Retractable shelf device

Retractable shelf device for subway cars with simultaneous rotation of main and sub-shelves via a flexible linkage

This technology is a retractable shelf device installed on a horizontal bicycle rack spaced away from the subway car wall. It features a primary axis and a parallel secondary axis below it, connecting a main shelf that rotates around the primary axis after vertical movement and a sub-shelf that rotates around the secondary axis via a flexible linkage. When the main shelf is deployed, the linkage rotates the sub-shelf, unfolding both surfaces simultaneously.

Subway bicycle cars often remain in operation during weekday rush hours when bicycles are prohibited, forcing passengers to stand while unused bicycle racks take up valuable space. Existing folding tables built into seat backs are difficult to install and limited in their placement.

This technology uses guides, movement holes, and seating grooves to ensure the shelf is supported firmly on the rack without wobbling, while a plate-type support underneath provides stability for the sub-shelf when it is parallel to the floor. It can be applied to the interior of subway cars converted for bicycle use, transforming idle racks into shelves to increase passenger convenience and allowing for multiple units to be installed in a row.

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Key Features:

• A primary axis provided horizontally from the inner wall, coupled to a horizontally long support spaced away from the subway car wall
• A secondary axis positioned parallel below the primary axis, and a vertical plate-type sub-shelf that rotates based on the secondary axis
• A shelf equipped with a seating plate that moves vertically in a longitudinal plate form and rotates around the primary axis when moved upward
• A flexible linkage that spans the primary axis, connects at both ends to the main and sub-shelves, and remains taut to rotate the sub-shelf in tandem when the main shelf rotates

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