Shelving System With Rotational Functionality

Abstract

The present disclosure provides enhanced storage systems that facilitate efficient storage of, and access to, a variety of items and products. Exemplary systems according to the present disclosure include mechanism(s) that permit reliable and efficient repositioning of one or more shelves, thereby enhancing utilization and efficiencies associated therewith. Shelving systems according to the present disclosure facilitate synchronized vertical motion of shelving units, e.g., based on coordinated pulley/cable systems, and advantageously include spring designs that facilitate controlled vertical motion of shelving units, e.g., based on fluid movement and/or discharge from the spring design. Rotational motion of the shelves relative to a stationary rod may be provided. Shelving units may be readily repositioned at elbow or eye level, and repositioned at their respective initial positions in an efficient and advantageous manner. The shelving systems may be original manufacture units or may be designed for use in retrofitting existing shelving systems.

1 . A shelving system, comprising:
 a. a frame;   b. a first shelving unit mounted with respect to the frame;   c. a second shelving unit mounted with respect to the frame;   wherein at least one of the first shelving unit and the second shelving unit is mounted for both vertical motion relative to the frame and rotational motion relative to the frame.   
     
     
         2 . The shelving system according to  claim 1 , wherein both the first shelving unit and the second shelving unit are mounted for both vertical motion relation relative to the frame and rotational motion relative to the frame. 
     
     
         3 . The shelving system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second shelving units includes a plurality of spaced shelves. 
     
     
         4 . The shelving system according to  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes at least one vertically oriented rod. 
     
     
         5 . The shelving system according to  claim 4 , wherein rotational motion of the at least one of the first shelving unit and the second shelving unit occurs relative to the vertically oriented rod. 
     
     
         6 . The shelving system according to  claim 1 , wherein the first shelving unit is adapted to automatically move upward when the second shelving unit moves downward, and to automatically move downward when the second shelving unit moves upward. 
     
     
         7 . The shelving system according to  claim 6 , wherein automatic movement of the first shelving unit in response to movement of the second shelving unit is effectuated by a cable and pulley mechanism. 
     
     
         8 . The shelving system according to  claim 6 , wherein at least one of the first shelving unit and the second shelving unit is rotated outward relative to the frame before vertical movement of either the first shelving unit or the second shelving unit. 
     
     
         9 . The shelving system according to  claim 8 , wherein outward rotation of at least one of the first shelving unit and the second shelving unit is effective to create vertical clearance of the first shelving unit relative to the second shelving unit. 
     
     
         10 . The shelving system according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first shelving unit and the second shelving unit includes a curved edge to facilitate rotational movement relative to the frame. 
     
     
         11 . The shelving system according to  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises at least one vertically oriented rod. 
     
     
         12 . The shelving system according to  claim 11 , wherein the at least one vertically oriented rod is mounted with respect to at least one of a housing, a wall or a ceiling. 
     
     
         13 . A method for storing items, comprising:
 a. providing a shelving system that includes a frame; a first shelving unit mounted with respect to the frame; and a second shelving unit mounted with respect to the frame;   b. rotating the first shelving unit relative outwardly relative to the second shelving unit so as to position the first shelving unit for vertical movement relative to the second shelving unit; and   c. moving the first shelving unit in a first vertical direction relative to the second shelving unit;
 wherein the second shelving unit automatically moves in a second vertical direction relative to the first shelving unit in response to vertical movement of the first shelving unit in the first vertical direction, and wherein the first vertical direction is opposite to the second vertical direction. 
   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the frame comprises at least one rod oriented in a vertical direction. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one rod is mounted with respect to at least one of a housing, a wall or a ceiling. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein automatic movement of the second shelving unit is effectuated by a cable and pulley mechanism.