U.S. patent application number 11/325971 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-20 for componentry assembled free standing wire shelving and organizer.
Invention is credited to Michael L. Gusdorf, Fred D. Oberhaus.
Application Number | 20060157435 11/325971 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36682790 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060157435 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oberhaus; Fred D. ; et
al. |
July 20, 2006 |
Componentry assembled free standing wire shelving and organizer
Abstract
Componentry assembled free standing wire shelving and organizer
includes a series of end frames, having pressure fitted shelving
arranged therein, at varying heights, wherein a pair or more of
such sectionalized shelving may be linked together through the use
of intermediate shelving, or have lateral shelving extending from
one side thereof, depending upon the space available for the
shelving requirements as needed to form an organizer.
Inventors: |
Oberhaus; Fred D.;
(Chesterfield, MO) ; Gusdorf; Michael L.; (Creve
Coeur, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Paul M. Denk;Ste. 170
763 S. New Ballas Road
St. Louis
MO
63141
US
|
Family ID: |
36682790 |
Appl. No.: |
11/325971 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60641870 |
Jan 5, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/187 ;
211/106; 211/181.1; 211/190 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/01 20130101; A47B
57/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/187 ;
211/181.1; 211/106; 211/190 |
International
Class: |
A47B 57/00 20060101
A47B057/00 |
Claims
1. A componentry assembled free standing wire shelving in an
organizer including: at least a pair of sectionalized shelving,
each sectionalized shelving including a pair of end frames, each
end frame formed from a pair of spaced apart vertical rods and
cross rods, to accommodate the pressure fitting of shelving
thereon, a pair of such sectionalized shelving having intermediate
shelving provided therebetween, wherein one or more separate
shelves are pressure fitted for accommodation onto said cross rods
of said end frames provided at each side of a pair of such
sectionalized shelving, to furnish a fully structured inherently
stable organizer for fitting into a space for storage or display
purposes.
2. The wire shelving organizer of claim 1 further comprising: said
cross rods being mutually parallel and spaced apart, perpendicular
to said vertical rods, and at the same elevation on said end
frames; and, said shelving having a generally horizontal
orientation.
3. The wire shelving organizer of claim 2 further comprising:
bracing including at least one rod at an angle to the horizontal
intermediate said sectionalized shelving and generally connecting
to said end frames.
4. The wire shelving organizer of claim 2 further comprising: each
end frame having a bottom rod parallel to said cross rods upon the
bottom of each section, said bottom rod having a length greater
than that of said cross rods to improve stability of said
organizer.
5. A free standing organizer assembled from wire comprising: at
least one section, each section including a pair of spaced apart
end frames, each end frame having a pair of mutually parallel
spaced apart vertical rods and a plurality of cross rods transverse
said vertical rods, said cross rods receive shelving in a pressure
fit; at least one separate end frame spaced apart from each
section, each separate end frame having a pair of mutually parallel
spaced apart vertical rods and a plurality of cross rods transverse
said vertical rods, said cross rods receive shelving in a pressure
fit; and, at least one shelving pressure fit between cross rods of
said end frame and said separate end frame.
6. The organizer of claim 5 wherein said shelves have a generally
horizontal orientation.
7. The organizer of claim 6 further comprising: bracing including
at least one rod at an angle to the horizontal intermediate said
section and said separate end frame and generally connecting to
said end frame to improve rigidity of said organizer.
8. The organizer of claim 5 further comprising: each end frame
having a bottom rod parallel to said cross rods upon the bottom of
each section; each separate end frame having a bottom rod parallel
to said cross rods upon the bottom of each section; and, said
bottom rods having a length greater than that of said cross rods to
improve stability of said organizer.
9. A free standing organizer assembled from wire comprising: at
least three frames, mutually parallel and spaced apart, each frame
including a pair of vertical spaced apart rods and a plurality of
cross rods spanning transverse said vertical rods; at least two
shelves, each shelf locating intermediate two of said frames, said
shelves pressure fitting upon said cross rods; and, bracing
including at least one rod at an angle to the horizontal between at
least one pair of said frames to improve rigidity of said
organizer.
10. The free standing organizer of claim 9 further comprising: each
frame having a bottom rod, generally parallel to said cross rods
and located at the bottom of said frame to improve stability of
said organizer.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This non-provisional patent application claims priority to
the provisional application having Ser. No. 60/641,870 filed on
Jan. 5, 2005 which claims priority to the patent application having
Ser. No. 10/676,980, filed on Oct. 1, 2003, and which application
claims priority to the provisional patent application having Ser.
No. 60/416,423, filed on Oct. 7, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various types of wire racks, and all types of shelving
racks, have long been available. In addition, organizers for
closets have been available for some time, assembling various wire
or other components to add supplemental storage and shelving
particularly within a closet. Usually, most of these types of racks
are generally supported upon the floor, some may be suspended, or
have shelving applied to the wall, or other vertical surface, and
generally disclose a plurality of integral shelving for use for
storing almost any goods, including tools, hardware, lumber, canned
goods, and any of a variety of materials. In addition, there are a
number of publications that show embodiments for shelving, that
also may be appended directly to the wall, wherein a support means,
such as a bracket, will adhere the shelving directly to the
vertical wall, door, or the like, generally through the usage of
some type of fastening, and then secures a series of cantilever
shelving from the support means, to readily dispose a plurality of
shelving for storage and suspension of a variety of goods. A patent
to the Applicant herein, No. 6,286,691, shows shelving for
suspension from rafters.
[0003] It is, therefore, the enhancements of this current invention
to provide uniquely designed components formed into the assembly of
structural supports, upon which shelving may be pressure fitted, at
any level, and have linking shelving between sections, all
generally constructed of wire materials, and can be immediately
assembled from its flattened and storage condition into erected
shelving, for accommodation within the space provided, and which
rests upon the floor, ground, or the like, having enhanced ability
for supporting a variety of types of items or other household
goods, on the same.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates generally to a storage and organizer
type of rack, assembled from a variety of wire formed components,
which when assembled, furnish a series of vertically aligned
shelving, in various sections, that may be integrated together and
because of its pressure fitting, during assembly, becomes
reasonably self-supporting, and can remain stably erect, even when
ladened with a variety of stored and displayed items. Various
sections of this shelving may be of variable height, so that while,
for example, the outer sections may be established at a height from
the floor to the ceiling, the middle section may simply include one
or two shelves, that are at a more convenient level, to add to the
dexterity and versatility of usage of this shelving depending upon
the type of space available to accommodate it. This invention
adapts itself to custom designing of shelving. Essentially, the
various sections of shelving can be erected to furnish complete
organization to a select space, whether it be in a garage,
basement, or even along a wall, as in a closet, as may be required
by the circumstances. Through usage of this invention very
efficient organization can be made for storage within the home,
business, or other establishment.
[0005] The invention contemplates the formation of one or more wire
racks, that may include one or more shelving, usually fabricated
from metal wire, and which are integrated together by means of
pressure fit, fasteners, or the like, into a unified structure, as
when erected. Under these conditions, a series of shelves,
connected by pressure, fit into end frames. This forms a storage
type of multi-shelved rack. When a pair or more of these type of
racks have been assembled, various of the shelving may additionally
be extended, at select heights, between and intermediate previously
assembled racks, in order to furnish full shelving of substantial
width, that may fit within a particular area, such as along the
wall of a closet, to furnish precise location of shelving positions
where it is needed and desired, by the user, and which can store a
variety of items, or even have hangers applied to it, for the
hanging of clothing. Various rods may locate within each of the
wire racks, and which span across the back of the rack, in order to
provide stability, where this may be necessary, and to further
sustain and support the erection of the entire assembled rack, once
the shelving has been applied thereto. In addition, such support
rods may also extend diagonally, or crosswise, between racks, where
intermediate shelving is provided, where a pair or more of such
racks are arranged in adjacency, but provide for intermediate
shelving therebetween, as can be understood.
[0006] Each of the sections of the racks includes a series of end
frames, each generally formed having at least a pair of vertical
support rods, and further includes a variety of transverse cross
rods, and onto which the shelving is located, as the rack is being
assembled. Each of the end frames may have a series of integral or
connected cross rods, to add stability to each end frame, when
erected, and to also function to provide further support and
structural integrity, to the end frames, when erected. In addition,
the bottom of each vertical support rod may also include a cap, or
other foot, in the assembled structure, to provide the rack with
stable support, when erected, in place for usage.
[0007] Each of the shelving includes a series of longitudinal rods,
and further includes a series of shelf forming rods, that are
soldered, welded, or otherwise transversely secured to the
longitudinal rods, when forming each individual shelf. In addition,
each shelf includes a lower longitudinal rod, at both the front and
back of the shelves, with the shelf forming rods being bent
downwardly, at both their front and back edges, and soldered or
welded into place with the lower longitudinal rods, to add
substantial structural support and strength to each length of
shelving, as at both the front and back edges of the assembled
shelf, to afford further structural strength to the shelf, when
laden with stored goods or material.
[0008] The intermediate rack section will simply be the provision
of pressure fitting shelving, between the rack sections, where
shelving can be located upon the various cross rods, generally at
horizontal alignment, to add intermediate shelving to a pair of the
assembled racks, and all of which may be self-sustaining and
supported for structural integrity through the pressure fitting of
the shelving, within the various rack sections, and the
intermediate section, when the entire organizer is assembled.
[0009] The back of each of the end frames, and the intermediate
section between sectional racks, may include means for enhancing
support, and to which a diagonal brace, or cross braces, may
connect, in order to add further to the structural strength and
erectness of each of the end frames, and each assembled sectional
rack, or such bracing or cross bracing may simply be assembled
between rack sections, and add substantial structural integrity to
the entire organizer, once assembled on location and for usage.
This adds structural strength and erectness to the end frames, the
rack sections, and the intermediate shelving sections, when
supporting all of their shelves, as when the rack is assembled.
[0010] It is significant that all of the various components as
defined herein, and to be analyzed in detail, when the rack is in a
disassembled state, or when initially fabricated, can be layered
into a generally flattened configuration, for storage, shipment, or
when displayed for sale, as at the retail level. But, when
purchased by a consumer, the rack can be immediately assembled and
erected, into a versatile type of organizer of the type that may be
required by the consumer, to fit within the confines of a
particular area within a garage, closet, or the like, that is
available to the consumer for organized storage. Hence, the
multi-sectional shelves and racks may be assembled for immediate
usage, and in a minimum of time and effort. Actually, no other
fasteners are needed to promptly assemble a rack.
[0011] Hence, the essence of this invention is to provide the
formation of a free standing wire shelving and organizer, that
utilizes the pressure fit concept of applying various shelves
within the structure of the organizer. For example, when a pair of
such shelving sections are assembled, and then intermediate
shelving is applied between each pair of shelving sections, this
intermediate shelving may be applied onto the various cross rods
that are yet available for application of shelving thereto, so as
to add stability between a pair of sections, through the use of the
intermediate framework, to furnish a very stabilized, and free
standing, shelving system or organizer. In addition, lateral type
shelving sections can be applied to the formed shelving sections,
or one of the same, extending to either side of the section,
incorporate a lone end frame displaced from the side of a section,
and include various levels of shelving therein, upon the aligned
cross rods, to furnish supplemental or lateral shelving, of the
pressure fit type, within the concept of this invention, to form
the style of organizer required to fit the space available for
storage.
[0012] It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to
provide shelving, supported by end frames, which may be assembled
into sectional shelving, and where one or more of such racks may
have intermediate or lateral shelves applied thereto, all for
resting upon the floor or other surface, but yet have full
stability to furnish instant storage for items to be located
thereon.
[0013] Another object of this invention is to provide a supporting
shelf, which is self-standing once assembled into a rack structure,
wherein the shelving is pressure fitted within its various end
frames, in order to initially provide structural support for the
erected rack, or multiple sections of such assembled racks, when
constructed into an organizer.
[0014] Still another object of this invention is to provide the
fabrication of a supporting shelf that may be formed into a
multi-shelved rack, at various levels as selected by the user, and
which may be rested for full support upon the floor.
[0015] Another object is to provide shelving, which may be stored
in a flattened condition, to facilitate its storage, transfer, or
display in the market place.
[0016] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a
supporting shelf, including a variety of various height assembled
shelving within a framework, that may be applied to the floor, is
self-sustaining, has structural integrity, and may be held in
position by means of various components, such as end frames, which
when assembled together at the site of usage, may provide a
multi-sectioned series of racks formed into an overall custom
organizer.
[0017] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
portable type of shelving, that may be instantly and quickly
assembled into a variety of multi-shelved racks, held together by
pressure fitting shelving, and which may or may not include a
series of back bracings, to form a very secure and stably erected
organizer rack.
[0018] Other objects may become more apparent to those skilled in
the art upon reviewing the description of the preferred embodiment
provided herein.
[0019] Other various components may be used in the structure of
this storage rack, within the scope of this invention as defined,
after a review of the summary of this invention, and when further
considered in conjunction with the description of the preferred
embodiment, in light of the drawings accompanying this
disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] In referring to the drawings;
[0021] FIG. 1 provides an isometric view of a pair of sectional
racks, having an intermediate shelving pressure fitted therein, to
provide a fully self-supporting stable organizer system for
usage;
[0022] FIG. 2 provides a front view thereof;
[0023] FIG. 3 provides a rear view thereof;
[0024] FIG. 4 provides a left side view;
[0025] FIG. 5 is right side view;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a top plan view;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a bottom view;
[0028] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of one of the rack sections,
having a lateral intermediate type of section applied thereto to
furnish side shelving;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a front view thereof;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a back view thereof;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a left side view;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a right side view;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a top view; and
[0034] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the organizer rack.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0035] In referring to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, the
componentry assembled free standing wire shelving and organizer 1
is readily disclosed. As can be seen, it may include one or more of
sectional components, as at 2 and 3, wherein a series of shelves
can be applied at various heights along the vertical of the shown
shelving, to accommodate the type of storage required and needed by
the user. As noted, the shelving can be placed at various height
positions along the length of the vertical rods 4, through the
pressure fitting of the type of shelves 5 upon the various cross
rods 6 provided spacedly and fixedly along the sides of each of the
formed end frames 7. This particular feature for providing
shelving, that pressure fits within the end frames, at various
heights, was previously described in our co-pending application, as
identified in the cross reference herein, and in addition, was
analyzed in the applicant's related invention upon the shelving for
suspension from rafters, or the like, as shown in the U. S. Pat.
No. 6,286,691, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference. That particular patent defines the formation of the
style of shelving 5, and how it can be fabricated for pressure
fitting upon cross rods, in formed end frames for suspension usage,
as can be seen.
[0036] The subject matter of this invention expands upon the
previously defined technology, by forming various sectionalized
shelving, and then having one or more of such shelving linked
together, through intermediate or lateral structures, as shown at
8, which likewise provides one or more additional shelves 9, that
pressure fit upon cross rods, as at 10, within the structured
assembly. Hence, the dimensions of the space available against a
wall, within a closet, or elsewhere within a home or business,
where custom shelving is required, will determine how many
sectionalized shelvings 2 or 3, may be used, and what type or
length of intermediate shelving 8 may be applied, in order to link
a series of these pressure fitted shelving together, to form a free
standing wire racks or organizer, as desired.
[0037] It should also be noted that since this type of shelving is
free standing, the bottom rods 10 extend between their proximate
vertical rods 4, and even extend slightly forwardly and rearwardly
thereof, as can be seen at 11, in order to furnish stability in the
mounting of the entire organizer, upon the floor, once assembled.
Obviously, more than one of the shelving 9 can be used within the
intermediate framework, in order to stabilize a pair of the
shelving sections 2 and 3, or more, together, depending upon the
needs and requirements of the assembler, and the space requirements
available, for such an organizer.
[0038] FIGS. 2 through 7 furnish various views of the shelving, and
organizer, as described herein.
[0039] FIGS. 8 through 14 show another embodiment for componentry
assembled free standing wire shelving and organizer of this
invention. As can be seen, as particularly in FIG. 8, the organizer
12, in this particular instance, includes a sectionalized shelving
13 which is connected with a lateral style shelving 14. In this
particular instance, the lateral style shelving is just that,
provides a lesser width style of shelving to one or both sides of
the sectionalized shelving, but in addition, allows for the
organizer to be assembled and installed within a space that may be
lesser than that in which the organizer 1, is used. Nevertheless,
the structure of this type of organizer includes, in each shelving
section, a pair of end frames 15 and 16, comprising a series of
vertical rods 17, as a pair of rods at each end incorporating a
series of cross rods 18, for pressure fitting of their various
shelving 19 thereto. Once again, the description of the structure
of the shelving, and its pressure fitting within each end frame,
has already been described in our prior patent, and in the
co-pending application from which this application comprises a
continuation-in-part.
[0040] The assembly of the lateral shelving is similar to that as
previously described with respect to the intermediate type of
shelving 8, but in this particular instance, it includes a separate
end frame 20 including a series of vertical rods 21 and cross rods
22 as can be seen. Thus, the shelving 23, whether it be one, as
shown, or as many five or more of such shelving, can be applied
between the end frame 20, in addition to the end frame 16, to
provide further available shelving along the height of this
supplemental and lateral shelving to the width as desired, as can
be understood. Once again, the bottom rods 24 add stability to the
shelving, when assembled and erected, and keep it from tilting,
when ladened with bulky or heavy merchandise.
[0041] It can also be seen, although it may not be necessary, as
noted in FIG. 1, and also in FIG. 8, that various diagonal or cross
bracings may be provided to supplement the stability of the
organizers when assembled. It has been found, through practice,
that such bracing is not necessary to the overall stability of the
assemblies, when used, but that some additional bracing, such as
the cross bracing 25, comprising the bracing rods 26 and 27, or the
diagonal rods 28 or 30, as can be seen, and can add some further
stability to the structure. Actually, a single rod will work just
as well in adding some stability in addition to that as inherent in
the structure of the organizers per se, but a pair of cross rods
will fix the two sectional assemblies 2 and 3 together, in addition
to the combination of the sectional shelving 13, and its lateral
shelving 14, as previously described with respect to FIG. 8.
[0042] Essentially, as is described in the embodiments of this
invention, and as can be determined from the nomenclature, that
these shelving assemblies, which are pressure fitted into place,
are designed to furnish an organizer that may be structured from a
variety of end frames and pressure fitted shelving, either into one
or more sectionalized shelvings, having intermediate shelving
therebetween, or lateral shelving off to one or both of the sides,
so that the organizer can be assembled depending upon the space
available in which such shelving is required, and structured. Much
will depend upon the desires of the homeowner, or the business
owner, when determining what are the needs for display and storage
of any merchandise, clothing, or the like, when such organizers are
assembled into, for example, a closet or against the wall of a
business establishment, in a garage, basement, or the like. These
are just examples, as explained herein, of how the organizer,
through pressure fitted shelving can be immediately assembled into
a utilitarian structure.
[0043] Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this
invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the
summary of the invention as provided herein, and upon undertaking a
study of the description of its preferred embodiment, in view of
the drawings. Such variations, if within the spirit of this
development, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the
invention as defined. The description of the preferred embodiment
as made herein, and as shown in the drawings are set forth for
illustrative purposes only.
* * * * *