Rotating and segmented shelving for a refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator with rotating and segmented shelving has a cabinet with at least one round internal compartment, a shaft centered within the compartment, and segments connecting to the shaft. The invention may also provide a motor connected to the shaft for rotating it and the shelving. Preferably, the shaft has a square cross section that receives up to four segments in a common plane. The shaft uses connections that receive the segments. Alternatively, the shaft has a round cross section for up to six segments upon a common plane. Each segment has a narrow nose that fits into the connection upon the shaft and an opposite wide edge outwardly towards the cabinet. Alternatively the cabinet or a door is at least partially transparent. A user may arrange shelf segments at different planes, thus accommodating foods and beverages of varying heights.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The rotating and segmented shelving for a refrigerator generally relates to refrigerator appliances and more specifically to a rotating shelving system. More particularly, the invention has a central motorized shaft that receives the narrow portion of a segment in a cantilever arrangement.[0002]Through the mists of time, people have had to eat. Early on, people hunted game and consumed it immediately. Years later, people would take game to caves, or other cold places, to preserve it. Focusing on cold as a preservation method, people sought ways to manufacture cold, that is, chill food. In the last three centuries, people utilized ice to chill food placed in caves or insulated buildings. Ice houses would harvest ice during winter, store the ice in straw filled warehouses or caves, and place food within the ice. Caves come in many shapes while warehouses have a generally rectangular form with a pitched roof for drainage.[0003]About two centuries ago, E...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a refrigerator with rotating shelves and transparent doors that allow users to easily see and access the contents without having to lean into the refrigerator. This design prevents perishable items from going bad by advancing them forward from time to time, reducing energy demand and promoting freshness.

Problems solved by technology

Though this motor turns the shelves, the shelves do not complete an entire rotation.

Thus, this cooler does not provide access to beverages at the rear of the shelves.

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