U.S. patent application number 11/407939 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-26 for adjustable window shelf.
Invention is credited to Steve G. Heroux.
Application Number | 20060236896 11/407939 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37185512 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060236896 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Heroux; Steve G. |
October 26, 2006 |
Adjustable window shelf
Abstract
An adjustable window shelf is removably attachable to a window
sill or other structure as a support for potted plants, a pet
perch, or the like. A shelf platform has at least one anchor
adjustably extendable from a rear of the platform. The anchor has a
short arm for engagement, for example, into a crevice between a
window frame and sash. A long arm of the anchor is adjustably
coupled to the platform. The shelf platform is supported by at
least one support assembly having a runner disposed along the
bottom surface of the shelf platform and a support bracket slidably
engaged with the runner. The adjustable window shelf can be mounted
to a window frame by inserting the short arm of the anchor between
the window frame and sash, and positioning the support bracket as a
diagonal brace between the shelf platform and the wall.
Inventors: |
Heroux; Steve G.; (South
Burlington, VT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BACON & THOMAS, PLLC
625 SLATERS LANE
FOURTH FLOOR
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
37185512 |
Appl. No.: |
11/407939 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60674671 |
Apr 21, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47H 27/00 20130101;
A01K 1/035 20130101; A47B 96/07 20130101; A47B 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/011 |
International
Class: |
A47B 85/00 20060101
A47B085/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable window shelf, comprising: a shelf platform having
a top and a bottom surface; at least one L bracket variably
extendable from a rear of said shelf platform, said L bracket
having a short arm portion configured for insertion in a crevice of
a window frame; at least one support assembly, the support assembly
comprising a runner disposed in a front-to-back orientation along
the bottom surface of said shelf platform and a support bracket
having a top end configured to be slidably engaged with said runner
such that the top end of the support bracket is adjustably
positionable along the underside of the shelf platform; wherein
said shelf platform is mountable to a window frame by inserting the
short arm portion into the crevice of a window frame and
positioning said support bracket in said runner to extend to a wall
below said window frame.
2. The adjustable window shelf according to claim 1, further
comprising a perimeter wall disposed along at least one perimeter
edge of said shelf platform;
3. The adjustable window shelf according to claim 2, wherein said
perimeter wall comprises an upper wall that extends above the top
surface of said shelf platform.
4. The adjustable window shelf according to claim 2, wherein said
perimeter wall comprises a lower wall that extends below the bottom
surface of said shelf platform.
5. The adjustable window shelf according to claim 4, wherein said
lower wall comprises a lower rear wall disposed along a rear edge
of said shelf platform.
6. The adjustable window shelf according to claim 1, wherein said L
bracket has a long arm portion, the short arm portion being
provided at an end of the long arm portion, and the long arm
portion being slidably disposed on the bottom surface of said shelf
platform such that the short arm portion is extendable from the
rear of said shelf platform.
7. The adjustable window shelf according to claim 5, wherein said L
bracket has a long arm portion, the short arm portion being
provided at an end of the long arm portion, and the long arm
portion being slidably disposed on the bottom surface of said shelf
platform and extended through said lower rear wall such that the
short arm portion is extendable from the rear of said shelf
platform.
8. The adjustable window shelf according to claim 1, wherein said
support assembly further comprises a stopping member configured to
be slidably positioned along said runner.
9. The adjustable window shelf according to claim 8, wherein said
stopping member comprises a knob and a threaded screw extended from
the knob, the threaded screw being threadably engaged with said
stopping member.
10. The adjustable window shelf according to claim 1, further
comprising a cushion removably disposed on said shelf platform.
11. An adjustable window shelf, comprising: a shelf platform having
a top and a bottom surface; a perimeter wall disposed about the
perimeter edge of said shelf platform, the perimeter wall
comprising a lower wall that extends below the bottom surface of
said shelf platform; at least one anchor variably extendable from a
rear of said shelf platform, the anchor having a long arm portion
slidably disposed on the bottom surface of said shelf platform and
extending through a rear wall portion of said lower wall, and the
anchor having a short arm portion at a rear end of the long arm
portion, the short arm portion being configured for insertion in a
crevice of a structure; at least one support assembly, the support
assembly comprising a runner disposed in a front-to-back
orientation along the bottom surface of said shelf platform and a
support bracket having a top end configured to be slidably engaged
with said runner such that the top end of the support bracket is
adjustably positionable along the underside of the shelf platform;
wherein said shelf platform is mountable to a window frame by
inserting the short arm portion into a crevice of a structure and
positioning said support bracket in said runner to extend to a wall
of said structure.
12. The adjustable window shelf according to claim 11, wherein said
perimeter wall further comprises an upper wall that extends above
the top surface of said shelf platform.
13. The adjustable window shelf according to claim 11, wherein said
support assembly further comprises a stopping member configured to
be slidably positioned along said runner.
14. The adjustable window shelf according to claim 13, wherein said
stopping member comprises a knob and a threaded screw extended from
the knob, the threaded screw being threadably engaged with said
stopping member.
15. An adjustable shelf, comprising: a shelf platform having a top
and a bottom surface; at least one anchor variably extendable from
a rear of said shelf platform, the anchor being configured to be
removably engaged to a structure to retain the shelf platform to
the structure; at least one support assembly, the support assembly
comprising a runner disposed in a front-to-back orientation along
the bottom surface of said shelf platform and a support bracket
having a top end configured to be slidably engaged with said runner
such that the top end of the support bracket is adjustably
positionable along the underside of the shelf platform; wherein
said shelf platform is mountable to a structure by engaging said
anchor to said structure and positioning said support bracket in
said runner to extend to a wall of said structure.
16. The adjustable shelf according to claim 15, wherein said at
least one anchor comprises a long arm portion and a short arm
portion at a rear end of the long arm portion, the short arm
portion being configured to be removably engaged to said
structure.
17. The adjustable window shelf according to claim 15, wherein said
support assembly further comprises a stopping member configured to
be slidably positioned along said runner.
18. The adjustable window shelf according to claim 17, wherein said
stopping member comprises a knob and a threaded screw extended from
the knob, the threaded screw being threadably engaged with said
stopping member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/674,671, filed Apr. 21, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to window shelves, and more
particularly to an adjustable window shelf that is installable on a
structure such as a windowsill or other structure in a manner that
requires no tools and results in little or no damage to the
structure and surrounding area.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various means for providing a window shelf or support
platform at a window sill or ledge have been devised, serving a
variety of purposes ranging from support means for supporting an
air conditioning unit or the like installed in a window, to
platforms used to support potted plants, ripening fruit, a resting
pet, or the like, in the sunlight next to a window.
[0004] Installation of window shelf or platform structures is
accomplished in a variety of ways. For certain purposes, such as
supporting an air conditioning unit, the ability of the platform
structure to support a great deal of weight for an extended period
of time, as well as to accommodate vibrations and other mechanical
effects, is of paramount concern and an installation that is more
or less permanent is desirable.
[0005] For other purposes, such as providing a support for potted
plants, ripening fruit, a resting pet, or the like, of greater
concern than weight and vibration bearing ability often are the
aesthetic appearance of the shelf, the ability to easily install
and remove the shelf with few or no tools, and the ability to
install and remove the shelf without causing damage to the window
frame and surrounding wall.
[0006] Window shelves are known that may be permanently attached to
an interior window sill and/or wall by using screws or similar
fasteners. However, once such a window shelf is removed, screw
holes, or other visible damage caused by fasteners, remain.
[0007] Other window shelves are known that may be removably
attached to the window sill without screws or other damaging
fasteners, but such window shelves often employ a complex bracing
or leg support to be configured during installation, and may
require the use of tools for assembly and installation, even though
damaging fasteners may not be required. Additionally, even if
damaging fasteners are not required, the use of metal fixtures used
for installation may result in abrasion or other cosmetic damage to
the window frame or surrounding walls.
SUMMARY
[0008] An adjustable window shelf according to the present
invention is configured to be installed on a windowsill or other
structure or location. The adjustable window shelf serves a variety
of purposes, including providing a seat or bed for small pets, a
place for potted plants or ripening fruit, or simply providing a
general purpose shelf or support or the like.
[0009] The adjustable window shelf provides a shelf element in the
form of a platform or a small open box (having a floor surrounded
by a low perimeter wall) that optionally contains a removable pad.
The adjustable window shelf is installable on a windowsill in a
manner that requires no tools and results in no damage to the
window and surrounding area.
[0010] The adjustable window shelf attaches to the windowsill with
two adjustable elements that accommodate most styles of windows,
including those that have obstructions such as handles, locks, or
cranks at the base of the window sashes as well as those that tilt
inward or outward for cleaning. The adjustable window shelf is
adjusted to fit a window by using sliding brackets or straps to
accommodate nearly any windowsill depth, while also ensuring that
the shelf will be level.
[0011] The adjustable window shelf also has an improved adjustable
support system that incorporates two brackets that adjust by
sliding in runners on the underside of the shelf, which allows for
the runners to be variably positioned, as opposed to positioned in
one of a few discrete, predefined locations such as pre-drilled
holes found in other devices. A stop within each of the runners
further insures the shelf will be level. These brackets meet the
wall at an angle, providing better support, while also taking up
less space than the horizontal U-shaped brackets in use by other
inventions.
[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of an adjustable
window shelf installed on a windowsill, and being enjoyed by a
cat.
[0014] FIG. 1b is an environmental perspective view of the
adjustable window shelf of FIG. 1, with a cushion removed for use
as a surface for plants.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the adjustable window shelf of FIG.
1
[0016] FIG. 3a is a top perspective view of a shelf element of the
adjustable window shelf of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3b is a bottom perspective view of shelf element
showing sliding metal L-brackets and runners for receiving diagonal
support brackets.
[0018] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional illustration of the invention
viewed from above.
[0019] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional illustration off the invention
viewed from the front with the cushion in place.
[0020] FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional illustration of the invention
viewed from the side with the cushion in place.
[0021] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0022] The present invention is an adjustable window shelf,
designated generally as 10 in the drawings. Referring to FIGS. 1a
and 1b, the adjustable window shelf is a shelf that may be secured
to a windowsill, or in other locations, to serve as a seat for pets
(as seen in FIG. 1a), a place for plants (as seen in FIG. 1b), or
as a general purpose shelf or support platform for a variety of
purposes.
[0023] The adjustable window shelf 10 is comprised of a shelf
element 100 having the shape of a platform or an open shallow box.
Optionally, a cushion 200 may be placed, either fixedly or
removably, in or on the shelf element 100. The cushion 200 may have
a removable washable cover 201.
[0024] When in use, the cushion 200 fills the interior area of the
shelf element 100, resting on an upper surface 111 of the shelf
element 100, creating a soft and comfortable place for small house
pets to enjoy the view beyond the window. Without the cushion 200,
the interior area of the shelf element 100 may be used as
additional surface area for anything that may or may not benefit
from being near a window.
[0025] The shelf element 100 is comprised generally of a horizontal
platform 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 110 is
fully surrounded by perimeter walls 120 to form a shallow, open
box. Alternatively, the platform 110 may be partially surrounded by
the perimeter walls 120 or the perimeter walls 120 eliminated
entirely. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 110 edges
extend slightly into the walls 120, such that the walls 120
provided support and for the shelf element 100.
[0026] The exterior profiles of the walls 120 may be plain or
decorative. They are shown in FIGS. 2, 3a, 3b, 4b and 4c in
accordance with one embodiment having decorative front and side
wall profiles, while the rear wall 121 has a flat surface, so it
can rest directly against the window sash if there are no
obstructions (such as a window crank) to accommodate for.
[0027] The walls 120 in all of the illustrated embodiments shown
here extend both above the upper surface 111 of the platform 110
and below the bottom surface 113 of the platform 110, forming an
upper wall 123 and a lower wall 125. The lower wall 125 gives a
more attractive appearance by concealing the underside of the shelf
element 100 where windowsill attachment and support mechanisms are
located, although the lower wall 125 and concealment of the
underside of the shelf element 100 are not necessary.
[0028] In some cases, depending on the window style, the shelf
element 100 will rest directly on the windowsill. When this occurs,
the lower wall 125 of the wall 120 rests on the windowsill and
provides spacing between the windowsill and the bottom of the
platform 110, preventing the attachment and support mechanisms from
contacting and possibly damaging the windowsill. Thus, while in
some embodiments the walls 120 may be entirely eliminated, it is
desirable that if the lower walls 125 are eliminated an alternative
support element or elements are added to the underside of the shelf
element 100 at the back to prevent the attachment and support
mechanisms from contacting and possibly damaging the
windowsill.
[0029] Although the shelf element 100 can be secured to the window
in any manner that is adjustable and that does not require the use
of tools or making holes in the walls or woodwork, an attachment
mechanism in the illustrated embodiment is shown including anchors
in the form of two metal L brackets 130.
[0030] The anchors (L brackets 130 of the illustrated embodiment)
are configured to be engaged to a structure, such as to a window
frame or sill.
[0031] The L brackets comprise a long arm 131 and a generally
perpendicular short arm 133. These L brackets 130 are located
directly under the platform 110 of the shelf element 100, each
having its long arm 131 disposed against the bottom surface 113 of
the platform 110.
[0032] The L brackets 130 slide out laterally through slots 127 in
the lower wall 125 of the rear wall 121 of the shelf element 100,
the slots 127 providing additional support for the L brackets 130.
Each L bracket 130 has an elongated slot opening 135 that extends
the length of the long arm 131 of the L bracket 130 in order that
adjustments can be made freely. A screw 137 passes through the
platform 110 of the shelf element 100 and through the slot opening
135 in the L bracket 130. A wing nut 139 secures the assembly, so
one only needs to loosen the wing nuts 139 in order to slide the L
brackets 130 to the appropriate length for attachment to the
windowsill and then tighten the wing nuts 139 to hold the L
brackets 130 in the correct position.
[0033] The short arm 133 of the L bracket 130 extends from the
exterior side of the rear wall 121 of the shelf element 100. The
short arm 133 is slightly longer than the height of the lower wall
125 so that it can insert between the window sash and the sill, as
shown in FIG. 2, or any other comparable cleft in other window
styles. The L bracket 130, or another type of anchor, may be
similarly engaged to other structures, such as retained behind a
top edge of a door, allowing installation of the adjustable window
shelf in numerous locations in addition to windows.
[0034] In one embodiment, the exterior side of the rear wall 121
has indents 129 behind the L brackets 130 such that when the L
brackets 130 are not required to be extended for installation, the
short arm 133 of the L bracket 130 fits into the indents 129 to
provide the exterior side of the rear wall 121 with a smooth
surface as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b.
[0035] In an alternative embodiment, flexible straps (such as nylon
straps or the like) that are adjustable in length are attached to L
brackets 130. A flexible strap may be attached to, or comprise at
least a portion of, the long arm 131 of an L bracket. The flexible
strap is attached to the shelf element 100 to provide for
adjustment in the extension of the L bracket 130 from the shelf
element 100. The L brackets 130 are adapted to be secured between
the sill and the sash or hooked under the closed sash, and the
nylon straps adjustably securing the L brackets 130 to the shelf
element 100.
[0036] In another embodiment, a stopping member such as a foam tube
or small block is attached to the end of each of the adjustable
straps. The shelf element 100 is secured by extending the straps
underneath the sash of the window and closing the window, such that
the stopping members are trapped on the other side of the closed
sash.
[0037] Support assemblies each comprising a runner 140 disposed in
a front-to-back orientation along the bottom surface 113 of the
shelf platform 110 and a support bracket 150 having a top end
configured to be slidably engaged with the runner 140 adjust to
accommodate various wall and window configurations and to support
the lateral load of the shelf element 100 and its contents by
forming a diagonal brace from the shelf element 100 to the wall
16.
[0038] The top end of the support bracket 150 is adjustably
positionable along the underside of the shelf platform 110. Once in
the appropriate position, the support brackets 150 may or may not
be locked into place by tightening the knobs 155 on optional
stopping blocks 17.
[0039] In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3b, 4b and 4c, the
support brackets 150 attach to the underside of the shelf element
without the use of tools by simply inserting a sliding member 151
at the top of a support bracket 150 into a track 141 defined within
a runner 140, through a track opening 143 at the rear end of the
runners 140.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding member 151 is a
rectangular block-shaped member extending from the top end of a
support bracket 150, and the track 141 is a "T" shaped elongated
slot defined in the runner 140 corresponding to the shape of the
sliding member. In other embodiments, the shape and configuration
of the sliding member 151 and the track 141 or runner 140 may of
course be varied.
[0041] Once positioned in the track 141, the sliding member 151 is
slidably disposed within the runner 140. The sliding member 151 of
the support bracket 150 fits in the track 141 snugly, but in such a
way that allows the support bracket 150 to slide front to back to
adjust to different window and wall arrangements.
[0042] The support brackets 150 may be inserted into the tracks 141
in the runners 140 in another manner besides entering at a track
opening 143 at the back of the runners. In one alternative, a
runner 140 could have an opening on its underside in communication
with the track 141 such that the sliding member 151 of the support
bracket 150 may be turned at a right angle to the runner 140 for
insertion through the opening into the track, and then turned in
line with the runner 140 once inserted, such that the sliding
member 151 is slidable within, and cannot fall out from, the track
141.
[0043] Once the support brackets 150 have been installed in their
runners 140 and are positioned with the bottom end against the
wall, they will support the weight of the shelf as well as anything
on it and therefore resist moving until the weight of the shelf is
lifted.
[0044] Stopping blocks 153 may be used as an additional precaution
against any accidental movement of the support brackets 150 caused
by impact. If one chooses to use the stopping blocks 153, they may
be inserted in the tracks 141 of the runners 140 before the support
brackets 150 are inserted. Once the support brackets 150 are pushed
up against the wall, the stopping blocks 153 may be pushed against
the top of the support brackets 150. The stopping block 153
comprises a clamp in the form of a knob 155 with a screw in it that
extends and screws into a small block that fits into the track 141
of the runner 140. When the knob 155 is tightened, it pulls the
block closer to the knob 155, which sandwiches the runner 140
between the block and the knob 155, preventing further movement of
the knob 155.
[0045] While the adjustable window shelf 10 is described in
relation to its installation at a window sill, the adjustable
window shelf 10 may be installed in a variety of locations and
settings not limited to a window or window sill. For example, the
shelf may be attached near the top of a door, with the L brackets
130 anchoring the adjustable window shelf at the top of the door
and the support brackets 150 supporting the shelf against a surface
of the door.
[0046] It will be understood that the above-described embodiments
of the invention are illustrative in nature, and that modifications
thereof may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this
invention is not to be regarded as limited to the embodiments
disclosed herein, but is to be limited only as defined in the
appended claims.
* * * * *