US20070138113A1 - Angled rack for supporting footwear - Google Patents
Angled rack for supporting footwear Download PDFInfo
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- US20070138113A1 US20070138113A1 US11/313,478 US31347805A US2007138113A1 US 20070138113 A1 US20070138113 A1 US 20070138113A1 US 31347805 A US31347805 A US 31347805A US 2007138113 A1 US2007138113 A1 US 2007138113A1
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- Prior art keywords
- brackets
- rack
- angled
- bracket
- rods
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- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 240000007594 Oryza sativa Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000007164 Oryza sativa Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003000 extruded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008520 organization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000009566 rice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F7/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves, adapted for particular articles or materials
- A47F7/08—Show stands, hangers, or shelves, adapted for particular articles or materials for shoes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B61/00—Wardrobes
- A47B61/04—Wardrobes for shoes, hats, umbrellas, or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B96/00—Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
- A47B96/06—Brackets or similar supporting means for cabinets, racks or shelves
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to apparatus for organizing storage within closet spaces or the like and particularly to apparatus utilized in storing and supporting footwear such as shoes or the like.
- the floor space utilized is designated about the periphery of the floor space adjacent the defining walls.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,816 issued to Kline et al. sets forth a SHOE RACK which is modular in structure and consists of a pair of rod extending between and supported by a pair of side frames.
- the side frames are generally rectangular in configuration and are identical in construction.
- Each side frame includes a groove arrangement and mating tongue arrangement such that the side frames may be stacked upon each other in a stable manner.
- Each side frame further includes a receiving hole at each end thereof sized to receive the rods.
- An additional pair of rods may be inserted into the receiving holes and a third side frame connected to the free end of theses additional rods to provide modular expansion of the shoe rack.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,959 issued to Klein et al. sets forth a SHOE RACK having a pair of side frames configured to define a substantially rectangular shape.
- Each side frame includes a plurality of V-Shaped support members containing two intersecting support bars.
- Each support bar within a support member includes a recess at its base to receive one support rod and a recess on the opposite end of each support member to receive a second support bar. The second support bar is moved between the recess pair in the upper support members to the recess pair of the lower support members depending upon the alignment of the shoe rack horizontally or vertically.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,547 issued to Rice sets forth a CLOTHING ACCESSORIES STORAGE RACK having a rotatable upper and lower support and a plurality of vertically extending support members. Each support member further supports a plurality of shoe receivers which are arranged in pairs and which are generally upwardly tapered. A plurality of shoes or other similar footwear may be placed upon the tapered shoe receivers to support the shoes upon the storage rack.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,695 issued to Allsop et al. sets forth a SHOE MERCHANISING AND HANDLING APPARATUS having a rotatable rack supporting a plurality of radially extending supports connected thereto.
- the plurality of radially extending supports are capable of receiving and supporting a corresponding plurality of shoes, boots or the like.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,918,670 issued to Doherty sets forth a HANGER ASSEMBLY suitable for mounting on a door or similar structure.
- the hanger assembly includes a pair of vertically oriented spaced-apart support members and a plurality of transversely extending support rods.
- the support rods form a ladder-like structure upon which a plurality of shoe receiving brackets defining generally upwardly tapered spaced-apart wire frames are supported.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,353 issued to Leifheit sets forth a STAND FOR STORAGE OF SHOES having a pair of generally flat parallel ridged end supports and telescopic cross ties extending therebetween.
- the end supports are configured to nest vertically with other end supports to provide a stacked array of the stand structures.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,313 issued to Klein et al. sets forth a CLOTHES HANGER WITH SLIDING HOOKS suitable for mounting upon a door or similar structure.
- the hanger includes a pair of end brackets configured to hang from the upper edge of a door which are arranged in a spaced-apart manner.
- a plurality of rods extend between the spaced brackets and in turn support a plurality of hooks which are movable upon the rods to adjust the position thereof.
- an angled rack for supporting footwear comprising: a plurality of brackets each having a bracket portion defining a plurality of rod apertures therethrough and a mounting flange for supporting the bracket at an upwardly directed angle when the mounting flange is placed against a vertical surface; means for securing the mounting flanges against a vertical surface in a spaced-apart line; and a plurality of elongated rods received within the rod apertures spanning the distance between the brackets.
- the invention further provides an angled rack for supporting footwear, the rack comprising: a pair of end brackets each having a mounting flange and means for attaching the flange to a vertical surface in a spaced relationship, each bracket further defining an upwardly angled member having a plurality of rod apertures therethrough; and a center bracket substantially identical to the end brackets positioned between the end brackets and having the rods passing therethrough.
- FIG. 1 sets forth a top view of the present invention angled rack for supporting footwear secured to a typical surface and supporting a plurality of typical footwear articles which are shown in phantom line depiction;
- FIG. 2 sets forth a front view of the present invention angled rack for supporting footwear secured to a typical support surface
- FIG. 3 sets forth a section view of the present invention angled rack for supporting footwear taken along section lines 3 - 3 in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 sets forth a partial perspective assembly view of one end of the present invention angled rack for supporting footwear showing assembly of the transverse rods to the angle bracket;
- FIG. 1 sets forth a top view of an angled shoe rack for supporting footwear constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 10 .
- Rack 10 is shown secured to a typical support surface which may for example, be a wall surface or alternatively a convenient surface such as a door or the like.
- rack 10 is shown in FIG. 1 supporting a plurality of footwear articles which are shown in phantom line depiction in a typical use of the present invention angled rack. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art from examination of FIGS.
- a plurality of angled racks identical to angled rock 10 may be arranged in a vertical orientation upon surface 20 to provide successive racks in a spaced-apart vertical arrangement for storing and supporting a further plurality of footwear articles without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- rack 10 includes a trio of angled brackets 11 , 12 and 13 in which brackets 11 and 13 comprise end brackets while bracket 12 comprises a center bracket. Brackets 11 , 12 and 13 define respective mounting flanges 14 , 15 and 16 which are joined to the remainders of brackets 11 , 12 and 13 and which are secured to a supporting surface 20 by a plurality of angulated exposed fasteners 17 , 18 and 19 .
- Rack 10 further includes a plurality of elongated generally cylindrical rods 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 which are received within apertures formed within brackets 11 , 12 and 13 in the manner set forth below in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- Rod 21 defines opposed ends 25 and 26 which are received within brackets 11 and 12 and a center portion which passes through aperture 40 formed in center bracket 12 .
- rod 22 defines end portions 30 and 31 received within brackets 11 and 13 as well a center portion which passes through aperture 41 formed in center bracket 12 .
- Further rod 23 defines end portions 32 and 33 which are received within brackets 11 and 13 and a center portion which passes through aperture 42 formed in center bracket 12 .
- rod 24 defines ends 34 and 35 which are received within brackets 11 and 13 and a center portion which passes through an aperture 43 formed in center bracket 12 .
- mounting flanges 14 , 15 and 16 of brackets 11 , 12 and 13 define angled portions which receive corresponding fasteners 17 , 18 and 19 (better seen in FIG. 3 ) to aide in the ready attachment of rack 10 to supporting surface 20 .
- the length or rods 21 through 24 is selected to provide a center to center line distance between brackets 11 and 12 and between brackets 12 and 13 which corresponds to the center line spacing between supporting wall studs in a standard construction environment (16 inches on center).
- rods 21 through 24 may be suitably shortened and the spacing between brackets 11 , 12 and 13 may be suitably adjusted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 sets forth a front view of angled rack 10 secured to surface 20 in the manner described above in FIG. 1 .
- Rack 10 is shown empty in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 2 it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above illustration of phantom line depiction of footwear articles shown in FIG. 1 applies equally well to the structure shown in FIG. 2 .
- rack 10 includes a trio of angled brackets 11 , 12 and 13 in which brackets 11 and 13 comprise end brackets while bracket 12 comprises a center bracket. Brackets 11 , 12 and 13 define respective mounting flanges 14 , 15 and 16 which are joined to the remainders of brackets 11 , 12 and 13 and which are secured to a supporting surface 20 by a plurality of angulated exposed fasteners 17 , 18 and 19 .
- Rack 10 further includes a plurality of elongated generally cylindrical rods 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 which are received within apertures formed within brackets 11 , 12 and 13 in the manner set forth below in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- Rod 21 defines opposed ends 25 and 26 which are received within brackets 11 and 12 and a center portion which passes through aperture 40 formed in center bracket 12 .
- rod 22 defines end portions 30 and 31 received within brackets 11 and 13 as well a center portion which passes through aperture 41 formed in center bracket 12 .
- Further rod 23 defines end portions 32 and 33 which are received within brackets 11 and 13 and a center portion which passes through aperture 42 formed in center bracket 12 .
- rod 24 defines ends 34 and 35 which are received within brackets 11 and 13 and a center portion which passes through an aperture 43 formed in center bracket 12 .
- a plurality of fasteners 50 , 51 and 52 are secured to mounting flanges 14 , 15 and 16 of brackets 11 , 12 and 13 respectively to further secure flanges 14 , 15 and 16 to supporting surface 20 . Since brackets 11 , 12 and 13 are angled upwardly away from the portions of flanges 14 , 15 and 16 receiving fasteners 50 , 51 and 52 , the angled disposition of fasteners set forth above for fasteners 17 , 18 and 19 on the upper side of flanges 14 , 15 and 16 is not required. Accordingly, fasteners 50 , 51 and 52 may be simply driven into surface 20 in a straight line alignment.
- FIG. 2 also shows a plurality of fasteners on the undersides of brackets 11 , 12 and 13 which are utilized to secure the positions of rods 21 through 24 within the brackets. Accordingly, a plurality of fasteners 53 , 54 , 55 and 56 are driven through bracket 11 and engage the end portions of rods 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 respectively. Similarly, a plurality of fasteners 57 , 58 , 59 and 60 are driven through the underside of bracket 15 to engage rods 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 respectively. Finally, a plurality of fasteners 61 , 62 , 63 and 64 are driven through the underside of bracket 13 and engage rods 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 respectively.
- brackets 11 , 12 and 13 define pluralities of apertures on the undersides thereof which are suitably spaced to receive the fasteners which engage rods 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 .
- FIG. 3 sets forth a section view of angled rack 10 taken along section lines 3 - 3 in FIG. 1 .
- a conventional shoe is shown supported upon angled rack 10 in a typical utilization of the present invention angled rack.
- FIG. 3 shows center bracket 12 secured to a support surface 20 by a pair of fasteners 51 and 18 .
- bracket 12 includes a mounting flange 15 which supports the remainder of bracket 12 in an angular relationship with the supporting surface 20 .
- fastener 51 may be driven straight into surface 20 while the upper portion of bracket 12 includes an angled surface 28 through which fastener 18 may be driven at an angle for easy attachment in view of the angled disposition of bracket 12 .
- brackets 11 and 13 are identical to bracket 12 and are thus identically secured to supporting surface 20 .
- Bracket 12 defines a plurality of apertures 40 , 41 , 42 and 43 through which rods 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 respectively pass.
- a plurality of fasteners 57 , 58 , 59 and 60 are driven upwardly through the underside of bracket 12 and into rods 21 through 24 respectively.
- the attachment of fasteners 57 through 60 secures the centered positions of rods 21 through 24 within bracket 12 .
- fasteners 53 through 56 within bracket 11 and fasteners 61 through 64 within bracket 13 perform similar attachment function and secure the end portions of rods 21 through 24 in a similar attachment to that shown for bracket 12 in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 4 sets forth a partial perspective assembly view of the present invention angled rack for supporting footwear.
- bracket 11 is shown having ends 25 , 30 , 32 and 34 being received within and assembled to bracket 11 .
- bracket 13 and end portions 26 , 31 , 33 and 35 of rods 21 , 22 , 23 and 24 (bracket 13 and ends 26 , 31 , 33 and 35 shown in FIG. 1 ).
- bracket 13 and ends 26 , 31 , 33 and 35 shown in FIG. 1 the descriptions of assembly and structure set forth in FIG. 4 for bracket 11 will be understood to be applied equally well and be equally descriptive of the assembly and structure relating to bracket 13 (seen in FIG.
- bracket 11 includes a mounting flange 14 which supports the remainder of bracket 11 in an upwardly angled relationship to the supporting surface such as surface 20 shown in FIG. 3 .
- Bracket 11 includes a plurality of apertures 70 , 71 , 72 and 73 which receive end portions 25 , 30 , 32 and 34 in the manner indicated above in FIG. 1 .
- Bracket 11 further defines a plurality of apertures 75 , 76 , 77 and 78 which receive a corresponding plurality of fasteners 53 , 54 , 55 and 56 .
- Rods 21 through 24 are positioned such that the end portions thereof are received within apertures 70 , 71 , 72 and 73 such that end portions 25 , 30 , 32 and 34 do not extend significantly beyond the outer face of bracket 11 .
- Fasteners 53 through 56 secure the end portions of rods 21 through 24 respectively.
- end portions 25 , 30 , 32 and 34 receive respective end caps 80 , 81 , 82 and 83 .
- Caps 80 through 83 are substantially non-functional apart from improving the aesthetic appeal of the present invention angled rack.
- Bracket 11 further defines an angled portion 66 having an angled aperture 67 defined therein.
- Flange 14 further defines an aperture 68 .
- Fasteners 17 and 50 (seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) are driven through apertures 67 and 68 respectively to secure flange 14 against the selected mounting surface such as surface 20 set forth above.
- the structure of bracket 11 and brackets 12 and 13 is substantially identical.
- the structure and assembly relationship between bracket 11 and rods 21 through 24 is substantially identical to the structure and assembly relationship between bracket 13 and rods 21 through 24 (bracket 13 seen in FIG. 1 ).
- angled rack for supporting footwear which provides simple fabrication and light-weight construction while simultaneously providing substantial support for a number of footwear articles in convenient locations within an area such as a closet or the like.
- the angled rack shown and described may be fabricated entirely from molded or extruded plastic components and is extremely light-weight and strong.
- the present invention angled rack may be readily disassembled and moved to other locations within the area and thereafter reassembled and reattached for further use.
- a plurality of angled racks may be utilized in a vertical generally parallel stacked arrangement to further utilize a convenient support surface such as a closet wall or door or the like.
Abstract
An angled rack for supporting footwear includes a plurality of angled brackets securable with conventional fasteners to a vertical wall or door. Each of the angled brackets define a plurality of apertures therethrough which cooperate and support a corresponding plurality of elongated cylindrical rods. The rods pass through the apertures formed in the brackets to provide a supporting platform or footwear or the like. The angled disposition of the brackets and the resulting angled disposition of cylindrical rods provides a convenient stable surface for footwear to rest upon.
Description
- This invention relates generally to apparatus for organizing storage within closet spaces or the like and particularly to apparatus utilized in storing and supporting footwear such as shoes or the like.
- Through the years a need has arisen for apparatus and systems which facilitate orderly storage of clothing articles and accessories within closet areas or the like. Not surprisingly, this need has prompted practitioners in the related arts to create a variety of storage and organizing apparatus for use in such areas. In a related art, practitioners have also provided apparatus for displaying clothing articles and accessories which tends to be vary similar in many instances to the closet organizing apparatus.
- Perhaps one of the most difficult tasks arising in the organization and storage of such clothing and accessory articles is found in association with footwear such as shoes, boots and slippers. All too often, even the most organized closets simply provides for the arrangement of footwear upon the closet floor space. Typically, the floor space utilized is designated about the periphery of the floor space adjacent the defining walls.
- Practitioners in the art quickly realize that some type of convenient footwear storage beyond simple floor storage was needed. As practitioners in the related arts endeavored to provide improved apparatus for storing footwear, a virtually endless variety of devices were put forth by practitioners. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,276,141 issued to Atkinson sets forth a SHOE RACK which provides an illustration of early attempts to create suitable apparatus for storing footwear. The shoe rack described therein utilizes a metal frame having a pair of supporting end portions coupled to a quartet of telescoping transverse elements. The telescoping transverse elements are arranged in angled pairs to provide support for a plurality of shoes or the like.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,816 issued to Kline et al. sets forth a SHOE RACK which is modular in structure and consists of a pair of rod extending between and supported by a pair of side frames. The side frames are generally rectangular in configuration and are identical in construction. Each side frame includes a groove arrangement and mating tongue arrangement such that the side frames may be stacked upon each other in a stable manner. Each side frame further includes a receiving hole at each end thereof sized to receive the rods. An additional pair of rods may be inserted into the receiving holes and a third side frame connected to the free end of theses additional rods to provide modular expansion of the shoe rack.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,959 issued to Klein et al. sets forth a SHOE RACK having a pair of side frames configured to define a substantially rectangular shape. Each side frame includes a plurality of V-Shaped support members containing two intersecting support bars. Each support bar within a support member includes a recess at its base to receive one support rod and a recess on the opposite end of each support member to receive a second support bar. The second support bar is moved between the recess pair in the upper support members to the recess pair of the lower support members depending upon the alignment of the shoe rack horizontally or vertically.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,547 issued to Rice sets forth a CLOTHING ACCESSORIES STORAGE RACK having a rotatable upper and lower support and a plurality of vertically extending support members. Each support member further supports a plurality of shoe receivers which are arranged in pairs and which are generally upwardly tapered. A plurality of shoes or other similar footwear may be placed upon the tapered shoe receivers to support the shoes upon the storage rack.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,695 issued to Allsop et al. sets forth a SHOE MERCHANISING AND HANDLING APPARATUS having a rotatable rack supporting a plurality of radially extending supports connected thereto. The plurality of radially extending supports are capable of receiving and supporting a corresponding plurality of shoes, boots or the like.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,918,670 issued to Doherty sets forth a HANGER ASSEMBLY suitable for mounting on a door or similar structure. The hanger assembly includes a pair of vertically oriented spaced-apart support members and a plurality of transversely extending support rods. The support rods form a ladder-like structure upon which a plurality of shoe receiving brackets defining generally upwardly tapered spaced-apart wire frames are supported.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,353 issued to Leifheit sets forth a STAND FOR STORAGE OF SHOES having a pair of generally flat parallel ridged end supports and telescopic cross ties extending therebetween. The end supports are configured to nest vertically with other end supports to provide a stacked array of the stand structures.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,313 issued to Klein et al. sets forth a CLOTHES HANGER WITH SLIDING HOOKS suitable for mounting upon a door or similar structure. The hanger includes a pair of end brackets configured to hang from the upper edge of a door which are arranged in a spaced-apart manner. A plurality of rods extend between the spaced brackets and in turn support a plurality of hooks which are movable upon the rods to adjust the position thereof.
- While the foregoing described prior art devices have to some extent improved the art and have in some instances enjoyed commercial success, there remains nonetheless a continuing need in the art for ever more improved, effective and efficient storage apparatus for supporting footwear.
- Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved supporting apparatus for footwear. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved supporting apparatus for footwear which is flexible in its utilization and is expandable in the number of shoes accommodated by the apparatus. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an angled rack for supporting footwear, the rack comprising: a plurality of brackets each having a bracket portion defining a plurality of rod apertures therethrough and a mounting flange for supporting the bracket at an upwardly directed angle when the mounting flange is placed against a vertical surface; means for securing the mounting flanges against a vertical surface in a spaced-apart line; and a plurality of elongated rods received within the rod apertures spanning the distance between the brackets. The invention further provides an angled rack for supporting footwear, the rack comprising: a pair of end brackets each having a mounting flange and means for attaching the flange to a vertical surface in a spaced relationship, each bracket further defining an upwardly angled member having a plurality of rod apertures therethrough; and a center bracket substantially identical to the end brackets positioned between the end brackets and having the rods passing therethrough.
- The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:
-
FIG. 1 sets forth a top view of the present invention angled rack for supporting footwear secured to a typical surface and supporting a plurality of typical footwear articles which are shown in phantom line depiction; -
FIG. 2 sets forth a front view of the present invention angled rack for supporting footwear secured to a typical support surface; -
FIG. 3 sets forth a section view of the present invention angled rack for supporting footwear taken along section lines 3-3 inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 sets forth a partial perspective assembly view of one end of the present invention angled rack for supporting footwear showing assembly of the transverse rods to the angle bracket; -
FIG. 1 sets forth a top view of an angled shoe rack for supporting footwear constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced bynumeral 10.Rack 10 is shown secured to a typical support surface which may for example, be a wall surface or alternatively a convenient surface such as a door or the like. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that virtually any supporting surface may be utilized for mounting the present invention angled rack for supporting footwear. It will also be noted thatrack 10 is shown inFIG. 1 supporting a plurality of footwear articles which are shown in phantom line depiction in a typical use of the present invention angled rack. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art from examination ofFIGS. 1 and 2 that a plurality of angled racks identical toangled rock 10 may be arranged in a vertical orientation uponsurface 20 to provide successive racks in a spaced-apart vertical arrangement for storing and supporting a further plurality of footwear articles without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. - More specifically,
rack 10 includes a trio ofangled brackets brackets 11 and 13 comprise end brackets whilebracket 12 comprises a center bracket. Brackets 11, 12 and 13 definerespective mounting flanges brackets surface 20 by a plurality of angulated exposedfasteners Rack 10 further includes a plurality of elongated generallycylindrical rods brackets FIGS. 3 and 4 .Rod 21 defines opposed ends 25 and 26 which are received withinbrackets 11 and 12 and a center portion which passes throughaperture 40 formed incenter bracket 12. Similarly,rod 22 definesend portions brackets 11 and 13 as well a center portion which passes throughaperture 41 formed incenter bracket 12.Further rod 23 definesend portions brackets 11 and 13 and a center portion which passes throughaperture 42 formed incenter bracket 12. Finally,rod 24 defines ends 34 and 35 which are received withinbrackets 11 and 13 and a center portion which passes through anaperture 43 formed incenter bracket 12. - It will be noted that in the typical use of the present invention angled rack, the shoes shown in phantom line depiction rests upon
rods 21 through 24 and are maintained in position due to the angle formed between the plane ofrods 21 through 24 within respect to supportsurface 20. Similarly, it will be noted in the phantom line depiction of the footwear shown inFIG. 1 that the footwear rests generally uponrods 21 through 24 and is maintained in position in part due to the touching ofsurface 20 by the forward portion of each footwear article. Thus, it will be apparent that no attachment or securing mechanism is required to maintain the footwear articles in position uponrack 10. - For purposes of easy attachment and as is better seen in
FIGS. 3 and 4 below, mountingflanges brackets fasteners FIG. 3 ) to aide in the ready attachment ofrack 10 to supportingsurface 20. In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, the length orrods 21 through 24 is selected to provide a center to center line distance betweenbrackets 11 and 12 and betweenbrackets rods 21 through 24 may be suitably shortened and the spacing betweenbrackets -
FIG. 2 sets forth a front view ofangled rack 10 secured to surface 20 in the manner described above inFIG. 1 .Rack 10 is shown empty inFIG. 2 . However it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above illustration of phantom line depiction of footwear articles shown inFIG. 1 applies equally well to the structure shown inFIG. 2 . - More specifically,
rack 10 includes a trio ofangled brackets brackets 11 and 13 comprise end brackets whilebracket 12 comprises a center bracket.Brackets flanges brackets surface 20 by a plurality of angulated exposedfasteners Rack 10 further includes a plurality of elongated generallycylindrical rods brackets FIGS. 3 and 4 .Rod 21 defines opposed ends 25 and 26 which are received withinbrackets 11 and 12 and a center portion which passes throughaperture 40 formed incenter bracket 12. Similarly,rod 22 definesend portions brackets 11 and 13 as well a center portion which passes throughaperture 41 formed incenter bracket 12.Further rod 23 definesend portions brackets 11 and 13 and a center portion which passes throughaperture 42 formed incenter bracket 12. Finally,rod 24 defines ends 34 and 35 which are received withinbrackets 11 and 13 and a center portion which passes through anaperture 43 formed incenter bracket 12. - A plurality of
fasteners flanges brackets flanges surface 20. Sincebrackets flanges fasteners fasteners flanges fasteners surface 20 in a straight line alignment. -
FIG. 2 also shows a plurality of fasteners on the undersides ofbrackets rods 21 through 24 within the brackets. Accordingly, a plurality offasteners rods fasteners bracket 15 to engagerods fasteners bracket 13 and engagerods FIG. 4 ,brackets rods -
FIG. 3 sets forth a section view ofangled rack 10 taken along section lines 3-3 inFIG. 1 . For purposes of illustration, a conventional shoe is shown supported uponangled rack 10 in a typical utilization of the present invention angled rack.FIG. 3 shows center bracket 12 secured to asupport surface 20 by a pair offasteners bracket 12 includes a mountingflange 15 which supports the remainder ofbracket 12 in an angular relationship with the supportingsurface 20. As is also described above,fastener 51 may be driven straight intosurface 20 while the upper portion ofbracket 12 includes anangled surface 28 through whichfastener 18 may be driven at an angle for easy attachment in view of the angled disposition ofbracket 12. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that brackets 11 and 13 (seen inFIGS. 1 and 2 ) are identical tobracket 12 and are thus identically secured to supportingsurface 20. -
Bracket 12 defines a plurality ofapertures rods fasteners bracket 12 and intorods 21 through 24 respectively. Thus, the attachment offasteners 57 through 60 secures the centered positions ofrods 21 through 24 withinbracket 12. - With temporary return to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatfasteners 53 through 56 within bracket 11 andfasteners 61 through 64 withinbracket 13 perform similar attachment function and secure the end portions ofrods 21 through 24 in a similar attachment to that shown forbracket 12 inFIG. 3 . - Returning to
FIG. 3 , it will be noted that the illustrative shoe resting upon the upper portion ofangled rack 10 is easily retained in its position thereon by the angled disposition ofrack 10 with respect to supportingsurface 20. In this manner, no further attachment is required to maintain the footwear articles resting uponangled rack 10. -
FIG. 4 sets forth a partial perspective assembly view of the present invention angled rack for supporting footwear. The attachment of the end portions ofrods 21 through 24 within the end brackets. In the particular portion shown inFIG. 4 , bracket 11 is shown having ends 25, 30, 32 and 34 being received within and assembled to bracket 11. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the identical structure and assembly exists betweenbracket 13 andend portions rods bracket 13 and ends 26, 31, 33 and 35 shown inFIG. 1 ). Thus, the descriptions of assembly and structure set forth inFIG. 4 for bracket 11 will be understood to be applied equally well and be equally descriptive of the assembly and structure relating to bracket 13 (seen inFIG. 1 ). As described above, bracket 11 includes a mountingflange 14 which supports the remainder of bracket 11 in an upwardly angled relationship to the supporting surface such assurface 20 shown inFIG. 3 . Bracket 11 includes a plurality ofapertures end portions FIG. 1 . Bracket 11 further defines a plurality ofapertures fasteners Rods 21 through 24 are positioned such that the end portions thereof are received withinapertures end portions Fasteners 53 through 56 secure the end portions ofrods 21 through 24 respectively. To enhance the aesthetic appeal of the present invention angled rack,end portions respective end caps Caps 80 through 83 are substantially non-functional apart from improving the aesthetic appeal of the present invention angled rack. - Bracket 11 further defines an
angled portion 66 having anangled aperture 67 defined therein.Flange 14 further defines anaperture 68.Fasteners 17 and 50 (seen in FIGS. 1 and 2) are driven throughapertures flange 14 against the selected mounting surface such assurface 20 set forth above. As mentioned above, the structure of bracket 11 andbrackets rods 21 through 24 is substantially identical to the structure and assembly relationship betweenbracket 13 androds 21 through 24 (bracket 13 seen inFIG. 1 ). - What has been shown in an angled rack for supporting footwear which provides simple fabrication and light-weight construction while simultaneously providing substantial support for a number of footwear articles in convenient locations within an area such as a closet or the like. The angled rack shown and described may be fabricated entirely from molded or extruded plastic components and is extremely light-weight and strong. In addition, the present invention angled rack may be readily disassembled and moved to other locations within the area and thereafter reassembled and reattached for further use. As is also mentioned, a plurality of angled racks may be utilized in a vertical generally parallel stacked arrangement to further utilize a convenient support surface such as a closet wall or door or the like.
- While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (7)
1. An angled rack for supporting footwear, said rack comprising:
a plurality of brackets each having a bracket portion defining a plurality of rod apertures therethrough and a mounting flange for supporting said bracket at an upwardly directed angle when said mounting flange is placed against a vertical surface;
means for securing said mounting flanges against a vertical surface in a spaced-apart line; and
a plurality of elongated rods received within said rod apertures spanning the distance between said brackets.
2. The rack set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for securing includes at least one aperture defined in said mounting flanges and a plurality of fasteners passing through said apertures in said flanges engaging a vertical surface.
3. The rack set forth in claim 2 wherein said brackets each further include a plurality of fastener apertures extending into each of said rod apertures and a plurality of fasteners passing through said fastener apertures to engage said rods therein.
4. The rack set forth in claim 3 wherein said plurality of brackets includes three brackets arranged to provide opposed end brackets and a center bracket therebetween.
5. The rack set forth in claim 4 wherein said rod apertures are generally circular in cross-section and wherein said rods are generally cylindrical.
6. The rack set forth in claim 5 wherein each of said rods is tubular and each defines opposed end portions each end portion including an end cap.
7. An angled rack for supporting footwear, said rack comprising:
a pair of end brackets each having a mounting flange and means for attaching said flange to a vertical surface in a spaced relationship, each bracket further defining an upwardly angled member having a plurality of rod apertures therethrough; and
a center bracket substantially identical to said end brackets positioned between said end brackets and having said rods passing therethrough.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/313,478 US20070138113A1 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2005-12-19 | Angled rack for supporting footwear |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/313,478 US20070138113A1 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2005-12-19 | Angled rack for supporting footwear |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070138113A1 true US20070138113A1 (en) | 2007-06-21 |
Family
ID=38172236
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/313,478 Abandoned US20070138113A1 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2005-12-19 | Angled rack for supporting footwear |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20070138113A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070284321A1 (en) * | 2006-05-09 | 2007-12-13 | Earle Industries, Inc. | Folding Shoe Rack |
US20110192948A1 (en) * | 2010-02-11 | 2011-08-11 | Kuang-Ping Chen | Shelf bracket for goods shelves |
US20120138557A1 (en) * | 2009-08-17 | 2012-06-07 | Taeilmoldtech Co., Ltd. | Hanger with a stable stepwise folding function |
US11464330B2 (en) * | 2020-02-11 | 2022-10-11 | Whitmor, Inc. | Pivot adjustable shoe rack |
US11547232B2 (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2023-01-10 | Ernest Otabil | Shoe organizer |
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US11464330B2 (en) * | 2020-02-11 | 2022-10-11 | Whitmor, Inc. | Pivot adjustable shoe rack |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |