CA2253727A1 - Storage unit and shelf construction therefor - Google Patents
Storage unit and shelf construction therefor Download PDFInfo
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- CA2253727A1 CA2253727A1 CA002253727A CA2253727A CA2253727A1 CA 2253727 A1 CA2253727 A1 CA 2253727A1 CA 002253727 A CA002253727 A CA 002253727A CA 2253727 A CA2253727 A CA 2253727A CA 2253727 A1 CA2253727 A1 CA 2253727A1
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- Prior art keywords
- recess
- shelf
- storage unit
- section
- inches
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
- B42F—SHEETS TEMPORARILY ATTACHED TOGETHER; FILING APPLIANCES; FILE CARDS; INDEXING
- B42F7/00—Filing appliances without fastening means
- B42F7/10—Trays
- B42F7/12—Stacked trays
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Abstract
A storage unit particularly suitable for storing publications such as telephone directories includes a shelf and means for supporting the shelf in a horizontal position for storing objects on the shelf. The shelf may be an elevated shelf or it may be formed from the base of the storage unit. In either case, the shelf includes a front edge with a rearwardly extending recess, the recess being sized to permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of an average adult user's hand to reach into the recess for grasping an object stored on the shelf and overlying the recess. A unit may be constructed with stackable upper and lower storage sections which engage such a shelf between sections.
Description
CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 STORAGE UNIT AND ~HF.I.F CONSTRUCTION THli.RFFOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to storage units and shelf constructions for storage units. It is considered particularly suitable for but not limited to the storage of telephone s directories, catalogs or other similar reference materials which are relatively thick, heavy and soft bound, and which may be referred to on frequent occasions.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
There are a variety of known storage units or stands which are used or which may be used for the purpose of storing soft bound reference materials such as telephone o directories, catalogs or other similar publications. These range from basic bookcase constructions to various stacked tray constructions. Many storage units are free standing and some of these are designed to be positioned on top of a desk, counter or the like. Some storage units are built in units (e.g. into a wall, or into a desk). However, the available constructions are generally not well suited for the purpose of storing soft bound 5 publications, particularly in those cases where the publication is relatively thick and heavy and there is a need to store and retrieve the publication on frequent occasions.
Telephone directories l~plesent a good example of larger soft bound publications which may be referred to on frequent occasions. Depending upon the region covered by a dir~cto.~y, its thickness may readily exceed two or, in some cases, three inches. As such, it 20 cannot readily stand upright on a storage shelf. Without the inconvenience of bracing the directory each time it is inserted back on the shelf, it will simply collapse or slip under its own weight. The tendency to do so will often worsen with repeated usage because the directory pages will tend to lose their overall compactness.
Consequently, telephone directories will often be laid flat on a storage shelf.
25 However, this can present an awkward situation when there is a subsequent need to remove CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 W O 98/38047 PCTtCA98/00164 -the directory from the shelf. Unless the directory is left protruding from the shelf (which is itself undesirable), it can be difficult to quickly place a firm grip on the directory at a later time. More particularly, it can be difficultfor a user to engage the thickness of the directory between his or her thumb and the full extent of his or her fingers. Typically, the user may s try to slide, or to lift and slide the directory using the thumb and finger tips. But, this requires a measurable amount of strength at the finger tips - strength which may be limited or lacking in some people, and strength which others may prefer not to exert if they had a choice. Further, the use of one's finger tips to move or lift such a directory creates a risk of fingernail damage.
0 On other occasions telephone directories may simply be stacked in the open, one on top of the other, and a telephone desk set will sometimes be rested on top of the stack.
However, while the resulting collection occupies minimum volume, it is a nuisance to move one object to retrieve another. Further, the situation invites disorgAni7~tion and clutter following the use of a directory unless the collection is carefully restacked.
Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved storage unit with a construction which permits an object such as a telephone directory to be stored for easy retrieval by an average adult user.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved storage unit with a construction which enables an average adult user to easily place a firm grip on a stored object such as a telephone dil G~tOI ,y which is stored in a flat position in the unit.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved storage unit which may be adapted to store two or more objects such as telephone directories, both in an organized manner and in a manner which permits easy retrieval by an average adult user.
CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage unit comprising a shelf and means for supporting the shelf in a horizontal position for storing objects on the shelf. The shelf may be an elevated shelf or it may be formed from 5 the base of the storage unit. In either case, the shelf includes a front edge with a rearwardly extending recess, the recess being sized to permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of an average adult user's hand to reach into the recess for grasping an object stored on the shelf and overlying the recess.
To enable the foregoing reach, the recess preferably has a width of about 3.5 inches 0 or greater and a rearward depth of about 3 inches or greater. The thickness will obviously depend upon the thickness of the shelf but, in a preferred embodiment where a base which provides vertical support for the storage unit also provides the shelf space, the base thickness and consequently the recess thickness is preferably about 3/4 inches or greater. If the bottom of the base rests on a floor, desk, or other such surface, this thickness will 15 accommodate the thickness of the user's fingers and permit the fingers to extend above the surface and beneath the object stored on the base.
In a preferred embodiment, the storage unit is in the form of a sectional storage unit which comprises a lower storage section and an upper storage section stackable on the lower section. Each section includes opposed side walls and a rear wall extending between the 20 side walls. The sectional unit further includes a shelf and means for supporting the shelf in a horizontal position engaged between the upper and lower sections to provide a top for the lower section and a bottom for the upper section. The lower section includes means for slidingly en~ging the upper section when stacked on the lower section, and the shelf includes a rearwardly extending recess as described above in its front edge.
2s Advantageously, the lower section includes a base extending between the side walls of the section for providing vertical support for the unit, the base including a horizontal CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 upper surface for storing objects on the surface and a front edge with a rearwardly extending recess as described above. When the unit includes both a recessed base and a recessed shelf, then the sectional unit may be readily adapted to conveniently organize and store a pair of sirnilar or related publications within an easy to reach, vertically compact, space. For 5 example, the publications could be a pair of telephone directories, or they could be a telephone directory and a Yellow PagesTM advertising directory, the height of each storage section being slightly greaterthan the thickness of the corresponding publication.
To further advantage the upper storage section may include means for slidingly eng~ging a further upper storage section stacked on the first upper storage section. With the 0 further upper storage section similarly structured, the overall storage unit may be conveniently assembled with as many upper storage sections as are required to accolllnlodate the number of publications or other objects to be stored.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference tCJ the drawings.
Fig. 1 is an orthographic view of a sectional storage unit in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an exploded o~thographic view of the storage unit shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a front elevation view of the rear wall in a lower storage section of the 20 storage unit shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 4isanendelevationviewoftherearwallshown inFig. 3.
Fig. 5 is a front elevation view of a side wall in a lower storage section of the storage unit shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 6 is an end elevation view of the side wall shown in Fig. 5.
CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 W 098/38047 PCT/C~98/00164 -Fig. 7 is a front elevation view of the rear wall in an upper storage section of the storage unit shown in Fig. I .
Fig. 8 is an end elevation view of the rear wall shown in Fig. 7.
Fig. 9 is a front elevation view of a side wall in an upper storage section of the S storageunitshowninFig. l.
Fig. 10 is an end elevation view of the side wall shown in Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 is an isometric view illustrating the use of storage shown in Fig. I .
DETAILED DESCRlPTIQN OF PREFF.RRF.I) EMBODIMENI
The storage unit generally designated l0 which is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 11 is one 0 which is considered particularly suitable for the storage and easy retrieval of publications such as telephone directories. lt is a sectional storage unit which includes a lower storage section generally designated 20, a first upper storage section generally design~ted 40, and a second upper storage or drawer section generally designated 60. Storage unit 1 further includes a shelf 80 which, when the unit is assembled, provides a top for lower section 20 lS and a bottom for upper section 40.
Lower section 20 is formed from a pair of opposed side walls 21 and a rear wall 24 which extends between the side walls. Each side wall 21 includes an inwardly facing dovetail 22 along its top edge with an i~mer upwardly facing horizontal ledge 23. Similarly, rear wall 24 includes an inwardly facing dovetail 25 along its top edge with an inner upwardly facing horizontal ledge 26. Ledges 23, 26 of dovetails 22, 25 provide a means for supporting shelf 80 in a horizontal position. Further, as is described below in more detail, dovetails 22, 25 provide a means for slidingly engaging col-c~ol1ding dovetails along the lower edges of upper section 40.
CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 A base 28 extends between the side walls 21 of lower section 20 and contributes to overall vertical support for storage unit 1. Base 28 includes a horizontal upper surface 29 for storing objects on the surface and a front edge 30 with a rearwardly extending recess 3 1.
For the purpose of holding a telephone directory such as directory 100 depicted in s Fig. 11, the storage space provided by lower section 20 is preferably sized to receive the directory lengthwise. Typically, the interior width between side walls 21 may be about 11 inches thereby serving to guide and m~in~in a lengthwise orientation as the di.e~tc 1 y is moved into the space. The interior depth from the most forward part of front edge 30 to rear wall 24 may be about 12 inches thereby serving to stop the directory if it is moved beyond a I o position where its edge is flush with the forward part of edge 30. If the hei ght from upper surface 29 to the level of ledges 23, 26 is set at about 4 inches, then the available space within section 20 will be a compact space suitable for most if not all North American telephone directories. Concurrently, it will allow a vertical clearance space 101 between directory 100 and the bottom of shelf 80.
Recess 31 has an overall horseshoe shape. As will be best appreciatedfrom Fig.
11, the recess is sized to permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of an adult user's hand 200 to reach into the recess to grasp directory 100. Directory 100 is stored on surface 29 of base 28 in a position which overlies the recess. To enable this reach, recess 31 preferably has a width of about 3.5 inches or greater and a rearward depth 20 of about 3 inches or greater. Further, the recess and consequently base 28 preferably have a thickness of about 3/4 inches or greater to accommodate the thickness of the user's fingers between surface 29 and any flat surface on which storage unit I may be rested.
With di,~,t(s. y 100 overlying recess 31, the recess perrnits the user to quickly place a firm grip on the directory for the purpose of removal from storage 20. This avoids the 2s awkwardness of having to manipulate the directory with one's finger tips and serves to reduce the amount of strength required to be exerted at the finger tips.
CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 The construction of shelf 80 is very similar to that of base 28. But, it does have slightly more overall width and depth than base 28 in order to slidingly rest within dovetails 22, 25 on ledges 23, 26. As can be seen, shelf 80 includes a front edge 81 with a rearwardly extending recess 82. In width and depth with respect to front edge 81, recess 82 5 is dimensioned in the same manner as recess 31 with respect to front edge 30. However, the thickness of shelf 80 is less than that of base 28 because, unlike the base, the shelf rests in an elevatedposition. Withclearancespace 101 noted above between directory 100 and the bottom of shelf 80, recess 82 will readily permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of an adult user's hand to reach into the recess to grasp a directory I o positioned on shelf 80 in the same manner that directory 100 is positioned on base 28.
Upper section 40 is formed from a pair of opposed side walls 41 and a rear wall 46 which extends between the side walls. Each side wall 41 includes an inwardly facing dovetail 42 along its top edge with an inner upwardly facing horizontal ledge 43. Further, each side wall 41 includes an outwardly facing dovetail 44 along its bottom edge with an outer downwardly facing horizontal ledge 45. Similarly, as best seen in hg. 7 and 8, rear wall 46 includes an inwardly facing dovetail 47 along its top edge with an irmer upwardly facing horizontal ledge 48, and an outwardly facing dovetail 49 along its bottom edge with an outer downwardly facing horizontal ledge 50.
Inwardly facing dovetails 22 and 25 along the top edges of walls 21 and 24 of lower section 20 are configured to slidingly engage outwardly facing dovetails 44 and 49 along the bottom edges of walls 41 and 46 of upper section 40. Concurrently, however, and as may best be appreciated from Figs. I and 11, space remains to engage shelf 80 on ledges 23, 26 between the sections.
Inwardly facing dovetails 42 and 47 along the top edges of walls 41 and 46 of upper section 40 are configured in the same manner as inwardly facing dovetails 22 and 25 along the top edges of walls 21 and 24 of lower section 20. Accordingly, for example, section 40 could be used to carry a shelf like shelf 80 in the same manner as section 20, and a further CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 W 098t38047 PCT/CA98/00164 -upper section like upper section 40 could be stacked on top of the existing section 40. There is considerable flexibility, and various options exist. In any case, and particularly where storage unit 1 is used for the storage of telephone directories or the like, it may be considered desirable to include a storage section such as drawer section 60 which may be s used to store related inforrnation such as records for frequently called or elne~ lcy numbers, notes of calls, etc.
But for the added provision of a sliding drawer 61 and top and bottoms walls 62, 63 to hold and guide the drawer, the general construction of drawer section 60 is essentially the same as upper section 40. In this regard, and apart from relative heights, it will be observed 10 that ~igs. 7 to 10 are as representative of the construction of the side and rear walls of section 60 as they are of section 40. With respect to relative heights, it is contemplated that a drawer section will in most cases have an interior height less than that of section 60. But, this is of course a matterof preference and the particular use for which the drawer is intended. Otherwise, it will be noted that top and bottom walls 62, 63 have essentially the 5 same overall dimensions as shelf 80. They merely lack a recess like shelf 80 and, unlike shelf 80, they forrn an integral part of a storage section.
When storage unit 1 is assembled, it will be noted that drawer section 60 serves to provide lateral stability between side walls 41 of storage section 40 by m~int:~ining the lateral spread between the walls. If drawer section 60 was omitted then, for the embodiment 20 shown, it would be desirable to insert a shelf in its place - a shelf with overall dimensions like shelf 80 but with or without the recess 82 of shelf 80. Otherwise, side walls 41 may tend to pinch together and outside bumps or knocks could weaken their joint with rear wall 46.
Storage unit I may be fabricated from a variety of materials. One suitable material is ~5 high density particle board with the components within each section being secured together using glue and nails. But, various other materials such as wood, plastics, etc. can obviously be used.
CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 Based upon the foregoing, the use of storage unit I will be self-evident. It may be conveniently positioned for easy reach on a desk, counter or other elevated structure.
Likewise, it may be conveniently positioned on-a floor. For the hoiding of publications such as telephonedirectories, it can have a footprint which is only slightly greaterthan the 5 height and width of the directories. The vertical space occupied can be similarly compact and a telephone desk set may be conveniently positioned on top of the unit. Thus, the directories and the telephone become individually and easily accessible while taking up minim~l space.
It will be understood that various means may be devised whereby the various lo sections of a storage unit similar to storage unit 1 may slidingly engage each other when stacked. One example would be a simple tongue and groove arrangement between the top perimeterof a lower section and the bottom perimeterof an upper section. However, the ability to support a shelf in a horizontal position engaged between the sections would then be lost and separate provision would be required for shelf support. When the shelf is engaged 15 between sections as with the dovetail engagements described above, it is more difficult for the shelf to slip forwardly out of place.
It will also be understood that the walls of any given section of storage unit 1 need not necessarily be forrned separately and then assembled together in the manner shown in the drawings or, if they are formed separately, that they need mate in the particular manner 20 shown in the drawings. For example, if section 40 was fabricated from plastic, it is contemplated that the entire section could be integrally formed.
Further, while it is generally preferred that a storage unit in accordance with the present invention should have a sectional construction to allow more flexibility in satisfying the differing needs of differing users, it will be understood that storage units in accordance 2s with the present invention may have a solid construction with one or more storage spaces and which is not easily separated into discrete sections.
.. . .
Thus, the invention is not to be construed as limitedto the particularembodiment which has been described. Various modifications and changes can be made to the form, details, arrangement and pl u~o. Iion of the various parts described with reference to the foregoing embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention 5 as defmed in the claims which follow.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to storage units and shelf constructions for storage units. It is considered particularly suitable for but not limited to the storage of telephone s directories, catalogs or other similar reference materials which are relatively thick, heavy and soft bound, and which may be referred to on frequent occasions.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
There are a variety of known storage units or stands which are used or which may be used for the purpose of storing soft bound reference materials such as telephone o directories, catalogs or other similar publications. These range from basic bookcase constructions to various stacked tray constructions. Many storage units are free standing and some of these are designed to be positioned on top of a desk, counter or the like. Some storage units are built in units (e.g. into a wall, or into a desk). However, the available constructions are generally not well suited for the purpose of storing soft bound 5 publications, particularly in those cases where the publication is relatively thick and heavy and there is a need to store and retrieve the publication on frequent occasions.
Telephone directories l~plesent a good example of larger soft bound publications which may be referred to on frequent occasions. Depending upon the region covered by a dir~cto.~y, its thickness may readily exceed two or, in some cases, three inches. As such, it 20 cannot readily stand upright on a storage shelf. Without the inconvenience of bracing the directory each time it is inserted back on the shelf, it will simply collapse or slip under its own weight. The tendency to do so will often worsen with repeated usage because the directory pages will tend to lose their overall compactness.
Consequently, telephone directories will often be laid flat on a storage shelf.
25 However, this can present an awkward situation when there is a subsequent need to remove CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 W O 98/38047 PCTtCA98/00164 -the directory from the shelf. Unless the directory is left protruding from the shelf (which is itself undesirable), it can be difficult to quickly place a firm grip on the directory at a later time. More particularly, it can be difficultfor a user to engage the thickness of the directory between his or her thumb and the full extent of his or her fingers. Typically, the user may s try to slide, or to lift and slide the directory using the thumb and finger tips. But, this requires a measurable amount of strength at the finger tips - strength which may be limited or lacking in some people, and strength which others may prefer not to exert if they had a choice. Further, the use of one's finger tips to move or lift such a directory creates a risk of fingernail damage.
0 On other occasions telephone directories may simply be stacked in the open, one on top of the other, and a telephone desk set will sometimes be rested on top of the stack.
However, while the resulting collection occupies minimum volume, it is a nuisance to move one object to retrieve another. Further, the situation invites disorgAni7~tion and clutter following the use of a directory unless the collection is carefully restacked.
Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved storage unit with a construction which permits an object such as a telephone directory to be stored for easy retrieval by an average adult user.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved storage unit with a construction which enables an average adult user to easily place a firm grip on a stored object such as a telephone dil G~tOI ,y which is stored in a flat position in the unit.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved storage unit which may be adapted to store two or more objects such as telephone directories, both in an organized manner and in a manner which permits easy retrieval by an average adult user.
CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage unit comprising a shelf and means for supporting the shelf in a horizontal position for storing objects on the shelf. The shelf may be an elevated shelf or it may be formed from 5 the base of the storage unit. In either case, the shelf includes a front edge with a rearwardly extending recess, the recess being sized to permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of an average adult user's hand to reach into the recess for grasping an object stored on the shelf and overlying the recess.
To enable the foregoing reach, the recess preferably has a width of about 3.5 inches 0 or greater and a rearward depth of about 3 inches or greater. The thickness will obviously depend upon the thickness of the shelf but, in a preferred embodiment where a base which provides vertical support for the storage unit also provides the shelf space, the base thickness and consequently the recess thickness is preferably about 3/4 inches or greater. If the bottom of the base rests on a floor, desk, or other such surface, this thickness will 15 accommodate the thickness of the user's fingers and permit the fingers to extend above the surface and beneath the object stored on the base.
In a preferred embodiment, the storage unit is in the form of a sectional storage unit which comprises a lower storage section and an upper storage section stackable on the lower section. Each section includes opposed side walls and a rear wall extending between the 20 side walls. The sectional unit further includes a shelf and means for supporting the shelf in a horizontal position engaged between the upper and lower sections to provide a top for the lower section and a bottom for the upper section. The lower section includes means for slidingly en~ging the upper section when stacked on the lower section, and the shelf includes a rearwardly extending recess as described above in its front edge.
2s Advantageously, the lower section includes a base extending between the side walls of the section for providing vertical support for the unit, the base including a horizontal CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 upper surface for storing objects on the surface and a front edge with a rearwardly extending recess as described above. When the unit includes both a recessed base and a recessed shelf, then the sectional unit may be readily adapted to conveniently organize and store a pair of sirnilar or related publications within an easy to reach, vertically compact, space. For 5 example, the publications could be a pair of telephone directories, or they could be a telephone directory and a Yellow PagesTM advertising directory, the height of each storage section being slightly greaterthan the thickness of the corresponding publication.
To further advantage the upper storage section may include means for slidingly eng~ging a further upper storage section stacked on the first upper storage section. With the 0 further upper storage section similarly structured, the overall storage unit may be conveniently assembled with as many upper storage sections as are required to accolllnlodate the number of publications or other objects to be stored.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference tCJ the drawings.
Fig. 1 is an orthographic view of a sectional storage unit in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an exploded o~thographic view of the storage unit shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a front elevation view of the rear wall in a lower storage section of the 20 storage unit shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 4isanendelevationviewoftherearwallshown inFig. 3.
Fig. 5 is a front elevation view of a side wall in a lower storage section of the storage unit shown in Fig. 1.
Fig. 6 is an end elevation view of the side wall shown in Fig. 5.
CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 W 098/38047 PCT/C~98/00164 -Fig. 7 is a front elevation view of the rear wall in an upper storage section of the storage unit shown in Fig. I .
Fig. 8 is an end elevation view of the rear wall shown in Fig. 7.
Fig. 9 is a front elevation view of a side wall in an upper storage section of the S storageunitshowninFig. l.
Fig. 10 is an end elevation view of the side wall shown in Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 is an isometric view illustrating the use of storage shown in Fig. I .
DETAILED DESCRlPTIQN OF PREFF.RRF.I) EMBODIMENI
The storage unit generally designated l0 which is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 11 is one 0 which is considered particularly suitable for the storage and easy retrieval of publications such as telephone directories. lt is a sectional storage unit which includes a lower storage section generally designated 20, a first upper storage section generally design~ted 40, and a second upper storage or drawer section generally designated 60. Storage unit 1 further includes a shelf 80 which, when the unit is assembled, provides a top for lower section 20 lS and a bottom for upper section 40.
Lower section 20 is formed from a pair of opposed side walls 21 and a rear wall 24 which extends between the side walls. Each side wall 21 includes an inwardly facing dovetail 22 along its top edge with an i~mer upwardly facing horizontal ledge 23. Similarly, rear wall 24 includes an inwardly facing dovetail 25 along its top edge with an inner upwardly facing horizontal ledge 26. Ledges 23, 26 of dovetails 22, 25 provide a means for supporting shelf 80 in a horizontal position. Further, as is described below in more detail, dovetails 22, 25 provide a means for slidingly engaging col-c~ol1ding dovetails along the lower edges of upper section 40.
CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 A base 28 extends between the side walls 21 of lower section 20 and contributes to overall vertical support for storage unit 1. Base 28 includes a horizontal upper surface 29 for storing objects on the surface and a front edge 30 with a rearwardly extending recess 3 1.
For the purpose of holding a telephone directory such as directory 100 depicted in s Fig. 11, the storage space provided by lower section 20 is preferably sized to receive the directory lengthwise. Typically, the interior width between side walls 21 may be about 11 inches thereby serving to guide and m~in~in a lengthwise orientation as the di.e~tc 1 y is moved into the space. The interior depth from the most forward part of front edge 30 to rear wall 24 may be about 12 inches thereby serving to stop the directory if it is moved beyond a I o position where its edge is flush with the forward part of edge 30. If the hei ght from upper surface 29 to the level of ledges 23, 26 is set at about 4 inches, then the available space within section 20 will be a compact space suitable for most if not all North American telephone directories. Concurrently, it will allow a vertical clearance space 101 between directory 100 and the bottom of shelf 80.
Recess 31 has an overall horseshoe shape. As will be best appreciatedfrom Fig.
11, the recess is sized to permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of an adult user's hand 200 to reach into the recess to grasp directory 100. Directory 100 is stored on surface 29 of base 28 in a position which overlies the recess. To enable this reach, recess 31 preferably has a width of about 3.5 inches or greater and a rearward depth 20 of about 3 inches or greater. Further, the recess and consequently base 28 preferably have a thickness of about 3/4 inches or greater to accommodate the thickness of the user's fingers between surface 29 and any flat surface on which storage unit I may be rested.
With di,~,t(s. y 100 overlying recess 31, the recess perrnits the user to quickly place a firm grip on the directory for the purpose of removal from storage 20. This avoids the 2s awkwardness of having to manipulate the directory with one's finger tips and serves to reduce the amount of strength required to be exerted at the finger tips.
CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 The construction of shelf 80 is very similar to that of base 28. But, it does have slightly more overall width and depth than base 28 in order to slidingly rest within dovetails 22, 25 on ledges 23, 26. As can be seen, shelf 80 includes a front edge 81 with a rearwardly extending recess 82. In width and depth with respect to front edge 81, recess 82 5 is dimensioned in the same manner as recess 31 with respect to front edge 30. However, the thickness of shelf 80 is less than that of base 28 because, unlike the base, the shelf rests in an elevatedposition. Withclearancespace 101 noted above between directory 100 and the bottom of shelf 80, recess 82 will readily permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of an adult user's hand to reach into the recess to grasp a directory I o positioned on shelf 80 in the same manner that directory 100 is positioned on base 28.
Upper section 40 is formed from a pair of opposed side walls 41 and a rear wall 46 which extends between the side walls. Each side wall 41 includes an inwardly facing dovetail 42 along its top edge with an inner upwardly facing horizontal ledge 43. Further, each side wall 41 includes an outwardly facing dovetail 44 along its bottom edge with an outer downwardly facing horizontal ledge 45. Similarly, as best seen in hg. 7 and 8, rear wall 46 includes an inwardly facing dovetail 47 along its top edge with an irmer upwardly facing horizontal ledge 48, and an outwardly facing dovetail 49 along its bottom edge with an outer downwardly facing horizontal ledge 50.
Inwardly facing dovetails 22 and 25 along the top edges of walls 21 and 24 of lower section 20 are configured to slidingly engage outwardly facing dovetails 44 and 49 along the bottom edges of walls 41 and 46 of upper section 40. Concurrently, however, and as may best be appreciated from Figs. I and 11, space remains to engage shelf 80 on ledges 23, 26 between the sections.
Inwardly facing dovetails 42 and 47 along the top edges of walls 41 and 46 of upper section 40 are configured in the same manner as inwardly facing dovetails 22 and 25 along the top edges of walls 21 and 24 of lower section 20. Accordingly, for example, section 40 could be used to carry a shelf like shelf 80 in the same manner as section 20, and a further CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 W 098t38047 PCT/CA98/00164 -upper section like upper section 40 could be stacked on top of the existing section 40. There is considerable flexibility, and various options exist. In any case, and particularly where storage unit 1 is used for the storage of telephone directories or the like, it may be considered desirable to include a storage section such as drawer section 60 which may be s used to store related inforrnation such as records for frequently called or elne~ lcy numbers, notes of calls, etc.
But for the added provision of a sliding drawer 61 and top and bottoms walls 62, 63 to hold and guide the drawer, the general construction of drawer section 60 is essentially the same as upper section 40. In this regard, and apart from relative heights, it will be observed 10 that ~igs. 7 to 10 are as representative of the construction of the side and rear walls of section 60 as they are of section 40. With respect to relative heights, it is contemplated that a drawer section will in most cases have an interior height less than that of section 60. But, this is of course a matterof preference and the particular use for which the drawer is intended. Otherwise, it will be noted that top and bottom walls 62, 63 have essentially the 5 same overall dimensions as shelf 80. They merely lack a recess like shelf 80 and, unlike shelf 80, they forrn an integral part of a storage section.
When storage unit 1 is assembled, it will be noted that drawer section 60 serves to provide lateral stability between side walls 41 of storage section 40 by m~int:~ining the lateral spread between the walls. If drawer section 60 was omitted then, for the embodiment 20 shown, it would be desirable to insert a shelf in its place - a shelf with overall dimensions like shelf 80 but with or without the recess 82 of shelf 80. Otherwise, side walls 41 may tend to pinch together and outside bumps or knocks could weaken their joint with rear wall 46.
Storage unit I may be fabricated from a variety of materials. One suitable material is ~5 high density particle board with the components within each section being secured together using glue and nails. But, various other materials such as wood, plastics, etc. can obviously be used.
CA 022~3727 1998-10-28 Based upon the foregoing, the use of storage unit I will be self-evident. It may be conveniently positioned for easy reach on a desk, counter or other elevated structure.
Likewise, it may be conveniently positioned on-a floor. For the hoiding of publications such as telephonedirectories, it can have a footprint which is only slightly greaterthan the 5 height and width of the directories. The vertical space occupied can be similarly compact and a telephone desk set may be conveniently positioned on top of the unit. Thus, the directories and the telephone become individually and easily accessible while taking up minim~l space.
It will be understood that various means may be devised whereby the various lo sections of a storage unit similar to storage unit 1 may slidingly engage each other when stacked. One example would be a simple tongue and groove arrangement between the top perimeterof a lower section and the bottom perimeterof an upper section. However, the ability to support a shelf in a horizontal position engaged between the sections would then be lost and separate provision would be required for shelf support. When the shelf is engaged 15 between sections as with the dovetail engagements described above, it is more difficult for the shelf to slip forwardly out of place.
It will also be understood that the walls of any given section of storage unit 1 need not necessarily be forrned separately and then assembled together in the manner shown in the drawings or, if they are formed separately, that they need mate in the particular manner 20 shown in the drawings. For example, if section 40 was fabricated from plastic, it is contemplated that the entire section could be integrally formed.
Further, while it is generally preferred that a storage unit in accordance with the present invention should have a sectional construction to allow more flexibility in satisfying the differing needs of differing users, it will be understood that storage units in accordance 2s with the present invention may have a solid construction with one or more storage spaces and which is not easily separated into discrete sections.
.. . .
Thus, the invention is not to be construed as limitedto the particularembodiment which has been described. Various modifications and changes can be made to the form, details, arrangement and pl u~o. Iion of the various parts described with reference to the foregoing embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention 5 as defmed in the claims which follow.
Claims (12)
1. A storage unit, comprising (a) a shelf; and, (b) means for supporting said shelf in a horizontal position for storing objects on said shelf;
said shelf including a front edge with a rearwardly extending recess, said recess being sized to permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of an average adult user's hand to reach into said recess for grasping an object stored on said shelf and overlying said recess.
said shelf including a front edge with a rearwardly extending recess, said recess being sized to permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of an average adult user's hand to reach into said recess for grasping an object stored on said shelf and overlying said recess.
2. A storage unit as defined in Claim 1, wherein said recess has a width of about 3.5 inches or greater and a rearward depth of about 3 inches or greater.
3. A storage unit as defined in Claim 2, wherein said supporting means comprises:
(a) a pair of opposed side walls each including means for engaging corresponding end edges of said shelf; and, (b) a rear wall extending between said side walls, said rear wall including means for engaging a corresponding rear edge of said shelf.
(a) a pair of opposed side walls each including means for engaging corresponding end edges of said shelf; and, (b) a rear wall extending between said side walls, said rear wall including means for engaging a corresponding rear edge of said shelf.
4. A storage unit, comprising:
(a) opposed side walls; and, (b) a base extending between said side walls for providing vertical support for said unit, said base including:
(i) a horizontal upper surface for storing objects on said surface; and, (ii) a front edge with a rearwardly extending recess, said recess being sized to permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of an average adult user's hand to reach into said recess for grasping an object stored on said surface and overlying said recess.
(a) opposed side walls; and, (b) a base extending between said side walls for providing vertical support for said unit, said base including:
(i) a horizontal upper surface for storing objects on said surface; and, (ii) a front edge with a rearwardly extending recess, said recess being sized to permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of an average adult user's hand to reach into said recess for grasping an object stored on said surface and overlying said recess.
5. A storage unit as defined in Claim 4, wherein said base has a thickness of about 3/4 inches or greater.
6. A storage unit as defined in Claim 5, wherein said recess has a width of about 3.5 inches or greater and a rearward depth of about 3 inches or greater.
7. A sectional storage unit, comprising:
(a) a lower storage section and a first upper storage section stackable on said lower section, each section including opposed side walls and a rear wall extending, between said side walls;
(b) a shelf; and, (c) means for supporting said shelf in a horizontal position engaged between said upper and lower sections to provide a top for said lower section and a bottom for said upper section;
said lower section including means for slidingly engaging said upper section when stacked on said lower section, said shelf including a front edge with a rearwardly extending recess, said recess being sized to permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of an average adult user's hand to reach into said recess for grasping an object stored on said shelf and overlying said recess.
(a) a lower storage section and a first upper storage section stackable on said lower section, each section including opposed side walls and a rear wall extending, between said side walls;
(b) a shelf; and, (c) means for supporting said shelf in a horizontal position engaged between said upper and lower sections to provide a top for said lower section and a bottom for said upper section;
said lower section including means for slidingly engaging said upper section when stacked on said lower section, said shelf including a front edge with a rearwardly extending recess, said recess being sized to permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of an average adult user's hand to reach into said recess for grasping an object stored on said shelf and overlying said recess.
8. A sectional storage unit as defined in Claim 7, wherein said lower section includes a base extending between said side walls of said lower section for providing vertical support for said unit, said base including:
(a) a horizontal upper surface for storing objects on said surface;
(b) a front edge with a rearwardly extending recess, said recess in said base being sized to permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of said user's hand to reach into said recess for grasping an object stored on said surface and overlying said recess.
(a) a horizontal upper surface for storing objects on said surface;
(b) a front edge with a rearwardly extending recess, said recess in said base being sized to permit substantially the entire length of the flatly extended fingers of said user's hand to reach into said recess for grasping an object stored on said surface and overlying said recess.
9. A sectional storage unit as defined in Claim 8, wherein said lower section is sized to flatly receive and store a first publication used for reference purposes in such manner that said first publication overlies said recess in said base, and wherein said upper section is sized to flatly receive and store a second publication used for reference purposes in such manner that said second publication overlies said recess in said shelf.
10. A sectional storage unit as defined in Claim 8, wherein said base has a thickness of about 3/4 inches or greater.
11. A sectional storage unit as defined in Claim 10, wherein each of said recesses has a width of about 3.5 inches or greater and a rearward depth of about 3 inches or greater.
12. A sectional storage unit as defined in Claim 7, wherein said first upper storage section includes means for slidingly engaging a second upper storage section stacked on said first upper storage section.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US80770497A | 1997-02-28 | 1997-02-28 | |
| US08/807,704 | 1997-02-28 | ||
| PCT/CA1998/000164 WO1998038047A1 (en) | 1997-02-28 | 1998-02-27 | Storage unit and shelf construction therefor |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2253727A1 true CA2253727A1 (en) | 1998-09-03 |
Family
ID=25196997
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002253727A Abandoned CA2253727A1 (en) | 1997-02-28 | 1998-02-27 | Storage unit and shelf construction therefor |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU6086298A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2253727A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1998038047A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR1159040A (en) * | 1956-10-09 | 1958-06-23 | Landre & Cie C | Drawer rack device for lingerie items, especially for shirts |
| DE2059960A1 (en) * | 1970-12-05 | 1972-06-22 | Design Gmbh Off | Stackable paper storage box |
| US4232916A (en) * | 1978-11-27 | 1980-11-11 | Daniel Correia | Demountable and stackable multipurpose container |
| DE9106503U1 (en) * | 1991-05-27 | 1991-08-01 | Europa Carton Ag, 2000 Hamburg | Storage basket |
-
1998
- 1998-02-27 WO PCT/CA1998/000164 patent/WO1998038047A1/en active Application Filing
- 1998-02-27 AU AU60862/98A patent/AU6086298A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1998-02-27 CA CA002253727A patent/CA2253727A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1998038047A1 (en) | 1998-09-03 |
| AU6086298A (en) | 1998-09-18 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |