U.S. patent application number 10/641227 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-15 for radial shoe rack.
Invention is credited to Ghiorghie, Radu, Marchetta, Anthony, Pelfrey, Keith A., Stitchick, David M..
Application Number | 20040069726 10/641227 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31888233 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040069726 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marchetta, Anthony ; et
al. |
April 15, 2004 |
Radial shoe rack
Abstract
A shoe rack has a pair of supports with bottoms arranged to lay
in a base plane reference. The bottoms are adapted for resting on a
support surface that is co-planar with the base reference plane.
The pair of supports are spaced apart and define a shoe storage
region therebetween on a support surface. At least a first shoe
storage shelf has a front edge, a rear edge, and a pair of sides.
Each side is coupled to a respective one of the pair supports. The
first shoe storage shelf is supported in an elevated position
relative to the base reference plane and lays in a first shelf
plane that is tilted at an angle relative to the base reference
plane with the front edge higher than the rear edge.
Inventors: |
Marchetta, Anthony; (Medina,
OH) ; Ghiorghie, Radu; (Mogadore, OH) ;
Stitchick, David M.; (Wooster, OH) ; Pelfrey, Keith
A.; (Wadsworth, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN LLP
6300 SEARS TOWER
233 S. WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
31888233 |
Appl. No.: |
10/641227 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60403414 |
Aug 14, 2002 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/36 ;
211/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 88/42 20170101;
A47B 61/04 20130101; A47B 61/02 20130101; A47B 46/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/036 ;
211/037 |
International
Class: |
A47F 007/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A shoe rack comprising: a pair of supports having bottoms
arranged to lie in a base reference plane and adapted for resting
on a support surface co-planar with the base reference plane, the
pair of supports being spaced apart to define a shoe storage region
therebetween; and a first shoe storage shelf having a front edge, a
rear edge, and a pair of sides, each side coupled to a respective
one of the pair of supports, the first shoe storage shelf supported
in an elevated position relative to the base reference plane and
lying in a first shelf plane that is tilted at an angle relative to
the base reference plane with the front edge higher than the rear
edge.
2. A shoe rack according to claim 1, further comprising: a base
shoe storage surface defined by the support surface portion located
between the pair of supports and generally beneath the first shoe
storage shelf.
3. A shoe rack according to claim 1, further comprising: a second
shoe storage shelf having a front edge, a rear edge, and a pair of
sides, each side coupled to a respective one of the pair of
supports, the second shoe storage shelf supported in an elevated
position relative to the first shelf plane and lying in a second
shelf plane that is tilted at an angle relative to the first shelf
plane with the front edge higher than the rear edge.
4. A shoe rack according to claim 1, wherein the first shoe storage
shelf is formed of wire.
5. A shoe rack according to claim 3, wherein the first and second
shoe storage shelves are formed of wire.
6. A shoe rack according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of
supports is a generally vertically oriented panel.
7. A shoe rack according to claim 1, wherein each of the pair of
supports is a generally vertically oriented panel supporting both
of the first and second shoe supports shelves.
8. A shoe rack according to claim 1, wherein the pair of supports
and the first shoe storage shelf are integral with one another.
9. A shoe rack according to claim 8, further comprising: a second
shoe storage shelf having a front edge, a rear edge, and a pair of
sides integrally coupled to one of a pair of second supports, the
pair of second supports coupled with the pair of supports of the
first shoe storage shelf such that the second shoe storage shelf is
supported in an elevated position relative to the first shelf plane
and lying in a second shelf plane that is tilted at an angle
relative to the first shelf plane with the front edge higher than
the rear edge.
10. A shoe rack according to claim 1, wherein each of the supports
is a support ring having a bottom bar and one or more perimeter
bars together defining an open interior, and wherein the first shoe
storage shelf is attached to portions of the ring.
11. A shoe rack according to claim 1, wherein the first shoe
storage shelf includes a toe stop extending upward along the rear
edge.
12. A shoe rack according to claim 1, wherein the first shoe
storage shelf includes a heel stop extending upward between its
front and rear edges and along a length between the sides.
13. A radial arc shoe storage rack comprising: a shoe storage
region defined on a support surface; a first shoe storage shelf
supported above and tilted at a first angle relative to the shoe
storage region, the first shoe storage shelf having a front edge
and a rear edge each generally parallel to a base reference plane
of the shoe storage region, its front edge being elevated above the
shoe storage region a greater distance than its rear edge; and a
second shoe storage shelf supported above and tilted at a second
angle greater than the first angle relative to the shoe storage
region, the second shoe storage shelf having a front edge and a
rear edge each generally parallel to the base reference plane, and
its front edge being elevated above the shoe storage region a
greater distance than its rear edge.
14. A radial arc shoe storage rack according to claim 13, further
comprising: two side supports having bottoms adapted for resting on
the support surface, each side support being coupled to one end of
each of the first and second shoe storage shelves.
15. A radial arc shoe storage rack according to claim 13, wherein
each of the first and second shoe storage shelves is formed as a
wire structure.
16. A radial arc shoe storage rack according to claim 14, wherein
each of the first and second shoe storage shelves is formed as a
wire structure fastened to the two side supports.
17. A radial arc shoe storage rack according to claim 13, wherein
each of the first and second shoe storage shelves is formed of
molded plastic.
18. A radial arc shoe storage rack according to claim 14, wherein
each of the first and second shoe storage shelves and the two side
supports are formed of molded plastic.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/403,414
filed Aug. 14, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present disclosure is generally directed to shoe storage
racks, and more particularly to a multiple storage surface radial
arc shoe storage rack.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Shoe storage racks are known in the art. One type of shoe
storage rack includes a plurality of inverted U-shaped receivers
adapted for having a shoe slipped over each of the receivers. A
rack may include a plurality of bars vertically spaced apart, each
bar including a plurality of the inverted U-shaped receivers
extending upward therefrom. This type of shoe rack may take up
prime real estate within a storage area such as a closet which
could be otherwise used to store articles of clothing or other
objects.
[0006] Other types of shoe racks include vertically stacked storage
compartments with each compartment adapted for inserting shoes
therein. The compartments are typically defined by top, bottom, and
side walls that form a rectangular cubicle, wherein each cubicle is
sized for receiving one or more shoes or pairs of shoes. This type
of rack also uses up quite a bit of space, and can create
difficulty in a user being able to identify shoes in cubicles that
are positioned in the lower compartments, positioned below eye
level, of the rack.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent upon reading the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of a radial
arc shoe storage rack constructed in accordance with the teachings
of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the shoe storage rack shown in
FIG. 1 and with one of the end supports removed.
[0010] FIG. 3. shows one example of a shoe storage shelf
construction wherein the shelf is a solid surface and employs a
heel stop.
[0011] FIG. 4 shows an alternative example of a shoe storage rack
construction wherein the shelf and side supports are formed as an
integral unit.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows an interior side view of one side support
constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention, and having selectable shelf mounting positions.
[0013] FIG. 6 shows an exterior side view of another example of a
side support with another type of shelf adjust capability.
[0014] FIG. 7 shows an exterior side view of yet another example of
a side support with a pull out sliding shelf construction.
[0015] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of another example of a
radial arc shoe storage rack constructed in accordance with the
teachings of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0016] What is needed is a shoe storage rack that will fit within
typically unused and/or neglected access space within a storage
area such as a closet. What is also needed is such a storage rack
that can very efficiently utilize this space. The present
disclosure describes a shoe storage rack in the form of a
fanned-out shelf or radial arc shelf configuration. The disclosed
rack provides a plurality of shoe storage surfaces in a relatively
small amount of space. The shoes are visible to the user and
relatively easily accessible for insertion of shoes for storage and
for selection and removal of shoes for use.
[0017] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one
example of a radial arc shoe storage rack 10 constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The rack 10
in this example includes a pair of side supports 12a and 12b, each
having a bottom 14a and 14b, respectively. The bottoms 14a and 14b
define a base reference plane "S" that generally lies co-planar
with a support surface "G" when the rack 10 is in use.
[0018] Each of the side supports 12a and 12b in this example
includes a corresponding interior facing surface or side 16a and
16b and an exterior facing surface or side 18a and 18b,
respectively. The side supports are spaced apart relative to one
another and the inner surfaces or sides 16a and 16b are oppositely
disposed to face one another.
[0019] In this example, the rack 10 includes a first shoe storage
shelf 20 and a second shoe storage shelf 22 extending between and
supported by the side supports 12a and 12b. Each of the first and
second shelves 20 and 22 is supported in an elevated position above
the support surface and defines a shoe storage surface 24 and 26,
respectively on their upward facing sides. A shoe storage region 28
is defined on the support surface "G" between the side supports 12a
and 12b and generally beneath the first shoe support shelf 20.
Though 2 shelves 20 and 22 are shown in this example, more than two
shelves or a single shelf can be employed in a radial arc shoe rack
if desired.
[0020] In accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure,
the shoe storage region 28 and the storage surfaces 24 and 26 are
arranged in a radially fanned-out configuration. To illustrate,
reference is again had to FIGS. 1 and 2. The support surface "G" is
coplanar with the reference base plane "S," which will typically be
a horizontal surface when the rack 10 is in use. The first shoe
storage shelf 20, including the storage surface 24, is tilted
relative to its longitudinal axis, or in a side to side direction
relative to the base reference plane S. The storage surface 24
defines a first shelf plane P1 of the first shelf 20. Similarly,
the second shoe storage shelf 22 including its storage surface 26
defines a second shelf plane P2. As seen in the end view of FIG. 2,
the plane P1 of the first shelf 20 is tilted at a first angle
{acute over (.alpha.)} relative to the base reference plane S. The
plane P2 of the second shelf 22 is oriented at an angle .beta.
relative to the base reference plane S. The angle .beta. is greater
than the angle {acute over (.alpha.)} such that the second shelf 22
is oriented at a steeper angle than the first shelf 20.
[0021] The first shelf 20 has a front edge 30, which would face a
user during use of the rack 10, and a rear edge 32. Similarly, the
second shelf 22 has a front edge 34 and a rear edge 36. The front
edge 30 of the shelf 20 is elevated at a greater height above the
support surface than its rear edge 32. Similarly, the front edge 34
of the second shelf is elevated at a greater distance than its rear
edge 36. To create the most efficient storage space, the front
edges and rear edges of their respective shelves are oriented
generally parallel to the support surface and the base reference
plane S. As a result, a longitudinal axis of each of the shelves is
generally parallel to the axis of the other shelf and to the
support surface "G" when the rack is in use. By raising the front
edges 30 and 34 of the respective shelves 20 and 22 higher than
their respective rear edges 32 and 36, the desired fanned-out
effect of the rack 10 is achieved.
[0022] The angles {acute over (.alpha.)} and .beta. can vary
considerable and yet fall within the scope in spirit of the present
invention. Lesser angles can be utilized if deeper shelves are
employed, wherein the deeper shelves will provide more clearance at
the front edges of the shelves for shoe insertion and removal.
Greater angles can or should be employed where the shoes are taller
and/or where the shelves are not very deep. In one example, the
angle {acute over (.alpha.)} of the first shelf 20 can be between
about 20' and about 30.degree., and the angle .beta. of the second
shelf 22 can be about 40.degree. to about 60.degree. degrees.
However, the angle {acute over (.alpha.)} can vary as desired, and
in one example can be about 25.degree.. Similarly, the angle .beta.
of the second shelf can vary considerable, and in one example can
be about 50.degree..
[0023] By arranging the first and second shelves 20 and 22 in this
manner, a wedged shaped shoe receiving opening 40 is defined
between the storage region 28 on the support surface "G" and the
first shelf 20. Similarly, a second wedged shaped storage space 42
is defined between the first and second shelves 20 and 22. A third
storage space is provided on top of the storage surface 26 of the
second shelf 22 in this example. The first shelf 20 should be at a
sufficient angle relative to the support surface "G" to permit
insertion and removal of shoes within the receiving opening 40
beneath the first shelf 20. Similarly, the angle of the second
shelf 22 should be sufficient, relative to the first shelf, to
permit insertion and removal of shoes within the receiving opening
42 between the shelves, and also to permit shoes to rest on the
shelf support surface 26 without tipping over.
[0024] The spacing of the shelves 20 and 22 relative to each other
and relative to the storage region 28 of the support surface "G"
can also vary considerably and yet fall within the spirit and scope
of the present invention. The spacing can be designed according to
the needs of a particular rack and may depend upon the type of shoe
or footwear for which the rack is intended. Most shoes typically
are shorter in height toward the toe end and taller at the heel
end. Therefore, most shoes can be inserted, as illustrated in
phantom in FIG. 2, with the toe end of a shoe inserted first. Thus,
the wedged shaped openings 40 and 42 can accommodate many different
types of footwear.
[0025] The construction of the shelves and supports can vary
considerably and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the
invention. In one example, the side supports 12a and 12b can be
separately constructed from the shelves 20 and 22 and attached
thereto utilizing conventional fasteners 44 as depicted in FIG. 1.
The supports 12a and 12b can be provided with precisely placed
openings (as an example, see FIG. 5) extending through each support
between the outer surface 18a and 18b and the respective inner
surfaces 16a and 16b. The shelves 20 and 22 each include respective
end faces, which can include threaded openings (see for example,
FIG. 3) for insertion of the fasteners 44 to secure the supports to
the shelves.
[0026] As show in FIGS. 1 and 3, the shelves 20 and 22 can be
constructed from virtually any suitable material such as metal,
wood, plastic, melamine, or as in the disclosed example, a metal
wire or plastic molded grid. The grid construction permits a user
to see the shoes stored at each level of the radial arc rack 10,
even if standing directly above the rack. Solid or grid or
perforated plastic shelves can be made from transparent materials
so that this same objective can be achieved. Similarly, the end
supports 12a and 12b can be made from wood, metal, plastic,
melamine, or from wire.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates the shelves 20 and 22 as wire grids. FIG.
3 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative shelf 120 of a
solid material construction. To fasten the shelf 120 to an end
support, an end face 146b is shown having fastener receiver
openings 48 therein. A wire grid or plastic shelf can have similar
receiver openings or threaded male or female fasteners carried on
the end faces and facing outward from the shelf, as desired.
[0028] The side supports 12a and 12b can be made integral with the
shelves, such as in a plastic or wire configuration, or can be made
separate from the shelves and fastened in any desirable manner, as
illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternatively, sonic or heat welding,
adhesives, snap together, or other attachment means can be used. In
one example shown in FIG. 4, the shelves can be constructed as
modular, identical units 220 and provided with an integral angled
supports 212a and 212b depending from the opposite ends of the
shelf. When a rack 210 is constructed from these units 220, the
supports of the second shelf can be rested on and secure to the
tops of the supports of the first shelf. In this manner, a modular
construction can be utilized. Such a unit could be a snap-together
unit, or the supports can be fastened or nested together in any
suitable manner.
[0029] The solid shelf example of FIG. 3 also shows another
optional feature that can be used on any shelf construction, even
though shown in this solid shelf. The shelf 120 has a stepped top
surface 124 wherein a forward portion 60 is at a lower level than a
rearward portion 62 of the shelf. A step surface forms a heel stop
64 that is generally normal or perpendicular to the shelf surface
and against which a heel of a shoe can bear. In this example, a
shoe can be set on the shelf and, regardless of the shelf angle,
the shoe will remain in position on the shelf.
[0030] As another option, the shelves can be made adjustable as
part of the radial arc shoe racks as disclosed herein. For example,
as illustrated in FIG. 5, each side support, such as a side support
112 can be provided with a plurality of holes formed therein. The
holes can be arranged to provide optional shelf installation
locations for one or both of the shelves 20 and 22. In this
example, two pairs of mounting holes 68 and 70 are provided, each
hole positioned as an optional mounting location for the rear edge
of either an upper or a lower shelf (not shown). Similarly, two
pairs of mounting holes 72 and 74 are provided in the side support
112, each hole positioned as an optional mounting location for the
front edge of either an upper or lower shelf. In this example, a
user can determine the desired shelf height and a specific shoe
rack can be created during assembly by selecting the appropriate
mounting holes. Other hole positions and options can be provided,
other than those shown and described with respect to FIG. 5. The
hole locations can depend on whether adjustable shelf height, tilt
angle, forward or rearward positioning, or some combination is
desired.
[0031] In a second example illustrated in FIG. 6, the shelf angle
can be adjustable. The rear edge installation point can be a free
rotation or pivot point 80 provided in the side support. Such a
support 312 is shown from its exterior side 318. The pivot point 80
can be either a hole for receiving a pivot pin of a shelf rear edge
(not shown), or can be a pivot pin mounted in the support for
cooperating with a shelf rear edge pivot structure. A shelf
installed utilizing this construction can be pivoted about its rear
edge. In this example, the side support 312 includes a curved track
82 recessed into the interior surface or side 316 of the support
312. The shelf can include an outwardly projecting pin 84 that is
received in and slides along the track 82. Thus, the shelf can be
pivoted about its rear edge. In one example, the shelf can be
pivoted between a storage position wherein the pin 84 rests at a
lower end 85 of the track 82, and an upward position (see Arrow A)
to provide clearance for inserting and/or removing shoes from a
storage space beneath that pivotable shelf.
[0032] In another option, though not shown herein, the track 82 and
the shelf can be provided with a mechanism for selectively
repositioning and/or adjusting the tilt angle of the shelf simply
by unlatching, moving, and re-latching the forward edge of the
shelf (not shown) in a desired position along the track 82. The
track 82 can be provided with a plurality of holes 86 spaced apart
along the track. Any one of the holes 86 can be selected to receive
the pin 84 on the forward edge of the shelf. The side support 312
can be pivoted outward from the shelf to release the pin, the shelf
can be pivoted to its new desired location, and the pin 84 can be
inserted into a selected hole at that location. In a higher end
example, the pins 84 of the shelf can be biased and movable between
extended and retracted positions to make adjustment of the shelf
position easy. As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in
the art, any number of mechanisms and methods can be utilized to
perform this type of adjustability. The invention is not intended
to be limited to any such mechanism.
[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 7, one or more of the shelves can be
provided with a slide-out optional feature. For example, a lower
shelf 420 and an upper shelf 422 can each be extended forward by
grasping a front edge 430 or 434, respectively, and pulling the
shelf outward from the rack. In this example, either shelf 420 or
422 can be drawn closer to the user for easier installation and/or
removal of footwear. The end faces at the rear edges 432 and 436 of
the respective shelves can be provided with a pair of outwardly
projecting pins 88. The end faces can also be provided with a pair
of projecting pins 89 that are spaced rearward relative to the
front edge 430. The pins 88 and 89 on each send of the shelves 420
and 422 can be received in corresponding linear sliding tracks or
slots 90 formed either on the interior sides or completely through
to the outside surface 418 of the side supports 412.
[0034] In an at rest position, the shelves 420 and 422 can either
be manually slid or move by action of gravity toward a rear end 92
of the track 90. The pins 88 will bear against the rear end holding
the shelf in place. The tracks can also have a front end 94. In the
at rest or in use position, the forward pins 89 are spaced from the
front end 94 of the tracks 90. The distance of the spacing is the
distance that the shelf can be pulled out, i.e., when the pins 89
hit the front ends 94 of the tracks 90, the shelf will stop moving
forward. Either one of the shelves 420 or 422 alone can be provided
with a slide out or other adjustability feature as desired. The
shelves need not include identical features.
[0035] As an alternative, though not shown in the drawings, the
ends of the shelves or some other part of the shelves can be
provided with sliding or telescoping tracks permitting the shelves
to be pulled out. In another example, each shelf can have a sliding
forward portion wherein a rear part of the shelf remains stationary
and a forward portion can be pulled outward toward the user. These
two shelf portions can be overlaid with one another in such a
manner that they are at different levels, similar to the shelves
shown in FIG. 4, to define a heel stop thereon.
[0036] Many other alternatives and options can be added to the
radial arc shoe rack disclosed herein. For example, each shelf or
at least the upper most shelf can be provided with a vertically
oriented, upturned toe stop for blocking further forward movement
of a shoe supported on the shelf. Further, the side supports can
take on many other configurations and constructions, and can even
include side storage pockets or shelves on the exterior side if
desired.
[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another radial arc shoe storage rack
510 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention. The rack 510 includes a pair of side supports 512a and
512b and a pair of wire shelves 520 and 522. In this example, the
side supports are polygonal rings each having a bottom bar 514
adapted to rest on the support surface "G," a curved front bar 515,
a sloping top bar 517, and a short back bar 519. Each side support
in this example also has an open interior 521 within the perimeter
ring shape. The open interior 521 can be incorporated to save
material cost and weight. The ring supports 512 can be made of
wood, metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The wire
shelves are secures to the side supports utilizing fasteners in a
manner similar to the rack 10 of FIG. 1.
[0038] Each of the shelves 520 and 522 in this example has a toe
stop extending upward along its rear edge. For example, the shelf
520 has a toe stop wall 96 extending upward from the shelf rear
edge 532 and generally perpendicular to the shoe support surface of
the shelf. The shelf 522 has a similar toe stop wall 96 extending
from its rear edge 536. Each shelf also has a wire side bar 98
extending along each side or end of the shelf. The wire side bars
98 are generally parallel to the end surface of their corresponding
shelf and are spaced upwardly from the shoe support surface. Each
shelf in this example is identical and each side support is also
identical, thus making the tooling, manufacture and assembly of the
rack 510 relatively simple.
[0039] The angle of the top bar 517 and the height of the back bar
519 can be altered according to the desired rack characteristics.
The shelf angle for the shelf 520 and 522 can be designed as
desired, according to the top bar angle and/or the back bar
height.
[0040] Although certain shoe rack configurations and constructions
have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the
present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not
limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all
embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall
within the scope of permissible equivalents.
* * * * *