Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
  • A47B46/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, having one or more surfaces adapted to be brought into position for use by extending or pivoting
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
  • A47B81/00—Cabinets or racks specially adapted for other particular purposes, e.g. for storing guns or skis

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to rotating storage structures that are used for supporting, holding and safekeeping objects- More particularly, the present invention relates to a reversing storage cabinet.
• a typical structure such as a cabinet, furniture, et cetera, may contain rotatable unit(s), for example, a cabinet may have a "lazy Susan" tray-
• rotatable units have widespread applications from cabinetry design to sophisticated high precision equipment-
• cabinetry design to sophisticated high precision equipment-
• rotatable units within a structure on the market There are a number of commercially available designs with regard to rotatable units within a structure on the market.
• the first disadvantage is loss of space because these conventional designs require significant space around the rotating object so that it can perform a rotation around an axis.
• Space loss in the front of the cabinet can typically be seen as temporary loss because the space is lost only when the cabinet is rotating.
• the space loss is more wasteful when space is lost behind the cabinet.
• Space loss behind a cabinet is typically considered permanent loss of space because such space has no practical utilization or compensation temporary or XXX.
• Such permanent loss of space is illustrated in various conventional desig ⁇ s, such as those described in US Patent No. 4,610492 by Molander et al (1986) and US Patent No. 6,273,531 by Scheffer (2001).
• Another conventional design for rotating an object within a structure uses non- obstructive rotation. To provide non-obstructive rotation of an object or cabinet, it is permanently moved forward away from a wall or other structure.
• a drawback associated with this design is space loss in front of the cabinet. This type of space loss can become a serious problem if space is at premium
• a second disadvantage associated with some conventional designs is lack of exclusive access-
• Conventional designs do not typically offer exclusive accessibility to one side of the storage cabinet while other sides of the cabinet are not accessible. This is not suitable when alternative access to different sides is needed. Examples of these situations are the cabinets in which one of the cabinet sides is used for jewelry or expensive collectibles while another side of the cabinet stores firearms, etc.
• conventional designs offer some designs including special enclosures and shields as such those described in US Patent No- 4,610492 by Molander et al (1986).
• providing special enclosures and/or shields as solutions are typically impractical in terms of convenience or cost, e.g. when storage cabinet is used for relatively large articles (books, TV sets, etc.).
• a problem associated with the above-referenced designs is safety. For example, if the weight of stored articles in a cabinet is greater then the weight of the cabinet itself, the loaded cabinet can become heavy and cumbersome to rotate and may also create safety issues because it could tip over if it is not supported from the top. However, providing support from the top may increase the complexity and bulkiness of such designs and may also increase the total cost of the storage cabinet. [0009] As mentioned, the problem in these conventional designs is waste of space. In the case of a bookcase in which the bookcase has two storage sides for accessing stored articles waste of space is significant in conventional rotating designs.
• a known solution employs a cam system including cam followers and grooves to resolve the problem of waste of permanent space behind a shelf in a cabinet as described in US Patent No. 4,124,262 by Schill (1978).
• the disclosed cam system can reduce extra space needed for rotation.
• the rotating shelf within the cabinet does not require a big clearance -for rotation.
• the center of the shelf is moved forward on its two (top and bottom) centered cam followers sliding in the transverse grooves of the enclosure- A pair of followers, mounted on opposite sides of the rotating shelf, guideone side to the opposite side of the stationary enclosure. In order for this rotation to perform correctly, these must be accurate grooves in the enclosure.
• cam system reduces the problem of space waste, it generates new problems.
• a problem associate with the cam system is uneven loading of the cabinet weight.
• the cam system loads the entire weight of the shelf with its content on the bottom center cam follower.
• the bottom center cam follower In addition to supporting the shelf during the rotation, the bottom center cam follower also guides itself along the transverse groove through out the enclosure. This multi-functionality of the central bottom cam follower lowers the reliability and lifetime of the cabinet.
• Another problem associate with the disclosed cam system is that upper and lower cam followers move independently of each other in the guides. There is no guarantee that these guide will move synchronously- Quite to the contrary, one cam always will tend to move faster than another. This will happen for two reasons.
• FIG 1 of US Patent No. 4,124,262 also shows wasted space on the left and right sides of the cabinet. In order to compensate for some of this waste, the left and right sides of the shelf are of cylindrically shaped- This design prevents two or more such cabinets to be placed next to each other in close proximity without wasted space. When the user has more than one cabinet it is advantageous to place them next to each other without wasted space for convenience of use and also for saving the total space allocated for the cabinets.
• the present invention comprises a compound movement link mechanism that allows an object to move from the space it occupies in one orientation and return to the same space in a different orientation.
• the object is a support structure having at least two selectively accessible sides.
• the object is supported by a pair of synchronis compound movement link mechanisms.
• a further objective of the invention is to provide limited access to the side or sides of the cabinet that are not being accessed at a given time. This secure access should be achieved economically and with simplicity of design.
• a still further objective of the invention is to provide a storage cabinet that can be utilized for applications with heavy loads such as for example storing books, firearms, electronic equipment, etc.
• Another objective of the invention is to provide a storage cabinet that can be simple in design with low cost for light load applications such as for example CD's, DVD's, stamp collections, etc.
• a reversable storage cabinet with alternatively accessible sides includes a storage structure, which is used to hold at least one article.
• Means for holding the storage structure includes a four-link mechanism, wherein three of the links are serially connected.
• the three serially connected links are rotatably connected to two outside ends of a fourth link at two substantially separated locations- The fourth link is substantially stationary.
• the middle link of three serially connected links is a part of the storage structure allowing reorientation of the storage structure relative to the fourth stationary link for alternative access to the sides of storage cabinet.
• FIG 1A-1M are diagrams illustrating a storage structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG 2-FIG 3 are diagrams of storage structure with different storage articles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG 4A - 4D are diagrams illustrating light articles storage mounted on a desk in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG 5A - 5E are diagrams a compound movement link mechanism for a storage structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG 6A - 6 E are schematic representations illustrating an operations of the storage with outside joints of the four link mechanism moved back on the stationary plate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
• FIG 7A- 7E are schematic representations illustrating operations of the storage with outside joints of the four-link mechanism located in diagonal comers of the stationary plate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
• FIG 8A - 8A are schematic representations illustrating operations of the storage with outside joints of a four link mechanism located in diagonal comers of the stationary plate and storage moving 90° between positions of alternate access in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
• FIG 9A-9B are diagrams illustrating a storage designed for light loads mounted on a desk with rotaxial designed illustrated in FIG 8A-8E;
• FIG 10A - 10C are diagrams illustrating a storage moving between alternate access positions around horizontal axes in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
• FIG 11A- 11D are diagrams illustrating an application of the proposed invention with four square storages mounted next to each other on one square stationary plate in accordance with one embodiment of present invention
• FIG 12A-12D are diagrams illustrating a wheel system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG 13A- 13C are diagrams illustrating a best assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG 14 is a set of diagrams illustrating a rotating object performing a rotaxial movement in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• the reversible storage system 100 includes an object 102 and a frame 200.
• a first side of frame is situated at a substantially fixed distance from a second side of frame.
• the reversible storage system 100 further includes two links 304 and 308 wherein a first end of a first link 304 is coupled to the first side of frame and a second end of first link is coupled to the object 102. Also, a first end of a second link 308 is coupled to the second side of frame and a second end of second link 308 is coupled to the object 102.
• the object 102 is capable of performing a rotaxially rotation in response to the first and second links 304 and 308.
• FIG 1A-1M are diagrams illustrating a design of a structure with a moveable object in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG 1A shows one embodiment wherein the structure with a moveable object comprises a reversible storage systemlOO which includes a movable object 102 that holds articles- Rersible storage system 100 also includes an outside structure 200, bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300 (Shown best in Fig 1C) and top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400 (shown best in Fig. 1C).
• a reversible storage systemlOO which includes a movable object 102 that holds articles- Rersible storage system 100 also includes an outside structure 200, bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300 (Shown best in Fig 1C) and top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400 (shown best in Fig. 1C).
• movable object 102 in this embodiment, includes a first accessible side 111, a second accessible side 121 (not shown), a bottom plate 104, a top plate 106, and sidewalls 108, 110.
• the first reversible side 111 in this embodiment is a bookcase includes shelves 112 to hold articles 114. As shown for illustration in given example, these articles 114 are books.
• the bookcase 111 also includes vertical wall 116 which is visible behind the books.
• the vertical wall 116 is one of the strengthening elements of the bookcase 111 together with the sidewalls 108, 110, and the tap and bottom plates 104, 106.
• the shelves 112 are adjustable and form a shelving system
• the shelving system may help provide overall support to the movable object 102. Different shelf arrangements or configurations can provide different support to the bookcase 111. Adjustable shelves provide flexibility so that the shelves 112 can be arranged to a particular need.
• Vertical wall 116 in one embodiment, separates the first accessible side 111 and the second accessible side 121of the movable object 102 for alternative access.
• the outside structure 200 provides structural support for the movable object 102.
• the outside structure 200 includes a top stationary plate 210, a bottom plate 202, and two vertical support members 204 and 206. In this embodiment, the outside structure 200 is anchored to a wall 212 via two security brackets 214 and 216.
• FIG IB depicts the movable object 102 moved from the original space that it occupied. Portions of the link mechanism 400, which will be described more fully with regard to Fig. IF can be seen.
• FIG 1C and ID show the second accessible side 121 of movable object 102, which in this embodiment isan entertainment center.
• the second accessible side 121 of the movable object 102 includes shelves 118, articles 120 (TV set), stereo system 122, collection of CD's 124, and collection of tapes 126-
• articles 114, 120, 122, 124 and 126 are shown for illustration purposes and the second accessible side 121 can have different shelving configurations and different articles for holding, storing or safekeeping. Examples of other articles include wine, jewelry, stamps, rifles, and guns.
• the entertainment center embodiment includes protective glass covers 103 and 132 which are preferably attached with hinges as depicted in FIGS 1C, ID and IE. These protective glass covers 130 and 132 may, if desired also be included on the first accessible side 111. To provide secure access to the articles in the entertainment center, keyed (or keyless) locks 134 (FIGS 1C, IE, 2) may be installed on the protective glass covers 130 and 132.
• the shelves include moldings 140 prevent stored articles from sliding off of the shelf during rough, sudden, or fast rotation.
• outside structure 200 of this embodiment provides support for the movable object 102 and also supports the rotaxial link mechanisms 300 and 400 .
• outside structure 200 includes a stationary base 202, atop stationary plate 210 (shown in FIG 1 A) and vertical support members 204, 206 located respectively on the left and right sides of the outside structure 200.
• Base 202 preferably rests on floor.
• Vertical support members 204 and 206 at their lower ends are attached firmly to base 202 and their upper ends are firmly connected to top stationary plate 210. All four components (202, 204, 206 and 210) form the strong outside structure 200.
• a strong outside structure 200 is desirable when heavy loads are introduced.
• the top plate 210 is anchored to a wall 212 of the environment where the reversible storage structure 100 is located by security brackets 214 and 216.
• vertical support members 204 and 206 may be directly anchored to a concrete floor for heavy loading applications.
• vertical support members 204 and 206 may be anchored to a ceiling or roof. In certain applications it may be desirable to eliminate both the base 202 and the top plate 210 and attach the vertical supports directly to the floor or ceiling of the environment in which the reversible storage structure is located.
• the reversible storage structure 100 further includes a bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300 and a top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400.
• the rotaxial linkage mechanism includes multiple links capable of rotaxially, that is a combination of a rotating movement and a transverse movement-
• the rotaxial linkage mechanism is constructed to allow an object to be moved from an original space in a first orientation and returned to the original space in a different orientation.
• the rotaxial linkage mechanism includes a first link 304 and a second link 308. The outer ends of first and second links 304 and 308 of rotaxial linkage mechanism 300 may be rotatably connected to the base 202.
• base 202 has risers on each side to which the first and second links are preferably rotatably connected by first and second pins 310 and 312.
• the inner ends of first and second links 304 and 308 are preferably rotatably connected to plate 306 by third and fourth pins 314 and 316.
• a plate 306, in this embodiment, is preferably bolted to the bottom plate 104 of the movable object 102.
• First and second links 304 and 308 and plate 306 are connected serially and form a three movable link chain. This three-link chain together with the stationary base 202 form the preferred rotaxial linkage mechanism 300.
• the inner ends of the first and second links are preferably also rotatably attached to a low friction contact device such as for example, wheels, rollers, gliders or casters that are attached between the links and the base-
• a low friction contact device such as for example, wheels, rollers, gliders or casters that are attached between the links and the base-
• the low friction contact device may also simply include the use of low friction materials for the base and the links or a low friction piece of material attached to the inner end of the links.
• the risers may be used to elevate the first and second links to compensate for the space needed for the low friction contact device.
• the preferred embodiment employs wheels 350 and 352 as the low friction contact device.
• plate 306 can be eliminated and first and second links 304 and 308 may be connected directly to bottom plate 104.
• first and second links 304 and 308 are connected directly to bottom plate 104
• the first and second links, the bottom plate 104 and the base 202 form the rotaxial linkage mechanism .
• the outer ends of the links can be rotatably attached to the floor to form the rotaxial linkage mechanism
• appropriate spacers between the floor and the links should be employed to compensate for the distance needed by low friction contact device.
• Top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400 is preferably located between the outside structure 200 and movable object 102.
• the top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400 is constructed, in one embodiment, substantially similar bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300.
• Top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400 provides top supportfor the movable object 102
• the outer ends of top first and top second links 404 and 408 may be rotatably connected to top plate 210.
• the links 404 and 408 are rotatably connected to vertical support members 204 and 206 by pins 410 and 412-
• the inner ends of links 404 and 406 are preferably connected to a plate 406 by pins 414 and 416.
• Plate 406, in one embodiment, is bolted to top storage plate 106.
• links 404 and 408 and plate 406 are connected serially and form a three link chain.
• the bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300 there are various embodiments that will provide the desired rotaxial movement- Top and bottom rotaxial linkage mechanisms 300 and 400 together with outside structure 200 form means to hold and support the movable object 102 and provide a predetermined path for its transitional movement from one alternate orientation to another.
• Top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400 in one embodiment, is constructed similar to the bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300. As such, the length of the links of top rotaxial linkage mechanism 400 is substantially same as the links in bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300. Because of this, the respective pins of both bottom and top rotaxial linkage mechanisms 300 and 400 are located on the same axesallowing relatively jam free rotation of the movable object 102- [0056] In the presently preferred embodiment, bottom and top rotaxial linkage mechanisms 300 and 400 are connected to .each other to form a synchronized rotaxial linkage mechanism This facillitaes the movement of the movable abject helping to form a strong and rigid reversible storage structure that can hold significant load.
• the synchronized rotaxial linkage mechanism preferaby comprises two rotaxial linkage mechanism interconnected in a manner that such that the first bottom link and the first top link rotate around their respective outer ends simultaneously and strike the same length arc. Similarly, the second bottom link and the second top link rotate around their respective outer ends simultaneously and strike the same length arc.
• a torsion bar 430 is used to interconnect the two rotaxial linkage mechanisms.
• the outer end of torsion bar 430 is connected to the first bottom link 304 at its pin 310 and the other end of the torison bar 430 is connected to first top link 404 at its pin 410 to form a rigid coupling between first bottom link 304 and first top link 404.
• links 304 and 404 are able to rotate synchronously and reduce the possibility of jamming. Minimizing the possibility of jamming is an advantage of the present invention over the conventional rotating cabinetry design, such as described in US Patent No. 4,124,262.
• Another advantage of employing vertical bar 430 is to enhance the safety of the reversible storage system 100 since it reduces the possibility of being tip-over.
• the fully synchronized rotaxial mechanism comprises a synchronized rotaxial mechanism with a rigid connection between the second top and second bottom links.
• the rigid connection is preferably accomplished by adding a second torsion bar 440 and connecting one end of torsion bar 440 to seond bottom link 308 at pin 312 while the other end of torsion bar 440 is connected to second top link link 408 at pin 412 to form a rigid connection between links 408 and 308..
• This second torsion bar 440 increases the strength of the reversible storage system 100 and with the first torsion bar 430 further decreases the likelihood of jamming during movement.
• FIGS 1G and 1H illustrate preferred features of wheels 350 and 352 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• wheels 350 and 352 are attached to the bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 300. They are attached to the inner ends of bottom first and bottom second links 304 and 308 of the rotaxial linkage mechanism.
• the wheels support the load from the movable object 102 when it rotates and also when it is in stationary position. Weight of the movable object 102 is transferred by the wheels to base 202.
• the wheels roll across the base 202 in an arc as constrained by the rotation of the bottom links.
• the wheels 350 and 352 in this embodiment are non-rotatably attached to the links 304 and 308.
• Base 202 preferably has smooth surface along the arc struck by the rotation of the links to provide for smooth rotaxial movement of the movable object 102.
• FIG II illustrates an embodiment that includes an electrical , phone or other datatype outlet or connection in the movable object 102.
• This is preferably accomplished by attaching cables 250 which may carry electricity, phone signals, cable TV signals or other date signals, to top second link 408
• cables 250 which may carry electricity, phone signals, cable TV signals or other date signals
• cable 250 is shown used for transporting electrical power and signals running from outside of the reversible storage system 100 along link 408 to the articles such as IN 120, stereo system 122, lamp 138, and et cetera.
• the cable 250 includes a loop 252 at each point of attachment that is sufficiently large to compensate for the movement of the second top link 408.
• cables 250 run inside of link 408 or inside a torsion bar 440 that is hollow- A AA A A
• FIG 1J and IK illustrate areversible storage system 100 with a locking device 136 in accordance with the present invention- Locking device 136 attached to frame wall 116. It has locking bolt 144 and spring loaded wedged bar 146- When locks are engaged they go inside the holes in the vertical member 206 of the outside structure 200.
• a purpose of having a locking device 136 is to secure stationary position of the frame from unintentional movements.
• the locking device 136 in one embodiment, is operable with a key to protect cabinet from unauthorized rotation and from unauthorized access to the other side of the cabinet.
• the rotating object 102 in one embodiment, has handles 240 on the side of the object facilitating the rotation.
• FIG 1L shows a reversible storage system 100 having a control system 1019 in accordance with the present invention.
• Control system controls the rotation of the movable cabinet through electrical systems and mechanical devices including a motor.
• Gear motor 260 is mounted at the top of the vertical member 206 with hinge 262.
• Square telescopically built shaft 264, 266 transfers rotation to a worm 268 and then to a worm gear 270.
• Worm 268 and worm gear 270 with ball bearings 274 and 276 located in the gear housing not shown in FIG 1L.
• Output shaft of the worm gear attached to the top plate 106 of the storage. Rotation of the motor is transferred by described mechanism to the rotation of the storage. Change of the storage position relative to the outside structure is compensated by telescopic shaft 264, 266 and also by hinge 262.
• FIGS 1M and IN illustrate a structure having an additional compartment 170 in accordance with the present invention.
• there is one more vertical wall 116 is installed inside of the rotating object 102.
• This second wall 116 is installed with small distance from the first one.
• On the right side of the storage wall as shown in FIG 1M there is opening on the sidewall 110. So there is additional "secret" compartment 170 in the storage that can be useful for many applications such as storing maps and drawings.
• FIG IN shows a fully displayed map 180 pulled out of the compartment 170.
• movable object 102 shown in FIG 1A is positioned with one side of the movable object 102 open for access. This side is holding books.
• FIG 1A also illustrates another side of the movable object 102 faces the wall 210 and therefore is not accessible.
• operation starts from release the locking device 136 if it is engaged. Then one pulls the cabinet frame away from the wall 210 using one of the handles 240. Because the pins 314 and 316 are part of the outside structure 200, the motion can be deduced from knowing the directions of the movement of these pins.
• FIGS IB - ID shows second standard position for access of the articles that are held on opposite side to the first access side. This second side is shown with articles related to TV and stereo system One can engage locks 136 if needed.
• FIG 2 illustrates a storage structure 100 with different storage articles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG 2 shows the application of the storage structure 100 for holding or safekeeping collectibles 152 and 154, such as knives and coins.
• Holder 160 holds knives and coins in place.
• the second side of storage structure 100 may be used for storing books.
• lamps 138 may be located to provide light when it is needed- For keeping articles from sliding off " the movable object 102, holders, such as 160 can be added for stronger attachment of the articles to one of the accessible sides.
• cells, clamps, brackets, hooks, locks, etc. can be used.
• FIG 3 illustrates a structure with different storage articles in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG 3 shows the safekeeping of the firearms 156 and 158, wherein the firearms 156 and 158 are held to the movable object by holders 142.
• FIG 4A-4D illustrate a structure 1300 having light articles storages 1106 and 1116 mounted on a desk 1202 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG 4A shows two designs of light article storages 1106 and 1116 that are shown in two alternate positions. There are two minor differences in their common components.
• the length of the fourth, stationary link defined by distance from joint 1310 to joint 1312 is shorter than the size of the bottom plate 1104. This particularity that length of the stationary links 1310 and 1312 is larger than the bottom plate 1104 allows implementation of simple straight torsion bars outside of the storage frame to connect lower and upper outside links (1304 with 1404 and 1308 with 1408).
• FIG 4A-4D Second difference between common components of invention implementations shown in FIG 4A and FIGS 1A-E is as follows.
• one access side is shown with shelves
• second opposite access side is shown blank without shelves. It can be used for simplified storage to post notes, calendars, list of things to do, or just to use it as a black board or screen, etc. If desired, second access side also can have more developed storage accommodations- They can be different depending on articles to be stored.
• FIG 4A shows a right storage 1106 in first starting position with side labeled "open” available for access.
• a left storage 1116 is shown in rotated 180° in opposite and alternate position as the right storage 1106.
• Side labeled "open” is facing back wall 1212 and this side is closed for access.
• Both storages 1102 are mounted on the simplified outside structure that in this embodiment is the top plate 1202 of the desk or table. Back wall 1212 is optional.
• FIG 4B shows exploded view of FIG 4A with visible parts of bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 1300. Mechanisms of both storages are identical but shown in alternate positions corresponding to the storages being in opposite positions.
• FIG 4C shows exploded view of the structure 1320 when storages are in reversed position relative to FIGS 4A and 4B.
• FIG 4D shows cross-section of the bottom rotaxial linkage mechanism 1300 through the link 1308. This cross-section shows standard design of the all links and their hinged connection to the stationary base 1202 and to the movable link 1104 where it is at the same time the bottom plate of the storage 1102.
• Joints 1312 and 1316 in this embodiment are constructed substantially the same. For simplicity of the example, joints 1312 and 1316 are shown without special rotation bearings. Joints 1312 and 1318 are made from metal.
• Link 1308 is made from plastic with good tribo logical performance to provide good friction pair to the joints.
• FIGS 5A - 5E, 6A - 6E, 7A - 7E, 8A - 8E show examples of different geometrical variations of link system for performing rotaxial movement in accordance with the present invention. Also these figures demonstrate the principle of how these implementations work. To simplify the demonstration of working principle of present invention, only bottom plate 104 of rotating storage is shown.
• FIG 5A illustrates a bottom plate 104 of the reversible storage system 100 at points B and C connected respectively by revolute joints 314 and 316 to links 304 and 308. Outside ends of the links 304 and 308 connected by revolute joins 310 and 312 to stationary base 202.
• stationary plate 202 can be viewed as stationary link AD.
• Three links AB, BC and CD represent movable serially connected part of the mechanism where bottom plate 104 of the reversible storage can be viewed as middle link BC also designated as 306.
• FIG 5A- 5E are diagrams illustrating a compound movement link mechanism for the storage structure in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention- Referring to FIG 5A-5E, figures show the essence of inner workings of implementation shown on FIG 4A-4D. These figures can represent also invention embodiment illustrated in FIGS 1 A- IE with shortened stationary link AD.
• joints A and D should be outside of the bottom plate 104 (or plate 104 should be shorter than link AD).
• revolute joints A and D are located at remote sides of the stationary base generally in the middle area of short, left and right sides of the storage frame. Points B and C for revolute joints 314 and 316 are located on different sides of the line AD generally symmetrically relative to this line. Also joints B and C located at the middle of the front and backsides of the bottom plate 104. In order for bottom plate 104 to rotate between alternate positions spaced generally 180° apart BC is generally perpendicular to AD in starting position of the storage, i.e. FIG 5 A.
• FIGS 5B - 5E The process of reversing the position of the plate 104 (i.e. movable storage) from the starting position of FIG 5A to 180° reversed final position in increments of 45° is shown on FIGS 5B - 5E.
• Rotation of the plate 104 starts by pulling right side of the movable object represented here by plate 104 in direction from back to front.
• FIGS 5B - 5D storage as represented here by bottom plate 104 is not crossing backside of the stationary plate 202.
• Available clearance shown as dimension "a" serves as needed margin for this requirement. In this embodiment for not obstructed rotation of the storage there should be some clearance on left and right sides of the movable object 102.
• FIG 6A- 6 E are schematic representations 100 illustrating an operations of the storage with outside joints of the four link mechanism moved back on the stationary plate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG 6A shows, in one embodiment, the locations of points A and D representing revolute joints 310 and 312, which are moved back on stationary base 202. Locations of revolute joins B and C are shifted left (as shown in FIG 6A) on bottom plate 104. Line BC remains perpendicular to AD on starting position.
• FIGS 6B - 6D show transitional rotation of plate 104 in steps of 45° to a position shown in FIG 6E in which plate 104 is in 180° reversed position relative to starting position of FIG 6A.
• This embodiment shows that in transitional positions especially close to position as shown in FIG 6C points B and C are not moved so much forward as shown in FIG 5C.
• stationary plate 202 that supports wheels 350 and 352 (see FIG IF) located generally under the revolute joints B and C does not need to extend much forward,, it can be smaller.
• this variation of present invention saves space in front of the storage for transitional positions of the storage and can be more stable against tip-over.
• FIG 6A shows joints A and D, B and C that are located at positions that allow some uniformity with the other drawings but for optimization of each particular embodiment locations of these joints could be changed.
• joints -A, D shown in FIG 6A could be moved more apart from each other to allow even better clearance than shown on FIG 6C.
• FIG 7A- 7E are schematic representations 700 illustrating operations of the storage with outside joints of the four link mechanism located in diagonal comers of the stationary plate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention-
• joints A and D as shown in FIG 7A are located at diagonal comers of stationary plate 7202-
• Joints B and C are located on the bottom plate 7104 approximately in the middle areas of its front and back sides at positions on different sides of the line AD and line BC in starting position as shown in FIG 7A is perpendicular to line AD.
• FIGS 7B - 7D show transitional rotation of plate 7104 in steps of 45° to position shown in FIG 7E where plate 7104 is in 180° reversed position relative to starting position of FIG 7A.
• One of the most important advantages of this embodiment is that during rotation for 180° in all transitional positions the movable storage generally does not need clearance or additional space for rotation. This is because during rotation of the storage its transitional positions are shifted away from the generally short side, particularly the side where one of the joints A and D is moved forward. The left side as shown in FIG 7A does not need extra clearance.
• One of the applications when this advantage can be realized is when two storage cabinets are located side by side next to each other as shown in FIGS 9A - 9C.
• FIG 8A- 8A schematic representations 800 illustrating operations of the storage with outside joints of the four link mechanism located in diagonal comers of the stationary plate and storage rotating 90° between positions of alternate access in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention-
• FIG 8A shows another modification of present invention. It can be viewed in comparison with previous example as having stationary base 8202 and bottom plate 8104 generally as square plates.
• stationary plate 8202 is larger than bottom plate 8104.
• Joints A and D are located at remote diagonal locations of the stationary plate 8202.
• B and C joints are located at positions of bottom plate 8104 generally symmetrically to the center point O of the line AD in a such way that line BC forms 45° angle with the line AD.
• Plate 8104 has optional rounded comers 170.
• obstacles 8220 and 8222 are shown on back and right sides of the storage. They can be walls, barriers, other similar cabinets, etc.
• final access position as shown in FIG 8E bottom plate 104 has labels marking all four sides as viewed from starting position.
• a storage structure may be organized into front and backsides (as shown in FIG 8A) for holding articles. Left and right sides are blank. Only front side as shown in FIG 8A has access to its articles and backside is blocked from accessing to articles by wall 8220. After storage rotation by 90° clockwise to position as shown in FIG 8E "front" labeled side has no access because it is blocked by wall 8222. "Back" labeled side is open for access from the right side. [0085] Second example of storage structure is that only front side has developed storage structure for holding essential articles while other three sides could be just blank walls. Then rotation of storage by 90° will block access to storage completely- Rotation of the storage back to starting position will open front side again for access.
• FIG 9A-9B are diagrams 900-920 illustrating a storage designed for light loads mounted on a desk with rotaxial designed illustrated in FIG 8A-8E.
• FIG 9A represents practical implementation of proposed invention per modification shown on FIG 7A - 7E.
• FIG 9A shows two storages 9002 and 9004 as shown. For clarity the sides for storage access are labeled "open". In this example, they are on the front sides of starting position. Details of operation and construction are similar to steps shown in FIG 4A - 4D.
• FIG 9B shows exploded view of FIG 9A.
• FIG 9C shows exploded view of the storage when it is rotated 90° counterclockwise for left storage and clockwise for right storage. In these alternated positions, open sides of the storage are blocked by neighboring storage- In this example, two storages are located next to each other and do not interfere with each other during rotation utilizing the advantages of the scheme represented in FIGS 7A- 7E.
• FIG 10A- 10C are diagrams 2100 illustrating a storage rotating between alternative accessing positions around horizontal axes in accordance with one embodiment of present invention-
• FIGS 10A, 10B and 10C show simplified and modified version of structure shown in FIG 1A in which FIG 10A shows nominal starting position of the storage while FIG 10B shows an 180° reversed of the storage with alternative accessing position of the storage.
• FIG 10C shows explored view of the storage in starting position. Simplification is achieved by omitting optional features of the design shown in FIG 1A - 1L including omitted torsion bars, wheels, lamps, cables, glass covers, locks, trimmings, etc.
• a modification of this embodiment is means for holding the storage frame whereby giving the storage its kinematical determination are located not at the bottom and top sides of the frame but on the left and right sides of the storage frame. It looks like vertical storage as shown in FIG 1A was turned back 90° from vertical to horizontal position. In this position previously front side shown in FIG 1A became upper side of storage shown in FIG 10A. Previously bottom side became right side and previously right side became front side as shown in FIG 10B. [0089] All common parts shown in FIG 10A and FIG 1A are shown with the similar number designations.
• the storage 2100 includes movable object 2102 that is to hold articles, also the storage includes means to hold proper storage 2102 in which box 2200 represents optionally developed outside structure and rotaxial linkage mechanisms 300 (right one) and 400 (left one).
• Movable object 2102 is build in this example as flat horizontal box open from top and bottom includes right plate 2104, left plate 2106, and optional front and back walls 2108 and 2110.
• the frame also includes cellular holder 2160 to hold articles that are not shown here for generalization purposes. Top holder is arbitrary shown in this example as having 48 cells for articles and bottom holder 2162 shown in FIG 10B has 24 cells.
• Holding means include box 2200. Box 2200 has optional cover 2250.
• Right and left walls 2202 and 2210 of the box 2200 serve as stationary bases of the right and left side rotaxial linkage mechanisms 2300 and 2400 respectively for holding of proper storage 2102. There are also front and back walls 2204 and 2206, respectively.
• Right rotaxial linkage mechanism 2300 and left rotaxial linkage mechanism 2400 connect storage 2102 with outside box 2200.
• FIG IOC shows details of the right rotaxial linkage mechanism 2300.
• Left rotaxial linkage mechanism 2400 is not visible on this view but it is generally the same as rotaxial linkage mechanism 2300 as being symmetrical to it on the other side of the storage.
• Links 304, 306 and 308 of rotaxial linkage mechanism 2300 connected serially represent the movable part of the rotaxial linkage mechanism 2300 and by their outside ends connected to the stationary box wall 2202 by pins 2310 and 2312. Links 2304 and 2308 by their inner ends connected to the right plate 2104 of the storage 2102 by pins 2314 and 2316.
• Movable three-link chain 2304, 2306 and 2308 together with stationary link 2202 represents four-link mechanism, which determines the positions and the process of movement of bottom plate 2104 and therefore determines the positions and the process of movement of reversible storage 2102 whereby is being means of holding storage cabinet relative to the stationary base 2202. The same is true for left rotaxial linkage mechanism 2400.
• this embodiment even without torsion bars is providing generally jam free reversing of the storage 1102 for alternative accesses to upper and bottom sides of storage 1102. If there is more demanding application for strength, reliability and smoothness of the operation of the storage then storage can be modified, e.g. by introducing torsion rods.
• FIG 11 A- 11D are diagrams 2400illustrating application of proposed invention with for four square storages mounted next to each other on one square stationary plate in accordance with one embodiment of present invention.
• FIGS 11A- 11D show an embodiment of four substantially identical storages located next to each other in circular symmetry around central axis. There is no obstruction around this group of storages. This group of storages can be accessed from all four sides.
• FIGS 8A - 8E show all four proper storages rotated 90° clockwise to the second alternated positions. All four "open" sides with open shelves are closed for access.
• FIG 11C shows a top view of the structure shown in FIG 11B including rotaxial linkage mechanism 300 links conditionally shown as visible through the storage parts. Designations of the components are similar to designations shown in FIG 8 A.
• FIG 11D shows top view of one of the simpler designs in accordance with the present invention.
• Generally square shape member 3330 rotates around central axis "O". This member has at each of its comers four identical joints 3332. Each of these joints 3332 connected by link 3334 to links 3304 at joints B.
• FIG 12A-12D are diagrams illustrating a wheel system attached to a link in accordance with one embodiment of present invention-
• FIG 12 A shows atop view of wheel system 4200 having two wheels 4202-4204 and awheel frame 4210.
• the wheels 4202-4204 are mounted in a middle bar 4212 of the wheel frame 4210.
• the wheels 4202 contact the ground or track while a portion of wheel frame 4210 attaches to the rotating object.
• the wheels 4202- 4204 can move in a predefined trajectory while a portion of wheel frame 4210 that attaches to the rotating object can move in a different orientation so that a rotaxial movement can be accomplished.
• FIG 12 B shows a cross-section view of a wheel system 4250 in accordance of one embodiment of the present invention.
• a portion of the wheel frame 4210 attaches to the rotating object or moving cabinet 4232 while another portion of the wheel frame 4210 attaches to a link 4230 for performing link assisted rotaxial turning.
• FIG 13A- 13C are diagrams illustrating a rotating frame capable of attaching a set of wheels in accordance with one embodiment of present invention.
• FIG 13A illustrates a rotating frame 4300 having top plate 4302 and bottom plate 4304.
• the bottom plate 4304 further includes two wheel-mounting places 4306-4308.
• the wheel mounting places 4306-4308 are capable of mounting wheel frames 4210 with sets of wheels 4202-4204.
• the wheels 4202-4204 are further attached to tw ⁇ links for controlling the turning of the movable object.
• FIG 13B is a 3D picture illustrating a structure 4310 having a two-link system with wheels wherein the bottom plate 4304 of the rotating frame has turned in 90 degree (extending forward) from a set position.
• Set position means one side of rotating object is accessible while another side of rotating object is not accessible because it is covered by the back wall.
• the structure 4310 includes a bottom plate 4304, two links 4312-4314, ground plate 4320, and wheels 4210. In one embodiment, the bottom plate 4304 performs a rotaxial movement in response to the movement of the links 4312-4314.
• FIG 13C is a 3D structure 4350 having a bottom plate 4304 of the rotating frame
• the structure 4350 shows the bottom plate 4304 in a set position.
• FIG 14 is a set of diagrams illustrating a rotating object 4400 performing a rotaxial movement in accordance with one embodiment of present invention.
• FIG 14 is atop view of the rotating object 4400 wherein the rotating object 4400 has a rotating axis 4402- Also, the object 4400 has two sides 4404-4406.
• the set of diagrams shows a sequence of rotaxial movement to reverse the side between side 4404 and side 4406 of the object 4400.
• the object 4404 is transported from front side to back side by compound motion- Compound motion, in one embodiment, means rotating the object around its rotating axis while the rotating axis moves alone a predefined trajectory.
• compound motion- Compound motion in one embodiment, means rotating the object around its rotating axis while the rotating axis moves alone a predefined trajectory.
• the object is back to the same space with a different orientation-

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• 2004
  • 2004-06-24 CA CA002530587A patent/CA2530587A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2004-06-24 JP JP2006517560A patent/JP2007526015A/ja active Pending
  • 2004-06-24 US US10/877,530 patent/US20050067925A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2004-06-24 WO PCT/US2004/020057 patent/WO2005007514A2/en active Search and Examination
  • 2004-06-24 EP EP04776946A patent/EP1636100A2/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2004-06-24 CN CNA2004800242147A patent/CN101031223A/zh active Pending

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