U.S. patent application number 10/072314 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-24 for net anchorage methods and apparatus.
Invention is credited to Clarke, Brian S., Denny, David S., Mehl, Edward T., Merritt, George H., Swartwout, Lance F..
Application Number | 20020153340 10/072314 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26952193 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020153340 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Denny, David S. ; et
al. |
October 24, 2002 |
Net anchorage methods and apparatus
Abstract
A shelf assembly includes at least one shelf supported by
vertical posts, and a net having opposite sides connected to
respective posts so that the net spans at least one edge of the
shelf and an associated area above the shelf.
Inventors: |
Denny, David S.; (Middle
Haddam, CT) ; Merritt, George H.; (West Hartford,
CT) ; Swartwout, Lance F.; (Hamden, CT) ;
Clarke, Brian S.; (Ellington, CT) ; Mehl, Edward
T.; (Windsor, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robin A. Sannes
Mau & Krull, P.A.
Suite E
1250 Moore Lake Drive East
Fridley
MN
55432
US
|
Family ID: |
26952193 |
Appl. No.: |
10/072314 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60267071 |
Feb 7, 2001 |
|
|
|
60272278 |
Feb 28, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/189 ;
211/180; 211/182 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 1/02 20130101; A47B
47/021 20130101; A47B 96/00 20130101; B65G 2207/40 20130101; F16B
12/34 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/189 ;
211/180; 211/182 |
International
Class: |
A47F 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A storage assembly, comprising: a plurality of vertical shelf
posts and horizontal shelf supports configured and arranged to
define at least one shelf space having a shelf length that is
measured perpendicular to said shelf posts; a net sized to span
said shelf length; a net post secured to a first one of said shelf
posts; an anchor member secured to said net post in a manner that
defines a plurality of longitudinally spaced, closed loop anchor
points along said net post; and a plurality of fasteners
interconnected between respective anchor points and a respective
side of said net.
2. The storage assembly of claim 1, wherein said anchor member is a
rigid wire configured in serpentine fashion.
3. The storage assembly of claim 2, wherein said wire includes
rearwardly extending elbow portions that are rigidly connected to
said net post, and forwardly extending elbow portions that are
available for connection to said fasteners.
4. The storage assembly of claim 2, wherein said fasteners are
carabiners.
5. The storage assembly of claim 2, wherein portions of said net
post and said one of said shelf posts are arranged side by side,
and brackets are rigidly interconnected therebetween.
6. The storage assembly of claim 2, wherein said net post and said
one of said shelf posts are arranged end to end, and a bar is
rigidly interconnected therebetween.
7. The storage assembly of claim 1, wherein first portions of said
anchor member are secured behind a forward face on said net post,
and second portions of said anchor member are disposed in front of
said forward face to define said anchor points.
8. The storage assembly of claim 1, wherein said shelf space, said
net post, said anchor member, and said net extend upward beyond
upper distal ends of said shelf posts.
9. A storage assembly, comprising: a plurality of vertical shelf
posts and horizontal shelf supports configured and arranged to
define at least one shelf space having a shelf length that is
measured perpendicular to said shelf posts; a net sized to span
said shelf length, wherein adjustable length straps are connected
to at least one side of said net; an elongate member secured to a
respective one of said posts, wherein said elongate member is
configured to provide accessible, vertically spaced, closed loop
anchor points; and quick release fasteners interconnected between
respective straps and respective anchor points.
10. The storage assembly of claim 9, wherein said posts have upper
ends, and said elongate member is configured and arranged to
support said net above said upper ends of said posts.
11. The storage assembly of claim 9, wherein said elongate member
includes a net post, and a wire secured to said net post in a
manner that defines said anchor points therebetween.
12. The storage assembly of claim 11, wherein said elongate member
includes horizontally extending pegs that are configured to engage
respective keyhole-shaped openings in said respective one of said
posts.
13. The storage assembly of claim 12, wherein said wire and said
pegs are disposed on opposite sides of said net post.
14. The storage assembly of claim 11, wherein first portions of
said wire are secured behind a forward face on said net post, and
second portions of said wire are disposed in front of said forward
face.
15. The storage assembly of claim 11, wherein portions of said net
post and said respective one of said shelf posts are arranged side
by side, and brackets are rigidly interconnected therebetween.
16. The storage assembly of claim 11, wherein said net post and
said respective one of said shelf posts are arranged end to end,
and a bar is rigidly interconnected therebetween.
17. The storage assembly of claim 11, wherein said wire is rigid
and configured in serpentine fashion.
18. A storage assembly, comprising: a plurality of vertical shelf
posts and horizontal shelf supports configured and arranged to
define at least one shelf space having a shelf length that is
measured perpendicular to said shelf posts; a first net support and
a second net support, wherein each said net support includes a net
post and a serpentine wire which cooperate to define longitudinally
spaced anchor points, and each said net support is secured to a
respective one of said shelf posts in a manner that positions at
least some of said anchor points above an upper distal end of said
respective one of said shelf posts; and a net interconnected
between at least one of said anchor points on said first net
support and at least one of said anchor points on said second net
support.
19. The storage assembly of claim 18, further comprising a cable
interconnected between an upper distal end of said first net
support and an upper distal end of said second net support, wherein
an upper portion of said net is movably mounted on said cable.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/267,071 filed Feb. 7, 2001, and U.S.
provisional application Ser. No. 60/272,278 filed Feb. 28,
2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for
anchoring a net in a vertical orientation relative to a support
structure.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Among other things, a net may be used as a barrier across
the front of a shelf to prevent items on the shelf from falling.
Ideally, such an arrangement should be relatively inexpensive to
manufacture, relatively easy to install, and reliable in use. Also,
convenient access to the items on the shelf may be desired, in
which case, the net should be readily movable into and out of its
"barrier" position relative to the shelf.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention may be described in terms of a net
anchorage system and/or a shelving assembly. In a preferred
application, at least one shelf is supported at or near its corners
by respective vertical posts, and a net spans at least one edge of
the shelf and a storage area above the shelf. A first side of the
net is connected to a first post, and a second side of the net is
connected to a second post. At least one side of the net is
connected to its respective post by a quick-release fastening
system. Many features and/or advantages of the present invention
will become more apparent from the detailed description which
follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0005] With reference to the Figures of the Drawing, wherein like
numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several
views,
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a generally opposite perspective view of net
supporting members that are part of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
present invention;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a generally opposite perspective view of an
embodiment similar to what is shown in FIG. 4;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another net supporting
arrangement constructed according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still another net supporting
arrangement constructed according to the principles of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a generally opposite perspective view of the net
supporting arrangement shown in FIG. 7;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a shelf assembly
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a front view of a net configured for use in
accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 11 is a front view of another net configured for use in
accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a side view of yet another net supporting
arrangement constructed according to the principles of the present
invention; and
[0018] FIG. 13 is a front view of the net supporting arrangement of
FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] As suggested by FIG. 9, the present invention may be used in
connection with and described with reference to shelving. In other
words, the present invention is useful for securing a net along at
least one edge of a shelf and across anything stored on the shelf.
When properly installed, the net reduces the possibility of objects
falling from the shelf and suffering damage and/or inflicting
injury.
[0020] The shelf assembly 100 includes vertical support posts 120
and shelves 125 and 127 supported by the posts 120 in a manner
known in the art. An upper member 129 may be interconnected between
the posts 120, but it should not be used as a shelf to the extent
that falling objects are a concern. A net 110 extends along the
forward edge of the shelf 127 and spans the available area above
the shelf 127. One side of the net 110 is secured to a first post
120 by a first arrangement (fasteners 130), and an opposite side of
the net 110 is secured to a second post 120 by a second arrangement
(cord 170). Those skilled in the art will recognize that FIG. 9
shows only one of many possible embodiments of the present
invention. For example, the fasteners 130 may be used on both sides
of the net 110 and/or opposite any of the other fastening
arrangements disclosed herein. Moreover, supplemental posts 190 may
be configured for connection to the primary posts 120 for purposes
of accommodating other types of quick-release fasteners, as
suggested by FIGS. 10-13.
[0021] FIGS. 1-2 show two of the fasteners 130, as well as the
associated post 120, in greater detail. In accordance with known
practices, keyhole-shaped openings 121 extend through a side wall
122 of the post 120. Each opening 121 includes a relatively upward
portion that may be described as a circular hole, and a relatively
downward portion that may be described as a slot having a width
that is smaller than the diameter of the hole. The openings 121 are
arranged in two, laterally aligned columns extending lengthwise
along the post 120. As is already known in the art, the openings
121 are sized and configured to engage the shelves 125 and 127
and/or to engage supports (not shown) for the shelves 125 and
127.
[0022] Each fastener 130 includes a key 131 that is sized and
configured to fit through an opening 121 when properly oriented
relative thereto, and a base 132 that is too large to fit through
the opening 121. The key 131 and the base 132 define a gap
therebetween, and the width of the gap is approximately equal to
the wall thickness of the post 120. A shaft (not shown) spans the
gap and is interconnected between the key 131 and the base 132. An
opening 133 in the base 132 is sized and configured to receive a
tool. A flange or tab 134 extends perpendicularly away from the
base 132, in a direction opposite the shaft, and defines an
elongate opening 135. On the embodiment 103, a segment of net 113
is inserted through the opening 135 during manufacture of the net
113. In other words, the fastener 130 is woven onto the net
113.
[0023] Any fastener 130 may be connected to the post 120 by
aligning the key 131 with the opening 121 (like the lower fastener
130 in FIGS. 1-2); inserting the key 131 through the opening 121;
and turning the fastener 130 ninety degrees to a latched position
relative to the post 120 (like the upper fastener 130 in FIGS.
1-2). The net 113 extends perpendicularly away from the base 132 of
each fastener 130, and perpendicularly away from the side wall 122
of the post 120. Any fastener 130 may be removed from the post 120
by aligning the key 131 with its associated opening 121 and pulling
the fastener 130 away from the post 120.
[0024] FIG. 3 shows an alternative arrangement 104, wherein
fasteners 140 and a cord 150 are substituted for the fasteners 130.
Each fastener 140 includes a key (not shown) like the key 131, but
has a different base 142. In this regard, a relative thicker flange
or tab 144 extends perpendicularly away from the base 142, in a
direction opposite the key. The flange 144 is provided with an
elongate opening 145 that is notched in opposite directions at
opposite ends to define a linear passage extending through the
flange 145.
[0025] The member 150 is a cord (or other flexible, elongate
member) that is woven through loops along the edge of net 114 and
routed through the elongate openings 145 in the fasteners 140. In
other words, the cord 150 secures the fasteners 140 to the net 114.
In FIG. 3, the cord 150 is routed through each fastener 140 in
similar fashion. In the alternative, the cord 150 could be routed
in a first direction through every other fastener 140, and in an
opposite direction through the intervening fasteners 140. In other
words, the lower fastener 140 in FIG. 3 may be secured to the cord
150 as shown in FIG. 3, and the cord 150 may be routed in an
opposite direction through the upper fastener 140 in FIG. 3. Such
an arrangement would require adjacent fasteners 140 to be rotated
in opposite directions prior to removal from the post 120. In the
absence of a tool receiving opening in the base 142, the flange 144
may be gripped between thumb and forefinger to facilitate rotation
of the fastener 140 between a latched orientation (like the upper
fastener 140 in FIG. 3), and an unlatched orientation (like the
lower fastener 140 in FIG. 3).
[0026] FIGS. 4-5 show another arrangement 106 suitable for use in
accordance with the principles of the present invention. The
fastener 160 includes a key (not shown) like the key 131 on the
fastener 130. The fastener 160 also includes a base 162 and an
opposing portion 166 that cooperate to form a substantially closed
loop or clip. An edge strand or loop of a net may inserted or
clipped between the opposing portion 166 and the base 162. An
opening or window 167 is provided in the opposing portion 166 to
facilitate access to a tool receiving opening (not shown) like the
opening 133 on the fastener 130.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows fastener 160' with a similar clip arrangement,
but an alternative means for mounting to the post 120. More
specifically, opposing, resilient prongs 168 protrude outward from
the base 162, in a direction opposite the opposing portion 166.
Each prong 168 has a shaft portion and a relatively larger head
portion at the distal end of the shaft portion. The lower head
portion may be inserted through the keyhole 121 and force downward
until the upper head portion snaps into place inside the keyhole
121. One or both of the head portions may be contoured to
facilitate insertion through the keyhole 121. In any event, the two
prongs 168 are configured to deflect away from one another to
retain the fastener 160' in place relative to the post 120.
[0028] FIG. 6 shows another net supporting arrangement 107 suitable
for use in accordance with the present invention. In this
arrangement 107, a flexible cord 170 is woven through openings in
the net 117 and openings 121 in the post 120. Opposite ends of the
cord 170 are secured to the post 120 by bolts, clips, knots, or
other suitable means. In one method of use, the arrangement 107
would be used to secure only one side of the net 117, and a more
"access friendly" or "quick release" arrangement would be used on
the opposite side. In another method of use, a separate ring (shown
in dashed lines) would be provided along each accessible segment of
the cord 170, and "quick-release" fasteners would be interconnected
between respective rings 177 and respective portions of the
net.
[0029] FIGS. 7-8 show still another net supporting arrangement 108
suitable for use in accordance with the present invention. In this
arrangement 108, a rigid rod 180 extends along a column of openings
121 in the post 120, and pegs 181 extend perpendicularly away from
the rod 180, through respective loops in the net 118, and into
respective openings 121. As shown in FIG. 8, fasteners 182 are
preferably secured to at least some of the pegs 181. The depicted
fastener 182 is a threaded nut, but other types of suitable
fasteners may be used in the alternative. The ends of rod 180 are
secured to the post 120 by welding, snap fit brackets, or other
suitable means. According to a preferred method of use, the
arrangement 108 would be used to secure only one side of the net
118, and a more "access friendly" or "quick release" arrangement
would be used on the opposite side.
[0030] FIG. 10 shows a net 210 designed for use in accordance with
the principles of the present invention. The net 210 includes a
mesh panel 212, and a border 214 secured about the perimeter of the
mesh panel 212. A first strap 216 has one end secured to the net
border 214, and an opposite distal end. A second strap 218 has
opposite ends secured to the net border 214, and an intermediate
portion secured to a buckle 220. The distal end of the first strap
216 is threaded through the buckle 220 in a manner that allows
adjustment of the first strap 216 relative to the buckle 220. A
carabiner 226 is secured to an intermediate portion of the first
strap and available for connection to a fastener 130 or other
connector on the post 120.
[0031] FIG. 11 shows another net 310 designed for use in accordance
with the principles of the present invention. The net 310 similarly
includes a mesh panel 312, and a border 314 secured about the
perimeter of the mesh panel 312. A strap has an intermediate
portion secured to the net border 214, a first distal portion 316
that is free, and a second distal portion 318 that is secured to a
buckle 220. The free end 316 of the strap may be inserted through a
suitable connector on a post 120 and then threaded through the
buckle 220 and cinched tight.
[0032] FIGS. 12-13 show another net supporting arrangement 190
designed for use in accordance with the principles of the present
invention. The arrangement 190 includes a bar 192, brackets 194
rigidly secured to a side of the bar 192 (by rivets 193, for
example), and a "serpentining" wire form 198 rigidly secured to an
opposite side of the bar 192 (by welding, for example).
Mushroom-shaped pegs 196 project outward from each bracket 194. The
pegs 196 are configured and arranged to fit into respective
openings 121 in a standard post 120. The force of gravity acting
upon the bar 192 encourages the pegs 196 to remain seated in
respective openings 121. The wire form 198 provides spaced closed
loops that are suitable for anchoring carabiners, straps, or the
like.
[0033] Among other things, those skilled in the art will recognize
that the features of the various embodiments may be mixed and
matched. For example, the prongs 168 on the fastener 160' may be
substituted from the key 131 on the fastener 130, and vice versa;
the nets of FIGS. 10 and 11 may be used in connection with other
depicted embodiments; and/or the net supporting arrangement 190 may
be provided to support one end of a net, and a plurality of the
fasteners 130 may be provided to support an opposite end of the
net. Moreover, the present invention may be described in terms of
various methods that performed in assembling and/or using the
embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, the term "quick
release" is used to describe a connection by clipping, snapping,
and/or turning through less than one full revolution. Finally,
recognizing that this disclosure will enable others to realize
various embodiments, improvements, and/or applications, the scope
of the present invention should be limited only to the extent of
the following claims.
* * * * *