Shelf with bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism

Abstract

A shelving system includes a cabinet including a product receiving area. The product receiving area includes a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. A shelving member is disposed between the first side and the second side. The shelving member includes a first side portion and a second side portion. One of the first side portion and the second side portion includes a first shelving support and a second shelving support. A bi-directional slide and tilt system is mounted to one of the first side and the second side of the product receiving area. The bi-directional slide and tilt system includes a first portion that receives the first shelving support and a second portion that receives the second shelving support. The first portion and the second portion facilitate sliding and tilting of the shelving relative to the product receiving area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of shelf systems, and more specifically, to a shelf having a bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Various shelf systems include shelves that can slide out of the housing. In some cases, the shelves may be able to tilt downwards to facilitate access to items supported on them. Typically, the top or uppermost shelf can tilt downwards to provide enhanced access. The shelves can slide outwards from end stops and, at a certain point, can tilt downwards. This downward tilting is not achieved by any particular mechanism, but is facilitated by the spacing between the shelves and the height of the storage unit. That is, the shelves themselves may tilt downwards as they are pulled a certain distance from the housing.

[0003] Typically, storage units or shelves include a rear stop to prevent insertion beyond a certain point. This, for example, prevents the storage unit or shelf from falling out of the rear portion of the housing. Furthermore, the use of the stop allows the housing to include a single locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized removal of the storage unit or shelf. Many current shelf systems include a loading end and a removal end.

[0004] More specifically, the shelf can slide in a first direction to be loaded and in a second direction to be unloaded. Loading and unloading the upper shelf can be difficult for some individuals. Simply allowing the shelf to hang downwards for loading or unloading can lead to accidents such as the shelf falling off the cabinet. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a shelf system that includes shelves, particularly the uppermost shelf, having a bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism to enhance access to products. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a non-limiting example, a shelf system is disclosed, comprising a cabinet including a product receiving area. The product receiving area includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, a first side, and a second side opposite to the first side. The first and second sides extend between the first and second ends. A shelf member is disposed between the first and second sides. The shelf member includes a first side portion and a second side portion. One of the first and second side portions includes a first shelf support and a second shelf support. A bidirectional sliding and tilting system is mounted to one of the first and second sides of the product receiving area. The bidirectional sliding and tilting system includes a first portion receiving the first shelf support and a second portion receiving the second shelf support. The first and second portions facilitate sliding and tilting of the shelf relative to the product receiving area.

[0006] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include a first portion comprising a first track extending at a first angle relative to one of a first side and a second side, and a second portion comprising a second track extending at a second angle relative to one of the first side and the second side, the second angle being different from the first angle.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include a first track comprising a first segment extending toward a first end and a second segment extending toward a second end, and a second track comprising a third segment extending toward the first end and a fourth segment extending toward the second end.

[0008] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include a switching member mounted to one of the first and second sides, the switching member being selectively positioned in a first configuration connecting a first segment of the first rail to a fourth segment of the second rail and in a second configuration connecting a second segment of the first rail to a third segment of the second rail.

[0009] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include an activation system for selectively shifting a switching component between a first configuration and a second configuration.

[0010] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include an activation system comprising a first portion mounted on a shelf member and a second portion mounted on a switch member.

[0011] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include a first portion of the activation system comprising a member projecting outward from one of a first side portion and a second side portion between a first shelf support and a second shelf support.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include a component comprising a first magnet, and a second portion of the activation system comprising a second magnet.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include wherein the second magnet comprises a first magnetic element disposed at a first end section of the switching member and a second magnetic element disposed at a second end section of the switching member.

[0014] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include a second portion of the activation system comprising a first cam surface and a second cam surface.

[0015] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include a first cam surface including a first cam angle and a second cam surface including a second cam angle.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include a first cam surface and a second cam surface intersecting at a point formed by a first angle and a second angle.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include an activation mechanism comprising a first portion mounted to one of the first and second sides and operatively connected to a switching member, and a second portion extending between the first and second ends of one of the first and second sides.

[0018] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include a first portion being a first gear and a second portion being a second gear.

[0019] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include wherein the second gear is a worm gear.

[0020] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include an angle control lever extending below the shelf member between a first end and a second end.

[0021] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include wherein the shelf member, when in an inclined configuration, is supported only by one of a first shelf support and a second shelf support and an angle control rod.

[0022] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include an angle control member that limits the tilt of the shelf member to a specific angle.

[0023] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include a second part of the bidirectional sliding and tilting system comprising an end stop.

[0024] In addition to or as an alternative to one or more features described above or below, further embodiments may include a second portion of the bidirectional sliding and tilting system comprising a first track element and a second track element spaced apart from the first track element, wherein one of a first shelf support and a second shelf support passing through the second portion is constrained between the first track element and the second track element.

[0025] The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of this disclosure, will become readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.

[0026] The present invention also includes the following technical solutions.

[0027] Technical Solution 1. A shelf system, comprising:

[0028] The cabinet includes a product receiving area, which includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the first side and the second side extending between the first end and the second end;

[0029] A shelf member disposed between a first side portion and a second side portion, the shelf member including a first side portion and a second side portion, one of the first side portion and the second side portion including a first shelf support and a second shelf support; and

[0030] A bidirectional sliding and tilting system is installed on one of the first and second sides of the product receiving area. The bidirectional sliding and tilting system includes a first portion receiving a first shelf support and a second portion receiving a second shelf support. The first and second portions facilitate sliding and tilting of the shelf relative to the product receiving area.

[0031] Technical Solution 2. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the first portion includes a first track extending at a first angle relative to one of the first side and the second side, and the second portion includes a second track extending at a second angle relative to one of the first side and the second side, the second angle being different from the first angle.

[0032] Technical Solution 3. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 2, wherein the first track includes a first section extending toward a first end and a second section extending toward a second end, and the second track includes a third section extending toward the first end and a fourth section extending toward the second end.

[0033] Technical Solution 4. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 3 further includes a switch member installed on one of the first side and the second side, the switch member being selectively positioned in a first configuration connecting a first section of the first track to a fourth section of the second track and in a second configuration connecting a second section of the first track to a third section of the second track.

[0034] Technical Solution 5. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 4, further comprising an activation system for selectively shifting a switching member between a first configuration and a second configuration.

[0035] Technical Solution 6. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 5, wherein the activation system includes a first part mounted on the shelf member and a second part mounted on the switch member.

[0036] Technical Solution 7. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 6, wherein the first part of the activation system includes a member protruding outward from one of the first side portion and the second side portion between the first shelf support and the second shelf support.

[0037] Technical Solution 8. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 7, wherein the component includes a first magnet, and the second part of the activation system includes a second magnet.

[0038] Technical Solution 9. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 8, wherein the second magnet includes a first magnet element disposed at a first end section of the switching member and a second magnet element disposed at a second end section of the switching member.

[0039] Technical Solution 10. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 7, wherein the second part of the activation system includes a first cam surface and a second cam surface.

[0040] Technical Solution 11. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 10, wherein the first cam surface includes a first cam angle, and the second cam surface includes a second cam angle.

[0041] Technical Solution 12. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 11, wherein the first cam surface and the second cam surface intersect at a point formed by the first angle and the second angle.

[0042] Technical Solution 13. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 5, wherein the activation system includes a first portion mounted to one of the first side and the second side and operably connected to the switch member, and a second portion extending between the first end and the second end of one of the first side and the second side.

[0043] Technical Solution 14. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 13, wherein the first part is a first gear and the second part is a second gear.

[0044] Technical Solution 15. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 14, wherein the second gear is a worm gear.

[0045] Technical Solution 16. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 1 further includes an angle control rod extending below the shelf member between a first end and a second end.

[0046] Technical Solution 17. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 16, wherein the shelf member, when in an inclined configuration, is supported only by one of the first shelf support member and the second shelf support member and the angle control rod.

[0047] Technical Solution 18. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 17, wherein the angle control lever limits the tilt of the shelf member to a specific angle.

[0048] Technical Solution 19. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the second part of the bidirectional sliding and tilting system includes an end stop.

[0049] Technical Solution 20. The shelf system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the second part of the bidirectional sliding and tilting system includes a first track element and a second track element spaced apart from the first track element, and one of the first shelf support and the second shelf support passing through the second part is constrained between the first track element and the second track element. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Other features, advantages, and details appear by way of example only in the following specific embodiments, and implementers refer to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0051] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a cabinet including a shelving system with a bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism, based on a non-limiting example;

[0052] Figure 2 It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 1 Rear perspective view of the cabinet;

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a shelf member supported by a bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism, based on a non-limiting example;

[0054] Figure 4 It is based on a non-limiting example of a component without shelves. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism;

[0055] Figure 5It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 3 A perspective view of the shelf components;

[0056] Figure 6 It is based on the non-restrictive example in the middle position. Figure 3 A plan view of the switching components of the bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism;

[0057] Figure 7 It is a plan view of the switching member of the bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism in a first configuration according to a non-limiting example;

[0058] Figure 8 It is based on the non-restrictive example in the second configuration. Figure 3 A plan view of the switching components of the bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism;

[0059] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a shelf member for a bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism, according to another non-limiting example;

[0060] Figure 10 It is a plan view of a switch component in an intermediate position according to another non-limiting example;

[0061] Figure 11 It is a plan view of a switch component in a first configuration position according to another non-limiting example;

[0062] Figure 12 The illustration depicts a shelf member displaced toward the first end of a cabinet, according to another non-limiting example;

[0063] Figure 13 It is a plan view of a switch component in a second configuration according to another non-limiting example;

[0064] Figure 14 This is a perspective view based on another non-limiting example of a shelf component;

[0065] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism, based on yet another non-limiting example;

[0066] Figure 16 It is a schematic diagram of a bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism in a second configuration, according to yet another non-limiting example;

[0067] Figure 17 It is a schematic diagram of a bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism in a first configuration, according to yet another non-limiting example; and

[0068] Figure 18 This is based on yet another non-restrictive example. Figure 17 A schematic diagram of a bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism, showing a shelf member in an tilted position. Detailed Implementation

[0069] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding parts and features.

[0070] According to non-limiting examples, cabinets are typically... Figure 1 The number 10 indicates that the cabinet 10 includes a support frame 11. Figure 3 This is defined as multiple product receiving areas 12a-12i arranged as a first or top row 15, a second or middle row 17, and a third or bottom row 19. Reference will now be made to... Figures 2-4 And continue to refer to Figure 1 Describe product receiving area 12c, where it is understood that product receiving areas 12a and 12b include similar structures.

[0071] According to a non-limiting example, product receiving area 12c includes a first or product delivery end 22 and a second or product loading end 24 opposite to the first end 22. Product receiving area 12c also includes a first side 28 and a second side 30. The first side 28 and the second side 30 extend between the first end 22 and the second end 24. Product receiving area 12c includes a door 32 at the first end 22. Cabinet 10 includes a cover 35 that closes the second end 24 of each product receiving area 12a-12i. Figure 2 The cover 35 can be opened, thereby exposing all product receiving areas 12a-12i to allow cabinet 10 to load products. The products can then be retrieved by an individual authorized to open, for example, door 32. In a non-limiting example, product receiving area 12c includes an angle control lever 38. Figure 4 Angle control lever 38 extends from the first end 22 to the second end 24 between the first side 28 and the second side 30. The angle control lever 38 includes a first angled support surface 40 at the first end 22 and a second angled support surface 42 at the second end 24.

[0072] In a non-limiting example, the product receiving area 12c includes a shelf member 44 supporting, for example, one or more products. In this non-limiting example, the shelf member 44 is bidirectional. That is, the shelf member 44 can slide outward from a first end 22 and tilt downward relative to the first end 22 to facilitate product delivery, and can also slide outward from a second end 24 and tilt downward relative to the second end 24. When extending outward from the first end 22, the shelf member 44 can rest, for example, on a first angled support surface 40 to facilitate product retrieval and / or loading, as will be described in more detail herein. Similarly, when extending outward from the second end 24, the shelf member 44 can rest on a second angled support surface 42.

[0073] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the shelf member 44 includes a first end portion 46 and a second end portion 48. The second end portion 48 is opposite to the first end portion 46. The shelf member 44 also includes a first side portion 50 and a second side portion 52. The second side portion 52 is opposite to the first side portion 50. The first side portion 50 and the second side portion 52 extend between the first end portion 46 and the second end portion 48. The shelf member 44 also includes a base or article support surface 54. In a non-limiting example, the first side portion 50 includes a first shelf support 56 disposed near the first end portion 46 and a second shelf support 57 disposed near the second end portion 48. Similarly, the second side portion 52 includes a third shelf support 58 disposed near the first end portion 46 and a fourth shelf support 59 disposed near the second end portion 48.

[0074] In a non-limiting example, cabinet 10 includes a bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism 64 that facilitates sliding and tilting of shelf members 44 from each of the first end 22 and the second end 24 of the product receiving area 12c. Reference will now be made to... Figures 6-8 And continue to refer to Figure 4 A bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism 64 is described according to a non-limiting example. The bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism 64 is mounted to a first side 28. It should be understood that another bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism (not shown) is mounted to a second side 30.

[0075] According to a non-limiting example, the bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism 64 includes a first portion 66 that receives a first shelf support 56 and a second shelf support 57 when the shelf member 44 is received by the product receiving area 12c, and a second portion 68 that receives one of the first shelf support 56 and the second shelf support 57 when the shelf member slides out of the product receiving area 12c and tilts downward from the product receiving area 12c. The first portion 66 includes a first track 71, and the second portion 68 includes a second track 73. The first track 71 and the second track 73 are disposed on a first side portion 28. In a non-limiting example, the first track 71 extends relative to the first side portion 28 at a first angle, and the second track 73 extends relative to the first side portion 28 at a second angle. The first angle is different from the second angle.

[0076] In a non-limiting example, the first track 71 includes a first segment 77 and a second segment 78. The second track 73 includes a third segment 80 and a fourth segment 81. The third segment 80 includes a first track element 84 spaced apart from the second track element 85 to form a channel (not separately labeled). Similarly, the fourth segment 81 includes a third track element 87 spaced apart from the fourth track element 88 to form another channel (also not separately labeled). The first track element 84 is connected to the second track element 85 via a first end stop 90 adjacent to the first end 22, and the third track element 87 is connected to the fourth track element 88 via a second end stop 92 adjacent to the second end 24.

[0077] According to a non-limiting example, the bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism 64 includes a switch member 95 pivotally mounted to a first side 28. The switch member 95 is positioned between a first section 77 and a second section 78 of the first track 71 and a third section 80 and a fourth section 81 of the second track 73. The switch member 95 includes a first end section 97, a second end section 99, and an outer surface 102 extending between the first end section 97 and the second end section 99.

[0078] In a non-limiting example, the outer surface 102 supports a guide channel 104 defined by a first guide rail 106 and a second guide rail 107. The second guide rail 107 extends generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first guide rail 106. The spacing between the first guide rail 106 and the second guide rail 107 is the same as or substantially similar to the spacing between the first track element 84 and the second track element 85 and between the third track element 87 and the fourth track element 88. As will be detailed herein, the switching member 95 is pivotable such that when the shelf member 44 is switched out from the product receiving area 12c, the guide channel 104 selectively bridges between the second segment 78 of the first track 71 and the third segment 80 of the second track 73 (e.g., Figure 7 (as shown) and between the first segment 77 of the first track 71 and the fourth segment 81 of the second track 73 (as shown) Figure 8 (as shown in the image).

[0079] In a non-limiting example, the bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism 64 includes an activation mechanism 110 that causes the switching member 95 to rotate, such that the guide channel 104 selectively connects the first segment 77 with the fourth segment 81 and the second segment 78 with the third segment 80. In a non-limiting example, the activation mechanism 110 includes a first portion 112 disposed on the shelf member 44 and a second portion 114 disposed on the switching member 95. The first portion 112 includes a first member 116 mounted to the first side portion 50 and a second member 117 mounted to the second side portion 52. The first member 116 interacts with the switching member 95, while the second member 117 interacts with a switching member (not shown) disposed on the second side portion 30. In a non-limiting example, the first member 116 includes a first magnet 118, and the switching member 95 supports a second magnet 120, the second magnet 120 taking the form of a first magnet element 122 disposed at the first end segment 97 and a second magnet element 124 disposed at the second end segment 99.

[0080] In a non-limiting example, when the shelf member 44 resides within the product receiving area 12c, the switch member 95 is in the intermediate position, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. In the intermediate position, the first magnet 118 does not interact with the first magnet element 122 and the second magnet element 124. Further, the first shelf support 56 rests on the first section 77 of the first track 71, and the second shelf support 57 rests on the second section 78 of the first track 71. When the shelf member 44 is switched toward the first end 22, the first magnet 118 aligns with and repels the first magnet element 122, thereby causing the switching member 95 to... Figure 7 The rotation shown causes the guide channel 104 to bridge between the second section 78 of the first track 71 and the third section 80 of the second track 73. The rotation of the switch member 95 is constrained by the stop member 126.

[0081] The shelf member 44 continues to slide, causing the first shelf support 56 to move away from the first section 77 of the first track 71, and the second shelf support 57 to enter the third section 80. With the first shelf support 56 no longer supported by the first section 77, the shelf member 44 tilts downwards, as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. Continued sliding causes the second shelf support 57 to contact the first end stop 90 to prevent further movement. In this position, the shelf member 44 rests on the first angled support surface 40 of the angle control lever 38. The downwardly tilted shelf member 44 is more easily accessible. Similarly, the shelf member 44 can be accessed from the middle position ( Figure 6The first magnet 118 is redirected toward the second end 24, causing the first magnet 118 to repel the second magnet element 124, thereby causing the switch member 95 to connect the first section 77 and the fourth section 81. The rotation of the switch member 95 is constrained by the stop member 128. At this time, the shelf member 44 can be pulled out from the second end 24 and tilted downward to facilitate loading.

[0082] Now refer to Figures 9-13 (Where similar reference numerals denote corresponding parts in the respective views) Describes an activation system 129 according to another non-limiting example. The activation system 129 includes a first portion 134 disposed in the shelf member 44 ( Figure 8 The first portion 134 includes a first cam member 138 disposed on a first side portion 50 of the shelf member 44 and a second cam member 140 disposed on a second side portion 52 of the shelf member 44. As will be detailed herein, the first cam member 138 interacts with the switch member 95 disposed on the first side portion 28, and the second cam member 140 interacts with a second switch member (not shown) disposed on the second side portion 30.

[0083] In a non-limiting example, the second portion 136 includes a first cam surface 142 and a second cam surface 144 formed on the switching member 95. The first cam surface 142 and the second cam surface 144 meet at a point 146 defined within the switching member 95. The first cam surface 142 extends from point 146 toward a first end segment 97 at a first cam angle, and the second cam surface 144 extends from point 146 toward a second end segment 99 at a second cam angle. The second cam angle is substantially the same as the first cam angle.

[0084] In a non-limiting example, when the shelf member 44 resides within the product receiving area 12c, the switch member 95 is in the intermediate position, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown, the first cam member 138 is positioned below point 146. In the intermediate position, the first shelf support 56 rests on the first section 77 of the first track 71, and the second shelf support 57 rests on the second section 78 of the first track 71. When the shelf member 44 is switched toward the first end 22, the first cam member 138 acts on the first cam surface 142, thereby causing the switch member 95 to... Figure 11 The rotation shown in the diagram causes the guide channel 104 to connect the second segment 78 of the first track 71 with the third segment 80 of the second track 73.

[0085] The shelf member 44 continues to slide, causing the first shelf support 56 to transfer from the first section 77 of the first track 71, and the second shelf support 57 to pass through the guide channel 104 (e.g., Figure 11 and Figure 12 (as shown in the diagram) and enters the third section 80. With the first shelf support 56 no longer supported by the first section 77, the shelf member 44 tilts downwards, as shown in the diagram. Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. Continued sliding causes the second shelf support 57 to contact the first end stop 90 to prevent further movement. In this position, the shelf member 44 rests on the first angled support surface 40 of the angle control lever 38. The downwardly tilted shelf member 44 is more easily accessible. Similarly, the shelf member 44 can be accessed from the middle position ( Figure 10 The first cam member 138 is redirected toward the second end 24, causing it to act on the second cam surface 144 (e.g., Figure 13 As shown in the diagram, this causes the switch member 95 to pivot, so that the guide channel 104 connects the first section 77 and the fourth section 81. At this time, the shelf member 44 can be pulled out from the second end 24 and tilted downward to rest on the second angled support surface 42 to facilitate loading.

[0086] Now refer to Figure 14 and Figure 15 Describes a passive bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism 149 according to another non-limiting example. Passive should be understood as the bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism 149 facilitating sliding and tilting without requiring a switching member. In the non-limiting example, the bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism 149 includes a first portion 153 disposed on a shelf member 44.

[0087] The first portion 153 includes a first shelf support member 155 disposed at the lower edge of the first side portion 50 adjacent to the first end portion 46, and a second shelf support member 156 disposed at the upper edge of the first side portion 50 adjacent to the second end portion 48. Thus, the first shelf support member 155 and the second shelf support member 156 are spaced apart from each other along two axes: a first axis defining the length of the shelf member 44 and a second axis defining the height of the shelf member 44. It should be understood that additional similarly arranged shelf support members are provided on the second side portion 52.

[0088] According to a non-limiting example, the bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanism 149 includes a second portion 159 disposed on the first side 28, such as... Figure 15 As shown in the diagram. The second part 159 takes the form of a dual-track system 161 including a first track 167 and a second track 169. The first track 167 includes a first end 171 and a second end 172 having end stops (not shown). The second end 172 is opposite to the first end 171. The second track 169 includes a first end 174 and a second end 175 having end stops (also not shown). The second end 175 is opposite to the first end 174.

[0089] In a non-limiting example, a first end 171 of the first track 167 is arranged close to the first end 22, and a second end 172 of the first track 167 is spaced apart from the second end 24. The first end 171 of the first track 167 is lower than the second end 172 of the first track 167. In a non-limiting example, a first end 174 of the second track 169 is arranged close to the second end 24, and a second end 175 of the second track 169 is spaced apart from the first end 22. Further, the first end 174 of the second track 169 is lower than the second end 175 of the second track 169. It should be understood that the second side 30 includes similar first and second tracks (not shown).

[0090] In a non-limiting example, a first shelf support 155 is arranged in a first track 167, and a second shelf support 156 is arranged in a second track 169. In this non-limiting example, when the shelf member 44 is moved from the first end 22 of the cabinet 10, the first shelf support 155 is released from the first track 165. The shelf member 44 continues to move outward until the second shelf support 156 engages the end stop at the second end 175 of the second track 169. At this point, the shelf member 44 can tilt downward and rest on the first angled support surface 40 of the angle control lever 38, as... Figure 15 As shown in the image.

[0091] Similarly, when shelf member 44 is moved from the second end 24 of cabinet 10, the second shelf support 156 is released from the second track 169. Shelf member 44 continues to move outward until the first shelf support 155 engages the end stop at the second end 172 of the first track 167. At this point, shelf member 44 can tilt downward and rest on the first angled support surface 40 of angle control lever 38, as... Figure 15 As shown in the diagram. With this arrangement, the shelf member 44 can be more easily accessed from either side of the cabinet 10.

[0092] Now refer to Figures 16-18 Activation system 177 is described, which operates to switch member 95 between a forward sliding / tilting position and a backward sliding / tilting position. In a non-limiting example, activation system 177 includes a first portion 180 mounted to a first side 28 and connected to switch member 95, and a second portion 182 supported by a support frame 11 between a first end 22 and a second end 24. The first portion 180 includes a gear 184 operably connected to switch member 95. Thus, movement of gear 184 is directly transmitted to switch member 95, as will be discussed herein.

[0093] In a non-limiting example, the second portion 182 includes a shaft 186 coupled to a support frame 11 and extending between a first end 22 and a second end 24 of the cabinet 10. Shaft 186 supports a worm gear 188 operably connected to a gear 184. Shaft 186 also supports a handwheel 191, which, upon rotation, displaces a switch member 95. In a non-limiting example, the activation system 177 includes another gear 198 coupled to a switch member (not shown) on the second side 30. Another shaft 200 extends on the second side 30 between the first end 22 and the second end 24. The other shaft 200 supports another worm gear 210 operably connected to the other gear 198. Shaft 186 is operably connected to the other shaft 200 via a chain and sprocket system 220. With this arrangement, operation of the handwheel 191 activates the switch member 95 on the first side 26 and a switch member (not shown) on the second side 30. Furthermore, the handwheel 191 can be configured to simultaneously operate the switching components in each of the product receiving areas 12a-12c in the first row 15.

[0094] In a non-limiting example, the handwheel 191 can be rotated to position the switch member 95 such that the guide channel 104 connects the second section 78 of the first track 71 with the third section 80 of the second track 73 to facilitate the extraction of the shelf member 44 from the first end 22. The shelf member 44 is extracted, causing the first shelf support 56 to shift from the first section 77 of the first track 71, and the second shelf support 57 to pass through the guide channel 104 and enter the third section 80. With the first shelf support 56 no longer supported by the first section 77, the shelf member 44 tilts downwards, as... Figure 18 As shown in the diagram. Continued sliding causes the second shelf support 57 to contact the first end stop 90 to prevent further movement. In this position, the shelf member 44 rests on the first angled support surface 40 of the angle control lever 38. The downwardly tilted shelf member 44 is more easily accessible. Similarly, the handwheel can be operated, causing the switch member 95 to pivot, such that the guide channel 104 connects the first section 77 with the fourth section 81. The shelf member 44 can be transferred from the second end 24 and rest on the second angled support surface 42 in a manner similar to that described herein.

[0095] At this point, it should be understood that the disclosed non-limiting examples describe various systems that facilitate the removal and tilting of shelves from opposite ends of the cabinet. These systems include structures that support the shelves in a tilted position and, when tilted, also include structures for further outward movement. The sliding and tilting of the shelves facilitates the loading and removal of goods, particularly from shelves arranged in the top portion of the cabinet. Similarly, in addition to the mechanical systems described herein, bidirectional sliding and tilting mechanisms, including electrically activated systems, are conceivable.

[0096] While the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements therein without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to suit particular circumstances or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but rather to include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A shelf system comprising: The cabinet includes a product receiving area, which includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, the first side and the second side extending between the first end and the second end; A shelf member is arranged between a first side portion and a second side portion. The shelf member includes a first side portion and a second side portion, and one of the first side portion and the second side portion includes a first shelf support and a second shelf support. as well as A bidirectional sliding and tilting system is installed on one of the first and second sides of the product receiving area. The bidirectional sliding and tilting system includes a first portion receiving a first shelf support and a second portion receiving a second shelf support. The first and second portions facilitate sliding and tilting of the shelf relative to the product receiving area. The first portion includes a first track extending at a first angle relative to one of the first side portion and the second side portion, and the second portion includes a second track extending at a second angle relative to one of the first side portion and the second side portion, the second angle being different from the first angle.

2. The shelf system according to claim 1, wherein, The first track includes a first segment extending toward a first end and a second segment extending toward a second end, and the second track includes a third segment extending toward the first end and a fourth segment extending toward the second end.

3. The shelf system of claim 2, further comprising a switch member mounted to one of the first side and the second side, the switch member being selectively positioned in a first configuration connecting a first section of the first track to a fourth section of the second track and in a second configuration connecting a second section of the first track to a third section of the second track.

4. The shelf system of claim 3, further comprising an activation system for selectively shifting a switching member between a first configuration and a second configuration.

5. The shelf system according to claim 4, wherein, The activation system comprises a first part mounted on the shelf component and a second part mounted on the switch component.

6. The shelf system according to claim 5, wherein, The first part of the activation system includes a member that protrudes outward from one of the first side portion and the second side portion between the first shelf support and the second shelf support.

7. The shelf system according to claim 6, wherein, The component includes a first magnet, and the second part of the activation system includes a second magnet.

8. The shelf system according to claim 7, wherein, The second magnet includes a first magnet element disposed at a first end section of the switching member and a second magnet element disposed at a second end section of the switching member.

9. The shelf system according to claim 6, wherein, The second part of the activation system includes a first cam surface and a second cam surface.

10. The shelf system according to claim 9, wherein, The first cam surface includes a first cam angle, and the second cam surface includes a second cam angle.

11. The shelf system according to claim 10, wherein, The first cam surface and the second cam surface intersect at the point formed by the first angle and the second angle.

12. The shelf system according to claim 4, wherein, The activation system includes a first portion mounted to one of the first and second sides and operatively connected to the switch member, and a second portion extending between the first and second ends of one of the first and second sides.

13. The shelf system according to claim 12, wherein, The first part is the first gear, and the second part is the second gear.

14. The shelf system according to claim 13, wherein, The second gear is a worm gear.

15. The shelf system of claim 1, further comprising an angle control rod extending below the shelf member between a first end and a second end.

16. The shelf system according to claim 15, wherein, When the shelf assembly is in an inclined configuration, it is supported only by one of the first shelf support and the second shelf support, as well as the angle control rod.

17. The shelf system according to claim 16, wherein, The angle control lever limits the tilt of the shelf components to a specific angle.

18. The shelf system according to claim 1, wherein, The second part of the bidirectional sliding and tilting system includes end stops.

19. The shelf system according to claim 1, wherein, The second part of the bidirectional sliding and tilting system includes a first track element and a second track element spaced apart from the first track element, with one of the first shelf support and the second shelf support passing through the second part constrained between the first track element and the second track element.

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