Supports: racks – Adjustable
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-24
2001-12-25
Chin-Shue, Alvin (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Adjustable
Reexamination Certificate
active
06332548
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to closet organization systems. More particularly, it pertains to an adjustable shelf for use with an organization system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As the emphasis on organization increases, consumers, and builders, are looking to make more efficient use of closet storage space to facilitate access to articles, and to permit a greater number of clothing articles to be stored in a given area. More complicated approaches to closet organization employ sophisticated modules that add shelves, shoe racks and the like to the conventional clothes rod. One approach involves coated wire shelving which is customized for each individual closet by the installer. The closet is measured, and then the wire shelving is cut to fit within the closet. To install the wire shelving, placement of the holes is measured and marked on the wall, holes are then drilled. Next, several small clips and mollies are attached to the wall using screws inserted into the pre-drilled holes. This approach, however, has several drawbacks. The rough edges, if not properly covered, snag and ruin clothing. In addition, the cut edges tend to rust, mildew, and mold, which also can potentially damage clothing, and mar the walls.
Another approach involves providing customized dressers and shelving made from wood, painted boards, and laminates, in combination with large wall sections which are professionally installed in a closet. These organizers are costly, and cannot be easily disassembled and/or reused in another configuration or closet.
The largest drawback to conventional closet organizers is that they tend to be difficult to install without prior experience and several tools. Levels, saws, tape measures, pliers, wrenches, adhesives, screws and drills may be required to install the conventional closet organizers. One miscut or mismeasurement may ruin all or a portion of the closet system. Baseboards must be pried from the walls, causing damage to the walls and requiring repair and painting. Another drawback is that long shelves are difficult to fit through the closet door. In addition, the installer may mar the walls as the long shelves are carried through a house prior to installation due to the awkwardness of carrying the long pieces of material. Laminates are also very heavy and difficult to move.
Accordingly, what is needed is a cost-effective adjustable shelving system that increases the useful space in an area, which is easy to assemble and disassemble. What is further needed is a shelving system which will not damage clothing or articles placed thereon. What is also needed is a shelving system which requires no precise measurements to be taken.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An adjustable shelving apparatus for use with organization systems is provided. In one embodiment, the shelving apparatus has a first set of cross members slidably engaged with a second set of cross members. Each of the cross members have a projecting male surface and a receiving female surface which form the sliding connection between the cross members. The female surfaces have a female component therein which engages with a male component provided, in one embodiment, on the projecting male surfaces, where the female component extends substantially the entire length of the cross members. In one embodiment, at least two male components are formed on the male surfaces. In another embodiment, the male surfaces are frictionally engaged with the female surfaces to prevent inadvertent disassembly of the cross members. When the cross members are coupled together, they form an adjustable shelf which provides a generally flat storage space thereon, and which can be adjusted in length to fit within varying sized closets. For additional support, a support bracket can also be provided with the adjustable shelving.
In another configuration, an adjustable shelving apparatus is provided which has at least one first cross member and at least one second cross member to form a substantially flat storage surface. The first cross member has a cut out to slidably receive substantially all of the second cross member therein. The first cross member has a track which extends substantially the same length as the cross member. The track receives a guiding projecting component on the second cross member such that the first cross member is slidably engaged with the second cross member to form an adjustable shelf. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the track is formed on the second cross member and the guiding projecting is formed on the first cross member. A support bracket can be coupled with the adjustable shelving apparatus for additional support.
The provided adjustable shelving provides several advantages since the shelving apparatus can accommodate many different closets having different widths. This provides a user the added benefit of not having to worry about accurate measurement prior to purchasing the shelving. In addition, a user does not need to cut the shelving to fit, which is desirable since no cutting tools are necessary during the installation process. Eliminating the cutting process from the installation of the shelving also eliminates jagged edges at the ends of the shelves, which can snag and damage clothing. The adjustable shelf also eliminates the frustration of making mistakes in cutting the shelving material. Another benefit is that the shelving can be made from recycled materials, and themselves be recycled.
These and other embodiments, aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description of the invention and referenced drawings or by practice of the invention. The aspects, advantages, and features of the invention are realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, procedures, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
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Coward W. Gregory
West Robert A.
Chin-Shue Alvin
Purol Sarah
Schwegman Lundberg Woessner & Kluth P.A.
Westerlund Products Corporation
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