U.S. patent application number 10/462935 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-23 for stackable, modular and decorative bowl assembly.
Invention is credited to Conde, Joseph.
Application Number | 20040256394 10/462935 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33517003 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040256394 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Conde, Joseph |
December 23, 2004 |
Stackable, modular and decorative bowl assembly
Abstract
A stackable, modular, and decorative bowl assembly. More
particularly, the present invention is a tower or vertical pole
which houses cylindrical containers of various sizes, shapes, and
colors. In one mode of production, the bowl assembly is a
floor-to-ceiling arrangement, while in an alternate embodiment, the
bowl assembly is a countertop-to-ceiling arrangement. In either
instance, several plastic bowls are attached to the vertical
support, with the pole running through the center of the bowls, in
the preferred mode. As such, each bowl may hold numerous small
items to conserve space, or may hold decorative items such as
plants and flowers. In total, the assembly forms an aesthetically
pleasing and space-conscious display for many areas, including the
home or office.
Inventors: |
Conde, Joseph; (Brooklyn,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Joseph Conde
1879 Schenectedy Avenue
Brooklyn
NY
11234
US
|
Family ID: |
33517003 |
Appl. No.: |
10/462935 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/503 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 9/023 20130101;
A47F 5/04 20130101; A47G 7/041 20130101; A47B 96/1425 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/503 |
International
Class: |
B65D 001/24; B65D
001/36; B65D 025/04; B65D 057/00; B65D 085/00 |
Claims
1-13. (Canceled).
14. A stackable, modular, and decorative floor to ceiling bowl
assembly comprising: a lower base member comprising a generally
flat bottom placed against a flat surface, and further comprising
an aperture at the center of an upper portion thereof, an
elongated, generally cylindrical pole of a width in the range of 1
to 4 inches, removably inserted into the aperture, and extending
upwardly therefrom, the pole of an adjustable length; a plurality
of bowl members functioning to contain articles therein, each bowl
member of a diameter in the range of 6 to 12 inches and comprising
a generally round aperture at a center potion thereof in which the
generally cylindrical pole is inserted, the plurality of bowl
members affixed to the pole via a fastening means, an uppermost
bowl affixed to an upper telescopically adjustable pole member,
which comprises a tension spring assembly, an upper base member
affixed to a distal end of the telescopically adjustable pole
member, the upper base member comprising a generally flat top
placed against a ceiling surface, the assembly functioning to
provide a convenient means to contain, store, and display a
plurality of articles in a space-saving manner.
15. The stackable, modular, and decorative bowl assembly as
described in claim 14, wherein the device bears previously
determined text, graphics, designs, colors, and corporate logos
thereon.
16. The stackable, modular, and decorative bowl assembly as
described in claim 14, wherein the bowl members are manufactured of
a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal,
and glass.
17. The stackable, modular, and decorative bowl assembly as
described in claim 14, wherein the bowl members are utilized to
contain items selected from the group consisting of fruits,
vegetables, flowers, plants, packaged foods, books, papers, keys,
personal belongings, and decorations.
18. The stackable, modular, and decorative bowl assembly as
described in claim 14, wherein the assembly is utilized in an area
selected from the group consisting of a kitchen, bathroom, den,
hallway, bedroom, living room, basement, dining room, playroom,
garage, and shed.
19. The stackable, modular, and decorative bowl assembly as
described in claim 14, wherein the assembly is utilized in settings
selected from the group consisting of residential, industrial, and
commercial.
20. The stackable, modular, and decorative bowl assembly as
described in claim 14, wherein the bowl members comprise a
plurality of apertures thereon.
21. A stackable, modular, and decorative countertop to ceiling bowl
assembly comprising: a lower base member comprising a generally
flat bottom placed against a flat surface, and further comprising
an aperture at the center of an upper portion thereof, an
elongated, generally cylindrical pole removably inserted into the
aperture, and extending upwardly therefrom; the pole of an
adjustable length; a plurality of bowl members functioning to
contain articles therein, each bowl member of a diameter in the
range of 6 to 12 inches and comprising a generally round aperture
at a center potion thereof in which the generally cylindrical pole
is inserted, the plurality of bowl members affixed to the pole via
a fastening means, an uppermost bowl affixed to an upper
telescopically adjustable pole member, which comprises a tension
spring assembly, an upper base member affixed to a distal end of
the telescopically adjustable pole member, the upper base member
comprising a generally flat top placed against a ceiling surface,
the assembly functioning to provide a convenient means to contain,
store, and display a plurality of articles in a space-saving
manner.
22. The stackable, modular, and decorative bowl assembly as
described in claim 21, wherein the device bears previously
determined text, graphics, designs, colors, and corporate logos
thereon.
23. The stackable, modular, and decorative bowl assembly as
described in claim 21, wherein the bowl members are manufactured of
a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal,
and glass.
24. The stackable, modular, and decorative bowl assembly as
described in claim 21, wherein the bowl members are utilized to
contain items selected from the group consisting of fruits,
vegetables, flowers, plants, packaged foods, books, papers, keys,
personal belongings, and decorations.
25. The stackable, modular, and decorative bowl assembly as
described in claim 21, wherein the assembly is utilized in an area
selected from the group consisting of a kitchen, bathroom, den,
hallway, bedroom, living room, basement, dining room, playroom,
garage, and shed.
26. The stackable, modular, and decorative bowl assembly as
described in claim 21, wherein the assembly is utilized in settings
selected from the group consisting of residential, industrial, and
commercial.
27. The stackable, modular, and decorative bowl assembly as
described in claim 21, wherein the bowl members comprise a
plurality of apertures thereon.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is a stackable, modular, and
decorative bowl assembly. More particularly, the present invention
is a floor to ceiling tower or vertical pole which houses
cylindrical containers of various sizes, shapes, and colors.
Specifically, several plastic bowls are attached to the vertical
support, with the pole running through the center of the bowls, in
the preferred mode. As such, each bowl may hold numerous small
items to conserve space, or may hold decorative items such as
plants and flowers. In total, the assembly forms an aesthetically
pleasing and space-conscious display for the home or office.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Numerous innovations for container assemblies have been
provided in the prior art that are described as follows. Even
though these innovations may be suitable for the specific
individual purposes to which they address, they differ from the
present invention as hereinafter contrasted. The following is a
summary of those prior art patents most relevant to the invention
at hand, as well a description outlining the differences between
the present invention and the prior art.
[0005] 1. U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,954, Invented by Zaremba, Entitled
"Removable Display Attachment for Vertical Rigid Cylindrical
Supports"
[0006] In the patent to Zaremba, a spatially and mechanically
independent donut bowl structure is provided. The preferred
embodiment consists of a flat member surrounded by an upwardly
rising rim and an upwardly protruding open tubular segment on the
upper surface. The opening completely pierces the donut bowl, so
that a pole or pipe can easily slide through the invention. The
donut support can be used by itself as a small dish. It can also be
used interchangeably as a versatile, lightweight, and inexpensive
container or tray component to any variety of decorative displays
using poles, pipes, or pedestals.
[0007] 2. U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,243, Invented by McBride, Entitled
"Multiple Stack-Tray Assembly"
[0008] In the patent to McBride, an adjustable assembly of multiple
stack-trays is provided with a vertical support member, a
multiplicity of stack-tray elements, and a multiplicity of
split-collar elements which each frictionally and slidably engage
the exterior surface of the support member and which each
adjustable engage and support a respective one of said stack-tray
elements.
[0009] 3. U.S. Pat. No. 4,688,684, Invented by Young et al.,
Entitled "Vertical Display System"
[0010] In the patent to Young, a free-standing vertical display
system for displaying merchandise, such as beverage containers, at
the point of purchase, is described. The system includes a base and
one or more trays which are slidably received on a center pole. In
a first embodiment a merchandise-bearing tray rests on the
merchandise on the tray beneath it. When the tray is empty, it may
be stored on four screws protruding from the top of the center
pole, allowing the customer to access the lower trays. A second
embodiment of the invention provides a spring on the center pole,
underneath each tray. When a tray is loaded with merchandise, the
spring compresses and the tray rests on the merchandise on the tray
beneath it. When a tray is emptied, the spring pushes the tray up,
so that merchandise may be removed from the tray below. A third
embodiment of the invention provides stationary spacer poles at the
periphery of each tray to separate the trays, so that merchandise
may be accessed from all trays simultaneously. All three
embodiments of the invention can be provided with a cylindrical
header positioned on top of the center pole and carrying product
identification labels or other advertisements.
[0011] 4. U.S. Pat. No. 4,561,208, Invented by Schultz, Entitled
"Modular Planter System"
[0012] In the patent to Schultz, provided is a modular planter
system for forming an variety of horizontal, vertical and spatial
arrangements. The system includes three or more pot housings each
capable of receiving a plant pot. One or more connecting members
are attached to each of the pot housings at a plurality of radially
spaced-apart locations. The connecting members mate together
vertically in order to permit the interconnection of the pot
housings in various angular orientations. The pot housings have
hollow interiors to permit them to be filled with water and provide
water to plants by means of a wick. At least one of the pot
housings may alternatively be adapted to receive a light fixture to
provide the planter system a source of artificial light. The system
is supported by a variety of external support means including a
floor support base, an adjustable length pole and a ceiling-mounted
chain.
[0013] 5. U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,730, Invented by Holland, Entitled
"Tangle-Free Pet Hitch and Feeding Station"
[0014] In the patent to Holland, a circular dog-run and feeding
station is provided with a shade so that the animal is free to
exercise within a complete circle. There is a feeding bowl provided
with a vertical bearing receiving an elongated stake that is driven
into the ground where the bowl stabilizes the stake. An elongated
pole is pivotally mounted to the stake above the bowl and a free
end of the pole engages the ground. This free end of the pole is
fitted with a flexible leash that is no longer in length than the
pivoted pole. The free end of the leash is attached to the collar
of the dog. An umbrella is mounted at the lower end of its vertical
shaft to the upper end of the stake.
[0015] 6. U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,003, Invented by Domenig, Entitled
"Lazy Susan System"
[0016] The patent to Domenig describes an adjustable and alignable
lazy susan system wherein the interior components are slidably
mounted on and supported by a vertical tube and can be locked in
the installed position or collapsed upon themselves at one end of
the shaft and secured in that arrangement to avoid damage and
misalignment during shipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] As noted, the present invention is a stackable, modular, and
decorative bowl assembly. More particularly, the present invention
is a floor to ceiling tower or vertical pole which houses
cylindrical containers of various sizes, shapes, and colors.
Specifically, several plastic bowls are attached to the vertical
support, with the pole running through the center of the bowls, in
the preferred mode. As such, each bowl may hold numerous small
items to conserve space, or may hold decorative items such as
plants and flowers. In total, the assembly forms an aesthetically
pleasing and space-conscious display for the home or office.
[0018] In light of the foregoing, it is generally an object of the
present invention to provide a product that conserves space in a
residential, commercial, or industrial setting.
[0019] It is an additional object of the invention to provide a
product that may be used in any room of a home or office.
[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
product that may include a varying quantity of bowls, as desired by
the user.
[0021] It is an additional object of the invention to provide a
product that may include bowls of varying size and diameter, as
desired by the user.
[0022] It is an additional object of the invention to provide a
product of a variable height, so as to accommodate rooms of all
types.
[0023] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
product that is decorative in nature, offering an
aesthetically-pleasing experience.
[0024] It is also an object of the invention to provide a product
that is inexpensive to manufacture, produce, and distribute.
[0025] It is a further object of the invention to provide an item
that may be constructed of a variety of previously-existing
materials that are cost-effective and convenient for the purposes
of manufacture.
[0026] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
product that may bear a variety of text, graphics, or indicia
thereon.
[0027] It is an additional object of the invention to provide an
item that may be produced in a variety of sizes, including
floor-to-ceiling or countertop-to-ceiling.
[0028] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide
an item that is durable and that maintains its effectiveness for
extended periods of time.
[0029] The novel features which are considered characteristic for
the invention are set forth in the claims. The invention itself,
both as to its construction and its method of operation, together
with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best
understood from the following description of the embodiments when
read and understood in connection with accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the stackable, modular
and decorative bowl assembly, illustrating usage of lower base,
upper base, two bowl members, and plurality of poles for the
purposes of example only.
[0031] FIG. 2A is a three-quarter perspective view of the lower
base member.
[0032] FIG. 2B is a plan view of the lower base member.
[0033] FIG. 2C is a side view of the lower base member.
[0034] FIG. 2D is a bottom view of the lower base member.
[0035] FIG. 3A is a three-quarter perspective view of a bowl
member.
[0036] FIG. 3B is an upper view of a bowl member.
[0037] FIG. 3C is a side cutaway view of a bowl member.
[0038] FIG. 3D is a side view of a bowl member.
[0039] FIG. 4A is a three-quarter perspective view of the lower
base member and first connection pole member.
[0040] FIG. 4B is a three-quarter exploded view of a bowl member
with upper and lower connection poles, and fastening means
therefor.
[0041] FIG. 4C is a three-quarter exploded view of the upper base
member, connection pole, main support pole, and fastening means
therefor.
[0042] FIG. 4D is a three-quarter exploded view of a bowl member
with upper connection poles and fastening means therefore, and with
lower plate member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0043] Referring to: FIG. 1, which is a front perspective view of
the stackable, modular and decorative floor to ceiling bowl
assembly, illustrating usage of lower base, upper base, two bowl
members, and plurality of poles for the purposes of example
only:
[0044] In the preferred mode, the stackable, modular, and
decorative bowl assembly (10) first comprises a lower base member
(12) which comprises a generally flat bottom placed against a flat
surface.
[0045] More specifically, FIG. 2A is a three-quarter perspective
view of the lower base member, FIG. 2B is a plan view of the lower
base member, FIG. 2C is a side view of the lower base member, and
FIG. 2D is a bottom view of the lower base member. As shown, in the
preferred mode, the base member (12) is generally round and
comprises multiple layers. A widest layer is at the bottom most
portion, a layer of lesser diameter is above the bottom layer, and
a layer of a still lesser diameter appears thereabove.
[0046] The lower base member (12) further comprises an aperture at
the center of an upper portion thereof. An elongated, generally
cylindrical pole (14) is removably inserted into the aperture of
the lower base member (12). The pole (14) is removably attachable
to a least one additional support pole (18).
[0047] A plurality of bowl members (16) are affixed to the pole
(14) via a predetermined fastening means. The bowl members (16)
function to contain many articles therein. To illustrate same, FIG.
3A is a three-quarter perspective view of a bowl member, FIG. 3B is
an upper view of a bowl member, FIG. 3C is a side cutaway view of a
bowl member, and FIG. 3D is a side view of a bowl member.
[0048] As shown, an uppermost bowl (16) is affixed to an upper
telescopically adjustable pole member (20). In the preferred mode
of manufacture, the upper telescopically adjustable pole member
(20) comprises a tension spring assembly.
[0049] Above the uppermost bowl member (16) and affixed to the
telescopically adjustable pole member (20) is an upper base member
(22). Upper base member (22) comprises a generally flat top that is
placed against a ceiling surface.
[0050] To further illustrate preferred embodiments, FIG. 4A is a
three-quarter perspective view of the lower base member and first
connection pole member; FIG. 4B is a three-quarter exploded view of
a bowl member with upper and lower connection poles, and fastening
means therefor; FIG. 4C is a three-quarter exploded view of the
upper base member, connection pole, main support pole, and
fastening means therefor; and FIG. 4D is a three-quarter exploded
view of a bowl member with upper connection poles and fastening
means therefor, and with lower plate member.
[0051] In total, the assembly functions to provide a convenient
means to contain, store, and display a any of a variety of articles
in a space-saving manner.
[0052] In the preferred mode, the assembly is a floor-to-ceiling
assembly that may be conveniently placed in any area of a room,
such as in a corner. In this instance, the assembly may comprise a
total of six bowl members, which adequately fill out the space
between the average floor and ceiling height.
[0053] In an alternate mode of production, the assembly is a
countertop-to-ceiling assembly, which may be placed in a variety of
areas such as a kitchen or bathroom. In this instance, the assembly
may comprise a total of three bowl members, which adequately fill
the space between the average counter and ceiling height.
[0054] It should also be noted that the bowls may be colored, and
may also be transparent, translucent or opaque, depending on
whether it is desirable for items contained therein to be easily
seen.
[0055] In addition, the entire device may bear previously
determined text, graphics, designs, colors, and corporate logos
thereon. Such will enhance the appearance of the assembly, allow it
to match the decor of the room or area in which it is placed, and
also to add advertising type information, if appropriate.
[0056] In any embodiment, the bowl members may be manufactured of a
material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, and
glass. This allows for great versatility with regard to the
appearance of the assembly, its cost, its ability to match the
decor of the area in which it is placed, and its desired level of
strength and durability.
[0057] Moreover, in any embodiment, the assembly may generally be
of a size selected from the group consisting of small, medium, and
large. For the purposes of example only, the bowl members may be of
a diameter in the range of 6 to 12 inches. Such will allow for
significant storage of a variety of items, without creating a
cumbersome assembly that may interfere with persons or other
objects.
[0058] In addition, in the preferred mode of production, the poles
are of a width in the range of 1 to 4 inches. Such provides
sufficient structural stability without becoming cumbersome and/or
heavy in nature.
[0059] Regarding the versatility of the invention, the bowl members
may be utilized to contain items selected from the group consisting
of fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, packaged foods, books,
papers, keys, personal belongings, and decorations.
[0060] As such, the assembly may be utilized in an area selected
from the group consisting of a kitchen, bathroom, den, hallway,
bedroom, living room, basement, dining room, playroom, garage, and
shed.
[0061] It is important to note that the assembly may be utilized in
settings selected from the group consisting of residential,
industrial, and commercial. In each instance, the invention is
accordingly sized and manufactured of materials suitable for its
intended purposes.
[0062] Importantly, the assembly is of a variable height, which
allows it to be used in many areas, regardless of the exact height
of the ceiling in question. Such is due to the usage of the
telescopically adjustable pole member (20), as depicted in FIG.
1.
[0063] With regards to all descriptions and graphics, while the
invention has been illustrated and described as embodied, it is not
intended to be limited to the details shown, since it will be
understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and
changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in
its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without
departing in any way from the spirit of the invention.
[0064] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal
the gist of the present invention that others can readily adapt it
for various applications without omitting features that, from the
standpoint of prior art, constitute essential characteristics of
the generic or specific aspects of this invention. What is claimed
as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth
in the appended claims.
* * * * *