Modular Storage and Display System
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept relates to a versatile, modular storage and display system adaptable to various industries, including musical instruments, retail products, industrial equipment, libraries, and outdoor gear.
Background and Problem Solved
The original art rack with dowels patent addressed the limitations of traditional art storage racks, which were often pre-set in size, expensive, and damaging to artwork. However, this innovative concept extends the core technology to entirely new fields, solving the problem of inefficient storage and display in multiple industries.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The modular storage and display system consists of a base formed by two parallel base rails connected by base dowels. Storage dowels are inserted into the top apertures of the base rails, defining slots for holding various items such as musical instruments, retail products, industrial equipment, books, or outdoor gear. The system is customizable, allowing users to adjust the spacing and arrangement of the storage dowels to accommodate different sizes and types of items.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept introduces a novel application of the original art rack technology to diverse industries, providing a customizable and modular solution for storage and display. The new claims demonstrate a non-obvious extension of the original patent, as the combination of base rails, base dowels, and storage dowels is adapted to address unique challenges in each target industry.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the modular storage and display system could include adjustable base rails, interchangeable storage dowels, or integration with smart technology for inventory management. Variations of the system could be designed for specific industries, such as a compact version for small retail spaces or a heavy-duty version for industrial warehouses.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The modular storage and display system has significant commercial potential in multiple industries, including music, retail, industrial, libraries, and outdoor recreation. The system's versatility, customizability, and adaptability to different industries position it for widespread adoption and market growth.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Storage and display systems, mechanical design, modular shelving technologies with expertise in configurable storage solutions across multiple industries
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or industrial designer with experience in modular storage systems, familiar with adaptable shelving configurations, material selection, and cross-industry design principles
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the fundamental structural elements of the art rack - parallel base rails, top apertures, and storage dowels - represent a versatile framework easily adaptable to multiple storage contexts. The core mechanical principles demonstrated in the source patent provide a clear template for extending the design across different industries by simply modifying the dimensions, materials, or specific item constraints. The systematic approach of using base rails and dowels to create configurable storage slots represents a predictable engineering solution applicable to diverse storage challenges.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,090 |
|---|---|
| Title | Art rack with dowels |