Abstract:
A shelf having a stacking member fixedly attached to a mounting member, where the stacking member is substantially perpendicular to the mounting member and the stacking member has an upper surface and a lower surface. At least one ledge extends outwardly from the mounting member, essentially parallel to and beneath the lower surface of the stacking member, such that an article may be held in place securely between the ledge and the lower surface of the stacking member. The shelf is structured in such a way such that when books, towels, and the like are held and displayed on the shelf, the articles being held substantially conceal the shelf itself, hiding it from view.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/517,055, filed Sep. 7, 2006, which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to a shelf, more specifically to a bookshelf or towel shelf, and, more particularly, to a bookshelf or towel shelf that is mountable on vertical surfaces and, when loaded with books, towels or the like, conceals the support and mounting structure of the shelf. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Mountable shelves are known in the art. Traditionally, wall mounted shelves use an integral tab that is secured to a wall with screws or a similar attachment means. Shelves, such as bookshelves, have elements that are engineered to meet certain requirements. For instance, standard sized books have a cover that requires a horizontal shelf surface with a width sufficient to accommodate the cover. Although the horizontal shelf surface can take the form of various shapes, such as, circular, triangular, rectangular or an asymmetrical shape, bookshelves traditionally have a flat surface that is close to the width of the book that is to be held. 
         [0004]    Bookshelves or cases that are traditional cabinet-like designs are not as appropriate as wall-mounted shelving systems in situations where floor space is limited. Another factor that has motivates the installation of wall-mounted bookshelf units is a desire for more modern furnishings. One problem with many current wall mounted bookshelves is that they protrude from the wall and fail to hide unattractive mounting structures and brackets. Efforts have been made to design wall mounted bookshelves that conceal the mounting structures, but with little success. Those shelving units that have tried to conceal mounting structures, have done so by creating thick shelving surfaces that do not appeal to many consumers. 
         [0005]    Thus, there is a need for a shelf capable of holding books, towels, or similar articles in a manner that conceals the shelf and the mounting structure of the shelf. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The invention broadly comprises a shelf having a stacking surface fixedly attached to a mounting surface, where the stacking surface is substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface and the stacking surface has an upper surface and a lower surface. At least one ledge is disposed on the lower surface of the mounting surface and the ledge is operatively arranged to hold a book cover. The ledge can be disposed proximate a joint formed at the intersection of the mounting surface and the stacking surface. In some embodiments, at least one ledge is disposed on the lower surface disposed proximate a joint formed at the intersection of the mounting surface and the stacking surface on a first side of the stacking member, and at least one ledge is disposed on the lower surface disposed proximate the intersection on a second side of the stacking member. In some aspects, the joint is reinforced. A mounting hole or a mounting structure can be disposed on the mounting surface to provide a mounting element with which to hang the shelf. 
         [0007]    In some aspects the ledge is L-shaped and extends below the lower surface. The mounting surface can be trapezoidal, rectangular or similarly shaped. 
         [0008]    The invention further broadly comprises a shelf with a stacking surface fixedly attached to a mounting surface, where the stacking surface is roughly perpendicular to the mounting surface and the stacking surface has an upper surface and a lower surface. A continuous ledge is disposed along a perimeter edge of the lower surface and the ledge is operatively arranged to hold a book cover, or part of a towel. In some aspects, the continuous ledge is disposed along a perimeter edge of the lower surface proximate a joint formed at the intersection of the mounting surface and the stacking surface and the joint is reinforced. The ledge can be L-shaped and extend below the lower surface. In some embodiments, at least one mounting hole or a mounting structure is disposed on the mounting surface and the mounting surface is trapezoidal, rectangular, similarly shaped. 
         [0009]    It is a general object of the present invention to provide a shelf that can hold and display books, towel and other articles on a wall in a manner that conceals the shelf when books are stacked on the shelf. 
         [0010]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a shelf that has a cover holding ledge that can hold the cover of book in a manner that conceals the shelf. 
         [0011]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a bookshelf of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a right side elevation view of the bookshelf shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a left side view of the bookshelf shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the bookshelf in  FIG. 1  with books stacked upon the shelf; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the bookshelf shown in  FIG. 4 , taken generally at line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of the bookshelf shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of a ledge of the bookshelf shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the bookshelf shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , illustrating a book being placed into engagement on the shelf; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 8 , except showing a number of books being placed on the shelf, illustrating how the shelf itself is being concealed by the books; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 9 , except showing how the shelf is completely concealed by a number of books loaded on the shelf; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the shelf of the invention, this shelf especially designed and appropriate for holding and displaying articles such as towels; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a right side view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 11 , illustrating how a towel would be placed into the shelf; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 14 , showing a first towel placed on the shelf, partially concealing the shelf itself; and, 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 15 , except showing two towels placed on the shelf, which towels would completely conceal the shelf itself when viewed from the front. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0029]    At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In the description below, the terms “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, and their derivatives, should be interpreted from the perspective of one viewing the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0030]    Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
         [0031]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. It should also be appreciated that the present invention comprises a shelf, specially designed such that its structure allows the holding and display of articles, such as books, towels and the like, while concealing the shelf itself. Two different embodiments of the invention are illustrated, described and claimed. The first embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 1-10 , is ideal for holding and displaying books, while the second embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 11-16 , is ideal for holding and displaying towels. Although these respective embodiments are sometimes described as a bookshelf, towel shelf, or shelf, respectively, it should be appreciated that these terms are used interchangeably, and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and that the two disclosed embodiments are obviously suitable for holding and displaying a variety of articles. 
         [0032]    In accordance with the present invention,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of bookshelf  10  of the present invention, which is comprised of mounting member  12 , which is typically vertically arranged, integral to stacking member  14 , which is typically horizontally arranged in a cantilevered orientation. Bookshelf  10  can be formed from a single piece of sheet steel, or similar material that is pressed into a mounting member  12  and stacking member  14 , arranged at substantially a 90° angle to one another. Reinforcement members  18  strengthen the joint between mounting member  12  and stacking member  14 . Alternatively, holder  10  and its various parts can be formed from separate pieces. The members can be made of metal, plastic, wood, or other materials. In a preferred embodiment, especially useful for holding books, stacking member  14  is trapezoidal in shape, and the height B of mounting member  12  is approximately the same as the length A of stacking member  14 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Although the invention as claimed is not intended to be limited to any particular dimensions, in a preferred embodiment especially designed to hold books, A=132.8 mm; B=133.5 mm; and C≈3 mm, as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0033]    Alternatively, mounting member  12  can be fixedly attached to stacking member  14  using a weld or an equivalent attachment means known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Intersection  16 , which is the region where mounting member  12  and stacking member  14  meet, can be strengthened by reinforcement member  18  that can be crimped into mounting member  12  and stacking member  14 , or attached as a strengthening structure or strengthening weld. 
         [0034]    Mounting member  12  has at least one aperture  26  that can be used as an attachment location. Additional apertures  26  can be disposed on mounting member  12  at various locations. Apertures  26  can be round as depicted or numerous other shapes, which includes, but is not limited to a keyhole shape. One possible alternative is to align multiple apertures  26  in vertical or horizontal alignment to ensure that shelf  10  will be attached securely. In some aspects, mounting member  12  has a mounting structure, which can include, but is not limited to a hanging apparatus, clip, hook, or similar apparatus to aid in hanging bookshelf  10  on a vertical surface. 
         [0035]    Mounting member  12 , as shown, is generally rectangular shaped, but it should be appreciated that other alternative shapes could also be used. Similarly, stacking member  14 , as shown, is generally trapezoidal in shape, but it should be appreciated that other alternative shapes could also be used. 
         [0036]    Extending below intersection  16  on mounting member  12  is ledge  20 . Ledge  20  is shown attached proximate the rear perimeter of stacking member  12 , proximate intersection  16 , but ledge  20 , or any variation of the ledge, can be attached at any other perimeter edge of stacking member  14 , i.e., the side or front perimeter edges. Ledge  20  has vertical section  22  and a horizontal lip  24 . In a preferred embodiment, lip  24  has a length C which is approximately 1/35 the length of A. Lip  24  doesn&#39;t have to be very long when the shelf is used as a bookshelf—merely long enough to secure a book cover. A shorter length for the lip is preferred for aesthetic reasons, but not required for functionality. In some aspects, ledge  20  is formed from mounting member  12  by pressing vertical section  22  and horizontal lip  24  into a portion of mounting member  12  proximate intersection  16 . In such aspects, vertical section  22  is on the same plane as mounting member  12  and is defined by a point beginning proximate intersection  16  and extends beyond intersection  16  to horizontal lip  24 . The length of vertical section  22  is determined by the thickness of a typical book cover. However, given that book covers are not universal, e.g., soft cover and hard cover book covers are of different thicknesses, the length of vertical section  22  can be various lengths depending on the book cover that it is intended to hold. 
         [0037]    Ledge  20  may be integral with mounting member  12 , or it may be a separate piece attached to mounting member  12  proximate intersection  16 . Vertical section  22  and horizontal lip  24 , individual components of ledge  20 , can also be attached as separate components to mounting member  12  using any attachment means known in the art. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is a left side elevation view of bookshelf  10  of the present invention. The extension of ledge  20  below stacking member  14  is more apparent. Also demonstrated in this view is the positioning and approximate length of vertical section  22  in relation to intersection  16 , but it should be appreciated that ledge  20  can be of various sizes and shapes. Intersection  16  designates the upper reaches of vertical section  22 , while horizontal lip  24  designates the lower reaches of vertical section  22 . Horizontal lip  24  can be of various lengths to accomplish the task of holding book covers. Horizontal lips  24  with shorter lengths and thinner widths tend to better hide any evidence of bookshelf  10 . Long and wide horizontal lips  24  tend to have more surface area showing, which can better secure a book cover. Ledge  20  and vertical section  22  and horizontal lip  24  can be constructed of pressed steel or a similar material. However, if a substance that is translucent, such as, but not limited to acrylic or another clear plastic, is used to construct ledge  20 , it should be understood that longer and wider vertical section  22  and horizontal lip  24  can be used without detracting from the objectives of shelf  10 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  is a right side elevation view of bookshelf  10 , illustrating ledge  20 , vertical section  22  and horizontal lip  24 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of bookshelf  10  with books  30  stacked upon the shelf. Stacking member  14  and ledge  20  are shown in phantom view to illustrate the ability of ledge  20  to hold book cover  32  between the lower surface of stacking member  14  and the upper surface of horizontal lip  24 . The first book  30  to be stacked upon shelf  10  has cover  32  inserted into ledge  20  in such a manner that cover  32  abuts, or comes close to abutting, vertical section  22 , and outside surface  34  of cover  32  rests upon horizontal lip  24 . In this manner, cover  32  conceals stacking member  14  and a portion of mounting surface  12 . Each successive book that is stacked upon the first book will also conceal a portion of mounting surface  12  until a sufficient number of books have been stack to conceal mounting surface  12  and bookshelf  10  entirely. 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of bookshelf  10  shown in  FIG. 4 , taken generally at line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4 . Cover  32  of book  30  is illustrated below stacking member  14 , and lodged within ledge  20 , which is positioned on the right side of shelf  10 . Generally, two ledges  20  are positioned on each side of shelf  10  to ensure that book covers are held stably. In some aspects, ledge  20  can use one ledge centrally located or multiple ledges  20  can be placed at strategic locations. In some aspects, a continuous ledge  20  or ridge can be position at roughly the same location as the position of attachment for ledge  20 , i.e., proximate intersection  16 . The continuous ledge or ridge can be utilized and placed on shelf  10  similar to the way the ledges  20  have been characterized and described. Ledge  20  retains the end of cover  32 . More particularly, outer surface  34  of cover  32  is trapped against horizontal lip  24 . Leafing stacking member  14  between pages  36  and cover  32  of the first book placed upon shelf  10  enables stacking member  14  to support multiple books  30  in such a manner that stacking member  14  is completely concealed. Placing multiple books on shelf  10 , which cumulatively reach a height greater than the height of mounting member  12 , will also conceal mounting member  12 . Although the illustrations show shelf  10  with only two books  30  on shelf  10 , it should be understood that many more books can be held on shelf  10 , and that it is preferable to place multiple books on shelf  10  to fully conceal the shelf. If a first book  30  has cover  32  placed within at least one ledge  20 , wherein cover  32  is placed on the bottom side of stacking member  14  and pages  36  are placed on the top side of stacking member  14 , with a sufficient number of books stacked upon this first book, generally entire shelf  10  will be concealed to give the appearance that the shelved books are floating unaided. 
         [0042]    Shelf  10  can be attached to any vertical surface using an appropriate attachment means such as a screw, nail, or analogous fastening means. As shown, multiple screws  28  have been inserted through apertures  26  in mounting member  12  to secure shelf  10  to wall  38 . In some aspects, shelf  10  can omit apertures  26  and implement an epoxy attachment means, or implement another alternative attachment means, which can include, but is not limited to hooks, wire, clips and notches. Attachment to a vertical surface such as a wall is the intended application, but shelf  10  can also be adapted for attachment to other surfaces as well. 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view of bookshelf  10  shown in  FIG. 4  with stacking member  14  and pages  36  drawn in phantom to demonstrate the spatial arrangement of the components of book  30  relative to shelf  10  components. Cover  32  extends to the inside surface of ledge  20 , with only a small portion of outside surface  34  of cover  32  held within ledge  20 , specifically horizontal lip  24  of ledge  20 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged view of a ledge of bookshelf  10  shown in  FIG. 4 . This enlarged view captures the relationship of book cover  32  with ledge  20 . Insertion of cover  32  so that the outside surface  34  contacts the upper surface of horizontal lip  24  enables ledge  20  to hold cover  32 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the bookshelf shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , illustrating a book being placed into engagement on the shelf. 
         [0046]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 8 , except showing a number of books being placed on the shelf, illustrating how the shelf itself is being concealed by the books. 
         [0047]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 9 , except showing how the shelf is completely concealed by a number of books loaded on the shelf. 
         [0048]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of shelf  10  of the present invention, comprising mounting member  12 , which is typically vertically arranged, integral to stacking member  14 , which is typically horizontally arranged in a cantilevered orientation. Shelf  10  can be formed from a single piece of sheet steel, or similar material that is pressed into a mounting member  12  and stacking member  14 , arranged at substantially a 90° angle to one another. Reinforcement members  18  strengthen the joint between mounting member  12  and stacking member  14 . Alternatively, holder  10  and its various parts can be formed from separate pieces. The members can be made of metal, plastic, wood, or other materials. In a preferred embodiment, especially useful for holding towels, stacking member  14  is rectangular in shape, and the height B of mounting member  12  is approximately ⅓ the length A of stacking member  14 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . Also, in a preferred embodiment especially useful for holding towels, lip  24  has a length C which is about 40% of the length A. This longer length of lip  24  functions to better hold an end of a towel, as shown in  FIG. 14 . Although the invention as claimed is not intended to be limited by dimensions, in a preferred second embodiment: A=203 mm; B=60 mm; and C=85 mm. Also, since towels are generally of a lower density than books, the height B of mounting member  12  is lower in the second embodiment than in the first embodiment. 
         [0049]      FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 11 ; and  FIG. 13  is a right side view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 11 . Structural elements of the invention shown in these views are identical, except for dimensions, to identically referenced elements illustrated in the first embodiment. 
         [0050]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 11 , illustrating how a towel  52  would be placed into the shelf, with section  54  of the towel being held between ledge  24  and stacking member  14 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 14 , showing a first towel  52  placed on the shelf, partially concealing the shelf itself. 
         [0052]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 15 , except showing two towels  52  placed on the shelf, which towels would completely conceal the shelf itself when viewed from the front. 
         [0053]    Thus, it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as claimed. Although the invention is described by reference to a specific preferred embodiment, it is clear that variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as claimed.