DECORATIVE LINEN STORAGE APPARATUS AND METHODS OF USE

Abstract

A linen storage apparatus for storing linen material mounted to a wall and supported by a floor, having back plate affixed to the wall, back plate having a latch position proximate a first back plate end, a pair of arms having a first arm end and a second arm end, the pair of arms hingedly affixed to the back plate proximate a second back plate end and the first arm end of the pair of arms, wherein said pair of arms is configured to support the linen material when in an open position, a post having a first post end hingedly pinned between a second arm end of the pair of arms and a second post end configured to contact the floor when in an open/down position, and a resistance cord tethered between said back plate and said first post end to assist retraction to a closed decorative position.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to a decorative linen storage apparatus and methods of use thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to an un-foldable shelving assembly configured to support bedding next to a bed for quest use.

BACKGROUND

Various approaches have been utilized to stack and store bedding such as, closets, linen cupboard, wardrobe, night stands, benches, shelving, bagging, and under bed drawers to store bedding between uses. One disadvantage or drawback to these approaches is that, the enclosures take up valuable floor space with large foot prints. Another disadvantage or drawback to these approaches is the bedding is not in the open and presented to a user in a folded and sanitized manner enable the user to be assured this is a clean bedding.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a recognizable unmet need for a decorative linen storage apparatus and methods of use that may be configured to address at least some aspects of the problems discussed above common to hospitality industry and guest stay experiences.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, in an example embodiment, the present disclosure may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and may meet the recognized need for a decorative linen storage apparatus and methods of use, for storing a linen material (fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillow cases, pillows, blankets, towels, wash cloth, robe, comforters, and the like) mounted to a wall and supported by a floor, having a back plate affixed to the wall, the back plate having a latch position proximate a first back plate end, a pair of arms having a first arm end and a second arm end, the pair of arms hingedly affixed to the back plate proximate a second back plate end and the first arm end of the pair of arms, wherein said pair of arms is configured to support the linen material when in an open/down position, a post having a first post end hingedly pinned between a second arm end of the pair of arms and a second post end configured to contact the floor when in an open/down position, and a resistance cord tethered between said back plate and said first post end to assist retraction to an up/closed decorative position, and, thus, functions to reduced foot print storage options for linens and present linens to a user in a folded and sanitized manner enabling the user to be assured this is a clean and sanitary linens.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present disclosure the decorative linen storage apparatus and methods of use may provide a wall mounted retractable decorative linen material storage apparatus.

Accordingly, in another aspect, the present disclosure may include a variety of decorative scenes integrated therewith decorative linen storage apparatus and methods of use.

Accordingly, in another aspect, the present disclosure may include variety of biasing elements such as springs, spring hinges, and stretch cord may be utilized herein to provide retraction of the assembly.

Accordingly, in another aspect, the present disclosure may include any variety or count of mounting boards and support posts may be utilized herein.

Accordingly, in another aspect, the present disclosure may include any and all dimensional relationships, to include variations in size, material, shape, form, position, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

In an exemplary embodiment of the decorative linen storage apparatus may include a back plate affixed to the wall, the back plate having a latch receiver positioned proximate a top edge, a pair of uprights having a first upright end and a second upright end; the pair of uprights affixed to the back plate in spaced apart and proximate a side edge of the back plate, a pair of arms having a first arm end and a second arm end, the pair of arms hingedly affixed to the pair of uprights proximate the second upright end and the first arm end of the pair of arms, wherein the pair of arms is configured to support the linen material when in an unfolded position, and a post having a first post end hingedly affixed between the second arm end of the pair of arms and a second post end configured to contact the floor when in an unfolded position.

In another exemplary embodiment of the decorative linen storage apparatus may include a pair of uprights having a first upright end and a second upright end; the pair of uprights affixed to the wall in a spaced apart manner, a pair of arms having a first arm end and a second arm end, the pair of arms hingedly affixed to the pair of uprights proximate the second upright end and the first arm end of the pair of arms, wherein the pair of arms is configured to support the linen material when in an unfolded position, and a post having a first post end hingedly affixed between the second arm end of the pair of arms and a second post end configured to contact the floor when in an unfolded position.

In another exemplary embodiment of the decorative linen storage method may include the steps of providing a wall mounted and floor supported storage apparatus having a back plate affixed to the wall, the back plate having a latch receiver positioned proximate a top edge, a pair of uprights having a first upright end and a second upright end; the pair of uprights affixed to the back plate in spaced apart and proximate a side edge of the back plate, a pair of arms having a first arm end and a second arm end, the pair of arms hingedly affixed to the pair of uprights proximate the second upright end and the first arm end of the pair of arms, wherein the pair of arms is configured to support the linen material when in an unfolded position, a post having a first post end hingedly affixed between the second arm end of the pair of arms and a second post end configured to contact the floor when in an unfolded position, mounting the wall mounted and floor supported storage apparatus to the wall, unlatching the latch, unfolding the pair of arms and the post into a down position, and positioning the linen material on the pair of arms supported by the post.

A feature of the present disclosure may include its ability to retract or fold upright against the wall to minimize space or footprint needed while not in use into a decorative wall decoration.

A feature of the present disclosure may include to provide improvements in bedding storage adjacent to the bed.

A feature of the present disclosure may include once mounted to wall may have a dual use, such as in the “upright” position, it serves as a piece of artwork to enhance the décor of any room and to hold decorative bed pillows in the “down” position.

These and other features of the decorative linen storage apparatus and methods of use will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the prior Summary and following Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description of exemplary embodiments thereof, and Claims when read in light of the accompanying Drawings or Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present decorative linen storage apparatus and methods of use will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the decorative linen storage apparatus according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure, shown unfolded;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the decorative linen storage apparatus according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure, shown folding;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the decorative linen storage apparatus according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure, shown folded;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are exploded section views of decorative linen storage apparatus according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of decorative linen storage apparatus according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of decorative linen storage apparatus according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure shown unfolded with stacked linen material; and

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram depicting how decorative linen storage apparatus of FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 is preferably utilized.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 5, 6 and 7 specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an example embodiment of linen material or linen storage apparatus 10, according to this select embodiment. In this select embodiment, linen storage apparatus 10 may include back plate 11 having left and right side edges 11.1, 11.2 and top edge 11.3, and bottom edge 11.4 configured as a mounting surface for linen storage apparatus 10 and may be preferably dimensioned ⅛ inch thick by 10½ inch width×36 inch length preferably mounted on wall W 36 inches from the floor F. Back plate 11 may be releasably affixed to wall W by spaced apart pre-holes PH (drill two ⅛″ holes in back plate 10, 10″ down from top (centered) and bottom (centered)) for screws S (#10 wood screws and washer). Linen storage apparatus 10 may further include a pair of uprights 12A/12B configured to be releasably affixed thereto back plate 11 in a spaced apart manner or positioned vertically proximate side edges 11.1, 11.2 of back plate 11. Moreover, uprights 12A/12B may preferably be dimensioned ¾ inch thick by 3.5 inch width by 36 inch length having first upright end 12.1 and second upright end 12.2. Uprights 12A/12B may be releasably affixed to back plate 11 by spaced apart pre-holes PH for screws S (¾×#8 wood screws and washer) in sets of two, 2 inches apart horizontally and 12 inches apart vertically starting 1 inch in from side edges 11.1, 11.2 of back plate 11. Moreover, back plate 11 may include two pre-holes PH for screws S 10 inches down from top (centered) and 10 inches up from the bottom (centered) to mount back plate 11 to wall W.

Linen storage apparatus 10 may further include a pair of arms 14A/14B having first arm end 14.1 and second arm end 14.2 configured to be hingedly affixed thereto uprights 12A/12B. Moreover, arms 14A/14B may be in a spaced apart manner or positioned end to end, such as second upright end 12.2 of uprights 12A/12B may be positioned proximate first arm end 14.1 of arms 14A/14B with a pivot mechanism, shown in FIG. 4A, such as pair of hinges 22A/B (preferably 2 inch hinges) affixed therebetween to first arm end 14.1 of enable arms 14A/14B to pivot or rotate R thereabout second upright end 12.2 of uprights 12A/12B from an up, folded, or closed position shown in FIG. 3 to a down, open or unfolded position shown in FIG. 1. Moreover, arms 14A/14B may preferably be dimensioned ¾ inch thick by 3.5 inch width by 36 inch length.

Linen storage apparatus 10 may further include post 16 having first post end 16.1 and second post end 16.2 configured to be hingedly affixed thereto arms 14A/14B. Moreover, first post end 16.1 of post 16 may be positioned between arms 14A/14B in a spaced apart manner or positioned end to end, such as first post end 16.1 of post 16 may be positioned proximate second arm end 14.2 of arms 14A/14B with a pivot mechanism, shown in FIG. 4B, such as rod 24 affixed therebetween to enable first post end 16.1 of post 16 to pivot or rotate R thereabout second arm end 14.2 of arms 14A/14B from an up, folded, or closed position shown in FIG. 3 to a down, open or unfolded position shown in FIG. 1. Moreover, post 16 may preferably be dimensioned ¾ inch thick by 3.5 inch width by 36 inch length.

Assembly may be accomplished by drilling a 3/16 inch perpendicular drill hole DH 2″ deep centered ¾ inch down from top of second arm end 14.2 of arms 14A/14B. Drill same hole completely through first post end 16.1 of post 16. Next, glue 3/16″ rod 24 in second arm end 14.2 of arm 14A. Slide rod 24 through hole in first post end 16.1 of post 16. Glue rod 24 into in second arm end 14.2 of arm 14B. This should enable first post end 16.1 of post 16 to pivot freely between arms 14A/14B.

It is contemplated herein that back plate 11 may be eliminated and arms 14A/14B may be mounted thereto wall W.

Linen storage apparatus 10 may further include latch mechanism 20 having header 20.1 positioned and affixed proximate first upright end 12.1 of uprights 12A/12B. Moreover, header 20.1 may include latch receiver 20.2, shown in FIG. 4C, and latch pin 20.3, shown in FIG. 4B, may be positioned and affixed proximate first post end 16.1 of post 16, at a position that allows latch pin 20.3 to catch latch receiver 20.2 when linen storage apparatus 10 is in the upright position. In the latched position, and latch pin 20.3 may be secured therein lever latch 20.2 of header 20.1 as shown in FIG. 3 wherein post 16 may be positioned between and flush with arms 14A/14B. To affix latch mechanism 20 to first upright end 12.1 of uprights 12A/12B preferably use two 1¼ inch #8 wood screws (pre drill holes) down from top into top of uprights, first upright end 12.1 of uprights 12A/12B top face of post at position that allows latch pin to catch receiver in the upright folded position.

Referring now to FIG. 6, by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an example embodiment of linen storage apparatus 10 in use in a down, open or unfolded position shown in FIG. 1. With linen storage apparatus 10 in the “down” position, linen material LM, such as bed sheets, blanket, comforter, throws, pillows, pillow cases, towels and other like bedroom and or bathroom linens, may be positioned or stacked on arms 14A/14B for storage purposes until use. Moreover, a tie down, such as elastic cord tension system 30 may include elastic cord 31 having first cord end 31.1 and second cord end 31.2, wherein first cord end 31.1 may be affixed or tethered to cord catch 33. Cord catch 33 may be affixed to back plate 11 proximate second upright end 12.2 of uprights 12A/12B and between uprights 12A/12B. It is contemplated herein that cord catch 33 may include eyehook 33 to hook first cord end 31.1 and magnet 33 to hold close second post end 16.2 of post 16 when in the up or folded position via metal plate 34 affixed to backside of second post end 16.2 of post 16. Second cord end 31.2 may be affixed to cord clasp 33 and cord clasp 33 may be affixed proximate second arm end 14.2 of either arms 14A/14B. Elastic cord tension system 30 may be used to expand or retract over linen material LM to secure linen material LM to arms 14A/14B. In use, linen material LM may be placed between arms 14A/14B and elastic cord 31. The tension in the cord, which is determined by the amount of pillows placed on arms 14A/14B secures and keeps linen material LM from falling off arms 14A/14B to the floor F.

Once the linen material LM are placed back on the bed, take the slack out of the elastic cord 31 via cord clasp 33, fold arms 14A/14B back up to allow latch pin 20.3 to catch latch receiver 20.2. Linen storage apparatus 10 is now returned to the upright or up position or decorative up position wherein arms 14A/14B back and post 16 display a decorative surface, or other indicia I.

Furthermore, attachment device 40, such as first side of flush mount hanger 40.1 to front side of post 16 (centered) 3″ from top and a second side of flush mount hanger 40.2 to bottom front of post (centered) 3″ from bottom. Moreover, attach matching third side of flush mount hanger 40.3 and third side of flush mount hanger 40.4 to back side of 3/16 inch thick by 10½ inch wide by 34 inch length art work panel WP, or other indicia I thereto front of post 16. It is recognized herein that flush mount hangers 40.1, 40.2, 40.3, 40.4 may be utilized to interlock or receive each other to mount art work panel WP to post 16.

It is contemplated herein that attachment device 40 may include hook and loop, clasp, hook or other like attachment devices.

It is contemplated herein that linen storage apparatus 10 may be constructed of wood, particle board, or the like and of different dimensions. This and other materials herein may be constructed of metal, steel, aluminum, alloy, or plastic or more specifically high density polyethylene or similar high tensile or strengthened materials, as these material offers a variety of forms and shapes and provide strength; however, other suitable materials or the like, can be utilized, provided such material has sufficient strength and/or durability as would meet the purpose described herein to enable linen storage apparatus 10 to be unfolded, support linen material LM, and folded.

It is understood herein that various changes in the material used, shape, size, arrangement of parts, and parts are connected with bolts, pins, screws or similar fasteners or hinges or other rotating devices without departing from the spirit of the scope of the claims herein.

It is further understood herein that the parts and elements of this disclosure may be located or position elsewhere based on one of ordinary skill in the art without deviating from the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a flow diagram 700 of a method of storing linen material LM utilizing linen storage apparatus 10 to temporarily store linen material LM. In block or step 710, providing linen storage apparatus 10 having at least uprights 12A/12B, arms 14A/14B, and post 16, as described above in FIGS. 1-6. In block or step 715, mounting linen storage apparatus 10 approximately 36 inches above the floor F on wall W. In block or step 720, unlatching, unfolding linen storage apparatus 10 into a down position wherein post 16 contacts floor F and arms 14A/14B are approximately parallel to floor F. In block or step 725, positioning linen material LM on arms 14A/14B for temporary storage. In block or step 730, utilizing linen material LM or removing linen material LM from arms 14A/14B. In block or step 735, folding or swinging, arms 14A/14B, and post 16 into an up or folded position. In block or step 740, latching linen storage apparatus 10 up or folded position with art work panel, or other indicia I displayed thereon.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Moreover, the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A storage apparatus for linen material to be mounted to a wall and supported by a floor, said apparatus comprising: a back plate affixed to the wall, said back plate having a latch receiver positioned proximate a top edge;a pair of uprights having a first upright end and a second upright end; said pair of uprights affixed to said back plate in spaced apart and proximate a side edge of said back plate;a pair of arms having a first arm end and a second arm end, said pair of arms hingedly affixed to said pair of uprights proximate said second upright end and said first arm end of said pair of arms, wherein said pair of arms is configured to support the linen material when in an unfolded position; anda post having a first post end hingedly affixed between said second arm end of said pair of arms and a second post end configured to contact the floor when in said unfolded position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tie down tethered between a bottom edge of said back plate and said second arm end of one of said pair of arms to secure the linen material on said pair of arms.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said tie down is configured having an eyehook positioned proximate said bottom edge of said back plate to affix a first cord end and a cord clasp positioned proximate said second arm end of one of said pair of arms to affix a second cord end.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pair of arms is hingedly affixed to said pair of uprights by a pair of hinges.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first post end hingedly affixed between said second arm end of said pair of arms by a rod therebetween.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a latch mechanism having a header affixed to said first upright end of said pair of uprights.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said latch mechanism is configured having a latch receiver affixed to said header and a latch pin affixed to said first post end of said post.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pair of arms and said post having a decorative surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pair of arms and said post having a decorative surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a magnet is positioned on a second back plate end of said back plate and a metal plate affixed to a backside of said second post end of said post.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said post is configured with at least one hanger to receive an art work panel having a decorative surface.

12. A storage apparatus for linen material to be mounted to a wall and supported by a floor, said apparatus comprising: a pair of uprights having a first upright end and a second upright end; said pair of uprights affixed to the wall in a spaced apart manner;a pair of arms having a first arm end and a second arm end, said pair of arms hingedly affixed to said pair of uprights proximate said second upright end and said first arm end of said pair of arms, wherein said pair of arms is configured to support the linen material when in an unfolded position; anda post having a first post end hingedly affixed between said second arm end of said pair of arms and a second post end configured to contact the floor when in said unfolded position.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a tie down tethered between said second upright end of one of said pair of uprights and said second arm end of one of said pair of arms to secure the linen material on said pair of arms.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said tie down is configured having an eyehook positioned proximate between said second upright end of one of said pair of uprights to affix a first cord end and a cord clasp positioned proximate said second arm end of one of said pair of arms to affix a second cord end.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said pair of arms is hingedly affixed to said pair of uprights by a pair of hinges.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said first post end hingedly affixed between said second arm end of said pair of arms by a rod therebetween.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a latch mechanism having a header affixed to said first upright end of said pair of uprights.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said latch mechanism is configured having a latch receiver affixed to said header and a latch pin affixed to said first post end of said post.

19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said pair of arms and said post having a decorative surface.

20. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said pair of arms and said post having a decorative surface.

21. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein a magnet is positioned on the wall tethered between said second upright end of one of said pair of uprights and a metal plate affixed to a backside of said second post end of said post.

22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said post is configured with at least one hanger to receive an art work panel having a decorative surface.

23. A method of storing linen material, said method comprising the steps of; providing a wall mounted and a floor supported storage apparatus having a back plate affixed to the wall, said back plate having a latch receiver positioned proximate a top edge, a pair of uprights having a first upright end and a second upright end; said pair of uprights affixed to said back plate in spaced apart and proximate a side edge of said back plate, a pair of arms having a first arm end and a second arm end, said pair of arms hingedly affixed to said pair of uprights proximate said second upright end and said first arm end of said pair of arms, wherein said pair of arms is configured to support the linen material when in an unfolded position, a post having a first post end hingedly affixed between said second arm end of said pair of arms and a second post end configured to contact the floor when in said unfolded position; mounting said storage apparatus to said wall;unlatching said latch, unfolding said pair of arms and said post into a down position; andpositioning the linen material on said pair of arms supported by said post.

24. The method of claim 23, removing the linen material from said pair of arms supported by said post.

25. The method of claim 24, folding said pair of arms and said post into an up position.

26. The method of claim 25, latching said latch to hold said pair of arms and said post in a decorative up position.