BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure is generally directed to rotatable storage devices, and more particularly to a lazy susan device that can be optionally suspended under a shelf or rested on top of a surface for use.
2. Description of Related Art
Space directly beneath shelves in kitchen cabinets and other storage areas is often unused. Ione problem is that items stored on a lower shelf often do not take up the full height of the space between shelves in a cabinet. Another problem is that items placed toward the rear of a shelf in a cabinet or pantry, such as spices or baby food, can be difficult to see and access. Such items can be difficult to see when stored behind other larger items placed toward the front of the shelf. Items near the front on the shelf may need to be moved in order to see, access, and/or remove items placed toward the rear of the shelf, as these forward items can hide or hinder access to the smaller items in the rear.
Lazy susan devices have existed in the market for many years. These have taken many forms, but all include some type of storage surface that spins or rotates. Lazy susan devices rotate to make it easier for a user to access stored items. Any item stored on a lazy susan device can be accessed easily by rotating the storage surface so that the desired item is positioned facing the user. One example of a known lazy susan is a flat disc on a turning or spinning mechanism sized to fit on a shelf or as a tabletop accessory.
Some lazy susan devices have a storage shelf supported by a vertically oriented structure. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,626,305 and 5,312,003 to Domenig et al. each disclose a rotating shelf assembly with multiple rotating shelves mounted on a vertical post. The post is attached to support surfaces at both the bottom and top of the vertical post. Both patents to Domenig disclose a device that is designed for use between two shelves inside a cabinet where the support surfaces for the device are the cabinet shelves. These devices can only be used with the one mounting arrangement.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,520,352 to Mondragon et al. discloses a lazy susan device with a multi-tiered series of support trays of graduated size. Each has a hollow cylindrical support column sized to receive and hold the next adjacent tray and its corresponding support column. The components of the Mondragon device include a base and the stackable series of support trays wherein each support tray is formed as one piece with its respective central support column. The central support columns are hollow cylinders that fit and stack one inside another to form a structure that supports the entire unit together with the base. The topmost support tray has a central support column that can serve as a vase for flowers or the like. This device can also only be used with one mounting arrangement.
An example of a hanging lazy susan is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,723,763 to Baldwin. The Baldwin device has a central inverted cup with a platform laterally projecting from the lower end of the cup and a circular top with an aperture. The circular top of the hanging device presses rotatably against the undersurface of a shelf and is sandwiched between the shelf and a bearing plate. The circular top of the hanging device rotates about a hub of the bearing plate that fits through the aperture. The assembly is mounted to the shelf by one screw through the hub. The lazy susan disclosed in Baldwin cannot rotate while placed on a top of a surface, such as a top or upper side of a shelf, as its specific rotation mechanism is located only at the top of the inverted cup.
There are also storage products presently in the market that can attach to an underside of an existing shelf in a cabinet or pantry. These storage products do not offer rotation of their respective storage surfaces or receptacles. There are other lazy susan devices in the market, but these are not necessarily easy to assemble. Many are constructed of complex parts making those devices difficult to assemble. Furthermore, other lazy susan products are not readily or securely stackable for storage or transport.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following descriptions in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
FIG. 1 shows a side view of one example of an assembled rotatable storage device constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and mounted for use in a first optional mounting arrangement.
FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the rotatable storage device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 shows a top view of the rotatable storage device of FIG. 2 after assembly.
FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the rotatable storage device taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3 and with the device.
FIG. 5 shows a detail of the assembled rotatable storage device taken from circle V of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6 shows a side view of the assembled rotatable storage device of FIGS. 1-5, but mounted for use in a second optional mounting arrangement.
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the rotatable storage device of FIG. 6 and with multiple items stored on the device.
FIG. 8 shows two assembled rotatable storage devices of FIG. 1 and in a nested and stacked configuration.
FIG. 9 shows two wire frames of storage devices as depicted in FIG. 1 and in a nested and stacked configuration.
FIG. 10 shows two turntables of storage devices as depicted in FIG. 1 and in a nested and stacked configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention is for a rotatable storage device that can be optionally suspended from the underside of a shelf or stably placed on a shelf or other surface for use. The same rotation mechanism for the disclosed rotatable storage device allows rotation of the turntable in either mounting arrangement. Multiples of the disclosed rotatable storage devices also can be mounted in a vertical pseudo-stacked arrangement with one unit suspended from a lower surface of a shelf and a second unit resting on an upper surface of a second shelf to create a tiered configuration, thereby maximizing storage space. The disclosed rotatable storage device is stackable or nestable with like devices in alternative compact configurations for retail display or shipping. The nesting feature allows for compact shipping, storage of the units prior to sale, when displayed on a store shelf or when not in use. The disclosed rotatable storage device is also easy to assemble and install in either optional mounting arrangement.
While the disclosed rotatable storage device is described for use in a kitchen, such description is not meant to limit its use to kitchens. The device may be used outside the kitchen as well. The disclosed rotatable storage device is adaptable for use in any other location or use that can benefit from efficient use of storage space. For example, the disclosed rotatable storage device is suited to office, school, home, work shop, studio, or other use to be limited only by the imagination.
Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a side view of a rotatable storage device or lazy susan constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. The disclosed lazy susan 10 generally has a wire frame 20 and a rotatable turntable 22. The lazy susan 10 in FIG. 1 is shown in a first optional mounting arrangement suspended from an underside 15 of a shelf 12.
As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the wire frame 20 has a top end 34, a lower end 36, an upright section extending between the two ends, and a plurality of wire spokes 38. The wire spokes 38 are oriented upright and are arranged so as to define a frustoconical shape around a central generally vertical axis A-A. The central generally vertical axis A-A is defined by and coaxial with the upright section of the wire frame 20.
In the disclosed example, each wire spoke 38 of the frame 20 is generally “L” shaped and has a short bent tip 42 at the top end 34 that is bent inwardly toward the axis A-A. Each spoke 38 also has a relatively longer bent leg 44 at the lower end 36 that is bent outwardly away from the axis A-A. Each leg 44 terminates at a free end 45. A vertically oriented segment 43 of the spokes 38 extends between each of the respective short bent tips 42 and the longer bent legs 44. The vertical segments 43 are oriented to generally define the upright section of the wire frame 20. In another embodiment, the short bent tips could point outwardly from the central vertical axis or be eliminated entirely. As shown in FIG. 1, the generally vertical segments 43 are not precisely vertical, but instead are inclined toward one another from the bottom end 36 to the top end 34 of the frame 20 defining the frustoconical shape of the frame 20's upright section.
As further shown in FIG. 2, the top end 34 of the wire frame 20 has a disc 46 attached to the short bent tips 42 of the plurality of the spokes 38. The disc 46 can be attached to the spokes 38 by soldering, welding, clips, fasteners, or any other satisfactory scheme and can be removable or permanently attached to the wire frame 20 as desired. The disc 46 has a centrally located hole 49. An annular wire support ring 47 is attached to the lower end 36 of the wire frame 20. The ring 47 in this example is attached to the bottoms of the longer bent legs 44 of the spokes 38 adjacent the bend B at the lower ends of the segments 43. A wire connecting ring 48 is attached to the bottoms of the legs 44 near or adjacent to and interconnecting the free ends 45 of the spokes 38. In this example, the disc 46 and the rings 47 and 48 retain the spokes 38, and thus the frame 20, in the desired configuration and orientation.
FIG. 2 also illustrates the turntable 22 of the rotatable storage device 10 in this example. The turntable 22 has a generally vertically oriented sleeve 51 that is also of a frustoconical shape. The sleeve 51 has an opening 53 in a top end 55, a bottom end 57, and an annular support flange 50 that extends from the sleeve at or near the bottom end. The annular flange 50 has a top side defining a support surface 52 and has a free outer edge 54. The annular flange 50 of the present example is slanted upwardly and outwardly relative to a horizontal reference from the sleeve 51 to the free edge 54. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the support surface 52 of the flange 50 has a slightly raised annular lip 56 near the outer edge 54. A skirt 58 also depends down from the perimeter or outer edge 54 of the flange 50 in this example. The annular lip 56 can aid during rotation of the device in retaining items placed on the support surface 52. The skirt 58 extends downward sufficiently to cover the free ends 45 and the legs 44 of the wire frame.
In the disclosed example, the wire frame 20 is formed of bent metal wires and the turntable 22 is formed of a molded plastic material. However, the types of material used for the wire frame and the turntable may vary. For example, both can be formed of a molded plastic material, a metal material, or other suitable materials as desired and suitable for the disclosed device 10.
Turning back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the disclosed lazy susan 10 can be provided with optional mounting components for mounting the device in the first optional arrangement. For example, a mounting clip 26 can be provided that is either attachable to or permanently attached to the disc 46 or top end 34 of the frame. The disclosed mounting clip 26 has a central part and two curved wing parts 24 extending outward in opposite directions from the central part. A center mounting hole 27 is provided through the central part and a through hole 25 extends through each of the wing parts 27 at about the wing midpoints. A mounting screw 28 in this example can extend through the center mounting hole 27. A nut 29 can either be loose or affixed (such as by welding, soldering, or the like) to an underside of the disc 46 and aligned with a center disc hole 49. Clip screws 30 can be employed to secure the frame 20 to the underside 15 of the shelf 12 as shown in FIG. 1 for mounting the device 10 in the first optional arrangement.
FIG. 4 illustrates a vertical cross section of the lazy susan 10 and depicts a phantom view of a typical spice container 14 resting on the support surface 52. As shown in the enlargement of FIG. 5, the annular flange 50 has a bottom side defining a lower or bearing surface 60. A plurality of ridges 61 are radially spaced apart and extend circumferentially around the flange 50 on the bearing surface 60. The ridges 61 in the present embodiment contact the tops of the radially extending legs 44 of the wire frame 20. The ridges 61 minimize the direct surface contact between the wire frame 20 and the turntable 22 to limit surface friction. This can thereby minimize the effort required to rotate the turntable 22 on the wire frame 20.
The number of ridges 61, the width or height of the ridges 61, and the number of wire spokes 38 or legs can vary. Furthermore, the length of the flange 50 and/or the legs 44 can also vary. Furthermore, the position, number, or diameter of the wire rings 47 and 48; the position, diameter, and height of the sleeve 51; the materials of the frame and turntable; and the angle of the legs 44 and the flange 50 could also all vary within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows the lazy susan 10 in a second optional mounting arrangement sitting on a shelf or other support surface. In this example, the wire frame 20 has at least one foot pad 32 attached to the annular wire support ring 47. In one example, the foot pad 32 can have two opposite facing surfaces including an adhesive upper surface 62 and a lower surface 64 having a non-slip characteristic. The non-slip lower surface 64 of the foot pad 32 can then rest on a support surface, such as when placed on an upper surface 16 of the shelf 12. In another optional example, a plurality of rubber feet can be provided that attach to wires of the frame 20 and that then rest on the shelf upper surface 16. In a further example, one or more mounting clips and screws or other fasteners could be provided to fixed mount the lazy susan device 10 to the upper shelf surface 16.
FIG. 7 shows a perspective side view showing the lazy susan device 10 in the second optional mounting arrangement. In this view, a plurality of typical spice containers 14 are shown resting on the support surface 52.
To assemble the disclosed lazy susan 10, the sleeve 51 of the turntable 22 is simply placed over the upright section and spokes 38 of the wire frame 20. As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the inclination angle (relative to a horizontal reference) of the bent legs 44 of the wire spokes 38 and the angle of the annular support flange 50 match one another. Each slants upward moving in an outward direction from the axis A-A. The inclination angle can vary and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. A non-zero incline angle of the support surface 52 can assist in drawing stored items radially inward toward the sleeve 51, thus assisting to retain the items on the device 10 during use. In another example, the bent legs 44 and the annular support flange 50 could be generally horizontal or parallel to a horizontal reference plane, such as a surface on which the device rests, and yet remain within the teachings of the present invention.
Once assembled, the lazy susan device 10 may then be mounted for use in one of the two optional arrangements selectable by the user. As stated above, FIG. 1 shows the rotatable storage device in the first optional in-use arrangement suspended beneath a shelf 12. In order to use the disclosed lazy susan 10 in this optional undermount arrangement, the device can be attached to the underside of the shelf 12 by means of the mounting clip 26, clip screws 30, mounting screws 28, and nuts 29. In one possible way to attach the lazy susan in the first mounting arrangement, the screw 28 can first be placed through the mounting hole 27 in the clip 26. The clip and depending screw can then be fastened to the underside 15 of the shelf 12 using the screws 30 in the side wings 24. Then the screw 28 can be threaded through the disc hole 49 in the disc 46 on the top end 34 of the frame 20. The nut 29 and screw 28 can be secured to one another to secure the frame, and thus the device 10, to the shelf.
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pad 32 can be adhered to the bottom ring 47 on the frame 20. The device 10 can then simply be placed on a support surface resting on the pad 32 ready for use in the second optional mounting arrangement. The disclosed lazy susan device addresses several uniquely challenging storage device design issues. First, it provides a device that can be mounted very easily in one of two vastly different mounting arrangements. Second, the device is a very simple structure with few moving parts and thus will be easy to install and use and will function properly with few potential failure modes during use.
As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, a variety of other mounting schemes employing an array of clips, screws, bolds, nuts, washers, and the like may be used to secure the device 10 to a shelf in the under mount arrangement and yet remain within the teachings of the present invention. In another optional example, an adhesive pad can be used to secure the disc 46 to a shelf bottom surface in order to mount the lazy susan 10 in the first optional mounting arrangement. Such an adhesive pad can have a top adhesive surface and a bottom adhesive surface. The bottom adhesive surface of the pad can be pressed onto the top of the disc 46 of the wire frame 20 and the top adhesive surface of the pad can be pressed onto the underside of a shelf at the desired location.
FIG. 6 shows the disclosed rotatable storage device 10 in the second optional in-use arrangement. In order to use the unit resting on a surface, the assembled exemplary lazy susan 10 is simply placed on the surface and is ready for use. The non-slip lower surface 64 of foot pad 32 can have a relatively high coefficient of friction so that the pad does not slip on the surface on which it is placed. The non-slip surface 64 prevents slippage of the lazy susan 10 during rotation. In another example, the non-slip surface can employ an adhesive material of some type to further resist slippage during use of the device.
As shown in FIG. 8, two or more assembled lazy susans 10 can be nested or stacked relative to one another for shipping and storage. FIG. 9 shows two wire frames 20 in an optional nested or stacked configuration, also for shipping and storage. FIG. 10 shows two turntables 22 in an optional nested or stacked configuration, also for shipping and storage. Nesting or stacking can be accomplished either in two separate pieces with the wire frames stacked and the plastic turntables stacked separately. Alternatively, the entire assembled devices may be nested or stacked in an assembled arrangement. In either option, the nesting capability of the present invention allows for ease of shipping and storing the device when not in use as well as efficient use of shipping cube and retail shelf space.
Although certain rotatable storage devices have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.
Patent Application
20090159543
