Shelving and Emergency Egress Unit

Abstract

A readily accessible combination device is disclosed that can be used as both a shelving unit, such as a bookcase, and then quickly and easily be transformed into an egress unit with a set of emergency escape stairs. The combination device may be repositionable or securely and removably fastened to a structure, such as a wall in proximity to a window or other elevated opening. The device of the present invention is comprised of a plurality of shelves/steps that are repositionably attached to a plurality of supports by swivel mechanisms that permit the quickly and easy transformation of the device from shelving unit to egress unit, and vice versa.

Claims

1. A combination shelving and egress device comprising: a top shelf; at least one secondary shelf; a plurality of supports; and a plurality of swivel mechanisms.

2. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 1, wherein said top shelf is attached to each of said plurality of supports by at least one of said plurality of swivel mechanisms.

3. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 1, wherein said at least one secondary shelf is attached to each of said plurality of supports by at least one of said plurality of swivel mechanisms.

4. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 1 further comprising a second secondary shelf and a wall bracket with a slot formed therein.

5. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 4 wherein said second secondary shelf is attached to each of said plurality of supports by at least one of said plurality of swivel mechanisms.

6. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 4 wherein each of said top shelf, at least one secondary shelf and said second secondary shelf are positioned along said plurality of supports at approximately equal distances.

7. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 1, wherein said combination shelving and egress device is repositionable between a shelving unit configuration and an egress unit configuration.

8. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 7, wherein when said combination shelving and egress device is in the shelving unit configuration, an upper surface of the top shelf is generally perpendicular to said plurality of supports.

9. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 7, wherein when said combination shelving and egress device is in the egress unit configuration, an upper surface of the top shelf is not generally perpendicular to said plurality of supports.

10. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 8, wherein the upper surface of the top shelf is generally parallel to an upper surface of said at least one secondary shelf

11. A combination shelving and egress device for attachment to a wall comprising: a top shelf; a first secondary shelf; a second secondary shelf; a plurality of supports; a plurality of swivel mechanisms; and a wall bracket.

12. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 11 further comprising a foot attached to an end of each of said plurality of supports.

13. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 11, wherein said wall bracket further comprises a slot.

14. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 11, wherein each of said top shelf, said first secondary shelf and said secondary shelf is attached to each of said plurality of supports by at least one of said plurality of swivel mechanisms

15. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 11, wherein said combination shelving and egress device is repositionable between a shelving unit configuration and an egress unit configuration.

16. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 15, wherein when said combination shelving and egress device is in the shelving unit configuration, an upper surface of the top shelf is generally perpendicular to said plurality of supports.

17. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 15, wherein when said combination shelving and egress device is in the egress unit configuration, an upper surface of the top shelf is not generally perpendicular to said plurality of supports.

18. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 16, wherein the upper surface of the top shelf is generally parallel to an upper surface of said first secondary shelf.

19. A combination shelving and egress device for attachment to a wall comprising: a top shelf; a first secondary shelf; a second secondary shelf; a plurality of supports pivotally attached to each of the top shelf, the first secondary shelf and the second secondary shelf by a swivel mechanism; and a wall bracket.

20. The combination shelving and egress device of claim 19, wherein said combination shelving and egress device is repositionable between a shelving unit configuration and an egress unit configuration.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1A illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention in its shelving unit configuration.

[0017] FIG. 1C illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention in its shelving unit configuration.

[0018] FIG. 1D illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention in its shelving unit configuration.

[0019] FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention in its egress unit configuration.

[0020] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention in its egress unit configuration.

[0021] FIG. 2C illustrates a side perspective view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention in its egress unit configuration.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention in its shelving unit configuration positioned adjacent to a wall and beneath a window.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention in its egress configuration positioned beneath a window and attached to a wall.

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the device of the present invention in its shelving unit configuration.

[0025] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device of the present invention in its shelving unit configuration positioned beneath a window above a base board or similar heater.

[0026] The above referenced FIGS. are not necessarily to scale, but are offered for illustrative purposes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details.

[0028] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate, respectively, a top perspective view and a perspective view of one embodiment of the combination device 100 of the present invention in its shelving unit configuration. Device 100 is preferably comprised of a top shelf 110, at least one secondary shelf 120, a plurality of supports 140, a wall bracket 160 and a plurality of swivel mechanisms 180.

[0029] Top shelf 110 further comprises an upper surface 112 and is preferably generally rectangular in shape and may be comprised of any durable material such as wood, metal, plastic, composite material or the like, provided that top shelf 110 is strong enough to support a user's weight when it functions as a step, as described more fully below. The depth of top shelf 110 is preferably between 6 and 10 inches, while the width of top shelf 110 is preferably between 20 and 28 inches. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that top shelf 110 can come in a variety of other shapes, sizes, materials and colors to suit user preference.

[0030] In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-5, one of said plurality of supports 140 is positioned at each of the four corners of top shelf 110 and attached thereto by one of said plurality of swivel mechanisms 180 such that device 100 is capable of being transformed from a shelving unit configuration (as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 6) to an egress unit configuration (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4) and vice versa, as explained more fully below. When device 100 is in the shelving unit configuration, upper surface 112 of top shelf 110 is generally perpendicular to said plurality of supports 140, and when device 100 is in the egress unit configuration, upper surface 112 of top shelf 110 is not generally perpendicular to said plurality of supports 140.

[0031] Similar to top shelf 110, at least one secondary shelf 120 is also preferably comprised of an upper surface 122 and is generally rectangular in shape and may be comprised of any durable material such as wood, metal, plastic, composite material or the like, provided that at least one secondary shelf 120 is strong enough to support a user's weight when it functions as a step, as described more fully below. The depth of secondary shelves 120 is preferably between 6 and 10 inches, while the width of secondary shelves 120 is preferably between 20 and 28 inches. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that secondary shelves 120 can come in a variety of other shapes, sizes, materials and colors to suit user preference.

[0032] In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-5, one of said plurality of supports 140 is positioned at each of the four corners of at least one secondary shelf 120 and attached thereto by one of said plurality of swivel mechanisms 180 such that device 100 is capable of being transformed from a shelving unit configuration (as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 6) to an egress unit configuration (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4) and vice versa, as explained more fully below. In both configurations, upper surface 112 of top shelf 110 and upper surface 122 of at least one secondary shelf 120 are generally parallel to one another.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, device 100 comprises at least two secondary steps 120, along with top shelf 110, equally spaced apart along supports 140, as shown in FIG. 1C, to provide for safer passage when device 100 is in an egress configuration and top and secondary shelves 110, 120 are functioning as stairs. However, it is not necessary that top and secondary shelves 110, 120 be equally spaced apart in order for device 100 to function as intended.

[0034] Each of said plurality of supports 140 is preferably an elongated member having a first end 142 and a second end 144. Supports 140 may be comprised of any durable material such as wood, metal, plastic or the like, provided that supports are capable of supporting top shelf 110, secondary shelves 120 and a user (not shown) when device 100 is functioning in its egress configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Supports 140 may be manufactured by any means known in the art including, without limitation, forming, extruding, milling, etc.

[0035] As stated above, supports 140 are attached to top shelf 110 and secondary shelves 120 via swivel mechanisms 180 that enable shelves 110, 120 to pivot or swivel relative to supports 140, and device 100 to be transformed from its shelving unit configuration (as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 6) to an egress unit configuration (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4) and vice versa. More specifically, top shelf 110 is affixed to each of supports 140 at first end 142 and second end 144 may be in contact with a ground surface 24 or further comprise a foot 190, as described more fully below. Secondary steps 120 may be positioned at roughly equal-distant locations along supports 140, between first end 142 and second end 144, as best shown in FIG. 1D, but are not required to be. The overall number of supports 140 may vary to suit user preference, as may the length, size and general configuration of supports 140. When device 100 is in its shelving unit configuration, supports 140 are roughly perpendicular to the upper surface 112 of top shelf 110 and the upper surface 122 of secondary shelves 120; whereas, when device 100 is in its egress configuration, supports 140 are not perpendicular to the upper surface 112 of top shelf 110 or the upper surface 122 of secondary shelves 120.

[0036] As best shown in FIGS. 1C and 5, device 100 further comprises a wall bracket 160 with a slot or opening 162 therein. More specifically, wall bracket 160 may be mounted or attached to top shelf 110, as best shown in FIG. 5 through the use of fasteners 34. Opening 162 may matingly receive a pin or other fastener (not shown) attached to a wall 22 for removably attaching device 100 to wall 22, as best shown in FIG. 4, and to prevent sliding of second end 144 across floor 24 in a direction opposite of wall 22 when a user (not shown) is using device 100 in an egress configuration. In this manner, device 100 may be easily and quickly attached to wall 22 in the event of an emergency, and easily and quickly detached from wall 22 in the event a user desires to clean or paint wall 22, or simply reposition device 100 elsewhere in the room to use the same in its shelving unit configuration. Importantly, wall 22 should be of sturdy construction and the attachment point of wall 22 and device 100 should be supported by a structural member such as a wall stud (not shown).

[0037] Importantly, the size of wall bracket 160 and opening 162 should be sufficient to enable device 100 to be repositioned between its shelving unit configuration and its egress unit configuration. Additionally, wall bracket 160 should be made of a durable material, such as steel, heavy duty plastic, or a composite material, so that wall bracket 160 is capable of withstanding the stresses and strains that will be encountered when device 100 is attached to wall 22 in an egress configuration and being used by a user (not shown) to make an escape.

[0038] Each of said plurality of swivel mechanisms 180 can be a form of fastener such as a shoulder screw or a custom made pin that are used to pivotably attach top shelf 110 and at least one secondary shelf 120 to each of said plurality of supports 140, as described in greater detail supra. More specifically, swivel mechanisms 180 securely attach the shelves 110, 120 to supports 120, but also permit the shelves 110, 120 to pivot with respect to said supports 120 without collapsing under weight. In this manner, device 100 is capable of being transformed from a shelving unit configuration (as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 6) to an egress unit configuration (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4) and vice versa. The openings in top shelf 110 and at least one secondary shelf 120 must be sized and shaped to receive swivel mechanisms 180 so that the same securely attach shelves 110, 120 to supports 140, but also permit them to swing freely when device 100 is being moved between its shelving unit configuration and its egress unit configuration. Swivel mechanisms 180 must also be constructed or a durable material such as metal, plastic or the like so that the same are capable of supporting top shelf 110, secondary shelves 120 and a user (not shown) when device 100 is functioning in its egress configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, device 100 may further comprise a foot 190 attached to each of said supports 140 at second end 144 for added stability and to protect the surface of floor 24 from scratches or unnecessary wear and tear as device 100 is being reposition or deployed from one configuration to the other. Said foot 190 may have a generally flat rubber or other non-slip surface for contacting floor 24, or could be in the form of lockable rollers (not shown) for easily repositioning device 100 in a room when device 100 is not attached to wall 22. When in its shelving unit configuration, device 100 may sit firmly on floor 24 and top shelf 110 and secondary shelves 120 may be used to support or store items such as books, decorations, pictures and the like, similar to that of a traditional book case or shelving unit. When in its shelving unit configuration, device 100 is preferably between 26 and 34 inches in height, though it is contemplated that a variety of other sizes and shapes can also be used as long as strength, rigidity and ergonomics are properly maintained.

[0040] FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of device 100 of the present invention in its egress unit configuration in which each of top shelf 110 and secondary shelves 120 transform into a stair-like configuration to enable a user to use device 100 as a ladder to quickly and safely exit a room or building in an emergency situation. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 2A and further illustrates the general stair like configuration of device 100, as does FIG. 2C. The transformation of the device from its shelving unit configuration to its egress unit configuration is preferably accomplished by pulling the lowest secondary shelf 120 and/or a second end of 144 of support 140 in a direction away from wall 22 to which device 100 is attached via wall bracket 160. Further, the presence of swivel mechanisms 180 permit supports 140 to swivel about top and secondary shelves 110, 120 thereby transforming said shelves 110, 120 into stairs upon which an escape can be made by the user (not shown).

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of device 100 of the present invention in its shelving unit configuration and positioned on floor 24 generally adjacent to wall 22 and positioned beneath a window 26. Ideally, device 100 would be positioned directly beneath window 26 to provide for the quickest possible escape, though the same is not required. FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the same embodiment of device 100 in its egress configuration.

[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the device 100 of FIG. 1C, also in its shelving unit configuration and more clearly shows how wall bracket 160 may be attached to top shelf 110. More specifically, top shelf 110 may be further comprised of a plurality of openings or slots 114 to which wall bracket 160 may be attached with fasteners 34. By having a plurality of slots 114 along top shelf 110, a user has a greater degree of flexibility as to where to attach wall bracket 160 to top shelf 110. One or ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that device 100 may be attached to wall 22 while in its shelving unit configuration to, for example, to prevent device 100 from tipping over.

[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device 100 of the present invention in its shelving unit configuration attached to wall 22 and positioned beneath a window 26 and adjacent to and above a baseboard heater 38. In this particular embodiment, the two supports 140 nearest wall 22 are not positioned at the corners of top shelf 110 or secondary shelves 120, but rather toward the midpoint of said shelves to provide clearance for baseboard heater 38, while still allowing each of top shelf 110 and secondary shelves 120 to contact wall 22.

[0044] Consequently, device 100 is a combination shelving and emergency egress unit that is relatively easy to reposition about a room and transition between a shelving unit configuration and an egress unit configuration to enable a user to quickly and safely make his/her escape out of a building or other structure by, for example, a window or other elevated opening. Because combination device 100 serves multiple purposes, and is of novel and non-obvious construction, it is unlike any other emergency egress devices. Finally, combination device 100 accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and safe and easy to use.

[0045] Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

[0046] The use of the terms a and an and the and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms comprising, having, including, and containing are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning including, but not limited to,) unless otherwise noted. The term connected is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., such as) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0047] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.