U.S. patent application number 16/788703 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-12 for wooden bumper assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is McCue Corporation. Invention is credited to David DiAntonio, Teodoro A. Mesa, Evan Oswald.
Application Number | 20210245687 16/788703 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004657138 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210245687 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DiAntonio; David ; et
al. |
August 12, 2021 |
WOODEN BUMPER ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A bumper assembly includes an elongate shell formed of a wooden
material and an elongate base. The elongate shell has an inner
surface, an outer surface, a first shell edge, and a first flange
protruding from the first shell edge in a direction toward the
inner surface of the elongate shell. The elongate base includes a
base body including a first base edge and a first latching element
extending from the first base edge of the base body, the first
latching element having a first inclined outer surface and a first
shoulder. The elongate base is configured for insertion into the
elongate shell with the first flange engaging the first shoulder of
the first latching element.
Inventors: |
DiAntonio; David; (Andover,
MA) ; Oswald; Evan; (Marblehead, MA) ; Mesa;
Teodoro A.; (Lynn, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
McCue Corporation |
Peabody |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004657138 |
Appl. No.: |
16/788703 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 19/023 20130101;
B60R 19/24 20130101; B60R 19/03 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 19/03 20060101
B60R019/03; B60R 19/24 20060101 B60R019/24; B60R 19/02 20060101
B60R019/02 |
Claims
1. A bumper assembly comprising: an elongate shell formed of a
wooden material, the shell including an inner surface; an outer
surface; a first shell edge; and a first flange protruding from the
first shell edge in a direction toward the inner surface of the
elongate shell; an elongate base including a base body including a
first base edge; and a first latching element extending from the
first base edge of the base body, the first latching element having
a first inclined outer surface and a first shoulder; wherein the
elongate base is configured for insertion into the elongate shell
with the first flange engaging the first shoulder of the first
latching element.
2. The bumper assembly of claim 1 wherein the wooden material is a
bamboo material.
3. The bumper assembly of claim 1 wherein the elongate base is
formed of the wooden material.
4. The bumper assembly of claim 3 wherein the wooden material is a
bamboo material.
5. The bumper assembly of claim 1 wherein the elongate base is
formed of a metallic material.
6. The bumper assembly of claim 5 wherein the metallic material is
an aluminum material.
7. The bumper assembly of claim 1 wherein the first latching
element is flexible.
8. The bumper assembly of claim 1 wherein the first latching
element is rigid.
9. The bumper assembly of claim 1 wherein the outer surface of the
elongate shell has a substantially semi-cylindrical shape.
10. The bumper assembly of claim 1 wherein a cross section of the
outer surface of the elongate shell has a substantially trapezoidal
shape.
11. The bumper assembly of claim 1 wherein a cross section of the
outer surface of the elongate shell has a substantially rectangular
shape.
12. The bumper assembly of claim 1 wherein the elongate shell
further includes a second shell edge, and a second flange
protruding from the second shell edge in a direction toward the
inner surface of the elongate shell, and the elongate base further
includes a second base edge, and a second latching element
extending from the second base edge of the base body, the second
latching element having a second inclined outer surface and a
second shoulder, wherein the elongate base is further configured
for insertion into the elongate shell with the second flange
engaging the second shoulder of the second latching element.
13. The bumper assembly of claim 12 wherein the second latching
element is smaller than the first latching element and the second
inclined outer surface has a steeper incline than the first
inclined outer surface.
14. The bumper assembly of claim 12 wherein the second latching
element is flexible.
15. The bumper assembly of claim 12 wherein the second latching
element is rigid.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This invention relates to a bamboo bumper assembly.
[0002] In commercial environments such as retail stores, goods are
often stored and displayed in product storage fixtures such as
display cases, shelving, and refrigeration units. Generally,
product storage fixtures in a store are arranged to form aisles
through which customers, along with their shopping baskets and
carts, pass as they shop. As the customers, their shopping baskets,
and carts pass through the aisles, they often bump into or rub
against the product storage fixtures, potentially causing damage to
the product storage fixtures.
[0003] To mitigate damage to product storage fixtures, bumpers are
often installed on or near the exterior surfaces of product storage
fixtures. Such bumpers prevent damage to the product storage
fixtures by deflecting and/or absorbing the force of impact by
objects such as shopping carts, shopping baskets, and
customers.
[0004] Bumpers are often fabricated using non-renewable,
non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastic materials.
SUMMARY
[0005] Due to environmental concerns, bumpers made of
non-renewable, non-biodegradable, and/or petroleum based (e.g.,
plastic) materials are falling out of favor with consumers and
retailers. Aspects described herein relate to a wooden (e.g.,
bamboo) bumper assembly that is intended to replace conventional
bumper assembly. The wooden bumper assembly is fabricated, at least
in part, from a wooden material such as bamboo, which is a
biodegradable, fast growing, and renewable natural resource.
[0006] In a general aspect, a bumper assembly includes an elongate
shell formed of a wooden material and an elongate base. The
elongate shell has an inner surface, an outer surface, a first
shell edge, and a first flange protruding from the first shell edge
in a direction toward the inner surface of the elongate shell. The
elongate base includes a base body including a first base edge and
a first latching element extending from the first base edge of the
base body, the first latching element having a first inclined outer
surface and a first shoulder. The elongate base is configured for
insertion into the elongate shell with the first flange engaging
the first shoulder of the first latching element.
[0007] Aspects may include one or more of the following
features.
[0008] The wooden material may be a bamboo material. The elongate
base may be formed of the wooden material. The elongate base may be
formed of a metallic material. The metallic material may be an
aluminum material. The first latching element may be flexible. The
first latching element may be rigid. The outer surface of the
elongate shell may have a substantially semi-cylindrical shape.
[0009] A cross section of the outer surface of the elongate shell
may have a substantially trapezoidal shape. A cross section of the
outer surface of the elongate shell may have a substantially
rectangular shape. The elongate shell may include an second shell
edge, and an second flange protruding from the second shell edge in
a direction toward the inner surface of the elongate shell, and the
elongate base may include a second base edge, and a second latching
element extending from the second base edge of the base body, the
second latching element having a second inclined outer surface and
a second shoulder. The elongate base may be configured for
insertion into the elongate shell with the second flange engaging
the second shoulder of the second latching element.
[0010] The second latching element may be smaller than the first
latching element and the second inclined outer surface has a
relatively steeper incline than the first inclined outer surface.
The second latching element may be flexible. The second latching
element may be rigid.
[0011] Aspects may include one or more of the following
advantages.
[0012] Aspects have a simpler installation procedure as compared to
some conventional bumpers due to the two-piece bumper assembly.
[0013] Aspects are more aesthetically pleasing than some
conventional bumpers due to the two-piece bumper assembly and their
natural wood appearance.
[0014] Aspects are advantageously made, at least in part, from
environmentally friendly, biodegradable, renewable, and/or
non-petroleum based materials.
[0015] Other features and advantages of the invention are apparent
from the following description, and from the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wooden bumper assembly
with a wooden base.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the wooden bumper assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the wooden bumper
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wooden bumper assembly
with an aluminum base.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the wooden bumper assembly of
FIG. 4.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the wooden bumper
assembly of FIG. 4.
DESCRIPTION
1 Wooden Bumper Assembly with Wooden Base
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a wooden bumper assembly 100 includes
an elongate shell 102 and an elongate base 104. In the example of
FIG. 1, both the elongate shell 102 and the elongate base 104 are
fabricated from wooden material (e.g., laminated bamboo strips). In
FIG. 1, the wooden bumper assembly 100 is shown in its assembled
state, with the elongate base 104 inserted into the elongate shell
102. Very generally, the wooden bumper assembly 100 has a
simplified installation process (as is described in greater detail
below) due to the elongate base 104 and the elongate shell 102
being formed as two separate parts.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the wooden bumper
assembly 100 shows the elongate shell 102 and the elongate base 104
in a disassembled state. The elongate shell 102 is a substantially
hollow, semi-cylindrical member including an outer surface 206, an
inner surface 208, a first edge 210, a first flange 212, a second
edge 214, and a second flange 216. The outer surface 206 of the
elongate shell 102 faces away from the elongate base 104 and serves
as the surface of the elongate shell 102 that receives the force of
impact of objects that hit the wooden bumper assembly 100. The
inner surface 208 of the elongate shell 102 faces the elongate base
104.
[0024] The first edge 210 runs along a length of a first side 218
of the elongate shell 102. The first flange 212 runs along the
length of the elongate shell 102 and extends from the first edge
210 toward the hollow interior space delimited by the inner surface
208 of the elongate shell 102. The second edge 214 runs along a
length of a second side 220 (opposite the first side 218) of the
elongate shell 102. The second flange 216 runs along the length of
the elongate shell 102 and extends from the second edge 214 toward
the hollow interior space delimited by the inner surface 208 of the
elongate shell 102.
[0025] As described in greater detail below, the elongate base 104
includes a base body 221 having a first side 230 which lies flush
with a mounting surface when the elongate base 104 is installed.
The base body 221 has a second side 232 facing away from the first
side 230 and including a number of elements including an attachment
portion 226, a first latching element 222 extending from a first
base edge 217, and a second latching element 224 extending from a
second base edge 219, each of which extends along a length of the
elongate base 104.
[0026] 1.1 Elongate Base
[0027] Referring to FIG. 3, in a cross-sectional view of the wooden
bumper assembly 100, the first latching element 222 includes a
first inclined surface 348 and a first shoulder 350. The second
latching element 224 includes a second inclined surface 360 and a
second shoulder 362. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second
latching element 224 is shorter than the first latching element 222
and the second inclined surface 360 has a steeper incline than the
first inclined surface 348. In some examples, this configuration
allows the elongate shell 102 to snap on, where the shape of the
second latching element 224 reduces a force required to snap the
elongate shell 102 onto the elongate base 104 while also ensuring
that the elongate shell 102 is securely held on the elongate base
104.
[0028] 1.2 Elongate Shell
[0029] In the example of FIG. 3, the elongate shell 102 has a
semi-circular profile. As is mentioned above, the first flange 212
and the second flange 216 extend from the first edge 210 and the
second edge 214, respectively toward the hollow interior space
delimited by the inner surface 208 of the elongate shell 102.
[0030] In general, the first flange 212 and the second flange 216
are dimensioned to ensure that they make contact with the first and
second latching elements 222, 224 respectively, when the elongate
shell 102 is assembled onto the elongate base 104.
[0031] 1.3 Methods of Assembly
[0032] In one example, to assemble the wooden bumper assembly 100,
the elongate base 104 is first attached (e.g., by inserting screws
through the attachment portion 226) to a surface such as an outer
surface of a product storage fixture (not shown). The elongate
shell 102 is then positioned over the elongate base 104 before
being lowered onto the elongate base 104 until the elongate shell
102 is securely held on the elongate base 104 by the latching
elements 222, 224.
[0033] Focusing first on the first latching element 222, as the
elongate shell 102 is lowered onto the elongate base 104, the first
flange 212 makes contact with the first inclined surface 348 of the
first latching element 222. As the elongate shell 102 continues to
be lowered onto the elongate base 104, the first flange 212
maintains contact with the first inclined surface 348. One or both
of the elongate shell 102 and the first latching element 222 flex
or are deflected as the first flange 212 moves along the first
inclined surface 348.
[0034] After the first flange 212 moves past the first inclined
surface 348, the first flange 212 moves to a position where it
engages the first shoulder 350 with a portion of the first latching
element 222 resting in a first channel 364 formed between the first
flange 212 and the inner surface 208 of the elongate shell 102.
[0035] Moving to the second latching element 224, as the elongate
shell 102 is lowered onto the elongate base 104, the second flange
216 makes contact with the second inclined surface 360 of the
second latching element 224. As the elongate shell 102 continues to
be lowered onto the elongate base 104, the second flange 216
maintains contact with the second inclined surface 360. One or both
of the elongate shell 102 and the second latching element 224 flex
or are deflected as the second flange 216 moves along the second
inclined surface 360.
[0036] After the second flange 216 moves past the second inclined
surface 360, the second flange 216 moves to a position where it
engages the second shoulder 362 with a portion of the second
latching element resting in a second channel 366 formed between the
second flange 216 and the inner surface 208 of the elongate shell
102.
[0037] In another example, to assemble the wooden bumper assembly
100, rather than pressing the elongate shell 102 onto the elongate
base 104 after the base 104 is attached to a surface, the elongate
shell 102 is slid onto the elongate base 104 from the side. For
example, the elongate base 104 can be shaped to conform to the
interior of the elongate shell 102. The elongate base 104 is then
placed "end-to-end" with the elongate shell 102 with the elongate
base 104 aligned with the hollow interior of the elongate shell
102. The elongate base 104 and the elongate shell 102 are then slid
together such that the elongate base 104 is nested within the
elongate shell 102.
[0038] In yet another example, the first flange 212 of the elongate
shell 102 is "hooked" behind the first latching element 222 and the
elongate shell is then "hinged" down until the second flange 214
snaps over the second latching element 224.
2 Wooden Bumper Assembly with Metal Base
[0039] Referring to FIG. 4, a wooden bumper assembly 400 includes
an elongate shell 402 and an elongate base 404. In the example of
FIG. 4 the elongate shell 402 is fabricated from wooden material
(e.g., laminated bamboo strips) and the elongate base 404 is
fabricated from a resilient metallic material (e.g., aluminum). In
FIG. 4, the wooden bumper assembly 400 is shown in its assembled
state, with the elongate base 404 inserted into the elongate shell
402. Very generally, the wooden bumper assembly 400 has a
simplified installation process (as is described in greater detail
below) due to the elongate base 404 and the elongate shell 402
being formed as two separate parts.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 5, an exploded view of the wooden bumper
assembly 400 shows the elongate shell 402 and the elongate base 404
in a disassembled state. The elongate shell 402 is a substantially
hollow, semi-cylindrical member including an outer surface 506, an
inner surface 508, a first edge 510, a first flange 512, a second
edge 514, and a second flange 516. The outer surface 506 of the
elongate shell 402 faces away from the elongate base 404 and serves
as the surface of the elongate shell 402 that receives the force of
impact of objects that hit the wooden bumper assembly 400. The
inner surface 508 of the elongate shell 402 faces the elongate base
404.
[0041] The first edge 510 runs along a length of a first side 518
of the elongate shell 402. The first flange 512 runs along the
length of the elongate shell 402 and extends from the first edge
510 toward the hollow interior space delimited by the inner surface
508 of the elongate shell 502. The second edge 514 runs along a
length of a second side 520 (opposite the first side 518) of the
elongate shell 402. The second flange 516 runs along the length of
the elongate shell 402 and extends from the second edge 514 toward
the hollow interior space delimited by the inner surface 508 of the
elongate shell 402.
[0042] As described in greater detail below, the elongate base 404
includes a base body 521 having a first side 530 which lies flush
with a mounting surface when the elongate base 404 is installed.
The base body 521 has a second side 532 facing away from the first
side 530 and including a number of elements including an attachment
portion 526, a first latching element 522 extending from a first
base edge 517, and a second latching element 524 extending from a
second base edge 519, each of which extends along a length of the
elongate base 404.
[0043] 2.1 Elongate Base
[0044] Referring to FIG. 6, in a cross-sectional view of the wooden
bumper assembly 400 with a metallic base, the first latching
element 522 includes a first inclined surface 648 and a first
shoulder 650. The second latching element 524 includes a second
inclined surface 660 and a second shoulder 662. In the example
shown in FIG. 6, the second latching element 524 is shorter than
the first latching element 522 and the second inclined surface 660
has a steeper incline than the first inclined surface 548. In some
examples, this configuration allows the elongate shell 402 to snap
on, where the shape of the second latching element 524 reduces a
force required to snap the elongate shell 402 onto the elongate
base 404 while also ensuring that the elongate shell 402 is
securely held on the elongate base 404.
[0045] In operation, the first and second latching elements 522,
524 are designed to flex inward toward the base body 521 when a
force is applied to the inclined surfaces 648, 660 of the latching
elements 522, 524.
[0046] 2.2 Elongate Shell
[0047] In the example of FIG. 6, the elongate shell 402 has a
semi-circular profile. The first flange 512 and the second flange
516 each extend from the first edge 510 toward the hollow interior
space delimited by the inner surface 508 of the elongate shell
402.
[0048] In general, the first flange 512 and the second flange 516
are dimensioned to ensure that they make contact with the first and
second latching elements 522, 524, respectively, when the elongate
shell 402 is assembled onto the elongate base 404.
[0049] 2.3 Methods of Assembly
[0050] In one example, to assemble the wooden bumper assembly 400,
the elongate base 404 is first attached (e.g., by inserting screws
through the attachment portion 526) to a surface such as an outer
surface of a product storage fixture (not shown). The elongate
shell 402 is then positioned over the elongate base 404 before
being lowered onto the elongate base 404 until the elongate shell
402 is securely held on the elongate base 404 by the latching
elements 522, 524.
[0051] Focusing first on the first latching element 522, as the
elongate shell 402 is lowered onto the elongate base 404, the first
flange 512 makes contact with the first inclined surface 648 of the
first latching element 522. As the elongate shell 402 continues to
be lowered onto the elongate base 404, the first flange 512
maintains contact with the first inclined surface 648. One or both
of the elongate shell 402 and the first latching element 522 flex
or are deflected as the first flange 512 moves along the first
inclined surface 648.
[0052] After the first flange 512 moves past the first inclined
surface 648, the first flange 512 moves to a position where it
engages the first shoulder 650 with a portion of the first latching
element 522 resting in a first channel 664 formed between the first
flange 512 and the inner surface 508 of the elongate shell 402.
[0053] Moving to the second latching element 524, as the elongate
shell 402 is lowered onto the elongate base 404, the second flange
516 makes contact with the second inclined surface 660 of the
second latching element 524. As the elongate shell 402 continues to
be lowered onto the elongate base 404, the second flange 516
maintains contact with the second inclined surface 660. One or both
of the elongate shell 402 and the second latching element 524 flex
or are deflected as the second flange 516 moves along the second
inclined surface 660.
[0054] After the second flange 516 moves past the second inclined
surface 660, the second flange 516 moves to a position where it
engages the second shoulder 662 with a portion of the second
latching element 524 resting in a second channel 666 formed between
the second flange 516 and the inner surface 508 of the elongate
shell 402.
[0055] In another example, to assemble the wooden bumper assembly
400, rather than pressing the elongate shell 402 onto the elongate
base 404 after the base 404 is attached to a surface, the elongate
shell 402 is slid onto the elongate base 404 from the side. For
example, the elongate base 404 can be shaped to conform to the
interior of the elongate shell 402. The elongate base 404 is then
placed "end-to-end" with the elongate shell 402 with the elongate
base 404 aligned with the hollow interior of the elongate shell
402. The elongate base 404 and the elongate shell are then slid
together such that the elongate base 404 is nested within the
elongate shell 402.
[0056] In yet another example, the first flange 512 of the elongate
shell 402 is "hooked" behind the first latching element 522 and the
elongate shell is then "hinged" down until the second flange 514
snaps over the second latching element 524.
3 Alternatives
[0057] One wooden material that is particularly useful for making
the bumper assemblies described herein is a bamboo material.
However, it is noted that other wooden materials can be used
instead of bamboo (e.g., maple, oak, pine, and so on).
[0058] It is also noted that the term `wooden,` as used herein, is
meant to include materials such as bamboo which are not technically
wood (bamboo is a grass) but are colloquially considered to be
equivalent to wood. Furthermore, other plant based materials can be
used to make the bumper assemblies and should be considered to fall
under the umbrella of `wooden` materials in this application.
[0059] The shapes of bumper assemblies are not limited to those
described above and can be adapted to any number of applications.
For example, a rectangular or trapezoidal elongate shell may be
used.
[0060] In some examples, only one edge of the elongate base
includes a latching element and only one edge of the elongate shell
includes a flange. In some examples, one edge of the elongate shell
is installed (e.g., latched) onto the elongate base and then the
other side of the elongate shell is pressed onto the base (as is
described above) to secure the elongate shell onto the elongate
base.
[0061] In some examples, the latching elements, the flanges, and/or
the support elements are discontinuous.
[0062] In some examples, the bumper assembly includes corner caps
such that the bumper assembly can be installed on surfaces that
include corners. In some examples, the corner caps include features
similar to the features of the elongate shell and are configured to
engage the latching elements of the elongate base in the same
manner that the elongate shell engages the latching elements.
[0063] In some examples, end caps are affixed at the distal ends of
the bumper assembly, as is described in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/573,204, which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0064] In some examples, the elongate base and the elongate shell
can each be considered to have a rigidity. And the relative
rigidities of the two elements can be different to achieve
different outcomes. For example, the base may be relatively more
rigid than the shell such that the base flexes to allow assembly of
the shell onto the base. In another example, the shell may be
relatively less rigid than the base such that the shell flexes to
allow for assembly of the shell onto the base. In yet another
example, the base and the shell may have relatively similar
rigidities such that they both flex to facilitate assembly. In a
final example, the base and the shell both have rigidities that
substantially prevent the elements from flexing.
[0065] The rigidities of the base and shell can be controlled by
material choice, material thickness, material geometry, or a
combination of the three.
[0066] In some examples, rather than attaching the elongate shell
to a surface using the elongate base, concealable connectors (e.g.,
snap lock, zero reveal connectors) such as those offered by Star
Hanger Systems are used to attach the elongate base to the
surface.
[0067] It is to be understood that the foregoing description is
intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention,
which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other
embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *