Storage shelf under cabinet/shelf

文档序号：1894859 发布日期：2021-11-26 浏览：24次中文

阅读说明：本技术 橱柜/搁架下的储存架 (Storage shelf under cabinet/shelf ) 是由罗纳德·贝克于 2019-08-08 设计创作，主要内容包括：架系统、装置和方法,用于在冰箱搁架或橱柜或其他搁架下附接和提供可折叠储存架,用于悬挂、储存和分离葡萄酒瓶和饮料罐和盘子。储存架可以包括多个横栏吊架,每个横栏吊架具有都可枢转地附接到吊架的端部。横栏吊架可以具有凹形支承表面,用于支承和分离瓶和罐。横栏吊架可以具有带肋部的上表面,用于允许搁架/托盘在其上滑动。该架可以具有枢轴式垂直腿部,腿部的下端上有滑出抽屉。该搁架可用于储存其他物品,诸如与书桌、桌子等一起使用的电脑键盘等等。(Shelf systems, devices and methods for attaching and providing a collapsible storage shelf under a refrigerator shelf or cabinet or other shelf for hanging, storing and separating wine bottles and beverage cans and plates. The storage rack may include a plurality of rail hangers, each rail hanger having an end pivotally attached to the hanger. The rail hanger may have a concave support surface for supporting and separating the bottle and the can. The rail hanger may have a ribbed upper surface for allowing the shelf/tray to slide thereon. The stand may have pivoting vertical legs with a slide out drawer on the lower end of the legs. The shelf may be used to store other items such as computer keyboards and the like used with desks, tables and the like.)

1. A foldable rack system, comprising:

a first elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end;

a second elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end, the first elongated bracket being spaced apart from and parallel to the second elongated bracket;

a first hanger member having a left end and a right end, the left end of the first hanger member being pivotally attached to the first elongated bracket at the front end adjacent the first elongated bracket and the right end of the first hanger member being pivotally attached to the second elongated bracket at the front end adjacent the second elongated bracket, the first hanger member having a flat upper surface portion between the left and right ends to provide a greater contact surface area for bottles and cans to rest thereon;

a second hanger member having a left end and a right end, the left end of the second hanger member being pivotally attached to the first elongated bracket at the rear end adjacent the first elongated bracket and the right end of the second hanger member being pivotally attached to the second elongated bracket at the rear end adjacent the second elongated bracket, the second hanger member having a flat upper surface portion between the left and right ends to provide a greater contact surface area for resting the bottle and the can thereon, wherein the second hanger member is spaced apart from and parallel to the first hanger member, wherein the first and second hanger members are pivotable from a collapsed downward position in which the first and second hanger members extend downward from the first and second elongated brackets to a collapsed upward position, in the folded up position, both the first and second hanger members are folded adjacent to the first and second long brackets;

a first hook on the front end of the first long bracket;

a second hook on the rear end of the first long bracket;

a third hook on the front end of the second long bracket; and

a fourth hook on the rear end of the second elongated bracket, wherein the hook, the second hook, the third hook, and the fourth hook attach the collapsible rack system near the front and rear outer edges of an existing rack, suspending the rack system below the rack.

2. The foldable rack system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second hanger members comprises:

a plurality of side-by-side concavely curved portions between the flat upper surface portions, the concavely curved portions having upper flat surface portions adapted to support bottles lying on their sides.

3. The foldable rack system of claim 1, further comprising:

a third hanger member having a left end and a right end, the left end of the third hanger member being pivotally attached to the first elongated bracket between the front and rear ends of the first elongated bracket and the right end of the third hanger member being pivotally attached to the second elongated bracket between the front and rear ends of the second elongated bracket, the third hanger member having a flat upper surface portion between the first and second ends to provide a greater contact surface area for the bottle and the canister to rest thereon, the third hanger member being spaced apart from and parallel to the first and second hanger members.

4. The foldable rack system of claim 1, wherein the first hook and the second hook each comprise:

a long leg portion having a thread at one end and a C-shaped hook at an opposite end, the threaded end being slidable;

an upper protrusion on both an upper portion of the front end of the first long bracket and an upper portion of the front end of the second long bracket, an

A nut for turning around a threaded portion of said end of said long end for holding hooks onto said upper projection on said upper portion of said front end of said first long bracket and onto said upper projection of said front end of said second long bracket.

5. The foldable rack system of claim 4, wherein the first hook and the second hook each comprise:

a spring between each nut and each upper projection for biasing the C-shaped hook about an outer edge of the shelf.

6. A foldable rack system, comprising:

a first elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end;

a second elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end, the first elongated bracket being spaced apart from and parallel to the second elongated bracket;

a first hanger member having a left end and a right end, the left end of the first hanger member being pivotally attached to the first long bracket at the front end adjacent the first long bracket and the right end of the first hanger member being pivotally attached to the second long bracket at the front end adjacent the second long bracket; and

a second hanger member having a left end and a right end, the left end of the second hanger member being pivotally attached to the first long bracket at the rear end adjacent the first long bracket and the right end of the second hanger member being pivotally attached to the second long bracket at the rear end adjacent the second long bracket, the second hanger member being spaced apart from and parallel to the first hanger member, wherein the first and second hanger members are pivotable from a folded down position in which the first and second hanger members extend downwardly from the first and second long brackets to a folded up position in which both the first and second hanger members are folded adjacent the first and second long brackets;

a first hook on the front end of the first long bracket;

a second hook on the rear end of the first long bracket;

a third hook on the front end of the second long bracket; and

7. The foldable rack system of claim 6, wherein the first hook and the second hook each comprise:

a long leg portion having a thread at one end and a C-shaped hook at an opposite end, the threaded end being slidable;

an upper protrusion on both an upper portion of the front end of the first long bracket and an upper portion of the front end of the second long bracket, an

8. The foldable rack system of claim 7, wherein the first hook and the second hook each comprise:

a spring between each nut and each upper projection for biasing the C-shaped hook about an outer edge of the shelf.

9. The foldable rack system of claim 6, wherein each of the first hanger member and the second hanger member comprises:

a plurality of side-by-side concavely curved portions adapted to support bottles lying on their sides.

10. A foldable rack system, comprising:

a first elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end;

a second elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end, the first elongated bracket being spaced apart from and parallel to the second elongated bracket;

an accessory shelf for sliding on the first and second hanger members when the first and second hanger members are in the folded down position; and

a rotatable ball on an upper surface of the first and second hanger members for allowing the accessory shelf to easily slide thereon.

11. The foldable stand system of claim 10, wherein the horizontal shelf comprises:

a plurality of raised ribs spaced apart from each other on at least one side of the accessory shelf.

12. The foldable rack system of claim 10, further comprising:

an anti-tip tab on an inner side of the first and second hanger members for keeping the accessory shelf from tipping.

13. The foldable rack system of claim 10, further comprising:

a first hook on the front end of the first long bracket;

a second hook on the rear end of the first long bracket;

a third hook on the front end of the second long bracket; and

14. A foldable rack system, comprising:

a first elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end;

a second elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end, the first elongated bracket being spaced apart from and parallel to the second elongated bracket;

a first collapsible hanger member having a left end and a right end, the left end of the first collapsible hanger member being collapsible to the first long support, the right end of the first collapsible hanger member being collapsible to the second long support;

a second collapsible hanger member having a left end and a right end, the left end of the second collapsible hanger member collapsible to the first long support, the right end of the second collapsible hanger member collapsible to the second long support;

an accessory shelf for sliding on the first and second hanger members when the first and second hanger members are in a folded down position; and

a rotatable ball on an upper surface of the first and second hanger members for allowing the accessory shelf to easily slide thereon.

15. The foldable stand system of claim 14, wherein the horizontal shelf comprises:

a plurality of raised ribs spaced apart from each other on at least one side of the accessory shelf.

16. The foldable rack system of claim 14, further comprising:

an anti-tip tab on an inner side of the first and second collapsible hanger members for keeping the accessory shelf from tipping.

17. The foldable rack system of claim 14, further comprising:

a first hook on the front end of the first long bracket;

a second hook on the rear end of the first long bracket;

a third hook on the front end of the second long bracket; and

18. A collapsible rack system for mounting under a shelf, comprising:

a first elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end;

a second elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end, said first elongated bracket being spaced apart from and parallel to said second elongated bracket and separated by a spatial distance therebetween;

a slide-out drawer assembly having a left side and a right side, said left side and said right side having a width distance therebetween, said first and second elongated brackets having a spatial distance therebetween that is greater than said width distance between said left side and said right side of said slide-out drawer assembly;

a drawer for sliding from a rest position within the drawer assembly to an extended position extending outwardly from the drawer assembly;

a first plurality of parallel vertical legs pivotally attached at their upper ends to the first elongated bracket and pivotally attached at their lower ends to the left side of the slide-out drawer assembly; and

a second plurality of parallel vertical legs pivotally attached at upper ends thereof to said second elongated bracket and pivotally attached at lower ends thereof to said right side of said slide-out drawer assembly, wherein an upper spacing distance between said upper ends of said first plurality of vertical legs and said upper ends of said second plurality of vertical legs is greater than a lower spacing distance between said lower ends of said first plurality of vertical legs and said upper ends of said second plurality of vertical legs. .

19. The foldable rack system of claim 18, further comprising:

an accessory shelf having an upper surface with spaced ribs for separating beverage containers stored thereon; the accessory shelf is for positioning on the drawer.

20. The foldable stand system of claim 18, wherein the slide out drawer assembly comprises

A left rail for allowing the left side of the drawer to slide thereon; and

a right rail for allowing the right side of the drawer to slide thereon.

21. The foldable stand system of claim 18, wherein the slide out drawer assembly comprises

A left inner lane and a left outer lane for allowing the left side of the drawer to slide thereon; and

a right inner lane and a right outer lane for allowing the right side of the drawer to slide thereon.

22. The foldable rack system of claim 18, further comprising:

a first hook on the front end of the first long bracket;

a second hook on the rear end of the first long bracket;

a third hook on the front end of the second long bracket; and

23. A collapsible rack system for mounting under a shelf, comprising:

a left long bracket having a front end and a rear end;

a right elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end, the left elongated bracket being spaced apart from and parallel to the right elongated bracket and separated by a spatial distance therebetween;

a plurality of left vertical leg members spaced apart from one another at their upper ends and pivotally attached to the left long bracket and lower ends;

a plurality of right vertical leg members spaced apart from one another at their upper ends and pivotally attached to the right long bracket and lower ends; and

a slide-out shelf assembly having a left side, a right side, a front side, and a rear side, the slide-out drawer assembly having a width distance between the left side and the right side, the spatial distance between the first elongated leg and the second elongated leg being greater than the width distance between the left side and the right side of the shelf assembly, the lower ends of the plurality of left vertical leg members being pivotably attached to the left side of the shelf assembly, the lower ends of the plurality of right vertical leg members being pivotably attached to the right side of the shelf assembly; and

a shelf for sliding from a resting position within the shelf assembly to an extended position extending outwardly from the shelf assembly, wherein the shelf assembly has a collapsed downward position in which the plurality of left and right vertical leg members are in a downward position, and a collapsed upward position in which the plurality of left and right vertical leg members are in a collapsed position.

24. The foldable stand system of claim 23, wherein the slide out shelf assembly comprises

A left inner lane pivotably attached to the lower ends of the plurality of left vertical leg members;

a left outer lane slidably attached to the left inner lane, the left outer lane attached to the left side of the shelf;

a right inner channel pivotably attached to the lower ends of the plurality of right vertical leg members; and

a right outer lane slidingly attached to the right inner lane, the right outer lane attached to the right side of the shelf.

25. The foldable stand system of claim 23, wherein the slide out shelf assembly comprises

A left rail for allowing the left side of the slide-out drawer to slide thereon; and

a right rail for allowing the right side of the slide-out drawer to slide thereon.

26. A foldable stand system according to claim 23, an accessory shelf having an upper surface with spaced ribs for separating beverage containers stored thereon for positioning on the shelf.

27. The foldable rack system of claim 23, further comprising:

a first hook on the front end of the first long bracket;

a second hook on the rear end of the first long bracket;

a third hook on the front end of the second long bracket; and

28. A foldable rack system, comprising:

a first elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end;

a second elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end, the first elongated bracket being spaced apart from and parallel to the second elongated bracket;

an accessory shelf for sliding on the first and second hanger members when the first and second hanger members are in a folded down position;

a first roller on an upper surface of the first hanger member; and

a second roller on an upper surface of the second hanger member, the first and second rollers for allowing the accessory shelf to slide easily thereon.

29. The foldable rack system of claim 28, further comprising:

a first hook on the front end of the first long bracket;

a second hook on the rear end of the first long bracket;

a third hook on the front end of the second long bracket; and

30. The foldable rack system of claim 28, further comprising:

a left link arm having a rear end and a front end, the rear end being pivotally attached to the left end of the second hanger member, the front end of the left link arm being pivotally attached to the left end of the first hanger member; and

a right link arm having a rear end and a front end, the rear end of the right link arm being pivotally attached to the right end of the second hanger member, the front end of the right link arm being pivotally attached to the right end of the first hanger member.

31. The foldable stand system of claim 28, wherein the accessory shelf comprises:

a plurality of raised ribs spaced apart from each other on at least one side of the accessory shelf.

32. The foldable rack system of claim 28, further comprising:

an anti-tip tab on an inner side of the first and second hanger members for keeping the accessory shelf from tipping.

33. A foldable rack system, comprising:

a first elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end;

a second elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end, the first elongated bracket being spaced apart from and parallel to the second elongated bracket;

an accessory shelf for sliding on the first and second hanger members when the first and second hanger members are in a folded down position;

a first roller on an upper surface of the first hanger member; and

a second roller on an upper surface of the second hanger member, the first and second rollers for allowing the accessory shelf to slide easily thereon.

34. The foldable rack system of claim 33, further comprising:

a first hook on the front end of the first long bracket;

a second hook on the rear end of the first long bracket;

a third hook on the front end of the second long bracket; and

35. The foldable stand system of claim 33, wherein the accessory shelf comprises:

a plurality of raised ribs spaced apart from each other on at least one side of the accessory shelf.

36. The foldable rack system of claim 33, further comprising:

an anti-tip tab on an inner side of the first and second collapsible hanger members for keeping the accessory shelf from tipping.

37. A foldable rack system, comprising:

a first elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end;

a second elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end, the first elongated bracket being spaced apart from and parallel to the second elongated bracket;

a plurality of foldable hanger members, each having a left end and a right end, the left ends of the foldable hanger members being foldable to the first long support and the right ends of the foldable hanger members being foldable to the second long support;

an accessory shelf for sliding on the hanger member when the hanger member is in a folded down position; and

a plurality of rollers, each roller located on an upper surface of each hanger member, wherein the rollers allow the accessory shelf to slide easily thereon.

38. The foldable stand system of claim 37, wherein the accessory shelf comprises:

a plurality of raised ribs spaced apart from each other on at least one side of the accessory shelf.

39. The foldable stand system of claim 37, further comprising:

an anti-tip tab on an inner side of the first and second collapsible hanger members for keeping the accessory shelf from tipping.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to storage racks, and in particular to a rack system, apparatus and method for attaching and providing a collapsible storage rack on a refrigerator shelf or cabinet or other horizontal surface or under a horizontal shelf for hanging, storing and separating wine bottles, beverage cans and small items such as plates, kitchen tools such as bottle openers, corkscrews, can openers, and other items such as keyboards and the like.

Background

Wine bottles are often stored in upright positions within cabinets, which makes the bottles difficult to retrieve and takes up a lot of vertical shelf space. Furthermore, it is not always safe to store wine bottles in a standing position, as the wine bottles may eventually lean against each other and break easily over time.

Over the years, various multi-layered conventional racks for storing wine have been proposed. See, for example, U.S. patent 4,998,631 to Fridjhon and U.S. published patent application 2003/0080073 to Huang et al. However, these devices require a large amount or space for use on countertop spaces or under shelves in kitchens, and the like. However, kitchen space may be limited and these conventional racks for storing wine bottles are generally cumbersome.

For many years, hangers for wine bottles have been proposed. See, for example, U.S. design patent Des.273,446 to Rankin et al and Des.376,299 to Audet and U.S. published patent application 2009/0071921 to Harwin. However, these devices are cumbersome and extend a considerable distance below a mounting surface such as a shelf or ceiling, and take up an undesirable amount of space, particularly when not in use.

Furthermore, none of the above prior art allows the shelf to be folded upwards when not in use. None of the above prior art techniques can be used under shelves inside refrigerators and coolers. None of the above prior art techniques can be mounted under cabinets and/or shelves to take advantage of known spaces that are not typically used.

Therefore, a solution to the above-mentioned problems of the prior art is needed.

Disclosure of Invention

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide rack systems, devices and methods for attaching and providing a collapsible storage rack under a refrigerator shelf for hanging, storing and separating wine bottles, beverage cans and/or small items such as plates, kitchen tools like bottle openers, corkscrews, lid openers.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a rack system, apparatus and method for attaching and providing a collapsible storage rack under a cabinet for hanging, storing and separating wine bottles, beverage cans and/or small items such as plates, kitchen tools like bottle openers, corkscrews, lid openers.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a rack system, apparatus and method for attaching and providing a collapsible storage rack under a rack for hanging, storing and separating wine bottles, beverage cans and/or small items such as plates, kitchen tools like bottle openers, corkscrews, lid openers.

It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a rack system, apparatus and method for attaching and providing a collapsible storage rack under a shelf, as well as a table for hanging, storing keyboards for computers and the like.

It is a fifth object of the present invention to provide a rack system, apparatus and method for attaching and providing a collapsible storage rack under a shelf, and a table for hanging, storing pull-out drawers and the like.

The collapsible rack system may include: a first elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end, a second elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end, the first elongated bracket being spaced apart from and parallel to the second elongated bracket, a first hanger member having a left end and a right end, the left end of the first hanger member being pivotally attached to the first elongated bracket adjacent the front end of the first elongated bracket and the right end of the first hanger member being pivotally attached to the second elongated bracket adjacent the front end of the second elongated bracket; a second hanger member having a left end and a right end, the left end of the second hanger member pivotally attached to the first long bracket proximate the rear end of the first long bracket and the right end of the second hanger member pivotally attached to the second long bracket proximate the rear end of the second long bracket, the second hanger member spaced apart from and parallel to the first hanger member, wherein the first hanger member and the second hanger member are pivotable from a folded down position in which the first and second hanger members extend downwardly from the first and second long brackets to a folded up position in which both the first and second hanger members are folded proximate the first and second long brackets.

The collapsible rack system may include pairs of straps for securing each of the first and second elongated brackets under the shelf.

The collapsible stand system may include a left link arm having a rear end pivotally attached to the left end of the second hanger member and a front end pivotally attached to the left end of the first hanger member, and a right link arm having a rear end pivotally attached to the right end of the second hanger member and a front end pivotally attached to the right end of the first hanger member.

The foldable stand system may include bendable tabs and stops for locking the first and second hanger members in the folded up position and the folded down position.

Each of the first and second hanger members may include a plurality of side-by-side concave curved portions along the top surface adapted to support a bottle lying on its side.

The collapsible stand system may include a helical fastener for securing each of the first and second elongated brackets to the lower surface of the shelf.

The collapsible stand system may include an accessory shelf for sliding over the first and second hanger members when the first and second hanger members are in the collapsed downward position.

The horizontal shelf may include a plurality of raised ribs spaced apart from one another on at least one side of the fitment shelf.

The foldable shelving system may include an anti-tip tab on the inner side of the first and second hanger members for keeping the accessory shelf from tipping.

The collapsible shelving system can include rotatable balls on upper surfaces of the first and second hanger members for allowing the accessory shelf to slide easily thereon.

The collapsible stand system may include rollers on the upper surfaces of the first and second hanger members for allowing the accessory shelf to slide easily thereon.

The foldable stand system may include a third hanger member having a left end and a right end, the left end of the third hanger member being pivotally attached to the first long support between the front end and the rear end of the first long support, the right end of the third hanger member being pivotally attached to the second long support between the front end and the rear end of the second long support, the third hanger member being spaced apart from and parallel to the first hanger member and the second hanger member.

The foldable stand system may include a left link arm having a rear end and a front end, the rear end being pivotably attached to the left end of the second hanger member, the front end of the left link arm being pivotably attached to the left end of the first hanger member, and a middle portion of the left link arm being pivotably attached to the left end of the third hanger member, and a right link arm having a rear end and a front end, the rear end of the right link arm being pivotably attached to the right end of the second hanger member, the front end of the right link arm being pivotably attached to the right end of the first hanger member, and the middle portion of the right link arm being pivotably attached to the right end of the third hanger member.

Additional embodiments of the collapsible stand system may include: a left long support having a front end and a rear end, a right long support having a front end and a rear end, the left long support being spaced apart from and parallel to the right long support, a plurality of left vertical leg members, with their upper ends spaced from one another and pivotally attached to the left long member and the lower ends, a plurality of right vertical leg members, spaced apart from each other at their upper ends and pivotally attached to a right elongated member and a lower end, and a shelf having a left side, a right side, a front side, and a rear side, the lower ends of the plurality of left vertical leg members pivotally attached to the left side of the shelf, and the lower ends of the plurality of right vertical leg members pivotally attached to the right side of the shelf, wherein the shelf has a collapsed downward position in which the plurality of left vertical leg members and the plurality of right vertical leg members are in a downward position and a collapsed upward position, the plurality of left vertical leg members and the plurality of right vertical leg members are in a folded position in the folded up position.

The foldable stand system may include: a left inner lane pivotably attached to the lower ends of the plurality of left vertical leg members; a left outer lane slidably attached to the left inner lane, the left outer lane attached to the left side of the rack; a right inner channel pivotably attached to the lower ends of the plurality of right vertical leg members; a right outer lane slidably attached to the right inner lane, the right outer lane attached to the right side of the shelf.

The foldable stand system may include an accessory tray for placement on a shelf.

The collapsible rack system may include raised ribs on the top surface for separating beverage containers placed thereon.

The shelf may include a slide out drawer.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

One or more embodiments consistent with the present concepts are described in the drawings, which are exemplary only, and not limiting. In the drawings, like reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements.

First embodiment

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a folded-down storage assembly ready to be attached to a shelf with straps.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of fig. 1, wherein the assembly is attached to a shelf.

Fig. 3 is an additional perspective view of the assembly of fig. 2, wherein the wine bottles are stored with the neck pointing forward. The bottles are stored with the neck forward.

Fig. 4 is an additional perspective view of the assembly of fig. 3, wherein the orientation of the stored wine bottles is staggered.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the assembly of the previous figures, wherein the rail hanger is folded upwardly.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the storage assembly of the previous figures attached to a shelf with the rail hanger in a down position.

Fig. 7 is an additional side view of the storage assembly of fig. 6, wherein the rail hanger is folded upward.

Fig. 8 is a top perspective view of the storage assembly of the previous figures not attached to a shelf.

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the storage assembly shown in the previous figures.

Fig. 10 is a front view of the storage assembly of fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a rear view of the storage assembly of fig. 8.

Fig. 12 is a left side view of the storage assembly of fig. 8.

Fig. 13 is a right side view of the storage assembly of fig. 8.

Fig. 14 is a top view of the storage assembly of fig. 8 with a wine bottle shown in phantom.

Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the storage assembly of fig. 14 with a wine bottle.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of the rail locking member for the hanger rail in the locked down mode.

Fig. 17 is an additional view of fig. 16, with the hanger rail advanced to a folded-up configuration.

Fig. 18 is an additional view of fig. 16, with the hanger rail rotated 90 degrees to a folded-up configuration.

Fig. 19 is a top perspective view of the assembly of fig. 1, shown ready for screw attachment to a shelf.

Fig. 20 is an additional view of the assembly of fig. 19 attached to a shelf.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged side view of the assembly of fig. 1, with an alternative mounting embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a further enlarged side view of the assembly of FIG. 1 having a further alternative mounting embodiment with a spring-loaded hook.

Second embodiment

Fig. 23 is a top perspective view of the second embodiment of the folded-down storage assembly having a sliding shelf ready to receive a packaged 12 or 24 canned beverage or optional accessory shelf.

Fig. 24 is an additional view of fig. 23 with the accessory shelf resting on the rail hanger.

Fig. 25 is an additional view of fig. 24 with the accessory shelf turned upside down showing the underside of the accessory shelf.

Fig. 26 is an enlarged view of the section of fig. 25 showing a detail of the track on the fitment shelf with a plurality of stops along both top edges of the track.

Fig. 27 is a front view of the storage assembly of fig. 23.

Fig. 27A is an enlarged view showing a detailed portion of the ball track of fig. 27.

Fig. 28 is an additional view of the assembly of fig. 27 showing the storage of 24 beverage cans.

Fig. 29 is an additional view of the assembly of fig. 27, showing storage of two 12-pack beverage cans.

Fig. 30 is an additional view of fig. 23 showing the storage of a wine bottle. Ribs on the top surface of the fitment shelf are designed to hold the bottle in place.

Fig. 31 is an additional view of fig. 23 showing 12 beverage cans stored.

FIG. 32 is an additional view of FIG. 23 showing the storage of a beer bottle.

Fig. 33 is a side view of the assembly of fig. 23 with the rail hanger folded down.

Fig. 34 is an additional side view of the assembly of fig. 23 and 33, with the hanger rail folded upward.

Fig. 35 is an exploded view of the assembly shown in fig. 23.

Fig. 36 is a front view of the assembly of fig. 23.

Fig. 37 is a rear view of the assembly of fig. 23.

Fig. 38 is a right side view of the assembly of fig. 23.

Fig. 39 is a left side view of the assembly of fig. 23.

Fig. 40 is a top view of the assembly of fig. 23.

Fig. 41 is a bottom view of the assembly of fig. 23.

FIG. 42 is an additional view of FIG. 23 showing an alternative roller in place of the rolling balls on the bottom member of the rail.

Fig. 42A is an enlarged view of a corner of the roller of fig. 42.

Fig. 43 is an additional front view of the assembly of fig. 42 with accessory shelf.

Fig. 43A is an enlarged view of the front corner section of fig. 43.

Fig. 44 is an additional view of the assembly of fig. 23 with raised ribs on the hanger rail.

Fig. 44A is an enlarged view of the raised rib portion shown in fig. 44.

Fig. 45 is a front view of the assembly of fig. 44 with accessory shelf.

Fig. 45A is an enlarged view of the corner section of fig. 45.

Third embodiment

Fig. 46 is a top perspective view of the third embodiment of the folded-down storage assembly with a slide-out tray.

Fig. 47 is an additional view of the assembly of fig. 46 with the tray shown below and fully retracted.

Fig. 48 is a view of the assembly of fig. 47 with the tray folded upward.

Fig. 49 is a side view of the assembly of fig. 47.

Fig. 50 is an additional side view of the assembly of fig. 48 with the tray folded upward.

Fig. 51 is a top perspective view of the assembly of fig. 47 with the accessory shelf shown on the tray and the beverage can stored.

Fig. 52 is an exploded view of the assembly shown in fig. 46.

Fig. 53 is a front view of the assembly of fig. 47.

Fig. 54 is a rear view of the assembly of fig. 47.

Fig. 55 is a left side view of the assembly of fig. 47.

Fig. 56 is a right side view of the assembly of fig. 47.

Fig. 57 is a top view of the assembly of fig. 47.

Fig. 58 is a bottom view of the assembly of fig. 47.

Detailed Description

Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangements shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

In the above summary and detailed description of preferred embodiments and in the accompanying drawings, specific features of the invention (including method steps) are mentioned. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the present invention in this specification does not include all possible combinations of such specific features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, that feature may also be used in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention and/or in the invention generally, to the extent possible.

In this section, some embodiments of the present invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternate embodiments.

A list of components is now introduced.

10 fold down the wine bottle storage assembly.

A 20 left hand mounting bracket for two rail hangers that can be strapped, clipped or screwed to an existing shelf on a refrigerator or cabinet.

25 right hand mounting bracket, with the same features as the left hand bracket.

30 swing down the rail and hold the wine bottle.

A 40 linkage that constrains the two rails together to coordinate motion and strength.

50 straps with buckles and wrapped around the shelf through the mounting brackets. Adjustable clasps secure the assembly to the shelf.

55 free end, which is the free end of the belt.

60 refrigerator shelves.

70 adjustable buckle.

80 pins for assembling the pivoting members.

And the 90-bolt nut is used for fixing the pin.

100 wine bottle.

110 locking fingers which engage notches on the rails to lock the rails up or down.

A rear stop 120 on the inside of the mounting bracket prevents the rail from over-travel when in the down position.

130 slots in the mounting bracket for mounting the bracket to the shelf with screws.

132 upper protrusions on the brackets 20, 25

140 slots in the mounting brackets through which straps or cables may be passed for mounting of the shelf.

150 stop ears on the rails that engage stop tabs on the inside of the mounting bracket to prevent over travel.

160 stops that engage the locking fingers of the mounting bracket on the rails to lock the rails down or up.

170, which fit into notches in the mounting bracket on the locking fingers to form the rail locking feature.

190 cabinet shelf.

200 shelf mounting screws.

210 clamp the mounting assembly for mounting the bracket instead of screws.

220 instead of springs, hold the mounting assembly for mounting the bracket.

230 threaded screws clamp the mounting hooks.

232 hook end

240 washer.

A 250 hex nut.

260 spring-grip mounting hooks.

262 hook end

265 compress the spring, providing a clamping force.

270 fold down the multipurpose storage assembly.

280 swing down multipurpose rail containing free turning balls to facilitate loading and unloading of accessory racks or prepackaged beverages.

290, which is retained in the cavity of the utility bar.

300 anti-tipping tabs that protrude from the inside of the utility rail to keep the accessory shelf from falling forward or backward in the event of uneven loading.

A 310 linkage that constrains the three rails together to coordinate motion and strength.

320 left hand mounting bracket for three rails with the same mounting options as the double rail bracket.

325 right hand mounting bracket, which has the same features as the left hand bracket.

330 accessory shelf. The shelf has ribs on one side to help position the different beverage packages, and ribs on the other side to support a plate or serving tray.

340 ball tracks on accessory shelf.

350 ribs on the fitment shelf.

360 compartment on the fitment shelf for a can, bottle or wine opening tool.

370 one side of the accessory shelf, the side having ribs for supporting a plate or serving tray.

380 tray having ribs for separating different beverage packages.

410 a plurality of stops along the edge of the ball track for providing a cavity for the rolling ball in the rail to engage to provide a positional stop for the accessory shelf during travel.

420 cavity in the multipurpose rail for free rotation of the ball.

430 beverage cans 24.

440 beverage cans are 12.

450 wine bottle opener. The prior art is provided.

460 beverage cans.

470 beverage bottle.

472 swing down the rail with long rollers to facilitate loading and unloading of accessory shelves and or other cargo.

475 roller.

480 swing down the rail with raised ribs to facilitate loading.

490 swing the raised rib on the lower rail.

500 fold down storage assembly with slide out rack attached.

510 slide out of the shelf/tray, which is attached to the drawer slide attached to the swing down leg.

520 swing the lower leg, which attaches the mounting bracket to the drawer slide.

530 drawer slide assembly.

540 outer run of drawer slide.

550 inner track of drawer slide.

570 screws attach the outer rail of the drawer slide to the swinging down leg.

580 screws attaching the inner rail of the drawer slide to

590 nuts attached to the shelf for attaching screws.

First embodiment

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a folded down storage assembly 10 ready for attachment to a shelf 60 with a pair of straps 50 that can be used to store wine bottles. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of fig. 1, with the assembly 10 attached to a shelf 60. Fig. 3 is an additional perspective view of the assembly 10 of fig. 2, wherein a wine bottle is stored with its neck end forward.

Fig. 4 is an additional perspective view of the assembly 10 of fig. 3, wherein the orientation of the stored wine bottles 100 is staggered with some neck ends extending inwardly and at least one neck end extending outwardly.

Referring to fig. 1-4 and 9, each strap 50 may have one end with an adjustable buckle 70 and an opposite free end 55. Each strap may pass through a slot 140 at each end of the left and right hand mounting brackets 20, 25. The free end 55 of the strap 50 may pass through the front of a shelf 60, the shelf 60 such as, but not limited to, a refrigerator shelf, a lower shelf portion of a cabinet, or another type of shelf. The free end 55 of the strap 50 can then be threaded through the adjustable buckle 70 and tightened to bring the upper projections 132 of the left and right mounting brackets 20, 25 into abutment with the lower surface edge of the shelf 60.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the assembly 10 of the previous figures, wherein the pair of rail hangers 30 are folded upward. Fig. 6 is a side view of the storage assembly 10 of the previous figures attached to a shelf 60 with the rail hanger 30 in a downward position. Fig. 7 is an additional side view of the storage assembly 10 of fig. 6, wherein the rail hanger 30 is folded upward.

Fig. 8 is a top perspective view of the storage assembly 10 of the previous figures, not attached to the shelf 60.

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the storage assembly 10 shown in the previous figures.

Fig. 10 is a front view of the storage assembly 10 of fig. 8. Fig. 11 is a rear view of the storage assembly 10 of fig. 8. Fig. 12 is a left side view of the storage assembly 10 of fig. 8. Fig. 13 is a right side view of the storage assembly 10 of fig. 8. Fig. 14 is a top view of the storage assembly 10 of fig. 8, with the wine bottle 100 shown in phantom. Fig. 15 is a bottom view of the storage assembly 10 of fig. 14 with a wine bottle 100.

Referring to fig. 1-15, assembly 10 may include a pair of swing down rail hangers 30 pivotally attached at both ends to right hand bracket 20 and left hand bracket 25. In a preferred embodiment, the top surface of each rail hanger 30 may have a plurality of side-by-side concavely curved recesses that allow bottles, such as wine bottles 100, to be stored and spaced apart from one another in a stable and safe position.

Referring to fig. 6-13, the parallel spaced mounting brackets 20, 25 may each have a rear flap 120 on an inside surface area of each mounting bracket 20, 25 to prevent over travel of the swinging rail hanger 30 when in the downward position. (FIGS. 6-8, 12-13). The upper portion of the vertical end of the rail hanger 30 may have pivot rings 136, and each pivot ring 136 may include a stop lug 150, the stop lug 150 engaging a corresponding stop tab 120 on the inside of the respective mounting bracket 120, 125 for preventing over travel. The pegs 80 may be used to assemble pivot rings 136 on each rail hanger 30 that are pivotally attached to the brackets 20, 25 with the respective pegs 90.

The link restraints (arms) 40 may each have an L-shaped end with a through hole, may be pivotally attached to the end leg portion of the rail hanger 30 by additional pegs 80, these pegs 80 also entering the holes of the brackets 20, 25 and being pivotally held in place by peg nuts 90. The lever arms 40 allow the rail hangers 30 to remain continuously parallel to each other and pivot from a downward position extending below the brackets 20, 25 to a folded upward position and back.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of the rail locking member for the rail hanger 30 in the locked down mode. The mounting bracket 20 is shown in dotted lines so that its features can be seen. The protrusion on locking finger 110 seats into rail stop 160, locking rail hanger 30 in the down position.

Fig. 17 is an additional view of fig. 16, with hanger rail 30 advanced to a folded-up configuration. The locking finger 110 is curved and the locking finger protrusion 170 is not seated in the retaining rail stop 160.

Fig. 18 is an additional view of fig. 16, with hanger rail 30 rotated 90 degrees to a folded up configuration. The projection 170 on the locking finger 110 seats into the rail stop 160, locking the rail hanger 30 in the up position.

To move the rail hanger 30, continued pressure moves the protrusion 170 on the flexible locking finger 110 in and out of the detent 160 to move the rail hanger 30 from the locked down position to the locked up position and vice versa.

Fig. 19 is a top perspective view of the assembly 10 of fig. 1, shown ready for attachment to the shelf 190 with screws 200. Fig. 20 is an additional view of the assembly 10 of fig. 19 attached to a shelf 190 with screws 100 passing through slots 130 in the upper protruding ends 132 of the brackets 20, 25 and into the lower surface of the shelf 190.

Fig. 21 is an enlarged side view of the assembly of fig. 1 with an alternative mounting embodiment 210 for shelf 60 wherein screw 230 has a threaded end that passes through upper protrusion 132 of bracket 20/25, secured by nut 250 and washer 240. The hooked end 232 is attached near the outer edge of the shelf 60. The nut 250 may be used manually to secure the hook 232 to the end of the shelf 60. When the nut 250 is tightened, the projection 132 abuts the underside of the shelf 60, adding stability to the side bracket and hanger 30.

Fig. 22 is a further enlarged side view of the assembly of fig. 1 showing a further alternative mounting embodiment 220 with a spring loaded hook 260 having a hook end 262 on the outer edge of the shelf 60. A compression spring 265 about the threaded end may be located between the upper protrusion 132 and the washer 240 and nut 250. The spring 265 eliminates the need to tighten the nut 250 to secure the side bracket to the underside of the shelf 60. Embodiments 210, 220 allow for easy removal of the assembly and allow for the use of different varying sized shelves 60.

Second embodiment

Fig. 23 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a folded-down storage assembly 270 having a sliding shelf ready to receive a shelf of packaged 12 or 24 canned beverages or optional accessories. Fitment shelf 330 is shown ready to be slid onto rail hanger 280 of assembly 270. The assembly 270 may have three pivotable rail hangers 280 that pivot relative to left and right hand brackets 320 and 325, and two linkage restraints (arms) 310 that may function similarly to the similar components in the previous embodiments. The optional accessory shelf is not necessary for storing 12 or 24 beverages.

The rail hangers 280 may be spaced below the anti-tip tab 300 at the extreme end of the bottom member of each rail hanger 280 with a roller ball 290 that engages a ball track 340 on the accessory shelf 330. The anti-tipping tabs 300 project from the inside of the multi-purpose rail hanger 280 to keep the accessory shelf 330 from tipping forward or backward in the event of uneven loading.

Fig. 24 is an additional view of fig. 23, with accessory shelf 330 resting on rail hanger 280. The top side of the accessory shelf 330 is shown.

Referring to fig. 23-24, the top side of the accessory shelf 330 can have a rib pattern 380 with isolation ribs 350 to isolate different beverages, such as, but not limited to, beverage bottles and cans. On the shelf 330 may be a compartment 360 that may be used to store a can opener, bottle opener, or wine opener such as, but not limited to, a corkscrew, can opener, bottle opener, and the like. A plurality of stops 410 may be positioned along the edge of the ball track 340 to provide a cavity so that the rolling balls 290 in the rail hanger 280 may occupy to provide a positioning stop in the travel of the accessory tray 330.

Fig. 25 is an additional view of fig. 24, wherein the accessory shelf 330 is shown upside down with the bottom side 370 having a rib pattern, such as but not limited to a ring pattern, designed to support a service plate and the like.

Fig. 26 is an enlarged view of the section of fig. 25, showing a detail of a track 410 on the accessory shelf 330 with a plurality of stops 410 along both top edges of the track 410. These stops 410 allow the ball 290 to sit and resist the back and forth movement of the shelf 330, which tends to hold the shelf 330 in place. Fig. 27 is a front view of the storage assembly 270 of fig. 23. Fig. 27A is an enlarged view showing a detailed portion of the ball track of fig. 27 with the ball 290 in the cavity of the rail hanger 280 and related parts.

Fig. 28 is an additional view of the assembly 270 of fig. 27 showing 24 beverage cans 430 stored.

Fig. 29 is an additional view of the assembly 270 of fig. 27 showing two 12 440 beverage cans stored.

Fig. 30 is an additional view of the assembly 270 of fig. 23, showing the wine bottle 100 in storage. Ribs 350 on the top surface of the fitment shelf 330 are designed to hold the wine bottle 100 in place. A tool 450 may be stored in the compartment 360, the tool 450 such as, but not limited to, a wine bottle opener, cork drill, can opener, or bottle opener.

Fig. 31 is an additional view of the assembly 270 of fig. 23, showing 12 beverage cans 460 stored on the shelf 330, with the rib portions 350 allowing the cans 460 to be separated from one another.

Fig. 32 is an additional view of the assembly 270 of fig. 23 showing beer bottles 470 stored on the shelf 330, with the ribs helping to separate and retain the bottles 470.

Fig. 23 is a side view of the assembly 270 of fig. 23 with the rail hanger 280 folded down. Fig. 34 is an additional side view of the assembly 270 of fig. 23 and 33, with the rail bracket 280 folded upwardly in the direction of arrow F.

Fig. 35 is an exploded view of the assembly 270 shown in fig. 23.

Fig. 36 is a front view of the assembly 270 of fig. 23. Fig. 37 is a rear view of the assembly 270 of fig. 23. Fig. 38 is a right side view of the assembly 270 of fig. 23. Fig. 39 is a left side view of the assembly 270 of fig. 23. Fig. 40 is a top view of the assembly 270 of fig. 23. Fig. 41 is a bottom view of the assembly 270 of fig. 23.

Fig. 42 is an additional view of the assembly of fig. 23, showing an alternative roller 475 in place of the roller ball 290 on the bottom member 472 of the rail hanger previously shown. Fig. 42A is an enlarged view of a corner of the roller 475 of fig. 42.

Fig. 43 is an additional front view of the assembly 270 of fig. 42 with accessory shelf 330 on rail cradle 472. Fig. 43A is an enlarged view of the front corner section of fig. 43.

Referring to fig. 42-43A, the roller 475 functions similarly to the previous embodiment using the ball 290.

Fig. 44 is an additional view of the assembly 270 of fig. 23 with the hanger rail 480 having raised ribs 490. Fig. 44A is an enlarged view of the raised rib 490 portion shown in fig. 44. Fig. 45 is a front view of the assembly 270 of fig. 44 with the accessory shelf 330. Fig. 45A is an enlarged view of the corner section of fig. 45. Referring to fig. 44-45A, the raised ribs 490 may facilitate loading and unloading of the accessory shelf 330.

Third embodiment

Fig. 46 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of the folded-down storage assembly 500 with a slide-out tray/shelf 510. Fig. 47 is an additional view of the assembly 500 of fig. 46, with the tray/shelf 510 shown below and fully retracted. Fig. 48 is a view of the assembly 500 of fig. 47 with the tray/shelf 510 folded upward. Fig. 49 is a side view of the assembly 500 of fig. 47. Fig. 50 is an additional side view of the assembly 500 of fig. 48 with the tray folded. Fig. 51 is a top perspective view of the assembly 500 of fig. 47, with the fitment tray/shelf 330 shown on the tray/shelf 510 and the beverage can 460 in storage. Fig. 52 is an exploded view of the assembly shown in fig. 46.

Fig. 53 is a front view of the assembly 500 of fig. 47. Fig. 54 is a rear view of the assembly 500 of fig. 47. Fig. 55 is a left side view of the assembly 500 of fig. 47. Fig. 56 is a right side view of the assembly 500 of fig. 47. Fig. 57 is a top view of the assembly 500 of fig. 47. Fig. 58 is a bottom view of the assembly 500 of fig. 47.

Referring to fig. 46-58, the present embodiment has a tray/shelf 510 attached to a swing down leg by a drawer slide assembly 530. The drawer slide assembly 530 allows the tray/rack 510 to slide forward and backward while maintaining a secure attachment to the storage assembly 500. The tray/shelf 510 is shown in this figure as being downwardly and fully extended. The folding assembly 500 functions similarly to previous folding down assemblies, with the upper ends of the left-hand rack 320, right-hand rack 325 and swing down leg 520 being pivotally attached to the racks 320, 325, and the lower ends being pivotally attached to the outer channel 540 of the drawer slide assembly 530 by fasteners 570, such as screws or the like. Each drawer slide assembly 530 may include an inner channel 550 that slides in and out of the outer channel 540. Additional fasteners 580, such as, but not limited to, screws or the like, may attach the inner channel 550 of each drawer slide assembly 530 to the side of the tray/shelf 510 using nuts 590. Similar to the previous embodiments, bottles, cans, etc. may be stored on the shelves/trays 510 and trays 510.

A portable drawer/organizer having a front wall (which may have a drawer handle), closed side and rear walls, and an open top may be incorporated into the slide-out rack/tray 510.

The present invention can be used with slide-out trays/shelves that support computer keyboards, and other computer accessories, etc. The assembly of the present invention may be used by attaching under a table, under a desk, under a conference table, under a chair, and under any other type of horizontal surface.

While the invention has been shown and described as being attachable to and detachable from refrigerator shelves, cabinets, other shelves, and the like, the invention may be pre-attached to refrigerator shelves, as well as to cabinets, other shelves, and the like.

Although embodiments of the present invention refer to the use of flexible fingers/tabs and stops to lock the fold up or fold down position of the hanger, other techniques may be used such as, but not limited to, magnets, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, removable through pins, friction fit members, and the like.

While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or variations thereof which it assumes in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and particularly such other variations or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims appended hereto.

The claims (modification according to treaty clause 19)

1. A collapsible rack system for hanging below an existing shelf, comprising:

a first elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end;

a second elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end, the first elongated bracket being spaced apart from and parallel to the second elongated bracket;

a first hook on the front end of the first long bracket, the first hook being horizontally slidably extended and retracted with respect to the front end of the first long bracket;

a second hook on the rear end of the first long bracket;

a third hook on the front end of the second long bracket, the third hook being horizontally slidably extended and retracted with respect to the front end of the first long bracket; and

a fourth hook on the rear end of the second elongated bracket, wherein the hook, the second hook, the third hook, and the fourth hook attach the collapsible rack system near a front outer edge and a rear outer edge of an existing rack, suspending the rack system below the existing rack.

2. The foldable rack system of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second hanger members comprises:

3. The foldable rack system of claim 1, further comprising:

4. The foldable rack system of claim 1, wherein the first hook and the second hook each comprise:

a long leg portion having a thread at one end and a C-shaped hook at an opposite end, the threaded end being slidable;

an upper protrusion on both an upper portion of the front end of the first long bracket and an upper portion of the front end of the second long bracket, an

5. The foldable rack system of claim 4, wherein the first hook and the second hook each comprise:

a spring between each nut and each upper projection for biasing the C-shaped hook about an outer edge of the shelf.

6. A foldable rack system, comprising:

a first elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end;

a second elongated bracket having a front end and a rear end, the first elongated bracket being spaced apart from and parallel to the second elongated bracket;

a first hook on the front end of the first long bracket, the first hook being slidably horizontally extended and retracted with respect to the front end of the first long bracket;

a second hook on the rear end of the first long bracket;

a third hook on the front end of the second long bracket slidably horizontally extended and retracted with respect to the front end of the first long bracket; and