| Automated and movable shelving system for cabinetry -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
  Automated and movable shelving system for cabinetryUSPTO Application #: 20070241650Title: Automated and movable shelving system for cabinetry Abstract: The invention relates to a more diverse, effective, and user-friendly cabinet system. More specifically, the present invention discloses and claims a cabinet system which allows the user to reach items stored in the highest shelves by bringing the shelf to the user, instead of making the user reach the shelf. The invention can be installed during the manufacturing process of new cabinets, so it can be incorporated in the cabinet system as it is being placed in a home. The invention can also be sold as a kit, which can be used to modify already installed cabinets. The present invention can be manufactured in a wide variety of dimensions, so it is capable of fitting new or already installed cabinets. (end of abstract) Agent: Alberto A. Leon, Esq. - Albuquerque, NM, US Inventor: Patrick Schmitt USPTO Applicaton #: 20070241650 - Class: 312312 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070241650. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001]I hereby claim the benefit under Title 35, United States Code Section 119(e) of any United States Provisional Application(s) listed below: [0002]Application No. 60/792,257 [0003]Filing Date: Apr. 17, 2006 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004]1. Technical Field of the Invention [0005]This invention generally relates to furniture. More specifically, this invention relates to a cabinet system comprising automated and moveable shelves. [0006]2. Description of the Background Art [0007]Historically, dating back to the 17.sup.th century, the traditional "cabinet maker" conceived and produced most, if not all, pieces of furniture found in homes. In the mid-18.sup.th century, there were well known cabinet maker companies which designed and fabricated cabinets and even published books on the subject. The industrial revolution brought about the incorporation of mass production techniques to the fabrication of cabinets. At that point, the traditional cabinet shop ceased to be the main source of furniture. [0008]Cabinets have been long used as storage systems for kitchens, pantries, laundry rooms, bathrooms and garages. The first known examples of cabinets were usually free standing, custom made, sometimes elaborate pieces of furniture. Today, the more commonly found cabinet systems found at homes are "fixed" devices with little diversity, except for size, shape and ornamental features. The storage area typically consists of a series of fixed horizontal shelves for storage. [0009]For people who are less than six feet tall, are disabled, or have difficulty lifting heavy items, the items on upper shelves of a cabinet can be difficult to reach and access. For people who are not disabled, one solution to that shortcoming of modern cabinet systems is to either use a stepladder or a similar device to access high shelves. Another option is not to use the upper shelves at all or to store rarely used items on top shelves. Still another option is to build cabinets low enough to be reached and accessed by able people of average height, resulting in aesthetically unappealing arrangements and loss of storage space, especially in high ceiling environments. [0010]An invention that has been marketed as a solution to the problem created by high, out-of-reach shelves is the "grabber." A grabber consists of a grasping device affixed to a dowel or rod, which extends the reach of the person utilizing the device. Most of the available grabbers are not easy to use when trying to reach objects placed deep into a cabinet's high shelf. Another major limitation of a grabber is that it could easily lose its grasp on heavy or oddly-shaped items. The latter shortcoming creates a risk of destruction of the item and injury to the person operating the grabber. [0011]Many cabinet-based inventions have been disclosed and marketed. Most commonly, the prior art includes cabinetry systems whose inventions have disclosed and/or claimed new ornamental features of cabinets. Most recent utility applications concern drug dispensing cabinets for use in pharmacies. In contrast, the present invention comprises a new and useful cabinet, which makes cabinetry accessible to consumers who have difficulty reaching the highest shelves of traditional cabinetry. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0012]A general objective of the present invention is to provide a more diverse, effective, and user-friendly cabinet system. More specifically, the present invention discloses and claims a cabinet system which allows the user to reach items stored in the highest shelves by bringing the shelf to the user, instead of making the user reach the shelf. The invention disclosed and claimed herein can be installed in new cabinets, as they are being placed in a home, or can be sold as a kit, which can be used to modify already installed cabinets. The present invention can be manufactured in a wide variety of dimensions, so it is capable of fitting new or already installed cabinets. [0013]The apparatus of the present invention comprises at least one rectangular insert, which further comprises a plurality of shelves capable of fitting inside a cabinet; a lowering and raising means; and a spooling system. The insert fits entirely within a previously installed or new cabinet, with dimensions that can be varied to fit within the cabinet. The insert further comprises a plurality of horizontal shelves for storing items. The insert is unseen, unless the cabinet door is opened. The insert can be lowered and raised vertically in a motion similar to an elevator. When the insert is lowered, it rests upon a countertop or other platform below the cabinet. [0014]The insert's vertical movement is powered by a small, reversible electric motor equipped with an electromagnetic brake, which is mounted on the inside of the top of the existing cabinet. The motor is interfaced with the insert via a spool and an appropriately strong cable mounted on the top of the insert. The motor operates at low revolutions per minute, resulting in a slow, safe vertical movement. The motor is activated by a two-way electrical switch. [0015]The foregoing has outlined, in general, the physical aspects of the invention and is to serve as an aid to better understand the more complete detailed description, which is fully illustrated by the drawings that follow. The present invention is by no means limited to the method or detail of construction, fabrication, material, or application of use described, illustrated and claimed herein. Any other variation of fabrication, use, or application should be considered apparent as an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [0016]It is further intended that any other embodiments of the present invention that result from any changes in application or method of use or operation, method of manufacture, shape, size, or material which are not specified within the detailed written description or illustrations contained herein are considered apparent or obvious to one skilled in the art are within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0017]FIG. 1 is a frontal view of the invention where the cabinet doors are closed and the insert is in the fully raised position. [0018]FIG. 2 is a frontal view of the invention where the cabinet doors are opened and the insert is in the fully raised position. [0019]FIG. 3 is a frontal view of the invention where the cabinet doors are opened and the insert is lowered. [0020]FIG. 4 is a side view of the invention where the insert is fully raised and cabinet doors are closed. [0021]FIG. 5 is a side view of the invention where the insert is in the process of lowering and the cabinet doors are open. [0022]FIG. 6 is a front view of the invention in a traditional setting among upper cabinets with insert and lower cabinets without inserts. Continue reading... Full patent description for Automated and movable shelving system for cabinetry Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Automated and movable shelving system for cabinetry patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Automated and movable shelving system for cabinetry or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Accessory personna moi Next Patent Application: Drawer slide with releasable latch Industry Class: Supports: cabinet structure ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Automated and movable shelving system for cabinetry patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 2.50145 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Canon USA , Celera Genomics , Cephalon, Inc. , Cingular Wireless , Clorox , Colgate-Palmolive , Corning , Cymer , |
||
