Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/778,531, filed on Mar. 13, 2013, with inventors James Cashion and Jeff Hansel, and commonly assigned herewith to Customer Motivators, LLC, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/654,552, filed on Oct. 18, 2012, with inventors James Cashion and Jeff Hansel, and commonly assigned herewith to Customer Motivators, LLC, the entire disclosure of each patent application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to shelving and more particularly covering for ventilated shelving. 
     Ventilated shelving, including wire shelving, is now commonly used in both new and existing construction, as well as commercial and residential properties. This is especially true in residential applications in closets, kitchen pantries, and laundry rooms. Further, at least in part, their popularity stems from their low cost, modularity, and ease of installation. For example, it is common today to use ventilated shelving (e.g., wire or plastic shelving and associated components) to construct storage units within closets. 
     Ventilated shelving is adaptable in that typical ventilated shelving not only varies in size and shape (e.g., different lengths and widths), and configuration (e.g., different wire mesh spacing), but may have connected thereto varied storage or attachment members. 
     Nevertheless, with the increased usage of these types of shelving units, problems have surfaced that are associated with this type of shelving. For example, because of the raised, typically parallel cross-bars of this type of shelving, soft articles such as clothing, when stored on the shelving, tend to develop or assume the unsightly pattern of the cross-bars, thereby requiring the wearer to iron or press the stored clothing before wearing the clothing. 
     Additionally, items that require storage in an upright position, once placed on the wire shelving, tend to fall over due to the lack of a fully supportive surface caused by the spacing between the cross-bars. 
     Yet another problem arises when the protective coating on the wire shelves begins to wear. The exposed surface, typically steel, tends to rust and thereby cause damage to the stored items. And, still further, whether or not the coating is still intact, this type of shelving is extremely difficult to thoroughly clean. This is one reason this style of shelving has not been accepted into environments that require thorough cleaning on a regular basis: for example, hospitals. 
     Yet still further, wire shelving has not been completely accepted into the residential or commercial industry due to its “commercial” appearance, as well as the inability to personalize or decorate the shelving, making it almost impossible to incorporate the shelving into the existing decor. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for novel systems and methods which have, among other advantages, increased utility, strength, variability, and adaptability, while simultaneously being easier to use and aesthetically pleasing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A novel ventilated shelving cover is disclosed that transforms the appearance of wire shelves to cover the white vertical and horizontal bars with a clean sleek decorative trim (crown molding) giving the shelves a custom made look. While also utilizing a custom insert/liner to enhance the functionality by keep items from tipping or falling through the wire portion of the shelves. 
     The shelving cover system enhances the appearance and functionality of standard wire shelves. This system contains a decorative trim piece, decorative cover, specially engineered clasps and an insert/liner. The system also includes a custom saw and miter to provide “All You Need” to accomplish the transformation of your pantry, linen, bedroom closets or garage shelves 
     In one example, the ventilated shelf cover includes a decorative front cover with a front side and a back side and a top lip and a bottom lip disposed substantially perpendicular to the back side, and at least one pair of fingers and disposed on the back side to define a channel therebetween. A substantially U-shaped or J-shaped clasp is included. The U-shape clasp is formed with a first leg and a second leg and a first end attached to the first leg and the second leg, the first end having a substantially semi-circular opening in communication with an interior slot and a second end having a slotted opening in communication with the interior slot, and a set of substantially barbell shaped finger mounts, each of the substantially bar bell shaped finger mounts with a substantially rounded top edge, a substantially flat side edge, and a straight bottom edge defining a groove for accepting one of the pair of fingers thereinto. 
     The ventilated shelf cover may also include a substantially flat covering with a front edge, and wherein the top lip and the back side of the decorative front cover defines a void sized to accept the front edge of the flat covering thereinto. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a prior art ventilated shelving system for a pantry; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a ventilated shelving cover installed over the shelving system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective explosion diagram illustrating major components of the ventilated shelving cover for a first model; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective of a clasp of  FIG. 3  for the first model; 
         FIG. 5  is a side perspective of a decorative front cover of  FIG. 3  for the first model; 
         FIGS. 6-7  are various perspective views of a decorative cap of  FIG. 3  for the first model; and 
         FIG. 8  is a saw guide used to cut the decorative front cover of  FIG. 5  for the first model. 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective explosion diagram illustrating major components of the ventilated shelving cover for a second model; 
         FIG. 10A  is a top perspective view of a clasp of  FIG. 9  for the second model and  FIG. 10B  is a bottom side view of the clasp of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a side perspective of a decorative front cover of  FIG. 9  for the second model; 
         FIGS. 12-13  are various perspective views of a decorative cap of  FIG. 9  for the second model; 
         FIG. 14  is a saw guide used to cut the decorative front cover of  FIG. 12  for the second model; 
         FIG. 15  side perspective view of the decorative front cover of  FIG. 11  with the decorative cap of  FIGS. 12-13  for the second model; and 
         FIG. 16  is a front perspective of a clasp of  FIG. 3  for the J-shaped model. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. 
     The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly. The materials used to fabricate the ventilated shelving cover can be any ridged organic or inorganic material including plastic, metal, composite, wood, or a combination thereof. 
     Disclosed is a ventilated shelving cover enhances the appearance and functionality of standard ventilated shelves. This ventilated shelving cover contains a decorative trim piece, decorative cover, specially engineered clasps, and an insert/liner. The ventilated shelving cover also includes a custom saw and miter to provide “All You Need” to accomplish the transformation of your pantry, linen, bedroom closets or garage shelves. 
     The ventilated shelving cover has been designed for installation to be quick and easy. The decorative trim cover has a track that runs along the back of the entire profile. The specially engineered clasps are inserted along the decorative trim cover approximately track 4 inches apart. The specially engineered clasps are relocateable at different positions to accommodate different shelf lengths and position of shelf poles. The engineer clasps mechanically couple to the decorative trim cover to be locked onto the front portion of the wire shelf. The unique design of the clasps provides a firm hold locking the decorative front cover onto the wire shelf. Once the decorative front cover has been affixed to the wire shelf the insert/liner slides between the top inside edge of the decorative trim cover and sits securely on top of the wire shelf covering the entire width of the shelf. The decorative front cover is provided as an attractive option to be attached over the decorative front cover if the trim cover has been cut or if the wire shelves have a vertical support bar. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1  shown is a front perspective view of a prior art ventilated shelving  100  for a pantry with canned and dry goods. The ventilated shelf  100  is includes a top surface  130  formed from series of wires  133  disposed substantially parallel to each other as shown. A front edge  120  is formed by a top front frame member  112  and a bottom front frame member  110  in a substantially parallel arrangement. The front edge  120  formed from the wires  133  from the top surface  130  bent around the top front member  112  and joined substantially perpendicular to the top front frame member  112  and the bottom front frame member  110 . A series of rectangular areas  123  are formed on the front edge  120 . 
       FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a ventilated shelving cover  200  installed over the shelving system of  FIG. 1 . Two distinct features are noticeable. First the decorative front cover  222  with a front edge  234  (as shown  FIG. 3 ) is shown attached to the front edge  120  of the ventilated shelf  100 . The second feature is the top covering  232  over the wires  133  on the top surface  130 . The ventilated shelving cover  200  is offered in a variety of styles, lengths and widths as well as different materials. It has been designed to be water and stain resistant and can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth. 
     First Model 
     Referring to  FIG. 3  shown is a front perspective explosion diagram  300  illustrating major components of the ventilated shelving cover  200  of  FIG. 2  for a first model. The top covering  232  over the wires  133  on the top surface  130  and the decorative front cover  222  were described above in  FIG. 2 . The decorative front cover  222  as further described below includes a backside adapted to receive a clasp  350  and a top lip  334  to allow the top covering  232  to slip snugly underneath. Likewise, the clasp  350  is adapted to firmly attach to the backside of the decorative front cover  222  and over the top frame member  112  and the front edge  120  on the previously installed ventilated shelf  100 . Also shown is a decorative cap  390  is used in applications in which two decorative front cover  222  pieces together for a long shelf. This decorative cap  390  is also used in applications in which a vertical support pole  150  is used as part of the ventilated wire shelf  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 16  is a front perspective of a clasp of  FIG. 3  for the J-shaped model.  FIG. 16  uses like reference numerals i.e. “16xx” refer to identical or functionally similar elements “3xx” throughout already described above for  FIG. 4 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4  is a front perspective of a clasp  350  of  FIG. 3  of the first model. The clasp  350  is substantially U-shaped with a first leg  456  and a second leg  454  joined together at a first end  442  defining a semi-circular opening  458 . In one example, the approximate overall length L of the clasp  350  is approximately 2 inches to fit the front edge  120  of ventilated shelve  100 , however other shorter and longer lengths are possible. The first leg  456  and the second leg  454  form a slotted opening  460  at a second end  450  in communications with an interior slot  462  that is sized to allow the top frame member  112  of the front edge  120  to pass through with a few pounds of force. In one example, the first leg  456  and the second leg  454  at second end  450  each have a bevel end  440  angled towards the opening  460 . The bevel end  440  facilitates insertion over the top frame member  112  of the front edge  120 . In one example, the second end  450  of the first leg  456  and the second end  450  of the second leg form a Y-shaped slotted opening therebetween as shown. However, it is important to note that in other examples this Y-shape is not included. The semi-circular opening  458  is sized to approximately 0.27 inches in order to fit firmly around the top frame member  112  of the front edge  120 . A series of semi-circular ridges  464  are disposed on a surface of the first leg  456 , the second leg  454  or both, facing the interior slot  462  to assist in making a firm connection around the front edge  120  of the ventilated shelf  100 . Disposed on second leg  454  is a substantially H-shaped member  464  (when viewed from the side) as shown. Two finger mounts  466  and  468  are formed on each end of the H-shaped member  464  with a top surface  470 . The finger mounts  466  and  468  are barbell-shaped, with a substantially rounded top edge  472 , a substantially flat side edge  474 , and a straight bottom edge  476 . The straight bottom edge  476  of each of the finger mounts  466  and  468  defines a groove  478  which is sized to receive and couple firmly to one of a pair of fingers  546  and  548  from  FIG. 5 . The H-shaped member  464  is only one example of a shape that can be formed to include the finger mounts  466  and  468 . In this example the H-shaped member  464  includes a rounded top edge  472 , a substantially flat side edge  474 , and a straight bottom edge  476  and other shapes are within the true scope of the present application. 
       FIG. 5  is a side perspective of a decorative front cover  222  of  FIG. 3  of the first model. The front side  512  has a pattern for form a decorative surface  514 . In this example the decorative surface  514  is a repeating series of semi-circular shapes as illustrated. Other shapes, patterns and decorations may be used to form the decorative font side  514 , including various colors and textures. The pair of fingers  546  and  548  is formed in the back side  544 . The fingers in one example are formed at approximately a 30 degree angle with respect to the horizontal plane parallel to the front  512  as shown. The length L of each finger  546  and  548  is approximately 0.32 inches and a depth D of approximately 0.25 inches. Together the pair of fingers  546  and  548  and the back  544  define a channel  570  sized to accept the finger mounts  466 ,  468  thereinto. The overall width W of the decorative front cover  222  is approximately 2.4 inches. This is slightly longer than the length L of the clasp  350  in  FIG. 3 . The top lip  334  of the decorative front cover  222  forms a void  536  into which top covering  232  is tightly sandwiched between the top lip  334  and the top surface  130  of the ventilated shelf  100 . A small safety lip  532  is formed in the top lip  334  to keep items placed, such as cans and dry goods  105 , on top of the top surface  130  from slipping off towards the front surface  514 . The length UL of the top lip  334  is approximately 0.9 inches and the length LL of the bottom lip  538  is approximately 0.4 inches. The material thickness of various portions  334 ,  538 ,  546 ,  548  of the decorative front cover  222  is about 0.40 inches. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , show various perspective views of a decorative cap  390  of  FIG. 3  of the first model. This decorative cap  390  is used in applications in which two decorative front cover  222  pieces together for a long shelf and/or in applications in which a vertical support pole  150  is used as part of the ventilated wire shelf  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a front side  692  with a decorative surface disposed  690  thereon. Like the decorative front surface  514  of the decorative front cover  222  illustrated is only one decorative example. Other shapes, patterns and decorations may be used to form the decorative surface  514 , including various colors and textures. Also shown is a set of side walls  614 ,  616  that has been formed to fit closely over the decorative surface  514  of the decorative front cover  222 . A top lip  696  with a top slot  796  and a bottom lip  698  with a bottom slot  798  are shown. Slots  796  and  798  are formed to accommodate the support pole  150  of  FIG. 1  passing therethru. 
       FIG. 8  is a saw guide  806  used to assist to cut the decorative front cover  222  of  FIG. 5  to a desired length to match the length of a wire shelf  100 . Shown is saw guide  806  with a passage  804  adapted to accept the decorative front cover  222  therethru. A lip  808  on the saw guide  806  provides guide to saw blade  881  of saw  880  when cutting the decorative front cover  222 . In one example, the user holds sides  802  and  810  with his left hand and operates the saw  880  with his right hand. The decorative caps  390  can be used for joining two decorative front panels together in a long run or to join to decorative front panels together at a vertical support member of the wire shelf  100 . In all cases the shelving system is designed to work with existing wire shelves for the pantry, linen, bedroom closets or garage shelves. 
     Second Model 
     Referring to  FIG. 9  shown is a front perspective explosion diagram  900  illustrating major components of the ventilated shelving cover  200  for a second model. The top covering  232  over the wires  133  on the top surface  130  and the decorative front cover  222  were described above in  FIG. 2 . The decorative front cover  922  as further described below includes a backside adapted to receive a clasp  950  and a top lip  934  to allow the top covering  232  to slip snugly underneath. Likewise, the clasp  950  is adapted to firmly attach to the backside of the decorative front cover  922  and over the top frame member  112  and the front edge  120  on the previously installed ventilated shelf  100 . Also shown is a decorative cap  990  is used in applications in which two decorative front cover  222  pieces together for a long shelf. This decorative cap  990  is also used in applications in which a vertical support pole  150  is used as part of the ventilated wire shelf  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10A  is a top perspective view of a clasp of  FIG. 9  for the second model and  FIG. 10B  is a bottom side view of the clasp of  FIG. 9 . The clasp  950  is substantially J-shaped with a shorter first leg  1046  relative to a longer second leg  1068  joined together at a first end  1048  defining an opening  1044 . In one example, the approximate overall length L1 of the clasp  950  is approximately 2⅛ th  inches to fit the front edge  120  of ventilated shelve  100 , however other shorter and longer lengths are possible. The first leg  1046  and the second leg  1068  form an interior slot  1060 . A second end  1042  is in communications with an interior slot  1060  that is sized to allow the top frame member  112  of the front edge  120  to pass through with a few pounds of force. A slot  1024  is formed running from the second end  1042  almost the entire length of the second leg  1068  to form two parallel portions  1020  and  1022  of the U-shaped body. The second leg  1068  includes a spring finger  1090  within the interior slot  1060  between the shorter first leg  1046  and the longer second leg  1068 . An opening  1092  allows the spring finger  1090  to be urged into when moving over the top frame member  112  of the front edge  120 . The second leg  1068  has a four mounting pads  1077 ,  1086 ,  1072 , and  1088 . The slot  1026  separates the four mounting pads into two symmetrical sets with a first set  1072 ,  1088  and a second set  1078 ,  1086 . Each of the mounting pads  1077 ,  1086 ,  1072 , and  1088  are a polygon shape. The mounting pads  1072  and  1076  each have a recess  1076  and  1078  as shown. In addition, the mounting pads  1072  and  1076  have a bevel  1052  and  1054  formed toward the first end  1048  as shown. The pads  1072  and  1077  each have a length L2 of about 0.75″ and a width W of approximately 0.375″. Pads  1086  and  1088  each have a length L3 of approximately 0.375″. Each of these mounting pads  1077 ,  1086 ,  1072 , and  1088 , the bevels  1052  and  1054 , and the recess  1076  and  1078  are formed and sized to firmly slide along the pair of fingers  1146  and  1148  defining a channel  1170  on backside  1114  of decorative front cover  922  as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 11  is a side perspective of a decorative front cover  992  of  FIG. 9  of the second model. The front side  1112  has a pattern for form a decorative surface  1114 . In this example the decorative surface  1114  is a repeating series of semi-circular shapes as illustrated. Other shapes, patterns and decorations may be used to form the decorative font side  1114 , including various colors and textures. The pair of fingers  1146  and  1148  is formed in the back side  1144 . The fingers in one example are formed at approximately a 30 degree angle with respect to the horizontal plane parallel to the front  1112  as shown. The length L of each finger  1146  and  1148  is approximately 0.32 inches and a depth D of approximately 0.25 inches. Together the pair of fingers  1146  and  1148  and the back  1144  define a channel  1170  sized to accept the first set of mounting pads  1072 ,  1088  and the second set of mounting pads  1077 ,  1086  thereinto. The overall width W of the decorative front cover  222  is approximately 2.4 inches. This is slightly longer than the length L of the clasp  950  in  FIG. 9 . The top lip  934  of the decorative front cover  222  forms a void  1136  into which top covering  232  is tightly sandwiched between the top lip  1134  and the top surface  130  of the ventilated shelf  100 . A small safety lip  1132  is formed in the top lip  1134  to keep items placed, such as cans and dry goods  105 , on top of the top surface  130  from slipping off towards the front surface  1114 . The length UL of the top lip  934  is approximately 0.9 inches and the length LL of the bottom lip  1138  is approximately 0.4 inches. The material thickness of various portions  934 ,  1138 ,  1146 ,  1148  of the decorative front cover  222  is about 0.40 inches. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , show various perspective views of a decorative cap  990  of  FIG. 9  of the second model. This decorative cap  990  is used in applications in which two decorative front cover  222  pieces together for a long shelf and/or in applications in which a vertical support pole  150  is used as part of the ventilated wire shelf  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 12  illustrates a front side  1292  with a decorative surface disposed  1290  thereon. Like the decorative front surface  1114  of the decorative front cover  222  illustrated is only one decorative example. Other shapes, patterns and decorations may be used to form the decorative surface  1114 , including various colors and textures. Also shown is a set of side walls  1214 ,  1216  that has been formed to fit closely over the decorative surface  1114  of the decorative front cover  222 . A top lip  1296  with a top slot  1396  and a bottom lip  12698  with a bottom slot  1398  are shown. Slots  1396  and  1398  are formed to accommodate the support pole  150  passing therethru. The bar  1502  has been added to make the molding process when using plastic easier. 
       FIG. 15  is side perspective view  1500  perspective view of the decorative front cover of  FIG. 11  with the decorative cap of  FIGS. 12-13  for the second model. Shown is how the top lip  1296  and bottom lip  1298  of the decorative cap  990  mechanically mates with decorative front cover  992 . 
       FIG. 14  is a saw guide  806  used to assist to cut the decorative front cover  222  of  FIG. 11  to a desired length to match the length of a wire shelf  100 . Shown is saw guide  806  with a passage  804  adapted to accept the decorative front cover  222  therethru. A lip  808  on the saw guide  806  provides guide to saw blade  881  of saw  880  when cutting the decorative front cover  222 . In one example, the user holds sides  802  and  810  with his left hand and operates the saw  880  with his right hand. The decorative caps  390  can be used for joining two decorative front panels together in a long run or to join to decorative front panels together at a vertical support member of the wire shelf  100 . In all cases the shelving system is designed to work with existing wire shelves for the pantry, linen, bedroom closets or garage shelves. 
     Non-Limiting Examples 
     The shelving system is available in a variety of styles, lengths and widths as well as different materials including simulated wood grain. The different materials to construct any of the components of  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 9  include plastics, composites, metals, wood, or a combination thereof. 
     It has been designed to be water and stain resistant and can easily be cleaned with a damp cloth. 
     Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Technology Category: 1