System for optimizing the accessibility of a storage compartment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for removing and making accessible the contents of a storage compartment (20) that is movable with respect to a fixed furniture support (10), the system comprising:—first guide means (1, 5) for guiding the storage compartment in a horizontal movement in translation, said first guide means comprising rails (1) that have a horizontal main section (1A) and an end section (1B) that is curved or inclined with respect to the main section,—second guide means (2) for guiding the storage compartment in a vertical movement in translation, in front of said fixed furniture support,—first following means (3, 4A), such as rollers and / or runners, that are fixed to the movable storage compartment and are able to engage with the first guide means,—second following means (4A, 4B), such as rollers, that are fixed to the movable storage compartment and are able to engage with the second guide means, the first guide means (1, 5) having an extremity that ends the curved or inclined end section (1B) thereof, on the front side, and coincides with an inlet of the second guide means (2).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to the field of furniture systems and proposes a solution to improve the accessibility of storage compartments arranged at height.[0002]More precisely, the present invention relates to a system for removing and making accessible the contents of a storage compartment, such as a storage compartment provided in a kitchen cupboard located at height.STATE OF THE ART[0003]Known from the state of the art are many types of storage compartments intended to be integrated into cupboards, such as drawers, having devices, typically based on arrangements of rails and slides, to make the contents of these compartments accessible.[0004]However, whether these storage compartments are made accessible by means of drawers, or by means of rails, doors, hatches, including being equipped with means of assistance such as pneumatic cylinders or electric motors, it is well known that accessibility to the all of volume of a storage compar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The system in this patent makes it easy to access storage spaces that are integrated into furniture supports, like kitchen furniture. It's designed to be simple and reliable, with minimal parts needed for manufacturing. Additionally, it can be easily integrated into existing furniture units.

Problems solved by technology

However, whether these storage compartments are made accessible by means of drawers, or by means of rails, doors, hatches, including being equipped with means of assistance such as pneumatic cylinders or electric motors, it is well known that accessibility to the all of volume of a storage compartment located at height is often problematic.

In particular, access to all the contents of such a storage compartment is difficult.

Usually, it is normal, for users, to go up to the height of the storage compartment, for example using a small stepladder, which is often inconvenient, or even dangerous.

However, these known devices have many disadvantages.

Indeed, in non-motorised devices, use is generally made of a deformable parallelogram system, which means leaving all the space close to the inner side walls of the furniture available for its movement in operation.

This usage prevents the conventional fixing of shelves in addition to said systems.

From this it stems naturally that the weight potentially displaced is considerable and that the structure consequently has to be dimensioned, with high associated complexity, cost and bulk.

In particular a difficulty remains in managing the balance of these two forces—the restoring and gravity forces.

Indeed, if the restoring force generated by the restoring elements is too weak, it will be difficult to return the loaded device to high position.

Conversely, if the restoring force is too great, it becomes necessary, when empty, to produce an effort to lower the storage compartment and to maintain the device in low position.

Naturally, the greater the potential weight of the items to be placed in such a storage compartment, the more the compromise between these two extremes is difficult to determine.

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