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Screen and shelf unit

a screen unit and shelf technology, applied in the field ofutility shelving units, can solve the problems of not being able to provide a motivation or suggestion from the humphrey to screen the sump pump (or other unsightly items) from sight, and the screen unit is not suitable for covering the ductwork, etc., and achieves the effect of simple and inexpensive mass production

Inactive Publication Date: 2005-06-09
NORTHRUP DIANE M
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] Further, an object of the invention is to provide a screen and shelf unit that provides storage and display utility in addition to a sight barrier.
[0017] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a screen and shelf unit that is simple and inexpensive to mass produce, as well as to produce according to a customer's specifications.

Problems solved by technology

While Klein's cover may address safety concerns and keep the sump and sump pump out of sight, it is specifically adapted for use with these structures and is not suitable for covering ductwork, pipes that run up walls, etc.
While this cover may be suitable for its intended purpose, no motivation or suggestion is provided by Humphrey for screening the sump pump (or other unsightly items) from sight.
Moreover, none of the coverings know to exist combine a screen (to at least partially obscure aesthetically displeasing items from sight) with one or more shelves for augmenting the utility of a screened area by adding a storage and display platform for objects.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

first embodiment

[0026] Turning to the figures, the screen and shelf unit enclosing a closet area 2 is show in top view (FIG. 1) and front elevational view (FIG. 2). The closet area 2 is bordered on three sides by screening members 4a, 4b, and 4c. The screening members 4a-4c may be constructed of any suitable material, including, for example, finished or unfinished drywall, wood, brick and the like. Disposed within closet area 2 are four support members 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d. The support members 6a-6d may simply be exposed 2×4's on an existing unfinished wall or may be added to screening members 4a and 4c.

[0027] Side member 8a and 8b abut an optional back member 12 that is disposed between side members 8a and 8b and support members 6b and 6c. The use of back member 12 completely screens the closet area 2 from view. Shelf 14 is adapted to frictionally engage back member 12 and support members 6a and 6d such that the shelf is held in a horizontal position. Alternatively, support members 6a-6d and shelf ...

second embodiment

[0029]FIGS. 3a and 3b depict the invention that features a portable screen and shelf unit. An enclosed area 18 containing a pipe 19 is bordered by a V-shaped screening member 20 and at least one shelf 22. Each shelf 22 is supported horizontally by the screening member 20 through a joint 24 located near the distal ends 26. As seen in FIG. 3b, the joint in this case includes a slot 28 disposed in disposed in each end 26 of screening member 20, with shelf 22 held horizontally in place through engagement with each slot.

[0030] By making each shelf 22 removable, access is gained to the area 18 so that pipe 19 can be serviced. Moreover, constructing the screening member 20 such that it is portable provides added flexibility to the user. Non-limiting examples of screening member materials that would be portable yet support the weight of one or more shelves include fabric framed by aluminum, PVC, polystyrene, or the like; planar wood panels, a thin steel sheet bent into a V-shape, etc.

[0031...

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PUM

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Abstract

Combination screen and shelf unit that is configured to enclose an area and that features one or more removable shelves. Each removable shelf is in contact with and supported horizontally by the screening structure. Fasteners are not required to keep the shelves positioned. Thus, each shelf can be held in place frictionally between two screening members, one or both of which can be an existing wall or other permanent structure. A method of enclosing an area includes providing at least one screening member, providing at least one removable shelf, and horizontally supporting each removable shelf with a screening member such that the screening member and shelf or shelves are configured to enclose the area. Items may be placed on the shelves, thereby providing storage or display capability.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The invention relates in general to utility shelving units and more particularly to a combination shelving unit and screen structure that is especially useful in obscuring from view unsightly household features. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art[0004] Many buildings, particularly those with older heating systems, cooling systems, or with septic tanks, have areas that contain exposed pipes, electrical or duct work, lift stations, sump pumps, and the like. Often, these areas are covered or enclosed out of aesthetic considerations. Thus, several different types of coverings have been used and developed over the years to hide (or at least distract attention from) features or devices that many consider to be “eyesores.”[0005] The types of coverings range from strategically positioning a painting or tapestry, to a simple bucket-like cover, to building a permanent structure, such as a cabinet or closet, in order to partially or comp...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A47B47/00A47B81/00
CPCA47B81/002A47B47/00
Inventor NORTHRUP, DIANE M.
Owner NORTHRUP DIANE M