The present invention relates generally to storage enclosures. More particularly, the present invention relates to cabinets for storing beverages.
In present times, individuals are always looking for ways to store their liquor. Conventional systems known in the art are often retrofitted systems on to existing liquor cabinets. These conventional systems are oftentimes implemented on to bulky cabinets, and often lack portability for those who want to take their bars with them, and/or use them as centerpieces for their mini bars and/or living rooms.
The present invention aims to solve this problem. The present invention is a linearly actuated bar cabinet that incorporates a worm gear type linear actuator as its main driver in extending and retracting the bar. The present invention also features securement systems that allows users to take the bar anywhere. The present invention illuminates the stored liquor bottles and glasses when opened. The present invention also comprises a storage compartment to store any other type of liquor related media. Furthermore, the present invention is rotate-able, emulating the features of a lazy Susan. In another embodiment of the present invention, the bar cabinet can also take form of a manual version that stays open when extended. In various embodiments of the present invention, the aesthetic design may vary in shapes and color to accommodate for various applications.
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention is to be described in detail and is provided in a manner that establishes a thorough understanding of the present invention. There may be aspects of the present invention that may be practiced or utilized without the implementation of some features as they are described. It should be understood that some details have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure focus of the invention. References herein to “the preferred embodiment”, “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, or “alternative embodiments” should be considered to be illustrating aspects of the present invention that may potentially vary in some instances, and should not be considered to be limiting to the scope of the present invention as a whole.
The present invention is a storage cabinet for storing liquor bottles or other beverage containers or similar items with an outer enclosure that can be raised to reveal the stored contents of the cabinet and closed. The present invention serves the functional purpose of storing alcoholic or other beverages as well as glasses, and may provide a secondary aesthetic benefit since the interior of the cabinet may be illuminated and the exterior may be decorated with any desired image, and the physical shape and material construction of the present invention may further be aesthetically pleasing.
Referring to
The preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally radial in nature due to the desired rotatability of the display stand 2, and comprises an imaginary central axis 5 about which the components of the present invention are generally positioned concentrically. It should be noted, however, that the present invention should not be limited to radial or concentric features only where other geometries and shapes may be feasibly applied.
The base 1 is a structure upon or within which the remaining components of the present invention are positioned. The base 1 is placed on a surface such as a counter or table and provides support and stability to the present invention and contains various mechanical and electrical components in the preferred embodiment, such as the motor to drive the linear actuation mechanism 4. Moreover, the base 1 preferably houses the means for driving the linear actuation mechanism 4 in order to raise and lower the housing 3 between an opened configuration 100 and a closed configuration 200, respectively. The base 1 may be manufactured of any desired material, such as, but not limited to, plastic, metal, acrylic, stone, or other useful materials.
In the preferred embodiment, the display stand 2 is rotatably connected atop the base 1 about the central axis 5. The display stand 2 is a region of the present invention where a user may place liquor bottles or other beverage containers or other items, such as drinking glasses, for storage and/or display. It is further desirable that the display stand 2 be rotatable so that the user may easily rotate the display stand 2 in order to bring beverage containers that were initially farther away from the user and blocked from reach or view by an adjacent wall or other object closer within the reach or view of the user. It is contemplated, however, that the rotation of the display stand 2 may not be a critical feature of the present invention, and in alternative embodiments, the display stand 2 may be rotationally fixed atop the base 1. However, it is strongly preferred for the display stand 2 to be rotatable, either through manually applied force or mechanically actuated means. The display stand 2 may be manufactured from any desirable material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the display stand 2 may be manufactured from clear plastic or acrylic material for aesthetic purposes.
In the preferred embodiment, as seen in
In order to enable the display stand 2 to be rotatable, the present invention further comprises a carousel 7 in some embodiments as shown in
More particularly, in some embodiments as seen in
In the preferred embodiment, the housing 3 is concentrically positioned with the central axis 5. The linear actuation mechanism 4 centrally traverses through the display stand 2 along the central axis 5, and is further operatively connected between the base 1 and the housing 3, such that the linear actuation mechanism 4 is configured to move the housing 3 along the central axis 5 between the closed configuration 200 and the opened configuration 100. The display stand 2 is enclosed by the housing 3 in the closed configuration 200, while in the opened configuration 100, the housing 3 is raised away from the base 1, revealing the display stand 2 and its contents.
The housing 3 is a generally hollow enclosure that laterally encloses the display stand 2 and its contents while in the closed configuration 200. The housing 3 may be manufactured from any desired material. In some embodiments, the housing 3 may be manufactured from opaque plastic or metal material. In some embodiments, the housing 3 may be manufactured from clear or translucent plastic, acrylic, or similar material. In some embodiments, the exterior of the housing 3 may be decorated with any desired image, logo, photograph, pattern, or other visual elements for aesthetic purposes. For example, the exterior of the housing 3 may be decorated with images of various sports teams or popular athletes in order to appeal to sports fans. Referring to
In some embodiments, the housing 3 may also be configured to rotate independently of the remainder of the present invention. A carousel 7 or similar mechanism may be incorporated at any applicable location in order to do so. For example, the housing top 32 may be concentrically connected to an annular bearing, which is connected atop the housing support pipe 34, thus allowing the housing 3 to rotate relative to the housing support pipe 34.
As previously mentioned, the preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a worm gear type linear actuator to raise and lower the housing 3 between the opened configuration 100 and the closed configuration 200. More particularly, referring to
It should be noted that the arrangement of the linear actuation mechanism 4 shown in
In various embodiments, the means through which a user actuates the linear actuation mechanism may vary. For example, in some embodiments, a switch may be positioned on the exterior of the base lateral wall 13 which may be electrically connected to an electronic processing unit which controls the linear actuation mechanism 4, or directly to the motor 41, or to any other relevant component between the switch and the motor 41. If a user actuates the switch, an electrical signal may be sent to a processing unit to actuate the linear actuation mechanism 4, or the switch may simply close an electrical circuit to the motor 41 in order to actuate the linear actuation mechanism 4. Alternatively, in some embodiments, a remote control may be used to control the linear actuation mechanism 4 in order to open or close the housing 3, in which case a receiver unit configured to receive an actuation signal from the remote control may be further comprised by the present invention and electronically connected to a processing unit, which is further electronically connected to the motor 41.
In addition, the base 1 comprises a base top 11, a base hole 12, a base lateral wall 13, and an internal cavity 14. The base top 11 is perimetrically and terminally connected to the base lateral wall 13, and the base hole 12 centrally traverses through the base top 11. Thus, the internal cavity 14 is delineated by the base top 11 and the base lateral wall 13. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the motor 41 is positioned within the internal cavity 14, and the lead screw 42 traverses into the internal cavity 14 such that the first end 43 of the lead screw 42 is positioned within the internal cavity 14 and the motor 41 is operatively engaged with the lead screw 42 adjacent to the first end 43 of the lead screw 42.
To interface with the lead screw 42, given that the lead screw 42 is externally threaded, the present invention further comprises an internal threading 6, as seen in
Moreover, in the preferred embodiment the housing 3 further comprises a housing support pipe 34. The housing support pipe 34 axially extends between a first end 35 and a second end 36. In some embodiment, the internal threading 6 is connected within the first end 35 of the housing support pipe 34, wherein the internal threading 6 is connected to the housing 3 through the housing support pipe 34. In some embodiments, the internal threading 6 may traverse the length of the housing support pipe 34 from the first end 35 to the second end 36. The first end 35 of the housing support pipe 34 traverses through the housing bottom 33. The second end 36 of the housing support pipe 34 is terminally connected to the housing top 32 to provide structural stability and connection between the internal threading 6 and the housing 3.
Referring to
If electrical power is removed from the present invention, either through a power outage at the user's location, or through failure of an electrical circuit, or another cause, the user still may desire to operate the present invention but without the benefit of electrical power. Thus, in some embodiments, the motor 41 comprises a tool interface 45 as seen in
The following is a supplemental non-limiting exemplary description of the present invention and is presented in order to further illustrate the spirit of the present invention.
The component nomenclature of the following description may not be consistent with the foregoing disclosure, but various components may be recognized as equivalent from their descriptions.
The present invention is the cabinet assembly. More specifically, the cabinet assembly is the linearly actuated bar apparatus that conceals and illuminates bottles and/or glasses stored within the cabinet assembly. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cabinet assembly incorporates an electrically driven worm gear linear actuator that opens and rotates the cabinet when activated. In another embodiment of the present invention, the cabinet assembly can incorporate a manual opening mechanism, such that the user manually opens the cabinet assembly.
The cabinet assembly comprises: the base, the cap, the carousel, a plurality of dividers, a first carriage, a second carriage, the lift, the first pipe, the second pipe, the third pipe, a plurality of collars, the case, a bowl, and the lid. In another embodiment of the present invention, the cabinet can comprise: a latch, a bar, a stopper, and a spring. The base is directly adjacent to the ground. More specifically, the base is the main body and housing of the cabinet that provides stability and security to the cabinet assembly. The base comprises: a first hole, a first channel, a first slot, a second hole, and a base lateral wall. The first hole is located on the side of the base. More specifically, the first hole is an access opening for a lock. The first channel aligns the first hole. More specifically, the first channel secures and aligns the lock. The first slot is located on the top end of the base, opposite to the ground end. More specifically, the first slot serves as a guide for the carousel. The second hole traverses through the first slot. More specifically, the second hole serves as a connection member to fix a second pipe on to the base. The base lateral wall is adjacent to the ground side of the base, opposite to the first slot. More specifically, the base lateral wall serves as an attachment point for the cap. The cap is concentrically aligned with the base lateral wall. More specifically, the cap is the foundation of the base that primarily covers and secures the bottom portion of the base. The cap further comprises a lip located on the perimeter of the cap. More specifically, the lip is the attachment point of the cap that allows the base lateral wall to flush in, and fasten with the cap.
The carousel is directly adjacent to the first slot end of the base. Additionally, the carousel is concentrically aligned with the first slot. More specifically, the carousel is a slider bearing assembly that allows the first carriage to freely rotate along the first slot end of the base. The carousel further comprises: a ring, and a plurality of wheels. The ring is concentrically aligned with the first slot portion of the base. More specifically, the ring is the main chassis of the carousel that secures the plurality of wheels. The plurality of wheels is equally spaced along the perimeter of the ring. More specifically, the plurality of wheels serves as rollers such that the carousel can freely rotate along the first slot.
The first carriage is directly adjacent to the carousel. Additionally, the first carriage is concentrically aligned with the base. Furthermore, the first carriage can freely rotate along the first slot. More specifically, the first carriage serves as the top housing of the base. Additionally, the first carriage serves as the primary platform for storing liquor bottles. The first carriage further comprises a third hole. The third hole is concentrically aligned with the base. More specifically, the third hole serves as a connection opening such that the lift can be installed.
The second carriage is concentrically aligned with the first carriage. Additionally, the second carriage is distally offset from the first carriage. Furthermore, the second carriage rotates along the first carriage. More specifically, the second carriage serves as the glass platform of the cabinet assembly. The second carriage comprises a lamp. The lamp is directly adjacent to the second carriage. Additionally, the lamp is concentrically aligned with the second carriage. Furthermore, the lamp is projected towards the base end of the cabinet assembly. More specifically, the lamp is an illumination member that illuminates the stored bottles and glasses found in the first carriage and the second carriage. The lamp comprises: a plurality of LEDs, and a tray. The plurality of LED's traverses the concentric profile of the second carriage. More specifically, the plurality of LED's is a series of light emitting diodes (LED's) that illuminates the bottles and/or glasses stored in the first carriage and the second carriage. The tray is aligned with the lamp. Additionally, the tray is flushed with the plurality of LED's. More specifically, the tray is a transparent glass, acrylic, and/or plastic plate that allows light projected from the plurality of LED's to illuminate the first carriage and the second carriage.
The plurality of dividers traverses from the first carriage to the second carriage.
Additionally, the plurality of dividers is equally spaced along the perimeters of the first carriage and the second carriage. More specifically, the plurality of dividers reinforces and supports the second platform along the first platform. Additionally, the plurality of dividers serves as spacers for the stored drinks.
The lift resides inside of the base. Additionally, the lift is concentrically aligned with the third hole of the first carriage. Furthermore, the lift traverses from the first carriage to the second carriage. More specifically, the lift is the electrically driven linear actuator that opens and rotates the cabinet assembly. The lift comprises: a lock, a motor, a transmission, a power supply, and the riser. The lock resides in the first channel. More specifically, the lock is the switch of the lift that activates the lift such that in extends and/or retracts the cabinet assembly. Additionally, the lock serves as a securement system, where it secures the extended and/or retracted position of the cabinet system. In another embodiment of the present invention, the lock can be a push actuated mechanical lock such that it fixes the case on to the base in its retracted position and unlocks when the user presses the push button.
The motor is connected to the lift; additionally, the motor resides inside of the base. More specifically, the motor is an electrically driven motor that provides the sufficient torque to open and/or close the cabinet assembly. The transmission is concentrically aligned with the first hole. Additionally, the transmission is fixed on to the base. More specifically, the transmission is a worm gear type of transmission that routs the torque input of the motor to the riser. Additionally, the transmission serves as the rotational driver of the first carriage such that the first carriage rotates along the riser when the lift is activated. The power supply is connected to the motor. Additionally, the power supply resides in the base. More specifically, the power supply provides electrical power to the lift. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power supply can adapt the lift to plug in to a conventional electrical socket. Additionally, the power supply can be adapted to accept batteries. Furthermore, the power supply can be adapted to accept batteries in the plug-in embodiment, such that the batteries can serve as a backup source of electrical power. The riser traverses from the transmission to the second carriage. More specifically, the riser is a worm gear drive shaft that converts rotational movement to linear movement. The riser further comprises a first thread. The first thread traverses along the riser. More specifically, the first thread spirals along the riser such that the corresponding coupler can move along its axis.
The first pipe is concentrically aligned with the riser. More specifically, the first pipe linearly rides along the riser when the riser rotates. Additionally, the first pipe is the linearly dynamic pipe that extends and/or retracts the case from the base. The first pipe comprises: a coupler, a bracket, and a rail. The coupler resides on one end of the first pipe. More specifically, the coupler is a connection sleeve that screws on to the riser, bridging the first pipe with the riser such that the first pipe extends and retracts along the river. The coupler comprises: a second thread. The second thread traverses through the coupler. Additionally, the second thread meshes and screws on to the first thread. More specifically, the second thread allows the coupler to engage the riser such that it will extend and/or retract the coupler if the riser is subjected to rotational movement. The bracket is located on the other side of the first pipe, opposite to the coupler end. Additionally, the bracket traverses the area of the bowl. More specifically, the bracket is a four-point connection bracket that secures the first pipe on to the case.
The rail traverses the first pipe. More specifically, the rail allows the first pipe to slide along the second pipe such that the first pipe does not twist along the second pipe. The second pipe traverses from the base to the second carriage. Additionally, the second pipe is concentrically aligned with the second hole. Furthermore, the second pipe is fixed on to the base, such the it does not rotate freely along the riser. More specifically, the second pipe houses and supports the first pipe, such that the first pipe can freely slide in and out of the second pipe. The third pipe traverses from the first carriage to the second carriage. Additionally, the third pipe concentrically aligns with the first pipe and the second pipe. Furthermore, the third pipe is fixed on to the first carriage and the second carriage. More specifically, the third pipe bridges and supports the first carriage along the second carriage. Additionally, the third pipe rotates along the first carriage and the second carriage.
The plurality of collars traverses the first pipe and the second pipe. More specifically, the plurality of collars is a series of gaps incorporated within the end of the first pipe and the second pipe such that electrical wires can traverse through and power the lamp. The plurality of collars further comprises a receiver. The receiver is located on the collar end of the second pipe. Additionally, the receiver is aligned with the rail of the first pipe. More specifically, the receiver allows the first pipe to slide along the second pipe such that it rotationally fixes the first pipe on to the second pipe.
The case is concentrically aligned with the base. Additionally, the case flushes along the lamp profile when extended. More specifically, the case houses and conceals the stored bottles and/or glasses. The bowl is directly adjacent to the bracket. More specifically, the bowl is a storage receptacle incorporated in the top of the case. The lid is directly adjacent to the bowl. Additionally, the lid is concentrically aligned with the bowl. More specifically, the lid conceals and secures the contents stored in to the bowl. The lid further comprises a handle. The handle is centered on to the lid. Additionally, the handle is placed on the outside area of the lid. More specifically, the handle allows the user to easily grasp the lid to access the bowl.
Referring to
The bar traverses from the second carriage to the plurality of cuts. Additionally, the bar traverses from the first cut to the second cut. More specifically, the bar serves as a lever that fixes the first pipe on to the second pipe. The stopper is directly adjacent to the bar and the second carriage. Additionally, the stopper traverses through the second carriage. More specifically, the stopper serves as the main pivot member for the bar. Additionally, the stopper serves as an access point to disengage the bar from the plurality of cuts. The pin is embedded on to the second carriage. More specifically, the pin anchors the spring on to the second carriage. The spring traverses from the bar to the pin. More specifically, the spring applies tension on to the bar such that it automatically seats in to the plurality of cuts when the cabinet is extended.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/669,246 filed on May 9, 2018.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62669246 | May 2018 | US |