Patent ID: 12188237

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

I. Deck Shelf Assembly

Referring now toFIGS.1-4b, in one aspect of the disclosure, a modular, adjustable and storable deck shelf assembly, designated generally as10, is formed from a series of components to enable the assembly to be secured to a deck railing and adjusted into an operable position. Deck shelf assembly10also may be removed from a deck railing and adjusted for storage. Deck shelf assembly10includes a horizontal upper support board12. Upper support board12is formed with a pair of vertically-oriented first-leg through-bores15(shown inFIG.4a) proximal a first end and dimensioned to receive mechanical fasteners. A first support leg16is formed with a pair of vertically-oriented, first support leg upper through-bores17(not shown), proximal a top end of the support leg, dimensioned and spaced to align with through-bores15of upper support board12.

A pair of mechanical fasteners40, e.g., lag bolts and/or bolt/washer/nut combinations, are each inserted into each pair of aligned through-bores15and17in upper support board12and support leg16, respectively, and secured with nuts46to secure the top end of support leg16to upper support board12. Once attached, the orientation of support leg16to upper support board12is substantially orthogonal and fixed. Other alignment orientations of the support leg to the upper support board are possible and remain within the scope of the disclosure as disclosed in more detail herein. It should be understood that a plurality of first-leg through-bores15may be formed in upper support board12to vary the lateral orientation of first support leg16to upper support board12.

Formed on a right side of upper support board12is a plurality of second-leg through-bores34. Through-bores34are substantially equally spaced and arranged in a pair of substantially parallel through-bore lines. At least one pair of vertically-aligned second-leg through bores34are needed. The arrangement permits a second support leg18to be secured to support board12with mechanical fasteners40. A pair of corresponding second support leg upper through-bores19(not shown) are formed proximal a top end of second support leg18and spaced vertically to align with the spacing of the parallel lines of through-bores34. To set the horizontal distance between first support leg16and second support leg18, a column of second-leg through-bores34are selected and aligned with second support leg upper through-bores19and secured with mechanical fasteners40. The spacing of the columns of through-bores34set the defined horizontal distances possible between the two support legs. It should be understood that the number of columns of second-leg through-bores34can be varied and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Support board12may be formed with an optional hand-grip bore28. Hand-grip bore28, if provided, may be shaped to conform to a closed hand with radiused edges to provide a comfortable grip for lifting and manipulating deck shelf assembly10. Alternatively, two spaced hand-grip bores (not shown) may be incorporated into support board12to facilitate two-hand manipulation of the assembly.

To secure the top end of the deck shelf assembly10to a deck rail, a pair of locking blocks are secured to the support legs. Secured to the top, back side of first support leg16is a first upper locking block44. First upper locking block44is dimensioned to be wider than first support leg16to create a hook-like feature with the portion of the locking block that extends beyond the side of the support leg. The combination of the first support leg side and the extended portion of the locking block creates a slot for receiving a deck rail baluster. A pair of vertically-aligned first locking block through-bores45(not shown) are dimensioned and spaced to align with first-leg through-bores15and first support leg upper through-bores17. The same mechanical fasteners40used to secure upper support board12to first support leg16are used to secure first locking block44to the back side of upper support board12via first locking block through-bores45. The size, i.e., the thickness and length, of mechanical fasteners40can be varied to accommodate the different thicknesses and dimensions of the deck shelf assembly10components secured together with the fasteners.

Secured to the top, back side of second support leg18is a second upper locking block42. Second upper locking block42is dimensioned to be wider than second support leg18to create a second slot with the portion of the locking block that extends beyond the side of the second support leg. The combination of the second support leg side and the extended portion of the second locking block creates a second slot for receiving a second deck rail baluster. A pair of vertically-aligned second locking block through-bores43(not shown) are dimensioned and spaced to align with second-leg through-bores34and second support leg upper through-bores19. The same mechanical fasteners40used to secure upper support board12to second support leg18are used to secure second locking block44to the back side of upper support board12.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.2, first locking block44and second locking block42create slots facing the same direction. This enables deck shelf assembly10to be secured to a deck railing by aligning the locking blocks between balusters and shifting assembly10in the direction of the slots to engage balusters with the slots as shown inFIGS.31and33. This sets the relative horizontal alignment of deck shelf assembly10to the deck railing as shown inFIGS.29,31and33. In the embodiment shown inFIG.7, the locking blocks are positioned so the slots formed by the locking blocks do not face the same direction but face each other. For this embodiment, one of the locking blocks has to be pivoted by removing one mechanical fastener so the locking block does not create a slot and hook a baluster while the other fixed locking block hooks a baluster via the side translational movement of assembly10. Once assembly10has been aligned with the deck railing, the loosened locking block is pivoted back into position and secured with the mechanical fastener that was removed previously.

To secure the bottom ends of the first and second support legs, a lower support board14is formed with a series of through-bore sets to enable support board14to be secured to the support legs via mechanical fasteners40. With respect to first support leg16, a pair of vertically-oriented lower support board first-leg through-bores35(shown inFIG.4b) are formed proximal a left end of lower support board14. One or more pairs of first support leg lower through-bores30are formed at a lower end of first support leg16and are spaced to align with the spacing of through-bores35. If only one pair of second support leg lower through-bores30are used, the height of lower support board14will be oriented in a fixed position relative to upper support board12. Likewise, the horizontal orientation of first support leg16to lower support board14will be fixed. For purposes of this disclosure, it should be understood that any two components secured together in a spatially fixed relationship may be secured using means other than mechanical fasteners such as adhesives and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Lower support board14may be further modified to vary the horizontal or lateral orientation of first support leg16to the support board. To accomplish this, more than one pair of vertically-oriented lower support board first-leg through-bores35are included in a pair of substantially parallel rows, in the same manner as the plurality of second-leg through-bores34in upper support board12. It should be understood that the vertical and horizontal orientation of first support leg16to the upper and lower support boards may be made variable by adding additional columns of substantially parallel first-leg through-bore sets in the upper and lower support boards as well as additional through-bores in first support leg16.

With respect to second support leg18, formed proximal a right side of lower support board14is a plurality of lower support board second-leg lower through-bores36. Lower through-bores36are substantially equally spaced and arranged in a pair of vertically-oriented, substantially parallel through-bore rows. Each through-bore36of one row is vertically aligned with a through-bore36of the second row. At least one pair of vertically-aligned through-bores36are needed. This ensures orthogonal alignment of the support leg relative to the lower support board. The arrangement permits a lower end of second support leg18to be secured to lower support board14with mechanical fasteners40. One or more pairs of corresponding, vertically-aligned, lower second support leg through-bores32are formed proximal a bottom end of second support leg18and spaced vertically to align with the spacing of the parallel lines of through-bores34. Second support leg18may be formed with a single pair of vertically-aligned, second support leg lower through-bores32to create a fixed vertical orientation of the second support leg to lower support board14. By including additional pairs of through-bores32, the height of lower support board14relative to second support leg18and upper support board12can be adjusted to accommodate a specific railing height.

It should be understood that the orthogonal alignment of the support legs to the upper and lower support boards can be modified to adapt the deck rail shelf assembly to a particular deck railing configuration in which the balusters may be offset from a 90° alignment and remain within the scope of the disclosure. In such a configuration, the support legs can be oriented to the upper and lower support boards at an angle to match the angle of the railing balusters. This can be accomplished by realigning pairs of the vertically-oriented second-leg lower through-bores36to be offset at an angle that matches the angle of the subject balusters. In this configuration, the upper and lower support boards will remain in a substantially parallel orientation regardless of the support leg angular orientations to maintain alignment with the railing to which the assembly is secured. Similar adjustments can be made to the through-bores to match the angular orientation of, for example, a stair railing.

To accommodate different spatial orientations of the bottom rails and balusters of railing systems, modifications can be made to the orientation of lower support board14relative to the support legs. As shown inFIG.5, in another embodiment of the disclosure, a deck shelf assembly, designated generally as10′, has a lower support board14′ offset from the lower ends of the support legs such as a second support leg18′. As used herein, identical reference characters having differently primed or unprimed variations and assigned to features of the disclosure are intended to identify different embodiments of the same feature. The offset of support board14′ is accomplished by biasing a plurality of second-leg lower through-bores (not shown), similar to second-leg lower through-bores36, toward the upper edge of lower support board14′.

When lower support board14′ is secured to second support leg18′ and a first support leg (not shown), a gap is formed on the back side of the lower support board with the upper end of the gap defined by the bottom end of the support legs, such as second-support leg18′ as shown. This enables lower support board14′ to register directly against a lower rail of a railing system while the bottom ends of the support legs register against a top surface of the lower rail to provide a large surface area of support rather than have the lower support board register against the balusters of the rail system. This configuration is especially advantageous when the face of the lower rail of a railing system is aligned with the faces of the balusters to which the assembly10′ is secured. The support legs of assembly10′ will register against the sides of the balusters and the top of the lower rail, and the lower support board will register directly against the lower railing.

In a yet further embodiment of the disclosure, a spacer block14ais used to further offset a lower support board from support legs of a deck shelf assembly. As shown inFIG.6, a deck shelf assembly, designated generally as10′″, has a lower support board14′″ offset from the lower ends of the support legs such as a second support leg18′″ with spacer block14a. The offset of support board14′″ is again accomplished by biasing a plurality of second-leg lower through-bores (not shown), similar to second-leg lower through-bores36, toward the upper edge of lower support board14′″.

When lower support board14′″ is secured to second support leg18′″ with spacer block14asandwiched between the lower support board and each of the support legs, a relatively large gap is formed on the back side of the lower support board with the upper end of the gap defined by the bottom end of the support legs and the bottom edge of the spacer block. For purposes of this embodiment, one spacer block14acan be used for each support leg or a single spacer block14acan be used that extends the distance between the most distant edges of the support legs, such as second-support leg18′″ as shown. Like the embodiment shown inFIG.5, this enables lower support board14′″ to register directly against a lower rail of a railing system to provide a large surface area of support rather than register against the balusters of the rail system. This configuration is especially advantageous when the face of the lower rail of a railing system is proud of, or extends outwardly from, the faces of the balusters to which the assembly10′″ is secured. The support legs of assembly10′″ will register against the sides of the balusters and the top surface of the lower rail and the lower support board will register directly against the face or outer edge of the lower rail.

In a further alternative embodiment as shown inFIGS.35-42, one or more lower locking blocks may be secured to the lower ends of the support legs to releasably “lock” the lower end of the deck shelf assembly10to a deck or other rail system. In this embodiment, a first-leg lower locking block48is secured to a back, bottom end of first leg16. A second-leg lower locking block49is secured to a back, bottom end of second leg18. In one sub-embodiment shown inFIGS.35,36,39and40, locking blocks48and49are a first-leg, laterally-extending lower locking block48and a second-leg, laterally-extending lower locking block49, respectively, that extend laterally from their respective support legs to form a square “U-shaped” opening to capture and secure a deck rail baluster. If this sub-embodiment is used, to secure the deck shelf assembly10to a deck railing, the assembly10is inserted into the spacing between deck rail balusters and shifted laterally so the upper and lower locking blocks register against balusters to releasably lock assembly10to the deck rail. To remove assembly10from the deck rail, the installation process steps are performed in the reverse order.

In another sub-embodiment shown inFIGS.37,38,41and42, a first-leg downwardly-extending lower locking block48′ is secured to a back, bottom end of first leg16. A second-leg laterally-extending lower locking block49′ is secured to a back, bottom end of second leg18. Unlike lower locking blocks48and49, lower locking blocks48′ and49′ extend downwardly from the bottom ends of their respective support legs to form an “L-shaped” opening with the bottom ends of the support legs. Rather than capture and be secured to a deck rail baluster, lower locking blocks48′ and49′ register against a back end of a deck rail lower rail. If this sub-embodiment is used, to secure the deck shelf assembly10to a deck railing, the assembly10is inserted into the spacing between deck rail balusters at an angle with the lower end of the assembly leading. Assembly10is then rotated into an upright position and shifted laterally so the upper locking blocks register against balusters to releasably lock assembly10to the balusters and lower deck rail. To remove assembly10from the deck rail, the installation process steps are performed in the reverse order. It should be understood that only one lower locking block,48,48′,49,49′, may be used to lock the lower end of deck shelf assembly10to a deck rail. Embodiments without any lower locking blocks also are within the scope of the disclosure.

Referring again toFIGS.1and2, secured to a bottom edge of upper support board12are two or more hinge blocks22each used to support a hinge22a. One plate of each hinge22ais secured to a front face of one hinge block22. A second plate of each hinge22ais secured to a bottom or back surface of a shelf-support board20. The hinge plates are held together with pins secured in the hinge plate knuckles as is commonly known in the art. Shelf support board20is elongate and may have substantially the same length as upper support board12. It should be understood that the length of shelf support board20can be varied relative to upper support board12and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Referring now toFIGS.1,2and7-10, shelf support board20, in one embodiment, is formed with a shelf-support slot23in its front face. Shelf-support slot23may extend the entire width of shelf support board20or may extend over only a partial segment of shelf support board20. For the purpose of clarity, the front face20aof shelf support board20is the surface of the board that faces out from a front side of the overall assembly10when the shelf support board is in a down or storage position. A top edge20bof shelf support board20is the surface that faces the hinge blocks22when the shelf support board is in a storage position. When the shelf support board is in an up or operational position, front face20ais now a top surface of the shelf support board. Positioning shelf support board20in an up or down position is accomplished by rotating the shelf support board about the hinge pins.

As shown particularly inFIG.10, the width or height (depending upon the support shelf's orientation) of shelf-support slot23is defined by an upper slot shoulder27and a lower slot shoulder31. An overhang25extends toward a center line of shelf support board20from a top edge of shelf support board20and forms an elongate cove in conjunction with upper slot shoulder27. A shelf support board bottom end29of shelf support board20has a reduced thickness relative to the thickness of shelf support board20at the top end20bof the board. As disclosed in more detail herein, shelf support board bottom end29functions as a cantilever support surface for a shelf50.

To secure shelf support board20in an up or operational position, a pair of retractable truss shelf supports are provided. As shown more particularly inFIG.2, A first truss shelf support24is secured to first support leg16with a first pair of hinges, each positioned proximal an upper or lower end of first truss shelf support24. A second truss shelf support26is secured to second support leg18with a second pair of hinges, each positioned proximal an upper or lower end of second truss support26. As shown, the truss shelf supports are substantially triangular in shape with a wider surface at the top relative to the bottom of the truss shelf supports. It should be understood that the length of the top surface of the truss shelf supports are dimensioned to register against a substantial portion if not the entire dimension of the top-to-bottom width of shelf support board20. It should be further understood that the overall shape of the truss shelf supports can be varied and remain within the scope of the disclosure as long as the top dimension of the truss shelf support register against a substantial portion of the width of shelf support board20, which can be, illustratively, at least 75% of the width.

To position truss shelf supports24and26in a closed or storage position, the truss shelf supports are rotated on their hinges so the faces of the truss shelf supports are positioned along a plane occupied by the two support legs. InFIG.2, the truss shelf supports face each other in a closed or storage position. InFIG.7, a deck shelf assembly, designated generally as10VI, has the truss shelf supports24and26facing the same direction when in a closed or storage position. This is accomplished by securing each of the truss shelf supports via hinges to the same left or right side of the respective support legs to which the truss shelf supports are attached.

To position the truss shelf supports in an operational position and support shelf support board20and a shelf50disclosed in more detail herein, shelf support board20is rotated into its up or operational position. Once this step is completed, shelf support board20is held in the up position while each of the truss shelf supports is rotated so their faces are oriented orthogonal to the plane occupied by the two support legs. Once in their operational position, shelf support board20to be released and allowed to register against the top surfaces of truss shelf supports24and26as shown inFIG.3b. To place the shelf support board and truss shelf supports in storage positions as shown inFIG.3a, the described process is reversed. Shelf support board20is held in an up position while the two truss shelf supports are rotated inwardly to align with the support legs. The shelf support board is then rotated to its storage position, which overlaps the truss shelf supports and maintains them in their storage positions.

Shelf50in its simplest form, is an elongate board with a series of cutouts to create features that interlock with the slot feature of shelf support board20. A top edge of shelf50is formed with a rabbit cut to create a shoulder dimensioned to fit within the cove formed by upper slot shoulder27and overhang25. A top shelf board edge56has a section removed to form shelf shoulder54and shelf shoulder base52. The dimensions of shelf shoulder54and shelf shoulder base52are set to enable shelf shoulder54to slide into the cove in shelf support board20to create an interference fit and a friction fit if the dimensional tolerances are set to enable substantial or full registration of the complementary surfaces.

To enable shelf50so sit within shelf-support slot23, a large dado cut is made to a bottom or back surface51of shelf50, from a shelf bottom shoulder58to a leading edge of shelf50to form a shelf cantilever support surface53that registers against shelf support board bottom end29. Shelf bottom shoulder58is set to form a gap60further defined by lower slot shoulder31, shelf cantilever support surface53and shelf-support slot23. With top shelf board edge56inserted into the cove of shelf support board20, back surface51registers against shelf-support slot23and shelf cantilever support surface53registers against shelf support board bottom end29to create a cantilever effect to support shelf50in a substantially horizontal orientation. To releasably lock shelf50to shelf support board20, a locking shaft64is inserted into gap60to create a further interference/friction fit as shown inFIGS.13,17and18.

As shown particularly inFIGS.17and18, locking shaft64has two basic components, an elongate shaft66and a finger or hand grip68. Shaft66is dimensioned to extend at least a substantial portion of the length of shelf-support slot23. The cross-sectional dimensions of shaft66are set to create a mechanical interference fit and friction fit with the surfaces of shelf support board20and shelf50against which shaft66registers. Finger grip68can conform to any regular or irregular geometric shape and/or be formed with surface features such as coves, to improve finger grasp. A recess configured in the overall shape of finger grip68may be formed on an end of the joined shelf support board20and shelf50to at least partially countersink finger grip68for aesthetic purposes.

Referring now toFIGS.43and44, in an alternate embodiment, the deck shelf assembly10shown inFIGS.12and13is modified to eliminate the need for locking shaft64. In a deck shelf assembly, designated generally as10V, a horizontal upper support board12Vis secured proximal to top ends of a first support leg16Vand a second support leg18Vin the same manner described with respect to the same components in deck shelf assembly10. Like deck shelf assembly10, horizontal upper support board12Vmay include a hand-grip bore28V.

To secure the top end of the deck shelf assembly10Vto a deck rail, a pair of locking blocks are secured to the support legs. Secured to the top, back side of first support leg16Vis a first upper locking block44V. First upper locking block44Vis dimensioned to be wider than first support leg16Vto create a hook-like feature with the portion of the locking block that extends beyond the side of the support leg. The combination of the first support leg side and the extended portion of the locking block creates a slot for receiving a deck rail baluster. The means used to secure first upper locking block44Vto first support leg16Vincludes the same bore and mechanical fastener combinations disclosed herein to secure first locking block44to first support leg16.

Secured to the top, back side of second support leg18Vis a second upper locking block42V. Second upper locking block42Vis dimensioned to be wider than second support leg18Vto create a second slot with the portion of the locking block that extends beyond the side of the second support leg. The combination of the second support leg side and the extended portion of the second locking block creates a second slot for receiving a second deck rail baluster. The means used to secure second upper locking block42Vto second support leg18Vincludes the same bore and mechanical fastener combinations disclosed herein to secure second locking block42to second support leg18. It should be understood that any connection described herein as being made with mechanical fastener combinations can be made alternatively with adhesives and/or with interlocking components and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

To secure the bottom ends of the first and second support legs, a lower support board14Vis formed with a series of through-bore sets to enable support board14Vto be secured to the support legs via mechanical fasteners such as those used to secure lower support board14to first and second support legs,16and18, The means used to secure lower support board14Vto first support leg16Vand second support leg16Vfurther includes the same bore and mechanical fastener combinations disclosed herein to secure lower support board14to first support leg16and second support leg18disclosed herein. It should be further understood that any variations described for lower support board14apply equally to lower support board14V.

A shelf support board, designated generally as20V, includes a modified lower slot shoulder31Vto create a modified mechanical lock between the support board and shelf. As shown, shelf support board20Vincludes most of the same general features as shelf support board20including a shelf-support slot23Vformed in its front face. Unlike shelf support slot23, shelf-support slot23Vmust extend substantially the entire width of shelf support board20Vas the connection means for this embodiment is substantially like a sliding dovetail joint. In this embodiment, a front face20aVof shelf support board20Vis the surface of the board that faces upwardly when assembled to shelf50V. A back edge20bVof shelf support board20′ is the surface that faces the support legs when the shelf support board is in its operational position. Like shelf support board20′, the positioning shelf support board20Vin an up or down position is accomplished by rotating the shelf support board about the hinge pins.

As shown particularly inFIG.44, the width or height (depending upon the support shelf's orientation) of shelf-support slot23Vis defined by an upper slot shoulder27Vand a lower slot shoulder31V. The angle defined by lower slot shoulder31Vand shelf-support slot23Vsubstantially may be a 90° or may be an acute angle cove in cross section. The advantageous nature of this angular shoulder is disclosed in more detail herein. An overhang25Vextends toward a center line of shelf support board20Vfrom a top edge of shelf support board20Vand forms an elongate cove in conjunction with upper slot shoulder27V. A shelf support board bottom end29Vof shelf support board20Vhas a reduced thickness relative to the thickness of shelf support board20″ at the back edge20bVof the board. As disclosed in more detail herein, shelf support board bottom end29Vfunctions as a cantilever support surface for a shelf50Vor any variation disclosed herein.

To accommodate the modified lower shoulder feature of shelf support20V, shelf50V, like shelf50, is an elongate board with a series of cutouts to create features that interlock with the modified slot feature of shelf support board20V. A top edge of shelf50Vis formed with a rabbit cut to create a shoulder dimensioned to fit within the cove formed by upper slot shoulder27Vand overhang25V. A top shelf board edge56Vhas a section removed to form shelf shoulder54Vand shelf shoulder base52V. The dimensions of shelf shoulder54Vand shelf shoulder base52Vare set to enable shelf shoulder54Vto slide laterally into the cove in shelf support board20Vto create a mechanical interference fit and a friction fit if the dimensional tolerances are set to enable substantial or full registration of the complementary surfaces. The dimensional tolerances are set to ensure the shelf cannot be disengaged from the shelf support board other than through lateral movement of the shelf relative to the shelf support board. Lateral stops (not shown) may be incorporated to lock the shelf's lateral orientation to the shelf support board.

To enable shelf50Vto sit within shelf-support slot23V, a large section is removed from a bottom or back surface51Vof shelf50Vand formed with a shelf bottom shoulder58Vthat extends to a leading edge of shelf50Vto form a shelf cantilever support surface53Vthat registers against shelf support board bottom end29V. The distance between shelf bottom shoulder58Vand upper slot shoulder27Vis set to ensure tight dimensional tolerances between the shelf board support and the shelf on the order of about ⅛Vto ensure a tight, secure fit.

Compared to the comparable elements of the embodiments shown inFIGS.10-17, the length of cantilever support surface53Vis shortened to substantially reduce the width of gap60(shown inFIG.11). In doing so, the distance between shelf bottom shoulder58Vand lower slot shoulder31Vis reduced. Illustratively, a small gap on the order from about ⅛ inch to about ¼ inch is maintained to enable shelf50Vto be inserted laterally into and fit within the cove formed by upper slot shoulder27Vand overhang25Vwith back surface51Vregistering against shelf-support slot23V. The small gap may be set to be outside the illustrative, non-limiting parameters set forth herein. It further should be understood that other embodiments of the shelf bottom shoulder58Vdisclosed herein may be substituted for shelf bottom shoulder58V. With top shelf board edge56Vinserted laterally into the cove of shelf support board20V, back surface51Vregisters against shelf-support slot23Vand shelf cantilever support surface53Vregisters against shelf support board bottom end29Vto create a cantilever effect to support shelf50Vin a substantially horizontal orientation.

Referring now toFIG.44, in another embodiment of the disclosure, a deck shelf assembly, designated generally as10VI, uses a hook and slot engagement means to secure a shelf to a shelf support board. Deck shelf assembly10VIincludes a horizontal upper support board12VIis secured proximal to top ends of a first support leg16VIand a second support leg18VIin the same manner described with respect to the same components in deck shelf assembly10.

To secure the top end of the deck shelf assembly10VIto a deck rail, a pair of locking blocks are secured to the support legs. Secured to the top, back side of first support leg16VIis a first upper locking block40VI. First upper locking block44VIis dimensioned to be wider than first support leg16VIto create a hook-like feature with the portion of the locking block that extends beyond the side of the support leg. The combination of the first support leg side and the extended portion of the locking block creates a slot for receiving a deck rail baluster. The means used to secure first upper locking block44VIto first support leg16VIincludes the same bore and mechanical fastener combinations disclosed herein to secure first locking block44to first support leg16.

Secured to the top, back side of second support leg leis a second upper locking block42VI. Second upper locking block42VIis dimensioned to be wider than second support leg18VIto create a second slot with the portion of the locking block that extends beyond the side of the second support leg. The combination of the second support leg side and the extended portion of the second locking block creates a second slot for receiving a second deck rail baluster. The means used to secure second upper locking block42VIto second support leg18VIincludes the same bore and mechanical fastener combinations disclosed herein to secure second locking block42to second support leg18.

To secure the bottom ends of the first and second support legs, a lower support board14VIis formed with a series of through-bore sets to enable support board14VIto be secured to the support legs via mechanical fasteners such as those used to secure lower support board14to first and second support legs,16and18, The means used to secure lower support board14VIto first support leg16VIand second support leg16VIfurther includes the same bore and mechanical fastener combinations disclosed herein to secure lower support board14to first support leg16and second support leg18disclosed herein. It should be further understood that any variations described for lower support board14apply equally to lower support board14VI.

A shelf support board, designated generally as20VI, is secured to a lower edge of upper support board12VIto form an “L” shape in side profile. Optionally, a front portion of a bottom end of upper support board12VIis removed to form a lateral slot100. Lateral slot100is dimensioned to receive a top shelf board edge56VIof a shelf50VI. It should be understood that lateral slot100can be eliminated in this embodiment to cut down on manufacturing costs without compromising the functional integrity of the embodiment.

Formed proximal the lateral edges of upper support board12VIare hook-engaging slots102. The spacing of the slots can be varied to accommodate any particular application. At least two slots should be used to positively secure the shelf to the shelf support board. Like deck shelf assembly10, a hand-grip bore28VImay be incorporated into the embodiment and in this embodiment, formed in shelf support board20VI.

Shelf50VIhas shelf hooks, designated generally as104, extending backwardly from the back edge56VI. Shelf hooks104are each dimensioned to fit within, spaced to align with, and numbered to match the number of, slots102. Each Shelf hook104includes a hook base106and a hook leg108extending laterally from a distal end of hook base106. It should be understood that hook legs108can extend toward either edge of the shelf as long as both, or all if more than two are used, extend in the same direction. The width of slots102are dimensioned to be slightly longer than the length of hook legs108. To secure shelf50VIto shelf support board20VI, hook legs108are inserted into hook-engaging slots102until back edge56VIregisters against upper support board12VIor a back of lateral slot100(if present). Shelf50VIis then shifted laterally until hook bases106register against ends of hook-engaging slots102. It should be understood the orientation of the hook-engaging slots102and shelf hooks104relative to the lateral edges of shelf50VIare set so that the lateral edges of shelf50VIalign with the lateral edges of shelf support board20VIwhen the shelf is fully engaged with and locked to the shelf support board. Once the hooks and slots are engaged, shelf50VIis registered against, and supported by, a top surface of shelf support board20VI. It should be understood that the hook and slot shelf engagement means described can be applied to the adjustable deck shelf/deck seat assembly10VIshown inFIGS.21and22by forming the hook-engaging slots in the secondary upper support board13to receive the hooks on the back end of shelf50.

Referring now toFIGS.14-16, in a yet further alternative embodiment, a shelf support board, designated generally as20′, includes a modified lower slot shoulder31′ to create a modified mechanical lock between the support board, shelf and locking shaft. As shown, shelf support board20′ includes most of the same general features as shelf support board20including a shelf-support slot23′ formed in its front face. Like shelf support slot23, shelf-support slot23′ may extend the entire width of shelf support board20′ or may extend over only a partial segment of shelf support board20′. Again, for the purpose of clarity, the front face20a′ of shelf support board20′ is the surface of the board that faces out from a front side of the overall assembly10when the shelf support board is in a down or storage position. A top edge20b′ of shelf support board20′ is the surface that faces the hinge blocks22when the shelf support board is in a storage position. When the shelf support board is in an up or operational position, front face20a′ is now a top surface of the shelf support board. Positioning shelf support board20′ in an up or down position is accomplished by rotating the shelf support board about the hinge pins.

As shown particularly inFIG.14, the width or height (depending upon the support shelf's orientation) of shelf-support slot23′ is defined by an upper slot shoulder27′ and an angular, lower slot shoulder31′. The angle of lower slot shoulder31′ is oriented to form an acute angle cove in cross section. The advantageous nature of this angular shoulder is disclosed in more detail herein. An overhang25′ extends toward a center line of shelf support board20′ from a top edge of shelf support board20′ and forms an elongate cove in conjunction with upper slot shoulder27′. A shelf support board bottom end29′ of shelf support board20′ has a reduced thickness relative to the thickness of shelf support board20′ at the top end20b′ of the board. As disclosed in more detail herein, shelf support board bottom end29′ functions as a cantilever support surface for a shelf50or any variation disclosed herein.

To accommodate the modified lower shoulder feature of shelf support20′, a modified shelf50′ is provided. Shelf50′, like shelf50, is an elongate board with a series of cutouts to create features that interlock with the modified slot feature of shelf support board20′. A top edge of shelf50′ is formed with a rabbit cut to create a shoulder dimensioned to fit within the cove formed by upper slot shoulder27′ and overhang25′. A top shelf board edge56′ has a section removed to form shelf shoulder54′ and shelf shoulder base52′. The dimensions of shelf shoulder54′ and shelf shoulder base52′ are set to enable shelf shoulder54′ to slide into the cove in shelf support board20′ to create a mechanical interference fit and a friction fit if the dimensional tolerances are set to enable substantial or full registration of the complementary surfaces.

To enable shelf50′ to sit within shelf-support slot23′, a large section is removed from a bottom or back surface51′ of shelf50′ and formed with an angular (half dovetail) shelf bottom shoulder58′ that extends to a leading edge of shelf50′ to form a shelf cantilever support surface53′ that registers against shelf support board bottom end29′. Angular shelf bottom shoulder58′ is set to form a gap60′ further defined by angular lower slot shoulder31′, shelf cantilever support surface53′ and shelf-support slot23′. The direction of the angles of angular shelf bottom shoulder58′ and angular lower slot shoulder31′ are set to be substantially parallel to create a trapezoid-shaped gap60′. The application of angular shoulders provides an advantageous additional structural restriction that prevents shelf50′ from lifting off shelf support board20when secured with a locking shaft. With top shelf board edge56′ inserted into the cove of shelf support board20′, back surface51′ registers against shelf-support slot23′ and shelf cantilever support surface53′ registers against shelf support board bottom end29′ to create a cantilever effect to support shelf50′ in a substantially horizontal orientation.

To releasably lock shelf50′ to shelf support board20′, a locking shaft64′ (shown inFIGS.16,19and20) having a substantially trapezoid shape in cross section is inserted into gap60′ to create a further interference/friction fit as shown inFIG.16. It should be understood that the geometric shape formed by the angular shelf bottom shoulder58′ and angular lower slot shoulder31′ can be modified by changing the angles of the shoulders to form other geometric shapes in cross section including a corresponding change in shape of the corresponding locking shaft and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

As shown particularly inFIGS.19and20, locking shaft64′ has two basic components, an elongate shaft66′ and a finger grip68′. Shaft66′ has a trapezoid shape in cross section and is dimensioned to extend at least a substantial portion of the length of shelf-support slot23′. The cross-sectional dimensions of shaft66′ are set to create a mechanical and friction fit with the surfaces of shelf support board20′ and shelf against which shaft66′ registers. Finger grip68′ can conform to any regular or irregular geometric shape and/or be formed with surface features such as coves, to improve finger grasp. Like locking shaft64, a recess configured in the overall shape of finger grip68′ may be formed on an end of the joined shelf support board20′ and shelf to at least partially countersink finger grip68′ for aesthetic purposes.

Both shelf50and shelf50′ can be modified to maintain the overall thickness of the shelves by using a reduced-dimension cut to receive shelf support board bottom end29or29′. The same modification to shelf50shown inFIG.12can be applied to shelf50′. A second shelf bottom shoulder55is formed when creating a smaller-dimension cut. In this embodiment, the cantilevered section extending beyond bottom end29or29′ can have a larger thickness for aesthetic and structural integrity purposes. In a yet further alternative embodiment, the various slots and shoulders of shelf50or50′ can be created by laminating boards together to create the cutout features in a method well known in the art.

Both shelf50and shelf50′ can be structured with additional features, such as the utensil holding features of shelf50VIshown inFIG.26. In this shelf embodiment, one or more utensil holding slots or through-bores59are formed along the edges or in the field of the shelf. The dimensions of the slots or through-bores can be adjusted to accommodate differently sized utensils. Hooks (not shown) also may be secured to the shelf to hang items such as utensils and towels. Shelves50and50′ also can be structured with the features of drying rack shelf50Vas shown inFIG.27. A series of holes or slots61result in the shelf taking on the shape of a lattice to facilitate the drying of wet towels or like items placed on drying rack shelf50VI. It should be understood that shelves50and50′ can be modified to address other specific desired functionalities, e.g., card game table and remain within the scope of the disclosure. The features shared in common with any of the shelf embodiments will be the shelf registration surfaces that register against the registration surfaces of the shelf support boards.

II. Deck Shelf/Seat Assembly

Referring now toFIGS.21-25, in another aspect of the disclosure, a combination deck shelf/seat assembly, designated generally as10″, includes features that enable the assembly to be used as a shelf system or as a seat system. Deck shelf/seat assembly10″ includes a horizontal upper support board12″. For this embodiment, upper support board12″ may be fixed relative to support legs disclosed on more detail herein. Upper support board12″ is formed with a pair of vertically-oriented first-leg through-bores15″ (not shown) located proximal a first or left end of upper support board12″ and dimensioned to receive mechanical fasteners. A first support leg16″ is formed with a pair of vertically-oriented, first support leg upper through-bores17″ (not shown) proximal a top end of the support leg, dimensioned and spaced to align with through-bores15″ of upper support board12″. A pair of mechanical fasteners40″, e.g., lag bolt and/or bolt/nut/washer combinations (described for deck shelf10and applicable to this embodiment) are each inserted into each pair of aligned through-bores15″ and17″ in upper support board12″ and support leg16″, respectively, and secured with nuts46″ (not shown) to secure the top end of first support leg16″ to upper support board12″. Once attached, the orientation of first support leg16″ to upper support board12″ is substantially orthogonal. Other alignment orientations are possible and remain within the scope of the disclosure as disclosed in more detail herein.

Formed on a right side of upper support board12″ is a plurality of second-leg through-bores34″. Through-bores34″ are substantially equally spaced and arranged in a pair of substantially parallel through-bore lines. At least one pair of vertically-aligned through-bores34″ is needed. The arrangement permits a second support leg18″ to be secured to upper support board12″ with mechanical fasteners40″. A pair of corresponding second support leg upper through-bores19″ (not shown) are formed proximal a top end of second support leg18″ and spaced vertically to align with the spacing of the parallel lines of through-bores34″. To set the horizontal distance between first support leg16″ and second support leg18″, a column of second-leg through-bores34″ is selected and aligned with second support leg upper through-bores19″ and secured with mechanical fasteners40″. In similar fashion to deck shelf assembly10′, the spacing of the columns of second-leg through-bores34″ set the defined horizontal distances possible between the two support legs. It should be understood that the number of columns of second-leg through-bores34″ can be varied and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Upper support board12″ may be formed with an optional hand-grip bore28″. Hand-grip bore28″, if provided, may be shaped to conform to a closed hand with radiused edges to provide a comfortable grip for lifting and manipulating deck shelf/seat assembly10″. Alternatively, two spaced hand-grip bores (not shown) may be incorporated into upper support board12″ to facilitate two-hand manipulation of the assembly. The overall shape and dimensions of hand-grip bore28″ may be altered for alternative functions, such as a hanging slot and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

To secure the top end of the deck shelf/seat assembly10″ to a deck rail, a pair of locking blocks are secured to the support legs. Secured to the top, back side of first support leg16″ is a first upper locking block44″ (not shown). First upper locking block44″ is the same as first upper locking block44both structurally and functionally. First upper locking block44″ is dimensioned to be wider than first support leg16″ to create a hook-like feature with the portion of the locking block that extends beyond the side of the support leg. The combination of the first support leg side and the extended portion of the locking block creates a slot for receiving a deck rail baluster. A pair of vertically-aligned first locking block through-bores45″ are dimensioned and spaced to align with first-leg through-bores15″ and first support leg upper through-bores17″. The same mechanical fasteners40″ used to secure upper support board12″ to first support leg16″ are used to secure first locking block44″ to the back side of upper support board12″.

Secured to the top, back side of second support leg18″ is a second upper locking block42″. Second upper locking block42″ is dimensioned to be wider than second support leg18″ to create a second slot with the portion of the locking block that extends beyond the side of the second support leg. The combination of the second support leg side and the extended portion of the second locking block creates a second slot for receiving a second deck rail baluster. A pair of vertically-aligned second locking block through-bores43″ are dimensioned and spaced to align with second-leg through-bores34″ and second support leg upper through-bores19″. The same mechanical fasteners40″ used to secure upper support board12″ to second support leg18″ are used to secure second locking block44″ to the back side of upper support board12″.

In the analogous embodiment shown inFIG.2, first locking block44(corresponding to first locking block44″ of the currently described embodiment), and second locking block42(corresponding to second locking block42″ of the currently described embodiment), create slots facing the same direction. This enables deck shelf/seat assembly10″ to be secured to a deck railing by aligning the locking blocks between balusters and shifting assembly10″ in the direction of the slots to engage balusters with the slots. This sets the relative horizontal alignment of deck shelf/seat assembly10″ to the deck railing. In the analogous embodiment shown inFIG.7, the locking blocks are positioned so the slots formed by the locking blocks do not face the same direction but face each other. For this embodiment, one of the locking blocks has to be pivoted by removing one mechanical fastener so the locking block does not create a slot and hook a baluster while the other fixed locking block hooks a baluster via the side translational movement of assembly10″. Once assembly10″ has been aligned with the deck railing, the loosened locking block is pivoted back into position and secured with the mechanical fastener that was removed previously.

To secure the bottom ends of the first and second support legs, a lower support board14″ is formed with a series of through-bore sets to enable lower support board14″ to be secured to the support legs via mechanical fasteners40″. With respect to first support leg16″, a pair of vertically-oriented, lower support board first-leg through-bores35″ (not shown but similar to the lower support board first-leg through-bores35shown inFIG.4) are formed proximal a left end of lower support board14″. One or more pairs of first support leg lower through-bores30″ are formed at a lower end of first support leg16″ and are spaced to align with the spacing of through-bores35″. If only one pair of second support leg lower through-bores30″ are used, the height of lower support board14″ will be oriented in a fixed position relative to upper support board12″. Likewise, the horizontal orientation of first support leg16″ to lower support board14″ will be fixed. If more than one pair of vertically-oriented lower support board first-leg through-bores35″ are included in a pair of substantially parallel rows, the horizontal orientation of first support leg16″ relative to lower support board14″ can be made variable. It should be understood that the vertical and horizontal orientation of first support leg16″ to the upper and lower support boards may be made variable by adding additional columns of substantially parallel first-leg through-bore sets in the upper and lower support boards.

With respect to second support leg18″, formed proximal a right side of lower support board14″ is a plurality of second-leg lower through-bores36″. Lower through-bores36″ are substantially equally spaced and arranged in a pair of vertically-oriented, substantially parallel through-bore rows. Each through-bore36″ of one row is vertically aligned with a through-bore36″ of the second row. This ensures orthogonal alignment of the support leg relative to the lower support board. At least one pair of vertically-aligned through-bores36″ is needed. The arrangement permits a lower end of second support leg18″ to be secured to lower support board14″ with mechanical fasteners40″. One or more pairs of corresponding, vertically-aligned, lower second support leg through-bores32″ are formed proximal a bottom end of second support leg18″ and spaced vertically to align with the spacing of the parallel lines of second-leg through-bores34″. Second support leg18″ may be formed with a single pair of vertically-aligned, second support leg through-bores32″ to create a fixed vertical orientation of the second support leg to lower support board14″. By including additional pairs of through-bores32″, the height of lower support board14″ relative to second support leg18″ and upper support board12″ can be adjusted to accommodate a specific railing height.

In similar fashion to deck shelf assembly10, it should be understood that the orthogonal alignment of the support legs to the upper and lower support boards of deck shelf/seat assembly10″ can be modified to adapt the deck shelf/seat assembly to a particular deck railing configuration in which the balusters may be offset from a 90° alignment and remain within the scope of the disclosure. In such a configuration, the support legs can be oriented to the upper and lower support boards at an angle to match the angle of the railing balusters. This can be accomplished by realigning pairs of the vertically-oriented second-leg lower through-bores36″ to be offset at an angle that matches the angle of the subject balusters. In this configuration, the upper and lower support boards will remain in a substantially parallel and horizontal orientation regardless of the support leg angular orientations used to maintain alignment with the railing to which the assembly is secured. Similar adjustments can be made to the orientation of the through-bores, i.e., angled columns of through-bores to match the angular orientation of a stair railing.

To accommodate different spatial orientations of the bottom rails of railing systems, modifications can be made to the orientation of lower support board14″ relative to the support legs. The alternative embodiment of the lower support board embodiment shown inFIG.5for deck shelf assembly10can be applied to deck shelf/seat assembly10″ and lower support board14″. As shown inFIG.5, lower support board14′ is offset from the lower ends of the support legs such as a second support leg18′. The offset of support board14′ (or lower support board14″) is accomplished by biasing a plurality of second-leg lower through-bores (not shown), similar to second-leg lower through-bores36″, toward the upper edge of lower support board14′ (or lower support board14″).

When lower support board14″ is secured to second support leg18″ and a first support leg (not shown), a gap is formed on the back side of the lower support board with the upper end of the gap defined by the bottom end of the support legs, such as second-support leg18′ (or second-support leg18″). This enables lower support board14″ to register directly against a lower rail of a railing system to provide a large surface area of support rather than register against the balusters of the rail system. As previously disclosed, this configuration is especially advantageous when the face of the lower railing of a railing system is aligned with the faces of the balusters to which the deck shelf/seat assembly10″ is secured. The support legs of assembly10″ will register against the sides of the balusters and lower support board14″ will register directly against the lower railing.

Deck shelf/seat assembly10″ can be further modified to accommodate lower deck railings, the sides of which are proud of the surfaces of the balusters. The modification shown inFIG.6for deck shelf assembly10can be applied to deck shelf/seat assembly10″. As shown inFIG.6, spacer block14ais used to further offset a lower support board such as lower support board14″ from the support legs of deck shelf/seat assembly10″. Lower support board14′″ (or lower support board14″) is offset from the lower ends of the support legs such as a second support leg18′″ (or second support leg18″) with spacer block14a. The offset of support board14″ is again accomplished by biasing a plurality of second-leg lower through-bores (not shown), similar to second-leg lower through-bores36, toward the upper edge of lower support board14′″ (or lower support board14″).

When lower support board14′″ (or lower support board14″) is secured to second support leg18′″ (or second support leg18″) with spacer block14asandwiched between the lower support board and each of the support legs, a relatively large gap is formed on the back side of the lower support board with the upper end of the gap defined by the bottom end of the support legs and the bottom edge of the spacer block. For purposes of this embodiment, one spacer block14acan be used for each support leg or a single spacer block14acan be used that extends the distance between the most distant edges of the support legs, such as second-support leg18′″ as shown (or second support leg18″). Like the embodiment shown inFIG.5, this enables lower support board14″ to register directly against a lower rail of a railing system to provide a large surface area of support rather than register against the balusters of the rail system. This configuration is especially advantageous when the face of the lower railing of a railing system is proud of, or extends outwardly from, the faces of the balusters to which the assembly10″ is secured. The support legs of assembly10″ will register against the sides of the balusters and the lower support board will register directly against the face or outer edge of the lower railing.

Referring still toFIGS.21and22, to enable the components of deck shelf/seat assembly10″ to be rearranged to function as a shelf or a seat, a variable-height, secondary upper support board13is secured to support legs16″ and18″ below upper support board12″. To secure secondary upper support board13to first support leg16″, a plurality of secondary upper first-leg through-bores70are formed in first support leg16″ below first support leg upper through-bores17″. Secondary upper support board13is formed with a pair of vertically-oriented, secondary first-leg through-bores72(not shown) located proximal a first or left end of secondary upper support board13and dimensioned to receive mechanical fasteners and dimensioned and spaced to align with two of the plurality of secondary upper first-leg through-bores70. A pair of mechanical fasteners40″, e.g., lag bolt and/or bolt/nut/washer combinations (described for deck shelf10and applicable to this embodiment) are each inserted into each pair of aligned through-bores72and70in secondary upper support board13and first support leg16″, respectively, and secured with nuts46″ to secure the top end of first support leg16″ to secondary upper support board13. Once attached, the orientation of first support leg16″ to secondary upper support board13is substantially orthogonal. Other alignment orientations are possible and remain within the scope of the disclosure as disclosed in more detail herein.

Formed on a right side of secondary upper support board13is a plurality of secondary, second-leg through-bores76. Through-bores76are substantially equally spaced and arranged in a pair of substantially parallel through-bore lines. The arrangement permits second support leg18″ to be secured to secondary upper support board13with mechanical fasteners40″. A plurality of secondary upper second-leg through-bores74are formed in second support leg18″ below second support leg upper through-bores19″. The spacing of the through-bores74is matched to the spacing of the substantially parallel rows of secondary, second-leg through-bores76.

To set the horizontal distance between first support leg16″ and second support leg18″, a column of secondary, second-leg through-bores76″ is selected and aligned with a pair of secondary upper second-leg through-bores74and secured with mechanical fasteners40″. In similar fashion to deck shelf assembly10′, the spacing of the columns of secondary second-leg through-bores76set the defined horizontal distances possible between the two support legs. It should be understood that the number of columns of secondary, second-leg through-bores76can be varied and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Secured to a bottom edge of secondary upper support board13are two or more hinge blocks22″ each used to support a hinge22a″. One plate of each hinge22a″ is secured to a front face of one hinge block22″. A second plate of each hinge22a″ is secured to a bottom or back surface of a shelf-support board20″. The hinge plates are held together with pins secured in the hinge plate knuckles as is commonly known in the art. Shelf support board20″ is elongate and may have substantially the same length as upper support board12″ and secondary upper support board13. It should be understood that the length of shelf support board20″ can be varied relative to upper support board12″ and remain within the scope of the disclosure.

Shelf support board20″ has the same features of shelf support board20shown inFIGS.1,2and7-10including all variations disclosed herein. The description of the features of shelf support board20are incorporated here by reference with respect to shelf support board20″.

To secure shelf support board20″ in an up or use position, a pair of retractable, variable-height truss shelf supports, a first variable-height truss shelf support24″ and a second variable-height, truss shelf support26″, are provided. As shown inFIGS.21and22, first variable-height, truss shelf support24″ is secured to first support leg16″ with a first outrigger sleeve82. A first pair of hinges22b, each positioned proximal an upper or lower end of first variable-height, truss shelf support24″ is secured to second support leg18″ with a second outrigger sleeve84. A second pair of hinges22c, each positioned proximal an upper or lower end of second variable-height, truss shelf support26″ secure shelf support26″ to second outrigger sleeve84. As shown, both variable-height, truss shelf supports are substantially triangular in shape with a wider surface at the top relative to the bottom of the truss shelf supports. It should be understood that the length of the top surface of the truss shelf supports are dimensioned to register against a substantial portion if not the entire dimension of the top-to-bottom width of shelf support board20″. It should be further understood that the overall shape of the truss shelf supports can be varied and remain within the scope of the disclosure as long as the top dimension of the truss shelf support register against a substantial portion of the width of shelf support board20″, which can be, illustratively, at least 75% of the width.

First outrigger sleeve82and second outrigger sleeve84are both formed as elongate, square “U-shaped” tubes in cross section as shown inFIGS.23-25. Each outrigger sleeve is formed with at least two spaced through-bores to receive mechanical fasteners40″. The overall dimensions of the outrigger sleeves are set to freely slide over first and second support legs16″ and18″.

To secure first outrigger sleeve82to first support leg16″, a plurality of first support leg outrigger through-bores78are formed in first support leg16″ below secondary upper first-leg through-bores70. A pair of vertically-oriented, first outrigger sleeve though-bores90(illustratively four) are formed in each of the parallel legs of the “U-shaped” sleeve (similar to second outrigger sleeve through-bores92shown inFIG.26) and spaced to match the spacing of first support leg outrigger through-bores78. To set the height of first outrigger sleeve82and the attached first variable-height truss shelf support24″, first outrigger sleeve through-bores90are aligned with a pair of first support leg outrigger through-bores78. Once aligned, mechanical fasteners40″ are inserted into the aligned through-bores and secured with nuts46″. Whether a shelf50attached to shelf support board20″ is used as a seat or as a shelf is simply determined by the height selected from the shelf support board and the variable-height truss shelf supports. It should be further understood that secondary upper first-leg through-bores70and first support leg outrigger through-bores78can be a continuous column of through-bores to accommodate a wide range of shelf and seat heights.

To secure second outrigger sleeve84to second support leg18″, a plurality of second support leg outrigger through-bores80are formed in second support leg18″ below secondary upper second-leg through-bores74. A pair of vertically-oriented, second outrigger sleeve though-bores92(illustratively four) are formed in each of the parallel legs of the “U-shaped” sleeve, as shown inFIG.26, and spaced to match the spacing of second support leg outrigger through-bores80. To set the height of second outrigger sleeve84and the attached second variable-height truss shelf support26″, second outrigger sleeve through-bores92are aligned with a pair of second support leg outrigger through-bores80. Once aligned, mechanical fasteners40″ are inserted into the aligned through-bores and secured with nuts46″. Whether a shelf50attached to shelf support board20″ is used as a seat or as a shelf is simply determined by the height selected from the shelf support board and the variable-height truss shelf supports. It should be further understood that secondary upper second-leg through-bores74and second support leg outrigger through-bores80can be a continuous column of through-bores to accommodate a wide range of shelf and seat heights.

With respect to the through-bores formed in the support legs, it should be understood for any of the embodiments of either the deck shelf assembly or the desk shelf/seat assembly, multiple columns of through-bores may be used in the support legs to add additional structural strength to the connection between the support legs and the various components secured to the support legs. In addition, more than two rows of through-bores may be formed in any of the support boards to provide additional support for the assembled structures. To that end, all through-bores may be dimensioned equally and spaced equally with respect to spacing in rows and columns to create a standardized but variable assembly structure.

To position first and second variable-height truss shelf supports24″ and26″ in closed of storage positions, the truss shelf supports are rotated on their hinges so the faces of the truss shelf supports are positioned along a plane occupied by the two support legs. To position the variable-height truss shelf supports in an operational position, shelf support board20″ is rotated into its up or operational position. Once this step is completed, shelf support board20″ is held in the up position while each of the variable-height truss shelf supports is rotated so their faces are oriented orthogonal to the plane occupied by the two support legs. Once in their operational position, shelf support board20″ to be released and allowed to register against the top surfaces of variable-height truss shelf supports24″ and26″. To place the shelf support board and variable-height truss shelf supports in storage positions, the described process is reversed. Shelf support board20″ is held in an up position while the two variable-height truss shelf supports are rotated inwardly to align with the support legs. The shelf support board is then rotated to its storage position, which overlaps the truss shelf supports and maintains them in their storage positions. Detents, not shown, may be used to lock the truss shelf supports in their operational positions as is well known in the art.

Once deck shelf/seat assembly10″ is arranged in its operational position, shelf50or any of the disclosed variations of shelf50are secured to shelf support board20″ in the same manner described for deck shelf assembly50. Included in the variations possible for shelf50is a seat-shaped insert that has larger radiused edges to function as a comfortable seat. Modifications also may be made to accommodate the incorporation of seat cushions on shelf50.

The materials used to construct the various components of the deck shelf assembly are in sheet or board form and may be made from wood, composite wood, polyvinylchloride, cellular PVC or any similar material known in the art. The key feature needed in any material used is sufficient rigidity for use as a shelf or seat. The material should be resistant to fluids such as water and temperature fluctuations as well as UV light degradation to ensure the integrity of the assembly in all weather conditions.

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with several embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.