Bookshelf with cover holding ledge

Abstract

A bookshelf having a stacking surface fixedly attached to a mounting surface, where the stacking surface is roughly perpendicular to the mounting surface and the stacking surface has an upper surface and a lower surface. At least on ledge is disposed on the lower surface of the mounting surface and the ledge is operatively arranged to hold a book cover. The ledge can be disposed proximate a joint formed at the intersection of the mounting surface and the stacking surface. In some embodiments, the ledge is disposed proximate each side of the joint and the joint is reinforced. A mounting hole or a mounting structure can be disposed on the mounting surface to provide a mounting element with which to hang the bookshelf.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a bookshelf, and, more particularly, to a bookshelf that is mountable on vertical surfaces and conceals the structure of the bookshelf.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mountable shelves are known in the art. Traditionally, wall mounted shelves use an integral tab that is secured to a wall with screws or a similar attachment means. Shelves, such as bookshelves, have elements that are engineered to meet certain requirements. For instance, standard sized books have a cover that requires a horizontal shelf surface with a width sufficient to accommodate the cover. Although the horizontal shelf surface can take the form of various shapes, such as, circular, triangular, rectangular or an asymmetrical shape, bookshelves traditionally have a flat surface that is close to the width of the book that is to be held.

Bookshelves or cases that are traditional cabinet-like designs are not as appropriate as wall-mounted shelving systems in situations where floor space is limited. Another factor that has motivates the installation of wall-mounted bookshelf units is a desire for more modern furnishings. One problem with many current wall mounted bookshelves is that they protrude from the wall and fail to hide unattractive mounting structures and brackets. Efforts have been made to design wall mounted bookshelves that conceal the mounting structures, but with little success. Those shelving units that have tried to conceal mounting structures, have done so by creating thick shelving surfaces that do not appeal to many consumers.

Thus, there is a need for a bookshelf capable of holding books in a manner that conceals the bookshelf and the mounting structure of the bookshelf.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly comprises a bookshelf having a stacking surface fixedly attached to a mounting surface, where the stacking surface is roughly perpendicular to the mounting surface and the stacking surface has an upper surface and a lower surface. At least one ledge is disposed on the lower surface of the mounting surface and the ledge is operatively arranged to hold a book cover. The ledge can be disposed proximate a joint formed at the intersection of the mounting surface and the stacking surface. In some embodiments, at least one ledge is disposed on the lower surface disposed proximate a joint formed at the intersection of the mounting surface and the stacking surface on a first side of the stacking member, and at least one ledge is disposed on the lower surface disposed proximate the intersection on a second side of the stacking member. In some aspects, the joint is reinforced. A mounting hole or a mounting structure can be disposed on the mounting surface to provide a mounting element with which to hang the bookshelf.

In some aspects the ledge is L-shaped and extends below the lower surface. The mounting surface can be trapezoidal, rectangular or similarly shaped.

The invention further broadly comprises a bookshelf with a stacking surface fixedly attached to a mounting surface, where the stacking surface is roughly perpendicular to the mounting surface and the stacking surface has an upper surface and a lower surface. A continuous ledge is disposed along a perimeter edge of the lower surface and the ledge is operatively arranged to hold a book cover. In some aspects, the continuous ledge is disposed along a perimeter edge of the lower surface proximate a joint formed at the intersection of the mounting surface and the stacking surface and the joint is reinforced. The ledge can be L-shaped and extend below the lower surface. In some embodiments, at least one mounting hole or a mounting structure is disposed on the mounting surface and the mounting surface is trapezoidal, rectangular, similarly shaped.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a bookshelf that can display books on a wall in a manner that conceals the bookshelf when books are stacked on the shelf.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a bookshelf that has a cover holding ledge that can hold the cover of book in a manner that conceals the bookshelf.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bookshelf of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the bookshelf shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the bookshelf shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the bookshelf in FIG. 1 with books stacked upon the shelf;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bookshelf shown in FIG. 4, taken generally at line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the bookshelf shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a ledge of the bookshelf shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In the description below, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, and their derivatives, should be interpreted from the perspective of one viewing the invention shown in FIG. 1.

Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.

In accordance with the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of bookshelf 10 of the present invention, which is composed of mounting member 12, which is typically vertically arranged, integral to stacking member 14, which is typically horizontally arranged. Bookshelf 10 can be formed from a single piece of sheet steel, or similar material that is pressed into a mounting member 12 and stacking member 14 that are at an angle that is roughly 90°. Reinforcement members 18 can be formed in the pressing process to strengthen the joint between mounting member 12 and stacking member 14, or reinforcement members 18 can be added as separate attachments. Alternatively, holder 10 and its various parts can be formed from various other substances, which include, but are not limited to plastic, wood, or similar substances.

Alternatively, mounting member 12 can be fixedly attached to stacking member 14 using a weld or an equivalent attachment means known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Intersection 16, which is the region where mounting member 12 and stacking member 14 meet, can be strengthened by reinforcement member 18 that can be crimped into mounting member 12 and stacking member 14, or attached as a strengthening structure or strengthening weld.

Mounting member 12 has at least one aperture 26 that can be used as an attachment location. Additional apertures 26 can be disposed on mounting member 12 at various locations. Apertures 26 can be round as depicted or numerous other shapes, which includes, but is not limited to a keyhole shape. One possible alternative is to align multiple apertures 26 in vertical or horizontal alignment to ensure that shelf 10 will be attached securely. In some aspects, mounting member 12 has a mounting structure, which can include, but is not limited to a hanging apparatus, clip, hook, or similar apparatus to aid in hanging bookshelf 10 on a vertical surface.

Mounting member 12, as shown, is generally rectangular shaped, but it should be appreciated that other alternative shapes could also be used. Similarly, stacking member 14, as shown, is generally trapezoidal shaped, but it should be appreciated that other alternative shapes could also be used.

Extending below intersection 16 on mounting member 12 is ledge 20. Ledge is shown attached proximate the rear perimeter of stacking member 12, proximate intersection 16, but ledge 20, or any variation of the ledge, can be attached at any other perimeter edge of stacking member 14, i.e., the side or front perimeter edges. Ledge 20 has vertical section 22 and a horizontal lip 24. In some aspects, ledge 20 is formed from mounting member 12 by pressing vertical section 22 and horizontal lip 24 into a portion of mounting member 12 proximate intersection 16. In such aspects, vertical section 22 is on the same plane as mounting member 12 and is defined by a point beginning proximate intersection 16 and extends beyond intersection 16 to horizontal lip 24. The length of vertical section 22 is determined by the thickness of a typical book cover. However, given that book covers are not universal, e.g., soft cover and hard cover book covers are of different thicknesses, the length of vertical section 22 can be various lengths depending on the book cover that it is intended to hold.

In some aspects, ledge 20 is not integral with mounting member 12, rather it is a separate piece attached to mounting member 12 approximate intersection 16. Vertical section 22 and horizontal lip 24, individual components of ledge 20, can also be attached as separate components to mounting member 12 using any attachment means none in the art.

FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of bookshelf 10 of the present invention. The extension of ledge 20 below stacking member 14 is more apparent. Also demonstrated in this view is the positioning and approximate length of vertical section 22 in relation to intersection 16, but it should be appreciated that ledge 20 can be various sizes and shapes. Intersection 16 designates the upper reaches of vertical section 22, while horizontal lip 24 designates the lower reaches of vertical section 22. Horizontal lip 24 can be various lengths to accomplish the task of holding book covers. Horizontal lips 24 with shorter lengths and thinner widths tend to better hide any evidence of bookshelf 10. Long and wide horizontal lips 24 tend to have more surface area showing, which can better secure a book cover. Ledge 20 and vertical section 22 and horizontal lip 24 can be constructed of pressed steel or a similar material. However, if a substance that is translucent, such as, but not limited to acrylic or another clear plastic, is used to construct ledge 20, it should be understood that longer and wider vertical section 22 and horizontal lip 24 can be used without detracting from the objectives of shelf 10.

FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of bookshelf 10, exhibiting a second ledge 20 having a vertical section 22 and horizontal lip 24 having similar characteristics of first ledge 20, vertical section 22 and horizontal lip 24 described in the left side elevation view of bookshelf 10.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of bookshelf 10 with books 30 stacked upon the shelf. Stacking member 14 and ledge 20 are shown in phantom view to illustrate the ability of ledge 20 to hold book cover 32 between the lower surface of stacking member 14 and the upper surface of horizontal lip 24. The first book 30 to be stacked upon shelf 10 has cover 32 inserted into ledge 20 in such a manner that cover 32 abuts, or comes close to abutting, vertical section 22, and outside surface 34 of cover 32 rests upon horizontal lip 24. In this manner, cover 32 conceals stacking member 14 and a portion of mounting surface 12. Each successive book that is stacked upon the first book will also conceal a portion of mounting surface 12 until a sufficient number of books have been stack to conceal mounting surface 12 and bookshelf 10 entirely.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of bookshelf 10 shown in FIG. 4, taken generally at line 5-5 in FIG. 4. Cover 32 of book 30 is illustrated below stacking member 14, and lodged within ledge 20, which is positioned on the right side of shelf 10. Generally, two ledges 20 are positioned on each side of shelf 10 to ensure that book covers are held stably. In some aspects, ledge 20 can use one ledge centrally located or multiple ledges 20 can be placed at strategic locations. In some aspects, a continuous ledge 20 or ridge can be position at roughly the same location as the position of attachment for ledge 20, i.e., proximate intersection 16. The continuous ledge or ridge can be utilized and placed on shelf 10 similar to the way the ledges 20 have been characterized and described. Ledge 20 retains the end of cover 32. More particularly, outer surface 34 of cover 32 is trapped against horizontal lip 24. Leafing stacking member 14 between pages 36 and cover 32 of the first book placed upon shelf 10 enables stacking member 14 to support multiple books 30 in such a manner that stacking member 14 is completely concealed. Placing multiple books on shelf 10, which cumulatively reach a height greater that the height of mounting member 12, will also conceal mounting member 12. Although the illustrations show shelf 10 with only two books 30 on shelf 10, it should be understood that many more books can be held on shelf 10, and that it is preferable to place multiple books on shelf 10 to fully conceal the shelf. If a first book 30 has cover 32 placed within at least one ledge 20, wherein cover 32 is placed on the bottom side of stacking member 14 and pages 36 are placed on the top side of stacking member 14, with a sufficient number of books stacked upon this first book, generally entire shelf 10 with be concealed to give the appearance that the shelved books are floating unaided.

Shelf 10 can be attached to any vertical surface using an appropriate attachment means such as a screw, nail, or analogous item. As shown, multiple screws 28 have been inserted through apertures 26 in mounting member 12 to secure shelf 10 to wall 38. In some aspects, shelf 10 can omit apertures 26 and implement an epoxy attachment means, or implement another alternative attachment means, which can include, but is not limited to hooks, wire, clips and notches. Attachment to a vertical surface such as a wall is the intended application, but shelf 10 can also be adapted for attachment to other surfaces as well.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of bookshelf 10 shown in FIG. 4 with stacking member 14 and pages 36 in drawn in phantom to demonstrate the spatial arrangement of the components of book 30 relative to shelf 10 components. Cover 32 extends to the inside surface of ledge 20, with only a small portion of outside surface 34 of cover 32 held within ledge 20, specifically horizontal lip 24 of ledge 20.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a ledge of bookshelf 10 shown in FIG. 4. This enlarged view captures the relationship of book cover 32 with ledge 20. Insertion of cover 32 so that the outside surface 34 contacts the upper surface of horizontal lip 24 enables ledge 20 to hold cover 32.

Thus, it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as claimed. Although the invention is described by reference to a specific preferred embodiment, it is clear that variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A bookshelf, comprising:

a stacking surface fixedly attached to a mounting surface, wherein said stacking surface is roughly perpendicular to said mounting surface, said stacking surface has an upper surface and a lower surface; and

at least one ledge disposed on said lower surface of said mounting surface, wherein said at least one ledge is operatively arranged to hold a book cover.

2. The bookshelf of claim 1, wherein said at least one ledge is disposed proximate a joint formed at an intersection of said mounting surface and said stacking surface.

3. The bookshelf of claim 1, wherein at least one ledge is disposed on said lower surface disposed proximate a joint formed at an intersection of said mounting surface and said stacking surface on a first side of said stacking member and at least one ledge is disposed on said lower surface disposed proximate said intersection on a second side of said stacking member.

4. The bookshelf of claim 2, wherein said joint is reinforced.

5. The bookshelf of claim 1, further comprising at least one mounting hole disposed on said mounting surface.

6. The bookshelf of claim 1, further comprising a mounting structure disposed on said mounting surface.

7. The bookshelf of claim 1, wherein said at least one ledge is L-shaped.

8. The bookshelf of claim 1, wherein said at least one ledge extends below said lower surface.

9. The bookshelf of claim 1, wherein said mounting surface is trapezoidal.

10. A bookshelf, comprising:

a stacking surface fixedly attached to a mounting surface, wherein said stacking surface is roughly perpendicular to said mounting surface, said stacking surface has an upper surface and a lower surface; and

a continuous ledge disposed along a perimeter edge of said lower surface, wherein said ledge is operatively arranged to hold a book cover.

11. The bookshelf of claim 10, wherein said continuous ledge is disposed along a perimeter edge of said lower surface proximate a joint formed at an intersection of said mounting surface and said stacking surface.

12. The bookshelf of claim 10, wherein said joint is reinforced.

13. The bookshelf of claim 10, further comprising at least one mounting hole disposed on said mounting surface.

14. The bookshelf of claim 10, wherein said ledge is L-shaped.

15. The bookshelf of claim 10, wherein said ledge extends below said lower surface.

16. The bookshelf of claim 10, wherein said mounting surface is trapezoidal.