Under-Shelf Swing Rack for Concealed Coffee Pod Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage solutions for single serving coffee containers, such as carousels, occupy valuable countertop space and do not aesthetically please when partially filled, while also requiring users to search through containers to identify types and brands.
Innovation Solution
A concealable storage rack mounted underneath a shelf with a swing mechanism and plate member that pivots between a storage and use position, allowing containers to be stored and displayed without taking up counter space, with the plate member tilted to facilitate easy identification of indicia on the containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If single serving containers are stored within a cupboard or drawer, then counter space is freed, but users must search through containers to identify types and brands
Solution Approach 1:
The storage rack utilizes vertical space by mounting to the underside of a cabinet shelf, moving the storage function from the horizontal counter surface to the vertical cabinet interior. This dimensional transition frees counter space while maintaining container accessibility through the swing mechanism that brings containers into view when needed.
2Ease of operation
If a carrousel type device is used for storage, then containers can be displayed and identified, but valuable countertop space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The invention relocates the display and storage function from the horizontal countertop to the vertical cabinet interior by mounting the swing rack to the underside of a shelf. This allows containers to be displayed and identified without occupying precious horizontal counter space.
3Ease of operation
If a carrousel type device is used for storage, then containers can be rotated for viewing, but the device has reduced esthetically pleasing appearance when partially filled
Solution Approach 1:
The swing mechanism provides dynamic positioning, allowing the plate member to swing between a retracted position (concealed) and a forward position (displayed). This dynamic capability enables aesthetic concealment when not in use while maintaining full viewing capability when needed, eliminating the appearance problem of partially filled carousels.
4Area of stationary object
If the plate member is positioned parallel to the underside of the shelf in storage position, then space is optimized, but container indicia are not easily visible
Solution Approach 1:
The plate member dynamically changes its angular position, swinging from a parallel orientation (space-optimized) to a tilted orientation (visibility-optimized). This dynamic repositioning allows the same structure to optimize for either space or visibility depending on whether the rack is in storage or use position.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate member utilizes the vertical dimension by tilting forward, creating a three-dimensional display angle that brings container indicia into the user's line of sight without requiring additional horizontal space.
Data Source
AI summary
A concealable storage rack for mounting to an underside of the shelf includes a mounting bracket, a swing mechanism and a plate member. The storage rack hangidly supports containers having a readily extending flange. The mounting bracket is mounted to the underside of the shelf. The plate member includes a generally planar top surface having a plurality of apertures formed therein to hangidly support the containers. The plate member is pivotably attached to the mounting bracket by the swing mechanism for movement between a storage position in which the plate member is positioned adjacent to the mounting bracket and a use position in which the plate member is spaced apart from the mounting bracket.