Horizontally supported planar surfaces – With structural installation
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-08
2001-07-10
Chen, Jose V. (Department: 3636)
Horizontally supported planar surfaces
With structural installation
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257151
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to shelving and more particularly to a shelving unit that includes a support containing a leveling indicator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Typically, shelves should be hung level for the best appearance and to prevent articles placed upon the shelves from sliding or falling off. It is difficult to hang shelving at a precise tilt orientation to level the shelving and to orient it precisely horizontal.
Before shelving is fastened to a wall, to a surface, or the like, steps are taken to insure that the shelves are level. Initially, a shelf is placed against the wall and a separate leveling device may be placed upon the shelf. Once the shelf is correctly oriented, marks may be sketched on the wall to indicate the desired placement. The separate leveling device may be removed from the shelf. Using the marks on the wall as a guide, shelf supporting standards are installed. Then, the shelves are installed on the standards. The installation should result in leveled shelving.
Prior art discloses hanging devices for orienting picture frames. A frame may be oriented by using a separate bubble gauge or level that is annexed to the frame. The disclosed bubble gauge assists in aligning the frame. Other prior art discloses a device to assist in aligning adjacent sheets of wallpaper before hanging them on a wall. This device includes a spirit level to indicate when respective sheets of wallpaper are comparably disposed.
Other prior art relates to mounting shelving by using a rail for support. Before installing the rail on the wall, however, it needs to aligned. This is completed by use of a separate leveling device, which is not included in the rail.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to level shelving being mounted to a surface.
Another object is to support the shelving.
A further object is to position the shelving laterally.
In the present invention, shelves are leveled by and secured to a support or cleat, which includes a leveling indicator.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a shelving unit comprises a cleat having a leveling indicator and a plurality of leveled shelves secured to a plurality of upright standards. In a preferred form, the length of the cleat is related to the distance between the two standards that support the shelving. In one exemplary embodiment, the shelves and standards are assembled by cooperating notches or rabbets in the shelves and standards. But, numerous other techniques are known. The rabbeted connections precisely position the shelves on the standards.
Initially, the cleat is leveled by the user referring to its internal leveling indicator. Then the leveled cleat is affixed to a wall. Next, the shelves are interlocked to the standards via their respective rabbets. Then, the top shelf of the shelving unit is then placed at and particularly on the top surface of the cleat which automatically levels the shelves. The top shelf is then fastened to the cleat, thereby fastening the shelving unit to the cleat. Through the cleat, therefore, the shelving unit is fastened to the wall in a leveled position. With the standards spaced apart the length of the cleat, the shelving is precisely positioned laterally by the cleat, as well as vertically.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2624118 (1953-01-01), Anderson
patent: 3612289 (1971-10-01), Zink
patent: 4228982 (1980-10-01), Sellera
patent: 4542831 (1985-09-01), Dazza
patent: 4834450 (1989-05-01), Stickler
patent: 4928833 (1990-05-01), Huizenga
patent: 5097771 (1992-03-01), James, III
patent: 5263260 (1993-11-01), Smith
patent: 5454331 (1995-10-01), Green
patent: 5463817 (1995-11-01), Leeds
patent: 5855175 (1999-01-01), Forbes
Chen José V.
Ostrolenk Faber Gerb & Soffen, LLP
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