Supports: racks – Specially mounted – Wall or window
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-24
2001-04-03
Gibson, Jr., Robert W. (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Specially mounted
Wall or window
C211S071010, C211S074000, C211S194000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209735
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to storage and display devices, and more particularly, to interlocking components capable of being mechanically connected to form a storage or display unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently, there are numerous small objects that people own and collect that are difficult to display and store because of the object having an odd shape or size. Wall-mounted display racks can be used, but are not optimal since they cannot easily conform to the precise size of a collection. For example, if the collection has only a few objects, then the display rack will appear empty due to the unfilled areas. If the collection has more objects than a single rack can hold, then a second display rack will have to be used. In addition, rarely are these wall mounted structures of sufficient depth to allow larger objects to be displayed easily. Thus, a need exists for a display device that can accommodate any number of objects and can accommodate objects of awkward size or shape. The present invention is directed to fulfilling these needs and others as described below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, both a unique interlocking tube and an arrangement of the tubes are provided. By coupling one tube to another, an arrangement of interlocking tubes can be made to hold any number of awkwardly shaped objects. Each tube has a number of alternating rails and channels that are parallel and extend longitudinally along the exterior surface of the tube. Both the rails and channels have side surfaces that are back-cut. All of the tubes have similar rails and channels that are cross-sectionally sized and shaped. This permits one tube to matingly engage with another similar tube. To engage two tubes together, the rails of one tube are slid into the correspondingly-sized channels of another tube. This allows the mutually back-cut side surfaces to maintain an interlocked relationship. In one embodiment, the tubes are interlocked at angles of 90 degrees therebetween. In another embodiment, the tubes are interlocked at angles of 60 degrees therebetween.
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patent: 5947305 (1999-09-01), Lin
Gladstone Brian A.
Magness Bobby L.
Colorado Clubhouse Company, Inc.
Gibson , Jr. Robert W.
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