BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a storage system for multiple articles in spaced relation to one another. The storage system is particularly useful for storing stacks of articles such as containers. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a storage system or dispenser apparatus which has movable parts to facilitate a user's access to the stored articles.

U.S. Patent No. 6,585,119 discloses a system for storing and stacking like articles. In one embodiment of the invention, a base is shaped and sized to fit within a storage cabinet or counter. A rotatable modular stackholder is secured to the base by means that permits the stackholder to move to and from a position within the storage cabinet and remain in vertical alignment with the base. The modular array of stackholders may be rotated at any position within or outside the cabinet or counter. In this embodiment, the modular stackholder comprises multiple units that have mating surfaces adapted to interengage one another. Any number of these units may be stacked, depending upon the space in which the stackholder is positioned. Each of the stackholder units are similarly shaped with a plurality of different sized compartments to receive stacks of articles, such as containers and dishes.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved storage system of the above-described type. Another object of the present invention is to provide such a storage system which is lightweight.

A further object of the present invention is to provide such a storage system which is inexpensive to manufacture.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide such a storage system which requires reduced spaced for transport and which can be easily assembled into its use configuration.

These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent from the drawings and descriptions herein. Although every object of the invention is believed to be attained by at least one embodiment of the invention, there is not necessarily any single embodiment that achieves all of the objects of the invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A storage system for multiple stacks of like articles comprises, in accordance with the present invention, a base and a stackholder assembly connected to the base for movement to and from a position in vertical alignment with the base. The stackholder assembly includes a support platform and a plurality of vertical guide members each secured at a lower end directly to the platform and extending vertically therefrom to define a plurality of stackholder units each capable of receiving a stack of like articles.

In accordance with other features of the present invention, the vertical guide members each include a plurality of prongs each extending substantially perpendicularly to the platfoπn, the prongs being provided at lower ends with locking formations engageable with cooperating locking formations on the platform to fix the vertical guide members to the platfoπn. The locking formations may include detents on the lower ends of the prongs and shoulders disposed in receptacles on the platform.

Pursuant to further features of the present invention, the prongs of each vertical guide member are arranged in a substantially triangular array and have upper ends connected to one another by a bight portion. Each stackholder unit may include at least two of the vertical guide members, the bight portions of the vertical guide members ^' having concave sides facing one another to define vertical storage compartments.

Prior to arrival at an end user's location, the storage system of the present invention may be shipped and stored in a collapsed configuration wherein the vertical guide members are disassembled from the support. The end user can easily assemble the storage system by plugging the free ends of the pronged guide members into receptacles on the support

platform. The guide members are lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to install.

Pursuant to an additional feature of the present invention, the stackholder assembly is connected to the base by a pivoting linkage. The linkage defines at least one pivot axis of the stackholder assembly about which motion of the stackholder assembly brings the stackholder assembly out of vertical alignment with the base.

The pivot axis may be a horizontal axis, hi that case, motion of the stackholder assembly between one position in vertical alignment with the base and another position horizontally or laterally displaced relative to the base involves a motion having both a vertical component and a horizontal component. Thus, where the stackholder assembly is originally disposed vertically above the base, the platform of the stackholder assembly initially swings upwardly and in a lateral or horizontal direction and then downwardly in the same lateral or horizontal direction to arrive at a new stackholder position that is laterally or horizontally displaced relative to the original position. Alternatively, the pivot axis may be a vertical axis. Where there is a single lever ami connecting the stackholder assembly and the base, motion of the stackholder assembly between one position in vertical alignment with the base and another position horizontally or laterally displaced relative to the base involves a motion having horizontal components along two orthogonal axes and no vertical component. The stackholder assembly is moved from one position to the other along a circular horizontal path determined by the location of the pivot axis relative to a central axis of the system an by the length of the lever arm.

A vertical pivot axis of the stackholder assembly may be one of two pivot axes. In this case, there are two lever arms swingably connected to one another and to the stockholder assembly at one end and the base at the other end. The stackholder assembly executes a pivoting motion with respect to at least one pivot axis, located at the joint between the two lever arms. That axis at the lever ami joint or articulation may in turn pivot with respect to

the other pivot axis, with the possible result that the stackholder assembly executes only a translation with respect to the other pivot axis. The stackholder assembly may be supported on the base entirely via the lever arras. Alternatively, either the base or the stackholder assembly may be provided with a projection that slides against the other, enabling a low friction resting of the stackholder assembly on the base.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the platform comprises a turntable and the stackholder assembly includes a rotary coupling enabling an additional rotation of the turntable about a vertical axis. Objects on the turntable are subject to multiple swinging or rotary motions about a plurality of axes. As stated hereinabove, the stackholder units may each include at least two vertical guide members separately attachable to the platform and spaced from one another to define a vertical storage compartment. The vertical guide members may be so shaped as to define a storage compartment of a desired cross section. Typical cross-sections are circular to accommodate dishes and plates, cups and saucers, storage containers and lids. ^'■ However, any of these items might have a different cross section such as square (perhaps with rounded comers). In that case the vertical guide members define storage compartments that are generally square in cross-section.

A storage system for multiple stacks of containers and the like for storage in a cabinet comprises, in accordance with the present invention, a base and a stackholder assembly and means for interengaging the stackholder assembly for movement between a position in vertical alignment with the base within a cabinet and a position at least partially outside the cabinet. The stackholder assembly has a plurality of vertically extending pronged guide members defining a plurality of vertically extending compartments to receive stacks of articles. As indicated above, where the stackholder assembly includes a platform, receptacles are provided on the platform for receiving prongs of the guide members, the prongs and the

receptacles being provided with cooperating locking elements for securing the guide members to the platform.

A dispenser comprises, in accordance with the present invention, a base to be positioned in a storage area and a support having means for receiving and holding a plurality of items in spaced relation to one another, the support and the base being interconnected with one another by a pivot mechanism connected to the base and the support for enabling a swinging movement of the support about at least one pivot axis from a first position in vertical alignment with the base to a second position spaced from the first position.

The pivot axis may be a horizontal axis, involving motion of the support in both a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. Alternatively, the pivot axis may be a vertical axis, involving motion of the support in a horizontal plane along two orthogonal axes only. In another alternative, the motion of the A vertical pivot axis of the stackholder assembly may be one of two pivot axes. In this case, there are two lever amis swingably connected to one another and to the stackholder assembly at one end and the base at the other end. The stackholder assembly executes a pivoting motion with respect to at least one pivot axis, located at the joint between the two lever amis. That axis at the lever ami joint or articulation may in turn pivot with respect to the other pivot axis, with the possible result that the stackholder assembly executes only a translation with respect to the other pivot axis. The stackholder assembly may be supported on the base entirely via the lever arms. Alternatively, either the base or the stackholder assembly may be provided with a projection that slides against the other, enabling a low friction resting of the stackholder assembly on the base.

Where the items each comprise a stack of containers, the support has vertical guide members defining vertical storage compartments for receiving the stacks of containers in spaced relation to one another. Preferably, the vertical guide members each include a plurality of prongs each extending substantially perpendicularly to a horizontal support such

as a platform, the prongs being provided at lower ends with locking formations engageable with cooperating locking formations on the platform to fix the vertical guide members to the platform.

A storage system in accordance with the present invention is lightweight and inexpensive to manufacture, requires reduced spaced for transport, and can be easily assembled into its use configuration. Stacks of containers that are stored in the storage system are safeguarded against inadvertent damage, and stored in a manner that improves quick availability while using a minimal space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a storage system in accordance with the present invention, showing a stackholder assembly comprising a plurality of vertical guide members mounted to a turntable.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the turntable included in the storage system of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a vertical guide member shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view, on a larger scale, of an end of a prong or leg of the vertical guide member of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a receptacle on the turntable of Figs. 1 and 2, showing a locking engagement of the prong or leg shown in Figs. 3 and 4 and the receptacle. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another receptacle on the turntable of Figs. 1 and 2, showing two prongs of different vertical guide members inserted into that receptacle.

Fig. 7 is a schematic top plan view of a turntable support assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing a turntable in a retracted and aligned position relative to a base.

Fig. 8 is a schematic side elevational view taken from the left side in Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a schematic top plan view of the turntable support assembly of Figs. 7 and 8, showing the turntable in a partially extended position relative to the base.

Fig. 10 is a schematic front elevational view taken from the bottom in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a schematic top plan view of the turntable support assembly of Figs. 7 -10, showing the turntable in a fully extended position relative to the base.

Fig. 12 is a schematic front elevational view taken from the bottom in Fig. 1 1. Fig. 13 is a schematic top plan view of another turntable support assembly in accordance with the present invention, illustrating in solid lines a vertically aligned position of a turntable relative to a base and showing in phantom lines an extended position of the turntable relative to the base.

Fig. 14 is a schematic front elevational view taken generally from the left side in Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a side elevational view of yet another turntable support assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing the turntable in a partially aligned and partially elevated position relative to a base.

Fig. 16 is a side elevational view similar to Fig. 15, showing the turntable in a fully extended or shifted position relative to the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The storage system described herein is intended primarily for use in storing containers, dishes and similar items. However, it may be used to store other stackable or non- stackable articles for household, business or food purposes. In one preferred form illustrated in the present invention, the system is designed for use in a restaurant, home kitchen cabinet, or counter. It may, however, be used in other storage facilities as well. The present storage system constitutes in part an improvement or modification of the storage and stacking system described in U.S. Patent No. 6,585,119, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. As depicted in Fig. 1 , a storage and stacking system comprises a turntable support or base assembly 102 and a stackholder or guide assembly 104 disposed on the turntable support

assembly. The turntable support or base assembly 102 takes any form disclosed in U.S.

Patent No. 6,585,119 and may alternatively take a foπn as described hereinafter with reference to Figs. 7-16. In particular, the turntable support or base assembly 102 may consist primarily of a base 10 and means 30 for inter-engaging the base 10 and the stackholder or guide assembly 104 for movement of the stackholder assembly 104 to and from a position in vertical alignment with the base 10. The storage system may be made of any suitable material, such as wood, plastic or metal. It may also be formed of mesh material or a series of appropriately oriented bars or slats. However, for mass-produced, relatively inexpensive units, injection molded plastic is a preferred form of material. The base 10 is cylindrical or disk-shaped. Alternatively, the base 10 may have other shapes such as square or rectangular, depending upon the particular shape and size of the space in which the storage system to be located. When used in a kitchen or restaurant to store containers such as dishes, the unit may be cylindrical in shape with an overall diameter in the order of 10 inches to 2 feet. The overall height is determined by the cabinet or counter or shelf height in which the unit is positioned.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the base 10 has a continuous sidewall or skirt 1 1 depending from a top panel 12. The sidewall 11 may be formed with finger room for grabbing this base and pulling it outward. The sidewall 11 may have any desired height and may be further provided with elements for locking or securing the base to a shelf. Securing elements might include tabs with screw holes extending from the base or alternately screws extending downwardly through the base 10 into the supporting shelf or cabinet base. Alternatively, pads of interlocking hooks and loops (VELCRO) can be used to hold the unit in place.

The top panel 12 is formed with an elongated slot 13 that extends radially from the center of the top panel to a distance short of the skirt 1 1. This slot 13 may be defined by a depending circumferential flange (see U.S. Patent No. 6,585,119) that extends from its edge downwardly within the base 10. The base 10 may also be provided with a pair or more of

parallel re-enforcing ribs (not shown) that extend transversely from the lower or under surface of top panel 12 across the base. These transverse reinforcing ribs terminate short of the circumferential flange so as not to interfere with the slot 13. The upper surface of the top panel 12 may also be formed with a plurality of guide rails 16 that project upwardly from the surface of the top panel 12 in spaced relation to one another and parallel to slot 13.

The means 30 for inter-engaging the base 10 and stackholder assembly 104 includes a bearing load base 31 that is coaxially mounted on the top panel 12. The bearing load base 31 is formed with an opening 32 coaxial with and having the same diameter as the width of the slot 13 in the top panel 12. The bearing load base 31 is also formed with a plurality of upwardly extending ribs 33 and downwardly extending ribs (see U.S. Patent No. 6,585,119). The downwardly extending ribs are spaced apart and parallel to one another, with the ribs engaging and guided by the rails 16 formed in the top panel 12. A ball bearing race 35 of conventional design is positioned on the top surface of the bearing load base 31 at its outer periphery. A bearing top cap 36 is coaxially aligned with the bearing load base 31. An opening 37 in the bearing top cap 36 is coaxially aligned with the opening 32 in the bearing load base and the slot 13 in the base 10. The bearing top cap 36 is formed with an upwardly displaced dome 38 having a top surface 39 and depending sidewalls 40. There is also provided an annular flange 41 that extends upwardly from the top surface 39 and is radially spaced from the opening 37. The depending sidewalls 40 of the dome 38 may be arcuately contoured as illustrated at 44.

The stackholder assembly 104 includes a rotatable platform or turntable 106 that has an outer diameter coextensive with the outer diameter of the base 10. Rotatable platform or turntable 106 is also provided with a downwardly extending continuous skirt 108 that is aligned with the skirt 1 1 of the base 10. The skirt 108 extends downwardly into close proximity to, but is spaced from the upper end of skirt 11.

Platform or turntable 106 may be provided on an upper surface with a cross-shaped opening 1 10 shaped to receive a geometrically similar center spindle connector 112 which extends downwardly into the base 10 through the openings 37, 32, and 13. The connector 1 12 has a cap 114 and four orthogonally related flanges 116 that are shaped and sized to slide through the cross shaped opening 110 to rotationally engage the platform or turntable 106. A bottom end 118 of the spindle connector 112 engages a slide plate 72 that extends lengthwise of the slot 13. The bottom end 118 of the spindle connector 112 is secured by a cap nut 76 that locks the connector to the slide plate 72 for sliding movement with the slide plate slidingly engaging the flanges. In an alternative configuration of the rotary coupling between platform or turntable

106 and support or base assembly 102, a spindle connector (not shown) may be integral with platform or turntable 106 and depend from a lower surface thereof. In that case, opening 1 10 is omitted as superfluous.

The stackholder assembly 104 further includes a plurality of vertical guide members 120 (Fig. 1 and 3) each secured at a lower end directly to the platform or turntable 106 and extending vertically therefrom to define a plurality of stackholder units 122 each capable of receiving a stack of like articles, such as cup-shaped storage containers. The vertical guide members 120 each have a plurality of prongs 124 and 126 each extending substantially perpendicularly to the platform or turntable 106. The prongs 124 and 126 of each vertical guide member 120 are arranged in a substantially triangular array and have upper ends connected to one another by a bight portion 128. Each stackholder unit 122 includes two of the vertical guide members 120, the bight portions 128 of the vertical guide members having concave sides (not separately designated) facing one another to define vertical storage compartments. Storage units or compartments 122 may have any desired cross-section. Typical cross-sections are circular to accommodate dishes and plates, cups and saucers, storage containers and lids. However, any of these items might have a different cross section

such as square (perhaps with rounded corners). In that case the vertical guide members define storage compartments that are generally square in cross-section.

The prongs 124 at the ends of bight portions 128 are provided at their lower ends with locking formations 132 in the form of detents (Figs. 3-6) engageable with cooperating locking formations 134 on the platform to fix the vertical guide members 120 to the platform 106. The locking formations 134 on the platform 106 take the form of shoulders disposed in receptacles 136 that are integrally molded parts of the platfoπn 106. (See Figs. 2, 5, 6.) The central prongs 126 are smooth at their lower ends, i.e., are not provided with locking formations. Concomitantly, receptacles 136 provided on platform 106 for receiving the lower ends of prongs 126 are simple slots or recesses, without shoulders.

Prior to arrival at an end user's location, the storage system of Figs. 1-6 may be shipped and stored in a collapsed configuration wherein the vertical guide members 120 are disassembled from platfoπn or turntable 106. The end user can easily assemble the storage system by plugging the free ends of prongs 124 and 126 into receptacles 136 and 137 on the platform 106. The guide members 120 are lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to install.

Among receptacles 134 are four radially oriented receptacles 136' that receive prongs 124 of two adjacent vertical guide members 120. The free or lower ends of prongs 124 may be provided with transversely extending projections or nubs 138 that serve to space the prongs 124 from one another in receptacles 136'.

In the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 1, the Lazy Susan-like storage unit may be stored in a position in which platform or turntable 106 and the parallel stackholder units 122 are disposed in vertical alignment with the base 10. Alternately, the platfoπn or turntable 106 together with stackholder units 122 may be moved laterally from the base 10 by sliding the platform 106 together with the stackholder units 122 outwardly for more easy access to the items stored within the vertical storage compartments or wells defined by the stackholder

units 122. Additionally, the Lazy Susan configuration permits the platform 106 together with the stackholder units 122 to be rotated at any time, for ease in replacing or removing items such as dishes within the wells, about an axis parallel to the prongs 124 and 126 and perpendicular to the lateral movement. When stored in a cabinet such as a kitchen or restaurant cabinet, the base 10 of the unit may be fixed to the bottom of the cabinet by adhesive foam pads, VELCRO or small screws and other suitable securing means. If prefeiτed, such small screws extend through a mounting flange into the cabinet shelf. Thus the base 10 is fixed within the cabinet but the upper portions may be slid outwardly and rotated for easy access to any one of the multiple wells or vertical storage compartments with the articles stacked in them. The wide openings or spacing gaps formed by the vertical guide members 120 allow easy access to the stacked articles from the sides of the stacks. The arrangement also allows for sample inventory of the number of stacked articles in each well or vertical storage compartment.

The stackholder assembly 104 of Figs. 1-6, particularly including platform or turntable 106, may be connected to a base 140 by a pivoting linkage 142 depicted in Figs. 7- 12. The linkage 142 defines a vertical pivot axis 144 of the platform or turntable 106 about which motion of the platform or turntable brings the stackholder assembly 104 out of vertical alignment with the base 140. A single lever ami 146 connects the stackholder assembly 104 and the base 140 optionally via a turntable support disk 147. Motion of the stackholder assembly 104 between one position in vertical alignment with the base 140 (Figs. 7 and 8) and another position horizontally or laterally displaced relative to the base (Figs. 11 and 12) involves a motion having horizontal components along two orthogonal axes and no vertical component. The stackholder assembly 104 is moved from one position to the other along a circular horizontal path 148 determined by the location of the pivot axis 144 relative to a central axis 150 of the system and by the length of the lever ami 146. A rotary coupling or spindle 151 connects platform or turntable 106 to support disk 147.

The stackholder assembly 104 of Figs. 1-6, particularly including platform or turntable 106, may be connected to a base 152 by a pivoting linkage 154 depicted in Figs. 13 and 14. The linkage 154 defines two pivot axes 156 and 158 about which motion brings the stackholder assembly 104 out of vertical alignment with the base 152. The linkage 154 includes two lever arms 160 and 162 swingably connected to one another and to the stackholder assembly 104 at one end and the base 152 at the other end. The stackholder assembly 104 executes a pivoting motion with respect to at least one pivot axis 156, located at a joint 164 between the two lever amis 160 and 162. Joint 164 (and axis 156) pivots about the other pivot axis 158, with the possible result that the stackholder assembly 104 executes only a translation with respect to the pivot axis 158. The stackholder assembly 104 may be supported on the base 152 entirely via the linkage 154, particularly via lever arms 160 and 162. Alternatively, either the base 152 or the stackholder assembly 104 may be provided with a projection (not illustrated) that slides against the other, providing a low-friction movable resting of the stackholder assembly on the base. A secondary base 165 serving as a buffer or support for platform or turntable 106 may be provided, while a rotary coupling or spindle 163 connects platform or turntable 106 to support disk 174.

The stackholder assembly 104 of Figs. 1-6, particularly including platform or turntable 106, may be connected to a base 166 by a pivoting linkage 168 depicted in Figs. 15 and 16. The linkage 168 includes two pivot amis 170 and 172 each pivotably rotary coupling or spindle 180 connected at one end to the base 166 and at an opposite end to a turntable support disk 174 on which stackholder assembly 104 is disposed. Linkage 168 defines two horizontal pivot axes 176 and 178 of the platform or turntable 106 about which motion of the platform or turntable brings the stackholder assembly 104 out of vertical alignment with the base 166. Pivot axes 176 and 178 are horizontal axes. Motion of the stackholder assembly 104 in the embodiment of Figs. 15 and 16 takes place between one position (Fig. 15) in vertical

alignment with base 166 and another position (Fig. 16) horizontally or laterally displaced relative to the base. The motion of the stackholder assembly 104 in Figs. 15 and 16 has both a vertical component and a horizontal component. Thus, where the stackholder assembly 104 is originally disposed vertically above the base 166 (Fig. 15), the stackholder assembly 104 initially swings upwardly and in a lateral or horizontal direction (for example, out of a cabinet) and then downwardly in the same lateral or horizontal direction to arrive at the new stackholder position (Fig. 16) that is laterally or horizontally displaced relative to the original position (to extend out of a cabinet).

Pivoting linkage 168 may include a cross-link 180 for stability purposes, i.e., for inhibiting a tipping of support disk 174 and turntable 106 relative to base 166 during a motion of stackholder assembly 104 with respect to base 166. A rotary coupling or spindle 180 connects platform or turntable 106 to support disk 174.

Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.