Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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r
LAZY SUSAN DEVICE WITH TOOL FREE INSTALLATION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority of United States Provisional Patent
Application
Serial No. 60/547,329, filed February 23, 2004.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFISHE APPENDIX
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to "lazy Susan" devices and, more particularly, to
rotatable
devices having shelves and means for coupling supporting elements to cabinets
or other
architectural surfaces.
Background Art
Various types of storage devices having shelves or receptacles for holding
various
items are utilized in numerous environments, including commercial, industrial
and residential
spaces. One type of storage device which has been found to be of value is a
device which
includes means for rotation. Rotatable storage devices have the capability of
varying the
"presentation" location of hooks, shelves or other hanger and container-like
utilitarian articles.
These mtatable storage devices are known by a number of relatively common
names, such as
carrousels. In addition, many of these storage devices have come to be known
as "lazy susans."
Although the dictionary definition of a lazy susan describes a large,
revolving tray for food,
placed at the center of a dining table, the term "lazy susan" has generically
come to refer to a
number of different types of rotatable storage devices. The term "lazy Susan"
will be used herein
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in its generic sense to refer to a rotatable storage device, and should not be
construed to be
limited to devices in accordance with its dictionary definition.
Lazy susan-type storage devices are used in various locations in the
aforementioned commercial, industrial and residential environments. The
devices rnay comprise
one or more horizontally-disposed platforms or shelves, with the shelves being
vertically spaced
apart. The spaced apart shelves are often rotatably coupled to a shaft which
commonly extends
along a vertical axis located at a center point of the horizontally disposed
shelves.
One problem which exists with respect to various types of lazy susan devices
relates to installation procedures. For example, in many conventional lazy
Susan devices, the
aforementioned shaft or "support pole" is often positioned within a cabinet or
other storage
device. The bottom portion of the support pole or shaft is secured to a mount
or similar
connecting means, which, in turn, is physically secured to a cabinet for
bottom or other similar
surface. Correspondingly, the top end of the shaft or the support pole is
coupled to a connecting
mount or similar connecting means which is also physically secured to a
surface. For example,
the upper connecting mount may be secured to the lower surface of a cabinet
top or similar
structure.
It can be somewhat difficult to install lazy susan devices within cabinets or
other
storage facilities, particularly with respect to connection of the shaft or
support poles to the
connecting mounts, and the connecting mounts to the cabinet or other
structural surfaces. These
cabinets or other storage facilities are often located in kitchen corners or
other areas where it can
be difficult for an installer to "maneuver." In particular, maneuverability
can be particularly
difficult for the installer, if the installer needs to utilize tools for
purposes of installation. In
some instances, known lazy Susan devices require special tools for
installation. Acquisition and
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maintenance of such special tools present problems in and of themselves.
However, even if the
installation can be performed using conventional tools, procedures associated
with such
installation can be difficult.
As earlier mentioned, various types of lazy susan or similar devices exist in
the
prior art. For example, Preston, U.S. Patent No. 3,628,844 issued December 21,
1971 describes
a storage cabinet with revolving shelves. The shelves have a kidney or three-
quarter circle
shape, with a diameter approximately equal to the square dimension of the
cabinet. Each shelf
has one straight edge which is located so that tiers of trays attached to two
swinging cabinet
doors may be made of an optimum depth, thereby permitting the trays to fill
the space between
the shelves and the doors when the doors are closed. Detent mechanisms hold
the shelves in
center positions within the cabinet, and resist a tendency for the shelves to
spin uncontrollably
when turned out of the center positions. The door trays are detachably hooked
onto standards
fastened to the inner sides of the doors, and are constructed so as to avoid
leaving gaps between
the doors and the trays.
With respect to lazy Susan devices, installation will often require adjustment
of
the relative length of the support pole. Installation of lazy susan devices
also involves setting the
relative height or location of the shelves along the support poles. Various
types of configurations
have been utilized for providing adjustment of the length of the support
poles, as well as height
adjustments of shelves.
For example, one type of shelf height adjustment mechanism is disclosed in
Domenig, et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,626,305 B2 issued September 30, 2003. The
Domenig, et al.
patent discloses a rotary shelf assembly mechanism having shelves mounted on a
vertical post
arrangement formed by a first lower post and second upper post. Domenig, et
al. further disclose
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shelves comprising one piece elements. A post-securing shelf section is formed
as an integral
part of each shelf. Each shelf is molded as a plastic or other suitable
material, and provided with
a series of strengthening ribs that extend radially of the circular configured
shelf from the post-
securing shelf section. Circular supporting ribs are also provided for
additional strength.
The post-securing shelf section is comprised of a circular hub. The circular
hub
houses, within its formed interior, a series of radially extending ribs
emanating from a post
encircling sleeve. Two pin receiving indents cooperatively open into the
sleeve, so that a pin
inserted through the post will nest within the indents, and be within the
interior hub and post.
During assembly, the one piece shelf can be positioned over the post and
sustained at a
predetermined location by the insertion of a pin through an aperture in the
post. Extending ends
of the pin are cooperatively received by indents, so as to secure the shelf at
a precise location on
the post. With the foregoing, it is apparent that movement of the shelf along
the post is limited
in the number of positions available by the number of apertures in the support
posts through
which the supporting pin may be received. Further, with this type of
arrangement, the vertical
positions available for the shelf along the support post are not in the form
of a "continuum," but
instead only discrete positions are available for vertical height adjustments.
Still further, it is
apparent that it would be substantially difficult to adjust the height of a
shelf along the support
post, while the shelf is supporting various items.
As earlier stated, various other types of lazy susan and similar devices are
well
known in the prior art. For example, Ballew, U.S. Patent No. 5,813,736 issued
September 29,
1998 discloses the use of a carrousel device having slidable sections
connected to vertical
pegboard supports. More specifically, a rotatable base has a series of sliding
bases placed upon
the rotatable base. The bases are supported by drawer slides which provide
support when the
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base is extended out from the cabinet area. More specifically, the carousel or
cabinet storage
device is mounted within a cabinet and includes vertical panels mounted upon a
rotating
platform. Each of the vertical panels may be rotated to the front of the
cabinet for purposes of
access. The vertical panels are connected to individual sliding bases. Mounted
to the sliding
bases are pairs of slide rails. The slide rails allow the sliding bases to
slide horizontally outward
away from the rotating platform. The slide rails are connected to the sliding
base and to the
rotating platform. In this manner, the vertical panels are extended
horizontally away from the
cabinet to provide easy access to items which may be hung from the panels.
Each slide includes a support member for purposes of providing additional
support for the sliding base, when the base is extended outwardly from the
platform. The
support member includes a retractable arm having one end pivotably attached to
the slide rail,
with a wheel rotatably attached to the opposing or second end. The retractable
arm is biased by a
spring so as to cause it to extend downwardly to rest on the floor and thereby
support the sliding
base when it is in its extended position. When the sliding base is in a
storage position, the arm
1 S pivots upwardly. The wheel engages the floor and allows the sliding base
to be moved inwardly
or outwardly while supplying support for the sliding base. When the sliding
platform is pushed
back into a storage position, the arm engages a rotating platform, thereby
causing the arm to
retract.
Twellmann, U.S. Patent No. 4,832,300 issued May 23, 1989 discloses a half
moon lazy Susan type shelf. The shelf is mounted in part on the back side of a
door in a cabinet,
and in part on a rotating element and support system. When the door is open,
the shelf is
extendable by rotation so as to expose substantially all of its surface area.
This is provided
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through rotating portions of the support system and rails which operate in a
fashion similar to a
drawer slide.
Battles, U.S. Patent No. 4,067,607 issued January 10, 1978 discloses a
combination stool and fishing tackle box. Battles discloses use of shelves
which slide in and out
of a circular container. Specifically, the Battles arrangement includes an
upright cylindrical
housing having closed ends. A wall is diametrically and longitudinally divided
intermediate its
ends so as to define a stationary wall portion and a movable wall portion. The
movable wall
portion forms a door slidably disposed in circular tracks formed by the
respective end of the
housing, so as to cover and uncover an access opening foamed by the divided
wall. The housing
is transversely divided by a plurality of partitions arranged in vertically
spaced relation, so as to
form a plurality of compartments. Each of the partitions rotatably supports a
circular upwardly
opening fishing tackle receiving tray. Each of the trays is movable outwardly
through the access
opening with respect to its support partition by a radial slot formed in the
respective partition.
Other prior art references relate to various types of adjustable poles and the
like.
As earlier stated, it is not uncommon for a lazy Susan device to incorporate
some type of support
pole which may be adjustable in length. As an example, Murch, U.S. Patent No.
918,579 issued
April 20, 1909 is directed to a telescopic clothes pole. The pole is arranged
in sections and is
telescopic in form. The pole includes an outer tubular socket closed at the
bottom. A series of
tubular members of varying diameters are arranged so that one telescopes
within the other, and
all telescope within the socket member. The slots have, at the lower ends, an
upwardly
extending offset portion. Each of the members, with the exception of the upper
one, is provided
with an inwardly projecting pin. The pin operates in the slot of the enclosed
tube so as to hold
the tube elevated when the pin is in engagement with the upturned portion of
the slot. A cap is
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mounted on the innermost tubular member, serving as a cover for the socket
member and
intermediate tubular member. In this manner, foreign substances are prevented
from entering
into the members.
Zierold, et al., U.S. Patent No. 2,124,842 issued July 26, 1938 discloses a
telescopic umbrella frame. The frame includes a telescopic umbrella stick, and
a sliding member
adapted to move along the stick. Telescopic ribs comprising inner and outer
sections are also
provided. Spreaders exist for connecting the outer sections to the umbrella
sliding member.
Cooperating means on the inner and outer sections exist for simultaneously
locking all of the
extended outer rib sections to the inner rib sections, before the movement of
the sliding member
for opening the umbrella frame.
Booth, U.S. Patent No. 2,350,582 issued June 6, 1994 discloses a joint
structure
for metal tubing. More specifically, a metal tube is provided having a series
of circumferential
coplanar and arcuate slots near one end. The tube metal between each slot and
the adjacent tube
end is displaced radially inwardly so as to form a flute. Lands left between
the flutes are
displaced radially inwardly to an extent sufficient so as to permit the entry
of the fluted tube end
into a tube of the same diameter and a second tube of the same diameter as the
first. The fluted
end of the first tube is telescopically received within the second, and the
end surface of the
second tube abuts against the sides of the slots in the first tube. These are
also provided for
preventing axial separation of the tubes.
Booth, U.S. Patent No. 2,423,577 issued July 8, 1947 also discloses a joint
for
metal tubes. In this disclosure, a metal tube is provided which has one end
collapsed so as to
form a single wall of double thickness. The wall is curved transversely. A
second tube is
provided, with substantially the same diameter as the first tube. The outer
surface of the
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collapsed portion substantially conforms in curvature to and engages the inner
surface of the
second tube to an angular extent of more than 180°. Means are provided
for securing the two
tubes together, with the collapsed portion of the l~trst tube disposed within
the second tube.
Kuo, U.S. Patent No. 5,702,198 issued December 30, 1997 discloses an umbrella
rod structure having multiple tubes. The umbrella rod is formed with at least
an outer tube and
an inner tube. The tubes have arched grooves and positioning holes. A V-shaped
stopper is
provided which has a projection on one end disposed in the inner tube, so as
to extend from
positioning holes of both tubes. Arched contacts between the grooves of both
tubes and the
engagement of the projection and the positioning holes make the rod secure and
firm when it is
stretched.
Wu, U.S. Patent No. 5,287,869 issued February 22, 1994, discloses an
improvement in a center post of a collapsible umbrella. The post includes a
retainer body on
which two guiding holes are formed, so as to respectively receive therein a
first retaining pin
biased by a spring, and a second retaining pin biased by a spring. The
retainer body is inserted
into an inner tubular section of the center post, so as to have the spring
biased retaining pins
partially project out of two through holes formed on the inner tubular
section. The inner tubular
section is telescopically received in an outer tubular section out of the
center post. When the
inner tubular section is in a fully extended position, the second retaining
pin extends through one
of the through holes of the inner tubular section, so as to be engaged by a
stop piece formed on
the outer tubular section. The first retaining pin, which extends through the
associated one of the
through holes, penetrates through an opening formed on the outer tubular
section so as to retain
the inner tubular section in the fully extended position in order to open the
umbrella. When the
umbrella is closed, the runner of the umbrella is slidably moved downwardly,
through the
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opening of the outer tubular section so as to force the first retaining pin
inward to allow the inner
tubular section to telescopically slide into the outer tubular section.
McCaffrey, U.S. Patent No. 5,354,025 issued October 11, 1994, discloses a
furniture shelf support bracket. The support bracket includes a semi-
cylindrical cuff, with an
inner surface for engaging a vertical tube, and outer surface from which a
platform projects for
engaging a bottom section of a shelf. A pair of alignment ridges are
positioned on an upper
surface of and extend along a platform. A lip extends from a marginal edge of
the outer surface
of the cuff, for purposes of engaging a top surface and side edge of the
shelf. The alignment
ridges fit within an alignment slot in the bottom surface of the shelf, and
engage a clamping plate
set into a clamping slot, which intersects and is transverse to the alignment
slot.
In general, a substantial amount of prior art exists with respect to lazy
susan
devices, rotatable shelves, length-adjustable support poles and the like.
However, known lazy
susan devices typically require special or at least conventional tools for
interconnecting the
devices to storage cabinet surfaces or similar structures through connecting
mounts and the like.
As earlier stated, it is often difficult for an installer to maneuver and
manipulate tools within
storage cabinet spaces, when installing the lazy Susan devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, a lazy susan-like apparatus is provided, and
adapted for use in supporting items and facilitating access to the items by a
user. The apparatus
includes at least one shelf or support base. Support means are connected to a
first structure
separate from the apparatus, for supporting the apparatus and for supporting
the shelf. First
connector means are associated, at least in part, with the support means, for
connecting together
the support means and the first structure. Coupling means couple the shelf to
the support means.
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The first connector means and the coupling means are operable so as to permit
the shelf to rotate
relative to the first structure. In accordance further with the invention, the
coupling means, the
support means and the platform are structured and operable so as to permit
manual assembly and
disassembly in the absence of any tools. In addition, the first connector
means, the first support
means and the first structure are also structured and operable so as to permit
manual assembly
and disassembly in the absence of any tools.
The support means includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The first
structure includes an upper structure located substantially above the
apparatus, when the
apparatus is installed with the upper portion of the support means connected
to the upper
structure through the first connector means. The first connector means is
located, at least in part,
on the upper portion of the support means. The first structure can include a
lower structure,
located substantially below the apparatus, when the apparatus is installed
with a lower portion of
the support means connected to the lower structure through the first connector
means. The first
connector means can be located, at least in part, on the lower portion of the
support means.
The first connector means can include an outer sleeve, with a horizontally
disposed flange connected to or otherwise integral with a top of the outer
sleeve. A series of
press-in barbs protrude upwardly from a top of the horizontal flange. The
barbs are adapted to
be pressed in the predrilled barb holes extending upwardly from a lower
surface of the first
structure. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the first
connector means can
include a stabilization element coupled to the upper structure and received
within or outside of
the support means. Means can be included which are connected to the
stabilization element and
to the first structure for substantially preventing movement of the support
means relative to the
first structure.
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The support means can include a centralized support pole, with an upper tube
and
a lower tube. A locking collar can be provided, which is coupled to one or
both of the upper tube
and lower tube. The locking collar maintains a coupling of the upper and lower
tubes, and
prevents axial movement of one of the tubes relative to the other of the
tubes. Still further, the
first connector means can include a threaded insert which is fixed to the
upper tube, and projects
upwardly so as to be received within a recess of the upper structure.
The first structure can include an upper structure and a lower structure. The
apparatus
can include a second connector means located, at least in part, on a lower
portion of the support
means. The lower structure is located below the apparatus when the apparatus
is installed. The
coupling means couples the shelf to the outer tube, so that the weight of the
shelf is not carried
by the upper portion. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the
support pole can
include an upper tube connected to the first connector means, and a lower tube
connected to the
second connector means. A length adjustment mechanism can be coupled to one or
both of the
tubes, with the length adjustment mechanism comprising means for adjusting the
relative linear
spatial relationship along a centralized axis between the upper and lower
tubes. In this manner,
an effective length of the centralized support pole can be selectively
adjusted.
The length adjustment mechanism can be activated by a user, so that when the
user wishes to adjust the effective length of the support pole from an initial
first effective length
to a second effective length, the user first manually applies forces to the
length adjustment
mechanism or to the pole. When the pole is at the desired effective length,
the user can release
the manually applied forces, and the pole will maintain itself at the second
effective length,
absent the application of any additional externally applied forces. In
accordance with another
aspect of the invention, the length adjustment mechanism can be self
adjusting, so that the
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support pole will initially position itself and maintain a first effective
length, when initially
installed and assembled with the apparatus.
Still further, in accordance with another aspect of the invention, one of
either of
the upper tube or the lower tube can be an inner tube telescopingly received
within an outer tube.
The outer tube is the other of the upper and lower tubes. The length
adjustment mechanism
includes a threaded insert having a portion fitted so as to be received within
the inner tube. An
expansion nut is adapted to be received within the outer tube. The threaded
insert further
includes a threaded portion received within the expansion nut. With rotation
of one of the tubes
relative to the other of the tubes, and with the threaded portion being
received within the
expansion nut, the nut moves away from the inner tube, therein extending an
effective length of
the entirety of the support pole. Operation of the adjustment of the effective
length is manually
caused to occur, in nd the absence of any necessity of the use of any type of
tooling. With
respect to more specific aspects of the invention, with rotation of either the
inner tube or the
outer tube in a first direction, the expansion nut will be caused to expand
and correspondingly
move away from the inner tube. Still further, with rotation of either the
inner tube or the outer
tube in a first direction, and with the threaded portion being received within
the expansion nut,
the expansion nut is caused to expand. In accordance with all the foregoing,
as the expansion nut
moves away from the inner tube, the expansion nut is simultaneously expanding.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the inner tube is the
upper
tube and the outer tube is the lower tube. The portion of the threaded insert
is received within
the upper tube, and the expansion nut is received within the lower tube. The
first connector
means can include an upper pole flange adapted to be secured within an upper
portion of the
support means. An upper attachment means is provided for securing the flange
to the upper
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structure. The upper pole flange is secured within the upper portion of the
support means, and
the upper pole flange is secured to the upper structure in the absence of any
need for any tools or
other equipment. The second connector means can include a lower pole flange
secured to the
lower portion of the support means. A lower attachment means can be connected
to the lower
pole flange for securing the flange to the lower structure.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the length adjustment
mechanism can include an elongated spring adapted to be received within the
inner and outer
tubes. A lower securing means is coupled to the lower outer tube so as to
maintain a lower end
of the spring at a predetermined position relative to the lower outer tube. An
upper securing
means is coupled to an upper inner tube for positioning an upper end of the
spring at a
predetermined position relative to the upper inner tube. The spring is self
adjusting, and sized
and configured so that when the spring is received within the tubes, and
coupled to or otherwise
abutting against the upper and lower securing means, the spring is in a
compressed state. The
spring thus exerts upward and downward extending forces against the upper and
lower securing
means. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a spring can be
utilized as described
in the foregoing, but with the centralized support pole having an upper outer
tube and a lower
inner tube. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, when the
spring exerts the
upward extending forces against the upper securing means, the upper tube is
caused to seat and
abut against the structure. When a spring exerts the downward extending forces
against the
lower securing means, the lower tube is caused to seat and abut against the
lower structure.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention, the lower securing
means can include a lower metal insert having a resilient configuration, and
sized and configured
so as to be manually press-fitted into the lower tube. The upper securing
means includes an
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upper metal insert having a resilient configuration, and manually press-fitted
into the upper tube.
The inserts foam abutment walls against which ends of the spring exert forces.
The forces are
translated to the upper and lower tubes.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention, the upper tube can
include a ratchet extending longitudinally along an outer surface of the upper
tube. The ratchet
includes a set of teats. Length adjustment means are coupled to the upper and
lower tubes, and
are in a cooperative relationship with the ratchet so as to adjust the linear
spatial relationship
between the upper and lower tubes, and selectively adjust an effective length
of the support pole.
The length adjustment mechanism includes a sleeve extending downwardly and
coupled to an upper end of the lower tube. The adjustment mechanism can be
relatively rigidly
coupled to the end of the lower tube. A ratchet collar is located above the
sleeve and includes a
ratchet catch located at one side of the sleeve. The catch is sized and
configured so as to
manually operable along the teats of the ratchet.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the support means includes
a
1 S threaded bolt which is connected to or otherwise integral with a lower end
of the upper tube.
Threaded means are secured within an interior of the lower tube at a desired
position. The upper
tube is coupled to the lower tube through the threaded bolt being threadably
received within the
threaded means. With the threaded engagement, rotation of the upper tube
causes the position of
the upper tube to adjust linearly relative to the lower tube. The invention
also includes the
reverse of the foregoing, with the centralized support pole having a lower
tube and an upper tube,
with the lower tube at least partially received within the upper tube. The
threaded bolt is then
connected to or otherwise integral with an upper end of the lower tube.
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In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the first structure can
include
an upper structure located above the apparatus, with the structure including
an upper, predrilled
recess extending therein. The upper portion of the support means is sized so
as to be manually
securable within the upper recess. In accordance with a further aspect of the
invention, the lower
structure can include a lower, predrilled recess extending therein. The lower
portion is sized so
as to be manually secured within the lower recess. The lower portion can
include means
connected to the lower recess so as to prevent rotation of the lower portion
connected to the
lower recess.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art lazy Susan device employing a
connecting mount for interconnecting the device to a surface of a top cabinet
shelf or the like;
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a full-round lazy Susan device, showing prior
art
connecting mounts for both top and bottom attachments of the device to
appropriate surfaces (not
shown);
FIG. 3 is a "close-up" elevation view of a prior art connecting mount
arrangement
used with the lazy susan device, and corresponding to the connecting mount
shown at the bottom
of the lazy Susan device in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a tool-free support pole of a lazy susan device,
showing interconnection of the support pole of the lazy Susan device to a
cabinet top and a
cabinet bottom in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of an interconnection
arrangement for a lazy susan device in accordance with the invention;
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FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of an interconnection
arrangement for a lazy susan device in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 7 is a fourth embodiment of an interconnection arrangement for a lazy
Susan
device in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a further embodiment of an interconnection
arrangement for a lazy Susan device in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a still further embodiment of an interconnection
arrangement for a lazy Susan device in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 10 is yet another embodiment of an interconnection arrangement for a lazy
susan device in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 11 is a further embodiment of an interconnection arrangement for a lazy
susan device in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 11 A is an enlarged view of one of the barbs utilized in the lazy Susan
device
illustrated in FIG. 11;
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a still further embodiment of an
interconnection
arrangement for a lazy Susan device in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an interconnection arrangement for a lazy Susan
device in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 14 is a cross sectional plan view of an inner tube, taken along section
lines 14-14 of FIG. 13;
FIG. 1 S illustrates a further embodiment of the inner tube illustrated in
FIG. 13,
specifically illustrating a sectional plan view of an inner pole similar to
the view of FIG. 14; and
FIG. 16 is a further embodiment of an interconnection arrangement for a lazy
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susan device in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of example, in a number
of
embodiments of lazy Susan devices as illustrated in FIGS. 4 -16. Lazy Susan
devices in
accordance with the invention provide for tool free installation of the
devices to storage cabinet
surfaces or the like. That is, an installer can assemble the lazy Susan device
in accordance with
the invention in a storage cabinet or similar structure, without the need of
any special or
conventional tools.
For purposes of understanding the environment in which lazy Susan devices in
accordance with the invention may be utilized, prior art lazy susan devices
employing
interconnection arrangements requiring tools are illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and
3. More
specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art lazy susan device 100. The prior
art lazy Susan device
100 includes a centralized support pole 102. The centralized support pole 102
may be
constructed of an upper post 104 and a lower post 106. In accordance with
known lazy susan
devices, the upper post 104 is adapted to be telescopically received, at least
part, within the lower
post 106. The centralized support pole 102 extends vertically upwardly.
FIG. 2 illustrates a partial second embodiment of a lazy Susan device,
identified as
lazy susan device 200. FIG. 2 illustrates the lazy Susan device 200 in an
exploded configuration.
The lazy susan device 200 is similar to the lazy Susan device 100. For that
reason, elements of
each will be numbered with identical numerical references. For example, with
reference to lazy
Susan device 200, the device 200 also includes the centralized support pole
102, with an upper
post 104 and a lower post 106. With reference to lazy Susan device 100 shown
in FIG. 1, the
device 100 includes an upper connecting mount 108. Similarly, the lazy susan
device 200 also
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CA 02498085 2005-02-23
includes an upper connecting mount 108. Correspondingly, lazy susan device 200
further
includes a lower connecting mount 110. The lazy Susan device 100 illustrated
in FIG. 1 will also
have a lower connecting mount, similar to the connecting mount 110. However,
the view of
FIG. 1 does not show the lower connecting mount.
In FIG. 1, the lazy Susan device 100 is shown as having a pair of rotatable
shelves
112. The rotatable shelves 112 include an upper shelf 114 and a lower shelf
116. In the
particular embodiment shown as the lazy susan device 100, the rotatable
shelves 112 are what is
commonly known as "kidney-shaped" shelves. Correspondingly the lazy Susan
device 200 also
includes a rotatable shelf 118. However, the rotatable shelf 118, in contrast
to the rotatable
shelves 112, is typically characterized as a "full-round" shelf. That is, the
shelf is in the form of
a fully enclosed circle, rather than having a circular configuration with an
omitted arc, such as
exists in the kidney-shaped shelves 112.
As shown in FIG. 1, the lazy Susan device 100 is adapted to be connected
through
its upper connecting mount 108 to a cabinet top 120 having a bottom surface
122. Although not
shown in FIG. 1, the lazy susan device 100 would also be adapted to be mounted
through a lower
connecting mount to a cabinet floor having an upper surface (not shown). With
the lazy susan
device 200, the upper connecting mount 108 illustrated in FIG. 2 would be
attached to a cabinet
top (not shown). Correspondingly, the lower connecting mount 110 would be
attached to a
cabinet bottom or the like (not shown).
With specific reference to the lazy Susan device 200 shown as prior art in
FIG. 2,
the upper post 104 is adapted to be telescopically received within the lower
post 106. For
purposes of adjusting the vertical length of the centralized support pole 102,
various prior art
arrangements can be used. For example, the uppei post 104 can have a recessed
slot (not shown)
18
CA 02498085 2005-02-23
extending at least partially along the longitudinal length of the upper post
104. Correspondingly,
the lower post 106 can include one or more apertures 124 (only one of which is
illustrated in
FIG. 2) extending longitudinally along the lower post 106, and formed through
only a single
surface of the lower post 106. A casting 126 can be provided which fits within
the slot (not
shown) of the upper post 104, in between the upper post 104 and the lower post
106, when the
upper post 104 is telescopically received within the lower post 106. The
casting 126 includes an
aperture or through hole 128. A screw or similar connecting means 130 can be
inserted through
the aperture 128 of the casting 126, and through the aperture 124 in the lower
post 106, thereby
engaging the casting 126 within the slot (not shown) of the upper post 104.
With the appropriate
sizing and relative configurations of the slot (not shown) of the upper post
104 and the casting
126, the force exerted by the interconnecting screw or other connecting means
130 on the casting
126 and into the slot (not shown) of the upper post 104 will cause the upper
post 104 to be
fixedly secured to the lower post 106, thereby preventing any relative
longitudinal movement
between the posts 104, 106. The upper post 104 can be telescopically received
at various
longitudinal positions relative to the lower post 106. When the upper post 104
is at an
appropriate position relative to lower post 106, the casting 126 can be
appropriately positioned
so that the aperture 128 of the casting 126 is adjacent to and concentric with
the aperture 124 and
the lower post 106. The interconnecting screw or similar connecting means 130
can then be
inserted through the aperture 124 and the lower post 106, and the aperture 128
of the casting 126,
and into the recess slot (not shown) of the upper post 104. By tightening the
interconnecting
screw or similar connecting means 130, the upper post 104 can be fixedly
secured at its desired
position relative to the lower post 106. In this manner, the overall length of
the centralized
support pole 102 can be varied as desired, by varying the relative fixed
position of the upper post
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CA 02498085 2005-02-23
104 to the lower post 106. As apparent from the foregoing, tools would be
required for purposes
of threadably inserting the connecting screw 130 into the apertures 124 and
128.
Various prior art devices are known for rotatably mounting a lazy Susan shelf
to
the appropriate centralized support pole. In the particular prior art
embodiment shown as lazy
susan device 200 in FIG. 2, a bearing hub 132 may be utilized, having a
configuration as
illustrated in FIG. 2. Although not shown in FIG. 2, a pin or similar device
may be inserted
through apertures (not shown) in the bearing hub 132 and one set of apertures
134 located in the
lower support post 106. The pin (not shown) extending through the bearing hub
132 may extend
through one set of the apertures 134 so as to appropriately support the
bearing hub 132.
Alternatively, the bearing hub 132 can be constructed so that it essentially
"rests" on a pin
extending through one set of the apertures 134. The bearing hub can then be
utilized to support
the rotatable shelf 118, in a manner so as to permit somewhat of a "floating"
relationship
between the shelf 118 and the bearing hub 132. In this manner, the rotatable
shelf 118 can freely
rotate relative to the centralized support pole 102. In addition, for kidney-
shaped shelves, such
as the shelves 112 shown in FIG. 1, the bearing hub 132 can include detents
which, in a known
way, permit self centering of the shelf 118.
For purposes of full description of an embodiment of the prior art known lazy
Susan devices, an interconnection between the lower connecting mount 110, the
lower support
post 1 O6 and a cabinet bottom (not shown in FIG. 2) will now be described.
FIG. 3 is a "close
up" view of such an interconnection. Specifically, FIG. 3 also illustrates the
lower connecting
mount 110, lower support post 106 and the rotatable shelf 118. FIG. 3
illustrates the lower
connecting mount 110 as being fixedly attached to a cabinet bottom 138.
CA 02498085 2005-02-23
More specifically, the lower connecting mount 110 includes an upper collar
140,
which surrounds a recess 142. The recess 142 is adapted to receive the lower
end of the lower
post 106. Within the recess 142 and the upper collar 140, a lug 144
(illustrated in FIG. 2 and
partially illustrated in FIG. 3) extends upwardly, and is sized so as to fit
within the lower post
106, when the lower post 106 is positioned within the recess 142. The lug 144
has an aperture
146 extending therethrough. Correspondingly, the lower post 106 has, at its
lower end, an
aperture 148 and a diametrically opposing notch 150.
The connecting mount 110 also includes a ledge 152 which is sized and
positioned so that it receives the notch 150 and assists in securing the lower
post 106 to the
connecting mount 110. Still further, the lazy susan device 200 also includes a
bearing pin 136.
The bearing pin 136 is appropriately sized and adapted to fit within the notch
150, and received
within the apertures 146 and 148. The bearing pin 136, aperture 148, notch 1
SO and ledge 152
act as to secure the lower post 106 to prevent rotational and translational
movement relative to
the connecting mount 110.
Still further, the connecting mount 110 includes a series of apertures 156
(FIG. 2)
through which screws 154 may be inserted. Corresponding apertures (not shown)
would exist in
the cabinet bottom 138, so that the connecting mount 110 is fixedly secured to
the cabinet
bottom 138. As apparent from the foregoing, tools would be required to
threadably or otherwise
insert the screws 154 or similar connecting means to the cabinet bottom 138.
The foregoing has described how the lower support post 106 may be connected to
the lower connecting mount 110, and the lower connecting mount 110 connected
to the cabinet
bottom 138. As previously described, the lazy susan device 200 shown in FIG. 2
also includes
an upper connecting mount 108. The upper connecting mount 108 can also have
apertures 158
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CA 02498085 2005-02-23
and a configuration substantially corresponding to the configuration of lower
connecting mount
110. Again, for purposes of interconnection of the upper connecting mount 108
to a cabinet
surface 122 or the like, connecting screws or similar means (not shown) would
be inserted
through the apertures 158, and then through corresponding apertures in the
cabinet surface 122.
The interconnection or coupling of the upper post 104 to the upper connecting
mount 108 may
occur in a manner similar to the interconnection of the lower post 106 to the
lower connecting
mount 110. Alternatively, it is also possible to merely insert the upper
portion of the upper
support post 104 into a sleeve or collar corresponding to the upper collar 140
of the lower
connecting mount 110. Rotational movement of the upper connecting post 104
would be
prevented, in view of its secured connection to the lower post 106.
The foregoing lazy Susan devices 100 and 200 of the prior art, as illustrated
in
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, are merely examples of various types of lazy susan devices
which require
special or conventional tools for purposes of installation into storage
cabinets or the like. The
particular interconnection of the upper and lower support posts also requires
a tool, such as a
screwdriver or the like. As previously described, lazy susan devices in
accordance with the
invention do not require the use of tools for purposes of assembly and
installation, at least for
interconnection to cabinet or other surfaces. Embodiments of these lazy susan
devices are
illustrated in FIGS. 4 -16.
Reference is first made to FIG. 4, showing a first embodiment of a tool free
lazy
Susan device in accordance with the invention. Specifically, FIG. 4
illustrates a lazy susan
device 160. For purposes of simplification, the lazy susan device 160 is
illustrated in FIG. 4
without any shelving. Lazy susan or other types of shelving may be utilized
with the lazy susan
device 160 and supported thereon by any appropriate means well known to those
of ordinary
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CA 02498085 2005-02-23
skill in the prior art. More specifically, the lazy susan device 160 includes
a centralized support
pole 162. 'The centralized support pole 162 includes an upper inner tube 164,
and a lower outer
tube 166. For purposes of coupling together the inner tube 164 and outer tube
166, and for
purposes of adjusting the entirety of the centralized support pole 162, the
lazy susan device 160
also includes a length adjustment mechanism 168. As shown in FIG. 4, the
length adjustment
mechanism 168 includes an upper threaded insert 170. The threaded insert 170
includes a
portion which is fitted so as to be received within the upper inner tube 164.
The length
adjustment mechanism 168 also includes an expansion nut 172 which is adapted
to be received
within the lower outer tube 166. With the threaded insert 170 having an upper
portion received
within the inner tube 164, and a threaded portion received within the
expansion nut 172, rotation
of the upper inner tube 164 will cause the expansion nut 172 to expand
outwardly as the inner
tube 164 is rotated. This outward expansion of the expansion nut 172 will
cause the length
adjustment mechanism 168 to be fitted within the outer tube 166 in a snug
manner. It should be
noted that this arrangement for coupling together the inner tube 164 and outer
tube 166 so as to
form the centralized support pole 162, and the arrangement of the length
adjustment mechanism
168 for adjusting the length of the entirety of the centralized support pole
162, provides the
capability for such adjustment in coupling without the necessity of the use of
any type of
conventional or special tools.
The lazy susan device 160 is adapted to be connected at the top to a cabinet
top
174, and at the bottom to a cabinet bottom 184. Referring to the cabinet top
174, a pair of dowel
holes 176 are predrilled in the cabinet top 174. The lazy susan device 160
further includes an
upper pole flange 180 having a shape and configuration as illustrated in FIG.
4. The pole flange
180 includes a pair of upwardly extending dowels 182, mounted on an upper
surface of the pole
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CA 02498085 2005-02-23
flange 180. The dowels 182 are sized and configured on the pole flange 180 so
as to be capable
of insertion into the dowel holes 176.
For purposes of installation, the pole flange 180 with its corresponding pair
of
dowels 182 is positioned below the cabinet top 174, and the dowels 182 are
received within the
S dowel holes 176. A sleeve on the pole flange 180 is then received within the
inner tube 164.
Correspondingly, the cabinet bottom 184 includes a pair of predrilled dowel
holes 186. A lower
pole flange 188 is provided, which corresponds in structure to the pole flange
180. That is, the
pole flange 188 includes a pair of downwardly extending dowels 190, extending
downwardly
from a lower surface of the pole flange 188. For installation purposes, the
dowels 190 can be
received within corresponding ones of the dowel holes 186, and are sized and
configured so as to
provide for such reception. The pole flange 188 includes an upwardly extending
sleeve which is
received within the bottom of the outer tube 166. With the pole flange 180
received within the
inner tube 164 and the pole flange 188 received within the outer tube 166, the
length adjustment
mechanism 170 can then be utilized to extend the length of the entirety of the
centralized support
pole 162. This adjustment occurs until the inner tube 164 effectively "seats"
against the flange of
the pole flange 180, so as to secure the dowels 182 within the dowel holes
176.
Correspondingly, this extension of the centralized support pole 162 will cause
the outer tube 166
to seat against the pole flange 188. In this manner, the entirety of the lazy
Susan device 160 is
installed in the cabinet top 174 and the cabinet bottom 184. This installation
occurs without the
use of any commercially available or special tools during installation. It is
this concept of
installation without the requirement of tools which forms a primary basis for
the novel concepts
of the invention.
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CA 02498085 2005-02-23
In a preferred embodiment of the lazy susan device 160, the upper inner tube
164
is preferably relatively shorter in length than the lower outer tube 166. With
this relative
difference in length, the lazy susan shelves (not shown in FIG. 4) would be
supported solely by
the outer tube 166. By supporting the shelves (not shown) on the outer tube
166, the shelf loads
would preferably not be on the inner tube 164 or the expansion nut 172.
A further embodiment of a lazy susan device in accordance with the invention
is
illustrated as lazy Susan device 200 in FIG. 5. As with the lazy Susan device
160, the lazy Susan
device 200 is illustrated without any shelving. Also, certain components of
the lazy Susan device
200 correspond in structure, design and function to various elements in the
lazy susan device
160. These elements are like numbered. More specifically, the lazy Susan
device 200 includes,
as does the lazy Susan device 160, a cabinet top 174 with predrilled dowel
holes 176. A cabinet
bottom 184 is also provided, with predrilled dowels 186. An upper pole flange
180 is provided,
with upwardly extending dowels 182. Correspondingly, a lower pole flange 188
is also
provided, with downwardly extending dowels 190. These pole flanges, dowels and
predrilled
dowel holes have the same functions as like numbered elements in the lazy
Susan device 160
illustrated in FIG. 4.
Unlike the lazy susan device 160, the lazy Susan device 200 includes a length
adjustment mechanism different from the length adjustment mechanism 168.
Specifically, the
lazy Susan device 200 includes a length adjustment mechanism 208. More
specifically, the
length adjustment mechanism 208 includes an elongated spring 202. The spring
202 is adapted
to be received within the inner tube 164 and the lower outer tube 166.
Positioned within the
lower outer tube 166 is a lower pin 206. The lower pin 206 can preferably be
inserted through
diametrically opposing apertures (not shown) in the outer tube 166. In this
manner, the lower pin
CA 02498085 2005-02-23
206 extends through the central axis of the lower outer tube 166, The lower
end of the spring
202 is either secured to or otherwise abuts against the lower pin 206 in any
suitable manner.
Correspondingly, an upper pin 204 is inserted through apertures (not shown) in
the upper inner
tube 164. The upper end of the spring 202 is coupled to or otherwise abuts
against the upper pin
204. The spring 202 is sized and configured so that when it is received within
the tubes 164, 166
and coupled to or otherwise abutting against the upper pin 204 and lower pin
206, the spring 202
is in a "compressed" state. Accordingly, the spring 202 will exert upward and
downwardly
extending forces against the pins 204, 206, respectively. With the spring 202
maintained in a
compressive state, the upwardly extending forces exerted against the upper pin
204 will cause
the upper inner tube 164 to seat and abut against the upper pole flange 180.
Correspondingly,
the downwardly extending forces exerted against the lower pin 206 by the
spring 202 will cause
the lower outer tube 166 to seat and abut against the pole flange 188. In this
manner, the length
of the centralized support pole 162 is essentially "self adjusting" and the
spring 202 can be
characterized as "self adjusting." Also, as with the lazy susan device 160,
the lazy susan device
200 can be essentially installed and coupled to the cabinet top 174 and
cabinet bottom 184,
without the use of any type of commercially available or special tools.
A still further embodiment of a lazy susan device in accordance with the
invention is illustrated as lazy susan device 212 in FIG. 6. The lazy susan
device 212 is
substantially similar to the lazy susan device 200 illustrated in FIG. S. That
is, the device 212
includes a spring 202 for purposes of exerting forces so as to seat and abut
the centralized
support pole 162 to the cabinet top 174 and cabinet bottom 184. Also, the lazy
susan device 212
includes predrilled dowel holes 176, upper pole flange 180 and dowels 182.
Further, the lazy
susan device 212 includes predrilled dowel holes 186, dowels 190 and lower
pole flange 188.
26
CA 02498085 2005-02-23
The spring 202 is part of a length adjustment mechanism 214. However, unlike
the length
adjustment mechanism 208 of lazy susan device 200, which utilizes upper and
lower pins 204,
206, respectively, the length adjustment mechanism 214 of the lazy Susan
device 212 uses a
lower metal insert 218 and an upper metal insert 216. The metal inserts can be
somewhat
flexible or otherwise resilient, and can be "pressed" into the tubes 164, 166
at a desired length
along the corresponding tube. The metal inserts 216, 218 form abutment walls
against which the
ends of the spring 202 will exert forces. The forces exerted against the
inserts 216, 218 are
translated to the tubes 164, 166. In this manner, the centralized support pole
162 comprising the
tubes 164, 166, is seated against the pole flanges 180 and 188. This will
cause the pole flanges
180 and 188 to be appropriately secured against the cabinet top 174 and
cabinet bottom 184,
respectively. Again, the lazy Susan device 212, as with the lazy susan devices
160 and 200,
provides for installation without the use of any tools.
The embodiments of the lazy Susan devices 160, 200 and 212 illustrated in
FIGS.
4, S and 6, respectively, each use pole flanges 180, 188 with dowels 182, 190,
respectively. In
these embodiments, the dowels may be plastic molded dowels, and may be molded
onto the pole
flanges themselves. This, of course, would occur at the factory, so that the
pole flanges would be
provided as an assembly. In a slightly modified embodiment, FIG. 7 illustrates
a pole flange
220. The pole flange 220 includes a sleeve 222 and dowels 224. However,
instead of plastic
molding the dowels to the pole flanges, the dowels 224 are coupled to the pole
flange 220 by
means of screws 226. However, in accordance with the invention, the dowels 224
would be
secured to the pole flange 220 through use of the screws 226 at the factory.
In this manner, the
entirety of the pole flange 220 with the dowels 224 would be provided at the
installation site as a
fully assembled pole flange with dowels. Accordingly, even with the screws 226
utilized to
27
CA 02498085 2005-02-23
attach the dowels 224 to the pole flange 220, installation of a lazy susan
device utilizing in the
pole flanges 220 would still not require tools at the installation site since,
these screws 226
would attached the dowels 224 to the pole flange 220 at the factory site.
Further, it should be
noted that the pole flange 220, with the screws 226 attaching the dowels 224
to the flange 220,
may be utilized not only with the lazy Susan device 160 illustrated in FIG. 4,
but also the lazy
Susan devices 200 and 212 illustrated in FIGS. S and 6, respectively.
A still further embodiment of a lazy susan device in accordance with the
invention is illustrated as lazy Susan device 230 shown in FIG. 8. As with the
lazy Susan device
160, the lazy Susan device 230 includes a centralized support pole 162 having
an inner tube 164
and a lower outer tube 166. The tubes 164, 166 are coupled together through
the use of a length
adjustment mechanism 168, previously described with respect to the lazy susan
device 160 in
FIG. 4. However, distinguishable from the lazy susan device 160, the lazy
Susan device 230
includes a cabinet top 174 with an upper predrilled pole hole 232 extending
therein. The upper
pole hole 232 is sized so as to receive the top of the upper inner tube 164.
Correspondingly, the
I 5 cabinet bottom 184 includes a lower predrilled pole hole 234. The lower
pole hole 234 is sized
and configured so as to receive the lower end of the outer tube 166. For
purposes of installation,
the length adjustment mechanism 168 is utilized to couple together the inner
and outer tubes 164,
166, respectively, and adjust the length of the entirety of the centralized
support pole 162. The
length of the centralized support pole 162 is adjusted so that the upper end
of the inner tube 164
is received within the upper pole hole 232, while the lower end of the outer
tube 166 is received
within the lower pole hole 234. In this manner, the lazy susan device 230 can
be installed and
coupled to the cabinet top 174 and cabinet bottom 184. Still further, and in
accordance with the
invention, this installation can occur without the necessity of any tools.
28
CA 02498085 2005-02-23
With the lazy Susan device 230 installed in accordance with the foregoing
description, the centralized support pole 162 would be free to rotate within
the pole holes 232
and 234. If it is desired to prevent rotation, an optional non-rotate stub 236
can be integral with
or otherwise attached to the lower end of the outer tube 166. This non-rotate
stub 236 can be
made to be inserted within a corresponding hole within the pole hole 234 or
otherwise made to
be embedded within the cabinet bottom 184 in a manner so as to prevent
rotation of the outer
tube 166 relative to the pole hole 234. In this manner, rotation of the
entirety of the centralized
support pole 162 can be prevented.
Another embodiment of a lazy Susan device in accordance with the invention is
illustrated as lazy susan device 244 shown in FIG. 9. As with the lazy susan
device 230, the lazy
Susan device 234 includes a centralized support pole 162 having an inner tube
164 and a lower
outer tube 166. Still further, the lazy susan device 244 includes a cabinet
top 174 with an upper
predrilled pole hole 232 extending therein. The upper pole hole 232 is sized
so as to receive the
top of the upper inner tube 164. Correspondingly, a cabinet bottom 184
includes a lower
predrilled pole hole 234. The lower pole hole 234 is sized and configured so
as to receive the
lower end of the outer tube 156. Again, these components of the lazy Susan
device 244 are
similar to components of the lazy Susan device 230. However, unlike the lazy
Susan device 230,
the lazy Susan device 244 includes a length adjustment mechanism 246 similar
to the length
adjustment mechanism 208 of the lazy susan device 200. That is, the length
adjustment
mechanism 246 includes an elongated spring 202. The spring 202 is adapted to
be received
within the inner tube 164 and the lower outer tube 166.
Positioned within the upper inner tube 164 is a first support means 238 which
is
29
CA 02498085 2005-02-23
used to maintain the upper portion of the spring 202 in a predetermined
position relative to the
tube 164. This support means 238 can be in the form of a pin (such as the
upper pin 204 of the
lazy Susan device 200 shown in FIG. 5) or a metal insert (such as a metal
insert 218 of the lazy
Susan device 212 shown in FIG. 6). A similar second support means 240 can be
located within
the lower outer tube 166. The first and second support means 238, 240 are
utilized to maintain
the opposing ends of the spring 202 in particular positions relative to the
tubes 164, 166,
respectively. With the spring 202 in a tensioned state, the opposing ends of
the spring 202 will
exert forces against the first and second support means 238, 240,
respectively. Dependent upon
the configuration and tensile properties of the spring 202, these forces
exerted by the ends of the
spring 202 will cause the tube 164 to be extended outwardly from a telescoping
relationship with
the lower outer tube 166. The tubes 164, 166 with thus be extended so as to
fit within the pole
holes 232, 234, respectively. Again, the use of the spring 202 and the support
means 238, 240 is
similar in function and configuration to components of the lazy Susan device
200 and the lazy
Susan device 212 previously described with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6,
respectively.
In the lazy Susan device 230 previously described with respect to FIG. 8, the
device 230 included an optional point or stub 236 associated with the lower
outer tube 166, for
purposes of preventing rotation of the outer tube 166 within the pole hole
234. In a somewhat
similar manner, the lazy Susan device 244 can include an optional insert 242
which can be
coupled or otherwise attached to the lower tube 166 and positioned above or
inserted within the
pole hole 234. The insert 242 can be sized and configured in a manner such
that its association
with the tube 166 will prevent the tube 166 from rotation. As previously
mentioned, with lazy
susan devices of the type described herein, the rotatable shelves would
typically be associated
with the lower tubes 166. Accordingly, a coupling configuration in these lazy
Susan devices
CA 02498085 2005-02-23
between the rotating shelves and the supporting tubes which would utilize "non
rotatable"
supporting tubes would only require the prevention of rotation of the lower
tube 166.
A still further embodiment of a lazy Susan device in accordance with the
invention is illustrated as lazy Susan device 248 shown in FIG. 10. As with
the lazy Susan
devices previously described herein, the lazy susan device 248 includes a
centralized support
pole 162 having an inner tube 164 and a lower outer tube 166. Similar to the
lazy susan devices
230 and 244, the lazy Susan device 248 is adapted to be installed in a cabinet
top 174 with an
upper predrilled pole hole 232 extending therein. The upper pole hole is sized
so as to receive
the top of the upper inner tube 164. The lazy susan device 248 is also adapted
to be installed and
coupled to a cabinet bottom 184. The coupling to the cabinet bottom 184 occurs
in a manner
similar to that previously described with respect to lazy susan device 160
illustrated in FIG. 1.
That is, a pole flange 188 is provided, with dowels 190 extending downwardly
therefrom. The
cabinet bottom 184 is provided with predrilled dowel holes 186. The pole
flange 188 includes an
upwardly extending sleeve which is received within the bottom of the outer
tube 166. The
dowels 190 are adapted to be received within the predrilled dowel holes 186.
This configuration
corresponds to the configuration utilized in the lazy Susan device 160
illustrated in FIG. 4.
However unlike the prior lazy susan devices described herein, the lazy Susan
device 248 includes a locking adjustment mechanism comprising a locking collar
250 as shown
in FIG. 10. The locking collar 250 is a conventional device which is typically
referred to as a
"quarter-turn locking collar." Such locking collars are typically utilized on
bicycle seats and the
like. For purposes of assembly, the upper tube is inserted within the pole
hole 232, while the
pole flange 188 is inserted within the lower part of the lower outer tube 166.
Correspondingly,
the flange 188 is positioned so that the dowels 190 would be inserted within
the predrilled
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CA 02498085 2005-02-23
dowels 186. With this configuration, the quarter-turn locking collar 250 would
be configured so
as to be coupled to the upper tube 164 and lower tube 166, and then locked so
as to maintain a
coupling of the tubes 164, 166, and to also prevent any axial movement of one
of the tubes
relative to the other tube.
Another embodiment of a lazy susan device in accordance with the invention is
illustrated as lazy susan device 252, shown in FIGS. 1 l and 11A. As with the
lazy Susan device
248, the device 252 includes a centralized support pole 162 having an inner
tube 164 and a lower
outer tube 166. Received within the lower end of the outer tube 166 is a pole
flange 188 as
previously described with respect to FIG. 4. That is, the pole flange 188
includes a pair of dowel
rods 190, adapted to be received within dowel holes 186 predrilled within the
cabinet bottom
184. Like other lazy Susan devices previously described herein, the lazy Susan
device 252
includes a connector mechanism 254, adapted to connect to the cabinet top 174.
More
specifically, the connector mechanism 254 includes an outer sleeve 256.
Connected to or
otherwise integral with the top of the outer sleeve 256 is a horizontally
disposed flange 258.
Protruding upwardly from the top of the horizontal flange 258, and connected
to or otherwise
integral therewith, are a pair of press-in barbs 260. One of the barbs 260 is
shown in an enlarged
view in FIG. 11 A.
To assemble the lazy Susan device 252, the upper inner tube 164 is received
within the sleeve 256 of the connector mechanism 254. The press-in barbs 260
can then be
pressed into predrilled barb holes 262 extending upwardly from the lower
surface of the cabinet
top 174. With this press-in fit of the barbs 260 in the barb holes 262, the
connector mechanism
254 is appropriately secured. In this particular embodiment, the inner tube
164 can be the same
tube as the outer tube 166. With this configuration, there is no need for two
separate tubes, and
32
CA 02498085 2005-02-23
therefore no need for any coupling mechanism between the tubes. Accordingly,
the single tube
164, 166 would extend outwardly from the bottom of the sleeve 256 and would
abut the flange
188 at the bottom of the lazy Susan device 252. The length of the sleeve 256
would be sized so
that it would not extend downwardly into the area where rotatable shelves
would typically be
S mounted to the tube 166. As with the other lazy susan devices described
herein, assembly and
installation of the lazy Susan device 252 requires no conventional or special
tools.
Yet another embodiment of a lazy Susan device in accordance with the invention
is illustrated as lazy susan device 264 as shown in FIG. 12. As with other
lazy susan devices
previously described herein, the lazy susan device 264 includes a centralized
support pole 162
having an upper inner tube 164 and a lower outer tube 166. As with the lazy
susan device 160
previously described with respect to FIG. 4, the lazy Susan device 264
includes a pole flange 188
at the lower portion of the device 264. The pole flange 188 is adapted to be
received within the
outer tube 166. The flange 188 also includes a pair of dowels 190. The dowels
190 are adapted
to be received within dowel holes 186 predrilled within the cabinet bottom
184.
Unlike the previously described lazy susan devices, the lazy Susan device 264
includes a threaded insert 266 which is adapted to be coupled to the top of
the upper inner tube
164 by any suitable means. The threaded insert 266 is further adapted to be
threadably received
within the threaded hole 268 which is predrilled within the cabinet top 174.
For purposes of
installation, the inner tube 164 is first received within the top of the outer
tube 166. The inner
tube 164 is then moved upwardly so that the threaded insert 266 can be
received within the
threaded hole 268. The inner tube 164 is rotated so as to thread the insert
266 into the hole 268.
After such assembly, the inner tube 164 is in a rigid and secure
configuration. The outer tube
166 can then be moved downwardly and coupled to the pole flange 188. The
dowels 190 of the
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CA 02498085 2005-02-23
pole flange 188 can then be moved inwardly into the dowel holes 186. With the
configuration of
the lazy Susan device 264, it is optional whether there is any active coupling
mechanism between
the inner tube 164 and the outer tube 166.
A still further embodiment of a lazy Susan device in accordance with the
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 13, 14 and 1 S, and is designated lazy Susan
device 270.
Referring primarily to FIG. 13, the lazy susan device 270 includes a
centralized support pole 272
having an upper inner tube 274 and a lower outer tube 276. As with lazy susan
devices
previously described herein, the inner tube 274 is adapted to be
telescopically received within the
upper end of the lower outer tube 276. Unlike other lazy Susan devices
described herein, the lazy
Susan device 270 includes an upper inner tube 274 having a ratchet 278
associated with the tube
274. The ratchet 278 is a conventional ratchet and extends longitudinally
along an outer surface
of the inner tube 274. The ratchet 278 includes a set of teats 280. The cross
sectional
configuration of the inner upper tube 274 can vary in design. For example, the
inner tube 274
may have a cross sectional configuration as shown in FIG. 14 or,
alternatively, a cross sectional
configuration as shown in FIG. 15.
Also associated with the lazy Susan device 270 is a coupling mechanism 282,
utilized for purposes of coupling the inner upper tube 274 to the lower outer
tube 276. In this
specific embodiment, the coupling mechanism 282 comprises a sleeve 288 which
extends
downwardly and is designed to be received within the lower tube 276. The
sleeve 288 is sized so
that the coupling mechanism 282 can be relatively rigidly coupled to the end
of the lower tube
276. The coupling mechanism 282 also includes a ratchet collar 284. The
ratchet collar 284
includes a conventional ratchet catch 286 located on one side thereof. The
ratchet catch 286 is
sized and configured so as to operate along the teats 280 of the ratchet 278.
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CA 02498085 2005-02-23
The inner upper tube 274 also includes, at its upper end, a pole support 290.
The
pole support 290 is rigidly secured or otherwise integral with the tube 274.
The pole support 290
includes a pair of dowels 292 which are adapted to be received within dowel
holes 176
previously drilled within the cabinet top 174. Correspondingly, at the bottom
portion of the lazy
Susan device 270, a pole flange 188 is provided, corresponding to the pole
flange 188 previously
described with respect to FIG. 4. The pole flange 188 can be appropriately
secured to the cabinet
bottom 184, with the dowels 190 being received within the previously drilled
dowel holes 186.
The upper inner tube 274 is then press fitted into the cabinet top 174,
through the use of the
dowels 292 being received within the dowel holes 176. However, prior to the
inner tube 274
being coupled to the cabinet top 174, the coupling mechanism 282 is secured to
the outer tube
288, and then the coupling mechanism 282 and the outer tube 288 are moved
upwardly so that
the upper tube 274 is telescopically received within the outer tube 276. With
this movement, the
ratchet catch 286 will move along the teats 280 of the ratchet 278. When the
inner tube 274 is
appropriately coupled to the cabinet top 174, the outer tube 276 can be moved
downwardly by
operating the ratchet catch 286 along the ratchet 278. The outer tube 276 is
moved downwardly
until it abuts against the pole flange 188 and is thereby secured to the
cabinet bottom 184.
Again, as with other lazy Susan devices in accordance with the invention,
assembly of the lazy
Susan device 270 to the cabinet top 174 and cabinet bottom 184 requires no
conventional or
special tools.
Another embodiment of a lazy susan device in accordance with the invention is
illustrated in FIG. 16 as lazy Susan device 294. The lazy Susan device 294 is
adapted to be
coupled to a cabinet top 174 and a cabinet bottom 184. The device 294 includes
a centralized
support pole 296. As with other devices described herein, the centralized
support pole 296
CA 02498085 2005-02-23
includes an upper inner tube 298, and a lower outer tube 300. The upper inner
tube 298 is
adapted to be telescopically received within the upper end of the outer tube
300. However,
unlike other devices described herein, the inner tube 298 includes a threaded
bolt 302 connected
to or otherwise integral with the lower end of the inner tube 298. The
threaded bolt 302 is
adapted to be received within the top of the outer tube 300 and threadably
connected to a pressed
nut 304 secured (through a press fit or other means) within the interior of
the outer tube 300 at a
desired position.
For purposes of assembly, the inner tube 298 can be coupled to the outer tube
300
through the action of the threaded bolt 302 being threadably received through
the pressed nut
304. After partially adjusting the length of the centralized support pole 296
in this manner, the
upper end of the inner tube 298 can be received within a pole hole 232
previously configured
within the lower surface of the cabinet top 174. After this coupling, the
inner tube 298 can be
twisted so as to be extended outwardly from the lower outer tube 300. With
this extension, the
outer tube 300 will abut against the pole flange 188. The pole flange 188 has
been previously
described herein, and includes a pair of dowels 290 which fit within dowel
holes 186 of the
cabinet bottom 184. The upper inner tube 298 is rotated sufficiently so that
the lower outer tube
300 securely abuts the pole flange 188. Again, as with other lazy Susan
devices previously
described herein, the lazy Susan device 294 requires no conventional or
special tools for
assembly and installation.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts that other
embodiments of
lazy Susan devices in accordance with the invention may be designed. That is,
the principles of a
lazy susan device are not limited to the specific embodiments described
herein. Accordingly, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and other
variations of the above-
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CA 02498085 2005-02-23
described illustrative embodiments of the invention may be effected without
departing from the
spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.
37
