Expandable shelf
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An expandable shelf comprising:
- a first section including a rack;
a second section including a first pivot portion, wherein the second section slidingly engages the first section; and
a pinion including an outer surface having a first outer surface area that includes a plurality of teeth for engaging the rack and a second outer surface area that is toothless, wherein the pinion rotates about the first pivot portion and engages the rack, thereby moving the first and second sections relative to each other.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An expandable locker shelf is disclosed that can be placed between two substantially vertical members, such as in a locker. The expandable shelf includes a first section having a rack, a second section, and a lever arm having a pinion. The first and second sections are aligned to engage the pinion with the rack. The lever arm enables the user to provide sufficient torque on the pinion to bias the first and second sections between the two substantially vertical members. The expandable locker shelf is locked between the two substantially vertical walls by engaging the lever arm with a retaining post.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. An expandable shelf comprising:
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a first section including a rack; a second section including a first pivot portion, wherein the second section slidingly engages the first section; and a pinion including an outer surface having a first outer surface area that includes a plurality of teeth for engaging the rack and a second outer surface area that is toothless, wherein the pinion rotates about the first pivot portion and engages the rack, thereby moving the first and second sections relative to each other. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An expandable shelf comprising:
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a first section including a rack; a second section including a first pivot portion, wherein the second section slidingly engages the first section; a locking mechanism including a first and a second locking portion, the first locking portion being disposed on one of the first and second sections; and an elongate lever arm having a first end including a pinion and a second pivot portion, wherein the second pivot portion engages with the first pivot portion thereby pivotally attaching the lever arm to the second section, and a second end including the second locking portion, wherein the second locking portion engages with the first locking portion. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. An expandable shelf comprising:
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a first section including a rack; a second section adapted to slidingly engage the first section; and an elongate lever arm having a first end and a second end, the lever arm being rotatably attached to the second section, wherein the first end includes a pinion having a plurality of teeth that engage the rack during operation, and the second end includes first locking portion that engages with a second locking portion located on the expandable shelf for locking the shelf in an expanded position.
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22. A method of installing an expandable shelf comprising:
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placing the expandable shelf having a first and second section between two substantially vertical walls; engaging a pinion rotatably mounted on the first section with a rack located on the second section; rotating a lever arm attached to the pinion, thereby moving the first and second sections relative to each other; and placing a notch located on the lever arm on a retaining post, thereby locking the expandable shelf between the substantially vertical walls.
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Specification