Supports: racks – Shelf type – Knockdown
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-26
2001-01-16
Chin-Shue, Alvin (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Shelf type
Knockdown
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173847
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to a storage rack that is shipped and purchased unassembled by a consumer, and particularly to a storage rack that is easily assembly by a consumer and that is structurally sound.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Consumers generally have a need and desire for storage racks to organize a variety of items. Storage racks are generally sold for use in kitchens, bathrooms, or anywhere storage racks or shelving is desired. Generally, storage racks are relatively inexpensive and purchased by a consumer unassembled. Storage racks typically require tools for assembly. Even with the use of tools, after assembly their component parts may be relatively loose fitting. Additionally, some storage racks utilize a pin inserted into a hole for assembly. This pin inserted into a hole assembly technique complicates the manufacturing process and, additionally, often results in misalignment or difficult alignment of the component parts. Therefore, the consumer often has a difficult time assembling the storage shelf. This difficulty to assemble is often frustrating to the consumer. Therefore, there is a need for a storage rack that can be easily assembled without the need of any tools and that is easy to manufacture and may be shipped unassembled for purchase by a consumer. Additionally, there is a need for the storage rack to be strong and secure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a storage rack having shelving that is friction fit, snap fit, or press fit into place providing a secure and easily assembled storage rack. Two end frames are separated and held together by shelves having U-shaped retainers that wrap around the tubular end of the frame. A cross member placed on the end frame mates with angled ends on the shelf for positioning the height of the shelf and adding to the structural stability of the assembled storage rack. The shelves may be covered with wire mesh.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an easily assembled storage rack.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a storage rack that is secure having tight fitting components once assembled.
It is an advantage of the present invention that no tools are required for assembly.
It is a further advantage of the present invention that the component parts are easy to align.
It is a feature of the present invention that each shelf has U-shaped retainers that securely hold the end frame.
It is another feature of one embodiment of the present invention that angled ends on the shelves interact with cross members on the end frame.
It is a further feature of the present invention that mesh or wire shelves are used.
These and other objects, advantages, and features will become readily apparent in view of the following detailed description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2315595 (1943-04-01), Chappory
patent: 3007708 (1961-11-01), Ochs
patent: 3280989 (1966-10-01), Melvin et al.
patent: 3435958 (1969-04-01), Chesley
patent: 3487951 (1970-01-01), Beltzung
patent: 4231301 (1980-11-01), Barrineau, III
patent: 4292902 (1981-10-01), Barrineau
patent: 4391378 (1983-07-01), Secon
patent: 5251973 (1993-10-01), Hazan
patent: 5718441 (1998-02-01), Kern et al.
Snider Martin
Zellner, III James
Chin-Shue Alvin
E-Z-Do, Inc.
Fattibene Arthur T.
Fattibene Paul A.
Fattibene & Fattibene
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