Vertically and Horizontally Expandable Shoe Rack

Abstract

The present invention is a shelving system for consumer goods that maximizes available storage space by being adjustable both horizontally and vertically. This system allows stacking of multiple units, and permits internal storage of adjustable shelf members, eliminating the need to separately store removed members. Nesting hollow rods or their equivalent are used to adjust the shelves horizontally. A malleable ring is used to prevent the shelves from sagging in the center once the rods are extended, and to lock the shelves into a new horizontal orientation. Spring clips in the standing poles of this rack allow a consumer to raise or lower shelves, an inch at a time, to accommodate consumer goods, such as shoes, with taller or shorter vertical dimensions than can be accommodated with existing racks.

Description

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Housewares or home storage and organization include many variations of shelving and racks, especially shoe racks. Numerous types of storage, specifically for shoes, have saturated the industry. For most shoppers, building out a custom closet is not an option and most require an immediate solution.

Some racks may be bought with a decorative purpose in mind; however, a great deal are purchased for their size or function. Standard shoe racks can be found in big box stores across the country. Horizontally expanding racks, which allow the consumer to store more shoes on each shelf, further opened up the industry and created a new type of rack for shoe buyers to either add to or replace their current system of storing or displaying their shoe collections.

Another innovation gave buyers the ability to stack smaller racks on top of each other, via an interlocking system, to add additional shelves and increase the overall height of the rack. Still, there is an element of shoe storage that is surprisingly absent from the industry. Although many shoe racks can be expanded vertically by stacking shelves, it is difficult to find one which can be adjusted between the shelves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain illustrative embodiments illustrating organization and method of operation, together with objects and advantages may be best understood by reference to the detailed description that follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric projection consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view of the horizontal expansion consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view of the vertical expansion consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view of all the connections consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view of the stabilizer ring for the poles forming the horizontal racks consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view of the retaining clip insertion consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in the several views of the drawings.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, “an embodiment” or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

In an embodiment, the innovation herein described is a storage apparatus, shelving system, or rack, that is adjustable in a vertical direction and adjustable in a horizontal direction and suitable to the storage and/or display of consumer goods including items of clothing such as, but not limited to, shoes, slippers, boots, and other footwear. Additionally, the storage apparatus may be adjusted to permit the inclusion of shelving material to be placed on the horizontal elements of the storage apparatus to permit the storage and display of additional items.

In this embodiment, the horizontal members of the storage apparatus may be composed of elongated hollow rod or tube members where each horizontal member consists of a first nesting hollow rod or tube that is slightly larger in cross section than a second nesting hollow rod or tube such that the second hollow rod may be inserted into the interior of the first hollow rod. This combination permits the combined horizontal length of the first and second hollow rods to vary based upon the amount of the horizontal length of the second hollow rod that is inserted into the first hollow rod, permitting slideable adjustment of the overall linear dimension of the joined hollow rods. The second hollow rod may also have a malleable gasket that is of a sufficient cross section to fit snugly onto the second horizontal rod. The malleable gasket may then be positioned at the junction of the first hollow rod and the second hollow rod, forming a stable insertion position for one rod with respect to the other, and maintaining the desired overall horizontal length of the combined first and second hollow rods. This combination forms one or more horizontal spacing rods.

The first and second hollow rods are symmetrically disposed about their own imaginary longitudinal axis. Each axis may overlap the other or, being nearly collinear, may be equally offset from an imaginary longitudinal axis of said horizontal spacing rods.

In this embodiment, the overall horizontal dimension of the storage apparatus can be lengthened, permitting the storage apparatus to have a longer horizontal dimension, by pulling the second hollow rod away from the first hollow rod such that the second hollow rod has less of the length of the second hollow rod inserted into the first hollow rod. The malleable gasket may then be repositioned to the new juncture point of the second hollow rod and the first hollow rod to once again secure the overall horizontal length of the combined first and second hollow rods. The malleable gasket may also function as a stabilizer ring to not only maintain the overall horizontal length of the horizontal spacing rods, but also form a cushion between the rods or poles, eliminating the open space which can create a sagging effect when the rods or poles are pulled apart.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the storage apparatus may have a base portion composed of four vertically oriented legs. Each leg may have a cap positioned between the bottom of the leg and the surface, such as a floor, upon which the leg will be positioned. The upper portion of the leg, when placed in a vertical orientation, may have an open end onto which a retaining clip may be attached. The retaining clip may be manufactured such that when it is positioned on the top end of the leg, the retaining clip will provide for lockable connection of a vertical member in a secure manner, by virtue of a rounded connector pin, permitting the legs to serve as the support for one or more vertical members. The rounded connector pin extends through the surface of the leg and may recede into the leg when depressed such that a vertical member may slide down over the rounded connector pin when the leg is inserted into the bottom of a vertical member positioned vertically above the leg. The rounded connector pin may be positioned to match the position of connector holes that extend through the wall of a vertical member to permit the rounded connector pin to move into the connector hole and form a firm connection between the leg and the vertical member.

Each lower vertical member may have a substantially “H” shape, composed of two vertical members connected by a horizontal cross bar. Each lower vertical member may have a retaining clip of sufficient cross section to cover the lower end of the lower vertical member, and a retaining clip of sufficient cross section to cover the upper end of the lower vertical member. The retaining clips may be removable.

Removing the caps from the top end of the lower vertical member permits contact and connection with an upper vertical member, allowing said upper vertical member to be stacked on top of said lower vertical member. Removing the caps from the top end of the upper vertical member permits the contact and connection with additional vertical members. Vertical members may also be composed of sections that combine together so as to permit the vertical extension or contraction of the vertical posts.

Caps over the tops and bottoms of the vertical members can be removed for multiple units to be stacked. The vertical members will fit together via insertion. The height between shelves can be raised or lowered by first, pushing in the buttons on the spring clips inside of the vertical members, and second, pulling the vertical members out or pushing them in to the desired height.

In an embodiment, the shelving system and apparatus is composed of one or more external horizontal nesting rods and an equal number of internal horizontal nesting rods. The internal horizontal nesting rods of sufficient diameter to fit within the external horizontal nesting rods when each horizontal nesting rod is slideably inserted into a corresponding external nesting rod, where each combined internal nesting rod and external nesting rod form a horizontal spacing rod. The system and apparatus have an equal number of malleable gaskets, where said malleable gaskets serve to variably set the combined length of each of the horizontal spacing rods. The two or more flexible retaining clips and four or more vertical members, configured to permit the vertical stacking of a first vertical member with a second vertical member to increase the vertical height of the stacked vertical members. The retaining clips are inserted between each of the stacked first vertical members and second vertical members to lockably connect said vertical members, where the combined height of said vertical members is variably set by placement of one or more of said retaining clips, where the horizontal spacing rods connected to the vertical members at a 90 degree angle. Connecting at least one vertical member at a distal end of said horizontal spacing rods with at least one vertical member at a proximal end of said horizontal spacing rods, and changing the vertical dimension and the horizontal dimension of the shelving system by adjusting the insertion position of each internal horizontal nesting rod within each external nesting rod and adjusting the placement of the one or more of said retaining clips.

The system and apparatus further including legs as a base where the bottom of said legs are covered with a removable cap. The retaining clips each comprise an adjustable cross sectional area and a connector pin and may be positioned internally to the stacked vertical members. The malleable gaskets are slidably positionable on said internal horizontal nesting rods, where the stacked vertical members serve as a base for additional stacked vertical members. The horizontal spacing rods are connected to the vertical members with screws where the uppermost of said vertical members are covered with removable caps.

Turning now to FIG. 1, this figure presents an isometric projection consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment, this is how a fully assembled rack 10 would appear. In this embodiment, the legs 4, the bottoms of which are coplanar, serve as a base upon which lower vertical members 6 and upper vertical members 7 are positioned. Positioned horizontally between the vertical members are combined horizontal members 8.

Turning now to FIG. 2, this figure presents a view of the horizontal expansion consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the rack 10 would be contracted or expanded, by pulling out or pushing in the second hollow rod 2 from the interior of the first hollow rod 1.

Turning now to FIG. 3, this figure presents a view of the vertical expansion consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment, the shoe rack 10 would become taller or shorter with each vertical adjustment of lower vertical members 6 upon legs 4, and upper vertical members 7 upon lower vertical members 6.

Turning now to FIG. 4, this figure presents a view of all the connections consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment, the rack 10 is composed of co-linear end caps 9 serving as a base to legs 4, into which are fitted retaining clips 11 with rounded connector pins 12. Fitted retaining clips 11 join legs 4 with lower vertical members 6 by inserting connector pins 12 though connector holes 15 in legs 4 and simultaneously through the lowest of several connector holes 14 in lower vertical members 6.

Malleable gaskets 3 provide variable positioning of first hollow rods 1 and second hollow rods 2 to unify combined horizontal members 8. Both ends of combined horizontal members 8 are capped by washers 20. Lower vertical members 6 serve as support for first hollow rods 1 and second hollow rods 2, in combination with retaining screws 13, by insertion of retaining screws 13 through holes 17 in lower vertical members 6, and subsequent insertion of the distal end of screws 13 into holes 19 in washers 20.

Fitted retaining clips 11 join lower vertical members 6 with upper vertical members 7 by inserting connector pins 12 through connector holes 16 in upper vertical members 7 and simultaneously through one of several connector holes 14 in lower vertical members 6.

Malleable gaskets 3 provide variable positioning of first hollow rods 1 and second hollow rods 2 to unify combined horizontal members 8. Both ends of combined horizontal members 8 are capped by washers 20. Upper vertical members 7 serve as support for first hollow rods 1 and second hollow rods 2, in combination with retaining screws 13, by insertion of retaining screws 13 through holes 18 in upper vertical members 7, and subsequent insertion of the distal end of screws 13 into holes 19 in washers 20.

Upper vertical members 7 are surmounted by end caps 9.

Turning now to FIG. 5, this figure presents a view of the malleable gasket 3 for the combined horizontal members 8 consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In an embodiment, a malleable gasket 3 is pushed along the exterior of second hollow rod 2, with the thinner end of the malleable gasket 3 inserted into the interior of first hollow rod 1, forming a cushion between the first hollow rod 1 and the second hollow rod 2 and allowing for variable length of combined horizontal members 8.

Turning now to FIG. 6, this figure presents a view of the retaining clip 11 and leg 4, leg 4 serving as a non-limiting example of a typical vertical member consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, retaining clip 11 and associated rounded connector pin 12 are fitted into leg 4 such that when properly fitted, rounded connector pin 12 pokes through connector hole 15. When rounded connector pin 12 is pressed, retaining clip 11 flexes in the direction of the applied force. When rounded connector pin 12 is then released, retaining clip 11 returns connector pin 12 to its original position.

While certain illustrative embodiments have been described, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, permutations and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A shelving system, comprising:

two or more external horizontal nesting rods;

an equal number of internal horizontal nesting rods;

the internal horizontal nesting rods of sufficient diameter to fit within the external horizontal nesting rods when each horizontal nesting rod is slideably inserted into a corresponding external nesting rod, where each combined internal nesting rod and external nesting rod form a horizontal spacing rod;

a number of malleable gaskets equal to the number of horizontal spacing rods, where said malleable gaskets serve to variably set the combined length of each of the horizontal spacing rods;

a plurality of flexible retaining clips;

a plurality of vertical members, the vertical members configured to permit the vertical stacking of a first vertical member with a second vertical member to increase the vertical height of said shelving system;

each vertical member having an adjustment collar disposed substantially at the midpoint of said each vertical member into which a top portion of the vertical member and a bottom portion of the vertical member may be inserted to separately adjust the length of said top portion of the vertical member and said bottom portion of the vertical member;

the retaining clips inserted between each of the stacked first vertical members and second vertical members to lockably connect said vertical members, where the combined height of said vertical members is variably set by placement of one or more of said retaining clips; the horizontal spacing rods connected to said vertical members at a 90 degree angle; connecting at least one vertical member at a distal end of said horizontal spacing rods with at least one vertical member at a proximal end of said horizontal spacing rods; and changing the vertical dimension and the horizontal dimension of the shelving system by adjusting the insertion position of each internal horizontal nesting rod within each external nesting rod and adjusting the placement of the one or more of said retaining clips.

2. The system according to claim 1, further including legs as a base.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the bottom of said legs are covered with a removable cap.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said retaining clips each comprise an adjustable cross sectional area and a connector pin.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said retaining clips are positioned internally to said stacked vertical members.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said malleable gaskets are slidably positionable on said internal horizontal nesting rods.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said stacked vertical members serve as a base for additional stacked vertical members.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said horizontal spacing rods are connected to said vertical members with screws.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the uppermost of said vertical members are covered with removable caps.

10. A shelving apparatus, comprising:

two or more first elongated horizontal rods;

an equal number of second elongated horizontal rods; a number of connectors equal to said first elongated horizontal rods disposed to position and hold the long axes of the first elongated horizontal rods and second elongated horizontal rods in substantially collinear fashion along an imaginary axis, creating horizontal spacing rods, the equal number of connectors permitting adjustable positioning of the first elongated horizontal rods and second elongated horizontal rods relative to each other;

a plurality of flexible retaining clips;

a plurality of vertical members, the vertical members configured to permit the vertical stacking of a first vertical member with a second vertical member to increase the vertical height of said shelving apparatus; each vertical member having an adjustment collar disposed substantially at the midpoint of said each vertical member into which a top portion of the vertical member and a bottom portion of the vertical member may be inserted to separately adjust the length of said top portion of the vertical member and said bottom portion of the vertical member; the retaining clips inserted between each of the stacked first vertical members and second vertical members to lockably connect said vertical members, where the combined height of said vertical members is variably set by placement of one or more of said retaining clips; the horizontal spacing rods connected to said vertical members at a 90 degree angle; connecting at least one vertical member at a distal end of said horizontal spacing rods with at least one vertical member at a proximal end of said horizontal spacing rods; and changing the horizontal dimension and the vertical dimension of the shelving system by adjusting the position at a middle point of each horizontal member and varying the position of each horizontal member relative to its companion horizontal member along the imaginary axis and adjusting the placement of the one or more of said retaining clips.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said flexible retaining clips each comprise an adjustable cross sectional area and a connector pin.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said elongated horizontal rods are hollow.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, further including legs as a base.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the bottom of said legs are covered with a removable cap.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said retaining clips are positioned internally to said stacked vertical members.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said connectors are slidably positionable on said internal horizontal spacing rods.

17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said stacked vertical members serve as a base for additional stacked vertical members.

18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said horizontal spacing rods are connected to said vertical members with screws.

19. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the uppermost of said vertical members are covered with removable caps.