Adjustable width bookend construction

Info

Publication number: 20050274681
Type: Application
Filed: May 13, 2004
Publication Date: Dec 15, 2005
Inventor: Edward Rivers (Colorado Springs, CO)
Application Number: 10/845,576

Abstract

An adjustable width bookend construction (10) including a pair of generally L-shaped bookend members (20)(20) each having a side wall (22) provided with a slot (24) and a rear wall (21) provided with a support member (23) wherein, the bookend members (20)(20) are operatively and slidably associated with one another via a cross-member (31) dimensioned to be slidably received within the slots (24)(24) and be slidably supported on the support members (23). Furthermore, the cross-member (31) is optionally provided with a pair of end cap members (32)(32) that prevent lateral displacement of the bookend construction (10) relative to and resting upon an elevated level surface. Furthermore, holding block assemblies (40) are optionally provided to prevent aftward displacement of the bookend construction (10) relative to a collection books.

Description

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention was the subject matter of Document Disclosure Program Registration No. 539,425, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Oct. 6, 2003.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of bookend constructions in general and in particular to adjustable width bookend constructions.

2. Description of Related Art

As can be seen by reference to the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 314,436; 758,868; 1,363,138; 1,598,467; 1,674,359; 1,891,420; and 6,354,446; the prior art is replete with myriad and diverse adjustable width bookend constructions.

While all of the aforementioned prior art constructions are more than adequate for the basic purpose and function for which they have been specifically designed, they are uniformly deficient with respect to their failure to provide a simple, efficient, and practical adjustable width bookend construction wherein, the book engaging end units clutch, support and suspend a spanner unit in a vertical fashion.

In virtually all of the prior art constructions, the book engaging units are movably supported on a horizontal spanner unit that rests on a horizontal support surface thereby producing a rather conventional and predictable orientation of the major components of an adjustable width bookend.

As a consequence of the foregoing situation, there has existed a longstanding need among book loving consumers for a new and improved adjustable width bookend construction that has radically different aesthetic appearance and function that serves not only to securely support a plurality of books in an upright orientation, but which will also serve as a topic of conversation, and the provision of such a construction is a stated objective of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the adjustable width bookend construction that forms the basis of the present invention comprises a pair of book engaging end units that suspend and are slidably disposed relative to a spanner unit.

As will be explained in greater detail further on in the specification, each of the book engaging end units comprises a generally L-shaped bookend member formed by a rear wall and a side wall wherein, each rear wall is provided with a horizontally disposed support member to support a portion of the spanner unit and each side wall is provided with a vertical slot dimensioned to slidably receive and clutch another portion of the spanner unit.

In addition, the spanner unit comprises an elongated rectangular cross-member dimensioned to be slidably received in the vertical slots in each of the side walls and be suspended from the support members on the rear walls of the respective bookend members.

Furthermore, the outboard ends of a cross-member may be provided with end cap members configured to limit the lateral travel of the bookend members relative to the cross-member.

Furthermore, the outboard ends of a predetermined length cross-member may be provided with end cap members may be configured to extend beyond and down the opposite edges of an elevated level surface to prevent lateral displacement of the bookend construction relative to the elevated level surface.

Furthermore, holding block assemblies are provided to prevent aftward displacement of the bookend construction relative to a collection of books.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other attributes of the invention will become more clear upon a thorough study of the following description of the best mode for carrying out the invention, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the adjustable width bookend construction in use configured to prevent lateral displacement of the bookend construction relative to an elevated level surface;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the bookend construction;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the bookend construction;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the adjustable width bookend construction in use configured for open surface placement of the bookend construction; and,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of two identical holding block assemblies in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As can be seen by reference to the drawings, the adjustable width bookend construction that forms the basis of the present invention is designated generally by the reference number 10. The construction 10 comprises a pair of mirror image book engaging end units (bookend members) 20 20 and a spanner unit 30. These units will now be described in seriatim fashion.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the mirror image book engaging end units 20 20 each comprises a generally L-shaped bookend member 20 having a vertically oriented rear wall panel 21 and a vertically oriented side wall 22.

The lower portion of the free end of the rear walls are each provided with inwardly projecting support members 23 23, and as can best be seen by reference to FIG. 3, the lower portion of the captive end of the side walls 22 22 are each provided with elongated slots 24 24 which extend upwardly from the bottom of each of the side walls 22 22.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the spanner unit 30 comprises an elongated rectangular cross-member 31 dimensioned to be slidably received within the slots 24 24 in the side walls 22 22 and supported on the support members 23 23 in the rear walls 21 21 such that the bookend members 20 20 are linearly clutched as well as slidably adjustable toward and away from one another on the cross-member 31.

In addition, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the opposite ends of the elongated cross-member 31 may be provided with end cap members 32 32 wherein, each comprises an end plate 33 having an inwardly facing vertical groove 36 dimensioned to slidably receive one end of the cross-member 31 and further adapted to receive a lower support leg 34 that the cross-member 31 rests upon. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the end cap members 32 32 may be adapted such that the inwardly facing vertical groove 36 slidably receives a capture arm 35 that rests on the cross-member 31.

Furthermore, the forward and aftward projecting portions of each end plate 33, and each upwardly projecting capture arm 35, each function to limit the lateral displacement of each of the bookend members 20 20 relative to the cross-member 31.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, if the cross-member 31 spans the opposite edges of an elevated level surface, the end cap members 32 32 may also be configured to extend beyond and down the opposite edges of the elevated level surface to prevent lateral displacement of the bookend construction 10 relative to the elevated level surface. Otherwise, as shown in FIG. 4, the end cap members 32 32 may be configured to rest on a level surface.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 5, an optional identical pair of holding blocks 40 each comprising a rear block 41, a base mat 42, and an attaching member 43 for attaching the base mat 42 to the rear block 41, functions to prevent aftward displacement of the bookend construction 10 relative to a collection of books functionally supported by the bookend construction 10. The attaching member 43 is dimensioned to rest with clearance beneath the cross-member 31. In this design, the aft edge of the base mat 42 folds upward and is sandwiched between the attaching member 43 and the rear block 41, typically attached using screws through the attaching member 43 and base mat 42 into the rear block 41. Part of the supported collection of books rests on each base mat 42 fixing each holding block assembly 40 in place. The base mat is thin so as not to interfere with the level integrity of the surface, yet durable to withstand removal and replacement of individual books. The advantage of holding block assemblies becomes apparent when considering a large collection of books in use.

Although only an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

Having thereby described the subject matter of the present invention, it should be apparent that many substitutions, modifications, and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention as taught and described herein is only to be limited to the extent of the breadth and scope of the appended claims.

TABLE 1 Patents for Bookend Utility and Design Patent Date Title Description 153227 Jul. 21, 1874 self adjusting book racks base channel sliding spring loaded 158751 Jan. 12, 1875 book racks base fixed hinged 161293 Mar. 23, 1875 book support shelf partition positive lock 174262 Feb. 29, 1876 book rack base sliding hinged 186974 Feb. 6, 1877 book support standard bookend interlocking partition 202959 Apr. 30, 1878 book supports standard bookend 305863 Sep. 30, 1884 book suppport shelf sliding 314436 Mar. 24, 1885 book holder wraparound rigid 314437 Mar. 24, 1885 book holder shelf side filler 348382 Aug. 31, 1886 book holder shelf side filler 355511 Jan. 4, 1887 book support shelf sliding 386674 Jul. 24, 1888 paper or bill file base partition position stop 388674 Aug. 28, 1888 book support for shelves shelf sliding 423647 Mar 18, 1890 bill file base partition position stop 431373 Jul. 1, 1890 book and paper rack base position stop 436704 Sep. 16, 1890 book support shelf channel positive lock 451729 May 5, 1891 paper or bill file base partition position stop 452673 May 19, 1891 book support shelf sliding hinged linear clutch 470050 Mar. 1, 1892 letter file base fixed hinged 481505 Aug. 23, 1892 book support hanging partition position lever 489693 Jan. 10, 1893 adjustable book rack base crossmember intersliding 497993 May 23, 1893 automatic file holder base channel spring loaded 502321 Aug. 1, 1893 adjustable shelf partition standard bookend 504233 Aug. 29, 1893 book support shelf sliding 518573 Apr. 17, 1894 book rack base crossmember partition sliding 525186 Aug. 28, 1894 knockdown rack base channel thumbscrew lock 527897 Oct. 23, 1894 book support base channel sliding 538500 Apr. 30, 1895 document file base crossmember positive lock 560851 May 26, 1896 book support hanging partition linear 575294 Jan. 12, 1897 book support & label holder shelf partition sliding 575832 Jan. 26, 1897 book support hanging partition 583494 Jun. 1, 1897 book support base channel 593758 Nov. 16, 1897 portable book rack base partition position stop 608515 Aug. 22, 1898 book support shelf scissor side filler 657847 Sep. 11, 1900 book case or rack shelf partition position lever 660264 Oct. 23, 1900 divisible shelf shelf crossmember partition position stop 668961 Feb. 26, 1901 book rack shelf scissor filler 670446 Mar. 26, 1901 holding block for cases base channel sliding spring loaded 679054 Jul. 23, 1901 shelf book support shelf partition sliding 712936 Nov. 4, 1902 book holder shelf partition position stop 758868 May 3, 1904 book support crossmember partition position stop 767037 Aug. 9, 1904 shelf book support shelf partition sliding 774984 Nov. 15, 1904 book support base position stop 779262 Jan. 3, 1905 tray base channel sliding 781890 Feb. 7, 1905 book supporter shelf sliding 793364 Jun. 27, 1905 book & paper rack base partition interlock 833887 Oct. 23, 1906 book support base channel partition hinged stowed 850977 Apr. 23, 1907 book support standard bookend 903769 Nov. 10, 1908 book support and adjustable shelf partition shelf partition thumbscrew lock 931362 Aug. 17, 1909 movable partition or book support base position stop 934148 Sep. 14, 1909 book rest base fixed 935560 Sep. 28, 1909 book support hanging sliding 945877 Jan. 11, 1910 desk book rack base crossmember intersliding 999974 Aug. 8, 1911 file shelf base channel partition sliding 1006328 Oct. 17, 1911 cigar rack base crossmember intersliding 1022150 Apr. 2, 1912 book rack base crossmember intersliding hinged 1049726 Jan. 7, 1913 display rack base crossmember partition sliding 1237101 Aug. 14, 1917 book holder base channel dovetailed sliding spring loaded 1257528 Feb. 26, 1918 file rack base partition position stop 1283259 Oct. 29, 1918 ledger rack base channel mechanical 1317550 Sep. 30, 1919 book rack base crossmember intersliding 1336981 Apr. 13, 1920 book rack base channel sliding 1340317 May 18, 1920 book shelf base channel sliding 1358853 Nov. 16, 1920 binder tray base channel linear clutch 1363138 Dec. 21, 1920 bookrack base crossmember partition 1370279 Mar. 1, 1921 folding book stop standard bookend 1379766 May 31, 1921 portable book holder base fixed 1395825 Nov. 1, 1921 clamping device base recoiling strap 1396910 Nov. 15, 1921 book frame and label holder standard bookend shelf 1401171 Dec. 27, 1921 binder rack base position stop roller 1409136 Mar. 7, 1922 book end standard bookend 1415110 May 9, 1922 file rack base partition position stop 1460642 Jul. 3, 1923 book rack base channel sliding 1477634 Dec. 18, 1923 shipping case and display rack base fixed 1489804 Apr. 8, 1924 follow board base channel partition linear 1506204 Aug. 26, 1924 library book support & index shelf crossmember partition fixed 1508610 Sep. 16, 1924 shelving shelf partition position stop 1557419 Oct. 13, 1925 book end standard bookend 1562275 Nov. 7, 1925 book supporting device base partition position stop 1598467 Aug. 31, 1926 book support standard bookend (Weeks) 1621410 Mar. 15, 1927 supporting rack base position stop 1660823 Feb. 28, 1928 card index and document filling device base crossmember linear clutch 1663432 Mar. 20, 1928 bookrack base linear clutch 1674359 Jun. 19, 1928 filling device base crossmember linear clutch 1674582 Jun. 19, 1928 bookholder base channel sliding spring loaded 1675269 Sep. 13, 1923 book support shelf partition position stop 1682053 Aug. 28, 1928 book support wraparound weighted 1682060 Aug. 28, 1928 adjustable book holder base crossmember intersliding 1704011 Mar. 5, 1929 book end base scissor 1747496 Feb. 18, 1930 counter partition holder base channel partition sliding 1750575 Mar. 11, 1930 sectional desk accessory base interlock 1750576 Mar. 11, 1930 desk distributor set base interlock 1768379 Jun. 24, 1930 tag and tag holding device base crossmember intersliding 1772438 Aug. 5, 1930 office accessory base interlock 1780872 Nov. 4, 1930 book rack or support base channel position stop 1795526 Mar. 10, 1931 book support standard bookend comered 1806642 May 26, 1931 bookstack shelf partition sliding 1832884 Nov. 24, 1931 shelf follower and end support standard bookend friction block 1853840 Apr. 12, 1932 book shelf base channel partition sliding 1875288 Aug. 30, 1932 adjustable book supporting rack base channel thumbscrew lock 1876346 Sep. 6, 1932 book ends base recoiling strap 1891420 Dec. 20, 1932 book rack base linear clutch 1898533 Feb. 21, 1933 paper file base channel 1912229 May 30, 1933 book end standard bookend hinged 1923996 Aug. 22, 1933 adjustable book end holder base crossmember intersliding 1942456 Jan. 9, 1934 book holder standard bookend book support 1992487 Feb. 26, 1935 combined bookedn & picture frame standard bookend 2031698 Feb. 25, 1936 book end standard bookend 2032086 Feb. 25, 1936 combination lamp stand and book rack base channel sliding spring loaded 2051448 Aug. 18, 1936 adjustable book end holder base crossmember intersliding 2062802 Dec. 1, 1936 display appliance base channel partition position stop 2076941 Apr. 13, 1937 book end and like support base coil 2096634 Oct. 19, 1937 book end base recoiling strap 2104864 Jan. 11, 1938 support for books and the like hanging partition 2111406 Mar. 15, 1938 collapsible portable book rest base fixed hinged 2117667 May 17, 1938 book holder standard bookend book holder 2117668 May 17, 1938 book holder standard bookend book holder 2134606 Oct. 25, 1938 book rack base crossmember partition sliding 2140656 Dec. 20, 1938 book end construction base crossmember sliding spring loaded 2151269 Mar. 21, 1939 display rack for books standard bookend book support 2206133 Jul. 2, 1940 book holder base channel sliding spring loaded 2222190 Nov. 19, 1940 display rack base channel sliding position stop 2264017 Nov. 25, 1941 bookrack base sliding ratchet 2264086 Nov. 25, 1941 book support rack base scissor 2284849 Jun. 2, 1942 book end base recoiling strap 2294595 Sep. 1, 1942 adjustable book rack base crossmember intersliding 2334251 Nov. 16, 1943 book ends standard bookend 2364482 Dec. 5, 1944 book rack base fixed 2368349 Jan. 30, 1945 filing cabinet guide separator base channel partition sliding 2504466 Apr. 18, 1950 adjustable partition base crossmember partition intersliding position stop 2529031 Nov. 7, 1950 book end base crossmember intersliding 2534456 Dec. 19, 1950 self closing bookrack base channel dovetailed sliding spring loaded 2537565 Jan. 9, 1951 book unit rack base partition fixed 2538908 Jan. 23, 1951 shelf divider shelf partition sliding spring lock 2545844 Mar. 20, 1951 automatically adjustable bookrack base crossmember intersliding spring loaded 2566800 Sep. 4, 1951 center extension table base crossmember intersliding 2620929 Dec. 9, 1952 multipurpose book rack base crossmember 2624466 Jan. 6, 1953 bookholder base crossmember intersliding 2652154 Sep. 15, 1953 display rack base channel partition sliding 2658628 Nov. 10, 1953 adjustable shelf divider base partition position stop 2661568 Dec. 8, 1953 book holder standard bookend 2665010 Jan. 5, 1954 bookend base crossmember intersliding 2675922 Apr. 20, 1954 bookrack hanging partition sliding 2684765 Jul. 27, 1954 holder for books and the like base channel linear clutch 2688409 Sep. 7, 1954 adjustable partition for shelves shelf crossmember partition sliding 2726318 Dec. 6, 1955 bookend lamp base crossmember intersliding 2732082 Jan. 24, 1956 bookracks base turning blocks 2738881 Mar. 20, 1956 display and storage holder base recoiling strap 2767856 Oct. 23, 1956 book support standard bookend 2807369 Sep. 24, 1957 support for reading matter standard bookend book support 2845188 Jul. 29, 1958 shelf and divider unit base partition position stop 2872046 Feb. 3, 1959 book ends base interlock 2884139 Apr. 28, 1959 snap-on bin divider shelf partition sliding 2905336 Sep. 22, 1959 partition for filing cabinet rocker compartment shelf partition position stop 2911103 Nov. 3, 1959 device for supporting books base channel spring loaded 2953258 Sep. 20, 1960 detachable self wedging shelf divider hanging partition sliding 2954878 Oct. 4, 1960 display rack base crossmember partition positive lock 2959293 Nov. 8, 1960 record holder base crossmember sliding spring loaded 3063567 Nov. 13, 1962 book rack base crossmember linear 3120894 Feb. 11, 1964 shelving with reversible compressor base channel partition linear 3121494 Feb. 18, 1964 book stop device shelf crossmember intersliding 3126892 Mar. 31, 1964 adjustable partition for files base channel partition sliding positive lock 3138262 Jun. 23, 1964 slotted bookshelf/support base channel linear clutch 3142384 Jul. 28, 1964 adjustable bookshelves/bookends hanging channel partition sliding 3160282 Dec. 8, 1964 vertical shelf unit base channel crossmember position stop 3171542 Mar. 2, 1965 book rack base crossmember partition sliding 3182806 May 11, 1965 book rack base coil 3202290 Aug. 24, 1965 book care system shelf individual depth alignment 3202298 Aug. 24, 1965 bookend hanging partition sliding 3235092 Feb. 15, 1966 book support standard bookend friction bolck 3241683 Mar. 22, 1966 article retainer base channel partition sliding 3269558 Aug. 30, 1966 compartmented shelf device shelf partition position stop 3285429 Nov. 15, 1966 shelf organizer shelf partition sliding 3300057 Jan. 24, 1967 shelf organizer base partition interlock 3301407 Jan. 31, 1967 shelf dividers base channel 3318453 May 9, 1967 reversible file holder base crossmember fixed 3318454 May 9, 1967 shelf with adjustable bookends base channel crossmember 3385450 May 28, 1968 bookend standard bookend anti-tipping 3389805 Jun. 25, 1968 self adjusting telescoping bookends base frictionless spring loaded 3391793 Jul. 9, 1968 book rack base crossmember partition sliding 3399782 Sep. 3, 1968 book ends base recoiling strap 3425565 Feb. 4, 1969 adjustable storage shelf dividing structure base position stop 3450268 Jun. 17, 1969 bookshelf divider & holder hanging partition position lever 3465896 Sep. 9, 1969 bookshelf and book support hanging channel sliding 3489292 Jan. 13, 1970 book support hanging sliding 3513983 May 26, 1970 shelf assembly base channel linear clutch 3579710 May 25, 1971 traversable hardware in driveway base crossmember partition sliding 3601258 Aug. 24, 1971 bookend for shelves shelf sliding 3604564 Jul. 8, 1969 book ends standard bookend magnetic 3679064 Jul. 25, 1972 article holder base crossmember intersliding 3739918 Jun. 19, 1973 cloth bolt holder base crossmember sliding 3747775 Jul. 24, 1973 holder for books and the like base crossmember sliding 3780873 Dec. 25, 1973 automatic display racks base crossmember partition sliding 3780876 Dec. 25, 1973 shelf divider shelf partition sliding 3784021 Jan. 8, 1974 bookrack pivoting interlock 3800958 Apr. 2, 1974 bookrack base crossmember sliding spring loaded 3844415 Oct. 29, 1974 support device for files base crossmember intersliding 3889816 Jun. 17, 1975 book holder and separator hanging partition position stop 3905484 Sep. 16, 1975 flexible dividers for lateral shelf filing shelf partition position stop 3971556 Jul. 27, 1976 combination book end and dumbell apparatus standard bookend weighted 3974918 Aug. 17, 1976 magnetic book supporting structure base channel sliding 4002240 Jan. 11, 1977 combined bookrack and book support base crossmember fixed 4099624 Jul. 11, 1978 portable book rack base crossmember partition position stop 4106735 Aug. 15, 1978 adjustable coil rack base interlock 4113108 Sep. 12, 1978 adjustable book holding device base channel linear clutch 4135626 Jan. 23, 1979 constant force spring expandable clasp holder base recoiling strap 4327838 May 4, 1982 clip-on book end shelf partition sliding 4358019 Nov. 9, 1982 book end base interlock cornered 4410093 Oct. 18, 1983 device for organizing papers and files base position stop 4463854 Aug. 7, 1984 book support assembly base recoiling wire 4569447 Feb. 11, 1986 bookrack base fixed 4595105 Jun. 17, 1986 interlocking bookrack base partition fixed 4606465 Aug. 19, 1986 expansible spring-loaded retention clamp base rolling strap 4637632 Jan. 20, 1987 holding device base interlock 4682696 Jul. 28, 1987 adjustable bookrack base channel thumbscrew lock 4735324 Apr. 5, 1988 removable shelf separator and system base crossmember partition sliding 4742922 May 10, 1988 book rack of selective capacity base interlock 4759449 Jul. 26, 1988 interlocking expandable bookrack base partition position stop 4782960 Nov. 8, 1988 divider with resilient base engagement shelf channel partition sliding 4858774 Aug. 22, 1989 shelving system shelf partition position stop 4944413 Jul. 31, 1990 book support apparatus base partition fixed 5036988 Aug. 6, 1991 bookend for metal shelves standard bookend 5072835 Dec. 17, 1991 tape cartridge holder base partition sliding 5074420 Dec. 24, 1991 free-standing rack assembly base crossmember partition fixed 5103987 Apr. 14, 1992 shelf engaging bookend shelf linear clutch 5121681 Jun. 16, 1992 extendible book shelf base partition crossmember position stop 5183163 Feb. 2, 1993 interlocking continuous base bookends base interlock 5205420 Apr. 27, 1993 adjustable & self locking book rack/support base channel dovetailed linear clutch 5209357 May 11, 1993 hanging bookend device hanging partition sliding 5217122 Jun. 8, 1993 adjustable bookend apparatus hanging sliding spring loaded 5217124 Jun. 8, 1993 clip-on divider shelf device shelf partition sliding 5228578 Jul. 20, 1993 adjustable book shelf base crossmember partition sliding 5275297 Jan. 4, 1994 clip-on book support and label holder shelf partition sliding 5325792 Jul. 5, 1994 bookshelf w/adjustable locking bookends base channel sliding press release 5732832 Mar. 31, 1998 adjustable divider unit to support notebooks shelf partition position stop 5740926 Apr. 21, 1998 bookshelf w/adjustable locking bookends base channel thumbscrew lock 5871104 Feb. 16, 1999 adjustable support apparatus hanging channel spring hinge 6334539 Jun. 1, 2002 bendable bookend standard bookend 6352162 Mar. 5, 2002 interlocking bookends base interlock 6354446 Mar. 12, 2002 space adjustable interlocking crossmember partition interlock 6578717 Jun. 17, 2003 economical desktop bookcase base fixed base 151 current patents shelf 41 no proprietary base hanging 16 linear clutch concept crossmember 2 wraparound 2 pivoting interlock 1 standard bookend variation 28 241

TABLE 2 Patents for Bookend Utility and Design Patent Date Title Description 583494 Jun. 1, 1897 book support base channel 1898533 Feb. 21, 1933 paper file base channel 3301407 Jan. 31, 1967 shelf dividers base channel 3318454 May 9, 1967 shelf with adjustable bookends base channel crossmember 3160282 Dec. 8, 1964 vertical shelf unit base channel crossmember position stop 5205420 Apr. 27, 1993 adjustable & self locking book rack/support base channel dovetailed 1237101 Aug. 14, 1917 book holder base channel dovetailed sliding spring loaded 2534456 Dec. 19, 1950 self closing bookrack base channel dovetailed sliding spring loaded 1358853 Nov. 16, 1920 binder tray base channel linear clutch 2684765 Jul. 27, 1954 holder for books and the like base channel linear clutch 3138262 Jun. 23, 1964 slotted bookshelf/support base channel linear clutch 3513983 May 26, 1970 shelf assembly base channel linear clutch 4113108 Sep. 12, 1978 adjustable book holding device base channel linear clutch 1283259 Oct. 29, 1918 ledger rack base channel mechanical 833887 Oct. 23, 1906 book support base channel partition hinged stowed 1489804 Apr. 8, 1924 follow board base channel partition linear 3120894 Feb. 11, 1964 shelving with reversible compressor base channel partition linear 2062802 Dec. 1, 1936 display appliance base channel partition position stop 999974 Aug. 8, 1911 file shelf base channel partition sliding 1747496 Feb. 18, 1930 counter partition holder base channel partition sliding 1853840 Apr. 12, 1932 book shelf base channel partition sliding 2368349 Jan. 30, 1945 filing cabinet guide separator base channel partition sliding 2652154 Sep. 15, 1953 display rack base channel partition sliding 3241683 Mar. 22, 1966 article retainer base channel partition sliding 3126892 Mar. 31, 1964 adjustable partition for files base channel partition sliding positive lock 1780872 Nov. 4, 1930 book rack or support base channel position stop 527897 Oct. 23, 1894 book support base channel sliding 779262 Jan. 3, 1905 tray base channel sliding 1336981 Apr. 13, 1920 book rack base channel sliding 1340317 May 18, 1920 book shelf base channel sliding 1460642 Jul. 3, 1923 book rack base channel sliding 3974918 Aug. 17, 1976 magnetic book supporting structure base channel sliding 2222190 Nov. 19, 1940 display rack base channel sliding position stop 5325792 Jul. 5, 1994 bookshelf w/adjustable locking bookends base channel sliding press release 153227 Jul. 21, 1874 self adjusting book racks base channel sliding spring loaded 670446 Mar. 26, 1901 holding block for cases base channel sliding spring loaded 1674582 Jun. 19, 1928 bookholder base channel sliding spring loaded 2032086 Feb. 25, 1936 combination lamp stand and book rack base channel sliding spring loaded 2206133 Jul. 2, 1940 book holder base channel sliding spring loaded 497993 May 23, 1893 automatic file holder base channel spring loaded 2911103 Nov. 3, 1959 device for supporting books base channel spring loaded 525186 Aug. 28, 1894 knockdown rack base channel thumbscrew lock 1875288 Aug. 30, 1932 adjustable book supporting rack base channel thumbscrew lock 4682696 Jul. 28, 1987 adjustable bookrack base channel thumbscrew lock 5740926 Apr. 21, 1998 bookshelf w/adjustable locking bookends base channel thumbscrew lock 2076941 Apr. 13, 1937 book end and like support base coil 3182806 May 11, 1965 book rack base coil 2620929 Dec. 9, 1952 multipurpose book rack base crossmember 3318453 May 9, 1967 reversible file holder base crossmember fixed 4002240 Jan. 11, 1977 combined bookrack and book support base crossmember fixed 489693 Jan. 10, 1893 adjustable book rack base crossmember intersliding 945877 Jan. 11, 1910 desk book rack base crossmember intersliding 1006328 Oct. 17, 1911 cigar rack base crossmember intersliding 1317550 Sep. 30, 1919 book rack base crossmember intersliding 1682060 Aug. 28, 1928 adjustable book holder base crossmember intersliding 1768379 Jun. 24, 1930 tag and tag holding device base crossmember intersliding 1923996 Aug. 22, 1933 adjustable book end holder base crossmember intersliding 2051448 Aug. 18, 1936 adjustable book end holder base crossmember intersliding 2294595 Sep. 1, 1942 adjustable book rack base crossmember intersliding 2529031 Nov. 7, 1950 book end base crossmember intersliding 2566800 Sep. 4, 1951 center extension table base crossmember intersliding 2624466 Jan. 6, 1953 bookholder base crossmember intersliding 2665010 Jan. 5, 1954 bookend base crossmember intersliding 2726318 Dec. 6, 1955 bookend lamp base crossmember intersliding 3679064 Jul. 25, 1972 article holder base crossmember intersliding 3844415 Oct. 29, 1974 support device for files base crossmember intersliding 1022150 Apr. 2, 1912 book rack base crossmember intersliding hinged 2545844 Mar. 20, 1951 automatically adjustable bookrack base crossmember intersliding spring loaded 1660823 Feb. 28, 1928 card index and document filing device base crossmember linear clutch 1674359 Jun. 19, 1928 filing device base crossmember linear clutch 3063567 Nov. 13, 1962 book rack base crossmember linear clutch 5074420 Dec. 24, 1991 free-standing rack assembly base crossmember partition fixed 2504466 Apr. 18, 1950 adjustable partition base crossmember partition intersliding position stop 1363138 Dec. 21, 1920 bookrack base crossmember partition intersliding 4099624 Jul. 11, 1978 portable book rack base crossmember partition position stop 2954878 Oct. 4, 1960 display rack base crossmember partition positive lock 518573 Apr. 17, 1894 book rack base crossmember partition sliding 1049726 Jan. 7, 1913 display rack base crossmember partition sliding 2134606 Oct. 25, 1938 book rack base crossmember partition sliding 3171542 Mar. 2, 1965 book rack base crossmember partition sliding 3391793 Jul. 9, 1968 book rack base crossmember partition sliding 3579710 May 25, 1971 traversable hardware in driveway base crossmember partition sliding 3780873 Dec. 25, 1973 automatic display racks base crossmember partition sliding 4735324 Apr. 5, 1988 removable shelf separator and system base crossmember partition sliding 5228578 Jul. 20, 1993 adjustable book shelf base crossmember partition sliding 538500 Apr. 30, 1895 document file base crossmember positive lock 3739918 Jun. 19, 1973 cloth bolt holder base crossmember sliding 3747775 Jul. 24, 1973 holder for books and the like base crossmember sliding 2140656 Dec. 20, 1938 book end construction base crossmember sliding spring loaded 2959293 Nov. 8, 1960 record holder base crossmember sliding spring loaded 3800958 Apr. 2, 1974 bookrack base crossmember sliding spring loaded 934148 Sep. 14, 1909 book rest base fixed 1379766 May 31, 1921 portable book holder base fixed 1477634 Dec. 18, 1923 shipping case and display rack base fixed 2364482 Dec. 5, 1944 book rack base fixed 4569447 Feb. 11, 1986 book rack base fixed 6578717 Jun. 17, 2003 economical desktop bookcase base fixed 158751 Jan. 12, 1875 book racks base fixed hinged 470050 Mar. 1, 1892 letter file base fixed hinged 2111406 Mar. 15, 1938 collapsible portable book rest base fixed hinged 3389805 Jun. 25, 1968 self adjusting telescoping bookends base frictionless spring loaded 1750575 Mar. 11, 1930 sectional desk accessory base interlock 1750576 Mar. 11, 1930 desk distributor set base interlock 1772438 Aug. 5, 1930 office accessory base interlock 2872046 Feb. 3, 1959 book ends base interlock 4106735 Aug. 15, 1978 adjustable coil rack base interlock 4637632 Jan. 20, 1987 holding device base interlock 4742922 May 10, 1988 book rack of selective capacity base interlock 5183163 Feb. 2, 1993 interlocking continuous base bookends base interlock 6352162 Mar. 5, 2002 interlocking bookends base interlock 4358019 Nov. 9, 1982 book end base interlock cornered 1663432 Mar. 20, 1928 bookrack base linear clutch 1891420 Dec. 20, 1932 book rack base linear clutch 5121681 Jun. 16, 1992 extendible book shelf base partition crossmember position stop 2537565 Jan. 9, 1951 book unit rack base partition fixed 4595105 Jun. 17, 1986 interlocking bookrack base partition fixed 4944413 Jul. 31, 1990 book support apparatus base partition fixed 793364 Jun. 27, 1905 book & paper rack base partition interlock 3300057 Jan. 24, 1967 shelf organizer base partition interlock 386674 Jul. 24, 1888 paper or bill file base partition position stop 423647 Mar 18, 1890 bill file base partition position stop 451729 May 5, 1891 paper or bill file base partition position stop 593758 Nov. 16, 1897 portable book rack base partition position stop 1257528 Feb. 26, 1918 file rack base partition position stop 1415110 May 9, 1922 file rack base partition position stop 1562275 Nov. 7, 1925 book supporting device base partition position stop 2658628 Nov. 10, 1953 adjustable shelf divider base partition position stop 2845188 Jul. 29, 1958 shelf and divider unit base partition position stop 4759449 Jul. 26, 1988 interlocking expandable bookrack base partition position stop 5072835 Dec. 17, 1991 tape cartridge holder base partition sliding 431373 Jul. 1, 1890 book and paper rack base position stop 774984 Nov. 15, 1904 book support base position stop 931362 Aug. 17, 1909 movable partition or book support base position stop 1621410 Mar. 15, 1927 supporting rack base position stop 3425565 Feb. 4, 1969 adjustable storage shelf dividing structure base position stop 4410093 Oct. 18, 1983 device for organizing papers and files base position stop 1401171 Dec. 27, 1921 binder rack base position stop roller 1395825 Nov. 1, 1921 clamping device base recoiling strap 1876346 Sep. 6, 1932 book ends base recoiling strap 2096634 Oct. 19, 1937 book end base recoiling strap 2284849 Jun. 2, 1942 book end base recoiling strap 2738881 Mar. 20, 1956 display and storage holder base recoiling strap 3399782 Sep. 3, 1968 book ends base recoiling strap 4135626 Jan. 23, 1979 constant force spring expandable clasp holder base recoiling strap 4463854 Aug. 7, 1984 book support assembly base recoiling wire 4606465 Aug. 19, 1986 expansible spring-loaded retention clamp base rolling strap 1704011 Mar. 5, 1929 book end base scissor 2264086 Nov. 25, 1941 book support rack base scissor 174262 Feb. 29, 1876 book rack base sliding hinged 2264017 Nov. 25, 1941 bookrack base sliding ratchet 2732082 Jan. 24, 1956 bookracks base turning blocks 6354446 Mar. 12, 2002 space adjustable interlocking crossmember partition interlock 758868 May 3, 1904 book support crossmember partition position stop 3142384 Jul. 28, 1964 adjustable bookshelves/bookends hanging channel partition sliding 3465896 Sep. 9, 1969 bookshelf and book support hanging channel sliding 5871104 Feb. 16, 1999 adjustable support apparatus hanging channel spring hinge 575832 Jan. 26, 1897 book support hanging partition 2104864 Jan. 11, 1938 support for books and the like hanging partition 560851 May 26, 1896 book support 481505 Aug. 23, 1892 book support hanging partition position lever 3450268 Jun. 17, 1969 bookshelf divider & holder hanging partition position lever 3889816 Jun. 17, 1975 book holder and separator hanging partition position stop 2675922 Apr. 20, 1954 bookrack hanging partition sliding 2953258 Sep. 20, 1960 detachable self wedging shelf divider hanging partition sliding 3202298 Aug. 24, 1965 bookend hanging partition sliding 5209357 May 11, 1993 hanging bookend device hanging partition sliding 935560 Sep. 28, 1909 book support hanging sliding 3489292 Jan. 13, 1970 book support hanging sliding 5217122 Jun. 8, 1993 adjustable bookend apparatus hanging sliding spring loaded 3784021 Jan. 8, 1974 bookrack pivoting interlock 4782960 Nov. 8, 1988 divider with resilient base engagement shelf channel partition sliding 436704 Sep. 16, 1890 book support shelf channel positive lock 3121494 Feb. 18, 1964 book stop device shelf crossmember intersliding 1506204 Aug. 26, 1924 library book support & index shelf crossmember partition fixed 660264 Oct. 23, 1900 divisible shelf shelf crossmember partition position stop 2688409 Sep. 7, 1954 adjustable partition for shelves shelf crossmember partition sliding 3202290 Aug. 24, 1965 book care system shelf individual depth alignment 5103987 Apr. 14, 1992 shelf engaging bookend 657847 Sep. 11, 1900 book case or rack shelf partition position lever 712936 Nov. 4, 1902 book holder shelf partition position stop 1508610 Sep. 16, 1924 shelving shelf partition position stop 1675269 Sep. 13, 1923 book support shelf partition position stop 2905336 Sep. 22, 1959 partition for filling cabinet rocker compartment shelf partition position stop 3269558 Aug. 30, 1966 compartmented shelf device shelf partition position stop 3905484 Sep. 16, 1975 flexible dividers for lateral shelf filling shelf partition position stop 4858774 Aug. 22, 1989 shelving system shelf partition position stop 5732832 Mar. 31, 1998 adjustable divider unit to support notebooks shelf partition position stop 161293 Mar. 23, 1875 book support shelf partition positive lock 575294 Jan. 12, 1897 book support & label holder shelf partition sliding 679054 Jul. 23, 1901 shelf book support shelf partition sliding 767037 Aug. 9, 1904 shelf book support shelf partition sliding 1806642 May 26, 1931 bookstack shelf partition sliding 2884139 Apr. 28, 1959 snap-on bin divider shelf partition sliding 3285429 Nov. 15, 1966 shelf organizer shelf partition sliding 3780876 Dec. 25, 1973 shelf divider shelf partition sliding 4327838 May 4, 1982 clip-on book end shelf partition sliding 5217124 Jun. 8, 1993 clip-on divider shelf device shelf partition sliding 5275297 Jan. 4, 1994 clip-on book support and label holder shelf partition sliding 2538908 Jan. 23, 1951 shelf divider shelf partition sliding spring lock 903769 Nov. 10, 1908 book support and adjustable shelf partition shelf partition thumbscrew lock 668961 Feb. 26, 1901 book rack shelf scissor filler 608515 Aug. 22, 1898 book support shelf scissor side filler 314437 Mar. 24, 1885 book holder shelf side filler 348382 Aug. 31, 1886 book holder shelf side filler 305863 Sep. 30, 1884 book suppport shelf sliding 355511 Jan. 4, 1887 book support shelf sliding 388674 Aug. 28, 1888 book support for shelves shelf sliding 504233 Aug. 29, 1893 book support shelf sliding 781890 Feb. 7, 1905 book supporter shelf sliding 3601258 Aug. 24, 1971 bookend for shelves shelf sliding 452673 May 19, 1891 book support shelf sliding hinged linear clutch 202959 Apr. 30, 1878 book supports standard bookend 502321 Aug. 1, 1893 adjustable shelf partition standard bookend 850977 Apr. 23, 1907 book support standard bookend 1370279 Mar. 1, 1921 folding book stop standard bookend 1409136 Mar. 7, 1922 book end standard bookend 1557419 Oct. 13, 1925 book end standard bookend 1992487 Feb. 26, 1935 combined bookedn & picture frame standard bookend 2031698 Feb. 25, 1936 book end standard bookend 2334251 Nov. 16, 1943 book ends standard bookend 2661568 Dec. 8, 1953 book holder standard bookend 2767856 Oct. 23, 1956 book support standard bookend 5036988 Aug. 6, 1991 bookend for metal shelves standard bookend 6334539 Jun. 1, 2002 bendable bookend standard bookend 1598467 Aug. 31, 1926 book support standard bookend (Weeks) 3385450 May 28, 1968 bookend standard bookend anti-tipping 2117667 May 17, 1938 book holder standard bookend book holder 2117668 May 17, 1938 book holder standard bookend book holder 1942456 Jan. 9, 1934 book holder standard bookend book support 2151269 Mar. 21, 1939 display rack for books standard bookend book support 2807369 Sep. 24, 1957 support for reading matter standard bookend book support 1795526 Mar. 10, 1931 book support standard bookend comered 1832884 Nov. 24, 1931 shelf follower and end support standard bookend friction block 3235092 Feb. 15, 1966 book support standard bookend friction block 1912229 May 30, 1933 book end standard bookend hinged 186974 Feb. 6, 1877 book support standard bookend interlocking partition 3604564 Jul. 8, 1969 book ends standard bookend magnetic 1396910 Nov. 15, 1921 book frame and label holder standard bookend shelf 3971556 Jul. 27, 1976 combination book end and dumbell apparatus standard bookend weighted 314436 Mar. 24, 1885 book holder wraparound rigid 1682053 Aug. 28, 1928 book support wraparound weighted base 151 current patents shelf 41 no proprietary base hanging 16 linear clutch concept crossmember 2 wraparound 2 pivoting interlock 1 standard bookend variation 28 241

TABLE 3 Functional Descriptions Description base channel base channel crossmember base channel crossmember position stop base channel dovetailed sliding spring loaded base channel mechanical base channel partition hinged stowed base channel partition position stop base channel partition sliding base channel partition sliding positive lock base channel position stop base channel sliding base channel sliding position stop base channel sliding press release base channel sliding spring loaded base channel spring loaded base channel thumbscrew lock base coil base crossmember base crossmember fixed base crossmember intersliding base crossmember intersliding hinged base crossmember intersliding spring loaded base crossmember linear clutch base crossmember partition fixed base crossmember partition intersliding position stop base crossmember partition linear clutch base crossmember partition position stop base crossmember partition positive lock base crossmember partition sliding base crossmember positive lock base crossmember sliding base crossmember sliding spring loaded base fixed base fixed hinged base frictionless spring loaded base interlock base interlock cornered base linear clutch base partition crossmember position stop base partition fixed base partition interlock base partition position stop base partition sliding base position stop base position stop roller base recoiling strap base recoiling wire base rolling strap base scissor base sliding hinged base sliding ratchet base turning blocks crossmember partition interlock crossmember partition position stop hanging channel partition sliding hanging channel sliding hanging channel spring hinge hanging partition hanging partition position stop hanging partition sliding hanging sliding hanging sliding spring loaded pivoting interlock shelf channel partition sliding shelf crossmember intersliding shelf crossmember partition fixed shelf crossmember partition position stop shelf crossmember partition sliding shelf individual depth alignment shelf linear cluctch shelf partition position lever shelf partition position stop shelf partition sliding shelf partition sliding spring lock shelf partition thumbscrew lock shelf scissor filler shelf scissor side, filler shelf side filler shelf sliding shelf sliding hinged linear clutch standard bookend (Weeks) standard bookend anti-tipping standard bookend book support standard bookend cornered standard bookend friction block standard bookend interlocking partition standard bookend magnetic standard bookend shelf standard bookend weighted wraparound rigid wraparound weighted

TABLE 4 Functional Descriptors Description Echelon 1 Echelon 2 Echelon 3 Echelon 4 Echelon 5 Reference base channel crossmember position stop base channel crossmember position stop 3160282 base channel dovetailed linear clutch dovetailed linear clutch 5205420 base channel dovetailed sliding spring loaded sliding spring loaded 1237101 base channel linear clutch linear clutch 1358853 base channel mechanical mechanical 1283259 base channel partition hinged stowed partition hinged stowed 833887 base channel partition linear clutch linear clutch 1489804 base channel partition position stop position stop 2062802 base channel partition sliding positive lock sliding positive lock 3126892 base channel position stop position stop 1780872 base channel sliding position stop sliding position stop 2222190 base channel sliding press release press release 5325792 base channel sliding spring loaded spring loaded 153227 base channel spring loaded spring loaded 497993 base channel thumbscrew lock thumbscrew lock 525186 base coil coil 2076941 base crossmember fixed crossmember fixed 3318453 base crossmember intersliding hinged intersliding hinged 1022150 base crossmember intersliding spring loaded spring loaded 2545844 base crossmember linear clutch linear clutch 1660823 base crossmember partition fixed partition fixed 5074420 base crossmember partition intersliding position stop intersliding position stop 2504466 base crossmember partition linear clutch linear clutch 1363138 base crossmember partition position stop position stop 4099624 base crossmember partition positive lock positive lock 2954878 base crossmember partition sliding sliding 518573 base crossmember positive lock positive lock 538500 base crossmember sliding spring loaded sliding spring loaded 2140656 base fixed hinged fixed hinged 158751 base frictionless spring loaded frictionless spring loaded 3389805 base interlock cornered interlock cornered 4358019 base linear clutch linear clutch 1663432 base partition crossmember position stop partition crossmember position stop 5121681 base partition fixed fixed 2537565 base partition interlock interlock 3300057 base partition position stop position stop 423647 base partition sliding sliding 5072835 base position stop roller position stop roller 1401171 base recoiling strap recoiling strap 1395825 base recoiling wire wire 4463854 base rolling strap rolling strap 4606465 base scissor scissor 1704011 base sliding hinged sliding hinged 174262 base sliding ratchet ratchet 2264017 base turning blocks turning blocks 2732082 crossmember partition interlock crossmember partition interlock 6354446 crossmember partition position stop position stop 758868 hanging channel partition sliding hanging channel partition sliding 3142384 hanging channel sliding sliding 3465896 hanging channel spring hinge spring hinge 5871104 hanging partition linear clutch partition linear clutch 560851 hanging partition position stop position stop 3889816 hanging partition sliding sliding 2675922 hanging sliding spring loaded sliding spring loaded 5217122 plvoting interlock pivoting interlock 3784021 shelf channel partition sliding shelf channel partition sliding 4782960 shelf crossmember intersliding crossmember intersliding 3121494 shelf crossmember partition fixed partition fixed 1506204 shelf crossmember partition position stop position stop 660264 shelf crossmember partition sliding sliding 1506204 shelf individual depth alignment individual depth 3202290 shelf linear clutch linear clutch 5103987 shelf partition position lever partition position lever 657847 shelf partition position stop position stop 712936 shelf partition sliding spring lock sliding spring lock 767037 shelf partition thumbscrew lock thumbscrew lock 903769 shelf scissor filler scissor filler 668961 shelf scissor side filler side filler 608515 shelf side filler side filler 314437 shelf sliding linear clutch hinged sliding linear clutch hinged 305863 standard bookend standard bookend variation 202959 wraparound rigid wraparound rigid 314436 wraparound weighted weighted 1682053 base 45 shelf 15 hanging 7 crossmember 2 wraparound 2 plvoting interlock 1 standard bookend variation 1 73

date activity OPR 26-Aug-03 completed first design and prototype Rivers 2-Oct-03 disclosed invention (Reed Sawyer witness) AIF 6-Oct-03 disclosure filed USPTO 8-Oct-03 paid for preliminary appraisal AIF 15-Oct-03 paid for preliminary search Rivers 17-Oct-03 completed circular design Rivers 10-Nov-03 received letter of expectation AIF 13-Nov-03 completed preliminary search results AIF 21-Nov-03 submitted initial description to AIF Rivers 24-Nov-03 letter acknowledging initial submission AIF 12-Dec-03 submitted additional description Rivers 5-Jan-04 returned first draft of application AIF 12-Jan-04 submitted review of draft application to AIF Rivers 2-Feb-04 visited AIF & requested status Rivers 6-Feb-04 AIF quoted $313.00 for changes AIF 12-Feb-04 re-submitted review of draft application to AIF Rivers 30-Mar-04 visited AIF & requested status Rivers 31-Mar-04 received phone call from AIF AIF 22-Apr-04 returned second draft of application AIF

# Nomenclature Width Height Thickness Depth Diameter Disclosure Nomenclature 10 Adjustable Width Bookend Construction Tabletop Bookshelf 20 Bookend Member (left or right) Bookend 21 Vertically Oriented Rear Wall Panel 4 8 ¾ Back Plate 22 Vertically Oriented Side Wall 7¼ 8 ¾ End Plate 23 Inwardly Projecting Support Member 5/16 Peg, End Stop, Stop Post 24 Elongated Slot ¾ 3¼ ¾ Notch 30 Spanner Unit 31 Cross-Member 2½ ¾ Cross-Member 32 End Cap Member End Cap 33 End Plate 2½ 4 ¾ 34 Lower Support Leg 1¼ ¾ ¾ 35 Capture Arm 1¼ ¾ ¾ 36 Inwardly Facing Groove ¼ 40 Holding Block Holding Block 41 Rear Block 7 2 1½ 42 Base Mat 7 1/16 12 Base Mat 43 Attaching Member 7 ¾ ¾

Patent Date Title Concept 1 355511 Jan. 4, 1887 book support base with shelf sliders 2 497993 May 23, 1893 automatic file holder base channel linear clutch spring loaded 3 518573 Apr. 17, 1894 book rack base crossmember with sliding partition 4 527897 Oct. 23, 1894 book support base channel with spring linear clutch 5 583494 Jun. 1, 1897 book support base channel 6 931362 Aug. 17, 1909 movable partition or book support base position locks 7 945877 Jan. 11, 1910 desk book rack base intersliding crossmember 8 1237101 Aug. 14, 1917 book holder base channel dovetalled linear clutch spring loaded 9 1317550 Sep. 30, 1919 book rack base intersliding crossmember 10 1336981 Apr. 13, 1920 book rack base channel sliding friction 11 1363138 Dec. 21, 1920 bookrack base crossmember with sliding lever lock 12 1379766 May 31, 1921 portable book holder base with fixed sides 13 1675269 Sep. 13, 1923 book suppot shelves with position lock partitions 14 1598467 Aug. 31, 1926 book support standard bookend 15 1663432 Mar. 20, 1928 bookrack base linear clutch 16 1674359 Jun. 19, 1928 filing device base crossmember with linear clutch 17 1674582 Jun. 19, 1928 bookholder base channel with spring-loaded slide 18 1682060 Aug. 28, 1928 adjustable book holder base intersliding crossmember 19 1750575 Mar. 11, 1930 sectional desk accessory base interlock 20 1750576 Mar. 11, 1930 desk distributor set base interlock 21 1768379 Jun. 24, 1930 tag and tag holding device base sliding plate 22 1772438 Aug. 5, 1930 office accessory base interlock 23 1780872 Nov. 4, 1930 book rack or support base channel with positive stops 24 1898533 Feb. 21, 1933 paper file base channel 25 2032086 Feb. 25, 1936 combination lamp stand and book rack base sliding plate spring loaded 26 2134606 Oct. 25, 1938 book rack base crossmember with sliding partition 27 2140656 Dec. 20, 1938 book end construction base crossmember sliding plates spring loaded 28 2206133 Jul. 2, 1940 book holder base channel with linear clutch spring loaded 29 2264017 Nov. 25, 1941 bookrack base ratchet lock 30 2294595 Sep. 1, 1942 adjustable book rack base intersliding crosmembers 31 2545844 Mar. 20, 1951 automatically adjustable bookrack base spring-loaded intersliding crossmember 32 2620929 Dec. 9, 1952 multipurpose book rack base crossmember 33 2684765 Jul. 27, 1954 holder for books and the like base channel with linear clutch 34 2911103 Nov. 3, 1959 device for supporting books base spring-loaded channel 35 3063567 Nov. 13, 1962 book rack base crossmember with linear clutch 36 3126892 Mar. 31, 1964 adjustable partition for files base channel with friction slide partitions 37 3138262 Jun. 23, 1964 slotted bookshelf/support base channel with linear clutch 38 3142384 Jul. 28, 1964 adjustable bookshelves/bookends hanging channel with sliding partitions 39 3202298 Aug. 24, 1965 bookend hanging channel with sliding partitions 40 3301407 Jan. 31, 1967 shelf dividers base channel 41 3318454 May 9, 1967 shelf with adjustable bookends base channel with crossmember 42 3389805 Jun. 25, 1968 self adjusting telescoping bookends base spring-loaded slide 43 3425565 Feb. 4, 1969 adjustable storage shelf dividing structure base positions lock 44 D241295 Sep. 7, 1976 base channel 45 4113108 Sep. 12, 1978 adjustable book holding device base channel with sliding friction 46 4682696 Jul. 28, 1987 adjustable bookrack base channel with thumbscrew lock 47 5103987 Apr. 14, 1992 shelf engaging bookend 48 5183163 Feb. 2, 1993 interlocking continuous base bookends base interlock 49 5205420 Apr. 27, 1993 adjustable & self locking book rack/support base channel dovetalled linear clutch 50 5228578 Jul. 20, 1993 adjustable book shelf base crossmember with partitions 51 5325792 Jul. 5, 1994 bookshelf w/adjustable locking bookends base channel with positive lock 52 5740926 Apr. 21, 1998 bookshelf w/adjustable locking bookends base channel with thumbscrew lock 53 5871104 Feb. 16, 1999 adjustable support apparatus channel and spring hinge 54 6352162 Mar. 5, 2002 interlocking bookends base interlock current patents obtained from Denver Library current patents no proprietary base

Claims

1. An adjustable width bookend construction comprising

a pair of mirror image bookend members each having at least one vertically disposed wall provided with a slot;

a cross-member dimensioned to be slidably received in said slots in each of said bookend members; and,

means associated with each of said bookend members for vertically supporting portions of said cross-member.

2. The construction as in claim 1; wherein, said bookend members each have a generally L-shaped configuration.

3. The construction as in claim 2; wherein, said bookend members each have a vertically oriented rear wall and a vertically oriented side wall.

4. The construction as in claim 3; wherein, said side walls are each provided with a slot.

5. The construction as in claim 4; wherein, said rear walls are each provided with an inwardly projecting support member.

6. The construction as in claim 5; wherein, said inwardly projecting support members support a spanner unit, wherein, said spanner unit comprises said cross-member and an optional pair of end cap members affixed on each of the opposite ends of said cross-member.

7. The construction as in claim 6; wherein, means for linearly clutching said cross-member comprises each of said vertically oriented rear walls laterally offset from each of said slots in said bookend members, wherein, the aft face of a portion of said cross-member contacts the inside forward edge of said vertically oriented rear wall, and the forward face of another portion of said cross-member contacts the forward edge of said slot.

8. The construction as in claim 7; wherein, means for linearly clutching said cross-member comprises each of said inwardly projecting support members laterally offset from each of said slots in said bookend members, wherein, the lower edge of a portion of said cross-member contacts said support member, and the upper edge of another portion of said cross-member contacts the upper edge of said slot.

9. The construction as in claim 8; wherein, means for freely assembling each of said bookend members to said cross-member comprise said inwardly projecting support member laterally offset from said vertically oriented side wall by a clearance slightly greater than the vertical dimension of said cross-member, and said slot is open.

10. The construction as in claim 6; wherein, optional means associated with said spanner unit for limiting travel of said bookend members along said cross-member comprise said end cap members.

11. The construction as in claim 10, wherein, each of said end cap members comprises an end plate, an optional support leg, and an optional capture arm.

12. The construction as in claim 11; wherein, each of said end plates includes a centerward facing vertical groove dimensioned to slidably receive said support leg, said capture arm, and one end of said cross-member.

13. The construction as in claim 12; wherein, said capture arm is positioned to rest affixed on said cross-member, said cross-member is positioned to rest affixed on said support leg, said support leg is positioned to rest freely on an elevated level surface, and said end plate rests freely on said elevated level surface.

14. The construction as in claim 13, wherein, the forward and aftward projections of said end plate, and the upward projection of said capture arm, each provide said means as limit stops at each of the opposite ends of said cross-member for each of said bookend members.

15. The construction as in claim 1; wherein, a spanner unit comprises said cross-member and an optional pair of end cap members affixed on each of the opposite ends of said cross-member.

16. The construction as in claim 15; wherein, optional means associated with said spanner unit for preventing lateral displacement of said bookend construction relative to and resting upon an elevated level surface comprise said pair of end cap members.

17. The construction as in claim 16, wherein, each of said end cap members comprises an end plate and an optional support leg.

18. The construction as in claim 17; wherein, each of said end plates includes a centerward facing vertical groove dimensioned to slidably receive one end of said cross-member and said support leg.

19. The construction as in claim 18; wherein, said cross-member is positioned to rest affixed on said support leg, and said support leg is positioned to rest freely on said elevated level surface.

20. The construction as in claim 19; wherein, said cross-member has a predetermined length whereby the centerward face of each of said end plates clears the edges of said elevated level surface, wherein, the lower edge of each of said end plates is elevated below said elevated level surface.

21. The construction as in claim 1; wherein, optional means for preventing aftward displacement of said bookend construction relative to a collection of books comprise at least one holding block assembly.

22. The construction as in claim 21; wherein, said holding block assembly comprises a thin base mat and a rear block, wherein, means for attaching said base mat to said rear block comprise an attaching element.

23. The construction as in claim 22; wherein, said base mats lie flat on a level surface, and said rear blocks abut aft faces of said bookend construction, wherein, means associated with said base mats to firmly position said holding block assemblies on said level surface utilize part of said collection of books as weights when said base mats are positioned between said bookend members, or utilize any weighted objects when said pair of bookend members are positioned between said base mats.

24. The construction as in claim 23; wherein, said attaching element comprises a rectangular plate, wherein, the aft edge of said base mat is tightly sandwiched between said rectangular plate and said rear block.