Rotary shelf assembly mechanism having a post height adjustment device and a novel shelf construction and self retaining element for securing the shelves to the post

Abstract

A rotary shelf assembly mechanism has shelves mounted on a vertical post arrangement formed by a first lower post and a second upper post. The mechanism is connected to a cabinet by upper and lower mounting brackets interacting with the top and bottom of the cabinet to support the posts and shelves carried thereby. The mechanism is mounted in the corner of the cabinet. To fit the mechanism within the cabinet, a height adjustment device is formed by positioning the second upper post in the upper end of the first lower post for slidable movement therebetween. When securement of the two joined posts and mounted shelves is desired, the slidably movable second upper post is extended upwardly until it engages the upper mounting bracket mounted on the cabinet. An elongated recess in the second upper post aligns with an opening in the first lower post, and a threaded member extends into a casting positioned within the upper post. The threaded member is tightened to engage the casting and secure the two posts in a shelf-retaining and rotational mode. The height adjustment device enables quick and efficient installation of the mechanism within the cabinet interior. The mechanism also includes a one piece shelf construction having a post-securing section and a shelf-retaining pin.

Description

[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part application of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 640,052 filed Aug. 17, 2000 now abandoned.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a rotary shelf construction and assembly and to a shelf-supporting post height adjustment device to secure the post and carried shelves in a pre-selected relationship within the cabinet along with a shelf sustaining element to enable the speedy attachment and detachment of shelves to the post.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]It has been common practice to provide corner kitchen cabinet shelves of a rotatable or “Lazy Susan” type. Such shelves are desirable because, without them, much cabinet space in the corner either above or below the kitchen counter is wasted due to the inaccessibility of items well back in the corner.[0006]One of the problems encountered with such a structure is the variance of non-uniform distances bet...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a rotary shelf assembly wherein the height of the shelf assembly can be easily adjusted.

[0017]Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a rotary shelf assembly for use in corner areas of kitchen cabinets than can be expeditiously and efficiently installed within the cabinet frame without the tedious assembly of a combination of components.

[0019]The present invention is a post height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of a rotary shelf assembly and enabling the speedy and efficient installation of the assembly within the cabinet frame. The adjustment mechanism includes a first tubular post and a second tubular post sized to be telescopically received within the first or top end of the first tubular post and having an elongated recess extending longitudinally along the axis of the second tubular post. The first tubular post has an opening to receive a mating screw extendable through a wall of the first post and securably extending into the elongated recess to attach to a casting member within the second tubular post to the first tubular post at a pre-selected location thus configuring the joined posts to the precise distance between the first and second mounting brackets and avoiding rotational shelf / post slippage. The advantages associated with this configuration include the ability to detach the first tubular post from the second tubular post and consolidate the shelf assembly for shipping.

Problems solved by technology

Such shelves are desirable because, without them, much cabinet space in the corner either above or below the kitchen counter is wasted due to the inaccessibility of items well back in the corner.

One of the problems encountered with such a structure is the variance of non-uniform distances between the top and bottom of the cabinet thus requiring some accommodation for the length of the post in order for the post and shelves to fit and function properly within the cabinet.

While the reference discloses a workable combination, it does require an end cap to slide over the upper end of the lower post thus allowing a key formed on the upper bracket to fit within the formed channel in the upper post, a combination of elements obviously more expensive than desired.

This fitting prevents rotational slippage, however it does not provide vertical adjustability.

All of these references disclose workable vertically adjustable features, however some wear excessively after frequent use.

All of these adjustments are somewhat troublesome, time consuming, relatively expensive and oftentimes laborious.

In addition, some of the prior art references relating to adjusting the height of a shelf assembly require the use of special tools, and frequently the adjusting mechanisms were not easily accessible.

Usually it is necessary to utilize several elements in combination to accomplish this securement thus making shelf securement rather expensive and time consuming.

Shelves made of multiple components are expensive and involve considerable time and adjustment when installed.

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