U.S. patent application number 11/733546 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for reconfigurable storage system.
Invention is credited to Anthony Marchetta, Michael Nicholls, Zachary Utz, Rob Warner, Joseph Yankello.
Application Number | 20080252190 11/733546 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39853081 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080252190 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Utz; Zachary ; et
al. |
October 16, 2008 |
Reconfigurable Storage System
Abstract
A storage system comprises a base unit, one or more self
supports, a drawer assembly, and one or sore stops. The base unit
includes a pair of opposing sidewalls. The one or more shelf
supports are adapted to be removably carried by the opposing
sidewalls to define one or more storage locations. The drawer
assembly includes a base shelf and a drawer slidably carried by the
base shelf. The base shelf is configured to be removably supported
on the shelf supports within the one or more storage locations. The
one or more stops are adapted to be removably carried by the
opposing sidewalls opposite the base shelf from the shelf supports.
Thus, the stops retain the base shelf in engagement with the shelf
supports even when the drawer is loaded and pulled partially out of
the base unit during use.
Inventors: |
Utz; Zachary; (North Canton,
OH) ; Nicholls; Michael; (Cuyahoga Falls, OH)
; Yankello; Joseph; (Copley, OH) ; Marchetta;
Anthony; (Broadview Heights, OH) ; Warner; Rob;
(Akron, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARSHALL, GERSTEIN & BORUN LLP
233 S. WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 6300, SEARS TOWER
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
39853081 |
Appl. No.: |
11/733546 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/257.1 ;
312/301; 312/334.44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 2220/0041 20130101;
A47B 2210/0005 20130101; A47B 57/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/257.1 ;
312/301; 312/334.44 |
International
Class: |
A47B 57/00 20060101
A47B057/00; A47B 88/04 20060101 A47B088/04 |
Claims
1. A storage system, comprising: a base unit having a pair of
opposing, sidewalls; a shelf support removably carried by the
opposing sidewalls; a drawer assembly configured to be removably
supported by the shelf support; and a stop removably carried by at
least one of the pair of sidewalls and engaging the drawer assembly
to limit displacement of the drawer assembly relative to the shelf
support.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the stop is removably carried by
one of the opposing sidewalls at a location immediately opposite
the drawer assembly from the shelf support.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the stop comprises a cam body and
a lug, the cam body defining a stop surface adapted to cammingly
engage the drawer assembly, and the lug adapted to be removably
disposed within a bore defined by one of the opposing
sidewalls.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the cam body is disposed
eccentric to the lug of the stop.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the stop comprises a first stop
and a second stop removably carried by opposing bores in the
opposing sidewalls.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the drawer assembly comprises a
base shelf supported on the shelf support and engaged by the
locking cam.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the drawer assembly further
comprises a drawer carried by the base shelf for sliding
displacement relative to the base unit.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the drawer assembly further
comprises a guide-rail assembly slidably connecting the drawer to
the base shelf.
9. The system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of shelf
supports removably carried by the base unit to define a plurality
of storage locations.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the drawer assembly and the stop
are interchangeable between the plurality of storage locations.
11. A storage system, comprising: a pair of opposing sidewalls
including a plurality of shelf bores and at least one stop bore; at
least one shelf support including a support surface and a lug, the
lug removably disposed within one of the plurality of shelf bores;
a drawer assembly including a base shelf in engagement with the
support surface of the at least one shelf support and a drawer
supported for sliding displacement relative to the base shelf; and
at least one stop having a lug and a body, the lug rotatably
disposed in the at least one stop bore in the sidewalls and the
body engaging the base shelf of the drawer assembly at a location
that is opposite the base shelf from the at least one shelf
support.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the body is disposed eccentric
to the lug of the at least one stop.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the stop comprises a first stop
and a second stop carried by opposing bores in the opposing
sidewalls.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the drawer assembly further
comprises a guide-rail assembly slidably connecting the drawer to
the base shelf.
15. The system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of shelf
supports defining a plurality of storage locations.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the drawer assembly and the
stop are interchangeable between the plurality of storage
locations.
17. A method of configuring storage system, the method comprising:
attaching one or more shelf supports to opposing sidewalls of a
base unit; disposing a drawer assembly in engagement with the one
or more shelf supports; and attaching at least one stop to at least
one of the opposing sidewalls of the base unit and in engagement
with the drawer assembly at a location opposite from at least one
of the one or more shelf supports, thereby securing the drawer
assembly in engagement with the one or more shelf supports.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein disposing a drawer assembly in
engagement with the one or more shelf supports comprises disposing
a base shelf of the drawer assembly in direct engagement with the
one or more shelf supports, thereby supporting the drawer assembly
within the base unit.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein attaching at least one stop to
at least one of the opposing sidewalls of the base unit comprises
inserting a lug of the at least one stop into one of a plurality of
stop bores defined by the opposing sidewalls.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein attaching at least one stop to
at least one of the opposing sidewalls of the base unit further
comprises rotating a cam body of the at least one stop into camming
engagement with the base shelf of the drawer assembly.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein rotating a cam body of the at
least one stop comprises eccentrically rotating the cam body
relative to the lug of the at least one stop.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to storage systems
and, more particularly, to reconfigurable storage systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Custom-built storage systems such as closet organizer
systems and accessories are generally available to consumers. One
conventional custom storage system is available in wood. Wood
systems typically comprise a plurality of upstanding sidewalls, one
or more shelves, one or more drawers, one or more clothes rods,
and/or other accessories supported between the sidewalls. During
installation, the installer and/or consumer decides how to
configure each of the accessories relative to the sidewalls and
thereafter, rigidly secures them in place. Securement is typically
achieved with support brackets, screws, nuts, bolts, and other
permanent-type fastening devices that require tools for
assembly.
[0003] While conventional custom wood storage systems effectively
serve their organizational purposes, one drawback includes the
inability to easily re-configure the accessories subsequent to the
initial installation. For example, with the conventional wood
storage system mentioned above, an individual must implement
various tools to disassemble the organizer system and thereafter,
re-assemble the system in the new configuration. Therefore, some
consumers may require the assistance of a trades person such as a
carpenter or other handy-man to re-configure the storage system.
Reconfiguring conventional wood storage systems is time-consuming,
as well potentially as costly. Furthermore, for conventional wood
storage systems that are assembled with screws, for example,
disassembling and reassembling the system in various configurations
may not be desirable as doing so may compromise the structural
integrity of the system. More specifically in one situation, the
repeated threading and unthreading of a screw or other fastener
into a particular hole in the wood system may begin to deteriorate
the wood adjacent the hole. Accordingly, the hole would eventually
fail to securely retain the screw or other fastener and the
consumer would have to attach the screw or other fastener at a
different location. However, repeatedly securing the screw into
different locations of the wood, for example, can also eventually
compromise the structural integrity of the wood, and therefore the
entire organizer system.
SUMMARY
[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a
reconfigurable storage system. The storage system generally
comprise a pair of sidewalls, a plurality of shelf supports a
plurality of storage accessories, and a stop assembly. The
plurality of shelf supports are removably carried by the sidewalls.
Each of the plurality of storage accessories is interchangeable
between each of the plurality of shelf supports. The stop assembly
is also removably carried by at least one of the pair of opposing
sidewalls. The stop assembly is adapted to releasably engage at
least a first storage accessory of the plurality of storage
accessories to limit displacement of the first storage accessory
relative to the opposing sidewalls.
[0005] According to another aspect, the stop assembly comprises a
pair of manually operable stops. Each stop is rotatable into
engagement with the first storage accessory. In one embodiment, the
stops comprise stop surfaces adapted to cammmingly engage the first
storage accessory.
[0006] According to another aspect the first storage accessory
comprises a drawer slidably disposed on a shelf the shelf is
removably supported on the plurality of shelf supports and engaged
by the stop assembly.
[0007] According to another aspect, the plurality of storage
accessories comprises a second storage accessory comprising a
shelf.
[0008] According to another aspect, the plurality of storage
accessories comprises a second storage accessory including an
inclined shoe shelf.
[0009] According to another aspect, the plurality of storage
accessories comprises a second storage accessory comprising a
cabinet.
[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a
reconfigurable storage system comprising a base unit, a first
storage accessory, a second storage accessory, and a locking device
assembly. The base unit defines a plurality of storage locations.
The first storage accessory is adapted to be removably supported
adjacent the plurality of storage locations. The second storage
accessory is adapted to be removably supported adjacent the
plurality of storage locations. The first and second storage
accessories are interchangeable among the plurality of storage
locations. The locking device assembly is carried by the base unit
and is manually operable to limit displacement of at least one of
the first and second storage accessories relative to the base
unit.
[0011] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a
method of configuring a storage system. The method generally
comprises inserting a first plurality of shelf supports into a
plurality of bores disposed at a first height in opposing sidewalls
of a base unit. Next, a plurality of locking cams are inserted into
a plurality of bores disposed at a second height in opposing
side-walls of the base unit. Thereafter, a first storage accessory
is disposed in engagement with the first plurality of shelf
supports. The first storage accessory is removably supported by the
first plurality to shelf supports. Then, a plurality of steps are
rotated relative to the opposing sidewalls and into engagement with
the first storage accessory. Rotation of the stops into engagement
with the first storage accessory secures the first storage
accessory in engagement with the first plurality of shelf
supports.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a
reconfigurable storage system constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of one storage accessory
comprising a drawer assembly constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the
reconfigurable storage system of FIG. 1 comprising the drawer
assembly of FIG. 2 and a portion of a sidewall;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a stop
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure; and
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a shelf
support constructed in accordance with the principles of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a storage system 100
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure. The storage system 100 generally comprises a base unit
102 and a plurality of storage accessories 104. In the disclosed
embodiment, the plurality of storage accessories 104 comprises a
shelf 104a, a drawer assembly 104b, and a shoe shelf assembly 104c.
The base unit 102 removably supports the storage accessories 104a,
104b, 104c such that a consumer or other individual can easily and
quickly reconfigure the storage system 100559 by repositioning the
storage accessories 104a, 104b, 104c relative to the base unit 102
and/or substituting one or more of the storage accessories 104a,
104b, 104c with a different storage accessory 104a, 104b, 104c.
[0018] The disclosed base unit 102 generally comprises a pair of
opposing sidewalls 106. However, alternate base units 102 may
comprise other components such as rear walls, base plates, etc. for
increasing the structural integrity of the system 100. As shown in
FIG. 2, the sidewalls 106 include inner surfaces 106a and outer
surfaces 106b. The inner surfaces 106a define a plurality of front
bores 108 and a plurality of rear bores 110. The front bores 108
are disposed along a forward portion of the inner surface 106a of
the sidewalls 106. The rear bores 110 are disposed along a rearward
portion of the inner surface 106b of the sidewalls 106. The
disclosed embodiment of the sidewalls 106 comprises twice as many
rear bores 110 as front bores 108. More specifically, the rear
bores 110 comprises a plurality of rear shelf bores 109 and a
plurality of stop bores 111, while the front bores 108 comprise
only front shelf bores 108. Corresponding front and rear shelf
bores 107, 109 are disposed at approximately the same height
relative to the sidewalls 106, while the stop bores 111 are
alternatingly disposed between the rear shelf bores 109. Therefore,
one stop bore 111 is disposed slightly above each rear shelf bore
109, but below the next adjacent rear shelf bore 109. For example,
as depicted in FIG. 1, front shelf bore 108a corresponds to rear
bore 109a, i.e., front bore 108a and rear bore 109a are disposed at
approximately the same height relative to the sidewalls 106.
Additionally, stop bore 111b is disposed adjacent to and slightly
above the rear shelf bore 109a. As will be described in greater
detail, this configuration of the front and rear bores 108, 110
enables appropriate securement of one or more storage accessories
104 within the base unit 102.
[0019] Referring back to FIG. 1, the storage system 100 further
comprises a plurality of shelf supports 112 and a plurality of
stops 114. While FIG. 1 only illustrates six shelf supports 112 and
one stop 114 disposed in the foremost sidewall 106, it should be
appreciated that six additional shelf supports 112 and one
additional stop 114 are similarly disposed in the other sidewall
106. The plurality of shelf supports 112 are carried by the
sidewalls 106 of the base unit 102 for removably supporting the
storage accessories 104. More specifically, as depicted in FIG. 5,
each shelf support 112 comprises a generally L-shaped body
including a vertical portion 116 and a horizontal portion 118. The
horizontal portion 118 comprises a support surface 120, a primary
lug 122, and a secondary lug 124. The vertical portion 116
comprises a stop surface 126 and a positioning lug 128. So
configured, the positioning lug 128 is adapted to be removably
disposed in any one of the front and rear shelf bores 108, 109 of
the sidewalls 106. Similarly, the primary and secondary lugs 122,
124 are adapted to be removably disposed in bores formed in any of
the storage accessories 104a, 104b, 104c to removably support the
storage accessories 104a, 104b, 104c within the base unit 102,
which will be described in more detail.
[0020] With reference to FIG. 4, each of the stops 114 comprises a
cam body 130 and a lug 132. In the disclosed embodiment, the cam
body 130 comprises a generally oval side profile and includes
opposing first and second stop surfaces 134, 136, opposing first
and second grip surfaces 138, 140, and opposing first and second
side surfaces 142, 144. The lug 132 comprises a generally
cylindrical body extending generally perpendicularly from the
second side surface 144 of the cam body 130. More specifically, as
depicted in FIG. 4, the lug 132 extends from a location on the
second side surface 144 that is closer to the first stop surface
134 of the cam body 130. So configured, the lug 132 is
eccentrically disposed relative to the cam body 130. The lugs 132
of the stops 114 are adapted to be removably disposed within the
stop bores 111 of the rear bores 110 formed on the inner surfaces
106a of the sidewalls 106. Therefore, the stops 114 are adapted to
be manually manipulated for securing one or more of the storage
accessories 104a, 104b, 104c within the base unit 102, as will be
described.
[0021] With reference back to FIG. 1, each of the storage
accessories 104a, 104b, 104c is removably supported within the base
unit 102 with four shelf supports 112. For example, with respect to
the drawer assembly 104b, one shelf support 112 is disposed within
a predetermined front shelf bore 108a and a corresponding rear
shelf bore 109a in each of the sidewalls 106. Accordingly, the
shelf supports 112 removably support the storage accessories 104a,
104b, 104c within the base unit 102. Furthermore, two stops 114 are
disposed in predetermined stop bores 111a of the sidewalls 106. The
predetermined stop bores 11 la receiving the stops 114 are disposed
adjacent to the drawer assembly 104b to retain the drawer assembly
104b within the base unit 102, as will be described in more detail.
However, it should be appreciated that additional stops 114 may be
similarly implemented for the other storage accessories 104
including the shelf 104a and the shoe shelf assembly 104c, if
desired.
[0022] As mentioned, the plurality of storage accessories 104a,
104b, 104c include a shelf 104a, a drawer assembly 104b, and a shoe
shelf assembly 104c. Each storage accessory 104a, 104b, 104c
comprises a base shelf 146. Accordingly, the shelf 104a comprises
only the base shelf 146. Additionally, in the disclosed form, the
shoe shelf assembly 104c comprises a stud support 148, and inclined
storage shelf 150, and a toe plate 152. The inclined storage shelf
150 is adapted to support shoes on an angle to facilitate
presentation. The toe plate 152 is adapted to prevent the shoes
from sliding off of the inclined storage shelf 150. In the
disclosed embodiment the inclined storage shelf 150 is disposed at
an angle of approximately thirty degrees (30.degree.) relative to
the base shelf 146 of the shoe shelf assembly 104c. However, it
should be appreciated that the inclined storage shelf 150 may
disposed at generally any angle relative to the base shelf 146 for
displaying shoes to be readily identified by a user.
[0023] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the drawer assembly 104b
comprises the base shelf 146, a drawer 154, and a guide-rail 156.
The base shelf 146 is identical to the other base shelves 146
depicted in FIG. 1 and comprises a generally flat shelf having a
width dimension Ws that is generally identical to a dimension
between the sidewalls 106 of the base unit 102 depicted in FIG. 1.
The drawer 154 comprises a face board 158, a pair of side boards
160, a rear board 162, a bottom board 164, and a handle 166. Each
of the components of the drawer 154 are fixed together with
adhesive, threaded fasteners, dove-tail construction, staples,
and/or any other foreseeable means. The face board 158, side boards
160, rear board 162, bottom board 164, and handle 166 cooperatively
define a storage cavity 168 within the drawer 154. The storage
cavity 168 is adapted to removably store personal articles such as
clothing, tools, office supplies, kitchen supplies, and/or any
other article that a consumer may desire. In the disclosed
embodiment, the face board 158 comprises a pair of through-holes
170 adapted to receive threaded fasteners (not shown) for securing
the handle 166 to the drawer 154. As depicted in FIG. 2, the drawer
154 comprises a width dimension Wd measured between the external
surfaces of the side boards 160. The width dimension Wd of the
drawer is less than the width dimension Ws of the base shelf 146
such that ledge portions 146a of the base shelf 146 remain exposed
between the side boards 160 of the drawer 154 and the sidewalls 106
of the base unit 102. Accordingly, when the drawer assembly 104b is
installed within the base unit 102, gaps 155 (shown in FIG. 1) are
disposed between the external surfaces of the side boards 160 and
the inner surfaces 106a of the sidewalls 106. A dimension of the
gaps 155, and therefore the ledge portions 146a of the base shelf
146, is slightly larger than a dimension of the stops 114 measured
between the first and second side surfaces 142, 144. The gaps 155
therefore accommodate the stops 114 such that the drawer 154 can
freely move relative to the base unit 102. While the drawer 154 has
just been described as having a width dimension Wd between the
external surfaces of the side boards 160 that is less than a width
dimension Ws of the base shelf 146 for defining the gaps 155 and
the ledge portions 146a, an alternate embodiment of the drawer 154
may include a width dimension Wd that is only slightly less than or
possibly equal to the width dimension Ws of the base shelf 146. In
such an embodiment, the external surfaces of the side boards 160
further comprise elongated recesses disposed adjacent the ledge
portions 146a of the base shelf 146 for accommodating the stops
114. So configured, the storage capacity of the drawer 154 may by
increased.
[0024] The guide-rail 156 of the disclosed embodiment comprises a
carrier rail 172 and a slide rail 174. The carrier rail 172 is
fixed to the top-side of the base shelf 146 with a pair of threaded
fasteners 176. Similarly, the slide rail 174 is fixed to the
bottom-side of the bottom board 164 of the drawer 154 with a pair
of threaded fasteners 178. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier
rail 172 is centered on the base shelf 146 along the width of the
base shelf 146 and the slide rail 147 is centered along the width
of the bottom board 164 of the drawer 154. So configured, the
carrier rail 172 receives the slide rail 174 in a manner known to
those skilled in the art such that a user may slidably displace the
slide rail 176, and therefore the drawer 154, relative to the base
shelf 146.
[0025] As mentioned above four shelf supports 112 and two stops 114
retain the drawer assembly 104b within the base unit 102. More
specifically, two of the four shelf supports 112 are disposed
within the predetermined front and rear shelf bores 108a, 109a of
the opposing sidewalls 106 of the base unit 102. Preferably, the
front and rear shelf bores 108a, 109a are located at a common
height such that the base shelf 146 is supported within a level
plane. The bottom-side of the base shelf 146 therefore engages the
horizontal portions 118 of the shelf supports 112 including the
primary and secondary lugs 122, 124. In a preferred embodiment, the
bottom-side of the base shelf 146 includes blind bores (not shown)
corresponding to and receiving the primary and secondary lugs 122,
124 of the shelf supports 112.
[0026] Accordingly, the bottom-side of the base shelf 146 engages
the support surfaces 120 of the horizontal portions 118 of the
shelf supports 112 and the primary and secondary lugs 122, 124
engage the blind bores. Thus, the shelf supports 112 support the
base shelf 146 against displacement in a downward direction
relative to the orientation of the base unit depicted in FIG. 1.
Additionally, the primary and secondary lugs 122, 124 retain the
position of the base shelf 146 against displacement in the forward
and/or rearward direction relative to the orientation of the base
unit depicted in FIG. 2.
[0027] The stops 114 are disposed within the predetermined stop
bores 111a. The stop bores 111a that receive the stops 114 are
disposed within a plane that is located parallel to and above a
plane occupied by the front and rear shelf bores 108a, 109a, as
depicted in FIG. 1. In a preferred embodiment, a distance between
the stop bores 111 and the adjacent rear shelf bores 109 is
slightly larger than a thickness of the base shelf 146. So
configured, the stops 114 are disposed adjacent the ledge portions
146a of the base shelf 146 of the drawer assembly 104b.
[0028] Furthermore, as depicted in FIG, 2 and with reference to
FIG. 4, the stops 114 are positioned within the stop bores 111a
such that the second stop surfaces 136 of the cam bodies 130 engage
ledge portions 146a of the base shelf 146. In one embodiment, the
second stop surfaces 136 cammingly engage the ledge portions 146a
of the base shelf 146, thereby sandwiching the rear portion of the
base shelf 146 into engagement with the shelf supports 112. In
another embodiment, the second stop surfaces 136 are merely
disposed in close proximity to the ledge portions 146a of the base
shelf 146. In either configuration, however, the second stop
surfaces 136 of the stops 114 prevent the base shelf 146, and
therefore the entire drawer assembly 104b from tipping out of
engagement with the shelf supports 112 when the drawer 154 is
pulled open.
[0029] For example, when the cavity 168 in the drawer 154 is loaded
with articles of clothing, tools, office supplies, kitchen
supplies, and/or any other article(s), the drawer 154 becomes
heavy. When the drawer 154 is closed, as depicted in FIG. 1, the
base shelf 146 and shelf supports 112 carry the load. However, when
a user pulls the drawer 154 partially out of the base unit 102, the
load carried by the drawer 154 is no longer located directly above
the base shelf 146 and shelf supports 112. Accordingly, the load of
the drawer 154 is applied to the interface between the slide rail
174 and the carrier rail 172 of the guide-rail 156. The load is
therefore transferred to the base shelf 146. The ledge portions
146a of the base shelf 146 exerts a force against the stops 114 and
the stops 114 counteract this force to maintain the position of the
base shelf 146.
[0030] Therefore, in the absence of the stops 114, the force may
tend to pivot the base shelf 146 about the shelf supports 112
disposed in the front shelf bores 108a. Simultaneously, this
pivoting would raise the rear portion of the base shelf 146 out of
engagement with the self supports 112 disposed in the rear shelf
bores 109a. If the drawer 154 is loaded with heavy articles, the
base shelf 146 could potentially tip so far that tile entire drawer
assembly 104b could slide out of the base unit 102. Therefore, it
should be appreciated that the stops 114 in combination with the
shelf supports 112 and the sidewalls 106 of the disclosed
embodiment limit displacement of the base shelf 146 of the drawer
assembly 104b relative to the base unit in generally all directions
thereby defining a structurally sound storage system 100.
[0031] It should be appreciated that the storage accessories 104
can be interchangeably supported on any four shelf supports 112
disposed within generally any corresponding front and rear shelf
bores 108, 109 in the sidewalls 106. Accordingly, the stops 114 may
be positioned in any appropriate stop bores 111 to serve the
necessary function. For example, during assembly, a consumer first
decides which storage accessories 104 to configure within the base
unlit 102. Subsequently, the consumer decides at which heights or
relative positions to dispose the accessories 104. In the disclosed
embodiment, the shelf supports 112 are then disposed within the
desired front and rear shelf bores 108, 109 formed in the sidewalls
106. This comprises inserting the positioning lugs 128 of the
vertical portions 116 of the shelf supports 112 into the front and
rear shelf bores 108, 109 such that the stop surfaces 126 of the
shelf supports 112 abuttingly engage the inner surfaces 106a of the
sidewalls 106. Thereafter, the consumer may have to slightly rotate
the shelf supports 112 about the positioning lugs 128 such that the
support surfaces 120 of the horizontal portions 118 are disposed
upward relative to the orientation of the base unit 102 depicted in
FIG. 1.
[0032] At this point, the consumer or other individual positions
the base shelves 146 of each of the storage accessories 104 onto
the horizontal portions 118 of the shelf supports 112. In doing so,
the bores (not shown) formed in the bottom-sides of the base
shelves 146 receivingly engage the primary and secondary lugs 292,
124. Once the bores completely engage the primary aid secondary
lugs 122, 124, the bottom-sides of the base shelves 146 abuttingly
engage the support surfaces 120. In one embodiment, this completes
the installation of the shelf 140a and the shoe shelf assembly
104c. For example, the shelf 104a merely comprises the base shelf
146. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the shoe shelf
assembly 104c is pre-assembled and installed into the base unit 102
as a unitary structure. Further yet, in a preferred embodiment, the
base shelf 146 of the drawer assembly 104b includes the carrier
rail 172 of the guide rail 156 securely attached thereto prior to
installing the base shelf 146 within the base unit 102.
[0033] With the base shelf 146 of the drawer assembly 104b
installed, the consumer or other individual inserts the lugs 132 of
the stops 114 into the appropriate stop bores 111 in the sidewalls
106. As mentioned above, this comprises inserting the lugs 132 into
the predetermined stop bores 111a, which are disposed in a plane
located directly above the predetermined rear shelf bores 109a. In
one embodiment, to insert the lugs 132, a user aligns the lugs 132
with the respective stop bores 111 and applies a force in the axial
direction of the lugs 132. In alternative embodiments, a user may
twist the lugs 132 into the stop bores 111 by rotating the stops
114 in a single rotational direction or via back-and-forth
reciprocal rotation, for example. In yet another embodiment, a user
may require a tool such as pliers, a hammer, a screw driver a
wrench, or some other implement to insert the lugs 132 into the
stop bores 111.
[0034] With the stops removably disposed in the stop bores 111a,
the consumer grasps the grip surfaces 138, 140 and rotates the
stops 114 such that the second stop surfaces 136 engage the ledge
portions 146a of the base shelf 146 of the drawer assembly 104b. So
configured, the cam bodies 130 are generally vertically disposed,
as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. Stated another way the first stop
surfaces 134 face upward and the second stop surfaces 136 face
downward relative to the orientation of the base unit 102 depicted
in FIG. 1. It should be appreciated that in the disclosed
embodiment, the eccentric position of the lugs 132 on the stops 114
allow the consumer or other individual to generate a camming action
between the second stop surfaces 136 of the stops 114 and the ledge
portions 146a of the base shelf 146.
[0035] Specifically, in one embodiment, with the stops 114 disposed
generally vertically such that the second stop surfaces 136 faces
downward, a vertical distance between the second stop surfaces 136
and the support surfaces 120 of the shelf supports 112, which are
disposed in the rear shelf bores 109a, is equal to or less than a
thickness of the base shelf 146. So configured, a consumer can
manually grasp and apply a torque to the stops 114 to lock the
second stop surfaces 136 into engagement with the ledge portions
146a of the base shelf 146.
[0036] With the stops 114 securely engaging the ledge portions
146a, the consumer can then position the drawer 154 such that the
slide rail 174 disposed on the bottom-side of the bottom board 164
slides into engagement with the carrier rail 172. This secures the
slide rail 174 within the carrier rail 172 for sliding displacement
relative thereto, as is generally known within the art such that
the drawer 154 is disposed for sliding displacement relative to the
base shelf 146 and base unit 102.
[0037] While the assembly process has just been described as
including a consumer or other individual installing the base shelf
of the drawer assembly 104b prior to removably disposing the stops
114 in the stop bores 111, an alternative embodiment includes a
consumer or other individual disposing the stops 114 into the stop
bores 111 prior to installing the base shelf 146. For example, a
consumer or other individual may dispose the stops 114 it to the
appropriate stop bores 111a immediately after or even prior to
removably disposing the shelf supports 112 into the front and rear
shelf bore, 108a, 109a. Thereafter, the consumer or other
individual rotates the stops 114 into a generally horizontal
position. In the horizontal position, one of the first and second
grip surfaces 138, 140 of the stops 114 is disposed upward and the
other is disposed downward, relative to the orientation of the base
unit 102 depicted in FIG. 1. So configured, a distance between the
downwardly disposed grip surfaces 138, 140 and the shelf supports
112 is larger than the thickness of the base shelf 146. More
particularly, a distance between the downwardly facing grip
surfaces 138, 140 and the distal ends of the primary and secondary
lugs 122, 124 of the shelf supports 112 is greater than the
thickness of the base shelf 146. Thus, the consumer or other
individual then slides the base shelf 146 below the stops 114 and
into engagement with the shelf supports 112. Thereafter, the stops
114 are rotated such that the second stop surfaces 136 engage the
ledge portions 146a of the base shelf 146 in a manner identical to
that described above.
[0038] In a further alternative embodiment, instead of rotating the
stops 114 into a generally horizontal position prior to installing
the base shelf 146, the stops 114 may be rotated into a generally
vertical position. Such a vertical position of the stops 114
includes the second stop surfaces 136 facing upward and the first
stop surfaces 134 facing downward, relative to the orientation of
the base unit 102 depicted in FIG. 1. So configured, a distance
between the downwardly facing first stop surfaces 134 and the shelf
supports 112 is larger that the thickness of the base shelf 146.
More particularly, a distance between the downwardly facing first
stop surfaces 134 and the distal ends of the primary and secondary
lugs 122, 124 of the shelf supports 112 is greater than a thickness
of the base shelf 146, but less than a distance between the
horizontally positioned stops 114 and the shelf support 112
described in the immediately previous embodiment. Nevertheless, the
consumer or other individual then slides the base self 146 below
the stops 114 and into engagement with the shelf supports 112.
Thereafter, the stops 114 are rotated such that the second stop
surfaces 136 engage the ledge portions 146a of the base shelf 146
in a manner identical to that described above.
[0039] Furthermore, while the assembly has just been described as
including the second stop surfaces 136 of the stops 114 engaging
the base shelf 146, an alternative embodiment may comprise the
first stop surfaces 134 engaging the base shelf 146. In such an
embodiment, it should be appreciated that the first stop surfaces
134 are disposed closer to the lugs 132 than the second stop
surfaces 136. Such an embodiment may require the incorporation of a
slightly thicker base shelf 146 to accommodate the shorter ends of
the cam bodies 130 of the stops 114, which are located adjacent the
first stop surfaces 134, as depicted in FIG. 5. Alternatively, a
distance between the stop bore 111a and the shelf bore 109a, for
example, may be reduced to accommodate the shorter ends of the cam
bodies 130 of the stops 114, which are located adjacent to the
first stop surfaces 134. In either event, the consumer grasps the
stops 114 via the grip surfaces 138, 140 and rotates the first stop
surfaces 134 into engagement with the ledge portions 146a of the
base shelf 146 in a manner similar to that described above.
[0040] Further yet, while the stops 114 have been described herein
as including generally flat stop surfaces 134, 136, an alternative
embodiment of the storage system 100 may comprise stops 114 having
rounded stop surfaces or any other geometry capable of serving the
principles of the present disclosure. For example, as mentioned
above, in one embodiment, the stop surfaces 134, 136 may serve as
camming surfaces adapted to cammingly enrage the base shelf 146.
Accordingly, the stop or camming surfaces 134, 136 of the stops 114
may include teeth or a knurled surface for frictionally engaging
the base shelf 146, while remaining manually operable and easily
rotatable out of engagement with the base shelf 146 by an
individual such as a consumer without the use of tools or other
assisting devices. Additionally, while the stops 114 have been
disclosed herein as comprising generally eccentric stops 114, i.e.
having lugs 132 disposed closer to the first stop surface 134 than
to the second stop 146, an alternative embodiment of the stops 114
may include the lugs 132 disposed centered between the opposing
first and second stop surfaces 134, 134 of the cam bodies 130 of
the stops 114. So configured, the stops 114 would operate
substantially similarly to that described herein.
[0041] While the storage system 100 has just been described as
comprising a plurality of storage accessories 104 including a shelf
104a, a drawer assembly 104b, and a shoe shelf assembly 104c,
alternative embodiments may include other types of storage
accessories such as, for example, cabinet assemblies, work surface
assemblies including sliding computer keyboard supports, sliding
basket assemblies, hanging rods or hooks, or any other storage
accessory that may be desirable to a consumer. Furthermore, while
the storage system 100 has been described as including three
storage accessories 104a, 104b, 104c, alternative embodiments of
the storage system 100 may comprise any number of storage
accessories 104a, 104b, 104c adapted to be removably supported by
the base unit 102 and interchangeable with each other.
[0042] While the stops 114 have only been described herein as being
incorporated into use with the drawer assembly 104b, it should be
appreciated that the stops 114 could be adapted for use with any of
the other storage accessories 104 expressly disclosed herein as
well as any storage accessory not expressly disclosed. For example,
one alternative storage accessory may comprise a cabinet assembly
including cabinet doors on hinges. The weight of the doors when
opened may, tend to cause the cabinet assembly to tip out of thee
base unit 102. Accordingly, one could envision implementing the
stops 114 just described to engage a base shelf 146 of the cabinet
assembly in a manner identical to that described with respect to
the drawer assembly 104b. Alternatively, instead of engaging a base
shelf 146, one could envision implementing the stops 114 to engage
a top, rear portion of the cabinet assembly to prevent tipping. In
such a case, the stops 114 may not be disposed in stop bores 111
that are located immediately above the rear shelf bores 110 that
receive the shelf supports 112 supporting the cabinet assembly, but
rather, the stops 114 may be disposed within stop bores 111 that
are substantially higher on the sidewalls 106, or even rear shelf
bores 109 disposed above the top of the cabinet assembly.
[0043] Accordingly, it should be appreciated that while the present
disclosure includes twice as many rear bores 110 as front bores
108, an alternative embodiment may include the same number of rear
and front bores 108, 110. So configured, there would be no
distinction between the rear shelf bores 109 and the stop bores
111. Rather, each rear bore 110 would correspond in height with a
front bore 180. Thus, the shelf supports 112 may be disposed in any
set of corresponding front and rear bores 108, 110 to support a
base shelf 146 in a level plane and the stops 114 could be simply
disposed in the next upwardly adjacent set of rear bores 110.
Furthermore, in such an embodiment, because the front bores 108
would include a pair of bores corresponding in height with the rear
bores 110 receiving the stops 114, an additional pair of stops 114
could be disposed within the corresponding front bores 108 as well.
Such stops 114 disposed in the front bores 108 would add further
secure the storage accessory within the base unit 102.
[0044] In one embodiment of the storage system 100 disclosed
herein, the base unit 102 and storage accessories 104 are each
constructed of wood. In a preferred embodiment, the wood comprises
particle board. However, alternative embodiments of the storage
system 100 may be constructed of a medium density fiberboard (MDF),
ply-wood a polymer, or any other suitable material.
[0045] Therefore, based on to foregoing, the present disclosure
provides a storage system 100 comprising a plurality of storage
accessories 104 that may be easily and quickly moved in and out of
a base unit 102 such that the entire storage system can be
reconfigured without the use of tools. The storage accessories 104
are secured within the base unit 102 with removable shelf supports
112 and removable, manually operable stops 114. Accordingly, at any
time after the initial installation and configuration of the
storage system 100, a user may manually remove, substitute, or
reconfigure any or all of the storage accessories 104 without the
use of tools or any assistant device.
[0046] In one embodiment of the storage system, a single base unit
102 is offered for sale with a fixed number of storage accessories
104. For example, as depicted and described herein, one embodiment
may include a base unit 102, a shelf 104a, a drawer assembly 104b,
and a shoe shelf assembly 104c. In an alternative embodiment,
additional storage accessories 104 may be offered for sale
independent of the base unit 102. The additional storage
accessories may be identical to or different from the storage
accessories 104a, 104b, 104c offered for sale with the base unit
102. In a still further embodiment, the base unit 102 and storage
accessories 104 are offered for sale independently of each other.
Thus, a consumer can purchase a base unit 102 and selectively
choose the particular storage accessories 104 desired for any
particular application. It should be appreciated that such
embodiments provide the consumer the opportunity to purchase
supplemental or alternative storage accessories 104 to be
incorporate into the base unit 102 at any time subsequent to the
initial assembly and installation.
[0047] In light of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that
tile description of the present disclosure should be understood as
merely providing examples of the present invention and, thus,
variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are
intended to be within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *