SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A STORAGE DEVICE

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a dynamic storage device with adjustable shelves, wherein each shelf includes a removable projection configured to dynamically change the depth of compartments within the storage device.

Description

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Field of the Disclosure

Examples of the present disclosure are related to systems and methods for a storage device. More particularly, embodiments relate to a dynamic storage device with adjustable shelves, wherein each shelf includes a removable projection configured to secure containers within the storage device.

2. Background

Conventionally, individuals use kitchen counter space, cabinet space, and drawer space to store various household items, such as containers for plastic wrap, plastic bags, aluminum foil, etc. However, containers for food storage products are different shapes and sizes. Thus, it is often difficult to efficiently arrange the containers within a drawer or on a counter. Accordingly, an unnecessary amount of space is consumed to arrange the containers in drawers or on the counter.

Furthermore, because any number of containers may be positioned in a drawer, it is difficult to recognize out of order containers, select a container, and remove a selected container. When an individual removes a container from a drawer, the container may be torn over time, causing its contents to integrate with one another in the drawer. Additionally, when an individual removes a container from a drawer, other containers within the drawer may be moved, limiting the access to the other containers within the drawer.

Accordingly, needs exist for more effective and efficient systems and methods for a dynamic storage device with adjustable shelves, wherein the shelves include a removable projection configured to secure containers within the storage device.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a dynamic storage device with adjustable shelves, wherein each shelf includes a removable projection configured to secure containers within the storage device.

Embodiments include a dynamic storage device with a plurality of vertical sidewalls and shelves.

The plurality of vertical sidewalls may be permanently fixed within the storage device, such that the distance between each of the vertical sidewalls is the same fixed distance. In other embodiments, the vertical sidewalls may be removably coupled to the storage device, such that the distance between each of the vertical sidewalls may be changed.

In embodiments, a plurality of slots may be positioned on the vertical sidewalls. The corresponding slots on two vertical sidewalls may be configured to receive a shelf, wherein a first side of a shelf may be positioned on a slot positioned on a first vertical sidewall and a second side of the shelf may be positioned on a slot positioned on a second vertical sidewall.

In embodiments, a shelf may be configured to be moved from the slots, and positioned on a different set of slots. Responsive to moving the shelf, the height of compartments within the storage device may change, wherein the compartments are defined by the vertical sidewalls and the shelves.

In embodiments, responsive to changing the dimensions of a corresponding compartment, different items, articles, or containers (referred to hereinafter individually and collectively as “containers”) may be positioned within the compartment. In embodiments, the containers may be configured to store plastic wrap, plastic bags, aluminum foil, etc.

In embodiments, a shelf may be secured within corresponding slots on a first vertical sidewall and a second vertical sidewall via a removable face unit, wherein the face unit may be secured to a vertical sidewall with at least one removable fastener. To move a shelf from the storage unit, an individual may remove the face units coupled to the vertical sidewalls, slide the shelf out of the corresponding slots, repositioned the shelf onto new corresponding slots, and secure the face units to the vertical sidewalls via the fasteners. Accordingly, the face unit may be configured to allow a shelf to be fixed within corresponding slots, while allowing the shelf to be moved responsive to removing the face unit.

In embodiments, each shelf may include a plurality of orifices, wherein the orifices are configured to receive a removable projection. The removable projection may be configured to extend in a direction perpendicular to a top surface of the shelf. The removable projection may be configured to dynamically adjust the depth of a compartment.

In embodiments, an individual may dynamically adjust which of the plurality of orifices the projection is inserted into to adjust the length of the corresponding compartment. Responsive to a container being positioned within the compartment, a second end of the container may be positioned adjacent to the removable projection, such that a first end of the container may be positioned at the front of the shelf.

In other embodiments, each shelf may include a continuously adjustable vertical backstop, wherein the backstop may be configured to be disposed at any position along the length of the shelf. The continuously adjustable backstop may include: springs, sliders, mechanical locks, etc., wherein responsive to moving the backstop from a first position to a second position along the length of the shelf, the backstop may be fixed into place. For example, the continuously adjustable vertical backstop may include a threaded lead screw embedded within the shelf, which extends from a front end of the shelf to the rear end of the shelf. Responsive to turning a handle coupled to the threaded screw, the vertical backstop may be moved along a linear axis along the shelf. Responsive to rotating the handle clockwise, the depth of the drawer may be shortened by moving the vertical backstop towards the front end of the drawer. Responsive to rotating the handle counter clock-wise, the depth of the drawer may be increased by moving the vertical backstop towards the rear end of the drawer.

These, and other, aspects of the invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the invention and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a storage device.

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a storage device with the top portion of a shelf being partially extended out of a storage device.

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of a shelf, wherein the shelf is removed from a storage device.

FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of a bottom view of a shelf.

FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of a storage device.

FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a removable projection.

FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment of a method for dynamically creating a compartment within a storage device based on the size of a container.

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of a face unit.

FIG. 9 depicts one embodiment of a storage device with face units being coupled to the vertical sidewalls.

FIG. 10 depicts one embodiment of a storage device with face units being decoupled from the vertical sidewalls.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present embodiments. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present embodiments.

Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a dynamic storage device with adjustable shelves, wherein each shelf includes a removable projection configured to secure and extract containers within the storage device.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a storage device 100. Storage device 100 may include a first end 110, second end 120, a plurality of vertical sidewalls 130, and a plurality of shelves 140.

First end 110 and second end 120 of storage device 100 may be positioned on opposite ends of storage device 100, wherein containers may be configured to enter storage device 100 via first end 110. In embodiments, second end 120 of storage device 100 may be configured to be positioned proximate to a wall within a house. In other embodiments, second end 120 may include vertical strips affixed to second end 120 and sidewalls, wherein the vertical strips prevent shelves 140 from being removed via second end 120.

The plurality of vertical sidewalls 130 may be positioned within storage device 100, and extend from first end 110 to second end 120. Each of the plurality of vertical sidewalls 130 may extend from a lower surface to an upper surface of storage device 100. In embodiments, there may be a fixed distance between each of the vertical sidewalls 130, such that the distance between each of the vertical sidewalls 130 is the same.

Each of the plurality of sidewalls may include a plurality of slots 132. Slots 132 may be positioned at fixed intervals on vertical sidewalls from the lower surface to the upper surface of storage device 100. Slots 132 may extend from first end 110 to second end 120 of storage device 100, and slots 132 may be configured to receive shelves 140.

Shelves 140 may be planer surfaces configured to be removably secured within a first slot 132 positioned on a first vertical sidewall 130 and a second slot 132 positioned on a second vertical sidewall 130. Shelves 140 may extend from first end 110 to second end 120 of storage device 100.

Shelves 140 may be configured to form compartments 142 within storage device 100. The size of a compartment 142 may be based on the distance between first vertical sidewall 130, second vertical sidewall 130, a first shelf 140, and a second shelf 140 wherein the second shelf 140 is positioned above the first shelf. In embodiments, containers may be configured to be inserted into the compartments 142 and be positioned on a shelf 140.

Shelves 140 may be configured to be removably coupled to corresponding slots 132, such that shelves 140 may be removed from storage device 100 and coupled with a second set of slots 132. Responsive to changing the position of the first or second shelf 140 within storage device 110, the dimensions of a corresponding compartment 142 may be changed.

Shelf 140 may be secured within corresponding slots 132 via a removable face unit 144, wherein face units 144 are secured to vertical sidewalls 130 via one or more fastening devices. Once shelf 140 is inserted onto corresponding slots, face units 144 may be coupled to the vertical sidewalls 130, and interface with rails positioned on a bottom portion of shelf 140. In embodiments, a top portion of shelf 140 may be configured to slide within and outside of storage device 100, wherein a fixed bottom portion of shelf 140 may be held in place via the face units 144. To move shelf 140 from corresponding slots 132, an individual may decouple the fastener from face units 144 and vertical sidewalls 130, remove the face units 144, slide shelf 140 out of the corresponding slots 132, repositioned the shelf 140 onto new corresponding slots 132, and secure face units 144 to the vertical sidewalls via the fasteners.

Accordingly, face units 144 may be configured to allow a shelf 140 to be fixed within corresponding slots, while allowing shelf 140 to be moved within storage device 100 responsive to removing the face unit 144.

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of storage device 100, wherein the top portion of shelf 140 is partially extended out of storage device 100. Shelf 140 may include a plurality of orifices 210 and projection 220.

The plurality of orifices 210 may be positioned through the top portion of shelf 140, and may extend from a top surface to the bottom surface of the top portion of shelf 140. The plurality of orifices 210 may be positioned at fixed intervals along a linear axis of shelf 140, and may be positioned from a first end to the second end of shelf 140. Each of the plurality of orifices 210 may be configured to receive removable projection 220.

Projection 220 may be configured to be inserted in a selected one of the plurality of orifices 210, and extend in a direction perpendicular to the linear axis of shelf 140. Responsive to moving projection 220 into a selected orifice 210, projection 220 may dynamically adjust the depth of a compartment. Responsive to a container being positioned within the compartment, projection 220 may be inserted into the orifice 210 proximate to the back end of the container.

In embodiments, an individual may change which of the plurality of orifices 210 projection 220 is inserted into, and thus dynamically adjusting the depth of the corresponding compartment. As such, a first shelf 140 may have depth that is independent of the depths of the other shelves within storage device 100. Furthermore, because the shelves may be dynamically moved, the height of each compartment may be adjusted. Therefore, the height and/or depth of a first compartment within storage device 100 may be independent of the height and/or depth of a second compartment.

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of shelf 140, wherein shelf 140 is removed from storage device 100. As depicted in FIG. 3, the plurality of orifices 210 may be positioned along a central axis of shelf 140, wherein the plurality of orifices may extend to a second end of shelf 140.

Shelf 140 may also include rails 310. Rails 310 may be positioned on a first side and second side of shelf 140, wherein rails 310 are configured to be inserted into the slots within the vertical sidewalls. Rails 310 may be configured to allow shelf 140 to slide within the slots, be removed from the slots, and be inserted into the slots.

FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of a bottom view of shelf 140. As depicted in FIG. 4, shelf 140 may include a bottom portion 410 and a top portion 420.

Bottom portion 410 of shelf 140 may be configured to be in a fixed position once shelf 140 is inserted into slots within a storage device.

Top portion 420 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to and over bottom portion 410. In a first mode of operation, top portion 420 of shelf 140 is positioned within the storage device, and top portion 420 may be configured to be positioned over the entire depth of bottom portion. In a second mode of operation, top portion 420 of shelf 140 is extended outside of the storage device, and top portion 420 may only cover a front segment of bottom portion 410.

Bottom portion 410 may be configured to have a depth that is substantially the same as the depth of the storage device, such that bottom portion extends from the first end to the second end of the storage device. In embodiments, rails depicted in FIG. 3 may be positioned on the sides of bottom portion 410, such that bottom portion 410 extends into the vertical sidewalls via the slots, and the sides of top portion 420 are positioned adjacent to the vertical sidewalls without extending into the vertical sidewalls. Responsive to bottom portion 140 being inserted into the slots, a first end of rails positioned on bottom portion 410 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to the face unit. Thus, not allowing bottom portion to move when inserted into storage device.

Bottom portion 410 may include a channel 414. Channel 414 may be a slot, orifice, etc. extending through bottom portion 410. Channel 414 may be configured to receive a locking mechanism 412 coupled to top portion 420, wherein locking mechanism 412 extends through the channel 414. Locking mechanism 412 may be positioned at any point of top portion 420 between two of the plurality of orifices. In embodiments, based on the positioning of locking mechanism 412 the amount of top portion 420 that extends away from the storage device in the second mode may vary. When top portion 420 is in the second mode, the locking mechanism 412 may be positioned adjacent to a first end of channel 414. Accordingly, channel 414 and locking mechanism 412 may limit, restrict, etc. that amount of top portion 420 that extends outside of the storage device in the second mode, while coupling bottom portion 410 and top portion 420.

Handle 430 may be positioned at a first end of top portion 420. Handle 430 may have a height that is substantially the same as bottom portion 410 and top portion 420. Handle 430 may be utilized to move top portion 420 between the first mode and the second mode. In embodiments when top portion 420 is in the first mode, handle 430 may be positioned adjacent to the face units, and when top portion 420 is in the second mode, handle 430 may be positioned away from the face units.

FIG. 5 depicts one embodiment of a storage device 500. Storage device 500 may have a plurality of compartments defined by the vertical sidewalls and the shelves. In embodiments, the size a first compartment 510 may vary from the size of a second compartment 520, wherein the sizes are based on the positioning of the shelves within corresponding slots.

In embodiments, the sizing of compartments 510, 520 within a first column 530 may be dependent on the positioning of shelves within the first column 530. However, the sizing of compartments 510, 520 within first column 530 may be independent of the sizing of compartments within the other columns.

FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a projection 220. Projection 220 may include a bottom portion 610 and a top portion 620. Bottom portion 620 may be configured to be inserted into a selected one of the plurality of orifices on a shelf.

Responsive to bottom portion 620 being inserted into one of the plurality of orifices, a lower face of top portion 610 may be positioned adjacent to a surface of the shelf. Because top portion 620 has a larger diameter than bottom portion 610, the entirety of projection 220 may not extend into an orifice on the shelf.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 for dynamically creating a compartment within a storage device based on the size of a container. The operations of method 700 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some embodiments, method 700 may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order, wherein the operations of method 700 are illustrated in FIG. 7 and described below is not intended to be limiting.

At operation 710, the positioning of a shelf within a storage device may be determined based on a height of a container. Responsive to determining the height of the container, a shelf may be inserted into the storage device such that the distance between a lower shelf and an upper shelf is substantially the same as the height of the container. Therefore, a bottom surface of the container may be positioned adjacent to the lower shelf and a top surface of the container may be positioned adjacent to the upper shelf.

At operation 720, a projection may be inserted into a one of a plurality of orifices based on the depth of the container. In embodiments, a first end of the container may be positioned to align with the first end of the shelf. The projection may be inserted an orifice adjacent to the second end of the container. Therefore, the container may not move to the back portion of the shelf due to the projection, and the front of the container may be aligned with the front of the storage device when the top portion of the shelf is positioned within the storage device. Accordingly, a compartment within the storage device may be formed based on the positioning of the shelves, the vertical sidewalls, and the projection. Once the container is positioned on the shelf, a second end of the container may be positioned adjacent to the projection.

At operation 730, the top portion of the shelf may be extended outside of the storage device, while the bottom portion of the shelf may remain inside the storage device. Responsive to the top portion of the shelf being extended away from the body of the storage device, items within the container may be accessed by a user.

This process may be repeated such that a plurality of containers may be positioned within the storage device, wherein compartments may be dynamically created based on the sizes and/or shapes of the containers.

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of a face unit 800. Face unit 800 is configured to couple with a front face of the vertical sidewalls, wherein face unit 800 is configured to interface with the bottom portion of the shelves when the shelves are inserted into the storage device.

Face unit 800 may include fastening devices 810. Fastening device 810 may include a large orifice positioned adjacent to a small orifice. In embodiments, a bolt, screw, projection, etc. positioned on the vertical sidewalls may be configured to be inserted into the large orifice. Then, face unit 800 may be configured to slide vertically, such that the bolt is positioned adjacent to the small orifice. Responsive to the bolt being positioned adjacent to the small orifice, face unit 800 may be coupled to the vertical sidewall. Responsive to the bolt being positioned adjacent to the large orifice, face unit 800 may be decoupled from the vertical sidewall.

FIG. 9 depicts one embodiment of face units 800 being coupled to vertical sidewalls 130. As depicted in FIG. 9, wherein face units 800 are coupled to vertical sidewalls 130, bottom portion 410 of the shelves are positioned adjacent to face units 800. Accordingly, bottom portion 410 is secured in place within storage device 100 via face units 800, while top portion 420 of the shelves may extend outside of storage unit 100.

FIG. 10 depicts one embodiment of storage device 100 having coupled and decoupled face units 800. As depicted in FIG. 10, when face units 800 are decoupled from vertical sidewalls 130, bolts 1010 may be exposed, wherein bolts 1010 are configured to couple with the face units 800 to secure face units 800 in place.

In embodiments where face units 800 are decoupled from the storage device, bottom portion 410 and top portion 420 of the shelves may extend away from the body of storage device, such that the shelves may be removed and repositioned within the storage device.

Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Claims

1. A storage device comprising: a plurality of vertical sidewalls, each of the plurality of vertical sidewalls extending from front end of the storage device to a back end of the storage device, the front end of the storage device being an open end;a plurality of slots positioned on each of the vertical sidewalls, wherein a first slot positioned on a first vertical sidewall aligns with a second slot positioned on a second vertical sidewall;a shelf being configured to be inserted into the first slot and the second slot;a plurality of orifices positioned through the shelf at midpoints of a width of the shelf, the plurality of orifices being positioned at intervals between the front end of the storage device and the back end of the storage device;a projection being configured to be inserted into a plurality of orifices, the projection extending in a direction perpendicular to a linear axis of the shelf, wherein a depth of a compartment is changed responsive to inserting the projection into a selected one of the plurality of orifices, the depth of the compartment being a distance from the projection to the front end of the storage device, wherein the depth varies based on a positioning of the selected one of the plurality of orifices.

2. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the shelf includes a top portion and a bottom portion, in a first mode a first end of the top portion is configured to align with the front end of the storage device, and in a second mode the first end of the top portion is configured to be extended away from the storage device.

3. The storage device of claim 2, wherein the bottom portion is configured to be secured in a same position in the first mode and the second mode.

4. The storage device of claim 2, comprising: a first rail and a second rail positioned on the bottom portion, the first rail being configured to be inserted into the first slot and the second rail being configured to be inserted into the second slot, wherein a first distance from the first rail to the second rail is greater than a second distance associated with a width of the top portion.

5. A storage device comprising: a plurality of vertical sidewalls, each of the plurality of vertical sidewalls extending from a first end of the storage device to a second end of the storage device;a plurality of slots positioned on each of the vertical sidewalls, wherein a first slot positioned on a first vertical sidewall aligns with a second slot positioned on a second vertical sidewall;a shelf being configured to be inserted into the first slot and the second slot;a plurality of orifices positioned through the shelf;a projection being configured to be inserted into a selected one of the plurality of orifices, the projection extending in a direction perpendicular to a linear axis of the shelf, wherein a depth of a compartment is changed responsive to inserting the projection into the selected one of the plurality of orifices;a first face unit being removably coupled to the first vertical sidewall;a second face unit being removable coupled to the second vertical sidewall, wherein when the first face unit and the first vertical sidewall are coupled and the second face unit and the second vertical sidewall are coupled, then the shelf cannot be removed from the storage device.

6. The storage device of claim 5, wherein when the first face unit is decoupled from the first vertical sidewall and the second face unit is decoupled from the second vertical sidewall the shelf can be removed from the storage device.

7. (canceled)

8. The storage device of claim 1, comprising: a plurality of compartments, wherein dimensions of each of the compartments is configured to dynamically change by moving the shelf and the projection.

9. The storage device of claim 8, wherein the dimensions of a first compartment are based on a placement of the shelf within the storage device and the projection.

10. The storage device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of compartments each have different depths, wherein a first depth of a first compartment is based on placement of a first projection on a first shelf, and a second depth of a second compartment is based on placement of a second projection on a second shelf.

11. A method of utilizing a storage device comprising: positioning a plurality of vertical sidewalls within the storage device, each of the plurality of vertical sidewalls extending from a front end of the storage device to a back end of the storage device, and each of the plurality of vertical sidewalls include a plurality of slots, wherein a first slot positioned on a first vertical sidewall aligns with a second slot positioned on a second vertical sidewall, the front end of the storage device being an open end;inserting a shelf into the first slot and the second slot, wherein the shelf includes a plurality of orifices positioned through the shelf; andinserting a projection into a selected one of the plurality of orifices at midpoints of a width of the shelf, the plurality of orifices being positioned at intervals between the front end of the storage device and the back end of the storage device, the projection extending in a direction perpendicular to a linear axis of the shelf, wherein a depth of a compartment is changed responsive to inserting the projection into the selected one of the plurality of orifices.

12. The method of claim 11, comprising: aligning a top portion of the shelf and a bottom portion of the shelf with the front end of the storage device in a first mode;extending the top portion of the shelf away from the first end of the storage device in a second mode.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising: securing the bottom portion in a same position in the first mode and the second mode.

14. The method of claim 12, comprising: inserting a first rail positioned on the bottom portion into the first slot;inserting a second rail positioned on the bottom portion into the second rail, wherein a first distance from the first rail to the second rail is greater than a second distance associated with a width of the top portion.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising: removably coupling a first face unit to the first vertical sidewall;removably coupling a second face unit to the second vertical sidewall, wherein when the first face unit and the first vertical sidewall are coupled and the second face unit and the second vertical sidewall are coupled, then the shelf cannot be removed from the storage device.

16. The method of claim 15, comprising: decoupling the first face unit from the first vertical sidewall;decoupling the second face unit from the second vertical sidewall; andremoving the shelf from the storage device.

17. (canceled)

18. The method of claim 11, comprising: dynamically changing dimensions of a plurality of compartments within the storage device responsive to moving the shelf and the projection.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the dimensions of a first compartment are based on a placement of the shelf within the storage device and the projection.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the plurality of compartments each have different depths, wherein a first depth of a first compartment is based on placement of a first projection on a first shelf, and a second depth of a second compartment is based on placement of a second projection on a second shelf.