U.S. patent application number 14/640199 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-08 for modular stackable storage device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Bonnie Bonaduce. Invention is credited to Bonnie Bonaduce.
Application Number | 20160255953 14/640199 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56850330 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160255953 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bonaduce; Bonnie |
September 8, 2016 |
MODULAR STACKABLE STORAGE DEVICE
Abstract
A modular, stackable shoe storage device comprising a rotating
interior shelving design with adjustable and removable shelves and
an exterior cabinet enclosure. An interior frame comprises an upper
disc and lower disc mounted on a central support pole. Support pole
may be configured to fit into receiving holes in lower disc and
upper disc. The lower disc may be attached to a swivel mechanism
that may enable the interior frame to rotate 360 degrees. Vertical
dividers are mounted to upper disc and lower disc around support
pole in a spoke pattern to divide the space between upper disc and
lower disc and to support shelves. Removable wedge-shaped shelves
comprising "keyhole" slots that may be placed over pegs on vertical
dividers so that shelves form horizontal platforms on which shoes
may be stored. The exterior cabinet surrounds the rotating interior
frame.
Inventors: |
Bonaduce; Bonnie; (Orlando,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bonaduce; Bonnie |
Orlando |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56850330 |
Appl. No.: |
14/640199 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 57/22 20130101;
A47B 49/004 20130101; A47B 87/0292 20130101; A47B 61/04
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 61/04 20060101
A47B061/04; A47B 83/00 20060101 A47B083/00; A47B 49/00 20060101
A47B049/00; A47B 91/00 20060101 A47B091/00; A47B 57/48 20060101
A47B057/48; A47B 47/00 20060101 A47B047/00 |
Claims
1. A device comprising: an interior frame, said interior frame
comprising; an upper disc portion, said upper disc comprising
receiving holes for receiving at least one pole; a lower disc
portion, said lower disc comprising receiving holes for receiving
said at least one pole; a support pole section, said support pole
is configured to generally fit into said receiving holes in said
lower and upper disc portions; a swivel mechanism, said lower disc
is configured to be coupled to said swivel mechanism being operable
to enable said interior frame to rotate approximately 360 degrees;
a vertical divider segment, said vertical divider comprising at
least two or more vertical dividers configured to be mounted to
said upper and lower disc around said support pole in a generally
spoke pattern being operable to divide a space between said upper
and lower disc, said vertical divider further comprising at least a
plurality of pegs for receiving at least a plurality of keyhole
slots; a shelf segment for holding items, said shelf comprising at
least two or more removable wedge-shaped shelves configured to be
adjusted or moved to a height position on said at least two or more
vertical dividers, in which said at least two or more removable
wedge-shaped shelves comprising at least a plurality of keyhole
slots for placing over said pegs, and wherein said adjustability of
said at least two or more removable wedge-shaped shelves is
operable to enable a user to customize at least one or many height
placement positions and number of shelves to use;
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an exterior cabinet,
said exterior cabinet comprising; a base portion, said base
comprising at least one or many holes or indentations for receiving
at least one support leg; a top portion, said top portion
comprising at least one or many holes or indentations is configured
to cover an interior of said cabinet; a support leg section, said
support leg comprising at least two or more support legs configured
to be inserted into said holes or indentations in said base and top
portions; and a side panel segment, said side panel comprising at
least one or many side panels configured to substantially form
walls of said exterior cabinet, in which at least one side panel
comprising at least one door to provide access to an interior of
said cabinet.
3. The device of claim 3, in which said base portion is a first
base portion comprising non-skid feet configured to allow for
generally easy and safe stacking of two or more cabinets.
4. The device of claim 3, in which said top portion is a first top
portion further comprising holes and indentations corresponding to
said non-skid feet configured to allow for said generally easy and
safe stacking of two or more cabinets.
5. The device of claim 1, in which said support leg portion further
comprising slots configured to allow said side panel to slide into
said slots.
6. The device of claim 1, in which said swivel mechanism comprising
swivel plates with bearings, a rod or sphere rotating within a
support structure, concentric cylinders, a guide rail system or a
pivot point at the end of the support pole.
7. The device of claim 1, in which said upper and lower discs
further comprising at least a plurality of grooves into which said
vertical dividers are generally positioned and substantially held
in place.
8. The device of claim 1, in which said upper and lower discs
further comprising at least a plurality of raised channels into
which said dividers are generally slid.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein said vertical dividers further
comprising multiple pegs as shelf supports placed approximately
along the inner and outer edges of said dividers.
10. The device of claim 1, in which said cabinet further comprising
approximately square or rectangular base portion.
11. The device of claim 1, in which said support legs further
comprising slots for said side panels to generally slide into and
substantially form the walls of said cabinet.
12. The device of claim 7, in which said upper and lower discs
further comprising at least a plurality of grooves in a four
section pattern and a five section pattern operable to enable a
user to insert said vertical dividers in different configurations
and to create a customized storage space.
13. The device of claim 1, in which said shelf segment further
comprising an extender slot into which a shelf extender may be
inserted.
14. The device of claim 13, further comprising a shelf extender,
wherein said shelf extender comprising a flange configured to be
inserted into said extender slot operable to form a shelf that is
sized to fit an approximately four section pattern.
15. A device comprising: an interior frame, said interior frame
comprising; means for receiving at least one pole at an upper
portion of said interior frame; means for receiving said at least
one pole at a lower portion of said interior frame; means,
configured to be coupled with said receiving means, for supporting
said interior frame; means, coupled to said means for receiving at
a lower portion of said interior frame, for rotating said interior
frame at approximately 360 degrees; means, comprising at least a
plurality of pegs for receiving at least a plurality of keyhole
slots, for dividing a space between said means for receiving;
means, comprising keyhole slots for placing over said pegs, for
holding items; an exterior cabinet, said exterior cabinet
comprising; means for receiving at least one support leg at a
bottom portion of said cabinet; means for covering an interior of
said cabinet at a top portion of said cabinet; means for forming
walls of said exterior cabinet; and means for providing access to
an interior of said cabinet.
16. The device of claim 15, in which said means for receiving at
least one support leg at a bottom portion of said cabinet
comprising means for generally safe stacking of two or more
cabinets.
17. The device of claim 13, further comprising a means for
extending said means for holding items and means for creating a
customized storage space.
18. A device comprising: an upper disc portion, said upper disc
comprising receiving holes for receiving at least one pole; a lower
disc portion, said lower disc comprising receiving holes for
receiving said at least one pole; a support pole section, said
support pole is configured to generally fit into said receiving
holes in said lower and upper disc portions; a swivel mechanism,
said lower disc is configured to be coupled to said swivel
mechanism being operable to enable said interior frame to rotate
approximately 360 degrees; a vertical divider segment, said
vertical divider comprising at least two or more vertical dividers
configured to be mounted to said upper and lower disc around said
support pole in a generally spoke pattern being operable to divide
a space between said upper and lower disc, in which said vertical
divider further comprising at least a plurality of pegs for
receiving at least a plurality of keyhole slots, wherein said upper
and lower discs further comprising at least a plurality of grooves
into which said vertical dividers are generally positioned and
substantially held in place. a shelf segment, said shelf comprising
at least two or more removable wedge-shaped shelves configured to
be adjusted or moved to a height position on said at least two or
more vertical dividers, in which said at least two or more
removable wedge-shaped shelves comprising at least a plurality of
keyhole slots for placing over said pegs, and wherein said
adjustability of said at least two or more removable wedge-shaped
shelves is operable to enable a user to customize at least one or
many height placement positions and number of shelves to use.
19. The device of claim 18, further comprising a shelf extender,
wherein said shelf extender comprising a flange configured to be
inserted into said extender slot operable to form a shelf that is
sized to fit an approximately four section pattern, in which said
upper and lower discs further comprising at least a plurality of
grooves in a four section pattern and a five section pattern
operable to enable a user to insert said vertical dividers in
different configurations and to create a customized storage
space.
20. The device of claim 18, further comprising; an exterior
cabinet, said exterior cabinet comprising; a base portion, said
base comprising at least one or many holes or indentations for
receiving at least one support leg; a top portion, said top portion
comprising at least one or many holes or indentations is configured
to cover an interior of said cabinet; a support leg section, said
support leg comprising at least two or more support legs configured
to be inserted into said holes or indentations in said base and top
portions; and a side panel segment, said side panel comprising at
least one or many side panels configured to substantially form
walls of said exterior cabinet, in which at least one side panel
comprising at least one door to provide access to an interior of
said cabinet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
RELATED CO-PENDING U.S. PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0002] Not applicable.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0003] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING
APPENDIX
[0004] Not applicable.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0005] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to
storage devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a
customizable shoe storage device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The following background information may present examples of
specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation,
approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be
helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of
the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present
invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or
implied therein or inferred thereupon. It is believed that many
people own several pairs of shoes and that finding storage space
for all of these shoes may be a problem. Most people do not have
immense walk-in closets, and the usual shoe storage available in
small walk-in closets or non-walk-in closets typically involves
using open shelves or cubbies that may take up a lot of space.
Moreover, open shelves and racks may not be attractive, and
typically do not prevent the shoes from collecting dust. In some
cases people may stack shoe boxes on an upper shelf of the closet,
which may be hard to reach and may make it difficult to view the
shoes and retrieve a selection. Other shoe storage methods may
include bags, pouches, crates, or other receptacles that may be
hung on closet rods or hooks. However, these devices for hanging
shoe storage may occupy space that may be needed for clothing
storage. Furthermore, boots, high heels, and shoes of larger sizes
may not fit in these hanging devices.
[0008] By way of educational background, an aspect of the prior art
generally useful to be aware of is that there are some enclosed
storage devices currently available for shoes and other wardrobe
accessories. One specific example provides an "Enclosed storage
cylinder with adjustable shelves". Although the height of the
shelves in this device can be adjusted in some configurations, the
unit inhibits shelf repositioning during normal operation. In
addition, this device is not intended solely for the storage of
shoes, and comprises both square and wedge shaped compartments.
Other examples may provide a rotational system with fixed shelves,
which do not allow for customization. Yet other examples may be
made of heavy, bulky materials such as, but not limited to,
particleboard.
[0009] In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional
techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal
approaches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0011] FIGS. 1A through 1E illustrate an exemplary rotating
interior frame for a customizable shoe storage device, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is
an exploded view of the interior frame. FIG. 1B is a front
perspective view of the interior frame. FIG. 1C is a diagrammatic
top view of the interior frame. FIG. 1D is a diagrammatic top view
of an adjustable shelf, and FIG. 1E is a diagrammatic side view of
a vertical divider placed in a groove of a lower disc;
[0012] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary exterior cabinet for
a customizable shoe storage device, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a front perspective
view of the cabinet, and FIG. 2B is a cross sectional view of a
support leg for the cabinet;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an exemplary exterior
cabinet for a customizable shoe storage device, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic top view of exemplary customizable
shoe storage devices in use in a closet, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0015] FIGS. 5A through 5E illustrate an exemplary shelf design for
a customizable shoe storage device, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic top
view of a shelf. FIG. 5B is a diagrammatic side view of the shelf.
FIG. 5C is a diagrammatic top view of a shelf extender. FIG. 5D is
a diagrammatic top view of the shelf with the shelf extender
attached, and FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic top view of shelves and
shelf extenders attached to vertical dividers.
[0016] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are
not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The present invention is best understood by reference to the
detailed figures and description set forth herein.
[0018] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with
reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with
respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the
invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it
should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light
of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity
of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of
the particular application, to implement the functionality of any
given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation
choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is,
there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention
that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the
scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as
plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa,
where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily
imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
[0019] It is to be further understood that the present invention is
not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials,
manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein,
as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology
used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the
present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to
one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to
those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a
reference to "a step" or "a means" is a reference to one or more
steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All
conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense
possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the
definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical
"exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise.
Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to
functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be
construed to express approximation should be so understood unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0020] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are
described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials
similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the
practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described
herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents
of such structures. The present invention will now be described in
detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
[0021] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and
modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such
variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other
features which are already known in the art, and which may be used
instead of or in addition to features already described herein.
[0022] Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to
particular combinations of features, it should be understood that
the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes
any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed
herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization
thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as
presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any
or all of the same technical problems as does the present
invention.
[0023] Features which are described in the context of separate
embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity,
described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be
provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The
Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to
such features and/or combinations of such features during the
prosecution of the present Application or of any further
Application derived therefrom.
[0024] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example
embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., may indicate that the
embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a
particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every
embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure,
or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one
embodiment," or "in an exemplary embodiment," do not necessarily
refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
[0025] Headings provided herein are for convenience and are not to
be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.
[0026] The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or
all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0027] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0028] Devices or system modules that are in at least general
communication with each other need not be in continuous
communication with each other, unless expressly specified
otherwise. In addition, devices or system modules that are in at
least general communication with each other may communicate
directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.
[0029] A description of an embodiment with several components in
communication with each other does not imply that all such
components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional
components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible
embodiments of the present invention.
[0030] As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful
considerations and compromises typically must be made when
designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial
implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of
the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance
with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may
configured according to the needs of the particular application,
whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s),
component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to
any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably
omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or
optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills
and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that
addresses the needs of the particular application.
[0031] It is to be understood that any exact
measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials
indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable
configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way.
Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled
in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following
teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation
details.
[0032] One embodiment of the present invention may provide a
modular, stackable shoe storage device comprising a rotating
interior shelving design with adjustable and removable shelves and
a cabinet enclosure. Some embodiments may provide an affordable,
customizable, and space-saving shoe storage solution. It is
contemplated that some embodiments may be made of various different
materials such as, but not limited to, molded plastic, wood, metal,
etc. Some embodiments may be implemented for use on a closet floor,
which is often unused or inefficiently used space.
[0033] FIGS. 1A through 1E illustrate an exemplary rotating
interior frame for a customizable shoe storage device, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is
an exploded view of the interior frame. FIG. 1B is a front
perspective view of the interior frame. FIG. 1C is a diagrammatic
top view of the interior frame. FIG. 1D is a diagrammatic top view
of an adjustable shelf 105, and FIG. 1E is a diagrammatic side view
of a vertical divider 110 placed in a groove 115 of a lower disc
120. In the present embodiment, the interior frame comprises an
upper disc 125 and lower disc 120 mounted on a central support pole
130. Support pole 130 may be configured to fit into receiving holes
in lower disc 120 and upper disc 125. It is contemplated that the
upper and lower discs may be attached to the support pole using
various different means in some alternate embodiments such as, but
not limited to, flanges, adhesives, threaded connectors, etc. In
the present embodiment, referring to FIG. 1A, lower disc 120 may be
attached to a swivel mechanism 135 that may enable the interior
frame to rotate 360 degrees. A multiplicity of suitable devices may
be used for swivel mechanism 135 including, without limitation,
swivel plates with bearings, a rod or sphere rotating within a
support structure, concentric cylinders, a guide rail system, a
pivot point at the end of the central pole, etc. Some alternate
embodiments may be implemented without a swivel mechanism.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, vertical dividers 110 may
be mounted to upper disc 125 and lower disc 120 around support pole
130 in a spoke pattern to divide the space between upper disc 125
and lower disc 120 and to support shelves 105. Five vertical
dividers 110 are shown by way of example in the present embodiment;
however, it is contemplated that more or fewer vertical dividers
may be used in some embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1E, in
the present embodiment, upper disc 125 and lower disc 120 comprise
multiple grooves 115 into which vertical dividers 110 may be
positioned and held in place. Vertical dividers in some alternate
embodiments may be attached to the upper and lower discs using
various different means such as, but not limited to, raised
channels into which the dividers may be slid, pegs and holes,
screws, adhesive, etc. Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the present
embodiment, vertical dividers 110 comprise multiple pegs 140 that
may act as shelf supports placed approximately every 2 inches along
the inner and outer edges. In some alternate embodiments the
support pegs for the adjustable shelves may be placed at smaller or
larger intervals than 2 inches. Referring to FIGS. 1C and 1D, in
the present embodiment, removable wedge-shaped shelves 105 comprise
"keyhole" slots 145 that may be placed over pegs 140 on vertical
dividers 110 so that shelves 105 may form horizontal platforms on
which shoes 150 may be stored. Pegs 140 and slots 145 may enable
shelves 105 to be easily moved to virtually any height on vertical
dividers 110 or removed from the storage device altogether, which
may allow for storage of practically any size or style of shoe or
boot. The adjustability of shelves 105 may enable a user to easily
customize the height and number of shelves 105 to accommodate their
personal shoe collection. For example, without limitation, in one
configuration one vertical section may contain ten shelves placed
close together to house sandals or flats, while another vertical
section may have all of the shelves removed for storage of tall
boots. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of
and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that
a multiplicity of suitable means may be used to attach adjustable
and removable shelves to the vertical dividers including, but not
limited to, removable shelf clips, pins on which the shelves rest,
or molded integral shelf mounts such as, but not limited to,
integral grooves, slots, or channels, etc. Other embodiments may be
implemented with non-adjustable shelves preset at various differing
heights or with a combination of adjustable and non-adjustable
shelves.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 1A, in the present embodiment, the
rotating interior frame may be mounted onto a solid base 155 with
swivel mechanism 135. Swivel mechanism 135 typically enables the
interior frame to rotate 360 degrees for easy and complete access
to all shoes stored within the storage device. A top piece 160 may
also be placed on top of the interior frame, which may enable
storage devices to be stacked and may help prevent dust and dirt
from collecting on shoes being stored on shelves 105. It is
contemplated that the interior frame of the shoe storage device may
be constructed of molded plastic with the exception of swivel
mechanism 135, which may be made of metal or another suitably
strong material. In some embodiments the components may be made of
various different materials or a combination of materials
including, without limitation, cardboard, wood, metal, etc. Those
skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in
accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that some
alternate embodiments may be comprise a multiplicity of suitable
configurations and additional or alternate components. For example,
without limitation, some embodiments may be implemented without a
central support pole. In some alternate embodiments, the space
between the discs may be divided into four spaces into which square
or rectangular shelves may be attached. Some embodiments may be
implemented without a base or a top portion. Other embodiments may
be implemented with an exterior cabinet which may or may not
incorporate the base and top portion of the rotating interior
frame, such as, but not limited to, the cabinets illustrated by way
of example in FIGS. 2A and 3.
[0036] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary exterior cabinet for
a customizable shoe storage device, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a front perspective
view of the cabinet, and FIG. 2B is a cross sectional view of a
support leg 205 for the cabinet. In the present embodiment, the
exterior cabinet comprises a door 210 that may provide easy access
to an interior frame, as illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 1A
through 1C. Some embodiments may be implemented with multiple
doors. The cabinet may comprise a square or rectangular solid base
215, which may or may not be attached to the internal frame by a
swivel mechanism, and four support legs 205, one at each corner of
the cabinet. Support legs 205 may be inserted into holes or
indentations in base 215 and snap-fit into place. Referring to FIG.
1A, non-limiting examples of indentations for attaching support
legs in a base and top portion of a cabinet for a shoe storage
device according to an embodiment of the present invention are
illustrated by way of example. Alternatively the support legs may
be attached using various different means such as, but not limited
to, threaded fasteners, adhesives, pegs, etc. In the present
embodiment, side panels 220 may then slide into slots 225 located
in support legs 205 to form the walls of the cabinet. It is
contemplated that a multiplicity of suitable attachment means may
be used to attach the side panels to the support legs in some
embodiments including, without limitation, pegs and holes, threaded
fasteners, adhesives, biscuits, etc. Some alternate embodiments may
be implemented without support legs in which the side panels are
directly attached to each other at the corners of the cabinet and
the base and top portion are connected directly to the side panels.
In the present embodiment, one of side panels 220 comprises door
210 to provide access to the interior of the cabinet. Then, holes
or indentations on a top portion 230 may snap-fit onto support legs
205 to enclose the cabinet. As described in the foregoing referring
to base 215, various different attachment means may be used to
connect top portion 230 to support legs 205.
[0037] In the present embodiment, non-skid feet 235 may be
incorporated into base 215, which may fit into corresponding holes
or indentations 240 molded or cut into top portion 230, which may
allow for easy and safe stacking of two or more cabinets. It is
contemplated that the options for the exterior design of the
cabinet may be unlimited, including, without limitation, various
different prints and patterns such as animal prints, florals,
stripes, or a faux wood grain finish, and various different solid
colors such as, plain white, wood tones, black, bright colors, etc.
In some embodiments, the cabinet may be an optional component of
the shoe storage device, and the interior shelving frame may be
configured to be used without the cabinet for shoe storage.
[0038] In typical use of a customizable shoe storage device in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as
illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 1A through 2B, a user may
open door 210 to gain access to the rotating interior frame and any
shoes 150 stored within. Since the interior frame may be able to
rotate, the user typically has easy and complete access to all of
the stored shoes 150. The cabinet may be designed to be stackable
and lightweight, and shelves 105 on the interior frame may be fully
adjustable and removable to typically allow the user to adjust each
storage section to suit his or her shoes. To remove a shelf 105
from the interior frame, a user may slide keyhole slots 145 off of
pegs 140 on a vertical divider 110. The user may then leave this
shelf 105 out of the interior frame or may slide keyhole slots 145
onto another set of pegs on a vertical divider to create a more
appropriate space for the shoes being stored. The design of the
shoe organizing device typically enables more shoes to be stored
per cubic foot of space than traditional shoe storage methods.
Moreover, the adjustable qualities of the interior frame may offer
customization for virtually any type, size, and style of shoe, and
the stackable, lightweight cabinet may enable the user to
incorporate additional modular units to expand storage capacity.
The cabinet may also allow for an attractive, neat, and tidy closet
and may protect shoes from dust and dirt. In some implementations,
the shoe storage device may ship in a manageable flat box for ease
and economical shipping and may offer simple snap-together assembly
by the consumer with no tools needed. Alternate implementations may
be made available to consumers as fully assembled devices.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an exemplary exterior
cabinet for a customizable shoe storage device, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment,
the cabinet housing a rotating interior frame comprises a
cylindrical shape. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize,
in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention, that a multiplicity of suitable shapes and sizes of
cabinets may be used in some embodiments such as, but not limited
to, corner cabinets, narrow, rectangular cabinets for tight spaces,
octagonal cabinets, etc. In some alternate embodiments one cabinet
may be designed to hold two or more internal frames.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical top view of exemplary
customizable shoe storage devices in use in a closet, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. Customizable shoe
storage devices may be available in several sizes and
configurations, which may allow for various different uses
including, without limitation, use in both single-depth and walk-in
closets, use on a straight wall and use in a corner, storage of
both women's and men's size footwear, etc. For example, without
limitation, a standard size unit may be 30 inches in height by 30
inches wide by 30 inches deep, which it is believed will fit
practically any size shoe, including men's shoes. In another
non-limiting example, a slim unit may be available that is 30
inches in height by 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep, which may be
used in standard, single depth closets and may fit up to a women's
size 10, depending on the style of shoe. Moreover, the modular
design of some embodiments may enable multiple units to be safely
stacked and/or placed side by side to create a customized
configuration. For example, without limitation, in some embodiments
two units may be stacked and still fit under a standard height
closet pole, thereby typically removing the need to do a costly
closet remodel. Referring to FIG. 4, in the present example, a
corner unit 405 is placed in the corner of a walk-in closet, and a
rectangular unit 410 is placed along a wall of the closet. In some
embodiments customizable shoe storage devices may be manufactured
and sold as a standalone product, while in other embodiments
customizable shoe storage devices may be incorporated into larger
closet organization systems.
[0041] FIGS. 5A through 5E illustrate an exemplary shelf design for
a customizable shoe storage device, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic top
view of a shelf 505. FIG. 5B is a diagrammatic side view of shelf
505. FIG. 5C is a diagrammatic top view of a shelf extender 507.
FIG. 5D is a diagrammatic top view of shelf 505 with shelf extender
507 attached, and FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic top view of shelves 505
and shelf extenders 507 attached to vertical dividers 510. In the
present embodiment, the upper and lower discs of the rotating
interior frame may comprise grooves in both a four section pattern
and a five section pattern. This may enable a user to insert
vertical panels in various different configurations to create a
customized storage space and to change this configuration if
desired for varying shoe styles or sizes. Referring to FIGS. 5A and
5B, shelf 505 is sized to fit a five section pattern section and
comprises a slot 515 into which optional extender 507 may be
inserted. Referring to FIG. 5C shelf extender 507 comprises a
flange 520 that may be inserted into slot 515 on shelf 505 to form
a shelf that is sized to fit a four section pattern as illustrated
by way of example in FIG. 5D. Referring to FIG. 5E, multiple
shelves 505 and shelf extenders 507 are shown connected and
arranged on vertical dividers 510 in a four section pattern. It is
contemplated that some alternate embodiments may be implemented
with various different options for the number of sections created
by the vertical divider pattern. For example, without limitation,
some embodiments may comprise a pattern for four sections only and
shelves that are sized to fit this pattern. Other embodiments may
incorporate patterns for more than five vertical dividers or for
less than four vertical dividers. Yet other embodiments may enable
a user to create sections that are unevenly sized so that shelves
of different sizes may be placed in the same frame.
[0042] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of
and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that
various additional or alternate features may be incorporated into
some embodiments including, without limitation, internal lighting,
hooks, textured shelves to help prevent the shoes from sliding, a
motorized mechanism to automatically rotate the internal frame,
etc. Furthermore, some alternate embodiments may be implemented for
storing clothing accessories other than or in addition to shoes
such as, but not limited to, handbags, jewelry boxes, belts,
gloves, etc. Other alternate embodiments may be implemented for use
in other areas of the house, for example, without limitation, to
hold pots and pans in the kitchen, to hold canned food items in a
pantry, to hold tools in a garage or shed, to hold cleaning
supplies in a linen closet, etc.
[0043] All the features disclosed in this specification, including
any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0044] It is noted that according to USA law 35 USC .sctn.112 (1),
all claims must be supported by sufficient disclosure in the
present patent specification, and any material known to those
skilled in the art need not be explicitly disclosed. However, 35
USC .sctn.112 (6) requires that structures corresponding to
functional limitations interpreted under 35 USC .sctn.112 (6) must
be explicitly disclosed in the patent specification. Moreover, the
USPTO's Examination policy of initially treating and searching
prior art under the broadest interpretation of a "mean for" claim
limitation implies that the broadest initial search on 112(6)
functional limitation would have to be conducted to support a
legally valid Examination on that USPTO policy for broadest
interpretation of "mean for" claims. Accordingly, the USPTO will
have discovered a multiplicity of prior art documents including
disclosure of specific structures and elements which are suitable
to act as corresponding structures to satisfy all functional
limitations in the below claims that are interpreted under 35 USC
.sctn.112 (6) when such corresponding structures are not explicitly
disclosed in the foregoing patent specification. Therefore, for any
invention element(s)/structure(s) corresponding to functional claim
limitation(s), in the below claims interpreted under 35 USC
.sctn.112 (6), which is/are not explicitly disclosed in the
foregoing patent specification, yet do exist in the patent and/or
non-patent documents found during the course of USPTO searching,
Applicant(s) incorporate all such functionally corresponding
structures and related enabling material herein by reference for
the purpose of providing explicit structures that implement the
functional means claimed. Applicant(s) request(s) that fact finders
during any claims construction proceedings and/or examination of
patent allowability properly identify and incorporate only the
portions of each of these documents discovered during the broadest
interpretation search of 35 USC .sctn.112 (6) limitation, which
exist in at least one of the patent and/or non-patent documents
found during the course of normal USPTO searching and or supplied
to the USPTO during prosecution. Applicant(s) also incorporate by
reference the bibliographic citation information to identify all
such documents comprising functionally corresponding structures and
related enabling material as listed in any PTO Form-892 or likewise
any information disclosure statements (IDS) entered into the
present patent application by the USPTO or Applicant(s) or any
3.sup.rd parties. Applicant(s) also reserve its right to later
amend the present application to explicitly include citations to
such documents and/or explicitly include the functionally
corresponding structures which were incorporate by reference
above.
[0045] Thus, for any invention element(s)/structure(s)
corresponding to functional claim limitation(s), in the below
claims, that are interpreted under 35 USC .sctn.112 (6), which
is/are not explicitly disclosed in the foregoing patent
specification, Applicant(s) have explicitly prescribed which
documents and material to include the otherwise missing disclosure,
and have prescribed exactly which portions of such patent and/or
non-patent documents should be incorporated by such reference for
the purpose of satisfying the disclosure requirements of 35 USC
.sctn.112 (6). Applicant(s) note that all the identified documents
above which are incorporated by reference to satisfy 35 USC
.sctn.112 (6) necessarily have a filing and/or publication date
prior to that of the instant application, and thus are valid prior
documents to incorporated by reference in the instant
application.
[0046] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the
present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of
implementing a customizable shoe storage device according to the
present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Various aspects of the invention have been described above by way
of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not
intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed.
The particular implementation of the shoe storage device may vary
depending upon the particular context or application. By way of
example, and not limitation, the shoe storage devices described in
the foregoing were principally directed to implementations with
round internal frames; however, similar techniques may instead be
applied to internal frames in various different sizes such as, but
not limited to, rectangular frames, octagonal frames, triangular
frames, etc., which implementations of the present invention are
contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The
invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following
claims. It is to be further understood that not all of the
disclosed embodiments in the foregoing specification will
necessarily satisfy or achieve each of the objects, advantages, or
improvements described in the foregoing specification.
[0047] Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered
and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding.
Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and
should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or
steps in the claims.
[0048] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and
equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the
claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or
act for performing the function in combination with other claimed
elements as specifically claimed.
[0049] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. Section
1.72(b) requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to
ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is
submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to limit
or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following
claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with
each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
* * * * *