the shelves/shelving units are disclosed herein.

2. Advantageous spring systems that advantageously permit repositioning of the shelves/shelving units are disclosed, such spring systems advantageously dampening motion of the shelves/shelving units. Preferred spring systems control fluid/airflow to achieve the advantageous results described herein.

3. Advantageous ceiling height systems are disclosed that allow a stack of shelves to trade places with another stack of shelves, and further permit, within each shelving stack, shelves may be repositioned with respect to other shelves within the stack.

4. Advantageous shelving systems include various upright support arrangements, e.g., designs wherein different numbers and combinations of shelf supports are employed to permit vertical repositioning of the shelves/shelving units.

5. Advantageous shelving systems are provided that include a “mobile arm,” i.e., an arm or set of arms that travel up and down relative to upright system supports. The mobile arm is adapted to pick any chosen storage area and transport the selected storage area to the desired level, e.g., elbow or eye level. Once use of the storage area at elbow/eye level is complete, the mobile arm may be advantageously used to transport the storage area to its original location. The process may be controlled by motor, processor and software, by motor and gears, and/or by manual selection.

6. Advantageous shelving systems are provided that include one or more “split shelve” that facilitate vertical repositioning of shelves/shelving units, e.g., in European cabinet designs where a bar or face board is typically centrally positioned in the cabinet opening.

7. Advantageous shelving systems are provided that facilitate safe usage of storage areas by children and/or handicapped people, including wheelchair bound people.

8. Advantageous shelving systems are provided that include pulley/cable mechanisms to facilitate and synchronize relative motion of individual shelving units.

9. Advantageous shelving systems are provided that support rotational functionality of shelving units, together with pulley/cable mechanisms, that facilitate and synchronize relative motion of individual shelving units.

These and other structural aspects, features and functionalities of the advantageous shelving systems of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed shelving systems appertain will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the appended drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view, partially cut-away, of an exemplary shelving system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic view, partially cut-away, of the exemplary shelving system of FIG. 1, showing horizontal movement of a first set of shelves relative to upright supports thereof.

FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view, partially cut-away, of the exemplary shelving system of FIG. 1, showing vertical movement of first and second sets of shelves relative to upright supports thereof.

FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view, partially cut-away, of the exemplary shelving system of FIG. 1, showing horizontal movement of a repositioned first set of shelves relative to upright supports thereof.

FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of structural aspects of the exemplary shelving system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of additional structural aspects of the exemplary shelving system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A is a side view, partially in section, of an aspect of an exemplary shelving system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view of a second exemplary shelving system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a perspective schematic view of the second exemplary shelving system of FIG. 7, with parts removed.

FIG. 7B is a perspective schematic view of an alternative version of the second exemplary shelving system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 7C is a perspective schematic view of an alternative version of the second exemplary shelving system of FIG. 7, with parts removed.

FIG. 8 is a perspective schematic view of the exemplary shelving system of FIG. 7, showing horizontal movement of a first set of shelves relative to upright supports thereof.

FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic view of the exemplary shelving system of FIG. 7, showing vertical movement of first and second sets of shelves relative to upright supports thereof.

FIG. 10 is a perspective schematic view of the exemplary shelving system of FIG. 7, showing repositioning of first and second sets of shelves.

FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic view, partially cut-away, of the exemplary shelving system of FIG. 7, showing internal structural features thereof.

FIG. 12 is a perspective schematic view of a third exemplary shelving system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective schematic view of the exemplary shelving system of FIG. 12, showing horizontal movement of a first set of shelves relative to upright supports thereof.

FIG. 14 is a perspective schematic view of the exemplary shelving system of FIG. 12, showing vertical movement of first and second sets of shelves relative to upright supports thereof.

FIG. 15 is a perspective schematic view of the exemplary shelving system of FIG. 12, showing repositioning of first and second sets of shelves.

FIG. 16 is a perspective schematic view, partially cut-away, of the exemplary shelving system of FIG. 12, showing internal structural features thereof.

FIG. 17 is a perspective schematic view, partially cut-away, of a fourth exemplary shelving system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a perspective schematic view of structural aspects of the fourth exemplary embodiment of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective schematic view, partially cut-away, of structural aspects of a fifth exemplary shelving system according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 20-23 are cut-away perspective views of structural aspects of the fifth exemplary embodiment of FIG. 19.

FIGS. 24-25 are schematic views of exemplary revolving slide implementations according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 26-30 are schematic views of an exemplary implementation of a revolving slide system according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 31-41 are schematic views of further exemplary implementations of a revolving slide system according to the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 42-44 provide schematic views of an alternative implementation that features rotational functionality of the shelving unit(s).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

The present disclosure provides enhanced storage systems and, more particularly, storage systems that facilitate efficient storage of, and access to, a variety of items and products. The disclosed shelving systems permit reliable and efficient repositioning of one or more shelves relative to upright supports, thereby enhancing utilization and efficiencies associated therewith. The disclosed shelving systems offer a stable, flexible construction that enhance safety for system users and significant economic benefits through cost-effective use of storage space.

Importantly, the shelving systems of the present disclosure are susceptible to wide ranging applications. For example, the disclosed shelving systems may be advantageously employed in free-standing shelving systems, e.g., shelving systems for use in commercial or domestic applications such as retail product displays, warehouse storage, electronic and telecommunication equipment storage, garage and attic storage, food storage, etc. Moreover, the disclosed shelving systems may be advantageously employed within enclosures, e.g., within armoires, closets, storage bins, freezers, refrigerators, kitchen cabinetry and the like. In addition, the disclosed “shelves” may take a variety of forms without departing from the spirit and/or scope of the present disclosure. For example, the exemplary “shelves” disclosed herein may alternatively take the form of hanging rods, drawers, bins and the like. Additionally, the disclosed shelving systems may be manufactured and/or distributed as free-standing, independent units or as components for use in retrofitting existing shelving unit(s) and/or shelving system(s). Thus, as used herein, the terms “shelf,” “shelves,” “shelving system” and “shelving systems” are intended to broadly encompass shelving/storage applications wherein storage is achieved through vertically spaced storage elements and wherein efficiencies and/or benefits may be achieved through vertical repositioning of such storage elements.

In describing individual structural components associated with exemplary shelving systems according to the present disclosure, elements that are structurally identical may be identified with an alphanumeric designation. In such circumstances, it is to be understood that the disclosed elements are structurally identical (subject to manufacturing tolerances and the like) in the disclosed exemplary embodiment, and that the element may be thereafter generically referenced in the subsequent narrative using only the common numeric designation. For example, structurally identical elements 10a and 10b may be generically referred to as element or elements 10. When referenced using only the numeric designation, it is to be understood that the narrative is referencing all elements that share the same numeric designation within respective alphanumeric designations.

With reference to the enclosed figures, which depict exemplary embodiments of shelving systems according to the present disclosure, reference is initially made to the exemplary shelving system 100 that is schematically depicted in FIGS. 1-6. Shelving system 100 includes upright supports 102, 104 which generally assume a substantially vertical orientation. Upright supports 102, 104 are typically of identical construction, i.e., upright supports 102, 104 may be used interchangeably. Upright supports 102, 104 may include telescopic functionality so that the disclosed shelving system can be adjusted to different sizes, e.g., based on available storage space, etc. For purposes of exemplary shelving system 100, upright supports 102, 104 have a substantially rectangular cross-section that is substantially uniform from a lower end to an upper end thereof. Thus, exemplary upright supports 102, 104 define “box-like” beams, and may be advantageously detachably mounted to surrounding structure(s), e.g., walls, cabinetry, adjacent shelving supports, etc. However, alternative cross-sectional configurations are contemplated, e.g., cross-sections that are, in whole or in part, elliptical, trapezoidal, etc., as may be desired to achieve aesthetic effects and/or to accommodate external considerations, e.g., space constraints or manufacturing efficiencies. Upright support designs featuring non-uniform cross-sections are also contemplated, e.g., wherein a greater cross-sectional area is defined at the “base” of the upright support relative to the “top” of the upright support, thereby providing potentially enhanced stability to exemplary storage systems of the present disclosure.

Upright support 102 defines first elongated slot 106a and second elongated slot 108a. Similarly, upright support 104 defines first elongated slot 106b and second elongated slot 108b. The dimensional characteristics of the first and second elongated slots defined for each upright support are generally identical, i.e., the first and second elongated slots 106, 108 typically have the same width and length/height. Elongated slots 106, 108 are sized and dimensioned to accommodate vertical movement of shelf support members 110a, 110b, 112a, 112b, as described in greater detail below, while ensuring structural stability/integrity of the upright support. Indeed, as discussed below, the shelf support members typically include wheels, ball bearing systems or the like, to facilitate vertical movements thereof. First and second elongated slots 106, 108 are typically aligned on the upright support; thus, if viewed from the front or rear, first and second elongated slots are generally in substantial registry.

Of note, it is contemplated according to the present disclosure that the shelf support members may be externally mounted on upright supports 102, 104, thereby obviating the need for slots 106, 108. In an externally mounted design according to the present disclosure, the shelf support members are adapted for vertical movement relative to the upright supports, and motion of the shelf support members may be guided by rails or tracks formed in the outer walls of the upright supports. Further structural details related to implementation of externally mounted shelf support members will be apparent to persons skilled in the art from the detailed description contained herein.

As schematically depicted in FIG. 5, upright support 102 includes a transverse truss or web 114 that extends between respective sidewalls thereof to impart strength and stability to upright support 102 and to shelving system 100. A corresponding truss is generally provided within upright support 104. Truss 114 typically bisects the side walls of upright support 102. In cooperation with the side walls and front face of upright support 102, truss 114 thus defines a pair of substantially enclosed channels 116, 118 within upright support 102. The substantially enclosed channels 116, 118 open to the exterior by way of elongated channels 106a, 108a, respectively. Channels 116, 118 are sized and dimensioned to permit axial movement of shelf support members 110a, 112a, respectively, and to prevent binding of shelf support members 110a, 112a therewithin. Channels 116, 118 typically exhibit substantially square or rectangular cross-sections of substantially equivalent cross-sectional area, although alternative geometries and relative dimensional characteristics are contemplated, provided such alternatives function to effectively capture and guide the movement of associated shelf support members.

Pulleys 120a, 120b are mounted relative to upright supports 102, 104, e.g., relative to one or both side walls thereof. To prevent the shelves from tilting to the side, the pulley wheels may be advantageously connected to each other by a rod or other connecting structure. A connecting structure extending between the spaced pulley wheels, e.g., a metal rod as shown with reference to the alternative exemplary embodiment(s) of FIGS. 17, 19 and 20, synchronize the rotation of the respective pulley wheels. Of note, the pulley wheel and pulley line/cable disclosed herein may take the form of a spiked wheel and chain according to the present disclosure.

The pulleys are typically mounted at a midpoint of the side wall(s), e.g., directly above a centrally located truss. The mounting of pulleys 120a, 120b is effected so as to facilitate rotational motion thereof, e.g., rotational motion-relative to a centrally positioned axle, as is known in the art. A cable, wire or other flexible member 122a, 122b is mounted at one end to a first shelf support member 110a, 110b and at the other end to a second shelf support member 112a, 112b. Cable 122a, 122b extends partially around pulley 120a, 120b, such that axial movement of first shelf support member 110a, 10b relative to upright support 102, 104 effects an equal and opposite axial movement of second shelf support member 112a, 112b. The manner in which cable 122a, 122b is mounted to respective shelf support members is not critical and a variety of mounting mechanisms are contemplated, e.g., by welding, conventional coupling, crimping and/or clamping mechanisms, and the like.

Pulleys 120a, 120b facilitate efficient and reliable translation of motion between respective first and second shelf support members. Thus, substantially unimpeded rotation of pulleys 120a, 120b is desired. Alternative mechanisms for translation of motion are contemplated. For example, gearing mechanisms and/or rack-and-pinion mechanisms may be employed to translate axial motion between first and second shelf support members, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art.

With further reference to FIG. 5, exemplary shelf support members 110a, 110b, 112a, 112b define a substantially U-shaped or n-shaped configuration. The shelf support members may be fabricated, for example, by attaching two pairs of horizontal slides (see elements 102, 104) to two pairs of vertical slides (see elements 126a, 128a). In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, shelf support members 110a, 110b have substantially identical structural features and dimensions (subject to manufacturing tolerances and the like), and shelf support members 112a, 112b have substantially identical structural features and dimensions (subject to manufacturing tolerances and the like). Thus, with particular reference to shelf support member 110a, the U-shaped or n-shaped configuration is defined by a support leg 124a positioned or captured within channel 116 and a plurality of support arms 126a, 128a that extend through elongated slot 106a to support first shelves 130, 132, respectively. Alternative structural arrangements may be employed to achieve the functional properties described herein. For example, the shelf support members may take the form of slides that are directly mounted (e.g., by welding) onto support legs, thereby simplifying the structural configuration thereof.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, shelf support member 10a include a pair of support arms 126a, 128a. However, it is contemplated according to the present disclosure that greater numbers of support arms may extend from individual support legs 124, e.g., three, four or more, to provide greater repositionable storage capacity according to the present disclosure. In preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the number of support arms extending from shelf support members that are joined by a cable 122 are equal, although an unequal number of support arms (and shelves) may be implemented if spacing considerations are addressed, as discussed below.

As shown in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, shelving system 100 includes first shelves 130, 132 and second shelves 134, 136. The first and second shelves generally include sides 141, upper surfaces 142 and inner edges 143. As will hereinafter be described, first shelves 130, 132 may be advantageously repositioned, as a unit, relative to second shelves 134, 136. In the circumstance where first shelves 130, 132 are positioned above second shelves 134, 136 (as shown in FIGS. 1-2), repositioning of the first shelves relative to the second shelves permits the first shelves to be accessible to users at a lower position, and places second shelves at a higher level that may desirably be closer to “eye-level” and/or “elbow-level.” Thus, repositioning of the first and second sets of shelves according to the present disclosure may be undertaken for a variety of advantageous reasons.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, axial motion imparted to the first shelves is automatically translated to an opposite axial motion for the second shelves (and vice versa), based on the operation of the pulley/cable mechanism. Thus, as the first shelves 130, 132 are lowered past the second shelves 134, 136, the second shelves 134, 136 are automatically raised past the first shelves 130, 132 to effectively trade positions therewith. Thereafter, the first shelves 130, 132 can be raised up, and the second shelves 134, 136 lowered, such that the first and second sets of shelves are returned to their original relative positions.

Movement of first shelves 130, 132 relative to second shelves 134, 136 is facilitated by horizontal movement of first shelves 130, 132 relative to second shelves 134, 136. With reference to FIG. 6, structural aspects of an exemplary shelf support member 110a for support of first shelves 130, 132 is provided. As noted above, shelf support member 110a includes support leg 124a and support arms 126a, 128a to define a substantially U-shaped configuration. Exemplary support arms 126a, 128a are each defined by extension legs 146, telescoping leg portions 148 and shelf member receptacles 149. Extension legs 146 at one end coact with the telescoping leg portions 148 to permit the first shelves 130, 132 to be moved horizontally away from support leg 124a and the associated upright support 102, 104. Shelf member receptacles 149 coact with telescoping leg portions 148 to further facilitate horizontal motion of first shelves 130, 132.

Of course, any of the members 146, 148 and/or 149 may be smaller or larger than adjacent members to permit telescoping interaction, as is known in the art and U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,588 to Engel, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Indeed, the telescoping functionality described herein may be achieved through slide elements, e.g., slides that facilitate drawer functionality, that are commercially available in the market. The shelf member receptacle 149 may be advantageously formed integrally with the associated shelf, e.g., first shelf 130 or 132. Structural features, e.g., stops, are generally included with the telescoping elements to prevent disengagement there between, and to predefine the amount of horizontal motion permitted to first shelves 130, 132. Generally, first shelf 130 and first shelf 132 are permitted equal degrees of horizontal motion relative to support leg 124a and the associated upright support.

Indeed, it is contemplated that pulley/cable, gearing mechanisms or the like (not pictured) may be incorporated into shelf support members 110a, 110b such that horizontal motion of one of the first shelves results in an equivalent horizontal motion in the other of the first shelves. In other words, telescoping motion of a first support arm 126a is automatically translated to a corresponding horizontal motion of a second support arm 128a. Such mechanisms may be incorporated into the hollow spaces of support leg 124a and support arms 126a, 126b, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

For purposes of the advantageous shelving systems of the present disclosure, it is generally not necessary that both the first shelves 130, 132 and the second shelves 134, 136 be capable of horizontal motion relative to the associated upright supports 102, 104, although such dual motion is not precluded according to the present disclosure and is preferred in certain disclosed embodiments. Thus, in the case where only a first set of shelves are adapted for horizontal motion, first shelves 130, 132 are mounted to telescoping support arms 126a, 128a, as described above, and shelf support members 112a, 112b need not accommodate telescoping motion. Thus, second shelves 134, 136 may be fixed for purposes of potential horizontal motion. In such case, fixed support arms 138, 140 are generally fixedly mounted to the associated shelf support leg 139 and are interconnected with the second shelves 134, 136 in any manner known in the art.

With further reference to FIG. 6, support leg 124a (which may be fabricated, at least in part, utilizing a conventional drawer slide) generally includes forward-facing rollers 152a, 154a and rearward-facing rollers 152b, 154b. Rollers 152, 154 are positioned within channel 116 of upright support 102, and coact with the inner walls of upright support 102 to facilitate axial (i.e., up and down) movement of shelf support member 110a relative to upright support 102. Thus, forward-facing rollers 152a, 154a and rearward-facing rollers 152b, 154b facilitate vertical movement of shelf support member 110a which translates to vertical movement of first shelves 130, 132. Alternative numbers and arrangements of rollers may be incorporated, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Indeed, rollers or other rotating members may be mounted to the interior of upright supports 102, 104 to facilitate vertical movement of shelf support members 112, 114 therewithin.

In operation, exemplary shelving system 100 operates to facilitate repositioning of first shelves 130, 132 relative to second shelves 134, 136 by permitting outward horizontal motion of first shelves 130, 132 relative to upright supports 102, 104, as shown in FIG. 2. Such horizontal motion of first shelves 130, 132 is accomplished by way of telescoping functionality associated with shelf support members 110a, 110b. By moving first shelves 130, 132 outwardly, the telescoping leg portions 148 are moved out from the shelf member receptacle 149 and/or the support leg 146 to move the inner edge 143 of the first shelves 130, 132 out past second shelves 134, 136. Once first shelves 130, 132 are outwardly positioned, downward vertical movement of first shelves 130, 132 may be accomplished without contacting second shelves 134, 136. Stated differently, outward horizontal movement of first shelves 134, 136 creates clearance relative to second shelves 134, 136, thereby permitting the sets of shelves to move past each other to the orientation of FIG. 3.

Of note, axial movement of first shelves 130, 132 effects an equal and opposite axial motion of second shelves 134, 136 by way of the pulley mechanism internal to upright supports 102, 104. In addition, oppositely oriented elongated slots 106, 108 permits relative axial motion of shelf support members 110, 112 without interference therebetween. The central or mid-column positioning of upright supports 102, 104, with support arms 126, 128 and fixed support arms 138, 140 extending in opposite directions, contributes to enhanced stability and an advantageous symmetry of forces associated with shelving system 100.

The distance of travel for first shelves 130, 132 and second shelves 134, 136 is such that first shelves 130, 132 assumes a “lower” position relative to second shelves 134, 136 and may be returned horizontally inward therebelow, as shown in FIG. 4. Generally, first shelves 130, 132 are moved to vertical location previously occupied by second shelves 134, 136, and vice versa. The first and/or second shelves may be interconnected with a counterweight (not shown) for preventing unwanted or uncontrolled movement of loaded shelves with respect to unloaded shelves, as well as preventing any other unwanted movement. Mechanisms for controlling the rest positions of the shelving members, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, may be incorporated in shelving system 100, e.g., as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,588 to Engel, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Based on the vertical repositioning of the first and second shelves, the contents of the respective shelves may be more effectively accesses. In addition, exemplary shelving system 100 advantageously permits simultaneous downward repositioning of multiple shelves at the same time multiple shelves are upwardly repositioned.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-11, a second exemplary shelving system 160 according to the present disclosure is schematically depicted. As with shelving system 100 described hereinabove, shelving system 160 includes upright supports 162, 164 which generally assume a substantially vertical orientation. Shelving system 160 further includes a horizontal cross bar 163 which joins upright support 162 to upright support 164, further enhancing the structural stability of shelving system 160 and enclosing system components, as described in greater detail below. Upright supports 162, 164 and cross bar 163 may include telescopic functionality so that the disclosed shelving system can be adjusted to different sizes, e.g., based on available storage space, etc. Upright supports 162, 164 are typically of similar construction, although structural differences may be necessitated to facilitate cooperation with cross bar 163.

Exemplary upright supports 162, 164 and cross bar 163 generally have a substantially uniform, rectangular cross-section. Thus, exemplary upright supports 162, 164 and support bar 163 typically define “box-like” beams that may be advantageously detachably mounted to surrounding structure(s), e.g., walls, cabinetry, adjacent shelving supports, etc. However, as with shelving system 100, alternative cross-sectional configurations are contemplated, e.g., cross-sections that are, in whole or in part, elliptical, trapezoidal, etc., as may be desired to achieve aesthetic effects and/or to accommodate external considerations, e.g., space constraints or manufacturing efficiencies, and upright support/cross bar designs featuring non-uniform cross-sections are also contemplated.

Upright support 162 defines first elongated slot 166 and upright support 164 defines second elongated slot 168. The dimensional characteristics of the first and second elongated slots 166, 168 are generally identical, i.e., the first and second elongated slots 166, 168 typically have the same width and length/height. Elongated slots 166, 168 are sized and dimensioned to accommodate vertical movement of shelf support members 170, 172, respectively, as described in greater detail below, while ensuring structural stability/integrity of the upright support. With reference to the partially cut-away view of FIG. 11, upright supports 162, 164 define substantially enclosed channels 176, 178, and cross bar 163 defines duct 177. The substantially enclosed channels 176, 178 open to the exterior by way of elongated channels 166, 168, respectively. Channels 176, 178 are sized and dimensioned to permit axial movement of shelf support members 170, 172, respectively, and to prevent binding of shelf support members 170, 172 therewithin. Channels 176, 178 and duct 177 typically exhibit substantially square or rectangular cross-sections of substantially equivalent cross-sectional area, although alternative geometries and relative dimensional characteristics are contemplated.

With further reference to FIG. 11, pulleys 180a, 180b are mounted relative to upright supports 162, 164, e.g., relative to one or both side walls thereof. The pulleys are typically mounted at a midpoint of the side wall(s) and at a height that ensures interaction with the duct 177 of cross bar 163. The mounting of pulleys 180a, 180b is effected so as to facilitate rotational motion thereof, e.g., rotational motion relative to a centrally positioned axle, as is known in the art. A cable, wire or other flexible member 182 is mounted at one end to first shelf support member 170 and at the other end to second shelf support member 172. Cable 182 extends partially around pulley 180a, 180b, such that axial movement of first shelf support member 170 relative to upright support 162 effects an equal and opposite axial movement of second shelf support member 172. The manner in which cable 182 is mounted to respective shelf support members is not critical and a variety of mounting mechanisms are contemplated, e.g., by welding, conventional coupling, crimping and/or clamping mechanisms, and the like.

Pulleys 180a, 180b facilitate efficient and reliable translation of motion between first and second shelf support members 170, 172. Thus, substantially unimpeded rotation of pulleys 180a, 180b is desired. Alternative mechanisms for translation of motion are contemplated. For example, gearing mechanisms and/or rack-and-pinion mechanisms may be employed to translate axial motion between first and second shelf support members, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art.

As shown in the partially cut-away view of FIG. 11, exemplary shelf support members 170, 172 define a substantially U-shaped or .pi.-shaped configuration. With particular reference to shelf support member 170, the U-shaped or .pi.-shaped structural design corresponds to the structural design of shelf support member 110a, described with reference to FIG. 6 above. Thus, shelf support member 170 includes a support leg 174 that is captured within channel 176 and a plurality of support arms 186, 188 that extend through elongated slot 166 to support first shelves 190, 192, respectively. Exemplary shelf support member 170 includes a pair of support arms 186, 188. However, it is contemplated according to the present disclosure that greater numbers of support arms may extend from individual support legs 174, e.g., three, four or more, to provide greater repositionable storage capacity according to the present disclosure. In preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, the number of support arms extending from shelf support members that are joined by cable 182 are equal, although an unequal number of support arms (and shelves) may be implemented if requisite spacing considerations are addressed.

As shown in FIGS. 7-11, shelving system 160 includes first shelves 190, 192 and second shelves 194, 196. As will hereinafter be described, first shelves 190, 192 may be advantageously repositioned, as a unit, relative to second shelves 194, 196, and vice versa. In the circumstance where first shelves 190, 192 are positioned above second shelves 194, 196 (as shown in FIGS. 7-8 and 11), repositioning of the first shelves relative to the second shelves permits the first shelves to be accessible to users at a lower position, and places second shelves at a higher level that may desirably be closer to “eye-level” and/or “elbow-level.” Thus, repositioning of the first and second sets of shelves according to the present disclosure may be undertaken for a variety of advantageous reasons.

According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, axial (i.e., vertical) motion imparted to the first shelves is automatically translated to an opposite axial motion for the second shelves (and vice versa), based on the operation of the pulley/cable mechanism. Of note, cable 182 crosses from upright support 162 to upright support 164 within cross bar 163, and is thereby free to travel in an unimpeded manner. Thus, as the first shelves 190, 192 are lowered past the second shelves 194, 196, the second shelves 194, 196 are automatically raised past the first shelves 190, 192 to effectively trade positions therewith. Thereafter, the first shelves 190, 192 can be raised up, and the second shelves 194, 196 automatically lowered, or second shelves 194, 196 may be lowered and first shelves automatically raised, such that the first and second sets of shelves are returned to their original relative positions.

Movement of first shelves 190, 192 relative to second shelves 194, 196 is facilitated by horizontal movement of first shelves 190, 192 relative to second shelves 194, 196. Such horizontal motion of first shelves 190, 192 is facilitated by a telescoping mechanism associated with shelf support member 170, as described above with reference to shelf support member 110a. As also described with reference to shelf support member 110a, it is contemplated that shelf support member 170 may include pulley/cable mechanisms, gearing mechanisms or the like (not pictured), such that horizontal motion of one of the first shelves results in an equivalent horizontal motion in the other of the first shelves. In other words, telescoping motion of a first support arm is automatically translated to a corresponding horizontal motion of a second support arm.

For purposes of the advantageous shelving systems of the present disclosure, it is generally preferred (although not essential) that both the first shelves 190, 192 and the second shelves 194, 196 be capable of horizontal motion relative to the associated upright supports 162, 164. Thus, in the case where both first shelves 190, 192 and second shelves 194, 196 are mounted to telescoping support arms, as described above, vertical repositioning of first shelves 190, 192 relative to second shelves 194, 196 may be advantageously accomplished through repeated horizontal motion (to create a desired clearance) and downward movement of the shelves then-located in the upper position (or upward movement of the shelves then-located in the lower position). In other words, vertical repositioning of the first and second shelves may be advantageously achieved by outward movement of the first shelves when they are in the upper position, and outward movement of the second shelves when they are in the upper position, rather than limiting the outward movement to either the first or the second shelves. Similarly, the horizontal motion may be limited to shelves that are in the “lower” position. The present disclosure thus supports the advantageous ability to vertically reposition shelves/shelving units according to the foregoing sequential operation, which effectively establishes a clockwise or counter-clockwise movement of the first and second shelves as they are vertically repositioned relative to each other.

Rollers (front-facing and rearward-facing) are generally mounted to shelf support members 170, 172 to facilitate vertical motion of the shelf support members relative to the upright supports. Thus, as with shelf support member 110a described above with reference to FIG. 6, rollers are rotatably mounted to the shelf support members and positioned within channels 176, 178 of upright supports 162, 164, respectively, to coact with the inner walls of thereof. The rollers facilitate axial (i.e., up and down) movement of shelf support members 170, 172 relative to upright supports 162, 164. Alternative numbers and arrangements of rollers may be incorporated, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

In operation, exemplary shelving system 160 operates to facilitate repositioning of first shelves 190, 192 relative to second shelves 194, 196 by permitting outward horizontal motion of first shelves 190, 192 relative to upright supports 162, 164, as shown in FIG. 8. First shelves 190, 192 are effectively supported in a cantilever arrangement by support arms 186, 188. Similarly, second shelves 194, 196 are supported in a substantially cantilevered fashion by support arms 198, 200. In exemplary shelving system 160, the only shelf support member (170) that travels within upright support 162 is associated with first shelves 190, 192, whereas the only shelf support member (172) that travels within upright support 164 is associated with second shelves 194, 196. Thus, the travel of shelf support members 170, 172 is restricted to independent upright support members, yet the motions of the a shelf support member is immediately and automatically translated to the other shelf support member by the pulley/cable mechanism. Thus, axial movement of first shelves 190, 192 effects an equal and opposite axial motion of second shelves 194, 196 by way of the pulley mechanism internal to upright supports 162, 164 and cross bar 163.

Horizontal motion of first shelves 190, 192 is accomplished by way of telescoping or sliding functionality associated with shelf support member 170. Once first shelves 190, 192 are outwardly positioned, downward vertical movement of first shelves 190, 192 may be accomplished without contacting second shelves 194, 196 based on clearance defined relative to second shelves 194, 196 (FIGS. 8-9). The travel distance of first shelves 190, 192 and second shelves 194, 196 is such that first shelves 190, 192 assume a “lower” position relative to second shelves 194, 196 and may be returned horizontally inward therebelow, as shown in FIG. 10.

Generally, first shelves 190, 192 are moved to vertical location previously occupied by second shelves 194, 196, and vice versa. The first and/or second shelves may be interconnected with a counterweight (not shown) for preventing unwanted or uncontrolled movement of loaded shelves with respect to unloaded shelves, as well as preventing any other unwanted movement. Mechanisms for controlling the rest positions of the shelving members, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, may be incorporated in shelving system 160, e.g., as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,588 to Engel, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Based on the vertical repositioning of the first and second shelves, the contents of the respective shelves may be more effectively accessed. Vertical repositioning of the first and second shelves may be advantageously achieved by outward movement of the first shelves when they are in the upper position, and outward movement of the second shelves when they are in the upper position, rather than limiting the outward movement to either the first or the second shelves. Similarly, the horizontal motion may be limited to shelves that are in the “lower” position. The present disclosure thus supports an advantageous ability to vertically reposition shelves/shelving units according to the foregoing sequential operation, which effectively establishes a clockwise or counter-clockwise movement of the first and second shelves as they are vertically repositioned relative to each other.

Repeated repositioning of the first and second shelves/shelving units may be accomplished by sequential horizontal repositioning of the “upper” (or “lower”) shelves. In addition, exemplary shelving system 160 advantageously permits simultaneous downward repositioning of multiple shelves at the same time multiple shelves are upwardly repositioned.

Turning to FIGS. 12-16, a third exemplary shelving system 210 according to the present disclosure is schematically depicted. Shelving system 210 shares many features with exemplary shelving system 160 described above with reference to FIGS. 7-11. However, unlike shelving system 160, shelving system 210 includes four upright supports 212a, 212b, 214a, 214b that are deployed in a substantially rectangular or square orientation. Support bars 213a-d provide structural support to the upright supports and two of the support bars 213b, 213d define an enclosed space for cables, as described below with reference to FIG. 16.

As schematically depicted, upright supports 212a, 212b define elongated slots that face toward each other (elongated slot 216 is visible) and upright supports 214a, 214b define elongated slots that face toward each other (elongated slot 218 is visible). However, it is not necessary that the slots be in facing alignment. Rather, alternative slot arrangements may be adopted, provided the relative movement of first and second shelves is facilitated, as described herein. Shelf support member 220 is movably positioned within upright support 212b and shelf support member 221 is positioned within shelf support member 212a (see FIG. 16). Shelf support members 220, 221 cooperate to support first shelves 240, 242. Shelf support member 222 is movably positioned within upright support 214b and shelf support member 223 is movably positioned within upright support 214a (see FIG. 16). Shelf support members 222, 223 cooperate to support second shelves 244, 246.

Two coordinated pulley mechanisms are included within shelving system 210. First pulley mechanism 250 includes first and second pulleys 254, 256 mounted within upright supports 212a, 214a, respectively, whereas second pulley mechanism 252 includes third and fourth pulleys 258, 260 mounted within upright supports 212b, 214b, respectively. Cables 262, 264 are associated with the first and second pulley mechanisms 250, 252, respectively, and are generally of comparable length. Cable 262 is mounted to shelf support members 221, 223, and passes over pulleys 254, 256. Similarly, cable 264 is mounted to shelf support members 220, 222 and passes over pulleys 258, 260. Cables 262, 264 are generally enclosed within upright supports and support bars 213b, 213d, thereby ensuring unimpeded movement thereof.

Shelf support members 220, 221 are generally designed to accommodate horizontal movement of first shelves 240, 242 relative to upright supports 212a, 212b. Thus, with particular reference to FIGS. 13-14, shelf support member 220 includes telescoping arms 270, 272 that extend through elongated slot 216 in upright support 212b and cooperate with shelf support member 221 for additional support thereof. In the exemplary shelving system 210, shelf support member 222 includes fixed arms 274, 276 that extend through elongated slot 218 in upright support 214b and cooperate with shelf support member 223, although telescoping arms may also be associated with shelf support members 222, 223, if desired. Indeed, vertical repositioning of the first and second shelves may be advantageously achieved by outward movement of the first shelves when they are in the upper position, and outward movement of the second shelves when they are in the upper position, rather than limiting the outward movement to either the first or the second shelves. Similarly, the horizontal motion may be limited to shelves that are in the “lower” position. The present disclosure thus supports an advantageous ability to vertically reposition shelves/shelving units according to the foregoing sequential operation, which effectively establishes a clockwise or counter-clockwise movement of the first and second shelves as they are vertically repositioned relative to each other.

Rollers (front-facing and rearward-facing) are generally mounted to shelf support members 220-223 to facilitate vertical motion of the shelf support members relative to the upright supports. Generally, the rollers are rotatably mounted to the shelf support members and positioned within channels formed in the upright supports to coact with the inner walls of thereof. The rollers facilitate axial (i.e., up and down) movement of shelf support members 220-223 relative to the respective upright supports. Alternative numbers and arrangements of rollers may be incorporated, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

In operation, exemplary shelving system 210 operates to facilitate repositioning of first shelves 240, 242 relative to second shelves 244, 246 by permitting outward horizontal motion of first shelves 240, 242 relative to upright supports 212a, 212b, 214a, 214b, as shown in FIG. 13. First shelves 240, 242 are effectively supported in a cantilever arrangement by telescoping arms 270, 272, which are in turn supported by the remainder of shelf support members 221, 220 positioned within upright supports 212a, 212b, respectively. Similarly, second shelves 244, 246 are supported in a substantially cantilevered fashion by arms 274, 276, which are in turn supported by the remainder of shelf support members 222, 223 positioned within upright supports 214b, 214a, respectively.

In exemplary shelving system 210, each shelf support member is advantageously positioned within a distinct upright support. Thus, the first and second shelves are provided with ample structural support by the four upright supports associated with shelving system 210, and relative vertical movement between first shelves 240, 242 and second shelves 244, 246 is facilitated by the segregated positioning of translatable shelf support members. The travel of shelf support members 220, 221 within upright supports 212b, 212a is immediately and automatically translated to the oppositely positioned shelf support member by pulley mechanisms 250, 252. In particular, axial movement of first shelves 240, 242 effects an equal and opposite axial motion of second shelves 244, 246 by way of pulley mechanisms 250, 252 internal to the upright supports and support bars. Pulley mechanism 250 translates motion between shelf support members 221, 223, whereas pulley mechanism 252 translates motion between shelf support members 220, 222. Interaction between the elongated slots formed in the upright supports and the outwardly extending arms/telescoping arms enhances the stability and leveling of the first and second shelves.

Horizontal motion of first shelves 240, 242 is accomplished by way of telescoping functionality associated with telescoping arms 270, 272. Once first shelves 240, 242 are outwardly positioned, downward vertical movement of first shelves 240, 242 may be accomplished without contacting second shelves 244, 246 based on clearance defined relative to second shelves 244, 246 (FIGS. 13-14). The travel distance for first shelves 240, 242 and second shelves 244, 246 is such that first shelves 240, 242 assume a “lower” position relative to second shelves 244, 246 and may be returned horizontally inward therebelow, as shown in FIG. 15.

Generally, first shelves 240, 242 are moved to vertical location previously occupied by second shelves 244, 246, and vice versa. The first and/or second shelves may be interconnected with a counterweight (not shown) for preventing unwanted or uncontrolled movement of loaded shelves with respect to unloaded shelves, as well as preventing any other unwanted movement. Mechanisms for controlling the rest positions of the shelving members, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 12 and 16 may be incorporated in shelving system 210, e.g., as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,588 to Engel, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Based on the vertical repositioning of the first and second shelves, the contents of the respective shelves may be more effectively accessed. In addition, exemplary shelving system 210 advantageously permits simultaneous downward repositioning of multiple shelves at the same time multiple shelves are upwardly repositioned.

With reference to FIGS. 17-18, a further exemplary shelving system 260 according to the present disclosure is depicted. Shelving system 260 includes opposing upright supports 261, 262 that provide structural support therefor. Upright supports 261, 262 include a plurality of openings or cut-outs 263a-h that facilitate access to products/items stored or positioned on shelves associated therewith, e.g., first shelves 264, 265 or second shelves 266, 267.

Elongated rods 268, 270 synchronize the motion of pulleys 272, 274 and pulleys 276, 278, respectively. Thus, at opposing ends of rods 268, 270 are pulleys which are mounted with respect to upright supports 261, 262. Pulleys 272, 274 are mounted at opposite ends of 268, while pulleys 276, 278 are mounted at opposite ends of rod 270, thereby synchronizing the rotations of the “connected” pulley wheels. With equal rotation of the connected pulley wheels, the shelves will not tilt, i.e., will remain in an advantageous horizontal orientation. All four pulleys are typically mounted at substantially equivalent heights relative to upright supports 261, 262, and are adapted for free rotation to facilitate relative vertical motion of first and second shelves, as described below.

With particular reference to FIG. 17, first cable 280 is mounted to shelf support member 284 at one end by conventional mounting means, and to shelf support member 286 at the opposite end thereof by conventional mounting means. First cable 280 travels around pulleys 272, 276 and is adapted for substantially unimpeded motion. Similarly, second cable 282 is mounted to corresponding shelf support members (not fully visible in FIG. 17) on the opposite side of first shelves 264, 265. With further reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, shelf support member 286 is mounted to horizontal beams 288, 290, which are, in turn, mounted to further shelf support member 292. As a unit, shelf support members 286, 292 and horizontal beams 288, 290 define a rectangular or square sliding frame that enjoys enhanced structural stability. A further shelf support member 370 is provided for the second shelves (not pictured), which may include spacer(s) mounted or incorporated into the outward face(s) thereof to ensure sufficient clearance between the first and second shelves and their respective supporting structures as they travel vertically relative to each other, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

A rail or other cooperative structure is formed or mounted to the upright support or atop the horizontal bar which cooperates with wheel or roller 296 that is rotatably mounted to an upwardly extending flap 297 of bracket 298. The wheel may alternatively be rotatably mounted to the slide or shelf, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. A second bracket 300 is in a spaced relation to bracket 298 and is joined thereto by telescoping beams 302, 304. As shown in FIG. 18, brackets 298, 300 include upper shelf support arms 306, 308 and lower shelf support arms 310, 312. With reference to FIG. 17, brackets 298, 300 are also typically joined to faces 314, 316 which in turn are connected to telescoping beams 318, 320 to initially define a rectangular or square brace opposite the comparable structure formed by elements 298, 300, 302, 304. Similarly, a pair of shelf support members and associated horizontal beams are positioned behind such rectangular brace, i.e., to define a rectangular/square structure corresponding to that formed by elements 286, 288, 290, 292. A second wheel or roller 322 is rotatably mounted to upstanding extension associated with face 314 and is adapted to ride on a rail or other cooperative structure formed on the upright support and/or atop the top horizontal beam.

Top and bottom telescoping beams 318, 320 are shown in an extended orientation. Top telescoping beam 318 typically includes a fixed beam portion and a nested, translatable beam portion. Similarly, bottom telescoping beam 320 typically includes a fixed beam portion and a translatable beam portion. Fixed beam portions are fixedly mounted to the horizontal members positioned therebehind, e.g., by screws, bolts or the like. One or more stops (not pictured) may be associated with telescoping beams 318, 320 to ensure that relative horizontal motion between the fixed beam portions and translatable beam portions is limited, i.e., so that the beam portions to do not undesirably disengage. Telescoping beams 302, 304 are structured and function in like manner to that described with reference to telescoping beams 318, 320.

Referring again to FIG. 17, upright support 262 defines an elongated channel 330 that generally extends substantially the entire height of upright support 262. A corresponding elongated channel is formed in upright support 261 opposite elongated channel 330. The elongated channels are advantageously positioned outward of the initial position of bracket 300 and associated face 316. Such positioning of the elongated channels also generally places the elongated channels outward of the front faces of second shelves 266, 267. According to exemplary embodiments of shelving system 260, first shelves 264, 265 are of similar, if not identical, dimension to second shelves 266, 267, in which case the elongated channels are also positioned outward of the front faces of first shelves 264, 265. However, it is contemplated (although not necessary) that first shelves 264, 265 may have a greater depth, in which case the front faces of the first shelves may overlap with the elongated channels, thereby gaining additional storage space on first shelves 264, 265.

Elongated channel 330 advantageously contains a spring 332 that includes a plurality of spring segments, e.g., first spring segment 334, second spring segment 336 and third spring segment 338. A comparable spring with interspersed box elements is positioned within the elongated channel formed in opposing upright support 261. Spring 332 is typically fixed relative to elongated channel 330 at or near opposed ends of the first spring segment 334 and third spring segment 336, e.g., by screws, bolts or the like. Positioned between first and second spring segments 334, 336 is first box element 340, and positioned between second and third spring segments 336, 338 is second box element 342. Typically, the number of spring segments associated with spring 332 exceeds the number of box elements. In addition, it is contemplated that each box element may constitute a plurality of adjoining box elements to enhance the ease with which the wheel aligns with a box element in its horizontal travel, and/or that the box element(s) may include outwardly flared walls to guide the wheel therewithin.

The box elements advantageously catch and hold a shelf or stack of shelves, and contribute to preventing the weight associated with the shelf/stack of shelves from crushing the portion of spring 332 positioned therebelow. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 17-18, a single shelving unit is adapted for both horizontal and vertical movement (i.e., first shelves 264, 265), and two box elements (box elements 340, 342) and three spring segments (334, 336, 338) are advantageously provided. If the number telescoping shelving units were increased, then the number of box elements may be increased to facilitate operative ease.

Spring 332 generally includes an internal spring structure and an outer structure or sleeve that may be fabricated from a resilient flexible material, e.g., rubber, although any material that holds fluid and/or air and is able to shrink and extend with the contraction and extension of the internal spring structure may be advantageously employed. The outer structure or sleeve associated with spring 332 may include an undulating, baffled or accordion configuration, although such configuration is not required. Indeed, the outer structure, e.g., a rubber sleeve or casing, may be stretched over the internal spring when the internal spring is in any one of its possible configurations, i.e., compressed, relaxed/rest or stretched, and the appearance/configuration of the outer structure or sleeve would be influenced thereby, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. The outer structure may also encase the inner spring structure, e.g., may be molded therearound.

Thus, spring 332 may confine fluid/air within the outer structure positioned around the internal spring structure of spring segments 334, 336, 338, and the speed/ease with which the spring segments extend and constrict may be controlled by the degree to which fluid/air is permitted to pass therethrough. Thus, it is contemplated that a degree of porosity or fluid/air passage is advantageously incorporated into the outer structure of spring segments 334, 336, 338 to facilitate operation of spring 332 within channel 330. By incorporating greater porosity and/or incorporating additional fluid/air passages, the ease with which spring 332 may extend/constrict is enhanced and, conversely, by limiting/reducing the porosity and/or fluid/air passage volume associated with spring segments 334, 336, 338, the ease with which spring 332 extends/constricts may be reduced. It is further contemplated according to the present disclosure that fluid/air contained within a first spring segment (or segments), e.g., spring segment 338, may be transferred to adjoining spring segment(s) as it is compressed, e.g., by way of communicating passages, tubes or the like.

Thus, in designing shelving systems according to the present disclosure, operative control of the relative vertical positioning of first and second shelves may be controlled, at least in part, by the physical properties imparted to spring 332 (and its counterpart spring associated with upright support 261) as described herein. Indeed, control of the fluid/air within the outer structure or sleeve is the major factor in controlling the speed at which the shelves move according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In such exemplary embodiments, the elastic properties of the spring within the outer structure or sleeve function mainly to bring the sleeve to its original position after the weight/force of the shelves is removed, e.g., to move the box elements into an appropriate alignment with a wheel.

Box elements 340, 342 are dimensioned and configured to permit wheel/roller 322 to enter therein, i.e., when first shelves 264, 265 are translated horizontally relative to upright supports 261, 262. Box elements 340, 342 advantageously include indentations or other structural feature(s) that permit wheel 322 (or a wheel-related feature, e.g., a small knob) to be detachably locked therein. By detachably locking wheel 322 within box element 340, 342, the security and stability of first shelves 264, 265 may be enhanced during vertical repositioning.

The combination of upright support, sliding frame and shelf support member is an advantageous subassembly according to the present disclosure. The foregoing combination permits both horizontal and vertical motion of shelves associated therewith. The foregoing subassembly is referred to as a “2D Slide” because of the advantageous two-dimensional sliding or translating functionalities facilitated thereby. Fundamental to a “2D Slide” subassembly according to the present disclosure is a stationary support element, a structure that facilitates vertical motion (e.g., a sliding frame), and a structure that facilitates telescoping or horizontal translation (e.g., a telescoping shelf support member). It is not necessary to achieve the advantageous horizontal and vertical motions associated with a “2D Slide” subassembly that the shelf support member include support arms or similar shelf support structures. Rather, the shelf may be directly mounted to the structure that facilitates telescoping or horizontal translation, thereby obviating the need for shelf support arms and the like.

In operation, first shelves 264, 265 may be advantageously repositioned relative to second shelves (not pictured) by horizontally sliding the first shelves outward, i.e., out of vertical alignment with the second shelves. Wheels 296, 322 advantageously enter box elements and, in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, are detachably locked therein. Spring 332 facilitates downward movement of first shelves 264, 265 by controlling fluid/air passage relative to outer structure or sleeves associated with spring segments 334, 336, 338. In particular, spring segment 334 (which is being extended or stretched) requires fluid/air to enter through the associated sleeve structure, whereas spring segments 336, 338 (which are being compressed) require fluid/air to exit through the associated sleeve structure. As first shelves 264, 265 move downward relative to upright supports 261, 262, the pulley/cable systems automatically effect an opposite motion for the second shelves. Thus, the second shelves move upward. Once the first shelves reach the desired vertical orientation, they may be pushed horizontally inward into alignment with the second shelves, and spring 322 automatically returns to its initial rest position under the bias of internal spring structures associated with spring segments 334, 336, 338.

Turning to further shelving system 375 of FIGS. 19-23, first shelves 376, 377 are initially positioned in an upper position relative to second shelves 378, 379. First shelves are supported by shelf support member 380 that is horizontally and vertically movable with respect to upright support 381. An opposing upright support 382 is positioned opposite upright support 381, and includes a plurality of rectangular openings 383a-d to facilitate access to items stored on the first and second shelves. Of note, second shelves 378, 379 may be fixedly positioned relative to upright supports 381, 382, e.g., by way of a fixed shelf support member mounted to upright support 382. Alternatively, a second horizontally and vertically movable shelf support member (not pictured) may be mounted relative to upright support 382, in like manner to the relationship between shelf support member 380 and upright support 381.

In the case where a horizontally and vertically movable shelf support member is mounted relative to both upright supports 381, 382, a pulley/cable system is advantageously provided to translate vertical motion between the two shelf support members. Thus, first pulley wheel 384 and second pulley wheel 385 are rotatably mounted relative to upright supports 381, 382, respectively, and synchronizing bar 388 extends therebetween. First cable 386 is mounted to shelf support member 380 and to first pulley wheel 384. Second cable 387 is mounted to the shelf support member associated with second shelves 378, 379 and to second pulley wheel 385. Of note, the manner of attachment of first and second cables 386, 387 to first and second pulley wheels 384, 385 is such that clockwise motion of pulley wheels 384, 385 and synchronizing rod 388 effects extension of one cable and uptake of the other cable, whereas counter-clockwise motion of the pulley wheels and synchronizing bar has the opposite effect on the cables. Thus, downward vertical motion of first shelves 376, 377 is automatically translated to an equal and opposite upward vertical motion of second shelves 378, 379.

A wheel 389 is associated with shelf support member 380 and travels horizontally along a rail 390 formed on upright support 381 into box element 391 included within spring 392 and surrounded by spring segments 393, 394. The design and operation of spring 392 is generally the same as spring 330 described above with reference to FIGS. 17-18. Thus, wheel 389 may be detachably secured within box element 391 and vertically transported downward through compression of spring segment 394 and extension of spring segment 393. Once shelf support member 380 reaches the lower orientation of FIG. 21, wheel 389 aligns with rail 395 formed on upright support 381, which facilitates inward travel of wheel 389. Of note, rail 395 does not extend to the region of spring 392, thereby permitting unimpeded downward vertical motion of shelf support member 380. As shown in FIG. 22, shelf support member 380 may then be pushed horizontally inward. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that the pulley/cable systems result in an equal and opposite upward movement of the second shelf support member and the second shelves 378, 379 (if “2D Slide” functionality is incorporated into the second shelves).

As shown in FIG. 23, after the wheel 389 exits box element 391, spring 392 returns to its initial, unstressed position, thereby readying itself for further repositionings of the first and second shelves. A second box element 396 becomes substantially aligned with lower rail 395 and is positioned for receipt of wheel 389 should it be desired to move first shelves 376, 377 horizontally outward.

With further reference to shelf support member 380, FIGS. 20-23 illustrate the telescoping functionality associated therewith. Of particular note, shelf support member 380 includes support legs 380a-d that extend toward the opposite upright support 382 and advantageously support first shelves 376, 377 in a cantilevered fashion. Similarly, the shelf support member associated with upright support 382 (which supports second shelves 378, 379) includes a series of support legs that support second shelves 378, 379 in a cantilevered fashion.

As noted above, the combination of upright support, sliding frame and shelf support member is an advantageous subassembly according to the present disclosure. The foregoing combination permits both horizontal and vertical motion of shelves associated therewith, and is referred to as a “2D Slide” because of the advantageous two-dimensional sliding or translating functionalities facilitated thereby. Fundamental to a “2D Slide” subassembly according to the present disclosure is a stationary support element, a structure that facilitates vertical motion (e.g., a sliding frame), and a structure that facilitates telescoping or horizontal translation (e.g., a telescoping shelf support member). As noted above, it is not necessary to achieve the advantageous horizontal and vertical motions associated with a “2D Slide” subassembly that the shelf support member include support arms or similar shelf support structures. Rather, the shelf may be directly mounted to the structure that facilitates telescoping or horizontal translation, thereby obviating the need for shelf support arms and the like.

Advantageously, the design and operation of the respective shelf support members in connection with exemplary shelving system 375 permit sequential repositioning of the first and second shelves based on horizontal motion of the shelves located in the “upper” (or in the “lower”) position, as may be desired by the user. Thus, when horizontal motion is directed to the “upper” shelves, the sequence will initially involve horizontal motion of first shelves 376, 377, then second shelves 378, 379, then first shelves 376, 377, etc. In other words, vertical repositioning of the first and second shelves may be advantageously achieved by outward movement of the first shelves when they are in the upper position, and outward movement of the second shelves when they are in the upper position, rather than limiting the outward movement to either the first or the second shelves. Similarly, the horizontal motion may be limited to shelves that are in the “lower” position. The present disclosure thus supports an advantageous ability to vertically reposition shelves/shelving units according to the foregoing sequential operation, which effectively establishes a clockwise or counter-clockwise movement of the first and second shelves as they are vertically repositioned relative to each other.

According to the foregoing exemplary shelving system, the contents of the first and second shelves are advantageously repositioned to permit ease of access thereto, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Of note, the design and operation of exemplary shelving system 375 permits multiple shelving members to be moved downward at the same time multiple shelving members are simultaneously and automatically moved upward, thereby greatly enhancing the efficiencies associated with access to products/items stored thereon or therein.

Importantly, the disclosed slides are susceptible to wide ranging applications. For example, the disclosed slides may be advantageously employed in free-standing shelving systems, e.g., shelving systems for use in commercial or domestic applications such as retail product displays, warehouse storage, electronic and telecommunication equipment storage, garage and attic storage, food storage, etc. Moreover, the disclosed slides may be advantageously employed within enclosures, e.g., within armoires, closets, storage bins, freezers, refrigerators, kitchen cabinetry and the like.

In addition, the disclosed “shelves” may take a variety of forms without departing from the spirit and/or scope of the present disclosure. For example, the exemplary “shelves” disclosed herein may alternatively take the form of hanging rods, drawers, bins and the like. Additionally, the disclosed systems may be manufactured and/or distributed as free-standing, independent units or as components for use in retrofitting existing shelving unit(s) and/or shelving system(s). Thus, as used herein, the terms “shelf,” “shelves,” “shelving system” and “shelving systems” are intended to broadly encompass shelving/storage applications wherein storage is achieved through vertically spaced storage elements and wherein efficiencies and/or benefits may be achieved through vertical repositioning of such storage elements.

With reference to FIGS. 24-25, an exemplary revolving slide 1100a that is schematically depicted in. Revolving slide 1100a includes rail arrangement constructed of two vertical rails 1102a and 1102b, and five horizontal rails 1103a-1103e. Vertical rails and horizontal rails are typically of identical construction. Vertical rails 1102a and 1102b may include telescopic functionality so that the disclosed shelving system can be adjusted to different sizes, e.g., based on available storage space, etc. For purposes of exemplary revolving slide 1100a, rails 1102a, 1102b and 1103a-1103e have a cross-sectional-shape that is substantially uniform from end to end to define vertical slots 1102c and 1102d and horizontal slots 1103f-1103j thereof.

With further reference to FIG. 25, the vertical rails and the horizontal rails form a rectangular support rail with passages or opening 1112e, 1112f, 1112g, 1112h. The rails include mounting holes. Thus, support rail 1101 may advantageously be mounted to surrounding structure(s), e.g., walls, cabinetry, adjacent shelving supports, etc. However, alternative cross-sectional configurations are contemplated, e.g., cross-sections that are, in whole or in part, elliptical, trapezoidal, etc., as may be desired to achieve aesthetic effects and/or to accommodate external considerations, e.g., space constraints or manufacturing and an engineering efficiencies.

Vertical slots are sized and dimensioned to accommodate vertical movement of the vertical slides or rollers 1104a and 1104b. The rollers typically include wheels arrangements 1110a, 1110b, 1110c, and 1110d. Other means, such as ball bearing systems or a sprocket wheels and mating slots along the legs of rails, may be used to facilitate the vertical movements thereof.

It is contemplated according to the present disclosure that the vertical slides may be partially or fully mounted externally on the vertical rails 1102a, 1102b, thereby obviating the need for slots 1102d. In an externally mounted design according to the present disclosure, the vertical slides are adapted for vertical movement relative to the vertical rails, and motion of the vertical slides may be guided by rails or tracks formed in the outer walls of the vertical rails. Further structural details related to implementation of externally mounted shelf support members would be apparent to persons skilled in the art from the detailed description contained herein.

Beams 1105a and 1105b are attached to vertical slides 1104a and 1104b to synchronize the movement of the vertical slides, e.g., movement of one vertical slide will trigger an equal movement of the other vertical slide. As seen in FIG. 45A, as a unit, vertical slides 1104a and 1104b and horizontal beams 1105a and 1105b define a rectangular or square sliding frame 1104 that enjoys enhanced structural stability.

Horizontal slides 1106a and 1106b (which may be fabricated, at least in part, utilizing a conventional drawer slide) are mounted on beams 1105a and 1105b, respectively. Vertical beams 1107a and 1107b are attached to the horizontal slides 1106a and 1106b to synchronize the movement of the horizontal slides, such that movement of one horizontal slide will trigger an equal movement of the other horizontal slide. As seen in FIG. 45B, as a unit, horizontal slides 1106a and 1106b, and vertical beams 1107a and 1107b define a horizontal sliding frame 1106. Also, as seen in FIG. 45C, as a unit, vertical slides 1104a and 1104b, horizontal beams 1105a and 1105b, horizontal slides 1106a and 1106b, and vertical beams 1107a and 1107b define a two-dimensional sliding system 1108.

With further reference to FIG. 44, a wheel or roller 1109 is rotatably mounted to upstanding element 1107b and is adapted to ride on a flap 1111a cooperative structure formed inside vertical rails 1102b and horizontal rails 1103g. Flap 1111a, which is the bottom leg of rail 1103g or a stand-alone element supported by rail 1103g and extended inside rail 1102b, is operable like a door and can be open upward.

With further reference to FIG. 44, a pulley wheel 1108a is mounted with respect to vertical rails 102b.

With reference to FIGS. 26-30 (in which some of elements are removed for clarity), the revolving functionality associated with revolving slide 1100b is illustrated. The two-dimensional sliding frame 1108 is initially positioned in an upper position. Leading wheel 1109, which is attached to the horizontal sliding frame 1106 and rests on flap 1111a, secures the two-dimensional sliding frame 1108 in an upper position. As seen in FIG. 26, the leading wheel can be seen, as the top of beam 1107b is partially removed. As also seen in FIG. 26, the horizontal sliding frame 1106 is fully pulled forward. This outward position is accomplished since the leading wheel 1109, which is associated with horizontal sliding frame 1106, travels horizontally along a flap 1111a and through opening 1112c, 1112a, and 1112e and into vertical rail 1102c. As seen in FIG. 27, the two-dimensional sliding system 1108 is in a full lower position. This lower position is accomplished since the leading wheel 1109, which supports the two-dimensional sliding system 1108, is capable of traveling vertically along vertical rail 1102c. As seen in FIG. 28, the horizontal sliding frame 1106 is fully pushed inward. This inward position is accomplished since the leading wheel 1109, which is aligned with horizontal rails 1103i, travels horizontally along horizontal rail 1103i and through opening 1112f, 1112b, and 1112d and into vertical rail 1102b. As seen in FIG. 29, the two-dimensional sliding system 1108 is in an upward position where leading wheel 1109 opens a passage by pushing flap 1111a upward. This upper position is accomplished since the leading wheel 1109, which supports the two-dimensional sliding system 1108, is capable of traveling vertically along vertical rail 1102b. Turning to FIG. 30, the two-dimensional sliding system 1108 is in a fully upward position where leading wheel 1109 rests on flap 1111a and securely aligns with horizontal rail 1103g. This secured upper position is accomplished since the flap 1111a returns to its original position, allowing the wheel to rest on it. At this position, the two-dimensional sliding system 1108 accomplishes a full revolving motion and is ready for more revolving motions.

FIGS. 31-41 depict exemplary embodiments of revolving storage system 1100c. As seen in FIGS. 31-33, revolving storage system 1100c is assembled from right revolving slide 1201, left revolving slide 1202, shelves support 1301 and 1302, pulley system 1400, first shelves 1501, 1502, and second shelves 1503, 1504. The left revolving slide is similar in all aspects to the right revolving slide. Both revolving slides, the left and the right, are also similar in design and operation to the revolving slide shown in FIGS. 26-30. Also as seen in FIG. 33, pulley system 1400 includes right pulley wheel 1108a, left pulley wheel 1108b, elongated rod 1403, which synchronize the rotation of pulley wheel 1108a and pulley wheel 1108b, first pulley cable 1401 mounted rearwardly and around pulley wheel 1108a, and second pulley cable 1402 mounted forwardly and around pulley wheel 1108b. As seen in FIG. 35, pulley cable 1401 is also attached to two-dimensional sliding system 1108, and pulley cable 1401 is also attached to two-dimensional sliding system 1208.

With reference to FIGS. 34-41, the revolving functionality of revolving shelving system 1100c is illustrated. The revolving motion of shelving system 1100c is accomplished by two opposite revolving slides, which coact through pulley system 1400. As seen in FIG. 34, first shelves 1501-1502, which are mounted on the right revolving slide and in an upper position, slide outward in the same manner as explained with reference to FIG. 26. As seen in FIG. 35 and FIG. 36, first shelves 1501, 1502 slide downward in the same manner as explained with reference to FIG. 27. As first shelves 1501, 1502 move downward relative to the right revolving slide, the pulley/cable systems automatically effect an opposite motion for the second shelves 1503, 1504 associated with the left revolving slide. Thus, the second shelves move upward.

As seen in FIG. 35, wheel 1209 associated with revolving slide 1201 opens flap 1211a as the second shelves move upward. As seen in FIG. 36, once the first shelves are fully descended, the second shelves are fully ascending. Second shelves are secured in upper position as leading wheel 1209 rests on flap 1211b. Once the first shelves reach the lower position, they may be pushed horizontally inward into alignment with the second shelves, as seen in FIG. 37.

With reference to FIG. 38, second shelves 1503-1504, which are mounted on the left revolving slide and in an upper position, slide outward in the same manner as explained with reference to FIG. 47. As seen in FIG. 39 and FIG. 40, second shelves 1503, 1504 slide downward in the same manner. As second shelves 1503, 1504 move downward relative to the right revolving slide, the pulley/cable systems automatically effect an opposite motion for the first shelves 1501, 1501 associated with the right revolving slide. Thus, the first shelves move upward.

As seen in FIG. 40, once the second shelves are fully descended, the first shelves are fully ascended. As also seen in FIG. 40, first shelves are secured in upper position as leading wheel 1109 rests on flap 1211a. Once the second shelves reach the lower position, they may be pushed horizontally inward into alignment with the first shelves, as seen in FIG. 41.

Thus, according to the present disclosure, pulley/cable systems are provided to automatically translate motion between the respective shelves/shelf portions. Thus, as cables are drawn upward, i.e., wrapped around uptake pulley wheels, cable is extended from central uptake wheel (based on a reverse winding thereof). Synchronizing rods may be provided to coordinate the motions therebetween.

One or more of the second or third shelves may advantageously include alignment pin(s) (not shown here) to align the opposed second shelves and third shelves. These alignment pins are pivotally mounted and are adapted to pivot upward and downward from the depicted horizontal orientation to a non-horizontal orientation to permit passage of outwardly extending elements of shelf support member therethrough. Once the passage is complete, the pins, which are generally spring biased, resume their initial horizontal orientation.

In use, shelves may be moved horizontally outward, as described above with reference to telescoping structures and sliding frames associated with other exemplary shelving systems of the present disclosure. Once fully pulled out, the vertical positioning of the first shelves and the second and the third may be reversed, with the pulley/cable systems automatically translating vertical motion therebetween. Moreover, exemplary shelving system advantageously allow the shelves to trade place in a revolving manner as vertical repositioning of the first and second shelves may be advantageously achieved by outward movement of the first shelves when they are in the upper position, and outward movement of the second shelves when they are in the upper position, rather than limiting the outward movement to either the first or the second shelves. Similarly, the horizontal motion may be limited to shelves that are in the “lower” position. Thus, exemplary shelving system advantageously permits vertical repositioning of shelves/shelving units by way of a substantially clockwise or counter-clockwise movement of the first and second shelves.

With reference to FIGS. 42-44, further exemplary shelving system 2000 and shelving unit 2050 are schematically depicted according to the present disclosure. Shelving system 2000 incorporates a pulley/cable mechanism of the type described hereinabove to facilitate and synchronize relative movement of first shelving unit 2002 and second shelving unit 2004, namely automatic relative motion therebetween in opposite directions along a vertical axis. However, unlike previously described embodiments, one or both of the shelving units 2002, 2004 is rotatably mounted relative to the frame 2006.

More particularly, as is apparent by comparing the relative positions of first shelving unit 2002 in FIG. 42 and the position of first shelving unit 2002 in FIG. 43, first shelving unit 2002 is rotatably mounted relative to frame 2006 so as to travel along arc “A”, such that the individual shelves associated with shelving unit 2002 may be outwardly positioned relative to the frame 2006, as desired. Although the present embodiment is described with reference to a frame 2006, it is to be understood that the rotational functionality associated with shelving units as described herein may be implemented independent of an enclosure. For example, the disclosed rotational functionality and associated cable/pulley mechanism may be implemented by associating the disclosed rod(s) and related mechanisms with non-frame structures, e.g., walls, ceilings, beams, joists, closets and the like.

With further reference to FIGS. 42 and 43, shelving unit 2002 is rotatably mounted relative to rod 2008 that extends vertically in a substantially front corner of frame 2006. Rod 2008 may be stationary relative to frame 2006, whereas the cable (not pictured) is attached to shelving unit 2002 and travels relative to frame 2006 in the manner described in previous embodiments. In alternative implementations of the present disclosure, rod 2008 may be rotationally mounted relative to frame 2006, e.g., rod 2008 may be rotationally mounted relative to top and bottom bearing plates, thereby facilitating rotational movement of rod 2008 relative to frame 2006. In this alternative implementation, shelving unit 2002 may be rotationally fixed relative to rod 2008 such that rotation of rod 2008 relative to frame 2006 translates to a corresponding rotation of shelving unit 2002 relative to frame 2006. Of note, in embodiments where shelving unit 2002 is rotationally mounted relative to rod 2008, the rod is typically circular in cross-section. However, in embodiments where the rod 2008 is rotationally mounted with respect to frame 2006, the cross-section of rod 2008 may take various forms, e.g., square, rectangular, elliptical, hexagonal, etc.

As shown in FIG. 44, a bearing 2054 may be positioned in an aperture formed in the shelving unit (e.g., shelving unit 2050 of FIG. 44) to facilitate rotational motion of the shelving unit relative to rod 2008 and vertical motion of the shelving unit relative to frame 2006. Thus, shelving unit 2002 is free to travel upward/downward relative to rod 2008. Although bearing 2054 is schematically depicted with a circular opening, bearing 2054 may be implemented with alternative opening geometries to cooperate with rods of varying cross-section, e.g., square, rectangular, elliptical and/or hexagonal rod geometries. In exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, bearing 2054 may be integrally formed with the rod 2008, and the associated shelving unit may be mounted with respect to such bearing.

Of note, one or both of shelving units 2002, 2004 may include a plurality (e.g., two or three) spaced shelves, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43. However, the present disclosure is not limited to shelving units that include multiple shelves, but can be implemented with each “shelving unit” comprising only a single shelf, hanging rod, drawer or the like. The shelves may take the form of substantially planar surfaces (as shown) or may have alternative designs/structures, e.g., one or more of the shelves may take the form of a complete or partial drawer.

With further reference to FIGS. 42 and 43, in the outward position depicted in FIG. 43, first shelving unit 2002 is free to translate upward past second shelving unit 2004 in a synchronized fashion (based on the functionality of the pulley/cable system as previously described). Vertical translation is accomplished along rod 2008. Once the first shelving unit 2002 has reached its desired location relative to the frame 2006 and the second shelving unit 2004, it may be rotated inward along arc ‘A” to reassume an inward position relative to frame 2006. Of note, in embodiments wherein both the first shelving unit 2002 and the second shelving unit 2004 are adapted for outward rotation relative to the frame 2006, upward/downward motion of the shelving units is permitted when both shelving units are rotated outward (because vertical clearance is established in such orientation).

In embodiments that support outward, rotational motion of both first and second shelving units 2002, 2004, one or both shelving units may be outwardly rotated to permit upward/downward translation of the first and second shelving units relative to each other. Of note, the rotational functionality described with reference to FIGS. 42 and 43 is generally implemented such that the ratio of the width to the depth of the individual shelves associated with a shelving unit is at least 2:1 so as to ensure desired clearances, etc.

With reference to FIG. 44, a schematic top view of exemplary shelving unit 2050 is provided. As previously noted, shelving unit 2050 includes a bearing 2054 positioned in an aperture to facilitate rotational movement relative to a rod (not pictured). Shelving unit 2050 includes a curved edge 2052 that is sized and dimensioned to facilitate non-interfering rotation of the shelving unit relative to the front corner 2062 of frame 2060. The geometric design of curved edge 2052 (and the overall need for curved edge 2052) is influenced by the spacing or clearance between the shelving unit and the frame, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. Thus, if the shelving unit 2050 is sufficiently spaced from front corner 2062, then a curved edge is unnecessary. Similarly, if an individual shelf is not adapted for rotational movement, a curved edge is unnecessary. As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, the geometry of the shelving unit and individual shelves (or other storage structure, e.g. drawer) may be selected so as to permit desired levels of rotational movement.

The shelving systems of FIGS. 42-44 may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, although the rods that support rotational motion of the shelving units 2002 and 2004 are illustrated as being opposite to each other with respect to frame 2006, it is further contemplated that the rods may be positioned side-by-side, i.e., on the same side of the frame. In this way, first and second shelving units would rotate around the same arc, but would be independently supported by distinct rods.

Although the shelving systems disclosed herein have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is apparent that modifications and/or changes may be made to the disclosed systems without departing from the spirit and/or scope of the disclosed invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, it is envisioned and well within the scope of the present invention that the disclosed systems could be modified in such a manner as to increase or decrease the number of shelves associated with individual shelving units, the number of shelving units included within a shelving system, etc. Thus, having described the present invention in detail and with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the invention, as set forth in the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A shelving system, comprising:

a. a frame;

b. a first shelving unit mounted with respect to the frame;

c. a second shelving unit mounted with respect to the frame;

wherein at least one of the first shelving unit and the second shelving unit is mounted for both vertical motion relative to the frame and rotational motion relative to the frame.

2. The shelving system according to claim 1, wherein both the first shelving unit and the second shelving unit are mounted for both vertical motion relation relative to the frame and rotational motion relative to the frame.

3. The shelving system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second shelving units includes a plurality of spaced shelves.

4. The shelving system according to claim 1, wherein the frame includes at least one vertically oriented rod.

5. The shelving system according to claim 4, wherein rotational motion of the at least one of the first shelving unit and the second shelving unit occurs relative to the vertically oriented rod.

6. The shelving system according to claim 1, wherein the first shelving unit is adapted to automatically move upward when the second shelving unit moves downward, and to automatically move downward when the second shelving unit moves upward.

7. The shelving system according to claim 6, wherein automatic movement of the first shelving unit in response to movement of the second shelving unit is effectuated by a cable and pulley mechanism.

8. The shelving system according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the first shelving unit and the second shelving unit is rotated outward relative to the frame before vertical movement of either the first shelving unit or the second shelving unit.

9. The shelving system according to claim 8, wherein outward rotation of at least one of the first shelving unit and the second shelving unit is effective to create vertical clearance of the first shelving unit relative to the second shelving unit.

10. The shelving system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first shelving unit and the second shelving unit includes a curved edge to facilitate rotational movement relative to the frame.

11. The shelving system according to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises at least one vertically oriented rod.

12. The shelving system according to claim 11, wherein the at least one vertically oriented rod is mounted with respect to at least one of a housing, a wall or a ceiling.

13. A method for storing items, comprising:

a. providing a shelving system that includes a frame; a first shelving unit mounted with respect to the frame; and a second shelving unit mounted with respect to the frame;

b. rotating the first shelving unit relative outwardly relative to the second shelving unit so as to position the first shelving unit for vertical movement relative to the second shelving unit; and

c. moving the first shelving unit in a first vertical direction relative to the second shelving unit; wherein the second shelving unit automatically moves in a second vertical direction relative to the first shelving unit in response to vertical movement of the first shelving unit in the first vertical direction, and wherein the first vertical direction is opposite to the second vertical direction.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the frame comprises at least one rod oriented in a vertical direction.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one rod is mounted with respect to at least one of a housing, a wall or a ceiling.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein automatic movement of the second shelving unit is effectuated by a cable and pulley mechanism.