Rotating tray system
US6016927A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA47B49/004
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rotating tray system comprises several circular trays stacked for rotation on a post. The trays are supported by respective pins secured to the post. Each tray has at least one compartment and a cutout. A cover with a similar cutout is fixed to the post and closely overlies the uppermost tray of the stack. The trays can be rotated to a storage mode whereat the tray cutouts are aligned with the cover cutout and the tray contents are hidden from view. A selected tray can be rotated such that its cutout is misaligned with the cover cutout, thereby bringing the tray compartments into view under the cover cutout. Grooves on the tray engage the associated pin to loosely retain the tray against rotation both when the tray cutout is aligned with the cover cutout and when a selected tray compartment is aligned with the cover cutout. A lock mechanism prevents tray rotation when the tray cutout is aligned with the cover cutout.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.