Patent Application
20050194873
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to “lazy susan” devices and, more particularly, to rotatable devices having shelves and means for coupling supporting elements to cabinets or other architectural surfaces.
2. Background Art
Various types of storage devices having shelves or receptacles for holding various items are utilized in numerous environments, including commercial, industrial and residential spaces. One type of storage device which has been found to be of value is a device which includes means for rotation. Rotatable storage devices have the capability of varying the “presentation” location of hooks, shelves or other hanger and container-like utilitarian articles. These rotatable storage devices are known by a number of relatively common names, such as carrousels. In addition, many of these storage devices have come to be known as “lazy susans.” Although the dictionary definition of a lazy susan describes a large, revolving tray for food, placed at the center of a dining table, the term “lazy susan” has generically come to refer to a number of different types of rotatable storage devices. The term “lazy susan” will be used herein in its generic sense to refer to a rotatable storage device, and should not be construed to be limited to devices in accordance with its dictionary definition.
Lazy susan-type storage devices are used in various locations in the aforementioned commercial, industrial and residential environments. The devices may comprise one or more horizontally-disposed platforms or shelves, with the shelves being vertically spaced apart. The spaced apart shelves are often rotatably coupled to a shaft which commonly extends along a vertical axis located at a center point of the horizontally disposed shelves.
One problem which exists with respect to various types of lazy susan devices relates to installation procedures. For example, in many conventional lazy susan devices, the aforementioned shaft or “support pole” is often positioned within a cabinet or other storage device. The bottom portion of the support pole or shaft is secured to a mount or similar connecting means, which, in turn, is physically secured to a cabinet for bottom or other similar surface. Correspondingly, the top end of the shaft or the support pole is coupled to a connecting mount or similar connecting means which is also physically secured to a surface. For example, the upper connecting mount may be secured to the lower surface of a cabinet top or similar structure.
It can be somewhat difficult to install lazy susan devices within cabinets or other storage facilities, particularly with respect to connection of the shaft or support poles to the connecting mounts, and the connecting mounts to the cabinet or other structural surfaces. These cabinets or other storage facilities are often located in kitchen corners or other areas where it can be difficult for an installer to “maneuver.” In particular, maneuverability can be particularly difficult for the installer, if the installer needs to utilize tools for purposes of installation. In some instances, known lazy susan devices require special tools for installation. Acquisition and maintenance of such special tools present problems in and of themselves. However, even if the installation can be performed using conventional tools, procedures associated with such installation can be difficult.
As earlier mentioned, various types of lazy susan or similar devices exist in the prior art. For example, Preston, U.S. Pat. No. 3,628,844 issued Dec. 21, 1971 describes a storage cabinet with revolving shelves. The shelves have a kidney or three-quarter circle shape, with a diameter approximately equal to the square dimension of the cabinet. Each shelf has one straight edge which is located so that tiers of trays attached to two swinging cabinet doors may be made of an optimum depth, thereby permitting the trays to fill the space between the shelves and the doors when the doors are closed. Detent mechanisms hold the shelves in center positions within the cabinet, and resist a tendency for the shelves to spin uncontrollably when turned out of the center positions. The door trays are detachably hooked onto standards fastened to the inner sides of the doors, and are constructed so as to avoid leaving gaps between the doors and the trays.
With respect to lazy susan devices, installation will often require adjustment of the relative length of the support pole. Installation of lazy susan devices also involves setting the relative height or location of the shelves along the support poles. Various types of configurations have been utilized for providing adjustment of the length of the support poles, as well as height adjustments of shelves.
For example, one type of shelf height adjustment mechanism is disclosed in Domenig, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,305 B2 issued Sep. 30, 2003. The Domenig, et al. patent discloses a rotary shelf assembly mechanism having shelves mounted on a vertical post arrangement formed by a first lower post and second upper post. Domenig, et al. further disclose shelves comprising one piece elements. A post-securing shelf section is formed as an integral part of each shelf. Each shelf is molded as a plastic or other suitable material, and provided with a series of strengthening ribs that extend radially of the circular configured shelf from the post-securing shelf section. Circular supporting ribs are also provided for additional strength.
The post-securing shelf section is comprised of a circular hub. The circular hub houses, within its formed interior, a series of radially extending ribs emanating from a post encircling sleeve. Two pin receiving indents cooperatively open into the sleeve, so that a pin inserted through the post will nest within the indents, and be within the interior hub and post. During assembly, the one piece shelf can be positioned over the post and sustained at a predetermined location by the insertion of a pin through an aperture in the post. Extending ends of the pin are cooperatively received by indents, so as to secure the shelf at a precise location on the post. With the foregoing, it is apparent that movement of the shelf along the post is limited in the number of positions available by the number of apertures in the support posts through which the supporting pin may be received. Further, with this type of arrangement, the vertical positions available for the shelf along the support post are not in the form of a “continuum,” but instead only discrete positions are available for vertical height adjustments. Still further, it is apparent that it would be substantially difficult to adjust the height of a shelf along the support post, while the shelf is supporting various items.
As earlier stated, various other types of lazy susan and similar devices are well known in the prior art. For example, Ballew, U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,736 issued Sep. 29, 1998 discloses the use of a carrousel device having slidable sections connected to vertical pegboard supports. More specifically, a rotatable base has a series of sliding bases placed upon the rotatable base. The bases are supported by drawer slides which provide support when the base is extended out from the cabinet area. More specifically, the carousel or cabinet storage device is mounted within a cabinet and includes vertical panels mounted upon a rotating platform. Each of the vertical panels may be rotated to the front of the cabinet for purposes of access. The vertical panels are connected to individual sliding bases. Mounted to the sliding bases are pairs of slide rails. The slide rails allow the sliding bases to slide horizontally outward away from the rotating platform. The slide rails are connected to the sliding base and to the rotating platform. In this manner, the vertical panels are extended horizontally away from the cabinet to provide easy access to items which may be hung from the panels.
Each slide includes a support member for purposes of providing additional support for the sliding base, when the base is extended outwardly from the platform. The support member includes a retractable arm having one end pivotably attached to the slide rail, with a wheel rotatably attached to the opposing or second end. The retractable arm is biased by a spring so as to cause it to extend downwardly to rest on the floor and thereby support the sliding base when it is in its extended position. When the sliding base is in a storage position, the arm pivots upwardly. The wheel engages the floor and allows the sliding base to be moved inwardly or outwardly while supplying support for the sliding base. When the sliding platform is pushed back into a storage position, the arm engages a rotating platform, thereby causing the arm to retract.
Twellmann, U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,300 issued May 23, 1989 discloses a half-moon lazy susan type shelf. The shelf is mounted in part on the back side of a door in a cabinet, and in part on a rotating element and support system. When the door is open, the shelf is extendable by rotation so as to expose substantially all of its surface area. This is provided through rotating portions of the support system and rails which operate in a fashion similar to a drawer slide.
Battles, U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,607 issued Jan. 10, 1978 discloses a combination stool and fishing tackle box. Battles discloses use of shelves which slide in and out of a circular container. Specifically, the Battles arrangement includes an upright cylindrical housing having closed ends. A wall is diametrically and longitudinally divided intermediate its ends so as to define a stationary wall portion and a movable wall portion. The movable wall portion forms a door slidably disposed in circular tracks formed by the respective end of the housing, so as to cover and uncover an access opening formed by the divided wall. The housing is transversely divided by a plurality of partitions arranged in vertically spaced relation, so as to form a plurality of compartments. Each of the partitions rotatably supports a circular upwardly opening fishing tackle receiving tray. Each of the trays is movable outwardly through the access opening with respect to its support partition by a radial slot formed in the respective partition.
Other prior art references relate to various types of adjustable poles and the like. As earlier stated, it is not uncommon for a lazy susan device to incorporate some type of support pole which may be adjustable in length. As an example, Murch, U.S. Pat. No. 918,579 issued Apr. 20, 1909 is directed to a telescopic clothes pole. The pole is arranged in sections and is telescopic in form. The pole includes an outer tubular socket closed at the bottom. A series of tubular members of varying diameters are arranged so that one telescopes within the other, and all telescope within the socket member. The slots have, at the lower ends, an upwardly extending offset portion. Each of the members, with the exception of the upper one, is provided with an inwardly projecting pin. The pin operates in the slot of the enclosed tube so as to hold the tube elevated when the pin is in engagement with the upturned portion of the slot. A cap is mounted on the innermost tubular member, serving as a cover for the socket member and intermediate tubular member. In this manner, foreign substances are prevented from entering into the members.
Zierold, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,124,842 issued Jul. 26, 1938 discloses a telescopic umbrella frame. The frame includes a telescopic umbrella stick, and a sliding member adapted to move along the stick. Telescopic ribs comprising inner and outer sections are also provided. Spreaders exist for connecting the outer sections to the umbrella sliding member. Cooperating means on the inner and outer sections exist for simultaneously locking all of the extended outer rib sections to the inner rib sections, before the movement of the sliding member for opening the umbrella frame.
Booth, U.S. Pat. No. 2,350,582 issued Jun. 6, 1994 discloses a joint structure for metal tubing. More specifically, a metal tube is provided having a series of circumferential coplanar and arcuate slots near one end. The tube metal between each slot and the adjacent tube end is displaced radially inwardly so as to form a flute. Lands left between the flutes are displaced radially inwardly to an extent sufficient so as to permit the entry of the fluted tube end into a tube of the same diameter and a second tube of the same diameter as the first. The fluted end of the first tube is telescopically received within the second, and the end surface of the second tube abuts against the sides of the slots in the first tube. These are also provided for preventing axial separation of the tubes.
Booth, U.S. Pat. No. 2,423,577 issued Jul. 8, 1947 also discloses a joint for metal tubes. In this disclosure, a metal tube is provided which has one end collapsed so as to form a single wall of double thickness. The wall is curved transversely. A second tube is provided, with substantially the same diameter as the first tube. The outer surface of the collapsed portion substantially conforms in curvature to and engages the inner surface of the second tube to an angular extent of more than 180°. Means are provided for securing the two tubes together, with the collapsed portion of the first tube disposed within the second tube.
Kuo, U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,198 issued Dec. 30, 1997 discloses an umbrella rod structure having multiple tubes. The umbrella rod is formed with at least an outer tube and an inner tube. The tubes have arched grooves and positioning holes. A V-shaped stopper is provided which has a projection on one end disposed in the inner tube, so as to extend from positioning holes of both tubes. Arched contacts between the grooves of both tubes and the engagement of the projection and the positioning holes make the rod secure and firm when it is stretched.
Wu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,287,869 issued Feb. 22, 1994, discloses an improvement in a center post of a collapsible umbrella. The post includes a retainer body on which two guiding holes are formed, so as to respectively receive therein a first retaining pin biased by a spring, and a second retaining pin biased by a spring. The retainer body is inserted into an inner tubular section of the center post, so as to have the spring biased retaining pins partially project out of two through holes formed on the inner tubular section. The inner tubular section is telescopically received in an outer tubular section out of the center post. When the inner tubular section is in a fully extended position, the second retaining pin extends through one of the through holes of the inner tubular section, so as to be engaged by a stop piece formed on the outer tubular section. The first retaining pin, which extends through the associated one of the through holes, penetrates through an opening formed on the outer tubular section so as to retain the inner tubular section in the fully extended position in order to open the umbrella. When the umbrella is closed, the runner of the umbrella is slidably moved downwardly, through the opening of the outer tubular section so as to force the first retaining pin inward to allow the inner tubular section to telescopically slide into the outer tubular section.
McCaffrey, U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,025 issued Oct. 11, 1994, discloses a furniture shelf support bracket. The support bracket includes a semi-cylindrical cuff, with an inner surface for engaging a vertical tube, and outer surface from which a platform projects for engaging a bottom section of a shelf. A pair of alignment ridges are positioned on an upper surface of and extend along a platform. A lip extends from a marginal edge of the outer surface of the cuff, for purposes of engaging a top surface and side edge of the shelf. The alignment ridges fit within an alignment slot in the bottom surface of the shelf, and engage a clamping plate set into a clamping slot, which intersects and is transverse to the alignment slot.
In general, a substantial amount of prior art exists with respect to lazy susan devices, rotatable shelves, length-adjustable support poles and the like. However, known lazy susan devices typically require special or at least conventional tools for interconnecting the devices to storage cabinet surfaces or similar structures through connecting mounts and the like. As earlier stated, it is often difficult for an installer to maneuver and manipulate tools within storage cabinet spaces, when installing the lazy susan devices.
In accordance with the invention, a lazy susan-like apparatus is provided, and adapted for use in supporting items and facilitating access to the items by a user. The apparatus includes at least one shelf or support base. Support means are connected to a first structure separate from the apparatus, for supporting the apparatus and for supporting the shelf. First connector means are associated, at least in part, with the support means, for connecting together the support means and the first structure. Coupling means couple the shelf to the support means. The first connector means and the coupling means are operable so as to permit the shelf to rotate relative to the first structure. In accordance further with the invention, the coupling means, the support means and the platform are structured and operable so as to permit manual assembly and disassembly in the absence of any tools. In addition, the first connector means, the first support means and the first structure are also structured and operable so as to permit manual assembly and disassembly in the absence of any tools.
The support means includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The first structure includes an upper structure located substantially above the apparatus, when the apparatus is installed with the upper portion of the support means connected to the upper structure through the first connector means. The first connector means is located, at least in part, on the upper portion of the support means. The first structure can include a lower structure, located substantially below the apparatus, when the apparatus is installed with a lower portion of the support means connected to the lower structure through the first connector means. The first connector means can be located, at least in part, on the lower portion of the support means.
The first connector means can include an outer sleeve, with a horizontally disposed flange connected to or otherwise integral with a top of the outer sleeve. A series of press-in barbs protrude upwardly from a top of the horizontal flange. The barbs are adapted to be pressed in the predrilled barb holes extending upwardly from a lower surface of the first structure. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the first connector means can include a stabilization element coupled to the upper structure and received within or outside of the support means. Means can be included which are connected to the stabilization element and to the first structure for substantially preventing movement of the support means relative to the first structure.
The support means can include a centralized support pole, with an upper tube and a lower tube. A locking collar can be provided, which is coupled to one or both of the upper tube and lower tube. The locking collar maintains a coupling of the upper and lower tubes, and prevents axial movement of one of the tubes relative to the other of the tubes. Still further, the first connector means can include a threaded insert which is fixed to the upper tube, and projects upwardly so as to be received within a recess of the upper structure.
The first structure can include an upper structure and a lower structure. The apparatus can include a second connector means located, at least in part, on a lower portion of the support means. The lower structure is located below the apparatus when the apparatus is installed. The coupling means couples the shelf to the outer tube, so that the weight of the shelf is not carried by the upper portion. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the support pole can include an upper tube connected to the first connector means, and a lower tube connected to the second connector means. A length adjustment mechanism can be coupled to one or both of the tubes, with the length adjustment mechanism comprising means for adjusting the relative linear spatial relationship along a centralized axis between the upper and lower tubes. In this manner, an effective length of the centralized support pole can be selectively adjusted.
The length adjustment mechanism can be activated by a user, so that when the user wishes to adjust the effective length of the support pole from an initial first effective length to a second effective length, the user first manually applies forces to the length adjustment mechanism or to the pole. When the pole is at the desired effective length, the user can release the manually applied forces, and the pole will maintain itself at the second effective length, absent the application of any additional externally applied forces. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the length adjustment mechanism can be self adjusting, so that the support pole will initially position itself and maintain a first effective length, when initially installed and assembled with the apparatus.
Still further, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, one of either of the upper tube or the lower tube can be an inner tube telescopingly received within an outer tube. The outer tube is the other of the upper and lower tubes. The length adjustment mechanism includes a threaded insert having a portion fitted so as to be received within the inner tube. An expansion nut is adapted to be received within the outer tube. The threaded insert further includes a threaded portion received within the expansion nut. With rotation of one of the tubes relative to the other of the tubes, and with the threaded portion being received within the expansion nut, the nut moves away from the inner tube, therein extending an effective length of the entirety of the support pole. Operation of the adjustment of the effective length is manually caused to occur, in the absence of any necessity of the use of any type of tooling. With respect to more specific aspects of the invention, with rotation of either the inner tube or the outer tube in a first direction, the expansion nut will be caused to expand and correspondingly move away from the inner tube. Still further, with rotation of either the inner tube or the outer tube in a first direction, and with the threaded portion being received within the expansion nut, the expansion nut is caused to expand. In accordance with all the foregoing, as the expansion nut moves away from the inner tube, the expansion nut is simultaneously expanding.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the inner tube is the upper tube and the outer tube is the lower tube. The portion of the threaded insert is received within the upper tube, and the expansion nut is received within the lower tube. The first connector means can include an upper pole flange adapted to be secured within an upper portion of the support means. An upper attachment means is provided for securing the flange to the upper structure. The upper pole flange is secured within the upper portion of the support means, and the upper pole flange is secured to the upper structure in the absence of any need for any tools or other equipment. The second connector means can include a lower pole flange secured to the lower portion of the support means. A lower attachment means can be connected to the lower pole flange for securing the flange to the lower structure.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the length adjustment mechanism can include an elongated spring adapted to be received within the inner and outer tubes. A lower securing means is coupled to the lower outer tube so as to maintain a lower end of the spring at a predetermined position relative to the lower outer tube. An upper securing means is coupled to an upper inner tube for positioning an upper end of the spring at a predetermined position relative to the upper inner tube. The spring is self adjusting, and sized and configured so that when the spring is received within the tubes, and coupled to or otherwise abutting against the upper and lower securing means, the spring is in a compressed state. The spring thus exerts upward and downward extending forces against the upper and lower securing means. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a spring can be utilized as described in the foregoing, but with the centralized support pole having an upper outer tube and a lower inner tube. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, when the spring exerts the upward extending forces against the upper securing means, the upper tube is caused to seat and abut against the structure. When a spring exerts the downward extending forces against the lower securing means, the lower tube is caused to seat and abut against the lower structure.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention, the lower securing means can include a lower metal insert having a resilient configuration, and sized and configured so as to be manually press-fitted into the lower tube. The upper securing means includes an upper metal insert having a resilient configuration, and manually press-fitted into the upper tube. The inserts form abutment walls against which ends of the spring exert forces. The forces are translated to the upper and lower tubes.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention, the upper tube can include a ratchet extending longitudinally along an outer surface of the upper tube. The ratchet includes a set of teats. Length adjustment means are coupled to the upper and lower tubes, and are in a cooperative relationship with the ratchet so as to adjust the linear spatial relationship between the upper and lower tubes, and selectively adjust an effective length of the support pole.
The length adjustment mechanism includes a sleeve extending downwardly and coupled to an upper end of the lower tube. The adjustment mechanism can be relatively rigidly coupled to the end of the lower tube. A ratchet collar is located above the sleeve and includes a ratchet catch located at one side of the sleeve. The catch is sized and configured so as to manually operable along the teats of the ratchet.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the support means includes a threaded bolt which is connected to or otherwise integral with a lower end of the upper tube. Threaded means are secured within an interior of the lower tube at a desired position. The upper tube is coupled to the lower tube through the threaded bolt being threadably received within the threaded means. With the threaded engagement, rotation of the upper tube causes the position of the upper tube to adjust linearly relative to the lower tube. The invention also includes the reverse of the foregoing, with the centralized support pole having a lower tube and an upper tube, with the lower tube at least partially received within the upper tube. The threaded bolt is then connected to or otherwise integral with an upper end of the lower tube.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the first structure can include an upper structure located above the apparatus, with the structure including an upper, predrilled recess extending therein. The upper portion of the support means is sized so as to be manually securable within the upper recess. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the lower structure can include a lower, predrilled recess extending therein. The lower portion is sized so as to be manually secured within the lower recess. The lower portion can include means connected to the lower recess so as to prevent rotation of the lower portion connected to the lower recess.
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:
The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of example, in a number of embodiments of lazy susan devices as illustrated in
For purposes of understanding the environment in which lazy susan devices in accordance with the invention may be utilized, prior art lazy susan devices employing interconnection arrangements requiring tools are illustrated in
In
As shown in
With specific reference to the lazy susan device 200 shown as prior art in
Various prior art devices are known for rotatably mounting a lazy susan shelf to the appropriate centralized support pole. In the particular prior art embodiment shown as lazy susan device 200 in
For purposes of full description of an embodiment of the prior art known lazy susan devices, an interconnection between the lower connecting mount 110, the lower support post 106 and a cabinet bottom (not shown in
More specifically, the lower connecting mount 110 includes an upper collar 140, which surrounds a recess 142. The recess 142 is adapted to receive the lower end of the lower post 106. Within the recess 142 and the upper collar 140, a lug 144 (illustrated in
The connecting mount 110 also includes a ledge 152 which is sized and positioned so that it receives the notch 150 and assists in securing the lower post 106 to the connecting mount 110. Still further, the lazy susan device 200 also includes a bearing pin 136. The bearing pin 136 is appropriately sized and adapted to fit within the notch 150, and received within the apertures 146 and 148. The bearing pin 136, aperture 148, notch 150 and ledge 152 act as to secure the lower post 106 to prevent rotational and translational movement relative to the connecting mount 110.
Still further, the connecting mount 110 includes a series of apertures 156 (
The foregoing has described how the lower support post 106 may be connected to the lower connecting mount 110, and the lower connecting mount 110 connected to the cabinet bottom 138. As previously described, the lazy susan device 200 shown in
The foregoing lazy susan devices 100 and 200 of the prior art, as illustrated in
Reference is first made to
The expansion nut 172, as installed, is threadably fitted to the threaded portion 173 of the insert 170. The expansion nut 172 includes internal threads 177. The pitch of the internal threads 177 of the expansion nut 172 match the pitch of the external threads 175 of the threaded portion 173 of insert 170. Further, the internal threads 177 taper, so as to appropriately mate with the external threads 175 of insert 170.
Although the expansion nut 172 can be constructed of various materials, the nut 172 may preferably be molded of a polymeric material. With this material construction, the expansion nut 172 can readily flex and expand, as required. As further shown in
Still further, the expansion nut 172 may preferably be molded, so that its outer diameter is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the mating lower outer tube 166. In addition, the threaded insert 170 is preferably molded, so that when the expansion nut is positioned at the smallest portion of the cone of the threaded portion 173, the pitch diameter of the external threads 175 of the insert 170 is smaller than the mating pitch diameter of the internal threads 177 of the expansion nut 172. In this position, the nut 172 is slightly compressed when the nut 172 and threaded insert 170 are assembled together and inserted into the outer tube 166. With this compression, the friction between the nut 172 and the interior surface of the lower outer tube 166 will be sufficient so as to cause the nut 172 to rotate relative to the threaded insert 170 as the lower outer tube 166 is rotated relative to the upper inner tube 164 and corresponding threaded insert 170. It should be noted that the threaded insert 170 is prevented from rotation relative to the upper inner tube 164. This can be accomplished by utilizing various types of structural elements, such as the connecting pin 181 extending through an aperture 183 in the upper inner tube 164 and through an aperture 185 in the fitted portion 171 of the insert 170. The friction forces between the expansion nut 172 and the lower outer tube 166 should also be sufficiently small, so that the upper inner tube 164 and lower outer tube 166 can be telescopingly and manually adjusted to a desired length using relatively “light” manual forces, before the tubes 164, 166 are turned so as to “lock” the length.
In accordance with the foregoing assembly, when the lower outer tube 166 is rotated in a first direction, the expansion nut 172 will move “away” from the lower end of the upper tube 164, and will expand in response to the increase in pitch diameter of the external threads 175 acting on the internal threads 177 of the expansion nut 172. This “wedge” action produces an ever increasing force between the nut 172 and the interior surface of the lower outer tube 166. In this manner, friction forces between the nut 172 and the lower outer tube 166 are increased, thereby providing a secure adjustment to the effective length of the entirety of the centralized support pole 162. Still further, because the expansion nut 172 is moving “away” from the lower end of the upper inner tube 164 as it expands, the expansion nut 172 acts to “slightly” telescopingly extend the lower outer tube 166 relative to the upper inner tube 164, as the expansion nut 172 is tightened. This slight extension causes the effective length of the support pole 162 to slightly extend, so as to fit “snugly” between a cabinet top 174 and a cabinet bottom 184 as described in subsequent paragraphs herein. Correspondingly, as the lower outer tube 166 is rotated in an opposing direction relative to the upper inner tube 164, the process is essentially “reversed.” That is, the friction force between the expansion nut 172 and the inner surface of the lower outer tube 166 will be reduced to an amount such that relatively “light” manual forces are sufficient to telescopingly adjust the effective length of the support pole 162 by adjusting the linear relationship between the upper inner tube 164 and the lower outer tube 166.
In addition to the elements of the length adjustment mechanism 168 and the lazy susan device 160 is described in the foregoing paragraphs, the lazy susan device 160 can also include a ribbed sleeve 185 which can be snugly received on the upper inner tube 164 as primarily illustrated in
The foregoing description described the structure of the lazy susan device 160 as illustrated in
Going back to the lazy susan device 160 shown in
For purposes of installation, the pole flange 180 with its corresponding pair of dowels 182 is positioned below the cabinet top 174, and the dowels 182 are received within the dowel holes 176. A sleeve on the pole flange 180 is then received within the inner tube 164. Correspondingly, the cabinet bottom 184 includes a pair of predrilled dowel holes 186. A lower pole flange 188 is provided, which corresponds in structure to the pole flange 180. That is, the pole flange 188 includes a pair of downwardly extending dowels 190, extending downwardly from a lower surface of the pole flange 188. For installation purposes, the dowels 190 can be received within corresponding ones of the dowel holes 186, and are sized and configured so as to provide for such reception. The pole flange 188 includes an upwardly extending sleeve which is received within the bottom of the outer tube 166. With the pole flange 180 received within the inner tube 164 and the pole flange 188 received within the outer tube 166, the length adjustment mechanism 170 can then be utilized to extend the length of the entirety of the centralized support pole 162. This adjustment occurs until the inner tube 164 effectively “seats” against the flange of the pole flange 180, so as to secure the dowels 182 within the dowel holes 176. Correspondingly, this extension of the centralized support pole 162 will cause the outer tube 166 to seat against the pole flange 188. In this manner, the entirety of the lazy susan device 160 is installed in the cabinet top 174 and the cabinet bottom 184. This installation occurs without the use of any commercially available or special tools during installation. It is this concept of installation without the requirement of tools which forms a primary basis for the novel concepts of the invention.
In a preferred embodiment of the lazy susan device 160, the upper inner tube 164 is preferably relatively shorter in length than the lower outer tube 166. With this relative difference in length, the lazy susan shelves (not shown in
In addition to the embodiments of the lazy susan device 160 and length adjustment mechanism 168 shown in
A further embodiment of a lazy susan device in accordance with the invention is illustrated as lazy susan device 200 in
Unlike the lazy susan device 160, the lazy susan device 200 includes a length adjustment mechanism different from the length adjustment mechanism 168. Specifically, the lazy susan device 200 includes a length adjustment mechanism 208. More specifically, the length adjustment mechanism 208 includes an elongated spring 202. The spring 202 is adapted to be received within the inner tube 164 and the lower outer tube 166. Positioned within the lower outer tube 166 is a lower pin 206. The lower pin 206 can preferably be inserted through diametrically opposing apertures (not shown) in the outer tube 166. In this manner, the lower pin 206 extends through the central axis of the lower outer tube 166. The lower end of the spring 202 is either secured to or otherwise abuts against the lower pin 206 in any suitable manner. Correspondingly, an upper pin 204 is inserted through apertures (not shown) in the upper inner tube 164. The upper end of the spring 202 is coupled to or otherwise abuts against the upper pin 204. The spring 202 is sized and configured so that when it is received within the tubes 164, 166 and coupled to or otherwise abutting against the upper pin 204 and lower pin 206, the spring 202 is in a “compressed” state. Accordingly, the spring 202 will exert upward and downwardly extending forces against the pins 204, 206, respectively. With the spring 202 maintained in a compressive state, the upwardly extending forces exerted against the upper pin 204 will cause the upper inner tube 164 to seat and abut against the upper pole flange 180. Correspondingly, the downwardly extending forces exerted against the lower pin 206 by the spring 202 will cause the lower outer tube 166 to seat and abut against the pole flange 188. In this manner, the length of the centralized support pole 162 is essentially “self adjusting” and the spring 202 can be characterized as “self-adjusting.” Also, as with the lazy susan device 160, the lazy susan device 200 can be essentially installed and coupled to the cabinet top 174 and cabinet bottom 184, without the use of any type of commercially available or special tools.
In addition to the lazy susan device 200 illustrated in
A still further embodiment of a lazy susan device in accordance with the invention is illustrated as lazy susan device 212 in
The embodiments of the lazy susan devices 160, 200 and 212 illustrated in
A still further embodiment of a lazy susan device in accordance with the invention is illustrated as lazy susan device 230 shown in
With the lazy susan device 230 installed in accordance with the foregoing description, the centralized support pole 162 would be free to rotate within the pole holes 232 and 234. If it is desired to prevent rotation, an optional non-rotate stub 236 can be integral with or otherwise attached to the lower end of the outer tube 166. This non-rotate stub 236 can be made to be inserted within a corresponding hole within the pole hole 234 or otherwise made to be embedded within the cabinet bottom 184 in a manner so as to prevent rotation of the outer tube 166 relative to the pole hole 234. In this manner, rotation of the entirety of the centralized support pole 162 can be prevented.
Another embodiment of a lazy susan device in accordance with the invention is illustrated as lazy susan device 244 shown in
Positioned within the upper inner tube 164 is a first support means 238 which is used to maintain the upper portion of the spring 202 in a predetermined position relative to the tube 164. This support means 238 can be in the form of a pin (such as the upper pin 204 of the lazy susan device 200 shown in
In the lazy susan device 230 previously described with respect to
A still further embodiment of a lazy susan device in accordance with the invention is illustrated as lazy susan device 248 shown in
However unlike the prior lazy susan devices described herein, the lazy susan device 248 includes a locking adjustment mechanism comprising a locking collar 250 as shown in
Another embodiment of a lazy susan device in accordance with the invention is illustrated as lazy susan device 252, shown in
To assemble the lazy susan device 252, the upper inner tube 164 is received within the sleeve 256 of the connector mechanism 254. The press-in barbs 260 can then be pressed into predrilled barb holes 262 extending upwardly from the lower surface of the cabinet top 174. With this press-in fit of the barbs 260 in the barb holes 262, the connector mechanism 254 is appropriately secured. In this particular embodiment, the inner tube 164 can be the same tube as the outer tube 166. With this configuration, there is no need for two separate tubes, and therefore no need for any coupling mechanism between the tubes. Accordingly, the single tube 164, 166 would extend outwardly from the bottom of the sleeve 256 and would abut the flange 188 at the bottom of the lazy susan device 252. The length of the sleeve 256 would be sized so that it would not extend downwardly into the area where rotatable shelves would typically be mounted to the tube 166. As with the other lazy susan devices described herein, assembly and installation of the lazy susan device 252 requires no conventional or special tools.
Yet another embodiment of a lazy susan device in accordance with the invention is illustrated as lazy susan device 264 as shown in
Unlike the previously described lazy susan devices, the lazy susan device 264 includes a threaded insert 266 which is adapted to be coupled to the top of the upper inner tube 164 by any suitable means. The threaded insert 266 is further adapted to be threadably received within the threaded hole 268 which is predrilled within the cabinet top 174. For purposes of installation, the inner tube 164 is first received within the top of the outer tube 166. The inner tube 164 is then moved upwardly so that the threaded insert 266 can be received within the threaded hole 268. The inner tube 164 is rotated so as to thread the insert 266 into the hole 268. After such assembly, the inner tube 164 is in a rigid and secure configuration. The outer tube 166 can then be moved downwardly and coupled to the pole flange 188. The dowels 190 of the pole flange 188 can then be moved inwardly into the dowel holes 186. With the configuration of the lazy susan device 264, it is optional whether there is any active coupling mechanism between the inner tube 164 and the outer tube 166.
A still further embodiment of a lazy susan device in accordance with the invention is illustrated in
Also associated with the lazy susan device 270 is a coupling mechanism 282, utilized for purposes of coupling the inner upper tube 274 to the lower outer tube 276. In this specific embodiment, the coupling mechanism 282 comprises a sleeve 288 which extends downwardly and is designed to be received within the lower tube 276. The sleeve 288 is sized so that the coupling mechanism 282 can be relatively rigidly coupled to the end of the lower tube 276. The coupling mechanism 282 also includes a ratchet collar 284. The ratchet collar 284 includes a conventional ratchet catch 286 located on one side thereof. The ratchet catch 286 is sized and configured so as to operate along the teats 280 of the ratchet 278.
The inner upper tube 274 also includes, at its upper end, a pole support 290. The pole support 290 is rigidly secured or otherwise integral with the tube 274. The pole support 290 includes a pair of dowels 292 which are adapted to be received within dowel holes 176 previously drilled within the cabinet top 174. Correspondingly, at the bottom portion of the lazy susan device 270, a pole flange 188 is provided, corresponding to the pole flange 188 previously described with respect to
Another embodiment of a lazy susan device in accordance with the invention is illustrated in
For purposes of assembly, the inner tube 298 can be coupled to the outer tube 300 through the action of the threaded bolt 302 being threadably received through the pressed nut 304. After partially adjusting the length of the centralized support pole 296 in this manner, the upper end of the inner tube 298 can be received within a pole hole 232 previously configured within the lower surface of the cabinet top 174. After this coupling, the inner tube 298 can be twisted so as to be extended outwardly from the lower outer tube 300. With this extension, the outer tube 300 will abut against the pole flange 188. The pole flange 188 has been previously described herein, and includes a pair of dowels 290 which fit within dowel holes 186 of the cabinet bottom 184. The upper inner tube 298 is rotated sufficiently so that the lower outer tube 300 securely abuts the pole flange 188. Again, as with other lazy susan devices previously described herein, the lazy susan device 294 requires no conventional or special tools for assembly and installation.
It should be noted that the length adjustment mechanisms described herein, and corresponding to those such as the mechanism 168, have been described with respect to lazy susan devices. However, it should be emphasized that the concepts associated with the length adjustment mechanism 168 as described herein and illustrated in
It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts that other embodiments of lazy susan devices in accordance with the invention may be designed. That is, the principles of a lazy susan device are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and other variations of the above-described illustrative embodiments of the invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.
This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/547,329, filed Feb. 23, 2004.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60547329 | Feb 2004 | US |
