US4373694A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adjustable shelf support
Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
•
Filing: 1981-03-20
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Granted: 1983-02-15
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Expires: 2001-03-20
Abstract
Abstract An adjustable shelf support having a standard with a shelf bracket capable of infinite adjustability. The standard has a L-shaped cross section, a first leg of the `L` lying along the supporting surface and a second leg extending outwardly therefrom. The free end of the second leg is folded back towards the first leg forming two parallel, spaced extensions. The bracket is planar with two fingers extending outwardly from but parallel to the plane of the bracket. The upper finger is inserted behind the free end of the second leg by rotating the bracket downward. This brings the flat trailing edge between two protrusions formed on the first arm and allows the second finger to snap into place behind the free end of the second leg, thereby, preventing accidental dislodgement by an upward force. The distance between the flat trailing edge and the farthest extent of the first protrusion slightly exceeds the length of the inner wall of the second leg. In engaged position, the bracket is firmly wedged and maintained in place by frictional forces.
Inventors
- 👤 Francis C. Peterson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 11:29
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47B; A47B57/00; A47B57/30; A47B57/54; A47B57/56; A47B57/567
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
192 words
An adjustable shelf support comprising an elongated L-shaped standard for supporting a bracket, a first leg of said L-shaped standard having parallel protrusion means to prevent lateral movement of the bracket, said first leg adapted to be placed against and fastened to a vertical surface, a second leg of said L-shaped standard having a free end bent back toward said first leg to form parallel portions with a predetermined distance therebetween, a substantially planar bracket having a thickness substantially equal to said predetermined distance including a flat vertical edge for engaging said protrusion means, first and second finger means bent out of the plane of said bracket for engaging the secong leg of said standard, said first finger means to limit downward rotation of said bracket, said second finger means to limit upward rotation of said bracket, said second finger means being flexible so as to snap into a position adjacent to said free end of said second leg whereby upward rotation of said bracket causes said second finger means to move to a position between said parallel portions thereby positively preventing both continued upward rotation and lateral movement of said bracket.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
192 words
An adjustable shelf support comprising an elongated L-shaped standard for supporting a bracket, a first leg of said L-shaped standard having parallel protrusion means to prevent lateral movement of the bracket, said first leg adapted to be placed against and fastened to a vertical surface, a second leg of said L-shaped standard having a free end bent back toward said first leg to form parallel portions with a predetermined distance therebetween, a substantially planar bracket having a thickness substantially equal to said predetermined distance including a flat vertical edge for engaging said protrusion means, first and second finger means bent out of the plane of said bracket for engaging the secong leg of said standard, said first finger means to limit downward rotation of said bracket, said second finger means to limit upward rotation of said bracket, said second finger means being flexible so as to snap into a position adjacent to said free end of said second leg whereby upward rotation of said bracket causes said second finger means to move to a position between said parallel portions thereby positively preventing both continued upward rotation and lateral movement of said bracket.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The adjustable shelf support of claim 1 wherein the protrusion means are formed by parallel ribs extending substantially the entire length of the standard.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The adjustable shelf support of claim 1 wherein the protrusion means are formed by parallel rows of bumps, the bumps in each row being spaced by a distance which is less than the length of said flat edge.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
52 words
The adjustable shelf support of claim 1 wherein said second finger means is bent out of the plane of the bracket by a distance less than the thickness of said standard such that said first finger means must be sprung outwardly to be fitted into said standard thereby creating spring retention forces.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The adjustable shelf support of claim 1 wherein a portion of said first finger is located a predetermined distance from said edge, said distance measured perpendicularly to said edge and slightly exceeding the length of the inner wall of said second leg whereby said bracket is firmly wedged between said legs of said standard.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-02-14 | 1986-08-16 | 1987-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-02-14 | 1990-08-16 | 1991-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-02-14 | 1994-08-16 | 1995-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |