Patent Application
20100060121
The present invention relates to a storage unit associated with a support structure, a storage unit capable of rotating and pivoting, and more particularly, to a cabinet or cabinet frame having at least one storage unit capable of independent rotation.
In some cases, the configuration, structure, and/or orientation of a storage unit(s) are largely determined based upon aesthetic principles, such as color, shape, size. For example, the selection of a storage unit, such as a cabinet, drawer, desk, or shelf, may be largely dependent on the storage unit's aesthetic appeal or appearance.
In other cases, storage units may be configured, designed, and/or structured to serve one or more functions that suit needs or problems particular to an industry or environment. For example, a storage unit may be constructed to a particular size or shape to facilitate an anticipated item or plurality of items that would be stored therein. Additionally, an anticipated environment may affect the configuration of a storage unit. A storage unit, such as a cabinet, may vary depending on where it is built or where the cabinet might be used. Health care facilities, such as medical and dental offices, include examination rooms that typically include a wide array of storage units that were constructed and/or manufacture to suit one or more needs of their anticipated environment.
Unfortunately, once a storage unit, such as a cabinet, desk, or shelf is manufactured or built, modifying and adapting the orientation of the cabinet or desk, or components thereof, can be difficult, labor intensive, and complicated.
Accordingly, there is a need for a modular storage unit that can rotate independently of its support structure and that may readily and easily position a storage unit in a multitude of desired positions and orientations.
A particular embodiment of the invention includes a modular storage unit comprising a base member movably coupled to a support structure and a storage unit rotatably coupled to the base member. The base member may be slidably coupled to the support structure. Additionally, the storage unit may be independently rotatable about a vertical axis. The modular storage unit may further comprise one or more detents configured to resist and/or prevent motion of the modular storage unit.
In another embodiment of the invention, the modular storage unit may comprise a cabinet. The cabinet may comprise a frame and at least one storage unit movably coupled to a lateral portion of the frame. The lateral portion of the frame may include a cavity or recessed portion. The size of the cavity, or recessed portion, may be sufficient to receive a portion of the at least one storage unit.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, there may be a method of manufacturing a modular storage unit for a cabinet. The method may comprise: providing a cabinet, the cabinet including a frame, and movably coupling at least one storage unit to a lateral portion of the frame. Additionally, the method may comprise providing the lateral portion of the frame with a cavity and an opening thereto. The size of the cavity may be sufficient to receive a portion of the at least one storage unit.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming that which is regarded as the present invention, the advantages of this invention can be more readily ascertained from the following description of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention, but merely as providing illustrations of some representative embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised that do not depart from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination.
Reference will now be made to the drawings. Like elements are identified by like numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale.
Referring to
The storage unit 12 may be any type and/or kind of storage unit configured to store at least one item within the storage unit 12. The storage unit 12 may comprise a first side 16. The first side 16 may include at least one opening, the opening providing access to the interior of the storage unit 12. A top portion of the storage unit 12 may include a solid surface 17 configured to enable additional storage space thereon. It is contemplated that the storage unit 12 may be embodied in a drawer, a set or plurality of drawers, one or more cabinets, shelves, and/or so forth. Additionally, the storage unit 12 may be suited to server a particular interest or necessity including, but not limited to, temperature control, size, shape, and/or so forth.
Shown in
In one embodiment, the base member 18 may comprise a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface coupled to a portion of the storage unit 12 and the bottom surface coupled to a first slidable coupling device 19, such as a drawer slide, glide, rail, or any other suitable slidable coupling device. A wide variety of suitable slidable coupling devices are commercially available through manufacturers such as Fulterer USA® of Ontario, Calif. and High Point, N.C.
In an additional embodiment, the first slidable coupling device 19 may comprise a heavy duty, or high-weight capacity slidable coupling device. The heavy duty or high-weight capacity slidable coupling device may allow for heavier equipment and/or other items to be stored in the storage unit 12, or alternatively, disposed on the top portion of the storage unit 12. Additionally, the heavy duty and/or high weight capacity slidable coupling device may enable the top portion of the storage unit to server as a sitting area.
Illustrated in
Illustrated in
Also illustrated in
In a particular embodiment, illustrated in
Referring to
In an additional embodiment, rotatably coupling the storage unit 12 in an off-center position provides the modular storage unit 10 with ergonomic advantages. In a non-limiting example, the off-center rotation of the storage unit 12 may cause the first side 16 to extend more proximate to and/or become substantially coextensive with the front portion of the support structure or cabinet, thus, placing the storage unit 12 closer to the reach of users, such as health professionals and assistants. Additionally, being substantially coextensive with the front portion of the support structure or cabinet may prevent a user from being required to reach around a lateral portion of the cabinet to access the storage unit 12.
In yet another embodiment illustrated in
In another alternative embodiment, illustrated in
In another embodiment, the second slidable coupling device 52 may be oriented substantially orthogonal to the first slidable coupling device 19 such that the storage unit 12 is able to slide in a substantially horizontal trajectory, the trajectory being substantially orthogonal to the first slidable coupling device 19. The second slidable coupling device 52 provides additional benefits, such as, but not limited to, adding an additional degree of motion and orientability to the modular storage unit 10.
In an additional embodiment, the modular storage unit 10 comprises at least one detent configured to resist and/or prevent motion and/or rotation of the storage unit 12. It is contemplated that the at least one detent may be incorporated into and/or be a part of the first slidable coupling device 19, the rotatable coupling device 54, and/or the second slidable coupling device 52. The one or more detents may include positive or negative configurations and may be configured and/or oriented to suit the needs of a particular user or environment.
In an exemplary embodiment, the rotatable coupling device 54 may comprise one or more detents configured to resist and/or prevent the rotation of the storage unit 12. The one or more detents may be separated, for example, by about ninety (90) degrees, allowing the storage unit 12 to freely rotate approximately ninety (90) degrees. A ninety (90) degree separation may be particularly suitable for the one or more embodiments illustrated in
As illustrated in
The independent rotation and movement of the storage unit 12 is particularly advantageous in medical, dental, and other health-related offices and examining rooms, as such offices or rooms frequently requiring positioning and repositioning storage units for easy and quick access. In some cases, the health and well being of a patient may depend on how quickly a health care provider can access needed supplies or instruments.
A typical arrangement of an examining room may include, among other things, an examining chair or table. A health professional may typically sit or stand next to the chair or table to examine and/or assist a patient. During this time, a health professional may use a variety of instruments, supplies, and other necessities. More particularly, in a dental setting, these instruments and supplies are generally kept in a cabinet or other structure situated near the head of a patient chair, so as to provide the dentist with easy and near access. Additionally, where an assistant is also involved in the treatment of a patient, the storage unit 12 allows easy access and additional work surfaces (i.e., elongated portion 17) for the assistant.
In one aspect of the present invention, the unique embodiment, taught herein provides additional storage space that can assist in reducing the need for a dental or other health professional to leave a patient to retrieve a needed item or instrument. Additionally, the retractability of the storage unit 12 into the cavity 20 allows for quick and easy storage when not needed.
Although the foregoing description includes many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention but, merely, as providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Similarly, other embodiments of the invention may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the present invention. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated and limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description. All additions, deletions and modifications to the invention as disclosed herein which fall within the meaning and scope of the claims are to be embraced thereby.
