Shelving System

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to shelving systems, and in particular to articulating shelving system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Shelving systems are commonly used for storage. They may be found in various locations, including, for example, kitchens, living rooms, garages, workshops, etc. One typical form of a shelving system is a cabinet. A cabinet generally takes the form of a rectangular box, with one or more doors on the front to hide the contents of the cabinet from view. The doors may be opened to allow access to the interior of the cabinet, and the interior may be partitioned by one or more shelves.

[0003] Cabinets may sit on the ground, with such cabinets sometimes called base cabinets. Alternatively, cabinets may be mounted on a wall such that they are suspended above the ground (typically referred to as wall cabinets). Such wall cabinets have the benefit of still providing some usable space under the cabinet, such as, for example, providing space for a countertop or table.

[0004] However, wall cabinets that are suspended above the ground may be harder for some people to access. If a wall cabinet is mounted relatively high up along a wall, it may be difficult for shorter persons to access the interior of the cabinet, especially the upper portions of the cabinet.

[0005] There is therefore a need for a shelving system that allows for a cabinet to be mounted on a wall, while still allowing for easy access to the interior of the cabinet. These and other objects will be better understood by reference to this application as a whole. Not all of the objects are necessarily met by all embodiments of the invention described below. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one aspect of the invention, a shelving system comprises an outer frame and an interior unit. The interior unit is connected to the frame using one or more linkage assemblies. The linkage assemblies comprise a bracket attached to the frame, with first and second arms pivotally connected to the bracket. The first and second arms are pivotally connected to a multi-bar linkage that is in turn connected to the interior unit. A guide arm is pivotally connected to the multi-bar linkage and is also able to travel within a curved opening on the bracket. One or more actuators transition the shelving system from an upper configuration to a lower configuration, and vice versa. In the upper configuration, the interior unit is substantially within the frame, while in the lower configuration, the interior unit is substantially away from and lowered from the frame.

[0007] In another embodiment, a shelving system comprises an outer frame, an interior unit, and one or more linkage assemblies. The linkage assemblies connect the interior unit to the frame and are configured to cause a transition of the shelving system between an upper configuration and a lower configuration. In the upper configuration, the interior unit is located within the frame, while in the lower configuration, the interior unit is located horizontally and vertically offset from the frame. Each of the linkage assemblies comprises a bracket, a multi-bar linkage, first and second bracket arms, a guide assembly, and an actuator. The bracket is attached to the frame, with the bracket comprising an elongated curved bracket opening. The multi-bar linkage is attached to the interior unit. The first and second bracket arms are pivotally connected to the bracket and to the multi-bar linkage. The guide assembly is pivotally connected to the multi-bar linkage and adapted to engage with the bracket opening. The actuator comprises an actuator body and an actuator arm configured to move longitudinally with respect to the actuator body. The actuator body is attached to the frame, and the actuator arm is pivotally connected to one of the first and second bracket arms. Movement of the actuator arm with respect to the actuator body causes movement of the interior unit with respect to the frame to effect the transition, including movement of the guide assembly along the bracket opening during at least a portion of the transition.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the bracket further comprises a bushing. [0009] In still yet another embodiment, the guide assembly comprises guide first and second ends, a guide arm, a guide wheel, and an engagement member. The guide arm extends between the guide first and second ends, and the guide arm is pivotally connected to the multi-bar linkage proximate to the guide second end. The guide wheel is attached to the guide arm proximate to the guide first end, and the guide wheel is adapted to engage with the bracket opening. The engagement member extends from the guide arm, and the engagement member and the guide arm define, at least in part, a slot. The engagement member is adapted to engage with the bushing by engaging the bushing within the slot during at least a portion of the transition.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the multi-bar linkage comprises at least three bars.

[0011] In still a further embodiment, the multi-bar linkage comprises four bars.

[0012] In another embodiment, each of the first and second bracket arms are pivotally connected to two of the four bars.

[0013] In still another embodiment, each of the four bars are pivotally connected to two other ones of the four bars.

[0014] In still yet another embodiment, one of the four bars is fixedly connected to the interior unit.

[0015] In another embodiment, one of the first and second bracket arms comprises a bend.

[0016] In still another embodiment, an angle of the bend is greater than 90°.

[0017] In still yet another embodiment, the bracket opening comprises opening first and second ends. In the upper configuration, the guide assembly engages the bracket opening proximate to the opening first end.

[0018] In a further embodiment, during the transition, the guide assembly moves along the bracket opening towards the opening second end. [0019] In still a further embodiment, the slot comprises an open end and a closed end. In the upper configuration, the slot engages with the bushing proximate to the closed end.

[0020] In still yet a further embodiment, during the transition, the guide assembly moves with respect to the bushing such that the engagement member slides along the bushing towards the open end.

[0021] In another embodiment, the frame comprises an upper panel and two exterior side panels extending from the upper panel. The linkage assemblies are connected to the exterior side panels.

[0022] In still another embodiment, the interior unit comprises a lower panel and two interior side panels extending from the lower panel. The linkage assemblies are connected to the interior side panels.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, the actuator is electrically powered.

[0024] In another embodiment, the interior unit comprises one or more wheels attached to the lower panel. The bracket comprises a protrusion adapted to engage with the one or more wheels in the upper configuration.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the bracket further comprises a planar portion and one or more flanges. The planar portion comprises the bracket opening. The flanges extend from the planar portion. The flanges separate the planar portion from the exterior side panel.

[0026] In still a further embodiment, the bracket further comprises one or more attachment portions extending from the one or more flanges. The attachment portions adapted to engage with the exterior side panel.

[0027] The foregoing was intended as a summary only and of only some of the aspects of the invention. It was not intended to define the limits or requirements of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The preferred embodiment of the invention will be described by reference to the drawings thereof, in which:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows the shelving system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, with the shelving system in a partially lower configuration;

[0030] Fig. 2 shows the shelving system of Fig. 1, with the shelving system in a fully lower configuration;

[0031] Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the shelving system of Fig. 1, with the shelving system in an upper configuration;

[0032] Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the shelving system of Fig. 3, with the shelving system starting to transition into a lower configuration;

[0033] Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the shelving system of Fig. 3, with the shelving system continuing to transition into the lower configuration;

[0034] Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the shelving system of Fig. 3, with the shelving system further continuing to transition into the lower configuration;

[0035] Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the shelving system of Fig. 3, with the shelving system still further continuing to transition into the lower configuration; and

[0036] Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the shelving system of Fig. 3, with the shelving system in the fully lower configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a shelving system 10 comprises an outer frame 12 and an interior unit 14. The frame 12 preferably comprises an upper panel 16 and two exterior side panels 18 extending generally downwardly from the upper panel 16. In Figs. 1 and 2, one of the exterior side panels 18 is removed to show the internal mechanisms of the shelving system 10. One or more doors 20 may be attached to the exterior side panels 18 and/or the upper panel 16. The doors 20 are preferably hingedly connected to the exterior side panels 18 and/or the upper panel 16. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the doors 20 are hingedly connected to the exterior side panels 18. However, it is understood that in other embodiments, the doors 20 may be connected using other types of connections, or the doors 20 may be omitted completely.

[0038] The interior unit 14 preferably comprises a lower panel 22 and two interior side panels 24 extending generally upwardly from the lower panel 22. One or more shelves 26 may extend between the interior side panels 24. The interior unit 14 is connected to the frame 12 using one or more linkage assemblies 30, as described below.

[0039] When the shelving system 10 is in a fully upper configuration (e.g. as shown in Fig. 3), the interior unit 14 lies substantially under and within the frame 12. Preferably, a distance between the interior side panels 24 is less than a distance between the exterior side panels 18 such that the interior side panels 24 are able to fit between the exterior side panels 18. Furthermore, each of the exterior side panels 18 comprises a lower edge 28 (best seen in Fig. 3). When the shelving system 10 is in the fully upper configuration, the lower panel 22 is preferably substantially flush with, or abuts, the lower edges 28 of the exterior panels 18. Accordingly, the lower panel 22 preferably extends beyond the interior side panels 24 (i.e. a width of the lower panel 22 is greater than the distance between the interior side panels 24). The upper panel 16, the exterior side panels 18, and the lower panel 22 form a generally contiguous perimeter when the shelving system 10 is in the fully upper configuration.

[0040] Preferably, the shelving system 10 comprises two of the linkage assemblies 30, with one of the linkage assemblies 30 connecting one of the exterior side panels 18 to one of the interior side panels 24. Figs. 3 to 8 are sectional views of the shelving system 10 showing one of the linkage assemblies 30 (as viewed from A in Fig. 2) as the shelving system 10 transitions from the fully upper configuration to a fully lower configuration. It is understood that another one of the linkage assemblies 30 may be present on the other side of the shelving system 10 (as best shown in Fig. 2).

[0041] Each of the exterior side panels 18 comprises an inner surface 34. Each of the linkage assemblies 30 comprises a bracket 32 Referring to Figs. 3 to 8, each of the linkage assemblies 30 comprises a bracket 32 that is fixedly attached to one of the inner surfaces 34. The bracket 32 comprises a planar portion 36 that is substantially parallel to and raised away from the inner surface 34. The bracket 32 preferably further comprises one or more flanges 38 extending away from the planar portion 36 to raise the planar portion 36 from the inner surface 34. Preferably, the flanges 38 extend substantially perpendicularly from the planar portion 36. The bracket 32 preferably further comprises one or more attachment portions 35 extending from the flanges 38. The attachment portions 35 preferably extend substantially perpendicularly from the flanges 38 and are adapted to engage with the inner surface 34. Preferably, the attachment portions 35 comprise one or more connector openings 37 that are adapted to accept connectors for fixedly attaching the bracket 32 to the inner surface 34.

[0042] The planar portion 36 comprises an elongated, curved bracket opening 40 that is adapted to assist in transitioning the shelving system 10 between the upper and lower configurations (as described later). The bracket opening 40 comprises opening first and second ends 80, 82. As best seen in Fig. 3, the bracket opening 40 is preferably not perfectly arced, but instead includes a slight double curvature between the opening first and second ends 80, 82.

[0043] Each of the linkage assemblies 30 further comprises first and second bracket arms 42, 44. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 to 8, the first bracket arm 42 may comprise a bend, such that the first bracket arm 42 comprises first and second bend portions 92, 94. The angle B between the first and second bend portions 92, 94 (as shown in Fig. 6) is preferably greater than 90°.

[0044] Each of the first and second bracket arms 42, 44 is pivotally connected to the planar portion 36 and is also pivotally connected a multi-bar linkage 46. The multi-bar linkage 46 is in turn connected to the interior unit 14. Preferably, the first bracket arm 42 is pivotally connected to the planar portion 36 proximate to one end of the first bracket arm 42, while the first bracket arm 42 is pivotally connected to the multi-bar linkage 46 proximate to the other end of the first bracket arm 42. Likewise, the second bracket arm 44 is preferably pivotally connected to the planar portion 36 proximate to one end of the second bracket arm 44, while the second bracket arm 44 is preferably pivotally connected to the multi-bar linkage 46 proximate to the other end of the second bracket arm 44. However, it is understood that the pivotal connections are not necessarily limited to the ends of the first and second bracket arms 42, 44 but may be located at other places along the first and second bracket arms 42, 44.

[0045] The multi-bar linkage 46 preferably comprises first, second, third, and fourth bars 48, 50, 52, 54 that are arranged in a generally quadrilateral shape. The first bar 48 is preferably pivotally connected to the third bar 52 and the fourth bar 54, while the second bar 50 is preferably pivotally connected to the third bar 52 and the fourth bar 54. Preferably, the first bracket arm 42, the first bar 48, and the third bar 52 are pivotally connected together at a first connection point 100, while the second bracket arm 44, the second bar 50, and the third bar 52 are pivotally connected together at a second connection point 102. The first connection point 100 may be located proximate to ends of the first bracket arm 42, the first bar 48, and the third bar 52. The second connection point 102 may be located proximate to ends of the second bracket arm 44, the second bar 50, and the third bar 52.

[0046] The movement of the first and second bracket arms 42, 44 effect the movement of the multi-bar linkage 46 into and out of the frame 12, as described below.

[0047] Preferably, the fourth bar 54 is fixedly attached to the interior side panel 24 (i.e. the fourth bar 54 is unable to pivot or otherwise move with respect to the interior side panel 24).

[0048] The first bar 48 is preferably pivotally connected to the fourth bar 54 at a third connection point 104. The third connection point 104 may be located proximate to ends of the first bar 48 and the fourth bar 54. In one embodiment, the fourth bar 54 may be fixedly attached to the interior side panel 24 at the third connection point 104, while the first bar 48 is able to pivotally move with respect to the fourth bar 54 (and the interior side panel 24).

[0049] The second bar 50 is preferably pivotally connected to the fourth bar 54. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 to 8, the linkage assembly 30 further comprises a bar tab 55 extending from the fourth bar 54. The second bar 50 is pivotally connected to the bar tab 55 at a fourth connection point 106. The bar tab 55 may extend from the fourth bar 54 at a point along a length of the fourth bar 54 (and not necessarily proximate to the ends of the fourth bar 54). [0050] The fourth bar 54 may also be fixedly atached to the interior side panel 24 at an atachment point 108.

[0051] In another embodiment, the fourth bar 54 may be omitted from the multi -bar linkage 46. In this embodiment, the second bar 50 is pivotally connected to the interior side panel 24, while the first bar 48 is pivotally connected to the interior side panel 24.

[0052] Referring back to Figs. 3 to 8, the linkage assembly 30 further comprises a guide assembly 56 that is pivotally connected to the second bar 50 and is also adapted to engage with the bracket opening 40. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 to 8, the guide assembly 56 comprises guide first and second ends 60, 62, with a guide arm 58 extending between the guide first and second ends 60, 62. A guide wheel 64 is connected to the guide arm 58 proximate to the guide first end 60, with the guide wheel 64 adapted to travel within the bracket opening 40. Movement of the guide wheel 64 within the bracket opening 40 effects corresponding movement of the guide assembly 56. The guide arm 58 is preferably pivotally connected to the second bar 50 proximate to the guide second end 62, at a fifth connection point 110. The fifth connection point 110 is preferably located along a length of the second arm 50.

[0053] The guide assembly 56 further comprises an engagement member 66 that extends from the guide arm 58. Preferably, the engagement member 66 comprises one or more bends such that a portion of the engagement member 66 and the guide arm 58 define, at least in part, a slot 67. The slot 67 preferably extends substantially parallel to the guide arm 58 and comprises an open end 96 and a closed end 98.

[0054] The bracket 32 further comprises a bushing 68 that is adapted to engage within the slot 67 during the transition of the shelving system 10 between the upper and lower configurations (as described below). For example, the bracket 32 may comprise a flap 69 extending from the planar portion 36, with the bushing 68 mounted on the flap 69. Other methods for attaching the bushing 68 to the bracket 32 may also be employed. Preferably, the dimensions of the bushing 68 and the slot 67 are such that the bushing 68 is able to snugly engage within the slot 67. [0055] Preferably, the linkage assembly 30 further comprises one or more actuators 70 that are adapted to move the shelving system 10 between the upper and lower configurations. For example, one of the actuators 70 may be present for each of the linkage assemblies 30. Each of the actuators 70 is configured to provide linear movement and may comprise an actuator body 72 and an actuator arm 74 that is adapted to move longitudinally within the actuator body 72. The actuator 70 comprises actuator first and second ends 76, 78, with the actuator body 72 extending from the actuator first end 76 and the actuator arm 74 extending from the actuator second end 78. The actuator body 72 is preferably pivotally connected to the inner surface 34 or the top panel 16 proximate to the actuator first end 76, while the actuator arm 74 is preferably pivotally connected to the second bracket arm 44 proximate to the actuator second end 78 at a sixth connection point 112. The sixth connection point 112 may be located along a length of the second bracket arm 44 (and not necessarily proximate to the ends of the second bracket arm 44). For example, in the embodiment shown in Figs. 3 to 8, an arm tab 79 extends from the second bracket arm 44, with the sixth connection point 112 located on the arm tab 79. In other embodiments, the sixth connection point 112 may be located directly on the second bracket arm 44.

[0056] The actuators 70 may use one of many generally known actuating mechanisms, such as hydraulic actuators, linear motors, or the like. The actuators 70 may be electrically powered. As such, the actuators 70 may be battery-powered or may be connected to some other power source (e.g. mains electricity). Preferably, the actuators 70 are electrically connected to a switch 11 that is configured to control the operation of the shelving system 10. For example, the switch 11 may be used to switch the shelving system 10 from the upper configuration to the lower configuration (or vice versa).

[0057] Figs. 3 to 8 are cutaway views of the shelving system 10 depicting the shelving system 10 as it transitions from the upper configuration (as shown in Fig. 3) to the lower configuration (as shown in Fig. 8). Although only one side of the shelving system 10 is shown, it is understood that the other side of the shelving system 10 functions in a similar manner.

[0058] Fig. 3 depicts the orientation of the shelving system 10 in the upper configuration. In this orientation, the actuator arm 74 is substantially fully retracted within the actuator body 72. In addition, the guide wheel 64 is located within the bracket opening 40 proximate to the opening first end 80, and the bushing 68 is engaged within the slot 67 and located proximate to the closed end 98 of the slot 67. As seen in Fig. 3, when the shelving system 10 is in the upper configuration, the interior unit 14 is substantially under and within the frame 12.

[0059] Fig. 4 depicts the orientation of the shelving system 10 as it begins to transition from the upper configuration to the lower configuration. In this orientation, the actuator arm 74 has partially extended from within the actuator body 72, causing the interior unit 14 to move outward relative to the frame 12. In particular, as the actuator arms 74 extends from the within the actuator body 72, the actuator arm 74 pushes against the second bracket arm 44, which in turn will tend to bias the interior unit 14 to move outwards from the frame 12. The guide wheel 64 is biased to move within the bracket opening 40 from the opening first end 80 towards the opening second end 82. Furthermore, the engagement member 66 is biased to slide along the bushing 68 from the closed end 98 towards the open end 96. During this phase of the transition, the movement of the interior unit 14 is substantially horizontal, with this horizontal movement dictated, at least part, by the curvature of the bracket opening 40 proximate to the opening first end 80 and the movement of the guide wheel 64 therewithin.

[0060] Furthermore, the interior unit 14 preferably comprises one or more lower wheels 84 that are attached to the lower panel 22 and are adapted to ride against the bracket 32. In particular, each of the brackets 32 may comprise a substantially L-shaped projection 86 attached to one of the flanges 38. The projection 86 preferably extends inwardly. The lower wheels 84 are adapted to ride against the projection 86, thereby promoting horizontal movement of the interior unit 14 in the initial phases of the transition from the upper configuration to the lower configuration. One or more of the connector openings 37 may also be present on the projection 86.

[0061] Fig. 5 depicts the orientation of the shelving system 10 as it continues to transition from the upper configuration to the lower configuration. In this orientation, the interior unit 14 is no longer under the frame 12 but has substantially cleared the frame 12. As the actuator arm 74 extends further outwardly from the actuator body 72, the guide wheel 64 has now been biased fully to the opening second end 82. The engagement member 66 has also been biased to slide further along the bushing 68 (towards the open end 96) until the engagement member 66 is almost clear of the bushing 68. Furthermore, the movement of the interior unit 14 is no longer substantially horizontal but is now also vertical. [0062] Fig. 6 depicts the orientation of the shelving system 10 as it further continues to transition from the upper configuration to the lower configuration. In this orientation, as the actuator arm 74 continues to extend further outwardly from the actuator body 72, the guide arm 58 is biased to pivot substantially downwardly with respect to the guide first end 60 (i.e. the guide arm 58 is no longer able to travel along the bracket opening 40 as the guide wheel 64 is already at the opening second end 82). This results in the interior unit 14 now moving substantially vertically as the interior unit 14 moves downwardly with respect to the frame 12. Furthermore, the engagement member 66 is now free from the bushing 68 (i.e. the bushing 68 no longer engages with the slot 67).

[0063] Fig. 7 depicts the orientation of the shelving system 10 as it still further continues to transition from the upper configuration to the lower configuration. In this orientation, as the actuator arm 74 continues to extend further outwardly from the actuator body 72, the guide arm 58 is further biased to pivot substantially downwardly with respect to the guide first end 60. This results in the interior unit 14 further moving substantially vertically as the actuator arm 74 extends further.

[0064] Fig. 8 depicts the orientation of the shelving system 10 in the (fully) lower configuration. In this orientation, the actuator arm 74 is substantially fully extended from the actuator body 72. The interior unit 14 is now in its lowest position relative to the frame 12.

[0065] In order for the shelving system 10 to transition back to the upper configuration from the lower configuration, the actuator arm 74 is configured to retract back into the actuator body 72, with the shelving system 10 generally following the progression shown in Figs. 3 to 8, but in reverse.

[0066] In another embodiment, the shelving system 10 may also comprise one or more springs (not shown) to assist with movement of the interior unit 14 along its path. The springs may include gas springs or conventional steel springs.

[0067] In still another embodiment, instead of the actuators 70, the shelving system 10 may be manually transitioned from the upper configuration to the lower configuration (and vice versa) while assisted by counterweights. [0068] In another embodiment, the actuators 70 may be remotely controlled to allow for movement of the shelving system 10 between the upper configuration and the lower configuration (and vice versa) from afar. Furthermore, the actuators 70 preferably may be synchronized to act in unison, which may eliminate the need for one or more torque bars extending between the linkage assemblies 30. In yet another embodiment, only one of the actuators 70 may be used. In this embodiment, the actuator 70 may be centrally located within the shelving system 10 or may be located on only one side of the shelving system 10.

[0069] The exact location of the pivot points (e.g. the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and/or sixth connection points 100, 102, 104, 106, 110, 112) and the curvature of the bracket opening 40 may be adjusted to effect a different motion of the interior unit 14.

[0070] Referring to Fig. 2, the frame 12 may also comprise a rear frame panel 88 that extends between the exterior side panels 18. Furthermore, the interior unit 14 may also comprise a rear interior panel 90 extending between the interior side panels 24.

[0071] In still another embodiment, the shelving system 10 may be configured such that the actuating mechanism is inverted. In other words, the shelving system 10 may be configured such that the interior unit 14 may be lifted from a lower position to a higher position.

[0072] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiment has been described in some detail but that certain modifications may be practiced without departing from the principles of the invention.