US20130146552A1

US20130146552A1 - Storage system

Info

Publication number: US20130146552A1
Application number: US13/314,607
Authority: US
Inventors: John Grimes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-12-08
Filing date: 2011-12-08
Publication date: 2013-06-13

Abstract

A storage system for storing objects is provided. The storage system may include a frame having sides and a guide rail system supported on the frame between the frame sides, the guide rail system including a pair of slide members that are selectively extendable beyond the frame sides. The storage system may futher include a tray moveable within the guide rail system and releaseably supported by the pair of slide members for movement with the slide members relative to the frame, the tray may be selectively removable from the slide members and tiltable with respect to the slide members, and a mounting mechanism operable for securing the tray to one of the slide members, the mounting mechanism being selectively releasable for allowing manual removal of the tray from the slide members.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure is directed generally to storage systems for storing objects, and more particularly, to storage systems including a guide rail system and a tray that is one or both of removable from the guide rail system and tiltable with respect to the guide rail system.
Known storage and transportation systems are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which storage systems are employed. For example, existing storage systems are designed for a single-purpose, either storage or transportation. In addition, known storage systems, such as storage containers including racks for storing, for example, wine bottles, store wine bottles facing the same direction, which is an inefficient use of space due to the shape of wine bottles. Moreover, conventional storage systems, such as wine racks, wine drawers, and wooden wine boxes are expensive.
In addition to being expensive, conventional storage systems do not adequately secure objects, which makes them undesirable for transporting objects, such as wine bottles. Because of this limitation, a wine collector cannot easily transport a wine collection from one cellar to another. Furthermore, known storage systems make access to individual objects impractical.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

In one example, a storage system for storing objects is provided. The storage system may include a frame having sides and a guide rail system supported on the frame between the frame sides, the guide rail system including a pair of slide members that are selectively extendable beyond the frame sides. The storage system may futher include a tray moveable within the guide rail system and releaseably supported by the pair of slide members for movement with the slide members relative to the frame, the tray may be selectively removable from the slide members and tiltable with respect to the slide members, and a mounting mechanism operable for securing the tray to one of the slide members, the mounting mechanism being selectively releasable for allowing manual removal of the tray from the slide members.
In another example, an alternative embodiment of a storage system for storing objects is provided. The storage system may include a frame, a guide rail system supported by the frame and a tray supported by the guide rail system for movement between a stowed position within the frame and an storage position outside the frame. The tray may be removable from the guide rail system when the tray is in the storage position and may be positionable relative to the guide rail system when the tray is in the storage position in at least a storage position, a first tilt position disposed at a first angle relative to the storage position, and a second tilt position disposed at a second angle relative to the storage position, second angle B being different than the first angle. The storage system may futher include a mounting mechanism configured to selectively retain the tray in at least the storage position, the first tilt position and the second tilt position. The mounting mechanism may be manually operable for disengaging the tray from a respective one of the storage, first tilt, and second tilt positions and allowing movement of the tray to another of the storage, first tilt, and second tilt positions.
In another example, an alternative embodiment of a storage system for storing objects is provided. The storage system may include a frame, a guide rail system support by the frame and a tray supported by the guide rail system for movement between a stowed position within the frame and an storage position outside the frame. The tray may be removable from the guide rail system when the tray is in the storage position and the tray may be positionable relative to the guide rail system when the tray is in the storage position in at least a storage position and a first tilt position disposed at a first angle relative to the storage position. The storage system may futher include a pair of latch members, each latch member moveably disposed on one of the guide rail system and the tray; and a pair of latch retention members disposed on the other of the guide rail system and the tray, each latch retention member including a first detent configured to releaseably retain latch member 42, and thereby the tray in one of the storage position and the first tilt position relative to the guide rail system.
In another example, an alternative embodiment of a storage system for storing objects is provided. The storage system may include a frame, a guide rail system supported by the frame and a tray supported by the guide rail system for movement between a stowed position within the frame and an storage position outside the frame. The tray may include a pair of tray side walls, each side wall having a handle, and the tray may be one of removable from the guide rail system when the tray is in the storage position and positionable relative to the guide rail system when the tray is in the storage position in at least a storage position and a first tilt position disposed at a first angle relative to the storage position. The storage system may futher include a pair of latch members, each latch member moveably disposed on one of the pair tray side walls adjacent the handle and configured to releaseably engage the guide rail system.
In another example, an alternative embodiment of a storage system for storing objects is provided. The storage system may include a frame having frame sides, the frame sides having a depth and a guide rail system supported by the frame. The storage system may futher include a first tray supported by the guide rail system for movement between a stowed position within the frame and an storage position outside the frame, the first tray being removable from the guide rail system when the tray is in the storage position, the first tray having a length that is less than the depth of the frame, and a second tray supported by the guide rail system for movement between a stowed position within the frame and an storage position outside the frame, the second tray being removable from the guide rail system when the second tray is in the storage position, the second tray having a length that is less than the depth of the frame. The storage system may futher include a mounting mechanism operable for securing one of the first tray and the second tray to the guide rail system, the mounting mechanism being selectively releasable for allowing manual removal of one of the first tray and the second tray from the guide rail system.
In another example, an alternative embodiment of a storage system for storing objects is provided. The storage system may include a frame having frame sides, the frame sides having a depth, and a guide rail system supported on the frame between the frame sides, the guide rail system including a pair of slide members that are selectively extendable beyond the frame sides. The storage system may futher include a first tray moveable within the guide rail system, the first tray being selectively removable from the slide members, the first tray including first tray side walls having a length that is less than the depth of the frame sides, and a second tray moveable within the guide rail system, the second tray being selectively removable from the slide members, the second tray including second tray side walls having a length that is less than the depth of the frame sides. The storage system may futher include a first pair of latch members, each of the first pair of latch members moveably disposed on one of the first tray side walls, and a second pair of latch members, each of the second pair of latch members moveably disposed on one of the second tray side walls. The first and second pair of latch members may be operable for securing the first tray and the second tray respectively to the slide members and the first and second pair of latch members may be selectively releasable for allowing manual removal of the first tray and the second tray from the slide members.
Advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily understood after considering the drawings and the Detailed Description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a storage system for storing objects in a frame, showing a guide rail system, a tray in a storage position and a a latch member in a lock position, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the storage system shown in FIG. 1, showing the tray in a first tilt position disposed at a first angle relative to the storage position, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of a tray including a handle, the tray in the storage position, and a latch member in a lock position, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a partial perspective view of the tray and latch member shown in FIG. 3, showing the tray in a first tilt position disposed at a first angle relative to the storage position, and latch member 42 in the lock position, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a partial perspective view of the tray and latch member shown in FIG. 3, showing the tray in a second tilt position disposed at a second angle relative to the storage position, and latch member 42 in the lock position, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the tray and latch member shown in FIG. 3, showing the tray removed from a guide rail system, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a partial exploded view of a tray and a latch member, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a partial side view of a latch member and a latch retention member, showing latch member 42 in a lock position, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a partial side view of latch member 42 and latch retention member shown in FIG. 7, showing latch member 42 in a release position, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of a tray including a plurality of elongate indentations disposed at an angle with respect to a tray front wall, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-section view of a tray including a plurality of indentations and an object disposed in one of the indentations, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a partial view of the storage system shown in FIG. 1, showing a plurality of trays configured to be securely retained in a stacked position outside of the frame, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a storage system, showing a guide rail system, a first tray, a second tray and a first latch member in a lock position, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a partial view of the storage system shown in FIG. 12, showing a latch retention member including a detent, in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of a storage system in accordance with the present disclosure may be configured for the storage and transportation of a plurality of objects. Additionally and/or alternatively, some embodiments of a storage system may be configured for the storage and/or transportation of a plurality of objects, wherein it may be desirable to securely display and access the plurality of objects. The objects may include any object including, but not limited to, objects having a cylindrical shape, a tapered neck portion and/or any other configuration known to those skilled in the art. As a non-limiting example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1-13, the storage system may be used for storage and/or transportation of wine bottles.
FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary storage system, indicated generally at 10. The storage system may include a frame 12 having frame sides 14, a guide rail system 16 and one or more trays 18. Guide rail system 16 may be supported on or by frame 12 between frame sides 14. Some embodiments of guide rail system 16 may include a telescoping drawer slide arrangement having a pair of first slide members 20 each fixed to frame sides 14, a pair of second slide members 22 extendable from first slide members 20 and/or a pair of third slide members 24, third slide members 24 extendable from pair of second slide members 22. Pair of third slide members 24 may be selectively extendable beyond frame sides 14. An elongate recess (not shown) configured to guide movement of tray 18 horizontally with respect to the ground may extend along the sides of the first, second and third slide members facing tray 18. Other guide rail system configurations may include any guide rail system configurations known to those skilled in the art.
Guide rail system 16 may include a fully extended position, wherein pair of third slide members 24 extend beyond frame sides 14 (FIGS. 1 and 2). Additionally and/or alternatively, in the fully extended position, pair of second slide members 22 extend from first slide members 20 and pair of third slide members 24 extend from pair of second slide members 22. Tray 18 may be at least partially or fully disposed beyond frame sides 14 when guide rail system 16 is in the fully extended position.
Tray 18 may be supported by guide rail system 16 for movement between a stowed position within frame 12 and an operative position outside frame 12. Tray 18 may be positionable relative to guide rail system 16 when tray 18 is in the operative position in at least a storage position (FIG. 1). The storage position may include a bottom 26 of tray 18 disposed horizontally with respect to the ground and/or in substantially in the same plane as guide rail system 16. Tray 18 may be moveable within guide rail system 16, such that tray 18 may be pushed in and at least partially pulled out of frame 12 when in the storage position. Tray 18 may include a tray sliding member 28, such as a wheel, that may be configured to slide and/or rotate laterally within the elongate recess in guide rail system 16.
Tray 18 may include tray side walls 30, a tray front wall 32 and a rear wall 34, each of which may be attached to tray side walls 30. One or more of sliding members 28 may be disposed on one or both of tray side walls 30. Tray side walls 30 may each include a handle 36.
Handle 36 may be integrated in tray side walls 30 and may be configured for grasping, lifting and/or tilting of tray 18. Front wall 32 may be configured such that a seal is formed between front wall 32 and frame 12 when guide rail system 16 is in the storage position. The seal may be substantially air tight. Front wall 32 may further include a recess portion 38 such that front wall 32 may be grasped to pull tray 18 out of frame 12.
Turning now to FIGS. 3-8, tray 18 may be releaseably supported by one of the pair slide members 20, 22, 24 for movement with slide members 20, 22, 24 relative to frame 12. Tray 18 may be selectively removable from slide members 20, 22, 24 and/or tiltable with respect to slide members 20, 22, 24. For example, tray 18 may be removable from guide rail system 16 when tray 18 is in the operative position. Additionally and/or alternatively, tray 18 may be positionable relative to guide rail system 16 when tray 18 is in the operative position in at least a storage position, as described above, and a first tilt position disposed at a first angle A (FIG. 4A) relative to the storage position. Tray 18 may further be positionable relative to guide rail system 16 in a second tilt position disposed at a second angle B (FIG. 4B) relative to the storage position. Second angle B may be different than first angle A. Tray 18 may further be positionable relative to guide rail system 16 in more than two tilt positions, each tilt position disposed at a different angle.
Storage system 10 may include a mounting mechanism 40 operable for securing tray 18 to one of the slide members. Mounting mechanism 40 may be selectively releasable for allowing manual removal of tray 18 from guide rail system 16. Mounting mechanism 40 may be configured to selectively retain tray 18 in at least the storage position. Mounting mechanism 40 may additionally be configured to selectively retain tray 18 in at least the storage position, the first tilt position and/or the second tilt position. Mounting mechanism 40 may be manually operable for disengaging tray 18 from a respective one of the storage, first tilt, and second tilt positions and allowing movement of tray 18 to another of the storage, first tilt, and second tilt positions.
Mounting mechanism 40 may include one or more latch members 42, for example a pair of latch members 42, each latch member 42 moveably disposed on one of guide rail system 16 and tray 18. Latch members 42 may be configured to releaseably engage guide rail system 16. Mounting mechanism 40 may further include one or more latch retention members 44, disposed on the other of guide rail system 16 and tray 18. For example, latch member 42 may be moveably disposed on either side of tray 18 adjacent guide rail system 16 and latch retention member 44 may be disposed on guide rail system 16, for example third slide members 24. Additionally, latch member 42 may be moveably disposed on tray 18 adjacent handle 36. Accordingly, a user may move latch member 42 while securely grasping handle 36.
Latch retention member 44 may be configured to releaseably retain latch member 42, and thereby tray 18 relative to guide rail system 16. Latch retention member 44 may include a first detent 46 configured to releaseably retain latch member 42, and thereby tray 18 in one of the storage position and the first tilt position relative to guide rail system 16, for example the storage position. Additionally and/or alternatively, each latch retention member may include a second detent 48 and a third detent 50. First, second and/or third detents 46, 48, 50 may be configured to releaseably retain latch member 42, and thereby tray 18 in one of the storage position, the first tilt position and the second tilt position relative to slide members 20, 22, 24.
Additionally and/or alternatively, latch retention member 44 may include a series of detents, for example three or more detents. The series of detents may be in an arc configuration. Accordingly, tray 18 may be selectively and/or incrementally tilted with respect to guide rail system 16 such that objects within tray 18 may be displayed or reviewed.
Latch retention member 44 may include a latch member slot 52 configured to house at least a portion of latch member 42. Latch member 42 slot may include an arc portion and an open end. Latch retention member 44 may additionally include a tray sliding member slot 54 having an open end. Tray 18 sliding member slot may be configured to retain tray sliding member 28 and may further include a curved bottom portion such that tray sliding member 28 may be rotatable within tray sliding member slot 54.
As shown in the exploded view in FIG. 6, tray side walls 30 may include a latch member recess 56 and a latch member aperture 58. Latch member 42 may be insertable and at least partially rotatable and/or moveable within latch member aperture 58. For example, latch member 42 may be moveable between a lock position (FIG. 7), in which latch member 42 is releaseably engaged with latch retention member 44 and a release position (FIG. 8), in which latch member 42 is disengaged from latch retention member 44.
Latch member 42 may include a pull member 60 disposed on an upper portion of latch member 42 adjacent the top of tray side wall 30. Latch member 42 may further include a latch protrusion 62 configured to engage latch retention member 44 in the locked position. For example, latch protrusion 62 may be insertable in one of the detents 46, 48, 50 in latch retention member 44. Pull member 60 may be configured to be pulled towards tray front wall 32, to move latch member 42 from the lock position to the release position. In other words, pull member 60 may be configured to be pulled towards tray front wall 32 to remove latch protrusion 62 from latch detent 46, 48, 50. Latch member 42 may also include a latch spring lever 64 that may engage latch member recess 56 such that latch member 42 may be biased to the locked position.
Tray 18 may be removable from guide rail system 16 when latch member 42 is in the release position. Additionally and/or alternatively, tray 18 may be positionable with respect to guide rail system 16 when latch member 42 is in the release position. Accordingly, latch member 42 and latch retention member 44 may selectively retain tray 18 in one or more of the storage position, the first tilt position and the second tilt position. Latch member 42 may be manually operable for disengaging tray 18 from one of the storage, first tilt, and second tilt positions and allowing movement of tray 18 to another of the storage, first tilt, and second tilt positions.
In some embodiments, tray 18 may be moveable between at least the storage position (FIGS. 1 and 3), the first tilt position (FIGS. 2 and 4 a), and the second tilt position (FIG. 4 b). In the storage position, latch member 42 may be releaseably engaged with first detent 46 in latch retention member 44. In the first tilt position, latch members 42 may be releaseably engaged with second detent 48 in latch retention member 44. In the second tilt position, latch members 42 may be releaseably engaged with the third detent 50 in latch retention member 44. Accordingly, a tilt angle of tray 18 may be selected and tray 18 may be securely and releaseably retained at the selected tilt angle.
In a tilting operation, tray 18 may be in the storage position and latch member 42 may be in the locked position. Latch member 42 may be moved from the locked position to the unlocked position and tray 18 may be tilted to the first tilt position. Latch member 42 may be released and then be biased to return to the locked position. This may be repeated to select an alternative tilt position, such as the second tilt position.
In a removal operation, latch member 42 may be moved from the locked position to the release position, wherein latch member 42 may be disengaged from latch retention member 44. Latch member 42 may be pulled out of latch member slot 52. Tray sliding member 28 may further be removed from tray sliding member slot 54 through the open end, as shown by directional arrow in FIG. 5.
Turning now to FIGS. 9 and 10, tray 18 may be configured to hold approximately one dozen objects, such as wine bottles. Some embodiments of tray 18 may be approximately 22 inches wide, about 26 inches long, and about 4 and one-eighth inches in depth. However, multiple configurations of tray 18 are possible. For example, tray 18 may be configured to hold as little as two objects and there is no restriction on the number of objects as an upper limit.
Some embodiments of the storage system may be configured to securely retain the objects within tray 18. For example, tray 18 may include a plurality of indentations configured to retain a portion of the objects. Bottom 26 of tray 18 may include a plurality of elongate indentations 66 configured to retain an elongate cylindrical portion of the objects. Some embodiments of elongate indentations 66 may include one or more apertures 68. Alternatively, elongate indentations 66 may include an extended aperture 70 (FIG. 12).
Elongate indentations 66 may further include a tapered end 72 such that objects having a tapered end may be stored. Tray side walls 30 may include circular detents 74 configured to retain a circular end portion of the objects. Accordingly, the objects may not be easily displaced during movement, including sliding movement, removal and/or tilting of tray 18.
Some embodiments of the storage system may be configured to securely store and transport objects within tray 18, such that tray 18 may be weight balanced and space efficient. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, elongate indentations 66 may be disposed at an angle C with respect to front wall 32, such that an equal number of objects may be stored on either side of tray 18. Elongate indentations 66 may further include tapered ends 72 directly adjacent the neighboring and opposite indentation 66, such that objects having a tapered end may be stored in a nesting manner.
Turning now to FIG. 11, some embodiments of storage system 10 may include a plurality of trays 18. Trays 18 may be configured to be securely retained in a stacked position outside of frame 12. For example, tray side wall 30 may include one or both of a stacking recess 76 and a stacking protrusion 78. For example, tray side walls 30 may include two stacking protrusions 78 on the top of tray side wall 30 and two stacking recesses 76 on the bottom of tray side wall 30. Trays 18 may be stacked in an alternating configuration, such that the direction tray front wall 32 alternates. The stacked position may also be referred to as the tray nesting position.
Turning now to FIGS. 12 and 13, an alternative embodiment of a storage system 100 is provided, also referred to as a dual tray system or a multiple tray system. Some parts of the dual tray storage system 100 may be configured in substantially the same manner as storage system 10 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-11.
Storage system 100 may include a frame 112 having frame sides 114, frame sides 114 having a depth, and a guide rail system 116 supported by frame 112. Storage system 100 may further include a first tray 118 and a second tray 120, moveable within guide rail system 116 and may be selectively removable from guide rail system 116.
Guide rail system 116 may include a telescoping drawer slide arrangement having a pair of first slide members 122 each supported on frame 112 between frame sides 114, a pair of second slide members 124 extendable from first slide members 122 and/or a pair of third slide members 126 extendable from pair of second slide members 124. Pair of third slide members 126 may be extendable beyond frame sides 114. An elongate recess may extend along the sides of the first, second and third slide members facing trays 118, 1120.
First and second trays 118, 120 may be supported by guide rail system 116 for movement between a stowed position within frame 112 and an operative position outside the frame 112. First and second trays 118, 120 may be removable from guide rail system 116 when in the operative position. First tray 118 may include first tray side walls 128 having a length L1 that is less than the depth of frame sides 114. Second tray 120 may include second tray side walls 130 having a length L2 that is less than the depth of frame sides 114. Accordingly, first and second trays 118, 120 may be configured to fit within guide rail system 116 and frame 112 such that both may be stowed within frame 112 together, while being supported by a single guide rail system 116.
First and second trays 118, 120 may include a storage position in which a bottom 132 of first and second trays 118, 120 is substantially in line with guide rail system 116. In the storage position, first and second trays 118, 120 may be moveable within guide rail system 116 such that first and second trays 118, 120 may be pushed in and at least partially pulled out of frame 112. For example, first tray 118 may include one or more first sliding members 134 disposed on side wall 128 and second tray 120 may include one or more second sliding members 136 disposed on side wall 130. First and second sliding members 134, 136 may be configured to slide within the elongate recess in guide rail system 116.
Guide rail system 116 may include a fully extended position, wherein pair of second slide members 124 may be extended from first slide members 122 and/or pair of third slide members 126 may be extended from pair of second slide members 124. First and/or the second tray 118, 120 may be substantially outside of frame 112 when guide rail system 116 is in the fully extended position. Guide rail system 116 may further include a retracted position, in which guide rail system 116 may be substantially within frame 112. First and second trays 118, 120 may be in the stowed position when guide rail system 116 is in the retracted position.
First and second trays 118, 120 may each include a front wall 138 and a rear wall 140, each of which may be attached to the first and second tray side walls 128, 130, respectively. Front wall 138 of the first tray 118 may be configured such that a seal is formed between front wall 138 and frame 112 when guide rail system 116 and tray 118 are in the storage position. The seal may be substantially air tight. Front wall 138 may further include a recess portion 142 such that the front wall may be grasped to pull first and second trays 118, 120 out of the frame. Tray side walls 128, 130 may each include a handle 144. Handle 144 may be integrated in tray side walls 128, 130 and may be configured for grasping and/or lifting of first and second trays 118, 120.
First and second trays 118, 120 may each be releaseably engaged with pair of third slide members 126 in a successive manner. Additionally and/or alternatively, first and second trays 118, 120 may be removable from third slide members 126 in a successive manner. In some embodiments, storage system 100 may include a mounting mechanism 146 operable for securing one of the first tray and the second tray to guide rail system 16. Mounting mechanism 146 may be selectively releasable for allowing manual removal of one of first tray 118 and second tray 120 from guide rail system 116. Additionally and/or alternatively, mounting mechanism 146 may selectively retain first and second trays 118, 120 in the storage position.
Mounting mechanism 146 may include one or more of a first latch member 148 moveably disposed on one or both side walls 128 of first tray 118 and one or more of a second latch member 150 moveably disposed on one or both side walls 130 of second tray 120. Additionally, first and second latch members 148, 150 may be moveably disposed on tray side walls 128, 130 adjacent handle 144.
Mounting mechanism 146 may further include one or more latch retention members 152 disposed on guide rail system 116, for example third slide members 126. First and second latch members 148, 150 may be configured to releaseably engage latch retention member 152 in a successive manner, as explained in further detail below.
First and second latch members 148, 150 may be operable for securing first tray 118 and second tray 120, respectively, to third slide members 126. First and second latch members 148, 150 may be selectively releasable for allowing manual removal of first tray 118 and second tray 120 from third slide members 126. First and second latch members 148, 150 may be configured in a substantially similar manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-6.
First and second latch members 148, 150 may include a release position, in which first and second latch members 148, 150 may be pulled towards front wall 138, such that first and second latch members 148, 150 disengage latch retention member 152. First and second trays 118, 120 may be removable from guide rail system 16 when the respective first and second latch members are in the release position.
First and second latch members 148, 150 may further include a locked position, in which latch member 42 is engaged with latch retention member 152. Latch retention member 152 may include at least one detent 154 configured to releaseably retain first and second latch members 148, 150 in the locked position. For example, latch retention member 152 may include detent 154 configured to releaseably retain one of first and second latch member 148, 150 such that one of first or second trays 118, 120 may be releaseably retained in the storage position.
In operation, first and second trays 118, 120 may be successively removable from guide rail system 116. Additionally and/or alternatively, first and second trays 118, 120 may be successively released from engagement with latch retention member 152. For example, FIG. 12 shows first and second trays 118, 120 in the storage position, first tray 118 releaseably engaged with latch retention member 152 and first latch member 148 in the locked position. First latch member 148 may be moved from the locked position to the release position and first tray 118 may be removed from guide rail system 116.
Second tray 120 may be pulled towards third slide member 126 such that second tray 120 releaseably engages latch retention member 152 and/or second latch member 150 moves into the locked position with latch retention member 152. Second latch member 150 may be moved from the locked position to the release position and second tray 120 may be removed from guide rail system 116.
First and second trays 118, 120 may be stackable, as described above with reference to FIG. 11. For example, the top of first tray side walls 128 may include one of a stacking recess and a stacking protrusion and the bottom of the second tray side walls 130 include the other of a stacking recess and a stacking protrusion, such that second tray 120 may be stacked on top of first tray 118 outside of frame 112. Additionally and/or alternatively, some embodiments of storage system 100 may be configured to securely retain the objects within tray 118, 120, as described above with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.
Regarding an embodiment of a storage system configured for storage of wine bottles, having multiple wine drawers, or trays, nest together and ready for transport is especially beneficial to a wine collector who must move a wine collection from one wine cellar to another. Additionally, being able to easily view the contents of tray via tilting allows wine collectors to easily organize their collection after transporting the collection to a new cellar. This benefit, however, is not limited to wine collectors. The ability to move several dozen wine bottles at once also has commercial applications.
For example, a distributor or vendor may transport several stacks of wine trays to a store that sells wine. The distributor or vendor may then simply load the individual wine trays into a wine storage system or frame at the store. The storage system may include a refrigeration system. Additionally or alternatively, the distributor or vendor may leave the stacks of wine trays for someone in charge of stocking to later load into the wine storage systems. The storage systems may be located inside or outside of a cooler and may be specific to a type of wine, such as pinot grigio, chardonnay, merlot, or pinot noir.
Once the wine storage systems are stocked, consumers may then view the wine trays and make their selection by removing a bottle from the wine tray. Additionally or alternatively, consumers may view a picture or other graphic on the outside of the wine tray that represents the contents, and then make their selection based on the picture or graphic. For example, the picture or graphic could be a white wine bottle displaying the label. The wine tray may further include comments or descriptions of the contents along with preferred food pairings for added value to the consumers.
The various components of a storage may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as plastic, foamed plastic, flexible plastic, clear plastic, one or more layers of fabric, wood, cardboard, pressed paper, metal, glass or any combination of materials. For example, a front wall of a tray may include glass or other clear material such that contents/objects in the tray may be viewed. A suitable material or combination of materials may be selected to provide a desirable synergy of weight, strength, durability, cost, and/or manufacturability.
While embodiments of a storage system and methods of storage have been particularly shown and described, many variations may be made therein. This disclosure may include one or more independent or interdependent embodiments directed to various combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties. Other combinations and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed later in a related application. Such variations, whether they are directed to different combinations or directed to the same combinations, whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature or element, or combination thereof, is essential to all possible combinations that may be claimed in this or a later application.
It is believed that the disclosure set forth herein encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. Each example defines an embodiment disclosed in the foregoing disclosure, but any one example does not necessarily encompass all features or combinations that may be eventually claimed. Where the description recites “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, such description includes one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Further, ordinal indicators, such as first, second or third, for identified elements are used to distinguish between the elements, and do not indicate a required or limited number of such elements, and do not indicate a particular position or order of such elements unless otherwise specifically stated.

Claims

I claim:

1. A storage system for storing objects, the storage system comprising:

a frame having sides;

a guide rail system supported on the frame between the frame sides, the guide rail system including a pair of slide members that are selectively extendable beyond the frame sides;

a tray moveable within the guide rail system and releaseably supported by the pair of slide members for movement with the slide members relative to the frame, the tray being selectively removable from the slide members and tiltable with respect to the slide members; and

a mounting mechanism operable for securing the tray to one of the slide members, the mounting mechanism being selectively releasable for allowing manual removal of the tray from the slide members.

2. The storage system of claim 1; wherein the mounting mechanism includes a pair of latch members, each latch member moveably disposed on one of the guide rail system and the tray; and

a pair latch retention members disposed on the other of the guide rail system and the tray, each latch retention member including a first detent configured to releaseably retain the latch member, and thereby the tray in an associated position relative to the slide members.

3. The storage system of claim 2; wherein each latch member is moveably disposed on either side of the tray adjacent the guide rail system and each latch retention member is disposed on one of the pair of slide members.

4. The storage system of claim 2; wherein the tray is positionable relative to the slide members in at least a storage position, a first tilt position disposed at a first angle relative to the storage position, and a second tilt position disposed at a second angle relative to the storage position, the second angle being different than the first angle and the first detent releaseably retains the latch member, and thereby the tray in one of the storage position, the first tilt position and the second tilt position relative to the slide members.

5. The storage system of claim 4; wherein each latch retention member includes a second detent, the second detent configured to releaseably retain the latch member, and thereby the tray in one of the storage position, the first tilt position and the second tilt position relative to the slide members.

6. The storage system of claim 3, wherein the tray includes handles disposed on either side of the tray adjacent the guide rail system and the pair of latch members are moveably disposed on the tray adjacent the handles.

7. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the tray includes a plurality of elongate indentations configured to retain a portion of the objects, the elongate indentations disposed at an angle with respect to a front wall of the tray.

8. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising

a plurality of trays configured to be securely retained in a stacked position outside of the frame, each tray including a pair of tray side walls having one or both of a stacking recess and a stacking protrusion.

9. A storage system for storing objects, the storage system comprising:

a frame;

a guide rail system supported by the frame;

a tray supported by the guide rail system for movement between a stowed position within the frame and an operative position outside the frame, the tray being removable from the guide rail system when the tray is in the operative position, the tray being positionable relative to the guide rail system when the tray is in the operative position in at least a storage position, a first tilt position disposed at a first angle relative to the storage position, and a second tilt position disposed at a second angle relative to the storage position, the second angle being different than the first angle; and

a mounting mechanism configured to selectively retain the tray in at least the storage position, the first tilt position and the second tilt position, the mounting mechanism being manually operable for disengaging the tray from a respective one of the storage, first tilt, and second tilt positions and allowing movement of the tray to another of the storage, first tilt, and second tilt positions.

10. The storage system of claim 9; wherein the mounting mechanism includes a pair of latch members, each latch member moveably disposed on one of the guide rail system and the tray; and

a pair latch retention members disposed on the other of the guide rail system and the tray, each latch retention member including at least three detents configured to releaseably retain the latch member, and thereby the tray in one of the storage position, the first tilt position and the second tilt position relative to the slide members.

11. The storage system of claim 10, wherein the tray includes handles disposed on either side of the tray adjacent the guide rail system and the pair of latch members are moveably disposed on the tray adjacent the handles.

12. The storage system of claim 10, wherein the guide rail system includes a pair of slide members that are extendable outside of the frame and the latch retention members are disposed on the slide members.

13. The storage system of claim 10, wherein each latch member is moveable between a lock position in which the latch member is engaged with the latch retention member and a release position in which the latch member is disengaged from the latch retention member;

the tray being removable from the guide rail system when the latch members are in the release position and the tray being positionable relative to the guide rail system when the latch members are in the release position.

14. The storage system of claim 9, wherein the tray includes a plurality of elongate indentations configured to retain a portion of the objects, the elongate indentations disposed at an angle with respect to a front wall of the tray.

15. The storage system of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of trays configured to be securely retained in a stacked position outside of the storage system, each tray including a pair of side walls having one or both of a stacking recess and a stacking protrusion.

16. A storage system for storing objects, the storage system comprising:

a frame;

a guide rail system support by the frame;

a tray supported by the guide rail system for movement between a stowed position within the frame and an operative position outside the frame, the tray being removable from the guide rail system when the tray is in the operative position, the tray being positionable relative to the guide rail system when the tray is in the operative position in at least a storage position and a first tilt position disposed at a first angle relative to the storage position;

a pair of latch members, each latch member moveably disposed on one of the guide rail system and the tray; and

a pair of latch retention members disposed on the other of the guide rail system and the tray, each latch retention member including a first detent configured to releaseably retain the latch member, and thereby the tray in one of the storage position and the first tilt position relative to the guide rail system.

17. The storage system of claim 16; wherein each latch member is moveably disposed on either side of the tray adjacent the guide rail system and each latch retention member is disposed on the guide rail system.

18. The storage system of claim 16; wherein the tray is positionable relative to the guide rail system in a second tilt position disposed at a second angle relative to the storage position, the second angle being different than the first angle and each latch retention member includes a second detent, the second detent configured to releaseably retain the latch member, and thereby the tray in one of the storage position, the first tilt position and the second tilt position relative to the slide members.

19. The storage system of claim 17, wherein the tray includes handles disposed on either side of the tray adjacent the guide rail system and the pair of latch members are moveably disposed on the tray adjacent the handles.

20. The storage system of claim 16, wherein the tray includes a plurality of elongate indentations configured to retain a portion of the objects, the elongate indentations disposed at an angle with respect to a front wall of the tray.

21. The storage system of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of trays configured to be securely retained in a stacked position outside of the frame, each tray including a pair of side walls having one or both of a stacking recess and a stacking protrusion.

22. The storage system of claim 17, wherein either side of the tray includes a tray sliding member and the latch retention member includes a sliding member slot having an open end, the slot configured to retain the tray sliding member.

23. A storage system for storing objects, the storage system comprising:

a frame;

a guide rail system supported by the frame;

a tray supported by the guide rail system for movement between a stowed position within the frame and an operative position outside the frame, the tray including a pair of tray side walls, each side wall having a handle, the tray being one of removable from the guide rail system when the tray is in the operative position and positionable relative to the guide rail system when the tray is in the operative position in at least a storage position and a first tilt position disposed at a first angle relative to the storage position; and

a pair of latch members, each latch member moveably disposed on one of the pair tray side walls adjacent the handle and configured to releaseably engage the guide rail system.

24. The storage system of claim 23, further comprising a pair of latch retention member disposed on the guide rail system, each latch retention member configured to releaseably retain the latch member, and thereby the tray relative to the guide rail system.

25. The storage system of claim 24, wherein the tray side walls include a tray sliding member, and

the latch retention member includes a sliding member slot having an open end, the slot configured to retain the tray sliding member.

26. The storage system of claim 23, wherein the tray includes a plurality of elongate indentations configured to retain a portion of the objects, the elongate indentations disposed at an angle with respect to a front wall of the tray.

27. The storage system of claim 23, further comprising a plurality of trays configured to be securely retained in a stacked position outside of the frame, each tray side wall having one or both of a stacking recess and a stacking protrusion.

28. A storage system for storing objects, the storage system comprising:

a frame having frame sides, the frame sides having a depth;

a guide rail system supported by the frame;

a first tray supported by the guide rail system for movement between a stowed position within the frame and an operative position outside the frame, the first tray being removable from the guide rail system when the tray is in the operative position, the first tray having a length that is less than the depth of the frame;

a second tray supported by the guide rail system for movement between a stowed position within the frame and an operative position outside the frame, the second tray being removable from the guide rail system when the second tray is in the operative position, the second tray having a length that is less than the depth of the frame; and

a mounting mechanism operable for securing one of the first tray and the second tray to the guide rail system, the mounting mechanism being selectively releasable for allowing manual removal of one of the first tray and the second tray from the guide rail system.

29. The storage system of claim 28, wherein the mounting mechanism includes

a first latch member moveably disposed on a side wall of the first tray;

a second latch member moveably disposed on a side wall of the second tray; and

a latch retention member disposed on the guide rail system;

the first and second latch members configured to releaseably engage the latch retention member.

30. A storage system for storing objects, the storage system comprising:

a frame having frame sides, the frame sides having a depth;

a first tray moveable within the guide rail system, the first tray being selectively removable from the slide members, the first tray including first tray side walls having a length that is less than the depth of the frame sides;

a second tray moveable within the guide rail system, the second tray being selectively removable from the slide members, the second tray including second tray side walls having a length that is less than the depth of the frame sides;

a first pair of latch members, each of the first pair of latch members moveably disposed on one of the first tray side walls; and

a second pair of latch members, each of the second pair of latch members moveably disposed on one of the second tray side walls;

wherein the first and second pair of latch members are operable for securing the first tray and the second tray respectively to the slide members, the first and second pair of latch members being selectively releasable for allowing manual removal of the first tray and the second tray from the slide members.

32. The storage system of claim 31, further comprising

a pair of latch retention members having a detent, each of the pair of latch retention members disposed on one the slide members;

wherein the first and second pair latch members are configured to releaseably engage the detents.

33. The storage system of claim 31, wherein the first tray includes a plurality of elongate indentations configured to retain a portion of the objects, the elongate indentations disposed at an angle with respect to a first tray front wall.

34. The storage system of claim 31, wherein the top of first tray side walls include one of a stacking recess and a stacking protrusion and the bottom of the second tray side walls include the other of a stacking recess and a stacking protrusion, such that the second tray may be stacked on top of the first tray outside of the frame.