U.S. patent application number 11/167186 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-29 for removable modular baseboard and shelf systems.
Invention is credited to Lizell, Christopher A..
Application Number | 20050285488 11/167186 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35504917 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050285488 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lizell, Christopher A. |
December 29, 2005 |
Removable modular baseboard and shelf systems
Abstract
Removable modular baseboard and shelf systems comprising a
receiving frame and a plurality of removable boards. An exemplary
removable modular baseboard system includes a board receiving
frame, a plurality of removable boards, a base, and an air
permeable seal, such as a brush seal. The removable modular
baseboard system allows easy access to plumbing, electrical wiring
and HVAC conduits beneath kitchen cabinetry, bathroom vanities,
entertainment centers, free-standing shelving, wall-hung shelving,
island cabinetry, and other shelving systems. The board receiving
frame defines the board receiving area. The base is connected to
the board receiving frame on one side and the air permeable seal on
the other side. The air permeable seal and the base define the
height of the access area beneath the plurality of removable boards
and define an air gap between the receiving frame and the
floor.
Inventors: |
Lizell, Christopher A.;
(Green Lane, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEDNAREX
PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN LLP
1650 TYSONS BOULEVARD
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Family ID: |
35504917 |
Appl. No.: |
11/167186 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60582813 |
Jun 28, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/228.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 96/20 20130101;
A47B 91/005 20130101; A47B 77/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/228.1 |
International
Class: |
A47B 077/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A removable modular baseboard system comprising: a receiving
frame defining a board receiving area; a plurality of removable
boards disposed within the board receiving area; and a base
connected to the receiving frame that defines a height of an access
area beneath the removable boards and defines an air gap between
the receiving frame and a floor.
2. The removable modular baseboard system according to claim 1,
further compromising an air permeable seal connected to the base on
a side opposite to the receiving frame, wherein the air permeable
seal and the base define a height of an access area beneath the
plurality of removable boards and define an air gap between the
receiving frame and a floor.
3. The removable modular baseboard system according to claim 2,
wherein the air permeable seal comprises a brush seal.
4. The removable modular baseboard system according to claim 3,
wherein the brush seal comprises bristles adapted to wick water
from the floor.
5. The removable modular baseboard system according to claim 1,
wherein the receiving frame is constructed from a single sheet of
material.
6. The removable modular baseboard system according to claim 1,
wherein the receiving frame is constructed from two or more pieces
of material.
7. The removable modular baseboard system according to claim 1,
wherein the receiving frame comprises a lip formed around the board
receiving area that supports the plurality of removable boards.
8. The removable modular baseboard system according to claim 1,
wherein a connection between the receiving frame and the base
supports the plurality of removable boards.
9. The removable modular baseboard system according to claim 1,
wherein the plurality of removable boards have substantially
equivalent width and length dimensions.
10. The removable modular baseboard system according to claim 1,
wherein the plurality of removable boards have substantially
different widths.
11. The removable modular baseboard system according to claim 1,
wherein at least one removable board of the plurality of removable
boards comprises a pre-cut notch.
12. The removable modular baseboard system according to claim 1,
wherein at least one removable board of the plurality of removable
boards comprises a pre-scored notch.
13. The removable modular baseboard system according to claim 1,
wherein one or more sides of the base are detachable from the
receiving frame.
14. A cabinet comprising: a cabinet housing; a receiving frame
connected to the cabinet housing and defining a board receiving
area; a plurality of removable boards placed within the board
receiving area; and a base connected to the receiving frame that
defines a height of an access area beneath the removable boards and
defines an air gap between the receiving frame and a floor.
15. The cabinet according to claim 14, further compromising an air
permeable seal connected to the base on a side opposite to the
receiving frame, wherein the air permeable seal and the base define
a height of an access area beneath the plurality of removable
boards and define an air gap between the receiving frame and a
floor.
16. The cabinet according to claim 15, wherein the air permeable
seal comprises a brush seal.
17. The cabinet according to claim 16, wherein the brush seal
comprises bristles adapted to wick water from the floor.
18. The cabinet according to claim 14, wherein the receiving frame
is constructed from a single sheet of material.
19. The cabinet according to claim 14, wherein the receiving frame
is constructed from two or more pieces of material.
20. The cabinet according to claim 14, wherein the receiving frame
comprises a lip formed around the board receiving area that
supports the plurality of removable boards.
21. The cabinet according to claim 14, wherein a connection between
the receiving frame and the base supports the plurality of
removable boards.
22. The cabinet according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of
removable boards have substantially equivalent width and length
dimensions.
23. The cabinet according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of
removable boards have substantially different widths.
24. The cabinet according to claim 14, wherein at least one
removable board of the plurality of removable boards comprises a
pre-cut notch.
25. The cabinet according to claim 14, wherein at least one
removable board of the plurality of removable boards comprises a
pre-scored notch.
26. The cabinet according to claim 14, wherein one or more sides of
the base are detachable from the receiving frame.
27. The cabinet according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of
removable boards comprise air gaps between adjacent boards, and
wherein air can circulate into and out of the cabinet through the
air gaps and the air permeable seal.
28. A cabinet comprising: a cabinet housing; a receiving frame
defining a board receiving area; and a plurality of removable
boards disposed within the board receiving area, at least one board
of the plurality of removable boards defining a notch adapted to
allow passage of a conduit through the at least one board.
29. The cabinet according to claim 28, wherein the receiving frame
is disposed toward the bottom of the cabinet housing and the
receiving frame and the plurality of removable boards comprise a
baseboard of the cabinet.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/582,813, filed Jun. 28, 2004, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to cabinetry and, in
particular, to a cabinet structure for accommodating conduits such
as plumbing and electrical wiring and outlets.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] Most cabinetry on the market is intended for use in areas
where conduits such as plumbing and electrical wiring must be
routed inside the cabinetry. Unfortunately, common cabinetry is
designed with a fixed, non-removable base, which creates
considerable areas of inaccessible dead space between the cabinet
base and the flooring.
[0006] The consequences of inaccessible space around
plumbing-related conduits are considerable. Drooping or
disintegrating bases in kitchen sink and bathroom sink cabinets are
commonplace in homes and offices. It is also common for pests such
as insects, rodents, and toxic molds to flourish in such spaces,
unknown to end users. Toxic molds like toxic black mold thrive in
dark, damp environments and feed on the plentiful wood and paper
content of cabinetry. If, or when, the end-user becomes aware of a
problem, the fixed base design of standard cabinetry prevents
end-users from correcting it without removing the base and
consequently compromising the cabinetry structure, function, and
aesthetic qualities.
[0007] The installation of cabinetry in areas such as kitchens and
baths involves routing plumbing, electrical wiring, and sometimes
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) conduits within
the cabinetry structure. Routing these common conduits typically
requires drilling holes through the base of the cabinetry as
plumbing and utilities usually comes up from the flooring. The
process of routing these conduits can be very difficult when
installing common cabinetry, as a fixed base structure requires the
work to be done from inside the cabinets where the area is very
tight with limited accessibility. Unfortunately, once a hole is
drilled for a conduit, it is permanent and cannot be undone, and,
in addition, holes are often not very precise because they are
precut and not precisely fitted to the conduit.
[0008] The unfortunate and frustrating fact of common cabinetry is
that the entire area and the conduits between the floor and
cabinetry base are inaccessible for maintenance and repairs without
literally tearing out the base of the cabinet. Reconfiguring the
conduits or moving and reusing the cabinets elsewhere is also
hampered by common cabinetry design because new holes would likely
be required, further compromising the aesthetics, function, and
integrity of the cabinetry.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed toward a modular baseboard
or shelf unit for use in cabinetry of various types and
applications, especially where conduits such as plumbing and
electrical wiring are routed within the cabinetry structure. An
embodiment of the invention provides a baseboard or shelf unit with
removable boards. In the case of a baseboard unit, an air permeable
seal, such as a brush seal, can extend from a base of the unit to a
floor surface. The invention simplifies the installation and
maintenance of cabinetry and internally routed conduits, allows for
a cleaner and more precise installation, allows for dynamic
placement and configuration of the cabinetry and conduits, and
significantly improves upon the sanitary conditions, safety, and
aesthetics of the surrounding environment in which it is
utilized.
[0010] One embodiment of the present invention is a removable
modular baseboard system. The removable baseboard system includes a
receiving frame, a plurality of removable boards, and a base. The
receiving frame defines a board receiving area. The plurality of
removable boards is placed within the board receiving area. The
base is connected to the receiving frame and defines the height of
the access area beneath the removable boards and the air gap
between the receiving frame and the floor.
[0011] The receiving frame is preferably constructed from a single
sheet of material. In another embodiment of the present invention,
the receiving frame is constructed from two or more pieces of
material. The receiving frame can include a lip formed around the
board receiving area that is used to support the plurality of
removable boards. In another embodiment of the present invention,
the connection between the receiving frame and the base is used to
support the plurality of removable boards.
[0012] In one embodiment, the plurality of removable boards has
substantially equivalent width and length dimensions. In another
embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of removable
boards has substantially different widths. At least one removable
board of the plurality of removable boards can comprise a pre-cut
notch. In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one
removable board of the plurality of removable boards comprises a
pre-scored notch.
[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, the
removable modular baseboard system includes an air permeable seal,
such as a brush seal, connected to the base on the side opposite to
the side connected to the receiving frame. The air permeable seal
and the base define the height of the access area beneath the
plurality of removable boards and the air gap between the receiving
frame and the floor.
[0014] Another embodiment of the present invention is a cabinet.
The cabinet includes a cabinet housing, a receiving frame, a
plurality of removable boards, a base, and an air permeable seal.
The receiving frame is connected to the cabinet housing and defines
a board receiving area. The plurality of removable boards is placed
within the board receiving area. The base is connected on one side
to the receiving frame and on the other side to the air permeable
seal. The base and the air permeable seal define the height of the
access area beneath the removable boards and the air gap between
the receiving frame and the floor.
[0015] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
modular shelf unit without a base, which can be positioned, for
example, in a cabinet toward the bottom as a removable modular
baseboard or higher in the cabinet as a removable modular shelf. A
cabinet according to this embodiment can comprise a cabinet
housing, a receiving frame defining a board receiving area, and a
plurality of removable boards disposed within the board receiving
area, with at least one board of the plurality of removable boards
defining a notch adapted to allow passage of a conduit through the
at least one board.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary removable
modular baseboard system in an assembled position, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exploded view of
the exemplary removable modular baseboard system shown in FIG.
1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary cabinet
having a partially assembled removable modular baseboard system, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing exemplary removable
boards having notches that fit around conduits, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary removable
modular baseboard system that includes a detachable base with four
sides, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary removable
modular baseboard system that includes a detachable base with one
side, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary cabinet
containing a removable modular baseboard system without a base, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary cabinet
containing a modular shelf unit and a removable modular baseboard
system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] Before one or more embodiments of the invention are
described in detail, one skilled in the art will appreciate that
the invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction, the arrangements of components, and the arrangement
of steps set forth in the following detailed description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The present invention is directed toward a modular baseboard
or modular shelf unit for use in cabinetry of various types and
applications, especially where conduits such as plumbing and
electrical wiring are routed within the cabinetry structure. The
present invention can be used in, but is not limited to use in,
kitchen cabinetry, bathroom vanities, entertainment centers,
free-standing shelving, wall-hung shelving, island cabinetry, and
other shelving systems, and solves many problems associated with
common cabinetry design and installation.
[0026] The present invention is intended to significantly reduce
the likelihood of mold and pest infestations, and allow end users
to know about and correct problems if they do occur. In addition,
the present invention simplifies the installation process, saving
the end user time and money with more precise and clean results,
and enables end users the freedom and flexibility to move,
reconfigure, or reuse their cabinetry without compromise. The
present invention offers end users a more versatile product that
empowers them to take control of their environment with respect to
cabinetry configuration and placement, cost of installation and
ownership, lifespan of their cabinetry and surrounding building
structure, and most importantly the environmental health and
quality of their work and living spaces.
[0027] An embodiment of the invention provides a base or shelf unit
with removable boards and an air permeable seal, such as a brush
seal, extending from the base of the unit to a floor surface. The
invention simplifies the installation and maintenance of cabinetry
and internally routed conduits, allows for a cleaner and more
precise installation, allows for dynamic placement and
configuration of the cabinetry and conduits, and significantly
improves upon the sanitary conditions, safety, and aesthetics of
the surrounding environment in which it is utilized.
[0028] Unlike common cabinetry, the invention allows for full
access to the floor beneath the cabinetry both before and after the
installation process. By allowing access to the space between the
base and flooring, the installation process is not only greatly
eased and simplified, but end results are cleaner and more precise
as cuts are more closely fitted around the conduits. Further,
cutting and drilling procedures for conduit routing can be done
outside of the interior space of the cabinet, thereby avoiding the
marring of the interior structure of the cabinetry caused by
drilling and cutting for the conduits. An added advantage of the
removable baseboard system is that the conduits can be reconfigured
or updated at any time, as the base boards are reconfigurable and
replaceable. Such functionality allows the cabinetry to be reused
with a clean installation each time.
[0029] The invention allows accessibility for routine maintenance,
inspection, repairs, and cleaning, empowering end users to take
control and maintain the structural integrity of their building and
cabinetry, and to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment
in which to live and work.
[0030] Since common cabinetry design renders the entire area
between the floor and cabinetry base inaccessible, installers and
end users may not be aware of leaky plumbing until damage has been
done. To repair a leaky pipe, the base of the cabinet must usually
be torn out around the pipe, which essentially destroys the
function, structural integrity, and aesthetics of the interior
cabinet space. Even if a pipe is not leaking, in general, pipes do
sweat, causing an accumulation of moisture between the floor and
base area. Usually, the area is caulked in from the front to cover
gaps on an uneven floor. Base coving is used for the same purpose.
Either way, the area does not effectively breath and dry out.
[0031] On the other hand, if no seal has been used, water and dirt
will freely accumulate under the base and base edge causing further
damage. Either way, the result is a persistent dampness, which can
result in a slow but progressive deterioration of surrounding
structures and environmental conditions due to water damage, and a
strong likely hood of pest infestation such as carpenter ants
attracted by wet wood, and toxic molds thriving undetected under
ideal conditions. These problems cannot be addressed by routine
cleaning since the area is rendered inaccessible dead space by
common cabinetry design. All too often, owners give up in
frustration and tear out the droopy, mangled, moisture soaked base
and simply store items on the floor space. This is certainly not
what the cabinet owner had in mind and degrades the structural
integrity of the cabinetry.
[0032] In contrast to common cabinetry design, an embodiment of the
present invention allows access underneath the base of cabinetry.
Removable boards allow full time access to plumbing, electrical
wiring, and HVAC conduits and outlets to check for or repair leaks
or make adjustments without removing the cabinetry. These boards
allow for routine cleaning to remove dirt, allergens, and household
pests. These boards also allow end users to know about and correct
water leaks and pest infestation, which would otherwise continue
undetected in traditional cabinetry and pose serious health risks
and cause structural damage to adjacent flooring and cabinetry.
[0033] Another embodiment of the present invention preemptively
addresses moisture related issues. Slight gaps between the
removable boards, in conjunction with an air-permeable seal, such
as a base brush seal, allow the area underneath the boards to
breath and dry out moisture from spills and sweating pipes. The
brush seal, like caulk and base coving, is designed to create a
seal and hide unevenness in flooring, but has many additional
advantages. Unlike caulking and base coving, the brush seal does
not trap water on either side of the seal, but rather wicks or
draws water up and away from adjacent flooring where it is
evaporated by airflow around the brush bristles.
[0034] In addition, the brush seal and baseboards allow for the
cabinetry to be movable and reusable. Wherever the cabinetry is
placed, the brush seal automatically adjusts to the flooring and
the base boards are simply realigned, re-cut, or replaced to
account for an alternate conduit pathway. In contrast, caulking and
base coving common to traditional cabinetry is permanent,
inflexible, and does not account for moving or reusing the
cabinetry.
[0035] Another benefit of the brush seal is that it eliminates the
need to cut holes in the cabinetry for HVAC heating and cooling
vents and returns. The brush seal is permeable to airflow,
supporting adequate flow of the heated or cooled air in most
applications and actually providing for an ideally even dispersion
of the airflow around the cabinetry, further drying any moisture
present. Vent covers are accessed via the removable board system
for adjustment of airflow as usual.
[0036] The removable board system is not only functionally
beneficial, but simplifies the installation process, allows for a
more versatile and dynamic placement of the cabinetry, and further
retains the aesthetic quality and structural integrity of the
cabinetry, since no holes are cut for vents, and no unsightly vent
cover is visible. In-fact, the cabinetry can be placed partially
over-top a vent if need be, eliminating the need for costly
ductwork.
[0037] The present invention has many functional and aesthetic
advantages over traditional cabinetry design, finding utility and
novelty in almost any application of cabinetry. The benefits of the
invention are significant, desirable, and beneficial to end users
and those in the surrounding environment. The ease of installation,
maintenance, and repairs offer owners a less expensive and quicker
installation and an overall lower cost of ownership. The movability
and reusability of the cabinetry offers owners the option of
re-arranging their living or work spaces, or reusing their cabinets
elsewhere. And perhaps most importantly, from the bathroom to the
kitchen, the invention preemptively addresses poor environmental
conditions and health risks common to standard cabinetry design.
The invention offers end users the option of maintaining a clean,
safe, versatile, and sanitary environment in which to work and
live.
[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary removable
modular baseboard system 100 in an assembled position, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Removable
modular baseboard system 100 includes receiving frame 110 in which
a plurality of removable boards 130 is disposed. Removable boards
130 are shown in FIG. 1 as having substantially the same width and
substantially the same length. In another embodiment of the present
invention, removable boards 130 vary in width. In another
embodiment of the present invention, removable boards 130 vary in
length.
[0039] Receiving frame 110 defines the board-receiving area.
Receiving frame 110 is constructed from a single sheet of material.
In another embodiment, receiving frame 110 is constructed from two
or more pieces of material.
[0040] Receiving frame 110 is mounted on top of base 120. Brush
seal 160 is affixed to the other side of base 120. Base 120 and
brush seal 160 define the height of the access area beneath
removable boards 130. Brush seal 160 is designed to contact the
floor. An exemplary brush seal 160 includes a polypropylene bristle
in a metal channel with an overall height of approximately 0.88
inches. Brush seals are manufactured by Precision Brush Company of
Solon, Ohio, for example. Bristle material and color is chosen
depending on the application and customer preference. For example,
in a kitchen or bath area, a bristle material resistant to water,
fungus, and bacteria, such as nylon or polypropylene, is used. In
other applications such as entertainment centers, horse or goats
hair bristles are used for the desired look, color, and feel. The
bristle density can also be chosen to suit particular applications.
For example, if the cabinet is placed over an HVAC vent, a lower
bristle density is chosen for greater airflow. In a kitchen area, a
very high density bristle is chosen for a tighter seal against
water, dirt, and pests.
[0041] Alternatively, brush seal 160 could be any air permeable
barrier that allows the passage of air, compensates for the
unevenness of a floor, and eliminates any gaps visible between the
bottom of the cabinet and the floor. For example, plastic strips or
cloth strips could be used in lieu of a brush seal.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exploded view of
the exemplary removable modular baseboard system 100 shown in FIG.
1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In
FIG. 2, removable boards 130 are shown with varying widths.
[0043] FIG. 2 shows that base 120 and brush seal 160 define the air
gap between receiving frame 110 and the floor. FIG. 2 also shows
that removable boards 130 are supported by lip 170 formed in
receiving frame 110. Removable boards 130 are also held in place by
contact with each other. Removable boards 103 can rest next to each
other or can interlock, such as by tongue and groove connections.
If air circulation is desired, boards 103 can be placed with slight
gaps in between adjacent boards. Lip 170 is formed around a board
receiving area of receiving frame 110. In another embodiment of the
present invention, lip 170 is created by the connection of base 120
to receiving frame 110.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary cabinet
300 having a partially assembled removable modular baseboard system
100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Receiving frame 110 is connected to a cabinet housing so that brush
seal 160 makes contact with the floor. Receiving frame 110 and
removable boards 130 function as the bottom shelf of cabinet 300.
The opening of receiving frame 110 and the opening of base 120
allows plumbing and electrical wiring to pass from the floor into
cabinet 300.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing exemplary removable
boards 130 having notches 180 that fit around conduits, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Removable
boards 130 allow notches 180 to be cut outside of the interior
space of a cabinet. In another embodiment of the present invention,
at least one removable board of removable boards 130 contains
pre-cut notches 180 of varying sizes and shapes. In another
embodiment of the present invention, notches 180 of different sizes
and shapes are pre-scored on at least one removable board of
removable boards 130 to allow for easy removal during installation
(e.g., the notches can be conveniently punched out). In another
embodiment of the present invention, at least one removable board
of removable boards 130 contains on at least one side pre-marked
notches 180. In another embodiment, notches on adjacent boards 103
can be aligned to accommodate a conduit in between both boards.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary removable
modular baseboard system 500 that includes detachable base 520 with
four sides, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. Removable modular baseboard system 500 also includes
receiving frame 110, brush seal 160, and a plurality of removable
boards (not shown). Detachable base 520 is connected to receiving
frame 110. One or more sides of detachable base 520 can be removed
from detachable base 520 and receiving frame 110. In an alternative
embodiment, instead of configuring base 520 of removable modular
baseboard system 500 to be detachable, base 520 can be a built-in
non-removable base to provide added strength if necessary for
certain cabinet applications.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary removable
modular baseboard system 600 that includes a detachable base 620
with one side, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. Detachable base 620 is connected to receiving frame 110.
An air permeable seal 160 is attached to base 620.
[0048] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
modular shelf unit without a base, which can be positioned, for
example, in a cabinet toward the bottom as a removable modular
baseboard or higher in the cabinet as a removable modular shelf.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary cabinet 700
containing a removable modular baseboard system without a base, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Cabinet 700
includes receiving frame 110 and a plurality of removable boards
130. A removable modular baseboard system without a base is used to
give cabinetry a more furniture like appearance. Receiving frame
110 can, however, be produced with pre-drilled holes to accommodate
installations with or without bases.
[0049] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary cabinet
800 containing a modular shelf unit and a removable modular
baseboard system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The removable modular baseboard system includes
receiving frame 110, plurality of removable boards 130, and base
120. The modular shelf unit includes receiving frame 810 and
plurality of removable boards 830. The modular shelf unit provides
additional storage space while allowing access to plumbing and
electrical wiring conduits.
[0050] The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the
present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and
modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above
disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the
claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.
[0051] Further, in describing representative embodiments of the
present invention, the specification may have presented the method
and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of
steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not
rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method
or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of
steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would
appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore,
the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification
should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition,
the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present
invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps
in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily
appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *