US5156096A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Anti-rotational outdoor shelf
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-03-15
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Granted: 1992-10-20
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Expires: 2011-03-15
Abstract
Abstract An anti-rotational outdoor shelf (1) where an unobstructed surfaces (3) is supported from below. Multi-dimensional stability is provided by legs (4) angled with respect to a central axis (C--C) to transform load forces into stabilizing forces. Undesirable tipping, rotation, and revolution about a support member are addressed. A gap between surfaces (3) and the natural support, such as a tree, together with smooth legs (4) allows vertical sliding to avoid the need for tight attachment. The design compacts when not temporarily installed through slidable connections.
Inventors
- 👤 John P. Lamprey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 11:30
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47B; A47B96/00; A47B96/02; A47B96/027
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
190 words
An anti-rotational outdoor shelf assembly comprising: a a rounded member having an exterior; b an upward facing surface having a center and a central axis which extends through said center of said surface in a direction away from said rounded member, and wherein said surface is unobstructed above; c a plurality of vertical supports for maintaining said surface in a horizontal plane, wherein said vertical supports are angled with respect to said central axis of said upward facing surface whereby said angled relationship provides side-to-side stability of said surface, and wherein said supports are below said top, and further wherein said vertical supports have the ability to become parallel to said surface to provide compactability; d a strap for temporarily attaching said shelf to said rounded member wherein said strap is detachably connected to said vertical supports; and e means for avoiding revolution of said unobstructed surface about said rounded member integral to said vertical supports, wherein said vertical supports comprise at least one rigid vertical edge for engaging the exterior of said rounded member to avoid revolution, and wherein said vertical edge safeguards against damage to said rounded member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
190 words
An anti-rotational outdoor shelf assembly comprising: a a rounded member having an exterior; b an upward facing surface having a center and a central axis which extends through said center of said surface in a direction away from said rounded member, and wherein said surface is unobstructed above; c a plurality of vertical supports for maintaining said surface in a horizontal plane, wherein said vertical supports are angled with respect to said central axis of said upward facing surface whereby said angled relationship provides side-to-side stability of said surface, and wherein said supports are below said top, and further wherein said vertical supports have the ability to become parallel to said surface to provide compactability; d a strap for temporarily attaching said shelf to said rounded member wherein said strap is detachably connected to said vertical supports; and e means for avoiding revolution of said unobstructed surface about said rounded member integral to said vertical supports, wherein said vertical supports comprise at least one rigid vertical edge for engaging the exterior of said rounded member to avoid revolution, and wherein said vertical edge safeguards against damage to said rounded member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
An anti-rotational outdoor shelf assembly as described in claim 1 wherein said means for avoiding revolution further comprises a means for allowing contact with said rounded member only at said vertical edge.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
An anti-rotational outdoor shelf assembly as described in claim 2 wherein said vertical supports are slidably attachable and detachable from said unobstructed surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
An anti-rotational outdoor shelf assembly as described in claim 1 wherein said vertical supports have a vertical edge, and wherein said vertical edge has a smooth surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
An anti-rotational outdoor shelf assembly as described in claim 4 wherein said unobstructed surface has an edge proximal to rounded member and wherein said leg extends beyond the proximal edge of said unobstructed surface to create a gap.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
An anti-rotational outdoor shelf assembly as described in claim 1 wherein said angle is from 10° to 60 degrees.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
An anti-rotational outdoor shelf assembly as described in claim 1 wherein said angle is 20 degrees.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
An anti-rotational outdoor shelf assembly as described in claim 1 wherein said angle is 45 degrees.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
An anti-rotational outdoor shelf assembly as described in claim 5 wherein said vertical supports are spaced a predetermined distance apart and wherein said distance is from 2.5 to 16 inches.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
An anti-rotational outdoor shelf assembly as described in claim 5 wherein said vertical supports are spaced a predetermined distance apart and wherein said distance is about 3.5 inches.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
61 words
An anti-rotational outdoor shelf assembly as described in claim 3 and further comprising at least one protrusion on said unobstructed surface which fits into at least one depression on said vertical supports during attachment, and wherein the application of torque to said vertical supports causes said protrusions to be gripped tightly within said depressions to resist detachment from said vertical supports.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
41 words
An anti-rotational outdoor shelf assembly as described in claim 11 wherein said strap passes through said vertical supports at a distance from said vertical edge of said angled vertical supports to create a torque to resist detachment of said unobstructed surface.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-10-20 | 1996-04-20 | 1996-10-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-10-20 | 2000-04-20 | 2000-10-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-10-20 | 2004-04-20 | 2004-10-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |