Shelving System

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In yet another embodiment, the bracket further comprises a bushing.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

In a further embodiment, during the transition, the guide assembly moves along the bracket opening towards the opening second end.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In yet another embodiment, the actuator is electrically powered.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Referring to, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a shelving systemcomprises an outer frameand an interior unit. The framepreferably comprises an upper paneland two exterior side panelsextending generally downwardly from the upper panel. In, one of the exterior side panelsis removed to show the internal mechanisms of the shelving system. One or more doorsmay be attached to the exterior side panelsand/or the upper panel. The doorsare preferably hingedly connected to the exterior side panelsand/or the upper panel. In the embodiment shown in, the doorsare hingedly connected to the exterior side panels. However, it is understood that in other embodiments, the doorsmay be connected using other types of connections, or the doorsmay be omitted completely.

The interior unitpreferably comprises a lower paneland two interior side panelsextending generally upwardly from the lower panel. One or more shelvesmay extend between the interior side panels. The interior unitis connected to the frameusing one or more linkage assemblies, as described below.

When the shelving systemis in a fully upper configuration (e.g. as shown in), the interior unitlies substantially under and within the frame. Preferably, a distance between the interior side panelsis less than a distance between the exterior side panelssuch that the interior side panelsare able to fit between the exterior side panels. Furthermore, each of the exterior side panelscomprises a lower edge(best seen in). When the shelving systemis in the fully upper configuration, the lower panelis preferably substantially flush with, or abuts, the lower edgesof the exterior panels. Accordingly, the lower panelpreferably extends beyond the interior side panels(i.e. a width of the lower panelis greater than the distance between the interior side panels). The upper panel, the exterior side panels, and the lower panelform a generally contiguous perimeter when the shelving systemis in the fully upper configuration.

Preferably, the shelving systemcomprises two of the linkage assemblies, with one of the linkage assembliesconnecting one of the exterior side panelsto one of the interior side panels.are sectional views of the shelving systemshowing one of the linkage assemblies(as viewed from A in) as the shelving systemtransitions from the fully upper configuration to a fully lower configuration. It is understood that another one of the linkage assembliesmay be present on the other side of the shelving system(as best shown in).

Each of the exterior side panelscomprises an inner surface. Each of the linkage assembliescomprises a bracketReferring to, each of the linkage assembliescomprises a bracketthat is fixedly attached to one of the inner surfaces. The bracketcomprises a planar portionthat is substantially parallel to and raised away from the inner surface. The bracketpreferably further comprises one or more flangesextending away from the planar portionto raise the planar portionfrom the inner surface. Preferably, the flangesextend substantially perpendicularly from the planar portion. The bracketpreferably further comprises one or more attachment portionsextending from the flanges. The attachment portionspreferably extend substantially perpendicularly from the flangesand are adapted to engage with the inner surface. Preferably, the attachment portionscomprise one or more connector openingsthat are adapted to accept connectors for fixedly attaching the bracketto the inner surface.

The planar portioncomprises an elongated, curved bracket openingthat is adapted to assist in transitioning the shelving systembetween the upper and lower configurations (as described later). The bracket openingcomprises opening first and second ends,. As best seen in, the bracket openingis preferably not perfectly arced, but instead includes a slight double curvature between the opening first and second ends,.

Each of the linkage assembliesfurther comprises first and second bracket arms,. In the embodiment shown in, the first bracket armmay comprise a bend, such that the first bracket armcomprises first and second bend portions,. The angle B between the first and second bend portions,(as shown in) is preferably greater than 90°.

Each of the first and second bracket arms,is pivotally connected to the planar portionand is also pivotally connected a multi-bar linkage. The multi-bar linkageis in turn connected to the interior unit. Preferably, the first bracket armis pivotally connected to the planar portionproximate to one end of the first bracket arm, while the first bracket armis pivotally connected to the multi-bar linkageproximate to the other end of the first bracket arm. Likewise, the second bracket armis preferably pivotally connected to the planar portionproximate to one end of the second bracket arm, while the second bracket armis preferably pivotally connected to the multi-bar linkageproximate to the other end of the second bracket arm. However, it is understood that the pivotal connections are not necessarily limited to the ends of the first and second bracket arms,but may be located at other places along the first and second bracket arms,.

The multi-bar linkagepreferably comprises first, second, third, and fourth bars,,,that are arranged in a generally quadrilateral shape. The first baris preferably pivotally connected to the third barand the fourth bar, while the second baris preferably pivotally connected to the third barand the fourth bar. Preferably, the first bracket arm, the first bar, and the third barare pivotally connected together at a first connection point, while the second bracket arm, the second bar, and the third barare pivotally connected together at a second connection point. The first connection pointmay be located proximate to ends of the first bracket arm, the first bar, and the third bar. The second connection pointmay be located proximate to ends of the second bracket arm, the second bar, and the third bar.

The movement of the first and second bracket arms,effect the movement of the multi-bar linkageinto and out of the frame, as described below.

Preferably, the fourth baris fixedly attached to the interior side panel(i.e. the fourth baris unable to pivot or otherwise move with respect to the interior side panel).

The first baris preferably pivotally connected to the fourth barat a third connection point. The third connection pointmay be located proximate to ends of the first barand the fourth bar. In one embodiment, the fourth barmay be fixedly attached to the interior side panelat the third connection point, while the first baris able to pivotally move with respect to the fourth bar(and the interior side panel).

The second baris preferably pivotally connected to the fourth bar. In the embodiment shown in, the linkage assemblyfurther comprises a bar tabextending from the fourth bar. The second baris pivotally connected to the bar tabat a fourth connection point. The bar tabmay extend from the fourth barat a point along a length of the fourth bar(and not necessarily proximate to the ends of the fourth bar).

The fourth barmay also be fixedly attached to the interior side panelat an attachment point.

In another embodiment, the fourth barmay be omitted from the multi-bar linkage. In this embodiment, the second baris pivotally connected to the interior side panel, while the first baris pivotally connected to the interior side panel.

Referring back to, the linkage assemblyfurther comprises a guide assemblythat is pivotally connected to the second barand is also adapted to engage with the bracket opening. In the embodiment shown in, the guide assemblycomprises guide first and second ends,, with a guide armextending between the guide first and second ends,. A guide wheelis connected to the guide armproximate to the guide first end, with the guide wheeladapted to travel within the bracket opening. Movement of the guide wheelwithin the bracket openingeffects corresponding movement of the guide assembly. The guide armis preferably pivotally connected to the second barproximate to the guide second end, at a fifth connection point. The fifth connection pointis preferably located along a length of the second arm.

The guide assemblyfurther comprises an engagement memberthat extends from the guide arm. Preferably, the engagement membercomprises one or more bends such that a portion of the engagement memberand the guide armdefine, at least in part, a slot. The slotpreferably extends substantially parallel to the guide armand comprises an open endand a closed end.

The bracketfurther comprises a bushingthat is adapted to engage within the slotduring the transition of the shelving systembetween the upper and lower configurations (as described below). For example, the bracketmay comprise a flapextending from the planar portion, with the bushingmounted on the flap. Other methods for attaching the bushingto the bracketmay also be employed. Preferably, the dimensions of the bushingand the slotare such that the bushingis able to snugly engage within the slot.

Preferably, the linkage assemblyfurther comprises one or more actuatorsthat are adapted to move the shelving systembetween the upper and lower configurations. For example, one of the actuatorsmay be present for each of the linkage assemblies. Each of the actuatorsis configured to provide linear movement and may comprise an actuator bodyand an actuator armthat is adapted to move longitudinally within the actuator body. The actuatorcomprises actuator first and second ends,, with the actuator bodyextending from the actuator first endand the actuator armextending from the actuator second end. The actuator bodyis preferably pivotally connected to the inner surfaceor the top panelproximate to the actuator first end, while the actuator armis preferably pivotally connected to the second bracket armproximate to the actuator second endat a sixth connection point. The sixth connection pointmay be located along a length of the second bracket arm(and not necessarily proximate to the ends of the second bracket arm). For example, in the embodiment shown in, an arm tabextends from the second bracket arm, with the sixth connection pointlocated on the arm tab. In other embodiments, the sixth connection pointmay be located directly on the second bracket arm.

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

are cutaway views of the shelving systemdepicting the shelving systemas it transitions from the upper configuration (as shown in) to the lower configuration (as shown in). Although only one side of the shelving systemis shown, it is understood that the other side of the shelving systemfunctions in a similar manner.

depicts the orientation of the shelving systemin the upper configuration. In this orientation, the actuator armis substantially fully retracted within the actuator body. In addition, the guide wheelis located within the bracket openingproximate to the opening first end, and the bushingis engaged within the slotand located proximate to the closed endof the slot. As seen in, when the shelving systemis in the upper configuration, the interior unitis substantially under and within the frame.

depicts the orientation of the shelving systemas it begins to transition from the upper configuration to the lower configuration. In this orientation, the actuator armhas partially extended from within the actuator body, causing the interior unitto move outward relative to the frame. In particular, as the actuator armsextends from the within the actuator body, the actuator armpushes against the second bracket arm, which in turn will tend to bias the interior unitto move outwards from the frame. The guide wheelis biased to move within the bracket openingfrom the opening first endtowards the opening second end. Furthermore, the engagement memberis biased to slide along the bushingfrom the closed endtowards the open end. During this phase of the transition, the movement of the interior unitis substantially horizontal, with this horizontal movement dictated, at least part, by the curvature of the bracket openingproximate to the opening first endand the movement of the guide wheeltherewithin.