U.S. patent application number 10/657303 was filed with the patent office on 2004-03-11 for over-door shoe racks.
Invention is credited to Klein, Richard B., Scott, John W., Serslev, Chris.
Application Number | 20040045916 10/657303 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46299922 |
Filed Date | 2004-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040045916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klein, Richard B. ; et
al. |
March 11, 2004 |
Over-door shoe racks
Abstract
A shoe rack for mounting to an upright surface, or for hanging
over a door, includes a pair of plastic, vertical side frame
members and a plurality of shoe-retaining bars positioned between
the side frame members upon which shoes, boxes and the like may be
supported. A number of different embodiments are shown, each of
which incorporates different features, and each of which may result
in improved structural integrity over the prior art. Further, each
embodiment may result in a product that is less expensive to
manufacture and may result in a product which retains shoes on the
shoe rack in a different, or better, manner.
Inventors: |
Klein, Richard B.; (Overland
Park, KS) ; Serslev, Chris; (Leawood, KS) ;
Scott, John W.; (Lenexa, KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHOOK, HARDY & BACON LLP
2555 GRAND BLVD
KANSAS CITY,
MO
64108
US
|
Family ID: |
46299922 |
Appl. No.: |
10/657303 |
Filed: |
September 8, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10657303 |
Sep 8, 2003 |
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10189638 |
Jul 3, 2002 |
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6637603 |
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10189638 |
Jul 3, 2002 |
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09641323 |
Aug 18, 2000 |
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6533127 |
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60149794 |
Aug 19, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/35 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/035 |
International
Class: |
A47F 007/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A shoe rack for hanging on an upright surface, said shoe rack
comprising: first and second opposed, side frame members, each said
side frame member having a main body section and a plurality of
support arms projecting outwardly therefrom and terminating in free
ends displaced from said frame members; and a plurality of
shoe-retaining bars, extending between said side frame members, for
retaining shoes, wherein said shoe-retaining bars are oriented in
tiers, such that each tier has a first bar, a second bar and a
third bar, wherein said first bar is located higher and closer to
said upright surface than said second and third bars, and wherein
at least said second and third bars are located on said projecting
support arms and form a parallel pair of bars located on said free
ends of said arms, whereby a shoe resting on a said tier is angled
upwardly toward said upright surface and engages all three of said
bars.
Description
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0001] Not Applicable.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] The present application claims priority from U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/189,638, filed Jul. 3, 2002, entitled
"Over-Door Shoe Racks", which is a divisional of U.S. application
Ser. No. 09/641,794, filed Aug. 19, 1999 and now U.S. Pat. No.
6,533,127, issued Mar. 18, 2003, entitled "Over-Door Shoe Racks"
and which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial
No. 60/149,794, filed Aug. 19, 1999, entitled "Over-Door Shoe
Racks".
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is generally directed to a hanging
shoe rack, and is more particularly directed to a number of
embodiments for shoe racks that hang from, or are positioned on,
the back of the door or on another upright surface.
[0004] Hanging shoe racks are well known. For example, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,695,073, entitled "Hanging Shoe Rack", is directed to a
hanging shoe rack having a pair of plastic side frame members, and
a plurality of support bars positioned between the side frame
members on which shoes may be supported. The present invention is
directed to such a product, albeit with different features. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,695,073 is incorporated by reference, in its entirety,
herein.
[0005] In particular, the shoe rack set forth in U.S. Pat. No.
5,695,073 includes first and second plastic side frame members.
Each side frame member has as vertical member having a plurality of
support arms extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom. The
product has a plurality of shoe retaining bars. The shoe retaining
bars are oriented in pairs, with each pair of bars aligned in a
plane forming an acute angle with respect to the vertical surface
on which the shoe rack is positioned. In this regard, one bar of
each pair is positioned at outward ends of respective arms, while
the other shoe retaining bar of the pair is positioned between the
vertical members of the respective side frame members.
[0006] As illustrated best in FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,073,
the vertical members of the plastic side frame members are
preferably spatially removed from the upright surface or door, due
to the presence of leg members at upper and lower portions of the
side frame members. Hangers, or brackets, are positioned over the
door and receive foot members extending downwardly from leg
members, as clearly illustrated and described in the '073 patent.
As illustrated and described, when the hanging shoe rack product is
positioned on an upright surface, the vertical members and
outwardly and downwardly depending arms serve as lateral barriers
to retain the shoes on the shoe rack.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Each embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
shoe rack for mounting to an upright surface, or for hanging over a
door. Each embodiment of the present invention employs two plastic
side frame members, and a plurality of shoe retaining bars
positioned between the side frame members, upon which shoes, boxes,
and the like may be supported. However, each embodiment of the
present invention incorporates different features, resulting in
improved structural integrity over the prior art and/or resulting
in a product that is less expensive to manufacture and/or resulting
in a product which retains shoes on the shoe rack in a different,
or better, manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The objects and features of the invention noted above are
explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which
like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the shoe rack of
the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view illustrating a second
embodiment of a hanging shoe rack of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view illustrating a third embodiment
of a hanging shoe rack of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view illustrating a fourth
embodiment of a hanging shoe rack of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view illustrating a fifth embodiment
of a hanging shoe rack of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view illustrating a sixth embodiment
of a hanging shoe rack of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view illustrating a seventh
embodiment of a hanging shoe rack of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view illustrating an eighth
embodiment of a hanging shoe rack of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view illustrating a ninth embodiment
of a hanging shoe rack of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view illustrating a tenth
embodiment of a hanging shoe rack of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view illustrating an eleventh
embodiment of a hanging shoe rack of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view illustrating a twelfth
embodiment of a hanging shoe rack of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a fragmentary view illustrating a thirteenth
embodiment of a hanging shoe rack of the present invention; and
[0022] FIGS. 14a and 14b illustrate a fourteenth embodiment of a
hanging shoe rack of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] With reference now to the figures, it is again noted that
each embodiment of the present invention employs first and second
side frame members, preferably made of plastic, and a plurality of
shoe retaining bars oriented in pairs. Additionally, each
embodiment of the present invention preferably employs components
or means for mounting the shoe rack to an upright surface or for
hanging the shoe rack over a door. Additionally, each embodiment of
the present invention preferably is a modular shoe rack, in that
one shoe rack may be connected to another shoe rack of the
invention, in a manner such as that set forth in U.S. Pat. No.
5,695,073. The following described drawings illustrate only one
side frame member, or a portion thereof, since the remainder of the
product will be readily understood in view of that which is
disclosed herein, and that which has been incorporated herein by
reference.
[0024] With reference initially to FIG. 1, a hanging shoe rack of
the present invention has first and second plastic side frame
members, with one such side frame member (a right side member)
being illustrated and denoted generally by reference numeral 10.
Side frame member 10 is preferably integrally formed of molded
plastic. Side frame member 10 has a primary, arcuate, or curved
member, often times referred to as a main body section, denoted
generally by the reference numeral 12. Preferably, curved member 12
has an upper end, including a female socket 14, and a lower end,
including a male member 16. As will be appreciated, one shoe rack
of this embodiment of the invention can be connected to another
shoe rack of this embodiment of the invention by placing the male
member 16 of a first side frame member 12 in the female member 14
of a second side frame member 10, such that one shoe rack depends
from the other. Additionally, side frame member 10 preferably has a
foot member 18, which is received by a hanger such as the hanger
illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,073, incorporated
herein by reference.
[0025] Curved side frame member 12 preferably curves downwardly
from an upper portion thereof to a lower most portion, denoted by
the reference numeral 20. As illustrated, the lower most portion 20
of the side frame member is positioned outwardly from a rear
portion of the side frame member 10, such that the curved member 12
does not curve all the way back to the vertical surface. Instead,
an intermediary portion 22, which is preferably angled backwardly
and upwardly, is positioned between the lower most portion 20 of
side frame member 10 and a horizontal, rear member 24, from which
the male member 16 depends.
[0026] A plurality of curved support arms, denoted by reference
numeral 26, are positioned on plastic side frame member 10 and, in
fact, are integrally formed therewith. The upper tiers of support
arms 26, illustrated by the uppermost two tiers of FIG. 1, have a
first portion 28 which extends outwardly in a first direction from
the curved portion 12 and a second portion 30 which extends
outwardly in an opposite direction from the curved side frame
portion 12. Each arm 26 terminates in an enlarged outer end,
denoted by reference numerals 32, which have sockets therein (on a
reverse side from that shown), for receiving shoe retaining bars in
a conventional manner. As illustrated, a shoe 34, when positioned
on the shoe retaining bars, is retained from lateral movement both
by the curvature of the support arm 26, as well as by the curved
side portion 12. It is noted that, in the lowermost tier of shoe
retaining bars, one of the sockets, denoted by reference numeral
36, is positioned in the member 12, as illustrated. The shoe rack
illustrated in FIG. 1 is particularly useful for preventing shoes
from falling off of the shoe rack, particularly when the shoe rack
is positioned on a door, such that when the door is swung from an
open to closed or closed to open position, the support arms 26 and
curved member 12 prevent lateral movement of the shoes.
Additionally, the curved nature of member 12 distributes stress on
the shoe rack, resulting from the weight of the shoes positioned on
the shoe rack, in an even or substantially even manner, thus
reducing the stress points that would typically be found at an
upper end of the rack.
[0027] With reference now to FIG. 2, an alternate embodiment is
illustrated and described. Particularly, in the embodiment of FIG.
2, a vertical side frame member 40 is provided, with a plurality of
linear support arms 42. Each support arm has a portion thereof
extending upwardly and outwardly from a first side of the vertical
member 40, and another portion thereof extending downwardly and
outwardly from an opposite side of the vertical member 40. In
particular, the shoe rack is preferably positioned such that the
toe 44 of the shoe 46 abuts up against the vertical surface upon
which the shoe rack is mounted. Alternatively, however, the shoe
rack could be constructed such that the vertical surface is
positioned proximate the heel portion 48 of the shoe. The vertical
member 40, as well as the enlarged outer portions 49 of support arm
42, prevent lateral movement of the shoe. As will be understood and
appreciate, enlarged outer portions 49 have sockets (on an opposite
side of that shown) for receiving shoe retaining bars.
[0028] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the shoe rack again has a
vertical side frame member 50, and shoe retaining bars oriented in
pairs and positioned in respective sockets 52 in enlarged outer
ends 54 of corresponding support arms 56, 58. As illustrated,
support arm 56 preferably angles outwardly and downwardly in a
first direction from vertical member 50, while support arm 58
depends outwardly and downwardly in a second direction from
vertical member 50. Thus, the arms meet at somewhat of a peak at
vertical member 50. As illustrated, the combination of vertical
member 50 and arms 56, 58 create a barrier against lateral movement
of the shoe 59.
[0029] With reference now to FIG. 4, the hanging shoe rack of the
present invention includes a vertical side frame member 60 and a
plurality of outwardly extending, curved support arms 62. Sockets
for receiving shoe retaining bars are positioned at locations 64
and 66. As illustrated, the combination of vertical member 60 and
the curved arm 62 provide a barrier against lateral movement of the
shoe 68.
[0030] With reference now to FIG. 5, the hanging shoe rack includes
a vertical member 70 and a plurality of horizontal, outwardly
extending support arm 72. Sockets for receiving shoe retaining bars
are positioned at enlarged areas 74 and 76. It should be understood
and appreciated that the shoe rack could be constructed so that the
vertical surface is to the left of the page, or to the right of the
page.
[0031] With reference now to FIG. 6, the hanging shoe rack in this
embodiment of the invention has a vertical side frame member 80 and
a plurality of downwardly and outwardly extending support arms 82.
The molded construction of this embodiment provides enlarged
portions 84, 86. Sockets for receiving shoe retaining bars are
preferably positioned centrally on the opposite side of enlarged
areas 84, 86. In this embodiment, the combination of vertical
member 80 and the enlarged areas 84, 86 provide a barrier against
lateral movement of the shoe 88 when positioned on the shoe
rack.
[0032] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the shoe rack of the present
invention includes a vertical member 90, a plurality of outwardly
and upwardly angled support arms 92, and a horizontal barrier arm
94, positioned as shown. Shoe retaining bars are positioned in
sockets at enlarged locations 96 and 98. The shoe 99 is retained on
the bars primarily by the combination of vertical member 90 and
barrier arm 94, and to a lesser degree by the angled support arms
92.
[0033] In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the hanging shoe rack of the
present invention includes a vertical member 100, and a plurality
of outwardly and upwardly angled support arms 102. Sockets for
receiving shoe retaining bars are positioned at enlarged areas 104
and 106. A particular aspect of this embodiment is the provision of
tabs 108 positioned at an upper portion of support arm 102. As
illustrated, the combination of vertical member 100 and tabs 108
provide a barrier against lateral movement of shoe 109.
[0034] In an alternative embodiment of FIG. 8, FIG. 9 has a similar
vertical member 100, an angled support arm 102, with socket areas
104, 106. However, instead of the tabs 108 previously described, a
loop portion 107 is presented for providing an additional lateral
barrier. While the loop portion 107 is preferably formed of molded
plastic, it could also be formed of another suitable material, such
as wire. In the case where the loop 107 is formed of wire, it is
potted into the molding compound used for forming the support arm
102.
[0035] In the embodiments of FIGS. 10 and 11, a vertical support
member 120 is provided. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, vertical
support member 120 is positioned outwardly from an upright surface
upon which the shoe rack is mounted. In this regard, the shoe rack
is preferably mounted such that the toe portion 122 of the shoe 124
abuts up against the upright surface. In contrast, in the
embodiment of FIG. 11, the vertical portion 120 preferably abuts up
against the upright surface.
[0036] In each embodiment, a support arm 126 is provided. In a
particular aspect of these embodiments, support arm 126 is curved
in an "S-curve". In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the socket areas
127, 128 are positioned as shown, with the socket 128 being in the
vertical member 120. In contrast, in the embodiment of FIG. 11,
each socket area 127, 129 is on the support arm 126.
[0037] As illustrated, the precise nature of the "S-curve" arm 126
is different in each embodiment, with different dimensions at
different angles. It will be understood and appreciated that
variations of this S-curve feature may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0038] The embodiments of FIGS. 12 and 13 are similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 7, with the exception that the vertical member
130 is positioned in abutment against the upright surface. Further,
as illustrated in the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the
barrier arm 132 may be curved or arcuate rather than horizontal as
shown in FIGS. 7 and 12. As can be seen in both FIGS. 12 and 13,
only the dimensions and appearance of the product have changed, but
each serves the purpose of preventing lateral movement of the
shoes.
[0039] The embodiment of FIGS. 14a and 14b have first and second
side frame members 140, 142, each having a number of support arms
144 angled outwardly and downwardly therefrom. Each support arm 144
has an angled portion 146 at an outer end thereof. As illustrated,
the hanging shoe rack of this embodiment has a number of shoe
retaining tiers 148. Each tier 148 has a first bar 150 a second bar
152 and a third bar 154, positioned as shown. In particular, bars
152, 154 form a parallel pair of bars for retaining shoes in a
tilted manner as illustrated in FIG. 14b, such that the shoes are
angled upwardly toward the surface upon which the shoe rack is
mounted or positioned.
[0040] From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is
one well adapted to attain all ends and objects hereinabove set
forth together with the other advantages which are obvious and
which are inherent to the structure.
[0041] It will be understood that certain features and
subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without
reference to other features and subcombinations. This is
contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
[0042] Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention
without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood
that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying
drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a
limiting sense.
* * * * *