U.S. patent application number 13/628097 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-27 for shelf with integrated book/object holder.
This patent application is currently assigned to MANIFESTO VISION. The applicant listed for this patent is Nadia Leonelli, Fredrik Sundwall, Alvaro Uribe. Invention is credited to Nadia Leonelli, Fredrik Sundwall, Alvaro Uribe.
Application Number | 20140083958 13/628097 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50337854 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140083958 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leonelli; Nadia ; et
al. |
March 27, 2014 |
Shelf with integrated book/object holder
Abstract
The invention represents a new and useful improvement in
storing, support and display of objects as it provides an
integrated, solid, self-contained book and object holder comprised
of a planar surface and built-in insets that can be pulled up to a
vertical position when needed and concealed back down when not in
use without require disassembly or external elements. The invention
can be of any suitable rigid or semi rigid material and can hold
objects upright in different locations within the supporting
surface in a seamless and customizable look, easy to manufacture,
easy to transport easy to use. The invention might be free standing
or mounted within a bookcase, portable, mounted horizontally or at
an angle, with one ore multiple shelves and an adaptable number of
insets.
Inventors: |
Leonelli; Nadia; (New York,
NY) ; Uribe; Alvaro; (New York, NY) ;
Sundwall; Fredrik; (New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Leonelli; Nadia
Uribe; Alvaro
Sundwall; Fredrik |
New York
New York
New York |
NY
NY
NY |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
MANIFESTO VISION
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
50337854 |
Appl. No.: |
13/628097 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/13.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 65/15 20141201;
A47B 96/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/13.1 |
International
Class: |
A47B 23/00 20060101
A47B023/00 |
Claims
1. A shelf with integrated holder for books and other objects,
comprising: a supporting rigid generally flat panel having a top
surface provided with at least one pre-cut recess; at least one
rigid inset separate and distinct from said flat panel moveably
mounted on said flat panel and generally configured to be
substantially fully received within said at least one recess in a
retracted position when not in use to be substantially becoming
concealed from view and moveable out of said pre-cut recess to an
extended position to project above said top surface to an operative
position; and hinge means for mechanically connecting said at least
one inset to said flat panel and for pivotally mounting said at
least one inset between said retracted position substantially when
received within said pre-cut recess and said extended operative
position angularly displaced from said retracted position, whereby
said inset can be selectively and repeatedly moved between said
retracted and extended positions to either be substantially
concealed when not in use or in a position to support a book or
other object on said top surface when in use.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. A shelf as defined in claim 1, wherein a plurality of pre-cut
recesses and a corresponding number of associated insets are
provided on said surface.
5. A shelf as defined in claim 4, wherein said recesses and
built-in insets are provided in pairs and spaced from each other to
selectively secure an object or a plurality of stacked objects on
opposite sides.
6. A shelf as defined in claim 1, wherein said hinge means
comprises a pivot pin associated with each inset and arranged below
said top surface,
7. A shelf as defined in claim 4, wherein said surface is a surface
of a shelf having a pre-determined thickness and said insets have a
thickness no greater than said predetermined thickness.
8. A shelf as defined in claim 1, wherein said hinge means includes
a pin generally parallel to said top surface and extending through
each inset and anchored within said flat panel.
9. A shelf as defined in claim 1, wherein each inset defines an
angle with said top surface substantially equal to 0.degree. in
said retracted positions to be generally co-extensive with said
flat panel.
10. A shelf as defined in claim 1, wherein each inset defines an
angle with said top surface no greater than approximately
92.degree. in said extended position.
11. A shelf as defined in claim 1, wherein said flat panel is
integrated within a book case.
12. A shelf as defined in claim 1, wherein said flat panel is
mounted on a bracket.
13. A shelf as defined in claim 1, wherein said flat panel is
integrated within a drawer.
14. A shelf as defined in claim 1, wherein said flat panel is
integrated with a display or stand.
15. A shelf as defined in claim 1, wherein a plurality of insets
are provided said insets are arranged in different positions to
accommodate different sizes and arrangements of objects or stacks
of objects.
16. A shelf as defined in claim 1, further comprising first stop
means for preventing said insets from pivoting below said flat
panel.
17. A shelf as defined in claim 16, wherein said first stop means
comprises a lap or rabbet joint formed by said panel and said inset
below said top surface.
18. A shelf as defined in claim 1, further comprising second stop
means for preventing said inset from pivoting beyond said extended
operative position,
19. A shelf as defined in claim 18, wherein said second stop means
comprises a stop corner on said recess proximate to said hinge
means positioned to engage said inset when moved to said extended
position.
20. A book case comprising at least one shelf with integrated
holder for books and other objects, said at least one shelf
comprising: a supporting rigid generally flat panel having a top
surface provided with at least one pre-cut recess; at least one
rigid inset separate and distinct from said flat panel moveably
mounted on said flat panel and generally configured to be
substantially fully received within said at least one recess in a
retracted position when not in use to be substantially concealed
from view and moveable out of said pre-cut recess to an extended
position to project above said top surface to an operative
position; and hinge means for mechanically connecting said at least
one inset to said flat panel and for pivotally mounting said at
least one inset between said retracted position substantially when
received within said pre-cut recess and said extended operative
position angularly displaced from said retracted position, whereby
said inset can be selectively and repeatedly moved between said
retracted and extended positions to either be substantially
concealed when not in use or in a position to support a book or
other object on said top surface when in use.
21. A method of supporting an object or stack of objects on a shelf
with integrated holder for books and other objects, including a
supporting rigid generally flat panel having a top surface provided
with at least one pre-cut recess; at least one rigid inset separate
and distinct from said flat panel moveably mounted on said flat
panel and generally configured to be substantially fully received
within said at least one recess in a retracted position, when not
in use to be substantially concealed from view and moveable out of
said pre-cut recess to an extended position to project above said
top surface to an operative position; and hinge means for
mechanically connecting said at least one inset to said flat panel
and for pivotally mounting said at least one inset between said
retracted position substantially when received within said pre-cut
recess and said extended operative position angularly displaced
from said retracted position, whereby said inset can be selectively
and repeatedly moved between said retracted and extended positions
to either be substantially concealed when not in use or in a
position to support a book or other object on said top surface when
in use, the method comprising the steps of placing the object or
stack of objects on said top surface proximate to at least one
inset; and pivoting said at least one inset by moving it out of an
associated pre-cut recess from a concealed retracted position to an
elevated extended position substantially normal to said top surface
to be proximate to or contact the object or stack of objects on
said top surface at least on one side thereof to provide lateral
support.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to shelving systems, foldable
and removable bookends, display entities, office organizers, free
standing shelf units, wall mounted storage units, office units and
home furniture.
[0003] Shelves and supporting systems for the storage and display
of books and objects of various nature are found in residential,
educational and industrial locations, in a variety of designs and
configurations. Typically the shelf itself is a planar surface
extending across two fixed points, either sides of a bookcase or
brackets onto a wall. Frequently and often intentionally, fewer
books than the total number which would fill the shelf are placed.
Maintaining such books and objects in an upright position on a
shelf is more difficult than it would appear. When not using the
weight of the books to create a counter leverage to prevent them
from falling, three types of solutions are commonly devised: [0004]
1. At least one external bookend is placed on the shelf for
support. Such add-on bookends can be free-standing, using its own
weight to hold the books, or could be attached either to the planar
surface of the shelf or to the wall. These independent mechanisms
often need to be acquired and attached separately. Some of these
leave marks on the shelf surface, or are often not heavy enough to
provide adequate support, or not very reliable. [0005] 2. Lockable
bookends have been devised which slide along tracks or are somehow
fastened to the shelf. These are often stronger but clumsier,
harder to remove when not in use, require storage of additional
parts and leave the shelf with an empty track or channels and an
unfinished look that is not desirable. [0006] 3. Combinations of
shelves and bookends themselves are positioned in non-vertical
positions (e.g. a slant) to hold the books by incasing them.
[0007] This invention provides an integrated book and object holder
apparatus which overcomes the challenges above, it is solid and
self contained, doesn't require external elements or fasteners, and
is simple in construction for a low manufacturing cost.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] This invention relates to a new and useful improvement in
the storing, support and display of books and objects on a planar
surface. The invention provides built-in inset(s) in multiple
locations of a shelf to hold/divide objects, without visible hinges
or screws; inset(s) that can be concealed when not in use, without
requiring disassembly. The inset(s) can hold objects upright in
different locations within the supporting surface in a seamless and
unified look
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0009] FIG. 1A: A perspective view of the bookshelf with the insets
in horizontal position, constructed in accordance with the
definition of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 1B: A perspective view of the bookshelf with the insets
in vertical position, constructed in accordance with the definition
of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2A: A disassembled perspective view of the individual
components, constructed in accordance with the definition of one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2B: An exploited view, constructed in accordance with
the definition of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 3: A bottom/top view, constructed in accordance with
the definition of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 4A: A cross sectional view, constructed in accordance
with the definition of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4B: A cross sectional view, constructed in accordance
with the definition of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5A: A perspective view of another embodiment of the
bookshelf.
[0017] FIG. 5B: A perspective view of another embodiment of the
bookshelf.
[0018] FIG. 5C: A perspective view of another embodiment of the
bookshelf.
[0019] FIG. 5D: A perspective view of another embodiment of the
bookshelf.
[0020] FIG. 5E: A perspective view of another embodiment of the
bookshelf.
[0021] FIG. 6A: Another embodiment with insets of different
heights--All tall.
[0022] FIG. 6B: Another embodiment with insets of different
heights--All Small.
[0023] FIG. 6C: Another embodiment with insets of different
heights--Mixed Lengths.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention comprises of a book and object divider
and holding device comprising several components, in combination:
[0025] 1. As in FIG. 1A, first provided is an elongated base member
or planar surface (The shelf), made of rigid or semi-rigid material
and used to support books and objects. The shelf has a front side,
a backside, an upper end and a lower end, two opposing side ends
and an intermediate planar area. The shelf can have rectilinear as
well as oval configuration. The overall shape of the shelf can be
modified to multiple shapes, which include a flat end to go against
the wall and still work as a supporting horizontal member. The
shelf can be placed on an angle. Within the planar area, there are
one or more cut contact plates, as in FIG. 1B, members made of
rigid or semi-rigid material of similar or lesser thickness than
the base plate itself, often but not necessarily always of the same
material of the base plate. They could for example be of
see-through plastic material and be barely visible when standing as
well. Because each supporting member (inset) is a cutout of the
shape of the horizontal body, and therefore it always fits back
into place when put on flat position. Each inset is held by an
extruding edge. Each inset has its own individual hinge and
support. Depending on the material of the shelf and the insert,
adequate tolerances are applied to enable the insert to fall back
into place with no resistance. When used as a support the inset(s)
can be pulled up from the planar surface or fixture and rotated to
the vertical position. The inset(s) stay locked in vertical
position by the edges of the holder they are cut out from. The
borders prevent the inset(s) from angling further than the desired
distance. [0026] 2. In more detail, the insets can be moved by
hand, or through additional mechanisms to pull it up or put it down
into place. Because the inset(s) are only supported by a small edge
within the hole in which they reside, they can be accessed from the
bottom and pulled up to be in use. Each individual inset is
separate and independent from the others and can be in rest or
upward position based on need of the user. The location of the
insets along the horizontal axis of the supporting unit can vary
depending on the length of the shelf, as well as the material. The
hinge provides sufficient support to hold the inserts in both
vertical and horizontal position, and works as center point for its
rotation from flat to vertical position. The hinge is never visible
since it is hidden between the planks that compose the shelf and
cram the elements. The hinge can be a metal, wood, or plastic
insert or any kind of moving hinge that allows the inserts to move
from a flat position to a standing position. [0027] 3. The system
can be manufactured in a variety of different materials and
variations including wood, metal, plastic, laminated wood, Corian,
glass, and composites, which could be also combined with each
other. Each material will give the opportunity to change the
general dimensions and proportions of the shelf. It will also
permit to eliminate additional elements such as hardware or
manufacturing steps that are currently used to assemble the shelf.
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the
invention in detail, it is to be understood and obvious to one
skilled in the art, that the invention is not limited in its
application to the detail of construction and to the arrangements
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being carried out in various ways around its key
claim.
[0028] The Advantages of the present invention include, without
limitations: [0029] 1. Simplicity, portability and strength of the
construction for a low manufacturing cost, ease of use, long-term
reliability and portability. The shelf can be flat packed,
simplifying transportation and storage. [0030] 2. Flexibility and
adaptability of the design to multiple functional configurations,
where not only books can be stored but other decorative and
personal items.
* * * * *