Adjustable width bookend construction

Abstract

An adjustable width bookend construction (10) including a pair of generally L-shaped bookend members (20)(20) each having a side wall (22) provided with a slot (24) and a rear wall (21) provided with a support member (23) wherein, the bookend members (20)(20) are operatively and slidably associated with one another via a cross-member (31) dimensioned to be slidably received within the slots (24)(24) and be slidably supported on the support members (23). Furthermore, the cross-member (31) is optionally provided with a pair of end cap members (32)(32) that prevent lateral displacement of the bookend construction (10) relative to and resting upon an elevated level surface. Furthermore, holding block assemblies (40) are optionally provided to prevent aftward displacement of the bookend construction (10) relative to a collection books.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention was the subject matter of Document Disclosure Program Registration No. 539,425, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Oct. 6, 2003.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of bookend constructions in general and in particular to adjustable width bookend constructions.

2. Description of Related Art

As can be seen by reference to the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 314,436; 758,868; 1,363,138; 1,598,467; 1,674,359; 1,891,420; and 6,354,446; the prior art is replete with myriad and diverse adjustable width bookend constructions.

While all of the aforementioned prior art constructions are more than adequate for the basic purpose and function for which they have been specifically designed, they are uniformly deficient with respect to their failure to provide a simple, efficient, and practical adjustable width bookend construction wherein, the book engaging end units clutch, support and suspend a spanner unit in a vertical fashion.

In virtually all of the prior art constructions, the book engaging units are movably supported on a horizontal spanner unit that rests on a horizontal support surface thereby producing a rather conventional and predictable orientation of the major components of an adjustable width bookend.

As a consequence of the foregoing situation, there has existed a longstanding need among book loving consumers for a new and improved adjustable width bookend construction that has radically different aesthetic appearance and function that serves not only to securely support a plurality of books in an upright orientation, but which will also serve as a topic of conversation, and the provision of such a construction is a stated objective of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the adjustable width bookend construction that forms the basis of the present invention comprises a pair of book engaging end units that suspend and are slidably disposed relative to a spanner unit.

As will be explained in greater detail further on in the specification, each of the book engaging end units comprises a generally L-shaped bookend member formed by a rear wall and a side wall wherein, each rear wall is provided with a horizontally disposed support member to support a portion of the spanner unit and each side wall is provided with a vertical slot dimensioned to slidably receive and clutch another portion of the spanner unit.

In addition, the spanner unit comprises an elongated rectangular cross-member dimensioned to be slidably received in the vertical slots in each of the side walls and be suspended from the support members on the rear walls of the respective bookend members.

Furthermore, the outboard ends of a cross-member may be provided with end cap members configured to limit the lateral travel of the bookend members relative to the cross-member.

Furthermore, the outboard ends of a predetermined length cross-member may be provided with end cap members may be configured to extend beyond and down the opposite edges of an elevated level surface to prevent lateral displacement of the bookend construction relative to the elevated level surface.

Furthermore, holding block assemblies are provided to prevent aftward displacement of the bookend construction relative to a collection of books.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other attributes of the invention will become more clear upon a thorough study of the following description of the best mode for carrying out the invention, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the adjustable width bookend construction in use configured to prevent lateral displacement of the bookend construction relative to an elevated level surface;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the bookend construction;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the bookend construction;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the adjustable width bookend construction in use configured for open surface placement of the bookend construction; and,

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of two identical holding block assemblies in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As can be seen by reference to the drawings, the adjustable width bookend construction that forms the basis of the present invention is designated generally by the reference number 10. The construction 10 comprises a pair of mirror image book engaging end units (bookend members) 2020 and a spanner unit 30. These units will now be described in seriatim fashion.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the mirror image book engaging end units 2020 each comprises a generally L-shaped bookend member 20 having a vertically oriented rear wall panel 21 and a vertically oriented side wall 22.

The lower portion of the free end of the rear walls are each provided with inwardly projecting support members 2323, and as can best be seen by reference to FIG. 3, the lower portion of the captive end of the side walls 2222 are each provided with elongated slots 2424 which extend upwardly from the bottom of each of the side walls 2222.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the spanner unit 30 comprises an elongated rectangular cross-member 31 dimensioned to be slidably received within the slots 2424 in the side walls 2222 and supported on the support members 2323 in the rear walls 2121 such that the bookend members 2020 are linearly clutched as well as slidably adjustable toward and away from one another on the cross-member 31.

In addition, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the opposite ends of the elongated cross-member 31 may be provided with end cap members 3232 wherein, each comprises an end plate 33 having an inwardly facing vertical groove 36 dimensioned to slidably receive one end of the cross-member 31 and further adapted to receive a lower support leg 34 that the cross-member 31 rests upon. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the end cap members 3232 may be adapted such that the inwardly facing vertical groove 36 slidably receives a capture arm 35 that rests on the cross-member 31.

Furthermore, the forward and aftward projecting portions of each end plate 33, and each upwardly projecting capture arm 35, each function to limit the lateral displacement of each of the bookend members 2020 relative to the cross-member 31.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, if the cross-member 31 spans the opposite edges of an elevated level surface, the end cap members 3232 may also be configured to extend beyond and down the opposite edges of the elevated level surface to prevent lateral displacement of the bookend construction 10 relative to the elevated level surface. Otherwise, as shown in FIG. 4, the end cap members 3232 may be configured to rest on a level surface.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 5, an optional identical pair of holding blocks 40 each comprising a rear block 41, a base mat 42, and an attaching member 43 for attaching the base mat 42 to the rear block 41, functions to prevent aftward displacement of the bookend construction 10 relative to a collection of books functionally supported by the bookend construction 10. The attaching member 43 is dimensioned to rest with clearance beneath the cross-member 31. In this design, the aft edge of the base mat 42 folds upward and is sandwiched between the attaching member 43 and the rear block 41, typically attached using screws through the attaching member 43 and base mat 42 into the rear block 41. Part of the supported collection of books rests on each base mat 42 fixing each holding block assembly 40 in place. The base mat is thin so as not to interfere with the level integrity of the surface, yet durable to withstand removal and replacement of individual books. The advantage of holding block assemblies becomes apparent when considering a large collection of books in use.

Although only an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

Having thereby described the subject matter of the present invention, it should be apparent that many substitutions, modifications, and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that the invention as taught and described herein is only to be limited to the extent of the breadth and scope of the appended claims.

TABLE 1
Patents for Bookend Utility and Design
Patent	Date	Title	Description
153227	Jul. 21, 1874	self adjusting book racks	base channel sliding spring loaded
158751	Jan. 12, 1875	book racks	base fixed hinged
161293	Mar. 23, 1875	book support	shelf partition positive lock
174262	Feb. 29, 1876	book rack	base sliding hinged
186974	Feb. 6, 1877	book support	standard bookend interlocking partition
202959	Apr. 30, 1878	book supports	standard bookend
305863	Sep. 30, 1884	book suppport	shelf sliding
314436	Mar. 24, 1885	book holder	wraparound rigid
314437	Mar. 24, 1885	book holder	shelf side filler
348382	Aug. 31, 1886	book holder	shelf side filler
355511	Jan. 4, 1887	book support	shelf sliding
386674	Jul. 24, 1888	paper or bill file	base partition position stop
388674	Aug. 28, 1888	book support for shelves	shelf sliding
423647	Mar 18, 1890	bill file	base partition position stop
431373	Jul. 1, 1890	book and paper rack	base position stop
436704	Sep. 16, 1890	book support	shelf channel positive lock
451729	May 5, 1891	paper or bill file	base partition position stop
452673	May 19, 1891	book support	shelf sliding hinged linear clutch
470050	Mar. 1, 1892	letter file	base fixed hinged
481505	Aug. 23, 1892	book support	hanging partition position lever
489693	Jan. 10, 1893	adjustable book rack	base crossmember intersliding
497993	May 23, 1893	automatic file holder	base channel spring loaded
502321	Aug. 1, 1893	adjustable shelf partition	standard bookend
504233	Aug. 29, 1893	book support	shelf sliding
518573	Apr. 17, 1894	book rack	base crossmember partition sliding
525186	Aug. 28, 1894	knockdown rack	base channel thumbscrew lock
527897	Oct. 23, 1894	book support	base channel sliding
538500	Apr. 30, 1895	document file	base crossmember positive lock
560851	May 26, 1896	book support	hanging partition linear
575294	Jan. 12, 1897	book support & label holder	shelf partition sliding
575832	Jan. 26, 1897	book support	hanging partition
583494	Jun. 1, 1897	book support	base channel
593758	Nov. 16, 1897	portable book rack	base partition position stop
608515	Aug. 22, 1898	book support	shelf scissor side filler
657847	Sep. 11, 1900	book case or rack	shelf partition position lever
660264	Oct. 23, 1900	divisible shelf	shelf crossmember partition position stop
668961	Feb. 26, 1901	book rack	shelf scissor filler
670446	Mar. 26, 1901	holding block for cases	base channel sliding spring loaded
679054	Jul. 23, 1901	shelf book support	shelf partition sliding
712936	Nov. 4, 1902	book holder	shelf partition position stop
758868	May 3, 1904	book support	crossmember partition position stop
767037	Aug. 9, 1904	shelf book support	shelf partition sliding
774984	Nov. 15, 1904	book support	base position stop
779262	Jan. 3, 1905	tray	base channel sliding
781890	Feb. 7, 1905	book supporter	shelf sliding
793364	Jun. 27, 1905	book & paper rack	base partition interlock
833887	Oct. 23, 1906	book support	base channel partition hinged stowed
850977	Apr. 23, 1907	book support	standard bookend
903769	Nov. 10, 1908	book support and adjustable shelf partition	shelf partition thumbscrew lock
931362	Aug. 17, 1909	movable partition or book support	base position stop
934148	Sep. 14, 1909	book rest	base fixed
935560	Sep. 28, 1909	book support	hanging sliding
945877	Jan. 11, 1910	desk book rack	base crossmember intersliding
999974	Aug. 8, 1911	file shelf	base channel partition sliding
1006328	Oct. 17, 1911	cigar rack	base crossmember intersliding
1022150	Apr. 2, 1912	book rack	base crossmember intersliding hinged
1049726	Jan. 7, 1913	display rack	base crossmember partition sliding
1237101	Aug. 14, 1917	book holder	base channel dovetailed sliding spring loaded
1257528	Feb. 26, 1918	file rack	base partition position stop
1283259	Oct. 29, 1918	ledger rack	base channel mechanical
1317550	Sep. 30, 1919	book rack	base crossmember intersliding
1336981	Apr. 13, 1920	book rack	base channel sliding
1340317	May 18, 1920	book shelf	base channel sliding
1358853	Nov. 16, 1920	binder tray	base channel linear clutch
1363138	Dec. 21, 1920	bookrack	base crossmember partition
1370279	Mar. 1, 1921	folding book stop	standard bookend
1379766	May 31, 1921	portable book holder	base fixed
1395825	Nov. 1, 1921	clamping device	base recoiling strap
1396910	Nov. 15, 1921	book frame and label holder	standard bookend shelf
1401171	Dec. 27, 1921	binder rack	base position stop roller
1409136	Mar. 7, 1922	book end	standard bookend
1415110	May 9, 1922	file rack	base partition position stop
1460642	Jul. 3, 1923	book rack	base channel sliding
1477634	Dec. 18, 1923	shipping case and display rack	base fixed
1489804	Apr. 8, 1924	follow board	base channel partition linear
1506204	Aug. 26, 1924	library book support & index	shelf crossmember partition fixed
1508610	Sep. 16, 1924	shelving	shelf partition position stop
1557419	Oct. 13, 1925	book end	standard bookend
1562275	Nov. 7, 1925	book supporting device	base partition position stop
1598467	Aug. 31, 1926	book support	standard bookend (Weeks)
1621410	Mar. 15, 1927	supporting rack	base position stop
1660823	Feb. 28, 1928	card index and document filling device	base crossmember linear clutch
1663432	Mar. 20, 1928	bookrack	base linear clutch
1674359	Jun. 19, 1928	filling device	base crossmember linear clutch
1674582	Jun. 19, 1928	bookholder	base channel sliding spring loaded
1675269	Sep. 13, 1923	book support	shelf partition position stop
1682053	Aug. 28, 1928	book support	wraparound weighted
1682060	Aug. 28, 1928	adjustable book holder	base crossmember intersliding
1704011	Mar. 5, 1929	book end	base scissor
1747496	Feb. 18, 1930	counter partition holder	base channel partition sliding
1750575	Mar. 11, 1930	sectional desk accessory	base interlock
1750576	Mar. 11, 1930	desk distributor set	base interlock
1768379	Jun. 24, 1930	tag and tag holding device	base crossmember intersliding
1772438	Aug. 5, 1930	office accessory	base interlock
1780872	Nov. 4, 1930	book rack or support	base channel position stop
1795526	Mar. 10, 1931	book support	standard bookend comered
1806642	May 26, 1931	bookstack	shelf partition sliding
1832884	Nov. 24, 1931	shelf follower and end support	standard bookend friction block
1853840	Apr. 12, 1932	book shelf	base channel partition sliding
1875288	Aug. 30, 1932	adjustable book supporting rack	base channel thumbscrew lock
1876346	Sep. 6, 1932	book ends	base recoiling strap
1891420	Dec. 20, 1932	book rack	base linear clutch
1898533	Feb. 21, 1933	paper file	base channel
1912229	May 30, 1933	book end	standard bookend hinged
1923996	Aug. 22, 1933	adjustable book end holder	base crossmember intersliding
1942456	Jan. 9, 1934	book holder	standard bookend book support
1992487	Feb. 26, 1935	combined bookedn & picture frame	standard bookend
2031698	Feb. 25, 1936	book end	standard bookend
2032086	Feb. 25, 1936	combination lamp stand and book rack	base channel sliding spring loaded
2051448	Aug. 18, 1936	adjustable book end holder	base crossmember intersliding
2062802	Dec. 1, 1936	display appliance	base channel partition position stop
2076941	Apr. 13, 1937	book end and like support	base coil
2096634	Oct. 19, 1937	book end	base recoiling strap
2104864	Jan. 11, 1938	support for books and the like	hanging partition
2111406	Mar. 15, 1938	collapsible portable book rest	base fixed hinged
2117667	May 17, 1938	book holder	standard bookend book holder
2117668	May 17, 1938	book holder	standard bookend book holder
2134606	Oct. 25, 1938	book rack	base crossmember partition sliding
2140656	Dec. 20, 1938	book end construction	base crossmember sliding spring loaded
2151269	Mar. 21, 1939	display rack for books	standard bookend book support
2206133	Jul. 2, 1940	book holder	base channel sliding spring loaded
2222190	Nov. 19, 1940	display rack	base channel sliding position stop
2264017	Nov. 25, 1941	bookrack	base sliding ratchet
2264086	Nov. 25, 1941	book support rack	base scissor
2284849	Jun. 2, 1942	book end	base recoiling strap
2294595	Sep. 1, 1942	adjustable book rack	base crossmember intersliding
2334251	Nov. 16, 1943	book ends	standard bookend
2364482	Dec. 5, 1944	book rack	base fixed
2368349	Jan. 30, 1945	filing cabinet guide separator	base channel partition sliding
2504466	Apr. 18, 1950	adjustable partition	base crossmember partition intersliding position stop
2529031	Nov. 7, 1950	book end	base crossmember intersliding
2534456	Dec. 19, 1950	self closing bookrack	base channel dovetailed sliding spring loaded
2537565	Jan. 9, 1951	book unit rack	base partition fixed
2538908	Jan. 23, 1951	shelf divider	shelf partition sliding spring lock
2545844	Mar. 20, 1951	automatically adjustable bookrack	base crossmember intersliding spring loaded
2566800	Sep. 4, 1951	center extension table	base crossmember intersliding
2620929	Dec. 9, 1952	multipurpose book rack	base crossmember
2624466	Jan. 6, 1953	bookholder	base crossmember intersliding
2652154	Sep. 15, 1953	display rack	base channel partition sliding
2658628	Nov. 10, 1953	adjustable shelf divider	base partition position stop
2661568	Dec. 8, 1953	book holder	standard bookend
2665010	Jan. 5, 1954	bookend	base crossmember intersliding
2675922	Apr. 20, 1954	bookrack	hanging partition sliding
2684765	Jul. 27, 1954	holder for books and the like	base channel linear clutch
2688409	Sep. 7, 1954	adjustable partition for shelves	shelf crossmember partition sliding
2726318	Dec. 6, 1955	bookend lamp	base crossmember intersliding
2732082	Jan. 24, 1956	bookracks	base turning blocks
2738881	Mar. 20, 1956	display and storage holder	base recoiling strap
2767856	Oct. 23, 1956	book support	standard bookend
2807369	Sep. 24, 1957	support for reading matter	standard bookend book support
2845188	Jul. 29, 1958	shelf and divider unit	base partition position stop
2872046	Feb. 3, 1959	book ends	base interlock
2884139	Apr. 28, 1959	snap-on bin divider	shelf partition sliding
2905336	Sep. 22, 1959	partition for filing cabinet rocker compartment	shelf partition position stop
2911103	Nov. 3, 1959	device for supporting books	base channel spring loaded
2953258	Sep. 20, 1960	detachable self wedging shelf divider	hanging partition sliding
2954878	Oct. 4, 1960	display rack	base crossmember partition positive lock
2959293	Nov. 8, 1960	record holder	base crossmember sliding spring loaded
3063567	Nov. 13, 1962	book rack	base crossmember linear
3120894	Feb. 11, 1964	shelving with reversible compressor	base channel partition linear
3121494	Feb. 18, 1964	book stop device	shelf crossmember intersliding
3126892	Mar. 31, 1964	adjustable partition for files	base channel partition sliding positive lock
3138262	Jun. 23, 1964	slotted bookshelf/support	base channel linear clutch
3142384	Jul. 28, 1964	adjustable bookshelves/bookends	hanging channel partition sliding
3160282	Dec. 8, 1964	vertical shelf unit	base channel crossmember position stop
3171542	Mar. 2, 1965	book rack	base crossmember partition sliding
3182806	May 11, 1965	book rack	base coil
3202290	Aug. 24, 1965	book care system	shelf individual depth alignment
3202298	Aug. 24, 1965	bookend	hanging partition sliding
3235092	Feb. 15, 1966	book support	standard bookend friction bolck
3241683	Mar. 22, 1966	article retainer	base channel partition sliding
3269558	Aug. 30, 1966	compartmented shelf device	shelf partition position stop
3285429	Nov. 15, 1966	shelf organizer	shelf partition sliding
3300057	Jan. 24, 1967	shelf organizer	base partition interlock
3301407	Jan. 31, 1967	shelf dividers	base channel
3318453	May 9, 1967	reversible file holder	base crossmember fixed
3318454	May 9, 1967	shelf with adjustable bookends	base channel crossmember
3385450	May 28, 1968	bookend	standard bookend anti-tipping
3389805	Jun. 25, 1968	self adjusting telescoping bookends	base frictionless spring loaded
3391793	Jul. 9, 1968	book rack	base crossmember partition sliding
3399782	Sep. 3, 1968	book ends	base recoiling strap
3425565	Feb. 4, 1969	adjustable storage shelf dividing structure	base position stop
3450268	Jun. 17, 1969	bookshelf divider & holder	hanging partition position lever
3465896	Sep. 9, 1969	bookshelf and book support	hanging channel sliding
3489292	Jan. 13, 1970	book support	hanging sliding
3513983	May 26, 1970	shelf assembly	base channel linear clutch
3579710	May 25, 1971	traversable hardware in driveway	base crossmember partition sliding
3601258	Aug. 24, 1971	bookend for shelves	shelf sliding
3604564	Jul. 8, 1969	book ends	standard bookend magnetic
3679064	Jul. 25, 1972	article holder	base crossmember intersliding
3739918	Jun. 19, 1973	cloth bolt holder	base crossmember sliding
3747775	Jul. 24, 1973	holder for books and the like	base crossmember sliding
3780873	Dec. 25, 1973	automatic display racks	base crossmember partition sliding
3780876	Dec. 25, 1973	shelf divider	shelf partition sliding
3784021	Jan. 8, 1974	bookrack	pivoting interlock
3800958	Apr. 2, 1974	bookrack	base crossmember sliding spring loaded
3844415	Oct. 29, 1974	support device for files	base crossmember intersliding
3889816	Jun. 17, 1975	book holder and separator	hanging partition position stop
3905484	Sep. 16, 1975	flexible dividers for lateral shelf filing	shelf partition position stop
3971556	Jul. 27, 1976	combination book end and dumbell apparatus	standard bookend weighted
3974918	Aug. 17, 1976	magnetic book supporting structure	base channel sliding
4002240	Jan. 11, 1977	combined bookrack and book support	base crossmember fixed
4099624	Jul. 11, 1978	portable book rack	base crossmember partition position stop
4106735	Aug. 15, 1978	adjustable coil rack	base interlock
4113108	Sep. 12, 1978	adjustable book holding device	base channel linear clutch
4135626	Jan. 23, 1979	constant force spring expandable clasp holder	base recoiling strap
4327838	May 4, 1982	clip-on book end	shelf partition sliding
4358019	Nov. 9, 1982	book end	base interlock cornered
4410093	Oct. 18, 1983	device for organizing papers and files	base position stop
4463854	Aug. 7, 1984	book support assembly	base recoiling wire
4569447	Feb. 11, 1986	bookrack	base fixed
4595105	Jun. 17, 1986	interlocking bookrack	base partition fixed
4606465	Aug. 19, 1986	expansible spring-loaded retention clamp	base rolling strap
4637632	Jan. 20, 1987	holding device	base interlock
4682696	Jul. 28, 1987	adjustable bookrack	base channel thumbscrew lock
4735324	Apr. 5, 1988	removable shelf separator and system	base crossmember partition sliding
4742922	May 10, 1988	book rack of selective capacity	base interlock
4759449	Jul. 26, 1988	interlocking expandable bookrack	base partition position stop
4782960	Nov. 8, 1988	divider with resilient base engagement	shelf channel partition sliding
4858774	Aug. 22, 1989	shelving system	shelf partition position stop
4944413	Jul. 31, 1990	book support apparatus	base partition fixed
5036988	Aug. 6, 1991	bookend for metal shelves	standard bookend
5072835	Dec. 17, 1991	tape cartridge holder	base partition sliding
5074420	Dec. 24, 1991	free-standing rack assembly	base crossmember partition fixed
5103987	Apr. 14, 1992	shelf engaging bookend	shelf linear clutch
5121681	Jun. 16, 1992	extendible book shelf	base partition crossmember position stop
5183163	Feb. 2, 1993	interlocking continuous base bookends	base interlock
5205420	Apr. 27, 1993	adjustable & self locking book rack/support	base channel dovetailed linear clutch
5209357	May 11, 1993	hanging bookend device	hanging partition sliding
5217122	Jun. 8, 1993	adjustable bookend apparatus	hanging sliding spring loaded
5217124	Jun. 8, 1993	clip-on divider shelf device	shelf partition sliding
5228578	Jul. 20, 1993	adjustable book shelf	base crossmember partition sliding
5275297	Jan. 4, 1994	clip-on book support and label holder	shelf partition sliding
5325792	Jul. 5, 1994	bookshelf w/adjustable locking bookends	base channel sliding press release
5732832	Mar. 31, 1998	adjustable divider unit to support notebooks	shelf partition position stop
5740926	Apr. 21, 1998	bookshelf w/adjustable locking bookends	base channel thumbscrew lock
5871104	Feb. 16, 1999	adjustable support apparatus	hanging channel spring hinge
6334539	Jun. 1, 2002	bendable bookend	standard bookend
6352162	Mar. 5, 2002	interlocking bookends	base interlock
6354446	Mar. 12, 2002	space adjustable interlocking	crossmember partition interlock
6578717	Jun. 17, 2003	economical desktop bookcase	base fixed
	base	151	current patents
	shelf	41	no proprietary base
	hanging	16	linear clutch concept
	crossmember	2
	wraparound	2
	pivoting interlock	1
	standard bookend variation	28
		241

TABLE 2
Patents for Bookend Utility and Design
Patent	Date	Title	Description
583494	Jun. 1, 1897	book support	base channel
1898533	Feb. 21, 1933	paper file	base channel
3301407	Jan. 31, 1967	shelf dividers	base channel
3318454	May 9, 1967	shelf with adjustable bookends	base channel crossmember
3160282	Dec. 8, 1964	vertical shelf unit	base channel crossmember position stop
5205420	Apr. 27, 1993	adjustable & self locking book rack/support	base channel dovetailed
1237101	Aug. 14, 1917	book holder	base channel dovetailed sliding spring loaded
2534456	Dec. 19, 1950	self closing bookrack	base channel dovetailed sliding spring loaded
1358853	Nov. 16, 1920	binder tray	base channel linear clutch
2684765	Jul. 27, 1954	holder for books and the like	base channel linear clutch
3138262	Jun. 23, 1964	slotted bookshelf/support	base channel linear clutch
3513983	May 26, 1970	shelf assembly	base channel linear clutch
4113108	Sep. 12, 1978	adjustable book holding device	base channel linear clutch
1283259	Oct. 29, 1918	ledger rack	base channel mechanical
833887	Oct. 23, 1906	book support	base channel partition hinged stowed
1489804	Apr. 8, 1924	follow board	base channel partition linear
3120894	Feb. 11, 1964	shelving with reversible compressor	base channel partition linear
2062802	Dec. 1, 1936	display appliance	base channel partition position stop
999974	Aug. 8, 1911	file shelf	base channel partition sliding
1747496	Feb. 18, 1930	counter partition holder	base channel partition sliding
1853840	Apr. 12, 1932	book shelf	base channel partition sliding
2368349	Jan. 30, 1945	filing cabinet guide separator	base channel partition sliding
2652154	Sep. 15, 1953	display rack	base channel partition sliding
3241683	Mar. 22, 1966	article retainer	base channel partition sliding
3126892	Mar. 31, 1964	adjustable partition for files	base channel partition sliding positive lock
1780872	Nov. 4, 1930	book rack or support	base channel position stop
527897	Oct. 23, 1894	book support	base channel sliding
779262	Jan. 3, 1905	tray	base channel sliding
1336981	Apr. 13, 1920	book rack	base channel sliding
1340317	May 18, 1920	book shelf	base channel sliding
1460642	Jul. 3, 1923	book rack	base channel sliding
3974918	Aug. 17, 1976	magnetic book supporting structure	base channel sliding
2222190	Nov. 19, 1940	display rack	base channel sliding position stop
5325792	Jul. 5, 1994	bookshelf w/adjustable locking bookends	base channel sliding press release
153227	Jul. 21, 1874	self adjusting book racks	base channel sliding spring loaded
670446	Mar. 26, 1901	holding block for cases	base channel sliding spring loaded
1674582	Jun. 19, 1928	bookholder	base channel sliding spring loaded
2032086	Feb. 25, 1936	combination lamp stand and book rack	base channel sliding spring loaded
2206133	Jul. 2, 1940	book holder	base channel sliding spring loaded
497993	May 23, 1893	automatic file holder	base channel spring loaded
2911103	Nov. 3, 1959	device for supporting books	base channel spring loaded
525186	Aug. 28, 1894	knockdown rack	base channel thumbscrew lock
1875288	Aug. 30, 1932	adjustable book supporting rack	base channel thumbscrew lock
4682696	Jul. 28, 1987	adjustable bookrack	base channel thumbscrew lock
5740926	Apr. 21, 1998	bookshelf w/adjustable locking bookends	base channel thumbscrew lock
2076941	Apr. 13, 1937	book end and like support	base coil
3182806	May 11, 1965	book rack	base coil
2620929	Dec. 9, 1952	multipurpose book rack	base crossmember
3318453	May 9, 1967	reversible file holder	base crossmember fixed
4002240	Jan. 11, 1977	combined bookrack and book support	base crossmember fixed
489693	Jan. 10, 1893	adjustable book rack	base crossmember intersliding
945877	Jan. 11, 1910	desk book rack	base crossmember intersliding
1006328	Oct. 17, 1911	cigar rack	base crossmember intersliding
1317550	Sep. 30, 1919	book rack	base crossmember intersliding
1682060	Aug. 28, 1928	adjustable book holder	base crossmember intersliding
1768379	Jun. 24, 1930	tag and tag holding device	base crossmember intersliding
1923996	Aug. 22, 1933	adjustable book end holder	base crossmember intersliding
2051448	Aug. 18, 1936	adjustable book end holder	base crossmember intersliding
2294595	Sep. 1, 1942	adjustable book rack	base crossmember intersliding
2529031	Nov. 7, 1950	book end	base crossmember intersliding
2566800	Sep. 4, 1951	center extension table	base crossmember intersliding
2624466	Jan. 6, 1953	bookholder	base crossmember intersliding
2665010	Jan. 5, 1954	bookend	base crossmember intersliding
2726318	Dec. 6, 1955	bookend lamp	base crossmember intersliding
3679064	Jul. 25, 1972	article holder	base crossmember intersliding
3844415	Oct. 29, 1974	support device for files	base crossmember intersliding
1022150	Apr. 2, 1912	book rack	base crossmember intersliding hinged
2545844	Mar. 20, 1951	automatically adjustable bookrack	base crossmember intersliding spring loaded
1660823	Feb. 28, 1928	card index and document filing device	base crossmember linear clutch
1674359	Jun. 19, 1928	filing device	base crossmember linear clutch
3063567	Nov. 13, 1962	book rack	base crossmember linear clutch
5074420	Dec. 24, 1991	free-standing rack assembly	base crossmember partition fixed
2504466	Apr. 18, 1950	adjustable partition	base crossmember partition intersliding position stop
1363138	Dec. 21, 1920	bookrack	base crossmember partition intersliding
4099624	Jul. 11, 1978	portable book rack	base crossmember partition position stop
2954878	Oct. 4, 1960	display rack	base crossmember partition positive lock
518573	Apr. 17, 1894	book rack	base crossmember partition sliding
1049726	Jan. 7, 1913	display rack	base crossmember partition sliding
2134606	Oct. 25, 1938	book rack	base crossmember partition sliding
3171542	Mar. 2, 1965	book rack	base crossmember partition sliding
3391793	Jul. 9, 1968	book rack	base crossmember partition sliding
3579710	May 25, 1971	traversable hardware in driveway	base crossmember partition sliding
3780873	Dec. 25, 1973	automatic display racks	base crossmember partition sliding
4735324	Apr. 5, 1988	removable shelf separator and system	base crossmember partition sliding
5228578	Jul. 20, 1993	adjustable book shelf	base crossmember partition sliding
538500	Apr. 30, 1895	document file	base crossmember positive lock
3739918	Jun. 19, 1973	cloth bolt holder	base crossmember sliding
3747775	Jul. 24, 1973	holder for books and the like	base crossmember sliding
2140656	Dec. 20, 1938	book end construction	base crossmember sliding spring loaded
2959293	Nov. 8, 1960	record holder	base crossmember sliding spring loaded
3800958	Apr. 2, 1974	bookrack	base crossmember sliding spring loaded
934148	Sep. 14, 1909	book rest	base fixed
1379766	May 31, 1921	portable book holder	base fixed
1477634	Dec. 18, 1923	shipping case and display rack	base fixed
2364482	Dec. 5, 1944	book rack	base fixed
4569447	Feb. 11, 1986	book rack	base fixed
6578717	Jun. 17, 2003	economical desktop bookcase	base fixed
158751	Jan. 12, 1875	book racks	base fixed hinged
470050	Mar. 1, 1892	letter file	base fixed hinged
2111406	Mar. 15, 1938	collapsible portable book rest	base fixed hinged
3389805	Jun. 25, 1968	self adjusting telescoping bookends	base frictionless spring loaded
1750575	Mar. 11, 1930	sectional desk accessory	base interlock
1750576	Mar. 11, 1930	desk distributor set	base interlock
1772438	Aug. 5, 1930	office accessory	base interlock
2872046	Feb. 3, 1959	book ends	base interlock
4106735	Aug. 15, 1978	adjustable coil rack	base interlock
4637632	Jan. 20, 1987	holding device	base interlock
4742922	May 10, 1988	book rack of selective capacity	base interlock
5183163	Feb. 2, 1993	interlocking continuous base bookends	base interlock
6352162	Mar. 5, 2002	interlocking bookends	base interlock
4358019	Nov. 9, 1982	book end	base interlock cornered
1663432	Mar. 20, 1928	bookrack	base linear clutch
1891420	Dec. 20, 1932	book rack	base linear clutch
5121681	Jun. 16, 1992	extendible book shelf	base partition crossmember position stop
2537565	Jan. 9, 1951	book unit rack	base partition fixed
4595105	Jun. 17, 1986	interlocking bookrack	base partition fixed
4944413	Jul. 31, 1990	book support apparatus	base partition fixed
793364	Jun. 27, 1905	book & paper rack	base partition interlock
3300057	Jan. 24, 1967	shelf organizer	base partition interlock
386674	Jul. 24, 1888	paper or bill file	base partition position stop
423647	Mar 18, 1890	bill file	base partition position stop
451729	May 5, 1891	paper or bill file	base partition position stop
593758	Nov. 16, 1897	portable book rack	base partition position stop
1257528	Feb. 26, 1918	file rack	base partition position stop
1415110	May 9, 1922	file rack	base partition position stop
1562275	Nov. 7, 1925	book supporting device	base partition position stop
2658628	Nov. 10, 1953	adjustable shelf divider	base partition position stop
2845188	Jul. 29, 1958	shelf and divider unit	base partition position stop
4759449	Jul. 26, 1988	interlocking expandable bookrack	base partition position stop
5072835	Dec. 17, 1991	tape cartridge holder	base partition sliding
431373	Jul. 1, 1890	book and paper rack	base position stop
774984	Nov. 15, 1904	book support	base position stop
931362	Aug. 17, 1909	movable partition or book support	base position stop
1621410	Mar. 15, 1927	supporting rack	base position stop
3425565	Feb. 4, 1969	adjustable storage shelf dividing structure	base position stop
4410093	Oct. 18, 1983	device for organizing papers and files	base position stop
1401171	Dec. 27, 1921	binder rack	base position stop roller
1395825	Nov. 1, 1921	clamping device	base recoiling strap
1876346	Sep. 6, 1932	book ends	base recoiling strap
2096634	Oct. 19, 1937	book end	base recoiling strap
2284849	Jun. 2, 1942	book end	base recoiling strap
2738881	Mar. 20, 1956	display and storage holder	base recoiling strap
3399782	Sep. 3, 1968	book ends	base recoiling strap
4135626	Jan. 23, 1979	constant force spring expandable clasp holder	base recoiling strap
4463854	Aug. 7, 1984	book support assembly	base recoiling wire
4606465	Aug. 19, 1986	expansible spring-loaded retention clamp	base rolling strap
1704011	Mar. 5, 1929	book end	base scissor
2264086	Nov. 25, 1941	book support rack	base scissor
174262	Feb. 29, 1876	book rack	base sliding hinged
2264017	Nov. 25, 1941	bookrack	base sliding ratchet
2732082	Jan. 24, 1956	bookracks	base turning blocks
6354446	Mar. 12, 2002	space adjustable interlocking	crossmember partition interlock
758868	May 3, 1904	book support	crossmember partition position stop
3142384	Jul. 28, 1964	adjustable bookshelves/bookends	hanging channel partition sliding
3465896	Sep. 9, 1969	bookshelf and book support	hanging channel sliding
5871104	Feb. 16, 1999	adjustable support apparatus	hanging channel spring hinge
575832	Jan. 26, 1897	book support	hanging partition
2104864	Jan. 11, 1938	support for books and the like	hanging partition
560851	May 26, 1896	book support
481505	Aug. 23, 1892	book support	hanging partition position lever
3450268	Jun. 17, 1969	bookshelf divider & holder	hanging partition position lever
3889816	Jun. 17, 1975	book holder and separator	hanging partition position stop
2675922	Apr. 20, 1954	bookrack	hanging partition sliding
2953258	Sep. 20, 1960	detachable self wedging shelf divider	hanging partition sliding
3202298	Aug. 24, 1965	bookend	hanging partition sliding
5209357	May 11, 1993	hanging bookend device	hanging partition sliding
935560	Sep. 28, 1909	book support	hanging sliding
3489292	Jan. 13, 1970	book support	hanging sliding
5217122	Jun. 8, 1993	adjustable bookend apparatus	hanging sliding spring loaded
3784021	Jan. 8, 1974	bookrack	pivoting interlock
4782960	Nov. 8, 1988	divider with resilient base engagement	shelf channel partition sliding
436704	Sep. 16, 1890	book support	shelf channel positive lock
3121494	Feb. 18, 1964	book stop device	shelf crossmember intersliding
1506204	Aug. 26, 1924	library book support & index	shelf crossmember partition fixed
660264	Oct. 23, 1900	divisible shelf	shelf crossmember partition position stop
2688409	Sep. 7, 1954	adjustable partition for shelves	shelf crossmember partition sliding
3202290	Aug. 24, 1965	book care system	shelf individual depth alignment
5103987	Apr. 14, 1992	shelf engaging bookend
657847	Sep. 11, 1900	book case or rack	shelf partition position lever
712936	Nov. 4, 1902	book holder	shelf partition position stop
1508610	Sep. 16, 1924	shelving	shelf partition position stop
1675269	Sep. 13, 1923	book support	shelf partition position stop
2905336	Sep. 22, 1959	partition for filling cabinet rocker compartment	shelf partition position stop
3269558	Aug. 30, 1966	compartmented shelf device	shelf partition position stop
3905484	Sep. 16, 1975	flexible dividers for lateral shelf filling	shelf partition position stop
4858774	Aug. 22, 1989	shelving system	shelf partition position stop
5732832	Mar. 31, 1998	adjustable divider unit to support notebooks	shelf partition position stop
161293	Mar. 23, 1875	book support	shelf partition positive lock
575294	Jan. 12, 1897	book support & label holder	shelf partition sliding
679054	Jul. 23, 1901	shelf book support	shelf partition sliding
767037	Aug. 9, 1904	shelf book support	shelf partition sliding
1806642	May 26, 1931	bookstack	shelf partition sliding
2884139	Apr. 28, 1959	snap-on bin divider	shelf partition sliding
3285429	Nov. 15, 1966	shelf organizer	shelf partition sliding
3780876	Dec. 25, 1973	shelf divider	shelf partition sliding
4327838	May 4, 1982	clip-on book end	shelf partition sliding
5217124	Jun. 8, 1993	clip-on divider shelf device	shelf partition sliding
5275297	Jan. 4, 1994	clip-on book support and label holder	shelf partition sliding
2538908	Jan. 23, 1951	shelf divider	shelf partition sliding spring lock
903769	Nov. 10, 1908	book support and adjustable shelf partition	shelf partition thumbscrew lock
668961	Feb. 26, 1901	book rack	shelf scissor filler
608515	Aug. 22, 1898	book support	shelf scissor side filler
314437	Mar. 24, 1885	book holder	shelf side filler
348382	Aug. 31, 1886	book holder	shelf side filler
305863	Sep. 30, 1884	book suppport	shelf sliding
355511	Jan. 4, 1887	book support	shelf sliding
388674	Aug. 28, 1888	book support for shelves	shelf sliding
504233	Aug. 29, 1893	book support	shelf sliding
781890	Feb. 7, 1905	book supporter	shelf sliding
3601258	Aug. 24, 1971	bookend for shelves	shelf sliding
452673	May 19, 1891	book support	shelf sliding hinged linear clutch
202959	Apr. 30, 1878	book supports	standard bookend
502321	Aug. 1, 1893	adjustable shelf partition	standard bookend
850977	Apr. 23, 1907	book support	standard bookend
1370279	Mar. 1, 1921	folding book stop	standard bookend
1409136	Mar. 7, 1922	book end	standard bookend
1557419	Oct. 13, 1925	book end	standard bookend
1992487	Feb. 26, 1935	combined bookedn & picture frame	standard bookend
2031698	Feb. 25, 1936	book end	standard bookend
2334251	Nov. 16, 1943	book ends	standard bookend
2661568	Dec. 8, 1953	book holder	standard bookend
2767856	Oct. 23, 1956	book support	standard bookend
5036988	Aug. 6, 1991	bookend for metal shelves	standard bookend
6334539	Jun. 1, 2002	bendable bookend	standard bookend
1598467	Aug. 31, 1926	book support	standard bookend (Weeks)
3385450	May 28, 1968	bookend	standard bookend anti-tipping
2117667	May 17, 1938	book holder	standard bookend book holder
2117668	May 17, 1938	book holder	standard bookend book holder
1942456	Jan. 9, 1934	book holder	standard bookend book support
2151269	Mar. 21, 1939	display rack for books	standard bookend book support
2807369	Sep. 24, 1957	support for reading matter	standard bookend book support
1795526	Mar. 10, 1931	book support	standard bookend comered
1832884	Nov. 24, 1931	shelf follower and end support	standard bookend friction block
3235092	Feb. 15, 1966	book support	standard bookend friction block
1912229	May 30, 1933	book end	standard bookend hinged
186974	Feb. 6, 1877	book support	standard bookend interlocking partition
3604564	Jul. 8, 1969	book ends	standard bookend magnetic
1396910	Nov. 15, 1921	book frame and label holder	standard bookend shelf
3971556	Jul. 27, 1976	combination book end and dumbell apparatus	standard bookend weighted
314436	Mar. 24, 1885	book holder	wraparound rigid
1682053	Aug. 28, 1928	book support	wraparound weighted
	base	151	current patents
	shelf	41	no proprietary base
	hanging	16	linear clutch concept
	crossmember	2
	wraparound	2
	pivoting interlock	1
	standard bookend variation	28
		241

TABLE 3
Functional Descriptions
Description
base channel
base channel crossmember
base channel crossmember position stop
base channel dovetailed sliding spring loaded
base channel mechanical
base channel partition hinged stowed
base channel partition position stop
base channel partition sliding
base channel partition sliding positive lock
base channel position stop
base channel sliding
base channel sliding position stop
base channel sliding press release
base channel sliding spring loaded
base channel spring loaded
base channel thumbscrew lock
base coil
base crossmember
base crossmember fixed
base crossmember intersliding
base crossmember intersliding hinged
base crossmember intersliding spring loaded
base crossmember linear clutch
base crossmember partition fixed
base crossmember partition intersliding position stop
base crossmember partition linear clutch
base crossmember partition position stop
base crossmember partition positive lock
base crossmember partition sliding
base crossmember positive lock
base crossmember sliding
base crossmember sliding spring loaded
base fixed
base fixed hinged
base frictionless spring loaded
base interlock
base interlock cornered
base linear clutch
base partition crossmember position stop
base partition fixed
base partition interlock
base partition position stop
base partition sliding
base position stop
base position stop roller
base recoiling strap
base recoiling wire
base rolling strap
base scissor
base sliding hinged
base sliding ratchet
base turning blocks
crossmember partition interlock
crossmember partition position stop
hanging channel partition sliding
hanging channel sliding
hanging channel spring hinge
hanging partition
hanging partition position stop
hanging partition sliding
hanging sliding
hanging sliding spring loaded
pivoting interlock
shelf channel partition sliding
shelf crossmember intersliding
shelf crossmember partition fixed
shelf crossmember partition position stop
shelf crossmember partition sliding
shelf individual depth alignment
shelf linear cluctch
shelf partition position lever
shelf partition position stop
shelf partition sliding
shelf partition sliding spring lock
shelf partition thumbscrew lock
shelf scissor filler
shelf scissor side, filler
shelf side filler
shelf sliding
shelf sliding hinged linear clutch
standard bookend (Weeks)
standard bookend anti-tipping
standard bookend book support
standard bookend cornered
standard bookend friction block
standard bookend interlocking partition
standard bookend magnetic
standard bookend shelf
standard bookend weighted
wraparound rigid
wraparound weighted

TABLE 4
Functional Descriptors
Description	Echelon 1	Echelon 2	Echelon 3	Echelon 4	Echelon 5	Reference
base channel crossmember position stop	base	channel	crossmember	position stop		3160282
base channel dovetailed linear clutch			dovetailed	linear clutch		5205420
base channel dovetailed sliding spring loaded				sliding	spring loaded	1237101
base channel linear clutch			linear clutch			1358853
base channel mechanical			mechanical			1283259
base channel partition hinged stowed			partition	hinged	stowed	833887
base channel partition linear clutch				linear clutch		1489804
base channel partition position stop				position stop		2062802
base channel partition sliding positive lock				sliding	positive lock	3126892
base channel position stop			position stop			1780872
base channel sliding position stop			sliding	position stop		2222190
base channel sliding press release				press release		5325792
base channel sliding spring loaded				spring loaded		153227
base channel spring loaded			spring loaded			497993
base channel thumbscrew lock			thumbscrew lock			525186
base coil		coil				2076941
base crossmember fixed		crossmember	fixed			3318453
base crossmember intersliding hinged			intersliding	hinged		1022150
base crossmember intersliding spring loaded				spring loaded		2545844
base crossmember linear clutch			linear clutch			1660823
base crossmember partition fixed			partition	fixed		5074420
base crossmember partition intersliding position stop			intersliding	position stop	2504466
base crossmember partition linear clutch				linear clutch		1363138
base crossmember partition position stop				position stop		4099624
base crossmember partition positive lock				positive lock		2954878
base crossmember partition sliding				sliding		518573
base crossmember positive lock			positive lock			538500
base crossmember sliding spring loaded			sliding	spring loaded		2140656
base fixed hinged		fixed	hinged			158751
base frictionless spring loaded		frictionless	spring loaded			3389805
base interlock cornered		interlock	cornered			4358019
base linear clutch		linear clutch				1663432
base partition crossmember position stop		partition	crossmember	position stop		5121681
base partition fixed			fixed			2537565
base partition interlock			interlock			3300057
base partition position stop			position stop			423647
base partition sliding			sliding			5072835
base position stop roller		position stop	roller			1401171
base recoiling strap		recoiling	strap			1395825
base recoiling wire			wire			4463854
base rolling strap		rolling strap				4606465
base scissor		scissor				1704011
base sliding hinged		sliding	hinged			174262
base sliding ratchet			ratchet			2264017
base turning blocks		turning blocks				2732082
crossmember partition interlock	crossmember	partition	interlock			6354446
crossmember partition position stop			position stop			758868
hanging channel partition sliding	hanging	channel	partition	sliding		3142384
hanging channel sliding			sliding			3465896
hanging channel spring hinge			spring hinge			5871104
hanging partition linear clutch		partition	linear clutch			560851
hanging partition position stop			position stop			3889816
hanging partition sliding			sliding			2675922
hanging sliding spring loaded		sliding	spring loaded			5217122
plvoting interlock	pivoting interlock					3784021
shelf channel partition sliding	shelf	channel	partition	sliding		4782960
shelf crossmember intersliding		crossmember	intersliding			3121494
shelf crossmember partition fixed			partition	fixed		1506204
shelf crossmember partition position stop				position stop		660264
shelf crossmember partition sliding				sliding		1506204
shelf individual depth alignment		individual depth				3202290
shelf linear clutch		linear clutch				5103987
shelf partition position lever		partition	position lever			657847
shelf partition position stop			position stop			712936
shelf partition sliding spring lock			sliding	spring lock		767037
shelf partition thumbscrew lock			thumbscrew lock			903769
shelf scissor filler		scissor	filler			668961
shelf scissor side filler			side filler			608515
shelf side filler		side filler				314437
shelf sliding linear clutch hinged		sliding	linear clutch	hinged		305863
standard bookend	standard bookend	variation				202959
wraparound rigid	wraparound	rigid				314436
wraparound weighted		weighted				1682053
	base	45
	shelf	15
	hanging	7
	crossmember	2
	wraparound	2
	plvoting interlock	1
	standard bookend variation	1
		73

date	activity	OPR
26-Aug-03	completed first design and prototype	Rivers
2-Oct-03	disclosed invention (Reed Sawyer witness)	AIF
6-Oct-03	disclosure filed	USPTO
8-Oct-03	paid for preliminary appraisal	AIF
15-Oct-03	paid for preliminary search	Rivers
17-Oct-03	completed circular design	Rivers
10-Nov-03	received letter of expectation	AIF
13-Nov-03	completed preliminary search results	AIF
21-Nov-03	submitted initial description to AIF	Rivers
24-Nov-03	letter acknowledging initial submission	AIF
12-Dec-03	submitted additional description	Rivers
5-Jan-04	returned first draft of application	AIF
12-Jan-04	submitted review of draft application to AIF	Rivers
2-Feb-04	visited AIF & requested status	Rivers
6-Feb-04	AIF quoted $313.00 for changes	AIF
12-Feb-04	re-submitted review of draft application to AIF	Rivers
30-Mar-04	visited AIF & requested status	Rivers
31-Mar-04	received phone call from AIF	AIF
22-Apr-04	returned second draft of application	AIF

#	Nomenclature	Width	Height	Thickness	Depth	Diameter	Disclosure Nomenclature
10	Adjustable Width Bookend Construction						Tabletop Bookshelf
20	Bookend Member (left or right)						Bookend
21	Vertically Oriented Rear Wall Panel	4	8	¾			Back Plate
22	Vertically Oriented Side Wall	7¼	8	¾			End Plate
23	Inwardly Projecting Support Member					5/16	Peg, End Stop, Stop Post
24	Elongated Slot	¾	3¼	¾			Notch
30	Spanner Unit
31	Cross-Member		2½	¾			Cross-Member
32	End Cap Member						End Cap
33	End Plate	2½	4	¾
34	Lower Support Leg	1¼	¾	¾
35	Capture Arm	1¼	¾	¾
36	Inwardly Facing Groove				¼
40	Holding Block						Holding Block
41	Rear Block	7	2		1½
42	Base Mat	7		1/16	12		Base Mat
43	Attaching Member	7	¾		¾

	Patent	Date	Title	Concept
1	355511	Jan. 4, 1887	book support	base with shelf sliders
2	497993	May 23, 1893	automatic file holder	base channel linear clutch spring loaded
3	518573	Apr. 17, 1894	book rack	base crossmember with sliding partition
4	527897	Oct. 23, 1894	book support	base channel with spring linear clutch
5	583494	Jun. 1, 1897	book support	base channel
6	931362	Aug. 17, 1909	movable partition or book support	base position locks
7	945877	Jan. 11, 1910	desk book rack	base intersliding crossmember
8	1237101	Aug. 14, 1917	book holder	base channel dovetalled linear clutch spring loaded
9	1317550	Sep. 30, 1919	book rack	base intersliding crossmember
10	1336981	Apr. 13, 1920	book rack	base channel sliding friction
11	1363138	Dec. 21, 1920	bookrack	base crossmember with sliding lever lock
12	1379766	May 31, 1921	portable book holder	base with fixed sides
13	1675269	Sep. 13, 1923	book suppot	shelves with position lock partitions
14	1598467	Aug. 31, 1926	book support	standard bookend
15	1663432	Mar. 20, 1928	bookrack	base linear clutch
16	1674359	Jun. 19, 1928	filing device	base crossmember with linear clutch
17	1674582	Jun. 19, 1928	bookholder	base channel with spring-loaded slide
18	1682060	Aug. 28, 1928	adjustable book holder	base intersliding crossmember
19	1750575	Mar. 11, 1930	sectional desk accessory	base interlock
20	1750576	Mar. 11, 1930	desk distributor set	base interlock
21	1768379	Jun. 24, 1930	tag and tag holding device	base sliding plate
22	1772438	Aug. 5, 1930	office accessory	base interlock
23	1780872	Nov. 4, 1930	book rack or support	base channel with positive stops
24	1898533	Feb. 21, 1933	paper file	base channel
25	2032086	Feb. 25, 1936	combination lamp stand and book rack	base sliding plate spring loaded
26	2134606	Oct. 25, 1938	book rack	base crossmember with sliding partition
27	2140656	Dec. 20, 1938	book end construction	base crossmember sliding plates spring loaded
28	2206133	Jul. 2, 1940	book holder	base channel with linear clutch spring loaded
29	2264017	Nov. 25, 1941	bookrack	base ratchet lock
30	2294595	Sep. 1, 1942	adjustable book rack	base intersliding crosmembers
31	2545844	Mar. 20, 1951	automatically adjustable bookrack	base spring-loaded intersliding crossmember
32	2620929	Dec. 9, 1952	multipurpose book rack	base crossmember
33	2684765	Jul. 27, 1954	holder for books and the like	base channel with linear clutch
34	2911103	Nov. 3, 1959	device for supporting books	base spring-loaded channel
35	3063567	Nov. 13, 1962	book rack	base crossmember with linear clutch
36	3126892	Mar. 31, 1964	adjustable partition for files	base channel with friction slide partitions
37	3138262	Jun. 23, 1964	slotted bookshelf/support	base channel with linear clutch
38	3142384	Jul. 28, 1964	adjustable bookshelves/bookends	hanging channel with sliding partitions
39	3202298	Aug. 24, 1965	bookend	hanging channel with sliding partitions
40	3301407	Jan. 31, 1967	shelf dividers	base channel
41	3318454	May 9, 1967	shelf with adjustable bookends	base channel with crossmember
42	3389805	Jun. 25, 1968	self adjusting telescoping bookends	base spring-loaded slide
43	3425565	Feb. 4, 1969	adjustable storage shelf dividing structure	base positions lock
44	D241295	Sep. 7, 1976		base channel
45	4113108	Sep. 12, 1978	adjustable book holding device	base channel with sliding friction
46	4682696	Jul. 28, 1987	adjustable bookrack	base channel with thumbscrew lock
47	5103987	Apr. 14, 1992	shelf engaging bookend
48	5183163	Feb. 2, 1993	interlocking continuous base bookends	base interlock
49	5205420	Apr. 27, 1993	adjustable & self locking book rack/support	base channel dovetalled linear clutch
50	5228578	Jul. 20, 1993	adjustable book shelf	base crossmember with partitions
51	5325792	Jul. 5, 1994	bookshelf w/adjustable locking bookends	base channel with positive lock
52	5740926	Apr. 21, 1998	bookshelf w/adjustable locking bookends	base channel with thumbscrew lock
53	5871104	Feb. 16, 1999	adjustable support apparatus	channel and spring hinge
54	6352162	Mar. 5, 2002	interlocking bookends	base interlock
				current patents obtained from Denver Library
				current patents
				no proprietary base

Claims

1. An adjustable width bookend construction comprising a pair of mirror image bookend members each having at least one vertically disposed wall provided with a slot; a cross-member dimensioned to be slidably received in said slots in each of said bookend members; and, means associated with each of said bookend members for vertically supporting portions of said cross-member.

2. The construction as in claim 1; wherein, said bookend members each have a generally L-shaped configuration.

3. The construction as in claim 2; wherein, said bookend members each have a vertically oriented rear wall and a vertically oriented side wall.

4. The construction as in claim 3; wherein, said side walls are each provided with a slot.

5. The construction as in claim 4; wherein, said rear walls are each provided with an inwardly projecting support member.

6. The construction as in claim 5; wherein, said inwardly projecting support members support a spanner unit, wherein, said spanner unit comprises said cross-member and an optional pair of end cap members affixed on each of the opposite ends of said cross-member.

7. The construction as in claim 6; wherein, means for linearly clutching said cross-member comprises each of said vertically oriented rear walls laterally offset from each of said slots in said bookend members, wherein, the aft face of a portion of said cross-member contacts the inside forward edge of said vertically oriented rear wall, and the forward face of another portion of said cross-member contacts the forward edge of said slot.

8. The construction as in claim 7; wherein, means for linearly clutching said cross-member comprises each of said inwardly projecting support members laterally offset from each of said slots in said bookend members, wherein, the lower edge of a portion of said cross-member contacts said support member, and the upper edge of another portion of said cross-member contacts the upper edge of said slot.

9. The construction as in claim 8; wherein, means for freely assembling each of said bookend members to said cross-member comprise said inwardly projecting support member laterally offset from said vertically oriented side wall by a clearance slightly greater than the vertical dimension of said cross-member, and said slot is open.

10. The construction as in claim 6; wherein, optional means associated with said spanner unit for limiting travel of said bookend members along said cross-member comprise said end cap members.

11. The construction as in claim 10, wherein, each of said end cap members comprises an end plate, an optional support leg, and an optional capture arm.

12. The construction as in claim 11; wherein, each of said end plates includes a centerward facing vertical groove dimensioned to slidably receive said support leg, said capture arm, and one end of said cross-member.

13. The construction as in claim 12; wherein, said capture arm is positioned to rest affixed on said cross-member, said cross-member is positioned to rest affixed on said support leg, said support leg is positioned to rest freely on an elevated level surface, and said end plate rests freely on said elevated level surface.

14. The construction as in claim 13, wherein, the forward and aftward projections of said end plate, and the upward projection of said capture arm, each provide said means as limit stops at each of the opposite ends of said cross-member for each of said bookend members.

15. The construction as in claim 1; wherein, a spanner unit comprises said cross-member and an optional pair of end cap members affixed on each of the opposite ends of said cross-member.

16. The construction as in claim 15; wherein, optional means associated with said spanner unit for preventing lateral displacement of said bookend construction relative to and resting upon an elevated level surface comprise said pair of end cap members.

17. The construction as in claim 16, wherein, each of said end cap members comprises an end plate and an optional support leg.

18. The construction as in claim 17; wherein, each of said end plates includes a centerward facing vertical groove dimensioned to slidably receive one end of said cross-member and said support leg.

19. The construction as in claim 18; wherein, said cross-member is positioned to rest affixed on said support leg, and said support leg is positioned to rest freely on said elevated level surface.

20. The construction as in claim 19; wherein, said cross-member has a predetermined length whereby the centerward face of each of said end plates clears the edges of said elevated level surface, wherein, the lower edge of each of said end plates is elevated below said elevated level surface.

21. The construction as in claim 1; wherein, optional means for preventing aftward displacement of said bookend construction relative to a collection of books comprise at least one holding block assembly.

22. The construction as in claim 21; wherein, said holding block assembly comprises a thin base mat and a rear block, wherein, means for attaching said base mat to said rear block comprise an attaching element.

23. The construction as in claim 22; wherein, said base mats lie flat on a level surface, and said rear blocks abut aft faces of said bookend construction, wherein, means associated with said base mats to firmly position said holding block assemblies on said level surface utilize part of said collection of books as weights when said base mats are positioned between said bookend members, or utilize any weighted objects when said pair of bookend members are positioned between said base mats.

24. The construction as in claim 23; wherein, said attaching element comprises a rectangular plate, wherein, the aft edge of said base mat is tightly sandwiched between said rectangular plate and said rear block.