Shelf section and method

A shelf section either having a bottle holding region or a central wood member supporting a platform and adapted to fit against a wall section where there are exposed 2 by 4 wooden posts at spaced intervals. The shelf section has a horizontal platform, part of which is positioned between adjacent 2 by 4 posts, and the other part extending outwardly from the posts. A pair of mounting flanges attach to the outer surfaces of the 2 by 4s, and a pair of braces extend between the flanges and the platform. The shelf section is designed to be made from a single metal sheet cut to the appropriate dimensions and configuration, and is arranged so that a plurality of shelf sections can next within one another for storage, transportation, etc.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to shelving, such as small shelf sections which can conveniently be mounted to various structures, and more particularly to a shelving system where individual shelving sections can be conveniently mounted to particular structural configurations where they are exposed vertical posts at spaced intervals.

b) Background Art

It is quite common in housing structures (or other structures) to construct walls or other structural sections where there are spaced, vertically aligned wooden 2 by 4s or 2 by 6s. These are commonly covered with panels, such as plasterboard. However, in some instances these vertical wooden posts, while having wall panels on one side, are otherwise exposed. This would commonly happen, for example, where there is a shop, tool shed, or garage where the interior wall surfaces do not have panels, but have the exposed 2 by 4s.

In those situations, it is often desired to have shelving for storage of various items. However, conventional shelving comprising long planks has the obvious drawback that the shelving would be positioned entirely outwardly from the outer surface of the 2 by 4s, and there would be an empty area between the rear part of the shelving and the panel that is connected to the opposite surfaces of the 2 by 4s. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a shelving system where the individual shelf sections could be conveniently and economically manufactured, and also be used quite conveniently in situations such as described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shelf section which is particularly adapted to be connected to two posts which are spaced laterally from one another. The present invention can quite advantageously be used in a situation, for example, where there is a wall structure made up of a plurality of vertical wooden 2 by 4s which are space laterally from one another at a spacing distance of, for example, sixteen or eighteen inches. At least one side of the array of 2 by 4s would be exposed (i.e. would not have sheet rock paneling or other paneling covering the 2 by 4s), and the other surface of the array of 2 by 4s may or may not have paneling covering the same. This commonly occurs, for example, in the interior walls of a garage, a shop, a tool shed, or the like.

The shelf section can quite advantageously be made as an integral structure, and more specifically be formed from a planar piece of sheet metal cut to the proper configuration and dimensions. Then the sheet metal is bent along designated bend lines to form the finished product which is the shelf section.

The shelf section has a platform with front and rear platform edge portions and oppositely positioned side platform edge portions. There is a front-to-rear longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis. The platform is arranged so that in an operating position (e.g. mounted between the adjacent posts) at least a portion of the platform is positioned between the two posts.

The shelf section has a pair of mounting flanges located on opposite sides of the shelf section and positioned in a manner that with this shelf section in the operating position, the mounting flanges are located so as to be adjacent to the respective front surfaces of the posts so as to be able to be connected thereto (e.g. by screws).

Then there is a pair of bracing members located on opposite sides of each platform, which each bracing member connecting between a related flange and a forward edge portion of the platform.

In a preferred configuration, a forward portion of the platform has front side edges which extend in a forward and inward direction toward the longitudinal center axis, and the two bracing members are each attached to the converging forward side edge portions of the platform, extending upwardly therefrom and joined to the related flange members. This enables a plurality of the shelf members to be stacked together in nesting relationship with related forward portions of the shelf members nesting within one another, and the platforms positioned on top of one another but shifted from one another in the stacking configuration.

In the “laid-flat” configuration of the shelf member (its pre-form condition from which is to be formed into the shelf section), there are pre-designated bend lines between the two bracing members in the platform, and also two bracing lines corresponding to connecting lines between the two bracing members and the two flange members. During the bending operation, the flange members are bent along their bending lines about ninety degrees, and the bracing members are bent along their bending lines ninety degrees to be formed into the configuration of the finished product.

Also within the scope of the present invention is the method of forming the individual shelf sections, and also in forming the shelf sections in a mass-production operation where these are formed at forming/cutting stations. Also, the present invention relates to the method of using the shelf section of the present invention. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

To describe the first embodiment of the present invention, reference is first made toFIG. 1which shows the shelf section10of the present invention mounted to a structure12, comprising two vertical posts14of a rectangular cross-section (in this preferred embodiment, two wooden 2 by 4s) and a back wall16. The shelf section10comprises a horizontal platform18which in turn is supported by two side mounting sections20. Each mounting section20comprises a mounting flange22connected to a related 2 by 4 post14, and a triangular bracing member24connected between its related flange22and a forward side edge portion of the platform18. The two forward corner portions of the platform18are beveled at26, and the forward edge of the platform18is formed as an upturned lip28extending between the beveled corners26. Each of the flanges22has two horizontal mounting slots30spaced vertically from one another, and screws32are inserted through related slots30and into the related 2 by 4 post (seeFIG. 7).

In continuing this description of this first embodiment, it is believed that a better understanding will be provided by the reader viewingFIG. 6. One of the benefits of this first embodiment is that it can be made as one integral piece which is manufactured from flat sheet metal stock and bent along bend lines. This not only provides structural benefits in the way of structural strength, but also enables the panel section10to be manufactured efficiently and economically.

FIG. 6is a plan view looking on a laid-flat piece of sheet metal which has been cut to the appropriate shape and dimensions to be formed into the panel section10ofFIG. 1. For ease of description, the numerical designations which are used in the descriptions given thus far with reference toFIG. 1will be used in describing this laid-flat version ofFIG. 6. Also, the numerical designations which are given in the following text to the bend lines in describingFIG. 6will be used in designating these bend line locations in the finished panel section10, with the understanding that these bend lines are the juncture lines where the platform18, flanges22, bracing members34, and the front lip28are joined. InFIG. 6, the bend lines are shown as broken lines, and it can be seen that there are five bend lines, namely two bend lines34, two bend lines36, and a single bend line38.

Each of the two bend lines34connects a related flange member22to its related bracing member24. Each bend line36connects its related bracing member24to a forward edge portion of the platform18. The single bend line38joins the front lip28to the platform18.

Continuing this description with reference toFIG. 6, the “laid-flat” panel section10ofFIG. 6has a forward-to-rear longitudinal center axis40, and a transverse axis42which, for purposes of future reference, is indicated as passing through two side points which are defined by the intersection of each pair of adjacent pairs of bend lines34and36.

It is readily apparent from viewingFIG. 6andFIG. 1that the bending of the “laid-flat” panel section10to form the finished panel section10ofFIG. 1is accomplished by bending each of the flanges22in a downward direction ninety degrees (as viewed inFIG. 6) and bending each of the bracing members24upwardly ninety degrees (i.e. upwardly from the paper surface as shown inFIG. 6). Then the front lip28is bent upwardly (as seen in the plan view ofFIG. 6) along the bend line38.

The angular disposition of the bend lines34and36are significant in the present invention. In describing these, it should first be noted that the platform18can be considered as having a forward section44and a rear section46, with the dividing line48of these forward and rear sections44and46being located at the transverse axis42(thus, the same line inFIG. 6is given two designations, one designation42relating to its function as a transverse axis, and the other designation48relating to its function as a “boundary line” between the forward and rear platform sections44and46).

The rear panel section46has a rear edge50which is parallel to the axis42and two rear side edge portions52which are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the rear edge50and to the transverse axis48. Relating this back toFIG. 1(and also toFIGS. 3 & 7), it can be seen that the lateral spacing distance between the two rear side edge portions52is just slightly less than the spacing distance between the lateral adjacent surfaces52of the 2 by 4 posts14. Thus, with the panel section10being in its functioning position ofFIGS. 1 and 7, there is a small gap56formed between each pair of edge portions52and side surfaces54, to compensate for any possible inaccuracies in the spacing of the 2 by 4 posts14or possible misalignment of the same.

Now let us turn our attention back to the alignment of the bend lines34and36. In looking at the left-hand side ofFIG. 6, it can be seen that each bend line36has a slight forward and inward slant at an angle (indicated at58) of approximately six degrees. Then each bend line34is perpendicular to its adjacent bend line36and thus makes an angle (indicated at60) of six degrees relative to the transverse axis42.

Also, it will be noted (still with reference toFIG. 6) that the lengthwise axis62of each of the slots30is parallel to its related bend line36, so that in the plan view ofFIG. 6, this alignment axis62has the same slant to the transverse axis42as the bend line36.

In the shaping of the “laid-flat” shelf section ofFIG. 6to the finished shelf section ofFIGS. 1 and 7, the flanges at22are each bent 90 degrees along the related bend line34; each brace member24is rotated 90 degrees along its bend line36, and the front lip26is bent 90 degrees along its bend line at26. With that being accomplished, let us now look at the end configuration of the shelf member10, and specifically examineFIGS. 3,4, and5where the positional and angular relationships of the finished shelf section10can be seen more clearly.

First, as can be expected, the bracing member24which has been rotated upwardly to a vertical direction has its bottom bend line36forming the same angle at58(seeFIG. 3) with the rear lateral edge52of the rear platform section46. On the other hand, the bend line34, where the flange22joins the bracing member24, becomes vertically oriented so that it is perpendicular to the plane occupied by the platform18. (This can be seen clearly inFIGS. 3,4, and5.) Also, it can be seen in viewing the right-hand part ofFIG. 4that the alignment axis62of each of the slots32is now horizontal (i.e. parallel to the plane occupied by the platform18). Further, as can be seen in bothFIGS. 3 and 5, the planar alignment of the two flanges22is that each flange22lies in a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the platform18and is congruent with (laying in the same plane with) the transverse axis42.

With these various relationships being established, let us now look at the benefits provided by the same. First, with regard to the positioning of the mounting flanges22, it can be seen that the alignment of each mounting flange is such that when it is placed against and fixedly attached to the front surface63of the 2 by 4 posts14, the platform18is horizontally aligned. Also, it will be noted that the slots30are horizontally aligned. Therefore, if there is any lateral adjustment needed because of possible misalignment of the 2 by 4s or for other reasons, this lateral adjustment could be made in a plane parallel to the platform18.

Now we look at the slant of the bracing members24. With the bracing members24being bent along the slanted bend line36, effectively the forward portion44of the platform18has its side edges (which are the bend lines36) tapering inwardly in a forward direction along with the inward and forward slant of the connecting members24. The effect of this is that the shelf sections10can be nested with one another as shown inFIG. 9, for storage, shipment, display at a counter location, etc.

Now with reference toFIG. 6, it will also be noted that in the “laid-flat” configuration, each rear lateral edge52of the platform18forms one side of an angle relative to the inside edge64of the flange22at approximately the same angle as the bend line36. Thus, when the flange22is in its finished position extending in its laterally outward position (as inFIG. 1), this bottom edge64is aligned with the plane of the platform18.

A second embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 8. Components of this second embodiment which are similar to components of the first embodiment will be given like numerical designations, with an “a” suffix distinguishing those of the second embodiment. It can be readily seen by looking atFIG. 7andFIG. 8, that the second embodiment of the shelf section10ais substantially the same as the first embodiment of the shelf section10, except that the shelf section10ais sized so that it fits in the space between two post member14awhich (instead of being wooden 2 by 4s) are wooden 2 by 6s. Thus, with a greater depth dimension, the bend lines34and36of the first embodiment are positioned at a more forward location.

It is believed that the specific configuration, functional features, and method of shaping the laid-flat shelf section of the second embodiment are readily apparent from a reading of the description of the first embodiment. Accordingly, these will not be described in detail in the following text.

Reference is now made toFIG. 10, which illustrates somewhat schematically the method of manufacture of the first embodiment of the present invention. It was indicated previously herein that one of the benefits of the present invention is that it readily lends itself to being manufactured both efficiently and economically. This will be described in the following text with reference toFIG. 10.

In this manufacturing operation, there is a large roll of sheet metal65, and the free end portion66of the roll of sheet metal is unrolled from this roll and directed into the forming and cutting stamping die section (generally designated67) of the forming and cutting press. The forming/cutting section comprises three operating subsections which are designated68,70, and72, and which perform forming and/or cutting operations. Since the basic configuration of the forming and cutting apparatus already exists in the prior art, it is not illustrated herein, and the subsections68,70, and72are shown only schematically to indicate their locations at which they are performing their functions. The finished shelf section10is shown located at the end location after the last subsection72.

To explain the manufacturing process, this is a progressive stamping process where each portion of the sheet metal passes through three stamping stations. We begin at the right side ofFIG. 10, and there is an arrow74indicating the forward direction of travel of the sheet metal end portion66. In operation, the sheet metal66moves forward one increment of travel, stops for a forming/cutting operation, moves through a second increment of travel, etc. Each time after the sheet metal66has stopped, the three forming/cutting subsections68,70, and72move down simultaneously to perform their respective forming/cutting operations. Then all three subsections68,70, and72are raised simultaneously, the sheet material is moved one increment of travel further forwardly, and again the three forming/cutting subsections68,70, and72move downwardly to perform their operations. This continues until the entire roll of sheet metal has been formed into the shelf sections10. There are produced in this forming/cutting operation three different preform sections indicated at76,78and80, which are formed and/or cut by, respectively, the three cutting/forming subsections68,70, and72.

To describe the operation, let us assume that the forming/cutting operation has just been completed, and that the subsections68,70, and72have just been raised. At the subsection of68, the first preform section76is made with cuts along lines82,84,86,88,90,62, and92. Further, the slots at66had been cut out.

Now let us look at the middle pre-form section78. At the same time that the various cuts and punching has taken place to make the preform section76, the pre-form section78has had the two flange sections22bent downwardly along the bend line34by the action of the second forming and/or cutting subsection70.

Next, we go to the third subsection72where the final pre-form section80is located and is being formed. At this subsection72is lowered, a cut is made at98. Further, the bends are made along the bend lines at36and at38(seeFIG. 6for the location of these bend lines). With the last forming/cutting operation being accomplished at the subsection72, the pre-form80is in the configuration of the end product, which is the shelf section10. Then the completed shelf section10is moved out of the forming/cutting section67.

FIG. 11shows a third embodiment of the present invention. Components of this third embodiment which are similar to components of the prior two embodiments will be given like numerical designations with a “b” suffix distinguishing those of the third embodiment. It is readily apparent from observingFIG. 11that there are the same basic components of the prior two embodiments, so that the shelf section10bhas the platform18b, the two mounting flanges22b, the connecting members24b, and the forward lip28b. Also, there is a bend line34bbetween the flange22band the bracing member24b.

However, instead of connecting the bracing member24bto the platform18bas part of a single integral member, with the juncture being made at a bend line, there is instead provided for each bracing member24ba laterally extending flange80bwhich extends from the lower edge of the bracing member24blaterally inwardly beneath the platform18b. Suitable fasteners are indicated at102b, and there could be rivets, welds, or some other bonding operation. It will be noted that this third embodiment is not configured so as to have the benefit of being able to have a plurality of these shelf sections10bstacked in nesting fashion. Nevertheless, within the broader scope of the present invention, this third embodiment may have certain applications where it could be used quite advantageously.

As shown inFIG. 14, there is another embodiment of the support device110. In a similar manner as the previous shelf sections10as discussed above, the support device110in one form is particularly conducive for storing wine bottles or the like. Oftentimes, wine bottles are desired to be stored in a relatively cool location. Many homes and establishments have cellar-like locations that are below or at least partially below the contour of the earth. It is well known that cellars are, by their very nature, cooler and more conducive for storing items such as wine. Further, many unfinished basements or the like have exposed structural members, such as exposed studs, that are conducive for mounting the device described herein.

Now referring toFIG. 14, the support device110comprises mounting flanges122that have surfaces defining openings such as mounting slots130. The mounting slots130are position vertically above one another and have a lateral width131that accounts for variation in the width between the vertical posts14. Further, the lateral width131of the mounting slots130allows for the support devices110to overlap and have one screw essentially pass through the two mounting slots of two adjacent support devices. Of course, this is relevant for the previous embodiments as well.

As noted inFIG. 14, the platform118has a plurality of edge surfaces119that provide longitudinally extending openings121that comprise a bottle holding region. These openings are particularly conducive for positioning a wine bottle123therein. As shown inFIG. 15, there is a cross-sectional view of the platform118whereby the wine bottles123rest within the longitudinally extending openings121. As noted in this figure, the edge surfaces119in one form can be positioned in a manner such that a lower perimeter edge125defines an extreme edge region and a longitudinal bent portion127that extends in a longitudinal direction and provides for lips129that, as shown in the right-hand portion ofFIG. 15, are conducive for supporting a bottle such as a wine bottle123. Of course, if the diameter of the bottle123is smaller, the bottle will rest lower down within the longitudinally extending openings121and likewise will engage the laterally inward portions of the lips129. In other forms the bottle holding region can be fashioned in other forms such as a raised area that supports the lateral regions of the bottle. In other words flanges on either side of the bottle can extend vertically to support lateral motion of the bottle. Further, a forward upper flange can support the bottle from longitudinal motion.

As shown inFIG. 16, there is a method of using the shelf sections10or alternatively the modified shelf sections/support devices110as shown inFIGS. 14-15. In this embodiment, the shelf sections10are desired to be utilized in a creative manner within the shelving assembly111by the individual desiring to utilize a vertical surface220. It has been found that the shelf sections are particular versatile and are desired to be utilized in embodiments whereby the vertical posts214are retrofitted to an existing substantially vertical surface220. In this embodiment, a backboard217is utilized and is attached to the surface220in some manner, and in one form, can be attached to support members219which can be unexpose studs behind the surface220which in one form may be dry wall. The vertical posts24are then attached to the backboard217and are positioned a lateral distance from one another which is the approximate width of the shelf sections10. In general, this width complies with the standard stud spacing as per local code. Further, the vertical posts214can first be attached to the backboard217by way of fasteners, such as screws or nails, that extend through the rearward portion of the backboard217; the backboard can then be fitted to the surface220by either extending through the surface220to the support members219, or perhaps even may be attached by way of adhesive, or in some forms, may create a lower support region extending longitudinally outwardly at the lower region250so that the unit is freestanding.

In one form, it is found to be desirable to have a header portion221, which in one form can comprise a first member223and a second member225. In one form, the second member225extends in the longitudinal direction t227and in the lateral direction229distal from the exterior edge of the first member223. This has an aesthetically pleasing column-like effect. Of course, the upper central portion ofFIG. 16shows these members in cross-section; however, in a preferred form, they would extend in a manner to the other lateral portion of the shelving assembly111.

Of course the position and orientation of the shelving units10can be arranged in a variety of methods. Further, in a preferred form, a plurality of vertical posts214are employed and the shelving units10can overlap at the flange regions22or the planar surfaces of the platforms18need not be in the same horizontal plane, but rather, can be staggered to the likings of the individual arranging the shelving assembly111.

FIG. 17shows another embodiment whereby the vertical posts14are shown in the lower portion, and as described above, can be exposes studs in an unfinished basement or the like. The support unit310comprises a tray311having an upper surface312, a first lateral region314, and a second lateral region316. Further, there is a central region318, and a longitudinally forward portion320having a utility tray322described in detail below. The regions314,316and318are adapted to engage vertical posts14. In a preferred form, the lateral regions314and316have a surface defining a cutout section330and332that is adapted to fit adjacent to and be in relatively close engagement with the vertical posts14at their respective locations. Further, the central region318has a surface defining a longitudinally extending cutout334that is adapted to mount to the central vertical support14as shown in the lower portion ofFIG. 17. The lower surface of the support unit310is adapted to receive the member340, which in one form is a common 2 by 6. The 2 by 6 of course has an upper surface342and a longitudinally forward surface344. The upper surface342is adapted to engage the lower surface313, which is opposite to the upper surface312. Further, the longitudinally forward surface344is adapted to engage the inward region surface315which is a part of the utility tray322. The utility trade322is, in general, a U-shaped channel region that is well suited to hold various items therein. A forward lip350is adjacent to the lower tray trough region352. The bracing member354has a plurality of openings356that are adapted to have mounting fixtures such as screws extend therethrough and engage the forward region344of the support member340, which as mentioned above, can be a 2 by 6 made of wood, such as Douglas fir. The support member340provides for a more stable surface312, and further, has various improvements in the mounting system as now described below.

Referring to the lower portion inFIG. 17, there are various mounting brackets260having a support flange262and a unit flange264. The support flanges262are adapted to engage the forward surfaces of the vertical posts14. The unit flanges264are adapted to engage the undersurface of the member340. The flanges262and264are orthogonal to the triangulated support member266of the mounting bracket260. Attachment members268such as screws or nails are adapted to assemble the unit together. Of course, the support flange262can be in line with, and a part of the, support member266and attached to the lateral portions of the posts14; however, this places a shearing force upon the attachment members such as268.

FIG. 18discloses a method of constructing the support unit310, whereby in a first step, the mounting brackets260are mounted to the vertical posts14. Thereafter, the member340is placed on the unit flanges264and attached thereto by attachment members268, which in a preferred form are screws that are not greater in length than the height of the member340(as well as the small vertical height of the unit flange264). Thereafter, as shown inFIG. 19, the tray311is positioned upon the member340and attachment members268aextend therein through the openings356. The attachment members268as shown inFIG. 19can be slightly longer than the attachment members260as shown inFIG. 18because the longitudinal distance of the member340is greater than the vertical distance of the member.

FIG. 20shows another embodiment whereby a work tray510is shown positioned on a schematic version of a worktable412. The worktable412can be an existing structure whereby the upper surface414may not be desirable for certain reasons for engaging in various activities. In other words, the upper surface414can lack continuity whereby if constructed from adjacently positioned boards, cracks416extending in the lateral direction (or other directions as the situation may be) can exist and may be problematic for having a writing surface or a proper work surface to engage in any number of potential tasks. The work tray410is particularly conducive for fitting over such a worktable412and providing a substantially upper uniform surface420. Further, the longitudinal forward region422can provide a trough region424having a forward portion426, a lower member428, and a forward lip region430cooperatively define the trough424. This trough424is conducive for holding various items such as pens, screwdrivers, etc. The work tray410can be fastened to the worktable412or simply rest thereon. Because the center of gravity of the work tray410is substantially rearward of the forward most lip413, the tray410will remain substantially intact on the surface414. Further, the trough region424will not extend substantially beyond the forward lip413; and any items placed therein will generally not topple the unit. As with all of the embodiments described herein, one preferred method of manufacture is through sheet metal bending; however, other forms of manufacture, such as plastic injection can be employed. Further, it should be noted that all of the shelving units can be powder-coated and can be made from stainless steel, aluminum, plastic or various polymer elements, galvanized steel, and of course have a powder coating as well to accommodate various colors or a color arrangement of shelves. Further, the color arrangements can be used for organizational purposes to quickly identify certain types of components. For example, in a bullet reloading operation, various colors can indicate various aspects of components which are supported thereon.

As shown inFIGS. 21 and 22, there is another embodiment where the fire block500is shown. In general, the fire block500is adapted to be positioned in between two adjacent studs, or other vertically extending members502and504. The item is adapted to extend in the lateral direction, and presumably is made of a two-piece type construction of an overlap and securing portion. The item has wings510and512, which are adapted to engage the interior portions of the vertically extending members502and504. In general, the first and second portions520and522are adapted to extend in that lateral direction, and either by way of a screw or other locking mechanism524, be frictionally placed therein and have a certain rating to prevent the passage of flames in the event of a fire, and to meet fire blocking code. It should be further noted that the stud block500in the surface portion can have a number of knockouts which would be partially stamped metal, which by default will remain intact and could handle a fire and not be removed; however, if so desired, can be twisted and punched out and removed to allow for wiring or the like to extend therethrough. In fact, you can have a number of holes to fit various other types of diameter of tubing, such as a central vac system or the like.

FIG. 22shows one method of a locking mechanism whereby a screw530is adapted to extend through the laterally extending slot532of the second portion522. When the first and second wings510and512are orientated at a proper lateral orientation to coincide with the lateral inward portions of the vertical members502and504, the screw530will frictionally engage the opening534of the first member520and the head region of the screw will frictionally engage the lateral portions of the slot532.

It is to be recognized that various modified embodiments of the present invention could be made, and also that the particular orientation of components could be changed. For example, the angular relationships of the bend lines34and36of the first embodiment could be modified to increase or decrease the angles of orientation. Increasing the angle58would improve the nesting capability since the shelf members10could be positioned more closely to one another. However, the downside of this would be that there would be moderately less shelf space in the forward part of the platform18. Also, the claims are to be interpreted to cover not only this specific configuration along with the dimensions, but also to be interpreted to cover alternate configurations and equivalent structures.