Patent Application
20210393028
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
The present invention relates to the field of furniture including cabinets, more specifically, a cabinet having one or more horizontal surfaces brought into position by rotating around a horizontal axis. (A47B46/005)
The cabinet with rotating shelves is a furniture item. The cabinet with rotating shelves forms a cabinet. The cabinet with rotating shelves is a rotating structure. The cabinet with rotating shelves is configured for use in storing a plurality of domestic articles. The cabinet with rotating shelves rotates such that the accessibility of the each of the plurality of domestic articles is adjustable. The cabinet with rotating shelves comprises a cabinet, a storage pan track, and a control circuit. The cabinet contains the storage pan track and the control circuit. The storage pan track is a rotating structure. The storage pan track is a shelving structure that contains the plurality of domestic articles. The storage pan track rotates the shelving structure to change the presentation of the plurality of domestic articles. The control circuit controls the operation of the storage pan track. The control circuit: a) provides the electric power required to rotate the storage pan track; b) controls the rotation of the storage pan track; and, c) illuminates the domestic articles stored on the storage pan track.
These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the cabinet with rotating shelves will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the cabinet with rotating shelves in detail, it is to be understood that the cabinet with rotating shelves is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the cabinet with rotating shelves.
It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the cabinet with rotating shelves. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.
Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in
The cabinet with rotating shelves 100 (hereinafter invention) is a furniture item. The invention 100 forms a cabinet 101. The invention 100 is a rotating structure. The invention 100 is configured for use in storing a plurality of domestic articles. The invention 100 rotates such that the accessibility of each of the plurality of domestic articles is adjustable. The invention 100 comprises a cabinet 101, a storage pan track 102, and a control circuit 103. The cabinet 101 contains the storage pan track 102 and the control circuit 103. The storage pan track 102 is a rotating structure. The storage pan track 102 is a shelving structure that contains the plurality of domestic articles. The storage pan track 102 rotates the shelving structure to change the presentation of the plurality of domestic articles. The control circuit 103 controls the operation of the storage pan track 102. The control circuit 103: a) provides the electric power required to rotate the storage pan track 102; b) controls the rotation of the storage pan track 102; and, c) illuminates the domestic articles stored on the storage pan track 102.
The cabinet 101 is a mechanical structure. The cabinet 101 is a hollow structure. The cabinet 101 contains the storage pan track 102 and the control circuit 103. The cabinet 101 comprises a containment prism 111, a door panel 112, and a plurality of telescopic stanchions 113. The door panel 112 and the plurality of telescopic stanchions 113 attach to the cabinet 101.
The containment prism 111 is a prism-shaped structure. The containment prism 111 is a hollow structure. The containment prism 111 is the structure that physically contains the storage pan track 102 and the control circuit 103. The containment prism 111 further comprises a door aperture 141 and an access aperture 142. The door aperture 141 is a first aperture that is formed through the first lateral face of the prism structure of the containment prism 111. The door aperture 141 provides access into the hollow interior of the containment prism 111. The access aperture 142 is a second aperture that is formed through a second lateral face of the prism structure of the containment prism 111. The access aperture 142 provides access to each of the plurality of storage pans 124 that are rotated within the containment prism 111 by the storage pan track 102.
The door panel 112 is a prism-shaped structure. The door panel 112 has a disk shape. The door panel 112 attaches to the containment prism 111 such that the door panel 112 rotates relative to the containment prism 111. The door panel 112 rotates between a closed position and an open position. When the door panel 112 is in the closed position, the door panel 112 inhibits access into the hollow interior of the containment prism 111 through the door aperture 141. When the door panel 112 is in the closed position, the door panel 112 provides access into the hollow interior of the containment prism 111 through the door aperture 141. The door panel 112 further comprises one or more hinges 143 and a handle 144.
Each of the one or more hinges 143 attaches the door panel 112 to the containment prism 111 such that the door panel 112 rotates between the closed position and the open position. The one or more hinges 143 position the door panel 112 to the containment prism 111 such that the door panel 112 closes and opens access into the containment prism 111 through the door aperture 141. The handle 144 is a grip used to rotate the door panel 112 between the closed position and the open position. The handle 144 attaches to the exterior surface of the door panel 112.
The plurality of telescopic stanchions 113 forms a mechanical structure that elevates the containment prism 111 above a supporting surface. The plurality of telescopic stanchions 113 forms a load path the transfers the load of the cabinet 101, the storage pan track 102, and the control circuit 103 to the supporting surface. Each of the plurality of telescopic stanchions 113 has a composite prism structure. The span of the length of the center axis of the composite prism structure of each of the plurality of telescopic stanchions 113 is adjustable. The plurality of telescopic stanchions 113 further comprises a first telescopic stanchion 211, a second telescopic stanchion 212, a third telescopic stanchion 213, and a fourth telescopic stanchion 214.
The first telescopic stanchion 211 is a vertically oriented stanchion that forms a portion of the load path that elevates the containment prism 111 over a supporting surface. The first telescopic stanchion 211 is a telescopic structure that comprises a first arm 221, a second arm 222, and a first detent 231. The first detent 231 is a mechanical device that locks and secures the first arm 221 to the second arm 222. The first arm 221 is a hollow prism that is further defined with an inner dimension. The second arm 222 is a hollow prism that is further defined with an outer dimension. The second arm 222 is geometrically similar to the first arm 221. The span of the outer dimension of the second arm 222 is lesser than the span of the inner dimension of the first arm 221 such that the second arm 222 inserts into the first arm 221 in a telescopic fashion to form a composite prism structure.
The span of the length of the first telescopic stanchion 211 adjusts by adjusting the relative position of the second arm 222 within the first arm 221. The position of the second arm 222 relative to the first arm 221 is held in position using the first detent 231. The first detent 231 is selected from the group consisting of a cotter pin, a G snap collar, a cam lock collar, a threaded clutch, a split collar lock, and a spring-loaded ball lock.
The second telescopic stanchion 212 is a vertically oriented stanchion that forms a portion of the load path that elevates the containment prism 111 over a supporting surface. The second telescopic stanchion 212 is a telescopic structure that comprises a third arm 223, a fourth arm 224, and a second detent 232. The second detent 232 is a mechanical device that locks and secures the fourth arm 224 to the third arm 223. The third arm 223 is a hollow prism that is further defined with an inner dimension. The fourth arm 224 is a hollow prism that is further defined with an outer dimension. The fourth arm 224 is geometrically similar to the third arm 223. The span of the outer dimension of the third arm 223 is lesser than the span of the inner dimension of the fourth arm 224 such that the fourth arm 224 inserts into the third arm 223 in a telescopic fashion to form a composite prism structure.
The span of the length of the second telescopic stanchion 212 adjusts by adjusting the relative position of the third arm 223 within the fourth arm 224. The position of the third arm 223 relative to the fourth arm 224 is held in position using the second detent 232. The second detent 232 is selected from the group consisting of a cotter pin, a G snap collar, a cam lock collar, a threaded clutch, a split collar lock, and a spring-loaded ball lock.
The third telescopic stanchion 213 is a vertically oriented stanchion that forms a portion of the load path that elevates the containment prism 111 over a supporting surface. The third telescopic stanchion 213 is a telescopic structure that comprises a fifth arm 225, a sixth arm 226, and a third detent 233. The third detent 233 is a mechanical device that locks and secures the fifth arm 225 to the sixth arm 226. The fifth arm 225 is a hollow prism that is further defined with an inner dimension. The sixth arm 226 is a hollow prism that is further defined with an outer dimension. The sixth arm 226 is geometrically similar to the fifth arm 225. The span of the outer dimension of the sixth arm 226 is lesser than the span of the inner dimension of the fifth arm 225 such that the sixth arm 226 inserts into the fifth arm 225 in a telescopic fashion to form a composite prism structure.
The span of the length of the third telescopic stanchion 213 adjusts by adjusting the relative position of the sixth arm 226 within the fifth arm 225. The position of the sixth arm 226 relative to the fifth arm 225 is held in position using the third detent 233. The third detent 233 is selected from the group consisting of a cotter pin, a G snap collar, a cam lock collar, a threaded clutch, a split collar lock, and a spring-loaded ball lock.
The fourth telescopic stanchion 214 is a vertically oriented stanchion that forms a portion of the load path that elevates the containment prism 111 over a supporting surface. The fourth telescopic stanchion 214 is a telescopic structure that comprises a seventh arm 227, an eighth arm 228, and a fourth detent 234. The fourth detent 234 is a mechanical device that locks and secures the seventh arm 227 to the eighth arm 228. The seventh arm 227 is a hollow prism that is further defined with an inner dimension. The eighth arm 228 is a hollow prism that is further defined with an outer dimension. The eighth arm 228 is geometrically similar to the seventh arm 227. The span of the outer dimension of the eighth arm 228 is lesser than the span of the inner dimension of the seventh arm 227 such that the eighth arm 228 inserts into the seventh arm 227 in a telescopic fashion to form a composite prism structure.
The span of the length of the fourth telescopic stanchion 214 adjusts by adjusting the relative position of the eighth arm 228 within the seventh arm 227. The position of the eighth arm 228 relative to the seventh arm 227 is held in position using the fourth detent 234. The fourth detent 234 is selected from the group consisting of a cotter pin, a G snap collar, a cam lock collar, a threaded clutch, a split collar lock, and a spring-loaded ball lock.
The first telescopic stanchion 211 further comprises a first pedestal 241. The first pedestal 241 is a disk-shaped structure. The first pedestal 241 attaches to the second arm 222 of the first telescopic stanchion 211 to form a composite prism structure. The first pedestal 241 attaches to the end of the second arm 222 that is distal from the first arm 221. The first pedestal 241 forms a pedestal that rests on the supporting surface.
The second telescopic stanchion 212 further comprises a second pedestal 242. The second pedestal 242 is a disk-shaped structure. The second pedestal 242 attaches to the fourth arm 224 of the second telescopic stanchion 212 to form a composite prism structure. The second pedestal 242 attaches to the end of the fourth arm 224 that is distal from the third arm 223. The second pedestal 242 forms a pedestal that rests on the supporting surface.
The third telescopic stanchion 213 further comprises a third pedestal 243. The third pedestal 243 is a disk-shaped structure. The third pedestal 243 attaches to the sixth arm 226 of the third telescopic stanchion 213 to form a composite prism structure. The third pedestal 243 attaches to the end of the sixth arm 226 that is distal from the fifth arm 225. The third pedestal 243 forms a pedestal that rests on the supporting surface.
The fourth telescopic stanchion 214 further comprises a fourth pedestal 244. The fourth pedestal 244 is a disk-shaped structure. The fourth pedestal 244 attaches to the eighth arm 228 of the fourth telescopic stanchion 214 to form a composite prism structure. The fourth pedestal 244 attaches to the end of the eighth arm 228 that is distal from the seventh arm 227. The fourth pedestal 244 forms a pedestal that rests on the supporting surface.
The storage pan track 102 is a mechanical structure. The storage pan track 102 is a driven structure. The storage pan track 102 is a rotating structure. The storage pan track 102 forms the horizontal surfaces used to store a plurality of domestic articles. The rotation of the storage pan track 102 rotates the position of the plurality of domestic articles within the cabinet 101. The storage pan track 102 comprises a drive wheel 121, a plurality of idler wheels 122, a plurality of drive belts 123, and a plurality of storage pans 124.
The drive wheel 121 is a disk-shaped structure. The drive wheel 121 is a rotating structure. The control circuit 103 provides the motive forces required to rotate the drive wheel 121. The rotation of the drive wheel 121 rotates the storage pan track 102. The drive wheel 121 rotates a first drive belt 261 selected from the plurality of drive belts 123 in order to rotate the storage pan track 102.
The plurality of idler wheels 122 and the drive wheel 121 forms a rotating structure on which the plurality of drive belts 123 mount. Each of the plurality of idler wheels 122 is a disk-shaped structure. Each of the plurality of idler wheels 122 is a rotating structure. Each of the plurality of idler wheels 122 changes the direction of a drive belt selected from the plurality of drive belts 123. The drive wheel 121 drives the rotation of the plurality of drive belts 123. The plurality of idler wheels 122 changes the direction of the plurality of drive belts 123 such that the rotation of the plurality of drive belts 123 rotates the plurality of storage pans 124 within the containment prism 111 of the cabinet 101. The plurality of idler wheels 122 further comprises a first idler wheel 251, a second idler wheel 252, and a third idler wheel 253.
Each of the plurality of drive belts 123 is a looped belt structure. The belt is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. Each of the plurality of drive belts 123 wraps around two wheels selected from the group consisting of: a) the drive wheel 121; and, b) one or more idler wheels selected from the plurality of idler wheels 122. The plurality of drive belts 123 attaches the plurality of storage pans 124 to the drive wheel 121 and the plurality of idler wheels 122 such that the rotation of the drive wheel 121 rotates the plurality of drive belts 123 thereby rotating the plurality of storage pans 124 within the containment prism 111 of the cabinet 101. The plurality of drive belts 123 further comprises a first drive belt 261 and a second drive belt 262.
The first drive belt 261 wraps around the first idler wheel 251 and the drive wheel 121 to form the rotating structure of the storage pan track 102. The second drive belt 262 wraps around the second idler wheel 252 and the third idler wheel 253 to form the rotating structure of the storage pan track 102.
Each of the plurality of storage pans 124 is a prism-shaped structure. Each of the plurality of storage pans 124 has a pan shape. The plurality of storage pans 124 form the storage structures used to contain the plurality of domestic articles within the storage pan track 102. Each of the plurality of storage pans 124 attaches to the plurality of drive belts 123 such that the rotation of the plurality of drive belts 123 around the plurality of idler wheels 122 and the drive wheel 121 rotates the plurality of storage pans 124 within the containment prism 111. The plurality of storage pans 124 further comprises a first storage pan 271, a second storage pan 272, a third storage pan 273, and a fourth storage pan 274.
The first storage pan 271 is a tray structure that simultaneously attaches to the first drive belt 261 and the second drive belt 262 such that the rotation of the drive wheel 121 rotates the first storage pan 271 within the containment prism 111.
The second storage pan 272 is a tray structure that simultaneously attaches to the first drive belt 261 and the second drive belt 262 such that the rotation of the drive wheel 121 rotates the second storage pan 272 within the containment prism 111.
The third storage pan 273 is a tray structure that simultaneously attaches to the first drive belt 261 and the second drive belt 262 such that the rotation of the drive wheel 121 rotates the third storage pan 273 within the containment prism 111.
The fourth storage pan 274 is a tray structure that simultaneously attaches to the first drive belt 261 and the second drive belt 262 such that the rotation of the drive wheel 121 rotates the fourth storage pan 274 within the containment prism 111.
The control circuit 103 is an electric circuit. The control circuit 103 provides the energy required to rotate the storage pan track 102. The control circuit 103 controls the rotation of the storage pan track 102 within the cabinet 101. The control circuit 103 illuminates the plurality of domestic articles stored in the storage pan track 102. The control circuit 103 comprises a motor circuit 131, a lamp circuit 132, and a power circuit 133. The motor circuit 131, the lamp circuit 132, and the power circuit 133 are electrically interconnected.
The motor circuit 131 is an electric circuit. The motor circuit 131 converts electric energy into the rotational energy used to rotate the drive wheel 121 of the storage pan track 102. The motor circuit 131 mechanically attaches to the drive wheel 121. The motor circuit 131 comprises an electric motor 151 and a momentary switch 152.
The electric motor 151 is an electrical device. The electric motor 151 converts electric energy drawn from the power circuit 133 through the momentary switch 152 into rotational energy. The electric motor 151 mechanically connects to the drive wheel 121 of the storage pan track 102 such that the rotation of the electric motor 151 rotates the drive wheel 121. The electric motor 151 is defined elsewhere in this disclosure.
The momentary switch 152 is an electric switch. The terms momentary switch 152, maintained switch, and switch are defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The momentary switch 152 is wired in series between the power circuit 133 and the electric motor 151 such that the momentary switch 152 controls the flow of electricity into the electric motor 151. The momentary switch 152 controls the rotation of the electric motor 151 by controlling the flow of electricity into the electric motor 151.
The lamp circuit 132 is an electric circuit. The lamp circuit 132 converts electric energy into illumination used to illuminate the hollow interior of the containment prism 111 of the cabinet 101. The lamp circuit 132 comprises a plurality of LEDs 161 and a lamp switch 162.
The lamp switch 162 is an electric switch. The lamp switch 162 is a maintained switch. The lamp switch 162 controls the flow of electric energy from the power circuit 133 into the plurality of LEDs 161. The lamp switch 162 controls the illumination in the hollow interior of the containment prism 111 by controlling the flow of electricity into the plurality of LEDs 161.
Each of the plurality of LEDs 161 is a two-terminal semiconducting device. Each LED selected from the plurality of LEDs 161 is a diode that generates illumination when electricity flows through the selected LED. The plurality of LEDs 161 generate the illumination within the hollow interior of the containment prism 111 of the cabinet 101. The plurality of LEDs 161 comprises a first LED set 281, a second LED set 282, and a limit resistor 283.
The first LED set 281 is a first subset of LEDs selected from the plurality of LEDs 161. The first LED set 281 are electrically connected in series between the lamp switch 162 and the power circuit 133 such that the flow of electricity through the first LED set 281 will generate an illumination. The second LED set 282 is a second subset of LEDs selected from the plurality of LEDs 161. The second LED set 282 are electrically connected in series between the lamp switch 162 and the power circuit 133 such that the flow of electricity through the second LED set 282 will generate an illumination. The second LED set 282 is reverse biased relative to the first LED set 281 such that the lamp circuit 132 will maintain its illumination independently of the direction of the ac current flow that is generated by the national electric grid 172 of the power circuit 133.
The limit resistor 283 is an electric resistor. The limit resistor 283 is wired in series with each of the plurality of LEDs 161. The limit resistor 283 limits the flow of electricity through the plurality of LEDs 161.
The power circuit 133 is an electric circuit. The power circuit 133 controls the flow of electric energy into the motor circuit 131 and the lamp circuit 132. The power circuit 133 comprises a master switch 171 and a national electric grid 172.
The master switch 171 is an electric switch. The master switch 171 is a maintained switch. The master switch 171 electrically connects to the national electric grid 172. The master switch 171 electrically connects to the momentary switch 152. The master switch 171 electrically connects to the lamp switch 162. The master switch 171 controls the flow of electricity from the national electric grid 172 to the momentary switch 152. The master switch 171 controls the flow of electricity from the national electric grid 172 to the lamp switch 162. The master switch 171 forms the power switch of the invention 100. The national electric grid 172 is a commercially available source of electric energy. The national electric grid 172 is defined elsewhere in this disclosure.
The following definitions were used in this disclosure:
Align: As used in this disclosure, align refers to an arrangement of objects that are: 1) arranged in a straight plane or line; 2) arranged to give a directional sense of a plurality of parallel planes or lines; or, 3) a first line or curve is congruent to and overlaid on a second line or curve.
Anterior: As used in this disclosure, anterior is a term that is used to refer to the front side or direction of a structure. When comparing two objects, the anterior object is the object that is closer to the front of the structure.
Aperture: As used in this disclosure, an aperture is a prism-shaped negative space that is formed completely through a structure or the surface of a hollow structure.
Belt: As used in this disclosure, a belt is a strip of flexible material that wraps around the lateral face of a prism-shaped object.
Center: As used in this disclosure, a center is a point that is: 1) the point within a circle that is equidistant from all the points of the circumference; 2) the point within a regular polygon that is equidistant from all the vertices of the regular polygon; 3) the point on a line that is equidistant from the ends of the line; 4) the point, pivot, or axis around which something revolves; or, 5) the centroid or first moment of an area or structure. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the fifth option should be used in interpreting the specification.
Center Axis: As used in this disclosure, the center axis is the axis of a cylinder or a prism. The center axis of a prism is the line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a pyramid refers to a line formed through the apex of the pyramid that is perpendicular to the base of the pyramid. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures share the same line they are said to be aligned. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures do not share the same line they are said to be offset.
Closed Position: As used in this disclosure, a closed position refers to a movable barrier structure that is in an orientation that prevents passage through a port or an aperture. The closed position is often referred to as an object being “closed.” Always use orientation.
Composite Prism: As used in this disclosure, a composite prism refers to a structure that is formed from a plurality of structures selected from the group consisting of a prism structure and a pyramid structure. The plurality of selected structures may or may not be truncated. The plurality of prism structures are joined together such that the center axes of each of the plurality of structures are aligned. The congruent ends of any two structures selected from the group consisting of a prism structure and a pyramid structure need not be geometrically similar.
Congruent: As used in this disclosure, congruent is a term that compares a first object to a second object. Specifically, two objects are said to be congruent when: 1) they are geometrically similar; and, 2) the first object can superimpose over the second object such that the first object aligns, within manufacturing tolerances, with the second object.
Control Circuit: As used in this disclosure, a control circuit is an electrical circuit that manages and regulates the behavior or operation of a device.
Coronal Direction: As used in this disclosure, the coronal direction runs from the dexter surface to the sinister surface of an object and is perpendicular to the sagittal direction and the transverse direction
Correspond: As used in this disclosure, the term correspond is used as a comparison between two or more objects wherein one or more properties shared by the two or more objects match, agree, or align within acceptable manufacturing tolerances.
Dexter: As used in this disclosure, dexter is a directional reference that refers to the right side of an object from the perspective of a viewer who is facing the posterior side of the object.
Diode: As used in this disclosure, a diode is a two terminal semiconductor device that allows current flow in only one direction. The two terminals are called the anode and the cathode. Electric current is allowed to pass from the anode to the cathode.
Disk: As used in this disclosure, a disk is a prism-shaped object that is flat in appearance. The disk is formed from two congruent ends that are attached by a lateral face. The sum of the surface areas of two congruent ends of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk is greater than the surface area of the lateral face of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk. In this disclosure, the congruent ends of the prism-shaped structure that forms the disk are referred to as the faces of the disk.
Distal: As used in this disclosure, distal refers to a directional sense or location of an object. Specifically, distal refers to a first object, or a side of a first object, that is distal from the medial axis, or more proximal to the side of the object, relative to a second object, or side of a second object.
Domestic Article: As used in this disclosure, a domestic article is an item or object: 1) that is commonly found within a household; or, 2) that is commonly carried or worn by a person. Examples of domestic articles include, but are not limited to, clothing, keys and key fobs, personal data devices, glasses, remote controls, or personal storage items such as purses, briefcases, wallets, or cases.
Door: As used in this disclosure, a door is a movable or removable barrier that is attached to the wall of a room or the surface of a container for the purpose of allowing or preventing access through an aperture into the room or container.
Drive: As used in this disclosure, a drive is a mechanism or a device that transmits a motive force from a first device or object to a second device or object with the objective or operating the second object.
Electric Motor: In this disclosure, an electric motor is a machine that converts electric energy into rotational mechanical energy. An electric motor typically comprises a stator and a rotor. The stator is a stationary hollow cylindrical structure that forms a magnetic field. The rotor is a magnetically active rotating cylindrical structure that is coaxially mounted in the stator. The magnetic interactions between the rotor and the stator physically causes the rotor to rotate within the stator thereby generating rotational mechanical energy. This disclosure assumes that the power source is an externally provided source of DC electrical power. The use of DC power is not critical and AC power can be used by exchanging the DC electric motor with an AC motor that has a reversible starter winding.
Elevation: As used in this disclosure, elevation refers to the span of the distance in the superior direction between a specified horizontal surface and a reference horizontal surface. Unless the context of the disclosure suggest otherwise, the specified horizontal surface is the supporting surface the potential embodiment of the disclosure rests on. The infinitive form of elevation is to elevate.
Extensible: As used in this disclosure, extensible is an adjective that describes an object made of sections that fit or together such that the object can be made longer or shorter by adjusting the relative positions of the sections.
Exterior: As used in this disclosure, the exterior is used as a relational term that implies that an object is not contained within the boundary of a structure or a space.
External Power Source: As used in this disclosure, an external power source is a source of the energy that is externally provided to enable the operation of the present disclosure. Examples of external power sources include, but are not limited to, electrical power sources and compressed air sources.
Force of Gravity: As used in this disclosure, the force of gravity refers to a vector that indicates the direction of the pull of gravity on an object at or near the surface of the earth.
Form Factor: As used in this disclosure, the term form factor refers to the size and shape of an object.
Geometrically Similar: As used in this disclosure, geometrically similar is a term that compares a first object to a second object wherein: 1) the sides of the first object have a one to one correspondence to the sides of the second object; 2) wherein the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides are equal; 3) the angles formed by the first object have a one to one correspondence to the angles of the second object; and, 4) wherein the corresponding angles are equal. The term geometrically identical refers to a situation where the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides equals 1.
Grip: As used in this disclosure, a grip is an accommodation formed on or within an object that allows the object to be grasped or manipulated by a hand.
Handle: As used in this disclosure, a handle is an object by which a tool, object, or door is held or manipulated with the hand.
Hinge: As used in this disclosure, a hinge is a device that permits the turning, rotating, or pivoting of a first object relative to a second object. A hinge designed to be fixed into a set position after rotation is called a locking hinge. A spring loaded hinge is a hinge formed as an elastic structure. The elastic structure of the spring-loaded hinge is deformed under a rotating force such that the elastic structure returns the spring-loaded hinge back to its relaxed shape after the rotating force is removed from the spring-loaded hinge.
Horizontal: As used in this disclosure, horizontal is a directional term that refers to a direction that is either: 1) parallel to the horizon; 2) perpendicular to the local force of gravity, or, 3) parallel to a supporting surface. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the second option should be used in interpreting the specification. Unless specifically noted in this disclosure, the horizontal direction is always perpendicular to the vertical direction.
Idler Wheel: As used in this disclosure, an idler wheel is a rotating structure that changes the direction of motion of a cord, line, or chain.
Inferior: As used in this disclosure, the term inferior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the same direction as the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally.
Interior: As used in this disclosure, the interior is used as a relational term that implies that an object is contained within the boundary of a structure or a space.
Lamp: As used in this disclosure, a lamp is an electrical circuit that generates (typically visible spectrum) electromagnetic radiation.
LED: As used in this disclosure, an LED is an acronym for a light emitting diode. A light emitting diode is a diode that is also a light source.
Limit Resistor: As used in this disclosure, a limit resistor is an electrical resistor that is used to limit the flow of electric current through an electrical circuit.
Load: As used in this disclosure, the term load refers to an object upon which a force is acting or which is otherwise absorbing energy in some fashion. Examples of a load in this sense include, but are not limited to, a mass that is being moved a distance or an electrical circuit element that draws energy. The term load is also commonly used to refer to the forces that are applied to a stationary structure.
Load Path: As used in this disclosure, a load path refers to a chain of one or more structures that transfers a load generated by a raised structure or object to a foundation, supporting surface, or the earth.
Loop: As used in this disclosure, a loop is the length of a first linear structure including, but not limited to, shafts, lines, cords, or webbings, that is: 1) folded over and joined at the ends forming an enclosed space; or, 2) curved to form a closed or nearly closed space within the first linear structure. In both cases, the space formed within the first linear structure is such that a second linear structure such as a line, cord or a hook can be inserted through the space formed within the first linear structure. Within this disclosure, the first linear structure is said to be looped around the second linear structure.
Motor: As used in this disclosure, a motor refers to the method of transferring energy from an external power source into rotational mechanical energy.
Maintained Switch: A used in this disclosure, a maintained switch is a switch that maintains the position that was set in the most recent switch actuation. A maintained switch works in an opposite manner to a momentary switch.
Momentary Switch: As used in this disclosure, a momentary switch is a biased switch in the sense that the momentary switch has a baseline position that only changes when the momentary switch is actuated (for example when a pushbutton switch is pushed or a relay coil is energized). The momentary switch then returns to the baseline position once the actuation is completed. This baseline position is called the “normal” position. For example, a “normally open” momentary switch interrupts (open) the electric circuit in the baseline position and completes (closes) the circuit when the momentary switch is activated. Similarly, a “normally closed” momentary switch will complete (close) an electric circuit in the baseline position and interrupt (open) the circuit when the momentary switch is activated.
National Electric Grid: As used in this disclosure, the national electric grid is a synchronized and highly interconnected electrical network that distributes energy in the form of electric power from a plurality of generating stations to consumers of electricity. The national electric grid is a commercially available source of AC electrical power. The national electric grid is regulated by an appropriate authority. The national electric grid sells electrical power for use by an electrical load. The national electric grid invoices for electrical power based on the total energy consumed by the electrical load. The national electric grid measures the energy consumption of an electrical load with an electrical meter.
Negative Space: As used in this disclosure, negative space is a method of defining an object through the use of open or empty space as the definition of the object itself, or, through the use of open or empty space to describe the boundaries of an object.
One to One: When used in this disclosure, a one to one relationship means that a first element selected from a first set is in some manner connected to only one element of a second set. A one to one correspondence means that the one to one relationship exists both from the first set to the second set and from the second set to the first set. A one to one fashion means that the one to one relationship exists in only one direction.
Open Position: As used in this disclosure, an open position refers to a movable barrier structure that is in an orientation that allows passage through a port or an aperture. The open position is often referred to as an object being “open.”
Orientation: As used in this disclosure, orientation refers to the positioning of a first object relative to: 1) a second object; or, 2) a fixed position, location, or direction.
Pan: As used in this disclosure, a pan is a hollow and prism-shaped containment structure. The pan has a single open face. The open face of the pan is often, but not always, the superior face of the pan. The open face is a surface selected from the group consisting of: a) an end of the prism structure that forms the pan; and, b) a lateral face of the prism structure that forms the pan. A semi-enclosed pan refers to a pan wherein the closed end of prism structure of the pan and/or a portion of the lateral face of the pan is also open.
Perimeter: As used in this disclosure, a perimeter is one or more curved or straight lines that bounds an enclosed area on a plane or surface. The perimeter of a circle is commonly referred to as a circumference.
Posterior: As used in this disclosure, posterior is a term that is used to refer to the side of an object that is distal or in the opposite direction of the anterior side. When comparing two items, the posterior item is the item that is distal from the anterior of the object.
Prism: As used in this disclosure, a prism is a three-dimensional geometric structure wherein: 1) the form factor of two faces of the prism are congruent; and, 2) the two congruent faces are parallel to each other. The two congruent faces are also commonly referred to as the ends of the prism. The surfaces that connect the two congruent faces are called the lateral faces. In this disclosure, when further description is required a prism will be named for the geometric or descriptive name of the form factor of the two congruent faces. If the form factor of the two corresponding faces has no clearly established or well-known geometric or descriptive name, the term irregular prism will be used. The center axis of a prism is defined as a line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a prism is otherwise analogous to the center axis of a cylinder. A prism wherein the ends are circles is commonly referred to as a cylinder.
Resistance: As used in this disclosure, resistance refers to the opposition provided by an electrical circuit (or circuit element) to the electrical current created by a DC voltage is presented across the electrical circuit (or circuit element). The term impedance is often used for resistance when referring to an AC voltage that is presented across the electrical circuit (or circuit element).
Resistor: As used in this disclosure, a resistor is a well-known and commonly available electrical device that presents a resistance that inhibits the flow of electricity through an electric circuit. Within an electric circuit processing alternating currents, the resistor will not affect the phase of the alternating current. A current flowing through a resistor will create a voltage across the terminals of the resistor.
Rotation: As used in this disclosure, rotation refers to the cyclic movement of an object around a fixed point or fixed axis. The verb of rotation is to rotate.
Sagittal Direction: As used in this disclosure, the sagittal direction runs from the superior surface to the inferior surface of an object and is perpendicular to the coronal direction and the transverse direction.
Sinister: As used in this disclosure, sinister is a directional reference that refers to the left side of an object from the perspective of a viewer who is facing the posterior side of the object.
Strip: As used in this disclosure, the term describes a long and narrow object of uniform thickness that appears thin relative to the length of the object. Strips are often rectangular in shape.
Superior: As used in this disclosure, the term superior refers to a directional reference that is parallel to and in the opposite direction of the force of gravity when an object is positioned or used normally.
Supporting Surface: As used in this disclosure, a supporting surface is a horizontal surface upon which an object is placed and to which the load of the object is transferred. This disclosure assumes that an object placed on the supporting surface is in an orientation that is appropriate for the normal or anticipated use of the object.
Switch: As used in this disclosure, a switch is an electrical device that starts and stops the flow of electricity through an electric circuit by completing or interrupting an electric circuit. The act of completing or breaking the electrical circuit is called actuation. Completing or interrupting an electric circuit with a switch is often referred to as closing or opening a switch respectively. Completing or interrupting an electric circuit is also often referred to as making or breaking the circuit respectively.
Telescopic: As used in this disclosure, telescopic is an adjective that describes a composite prism structure made of hollow prism-shaped sections that fit or slide into each other such that the composite prism structure can be made longer or shorter by adjusting the relative positions of the hollow prism-shaped sections.
Track: As used in this disclosure, a track is a physical structural relationship between a first object and a second object that serves a purpose selected from the group consisting of: 1) fastening the second object to the first object; 2) controlling the path of motion of the first object relative to the second object in at least one dimension and in a maximum of two dimensions; or, 3) a combination of the first two elements of this group.
Transverse Direction: As used in this disclosure, the transverse direction runs from the anterior surface to the posterior surface of an object and is perpendicular to the coronal direction and the sagittal direction
Vertical: As used in this disclosure, vertical refers to a direction that is either: 1) perpendicular to the horizontal direction; 2) parallel to the local force of gravity; or, 3) when referring to an individual object the direction from the designated top of the individual object to the designated bottom of the individual object. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the second option should be used in interpreting the specification. Unless specifically noted in this disclosure, the vertical direction is always perpendicular to the horizontal direction.
Wheel: As used in this disclosure, a wheel is a circular object that revolves around an axle or an axis and is fixed below an object to enable it to move easily over the ground. For the purpose of this disclosure, it is assumed that a wheel can only revolve in a forward and a backward direction. Wheels are often further defined with a rim and spokes. Spokes are also commonly referred to as a wheel disk.
With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in
It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.
