Easy-access multi-tray assembly

Abstract

Apparatus and method are provided for a multi-tray assembly that allows easy access to various small parts or raw materials. The multi-tray assembly comprises one or more tray assemblies, a mounting section, and an axle that connects the tray assemblies to the mounting section. The mounting section is configured to be mounted on the underside of a countertop or workbench. Each tray assembly holds a tray and is rotatable relative to the mounting section. Protrusions arranged around the outer circumference of each tray assembly facilitate the use of fingers to move the tray assembly relative to the mounting section. The axle has a length for connecting one or more tray assemblies to the mounting section, and the diameter of the axle allows the tray assemblies to rotate. During use, the tray assemblies can be quickly and easily rotated from below the countertop or workbench to access the stored articles.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 680,214 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 470,393, filed on June 1, 2023, entitled "Easy Access Shelving Assembly".

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to storage devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices and methods for multi-tray assemblies that provide easy access to various small parts or raw materials without taking up excessive space on a workbench or requiring excessive effort to move around the work space during a project.

Background Art

[0003] A small parts drawer cabinet is a type of storage cabinet designed to store small items. The cabinet typically has several drawers, each of which can be used to store different types of small items. The drawers are typically made of metal or plastic and are often labeled to indicate the type of items stored in the drawer. Small parts drawer cabinets are often used in workshops, garages, and other areas where it is necessary to store various small items. Such drawer cabinets can also be used in the home to store items such as screws, nails, bolts, and other hardware.

[0004] While small parts drawer cabinets are considered a convenient way to organize small items, they have several drawbacks. One drawback is that it can be difficult to keep the small parts drawer cabinet organized. For example, it is easy to lose track of which drawer contains a particular item without labeling the drawers. Additionally, when there are a large number of specific items to be stored, the drawers can quickly become cluttered and may jam if the drawers are opened quickly.

[0005] Another drawback is that many small parts drawer cabinets are relatively expensive. For example, small parts drawer cabinets made from high-quality materials such as metal or wood can be very expensive. Furthermore, the cost can increase if certain features such as built-in dividers or locks are included. Yet another drawback of small parts drawer cabinets is that they can be bulky. For example, conventional small parts drawer cabinets can take up a lot of valuable workbench space, or even valuable floor space, if there are many items to be stored in them. Furthermore, many small parts drawer cabinets are difficult to move around in, especially when filled with small items.

[0006] Therefore, what is needed is a drawer system that allows easy access to various small parts or raw materials without occupying excessive space on the workbench or requiring significant effort to move around the workspace during a project. [Overview of the project]

[0007] Apparatus and method are provided for a multi-tray assembly that allows easy access to various small parts or raw materials. The multi-tray assembly comprises one or more tray assemblies, a mounting section, and an axle that connects the tray assemblies to the mounting section. The mounting section is configured to be mounted on the underside of a countertop or workbench. Each tray assembly holds a tray and is rotatable relative to the mounting section. Protrusions arranged around the outer circumference of each tray assembly facilitate the use of fingers to move the tray assembly relative to the mounting section. The axle has a length for connecting one or more tray assemblies to the mounting section, and the diameter of the axle allows the tray assemblies to rotate. During use, the tray assemblies can be quickly and easily rotated from below the countertop or workbench to access the stored articles.

[0008] In a typical embodiment, the device for storing articles comprises one or more tray assemblies, a mounting section, and an axle for connecting one or more tray assemblies to the mounting section.

[0009] In another typical embodiment, the mounting portion is configured to be attached to the underside of a countertop or workbench. In another typical embodiment, the mounting portion includes a plurality of holes configured to accommodate hardware fasteners for mounting the mounting portion under a countertop or workbench. In another typical embodiment, each of one or more tray assemblies is configured to hold a tray and be rotatable relative to the mounting portion.

[0010] In another typical embodiment, each of one or more tray assemblies comprises a tray support and a tray assembly including a support. In another typical embodiment, the tray support comprises a ring-shaped member having a central opening configured to accommodate a tray of appropriate shape and size configured to hold articles. In another typical embodiment, the tray support has a diameter configured to support the tray. In another typical embodiment, the tray support is made of a rigid material capable of supporting the combined weight of the tray and the articles stored within without warping or bending. In another typical embodiment, a plurality of protrusions are arranged around the outer circumference of the tray support and configured to facilitate the use of fingers to move the tray assembly relative to the mounting portion. In another typical embodiment, the plurality of protrusions comprises five protrusions substantially uniformly distributed around the tray support.

[0011] In another typical embodiment, the support constitutes a reinforcing portion configured to connect the tray support to the mounting portion. In another typical embodiment, the support is configured to maintain the orientation of the tray support relative to the mounting portion. In yet another typical embodiment, the support is configured to support the tray support, the total weight of the tray, and the total weight of the articles stored in the tray.

[0012] In another typical embodiment, the support includes a reinforcing hole configured to accommodate an axle. In another typical embodiment, the reinforcing hole has an inner diameter that allows the axle to rotate within the hole so that the tray assembly can rotate relative to the mounting portion. In another typical embodiment, the axle is held within the reinforcing hole by a snap pin. In another typical embodiment, the material constituting the support surrounding the reinforcing hole is configured to slide over the snap pin when the tray assembly is rotated relative to the mounting portion.

[0013] In another typical embodiment, the axle comprises a single-tray axle configured to connect one tray assembly to a mounting portion. In another typical embodiment, the single-tray axle has an outer diameter sized to receive into reinforcing holes that constitute a support portion. In another typical embodiment, the single-tray axle includes a snap-pin hole and a parallel recess configured to fixate a snap-pin so that the tray assembly is slidably connected to the mounting portion.

[0014] In another typical embodiment, a single-tray axle has a length that accommodates one tray assembly positioned between the mounting portion and the snap pin. In another typical embodiment, the axle comprises a four-tray axle configured to connect four tray assemblies to the mounting portion. In another typical embodiment, the axle comprises a three-tray axle configured to connect three tray assemblies to the mounting portion. In another typical embodiment, the axle comprises a two-tray axle configured to connect two tray assemblies to the mounting portion.

[0015] In a typical embodiment, a method for storing articles includes forming one or more tray assemblies, configuring a mounting section to support one or more tray assemblies, and configuring an axle for connecting one or more tray assemblies to the mounting section.

[0016] In another typical embodiment, configuring a mounting part includes configuring the mounting part to be attached to the underside of a countertop or workbench. In another typical embodiment, configuring a mounting part includes forming a plurality of holes to accommodate hardware fasteners for mounting the mounting part under a countertop or workbench. In another typical embodiment, forming one or more tray assemblies includes configuring each of one or more tray assemblies to hold a tray and be rotatable relative to the mounting part.

[0017] In another typical embodiment, forming each of one or more tray assemblies includes forming a tray support and a support that constitute the tray assembly. In another typical embodiment, forming a tray support includes forming a ring-shaped member having a central opening to accommodate a tray of appropriate shape and size. In another typical embodiment, forming a tray support includes setting the diameter of the tray support to support a tray. In another typical embodiment, forming a tray support includes using a rigid material that can support the combined weight of the tray and the weight of the stored articles without warping or bending. In another typical embodiment, forming a tray support includes arranging a plurality of protrusions around the outer circumference of the tray support and configuring a plurality of protrusions to facilitate the use of fingers to move the tray assembly relative to the mounting portion. In another typical embodiment, arranging a plurality of protrusions includes distributing five protrusions substantially evenly around the tray support.

[0018] In another typical embodiment, forming the support includes configuring a reinforcing portion for connecting the tray support to the mounting portion. In another typical embodiment, forming the support includes configuring the support to maintain the orientation of the tray support relative to the mounting portion. In another typical embodiment, forming the support includes configuring the support to support the tray support, the total weight of the tray, and the total weight of the articles stored in the tray.

[0019] In another typical embodiment, forming the support includes configuring a reinforcing hole to accommodate an axle. In another typical embodiment, configuring the reinforcing hole includes setting the inner diameter of the reinforcing hole so that the axle can rotate within the hole so that the tray assembly can rotate relative to the mounting portion. In another typical embodiment, configuring the axle includes configuring the axle so that it is held within the reinforcing hole by a snap pin. In another typical embodiment, configuring the reinforcing hole includes configuring a material that constitutes a support surrounding the reinforcing hole so that it slides over the snap pin when the tray assembly is rotated relative to the mounting portion.

[0020] In another typical embodiment, configuring an axle includes configuring a single tray axle to connect one tray assembly to a mounting portion. In another typical embodiment, configuring a single tray axle includes sizing the outer diameter of the single tray axle to receive into a reinforcing hole having a support portion. In another typical embodiment, configuring a single tray axle includes configuring a snap pin hole and a parallel recess to fixately accommodate a snap pin so that the tray assembly is slidably connected to the mounting portion.

[0021] In another exemplary embodiment, configuring a single tray axle includes forming the length of a single tray axle that receives one tray assembly disposed between the mounting portion and the snap pin. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring an axle includes configuring a four-tray axle that couples four tray assemblies to the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring an axle includes configuring a three-tray axle that is configured to couple three tray assemblies to the mounting portion. In another exemplary embodiment, configuring an axle includes configuring a two-tray axle that is configured to couple two tray assemblies to the mounting portion.

[0022] These and other features of the concepts provided herein can be better understood in relation to the drawings, description, and appended claims.

[0023] The drawings refer to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] An upper isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a tray assembly and a mounting portion configured to provide easy access to one or more types of small parts or raw materials according to the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 2] A lower isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a tray assembly and a mounting portion configured to provide easy access to one or more types of small parts or raw materials according to the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 3] A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a group of axles of different sizes that may be incorporated into a tray assembly according to the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 4] A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a multi-tray assembly comprising three tray assemblies according to the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 5] A top view of an exemplary embodiment of a multi-tray assembly comprising three tray assemblies according to the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 6]A bottom perspective view of a typical use environment with a bar or kitchen is shown, where the multi tray assembly is fastened below the countertop to provide easy access to one or more raw materials.s **DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION**

[0025] While the present disclosure admits of various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the multi tray assembly and method disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, specific numerical references such as "the first tray" may be made. However, the specific numerical references should not be construed as literal sequential order, and "the first tray" should be construed as being different from "the second tray". Thus, the specific details described are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and also considered within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The term "coupled" is defined to mean that a component is directly connected to or indirectly connected to a component through another component. Further, as used herein, the terms "about", "approximately", or "substantially" with respect to any numerical or range indicate a suitable dimensional tolerance that allows a part or collection of components to function for its intended purpose as described herein.

[0027] Conventional small parts drawer cabinets are considered a convenient way to organize small items, but they have several drawbacks. One drawback is that it can be difficult to keep small parts drawer cabinets organized. For example, without labeling the drawers, it is easy to lose track of which drawer contains which item. Furthermore, when there are many items to be stored, the drawers can quickly become cluttered and may jam when opened quickly. Another drawback of conventional small parts drawer cabinets is that they are bulky and, when there are many items to be stored, can take up a lot of valuable space on the workbench, countertop, or even floor space. Embodiments presented herein provide a multi-tray assembly that allows easy access to various small parts or raw materials without taking up excessive space on the workbench or requiring considerable effort to move around the workspace during a project.

[0028] Figures 1 and 2 show typical embodiments of a tray assembly 100 and mounting section 104 according to the present disclosure, configured to provide easy access to one or more types of small parts or raw materials without occupying excessive space on a workbench or requiring significant effort to move around the workspace during a project. The mounting section 104 is configured to be fastened or otherwise attached to the underside of a countertop or workbench, while the tray assembly 100 is configured to hold a tray that can be rotated relative to the mounting section 104. In the illustrated embodiments, the mounting section 104 includes a plurality of holes 102 configured to accommodate hardware fasteners for mounting the mounting section 104 under a countertop or workbench. The holes 102 may be countersunk, counterbored, or otherwise machined to receive any of a variety of hardware fasteners, but are not limited to these.

[0029] The tray assembly 100 comprises a tray support 108 and a support 112. The tray support 108 generally comprises a ring-shaped member having a central opening 116. The opening 116 is configured to accommodate a tray of appropriate shape and size, such as the tray 120 shown in Figure 5, which is configured to hold a predetermined supply quantity of desired small parts or raw materials. As can be understood, the tray support 108 generally has a diameter configured to support the tray 120. Furthermore, the tray support 108 is preferably made of either a rigid material such as metal that does not warp or bend over time, or a variety of plastics that can support the weight of the tray 120 and the small parts or raw materials contained in the tray 120.

[0030] The support portion 112 constitutes a reinforcing portion of the tray assembly 100, which is configured to connect the tray support portion 108 to the mounting portion 104. The support portion 112 is also configured to maintain the orientation of the tray support portion 108 relative to the mounting portion 104. More specifically, the support portion 112 is configured to prevent the tray support portion 108 from sagging or bending downwards relative to the surface to which the mounting portion 104 is fastened. In this way, the support portion 112 is configured to support the total weight of the tray support portion 108, the tray 120, and any small parts or raw materials stored in the tray 120.

[0031] As previously described, the support portion 112 is configured to connect the tray support portion 108 to the mounting portion 104. As best shown in Figure 2, the support portion 112 includes a reinforcing hole 124 configured to accommodate the axle 128 that constitutes the mounting portion 104. As described herein, the reinforcing hole 124 is considered to have an inner diameter that allows the axle 128 to rotate within the hole 124, so that the tray assembly 100 can be rotated relative to the mounting portion 104. As shown in Figure 2, the axle 128 is held within the reinforcing hole 124 by a snap pin 132. As understood, the material constituting the support portion 112 surrounding the reinforcing hole 124 is essentially configured to "slide" over the snap pin 132 when the tray assembly 100 is rotated relative to the mounting portion 104. In other embodiments, any other suitable fastener may be used instead of, or in addition to, the snap pin 132.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a plurality of protrusions 136 are arranged around the outer circumference of the tray support 108. The protrusions 136 are configured to facilitate the worker moving the tray support 108 relative to the mounting portion 104 using their fingers. The protrusions 136 are particularly well suited to allowing the worker to select and move the desired tray support 108 without visual inspection, especially when multiple tray assemblies are stacked vertically as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, five protrusions 136 are distributed substantially uniformly around the tray support 108. However, it should be noted that, without limitation, any number of protrusions 136 may be distributed in any manner around the tray support 108 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a typical embodiment of a group 140 of axles of different sizes relating to the present disclosure, each of which may be coupled to a mounting portion 104 and incorporated into a tray assembly such as the tray assembly 100 in Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figure 3, the group 140 of axles comprises a 4-tray axle 144, a 3-tray axle 148, a 2-tray axle 152, and a 1-tray axle 156. The 1-tray axle 156 is substantially identical to the axle 128 in Figures 1 and 2, and is therefore configured to couple one tray assembly 100 to the mounting portion 104. Thus, the 1-tray axle 156 has an outer diameter sized to be received within the reinforcing hole 124, as described with respect to Figure 2. Furthermore, the 1-tray axle 156 has a length 157 sufficient to receive the 1-tray assembly 100 positioned between the mounting portion 104 and the snap pin 132. As shown in Figure 3, the single tray axle 156 includes a snap pin hole 160 and a parallel recess 164. As best shown in Figure 2, the snap pin hole 160 and recess 164 are configured to allow the snap pin 132 to be fixedly coupled to the axle 128 or the single tray axle 156 shown in Figure 3, so that the tray assembly 100 is slidably coupled to the mounting portion 104.

[0034] Continuing to refer to Figure 3, each of the four-tray axle 144, the three-tray axle 148, and the two-tray axle 152 is substantially similar to the one-tray axle 156, except that each axle 144, 148, and 152 has a length configured to support multiple tray assemblies 100. For example, the two-tray axle 152 has a length 153 configured to support two tray assemblies 100 and connect to the mounting section 104. The three-tray axle 148 has a length 149 configured to support three tray assemblies 100 and connect to the mounting section 104 (see, for example, Figure 4). Similarly, the four-tray axle 144 has a length 145 configured to support four tray assemblies 100 and connect to the mounting section 104. As further shown in Figure 3, each of the axles 144, 148, and 152 includes a snap pin hole 160 and a parallel recess 164 located at the outer end and configured to accommodate a snap pin 132, as shown in Figure 2. As described herein, the snap pin 132 is configured to support the tray assembly 100 in a sliding relationship with respect to the mounting portion 104. Furthermore, the snap pin hole 160 and the parallel recess 164 are configured to allow the tray assembly 100 directly adjacent to the snap pin 132 to slide on the snap pin 132 when the tray assembly 100 is rotated relative to the mounting portion 104.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a typical embodiment of a multi-tray assembly 168 comprising three tray assemblies according to the present disclosure. The multi-tray assembly 168 comprises an upper tray assembly 172, an intermediate tray assembly 176, and a lower tray assembly 180, which are coupled to a mounting section 104 by a three-tray axle 148. Comparing Figure 4 with Figure 1, it is readily apparent that each of the tray assemblies 172, 176, and 180 shown in Figure 4 is substantially identical to the tray assembly 100 shown in Figure 1. Thus, the tray assemblies 172, 176, and 180 are identical to one another and are therefore modular components that can be interchanged, rearranged, or replaced as needed. Thus, although there are three tray assemblies that make up the multi-tray assembly 168 shown in Figure 4, it can be understood that any number of identical tray assemblies may be coupled to axles of sufficient length to form a multi-tray assembly.

[0036] Referring now to Figure 5, a top view of the multi-tray assembly 168 of Figure 4 in which the tray 120 is installed is shown. More specifically, the tray 120 is located within the upper tray assembly 172, the middle tray assembly 176, and the lower tray assembly 180, respectively. As further shown in Figure 5, the protrusions 136 that make up each of the tray assemblies 172, 176, and 180 are used to rotate each of the tray assemblies 172, 176, and 180 to different positions relative to the mounting section 104. In the positions shown in Figure 5, any contents stored in the three trays 120 can be easily accessed as needed.

[0037] Furthermore, it should be noted that the tray 120 is not limited to the specific configuration shown in Figure 5. For example, in some embodiments, the tray 120 may include any of various organizational features, such as dividers that subdivide the storage area of ​​the tray 120. In some embodiments, the tray 120 may be monolithically formed to include dividers that provide smaller storage areas within the tray 120. In some embodiments, the tray 120 may be configured to accommodate optional dividers inserted into the tray 120 by a worker who wishes to further organize the stored items. Furthermore, the tray 120 may be configured to include, but not limited to, various colors, engravings, diagrams, symbols, letters, and any labels for use by a worker.

[0038] Figure 6 shows a downward perspective view of a typical usage environment 182 in which one or more raw materials can be easily accessed using a multi-tray assembly 184. The typical usage environment 182 includes a bar or kitchen with a countertop 188. The mounting section 104, which includes the multi-tray assembly 184, is fastened to the underside 192 of the countertop 188 by hardware fasteners 196. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 6, the hardware fasteners 196 constitute a screw. However, in other embodiments, the hardware fasteners 196 may constitute any suitable device for attaching the mounting section 104 to the underside 192, but are not limited to.

[0039] As can be understood, the multi-tray assembly 184 shown in Figure 6 is substantially identical to the multi-tray assembly 168 shown in Figure 5. Thus, the multi-tray assembly 184 comprises an upper tray assembly 172, an intermediate tray assembly 176, and a lower tray assembly 180, which are coupled to the mounting section 104 by a three-tray axle 148 and snap pins 132. Furthermore, a tray 120 is placed in each of the upper tray assembly 172, the intermediate tray assembly 176, and the lower tray assembly 180. As shown in Figure 6, the tray assemblies 172, 176, and 180 are all aligned with each other and positioned under the countertop 188. If the environment 182 is a bar, each of the tray assemblies 172, 176, and 180 may contain specific ingredients such as drink garnishes. For example, the upper tray assembly 172 may contain olives, while lemon slices are contained in the intermediate tray assembly 176 and salt in the lower tray assembly 180. The operator can quickly and easily access olives, lemon slices, or salt by simply pulling the protrusions 136 that make up tray assemblies 172, 176, and 180, respectively.

[0040] A method for a multi-tray assembly 168 that allows easy access to various small parts or raw materials may include forming one or more tray assemblies, configuring a mounting section 104 to support one or more tray assemblies, and configuring an axle 128 for connecting one or more tray assemblies to the mounting section 104. In some embodiments, configuring the mounting section 104 includes configuring the mounting section 104 to be mounted on the underside of a countertop or workbench. In some embodiments, configuring the mounting section 104 may include forming a plurality of holes 102 for accommodating hardware fasteners for mounting the mounting section 104 under a countertop or workbench. Furthermore, in some embodiments, forming one or more tray assemblies includes configuring each of the one or more tray assemblies to hold a tray and rotate relative to the mounting section 104.

[0041] In some embodiments, forming each of one or more tray assemblies may include forming a tray support 108 and a support 112 that constitute the tray assembly 100. In some embodiments, forming the tray support 108 includes forming a ring-shaped member having a central opening 116 for accommodating a tray 120 of appropriate shape and size. As understood, forming the tray support 108 may include setting the diameter of the tray support 108 to support the tray 120. Furthermore, in some embodiments, forming the tray support 108 may include using a rigid material that can support the combined weight of the tray 120 and the weight of the stored articles without warping or bending. Furthermore, in some embodiments, forming the tray support 108 may include arranging a plurality of protrusions 136 around the outer circumference of the tray support 108 and configuring the plurality of protrusions 136 to facilitate the use of fingers to move the tray assembly 100 relative to the mounting portion 104. However, in some embodiments, arranging multiple protrusions 136 involves distributing five protrusions 136 substantially uniformly around the tray support 108.

[0042] In some embodiments, forming the support portion 112 may include constituting a reinforcing portion for connecting the tray support portion 108 to the mounting portion 104. In some embodiments, forming the support portion 112 includes configuring the support portion 112 to maintain the orientation of the tray support portion 108 relative to the mounting portion 104. Furthermore, in some embodiments, forming the support portion 112 includes configuring the support portion 112 to support the total weight of the tray support portion 108, the tray 120, and the total weight of the articles stored in the tray 120.

[0043] In some embodiments, forming the support portion 112 may include configuring a reinforcing hole 124 for accommodating the axle 128. As understood, configuring the reinforcing hole 124 may, in some embodiments, include setting the inner diameter of the reinforcing hole 124 so that the axle 128 can rotate within the hole 124 so that the tray assembly 100 can rotate relative to the mounting portion 104. In some embodiments, configuring the axle 128 may include configuring the axle 128 to be held within the reinforcing hole 124 by a snap pin 132. Furthermore, in some embodiments, configuring the reinforcing hole 124 includes configuring the material that constitutes the support portion 112 so that it slides on the snap pin 132 when the tray assembly 100 is rotated relative to the mounting portion 104.

[0044] In some embodiments, the method for a multi-tray assembly 168 may include configuring an axle 128 to connect one or more tray assemblies to a mounting portion 104. In some embodiments, configuring the axle 128 includes configuring a single-tray axle 156 to connect one tray assembly 100 to the mounting portion 104. Furthermore, in some embodiments, configuring the single-tray axle 156 includes sizing the outer diameter of the single-tray axle 156 to be received within a reinforcing hole 124 that constitutes a support portion 112. In some embodiments, configuring the single-tray axle 156 may include configuring a snap pin hole 160 and a parallel recess 164 to fixally accommodate a snap pin 132 so that the tray assembly 100 is slidably connected to the mounting portion 104.

[0045] Furthermore, in some embodiments, configuring a single tray axle 156 includes forming the length of a single tray axle 156 that receives one tray assembly 100 positioned between the mounting portion 104 and the snap pin 132. In some embodiments, configuring an axle 128 may include configuring a four-tray axle 144 to connect four tray assemblies 100 to the mounting portion 104. In some embodiments, configuring an axle 128 may include configuring a three-tray axle 148 configured to connect three tray assemblies 100 to the mounting portion 104. Furthermore, in some embodiments, configuring an axle 128 may include configuring a two-tray axle 152 configured to connect two tray assemblies 100 to the mounting portion 104.

[0046] While multi-tray assemblies and methods are described with respect to specific modifications and illustrative figures, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the multi-tray assemblies are not limited to the described modifications or figures. Furthermore, where the aforementioned methods and steps describe specific events occurring in a specific order, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the order of the specific steps may be changed, and such changes will be in accordance with the modifications of the multi-tray assembly. Furthermore, some of the steps may be performed simultaneously in parallel processing if possible, or sequentially as described above. To the extent that there are modifications of the multi-tray assembly that are within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure or equivalent to the multi-tray assembly found in the claims, this patent is intended to encompass those modifications as well. Accordingly, this disclosure should be understood not to be limited by the specific embodiments described herein, but only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for storing articles, One or more tray assemblies and The mounting part and an axle that connects one or more tray assemblies to a mounting part, A device equipped with the following features.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of one or more tray assemblies comprises a tray support and a tray assembly including the support.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the tray support portion comprises a ring-shaped member having a central opening configured to accommodate a tray of an appropriate shape and size configured to store articles.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the tray support is made of a rigid material that can support the combined weight of the tray and the stored items without warping or bending.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of protrusions are arranged around the outer circumference of the tray support and are configured to facilitate the use of fingers to move the tray assembly relative to the mounting portion.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of protrusions comprises five protrusions substantially uniformly distributed around the tray support portion.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support portion constitutes a reinforcing portion configured to connect the tray support portion to the mounting portion.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the support portion is configured to maintain the orientation of the tray support portion relative to the mounting portion.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the support portion is configured to support the tray support portion, the total weight of the tray, and the total weight of the articles stored in the tray.

10. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support portion includes a reinforcing hole configured to accommodate an axle.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the reinforcing hole has an inner diameter that allows the axle to rotate within the hole so that the tray assembly can be rotated relative to the mounting portion.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the axle is held in a reinforcing hole by a snap pin.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the material constituting the support portion surrounding the reinforcing hole is configured to slide on the snap pin when the tray assembly is rotated relative to the mounting portion.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the axle comprises a one-tray axle configured to connect one tray assembly to a mounting portion.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the tray axle has an outer diameter of a size that allows it to be received in a reinforcing hole that constitutes a support portion.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the tray axle includes a snap pin hole and a parallel recess configured to fixate a snap pin so that the tray assembly is slidably coupled to the mounting portion.

17. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein one tray axle has a length to receive one tray assembly positioned between the mounting portion and the snap pin.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the axle comprises a four-tray axle configured to connect four tray assemblies to a mounting portion.

19. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the axle comprises a three-tray axle configured to connect three tray assemblies to a mounting portion.

20. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the axle comprises a two-tray axle configured to connect two tray assemblies to a mounting portion.

Images