CA2867677A1 - Thread storage assemblies and systems - Google Patents

Abstract

According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of thread storage assemblies, systems, and/or cabinets. In an exemplary embodiment, a thread storage assembly generally includes multiple vertical shelves that are arranged in parallel with each other. The vertical shelves may be pull-out shelves configured to slide forward and backward. Each vertical shelf may include multiple horizontal shelves or racks that include multiple removable spindles and/or that are rotatable between a horizontal position and a tilted position.

Description

THREAD STORAGE ASSEMBLIES AND SYSTEMS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of India Patent Application No. 3381/CHE/2014 filed July 8, 2014. This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/471,139 filed August 28, 2014.
The entire disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to thread storage assemblies and systems.
BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Thread is generally stored on spools. Different spools may be stored together to provide a user with options of using different types of thread (e.g., different thread colors, different thread materials, different thread thicknesses, etc.) and/or to access additional thread after a spool runs out. Spools may have holes in the center for inserting the spool on a spindle, which may allow for the spool to be rotated as thread is unwound and removed from the spool.
SUMMARY

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0006] According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of thread storage assemblies, systems, and/or cabinets. In an exemplary embodiment, a thread storage assembly generally includes multiple vertical shelves that are arranged in parallel with each other. The vertical shelves may be pull-out shelves configured to slide forward and backward. Each vertical shelf may include multiple horizontal shelves or racks that include multiple removable spindles and/or that are rotatable between a horizontal position and a tilted position.

[0007] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a thread storage assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the thread storage assembly shown in FIG. 1 with one of the vertical shelves shown in an extended or open position;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example vertical shelf of the thread storage assembly shown in FIG. 2;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vertical shelf shown in FIG. 3 with one of the horizontal shelves rotated about its longitudinal axis;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the vertical shelf shown in FIG. 3 with the top horizontal shelf removed from the vertical shelf; and

[0014] FIG. 6 is perspective view of an example horizontal shelf of the thread storage assembly shown in FIG. 1 where one of the removable spindles has been removed from the horizontal shelf.

[0015] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a thread storage assembly, system, or cabinet 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The thread storage assembly 100 generally includes multiple (e.g., a plurality, plural, etc.) vertical shelves 102. Each vertical shelf 102 is substantially parallel with the other vertical shelves. Although FIG. 1 illustrates five vertical shelves 102 aligned with one another, other exemplary embodiments may include more or less vertical shelves, some vertical shelves that are not aligned with one another, and/or some shelves that are not substantially parallel, etc.

[0018] Each vertical shelf 102 is configured to slide along an axis substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis of the vertical shelf 102. Each vertical shelf 102 may be configured to slide using any suitable sliding hardware, such as, for example, track system, guides, rollers, ball bearings, wheels, combinations thereof, etc.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, each vertical shelf 102 may extend from substantially a top portion of the assembly 100 to substantially a bottom portion of the assembly 100 (e.g., not including the bottom drawer below the vertical shelves). Each vertical shelf 102 may comprise any suitable shelving material, such as, for example, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.), plastic, wood, etc. The height of the assembly 100 may be designed for a user to access the vertical shelves 102 while standing, sitting in a chair, etc.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates the thread storage assembly 100 with a vertical shelf 102 in an extended or open position. As shown, the vertical shelf 102 includes multiple horizontal shelves or racks 104. Each horizontal shelf 104 includes multiple spindles, pins, posts, or pegs 106, which may be disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to the horizontal shelf 104. Each spindle 106 is configured to store one or more thread spools.

[0021] Each vertical shelf 102 may be a pull-out shelf configured to slide forwards and backwards along the axis substantially perpendicular to the vertical shelf 102. Each vertical shelf 102 may be a full extension vertical shelf configured to allow access to all spindles 106 of the vertical shelf 102 when the vertical shelf 102 is in a fully extended or open position (as shown in FIG. 2). For example, a user may pull out a vertical shelf 102 to access one or more spools stored on spindles 106 of the vertical shelf 102. In a fully extended or open position, the user may be able to access all spindles 106 of the vertical shelf 102. The user can selectively slide vertical shelves 102 in and out depending on the location of the desired spools of thread. When the vertical shelves 102 are in a non-extended or closed position, the vertical shelves 102 may be flush with one another (as shown in FIG. 1). When in a fully extended or open position, a user may be able to access both sides of a vertical shelf 102.

[0022] FIG 3 illustrates an example vertical shelf 102. The vertical shelf 102 includes multiple horizontal shelves 104. Each horizontal shelf 104 may be sized to extend from one end of vertical shelf 102 to the other. Each horizontal shelf 104 may be spaced from adjacent horizontal shelves 104 to allow room for spindles 106 and/or stored spools of thread. Each horizontal shelf 104 may comprise any suitable material for supporting spindles 106 and/or spools of thread, such as, for example, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.), plastic, wood, composite materials, combinations thereof, etc.
Although FIG. 3 illustrates six horizontal shelves 104, other exemplary embodiments may include more or less than six horizontal shelves 104 for each vertical shelf 102.

[0023] FIG. 3 also illustrates a spool of thread stored on a spindle 106. Spools of thread may be stored by positioning the spool relative to a spindle 106 such that the spindle 106 is within the center hole or opening through the spool. The horizontal shelves 104 and/or spindles 106 may be configured to store different sizes of spools of thread (e.g., different heights, widths, amount of thread wound on a spool, etc.), different colors of thread, different thread materials, other spooled material besides thread, etc.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each vertical shelf 102 may include multiple pairs of slots 108. Each pair of slots 108 includes first and second slots that are vertically aligned and positioned directly across from each other. As disclosed herein, the slots 108 allow a horizontal shelf 104 to be rotated or tilted about a longitudinal axis of the horizontal shelf 104, be removed from the vertical shelf 102 to be repositioned or adjusted to a new position in the vertical shelf 102, etc.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a vertical shelf 102 having a top horizontal shelf 104 that has been rotated or tilted about a longitudinal axis of the horizontal shelf 104. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, each horizontal shelf 104 includes two knobs or protruding portions 116 at each of the shelf's opposite ends 105, 107. The pair of knobs 116 at each shelf end are horizontally spaced apart and vertically aligned when the shelf 104 is horizontal.

[0026] The knobs 116 are configured to be slidably received in open end portions 124 (FIG. 5) of a corresponding pair of slots 108. The knobs 116 may be slid horizontally along horizontal portions of the slots 108. Then, the knobs 116 may be lowered vertically downward into bottom or lower portions 118 of the slots 108. The positioning of the knobs 116 into the lower slot portions 118 helps to hold the horizontal shelf 104 in place during storage of spools of thread.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the horizontal shelf 104 may also be rotated or tilted by twisting the horizontal shelf 104 such that a corresponding one of the knobs 116 at each end is received within an upper portion 120 of the vertical shelf's slots 108.
The upper slot portion 120 extends generally upwardly but then extends or curves downwardly to its closed end 122. The knobs 116 may rest or abut against the closed ends 122 of the slots 108 to help hold the shelf 104 in the tilted position.

[0028] Rotation or tilting of the horizontal shelf 104 may allow thread spools to be added and removed from one or more spindles 106 of the horizontal shelf 104 without interfering with another horizontal shelf. For example, a user may rotate or tilt the horizontal shelf 104 to access a thread spool stored on a spindle 106 of the horizontal shelf 104. The user can then slide the thread spool off the spindle 106 without hitting a horizontal shelf 104 above the spindle 106. Although FIG. 4 illustrates the horizontal shelf 104 as rotating through use of knobs 116 and slots 108, other rotating mechanisms (e.g., wheels, gears, pins, etc.) may be used in other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates a vertical shelf 102 having a horizontal shelf 104 removed from the vertical shelf 102. As described above, each vertical shelf 102 may include multiple slots 108 along the vertical axis of the vertical shelf 102.
Each horizontal shelf 104 may be adjustable at set increments along the vertical axis of the vertical shelf 102. The set increments may correspond to the horizontal shelf 104 being received in at least one of the multiple slots 108. For example, a user may remove a horizontal shelf 104 by sliding its knobs 116 out through the open ends 124 of a pair of slots 108. The user may then reposition the horizontal shelf 104 at a different position in the vertical shelf 102 by slidably inserting the knobs 116 of the horizontal shelf 104 into the open ends 124 of a higher or lower pair of slots 108.

[0030] Each horizontal shelf 104 may be adjustable to allow taller spools of thread to be stored on one or more spindles 106 on the horizontal shelf 04.
For example, a horizontal shelf 104 may be removed or repositioned to a higher location (e.g., slid into place into higher slots 108) to allow taller spools of thread to be stored on a shelf below. The vertical shelf 102 includes twelve pairs of slots 108 though only six pairs of the slots 108 are being used in FIG. 4. Other exemplary embodiments may include more or less than twelve slots.

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates an example horizontal shelf 104 having spindles 106.
The spindles 106 may be removable from the horizontal shelf 104. For example, the horizontal shelf 104 may include one or more holes 110. Each spindle 106 may be received in a spindle hole 110 of its respective horizontal shelf 104. Thus, each spindle 106 may be mounted to the horizontal shelf 104 by inserting the spindle 106 through the hole 110 from the bottom side of the horizontal shelf 104. For example, a user may insert a spindle 106 by inserting it through a hole 110 on the bottom side of the horizontal shelf 104, such that the spindle 106 extends substantially perpendicularly upwards from a top side of the horizontal shelf 104.

[0032] Each spindle 106 may be removable to accommodate a larger or wider spool of thread being stored on an adjacent spindle along the horizontal shelf 104. For example, a user may remove a spindle 106 by pulling and/or pushing it through the hole 110 so that it comes out of the bottom side of the horizontal shelf 104. If a spool of thread is too large to fit between adjacent spindles 106, a user may remove one or more spindles to allow the spool of thread to be stored.

[0033] Each spindle 106 comprises any material suitable for storing spools of thread, such as, for example, metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.), plastic, wood, composite materials, combinations thereof, etc. Each spindle 106 may engage a horizontal shelf 104 using any suitable mechanism (e.g., snapping in place, interference friction fit, etc.). Although FIG. 6 illustrates ten spindles 106, horizontal shelves in other exemplary embodiments may include more or less than ten spindles.

[0034] Referring back to FIG. 1, the thread spool assembly 100 may include at least one bin opening 112 disposed adjacent to at least one vertical shelf 102. Each bin opening 112 may be configured to store additional items, which may or may not be related to the use of stored thread spools. Each bin opening 112 may be disposed along one side of a vertical shelf. The front of the bin opening 112 may be substantially flush with the front side of the vertical shelves 102. Although FIG. 1 illustrates eight bin openings 112, other exemplary embodiments may include more or less than eight bin openings (including none).

[0035] The thread spool assembly 100 may also include one or more drawers 114 disposed below at least one vertical shelf 102. The drawer 114 may be configured to store additional items, which may or may not be related to the use of stored thread spools. The drawer 114 may be configured to slide in and out to allow a user to access the drawer 114. The drawer 114 may include a handle to assist a user in opening the drawer. When the drawer 114 is in a closed position as shown in FIG. 1, the front of the drawer 114 may be substantially flush with the front side of the vertical shelves 102.
Although FIG. 1 illustrates a single drawer 114, other exemplary embodiments may include more than one drawer, no drawers, and/or one or more drawers located in other positions relative to the vertical shelves 102 (e.g., above the vertical shelves, along a side of the vertical shelves 102, etc.).

[0036] Some of the example embodiments described herein may provide one or more (but not necessarily any or all) of the following advantages:
efficient storage of spools of thread, ease of access to the stored spools of thread, size savings from the compactness of the assembly, improved aesthetic appearance from the design of the assembly, etc.

[0037]
Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art.
Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. In addition, advantages and improvements that may be achieved with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for purposes of illustration only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, as exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide all or none of the above mentioned advantages and improvements and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0038] Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapes disclosed herein are example in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values and particular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any two particular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define the endpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the given parameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value for a given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any value between the first and second values could also be employed for the given parameter). For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that parameter X
may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1 ¨ 10, or 2 ¨ 9, or 3 ¨
8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1 ¨
9, 1 ¨ 8, 1 ¨ 3, 1 - 2, 2 ¨ 10, 2 ¨ 8, 2 ¨ 3, 3 ¨ 10, and 3 ¨ 9.

[0039] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises,"
"comprising,"
"including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0040] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to,"
"connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on,"
"directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to"
another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent,"
etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0041] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first,"
"second,"
and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0042]
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements, intended or stated uses, or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways.
Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims (20)

CLAIMS:

1. A thread storage assembly comprising:
multiple vertical shelves, each vertical shelf substantially parallel with the other vertical shelves and configured to slide along an axis substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis of the vertical shelf, each vertical shelf including:
multiple horizontal shelves, each horizontal shelf including multiple spindles disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to the horizontal shelf, each spindle configured to store one or more thread spools;
wherein each horizontal shelf is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the horizontal shelf between at least a horizontal position and a tilted position that allows thread spools to be added and removed from one or more spindles of the horizontal shelf without interfering with another horizontal shelf.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein:
each vertical shelf includes multiple pairs of slots having open end portions;
and each horizontal shelf includes opposite ends and one or more protruding portions at each opposite end that are configured to be slidably received within the open end portions of a corresponding pair of slots.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the one or more protruding portions comprise knobs at each opposite end that are horizontally spaced apart and vertically aligned when the horizontal shelf is horizontal.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein:
the slots include horizontal portions and lower portions; and the knobs are configured to be slid horizontally along the horizontal portions of a corresponding pair of slots and then lowered vertically downward into the lower portions of the corresponding pair of slots;

whereby the positioning of the knobs into the lower portions of the corresponding pair of slots helps hold the horizontal shelf in place.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein:
the slots include upper portions that extend generally upwardly from the horizontal portions and then extend generally downwardly to closed ends of the upper portions; and corresponding ones of the knobs are received within the upper portions of the corresponding pair of slots when the horizontal shelf is rotated from the horizontal position to the tilted position.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the corresponding ones of the knobs rest against the closed ends of the upper portions of the corresponding pair of slots to help hold the horizontal shelf in the tilted position.

7. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each vertical shelf comprises a pull-out shelf configured to slide forwards and backwards along the axis substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis of the vertical shelf.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein each vertical shelf comprises a full extension vertical shelf configured to allow access to all spindles of the vertical shelf when the vertical shelf is in a fully extended position.

9. The assembly any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each spindle is removable from its respective horizontal shelf.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein each horizontal shelf includes one or more spindle holes, and wherein each spindle is configured to be removably received in a corresponding spindle hole of its respective horizontal shelf.

11. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each vertical shelf includes multiple slots along the vertical axis of the vertical shelf, each horizontal shelf being adjustable at set increments along the vertical axis of its respective vertical shelf, the set increments corresponding to the horizontal shelf being received in at least one of the multiple slots.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein each horizontal shelf is adjustable along a vertical axis of its respective vertical shelf, thereby allowing taller spools of thread to be stored on one or more spindles of the horizontal shelf.

13. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising:
at least one bin opening disposed adjacent to at least one vertical shelf; and at least one drawer disposed below at least one vertical shelf.

14. A thread spool storage system comprising:
a plurality of vertical shelves, each vertical shelf substantially parallel with the other vertical shelves and configured to slide forwards and backwards between an open position and a closed position along an axis substantially perpendicular to a vertical axis of the vertical shelf, each vertical shelf including:
a plurality of horizontal shelves, each horizontal shelf configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the horizontal shelf between at least a horizontal position and a tilted position, each horizontal shelf including a plurality of removable spindles disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to the horizontal shelf, each spindle configured to store one or more thread spools.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein:
each vertical shelf includes multiple pairs of slots having open end portions, each corresponding pair of slots being vertically aligned and positioned across from each other;

each horizontal shelf includes opposite ends and one or more protruding portions at each opposite end that are configured to be slidably received within the open end portions of a corresponding pair of slots.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein:
the one or more protruding portions comprise knobs at each opposite end that are horizontally spaced apart and vertically aligned when the horizontal shelf is horizontal;
the slots include horizontal portions and lower portions; and the knobs are configured to be slid horizontally along the horizontal portions of a corresponding pair of slots and then lowered vertically downward into the lower portions of the corresponding pair of slots;
whereby positioning of the knobs into the lower portions of the corresponding pair of slots helps hold the horizontal shelf in place.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein:
the slots include upper portions that extend generally upwardly from the horizontal portions and then extend generally downwardly to closed ends of the upper portions; and corresponding ones of the knobs are received within the upper portions of the corresponding pair of slots when the horizontal shelf is rotated from the horizontal position to the tilted position;
whereby corresponding ones of the knobs rest against the closed ends of the upper portions of the corresponding pair of slots to help hold the horizontal shelf in the tilted position.

18. A thread spool storage cabinet comprising:
at least one vertical shelf slidable forwards and backwards between an open position and a closed position, the at least one vertical shelf including multiple pairs of slots having open end portions, each corresponding pair of slots being vertically aligned and positioned across from each other;
a plurality of racks slidably mountable to and removable from the at least one vertical shelf such that the racks are rotatable between at least a horizontal position and a tilted position when mounted to the at least one vertical shelf;
wherein the racks include opposite ends, one or more protruding portions at the opposite ends, and a plurality of removable spindles spaced apart from each other along the racks between the opposite ends, each spindle configured to store one or more thread spools; and wherein the one or more protruding portions of the racks are configured to be slidably received within the open end portions of the corresponding pairs of slots to thereby slidably mount the racks to the at least one vertical shelf.

19. The cabinet of claim 18, wherein:
the one or more protruding portions comprise knobs at each opposite end that are horizontally spaced apart and vertically aligned when the horizontal shelf is horizontal;
the slots include horizontal portions, lower portions, and upper portions that extend generally upwardly from the horizontal portions and then extend generally downwardly to closed ends of the upper portions;
the knobs are configured to be slid horizontally along the horizontal portions of a corresponding pair of slots and then lowered vertically downward into the lower portions of the corresponding pair of slots, whereby positioning of the knobs into the lower portions of the corresponding pair of slots helps hold the horizontal shelf in place; and corresponding ones of the knobs are received within the upper portions of the corresponding pair of slots when the horizontal shelf is rotated from the horizontal position to the tilted position, whereby corresponding ones of the knobs rest against the closed ends of the upper portions of the corresponding pair of slots to help hold the horizontal shelf in the tilted position.

20. The cabinet of claim 18 or 19, wherein:
the cabinet further comprises at least one bin opening disposed adjacent to the at least one vertical shelf and at least one drawer disposed below the at least one vertical shelf; and at least one vertical shelf comprises a plurality of vertical shelves.