Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to storage devices. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus and methods for a multiple tray assembly that provides easy access to various small parts or ingredients without taking up an undue amount of space on a workbench or requiring a lot of effort to move around a workspace during a project.
A small parts drawer cabinet is a type of storage cabinet that is designed to store small items. The cabinet typically has a number of drawers, each of which can be used to store a different type of small item. The drawers are typically made of metal or plastic and are often labeled to indicate the types of items stored in the drawers. Small parts drawer cabinets are often used in workshops, garages, and other areas where there is a need to store a variety of small items. Such drawer cabinets can also be used in homes to store items such as screws, nails, bolts, and other hardware.
Although small parts drawer cabinets are considered a convenient way to organize small items, they have some drawbacks. One drawback is that small parts drawer cabinets can be difficult to keep organized. For example, without labeling the drawers, it can be easy to lose track of the drawers that store specific items. Further, the drawers can quickly become overcrowded when there are a lot of specific items to be stored, causing the drawers to jam when opened quickly.
Another drawback is that many small parts drawer cabinets are relatively expensive. For example, small parts drawer cabinets that are made of high-quality materials, such as metal or wood, can be very expensive. Further, the inclusion of some features, such as built-in dividers or locks, can drive up the cost. Still another drawback to small parts drawer cabinets is that they can be bulky. For example, a conventional small parts drawer cabinet can take up a lot of valuable space of a workbench, or even a lot of valuable floor space if there are many items to be stored. Further, many small parts drawer cabinets are difficult to move around, especially if they're full of small items.
What is needed, therefore, is a drawer system that provides easy access to various small parts or ingredients without taking up an undue amount of space on a workbench or requiring a lot of effort to move around a workspace during a project.
An apparatus and methods are provided for a multiple tray assembly that provides easy access to various small parts or ingredients. The multiple tray assembly comprises one or more tray assemblies, a mounting portion, and an axle coupling the tray assemblies with the mounting portion. The mounting portion is configured to be attached to an underside of a countertop or workbench. Each tray assembly holds a tray and is rotatable relative to the mounting portion. Protrusions disposed around a circumference of each tray assembly facilitate using fingers to move the tray assemblies with respect to the mounting portion. The axle has a length for coupling one or more tray assemblies with the mounting portion, and the diameter of the axle allows for rotation of the tray assemblies. During use, the tray assemblies can be quickly and easily rotated out from under the countertop or workbench to access stored items.
In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for storing items comprises: one or more tray assemblies; a mounting portion; and an axle coupling the one or more tray assemblies with the mounting portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, the mounting portion is configured to be attached to an underside of a countertop or workbench. In another exemplary embodiment, the mounting portion includes multiple holes configured to receive hardware fasteners for installing the mounting portion underneath the countertop or workbench. In another exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more tray assemblies is configured to hold a tray and be rotatable relative to the mounting portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, each of the one or more tray assemblies comprises a tray assembly that includes a tray support portion and a support portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the tray support portion comprises a ring-like member having a central opening configured to receive a suitably shaped and sized tray that is configured to store the items. In another exemplary embodiment, the tray support portion has a diameter configured to support the tray. In another exemplary embodiment, the tray support portion is made of a rigid material that is capable of supporting the combined weight of the tray and the weight of the stored items without warping or bending out of shape. In another exemplary embodiment, multiple protrusions are disposed around the circumference of the tray support portion and are configured to facilitate using fingers to move the tray assembly with respect to the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the multiple protrusions comprises five protrusions that are distributed substantially uniformly around the tray support portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, the support portion comprises a reinforced portion that is configured to couple the tray support portion to the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the support portion is configured to maintain the orientation of the tray support portion with respect to the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the support portion is configured to support the total weight of the tray support portion, the tray, and the total weight of the stored items in the tray.
In another exemplary embodiment, the support portion includes a reinforced hole configured to receive the axle. In another exemplary embodiment, the reinforced hole has an inner diameter that allows the axle to rotate within the hole, such that the tray assembly can be rotated with respect to the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the axle is retained within the reinforced hole by way of a snap-pin. In another exemplary embodiment, the material comprising the support portion that surrounds the reinforced hole is configured to ride on the snap-pin when the tray assembly is rotated relative to the mount portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, the axle comprises a one-tray axle that is configured to couple one tray assembly with the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the one-tray axle has an exterior diameter sized to be received into the reinforced hole comprising the support portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the one-tray axle includes snap-pin holes and parallel recesses that are configured to fixedly receive the snap-pin such that the tray assembly is slidably coupled with the mounting portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, the one-tray axle has a length that accepts the one tray assembly disposed between the mounting portion and the snap-pin. In another exemplary embodiment, the axle comprises a four-tray axle that is configured to couple four tray assemblies with the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the axle comprises a three-tray axle that is configured to couple three tray assemblies with the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, the axle comprises a two-tray axle that is configured to couple two tray assemblies with the mounting portion.
In an exemplary embodiment, a method for storing items comprises: forming one or more tray assemblies; configuring a mounting portion to support the one or more tray assemblies; and configuring an axle for coupling the one or more tray assemblies with the mounting portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the mounting portion includes configuring the mounting portion to be attached to an underside of a countertop or workbench. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the mounting portion includes forming multiple holes to receive hardware fasteners for installing the mounting portion underneath the countertop or workbench. In another exemplary embodiment, forming the one or more tray assemblies includes configuring each of the one or more tray assemblies to hold a tray and be rotatable relative to the mounting portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, forming each of the one or more tray assemblies comprises forming a tray support portion and a support portion that comprise a tray assembly. In another exemplary embodiment, forming the tray support portion comprises configuring a ring-like member having a central opening to receive a suitably shaped and sized tray. In another exemplary embodiment, forming the tray support portion includes configuring a diameter of the tray support portion to support the tray. In another exemplary embodiment, forming the tray support portion includes using a rigid material that is capable of supporting the combined weight of the tray and the weight of the stored items without warping or bending out of shape. In another exemplary embodiment, forming the tray support portion includes disposing multiple protrusions around the circumference of the tray support portion and configuring the multiple protrusions to facilitate using fingers to move the tray assembly with respect to the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, disposing the multiple protrusions comprises distributing five protrusions substantially uniformly around the tray support portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, forming the support portion comprises configuring a reinforced portion to couple the tray support portion to the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, forming the support portion includes configuring the support portion to maintain the orientation of the tray support portion with respect to the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, forming the support portion includes configuring the support portion to support the total weight of the tray support portion, the tray, and the total weight of the stored items in the tray.
In another exemplary embodiment, forming the support portion includes configuring a reinforced hole to receive the axle. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the reinforced hole includes configuring an inner diameter of the reinforced hole that allows the axle to rotate within the hole, such that the tray assembly can be rotated with respect to the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the axle includes configuring the axle to be retained within the reinforced hole by way of a snap-pin. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the reinforced hole includes configuring the material comprising the support portion that surrounds the reinforced hole to ride on the snap-pin when the tray assembly is rotated relative to the mount portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the axle comprises configuring a one-tray axle to couple one tray assembly with the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the one-tray axle includes sizing an exterior diameter of the one-tray axle to be received into the reinforced hole comprising the support portion. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the one-tray axle includes configuring snap-pin holes and parallel recesses to fixedly receive the snap-pin such that the tray assembly is slidably coupled with the mounting portion.
In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the one-tray axle includes forming a length of the one-tray axle that accepts the one tray assembly disposed between the mounting portion and the snap-pin. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the axle comprises configuring a four-tray axle to couple four tray assemblies with the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the axle comprises configuring a three-tray axle that is configured to couple three tray assemblies with the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring the axle comprises configuring a two-tray axle that is configured to couple two tray assemblies with the mounting portion.
These and other features of the concepts provided herein may be better understood with reference to the drawings, description, and appended claims.
The drawings refer to embodiments of the present disclosure in which:
While the present disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. The present disclosure should be understood to not be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one of ordinary skill in the art that the multi-tray assembly and methods disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, specific numeric references such as “first tray,” may be made. However, the specific numeric reference should not be interpreted as a literal sequential order but rather interpreted that the “first tray” is different than a “second tray.” Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The term “coupled” is defined as meaning connected either directly to the component or indirectly to the component through another component. Further, as used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” or “substantially” for any numerical values or ranges indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows the part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein.
Conventional small parts drawer cabinets are considered a convenient way to organize small items, but they have some drawbacks. One drawback is that small parts drawer cabinets can be difficult to keep organized. For example, without labeling the drawers, it can be easy to lose track of the drawers that store specific items. Further, the drawers can quickly become overcrowded when there are a lot of specific items to be stored, causing the drawers to jam when opened quickly. Another drawback to conventional small parts drawer cabinets is that they can be bulky and take up a lot of valuable space on a workbench, a countertop, or even floor space if there are many items to be stored. Embodiments presented herein provide a multi-tray assembly that provides easy access to various small parts or ingredients without taking up an undue amount of space on a workbench or requiring a lot of effort to move around a workspace during a project.
The tray assembly 100 comprises a tray support portion 108 and a support portion 112. The tray support portion 108 generally comprises a ring-like member having a central opening 116. The opening 116 is configured to receive a suitably shaped and sized tray, such as a tray 120 shown in
Support portion 112 comprises a reinforced portion of the tray assembly 100 that is configured to couple the tray support portion 108 to the mounting portion 104. Further, support portion 112 is configured to maintain the orientation of the tray support portion 108 with respect to the mounting portion 104. More specifically, support portion 112 is configured to prevent the tray support portion 108 from drooping or bending downwards with respect to a surface onto which the mounting portion 104 is fastened. As such, the support portion 112 is configured to support the total weight of the tray support portion 108, the tray 120, and the total weight of any small parts or ingredients stored in the tray 120.
As mentioned above, the support portion 112 is configured to couple the tray support portion 108 to the mounting portion 104. As best shown in
As shown in
With continuing reference to
Turning, now, to
Moreover, it should be borne in mind that the trays 120 are not to be limited to the specific configuration shown in
As will be appreciated, the multi-tray assembly 184 shown in
Methods for a multiple tray assembly 168 that provides easy access to various small parts or ingredients may comprise forming one or more tray assemblies, configuring a mounting portion 104 to support the one or more tray assemblies, and configuring an axle 128 for coupling the one or more tray assemblies with the mounting portion 104. In some embodiments, configuring the mounting portion 104 includes configuring the mounting portion 104 to be attached to an underside of a countertop or workbench. Configuring the mounting portion 104 may, in some embodiments, include forming multiple holes 102 to receive hardware fasteners for installing the mounting portion 104 underneath the countertop or workbench. Further, in some embodiments, forming the one or more tray assemblies includes configuring each of the one or more tray assemblies to hold a tray and be rotatable relative to the mounting portion 104.
Forming each of the one or more tray assemblies may, in some embodiments, comprise forming a tray support portion 108 and a support portion 112 that comprise a tray assembly 100. In some embodiments, forming the tray support portion 108 comprises configuring a ring-like member having a central opening 116 to receive a suitably shaped and sized tray 120. As will be appreciated, forming the tray support portion 108 may include configuring a diameter of the tray support portion 108 to support the tray 120. Further, forming the tray support portion 108 may include, in some embodiments, using a rigid material that is capable of supporting the combined weight of the tray 120 and the weight of the stored items without warping or bending out of shape. Further, in some embodiments, forming the tray support portion 108 may include disposing multiple protrusions 136 around the circumference of the tray support portion 108 and configuring the multiple protrusions 136 to facilitate using fingers to move the tray assembly 100 with respect to the mounting portion 104. In some embodiments, however, disposing the multiple protrusions 136 comprises distributing five protrusions 136 substantially uniformly around the tray support portion 108.
Forming the support portion 112 may, in some embodiments, comprise configuring a reinforced portion to couple the tray support portion 108 to the mounting portion 104. In some embodiments, forming the support portion 112 includes configuring the support portion 112 to maintain the orientation of the tray support portion 108 with respect to the mounting portion 104. Further, in some embodiments, forming the support portion 112 includes configuring the support portion 112 to support the total weight of the tray support portion 108, the tray 120, and the total weight of the stored items in the tray 120.
In some embodiments, forming the support portion 112 may include configuring a reinforced hole 124 to receive the axle 128. As will be appreciated, configuring the reinforced hole 124 may include, in some embodiments, configuring an inner diameter of the reinforced hole 124 that allows the axle 128 to rotate within the hole 124, such that the tray assembly 100 can be rotated with respect to the mounting portion 104. Configuring the axle 128 may, in some embodiments, include configuring the axle 128 to be retained within the reinforced hole 124 by way of a snap-pin 132. Further, in some embodiments, configuring the reinforced hole 124 includes configuring the material comprising support portion 112 that surrounds the reinforced hole 124 to ride on the snap-pin 132 when the tray assembly 100 is rotated relative to the mounting portion 104.
The methods for a multiple tray assembly 168 may, in some embodiments, include configuring the axle 128 to couple the one or more tray assemblies with the mounting portion 104. In some embodiments, configuring the axle 128 comprises configuring a one-tray axle 156 to couple one tray assembly 100 with the mounting portion 104. Further, in some embodiments, configuring the one-tray axle 156 includes sizing an exterior diameter of the one-tray axle 156 to be received into the reinforced hole 124 comprising the support portion 112. In some embodiments, configuring the one-tray axle 156 may include configuring snap-pin holes 160 and parallel recesses 164 to fixedly receive the snap-pin 132 such that the tray assembly 100 is slidably coupled with the mounting portion 104.
Moreover, in some embodiments, configuring the one-tray axle 156 includes forming a length of the one-tray axle 156 that accepts the one tray assembly 100 disposed between the mounting portion 104 and the snap-pin 132. In some embodiments, configuring the axle 128 may comprise configuring a four-tray axle 144 to couple four tray assemblies 100 with the mounting portion 104. In some embodiments, configuring the axle 128 may comprise configuring a three-tray axle 148 that is configured to couple three tray assemblies 100 with the mounting portion 104. Further, in some embodiments, configuring the axle 128 may comprise configuring a two-tray axle 152 that is configured to couple two tray assemblies 100 with the mounting portion 104.
While the multi-tray assembly and methods have been described in terms of particular variations and illustrative figures, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the multi-tray assembly is not limited to the variations or figures described. In addition, where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the multi-tray assembly. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. To the extent there are variations of the multi-tray assembly, which are within the spirit of the disclosure or equivalent to the multi-tray assembly found in the claims, it is the intent that this patent will cover those variations as well. Therefore, the present disclosure is to be understood as not limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by scope of the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application, entitled “Easy Access Shelving Assembly,” filed on Jun. 1, 2023 and having application Ser. No. 63/470,393.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63470393 | Jun 2023 | US |