Adjustable width bookend construction
US20050274681A1
2005-12-15
10/845,576
2004-05-13
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.
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Classification:
A47B65/20 » CPC main
Book-troughs; Accessories specially adapted for book-storing, e.g. book-ends Book-ends
A47B65/00 » CPC further
Book-troughs; Accessories specially adapted for book-storing, e.g. book-ends
A47B65/10 » CPC further
Book-troughs; Accessories specially adapted for book-storing, e.g. book-ends adjustable
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis 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 DEVELOPMENTNot Applicable.
REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIXNot Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. 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 INVENTIONBriefly 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 DRAWINGSThese 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 INVENTIONAs 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.
Images & Drawings included:
Sources:
- United States Patent and Trademark Office - verify current appl. status at the USPTO↗
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