Design Ideas v. Target - Complaint

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 1 of 43 E-FILED
Friday, 04 September, 2020 12:07:05 PM

Clerk, U.S. District Court, ILCD
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS
Design Ideas, Ltd.,
Plaintiff,
v.
JURY TRIAL DEMANDED
Target Corporation and
Shipt, Inc.,
Defendants.
COMPLAINT
I. NATURE OF THE ACTION
1. This Complaint arises under the patent laws of the United States, Title 35 of
the United States Code. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this
action under 35 U.S.C. § 271 et seq., 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338(a).
2. The claims arise out of Defendant’s actions regarding the sale and offer for
sale of expanded wire mesh containers that embody patents owned by Design
Ideas.
II. THE PARTIES
3. Plaintiff Design Ideas, Ltd. is an Illinois corporation with a principal place of
business at 2521 Stockyard Road, Springfield, Illinois. Design Ideas is in the
business of creating, making, and selling a range of unique housewares
1
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 2 of 43
products incorporating novel designs and structures protected by United
States patents.
4. Defendant Target Corporation (“Target”) is a Minnesota Corporation with a
principal place of business at 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis MN 55403.
Target is registered to do business in Illinois.
5. Defendant Shipt, Inc. (“Shipt”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Target that
owns and operates, on information and belief, an online same-day delivery
service platform for Target products. Shipt is a Minnesota Corporation that
is registered to do business in Illinois. Target and Shipt are referred to
collectively as “defendants”.
6. Target operates “big box” stores under the Target and “Super Target” names
in this State and District that sell or offer to sell the products that are alleged
to infringe Design Ideas’ patents.
7. Shipt contracts with “Shipt Shoppers” who are paid per order to pick products
from Target’s store and deliver them to consumers. A reasonable opportunity
for discovery is likely to show that Target stores are a place of business where
Shipt’s workers pick from inventory, process and fill orders, and takes returns
from the end consumers that Shipt delivers to, including the products accused
in this Complaint.
2
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 3 of 43
III. JURISDICTION AND VENUE

8. The Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendants because they have
continuous and systematic contacts with this State and do business in this
District.
9. Defendants conduct business in this District by importing, marketing, offering
for sale, and selling infringing products in this District.
10. Target has a store in this District at 3445 Freedom Drive, Springfield, IL
62704. Defendant has, on information and belief, additional store locations in
the Central District of Illinois including McLean and Peoria counties.
11. The accused products are expanded wire metal containers marketed under the
house brand “Made by Design” and are generally found in the category of
“metal bins.” A typical online search results page showing a variation of the
Target container is https://www.target.com/p/short-metal-sweater-bin-13-w-
x-13-d-x-6-25-h-made-by-design-153/-/A-
53222725?preselect=53177909#lnk=sametab. (Copy attached as Exhibit 1).
These containers and non-colorable variations thereof are the accused
products, including any SKUs that were sold prior to the complaint but
discontinued.
12. Defendant sells the infringing product at or from at least the Springfield, IL
Target store. On information and belief, the infringing products are available
3
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 4 of 43
by one or more of in store purchase, online order with pickup at the store,
delivery by Shipt from the store, and direct delivery by third party shipping to
consumers.
13. An image of a typical “Made by Design” wire mesh container is reproduced
below:
14. A collection of photographic images of various sizes of the container are
attached as Exhibit 2.
15. The Target containers include at least the following Made by Design products,
that a reasonable opportunity for discovery is likely to show have each been
sold within the unexpired term of one or more of the asserted in the Complaint:
4
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 5 of 43
Product Name Product SKU Color

1 Deep Metal Sweater Bin 002‐07‐1646 White
2 Medium Metal Bin 002‐07‐1647 White
3 Short Metal Sweater Bin 002‐07‐1648 White
4 Short Metal Bin 002‐07‐1649 White
5 Metal Shoe Bin 002‐07‐1650 White
6 Slim Metal Shoe Bin 002‐07‐1651 White
7 Large Metal Underbed Bin 002‐07‐1652 White
8 Deep Metal Sweater Bin 002‐07‐1653 Black
9 Medium Metal Bin 002‐07‐1654 Black
10 Medium Metal Bin 002‐07‐1655 Black
11 Short Metal Bin 002‐07‐1656 Black
12 Metal Shoe Bin 002‐07‐1657 Black
13 Slim Metal Shoe Bin 002‐07‐1658 Black
16. Customers ordering the infringing product from Target web site can designate
a Target store in this district as the pickup location, go to the store and pick
the product themselves, have the product picked for them and delivered by
5
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 6 of 43
Shipt, or order the product for delivery by commercial delivery. A reasonable
opportunity for discovery will show that customers have used at least one of
these options for at least one or more of the accused products.
17. Venue is proper under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b), (c), (d), and/or 1400(b) because
Defendants are subject to personal jurisdiction in this district, have committed
acts of patent infringement in this district, and have at least one place of
business in this district.
IV. BACKGROUND FACTS

18. Design Ideas is an innovator in the home goods industry.
19. A history of Design Ideas is available on the web at the URL
https://shop.designideas.net/our-story. (Physical disk with video attached as
Exhibit 3). Among Design Ideas’ innovations was the use of expanded wire
mesh for containers. Design Ideas’ expanded wire mesh containers combined
clever design with innovations around manufacturing a container with
smooth, high quality finished edges.
20. Design Ideas protected its innovations with multiple U.S. design and utility
patent applications. A partial list of Design Ideas patents that cover Design
Ideas branded products can be found at www.designideas.net/patents.
21. Other companies in the home goods industry quickly recognized the
superiority of the Design Ideas container. In 2006, Design Ideas contracted
6
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 7 of 43
with The Container Store (“TCS”) to exclusively supply expanded wire
mesh containers for TCS closet systems. A sample container for TCS is
shown below, from URL https://www.containerstore.com/s/platinum-elfa-
mesh-drawers/d?q=elfa+mesh&productId=10009304 (Exhibit 4).
22. Design Ideas began making the TCS container in 2003 and it has been
exclusively distributed in TCS stores under the brand name “Elfa” since.
23. The Design Ideas TCS container is marked with the following US patent
“virtual marking” notice, providing constructive notice of Design Ideas’
patent rights:
7
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 8 of 43
24. A reasonable opportunity for discovery is likely to show that Target had actual
knowledge of the Design Ideas patent portfolio directed to expanded wire
mesh containers.
25. Design Ideas has complied with the marking requirements of 35 U.S.C.
§287(a).
8
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 9 of 43
V. PATENT INFRINGEMENT CLAIMS
COUNT I - US PATENT NO. D804,821
26. Design Ideas is the owner with the exclusive right to sue infringers and
recover damages of U.S. Patent No. D804,821 (“D‘821 Patent”). A copy of
the ‘821 Patent is attached as Exhibit 5.
27. The ‘821 Patent duly issued on December 12, 2017 to Design Ideas.
28. The D’821 Patent claims the design substantially as shown in the patent,
which is illustrated for example by Figure 1:
D’821 Patent
29. At least the Target Metal Shoe Bin expanded wire mesh container shown
below infringes the D’821 Patent, because the design is substantially the same
9
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 10 of 43
as the ornamental design shown in the figures of the D’821 Patent. Exemplary
views of the Target container compared to the D’821 Patent are shown below:
Target Container – Metal Shoe Bin
Design Ideas D’821 Patent Target Metal Shoe Bin
10
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 11 of 43
See https://www.target.com/p/metal-shoe-bin-9-w-x-13-d-x-6-25-h-made-
by-design-153/-/A-53222728?preselect=53177918
30. These Target containers are sold under at least the Target SKUs 002-07-1650
(White) and 002-07-1657 (Black).
31. Defendants infringe by selling the Target containers in and from Target stores
in this district and throughout the United States, as well as offering the Target
containers on the Target website for sale, including by direct shipment to the
residents of this district and elsewhere in the jurisdiction of the United States,
or for pickup at Target locations in the United States.
32. A reasonable opportunity for discovery is likely to show that Target also sells
the Target containers for sale outside the United States, for export from one
or more locations in the United States.
notice of the D’821 Patent.
11
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 12 of 43
34. Design Ideas has been damaged by Target’s infringement, and is entitled to at
least the statutory remedy of an accounting and disgorgement of Target’s
profits from the sale of the Target containers.
35. The damage to Design Ideas is ongoing and irreparable, and Design Ideas is
entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to end Target’s
infringement.
COUNT II - PATENT NO. D632,080
recover damages of U.S. Patent No. D632,080 (“D’080 Patent”). A copy of
the ‘080 patent is attached as Exhibit 6.
37. The D’080 Patent duly issued on February 8, 2011 to Design Ideas.
D’080 Patent
12
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 13 of 43
39. At least the Target Short Metal Sweater Bin and Short Metal Bin expanded
wire mesh containers shown below infringe the D’080 Patent, because the
design is substantially the same as the ornamental design shown in the figures
of the D’080 Patent. Exemplary views of the Target containers compared to
the D’080 Patent are shown below:
Target container – Short Metal Sweater Bin
Design Ideas D’080 Patent Target Short Metal Sweater Bin
13
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 14 of 43
14
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 15 of 43
See https://www.target.com/p/short-metal-sweater-bin-13-w-x-13-d-x-6-25-h-
made-by-design-153/-/A-53222725?preselect=53177909.
Target container – Short Metal Bin
Design Ideas D’080 Patent Target Short Metal Bin
15
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 16 of 43
See https://www.target.com/p/short-metal-bin-11-w-x-11-d-x-5-25-h-made-
by-design-153/-/A-53222722?preselect=53177916.
40. These Target containers are sold under at least the Target SKUs 002-07-1648,
-1649, -1655, and -1656.
16
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 17 of 43
infringement.
COUNT III - US PATENT NO. D528,300

the D’300 Patent is attached as Exhibit 7.
47. The D’300 Patent duly issued on September 19, 2006 to Design Ideas.
D’300 Patent
17
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 18 of 43
49. At least the Target Slim Metal Shoe Bin expanded wire mesh container shown
as the ornamental design shown in the figures of the D’300 Patent. An
exemplary view of the Target containers compared to the D’300 Patent are
shown below:
Target container – Slim Metal Shoe Bin
Design Ideas D’300 Patent Slim Metal Shoe Bin
18
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 19 of 43
https://www.target.com/p/slim-metal-shoe-bin-6-25-w-x-12-75-d-x-6-25-h-
white-made-by-design-8482/-/A-53177920.
-1652, and -1658.
19
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 20 of 43
infringement.
COUNT IV - US PATENT NO. D582,161
57. The D’161 Patent duly issued on December 9, 2008 to Design Ideas.
D’161 Design Patent
20
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 21 of 43
59. At least the Target Metal Shoe Bin expanded wire mesh container shown
as the ornamental design shown in the figure of the D’161 Patent. An
exemplary view of the Target containers compared to the D’161 Patent are
shown below:
Target container – Metal Shoe Bin
Design Ideas D’161 Patent Metal Shoe Bin
21
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 22 of 43
(White) and -1657 (Black).
22
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 23 of 43
infringement.
COUNT V - US PATENT NO. D639,561
67. The D’561 Patent duly issued on June 14, 2011 to Design Ideas.
D‘561 Design Patent
23
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 24 of 43
69. At least the Target Metal Shoe Bin and Large Metal Underbed Bin expanded
wire mesh containers shown below infringe the D’561 Patent, because the
design is substantially the same as the ornamental design shown in the figures
of the D’561 Patent. An exemplary figure is compared to the Target container,
below:
24
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 25 of 43
(White) and -1657 (Black).
Target container – Large Metal Underbed Bin
Design Ideas D’561 Patent Target Large Metal Underbed Bin
25
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 26 of 43
See https://www.target.com/p/large-metal-underbed-bin-6-25w-x-12-75d-x-
25-75h-white-made-by-design-8482/-/A-53177925.
71. These Target containers are sold under at least the Target SKU 002-07-1652
26
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 27 of 43
infringement.
COUNT VI - US PATENT NO. D673,369
78. The D’369 Patent duly issued on January 1, 2013 to Design Ideas.
27
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 28 of 43

D’369 Patent
80. All of the Target expanded wire mesh containers accused in this complaint
(including at least SKUs 002-07-1646 thru -1658) infringe the D’369 Patent,
because all of them use a design substantially the same as the ornamental
design shown in the figures of the D’369 Patent, as shown below:
Target container – Deep Metal Sweater Bin
Design Ideas D’369 Patent Target Deep Metal Sweater Bin
28
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 29 of 43
Target container – Medium Metal Bin
Design Ideas D’369 Patent Target Medium Metal Bin
Target container – Short Metal Sweater Bin
Design Ideas D’369 Patent Target Short Metal Sweater Bin
Target container – Short Metal Bin
29
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 30 of 43
Design Ideas D’369 Patent Target Short Metal Bin
Target container – Slim Metal Shoe Bin
Design Ideas D’369 Patent Target Slim Metal Shoe Bin
Target container – Large Metal Underbed Bin
30
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 31 of 43
Design Ideas D’369 Patent Target Large Metal Underbed Bin
-1647, -1648, -1649, -1650, -1651, -1652, -1653, -1654, -1655, -1656, -1657,
and -1658.
31
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 32 of 43
infringement.
COUNT VII - PATENT NO. 7,428,976
recover damages of U.S. Patent No. 7,428,976 (“’976 Patent”). A copy of the
’976 Patent is attached as Exhibit 11.
88. The ’976 Patent duly issued on September 30, 2008 to Design Ideas.
89. Each of the Target expanded wire mesh containers shown in Exhibits 1 and 2,
including the Target containers sold under at least the Target SKUs 002-07-
1646, -1647, -1648, -1649, -1650, -1651, -1652, -1653, -1654, -1655, -1656,
-1657, and -1658, infringe the ‘976 Patent, because the Target container
practice each limitation of at least claim 1.
90. The Target container is a basket of metal mesh material.
91. The Target container has a bottom wall, upwardly extending first and second
spaced apart sidewalls, and upwardly extending third and fourth spaced apart
sidewalls.
32
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 33 of 43
92. The Target container has an upwardly extending opening.
93. The Target container’s first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls include an
outer surface.
94. The Target container’s sidewalls have an upper section that extends generally
horizontally outwardly away from the upwardly extending opening.
95. A picture of a cutaway view of the Target container shows the upper section.
In this view, the upper section is between the first, curved, and second sections
of a rail:
96. The Target container includes a rail, the rail has a first section, second section
and a curved section that defines an opening, annotated in the photograph
below:
33
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 34 of 43
97. The upper sections of the sidewalls that extend horizontally away from the
upwardly extending opening, are positioned in the opening defined by the rail.
98. The upper sections of the sidewalls in the Target container are compressed
within the opening defined by the rail.
99. The first and second sections of the rail are generally parallel.
100. The first and second sections of the rail horizontally extend outwardly away
from the upwardly extending opening.
101. A substantial portion of the rail extends generally horizontally away from said
upwardly-extending opening substantially outwardly from and substantially
continuously around said outer surface of the sidewalls of the basket.
34
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 35 of 43
102. A reasonable opportunity for discovery is likely to show that each limitation
of claim 1 finds a response in additional Target containers, and that additional
claims of the ’976 Patent are infringed.
103. Target’s infringement has damaged Design Ideas in an amount to be proven
at trial, but in no event less than a reasonable royalty.
infringement.
COUNT VIII - PATENT NO. 8,006,858
’858 Patent is attached as Exhibit 12.
106. The ’858 Patent duly issued on August 30, 2011 and is assigned to Design
Ideas.
1646, -1647, -1648, -1649, -1650, -1651, -1652, -1653, -1654, -1655, -1656,
-1657, and -1658, infringe the ‘858 Patent, because the Target container
108. The Target container has a pair of opposed sidewalls and a bottom wall.
35
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 36 of 43
109. The Target container has a first piece of metal mesh material bent to form a
bottom wall and of said pair of sidewalls that extend upwardly from the
bottom wall, with the bottom wall further including pair of spaced apart edges.
110. The Target container has second and third pieces of metal mesh material, each
formed separate from said first piece of mesh material, each of said second
and third pieces of mesh material joined to said bottom wall adjacent one of
said pair of spaced apart edges to form the other of said pair of opposed
sidewalls that extend upwardly from said bottom wall.
111. In the Target container, one of the pair of opposed sidewalls includes a central
sidewall portion having side edges, a pair of mesh extensions extending
respectively from the side edges of the central sidewall portion.
112. In the Target container, the sidewall mesh extensions overlap and join the
other pair of opposed sidewalls to form sidewall corners and a basket portion
of metal mesh material.
113. In the Target container, the basket portion further includes a free edge.
114. In the Target container, the container further includes a runner portion
comprising a rail having an opening that receives the free edge of the basket
portion.
36
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 37 of 43
infringement.
COUNT IV - PATENT NO. 8,584,889
‘889 patent is attached as Exhibit 13.
119. The ’889 Patent duly issued on November 19, 2013 and is assigned to Design
Ideas.
1646, -1647, -1648, -1649, -1650, -1651, -1652, -1653, -1654, -1655, -1656,
-1657, and -1658, infringe the ’889 Patent, because the Target container
121. The Target container has a basket portion that has a bottom wall.
37
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 38 of 43
122. The Target container has upwardly extending first and second pairs of
opposed sidewalls.
123. The Target container has upwardly extending opening.
124. The Target container has an upper section of the first and second pairs of
opposed sidewalls, that extend generally horizontally outwardly away from
said upwardly extending opening.
125. The Target container has a rail that has a first section, a second section, and a
joint section that compresses the first and second sections onto the upper
section of the first and second pairs of opposed sidewalls.
126. The Target container has a rail where the first and second sections of said rail
are generally parallel and horizontally extending outwardly away from said
upwardly extending opening.
of claim3 finds a response in additional Target containers, and that additional
infringement.
38
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 39 of 43
COUNT IX - PATENT NO. 10,524,569

recover damages of U.S. Patent No. 10,524,569 (“’569 Patent”). A copy of
the ’569 Patent is attached as Exhibit 14.
131. The ’569 Patent duly issued on January 7, 2020 and is assigned to Design
Ideas.
1646, -1647, -1648, -1649, -1650, -1651, -1652, -1653, -1654, -1655, -1656,
-1657, and -1658, infringe the ’569 Patent, because the Target container
133. The Target container has a basket of expanded metal mesh material that has a
bottom wall from which upwardly and angularly outwardly extends
substantially flat first and second spaced apart sidewalls and substantially flat
third and fourth spaced apart sidewalls, the sidewalls forming an upwardly
and outwardly extending opening, the sidewalls joined to a horizontally
extending upper section, the intersection of the sidewalls and the upper section
forming a substantially right-angled junction.
134. The Target container has a rail extending substantially horizontally from said
opening and including a first section, a second section, and a curved, U-shaped
39
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 40 of 43
connecting section joining said first and second sections to define an opening,
the first, second and connecting sections being of substantially the same
thickness.
135. The Target container has a rail extending substantially horizontally from the
opening in the basket and including a first section, a second section, and a
curved, U-shaped connecting section joining said first and second sections to
define an opening, the first, second and connecting sections being of
substantially the same thickness.
136. The basket upper section has a terminal portion positioned in the opening in
the rail, the first and second sections of the rail having first and second ends,
respectively, each of which extends over the junction;
137. The basket upper section is secured in the rail opening by compression of the
first and second sections of the rail so as not to be removable from the opening
in the rail.
138. The upper section of the basket portion and the rail horizontally extending
outwardly away from the upwardly-extending opening in the basket
substantially continuously around said first, second, third and fourth sidewalls
of the basket portion.
40
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 41 of 43
infringement.
JURY TRIAL DEMAND
Design Ideas requests a jury trial on all issues triable to a jury.
PRAYER FOR RELIEF

Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court find in its favor and against
Defendant, and that the Court grant Plaintiff the following relief:
Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court find in its favor and against
Defendant, and that the Court grant Plaintiff the following relief:
A. A judgment that the Defendant has infringed the asserted patents;
B. An order and judgment permanently enjoining the Defendant and its officers,
directors, agents, servants, employees, affiliates, attorneys, and all others
acting concert with them, and their parents, subsidiaries, divisions, successors
and assigns, from further acts of infringement of the asserted patents;
41
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 42 of 43
C. An order requiring Defendant to certify, every three months, that it is in
compliance with the injunction and detailing the steps it has taken to ensure
that the infringing products are not sold in its stores or on its digital platforms;
D. A judgment awarding Plaintiff all damages adequate to compensate for
Defendant’s infringement of the asserted patents, including the disgorgement
of total profits under 35 U.S.C. §289.
E. A judgment awarding Plaintiff all damages, costs, and interest, including
treble damages, based on any infringement found to be willful, under 35
U.S.C. § 284, with prejudgment interest.
F. An accounting of the Defendant’s profits.
G. A judgment declaring this case to be exceptional and awarding Plaintiff its
reasonable attorneys’ fees under 35 U.S.C. § 285; and
H. Awarding Plaintiff such other and further relief as this Court deems just and
proper.
Respectfully submitted,
September 4, 2020 /s/ Gregory C. Schodde

Christopher V. Carani
Gregory C. Schodde (CDIL-LR 11.2)
Philipp Ruben
MCANDREWS, HELD & MALLOY, LTD.
500 West Madison Street, 34th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60661
42
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 43 of 43
(312) 775-8000
CCarani@mcandrews-ip.com
GSchodde@mcandrews-ip.com
PRuben@mcandrews-ip.com
Attorneys for Plaintiff,

Design Ideas, Ltd.
43
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-1 Page 1 of 10 E-FILED
EXHIBIT 1
01213434 56789ÿ9 ÿ5 9#8ÿ1-1
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH ÿÿÿÿ2ÿof310
Page ÿÿ69ÿÿ ÿÿ!"ÿ#ÿ$ 8!9
vcpw]\6xny]6z\npcw]ÿ{ÿdpwce[|c\[ne6}o~~[]qÿ{ÿz\npcw]ÿ}o~]q
789:;ÿ=>;?@ÿ7A>?;>:ÿBCDÿEFGHÿIÿEFGJÿIÿKLMNGOÿPÿ=?Q>ÿBRÿJ>SCTDU
zZnrÿ\Z[qÿsnff]s\[ne zZnrÿcffÿck]ÿgÿ]q[we
VEWLWW
nefgÿc\ mh
`?D;C;R

X9@9:ÿYZ[\]
z]]ÿ\Z[qÿ[\]yÿ[eÿ
z]]ÿ[\ÿ[eÿgnopÿqrcs]
^CX_ÿ̀aÿ;9Q?Rÿc\ÿ?S;ÿ^>9:C? [stÿ[\ÿor
k[\ÿq\np]
defgÿhÿf]i\
j]ckgÿl[\Z[eÿmÿZnopqÿinpÿr[storÿ[eq[k]ÿ\Z]ÿq\np]u
699%#119 8!9&7'1%16789'9 98())3669' (!*2*311+,,040-8./9!90 1054444442+34/!775 10
01213434 56789ÿ9 ÿ5 9#8ÿ1-1
6789:ÿ<=>
?@ABÿD@EÿDBFGHBIEÿJKÿLMLLN :97:[ÿ7J
|T7Jÿ}7Yÿ~KT:
O:Jÿ7JÿP8ÿ8KKQÿP8ÿRRPSÿJKTPUÿV7JWÿXW7YJ
Z[::ÿV7JWÿS:S\:[8W7YÿK[ÿ]^_^^`K[T:[
:P[QÿSK[:
DBFGHBIÿJKÿLMLLN XW7Yÿ7J
|T7Jÿ}7Yÿ~KT:
O:Jÿ7Jÿ\Uÿa:TbÿX:YÿRcÿV7JWÿd[::ÿ8JPQTP[Tÿ8W7YY7QeÿKQÿ]fgÿK[T:[8
hiFEÿjkGljÿmGnkÿopqÿrIsBIj
[Uÿd[::ÿ[7:ÿYbÿKQ9Uÿ7QÿJW:ÿP[e:Jÿ6YY_
6TTÿJKÿ[:e78J[U
:9Yÿ8ÿ7SY[K:ÿJW78ÿYPe:
turvnÿnkGjÿGnBA
DBn@GFj XW7YY7Qeÿÿ:J[Q8 6
tnÿ@ÿwF@ixB
yinBwI@nBs
z@IIE
{@isFBj
{GwkFGwknj
699%#119 8!9&7'1%16789'9 98())3669' (!*2*311+,,040-8./9!90 1054444442+34/!775 310
01213434 56789ÿ9 ÿ5 9#8ÿ1-1
HIJKÿMJNO
6789:;<;ÿ<>;ÿ?;<
POQNJJMÿRSJTOUÿVNWXYZ[XUZJYÿRJSSO\UZJYÿTU]SOQÿ^]ÿ_MZS]ÿ̀OYQONTJYÿaÿbXQOÿ^]ÿcOTZWYd
efghefghefgÿcOOiÿjX^NZ\ÿPZYÿkZUI cOOiÿbOUXSÿHKOXUONÿPZYÿefgkÿr fqitÿuJ

lZQÿlZWIUmmm efgcÿrÿefg`ÿmmm
eno ns
peqmqq penmqq
vQQÿUJÿ\XNU RIJJTOÿJiUZJYT
@>A?ÿA<;8ÿA?ÿB;C<DE;FÿAG
699%#119 8!9&7'1%16789'9 98())3669' (!*2*311+,,040-8./9!90 1054444442+34/!775 10
01213434 56789ÿ9 ÿ5 9#8ÿ1-1
6789::;ÿ=>:?7@ÿA9BCDEFC@E:Dÿ=:>7G@E:Dÿ?@H>78ÿIHÿJ;E>HÿK7D879?:DÿLÿMC87ÿIH
N7?EBDO
PQRSTÿTVWÿXRYYWXTZR[
\]]^ÿ̀abcÿdeaf]gÿh]ibgjkbeèÿaclimjn]oÿpjgqÿgq]ÿr]ocaasÿteaf]gÿuclimjnigjamÿtaee]dgjamÿkcas
vio]ÿh`ÿw]fjlmxyÿzgè]oÿh`ÿ{|}~fÿsjèÿ{]mo]cfamÿgq]ÿdaee]dgjamÿjmdebo]fÿhagqÿkihcjd
fgacil
~j]pÿdaee]dgjam
WXRW[W
ZZYÿZTW zjsjeicÿjg]sf
ÿÿ ÿÿ
rcjlqgÿimoÿzjsêjfgjdÿr ]iojmlÿaaÿpjgqÿtan
699%#119 8!9&7'1%16789'9 98())3669' (!*2*311+,,040-8./9!90 1054444442+34/!775 210
01213434 56789ÿ9 ÿ5 9#8ÿ1-1
QRSTTÿUÿQVTSTT QcSTTÿUÿQdeeSee
WDXYHZ[ÿ]^G_GHÿ̀ZFaZb ]FZHYfYDEZXÿWDXYHZ[ÿgGZb
QVSTTÿUÿQhdTSTT QkSTTÿUÿQdeeSee
]FZHYfYDEZXÿWDXYHZ[ÿiYjYEb ]FZHYfYDEZXÿlGBfYjGÿWDXYHb
m^Daÿ_DFGÿnop
6789:;7<ÿ>;?<:@9A
QcRTSTT QVVSRT
BY_CXG^q_ZEÿroiÿgGsfb t_uFZÿvwZXÿxDDHFDaÿyb
BCDEBDFGH
I:7A9ÿJ89KLMAÿNÿJ7OK7PA
699%#119 8!9&7'1%16789'9 98())3669' (!*2*311+,,040-8./9!90 1054444442+34/!775 10
01213434 56789ÿ9 ÿ5 9#8ÿ1-1
678 CDD
CDDEÿGHIJKÿLMNHOOMPK
9:ÿ<=>?ÿ?>=@AB< :Qÿ?RSTUURAV>=@TA<
Qÿ<=>?< opq
9ÿ<=>?< r9q
pÿ<=>?< sq
:ÿ<=>?< sq
rÿ<=>? :q
9jt WM XYZP
T[=ÿT\ÿQ 9jt ]I ^JY_`
T[=ÿT\ÿQ 9ju a^JIM
T[=ÿT\ÿQ
b?@SR<cÿd?TUT=@TA<cÿ<=efR<ÿ>AVÿ>g>@f>h@f@=eÿU>eÿg>?eÿheÿ<=T?RÿiÿTAf@ARjÿkRRÿT[?ÿd?@SRÿU>=SlÿB[>?>A=RRkR
jÿ RÿlTvÿ>
<=T?Rÿ@<ÿSlT<RAÿ\T?ÿeT[j
mnHPXHLMK
<dTA<T?RV
699%#119 8!9&7'1%16789'9 98())3669' (!*2*311+,,040-8./9!90 1054444442+34/!775 10
01213434 56789ÿ9 ÿ5 9#8ÿ1-1
J79ÿ78K"ÿL8! MÿN.ÿÿJ79ÿ78K"ÿJO97'ÿJ79
+ &7978K&7'1P
Q8ÿ %%ÿ$7ÿ78Kÿ96ÿR7Oÿ$7ÿS1ÿR7Oÿ$6ÿJ79ÿ57O97ÿR7OÿTÿ$687O!6ÿ$7O!6ÿ$'ÿ$6ÿ 96
L.ÿLO8ÿU'%7ÿ ÿJ9ÿÿ4'%789 9ÿT7ÿL..8!ÿV89O ÿ+%%79'9ÿWXO9ÿ+ÿ+%%79'9ÿJ79
78K"ÿ38ÿS.9ÿY87. 7 ÿ49 97ÿ$ 9ÿ!8ÿ$%#ÿN ' 9ÿÿ4ÿJ778ZÿY8'O'ÿ77
V8Zÿ!6ÿS7 ÿÿÿ56 Zÿÿ..89ÿY8&ÿY79
[ÿV9ÿ(9
$6ÿJ79 8ÿ5978\ÿÿ$6ÿL8! M 97ÿU)%89
+ &79 8978&7'1P ]***^ÿ3*32
3ÿJO97'Mÿ_àbcdeÿ378ÿU18ÿ+8 ÿL.ÿR7O8ÿ7'ÿ567%ÿ_àbcdeÿ57O97ÿT7ÿU1ÿ+ÿ_fcggÿ5% &
ÿV 9ÿY799 ÿY871ÿWO9ÿ$7ÿ%ÿR7Oÿ59 ÿL8! MÿJO97'MÿR7O8ÿ5% &ÿ38ÿ56%%!ÿLÿh,i
j&7'%87'ÿ59ÿY8'8ÿJO97'ÿJ79ÿU)%89ÿ$%ÿ2ÿ4 ÿR7O8ÿN.ÿL8! Mÿ$%#ÿ8 8Z
&78 91ÿ K9Zÿ$7ÿ_àbcdeZÿ_àbcdeÿ&6Zÿ$8OKZÿY 9&ÿklmn
8 9!.78ÿ&79 8978&7'
4ÿÿW7719ÿWZÿJ6& !7Zÿ4N
[ÿV9ÿ(9
opÿÿopÿ_àbcdeÿkarÿÿopÿÿopÿ_àbcdeÿkar
+ 67%2&7'1 P
5 8&6ÿopÿÿopÿ_àbcdeÿkarÿ5 8&6ÿ2ÿ3ÿ8ÿO!ÿ5 1!ÿJ7'% 8ÿ$7%ÿ8 ÿsO 9ÿWO9ÿ567%
9ÿ ÿ$%#ÿ ZÿU&987&ZÿJ7'% 87ZÿV6&Zÿ$8 1
[ÿV9ÿ(9
L8! M8ÿ378ÿ_fcggÿJ79ÿÿL8! M8ÿ378ÿ_fcggÿJ79
+ !7%68&7'1(P
&718ÿL8! M8ÿ378ÿ_fcggÿJ79ÿ &87 ÿ96ÿ(ÿ5 8&6ÿ ÿ3ÿT7ÿ5 8&6ÿL8! M8ÿ378ÿ_fcgg
J79ÿV9ÿ2ÿN77KO%ÿ4'' 9ÿWO9ÿT7ÿsO&Kÿ+8ÿ$8O9ÿ57O8&ÿ3ÿW1 9ÿWO9ÿ78
4.78' 97
[ÿV9ÿ(9
tuvvÿxyvzÿ{v|}~ÿ@EA>HACEÿ=Iÿ>HC?Fÿ>ACEÿ=CDÿ===Aÿ=ÿ=>ÿÿH=ACÿ=CDÿ=Aÿ<=>?@AIHI
@ A>@E E H= >@
vÿ}|v|ÿxÿxzÿ|xzvÿv}|ÿ}{
}v|ÿ}
@H=E<@>EGCA@>@EAB=E@DÿDEÿ>=Hÿ?AEÿÿ=CÿHA>=Hxÿx|ÿuvÿÿxÿÿ ¡ÿ¢v~{v|ÿ£
6ÿ8ÿ9ÿ:;:;ÿ<=>?@AÿB>=CDEFÿGCHI
699%#119 8!9&7'1%16789'9 98())3669' (!*2*311+,,040-8./9!90 1054444442+34/!775 ,10
01213434 56789ÿ9 ÿ5 9#8ÿ1-1
699%#119 8!9&7'1%16789'9 98())3669' (!*2*311+,,040-8./9!90 1054444442+34/!775 *10
01213434 56789ÿ9 ÿ5 #981-1
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH ÿÿÿ
ÿÿ
Page ÿof
10 3ÿ
ÿ69ÿÿ ÿÿ!"ÿ#ÿ$ 8!9
10
699%#119 8!9&7'1%16789'9 98())3669' (!*2*311+,,040-8./9!90 1054444442+34/!775 010
EXHIBIT 2
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-2 Page 2 of 9
EXHIBIT 2
TARGET MADE BY DESIGN COLLECTION
1
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-2 Page 3 of 9
EXHIBIT 2
TARGET - SLIM METAL SHOE BIN

Slim Metal Shoe Bin 6.25"W X 13"D X 6.25"H - Made By Design™
Item Number: 002-07-1651 (white); 002-07-1658 (black)
Price: $7.00
https://www.target.com/p/slim-metal-shoe-bin-6-25-w-x-13-d-x-6-25-h-made-by-design-
153/-/A-53222736?preselect=53177923#lnk=sametab
2
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-2 Page 4 of 9
EXHIBIT 2
TARGET - METAL SHOE BIN

Metal Shoe Bin 9"W X 13"D X 6.25"H - Made By Design™
Price: $8.00
https://www.target.com/p/metal-shoe-bin-9-w-x-13-d-x-6-25-
h-made-by-design-153/-/A-
53222728?preselect=53177918#lnk=sametab
3
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-2 Page 5 of 9
EXHIBIT 2
TARGET - SHORT METAL BIN

Short Metal Bin 11"W X 11"D X 5.25"H - Made By Design™
Price: $8.00
https://www.target.com/p/short-metal-bin-11-w-x-11-d-x-5-
25-h-made-by-design-153/-/A-53222722
4
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-2 Page 6 of 9
EXHIBIT 2
TARGET - MEDIUM METAL BIN

Medium Metal Bin 11"W X 11"D X 11"H - Made By Design™
Item Number: 002-07-1647 (White); 002-07-1654 (Black)
Price: $10.00
https://www.target.com/p/medium-metal-bin-11-w-x-11-d-x-
11-h-made-by-design-153/-/A-53222726
5
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-2 Page 7 of 9
EXHIBIT 2
TARGET - SHORT METAL SWEATER BIN

Short Metal Sweater Bin 13"W X 13"D X 6.25"H - Made By Design™
Price: $10.00
https://www.target.com/p/short-metal-sweater-bin-13-w-x-
13-d-x-6-25-h-made-by-design-153/-/A-53222725
6
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-2 Page 8 of 9
EXHIBIT 2
TARGET - DEEP METAL SWEATER BIN

Deep Metal Sweater Bin 13"W X 13"D X 13"H - Made By Design™
Price: $12.00
https://www.target.com/p/deep-metal-sweater-bin-13-w-x-
13-d-x-13-h-made-by-design-153/-/A-53222719
7
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-2 Page 9 of 9
EXHIBIT 2
TARGET – LARGE METAL UNDERBED BIN
Two Tier Wire Mesh Shoe Rack - Made By Design™

Item Number: 002-07-1652
Price: $13.00
https://www.target.com/p/large-metal-
underbed-bin-6-25w-x-12-75d-x-25-75h-white-
made-by-design-153/-/A-53177925
8
EXHIBIT 3
A history of Design Ideas https://shop.designideas.net/our-story
(Physical disk with video filed with the court)

EXHIBIT 4
8/11/2020 Mesh Drawers
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-4- Platinum
PageElfa2Mesh
of 6Drawers | The Container Store
Design Your Space. From Your Space. | Try Free Virtual In-Home Closet Design ›
Your Search: elfa mesh / Home / Platinum Elfa Mesh Drawers
Platinum Elfa Mesh Drawers

( 270 Reviews ) Write a Review Q & A 26 questions | 35 answers
$18.00/ea. - $29.00/ea.
Available only at The Container Store, our Platinum Elfa
Mesh Drawers fit perfectly into the appropriate size
Platinum Elfa Drawer Frame to create an Elfa Mesh
Drawer Unit. The Medium width can also be use in an
Elfa Décor Drawer Frame. The tight mesh material and
closed corners of these drawers prevent smaller items
from falling though without the use of Drawer Liners.
Use them to store almost anything: clothing, linens,
office supplies, kitchen utensils, packaged foods or
toys.
Elfa Drawer Assembly Guide
• Exceptionally durable epoxy-bonded steel

construction
• Mesh provides visibility of the contents while

preventing small items from falling through
• Elfa Custom Drawer Planner
Elfa X-Narrow Mesh 1-Runner Platinum

SKU#: 10022526
9" x 20-3/4" x 3-1/4" h
$18.00
 This item is backordered and should be available for

shipping on Aug 25
 11 in-stock at Oak Brook

Check other stores
 Delivery fee: $15

See delivery details

SKU#: 10022527
9" x 20-3/4" x 7-1/4" h
$22.00
 Available for shipping

Cannot be expedited
See shipping options
https://www.containerstore.com/s/platinum-elfa-mesh-drawers/d?q=elfa+mesh&productId=10009304 1/5
PageElfa3Mesh
Check other stores


SKU#: 10022528
9" x 20-3/4" x 11-1/4" h
$26.00

Cannot be expedited

Check other stores

Elfa Narrow Mesh 1-Runner Platinum

SKU#: 10022530
12-7/8" x 20-3/4" x 3-1/4" h
$19.00


Check other stores


SKU#: 10022531
12-7/8" x 20-3/4" x 7-1/4" h
$23.00

Cannot be expedited

Check other stores

PageElfa4Mesh

SKU#: 10022532
12-7/8" x 20-3/4" x 11-1/4" h
$27.00

Cannot be expedited

Check other stores

Elfa Medium Mesh 1-Runner Platinum

SKU#: 10022533
16-7/8" x 20-3/4" x 3-1/4" h
$20.00


Check other stores


SKU#: 10022534
16-7/8" x 20-3/4" x 7-1/4" h
$24.00

Cannot be expedited

Check other stores

PageElfa5Mesh

SKU#: 10022535
16-7/8" x 20-3/4" x 11-1/4" h
$28.00

Cannot be expedited

Check other stores

Elfa Wide Mesh 1-Runner Platinum

SKU#: 10022536
20-3/4" x 20-3/4" x 3-1/4" h
$21.00


Check other stores


SKU#: 10022537
20-3/4" x 20-3/4" x 7-1/4" h
$25.00

Cannot be expedited

Check other stores

PageElfa6Mesh

SKU#: 10022538
20-3/4" x 20-3/4" x 11-1/4" h
$29.00

Cannot be expedited
 Orders placed online today should be available for pickup

on Sep 05 at Oak Brook
Check other stores

20-3/4" x 20-3/4" x 11-1/4" h
© 2020 The Container Store. Prices and availability are subject to change from the time and date you print this page 08/11/2020.
EXHIBIT 5
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-5 Page 2 of 8
111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
USOOD804821S
(12) United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.: US D804,821 S

Hardy et al. (45) Date of Patent: ** *Dec. 12,2017
(54) MESH BASKET CPC ......... A47G 19112; A47G 23/06; A47J 47114;
B62B 9/26
(75) Inventors: Christopher Hardy, Springfield, IL See application file for complete search history.
(US); R. Neal Post, Springfield, IL
(US) (56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
(73) Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd., Springfield, IL
(US) 71,881 A 12/1867 Howe et al.
171,032 A 12/1875 Meyers
( *) Notice: This patent is subject to a tenninal dis- (Continued)
claimer.
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(**) Term: 14 Years
FR 826876 411938
(21) Appl. No.: 29/415,564 GB 228338 2/1925
GB 730785 6/1955
(22) Filed: Mar. 12, 2012
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
U.S. App\. No. 29/327,206, filed Oct. 31, 2008, entitled "Mesh
Related U.S. Application Data Basket," as amended Apr. 4, 20ll.
(60) Continuation of application No. 29/392,514, filed on (Continued)
May 23, 2011, now Pat. No. Des. 657,563, which is
a continuation of application No. 29/382,706, filed on Primary Examiner - Eric Goodman
Jan. 6, 2011, now Pat. No. Des. 639,561, which is a Assistant Examiner - Bao-Yen Nguyen
continuation of application No. 29/327,999, filed on (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm - Saidman DesignLaw
Nov. 17, 2008, now Pat. No. Des. 632,080, which is Group, LLC
a continuation of application No. 29/267,535, filed on
Oct. 17,2006, now Pat. No. Des. 582,161, which is a (57) CLAIM
continuation of application No. 29/238,448, filed on
Sep. 15, 2005, now abandoned, which is a The ornamental design for a mesh basket, as shown and
continuation of application No. 29/226,571, filed on described.
Mar. 30, 2005, now abandoned, which is a
DESCRIPTION
(Continued)
(51) LOC (10) Cl. ............................................... 09-04 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mesh basket showing our
(52) U.S. Cl. new design;
USPC ........................................................... D3/306 FIG. 2 is a front view thereof, the rear view being identical
(58) Field of Classification Search thereto;
USPC ........... D3/304-315; D6/566-567, 525, 537, FIG. 3 is a left side view thereof, the right side view being
D6/540, 574, 572, 511; 206/202, 513, identical thereto;
206/557; 211/13.1, 41.3, 41.4,86.01, FIG. 4 is a top view thereof; and,
211/134, 126.1, 181.1; 248/302; FIG. 5 is a bottom view thereof.
220/485, 488 (Continued)
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-5 Page 3 of 8
US D804,821 S
Page 2
The broken lines illustrate portions of the mesh basket and 5,810,179 A 9/1998 Kleiman
form no part of the claimed design. D401,067 S 1111998 Hampshire
D405,268 S 2/1999 Apnes
D407,558 S 4/1999 Huguet et al.
1 Claim, 5 Drawing Sheets D416,165 S 1111999 Zemel
D419,302 S 112000 Hardy et al.
D426,956 S 6/2000 Lacyet al.
D431,907 S 10/2000 Andujar et al.
D433,709 S 1112000 Hardy
Related U.S. Application Data D433,711 S 1112000 Andujar
D434,074 S 1112000 Hardy
luI. 15,2004, now Pat. No. Des. 513,874, which is a D437,984 S 2/2001 Weiss et al.
division of application No. 291148,906, filed on Sep. D444,927 S 7/2001 Lin
28, 2001, now abandoned. D449,074 S 10/2001 Andujar
D450,481 S 1112001 Post
(56) References Cited D451,675 S 12/2001 Hardy et al.
D455,029 S 4/2002 Gusdorf
u.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS D458,429
6,461,501
S
Bl
6/2002
10/2002
Lenard
Porter
D471,713 S 3/2003 Speed
201,959 A * 411878 Stockwell et al. ............ 220/485
D474,603 S 5/2003 Berenguer
297,382 A 411885 Golding
D475,854 S 6/2003 Caponey
463,964 A 1111891 Gates
D476,155 S 6/2003 Post et al.
887,097 A 511908 Kimber
D498,375 S 1112004 Post et al.
920,313 A 511909 Franklin
D504,017 S 4/2005 Zimmerman
1,098,053 A 511914 Porter
D513,874 S * 112006 Hardy et al. ................... D3/306
1,282,094 A * 1011918 Lindner ........................ 220/485
6,988,654 B2 112006 Wnek
1,382,592 A 611921 Ames
D516,814 S * 3/2006 Post et al. D3/306
1,384,755 A 711921 Hall
D528,300 S * 9/2006 Hardy et al. D3/306
1,408,026 A 211922 Ochiltree
7,428,976 B2 * 9/2008 Cheng et al. ................. 220/642
1,445,259 A 211923 Wiselogel
D582,161 S 12/2008 Hardy et al.
1,463,098 A 711923 Snyder
D632,080 S 2/2011 Hardy et al.
RE16,431 E 911926 Kratzer
D634,122 S 3/2011 Goodman et al.
1,660,410 A 211928 Beckman
D636,998 S 5/2011 Post et al.
1,890,983 A 1211932 Griffith
D639,561 S 6/2011 Hardy et al
2,408,082 A 911946 Mack
D677,056 S * 3/2013 Hu ..................... D3/306
2,443,319 A 611948 Mack
2005/0077299 Al * 4/2005 Cheng et al. ................. 220/485
D152,140 S 1211948 Crawford et al.
2005/0205578 Al * 9/2005 Yeh ............................... 220/485
D152,141 S 1211948 Crawford et al.
2,502,781 A 411950 Erickson
2,768,022 A 1011956 Pope OTHER PUBLICATIONS
D182,349 S 311958 Alvord
D189,544 S 111961 Harris Design Ideas catalog 1995, cover page and p. 24.
D189,550 S 111961 Alvord Miller's Office Products catalog 1995, p. 442, Wire Mesh Desk
DI94,513 S 211963 Sparling Accessories (item c).
3,120,323 A 211964 Sparling Miller's Office Products catalog 1997, p. 453, Mesh Desk Acces-
3,186,586 A * 611965 Box 206/511 sories.
0204,314 S 411966 Bright
3,935,958 A 211976 Frangos Miller's Office Products catalog 1998, p. 475, Wire Mesh Desk
0251,480 S 411979 Cherry Accessories.
4,205,406 A 611980 Wangkeo et al. Design Ideas catalog 1998, cover page and pp. 61, 66-67.
4,339,048 A 711982 McMillen et al. Hong Kong Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 1126, Mesh Basket, #SM 500
0267,395 S 1211982 Groenewold et al. in center of page.
0276,401 S 1111984 Daenen et al. Hong Kong Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 98, Mesh Basket, #NH-ll
0298,403 S 1111988 Hagberg et al. bottom of page.
D323,296 S 111992 Schoenthaler Four digital photos of drawers of the elfa® closet system sold by
D326,552 S 511992 Goodell The Container Store®, offered for sale before Sep. 28, 2000.
D328,993 S 911992 Rosenthal The Container Store, The Ultimate Planning Guide, revised 1999,
5,279,443 A 111994 Koda et al.
cover page and pp. 16 and 19, X Narrow 3-Runner Drawer.
D360,531 S 711995 Griffith
The Container Store, The Ultimate Planning Guide, revised Nov.
D360,898 S 811995 Huerto et al.
D372,583 S 811996 Brightbill 2001, cover page and pp. 20-21 and 34 and back page, X Narrow
D373,039 S 811996 Cohen et al. 3-Runner Drawer.
D383,283 S 911997 Hankins, III
D387,981 S 1211997 Mosior et al. * cited by examiner
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-5 Page 4 of 8
u.s. Patent Dec. 12, 2017

Sheet 1 of 5
US D804,821 S
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-5 Page 5 of 8
u.s. Patent Dec. 12, 2017 Sheet 2 of 5 US D804,821 S
~~$j
0<:>-,*,"$5
95?5 ~3?Jj
:0
§;
5§;
QQ
I a5
z,<::~~
~~ ~
z,<::
g ~-
z,<::~&
>'';::'; 8:
~
~
x::;;
~
8:
~~~8:
~
?8 ;g
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-5 Page 6 of 8

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-5 Page 7 of 8

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-5 Page 8 of 8

EXHIBIT 6
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-6 Page 2 of 7
111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 11111111111
USOOD632080S

Hardy et al. (45) Date of Patent: ** Feb. 8, 2011
(54) MESH BASKET FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(75) Inventors: Christopher Hardy, Springfield, IL FR 826876 4/1938

(US); R. Neal Post, Springfield, IL (US)
(73) Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd., Springfield, IL (US)

(Continued)
(**) Term: 14 Years
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(21) Appl. No.: 29/327,999
Design Ideas catalog 1995, cover page and p. 24.
(22) Filed: Nov. 17, 2008
(Continued)
Related U.S. Application Data
Primary Examiner-T. Chase Nelson
(60) Continuation of application No. 29/267,535, filed on Assistant Examiner-Eric L Goodman
Oct. 17,2006, now Pat. No. Des. 582,161, which is a (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-SAIDMAN DesignLaw
continuation of application No. 29/238,448, filed on Group
Sep. 15,2005, now abandoned, which is a continuation
of application No. 29/226,571, filed on Mar. 30, 2005, (57) CLAIM
now abandoned, which is a continuation of application
No. 29/209,367, filed on luI. 15,2004, now Pat. No. The ornamental design for a mesh basket, as shown and
Des. 513,874, which is a division of application No.
described.
291148,906, filed on Sep. 28, 2001, now abandoned.
(51) LOC (9) Cl. .................................................. 03-01

(52) U.S. Cl. ....................................................... D3/306 DESCRIPTION
(58) Field of Classification Search . ... ... ... ..... ..... D3/20,
D3/201-202, 203.1, 203.3, 205-206, 273, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mesh basket showing our new
D3/276,304-315; D6/475-476,525; D19/75, design;
D19/77, 86, 90, 92, 100; 206/203,214,215,
206/822,307.1; 229/100,915,406; D12/425 FIG. 2 is a front view thereof, the rear view being substan-
See application file for complete search history. tially identical thereto;
(56) References Cited FIG. 3 is a side view thereof, both sides being substantially
identical;
FIG. 4 is a top view thereof; and,
71,881 A 1211867 Howe et al.
FIG. 5 is a bottom view thereof.
171,032 A 1211875 Meyers
201,959 A 411878 Stockwell et al. The broken line showing of an upper portion of the front and
297,382 A 411885 Golding rear walls of the mesh basket and a lower portion of the mesh
463,964 A 1111891 Gates
basket is for environmental purposes only and forms no part
887,097 A 511908 Kimber
920,313 A 511909 Franklin of the claimed design.
(Continued) 1 Claim, 4 Drawing Sheets

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-6 Page 3 of 7
US D632,080 S
Page 2
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS D431,907 S 10/2000 Andujar et al.

D433,709 S 1112000 Hardy
1,098,053 A 511914 Porter D433,711 S 1112000 Andujar
1,382,592 A 611921 Ames D434,074 S 1112000 Hardy
1,384,755 A 711921 Hall D444,927 S 7/2001 Lin
1,408,026 A 211922 Ochiltree D449,074 S 10/2001 Andujar
1,445,259 A 211923 Wiselogel D450,481 S 1112001 Post
1,463,098 A 711923 Snyder D451,675 S 12/2001 Hardy et al.
RE16,431 E 911926 Kratzer D455,029 S 4/2002 Gusdorf
1,660,410 A 211928 Beckman D458,429 S 6/2002 Lenard
1,890,983 A 1211932 Griffith 6,461,501 Bl 10/2002 Porter
2,408,082 A 911946 Mack D471,713 S 3/2003 Speed
2,443,319 A 611948 Mack D474,603 S 5/2003 Berenguer
D152,140 S 1211948 Crawford et al. D475,854 S 6/2003 Caponey
D152,141 S 1211948 Crawford et al. D476,155 S * 6/2003 Post et al. .................... D3/306
2,502,781 A 411950 Erickson D498,375 S * 1112004 Post et al. .................... D6/51O
D182,349 S 311958 Alvord D504,017 S 4/2005 Zimmerman
D189,544 S 111961 Harris D513,874 S 112006 Hardy et al.
D189,550 S 111961 Alvord 6,988,654 B2 112006 Wnek
DI94,513 S 211963 Sparling D528,300 S 9/2006 Hardy et al.
3,120,323 A 211964 Sparling D582,161 S * 12/2008 Hardy et al . ................. D3/306
0204,314 S 411966 Bright
3,935,958 A 211976 Frangos FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
0251,480 S 411979 Cherry
GB 228338 2/1925
4,205,406 A 611980 Wangokeo et al.
GB 730785 6/1955
4,339,048 A 711982 McMillen et al.
0267,395 S 1211982 Groenewold et al. OTHER PUBLICATIONS
0276,401 S 1111984 Daenen et al.
2,768,022 A 1011986 Pope Miller's Office Products catalog 1995, p. 442, Wire Mesh Desk
D326,552 S 511992 Goodell Accessories (item c).
D328,993 S 911992 Rosenthal Miller's Office Products catalog 1998, p. 475, Wire Mesh Desk
5,279,443 A 111994 Koda et al. Accessories.
D360,531 S 711995 Griffith Design Ideas catalog 1998, cover page and pp. 61, 66-67.
D360,898 S 811995 Huerto et al. Hong Kong Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 1126, mesh basket, #SM 500 in
D372,583 S 811996 Brightbill center of page.
D373,039 S 811996 Cohen et al. Hong Kong Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 98, mesh basket, #NH-ll,
D383,283 S 911997 Hankins, III bottom of page.
D387,981 S 1211997 Mosior et al. Four digital photos of drawers ofthe elfa® closet system sold by The
5,810,179 A 911998 Kleiman Container Store®. Offered for sale before Sep. 28, 2000.
D405,268 S 211999 Apenes The Container Store, The Ultimate Planning Guide, revised 1999,
D407,558 S 411999 Huguet et al. pages cover, 16 and 19 (X Narrow 3-Runner Drawer).
D416,165 S 1111999 Zemel
2001, pages cover, 20, 21, 34 and back (X Narrow 3 Runner Drawer).
D419,302 S 112000 Hardyet al.
D426,956 S 6/2000 Lacy et al. * cited by examiner
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-6 Page 4 of 7
u.s. Patent Feb. 8,2011 Sheet 1 of 4 US D632,080 S

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-6 Page 5 of 7

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-6 Page 6 of 7

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-6 Page 7 of 7

EXHIBIT 7
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-7 Page 2 of 4
111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 11111111111
USOOD528300S

Hardy et al. (45) Date of Patent: ** Sep. 19,2006
(54) PORTION OF A MESH BASKET FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(75) Inventors: Christopher Hardy, Springfield, IL FR 826876 4/1938

GB 228338 2/1925
(US); R. Neal Post, Springfield, IL
GB 730785 6/1955
(US)
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(73) Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd., Springfield, IL
(US) Design Ideas catalog 1995, cover page and p. 24.
Miller's Office Products catalog 1995, p. 442, Wire Mesh
(**) Tenn: 14 Years Desk Accessories (item c).
Miller's Office Products catalog 1998, p. 475, Wire Mesh
(21) Appl. No.: 291238,910 Desk Accessories.
Design Ideas catalog 1998, cover page and pp. 61, 66-67.
(22) Filed: Sep. 22, 2005 Hong Kong Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 1126, mesh basket,
#SM 500 in center of page.
Related U.S. Application Data Hong Kong Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 98, mesh basket,
#NH-ll, bottom of page.
(60) Continuation of application No. 291209,367, filed on Jul. 15,
2004, now Pat. No. Des. 513,874, which is a division of Four digital photos of drawers of the elfa® closet system
application No. 291148,906, filed on Sep. 28, 2001, now sold by The Container Store®. Offered for sale before Sep.
abandoned. 28,2000.
(51) LOC (8) Cl. .................................................... 03-01 The Container Store, The Ultimate Planning Guide, revised
1999, pp. cover, 16 and 19 (X Narrow 3-Runner Drawer).
(52) U.S. Cl. .......................................... D3/306; D3/314
The Container Store, The Ultimate Planning Guide, revised
(58) Field of Classification Search .......... D3/304-315;
Nov. 2001, pp. cover, 20, 21, 34 and back (X Narrow 3
D6/566, 567, 525, 537, 540, 574, 572, 511;
Runner Drawer).
206/202,513,557; 211/13.1, 41.3, 41.4,
211/86.01,88.01,134,126.1, 181.1; 248/302; Primary Examiner-Louis S. Zarfas
220/485, 488 Assistant Examiner-lohn Windmuller
See application file for complete search history. (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-SAIDMAN DesignLaw
Group
(56) References Cited
(57) CLAIM
The ornamental design for a portion of a mesh basket, as
71,881 A 1211867 Howe et aI. shown and described.
171,032 A 1211875 Meyers
201,959 A 411878 Stockwell et al. DESCRIPTION
297,382 A 411884 Golding
463,964 A 1111891 Gates The sole drawing FIGURE is a perspective view of a portion
887,097 A 511908 Kimber of a mesh basket showing our new design.
920,313 A 511909 Franklin The broken line showing of an upper portion of the front and
1,098,053 A 511914 Porter rear walls of the mesh basket and a lower portion of the front
1,382,592 A 611921 Ames and side walls of the mesh basket is for illustrative purposes
1,384,755 A 711921 Hall only and fonns no part of the claimed design.
1,408,026 A 211922 Ochiltree
(Continued) 1 Claim, 1 Drawing Sheet

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-7 Page 3 of 4
US D528,300 S
Page 2
u.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS 0276,401 S * 1111984 Daenen et al. ............... D7/602

D328,993 S 9/1992 Rosenthal
1,445,259 A 211923 Wiselogel D360,531 S 7/1995 Griffith
1,463,098 A 711923 Snyder D373,039 S 8/1996 Cohen et al.
RE16,431 E 911926 Kratzer D383,283 S 9/1997 Hankins, III
1,660,410 A 211928 Beckman D387,981 S * 12/1997 Mosior et al. ............... D9/418
1,890,983 A 1211932 Griffith 5,810,179 A 9/1998 Kleiman
2,408,082 A 911946 Mack D407,558 S 4/1999 Huguet et al.
2,443,319 A 611948 Mack D416,165 S 1111999 Zemel
D152,140 S 1211948 Crawford et al. D419,302 S 112000 Hardy et al.
D152,141 S 1211948 Crawford et al. D426,956 S * 6/2000 Lacyet al. .................. D3/306
2,502,781 A 411950 Erickson D431,907 S 1012000 Andujar et al.
2,768,022 A 1011956 Pope D433,709 S 1112000 Hardy
D182,349 S 311958 Alvord D433,711 S 1112000 Andujar
D189,544 S 111961 Harris D434,074 S 1112000 Hardy
D189,550 S 111961 Alvord D444,927 S * 7/2001 Lin ............................. D32/37
DI94,513 S 211963 Sparling D450,481 S 1112001 Post
3,120,323 A 211964 Sparling D451,675 S 12/2001 Hardy et al.
0204,314 S 411966 Bright D455,029 S 4/2002 Gusdorf
3,935,958 A 211976 Frangos D458,429 S * 6/2002 Lenard ......................... D34/1
4,205,406 A 611980 Wangkeo et al. 6,461,501 Bl 1012002 Porter
4,339,048 A 711982 McMillen et al.
0267,395 S 1211982 Groenewold et al. * cited by examiner
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-7 Page 4 of 4
Sep.19,2006
us D528,300 S
u.s. Patent
\1
EXHIBIT 8
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-8 Page 2 of 4
111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
USOOD582161S

Hardy et al. (45) Date of Patent: ** Dec. 9, 2008
(54) PORTION OF A MESH BASKET RE16,431 E 9/1926 Kratzer

1,660,410 A 2/1928 Beckman
(75) Inventors: Christopher Hardy, Springfield, IL 1,890,983 A 12/1932 Griffith
(US); R. Neal Post, Springfield, IL (US) 2,408,082 A 9/1946 Mack
(73) Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd., Springfield, IL (US) 2,443,319 A 6/1948 Mack
D152,140 S 12/1948 Crawford et al.
(**) Term: 14 Years D152,141 S 12/1948 Crawford et al.
2,502,781 A 4/1950 Erickson
(21) Appl. No.: 291267,535 2,768,022 A 10/1956 Pope
D182,349 S 3/1958 Alvord
(22) Filed: Oct. 17, 2006 D189,544 S 111961 Harris
D189,550 S 111961 Alvord
Sep. 15,2005, now abandoned, which is a continuation
of application No. 29/226,571, filed on Mar. 30, 2005,
now abandoned, which is a division of application No. FR 826876 4/1938
29/209,367, filed on luI. 15,2004, now Pat. No. Des.
513,874, which is a division of application No. 291148, (Continued)
906, filed on Sep. 28, 2001, now abandoned.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(51) LOC (8) Cl. .................................................. 03-01
Design Ideas catalog 1995, cover page and p. 24.
(52) U.S. Cl. ....................................................... D3/306
(58) Field of Classification Search . ... ... ... ..... ..... D3/20, (Continued)
D3/201-202, 203.1, 203.3, 205-206, 273,
Primary Examiner-Louis S Zarfas
D3/276,304-315; D6/475-476,525; D19/75,
Assistant Examiner-Eric L Goodman
D19/77, 86, 90, 92, 100; 206/203,214,215,
206/822,307.1; 229/100,915,406; D12/425 (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-SAIDMAN DesignLaw
See application file for complete search history. Group
(56) References Cited (57) CLAIM
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS The ornamental design for a portion of a mesh basket, as
71,881 A 1211867 Howe eta!. shown and described.
171,032 A 1211875 Meyers
201,959 A 411878 Stockwell et a!. DESCRIPTION
297,382 A 411884 Golding
463,964 A 1111891 Gates The sole FIGURE is a perspective view of a portion of a mesh
887,097 A 511908 Kimber basket showing our new design.
920,313 A 511909 Franklin The broken line showing of an upper portion of the front and
1,098,053 A 511914 Porter
1,382,592 A rear walls of the mesh basket and a lower portion of the mesh
611921 Ames
1,384,755 A 711921 Hall basket is for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the
1,408,026 A 211922 Ochiltree claimed design.
1,445,259 A 211923 Wiselogel
1,463,098 A 711923 Snyder 1 Claim, 1 Drawing Sheet
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-8 Page 3 of 4
US D582,161 S
Page 2
u.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS D455,029 S 4/2002 Gusdorf

D458,429 S 6/2002 Lenard
DI94,513 S 211963 Sparling 6,461,501 Bl 10/2002 Porter
3,120,323 A 211964 Sparling D471,713 S * 3/2003 Speed ......................... D3/307
0204,314 S 411966 Bright D474,603 S * 5/2003 Berenguer ................... D3/307
3,935,958 A 211976 Frangos D475,854 S * 6/2003 Caponey ...................... D3/314
D251,480 S * 411979 Cherry ........................ D3/314 D504,017 S * 4/2005 Zimmerman ................. D3/309
4,205,406 A 611980 Wangokeo et al. D513,874 S 112006 Hardy et al.
4,339,048 A 711982 McMillen et al. 6,988,654 B2 * 112006 Wnek ......................... 229/406
0267,395 S 1211982 Groenewold et al. D528,300 S 9/2006 Hardy et al.
0276,401 S 1111984 Daenen et al.
D326,552 S * 511992 Goodell ....................... D3/312 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
D328,993 S 911992 Rosenthal
5,279,443 A * 111994 Koda et al ................... 220/769 GB 228338 2/1925
D360,531 S 711995 Griffith GB 730785 6/1955
D360,898 S * 811995 Huerto et al. ................ D19/90
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
D372,583 S * 811996 Brightbill .................... D3/314
D373,039 S 811996 Cohen et al. Miller's Office Products catalog 1995, p. 442, Wire Mesh Desk
D383,283 S 911997 Hankins, III Accessories (item c).
D387,981 S 1211997 Mosior et al. Miller's Office Products catalog 1998, p. 475, Wire Mesh Desk
5,810,179 A 911998 Kleiman Accessories.
D405,268 S * 211999 Apenes ........................ D3/309 Design Ideas catalog 1998, cover page and pp. 61, 66-67.
D407,558 S 411999 Huguet et al. Hong Kong Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 1126, mesh basket, #SM 500 in
D416,165 S 1111999 Zemel center of page.
D419,302 S 112000 Hardyet al. Hong Kong Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 98, mesh basket, #NH-ll,
D426,956 S 6/2000 Lacy et al. bottom of page.
D431,907 S * 10/2000 Andujar et al. .............. D3/306 Four digital photos of drawers of the elta® closet system sold by The
D433,709 S 1112000 Hardy Container Store®. Offered for sale before Sep. 28, 2000.
D433,711 S 1112000 Andujar The Container Store, The Ultimate Planning Guide, revised 1999,
D434,074 S 1112000 Hardy pages cover, 16 and 19 (X Narrow 3-Runner Drawer).
D444,927 S 7/2001 Lin The Container Store, The Ultimate Planning Guide, revised Nov.
D449,074 S * 10/2001 Andujar ....................... D19/75 2001, pages cover, 20, 21, 34 and back (X Narrow 3 Runner Drawer).
D450,481 S 1112001 Post
D451,675 S 12/2001 Hardyet al. * cited by examiner
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-8 Page 4 of 4
u.s. Patent Dec. 9, 2008

US D582,161 S
EXHIBIT 9
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-9 Page 2 of 6
111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
USOOD639561S

Hardy et al. (45) Date of Patent: ** Jun. 14,2011
(54) MESH BASKET 201,959 A * 4/1878 Stockwell et al ............. 220/485

463,964 A * 1111891 Gates ............................. 22019.1
(75) Inventors: Christopher Hardy, Springfield, IL 1,445,259 A * 2/1923 Wiselogel ..................... 220/491
D407,558 S * 4/1999 Huguet et al. . ................ D3/314
(US); R. Neal Post, Springfield, IL (US) D416,165 S * 1111999 Zemel ............................ D7/3 59
D433,709 S * 1112000 Hardy ............................ D19/75
(73) Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd., Springfield, IL (US) D433,711 S * 1112000 Andujar ......................... D19/78
D434,074 S * 1112000 Hardy ............................ D19/75
(**) Term: 14 Years D450,481 S * 1112001 Post ............................... D6/465
D451,675 S * 1212001 Hardy et al .................... D3/306
(21) Appl. No.: 29/382,706
D476,155 S * 6/2003 Post et al. ...................... D3/306
D498,375 S * 1112004 Post et al. ...................... D6/510
D513,874 S * 112006 Hardy et al .................... D3/306
(22) Filed: Jan. 6,2011 D528,300 S * 912006 Hardy et al .................... D3/306
D582,161 S * 1212008 Hardy et al .................... D3/306
Related U.S. Application Data D632,080 S * 212011 Hardy et al .................... D3/306
(60) Continuation of application No. 29/327,999, filed on * cited by examiner

Nov. 17,2008, now Pat. No. Des. 632,080, which is a
Primary Examiner - T. Chase Nelson
Assistant Examiner - Eric L Goodman
Oct. 17,2006, now Pat. No. Des. 582,161, which is a
continuation of application No. 29/238,448, filed on (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm - SAIDMAN DesignLaw
Sep. 15,2005, now abandoned, which is a continuation Group
of application No. 29/226,571, filed on Mar. 30, 2005,
now abandoned, which is a continuation of application (57) CLAIM
No. 29/209,367, filed on luI. 15,2004, now Pat. No. The ornamental design for a mesh basket, as shown and
Des. 513,874, which is a division of application No. described.
291148,906, filed on Sep. 28, 2001, now abandoned.
(51) LOC (9) Cl. .................................................. 03-01 DESCRIPTION
(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................................ D3/306
(58) Field of Classification Search . ... ... ... ..... ... ... D3/20, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mesh basket showing our new
D3/201-202, 203.1, 203.3, 205-206, 273, design;
D3/276,304-315; D6/475-476,525; D19/75, FIG. 2 is a front view thereof, the rear view being identical
D19/77, 86, 90, 92, 100; 206/203,214,215, thereto;
206/822,307.1; 229/100,915,406; D12/425 FIG. 3 is a left side view thereof, the right side view being
See application file for complete search history. identical thereto;
FIG. 4 is a top view thereof; and,
(56) References Cited FIG. 5 is a bottom view thereof.
The broken lines illustrate portions of the mesh basket and
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS form no part of the claimed design.
71,881 A * 1211867 Howe et al. ................... 220/485
171,032 A * 1211875 Meyers ......................... 220/759 1 Claim, 4 Drawing Sheets
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-9 Page 3 of 6
u.s. Patent Jun. 14,2011 Sheet 1 of 4 US D639,561 S
.,....
.La.:~•
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-9 Page 4 of 6

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-9 Page 5 of 6

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-9 Page 6 of 6
S 19S'6£9G sa noz 'f'I ·uur

EXHIBIT 10
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-10 Page 2 of 9
111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
USOOD673369S

Post et al. (45) Date of Patent: ** *Jan.l,2013
(54) HANDLE FOR MESH BASKET (56) References Cited
(75) Inventors: R. Neal Post, Springfield, IL (US); U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

Christopher Hardy, Springfield, IL 297,382 A 4/1884 Golding
(US) (Continued)
(73) Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd., Springfield, IL (US) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
GB 228338 2/1925
(*) Notice: This patent is subject to a tenninal dis-
claimer. (Continued)
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(**) Term: 14 Years
(21) Appl. No.: 29/417,074 2001.
(Continued)
(22) Filed: Mar. 29, 2012
Primary Examiner - Eric Goodman
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm - SAIDMAN DesignLaw
(60) Continuation of application No. 29/388,154, filed on Group
Mar. 24, 2011, now Pat. No. Des. 658,881, which is a (57) CLAIM
continuation of application No. 29/375,897, filed on The ornamental design for a handle for mesh basket, as shown
Sep. 29, 2010, now Pat. No. Des. 636,998, which is a and described.
DESCRIPTION
Jun. 25, 2008, now Pat. No. Des. 624,753, which is a
continuation of application No. 29/307,556, filed on FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a handle for mesh basket
Apr. 25, 2008, now Pat. No. Des. 653,063, which is a showing our new design;
continuation of application No. 29/238,378, filed on FIG. 2 is a front view thereof;
Sep. 14,2005, now Pat. No. Des. 567,553, which is a FIG. 3 is a left side view thereof, the right side being a mirror
division of application No. 29/216,533, filed on Nov. image;
4, 2004, now abandoned, which is a division of FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment
application No. 291190,480, filed on Sep. 22, 2003, thereof;
now Pat. No. Des. 501,105, which is a division of FIG. 5 is a front view thereof;
application No. 291176,610, filed on Feb. 27, 2003, FIG. 6 is a left side view thereof, the right side being a mirror
now Pat. No. Des. 481,233, which is a image;
continuation-in-part of application No. 291148,906, FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment
filed on Sep. 28, 2001, now abandoned. thereof;
(51) LOC (9) Cl. . ... ... ... ..... ... ... ... ... ..... ... ... ... ... ...... 03-01 FIG. 8 is a front view thereof; and,
(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................................ D3/306 FIG. 9 is a left side view thereof, the right side being a mirror
(58) Field of Classification Search . ... ... ... ..... ... ... D3/20, image.
D3/201-202, 203.1, 203.3, 205-206, 273, The broken line showing of structural lines is included for the
purpose of illustrating non-claimed subject matter and forms
D3/276,304-315; D6/475-476,525; D19/75,
no part of the claimed design. The dash-dot broken lines
D19/77, 86, 90, 92, 100; 206/203,214,215, represent an artificial boundary and fonn no part of the
206/822,307.1; 229/100,915-915,406; claimed design.
D12/425
See application file for complete search history. 1 Claim, 6 Drawing Sheets
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-10 Page 3 of 9
US D673,369 S
Page 2
u.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS D432,752 S 10/2000 Andujar et al.

D434,074 S 1112000 Hardy
887,097 A 511908 Kimber D436,239 S 112001 Walsh
893,786 A 711908 Collins et al. D436,461 S 112001 Walker
1,098,053 A 511914 Porter D436,466 S 112001 Luong et al.
RE16,431 E 911926 Kratzer D438,402 S 3/2001 Walsh
D152,141 S 1211948 Crawford et al. D445,281 S 7/2001 Tsong-Yow
2,502,781 A 411950 Erickson D450,481 S 1112001 Post
2,825,481 A 311958 Glenny D453,027 S 112002 Andujar
D182,349 S 411958 Alvord D455,029 S 4/2002 Gusdorf
2,905,519 A 911959 O'Neil
D460,848 S 7/2002 Tzeng
D189,544 S 111961 Harris D462,543 S 912002 Childers
D189,550 S 111961 Alvord D465,947 S 1112002 Andersen et al.
DI94,513 S 211963 Sparling D481,233 S 1012003 Post et al.
0204,314 S 411966 Bright 6,718,635 B2 4/2004 Cheng et al.
0207,308 S 411967 Bell D498,375 S * 1112004 Post et al. ...................... D6/510
0227,964 S 711973 Propst D501,105 S 112005 Post et al.
3,868,123 A 211975 Berg et al. D513,874 S 112006 Hardy et al.
0267,395 S 1211982 Groenewold et al. D514,318 S 212006 Post et al.
4,509,805 A 411985 Welsch et al. D624,753 S * 1012010 Post et al. ...................... D3/306
D300,488 S 411989 Yoshikawa D636,998 S * 5/20 II Post et al. ...................... D3/306
D303,444 S 911989 Yoshikawa D657,562 S * 4/2012 McNamara .................... D3/304
D328,993 S 911992 Rosenthal D658,881 S * 5/2012 Post et al. ...................... D3/306
D329,556 S 911992 Brussing 2003/0102315 Al 6/2003 Cheng et al.
D329,765 S 911992 Ackley et al. 2005/0077299 Al 4/2005 Cheng et al.
D330,813 S 1111992 Spitzer et al.
D340,369 S 1011993 Dokoupil et al. FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
D341,459 S 1111993 Yang
D360,531 S 711995 Griffith TW 086202707 2/1998
D365,226 S 1211995 Goebel OTHER PUBLICATIONS
D370,144 S 511996 Insalaco et al.
D373,039 S 811996 Cohen et al. The Container Store Catalog, Elfa Drawer Units, 1999, pp.
5,605,344 A 211997 Insalaco et al. 4,5,8,10,16,17, and3!.
5,673,984 A 1011997 Insalaco et al. Design Ideas Catalogue, 1995, pp. cover page, 24, 26, 27, and 29.
5,685,442 A 1111997 Yoshino et al. Design Ideas Holiday Catalogue, 1997, pp. cover page, 62, and 63.
5,810,179 A 911998 Kleiman HK Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 98, Item NH-l!.
D408,175 S 411999 Daniels et al. U.S. Appl. No. 29/327,206, filed Oct. 31, 2008, entitled "Mesh Bas-
D409,866 S 511999 West ket".
D4ll,045 S 611999 Morandi U.S. Appl. No. 29/388,154, filed Mar. 24, 20ll, entitled "Handle for
D418,998 S 112000 Glassenberg Mesh Basket".
6,032,965 A 3/2000 Sabounjian
D430,375 S 8/2000 Tezak * cited by examiner
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-10 Page 4 of 9
u.s. Patent Jao.l,2013 Sheet 1 of 6 US D673,369 S
,,
·lj~~!lmm:%;,~~~ .
(!)
u..
,, ,,
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-10 Page 5 of 9
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-10 Page 6 of 9
.0
"
~
; ~
::
<
< ~
-
:. <
::E
~
~
c.9
~
LL
.
-
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-10 Page 7 of 9
FIG.5
:~,~~~~:.¢},<~)))~~.~~~~~.~~~.~~~,~~~~~~~:~~~,~'~'~1:?':.~.~,~.~.~).~~~.~));~~.~~~.~:~;.6r.~.~)"~.~,~.~.~,~:,~"~,~"~.6~~,~~~,~.~"~.~)"~)"~~6,~"6)"~.;,~.~.~.~.6"6.~¥.:~.~.~"~.~¥.~.~.~,~.6).6,~"~.~P.~)~.~.~.~).~).~~6).6)"~.~,~.¢.~).6.t.~.~.~.~.6.t¥.~,~),~.~).~,6"~.6,~.6.~~
t';"~'::~~"~'\~~~"~~\~?;"~'~?';?~)~'~??l~),:;PP?,\:;,~P:;\:;.~":;:~~~~?~":;.~~~YY::P?,\:;~;P.~,~?~P;~P.:;?":;~:;~:;??~P.~Px:;. :;x:;.:;P?,~?YP}':;?':;":;:~~':;'-~":;'~??7.:;.:;.:;P?P?PP?,:;?7~'C.~?X:;":;X:;':;P?,~P:PY,:;P?":;.:;~:;.:;7.;':;'~??7.:;?':;P?P?PP?,:;BS~
FIG.6
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-10 Page 8 of 9
(9
LL
,,
-~"
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-10 Page 9 of 9
FIG.8
FIG.9
EXHIBIT 11
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 2 of 39
111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
US007428976B2
(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7,428,976 B2

Cheng et al. (45) Date of Patent: Sep.30,2008
(54) METHOD FOR MAKING MESH (56) References Cited

CONTAINERS WITH A RAIL AND MESH U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
CONTAINER FORMED THEREFROM
171,032 A 12/1875 Meyers
(75) Inventors: Hsi-Ming Cheng, Chung-Hua Hsien
(TW); R. Neal Post, Springfield, IL
(US); Christopher Hardy, Springfield, (Continued)
IL (US)
(73) Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd., Springfield, IL (US)
DE 1083999 611960
( *) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.c. 154(b) by 152 days. (Continued)
(21) Appl. No.: 11/000,295 OTHER PUBLICATIONS

Millers Office Products, p. 442, 1995.
(22) Filed: Nov. 30, 2004
(Continued)
(65) Prior Publication Data
Primary Examiner-Anthony D Stashick
US 2005/0077299 Al Apr. 14,2005 Assistant Examiner-NIki M. Eloshway
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Saidman DesignLaw Group
(57) ABSTRACT
(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 10/972,308,
filed on Oct. 22, 2004, now Pat. No. 7,270,245, which
is a continuation of application No. 10/308,699, filed The present invention is directed to a method of forming a
on Dec. 3, 2002, now abandoned. container comprising forming a basket portion of metal mesh
material and a rail connected to the basket portion. The rail
(51) Int. Cl. extends substantially outwardly from the outer surface of the
B65D 6/08 (2006.01) basket portion and the rail extends continuously around the
B65D 6/32 (2006.01) outer surface of the basket portion. In one example, the
method includes forming the rail so that it does not contain or
B65D 6/36 (2006.01)
surround a free edge of the basket portion. In another
B65D 25/00 (2006.01)
example, the method includes forming the rail so that it
(52) U.S. Cl. ......................... 220/642; 220/62; 220/485; includes an opening for containing or surrounding a free edge
220/607; 220/676; 29/509 of the basket portion. The method may also include forming
(58) Field of Classification Search ................. 220/491, a lower rail. The present invention is also directed to a con-
220/492,494,485,640-642,646,648,62, tainer formed by such method.
220/607,676; 29/509,512
See application file for complete search history. 3 Claims, 27 Drawing Sheets
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 3 of 39
US 7,428,976 B2
Page 2
u.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS 3,563,292 A 2/1971 Gordon

3,923,187 A 12/1975 Johansson et al.
201,959 A 411878 Stockwell et al. 4,173,289 A 1111979 Nesti
463,964 A 1111891 Gates 4,205,406 A 6/1980 Wangkeo et al.
900,162 A 1011908 Goodwin 0298,403 S 1111988 Magberg et al.
920,313 A 511909 Franklin 4,903,853 A * 2/1990 Lin ............................... 220/6
933,517 A 911909 Worcester D328,993 S 9/1992 Rosenthal
981,205 A 111911 Loetzer D341,459 S 1111993 Yang
994,984 A 611911 Dennis D373,039 S 8/1996 Cohen et al.
1,098,053 A 511914 Porter D383,283 S 9/1997 Hankins, III
1,138,496 A 511915 Martin D393,766 S 4/1998 Mazzola et al.
1,224,234 A 511917 Taber 5,810,179 A 9/1998 Kleiman
1,305,148 A 511919 Montan 5,851,393 A * 12/1998 Carr et al .................... 210/489
1,382,592 A 611921 Ames D416,165 S 1111999 Zemel
1,384,755 A 711921 Hall D419,302 S 112000 Hardy et al.
1,389,908 A 911921 Shults et al. D433,709 S 1112000 Hardy
1,445,259 A 211923 Wiselogel D437,984 S 212001 Weiss et al.
1,463,098 A 711923 Snyder D444,039 S 6/2001 Tong
1,484,696 A 211924 Wulftange D444,927 S 7/2001 Lin
1,660,410 A 211928 Beckman D451,675 S 12/2001 Hardy et al.
1,688,846 A 1011928 Andrews D453,027 S 112002 Andujar
1,840,561 A 111932 Miller D455,029 S 4/2002 Gusdorf
1,890,983 A 1211932 Griffith 6,461,501 Bl 1012002 Porter
1,950,921 A 311934 Gray et al. 6,718,635 B2 * 4/2004 Cheng et al. ............... 29/896.6
2,009,527 A 711935 Shelton 7,228,985 B2 6/2007 Yeh
2,050,980 A * 811936 Buhl .......................... 220/640
2,502,781 A 411950 Erickson FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
2,507,152 A 511950 Garofalo
FR 826876 4/1938
2,574,998 A * 1111951 Bangert, Jr. .................. 220/62
GB 228338 2/1925
2,658,444 A 1111953 Wheeler
GB 730785 6/1955
2,706,064 A 411955 Vitols
JP 2001-270515 212001
2,721,671 A 1011955 Averill
TW 086202707 2/1998
2,768,022 A 1011956 Pope
2,826,329 A 311958 Beckner OTHER PUBLICATIONS
2,898,122 A 811959 Beckner
DI94,513 S 211963 Sparling Hong Kong Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 98.
3,120,323 A 211964 Sparling Hong Kong Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 1126.
3,138,281 A 611964 Schray Baigelman & Co., Office Products Catalog, 2000, item A, p. 492.
3,250,430 A 511966 Cella
2001.
3,272,377 A 911966 Schray
3,436,044 A 411969 Martinson * cited by examiner
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 4 of 39
u.s. Patent Sep.30,2008 Sheet 1 of27 US 7,428,976 B2
i
riO
I
-::;8' 70' 18a
\ ~
-;I~a ~
20 v
~~i~---------------7/---+)----~;----~--~
(
26a 26a
24
24
26b
26b
14b
:iV'._=S;SC1--- 26c
26c ~12
-",,-/
16~
14c
26e
26f
26f
14d
FIG. 1
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 5 of 39
FIG- 2A
eT)"
b)
36 /22
) . ~<'---
~~42 FIG,2C
.xr----40
FIG- 2D
(D)
'- "
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 6 of 39
68 14b
66
J 54
T
o
1
-'----
64
FIG. 3
~--55a
FIG.3A
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 7 of 39
FIG 4
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 8 of 39
C\I
CD
FIG. 5
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 9 of 39
14b
/'
~
I
I
74
I
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 10 of 39
62 72
/
)f
88-
\ L--L-
( 92b
92b
86
86
[~7 ]
FIG. 6
- 928
F
I
Di
. ..
iIt
--t%///--~
..~
,1, 74e
56
)
.
/72
/'
~
~f'// / . f / / /77/ /77/7/// //'// ////////7/i,
I.
---4- L-j .-'
.< II
~
92b
9(' -r-
71~
,,+ .:J
I.'TG
.t' -'. . '-';
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 11 of 39
<0
L()
l()
("-\ 00
I' /' ••"
'.
:,,,,---,:1;
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 12 of 39
L()
L0
\
\
\
i
~~., '''\ "-" /,-,-" ..;-( "'//// /~ ~/.///
k(~{:~
.'
" --,
.D L'l
LO UJ
LO \
I \
\ '1 o
~~2ZZZZ77~)~{~'~'/=(2~2/27ZZZIZ{Z/Z/~1/~/~(~/~~212/Z(Z(Z'Z//~.·~-/~/~(=/2/Z,Z··77TIZZ'TI'
-,j
u
t
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 13 of 39
u.s. Patent Sep.30,2008 Sheet 10 of 27 US 7,428,976 B2
J::;'- I
...;08
6U
FIG. I?
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 14 of 39
114b
.~T~
.
~u. _
13
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 15 of 39
i55
/
/
160
FIG. 14
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 16 of 39
264
258
.268 ?14b
254
260
FIG. 15
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 17 of 39
214b
FIG. 16
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 18 of 39
214b
FIG. 17
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 19 of 39
310
/
I
327 it!'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~326a
~-,,-,------ 31 4a
312
326b
326c
326c
··326cl
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 20 of 39
.
o
N
-
(!)
u.
.
(!)
-LL
.
(!)
u.
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 21 of 39
l/)
Q) Vl
':j- tV)
:::t- V)
J
\..r\ C\{)
~~ (
CC) M
N
.
(!)
~
~/
\J')
~
~
";j-
-
LL
~ \J)
V) ~
!/)
rn
G
S>
\ft V\
V' V\
('() M
I N
N
.
LL
..J
~
-:r
\f) -
(!)
LL
~f~
~/ ~ N)
~ ~
~ V'
~\J\
t'<'\
i u..
/
":1-
t{\
u
~
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 22 of 39
.
(!)
u.
IJ\
~ V\
~
~"I?2I/7Z77777'77/ / / / /L'U···"/,· .-' /77,>
\
1'.,,'///,' ( / / / / 7 / / / / ,"/ / 1 / / ,'I))
.
C!)
u.
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 23 of 39
'-///,./.,/ //. //."'l
(!)
.
u.
CD
N
.
(!)
u..
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 24 of 39
0')
N
. .
C)
(!)
-u. u..
o
M
.
-u..
(!)
i
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 25 of 39
.
-u.
(!)
.
t!)
u.
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 26 of 39
u.s. Patent Sep. 30, 2008 Sheet 23 of 27

US 7,428,976 B2
(!)
.
-
u.
.
-
(!)
u.
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 27 of 39
-S.\
-j-
l.f)
V a
~ -::j-
lJl l.f\
':t- cr c
lfl
0-
.
,.... ~ (!)
~
M If\
. LL
\
c::.
V'l (!) Lf)
(J
LL 0
0-
~
a
...s>
...Q
::r
\j)
':J- C)
lJ) ':J-
C) IJ)
a
~ CO
~
M
(0
.
\~
'::Y
d M V\
\
(!)
'::l-
VI 0 (!) = ~
If) LL
C-
~ LL 0
l..f\
t.I\ cr
Vl
<J
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 28 of 39
d
V)
V'>
~
~
.
C>
S) LL
'."j-
1j1
cr 'j-
~ V)
':::1-
l./l
'J'
IJ)
V'
d
~ oc:..)
~
.,S)
If) ...s;) ::1- -;:r
-=T ~ \j)
I.J',
V' ~'"l:j
u -=r-
~
.
(!)
LL
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 29 of 39
~
V1
I...P
-Q
~
.~
-l
-:t
::t tf) Vl
I,fl ~
C- ~ ev)
::l- ~
l/l .
--- (!)
-u.
'::7
t.n
t>
d
cl
'\
V\
':::J
l.f)
C)
tJ'\
- ::t-
VI
CJ
::t~
~
-
V
:::t'
U)
I
($
::r N
~
If)
.
-
(!)
LL
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 30 of 39
-u.
-
~
tP
-
tj)
u
'7
.J:l If)
~ N
'.1'>
:1- 0
\S)
0
d oqo
oqo
':f
l/)
.
(!)
~
'":)-
lJ)
N
- -u.
0
- ~
-:::r -:1-
\J) -S1 :r
If\
0
--
tJ)
- -
If\
N
-
'::t--
U) \j)
N
-
~
N
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 31 of 39
US 7,428,976 B2
1 2
METHOD FOR MAKING MESH between the sidewalls of the liner may allow small objects to
CONTAINERS WITH A RAIL AND MESH fall out of the basket, which is nndesirable.
CONTAINER FORMED THEREFROM Mesh material is typically formed by perforating or slitting
a piece of sheet metal and stretching it. A sheet of mesh
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED 5 material requires less raw sheet metal than a non-mesh piece
APPLICATIONS of sheet metal and a perforated piece of sheet metal. U.S. Pat.
No. 1,408,026 to Ochiltree discloses a desk tray or basket
This application is a continuation-in-part of our prior pend- formed of "expanded metal" or mesh material. Similar to the
ing application Ser. No. 10/972,308, filed Oct. 22, 2004 now previous containers, the Ochiltree container is formed by a
U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,245, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10 single blank of flat material that is cut out and folded.
10/308,699, filed Dec. 3, 2002 now abandoned, which claims ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. 086202709 to Chih-
priority to the prior ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. Ming, Ko (in transliteration), filed Feb. 21,1997, discloses a
090220946, filed Dec. 3, 2001; ROC (Taiwan) Patent Appli- system of containers supported by a frame. The containers are
cation No. 091202306, filed Apr. 16, 2002; and ROC (Tai- formed of a single piece of mesh with a rim connected thereto.
wan) Patent Application No. 091214244, filed Sep. 11,2002. 15 Additionally, the containers do not move with respect to the
This application also claims priority to the prior ROC (Tai- frame so that the contents of the lower container are not easily
wan) Patent Application No. 093211506, filed luI. 21, 2004; accessible.
China Patent Application No. 200420084938.8, filed luI. 28, A number of mesh containers are made by Design Ideas,
2004; ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. 093211507, Ltd. One of these containers is the "Mesh Storage Nest." This
filed luI. 21, 2004; and China Patent Application No. 20 container is formed using a first piece of mesh that has the
200420084546.1, filed luI. 29, 2004. These applications are ends welded together to form a loop. A second piece of mesh
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. is welded to the lower edge of the loop so that the first piece
of mesh forms sidewalls and the second piece of mesh forms
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION a bottom wall. The seam at the bottom of the container is
25 covered by a bottom rail. A top rail is connected to the upper
1. Field of the Invention edge of the container. The sidewalls can be shaped to include
The present invention relates to containers, a system using a plurality of corners.
such containers, and a method of making such containers. A need exists for a lightweight container that can be incor-
More particularly, the present invention relates to rails for use porated into a system for storing objects. It is also desirable
with drawers made of mesh material. 30 that the contents of such a container be made easily accessible
2. Description of Related Art and be prevented from accidentally falling through holes in
the container. Furthermore, it is desirable that the container be
Forming containers out of sheet metal is well known. U.S.
formed by an economical method in nnlimited sizes.
Pat. No. 903,848 to Donnelly and 1,107,014 to Avery disclose
such containers. In order to make these containers, a single 35
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
blank of flat material is cut out and folded with overlapping
sections. Sheet metal does not provide desirable characteris- The present invention is directed to a method of forming a
tics such as drainage and ventilation. container comprising the following step: forming a basket
In an effort to make a well-ventilated container, U.S. Pat. portion of metal mesh material into a bottom wall and
No. 645,344 to White discloses a container formed of perfo- 40 upwardly extending first and second spaced apart sidewalls
rated sheet metal, wire-netting or another open-work mate- and upwardly extending third and fourth spaced apart side-
rial. The White container is intended to have a folded state and walls, the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls including an
a flat state. This container is designed to be readily knocked outer surface. The method further includes the following
down from its folded state to its flat state and to be easily steps: forming a rail; and joining the rail to the outer surface
constructed without tools. 45 such that a substantial portion of the rail extends substantially
Other patents attempt to make lightweight, drainable and! outwardly from the outer surface of the first, second, third and
or ventilated containers. U.S. Pat. No. 1,994,553 to Wolcott fourth sidewalls, and the rail extending substantially continu-
discloses one such container of finely woven wire screening. ously around the outer surface of the basket portion.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,825,481 to Glenny discloses another such In one example, the step ofjoining further includes spacing
container of finely woven wire screening. In order to make the 50 the rail from a free edge of the basket portion so that an upper
White, Wolcott and Glenny containers, a single blank of flat section of the basket portion extends above the rail. In such a
woven wire is cut out and folded with overlapping sections. method, the method further includes the step of cutting the
Another wire container that is commercially available upper section of the basket portion from the remaining por-
under the brand name Elfa® is formed of a wire grid with a tion of the basket portion.
plurality of separately formed wires welded together. The 55 In another example of the method, the rail is generally
Elfa® container includes a basket portion and a flat rail L-shaped and has a first portion joined to the basket portion
around the top edge of the basket portion. The Elfa® baskets and a second outwardly-extending portion. In such a method,
are designed for use in a frame having a plurality of pairs of the rail further includes a projecting connection portion that
runners. When the baskets are inserted in the frame, the flat becomes integral with the sidewalls after joining the rail to the
rail is supported by a pair of runners and is movable between 60 basket portion. Such method may further include forming a
retracted and extended positions. The wire grid used for the second rail having a L-shape and two connection portions.
Elfa® basket has large holes measuring about 1 inch by 1 The second rail being joined to the sidewalls and the bottom
inch. The Elfa® basket also has openings at its corners. If a wall such that the connection portions become integral there-
user desires to store small objects in these baskets, a plastic with.
liner can be used. The liner has a bottom wall and upwardly 65 In yet another example, the step of joining further includes
bendable sidewalls, with slits between the sidewalls to allow containing a free edge of the basket portion with the rail. In
for such bending. The open corners of the basket and the slits such an example, the step of forming the rail further includes
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 32 of 39
US 7,428,976 B2
3 4
forming the rail with a curved portion having an opening and and the second extension is joined to an inner surface of the
a curved section joining first and second sections of the rail. first, second, third and fourth sidewalls.
The method further including the step of inserting the free According to one feature of the present invention, the rail is
edge of said basket portion within the opening. a substantially continuous piece of material.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the step According to one feature of the present invention, the bas-
of fonning said rail further includes forming said rail with a ket portion includes open comers between the first and second
first extension coupled to and angularly offset from the first sidewalls and the third and fourth sidewalls. According to
section. another feature of the present invention, the basket portion
According to another aspect of the present invention, the includes closed comers between the first and second side-
step of forming said rail further includes forming said rail 10 walls and the third and fourth sidewalls.
with a second extension coupled to and angularly offset from The present invention is also directed to a container com-
the second section. prising a basket portion and first and second rails. The basket
The present invention is directed to a method offonning a portion is fonned of metal mesh material and includes a
container comprising the following step: forming a basket bottom wall and upwardly extending first and second spaced
portion of metal mesh material into a bottom wall and 15 apart sidewalls and upwardly extending third and fourth
upwardly extending first and second spaced apart sidewalls spaced apart sidewalls. The first rail has a L-shape and is
and upwardly extending third and fourth spaced apart side- joined to the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls. The
walls. The method further includes the following steps: bend- second rail has a L-shape and is joined to the sidewalls and the
ing an upper section of the first, second, third and fourth bottom wall.
sidewalls outwardly; fonning a rail including an opening; 20 In an alternative example, the first rail further includes a
inserting the upper section of the first, second, third and fourth first projecting connection portion that contacts the sidewalls
sidewalls into the opening; and compressing the rail to engage and becomes integral therewith, when the first rail is joined to
the upper section of the first, second, third and fourth side- the basket portion. In yet another alternative example, the
walls. second rail further includes at least one second projecting
According to one example of the inventive method, the rail 25 connection portion. The second projecting connection por-
tion contacts the sidewalls or bottom wall and becomes inte-
forming step further includes fonning a curved portion hav-
ing the opening and the rail forming step further includes an gral therewith, when the second rail is joined to the basket
extension angularly offset from the curved portion. In addi- portion.
tion, the inserting step further includes locating the extension Alternatively, the present invention is directed to a con-
adjacent the basket portion; and the method further includes 30
tainer with a first rail or a second rail.
welding the extension to the first, second, third and fourth
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
sidewalls.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the The present invention will be more fully appreciated as the
rail fonning step further includes forming the rail with a 35
same becomes understood from the following detailed
curved portion and a curved section joining first and second description of the best mode presently contemplated for car-
sections of the rail and the curved portion fonns the opening, rying out the present invention when viewed in conjunction
and the method further includes forming the rail with first and with the accompanying drawings, in which:
second extensions angularly offset from the curved portion. FIG. 1 is front, perspective view of a first example of a
Additionally, the compression step further includes locating 40
system of drawers of the present invention, where the drawers
the first extension adjacent an outer surface of the first, sec- are in a retracted position;
ond, third and fourth sidewalls and locating the second exten- FIG. 2A is an enlarged, perspective view of an L-connector
sion adjacent an inner surface of the first, second, third and for use with the system of FIG. 1;
fourth sidewalls. The method further includes welding the FIG. 2B is an enlarged, end view of the L-connector shown
first extension to the outer surface of the first, second, third 45
in FIG. 2A;
and fourth sidewalls and welding the second extension to the FIG. 2C is an enlarged, perspective view of aT-connector
inner surface of the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls. for use with the system of FIG. 1;
The present invention is also directed to a container com- FIG. 2D is an enlarged, end view of the T-connector shown
prising a basket portion and a rail. The basket portion is in FIG. 2C;
formed of metal mesh material that includes a bottom wall 50 FIG. 3 is an enlarged, rear, perspective view of the first
and upwardly extending first and second spaced apart side- example ofa drawer shown in FIG. 1;
walls and upwardly extending third and fourth spaced apart FIG. 3A is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the
sidewalls. The basket portion further includes an outwardly drawer shown in FIG. 3;
extending upper section of the first, second, third and fourth FIG. 4 is an exploded, rear, perspective view of the drawer
sidewalls. The rail includes an opening for receiving the 55 shown in FIG. 3;
upper section of the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls. FIG. S is an exploded, rear, perspective view of a portion of
The opening is sized so that the rail contacts opposing sur- the drawer shown in FIG. 3, wherein all of the mesh pieces
faces of said upper section. have been bent;
According to one aspect of the present invention, the rail FIG. SA is a partially-exploded, rear, perspective view of
further includes a curved portion and an extension angularly 60 the drawer shown in FIG. 4, wherein three pieces of mesh
offset from the curved portion. The curved portion defines the material have been joined together;
opening and the extension is joined to the first, second, third FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of some of the mesh
and fourth sidewalls. pieces of FIG. S and a portion of a welding machine for
According to another aspect of the present invention, the joining such pieces;
rail further includes first and second extensions angularly 65 FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of some of the mesh
offset from a curved portion. The first extension is joined to an pieces of FIG. S and a portion of the welding machine of FIG.
outer surface of the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls 6;
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 33 of 39
US 7,428,976 B2
5 6
FIG. 8 is a partial, elevational view of a first example of an FIG. 36 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail of
upper rail joined to one of the mesh pieces shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 34 supported by a mesh piece, wherein welding has not
wherein an upper portion of the mesh piece is uncropped; occurred;
FIG. 9 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined FIG. 37 is a partial, elevational view of the upper railjoined
to the mesh piece of FIG. 8, wherein the upper portion of the to the mesh piece of FIG. 36, wherein welding has occurred;
mesh piece is cropped; FIG. 38 is a partial, elevational view of a tenth example of
FIG. 10 is a partial, elevational view of a second example of an upper rail supported by a mesh piece, wherein welding has
an upper rail separated from a mesh piece; not occurred;
to the mesh piece of FIG. 10; 10 to the mesh piece of FIG. 38, wherein welding has occurred;
FIG. 12 is an exploded, rear, perspective view of a second FIG. 40 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative
example of a drawer using the upper rail and mesh piece drawer example with an upper rail of FIG. 36 and a first
shown in FIGS. 10 and 11; example of a lower rail;
FIG. 13 is an exploded, rear, perspective view of a third FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the drawer and rails of FIG.
example ofa drawer for use in the system of FIG. 1, wherein 15 40, wherein the rails are coupled to the basket portion;
an alternative example of two side pieces of mesh material are FIG. 42 is a partial, elevational view of the upper and lower
used; rails of FIG. 40 engaged with a mesh piece, wherein welding
FIG. 14 is a partially-exploded, rear, perspective view of has not occurred;
the drawer shown in FIG. 13, wherein three pieces of mesh FIG. 43 is a partial, elevational view of the upper and lower
material have been joined together; 20 rails joined to the mesh piece of FIG. 42, wherein welding has
FIG. 15 is an enlarged, rear, perspective view of a fourth occurred;
example ofa drawer useful in the system of FIG. 1; FIG. 44 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail of
FIG. 16 is an exploded, rear, perspective view of the drawer FIG. 38 supported by a mesh piece and a second example of
shown in FIG. 15; a lower rail, wherein welding has not occurred; and
FIG. 17 is a partially-exploded, rear, perspective view of 25
FIG. 45 is a partial, elevational view of the upper and lower
rails joined to the mesh pieces of FIG. 44, wherein welding
the drawer shown in FIG. 15, wherein three pieces of mesh
has occurred.
material have been joined together;
FIG. 18 is front, perspective view of a second example of a DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF
system of drawers of the present invention, where the drawers 30
THE PRESENT INVENTION
are shown in a retracted position;
FIG. 19 is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary Referring to FIG. 1, a first example of drawer system 10 is
drawer with a third example of an upper rail; shown. This drawer system 10 may be used to store a variety
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the drawer and rail of FIG. of housewares, such as kitchen items, clothing, accessories,
19, wherein the rail is coupled to the drawer; 35 sports equipment, shoes, bathroom supplies, tools, appli-
FIG. 21 is an enlarged, partial, perspective view of the ances, and the like. Additionally, system 10 can be used to
upper rail of FIG. 19, wherein the rail is uncompressed; store a variety of other items, for example food, office sup-
FIG. 22 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail of plies, office equipment, file folders, papers/documents, bags,
FIG. 19 disposed upon a mesh piece, wherein the rail is boxes, cans, bottles, etc.
uncompressed; 40 Drawer system 10 includes frame 12 and a plurality of
FIG. 23 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined containers or drawers 14a-d. Drawer 14a is smaller than
to the mesh piece of FIG. 22, wherein the rail is compressed; drawers 14b-c so drawer 14a can hold a smaller volume than
FIG. 24 is a partial, elevational view of a fourth example of other drawers 14b-d. Drawers 14a-d are movable with respect
an upper rail separated from a mesh piece; to frame 12 between a retracted position (shown in FIG. 1)
FIG. 25 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined 45 and an extended position. In the retracted position, the con-
to the mesh piece of FIG. 24; tents of lower drawers 14b-d is difficult to access. In the
FIG. 26 is a partial, elevational view of a fifth example of an extended position, the contents of the extended drawer are
upper rail separated from a mesh piece; easily accessible; the extended drawer may be fully with-
FIG. 27 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined drawn from frame 12 if desired.
to the mesh piece of FIG. 26; 50 With reference to FIG. 1, frame 12 includes two side frame
FIG. 28 is a partial, elevational view of a sixth example of members or ladders 16 that are spaced apart and joined by
an upper rail separated from a mesh piece; pairs of upper and lower cross members 18a,b, respectively.
Side frame members 16 and pairs of upper and lower cross
FIG. 29 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined
members 18a,b are formed to give frame 12 a rectangular
to the mesh piece of FIG. 28;
55 shape. The present invention is not limited to this frame
FIG. 30 is a partial, elevational view of a seventh example
shape.
of an upper rail separated from a mesh piece;
Frame 12 further includes L-connectors 20 (as best seen in
FIG. 31 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined FIG. 2A) and T-connectors 22 (as best seen in FIG. 2B) for
to the mesh piece of FIG. 30; joining side frame members 16 to cross frame members 18a,
FIG. 32 is a partial, elevational view of an eighth example 60 b. For example, L-connectors 20 connect upper cross member
of an upper rail separated from a mesh piece; 18a to side frame members 16, if no additional frames are to
FIG. 33 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined be added above the one illustrated in FIG. 1. If an additional
to the mesh piece of FIG. 32; frame is to be added above frame 12 shown in FIG. 1, T-con-
FIG. 34 is an exploded, perspective view of a drawer with nectors 22 are used to join upper cross members 18a to frame
a ninth example of an upper rail; 65 members 16. For example, T-connectors 22 also connect
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the drawer and rail of FIG. lower cross members 18b to side frame members 16. Alter-
34, wherein the rail is coupled to the drawer; natively, T-connectors 22 joined to lower cross members 18b
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 34 of 39
US 7,428,976 B2
7 8
can be replaced with plugs with casters (not shown) thereon to form closed curved corners 64. Sidewalls 58, 60 and 62
make system 10 movable, as is apparent to those of ordinary extend upwardly from bottom wall 56 to form upwardly-
skill in the art. facing opening 66.
Referring again to FIG. 1, each side frame member 16 As shown in FIG. 3, corners 64 are curved so that they
includes a pair of spaced apart vertical rods 24 coupled by deviate from straightness in a smooth, continuous fashion.
vertically spaced apart horizontally-extending runners 26a-g. The present invention, however, is not limited to drawers with
Each side frame member 16 is formed so that runners 26a-g of curved corners and drawers with more angular corners are
each side frame member 16 are aligned with runners 26a-g of also considered inventive. The present invention is also not
other side frame member 16 to form a plurality of pairs of limited to drawers with a radius of curvature greater at the top
runners. Each runner 26a-g is a generally U -shaped member 10 of the drawer (adjacent the rail 54) than at the bottom. Thus,
with inwardly extending gap 28 defined therein. Runners drawers with, for example, a constant radius of curvature are
26a-g may include a bore (not shown) in the rear end for also considered inventive.
receiving a pin (not shown) for preventing rearward move- In this example, sidewall 58 forms a front end wall that
ment of drawers 14a-d out of frame 12. To make frame 12 includes curved cutout 68 bordered by handle rail 70. Cutout
independent of direction the bore (not shown) may be formed 15 68 forms a place where a user can easily grasp drawer 14b to
at both ends of each runner and the pin (not shown) disposed move it between the retracted and extended positions. In an
in the desired end for use. alternative example, cutout 68 can be replaced with other
Frame 12 is, for example, formed of any metal with suffi- methods to aid the user in moving drawer 14b, such as a
cient rigidity and formability, for example mild sheet steel, protruding handle connected to wall 58. Handle rail 70 may
stainless steel, aluminum, copper or the like can be used. 20 have a circular cross-sectional shape and be cut and formed to
Vertical rods 24 and runners 26a-g are, for example, welded extend along the edge of cutout 68. In the present example,
together using conventional welding techniques. Frame 12 rail 70 is of the same material as upper rail 54 and is spot-
may be subjected to a powder painting treatment, similar to welded to basket portion 55. In this example, sidewall 60
that discussed below for drawers 14a-d. forms a rear end wall.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, L-connector 20 includes 25 Referring to FIG. 4, drawer 14b is shown in a disassembled
central body 30 and first and second generally perpendicular state. Basket portion 55 is formed by first piece of mesh 72,
legs 32 and 34 extending therefrom. For example, pairs of second piece of mesh 74 and third piece of mesh 76. First,
cross members 18a,b and vertical rods 24 are hollow so that second, and third pieces of mesh 72,74,76 are formed sepa-
legs 32 and 34 are received therein to join these components rately from one another. First piece of mesh 72 is bent along
together. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2C and 2D, T-connector 22 30 lines 72a,b to form edges as shown in FIG. 5 to define bottom
includes central body 36 and first, second, and third legs 38, wall 56 and sidewalls 62. The angle between bottom wall 56
40, and 42, respectively, extending therefrom. First and sec- and sidewalls 62 is greater than about 90°, but the present
ond legs 38 and 40 are generally perpendicular to one another invention is not limited to this configuration.
similar to L-connector 20. Third and second legs 40 and 42 Second piece of mesh 74 includes outer edge 74a, inner
are also generally perpendicular to one another. For example, 35 edge 74b, central portion 74c, side extensions 74d, and lower
first leg 38 and third leg 42 may be inserted into hollow extension 74e. Central portion 74c is between outer edge 74a
vertical rods 24, and second leg 40 is inserted in hollow and lower extension 74e and between side extensions 74d.
associated cross members 18a,b. Side extensions 74d have a trapezoidal shape so that they
L-connectors 20 and T-connectors 22 are, for example, taper downward from outer edge 74a to lower edge 74b.
formed of any metal with sufficient rigidity and formability. 40 Second piece of mesh 74 is bent to form front end wall 58,
For example, connectors 20 and 22 can be cast of die-cast curved corners 64, and lower extension 74e that is generally
aluminum or any alloy, using conventional techniques known perpendicular to front end wall 58 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). Third
to those of ordinary skill in the art. Connectors 20 and 22, piece of mesh 76 is formed similarly to second piece of mesh
however, can also be formed of another material like injection 74 to include upper edge 76a, lower edge 76b, central portion
molded plastic. 45 76c, side extensions 76d, and lower extension 76e.
Now, with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 3A, the details of In an alternative example, pieces of mesh 74 and 76 can be
drawer 14b will be discussed. Drawer 14b includes a runner formed of a single piece of material separate from first piece
portion that comprises upper rail 54 and basket portion 55. of mesh 72. In such event, the two pieces of mesh 74 and 76
Basket portion 55 is coupled to upper rail 54. In the present would be joined by another mesh segment (not shown) that
example, basket portion 55 is formed of expanded metal plate 50 would be shaped similar to bottom wall portion 56. As a
(i.e., sheet metal) or "mesh" and has small openings 55a result, bottom wall of basket 55 would be formed of two
therein. In the present specification and appended claims layers of mesh material that overlap.
"mesh" means flat metal that is pierced and stretched so that Referring to FIG. 5A, first, second, and third pieces of
no material is separated from the original raw material, as mesh 72,74, and 76 have been joined together so that bottom
known by those of ordinary skill in the art. On the other hand, 55 seams 78 are formed. Seams 78 are where the material of
unlike mesh, pnnching portions of waste material out of sheet bottom wall 56 of first piece of mesh 72 overlaps with lower
metal material forms perforated metal. For example, open- extension 74e of second and third pieces of mesh 74 and 76
ings 55a (see FIG. 3A) in the mesh have an area less than 25.4 (see FIG. 4). When corners 64 are formed, side seams 80 (as
mm by 25.4 mm. In another example, openings 55a (see FIG. shown in FIG. 3) are formed adjacent each corner 64. Seams
3) in the mesh have an area less than 20 mm by 10 mm. In yet 60 80 are where the material of sidewalls 62 of first piece of mesh
another example, In another example, openings 55a (see FI G. 72 overlaps with side extensions 74d and 76d of second and
3) in the mesh have an area less than 6 mm by 3 mm. third pieces of mesh 74 and 76, respectively. Seams 80 are
Basket portion 55, for example, is formed of any metal generally vertically extending side seams.
such as copper, steel, stainless steel or aluminum, and the like. The method of making drawer 14b will now be discussed.
Basket portion 55 includes bottom wall 56, a pair of spaced 65 Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, first piece of mesh 72 is formed
apart sidewalls 58 and 60, and another pair of sidewalls 62. and shaped as shown. This involves cutting piece of mesh 72
For example, sidewalls 58, 60 and 62 are joined together to with the desired dimensions from a roll of mesh using a
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 35 of 39
US 7,428,976 B2
9 10
conventional press machine. Then, first piece of mesh 72 is As a result, second and third pieces 74 and 76 can, for
bent into a U-shape that includes bottom wall 56 and end example, be simultaneously welded to first piece 72.
walls 62 (as shown in FIG. 5). A conventional hydraulic press Another spot-welding machine similar to machine 84 is
machine is used to bend mesh piece 72. The hydraulic press used to weld pieces 74 and 76 to piece 72 adjacent the corners
machine includes a mold for achieving the desired bent shape, 64 to fonn seams 80. This spot-welding machine for fonning
as is known by those of ordinary skill in the art. seams 80 has an appropriately sized fixture including
Second and third pieces of mesh 74 and 76 are fonned and clamp(s), elongated member(s) and cathode electrode(s) for
shaped as shown in FIG. 4. This involves cutting pieces of smaller pieces 74 and 76. For example, the cathode
mesh 74 and 76 with the desired dimensions and shape from electrode( s) may be tapered to match trapezoidal extensions
a roll of mesh using a conventional press machine. Then, 10 74d,76d so that pieces 74 and 76 are suitably clamped to end
mesh piece 74 is bent using a conventional hydraulic press walls 58 and 60 during welding.
machine so that side extensions 74d are curved and lower With reference to FIG. 3, upper rail 54 is subsequently
extension 74e is angularly offset from center section 74c. The connected to upper section of end walls 58 and 60 and side-
hydraulic press machine includes a mold, as is known by walls 62 by spot-welding. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8-9, the
those of ordinary skill in the art. Third piece of mesh 76 is bent 15 step of connecting upper rail 54 to basket portion 55 further,
similarly to second piece 74 (as shown in FIG. 5). Handle rail for example, includes the steps of fonning generally flat
70 may be welded to mesh piece 74 at this point or later, when upper rail 54; contacting rail 54 to basket portion 55 on
upper rail 54 is joined to basket portion 55. contact surface 54a so that upper section 55a of basket por-
Next, lower extensions 74e,76e of each piece 74,76 are tion 55 extends above rail 54; and spot-welding contact sur-
connected by welding to the side edge of bottom wall 56 of 20 face 54a to outer surface of basket portion 55.
first piece 72 (as shown in FIG. 5A) to fonn seams 78. Then, Upper rail 54 is, for example, formed of the same material
curved side extensions 74d, 76d of pieces 74,76 are connected as basket portion 55 so that these components can be welded
by welding to sidewalls 62 of first piece 72 to form seams 80 together. Thus, for example, rail 54 is formed of any metal
(as shown in FIG. 3). such as copper, steel, stainless steel, mild sheet steel or alu-
After drawer 14b is completely fonned (including attach- 25 minum, and the like. In an example using sheet steel, a roll of
ing rail 54), a process of powder painting may be used to coat sheet steel strip material with a circular cross-section is used.
drawer 14b, as is known by those of ordinary skill in the art. This material is passed through a conventional roll fonning
One exemplary paint is an epoxy coat. The painting may machine with a number of pairs of rollers using a predeter-
provide a decorative (colored and/or metallic) finish to mined compression pressure to continuously and gradually
drawer 14b, if desired, and will also provide some protection 30 change the circular cross-section into a generally flat rectan-
for the drawer 14b from water and other corrosive elements. gular cross-section, as is known by those of ordinary skill in
Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the equipment used to the art.
connect first, second and third pieces of mesh 72,74, and 76 The material with the flat rectangular cross-section is then
together will now be discussed. The equipment, for example, fed into a bending machine that includes spaced apart pairs of
comprises spot-welding machine 84 including base 86, clamp 35 guide rollers for guiding the material through the machine
88 supported on base 86, movable elongated member 90 and bending the material into four spaced apart right angles to
movable by clamp 88 to provide clamping force F, and a pair form a rectangular ring. Hydraulic power can be used to
of anode electrodes 92a and a pair of cathode electrodes 92b. provide the bending force to the associated pairs of guide
Base 86, clamp 88, member 90, and cathode electrodes 92b rollers. Where the bending pairs of guide rollers are located,
form a fixture for supporting mesh pieces 72, 74, and 76 40 the machine further includes rollers for preventing vertical
during welding. As shown, for example, cathode electrodes expansion of the material. Once the rectangular ring is
92b are, for example, bar-like and parallel to one another to formed, the free ends of the ring are joined by welding to fonn
properly support and clamp mesh pieces 72, 74, and 76. In an upper rail 54.
alternative example, the spot-welder can be used without Rail 54 is not limited to the above configuration, shape and
clamp 88 and elongated member 90, where the pieces may be 45 materials. For example, it can be hollow with various shapes,
manually held during welding. such as a circular cross-section. Rail 54 can also be solid with
In order to join lower extension 74e of second piece 74 to various shapes, such as a circular cross-section. Rail 54 can
bottom wall 56 of first piece 72, already-bent first piece 72 is also be fonned of a plastic that is connected to basket portion
disposed on cathode electrodes 92b so that sidewalls 62 55 by glue or adhesive, for example.
extend downward (as shown in FIG. 6) toward the floor. Bent 50 Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the step of contacting rail 54 to
second piece 74 is disposed between member 90 and cathode basket portion 55 on contact surface 54a may, for example,
electrode 92b, as shown in FIG. 7. Next, clamp 88 is actuated further include the step of using spot-welding machine with
so that clamping force F moves member 90 from a retracted fixture F for supporting rail 54 at a sufficient elevation above
position (shown in FIG. 6) into a clamping position (shown in a table (not shown) so that upper section 55a of basket portion
FIG. 7). In the clamping position, mesh piece 74 is com- 55 55 extends above rail 54. Fixture F may also provide a clamp-
pressed between member 90 and cathode electrode 92b. ing force for assuring surface 54a is in solid contact with
Clamping force F must be sufficient to hold mesh piece 74 basket portion 55 or this force may be provided by movable
into contact with mesh piece 72 for the welding operation. anode and cathode electrodes AE and CE, respectively. For
Then, anode electrode 92a moves in direction Dl into example, electrodes AE and CE are circular welding wheels.
contact with pieces 72,74 adjacent extension 74e. Pieces 60 Anode electrode AE contacts outer surface of rail 54 and
72,74 are tightly compressed between electrodes 92a and cathode electrode CE contacts inner surface of basket portion
92b. Electrodes 92a,b then discharge electric welding current 55 adjacent surface 54a, as shown in FIG. 9. An electric
through the place to be welded and seam 78 (see FIG. 5A) is current is discharged through electrodes AE and CE, rail 54
formed. Third piece 76, as shown in FIG. 5, is similarly joined and basket portion 55 to spot-weld rail 54 to basket portion
to first piece 72. In the present example, welding machine 84 65 55. For example, sufficient electrodes AE and CE are pro-
is properly configured so that the fixture includes two clamps, vided to make the welding of rail 54 to basket portion 55
two elongated members 90 and two pairs of electrodes 92a, b. efficient. Since electrodes AE and CE are movable vertically
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 36 of 39
US 7,428,976 B2
11 12
in directions V and horizontally in directions H, the spot- larly, upper section 55a' is formed on pieces 74 and 76, when
welder can be used to weld variously size rails and baskets edges 74d and 74e and edges 76e and 76d, respectively, are
together. formed. Then, pieces 72, 74, 76 are welded together.
The step of connecting upper rail 54 may further include Bent upper section 55a' is inserted into opening 54b' of
cutting and grinding steps. In the cutting step, upper section upper rail 54' (as shown in FIG. 11). Curved portion 54a' is
55a (as shown in FIG. 8) of basket portion 55 is severed using then compressed by a conventional press machine so that
a conventional severing apparatus, such as one including a opening 54b' is minimized and curved portion 54a' tightly
reciprocating saw blade. In the grinding step, exposed upper engages basket portion 55a' so that inner surfaces of curved
edge 55b (FIG. 9) of basket portion 55 is worked using a portion 54a' contact basket portion 55a'. This step also results
conventional grinding machine so that upper edge 55b 10 in front curved tip or portion 54d' of rail 54' engaging angled
becomes smooth. Rail 54 aids in providing structural rigidity corner 55b' of basket portion 55'. Then, vertically-extending
to basket portion 55 and is the only rail circumscribing each extension 54c' is welded to the basket using a spot-welding
drawer's perimeter. machine and fixture similar to the method used for rail 54
Once rail 54 is joined to the outer surface of the basket (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9).
portion, a substantial portion of rail 54 extends substantially 15 Once upper rail 54' is joined to basket portion 55' in this
outwardly from the outer surface of first, second, third and manner, it provides additional structural rigidity to basket
fourth sidewalls of basket portion 55 and rail 54 extends portion 55'. Using rail 54' eliminates the need to cut upper
continuously around the outer surface of basket portion 55 (as section 55a of basket portion 55, as when using rail 54, as
shown in FIG. 3). shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Consequently, rail 54' eliminates the
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, in use drawer 14b is inserted 20 need to deburr or grind basket portion 55'.
into system 10 by disposing upper rail 54 within gap 28 of In an alternative exemplary method, pieces 72, 74, 76 (see
opposed, aligned pair of runners 26b. Rail 54 and gap 28 are FIG. 5) are bent to form edges 72a and 72b in piece 72, edges
sized to allow free sliding movement of drawer 14b with 74d and 74e in piece 74, and edges 76e and 76d in piece 76.
respect to frame 12 between the retracted and extended posi- Then, pieces 72, 74, 76 are welded together. Next, joined
tions. 25 pieces 72, 74, and 76 are placed in a conventional hydraulic
Since drawer 14b is formed of mesh with very small open- press machine with a mold and bent to create outwardly bent
ings 55a (see FIG. 3), small objects, such as pens, paper clips, upper section 55a' on each piece 72, 74, 76. Subsequently, rail
and the like, can be stored in drawer 14b without a liner and 54' is coupled to basket 55' as previously discussed.
will not fall through openings 55a. In addition, since drawer Referring back to FIG. 1, basket 14a includes a rectangular
14b has closed corners 64, small objects also cannot fall out of 30 cutout 68' on front of wall 58' . Metal handle rail 70' covers the
this area of drawer 14b. free end of the mesh within cutout 68'. Handle rail 70' is, for
As shown in FIG. 1, drawers 14b-14d are of medium size example, formed similar to rail 54' (ee FIG. 10) with an
and vertically extend across two sets of vertically spaced opening that is compressed about the mesh, once the mesh is
runners. Drawer 14a is a small size and consequently extends inserted therein. For example, handle rail 70' also includes an
across only one set of vertically spaced runners. The drawers 35 extension, similar to extension 54c' of rail 54', that can be
may be sized differently, see FIG. 4, particularly by changing spot-welded to securely attach rail 70' to the mesh. In such an
the length L of first piece of mesh 72 and the height H of example, opening in rail 70' extends vertically along with its
second and third pieces of mesh 74 and 76. This allows extension similar to extension 54c'. In an example of handle
containers of a variety of sizes to be formed without excess rail 70' without such an extension, rail 70' may still be spot-
machinery costs, particularly large containers having depth D 40 welded to the mesh.
from bottom wall 56 to top surface of top rail 54 (see FIG. 3) Referring to FIGS. 13-14, third drawer example 114b is
equal to or greater than about 11 inches. If larger baskets are shown. Drawer 114b comprises runner portion or upper rail
desired, the basket material may need to be changed and/or 154 and basket portion 155. Upper rail 154 may be formed
thickened to provide more rigidity thereto. Width W of the like rail 54 or rail 54' previously discussed. Basket portion
mesh (FIG. 4) can be set by the machine forming the raw 45 155 includes bottom wall 156, end walls 158 and 160, and
material so that the edges of piece 72 that will be connected to sidewalls 162. Bottom and end walls 156 and 158 are also
pieces 74 and 76 are smooth and require no cutting or grind- sidewalls. First piece of mesh 172 is bent to form bottom wall
ing. 156 and end walls 158 and 160. Sidewalls 162 are formed of
FIGS. 10-12 illustrate an alternative example of upper rail separate second and third pieces of mesh 174 and 176, respec-
54' for use with alternative example of basket portion 55'. To 50 tively. End wall 158 includes first piece of mesh 172 with
form upper rail 54' raw material is bent to include curved cutout 168 similar to end wall 58.
portion 54a' with opening 54b' and extension 54c' angularly For drawer 114b, different from drawer 14b, second piece
offset from curved portion 54a' using a roll forming machine. of mesh 174 includes central portion 174c, rectangular side
Curved portion 54a' further includes first section A, second extensions 174d and lower extension 174e. Third piece of
section B, and curved section C joining first and second 55 mesh 176 has a similar configuration. When pieces 172, 174
sections A,B so that opening 54b' is located therein. Sections and 176 are connected using a method similar to that used in
A and B are generally horizontal sections. Extension 54c' is forming drawer 14b, drawer 114b has closed smoothly
joined to first section A via curved section 54d'. The material curved corners similar to corners 64 (as shown inFIG. 3), but
for rail 54' is bent into a closed rectangular loop and welded corners of drawer 114b will have a substantially constant
together, similar to rail 54 so that rail 54' is continuous. 60 radius. Drawer 114b also includes four side seams 80 at each
Basket portion 55' is formed similarly to basket portion 55 corner and two bottom seams 178.
except end walls 58, 60 and sidewalls 62 all have an out- Referring to FIGS. 15-17, fourth drawer example 214b is
wardly bent upper section 55a'. Upper section 55a' is formed shown. Drawer 214b comprises runner portion or upper rail
by a conventional hydraulic press machine with a mold at the 254 and basket portion 255. Upper rail 254 may be formed
same time other bends are formed in pieces 72, 74, 76 (see 65 like rails 54, 54', 154' or 254' discussed above. Basket portion
FIG. 5). That is when piece 72 is bent to form edges 72a and 255 includes bottom wall 256, end walls 258 and 260, and
72b, piece 72 is also bent to form upper section 55a'. Simi- sidewalls 262. End walls 258 and 260 are also sidewalls. First
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 37 of 39
US 7,428,976 B2
13 14
piece of mesh 272 is bent to form bottom wall 256 and end welding machine and fixture similar to the method used for
walls 258 and 260. Sidewalls 262 are formed of separate rail 54 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9).
second and third pieces of mesh 274 and 276. End wall 258 Rail 354 adds structural rigidity to basket portion 355 and
includes cutout 268 similar to end wall 58. eliminates the need to cut and deburr basket portion 355.
In drawer 214b, different from drawers 14b and 114b, 5 FIGS. 24-25 illustrate an alternative fourth example of
second and third pieces of mesh 274 and 276 do not include upper rail 454 for use with basket portion 55 (shown in FIGS.
extensions. When pieces 272, 274 and 276 are connected 8 and 24). Rail 454 is similar to rail 54' as shown in FIG. 10
using the method offorming drawer 14b, pieces 274 and 276 except as discussed below. Upper rail 454 is bent to include
only overlap piece 272 on the bottom not on the sides. As a first portion 454a and angularly offset second portion 454b.
result, drawer 214b has open corners 264 (as shown in FIG. 10 Second portion 454b includes contact surface 454c.
15) and two bottom seams 278. Drawers configured like Second portion 454b of rail 454 is connected to basket
drawer 214b can be used in systems like system 10 (shown in portion 55 by spot-welding, similar to rail 54 shown in FIGS.
FIG. 1) and move between extended and retracted positions. 8 and 9. The step of connecting upper rail 454 to basket
Drawers similar to drawer 214b can come in a number of portion 55 further includes, for example, the steps of forming
sizes. Drawer 214b is formed similarly to drawer 14b by 15 generally L-shaped rail 454, contacting contact surface 454c
bending and spot-welding the mesh pieces. of rail 454 to basket portion 55 so that upper section 55a of
Referring to FIG. 18, a second example of drawer system basket portion 55 extends above rail 454 and first portion
310 is shown. Drawer system 310 includes frame 312 and 454a is spaced from upper edge 55b, spot-welding contact
plurality of drawers 314a and 314b. Frame 312 includes four surface 454c to outer surface of basket portion 55 (as shown
pairs of runners 326a-d. This example illustrates that any 20 in FIG. 25), and cutting upper section 55a of basket portion
number of pairs of runners can be used depending on how 55. A finishing or grinding step may be used to assure that
large a system is desired. Frame 312 is otherwise configured upper edge 55b of basket portion 55 is not sharp. Alterna-
and formed similarly to frame 12 (shown in FIG. 1). System tively, rail 454 can be joined to basket portion 55 so that free
310 further may include solid table top or shelf 327 that is end of portion 454b is aligned with edge 55b. As a result, no
securely connected to the top of frame 312 by a press fit so that 25 additional cutting of basket portion is necessary. First portion
objects can be stored or displayed thereon. Alternatively, 454a of the rail is operatively associated with runners 26a-g
shelf 327 may be sized differently (larger or smaller than) offrame 12 (see FIG. 1) during use.
frame 312 and connected to frame 312 with conventional FIGS. 26-27 illustrate an alternative fifth example of upper
fasteners such as screws and L-brackets. Drawer 314a is rail 554 for use with basket portion 55 (shown in FIGS. 3 and
small and extends across one pair of runners 326a. Drawer 30 26). Upper rail 554 is similar to upper rail 454 except rail 554
314b is large and extends vertically across three pairs of is oriented differently when joined to basket portion 55. As
runners 326b-d. Drawers 314a and 314b are configured and shown in FIG. 27, when rail 554 is joined to basket portion 55,
manufactured similar to drawer 14b (see FIG. 1), but drawers first portion 554a is aligned with upper edge 55b and second
configured like drawers 114b and 214b can also be used with portion 554b is coupled to basket portion 55. Rail 554 is
system 310. 35 joined to basket portion 55 as previously discussed with
FIGS. 19-23 illustrate an alternative third example of upper respect to rail 454. Rail portion 554a is operatively associated
rail 354 for use with basket portion 355. As shown in FIG. 21, with runners 26a-g offrame 12 (see FIG. 1) during use.
upper rail 354 is formed similar to rail 54' to include curved FIGS. 28-29 illustrate an alternative sixth example of upper
portion 354a with opening 354b and first and second exten- rail 654 for use with basket portion 55 (shown in FIGS. 3 and
sions 354c and 354e angularly offset from curved portion 40 28). Upper rail 654 is similar to upper rail 454 except as noted
354a. Curved portion 354a further includes first section A, below. Rail 654 includes first portion 654a angularly offset
second section B, and curved section C joining first and from second portion 654b which is offset from third portion
second sections A, B so that opening 354b is located therein. 654c to form recess 654d between second and third portions
In the present example, first section A has a length less than 654b, 654c. In the present example (as shown in FIG. 29), rail
second section B. First extension 354c is joined to first section 45 thickness tR of second portion 654b is less than mesh thick-
A. Second extension 354e is joined to second section B. Rail ness tM of basket portion 55 so that upper edge 55b of basket
354 is bent so that curved portion 354a has a generally portion 55 is not fully received within recess 654b and must
V-shape form, as shown in FIG. 21. therefore be ground to ensure edge 55b is smooth. Alterna-
Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, bent upper section 355a of tively, the offset between second and third portions 654b,
basket portion 355, which is similar to basket portion 55', is 50 654c can be increased so that edge 55b is fully received within
inserted into opening 354b of upper rail 354'.As a result, first recess 654d. In yet another alternative, rail 754 (see FIGS.
and second extensions 354c and 354e are adjacent to outer 30-31) can be configured similar to rail 654, except rail thick-
and inner surfaces, respectively, of basket portion 355. ness tR of second portion 754b is greater than mesh thickness
Curved portion 354a is then compressed, as indicated by tM of basket portion 55 so that upper edge 55b of basket
arrows F in FIG. 22, by a conventional press machine. As a 55 portion 55 is fully received within recess 754b and thus does
result, opening 354b is minimized (as shown in FIG. 23) and not require grinding.
curved portion 354a tightly engages basket portion 355a. Rails 654, 754 are joined to basket portions 55 as previ-
This compression also result in extensions 354c and 354e ously discussed with respect to rail 454. Rail portions 654a,
sandwiching basket portion 355 therebetween. Additionally 754a are operatively associated with runners 26a-g of frame
after compression, extensions 354c, 354e are generally ver- 60 12 (see FIG. 1) during use.
tically oriented and first and second sections A,B are gener- FIGS. 32-33 illustrate an alternative eighth example of
ally horizontally oriented (as best shown in FIG. 23). In upper rail 854 for use with basket portion 55 (shown also in
addition, compression results in curved edge 354d of rail 354 FIG. 3). Rail 854 is similar to rail 454 shown in FIG. 24,
engaging angled corner 355b of basket portion 355 (see except second portion 854b of rail 854 is connected to curved
FIGS. 22-23). Then, the now generally vertically-extending 65 section 854c, which is connected to extension 854d. Curved
extensions 354c and 354e are welded to outer and inner portion 854e of rail 854 is formed by second portion 854b,
surfaces, respectively, of basket portion 355 using a spot- curved section 854c and extension 854d and also defines
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 38 of 39
US 7,428,976 B2
15 16
opening 854f Rail 854 is bent so that curved portion 854e has bottom wall 1155b and second portion 1154b and rib 1155d
a generally open V-shape (as shown in FIG. 32). contact sidewalls 1155a. After joining rail 1154 to basket
Upper edge 55b of basket portion 55 is inserted into open- portion 1155, the use of electric welding (using heat collec-
ing 854f so that when rail 854 is compressed by a conven- tion and pressure) could allow the ribs 1154c,d and basket
tional press machine, as shown in FIG. 33, second portion 5 portion 1155 contacting ribs 1154c,d to be fused into an
854b and extension 854e are adjacent to outer and inner integral structure (as shown in FIG. 43).
surfaces, respectively, of basket portion 55. Compression also FIGS. 44-45 illustrate basket portion 1155 with upper rail
minimizes opening 854f(as shown in FIG. 33) and causes 1054 and alternative lower rail 1254. Basket portion 1155 is
curved section 854c to tightly engage basket portion 55. previously described with reference to FIGS. 40-41. Upper
Additionally, after compression extension 854d is generally 10 rail 1054 previously described with reference to FIGS. 38-39
vertically-extending and second portion 854b and extension is joined to basket portion 1155 as previously discussed.
854d are welded to the outer and inner surfaces, respectively, Lower rail 1254 is similar to lower rail 1154 (shown in
of basket portion 55 using a spot-welding machine and fixture FIGS. 42-43), except ribs 1154c,d have been replaced with
similar to the method used for rail 54 (shown in FI GS. 8 and inwardly extending or projecting connection portions
9). 15 1254c,d at the free end of first and second portions 1254a,b,
Once upper rail 854 is joined to basket portion 55 in this respectively. When rail 1254 is joined to basket portion 1155,
manner, it provides additional structural rigidity to the basket first portion 1254a and rib 1255c contact bottom wall 1155b
portion 55. Using rail 854 eliminates the need to cut upper and second portion 1254b and rib 1255d contact sidewalls
section 55a of basket portion 55 as when using rail 54, as 1155a. After joining rail 1254 to basket portion 1155, the use
shown in FI GS. 8 and 9. Consequently, rail 854 eliminates the 20 of electric welding (using heat collection and pressure) could
need to deburr basket portion 55. allow connection portions 1254c,d and basket portion 1155
FIGS. 34-37 illustrate an alternative ninth example of contacting the connection portions 1254c,dto be fused into an
upper rail 954 for use with basket portion 955. Upper rail 954 integral structure (as shown in FIG. 43).
is similar to upper rail 454 (shown in FIGS. 26-27), except Rails 354, 454, 554, 654,754,854,954,1054, 1154 and
vertical second portion 954b of rail 954 includes an outwardly 25 1254 are generally rectangular rings that are continuous about
extending or projecting connection portion or rib 954c. The their respective basket portions. These rails are formed of
location of rib 954c along vertical portion 954b can be varied. materials similar to those discussed with respect to rails 54
As shown in FIG. 37, when rail 954 isjoined to basket portion and 54'.
955, horizontal first portion 954a covers upper edge 955b Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,
(shown in FIG. 34) and second portion 954b and rib 954c 30 upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as
contact basket portion 955. After joining rail 954 to basket a basis for designing other products for carrying out the
portion 955, the use of electric welding could allow rib 954c several purposes of the present invention. It is important,
and basket portion 955 contacting rib 954c to be fused into an therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such
integral structure (as shown in FIG. 37). This is due to the heat equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from
collection and pressure of resistors used during welding. 35 the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the
Rail 954 adds structural rigidity to basket portion 955 and appended claims. Therefore, this invention is not to be limited
eliminates the need to cut and deburr basket portion 955. Rail to the specific examples depicted therein. For example, the
portion 954a is operatively associated with runners 26a-g of features of one example disclosed above can be used with the
frame 12 (see FIG. 1) during use. features of another example. Furthermore, the various rail
FIGS. 38-39 illustrate an alternative tenth example of 40 examples 54, 54', 354, 454, 554, 654, 754, 854, 954, 1054,
upper rail 1054 for use with basket portion 955. Upper rail 1154 and 1254 can be used exclusively in different systems of
1054 is similar to upper rail 954 (shown in FIGS. 36-37), drawers to provide systems that cost different amounts, e.g., a
except rib 954c has been replaced with outwardly extending high-priced system and a lower priced system. Alternatively,
or projecting connection portion 1054c at the free end of one system can have drawers with various types of rails 54,
vertical second portion 1054b. When rail 1054 is joined to 45 54',354,454,554,654,754,854,954,1054,1154 and 1254.
basket portion 955, horizontal first portion 1054a covers Additionally, a system can use all closed-comer drawers or
upper edge 955b (shown in FIG. 34) and second portion combine closed-comer drawers with open-comer drawers in
1054b and connection portion 1054c contact basket portion one system. The system may be used with sliding drawers
955. After joining rail 1054 to basket portion 955, the use of and/or stationary and sliding shelves each supported by a pair
electric welding could allow connection portion 1054c and 50 of runners. The system frame may also include a section for
basket portion 955 contacting connection portion 1054c to be holding hanging file folders and one or more of the inventive
fused into an integral structure (as shown in FIG. 39). drawers. The drawers of the present invention may be used
FIGS. 40-43 illustrate an alternative example of basket without a frame. In yet another alternative example, the con-
portion 1155 with upper rail 954 and lower rail 1154. Basket tainers/drawers of the present invention may be retained
portion 1155 is formed by four sidewalls 1155a of mesh and 55 within a frame formed of wood, plastic, metal, or material
one bottom wall 1155b of mesh. Sidewalls 1155a are prefer- with a wood finish, where the frame has components such as
ably joined by conventional methods such as welding. Bot- runners and rollers thereon. The frame would cooperate with
tom wall 1155b can be joined to sidewalls 1155a by welding a stationary holder with runners and rollers thereon so that the
and/or by rail 1154. Upper rail 955 previously described with container does not move with respect to the holder, but when
reference to FIGS. 36-37 is joined to basket portion 1155 as 60 the holder moves between an extended and retracted position
previously discussed. by moving with respect to the stationary component, the
Lower rail 1154 includes horizontal first portion 1155a and container likewise moves. In such an example, the runner
vertical second portion 1155b. Horizontal first portion 1155a portion serves to connect the container to the holder without
includes inwardly projecting connection portion or rib 1154c. a sliding engagement therebetween. In addition, the container
Vertical second portion 1155b includes inwardly projecting 65 can be formed without upper rail 54 (see FIG. 3) by forming
connection portion or rib 1154d. When rail 1154 is joined to the runner portion in another way, such as by folding the
basket portion 1155, first portion 1154a and rib 1155c contact upper edge of the basket portion upon itself to form a suffi-
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-11 Page 39 of 39
US 7,428,976 B2
17 18
ciently-rigid integral runner portion. Alternatively, the runner fourth spaced apart sidewalls, and an upwardly extend-
portion need not extend around the entire basket and may ing opening, said first, second, third and fourth sidewalls
extend only on the sides to work with the runners 26a-g (see including an outer surface;
FIG. 1). In such an example, the end walls without the runner bending an upper section of said first, second, third and
portions may have upper edges finished with portions of fourth sidewalls generally horizontally outwardly away
metal, wood, plastic or some other suitable material. Exem- from said upwardly-extending opening;
plary rails shown and described above with one basket con- forming a rail including a first section, a second section,
struction can be used with basket constructions shown in and a curved section joining said first and second sec-
other examples or with conventional basket constructions. tions so that an opening is located therein;
For example, the exemplary rails shown and described above 10 inserting said upper section of said first, second, third and
can be used with baskets that include sidewalls formed from fourth sidewalls into said opening; and
a single loop of mesh material joined to a separate piece of joining said rail to said first, second, third and fourth side-
bottom wall mesh material. Thus, the details of the present walls by compressing said rail to engage said upper
invention as set forth in the above-described examples should section of said first, second, third and fourth sidewalls
not limit the scope of the present invention. 15 such that said first and second sections of said rail are
Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the u.s. generally parallel and horizontally extending outwardly
Patent and Trademark Office, and the public generally, and away from said upwardly-extending opening, such that a
especially the designers and practitioners in the art who are substantial portion of said rail extends generally hori-
not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to zontally away from said upwardly-extending opening
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and 20 substantially outwardly from and substantially continu-
essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The ously around said outer surface of said first, second, third
Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the and fourth sidewalls of said basket portion.
application, which is measured solely by the claims, nor is 3. A method offorming a container comprising the follow-
intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any ing steps:
way. 25 forming a basket portion of metal mesh material into a
bottom wall and upwardly extending first and second
spaced apart sidewalls and upwardly extending third and
We claim as our invention:
fourth spaced apart sidewalls, said first, second, third
1. A container, comprising: and fourth sidewalls including an outer surface;
a basket portion of metal mesh material having a bottom 30 forming a rail;
wall, upwardly extending first and second spaced apart joining said rail to said first, second, third and fourth side-
sidewalls, upwardly extending third and fourth spaced walls such that a substantial portion of said rail extends
apart sidewalls, and an upwardly extending opening, substantially outwardly from said outer surface of said
said first, second, third and fourth sidewalls including an first, second, third and fourth sidewalls, and said rail
outer surface; 35 extends substantially continuously around said outer
an upper section of said first, second, third and fourth surface of said basket portion;
sidewalls extending generally horizontally outwardly forming said basket portion with an upwardly-extending
away from said upwardly-extending opening; opening, where said step of joining said rail further
a rail including a first section, a second section, and a includes joining said rail to said first, second, third and
curved section joining said first and second sections to 40 fourth sidewalls such that said substantial portion of said
define an opening therein; rail extends substantially outwardly from said outer sur-
said upper section of said first, second, third and fourth face of said first, second third and fourth sidewalls away
sidewalls positioned in said opening; and from said upwardly-extending opening and generally
said upper sections of said first, second, third and fourth horizontally; and
sidewalls being compressed within said opening such 45 bending an upper section of said first, second, third and
that said first and second sections of said rail are gener- fourth sidewalls generally horizontally outwardly away
ally parallel and horizontally extending outwardly away from said upwardly-extending opening;
from said upwardly-extending opening and a substantial said rail including a first section, a second section, and a
portion of said rail extends generally horizontally away curved section joining said first and second sections so
from said upwardly-extending opening substantially 50 that an opening is located therein;
outwardly from and substantially continuously around inserting said upper section of said first, second, third and
said outer surface of said first, second, third and fourth fourth sidewalls into said opening; and
sidewalls of said basket portion. compressing said rail to engage said upper section of said
2. A method offorming a container comprising the follow- first, second, third and fourth sidewalls such that said
ing steps: 55 first and second sections of said rail are generally paral-
lel and horizontally extending outwardly away from said
forming a basket portion of metal mesh material into a
upwardly-extending opening.
bottom wall, upwardly extending first and second
spaced apart sidewalls, upwardly extending third and * * * * *
EXHIBIT 12
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 2 of 42
111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
US008006858B2

Cheng et al. (45) Date of Patent: Aug. 30, 2011
(54) METHOD FOR MAKING MESH (56) References Cited

CONTAINERS WITH A RAIL AND MESH
CONTAINER FORMED THEREFROM U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
171,032 A 12/1875 Meyers
(75) Inventors: Hsi-Ming Cheng, Chung-Hua Hsien 201,959 A 4/1878 Stockwell et al.
(TW); R. Neal Post, Springfield, IL 463,964 A 1111891 Gates
(US); Christopher Hardy, Springfield, 900,162 A 10/1908 Goodwin
IL (US) (Continued)
(73) Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd., Springfield, IL (US) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
( *) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this DE 1083999 6/1960
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 (Continued)
U.S.c. 154(b) by 160 days.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(21) Appl. No.: 121237,926
(22) Filed: Sep.25,2008
(Continued)
Primary Examiner - Anthony Stashick
US 200910045201 Al Feb. 19,2009 Assistant Examiner - Madison L Wright
Related U.S. Application Data (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm - SAIDMAN DesignLaw
Group
(63) Continuation of application No. 111000,295, filed on
Nov. 30, 2004, now Pat. No. 7,428,976, which is a (57) ABSTRACT
continuation-in-part of application No. 10/972,308,
filed on Oct. 22, 2004, now Pat. No. 7,270,245, which The present invention is directed to a method of forming a
is a continuation of application No. 10/308,699, filed container comprising forming a basket portion of metal mesh
on Dec. 3, 2002, now abandoned. material and a rail connected to the basket portion. The rail
extends substantially outwardly from the outer surface of the
(51) Int. Cl. basket portion and the rail extends continuously around the
B65D 25/00 (2006.01) outer surface of the basket portion. In one example, the
B65D 6/08 (2006.01) method includes forming the rail so that it does not contain or
B65D 8/04 (2006.01) surround a free edge of the basket portion. In another
B65D 1/42 (2006.01) example, the method includes forming the rail so that it
B65D 6/34 (2006.01) includes an opening for containing or surrounding a free edge
(52) U.S. Cl. .......... 220/485; 220/62; 220/494; 2201607; of the basket portion. The method may also include forming
220/642; 291509 a lower rail. The present invention is also directed to a con-
(58) Field of Classification Search .................... 220/62, tainer formed by such method.
220/485,494,607,642,676; 29/509,512
See application file for complete search history. 25 Claims, 29 Drawing Sheets
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 3 of 42
US 8,006,858 B2
Page 2
u.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS D298,403 S 1111988 Magbert et al.

4,795,041 A 111989 Remmers
920,313 A 511909 Franklin 4,903,853 A 2/1990 Lin
933,517 A 911909 Worcester D328,993 S 9/1992 Rosenthal
981,205 A 111911 Loetzer D341,459 S 1111993 Yang
994,984 A 611911 Dennis D373,039 S 8/1996 Cohen et al.
1,098,053 A 511914 Porter D383,283 S 9/1997 Hankins, III
1,138,496 A 511915 Martin D393,766 S 4/1998 Mazzola et al.
1,224,234 A 511917 Taber 5,810,179 A 9/1998 Kleiman
1,305,148 A 511919 Montan 5,842,789 A 12/1998 Derby et al.
1,382,592 A 611921 Ames 5,851,393 A 12/1998 Carr et al.
1,384,755 A 711921 Hall D416,165 S 1111999 Zemel
1,389,908 A 911921 Shults et al. D419,302 S 112000 Hardy et al.
1,408,026 A 211922 Ochiltree D433,709 S 1112000 Hardy
1,445,259 A 211923 Wiselogel D437,984 S 2/2001 Weiss et al.
1,463,098 A 711923 Snyder D444,039 S 6/2001 Tong
1,484,696 A 211924 Wulftange D444,927 S 7/2001 Lin
RE16,431 E 911926 Kratzer D451,675 S 12/2001 Hardy et al.
1,660,410 A 211928 Beckman D453,027 S 112002 Andujar
1,688,846 A 1011928 Andrews D455,029 S 4/2002 Gusdorf
1,840,561 A 111932 Miller 6,461,501 Bl 1012002 Porter
1,890,983 A 1211932 Griffith 6,508,376 Bl * 112003 Chiang ......................... 220/485
1,950,921 A 311934 Gray et al. D476,155 S 6/2003 Post et al.
2,009,527 A 711935 Shelton D481,233 S 1012003 Post et al.
2,050,980 A 811936 Buhl 6,718,635 B2 4/2004 Cheng et al.
2,502,781 A 411950 Erickson D501, 105 S 112005 Post et al.
2,507,152 A 511950 Garofalo D513,874 S 112006 Hardy et al.
2,574,998 A 1111951 Bangert, Jr. 7,228,985 B2 6/2007 Yeh
2,658,444 A 1111953 Wheeler
2,706,064 A 411955 Vitols FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
2,721,671 A 1011955 Averill
2,768,022 A 1011956 Pope FR 826876 4/1938
2,825,481 A 311958 Glenny GB 228338 2/1925
2,826,329 A 311958 Beckner GB 730785 6/1955
2,851,186 A * 911958 Rupe, Jr............................ 220/6 JP 2001-270515 2/2001
2,898,122 A 811959 Beckner TW 086202707 2/1998
DI94,513 S 211963 Sparling OTHER PUBLICATIONS
3,120,323 A 211964 Sparling
3,138,281 A 611964 Schray Hong Kong Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 98.
3,250,430 A 511966 Cella Hong Kong Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 1126.
3,272,377 A 911966 Schray Baigelman & Co., Office Products Catalog, 2000, item A, p. 492.
3,436,044 A 411969 Martinson The Container Store, The Ultimate Planning Guide, revised Nov.
3,563,292 A 211971 Gordon 2001.
3,923,187 A 1211975 Johansson et al. Design Ideas™ Product Catalogue, Design Ideas, Ltd., Copyright
4,173,289 A 1111979 Nesti 1996, p. 47, product H. Mesh Pencil Cup in Black and 3 photographs
4,205,406 A 611980 Wangkeo et al. of Design Ideas' Mesh Pencil Cup in Silver.
0267,395 S 1211982 Groenewold et al.
4,664,684 A 511987 Dunn et al. * cited by examiner
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 4 of 42
u.s. Patent Aug. 30, 2011 Sheet 1 of29 US 8,006,858 B2
j10
18a
20
20
26a ~~~~~~~¥~~~~~tr·26a
24
26b
14b
26d l~mli~~~~~e~~~-+--26d
Tn ~16
14c
26e
268
26f
14d
26g
24
22
18b
FIG. 1
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 5 of 42
u.s. Patent Aug. 30, 2011 Sheet 2 of 29 US 8,006,858 B2
FIG.2A
34
32
30
FIG2B
(B)
32 34
(C) FIG.2C
~-40
38
FIG.2D
CD) 38-~
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 6 of 42
64 80
66
T
o
1
64
FIG. 3
55a
FIG.3A
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 7 of 42
14b
(
74d
56 .
76d
FIG. 4
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 8 of 42
,,
. .",
~ ....
.? <
>? •
" . '>l').~'
. '.. ( 0.•"
(). .... ,><,y
.. .. ·0 .
~ .. ~ 1$('
- - -- ~ .,& .' .
~. ~Q
. .. ".
'. ". Ai:
~."
'" 'i<,;.
' ..
'.
Ili '.
':1) ~il'.
&.
(')6 1?K
~.
""'"" ~
~
\A
>:) , x:®<
'>61'
~~h-.
~
~I /k;>{
"0
CO ro
"¢ .~~
to
l'--
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 9 of 42
14b
/
FIG. SA
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 10 of 42
u.s. Patent Aug. 30, 2011 Sheet 7of29 US 8,006,858 B2
72
)
92b
86
86
84 FIG. 6
/
Di-BJ_/92a
F
74e 56 /72
-L 92b
FIG. 7
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 11 of 42
rV
H - H
~~-r--:r-r'~' }SSa
AE CE
FIG. 8
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 12 of 42
S5b
AE CE
---~55
FIG. 9
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 13 of 42
541
~ j
54a ' 55a '
55b J
54c'
FIG. 10
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 14 of 42
55a'
FIG. 11
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 15 of 42
FIG. 12
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 16 of 42
~ 168
174d
FIG. 13
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 17 of 42
i 14b
168
160
FIG. 14
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 18 of 42
264
214b
FIG. 15
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 19 of 42
FIG. 16
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 20 of 42
214b
I
254
278
278
272 276
FIG. 17
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 21 of 42
310
327
)
/
326b
826b
326c
326C
326d
326d.
FIG.IS
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 22 of 42
u.s. Patent Aug. 30, 2011 Sheet 19 of 29

US 8,006,858 B2
o
N
-
LL.
.
(!)
-
LL.
.
-
(!)
u.
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 23 of 42
{j}
V1
tV)
(
/'; M
N
•
~
~
-
(!)
LL.
\J)
~
S> lA
\!I V\
V' N)
('{\
I N
N
•
(!)
U.
~
~
-:j-
\n -u.
~r~
~/ ..- ~
'::j-. ~
\J'-...
~\J\
~
V\
r u..
-:7
\{\
/ u
C'C}
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 24 of 42
V)
~ \f\
~'i~';;"Z~/ / / / / / \ / / / / // / " h ~ m /,n UN / ,

.
(!)
~ -Ll.
\,J\
d ~
~'17U/;/777 / ,/ ,'N / / / / / (",/,. / - ' / u\/ /,' / un? /N /,.'/ U / / .'-'1
.
(!)
-
LL
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 25 of 42
\!)
\i'.
-..
\~
/ / / / / / / / / «7//",;/( / //,-'/// / j / //.,(/ / / / / / / / ••• / //?// /.'1
.
~
u..
kI\.
d ~
:&7 7Y7<'=' , "7,, '7' "",'" "'\""U'N a7,'""""" " .

-u..
~
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 26 of 42
. (!)
.
(!)
u. -
u.
o
M
.
-u.
(!)
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 27 of 42
M
M
-
LL
.
(!)
-u.
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 28 of 42
u.s. Patent Aug. 30, 2011 Sheet 25 of 29

US 8,006,858 B2
-
u.
-
u.
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 29 of 42
.
(!)
. u.
\ (!)
-u..
-S.)
'::i"'
.....Q \J)
':T CJ
'j-
Ij) '::1-
c:J IJ}
\.Jl a
Q-'
~ .:S
CO
(,C
.
("')
\~
':::Y
~ ("')
.
\
V\
'::l- C> (!)
Vl oj (!) -::r
If'l U.
er- ::r u. 0
~ V\
L..P
c:f'
l!l
CJ'
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 30 of 42
(9
.
u.
tJ)
'V'
-d
lJ) 10
~
:::T lJl ~ :t-
V) \.-0 \j)
U \.f?
.
(9
LL.
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 31 of 42
,--
j1
.~ en I-'-.-r--r-~
<~ t:r
0'"
-IJ..
-
-
"
":::r
If)
--::}- (f
U\
cr
~ ~
~~~~~~~~~~"L_ _ -
--- -IJ..
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 32 of 42
.,-Q
Vl
lJ)
- d-
()
~ lj)
~ N
';J- In
0
lJJ
D d lO
:T ~
IJ) .
N
-u..
(!)
\j 6
(f)
::r ~
~
V)
In
a
d;
N
N
-
--...>
Sl
fj)
--
tj)
0
:7-
~ l/l
'::l"' N--'
:)- V>
0
\J)
a .d -.::t
:7' ~•
U)
t:$
-:r
~
~ -u.
C)
~
0
- ~
::J
l../) U')
-=T
VI ~ :r
C)
lfl - N
- ':1-- \j)
-
---'
U)
N N
-
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 33 of 42
US 8,006,858 B2
1 2
METHOD FOR MAKING MESH for such bending. The open corners of the basket and the slits
CONTAINERS WITH A RAIL AND MESH between the sidewalls of the liner may allow small objects to
CONTAINER FORMED THEREFROM fall out of the basket, which is undesirable.
Mesh material is typically formed by perforating or slitting
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED 5 a piece of sheet metal and stretching it. A sheet of mesh
APPLICATIONS material requires less raw sheet metal than a non-mesh piece
of sheet metal and a perforated piece of sheet metal. U.S. Pat.
This application is a continuation of our prior application No. 1,408,026 to Ochiltree discloses a desk tray or basket
Ser. No. 111000,295, filed Nov. 30, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. formed of "expanded metal" or mesh material. Similar to the
7,428,976 which is a continuation-in-part ofSer. No. 10/972, 10 previous containers, the Ochiltree container is formed by a
308, filed Oct. 22, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,245 which single blank of flat material that is cut out and folded.
is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/308,699, filed Dec. 3, 2002, ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. 086202709 to Chih-
now abandoned which claims priority to the prior ROC (Tai- Ming, Ko (in transliteration), filed Feb. 21,1997, discloses a
wan) Patent Application No. 090220946, filed Dec. 3, 2001; system of containers supported by a frame. The containers are
ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. 091202306, filed Apr. 15 formed of a single piece of mesh with a rim connected thereto.
16, 2002; and ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. Additionally, the containers do not move with respect to the
091214244, filed Sep. 11,2002. This application also claims frame so that the contents of the lower container are not easily
priority to the prior ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. accessible.
093211506, filed luI. 21,2004; China Patent Application No. A number of mesh containers are made by Design Ideas,
200420084938.8, filed luI. 28, 2004; ROC (Taiwan) Patent 20 Ltd. One of these containers is the "Mesh Storage Nest." This
Application No. 093211507, filed luI. 21, 2004; and China container is formed using a first piece of mesh that has the
Patent Application No. 200420084546.1, filed luI. 29, 2004. ends welded together to form a loop. A second piece of mesh
These applications are incorporated by reference herein in is welded to the lower edge of the loop so that the first piece
their entirety. of mesh forms sidewalls and the second piece of mesh forms
25 a bottom wall. The seam at the bottom of the container is
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION covered by a bottom rail. A top rail is connected to the upper
edge of the container. The sidewalls can be shaped to include
1. Field of the Invention a plurality of corners.
The present invention relates to containers, a system using A need exists for a lightweight container that can be incor-
such containers, and a method of making such containers. 30 porated into a system for storing objects. It is also desirable
More particularly, the present invention relates to rails for use that the contents of such a container be made easily accessible
with drawers made of mesh material. and be prevented from accidentally falling through holes in
2. Description of Related Art the container. Furthermore, it is desirable that the container be
Forming containers out of sheet metal is well known. U.S. formed by an economical method in unlimited sizes.
Pat. No. 903,848 to Donnelly and U.S. Pat. No. 1,107,014 to 35
Avery disclose such containers. In order to make these con- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
tainers, a single blank of flat material is cut out and folded
with overlapping sections. Sheet metal does not provide The present invention is directed to a method of forming a
desirable characteristics such as drainage and ventilation. container comprising the following step: forming a basket
In an effort to make a well-ventilated container, U.S. Pat. 40 portion of metal mesh material into a bottom wall and
No. 645,344 to White discloses a container formed of perfo- upwardly extending first and second spaced apart sidewalls
down from its folded state to its flat state and to be easily 45 steps: forming a rail; and joining the rail to the outer surface
constructed without tools. such that a substantial portion of the rail extends substantially
U.S. Pat. No. 2,825,481 to Glenny discloses another such 50 In one example, the step ofjoining further includes spacing
container of finely woven wire screening. In order to make the the rail from a free edge of the basket portion so that an upper
under the brand name Elfa® is formed of a wire grid with a 55 tion of the basket portion.
plurality of separately formed wires welded together. The In another example of the method, the rail is generally
runners. When the baskets are inserted in the frame, the flat 60 becomes integral with the sidewalls after joining the rail to the
rail is supported by a pair of runners and is movable between basket portion. Such method may further include forming a
user desires to store small objects in these baskets, a plastic 65 with.
liner can be used. The liner has a bottom wall and upwardly In yet another example, the step of joining further includes
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 34 of 42
US 8,006,858 B2
3 4
such an example, the step of forming the rail further includes and the second extension is joined to an inner surface of the
forming the rail with a curved portion having an opening and first, second, third and fourth sidewalls.
a curved section joining first and second sections of the rail. According to one feature of the present invention, the rail is
The method further including the step of inserting the free a substantially continuous piece of material.
edge of said basket portion within the opening. According to one feature of the present invention, the bas-
According to one aspect of the present invention, the step ket portion includes open comers between the first and second
of fonning said rail further includes forming said rail with a sidewalls and the third and fourth sidewalls. According to
first extension coupled to and angularly offset from the first another feature of the present invention, the basket portion
section. includes closed comers between the first and second side-
According to another aspect of the present invention, the 10 walls and the third and fourth sidewalls.
step of forming said rail further includes forming said rail The present invention is also directed to a container com-
with a second extension coupled to and angularly offset from prising a basket portion and first and second rails. The basket
the second section. portion is fonned of metal mesh material and includes a
The present invention is directed to a method offonning a bottom wall and upwardly extending first and second spaced
container comprising the following step: forming a basket 15 apart sidewalls and upwardly extending third and fourth
portion of metal mesh material into a bottom wall and spaced apart sidewalls. The first rail has a L-shape and is
upwardly extending first and second spaced apart sidewalls joined to the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls. The
and upwardly extending third and fourth spaced apart side- second rail has a L-shape and is joined to the sidewalls and the
walls. The method further includes the following steps: bend- bottom wall.
ing an upper section of the first, second, third and fourth 20 In an alternative example, the first rail further includes a
sidewalls outwardly; fonning a rail including an opening; first projecting connection portion that contacts the sidewalls
inserting the upper section of the first, second, third and fourth and becomes integral therewith, when the first rail is joined to
sidewalls into the opening; and compressing the rail to engage the basket portion. In yet another alternative example, the
the upper section of the first, second, third and fourth side- second rail further includes at least one second projecting
walls. 25 connection portion. The second projecting connection por-
According to one example of the inventive method, the rail tion contacts the sidewalls or bottom wall and becomes inte-
forming step further includes fonning a curved portion hav- gral therewith, when the second rail is joined to the basket
ing the opening and the rail forming step further includes an portion.
extension angularly offset from the curved portion. In addi- Alternatively, the present invention is directed to a con-
tion, the inserting step further includes locating the extension 30 tainer with a first rail or a second rail.
adjacent the basket portion; and the method further includes
welding the extension to the first, second, third and fourth BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
sidewalls.
rail fonning step further includes forming the rail with a 35 same becomes understood from the following detailed
Additionally, the compression step further includes locating 40 system of drawers of the present invention, where the drawers
first extension to the outer surface of the first, second, third 45 in FIG. 2A;
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 35 of 42
US 8,006,858 B2
5 6
drawer example with an upper rail of FIG. 36 and a first
example of a drawer using the upper rail and mesh piece
example of a lower rail;
shown in FIGS. 10 and 11;
FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the drawer and rails of FIG.
FIG. 13 is an exploded, rear, perspective view of a third
15 40, wherein the rails are coupled to the basket portion;
example ofa drawer for use in the system of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 42 is a partial, elevational view of the upper and lower
an alternative example of two side pieces of mesh material are rails of FIG. 40 engaged with a mesh piece, wherein welding
used; has not occurred;
FIG. 14 is a partially-exploded, rear, perspective view of FIG. 43 is a partial, elevational view of the upper and lower
the drawer shown in FIG. 13, wherein three pieces of mesh 20 rails joined to the mesh piece of FIG. 42, wherein welding has
material have been joined together; occurred;
FIG. 15 is an enlarged, rear, perspective view of a fourth FIG. 44 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail of
example ofa drawer useful in the system of FIG. 1; FIG. 38 supported by a mesh piece and a second example of
FIG. 16 is an exploded, rear, perspective view of the drawer a lower rail, wherein welding has not occurred; and
shown in FIG. 15; 25 FIG. 45 is a partial, elevational view of the upper and lower
FIG. 17 is a partially-exploded, rear, perspective view of rails joined to the mesh pieces of FIG. 44, wherein welding
the drawer shown in FIG. 15, wherein three pieces of mesh has occurred.
Referring to FIG. 1, a first example of drawer system 10 is
FIG. 19 is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary
shown. This drawer system 10 may be used to store a variety
drawer with a third example of an upper rail;
of housewares, such as kitchen items, clothing, accessories,
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the drawer and rail of FIG. 35
sports equipment, shoes, bathroom supplies, tools, appli-
19, wherein the rail is coupled to the drawer; ances, and the like. Additionally, system 10 can be used to
FIG. 21 is an enlarged, partial, perspective view of the store a variety of other items, for example food, office sup-
upper rail of FIG. 19, wherein the rail is uncompressed; plies, office equipment, file folders, papers/documents, bags,
FIG. 22 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail of boxes, cans, bottles, etc.
FIG. 19 disposed upon a mesh piece, wherein the rail is 40 Drawer system 10 includes frame 12 and a plurality of
uncompressed; containers or drawers 14a-d. Drawer 14a is smaller than
FIG. 23 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined drawers 14b-c so drawer 14a can hold a smaller volume than
to the mesh piece of FIG. 22, wherein the rail is compressed; other drawers 14b-d. Drawers 14a-d are movable with respect
FIG. 24 is a partial, elevational view of a fourth example of to frame 12 between a retracted position (shown in FIG. 1)
an upper rail separated from a mesh piece; 45 and an extended position. In the retracted position, the con-
FIG. 25 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined tents of lower drawers 14b-d is difficult to access. In the
to the mesh piece of FIG. 24; extended position, the contents of the extended drawer are
FIG. 26 is a partial, elevational view of a fifth example of an easily accessible; the extended drawer may be fully with-
upper rail separated from a mesh piece; drawn from frame 12 if desired.
FIG. 27 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined 50 With reference to FIG. 1, frame 12 includes two side frame
to the mesh piece of FIG. 26; members or ladders 16 that are spaced apart and joined by
FIG. 28 is a partial, elevational view of a sixth example of pairs of upper and lower cross members 18a,b, respectively.
an upper rail separated from a mesh piece; Side frame members 16 and pairs of upper and lower cross
FIG. 29 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined members 18a,b are formed to give frame 12 a rectangular
to the mesh piece of FIG. 28; 55 shape. The present invention is not limited to this frame
FIG. 30 is a partial, elevational view of a seventh example shape.
of an upper rail separated from a mesh piece; Frame 12 further includes L-connectors 20 (as best seen in
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 36 of 42
US 8,006,858 B2
7 8
Now, with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 3A, the details of In an alternative example, pieces of mesh 74 and 76 can be
drawer 14b will be discussed. Drawer 14b includes a runner formed of a single piece of material separate from first piece
portion that comprises upper rail 54 and basket portion 55. of mesh 72. In such event, the two pieces of mesh 74 and 76
Basket portion 55 is coupled to upper rail 54. In the present would be joined by another mesh segment (not shown) that
example, basket portion 55 is formed of expanded metal plate 50 would be shaped similar to bottom wall portion 56. As a
(i.e., sheet metal) or "mesh" and has small openings 55a result, bottom wall of basket 55 would be formed of two
therein. In the present specification and appended claims layers of mesh material that overlap.
"mesh" means flat metal that is pierced and stretched so that Referring to FIG. 5A, first, second, and third pieces of
no material is separated from the original raw material, as mesh 72,74, and 76 have been joined together so that bottom
known by those of ordinary skill in the art. On the other hand, 55 seams 78 are formed. Seams 78 are where the material of
unlike mesh, punching portions of waste material out of sheet bottom wall 56 of first piece of mesh 72 overlaps with lower
metal material forms perforated metal. For example, open- extension 74e of second and third pieces of mesh 74 and 76
ings 55a (see FIG. 3A) in the mesh have an area less than 25.4 (see FIG. 4). When corners 64 are formed, side seams 80 (as
mm by 25.4 mm. In another example, openings 55a (see FIG. shown in FIG. 3) are formed adjacent each corner 64. Seams
3) in the mesh have an area less than 20 mm by 10 mm. In yet 60 80 are where the material of sidewalls 62 of first piece of mesh
another example, In another example, openings 55a (see FI G. 72 overlaps with side extensions 74d and 76d of second and
3) in the mesh have an area less than 6 mm by 3 mm. third pieces of mesh 74 and 76, respectively. Seams 80 are
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 37 of 42
US 8,006,858 B2
9 10
as is known by those of ordinary skill in the art. seams 80 has an appropriately sized fixture including clamp
Second and third pieces of mesh 74 and 76 are fonned and (s ), elongated member( s) and cathode electrode( s) for smaller
shaped as shown in FIG. 4. This involves cutting pieces of pieces 74 and 76. For example, the cathode electrode(s) may
mesh 74 and 76 with the desired dimensions and shape from be tapered to match trapezoidal extensions 74d, 76d so that
a roll of mesh using a conventional press machine. Then, 10 pieces 74 and 76 are suitably clamped to end walls 58 and 60
mesh piece 74 is bent using a conventional hydraulic press during welding.
Next, lower extensions 74e, 76e of each piece 74, 76 are tion 55 extends above rail 54; and spot-welding contact sur-
curved side extensions 74d, 76d of pieces 74, 76 are con- as basket portion 55 so that these components can be welded
nected by welding to sidewalls 62 of first piece 72 to fonn together. Thus, for example, rail 54 is formed of any metal
seams 80 (as shown in FIG. 3). such as copper, steel, stainless steel, mild sheet steel or alu-
contact with pieces 72, 74 adjacent extension 74e. Pieces 72, 60 Anode electrode AE contacts outer surface of rail 54 and
74 are tightly compressed between electrodes 92a and 92b. cathode electrode CE contacts inner surface of basket portion
Electrodes 92a,b then discharge electric welding current 55 adjacent surface 54a, as shown in FIG. 9. An electric
two elongated members 90 and two pairs of electrodes 92a,b. efficient. Since electrodes AE and CE are movable vertically
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 38 of 42
US 8,006,858 B2
11 12
in directions V and horizontally in directions H, the spot- larly, upper section 55a' is formed on pieces 74 and 76, when
As shown in FIG. 1, drawers 14b-14d are of medium size example, formed similar to rail 54' (ee FIG. 10) with an
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 39 of 42
US 8,006,858 B2
13 14
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 40 of 42
US 8,006,858 B2
15 16
except rib 954c has been replaced with outwardly extending high-priced system and a lower priced system. Alternatively,
or projecting connection portion 1054c at the free end of one system can have drawers with various types of rails 54,
vertical second portion 1054b. When rail 1054 is joined to 45 54',354,454,554,654,754,854,954,1054,1154 and 1254.
basket portion 955, horizontal first portion 1054a covers Additionally, a system can use all closed-comer drawers or
upper edge 955b (shown in FIG. 34) and second portion combine closed-comer drawers with open-comer drawers in
1054b and connection portion 1054c contact basket portion one system. The system may be used with sliding drawers
955. After joining rail 1054 to basket portion 955, the use of and/or stationary and sliding shelves each supported by a pair
electric welding could allow connection portion 1054c and 50 of runners. The system frame may also include a section for
basket portion 955 contacting connection portion 1054c to be holding hanging file folders and one or more of the inventive
fused into an integral structure (as shown in FIG. 39). drawers. The drawers of the present invention may be used
FIGS. 40-43 illustrate an alternative example of basket without a frame. In yet another alternative example, the con-
portion 1155 with upper rail 954 and lower rail 1154. Basket tainers/drawers of the present invention may be retained
portion 1155 is formed by four sidewalls 1155a of mesh and 55 within a frame formed of wood, plastic, metal, or material
one bottom wall 1155b of mesh. Sidewalls 1155a are prefer- with a wood finish, where the frame has components such as
ably joined by conventional methods such as welding. Bot- runners and rollers thereon. The frame would cooperate with
tom wall 1155b can be joined to sidewalls 1155a by welding a stationary holder with runners and rollers thereon so that the
and/or by rail 1154. Upper rail 955 previously described with container does not move with respect to the holder, but when
reference to FIGS. 36-37 is joined to basket portion 1155 as 60 the holder moves between an extended and retracted position
previously discussed. by moving with respect to the stationary component, the
Lower rail 1154 includes horizontal first portion 1155a and container likewise moves. In such an example, the runner
vertical second portion 1155b. Horizontal first portion 1155a portion serves to connect the container to the holder without
includes inwardly projecting connection portion or rib 1154c. a sliding engagement therebetween. In addition, the container
Vertical second portion 1155b includes inwardly projecting 65 can be formed without upper rail 54 (see FIG. 3) by forming
connection portion or rib 1154d. When rail 1154 is joined to the runner portion in another way, such as by folding the
basket portion 1155, first portion 1154a and rib 1155c contact upper edge of the basket portion upon itself to form a suffi-
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 41 of 42
US 8,006,858 B2
17 18
ciently-rigid integral runner portion. Alternatively, the runner that said first and second sections of said rail are gener-
portion need not extend around the entire basket and may ally parallel and horizontally extending outwardly away
extend only on the sides to work with the runners 26a-g (see from said upwardly extending opening, and said third
FIG. 1). In such an example, the end walls without the runner and fourth sections of said rail are generally parallel and
portions may have upper edges finished with portions of extending downwardly away from said upwardly
metal, wood, plastic or some other suitable material. Exem- extending opening.
plary rails shown and described above with one basket con- 4. The container of claim 3, wherein said rail has at least
struction can be used with basket constructions shown in two configurations, a first configuration being an open con-
other examples or with conventional basket constructions. figuration in which said rail is unfastened to said upper sec-
For example, the exemplary rails shown and described above 10 tion, and a second configuration being a compressed configu-
can be used with baskets that include sidewalls formed from ration in which said rail is fastened to said upper section.
a single loop of mesh material joined to a separate piece of 5. The container of claim 4, wherein:
bottom wall mesh material. Thus, the details of the present when said rail is in the first configuration, said second
invention as set forth in the above-described examples should section extends angularly downwardly with respect to
not limit the scope of the present invention. 15 said first section, said third section extends angularly
Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the u.s. downwardly from said first section, said fourth section
Patent and Trademark Office, and the public generally, and extends angularly downwardly from said second sec-
especially the designers and practitioners in the art who are tion, such that an opening is located between said first
not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to and second sections; and
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and 20 when said rail is in the second configuration, said first and
essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The second sections of said rail are generally parallel and
Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the horizontally extending outwardly away from said
application, which is measured solely by the claims, nor is upwardly extending opening, and said third and fourth
intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any sections of said rail are generally parallel and extending
way. 25 downwardly away from said upwardly extending open-
We claim as our invention: ing, such that said upper section of said first and second
1. Apparatus, comprising: pairs of opposed sidewalls is positioned inside said
a container including a pair of opposed sidewalls and a opening located between said first and second sections
bottom wall; and said joint section compresses said first and second
a first piece of metal mesh material bent to form said 30 sections to said upper section of said first and second
bottom wall and one of said pair of sidewalls that extend pairs of opposed sidewalls.
upwardly from said bottom wall, said bottom wall fur- 6. The container of claim 5, wherein in the first configura-
ther including a pair of spaced apart edges; tion, said first section, said second section and said joint
second and third pieces of metal mesh material, each section have a generally V-shaped form, and in the second
formed separate from said first piece of mesh material, 35 configuration, said first section, said second section, said third
each of said second and third pieces of mesh material section, said fourth section, and said joint section have a
joined to said bottom wall adjacent one of said pair of generally L-shaped form.
spaced apart edges to form the other of said pair of 7. The container of claim 3, wherein said first, second, third
opposed sidewalls that extend upwardly from said bot- and fourth sidewalls include an outer surface and an inner
tom wall, 40 surface, and said rail extends substantially continuously
one of said pair of opposed sidewalls including a central around said outer surface.
sidewall portion having side edges, a pair of mesh exten- S. A drawer system comprising:
sions extending respectively from said side edges of said a frame; and
central sidewall portion; the container of claim 3,
said sidewall mesh extensions overlapping and joining said 45 wherein said container is moveable with respect to said
other pair of opposed sidewalls so as to form sidewall frame between retracted and extended positions via said
corners and a basket portion only of metal mesh mate- rail.
rial; 9. A method offorming a container comprising the follow-
wherein said basket portion further includes a free edge; ing steps:
and 50 forming a basket portion into a bottom wall and upwardly
said container further including a runner portion compris- extending first and second spaced apart sidewalls and
ing a rail having an opening that receives said free edge upwardly extending third and fourth spaced apart side-
of said basket portion. walls, said first, second, third and fourth sidewalls each
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising including an upper edge portion, an outer surface and an
a frame, said container being moveable with respect to said 55 inner surface, said upper edge portions forming an
frame between retracted and extended positions via said rail. upwardly extending opening therebetween;
3. A container, comprising: bending said upper edge portions of said first, second, third
a basket portion having a bottom wall, upwardly extending and fourth sidewalls generally horizontally outwardly
first and second pairs of opposed sidewalls, and an away from said upwardly extending opening;
upwardly extending opening; 60 forming a rail having a first section, a second section, a
an upper section of said first and second pairs of opposed third section, a fourth section and ajoint sectionjoining
sidewalls extending generally horizontally outwardly said first and second sections, such that an opening is
away from said upwardly extending opening; and located between said first and second sections;
a rail including a first section, a second section, a third inserting said upper edge portions of said first, second,
section, a fourth section, and a joint section compressing 65 third and fourth sidewalls into said opening; and
said first and second sections to said upper section of compressing said rail to engage said upper edge portions of
said first and second pairs of opposed sidewalls, such said first, second, third and fourth sidewalls such that
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-12 Page 42 of 42
US 8,006,858 B2
19 20
said first and second sections of said rail are parallel and cover said free edge, at least one of said first and second
extend generally horizontally and outwardly away from portions of said rail having a projection rib for connec-
said upwardly-extending opening, and said third and tion to said upper portion of said basket portion.
fourth sections of said rail are parallel and extend gen- 17. The container as set forth in claim 16, wherein said first
erally downwardly from said upwardly extending open- and second portions of said rail are offset relative to each
ing. other.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein after compressing said 18. The container as set forth in claim 16, wherein said
rail, said first and second sections of said rail are in substantial projection rib is V-shaped.
contact with said upper edge portions, and said third and 19. The container as set forth in claim 18, wherein said
fourth sections of said rail are in substantial contact with said 10 V-shaped projection rib is positioned on a vertical portion of
inner and outer surfaces, respectively, of said first, second, said first and second portion of said rail.
third and fourth sidewalls. 20. A container comprising:
11. The method of claim 9, wherein forming said rail such a basket portion of metal mesh material that includes an
that said opening is located between said first and second inner surface, an outer surface, a bottom wall, upwardly
sections creates a first configuration of said rail; and said 15 extending first and second spaced apart sidewalls and
compressing step alters a shape of said rail from said first upwardly extending third and fourth spaced apart side-
configuration to a second configuration that is substantially walls, said basket portion further including a horizon-
different from said first configuration. tally extending upper section of said first, second, third
12. A container comprising: and fourth sidewalls; and
a basket portion of metal mesh material having an inner 20 a rail including a curved portion defining an opening for
surface, an outer surface, a bottom wall, upwardly receiving said upper section of said first, second, third
extending first and second spaced apart sidewalls, and fourth sidewalls, said opening being sized so that
upwardly extending third and fourth spaced apart side- said rail contacts opposing surfaces of said upper sec-
walls, an upwardly extending opening, and an upper tion, said rail further including first and second exten-
section extending generally horizontally outwardly 25 sions angularly offset from said curved portion, said first
away from said upwardly extending opening; extension being joined to an outer surface of said first,
a rail including a first section, a second section, and a second, third and fourth sidewalls and said second
curved section joining said first and second sections so extension being joined to an inner surface of said first,
as to form an opening within which said upper section of second, third and fourth sidewalls.
said basket portion is positioned, said rail further includ- 30 21. The container of claim 20, wherein said first, second,
ing a first extension joined to said first section, and a third and fourth sidewalls of said basket portion are formed
second extension joined to said second section, said first from a single loop of material that is joined to said bottom
and second extensions being offset from said curved wall.
section and formed in substantially the same shape and 22. The container of claim 20, wherein said upper section is
being adjacent said inner and outer surfaces of said 35 compressed within said opening whereupon said first and
basket portion; second extensions become generally downwardly oriented.
said upper section of said first, second, third and fourth 23. The container of claim 20, wherein said basket portion
sidewalls being compressed within said opening such further includes an angled corner between said sidewalls and
that said first and second sections of said rail tightly said upper section, and wherein said rail further includes a
engage said upper section and are generally horizontally 40 curved edge which engages said angled corner when said
extending outwardly away from said upwardly extend- upper section is compressed within said opening.
ing opening, and such that said first and second exten- 24. Apparatus comprising:
sions of said rail sandwich said basket portion therebe- a container including first and second opposed sidewalls,
tween. third and fourth opposed sidewalls, and a bottom wall,
13. The container of claim 12, wherein said first, second, 45 said sidewalls and said bottom wall formed of metal
third and fourth sidewalls of said basket portion are formed mesh material;
from a single loop of material that is joined to said bottom an upwardly extending opening formed by said first, sec-
wall. ond, third and fourth sidewalls;
14. The container of claim 12, wherein when said upper said first, second, third and fourth sidewalls having an
section is compressed within said opening said first and sec- 50 upper section that extends outwardly from said
ond extensions become generally downwardly oriented. upwardly extending opening;
15. The container of claim 12, wherein said basket portion said first, second, third and fourth sidewalls being formed
further includes an angled corner between said sidewalls and from a single loop of metal mesh material;
said upper section, and wherein said rail further includes a said single loop of metal mesh material being joined to said
curved edge which upon said upper section being compressed 55 bottom wall; and
within said opening engages said angled corner. said container further including a rail having an opening
16. A container comprising: that receives and compresses said upper section of said
a basket portion of metal mesh material that includes a first, second, third and fourth sidewalls so as to cause
bottom wall and upwardly extending first and second said upper section to remain extending outwardly from
spaced apart sidewalls and upwardly extending third and 60 said upwardly extending opening and be substantially
fourth spaced apart sidewalls, said first, second, third horizontal.
and fourth side wails including an upper portion having 25. The apparatus according to claim 24, further compris-
a free edge; and ing a frame, said container being moveable with respect to
a rail having a first portion and a second portion coupled to said frame between retracted and extended positions via said
said upper portion of said basket portion, at least one of 65 substantially horizontal upper section of said rail.
said first and second portions of said rail extending hori-
zontally outwardly from said basket portion so as to * * * * *
EXHIBIT 13
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 2 of 42
111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
US008584889B2

Cheng et al. (45) Date of Patent: Nov. 19,2013
(54) METHOD FOR MAKING MESH B65D 1/42 (2006.01)

CONTAINERS WITH A RAIL AND MESH B65D 6/34 (2006.01)
CONTAINER FORMED THEREFROM (52) U.S. Cl.
USPC ............. 220/485; 220/62; 220/494; 2201607;
(75) Inventors: Hsi-Ming Cheng, Chung-Hua Hsien 220/642; 291509
(TW); R. Neal Post, Springfield, IL (58) Field of Classification Search
(US); Christopher Hardy, Springfield, USPC ................... 220/62,485,494, 607, 642, 676;
IL (US) 29/509,512
See application file for complete search history.
(73) Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd., Springfield, IL (US) (56) References Cited
( *) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
patent is extended or adjusted under 35
U.S.c. 154(b) by 0 days. 171,032 A 12/1875 Meyers
201,959 A 4/1878 Stockwell et al.
(21) Appl. No.: 131208,024 (Continued)
(22) Filed: Aug. 11, 2011 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(65) Prior Publication Data DE 1083999 6/1960

EP 53103-001 10/2003
US 2012/0168433 Al luI. 5, 2012
(Continued)
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Related U.S. Application Data Millers Office Products, p. 442, 1995.
Sep. 25, 2008, now Pat. No. 8,006,858, which is a
Primary Examiner - Anthony Stashick
continuation-in-part of application No. 10/972,308,
Assistant Examiner - Madison L Poos
filed on Oct. 22, 2004, now Pat. No. 7,270,245, which
is a continuation of application No. 10/308,699, filed (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm - Saidman DesignLaw Group
on Dec. 3, 2002, now abandoned. (57) ABSTRACT
The present invention is directed to a method of forming a
(30) Foreign Application Priority Data container comprising forming a basket portion of metal mesh
material and a rail connected to the basket portion. The rail
Dec. 3, 2001 (TW) ................................. 090220946 extends substantially outwardly from the outer surface of the
Feb. 27,2002 (TW) ................................. 091202306 basket portion and the rail extends continuously around the
Sep. 11,2002 (TW) ................................. 091214244 outer surface of the basket portion. In one example, the
luI. 21, 2004 (TW) ................................. 093211507 method includes forming the rail so that it does not contain or
luI. 28, 2004 (CN) .......................... 2004 2 0084938 surround a free edge of the basket portion. In another
luI. 29, 2004 (CN) ....................... 200420084546.1 example, the method includes forming the rail so that it
luI. 21, 2007 (TW) ................................. 093211506 includes an opening for containing or surrounding a free edge
of the basket portion. The method may also include forming
(51) Int. Cl. a lower rail. The present invention is also directed to a con-
B65D 8/04 (2006.01) tainer formed by such method.
B65D 8/08 (2006.01) 7 Claims, 29 Drawing Sheets
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 3 of 42
US 8,584,889 B2
Page 2
(56) References Cited D383,283 S 9/1997 Hankins, III

D393,766 S 4/1998 Mazzola et al.
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 5,810,179 A 9/1998 Kleiman
5,842,789 A 12/1998 Derby et al.
463,964 A 1111891 Gates 5,851,393 A 12/1998 Carr et al.
900,162 A 1011908 Goodwin D416,165 S 1111999 Zemel
920,313 A 511909 Franklin D419,302 S 112000 Hardy et al.
933,517 A 911909 Worcester D433,709 S 1112000 Hardy
981,205 A 111911 Loetzer 6,176,175 Bl * 112001 Moreth ........................... 99/408
994,984 A 611911 Dennis D437,984 S 2/2001 Weiss et al.
1,098,053 A 511914 Porter D444,039 S 6/2001 Tong
1,138,496 A 511915 Martin D444,927 S 7/2001 Lin
1,224,234 A 511917 Taber D451,675 S 12/2001 Hardy et al.
1,305,148 A 511919 Montan D453,027 S 112002 Andujar
1,382,592 A 611921 Ames D455,029 S 4/2002 Gusdorf
1,384,755 A 711921 Hall 6,461,501 Bl 1012002 Porter
1,389,908 A 911921 Shults et al. 6,508,376 Bl 112003 Chaing
1,408,026 A 211922 Ochiltree D476,155 S 6/2003 Post et al.
1,445,259 A 211923 Wiselogel D481,233 S 1012003 Post et al.
1,463,098 A 711923 Snyder 6,718,635 B2 4/2004 Cheng et al.
1,484,696 A 211924 Wulftange D501,105 S 112005 Post et al.
RE16,431 E 911926 Kratzer D513,874 S 112006 Hardy et al.
1,660,410 A 211928 Beckman 7,228,985 B2 6/2007 Yeh
1,688,846 A 1011928 Andrews
1,840,561 A 111932 Miller FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
1,890,983 A 1211932 Griffith
1,950,921 A 311934 Gray et al. EP 53103-0002 10/2003
2,009,527 A 711935 Shelton EP 53103-0003 10/2003
2,050,980 A 811936 Buhl EP 53103-0004 10/2003
2,502,781 A 411950 Erickson EP 53103-0005 10/2003
2,507,152 A 511950 Garofalo EP 53103-0006 10/2003
2,574,998 A 1111951 Bangert, Jr. EP 53103-0007 10/2003
2,658,444 A 1111953 Wheeler EP 53103-0008 10/2003
2,706,064 A 411955 Vitols EP 53103-0009 10/2003
2,721,671 A 1011955 Averill EP 53103-0010 10/2003
2,768,022 A 1011956 Pope EP 53103-0011 10/2003
2,825,481 A 311958 Glenny EP 53103-0012 10/2003
2,826,329 A 311958 Beckner EP 53103-0013 10/2003
2,851,186 A 911958 Rupe, Jr. EP 1424287 Bl 6/2004
2,898,122 A 811959 Beckner FR 826876 4/1938
DI94,513 S 211963 Sparling GB 228338 2/1925
3,120,323 A 211964 Sparling GB 730785 6/1955
3,138,281 A 611964 Schray JP 2001-270515 212001
3,250,430 A 511966 Cella TW 086202707 2/1998
3,272,377 A 911966 Schray
3,436,044 A 411969 Martinson OTHER PUBLICATIONS
3,563,292 A 211971 Gordon
3,923,187 A 1211975 Johansson et al. Design Ideas TM Product Catalogue, Design Ideas, Ltd., Copyright
4,173,289 A 1111979 Nesti 1996, p. 47, product H. Mesh Pencil Cup in Black and 3 photographs
4,205,406 A 611980 Wangkeo et al. of Design Ideas' Mesh Pencil Cup in Silver.
0267,395 S 1211982 Groenewold et al.
Hong Kong Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 98.
4,664,684 A 511987 Dunn et al.
0298,403 S 1111988 Magbert et al. Hong Kong Enterprise, Oct. 1999, p. 1126.
4,795,041 A 111989 Remmers Baigelman & Co., Office Products Catalog, 2000, item A, p. 492.
4,903,853 A 211990 Lin The Container Store, The Ultimate Planning Guide, revised Nov.
D328,993 S 911992 Rosenthal 2001.
D341,459 S 1111993 Yang
D373,039 S 811996 Cohen et al. * cited by examiner
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 4 of 42
u.s. Patent Nov. 19,2013 Sheet 1 of29 US 8,584,889 B2
(
-10
l
6S lor 18a 'j4a
)
m - - - - - - - - - -.............. L..,_-+J___-+)__---,r--................. ·20
26a·--- ~~~~~~~~~~;;;~~~~~~~~~~~~ii;;;~+···~26a
26b
26b.../'
" -----14b
26c ..--
-268
268---
~~26f
. ~ -···--14d
I
18b
FIG. 1
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 5 of 42
1=11G,2A
(A)
FIG2B
(B)
(C) FIG,2C
\ .... _,r
FICx.2D
CD)
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 6 of 42

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 7 of 42
/
76d
FIG,4
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 8 of 42

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 9 of 42
72
FIG·, 5,:\
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 10 of 42
62 72
(
J
FIG. 6
----~92b
/ '
90 ,.,./J!"'"
~)
74~ .
;'
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 11 of 42
i---v
+
~
--
/:
1-,./'1--j1
._L..... i
~,
\ .
I
CE
FIC}' 8
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 12 of 42
[~-
/ /.J'/
l 541
(
f-\E
F
FIG. 9
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 13 of 42
u.s. Patent Nov. 19,2013 Sheet 10 of 29 US 8,584,889 B2
54 1
,,
FICr. 10
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 14 of 42
54~
55a 1
.
~ . '\. ..
)
"(' / /./ ""., .....,'
FIG,11
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 15 of 42

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 16 of 42
174
174c
FIe}. 13
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 17 of 42
168
i58
160
FICJ-. 14
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 18 of 42
255
.FIG. 15
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 19 of 42
FIG. 16
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 20 of 42
F'-[Q-
- - "
1"/
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 21 of 42
.310
f
-I
y
)
.-------+-(-------------------------------------------,
326b--/ --
---S-14b
~326d
fIG.18
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 22 of 42
'<;!"
1.0
('G
~
N
C)
.....
0 u..
N
(!j
.....
u..
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 23 of 42
e•
7J).
•
~
~
~
~
354'\. 354a I
F =
~
3548
\~ 355a
'\i 1 I: /
B
./ 355b \!
.~ ~ 4 / ,/ Z
i 0
~
'~4fZ7~,/ ,,/ 354e
3558
~ ....
C ---7 \<i~-S:'tl ./
"~
A ---- .'
I
"'\l
4 r:<~ ~~
.:~
~~
1\
\0
~
N
....
0
(,H
F -----j ! I ~ rFJ
! ) J ~,.-~ I
=-
('D
.....
('D
354c \S\ ' .., 3"5 !
~ '--, '" N
354b ~ 354d 0
~~. ....
0
N
\0
FIG. 22
FIG. 23
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 24 of 42
.D
co
LO
~-----'O'
en
en
~=fiYL/2?/2?/2?/2?AZI
I
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 25 of 42
'-'"
'-'"
~..a2V..a.:y..a.:~~azy222227..a:J
\
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 26 of 42
65403
6548
654 ---7
FIG. 28
FIG. 29
7548
55
FIG,30 FIG,31
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 27 of 42
,~
u.:
-=
"'T
LO
00
('\I
(I?
u ,
..".-
LO
= ,0)
at
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 28 of 42
-u..
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 29 of 42
9S4
954
9548 /
FIG,36 FIG,37
1054 1054
10543 /'
!~c+------- 1054b
955
FIG. 38 FIG. 39
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 30 of 42
ro
'.0
!,{)
ro
ll") o
!,{) '<t
L()
ro
l!)
L.O
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 31 of 42
954
954~ / 954
954a
\ ( 954b (
Jzz-~LfllJ._//
f /' - \ \ 954b
~,f~~-!
7~r--l
_______!
954c -----~~~--------=-==1
t:j ~--------\
954c ------~ ----------------=l
1155 /--- I
h;:3
/-::i
_---+;,
\
\
\ 1155b
1155/--
/~t:::J
t--'
,;:--
1:.;
l"
\\
\
\\
\
'"
I,)
...--
1155a'~ ~~~~ \ 1155b
~-------___ ~.JI'
,//
/]' 1155a
..-- .:j
i3 V
I /
1154d
1154d '--------.J,~
II
---~r}"'
~ ~54b -----------r~~,-
,~,t"":ll 1 "T'-',0/i'/
t.J1(~
I
/;.;J
:::I
1154b .--------- .~~ v..¥ifJf7TiTfi (, ,
/,il J
f
/' (U+
'h-r,--
------
--- 1
:77,:;¥~-~
./' I '.
. /- - ' \\ ·.1154c /----- \ '" 1154c
1154 1154a 1154
1154a
FIG. 42 FIG. 43
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 32 of 42
1054
1054a ( 1054
,'/.
1054a //
J \ 1054b
/ iL ( 1054b
?---- 7--------) / )
V'
1f
"
Wd",· I j
02Y.$£,7@----- _..:: __._------------------.!
':: /1 !
-- §; !
,~ I
~' I
·-1~1----.~\
1054 "v _-~_" ______ ~
1155 -----
/II~:::::!
t........
....::~
'\
\
\
\
1054c
1155 .---/
..--:.....::
....,
~'
i \
\
-·i~i
~
~ \\
1155a .--__ §! \,
11558 \1 1155b ~~
~ i
,~ I ~ I
1254d ", ~~ J/ 1254d~, I/ 1155b
I .
~Ii~~;
II
1254b .---: t::"
,..... rrn-rTTTTTTTTT,T/T/7,177
I I I /I
1 11..J 1254b --- /
J
II i
: }~ WJii.LLLLW.lJ.l-L LLlf
./ _
l;-Z 7"0.
/'f'-,.
-.'
I_:LL}' '-......
1254 ,----'" \ "... 1254c
1254a
FIG. 44 FIG. 45
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 33 of 42
US 8,584,889 B2
1 2
METHOD FOR MAKING MESH between the sidewalls of the liner may allow small objects to
CONTAINERS WITH A RAIL AND MESH fall out of the basket, which is undesirable.
CONTAINER FORMED THEREFROM Mesh material is typically formed by perforating or slitting
a piece of sheet metal and stretching it. A sheet of mesh
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED 5 material requires less raw sheet metal than a non-mesh piece
APPLICATIONS of sheet metal and a perforated piece of sheet metal. U.S. Pat.
No. 1,408,026 to Ochiltree discloses a desk tray or basket
This application is a continuation of our prior pending formed of "expanded metal" or mesh material. Similar to the
application Ser. No. 12/237,926, filed Sep. 25, 2008, which is previous containers, the Ochiltree container is formed by a
a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/972,308, filed Oct. 22, 10 single blank of flat material that is cut out and folded.
2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,270,245, which is a continuation of ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. 086202709 to Chih-
Ser. No. 10/308,699, filed Dec. 3, 2002, now abandoned, Ming, Ko (in transliteration), filed Feb. 21,1997, discloses a
which claims priority to the prior ROC (Taiwan) PatentAppli- system of containers supported by a frame. The containers are
cation No. 090220946, filed Dec. 3, 2001; ROC (Taiwan) formed of a single piece of mesh with a rim connected thereto.
Patent Application No. 091202306, filed Feb. 27, 2002; and 15 Additionally, the containers do not move with respect to the
ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. 091214244, filed Sep. frame so that the contents of the lower container are not easily
11, 2002. This application also claims priority to the prior accessible.
ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. 093211506, filed luI. A number of mesh containers are made by Design Ideas,
21, 2004; China Patent Application No. 200420084938.8, Ltd. One of these containers is the "Mesh Storage Nest." This
filed luI. 28, 2004; ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. 20 container is formed using a first piece of mesh that has the
093211507, filed luI. 21, 2004; and China Patent Application ends welded together to form a loop. A second piece of mesh
No. 200420084546.1, filed luI. 29, 2004. These applications is welded to the lower edge of the loop so that the first piece
are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. of mesh forms sidewalls and the second piece of mesh forms
a bottom wall. The seam at the bottom of the container is
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 25 covered by a bottom rail. A top rail is connected to the upper
edge of the container. The sidewalls can be shaped to include
1. Field of The Invention a plurality of corners.
The present invention relates to containers, a system using A need exists for a lightweight container that can be incor-
such containers, and a method of making such containers. porated into a system for storing objects. It is also desirable
More particularly, the present invention relates to rails for use 30 that the contents of such a container be made easily accessible
with drawers made of mesh material. and be prevented from accidentally falling through holes in
2. Description of Related Art the container. Furthermore, it is desirable that the container be
Forming containers out of sheet metal is well known. U.S. formed by an economical method in unlimited sizes.
Pat. No. 903,848 to Donnelly and U.S. Pat. No. 1,107,014 to
Avery disclose such containers. In order to make these con- 35 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
tainers, a single blank of flat material is cut out and folded
with overlapping sections. Sheet metal does not provide The present invention is directed to a method of forming a
desirable characteristics such as drainage and ventilation. container comprising the following step: forming a basket
In an effort to make a well-ventilated container, U.S. Pat. portion of metal mesh material into a bottom wall and
No. 645,344 to White discloses a container formed of perfo- 40 upwardly extending first and second spaced apart sidewalls
down from its folded state to its flat state and to be easily steps: forming a rail; and joining the rail to the outer surface
constructed without tools. 45 such that a substantial portion of the rail extends substantially
U.S. Pat. No. 2,825,481 to Glenny discloses another such In one example, the step ofjoining further includes spacing
container of finely woven wire screening. In order to make the 50 the rail from a free edge of the basket portion so that an upper
under the brand name Elfa® is formed of a wire grid with a tion of the basket portion.
plurality of separately formed wires welded together. The 55 In another example of the method, the rail is generally
runners. When the baskets are inserted in the frame, the flat becomes integral with the sidewalls after joining the rail to the
rail is supported by a pair of runners and is movable between 60 basket portion. Such method may further include forming a
user desires to store small objects in these baskets, a plastic with.
liner can be used. The liner has a bottom wall and upwardly 65 In yet another example, the step of joining further includes
for such bending. The open corners of the basket and the slits such an example, the step of forming the rail further includes
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 34 of 42
US 8,584,889 B2
3 4
forming the rail with a curved portion having an opening and and the second extension is joined to an inner surface of the
a curved section joining first and second sections of the rail. first, second, third and fourth sidewalls.
The method further including the step of inserting the free According to one feature of the present invention, the rail is
edge of said basket portion within the opening. a substantially continuous piece of material.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the step According to one feature of the present invention, the bas-
of fonning said rail further includes forming said rail with a ket portion includes open comers between the first and second
first extension coupled to and angularly offset from the first sidewalls and the third and fourth sidewalls. According to
section. another feature of the present invention, the basket portion
According to another aspect of the present invention, the includes closed comers between the first and second side-
step of forming said rail further includes forming said rail 10 walls and the third and fourth sidewalls.
with a second extension coupled to and angularly offset from The present invention is also directed to a container com-
prising a basket portion and first and second rails. The basket
the second section.
portion is fonned of metal mesh material and includes a
The present invention is directed to a method offonning a
bottom wall and upwardly extending first and second spaced
container comprising the following step: forming a basket 15
apart sidewalls and upwardly extending third and fourth
portion of metal mesh material into a bottom wall and spaced apart sidewalls. The first rail has a L-shape and is
upwardly extending first and second spaced apart sidewalls joined to the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls. The
and upwardly extending third and fourth spaced apart side- second rail has a L-shape and is joined to the sidewalls and the
walls. The method further includes the following steps: bend- bottom wall.
ing an upper section of the first, second, third and fourth 20 In an alternative example, the first rail further includes a
sidewalls outwardly; fonning a rail including an opening; first projecting connection portion that contacts the sidewalls
inserting the upper section of the first, second, third and fourth and becomes integral therewith, when the first rail is joined to
sidewalls into the opening; and compressing the rail to engage the basket portion. In yet another alternative example, the
the upper section of the first, second, third and fourth side- second rail further includes at least one second projecting
walls. 25 connection portion. The second projecting connection por-
According to one example of the inventive method, the rail tion contacts the sidewalls or bottom wall and becomes inte-
forming step further includes fonning a curved portion hav- gral therewith, when the second rail is joined to the basket
ing the opening and the rail forming step further includes an portion.
extension angularly offset from the curved portion. In addi- Alternatively, the present invention is directed to a con-
tion, the inserting step further includes locating the extension 30 tainer with a first rail or a second rail.
adjacent the basket portion; and the method further includes
welding the extension to the first, second, third and fourth BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
sidewalls.
rail fonning step further includes forming the rail with a 35 same becomes understood from the following detailed
Additionally, the compression step further includes locating 40 system of drawers of the present invention, where the drawers
first extension to the outer surface of the first, second, third 45 in FIG. 2A;
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 35 of 42
US 8,584,889 B2
5 6
drawer example with an upper rail of FIG. 36 and a first
example of a drawer using the upper rail and mesh piece
example of a lower rail;
shown in FIGS. 10 and 11;
FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the drawer and rails of FIG.
FIG. 13 is an exploded, rear, perspective view of a third
15 40, wherein the rails are coupled to the basket portion;
example ofa drawer for use in the system of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 42 is a partial, elevational view of the upper and lower
an alternative example of two side pieces of mesh material are rails of FIG. 40 engaged with a mesh piece, wherein welding
used; has not occurred;
FIG. 14 is a partially-exploded, rear, perspective view of FIG. 43 is a partial, elevational view of the upper and lower
the drawer shown in FIG. 13, wherein three pieces of mesh 20 rails joined to the mesh piece of FIG. 42, wherein welding has
material have been joined together; occurred;
FIG. 15 is an enlarged, rear, perspective view of a fourth FIG. 44 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail of
example ofa drawer useful in the system of FIG. 1; FIG. 38 supported by a mesh piece and a second example of
FIG. 16 is an exploded, rear, perspective view of the drawer a lower rail, wherein welding has not occurred; and
shown in FIG. 15; 25 FIG. 45 is a partial, elevational view of the upper and lower
FIG. 17 is a partially-exploded, rear, perspective view of rails joined to the mesh pieces of FIG. 44, wherein welding
the drawer shown in FIG. 15, wherein three pieces of mesh has occurred.
Referring to FIG. 1, a first example of drawer system 10 is
FIG. 19 is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary
shown. This drawer system 10 may be used to store a variety
drawer with a third example of an upper rail;
of housewares, such as kitchen items, clothing, accessories,
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the drawer and rail of FIG. 35
sports equipment, shoes, bathroom supplies, tools, appli-
19, wherein the rail is coupled to the drawer; ances, and the like. Additionally, system 10 can be used to
FIG. 21 is an enlarged, partial, perspective view of the store a variety of other items, for example food, office sup-
upper rail of FIG. 19, wherein the rail is uncompressed; plies, office equipment, file folders, papers/documents, bags,
FIG. 22 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail of boxes, cans, bottles, etc.
FIG. 19 disposed upon a mesh piece, wherein the rail is 40 Drawer system 10 includes frame 12 and a plurality of
uncompressed; containers or drawers 14a-d. Drawer 14a is smaller than
FIG. 23 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined drawers 14b-c so drawer 14a can hold a smaller volume than
to the mesh piece of FIG. 22, wherein the rail is compressed; other drawers 14b-d. Drawers 14a-d are movable with respect
FIG. 24 is a partial, elevational view of a fourth example of to frame 12 between a retracted position (shown in FIG. 1)
an upper rail separated from a mesh piece; 45 and an extended position. In the retracted position, the con-
FIG. 25 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined tents of lower drawers 14b-d is difficult to access. In the
to the mesh piece of FIG. 24; extended position, the contents of the extended drawer are
FIG. 26 is a partial, elevational view of a fifth example of an easily accessible; the extended drawer may be fully with-
upper rail separated from a mesh piece; drawn from frame 12 if desired.
FIG. 27 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined 50 With reference to FIG. 1, frame 12 includes two side frame
to the mesh piece of FIG. 26; members or ladders 16 that are spaced apart and joined by
FIG. 28 is a partial, elevational view of a sixth example of pairs of upper and lower cross members 18a,b, respectively.
an upper rail separated from a mesh piece; Side frame members 16 and pairs of upper and lower cross
FIG. 29 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined members 18a,b are formed to give frame 12 a rectangular
to the mesh piece of FIG. 28; 55 shape. The present invention is not limited to this frame
FIG. 30 is a partial, elevational view of a seventh example shape.
of an upper rail separated from a mesh piece; Frame 12 further includes L-connectors 20 (as best seen in
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 36 of 42
US 8,584,889 B2
7 8
Now, with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 3A, the details of drawer In an alternative example, pieces of mesh 74 and 76 can be
14b will be discussed. Drawer 14b includes a runner portion formed of a single piece of material separate from first piece
that comprises upper rail 54 and basket portion 55. Basket of mesh 72. In such event, the two pieces of mesh 74 and 76
portion 55 is coupled to upper rail 54. In the present example, would be joined by another mesh segment (not shown) that
basket portion 55 is formed of expanded metal plate (i.e., 50 would be shaped similar to bottom wall portion 56. As a
sheet metal) or "mesh" and has small openings 56a therein. In result, bottom wall of basket 55 would be formed of two
the present specification and appended claims "mesh" means layers of mesh material that overlap.
flat metal that is pierced and stretched so that no material is Referring to FIG. 5A, first, second, and third pieces of
separated from the original raw material, as known by those mesh 72,74, and 76 have been joined together so that bottom
of ordinary skill in the art. On the other hand, unlike mesh, 55 seams 78 are formed. Seams 78 are where the material of
punching portions of waste material out of sheet metal mate- bottom wall 56 of first piece of mesh 72 overlaps with lower
rial forms perforated metal. For example, openings 56a (see extension 74e of second and third pieces of mesh 74 and 76
FIG. 3A) in the mesh have an area less than 25.4 mm by 25.4 (see FIG. 4). When corners 64 are formed, side seams 80 (as
mm. In another example, openings 56a (see FIG. 3) in the shown in FIG. 3) are formed adjacent each corner 64. Seams
mesh have an area less than 20 mm by 10 mm. In yet another 60 80 are where the material of sidewalls 62 of first piece of mesh
example, In another example, openings 56a (see FIG. 3) in the 72 overlaps with side extensions 74d and 76d of second and
mesh have an area less than 6 mm by 3 mm. third pieces of mesh 74 and 76, respectively. Seams 80 are
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 37 of 42
US 8,584,889 B2
9 10
as is known by those of ordinary skill in the art. seams 80 has an appropriately sized fixture including clamp
Second and third pieces of mesh 74 and 76 are fonned and (s ), elongated member( s) and cathode electrode( s) for smaller
shaped as shown in FIG. 4. This involves cutting pieces of pieces 74 and 76. For example, the cathode electrode(s) may
mesh 74 and 76 with the desired dimensions and shape from be tapered to match trapezoidal extensions 74d,76d so that
a roll of mesh using a conventional press machine. Then, 10 pieces 74 and 76 are suitably clamped to end walls 58 and 60
mesh piece 74 is bent using a conventional hydraulic press during welding.
Next, lower extensions 74e,76e of each piece 74,76 are tion 55 extends above rail 54; and spot-welding contact sur-
curved side extensions 7 4d, 7 6d of pieces 74,76 are connected as basket portion 55 so that these components can be welded
by welding to sidewalls 62 of first piece 72 to form seams 80 together. Thus, for example, rail 54 is formed of any metal
(as shown in FIG. 3). such as copper, steel, stainless steel, mild sheet steel or alu-
contact with pieces 72,74 adjacent extension 74e. Pieces 60 Anode electrode AE contacts outer surface of rail 54 and
72,74 are tightly compressed between electrodes 92a and cathode electrode CE contacts inner surface of basket portion
92b. Electrodes 92a,b then discharge electric welding current 55 adjacent surface 54a, as shown in FIG. 9. An electric
two elongated members 90 and two pairs of electrodes 92a,b. efficient. Since electrodes AE and CE are movable vertically
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 38 of 42
US 8,584,889 B2
11 12
in directions V and horizontally in directions Hu the spot- larly, upper section 55a' is formed on pieces 74 and 76, when
As shown in FIG. 1, drawers 14b-14d are of medium size example, formed similar to rail 54' (see FIG. 10) with an
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 39 of 42
US 8,584,889 B2
13 14
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 40 of 42
US 8,584,889 B2
15 16
except rib 954c has been replaced with outwardly extending high-priced system and a lower priced system.
or projecting connection portion 1054c at the free end of Alternatively, one system can have drawers with various
vertical second portion 1054b. When rail 1054 is joined to 45 types of rails 54, 54', 354, 454, 554, 654, 754, 854, 954, 1054,
basket portion 955, horizontal first portion 1054a covers 1154 and 1254. Additionally, a system can use all closed-
upper edge 955b (shown in FIG. 34) and second portion comer drawers or combine closed-comer drawers with open-
1054b and connection portion 1054c contact basket portion comer drawers in one system. The system may be used with
955. After joining rail 1054 to basket portion 955, the use of sliding drawers and/or stationary and sliding shelves each
electric welding could allow connection portion 1054c and 50 supported by a pair of runners. The system frame may also
basket portion 955 contacting connection portion 1054c to be include a section for holding hanging file folders and one or
fused into an integral structure (as shown in FIG. 39). more of the inventive drawers. The drawers of the present
FIGS. 40-43 illustrate an alternative example of basket invention may be used without a frame. In yet another alter-
portion 1155 with upper rail 954 and lower rail 1154. Basket native example, the containers/drawers of the present inven-
portion 1155 is formed by four sidewalls 1155a of mesh and 55 tion may be retained within a frame formed of wood, plastic,
one bottom wall 1155b of mesh. Sidewalls 1155a are prefer- metal, or material with a wood finish, where the frame has
ably joined by conventional methods such as welding. Bot- components such as runners and rollers thereon. The frame
tom wall 1155b can be joined to sidewalls 1155a by welding would cooperate with a stationary holder with runners and
and/or by rail 1154. Upper rail 955 previously described with rollers thereon so that the container does not move with
reference to FIGS. 36-37 is joined to basket portion 1155 as 60 respect to the holder, but when the holder moves between an
previously discussed. extended and retracted position by moving with respect to the
Lower rail 1154 includes horizontal first portion 1155a and stationary component, the container likewise moves. In such
vertical second portion 1155b. Horizontal first portion 1155a an example, the runner portion serves to connect the container
includes inwardly projecting connection portion or rib 1154c. to the holder without a sliding engagement therebetween. In
Vertical second portion 1155b includes inwardly projecting 65 addition, the container can be formed without upper rail 54
connection portion or rib 1154d. When rail 1154 is joined to (see FIG. 3) by forming the runner portion in another way,
basket portion 1155, first portion 1154a and rib 1155c contact such as by folding the upper edge of the basket portion upon
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 41 of 42
US 8,584,889 B2
17 18
itself to form a sufficiently-rigid integral runner portion. 3. A container, comprising:
Altematively, the runner portion need not extend around the a basket portion having a bottom wall, upwardly extending
entire basket and may extend only on the sides to work with first and second pairs of opposed sidewalls, and an
the ru~ers 26a-g (see FIG. 1). In such an example, the end upwardly extending opening;
~alls wI.thout t~e runner portions may have upper edges fin-
an upper section of said first and second pairs of opposed
Ished wIth portIOns of metal, wood, plastic or some other
sidewalls extending generally horizontally outwardly
suitable material. Exemplary rails shown and described above
with one basket construction can be used with basket con- away from said upwardly extending opening; and
structions shown in other examples or with conventional bas- a rail including a first section, a second section, and a joint
ket constructions. For example, the exemplary rails shown 10 section compressing said first and second sections to
and described above can be used with baskets that include said upper section of said first and second pairs of
sidewalls formed from a single loop of mesh material joined opposed sidewalls, such that said first and second sec-
to a separate piece of bottom wall mesh material. Thus, the tions o~ said rail are generally parallel and horizontally
details of the present invention as set forth in the above- extendmg outwardly away from said upwardly extend-
described examples should not limit the scope of the present ing opening.
invention. 15 4. The container of claim 3, wherein said rail has at least
Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the u.s. two configurations, a first configuration being an open con-
Patent and Trademark Office, and the public generally, and figuration in which said rail is unfastened to said upper sec-
especially the designers and practitioners in the art who are tion, and a second configuration being a compressed configu-
not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to 20 ration in which said rail is fastened to said upper section.
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and 5. The container of claim 4, wherein:
essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The said :ail includes third and fourth sections extending from
Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the smd first and second sections;
~pplication, which is measured solely by the claims, nor is
wherein when said rail is in the first configuration, said
mtended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any 25 first, second, third and fourth sections are configured to
way. form an opening that is located between said first and
We claim as our invention: second sections; and
1. Apparatus, comprising: when said rail is in the second configuration, said first and
a container including first and second pair of opposed second sections of said rail are generally parallel and
sidewalls with upper portions, and a bottom wall, said 30 horizontally extending outwardly away from said
first and second pair of opposed sidewalls being formed upwardly extending opening, and said third and fourth
from a single loop of material that is joined to said sections of said rail are generally parallel and extending
bottom wall, said sidewalls and bottom wall made of away from said upwardly extending opening, such that
metal mesh material and shaped to form a basket having said upper section of said first and second pairs of
opposed sidewalls is positioned inside said opening
an open top; 35
said basket having a free edge extending outwardly from located between said first and second sections and said
said upper portions of said first and second pair of joint section compresses said first and second sections to
opposed sidewalls; said upper section of said first and second pairs of
said container further including a rail having an opening opposed sidewalls.
that receives said free edge of said basket portion such 40 6. The container of claim 5, wherein in the first configura-
that said free edge may be secured within said opening, tion; said first section, said second section and said joint
said rail extending outwardly about the upper portions of sectIOn have a generally V-shaped form, and in the second
said first and second pair of opposed sidewalls; and configuration, said first section, said second section said third
a frame, said container being moveable with respect to said section, said fourth section, and said joint secti~n have a
frame between retracted and extended positions via said generally L-shaped form.
~. ~ 7. The container of claim 5, wherein said first second third
and fourth sidewalls include an outer surface' and an' inner
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said frame
includes a pair of opposed tracks for receiving said rail and surface, and said rail extends substantially continuously
guiding said container between said retracted and extended around said outer surface.
positions. * * * * *
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-13 Page 42 of 42
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
PATENT NO. : 8,584,889 B2 Page 1 of 1
APPLICATION NO. : 131208024
DATED : November 19,2013
INVENTOR(S) : Hsi -Ming Cheng
It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below:
On the Title Page
Item (63) should read:

(63) Continuation of application No. 121237,926, filed on Sep. 25,2008, now Pat. No. 8,006,858,
which is a continuation of application No. 111000,295, filed on Nov. 30,2004, now Pat. No.
7,428,976, which is a continuation-in-part of application No.1 01972,308, filed on Oct. 22,2004,
now Pat. No. 7,270,245, which is a continuation of application No.1 0/308,699, filed on Dec. 3,
2002, now abandoned.
Signed and Sealed this

Tenth Day of October, 2017
<:::._. .\
}
c:>,·/
Joseph Matal
Peiforming the Functions and Duties of the
Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
EXHIBIT 14
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 2 of 43
111111 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
usa 10524569B2

Cheng et al. (45) Date of Patent: Jan. 7,2020
(54) METHOD FOR MAKING MESH (52) U.S. Cl.

CONTAINERS WITH A RAIL AND MESH CPC .............. A47B 88140 (2017.01); A47B 55102
CONTAINER FORMED THEREFORM (2013.01); A47B 67104 (2013.01); B65D 7114
(2013.01);
(71) Applicant: Design Ideas, Ltd., Springfield, IL (Continued)
(US) (58) Field of Classification Search
CPC .. B65D 7/20; B65D 7114; B65D 25/30; A47B
(72) Inventors: Hsi-Ming Cheng, Chung-Hua Hsien 55/02; A47B 88/07; A47B 55/40; A47B
(TW); R. Neal Post, Springfield, IL 67/04
(US); Christopher Hardy, Springfield, (Continued)
IL (US)
(73) Assignee: Design Ideas, Ltd., Springfield, IL U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
(US)
171,032 A 12/1875 Meyers
( *) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 201,959 A 4/1878 Stockwell et al.
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 (Continued)
U.S.c. 154(b) by 0 days.
(21) Appl. No.: 15/340,740
DE 1083999 6/1960
EP 53103-001 10/2003
(22) Filed: Nov. 1, 2016
(Continued)
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
US 2017/0071337 Al Mar. 16,2017
(Continued)
Primary Examiner - James N Smalley
(63) Continuation of application No. 14/029,498, filed on Assistant Examiner - Madison L Poos
Sep. 17, 2013, now Pat. No. 9,687,074, which is a (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm - Perry Saidman, LLC
(Continued)
(57) ABSTRACT
(30) Foreign Application Priority Data The present invention is directed to a method of forming a
container comprising forming a basket portion of metal
Feb. 27, 2002 (TW) ............................... 91202306 U mesh material and a rail connected to the basket portion. The
Sep. 11, 2002 (TW) ............................... 91214244 U rail extends substantially outwardly from the outer surface
(Continued) of the basket portion and the rail extends continuously
around the outer surface of the basket portion. In one
(51) Int. Cl. example, the method includes forming the rail so that it does
A47B 88140 (2017.01) not contain or surround a free edge of the basket portion. In
A47B 55102 (2006.01) another example, the method includes forming the rail so
(Continued) (Continued)
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 3 of 43
US 10,524,569 B2
Page 2
that it includes an opening for containing or surrounding a 2,241,229 A 5/1941 Williams

free edge of the basket portion. The method may also include 2,275,268 A 3/1942 Prinzler
2,446,499 A 8/1948 Van Denberg
forming a lower rail. The present invention is also directed 2,464,921 A 3/1949 Chandler
to a container fonned by such method. 2,502,781 A 4/1950 Erickson
2,507,152 A 5/1950 Garofalo
21 Claims, 29 Drawing Sheets 2,574,998 A 1111951 Bangert, Jr.
2,658,444 A 1111953 Wheeler
2,706,064 A 4/1955 Vitols
2,721,671 A 10/1955 Averill
2,768,022 A 10/1956 Pope
Related U.S. Application Data 2,825,481 A 3/1958 Glenny
2,826,329 A 3/1958 Beckner
continuation of application No. 13/208,024, filed on 2,851,186 A 9/1958 Rupe, Jr.
2,898,122 A 8/1959 Beckner
Aug. 11, 2011, now Pat. No. 8,584,889, which is a
2,999,559 A 9/1961 Boyer
continuation of application No. 12/237,926, filed on DI94,513 S 2/1963 Sparling
Sep. 25, 2008, now Pat. No. 8,006,858, which is a 3,120,323 A 2/1964 Sparling
continuation of application No. 11/000,295, filed on 3,138,281 A 6/1964 Schray
Nov. 30, 2004, now Pat. No. 7,428,976, which is a 3,250,430 A 5/1966 Cella
3,272,377 A 9/1966 Schray
continuation-in-part of application No. 10/972,308, 3,436,044 A 4/1969 Martinson
filed on Oct. 22, 2004, now Pat. No. 7,270,245, which 3,563,292 A 2/1971 Gordon
is a continuation of application No. 10/308,699, filed 3,807,596 A 4/1974 Baker
on Dec. 3, 2002, now abandoned. 3,923,187 A 12/1975 Johansson et al.
4,173,289 A 1111979 Nesti
4,205,406 A 6/1980 Wangkeo et al.
(30) Foreign Application Priority Data 0267,395 S 12/1982 Groenewold et al.
4,664,684 A 5/1987 Dunn et al.
luI. 21, 2004 (TW) ............................... 93211506 U 0298,403 S 1111988 Magbert et al.
luI. 21, 2004 (TW) ............................... 93211507 U 4,795,041 A 111989 Renuners
luI. 28, 2004 (CN) ..................... 2004 2 0084938 U 4,903,853 A 2/1990 Lin
D328,993 S 9/1992 Rosenthal
luI. 29, 2004 (CN) ..................... 2004 2 0084546 U
5,226,586 A 7/1993 Grone
D341,459 S 1111993 Yang
(51) Int. Cl. 5,330,063 A 7/1994 Renuners
A47B 67/04 (2006.01) D373,039 S 8/1996 Cohen et al.
B65D 6/08 (2006.01) D383,283 S 9/1997 Hankins, III
B65D 25/30 (2006.01) D393,766 S 4/1998 Mazzola et al.
5,810,179 A 9/1998 Kleiman
(52) U.S. Cl. 5,842,789 A 12/1998 Derby et al.
CPC ............... B65D 7/20 (2013.01); B65D 25/30 5,851,393 A 12/1998 Carr et al.
(2013.01); Y10T 29/49915 (2015.01) D411,045 S 6/1999 Morandi
D416,165 S 1111999 Zemel
(58) Field of Classification Search
D419,302 S 112000 Hardy et al.
USPC .... 220/642, 62, 607, 676, 485, 494; 29/509, D433,709 S 1112000 Hardy
29/512 6,176,175 Bl 112001 Moreth
See application file for complete search history. D437,984 S 2/2001 Weiss et al.
D444,039 S 6/2001 Tong
References Cited D444,927 S 7/2001 Lin
(56)
D451,675 S 12/2001 Hardy et al.
D453,027 S 112002 Andujar
D455,029 S 4/2002 Gusdorf
6,419,103 Bl 7/2002 Wang
463,964 A 1111891 Gates 6,461,501 Bl 1012002 Porter
900,162 A 1011908 Goodwin 6,508,376 Bl 112003 Chiang
920,313 A 511909 Franklin D476,155 S 6/2003 Post et al.
933,517 A 911909 Worcester D481,233 S 1012003 Post et al.
981,205 A 1I1911 Loetzer 6,718,635 B2 4/2004 Cheng et al.
994,984 A 6/1911 Dennis D501,105 S 112005 Post et al.
1,098,053 A 511914 Porter
D513,874 S 112006 Hardy et al.
1,138,496 A 511915 Martin
1,224,234 A 511917 Taber 7,228,985 B2 6/2007 Yeh
1,305,148 A 511919 Montan 9,687,074 B2 6/2017 Cheng et al.
1,382,592 A 611921 Ames
1,384,755 A 711921 Hall FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
1,389,908 A 911921 Shults et al.
1,408,026 A 211922 Ochiltree EP 53103-0002 10/2003
1,445,259 A 211923 Wiselogel EP 53103-0003 10/2003
1,463,098 A 711923 Snyder EP 53103-0004 10/2003
1,484,696 A 211924 Wulftange EP 53103-0005 10/2003
RE16,431 E 911926 Kratzer EP 53103-0006 10/2003
1,660,410 A 211928 Beckman EP 53103-0007 10/2003
1,688,846 A 1011928 Andrews EP 53103-0008 10/2003
1,840,561 A 111932 Miller EP 53103-0009 10/2003
1,890,983 A 1211932 Griffith EP 53103-0010 10/2003
1,950,921 A 311934 Grayet al. EP 53103-0011 10/2003
2,009,527 A 711935 Shelton EP 53103-0012 10/2003
2,050,980 A 811936 Buhl EP 53103-0013 10/2003
2,174,577 A 1011939 Friedman EP 1424287 Bl 6/2004
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 4 of 43
US 10,524,569 B2
Page 3
FR 826876 4/1938
GB 228338 2/1925
GB 730785 6/1955
JP 2001-270515 212001
TW 086202707 2/1998
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Design Ideas TM Product Catalogue, Design Ideas, Ltd., Copyright
1996, p. 47, product H. Mesh Pencil Cup in Black and 3 photo-
graphs of Design Ideas' Mesh Pencil Cup in Silver.
Baigelman & Co., Office Products Catalog, 2000, item A, p. 492.
2001.
Pending Ex Parte Reexamination No. 901014,233, filed Nov. 7, 2018
for reexamination of claims 1 and 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 9,687,074.
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 5 of 43
u.s. Patent Jao.7,2020 Sheet 1 of 29 US 10,524,569 B2
260···
16
i4c
i4d
26g--
18b
FIG,l
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 6 of 43
30
/~W
/
FIG,2A
0\)
34
32
20
~
FIG2B
(B)
34
36
FIG,2C
~-40
38
FIG,2D
(D)
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 7 of 43
62
14b
(
FICL 3
F{'I(~'
... .J, '~l\
~.'-': ..
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 8 of 43
14b
FIG,4
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 9 of 43
u.s. Patent Jan. 7,2020 Sheet 5 of 29 US 10,524,569 B2

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 10 of 43
14b
/
FIG, SA
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 11 of 43
62 72
J
62
86
84- FIG. 6
D1~g2a
/
L!J
/,,74e 56
""r
90
74~
FIG,7
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 12 of 43
t-~v
~
---
1-/'~-11
~-I
\ '
"
/~
54aN: CE
FIG. 8
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 13 of 43
S5b
)
4
( )
AE \
54
F
~~--··~55
FIG. 9
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 14 of 43
FIG, 10
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 15 of 43
~55'
FIG,11
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 16 of 43
FIG,12
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 17 of 43
174d
176
FIG. 13
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 18 of 43
155
,/
"160
FIG. 14
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 19 of 43
214b
I
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 20 of 43

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 21 of 43
214b
;
......-254
FIG. 17
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 22 of 43
310
327
f
,/
FIG,18
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 23 of 43
~
N
(!)
.
0 -u...
N
(!)
.
.......
u..
......
u..
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 24 of 43
e•
7Jl
•
~
~
~
~
354 F =
~
~ 354a \
354a
~ 355a
.
\
I ' B ~
."" /, \Ii / 355b ~
C __
".
~354e
' 1 / ./
=
~-....l
N
---'~l ~~
o
N
o
A y@ K1
I ~ ~
I
, /A
·r/·
N
\:s\ A
1 __ / N
F ---..; /
/ ) I ~~
;:s:\ rFJ
=-
('D
I .~ .....
('D
354c / '8R\i ----'-. I ~1::;1 N
3 ~4b !>J " -355 !

IS:) 0
:) . ~ ",
f.:-\ 354d ~~
....
0
~
~.
N
\0
FIG. 22 d
rJl
FIG. 23
,,=
"""'"
U"I
N
~
11.
0'1
\C
=
N
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 25 of 43
..a
l()
l()
LO
U"~
!Jmv/T/7/777'7fl777Tfl77L7777/Tlmfl7Tfl77'Tfl777flZ1
I
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 26 of 43
ro
LO \
LO \
r......-,)......, J:!tL
f!i~Z:-:J:i--l.L/ ./ ~7/7 / ·!..Lj~~!. ..:'~.L.:~_L Z i-7~7~7~_-:·-7~;:~77-7-7-~;~7:;.:~:"L·~£"~.!'~_-'-L_,-~'~"_~~"-L"'_Z"'_L_-rL_6=:7-~:--/ /'./ L~.!:_;;~Z=ZJ
\
I
!
1
1
I
{<S~~'~'~'I"!~~{,~~\:
<><:::t
LO
LO
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 27 of 43
654a
e•
7Jl
•
654
FIG. 28
FIG. 29
754a
j?Z~:~'A~ 754b
-~. ./" tR
754~
55
FIG. 30 FIG. 31
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 28 of 43
.
-
u..
~
...0 1..0
I.[) 1..0
I.[) \
\::l.LUZ?7ZZ2£.J_L.,T7777T777I77 ;;777 !:_<'-"~~L':~L£,_,jL77777/ ,c~ZZ777j

..' / N
M
(!)
.
u..
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 29 of 43
u.s. Patent Jan. 7,2020 Sheet 25 of 29

US 10,524,569 B2
-..
u..
-
u..
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 30 of 43
955b
954
955b e•
7Jl
954a •
954f
/
--{~';-;'-'
954e ~ r>! 954b
~/
954C-"-~L'
GS'
~ 954d
/i::s1
/--.~ ~
955 ~
§i 955
FIG. 36 FIG. 37
1054 1054
1054a
1/
( .
1 l
~'r"'~'77>.
-:/')-______ 1054b
955
FIG. 38 FIG. 39
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 31 of 43
0
"<t ..Q
L() "<t
L()
"'0
...:;t
. / I.!)
I
~
~~--
--
\\
'~
I.)
) j 0
~
if .
,~
,I -u..
(!j
II! '", "<t L()

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 32 of 43
e•
7Jl
•
954
954a / 954
\ ( 954a
\ \ 954b (
1155
.,ki/-=-J
954c "-"-"~~"""""-"""1
~/~~r--\
954c
\
~~~,~'a:~ ~:::
t
~
\
!fo~
. . : :.)
954b
1 .......... __- - \
\
\
N
o
N
o
/4~ \
115':i / - - f":::J \
i?: \I
~/ ~
~
1// 1155b " f.':::l

~
\
:
1154d ~"--"
1154b
1155a
____ n.
-"---"'~'Tm7777Ti'TJ7I6n
I!
~
i
1154d
"-...
1155a
~-
._._/" j
--
~
..::j
..::j
--1
- &:Ii'
1/'
i
,
i
'I /
1155b
~~".~ 1154b ---.~.. I ~J[7TiTfi'I"
,"
/~ f " \
···-1154C ,/':7
;7,:: Lt.:,-,
/_...-
\ - ...-.~,
I
'\ '" 1154c

1154 1154a 1154 \
1154a
FIG. 42 FIG. 43
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 33 of 43
1054
1054a ( 1054
/ II 1054b (/
1054b
~1-L----------------
\
" .:~/ -----]
1054c~r f?
f' ....::1
-----~
\1
1054c _I
!
----------1
~ \ \
1155 ___/9' 'l \'1
~"
'-'
1
\
\
\
\\
\
\
\
1254d 1155b
1254b
1254b ---
1254c
FIG. 44 FIG. 45
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 34 of 43
US 10,524,569 B2
1 2
METHOD FOR MAKING MESH rail is supported by a pair of runners and is movable between
CONTAINERS WITH A RAIL AND MESH retracted and extended positions. The wire grid used for the
CONTAINER FORMED THEREFORM Elfa® basket has large holes measuring about 1 inch by 1
inch. The Elfa® basket also has openings at its corners. If a
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED 5 user desires to store small objects in these baskets, a plastic
APPLICATIONS liner can be used. The liner has a bottom wall and upwardly
bendable sidewalls, with slits between the sidewalls to allow
This application is a continuation of our prior application for such bending. The open corners of the basket and the slits
Ser. No. 14/029,498, filed Sep. 17, 2013, which is a con- between the sidewalls of the liner may allow small objects
tinuation of our prior application Ser. No. 13/208,024, filed 10 to fall out of the basket, which is undesirable.
Aug. 11, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,584,889, which is a Mesh material is typically formed by perforating or
continuation of Ser. No. 12/237,926, filed Sep. 25, 2008, slitting a piece of sheet metal and stretching it. A sheet of
now U.S. Pat. No. 8,006,858, which is a continuation of Ser. mesh material requires less raw sheet metal than a non-mesh
No. 111000,295, filed Nov. 30, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. piece of sheet metal and a perforated piece of sheet metal.
7,428,976, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 15 U.S. Pat. No. 1,408,026 to Ochiltree discloses a desk tray or
10/972,308, filed Oct. 22, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,270, basket formed or "expanded metal" or mesh material. Simi-
245, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 10/308,699, filed lar to the previous containers, the Ochiltree container is
Dec. 3, 2002, now abandoned, which claims priority to the formed by a single blank of flat material that is cut out and
prior ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. 090220946, folded.
filed Dec. 3, 2001; ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. 20 ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. 086202709 to
091202306, filed Feb. 27, 2002; and ROC (Taiwan) Patent Chih-Ming, Ko (in transliteration), filed Feb. 21, 1997,
Application No. 091214244, filed Sep. 11,2002. This appli- discloses a system of containers supported by a frame. The
cation also claims priority to the prior ROC (Taiwan) Patent containers are formed of a single piece of mesh with a rim
Application No. 093211506, filed luI. 21, 2004; China connected thereto. Additionally, the containers do not move
Patent Application No. 200420084938.8, filed luI. 28, 2004; 25 with respect to the frame so that the contents of the lower
ROC (Taiwan) Patent Application No. 093211507, filed luI. container are not easily accessible.
21, 2004; and China Patent Application No. A number of mesh containers are made by Design Ideas,
200420084546.1, filed luI. 29, 2004. These applications are Ltd. One of these containers is the "Mesh Storage Nest."
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. This container is formed using a first piece of mesh that has
30 the ends welded together to form a loop. A second piece of
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION mesh is welded to the lower edge of the loop so that the first
piece of mesh forms sidewalls and the second piece of mesh
Field of the Invention forms a bottom wall. The seam at the bottom of the container
The present invention relates to containers, a system using is covered by a bottom rail. A top rail is connected to the
such containers, and a method of making such containers. 35 upper edge of the container. The sidewalls can be shaped to
More particularly, the present invention relates to rails for include a plurality of corners.
use with drawers made of mesh material. A need exists for a lightweight container that can be
Description of Related Art incorporated into a system for storing objects. It is also
Forming containers out of sheet metal is well known. U.S. desirable that the contents of such a container be made easily
Pat. No. 903,848 to Donnelly and U.S. Pat. No. 1,107,014 to 40 accessible and be prevented from accidentally through holes
Avery disclose such containers. In order to make these in the container. Furthermore, it is desirable that the con-
containers, a single blank of flat material is cut out and tainer be formed by an economical method in unlimited
folded with overlapping sections. Sheet metal does not sIzes.
provide desirable characteristics such as drainage and ven-
tilation. 45 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an effort to make a well-ventilated container, U.S. Pat.
No. 645,344 to White discloses a container formed of The present invention is directed to a method of forming
perforated sheet metal, wire-netting or another open-work a container comprising the following step: forming a basket
material. The White container is intended to have a folded portion of metal mesh material into a bottom wall and
state and a flat state. This container is designed to be readily 50 upwardly extending first and second spaced apart sidewalls
knocked down from its folded state to its flat state and to be and upwardly extending third and fourth spaced apart side-
easily constructed without tools. walls, the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls including
Other patents attempt to make lightweight, drainable an outer surface. The method further includes the following
and/or ventilated containers. U.S. Pat. No. 1,994,553 to steps: forming a rail; and joining the rail to the outer surface
Wolcott discloses one such container of finely woven wire 55 such that a substantial portion of the rail extends substan-
screening. U.S. Pat. No. 2,825,481 to Glenny discloses tially outwardly from the outer surface of the first, second,
another such container of finely woven wire screening. In third and fourth sidewalls, and the rail extending substan-
order to make the White, Wolcott and Glenny containers, a tially continuously around the outer surface of the basket
single blank of flat woven wire is cut out and folded with portion.
overlapping sections. 60 In one example, the step of joining further includes
Another wire container that is commercially available spacing the rail from a free edge of the basket portion so that
under the brand name Elfa® is formed of a wire grid with an upper section of the basket portion extends above the rail.
a plurality of separately formed wires welded together. The In such a method, the method further includes the step of
Elfa® container includes a basket portion and a flat rail cutting the upper section of the basket portion from the
around the top edge of the basket portion. The Elfa® baskets 65 remaining portion of the basket portion.
are designed for use in a frame having a plurality of pairs of In another example of the method, the rail is generally
runners. When the baskets are inserted in the frame, the flat L-shaped and has a first portion joined to the basket portion
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 35 of 43
US 10,524,569 B2
3 4
and a second outwardly-extending portion. In such a upper section of the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls.
method, the rail further includes a projecting connection The opening is sized so that the rail contacts opposing
portion that becomes integral with the side ails after joining surfaces of said upper section.
the rail to the basket portion. Such method may further According to one aspect of the present invention, the rail
include forming a second rail having a L-shape and two further includes a curved portion and an extension angularly
connection portions. The second rail being joined to the offset from the curved portion. The curved portion defines
sidewalls and the bottom wall such that the connection the opening and the extension is joined to the first, second,
portions become integral therewith. third and fourth sidewalls.
In yet another example, the step of joining further According to another aspect of the present invention, the
includes containing a free edge of the basket portion with the 10 rail further includes first and second extensions angularly
rail. In such an example, the step of forming the rail further offset from a curved portion. The first extension is joined to
includes forming the rail with a curved portion having an an outer surface of the first, second, third and fourth side-
opening and a curved section joining first and second walls and the second extension is joined to an inner surface
sections of the rail. The method further including the step of of the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls.
inserting the free edge of said basket portion within the 15 According to one feature of the present invention, the rail
opening. is a substantially continuous piece of material.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the step According to one feature of the present invention, the
of forming said rail further includes forming said rail with a basket portion includes open comers between the first and
first extension coupled to and angularly offset from the first second sidewalls and the third and fourth sidewalls. Accord-
section. 20 ing to another feature of the present invention, the basket
According to another aspect of the present invention, the portion includes closed comers between the first and second
step of forming said rail further includes forming said rail sidewalls and the third and fourth sidewalls.
with a second extension coupled to and angularly offset from The present invention is also directed to a container
the second section. comprising a basket portion and first and second rails. The
The present invention is directed to a method of forming 25 basket portion is formed of metal mesh material and
a container comprising the following step: forming a basket includes a bottom wall and upwardly extending first and
portion of metal mesh material into a bottom wall and second spaced apart sidewalls and upwardly extending third
upwardly extending first and second spaced apart sidewalls and fourth spaced apart sidewalls. The first rail has a L-shape
and upwardly extending third and fourth spaced apart side- and is joined to the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls.
walls. The method further includes the following steps: 30 The second rail has a L-shape and is joined to the sidewalls
bending an upper section of the first, second, third and fourth and the bottom wall.
sidewalls outwardly; forming a rail including an opening; In an alternative example, the first rail further includes a
inserting the upper section of the first, second, third and first projecting connection portion that contacts the sidewalls
fourth sidewalls into the opening; and compressing the rail and becomes integral therewith, when the first rail is joined
to engage the upper section of the first, second, third and 35 to the basket portion. In yet another alternative example, the
fourth sidewalls. second rail further includes at least one second projecting
According to one example of the inventive method, the connection portion. The second projecting connection por-
rail forming step further includes forming a curved portion tion contacts the sidewalls or bottom wall and becomes
having the opening and the rail forming step further includes integral therewith, when the second rail is joined to the
an extension angularly offset from the curved portion. In 40 basket portion.
addition, the inserting step further includes locating the Alternatively, the present invention is directed to a con-
extension adjacent the basket portion; and the method fur- tainer with a first rail or a second rail.
ther includes welding the extension to the first, second, third
and fourth sidewalls. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
According to another aspect of the present invention, the 45
rail forming step further includes forming the rail with a The present invention will be more fully appreciated as
curved portion and a curved section joining first and second the same becomes understood from the following detailed
sections of the rail and the curved portion forms the opening, description of the best mode presently contemplated for
and the method further includes forming the rail with first carrying out the present invention when viewed in conjunc-
and second extensions angularly offset from the curved 50 tion with the accompanying drawings, in which:
portion. Additionally, the compression step further includes FIG. 1 is front, perspective view of a first example of a
locating the first extension adjacent an outer surface of the system of drawers of the present invention, where the
first, second, third and fourth sidewalls and locating the drawers are in a retracted position;
second extension adjacent an inner surface of the first, FIG. 2A is an enlarged, perspective view of an L-connec-
second, third and fourth sidewalls. The method further 55 tor for use with the system of FIG. 1;
includes welding the first extension to the outer surface of FIG. 2B is an enlarged, end view of the L-connector
the first, second, third and fourth sidewalls and welding the shown in FIG. 2A;
second extension to the inner surface of the first, second, FIG. 2C is an enlarged, perspective view of aT-connector
third and fourth sidewalls. for use with the system of FIG. 1;
The present invention is also directed to a container 60 FIG. 2D is an enlarged, end view of the T-connector
comprising a basket portion and a rail. The basket portion is shown in FIG. 2C;
formed of metal mesh material that includes a bottom wall FIG. 3 is an enlarged, rear, perspective view of the first
and upwardly extending first and second spaced apart side- example of a drawer shown in FIG. 1;
walls and upwardly extending third and fourth spaced apart FIG. 3A is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of
sidewalls. The basket portion further includes an outwardly 65 the drawer shown in FIG. 3;
sidewalls. The rail includes an opening for receiving the shown in FIG. 3;
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 36 of 43
US 10,524,569 B2
5 6
FIG. 5 is an exploded, rear, perspective view of a portion FIG. 30 is a partial, elevational view of a seventh example
of the drawer shown in FIG. 3, wherein all of the mesh of an upper rail separated from a mesh piece;
pieces have been bent; FIG. 31 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail
FIG. SA is a partially-exploded, rear, perspective view of joined to the mesh piece of FIG. 30;
the drawer shown in FIG. 4, wherein three pieces of mesh FIG. 32 is a partial, elevational view of an eighth example
material have been joined together; of an upper rail separated from a mesh piece;
FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of some of the mesh FIG. 33 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail
pieces of FIG. 5 and a portion of a welding machine for joined to the mesh piece of FIG. 32;
joining such pieces; FIG. 34 is an exploded, perspective view of a drawer with
10 a ninth example of an upper rail;
FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of some of the mesh
pieces of FIG. 5 and a portion of the welding machine of FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the drawer and rail of
FIG. 34, wherein the rail is coupled to the drawer;
FIG. 6;
FIG. 36 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail of
FIG. 8 is a partial, elevational view of a first example of
FIG. 34 supported by a mesh piece, wherein welding has not
an upper rail joined to one of the mesh pieces shown in FIG.
15 occurred;
5, wherein an upper portion of the mesh piece is uncropped; FIG. 37 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail
FIG. 9 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail joined joined to the mesh piece of FIG. 36, wherein welding has
to the mesh piece of FIG. 8, wherein the upper portion of the occurred;
mesh piece is cropped; FIG. 38 is a partial, elevational view of a tenth example
FIG. 10 is a partial, elevational view of a second example 20 of an upper rail supported by a mesh piece, wherein welding
of an upper rail separated from a mesh piece; has not occurred;
FIG. 11 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail FIG. 39 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail
joined to the mesh piece of FIG. 10; joined to the mesh piece of FIG. 38, wherein welding has
FIG. 12 is an exploded, rear, perspective view of a second occurred;
example of a drawer using the upper rail and mesh piece 25 FIG. 40 is an exploded, perspective view of an alternative
shown in FIGS. 10 and 11; drawer example with an upper rail of FIG. 36 and a first
FIG. 13 is an exploded, rear, perspective view of a third example of a lower rail;
example ofa drawer for use in the system of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the drawer and rails of
an alternative example of two side pieces of mesh material FIG. 40, wherein the rails are coupled to the basket portion;
are used; 30 FIG. 42 is a partial, elevational view of the upper and
FIG. 14 is a partially-exploded, rear, perspective view of lower rails of FIG. 40 engaged with a mesh piece, wherein
the drawer shown in FIG. 13, wherein three pieces of mesh welding has not occurred;
material have been joined together; FIG. 43 is a partial, elevational view of the upper and
FIG. 15 is an enlarged, rear, perspective view of a fourth lower rails joined to the mesh piece of FIG. 42, wherein
example of a drawer useful in the system of FIG. 1; 35 welding has occurred;
FIG. 16 is an exploded, rear, perspective view of the FIG. 44 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail of
drawer shown in FIG. 15; FIG. 38 supported by a mesh piece and a second example of
FIG. 17 is a partially-exploded, rear, perspective view of a lower rail, wherein welding has not occurred; and
the drawer shown in FIG. 15, wherein three pieces of mesh FIG. 45 is a partial, elevational view of the upper and
material have been joined together; 40 lower rails joined to the mesh pieces of FIG. 44, wherein
FIG. 18 is front, perspective view of a second example of welding has occurred.
a system of drawers of the present invention, where the
drawers are shown in a retracted position; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF
FIG. 19 is an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary THE PRESENT INVENTION
drawer with a third example of an upper rail; 45
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the drawer and rail of Referring to FIG. 1, a first example of drawer system 10
FIG. 19, wherein the rail is coupled to the drawer; is shown. This drawer system 10 may be used to store a
FIG. 21 is an enlarged, partial, perspective view of the variety of housewares, such as kitchen items, clothing,
upper rail of FIG. 19, wherein the rail is uncompressed; accessories, sports equipment, shoes, bathroom supplies,
FIG. 22 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail of 50 tools, appliances, and the like. Additionally, system 10 can
FIG. 19 disposed upon a mesh piece, wherein the rail is be used to store a variety of other items, for example food,
uncompressed; office supplies, office equipment, file folders, papers/docu-
FIG. 23 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail ments, bags, boxes, cans, bottles, etc.
joined to the mesh piece of FIG. 22, wherein the rail is Drawer system 10 includes frame or rack 12 and a
compressed; 55 plurality of containers or drawers 14a-d. Drawer 14a is
FIG. 24 is a partial, elevational view of a fourth example smaller than drawers 14b-c so drawer 14a can hold a smaller
of an upper rail separated from a mesh piece; volume than other drawers 14b-d. Drawers 14a-d are mov-
FIG. 25 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail able with respect to frame 12 between a retracted position
joined to the mesh piece of FIG. 24; (shown in FIG. 1) and an extended position. In the retracted
FIG. 26 is a partial, elevational view of a fifth example of 60 position, the contents of lower drawers 14b-d is difficult to
an upper rail separated from a mesh piece; access. In the extended position, the contents of the extended
FIG. 27 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail drawer are easily accessible; the extended drawer may be
joined to the mesh piece of FIG. 26; fully withdrawn from frame 12 if desired.
FIG. 28 is a partial, elevational view of a sixth example With reference to FIG. 1, frame 12 includes two side
of an upper rail separated from a mesh piece; 65 vertical support frame members or ladders 16 that are spaced
FIG. 29 is a partial, elevational view of the upper rail apart and joined by pairs of upper and lower cross members
joined to the mesh piece of FIG. 28; 18a,b, respectively. Side frame members 16 and pairs of
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 37 of 43
US 10,524,569 B2
7 8
upper and lower cross members 18a,b are formed to give so that no material is separated from the original raw
frame 12 a rectangular shape. The present invention is not material, as known by those of ordinary skill in the art. On
limited to this frame shape. the other hand, nnlike mesh, pnnching portions of waste
Frame 12 further includes L-connectors 20 (as best seen material out of sheet metal material forms perforated metal.
in FIG. 2A) and T-connectors 22 (as best seen in FIG. 2C) For example, openings 56a (see FIG. 3A) in the mesh have
for joining side frame members 16 to cross frame members an area less than 25.4 mm by 25.4 mm. In another example,
18a,b. For example, L-connectors 20 connect upper cross openings 56a (see FIG. 3) in the mesh have an area less than
member 18a to side frame members 16, if no additional 20 mm by to mm. In another example, openings 56a (see
frames are to be added above the one illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 3) in the mesh have an area less than 6 mm by 3 mm.
If an additional frame is to be added above frame 12 shown 10 Basket portion 55, for example, is formed of any metal
in FIG. 1, T-connectors 22 are used to join upper cross such as copper, steel, stainless steel or aluminum, and the
members 18a to frame members 16. For example, T-con- like. Basket portion 55 includes bottom wall 56, a pair of
nectors 22 also connect lower cross members 18b to side spaced apart sidewalls 58 and 60, and another pair of
frame members 16. Alternatively, T-connectors 22 joined to sidewalls 62. Bottom wall 56 and sidewalls 58, 60 and 62 are
lower cross members 18b can be replaced with plugs with 15 each substantially flat. For example, sidewalls 58, 60 and 62
casters (not shown) thereon to make system to movable, as are joined together to form closed curved corners 64. Side-
is apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. walls 58, 60 and 62 extend upwardly from bottom wall 56
Referring again to FIG. 1, each side frame member 16 to form upwardly-facing opening 66.
includes a pair of spaced apart vertical rods or support As shown in FIG. 3, corners 64 are curved so that they
members 24 coupled by vertically spaced apart horizontally- 20 deviate from straightness in a smooth, continuous fashion.
extending runners 26a-g. Each side frame member 16 is The present invention, however, is not limited to drawers
formed so that runners 26a-g of each side frame member 16 with curved corners and drawers with more angular corners
are aligned with runners 26a-g of other side frame member are also considered inventive. The present invention is also
16 to form a plurality of pairs of runners. Each runner 26a-g not limited to drawers with a radius of curvature greater at
is a generally V-shaped member with inwardly extending 25 the top of the drawer (adjacent the rail 54) than at the
gap 28 defined therein. Runners 26a-g may include a bore bottom. Thus, drawers with, for example, a constant radius
(not shown) in the rear end for receiving a pin (not shown) of curvature are also considered inventive. Each of the
for preventing rearward movement of drawers 14a-d out of corners 64 extend upwardly and outwardly from bottom wall
frame 12. To make frame 12 independent of direction the 56.
bore (not shown) may be formed at both ends of each runner 30 In this example, sidewall 58 forms a front end wall that
and the pin (not shown) disposed in the desired end for use. includes curved cutout 68 bordered by handle rail 70. Cutout
Frame 12 is, for example, formed of any metal with 68 forms a place where a user can easily grasp drawer 14b
sufficient rigidity and formability, for example mild sheet to move it between the retracted and extended positions. In
steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper or the like can be an alternative example, cutout 68 can be replaced with other
used. Vertical rods 24 and runners 26a-g are, for example, 35 methods to aid the user in moving drawer 14b, such as a
welded together using conventional welding techniques. protruding handle connected to wall 58. Handle rail 70 may
Frame 12 may be subjected to a powder painting treatment, have a circular cross-sectional shape and be cut and formed
similar to that discussed below for drawers 14a-d. to extend along the edge of cutout 68. In the present
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, L-connector 20 includes example, rail 70 is of the same material as upper rail 54 and
central body 30 and first and second generally perpendicular 40 is spot-welded to basket portion 55. In this example, side-
legs 32 and 34 extending therefrom. For example, 3 pairs of wall 60 forms a rear end wall.
cross members 18a,b and vertical rods 24 are hollow so that Referring to FIG. 4, drawer 14b is shown in a disas-
legs 32 and 34 are received therein to join these components sembled state. Basket portion 55 is formed by first piece of
together. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2C and 2D, T-connector 22 mesh 72, second piece of mesh 74 and third piece of mesh
includes central body 36 and first, second, and third legs 38, 45 76. First, second, and third pieces of mesh 72, 74, 76 are
40, and 42, respectively, extending therefrom. First and formed separately from one another. First piece of mesh 72
second legs 38 and 40 are generally perpendicular to one is bent along lines 72a,b to form edges as shown in FIG. 5
another similar to L-connector 20. Third and secondSecond to define bottom wall 56 and sidewalls 62. The angle
and third legs 40 and 42 are also generally perpendicular to between bottom wall 56 and sidewalls 62 is greater than
one another. For example, first leg 38 and third leg 42 may 50 about 90°, but the present invention is not limited to this
be inserted into hollow vertical rods 24, and second leg 40 configuration.
is inserted in hollow associated cross members 18a,b. Second piece of mesh 74 includes outer edge 74a, inner
L-connectors 20 and T-connectors 22 are, for example, edge 74b, central portion 74c, side extensions 74d, and
formed of any metal with sufficient rigidity and formability. lower extension 74e. Central portion 74c is between outer
For example, connectors 20 and 22 can be cast of die-cast 55 edge 74a and lower extension 74e and between side exten-
aluminum or any alloy, using conventional techniques sions 74d. Side extensions 74d have a trapezoidal shape so
known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Connectors 20 that they taper downward from outer edge 74a to lower edge
and 22, however, can also be formed of another material like 74b. Second piece of mesh 74 is bent to form front end wall
injection molded plastic. 58, curved corners 64, and lower extension 74e that is
Now, with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 3A, the details of 60 generally perpendicular to front end wall 58 (see FIGS. 3
drawer 14b will be discussed. Drawer 14b includes a runner and 5). Third piece of mesh 76 is formed similarly to second
portion that comprises upper rail 54 and basket portion 55. piece of mesh 74 to include upper edge 76a, lower edge 76b,
Basket portion 55 is coupled to upper rail 54. In the present central portion 76c, side extensions 76d, and lower exten-
example, basket portion 55 is formed of expanded metal sion 76e.
plate (i.e., sheet metal) or "mesh" and has small openings 65 In an alternative example, pieces of mesh 74 and 76 can
56a therein. In the present specification and appended be formed of a single piece of material separate from first
claims "mesh" means flat metal that is pierced and stretched piece of mesh 72. In such event, the two pieces of mesh 74
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 38 of 43
US 10,524,569 B2
9 10
and 76 would be joined by another mesh segment (not In order to join lower extension 74e of second piece 74 to
shown) that would be shaped similar to bottom wall portion bottom wall 56 of first piece 72, already-bent first piece 72
56. As a result, bottom wall of basket 55 would be formed is disposed on cathode electrodes 92b so that sidewalls 62
of two layers of mesh material that overlap. extend downward (as shown in FIG. 6) toward the floor.
Referring to FIG. 5A, first, second, and third pieces of Bent second piece 74 is disposed between member 90 and
mesh 72, 74, and 76 have been joined together so that cathode electrode 92b, as shown in FIG. 7. Next, clamp 88
bottom seams 78 are formed. Seams 78 are where the is actuated so that clamping force F moves member 90 from
material of bottom wall 56 of first piece of mesh 72 overlaps a retracted position (shown in FIG. 6) into a clamping
with lower extension 74e of second and third pieces of mesh position (shown in FIG. 7). In the clamping position, mesh
74 and 76 (see FIG. 4). When comers 64 are formed, side 10 piece 74 is compressed between member 90 and cathode
seams 80 (as shown in FIG. 3) are formed adjacent each electrode 92b. Clamping force F must be sufficient to hold
corner 64. Seams 80 are where the material of sidewalls 62 mesh piece 74 into contact with mesh piece 72 for the
of first piece of mesh 72 overlaps with side extensions 74d welding operation.
and 76d of second and third pieces of mesh 74 and 76, 15 Then, anode electrode 92a moves in direction Dl into
respectively. Seams 80 are generally vertically extending contact with pieces 72,74 adjacent extension 74e. Pieces
side seams. 72,74 are tightly compressed between electrodes 92a and
The method of making drawer 14b will now be discussed. 92b. Electrodes 92a,b then discharge electric welding cur-
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, first piece of mesh s formed and rent through the place to be welded and seam 78 (see FIG.
shaped as shown. This involves cutting piece of mesh 72 20 5A) is formed. Third piece 76, as shown in FIG. 5, is
with the desired dimensions from a roll of mesh using a similarly joined to first piece 72. In the present example,
conventional press machine. Then, first piece of mesh 72 is welding machine 84 is properly configured so that the fixture
bent into a U-shape that includes bottom wall 56 and end includes two clamps, two elongated members 90 and two
walls 62 (as shown in FIG. 5). A conventional hydraulic pairs of electrodes 92a, b. As a result, second and third pieces
press machine is used to bend mesh piece 72. The hydraulic 25 74 and 76 can, for example, be simultaneously welded to
press machine includes a mold for achieving the desired bent first piece 72.
shape, as is known by those of ordinary skill in the art. Another spot-welding machine similar to machine 84 is
Second and third pieces of mesh 74 and 76 are formed and used to weld pieces 74 and 76 to piece 72 adjacent the
shaped as shown in FIG. 4. This involves cutting pieces of corners 64 to form seams 80. This spot-welding machine for
mesh 74 and 76 with the desired dimensions and shape from 30 forming seams 80 has an appropriately sized fixture includ-
a roll of mesh using a conventional press machine. Then, ing clamp(s), elongated member(s) and cathode electrode(s)
mesh piece 74 is bent using a conventional hydraulic press for smaller pieces 74 and 76. For example, the cathode
machine so that side extensions 74d are curved and lower electrode( s) may be tapered to match trapezoidal extensions
extension 74e is angularly offset from center section 74c. 74d,76d so that pieces 74 and 76 are suitably clamped to end
The hydraulic press machine includes a mold, as is known 35 walls 58 and 60 during welding.
by those of ordinary skill in the art. Third piece of mesh 76 With reference to FIG. 3, upper rail 54 is subsequently
is bent similarly to second piece 74 (as shown in FIG. 5). connected to upper section of end walls 58 and 60 and
Handle rail 70 may be welded to mesh piece 74 at this point sidewalls 62 by spot-welding. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 8-9,
or later, when upper rail 54 is joined to basket portion 55. the step of connecting upper rail 54 to basket portion 55
Next, lower extensions 74e,76e of each piece 74,76 are 40 further, for example, includes the steps of forming generally
connected by welding to the side edge of bottom wall 56 of flat upper rail 54; contacting rail 54 to basket portion 55 on
first piece 72 (as shown in FIG. 5A) to form seams 78. Then, contact surface 54a so that upper section 55a of basket
curved side extensions 74d,76d of pieces 74,76 are con- portion 55 extends above rail 54; and spot-welding contact
nected by welding to sidewalls 62 of first piece 72 to form surface 54a to outer surface of basket portion 55.
seams 80 (as shown in FIG. 3). 45 Upper rail 54 is, for example, formed of the same material
After drawer 14b is completely formed (including attach- as basket portion 55 so that these components can be welded
ing rail 54), a process of powder painting may be used to together. Thus, for example, rail 54 is formed of any metal
coat drawer 14b, as is known by those of ordinary skill in the such as copper, steel, stainless steel, mild sheet steel or
art. One exemplary paint is an epoxy coat. The painting may aluminum, and the like. In an example using sheet steel, a
provide a decorative (colored and/or metallic) finish to 50 roll of sheet steel strip material with a circular cross-section
drawer 14b, if desired, and will also provide some protection is used. This material is passed through a conventional roll
for the drawer 14b from water and other corrosive elements. forming machine with a number of pairs of rollers using a
Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, the equipment used to predetermined compression pressure to continuously and
connect first, second and third pieces of mesh 72,74, and 76 gradually change the circular cross-section into a generally
together will now be discussed. The equipment, for example, 55 flat rectangular cross-section, as is known by those of
comprises spot-welding machine 84 including base 86, ordinary skill in the art.
clamp 88 supported on base 86, movable elongated member The material with the flat rectangular cross-section is then
90 movable by clamp 88 to provide clamping force F, and a fed into a bending machine that includes spaced apart pairs
pair of anode electrodes 92a and a pair of cathode electrodes of guide rollers for guiding the material through the machine
92b. Base 86, clamp 88, member 90, and cathode electrodes 60 and bending the material into four spaced apart right angles
92b form a fixture for supporting mesh pieces 72, 74, and 76 to form a rectangular ring. Hydraulic power can be used to
during welding. As shown, for example, cathode electrodes provide the bending force to the associated pairs of guide
92b are, for example, bar-like and parallel to one another to rollers. Where the bending pairs of guide rollers are located,
properly support and clamp mesh pieces 72, 74, and 76. In the machine further includes rollers for preventing vertical
an alternative example, the spot-welder can be used without 65 expansion of the material. Once the rectangular ring is
clamp 88 and elongated member 90, where the pieces may formed, the free ends of the ring are joined by welding to
be manually held during welding. form upper rail 54.
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 39 of 43
US 10,524,569 B2
11 12
Rail 54 is not limited to the above configuration, shape and/or thickened to provide more rigidity thereto. Width W
and materials. For example, it can be hollow with various of the mesh (FIG. 4) can be set by the machine forming the
shapes, such as a circular cross-section. Rail 54 can also be raw material so that the edges of piece 72 that will be
solid with various shapes, such as a circular cross-section. connected to pieces 74 and 76 are smooth and require no
Rail 54 can also be formed of a plastic that is connected to cutting or grinding.
basket portion 55 by glue or adhesive, for example. FIGS. 10-12 illustrate an alternative example of upper rail
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the step of contacting rail 54 54' for use with alternative example of basket portion 55'. To
to basket portion 55 on contact surface 54a may, for form upper rail 54' raw material is bent to include portion
example, further include the step of using spot-welding 54a' with opening 54b' and extension 54c' angularly offset
machine with fixture F for supporting rail 54 at a sufficient 10 from portion 54a' using a roll forming machine. Portion 54a'
elevation above a table (not shown) so that upper section 55a further includes first section A, second section B, and curved
of basket portion 55 extends above rail 54. Fixture F may section C joining first and second sections A,B so that
also provide a clamping force for assuring surface 54a is in opening 54b' is located therein. Sections A and Bare
solid contact with basket portion 55 or this force may be generally flat and have parallel horizontal sections. Exten-
provided by movable anode and cathode electrodes AE and 15 sion 54e' is joined to first section A via curved section 54d'.
CE, respectively. For example, electrodes AE and CE are The material for rail 54' is bent into a closed rectangular loop
circular welding wheels. Anode electrode AE contacts outer and welded together, similar to rail 54 so that rail 54' is
surface of rail 54 and cathode electrode CE contacts inner continuous.
surface of basket portion 55 adjacent surface 54a, as shown Basket portion 55' is formed similarly to basket portion 55
in FIG. 9. An electric current is discharged through elec- 20 except end walls 58, 60 and sidewalls 62' all have an
trodes AE and CE, rail 54 and basket portion 55 to spot-weld outwardly bent upper section 55a' terminating in an end or
rail 54 to basket portion 55. For example, sufficient elec- free edge SSe'. Upper section 55a' is formed by a conven-
trodes AE and CE are provided to make the welding of rail tional hydraulic press machine with a mold at the same time
54 to basket portion 55 efficient. Since electrodes AE and CE other bends are formed in pieces 72, 74, 76 (see FIG. 5).
are movable vertically in directions V and horizontally in 25 That is when piece 72 is bent to form edges 72a and 72b,
directions Hu the spot-welder can be used to weld variously piece 72 is also bent to form upper section 55a'. Similarly,
size rails and baskets together. upper section 55a' is formed on pieces 74 and 76, when
The step of connecting upper rail 54 may further include edges 74d and 74e and edges 76e and 76d, respectively, are
cutting and grinding steps. In the cutting step, upper section formed. Then, pieces 72, 74, 76 are welded together.
55a (as shown in FIG. 8) of basket portion 55 is severed 30 Bent upper section 55a' is inserted into opening 54b' of
using a conventional severing apparatus, such as one includ- upper rail 54' (as shown in FIG. 11). Portion 54a' is then
ing a reciprocating saw blade. In the grinding step, exposed compressed by a conventional press machine so that opening
upper edge 55b (FIG. 9) of basket portion 55 is worked using 54b' is minimized and curved portion 54a' tightly engages
a conventional grinding machine so that upper edge 55b basket portion 55a' so that inner surfaces of portion 54a'
becomes smooth. Rail 54 aids in providing structural rigidity 35 contact basket portion 55a'. This step also results in front
to basket portion 55 and is the only rail circumscribing each curved tip or portion 54d' of rail 54' engaging angled comer
drawer's perimeter. or jnnction 55b' of basket portion 55'. Then, vertically-
Once rail 54 is joined to the outer surface of the basket extending extension 54c' is welded to the basket using a
portion, a substantial portion of rail 54 extends substantially spot-welding machine and fixture similar to the method used
outwardly from the outer surface of first, second, third and 40 for rail 54 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9).
fourth sidewalls of basket portion 55 and rail 54 extends Once upper rail 54' is joined to basket portion 55' in this
continuously aronnd the outer surface of basket portion (as manner, it provides additional structural rigidity to basket
shown in FIG. 3). portion 55'. Using rail 54' eliminates the need to cut upper
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, in use drawer 14b is inserted section 55a of basket portion 55, as when using rail 54, as
into system to by disposing upper rail 54 within gap 28 of 45 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Consequently, rail 54' eliminates
opposed, aligned pair of runners 26b. Rail 54 and gap 28 are the need to deburr or grind basket portion 55'.
sized to allow free sliding movement of drawer 14b with In an alternative exemplary method, pieces 72, 74, 76 (see
respect to frame 12 between the retracted and extended FIG. 5) are bent to form edges 72a and 72b in piece 72,
positions. edges 74d and 74e in piece 74, and edges 76e and 76d in
Since drawer 14b is formed of mesh with very small 50 piece 76. Then, pieces 72, 74, 76 are welded together. Next,
openings 56a (see FIG. 3), small objects, such as pens, paper joined pieces 72, 74, and 76 are placed in a conventional
clips, and the like, can be stored in drawer 14b without a hydraulic press machine with a mold and bent to create
liner and will not fall through openings 56a. In addition, outwardly bent upper section 55a' on each piece 72, 74, 76.
since drawer 14b has closed comers 64, small objects also Subsequently, rail 54' is coupled to basket 55' as previously
cannot fall out of this area of drawer 14b. 55 discussed.
As shown in FIG. 1, drawers 14b-14d are of medium size Referring back to FIG. 1, basket 14a includes a rectan-
and vertically extend across two sets of vertically spaced gular cutout 68' on front of wall 58'. Metal handle rail 70'
runners. Drawer 14a is a small size and consequently covers the free end of the mesh within cutout 68'. Handle rail
extends across only one set of vertically spaced runners. The 70' is, for example, formed similar to rail 54' (see FIG. 10)
drawers may be sized differently, see FIG. 4, particularly by 60 with an opening that is compressed about the mesh, once the
changing the length L of first piece of mesh 72 and the height mesh is inserted therein. For example, handle rail 70' also
H of second and third pieces of mesh 74 and 76. This allows includes an extension, similar to extension 54e' of rail 54',
containers of a variety of sizes to be formed without excess that can be spot-welded to securely attach rail 70' to the
machinery costs, particularly large containers having depth mesh. In such an example, opening in rail 70' extends
D from bottom wall 56 to top surface of top rail 54 (see FIG. 65 vertically along with its extension similar to extension 54e'.
3) equal to or greater than about 11 inches. If larger baskets In an example of handle rail 70' without such an extension,
are desired, the basket material may need to be changed rail 70' may still be spot-welded to the mesh.
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 40 of 43
US 10,524,569 B2
13 14
Referring to FIGS. 13-14, third drawer example 114b is extensions 354c and 354e angularly offset from curved
shown. Drawer 114b comprises runner portion or upper rail portion 354a. Curved portion 354a further includes first
154 and basket portion 155. Upper rail 154 may be formed section A, second section B, and curved section C joining
like rail 54 or rail 54' previously discussed. Basket portion first and second sections A, B so that opening 354b is located
155 includes bottom wall 156, end walls 158 and 160, and 5 therein. In the present example, first section A has a length
sidewalls 162. Bottom and end walls 156 and 158 and 160 less than second section B. First extension 354c is joined to
are also sidewalls. First piece of mesh 172 is bent to form first section A. Second extension 354e is joined to second
bottom wall 156 and end walls 158 and 160. Sidewalls 162 section B. Rail 354 is bent so that curved portion 354a has
are formed of separate second and third pieces of mesh 174 a generally V-shape form, as shown in FIG. 21.
and 176, respectively. End wall 158 includes first piece of 10
Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, bent upper section 355a of
mesh 172 with cutout 168 similar to end wall 58.
basket portion 355, which is similar to basket portion 55', is
For drawer 114b, different from drawer 14b, second piece
inserted into opening 354b of upper rail 354'. As a result,
of mesh 174 includes central portion 174c, rectangular side
extensions 174d and lower extension 174e. Third piece of first and second extensions 354c and 354e are adjacent to
mesh 176 has a similar configuration. When pieces 172, 174 15 outer and inner surfaces, respectively, of basket portion 355.
and 176 are connected using a method similar to that used Curved portion 354a is then compressed, as indicated by
in forming drawer 14b, drawer 114b has closed smoothly arrows F in FIG. 22, by a conventional press machine. As a
curved comers similar to corners 64 (as shown in FIG. 3), result, opening 354b is minimized (as shown in FIG. 23) and
but corners of drawer 114b will have a substantially constant curved portion 354a tightly engages basket portion 355a.
radius. Drawer 114b also includes four side seams 80 at each 20 This compression also results in extensions 354c and 354e
corner and two bottom seams 178. sandwiching basket portion 355 therebetween. Additionally
Referring to FIGS. 15-17, fourth drawer example 214b is after compression, extensions 354c, 354e are generally
shown. Drawer 214b comprises runner portion or upper rail vertically oriented and first and second sections A,B are
254 and basket portion 255. Upper rail 254 may be formed generally horizontally oriented (as best shown in FIG. 23).
like rails 54, 54', 154' or 254' discussed above. Basket 25 In addition, compression results in curved edge 354d of rail
portion 255 includes bottom wall 256, end walls 258 and 354 engaging angled corner or junction 355b of basket
260, and sidewalls 262. portion 355 (see FIGS. 22-23). Then, the now generally
End walls 258 and 260 are also sidewalls. First piece of vertically-extending extensions 354c and 354e are welded to
mesh 272 is bent to form bottom wall 256 and end walls 258 outer and inner surfaces, respectively, of basket portion 355
and 260. Sidewalls 262 are formed of separate second and 30
using a spot-welding machine and fixture similar to the
third pieces of mesh 274 and 276. End wall 258 includes
method used for rail 54 (shown in FIGS. 8 and 9).
cutout 268 similar to end wall 58.
Rail 354 adds structural rigidity to basket portion 355 and
In drawer 214b, different from drawers 14b and 114b,
eliminates the need to cut and deburr basket portion 355.
second and third pieces of mesh 274 and 276 do not include
extensions. When pieces 272, 274 and 276 are connected 35
FIGS. 24-25 illustrate an alternative fourth example of
using the method offorming drawer 14b, pieces 274 and 276 upper rail 454 for use with basket portion 55 (shown in
only overlap piece 272 on the bottom not on the sides. As a FIGS. 8 and 24). Rail 454 is similar to rail 54' as shown in
result, drawer 214b has open corners 264 (as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 except as discussed below. Upper rail 454 is bent to
15) and two bottom seams 278. Drawers configured like include first portion 454a and angularly offset second por-
drawer 214b can be used in systems like system 10 (shown 40 tion 454b. Second portion 454b includes contact surface
in FIG. 1) and move between extended and retracted posi- 454c.
tions. Drawers similar to drawer 214b can come in a number Second portion 454b of rail 454 is connected to basket
of sizes. Drawer 214b is formed similarly to drawer 14b by portion 55 by spot-welding, similar to rail 54 shown in
bending and spot-welding the mesh pieces. FIGS. 8 and 9. The step of connecting upper rail 454 to
Referring to FIG. 18, a second example of drawer system 45 basket portion 55 further includes, for example, the steps of
310 is shown. Drawer system 310 includes frame 312 and forming generally L-shaped rail 454, contacting contact
plurality of drawers 314a and 314b. Frame 312 includes four surface 454c of rail 454 to basket portion 55 so that upper
pairs of runners 326a-d. This example illustrates that any section 55a of basket portion 55 extends above rail 454 and
number of pairs of runners can be used depending on how first portion 454a is spaced from upper edge 55b, spot-
large a system is desired. Frame 312 is otherwise configured 50 welding contact surface 454c to outer surface of basket
and formed similarly to frame 12 (shown in FIG. 1). System portion 55 (as shown in FIG. 25), and cutting upper section
310 further may include solid table top or shelf 327 that is 55a of basket portion 55. A finishing or grinding step may
securely connected to the top of frame 312 by a press fit so be used to assure that upper edge 55b of basket portion 55
that objects can be stored or displayed thereon. Alterna- is not sharp. Alternatively, rail 454 can be joined to basket
tively, shelf 327 may be sized differently (larger or smaller 55 portion 55 so that free end of portion 454b is aligned with
than) frame 312 and connected to frame 312 with conven- edge 55b. As a result, no additional cutting of basket portion
tional fasteners such as screws and L-brackets. Drawer 314a is necessary. First portion 454a of the rail is operatively
is small and extends across one pair of runners 326a. Drawer associated with runners 26a-g of frame 12 (see FIG. 1)
314b is large and extends vertically across three pairs of during use.
runners 326b-d. Drawers 314a and 314b are configured and 60 FIGS. 26-27 illustrate an alternative fifth example of
manufactured similar to drawer 14b (see FIG. 1), but draw- upper rail 554 for use with basket portion 55 (shown in
ers configured like drawers 114b and 214b can also be used FIGS. 3 and 26). Upper rail 554 is similar to upper rail 454
with system 310. except rail 554 is oriented differently when joined to basket
FIGS. 19-23 illustrate an alternative third example of portion 55. As shown in FIG. 27, when rail 554 is joined to
upper rail 354 for use with basket portion 355. As shown in 65 basket portion 55, first portion 554a is aligned with upper
FIG. 21, upper rail 354 is formed similar to rail 54' to include edge 55b and second portion 554b is coupled to basket
curved portion 354a with opening 354b and first and second portion 55. Rail 554 is joined to basket portion 55 as
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 41 of 43
US 10,524,569 B2
15 16
previously discussed with respect to rail 454. Rail portion can be varied. As shown in FIG. 37, when rail 954 is joined
554a is operatively associated with runners 26a-g of frame to basket portion 955, horizontal first portion 954a covers
12 (see FIG. 1) during use. upper edge 955b (shown in FIG. 34) and second portion
FIGS. 28-29 illustrate an alternative sixth example of 954b and rib 954c contact basket portion 955. After joining
upper rail 654 for use with basket portion 55 (shown in 5 rail 954 to basket portion 955, the use of electric welding
FIGS. 3 and 28). Upper rail 654 is similar to upper rail 454 could allow rib 954c and basket portion 955 contacting rib
except as noted below. Rail 654 includes first portion 654a 954c to be fused into an integral structure (as shown in FIG.
angularly offset from second portion 654b which is offset 37). This is due to the heat collection and pressure of
from third portion 654c to fonn recess 654d between second resistors used during welding.
and third portions 654b, 654c. In the present example (as 10
Rail 954 adds structural rigidity to basket portion 955 and
shown in FIG. 29), rail thickness tR of second portion 654b
eliminates need to cut and deburr basket portion 955. Rail
is less than mesh thickness tM of basket portion 55 so that
portion 954a is operatively associated with runners 26a-g of
upper edge 55b of basket portion 55 is not fully received
within recess 64d and must therefore be ground to ensure frame 12 (see FIG. 1) during use.
edge 55b is smooth. Alternatively, the offset between second 15
FIGS. 38-39 illustrate an alternative tenth example of
and third portions 654b, 654c can be increased so that edge upper rail 1054 for use with basket portion 955. Upper rail
55b is fully received within recess 654d. In yet another 1054 is similar to upper rail 954 (shown in FIGS. 36-37),
alternative, rail 754 (see FIGS. 30-31) can be configured except rib 954c has been replaced with outwardly extending
similar to rail 654, except rail thickness tR of second portion or projecting connection portion 1054c at the free end of
754b is greater than mesh thickness tM of basket portion 55 20 vertical second portion 1054b. When rail 1054 is joined to
so that upper edge 55b of basket portion 55 is fully received basket portion 955, horizontal first portion 1054a covers
within recess 754b and thus does not require grinding. upper edge 955b (shown in FIG. 34) and second portion
Rails 654, 754 are joined to basket portions 55 as previ- 1054b and connection portion 1054c contact basket portion
ously discussed with respect to rail 454. Rail portions 654a, 955. After joining rail 1054 to basket portion 955, the use of
754a are operatively associated with runners 26a-g of frame 25 electric welding could allow connection portion 1054c and
12 (see FIG. 1) during use. basket portion 955 contacting connection portion 1054c to
FIGS. 32-33 illustrate an alternative eighth example of be fused into an integral structure (as shown in FIG. 39).
upper rail 854 for use with basket portion 55 (shown also in FIGS. 40-43 illustrate an alternative example of basket
FIG. 3). Rail 854 is similar to rail 454 shown in FIG. 24, portion 1155 with upper rail 954 and lower rail 1154. Basket
except second portion 854b of rail 854 is connected to 30 portion 1155 is fonned by four sidewalls 1155a of mesh and
curved section 854c, which is connected to extension 854d. one bottom wall 1155b of mesh. Sidewalls 1155a are pref-
Curved portion 854e of rail 854 is fonned by second portion erably joined by conventional methods such as welding.
854b, curved section 854c and extension 854d and also Bottom wall 1155b can be joined to sidewalls 1155a by
defines opening 854f Rail 854 is bent so that curved portion welding and/or by rail 1154. Upper rail 955 previously
854e has a generally open V-shape (as shown in FIG. 32). 35 described with reference to FIGS. 36-37 is joined to basket
Upper edge 55b of basket portion 55 is inserted into portion 1155 as previously discussed.
opening 854f so that when rail 854 is compressed by a Lower rail 1154 includes horizontal first portion 114a and
conventional press machine, as shown in FIG. 33, second vertical second portion 54b. Horizontal first portion 54a
portion 854b and extension 854d are adjacent to outer and includes inwardly projecting connection portion or rib 154c.
inner surfaces, respectively, of basket portion 55. Compres- 40 Vertical second portion 54b includes inwardly projecting
sion also minimizes opening 854f(as shown in FIG. 33) and connection portion or rib 1154d. When rail 1154 is joined to
causes curved section 854c to tightly engage basket portion basket portion 1155, first portion 1154a and rib 1155c
55. Additionally, after compression extension 854d is gen- contact bottom wall 1155b and second portion 1154b and rib
erally vertically-extending and second portion 854b and 1155d contact sidewalls 1155a. After joining rail 1154 to
extension 854d are welded to the outer and inner surfaces, 45 basket portion 1155, the use of electric welding (using heat
respectively, of basket portion 55 using a spot-welding collection and pressure) could allow the ribs 1154c,d and
machine and fixture similar to the method used for rail 54 basket portion 1155 contacting ribs 1154c,d to be fused into
(shown in FIGS. 8 and 9). an integral structure (as shown in FIG. 43).
Once upper rail 854 is joined to basket portion 55 in this FIGS. 44-45 illustrate basket portion 1155 with upper rail
manner, it provides additional structural rigidity to the 50 1054 and alternative lower rail 1254. Basket portion 1155 is
basket portion 55. Using rail 854 eliminates the need to cut previously described with reference to FIGS. 40-41. Upper
upper section 55a of basket portion 55 as when using rail 54, rail 1054 previously described with reference to FIGS.
as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Consequently, rail 854 eliminates 38-39 is joined to basket portion 1155 as previously dis-
the need to deburr basket portion 55. cussed.
FIGS. 34-37 illustrate an alternative ninth example of 55 Lower rail 1254 is similar to lower rail 1154 (shown in
upper rail 954 for use with basket portion 955. Basket FIGS. 42-43), except ribs 1154c,d have been replaced with
portion 955 terminates in an upper free edge or end 955b. inwardly extending or projecting connection portions
Upper rail 954 is similar to upper rail 454 (shown in FIGS. 1254c,d at the free end of first and second portions 1254a,b,
24-25), except vertical second portion 954b of rail 954 respectively. When rail 1254 is joined to basket portion
includes an outwardly extending or projecting connection 60 1155, first portion 1254a and rib 1254c contact bottom wall
portion or rib 954c. Rail 954 tenninates at one end in a lower 1155b and second portion 1254b and rib 1254d contact
free edge or end 954d and at the other end a free edge or end sidewalls 1155a. After joining rail 1254 to basket portion
954e that is also the terminus of horizontal portion 954a. 1155, the use of electric welding (using heat collection and
Vertical portion 954b and horizontal portion 954a intersect pressure) could allow connection portions 1254c,d and
at junction 954f This intersection of vertical portion 954b 65 basket portion 1155 contacting the connection portions
and horizontal portion 954a fonns an approximate right 1254c,d to be fused into an integral structure (as shown in
angle. The location of rib 954c along vertical portion 954b FIG. 45).
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 42 of 43
US 10,524,569 B2
17 18
Rails 354, 454, 554, 654, 754, 854, 954, 1054, 1154 and Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the
1254 are generally rectangular rings that are continuous application, which is measured solely by the claims, nor is
about their respective basket portions. These ails are formed intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any
of materials similar to those discussed with respect to rails way.
54 and 54'. We claim as our invention:
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, 1. An apparatus comprising:
upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized a basket portion of expanded metal mesh material includ-
as a basis for designing other products for carrying out the ing an inner surface, an outer surface, a substantially
several purposes of the present invention. It is important, flat bottom wall, substantially flat and upwardly and
therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such 10 outwardly extending from said bottom wall first and
equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from second spaced apart sidewalls, and substantially flat
the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the and upwardly and outwardly extending from said bot-
appended claims. Therefore, this invention is not to be tom wall third and fourth spaced apart sidewalls, said
limited to the specific examples depicted therein. For first, second, third and fourth sidewalls connected to
example, the features of one example disclosed above can be 15 each other to form four comers, each of said comers
used with the features of another example. Furthermore, the extending upwardly and outwardly from said bottom
various rail examples 54, 54', 354, 454, 554, 654, 754, 854, wall;
954, 1054, 1154 and 1254 can be used exclusively in a rail including a substantially flat horizontal portion and
different systems of drawers to provide systems that cost a substantially flat vertical portion connected to each
different amounts, e.g., a high-priced system and a lower 20 other at a junction;
priced system. Alternatively, one system can have drawers said basket portion further including an upper section of
with various types of rails 54, 54', 354, 454, 554, 654, 754, said first, second, third and fourth sidewalls, said upper
854, 954, 1054, 1154 and 1254. Additionally, a system can section extending only vertically and having a first end
use all closed-comer drawers or combine closed-comer that terminates said upper section at said junction;
drawers with open-comer drawers in one system. The sys- 25 wherein said vertical portion of said rail is attached to said
tem may be used with sliding drawers and/or stationary and upper section of said inner surface of said basket and
sliding shelves each supported by a pair of runners. The has a lower second end that terminates said vertical
system frame may also include a section for holding hanging portion, said horizontal portion of said rail having a
file folders and one or more of the inventive drawers. The third end that terminates said horizontal portion, said
drawers of the present invention may be used without a 30 vertical portion and said horizontal portion extending
frame. In yet another alternative example, the containers/ substantially continuously around said basket portion.
drawers of the present invention may be retained within a 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said upper section of
frame formed of wood, plastic, metal, or material with a said basket is supported only by said vertical portion of said
wood finish, where the frame has components such as rail.
runners and rollers thereon. The frame would cooperate with 35 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said
a stationary holder with runners and rollers thereon so that vertical portion is attached to said upper portion only on said
the container does not move with respect to the holder, but inner surface of said basket portion.
when the holder moves between an extended and retracted 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said rail
position by moving with respect to the stationary compo- consists only of said horizontal portion and said vertical
nent, the container likewise moves. In such an example, the 40 portion, said horizontal portion and said vertical portion
runner portion serves to connect the container to the holder forming an approximate right angle with respect to each
without a sliding engagement therebetween. In addition, the other.
container can be formed without upper rail 54 (see FIG. 3) 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first,
by forming the runner portion in another way, such as by second, third and fourth sidewalls are connected to each
folding the upper edge of the basket portion upon itself to 45 other to form four comers.
form a sufficiently-rigid integral runner portion. Alterna- 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each of
tively, the runner portion need not extend around the entire said four comers extend upwardly and outwardly from said
basket and may extend only on the sides to work with the bottom wall.
runners 26a-g (see FIG. 1). In such an example, the end 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising
walls without the runner portions may have upper edges 50 a rack having vertical support members arranged to form a
finished with portions of metal, wood, plastic or some other substantially rectangular frame, said rack having opposed
suitable material. Exemplary rails shown and described pairs of runners connected horizontally between said support
above with one basket construction can be used with basket members.
constructions shown in other examples or with conventional 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each of
basket constructions. For example, the exemplary rails 55 said runners comprises a V-shaped portion adapted to
shown and described above can be used with baskets that receive the horizontal portion of said rail slidingly therein,
include sidewalls formed from a single loop of mesh mate- such that said basket portion may be freely moved to be
rial joined to a separate piece of bottom wall mesh material. within or outside of said rack.
Thus, the details of the present invention as set forth in the 9. An apparatus comprising:
above-described examples should not limit the scope of the 60 a basket portion of expanded metal mesh material includ-
present invention. ing an inner surface, an outer surface, a substantially
Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the u.s. flat bottom wall, substantially flat and upwardly and
Patent and Trademark Office, and the public generally, and outwardly extending from said bottom wall first and
especially the designers and practitioners in the art who are second spaced apart sidewalls, and substantially flat
not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to 65 and upwardly and outwardly extending from said bot-
determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and tom wall third and fourth spaced apart sidewalls, said
essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The first, second, third and fourth sidewalls connected to
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-14 Page 43 of 43
US 10,524,569 B2
19 20
each other to fonn four comers, each of said comers 13. The container according to claim 11, wherein said
extending upwardly and outwardly from said bottom first, second, third and fourth sidewalls are connected to
wall; each other to fonn four comers.
a rail including a substantially flat horizontal portion and 14. The container according to claim 13, wherein each of
a substantially flat vertical portion connected at a right said four comers extend upwardly and outwardly from said
angle to each other at a junction; bottom wall.
said basket portion further including an upper section of 15. The container according to claim 11, further compris-
said first, second, third and fourth sidewalls, said upper ing a rack having vertical support members arranged to fonn
section extending only vertically and having a first end 10 a substantially rectangular frame, said rack having opposed
that tenninates said upper section at said junction;
pairs of runners connected horizontally between said support
wherein said vertical portion of said rail is attached to said
members.
upper section of said inner surface of said basket and
16. The container according to claim 15, wherein each of
has a lower second end that tenninates said vertical
portion, said horizontal portion of said rail having a said runners comprises a V-shaped portion adapted to
15 receive the horizontal portion of said rail slidingly therein,
thir~ end that terminates said horizontal portion, said
vertIcal portion and said horizontal portion extending such that said basket portion may be freely moved to be
substantially continuously around said basket portion; within or outside of said rack.
and 17. A container, comprising:
a rack having vertical support members arranged to fonn a basket portion of expanded metal mesh material having
a substantially rectangular frame, said rack having 20 a bottom wall from which upwardly and angularly
opposed pairs of runners connected horizontally outwardly extends substantially flat first and second
between said support members, each of said runners spaced apart sidewalls and substantially flat third and
comprising a V-shaped portion adapted to receive the fourth spaced apart sidewalls, said sidewalls fonning
horizontal portion of said rail slidingly therein, such an upwardly and outwardly extending opening, said
that said basket portion may be freely moved to be 25 sidewalls joined to a horizontally extending upper
within or outside of said rack. section, said upper section and said sidewalls meeting
10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said at a substantially right-angled junction;
~ertical portion is attached to said upper portion only on said
a rail extending .horizontally and including a first section,
Inner surface of said basket portion. a second section, and a connecting section joining said
11. A container, comprising: 30
first and second sections to define an opening therein
a basket portion of expanded metal mesh material having said connecting section having a curved, V-shaped
a bottom wall from which upwardly and angularly portion of substantially the same thickness as said first
outwardly extends substantially flat first and second and second sections, said upper section of said basket
spaced apart sidewalls and substantially flat third and .having a terminal portion positioned in said opening;
fourth spaced apart sidewalls, said sidewalls fonning 35 smd first section and said second section of said rail
an upwardly and outwardly extending opening, said extending from said opening to at least said right-
sidewalls joined to a horizontally extending upper angled junction of said upper section and said side-
section, the intersection of said sidewalls and said walls; and
~pper section fonning a substantially right-angled junc-
said upper section being secured in said opening by
tion; 40
compression of said first and second sections of said
rail so as not to be removable from said opening, said
a r~il exten~ing s~bstantially horizontally from said open-
mg and mcludmg a first section, a second section, and upper section of said basket portion and said rail
a curved, V-shaped connecting sectionjoining said first horizontally extending outwardly away from said
and second sections to define an opening, said first, upwardly-extending opening substantially continu-
second and connecting sections being of substantially 45 ously around said first, second, third and fourth side-
the same thickness; walls of said basket portion.
said upper section of said basket having a tenninal portion 18. The container of claim 17, wherein said first and
positioned in said opening, said first and second sec- second ends terminate at approximately at the same position
tions having first and second ends, respectively, each of opposite to each other.
which extends over said junction; 50
19. The container of claim 18, wherein said first and
said upper section of said basket being secured in said second sections of said rail have first and second ends
respectively, each of which extends at least to said substan~
opening by compression of said first and second sec-
tions of said rail so as not to be removable from said tially right-angled junction.
opening, said upper section of said basket portion and 20. The container of claim 17, further comprising a frame
55 said container being movable with respect to said fram~
said rail horizontally extending outwardly away from
said upwardly-extending opening substantially con- between retracted and extended positions via said rail.
21. The container according to claim 20, wherein said
tinuously around said first, second, third and fourth
sidewalls of said basket portion. frame includes a pair of opposed tracks for receiving said
12. The container of claim 11, wherein said first and rail and guiding said container between said retracted and
second ends terminate at approximately at the same position 60 extended positions.
opposite to each other. * * * * *
-65HY
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-15 Page 1 of 2
&,9,/&29(56+((7 E-FILED
7KH-6FLYLOFRYHUVKHHWDQGWKHLQIRUPDWLRQFRQWDLQHGKHUHLQQHLWKHUUHSODFHQRUVXSSOHPHQWWKHILOLQJDQGVHUYLFHRISOHDGLQJVRURWKHUSDSHUVDVUHTXLUHGE\ODZH[FHSWDV
SURYLGHGE\ORFDOUXOHVRIFRXUW7KLVIRUPDSSURYHGE\WKH-XGLFLDO&RQIHUHQFHRIWKH8QLWHG6WDWHVLQ6HSWHPEHULVUHTXLUHGIRUWKHXVHRIWKH&OHUNRI&RXUWIRUWKH
SXUSRVHRILQLWLDWLQJWKHFLYLOGRFNHWVKHHW(SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON NEXT PAGE OF THIS FORM.)
, D 3/$,17,))6 '()(1'$176
Design Ideas, Ltd. Target Corporation
E&RXQW\RI5HVLGHQFHRI)LUVW/LVWHG3ODLQWLII Sangamon, IL &RXQW\RI5HVLGHQFHRI)LUVW/LVWHG'HIHQGDQW Hennepin County, MN

(EXCEPT IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES) (IN U.S. PLAINTIFF CASES ONLY)
127( ,1/$1'&21'(01$7,21&$6(686(7+(/2&$7,212)
7+(75$&72)/$1',192/9('

F$WWRUQH\V(Firm Name, Address, and Telephone Number) $WWRUQH\V(If Known)
McAndrews, Held & Malloy, Ltd.

500 W. Madison Street, 34th Floor, Chicago, IL 60661 312-775-8000
,,%$6,62)-85,6',&7,21(Place an “X” in One Box Only) ,,,&,7,=(16+,32)35,1&,3$/3$57,(6 (Place an “X” in One Box for Plaintiff
(For Diversity Cases Only) and One Box for Defendant)
u 86*RYHUQPHQW u )HGHUDO4XHVWLRQ 37) '() 37) '()
3ODLQWLII (U.S. Government Not a Party) &LWL]HQRI7KLV6WDWH u u ,QFRUSRUDWHGor3ULQFLSDO3ODFH u u
RI%XVLQHVV,Q7KLV6WDWH
u 86*RYHUQPHQW u 'LYHUVLW\ &LWL]HQRI$QRWKHU6WDWH u u ,QFRUSRUDWHGand3ULQFLSDO3ODFH u u

'HIHQGDQW (Indicate Citizenship of Parties in Item III) RI%XVLQHVV,Q$QRWKHU6WDWH
&LWL]HQRU6XEMHFWRID u u )RUHLJQ1DWLRQ u u
)RUHLJQ&RXQWU\
,91$785(2)68,7(Place an “X” in One Box Only) &OLFNKHUHIRU1DWXUHRI6XLW&RGH'HVFULSWLRQV
&2175$&7 72576 )25)(,785(3(1$/7< %$1.5837&< 27+(567$787(6
u ,QVXUDQFH 3(5621$/,1-85< 3(5621$/,1-85< u 'UXJ5HODWHG6HL]XUH u $SSHDO86& u )DOVH&ODLPV$FW
u 0DULQH u $LUSODQH u 3HUVRQDO,QMXU\ RI3URSHUW\86& u :LWKGUDZDO u 4XL7DP86&
u 0LOOHU$FW u $LUSODQH3URGXFW 3URGXFW/LDELOLW\ u 2WKHU 86& D
u 1HJRWLDEOH,QVWUXPHQW /LDELOLW\ u +HDOWK&DUH u 6WDWH5HDSSRUWLRQPHQW
u 5HFRYHU\RI2YHUSD\PHQW u $VVDXOW/LEHO 3KDUPDFHXWLFDO 3523(57<5,*+76 u $QWLWUXVW
(QIRUFHPHQWRI-XGJPHQW 6ODQGHU 3HUVRQDO,QMXU\ u &RS\ULJKWV u %DQNVDQG%DQNLQJ
u 0HGLFDUH$FW u )HGHUDO(PSOR\HUV¶ 3URGXFW/LDELOLW\ u 3DWHQW u &RPPHUFH
u 5HFRYHU\RI'HIDXOWHG /LDELOLW\ u $VEHVWRV3HUVRQDO u 3DWHQW$EEUHYLDWHG u 'HSRUWDWLRQ
6WXGHQW/RDQV u 0DULQH ,QMXU\3URGXFW 1HZ'UXJ$SSOLFDWLRQ u 5DFNHWHHU,QIOXHQFHGDQG
([FOXGHV9HWHUDQV u 0DULQH3URGXFW /LDELOLW\ u 7UDGHPDUN &RUUXSW2UJDQL]DWLRQV
u 5HFRYHU\RI2YHUSD\PHQW /LDELOLW\ 3(5621$/3523(57< /$%25 62&,$/6(&85,7< u &RQVXPHU&UHGLW
RI9HWHUDQ¶V%HQHILWV u 0RWRU9HKLFOH u 2WKHU)UDXG u )DLU/DERU6WDQGDUGV u +,$II 86&RU
u 6WRFNKROGHUV¶6XLWV u 0RWRU9HKLFOH u 7UXWKLQ/HQGLQJ $FW u %ODFN/XQJ u 7HOHSKRQH&RQVXPHU
u 2WKHU&RQWUDFW 3URGXFW/LDELOLW\ u 2WKHU3HUVRQDO u /DERU0DQDJHPHQW u ',:&',::J 3URWHFWLRQ$FW
u &RQWUDFW3URGXFW/LDELOLW\ u 2WKHU3HUVRQDO 3URSHUW\'DPDJH 5HODWLRQV u 66,'7LWOH;9, u &DEOH6DW79
u )UDQFKLVH ,QMXU\ u 3URSHUW\'DPDJH u 5DLOZD\/DERU$FW u 56,J u 6HFXULWLHV&RPPRGLWLHV
u 3HUVRQDO,QMXU\ 3URGXFW/LDELOLW\ u )DPLO\DQG0HGLFDO ([FKDQJH
0HGLFDO0DOSUDFWLFH /HDYH$FW u 2WKHU6WDWXWRU\$FWLRQV
5($/3523(57< &,9,/5,*+76 35,621(53(7,7,216 u 2WKHU/DERU/LWLJDWLRQ )('(5$/7$;68,76 u $JULFXOWXUDO$FWV
u /DQG&RQGHPQDWLRQ u 2WKHU&LYLO5LJKWV +DEHDV&RUSXV u (PSOR\HH5HWLUHPHQW u 7D[HV863ODLQWLII u (QYLURQPHQWDO0DWWHUV
u )RUHFORVXUH u 9RWLQJ u $OLHQ'HWDLQHH ,QFRPH6HFXULW\$FW RU'HIHQGDQW u )UHHGRPRI,QIRUPDWLRQ
u 5HQW/HDVH (MHFWPHQW u (PSOR\PHQW u 0RWLRQVWR9DFDWH u ,56²7KLUG3DUW\ $FW
u 7RUWVWR/DQG u +RXVLQJ 6HQWHQFH 86& u $UELWUDWLRQ
u 7RUW3URGXFW/LDELOLW\ $FFRPPRGDWLRQV u *HQHUDO u $GPLQLVWUDWLYH3URFHGXUH
u $OO2WKHU5HDO3URSHUW\ u $PHUZ'LVDELOLWLHV u 'HDWK3HQDOW\ ,00,*5$7,21 $FW5HYLHZRU$SSHDORI
(PSOR\PHQW 2WKHU u 1DWXUDOL]DWLRQ$SSOLFDWLRQ $JHQF\'HFLVLRQ
u $PHUZ'LVDELOLWLHV u 0DQGDPXV 2WKHU u 2WKHU,PPLJUDWLRQ u &RQVWLWXWLRQDOLW\RI
2WKHU u &LYLO5LJKWV $FWLRQV 6WDWH6WDWXWHV
u (GXFDWLRQ u 3ULVRQ&RQGLWLRQ
u &LYLO'HWDLQHH
&RQGLWLRQVRI
&RQILQHPHQW
925,*,1(Place an “X” in One Box Only)
u 2ULJLQDO u 5HPRYHGIURP u 5HPDQGHGIURP u 5HLQVWDWHGRU u 7UDQVIHUUHGIURP
u 0XOWLGLVWULFW u 0XOWLGLVWULFW
3URFHHGLQJ 6WDWH&RXUW $SSHOODWH&RXUW 5HRSHQHG $QRWKHU'LVWULFW /LWLJDWLRQ /LWLJDWLRQ
(specify) 7UDQVIHU 'LUHFW)LOH
&LWHWKH86&LYLO6WDWXWHXQGHUZKLFK\RXDUHILOLQJ(Do not cite jurisdictional statutes unless diversity)
Patent infringement action under 35 U.S.C. Section 271 et seq., 28 U.S.C. Sections 1331 & 1338(a)
9,&$86(2)$&7,21 %ULHIGHVFULSWLRQRIFDXVH
Patent Infringement
9,,5(48(67(',1 u &+(&.,)7+,6,6$&/$66$&7,21 '(0$1' &+(&.<(6RQO\LIGHPDQGHGLQFRPSODLQW
&203/$,17 81'(558/()5&Y3 -85<'(0$1' u <HV u 1R
9,,,5(/$7('&$6(6
(See instructions):
,)$1< -8'*( Richard Mills '2&.(7180%(5 3:20-cv-03204-RM-TSH
'$7( 6,*1$785(2)$77251(<2)5(&25'
09/04/2020 /s/ Gregory C. Schodde
)252)),&(86(21/<
5(&(,37 $02817 $33/<,1*,)3 -8'*( 0$*-8'*(

-65HYHUVH5HY 3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-15 Page 2 of 2
,16758&7,216)25$77251(<6&203/(7,1*&,9,/&29(56+((7)250-6
$XWKRULW\)RU&LYLO&RYHU6KHHW
7KH-6FLYLOFRYHUVKHHWDQGWKHLQIRUPDWLRQFRQWDLQHGKHUHLQQHLWKHUUHSODFHVQRUVXSSOHPHQWVWKHILOLQJVDQGVHUYLFHRISOHDGLQJRURWKHUSDSHUVDV
UHTXLUHGE\ODZH[FHSWDVSURYLGHGE\ORFDOUXOHVRIFRXUW7KLVIRUPDSSURYHGE\WKH-XGLFLDO&RQIHUHQFHRIWKH8QLWHG6WDWHVLQ6HSWHPEHULV
UHTXLUHGIRUWKHXVHRIWKH&OHUNRI&RXUWIRUWKHSXUSRVHRILQLWLDWLQJWKHFLYLOGRFNHWVKHHW&RQVHTXHQWO\DFLYLOFRYHUVKHHWLVVXEPLWWHGWRWKH&OHUNRI
&RXUWIRUHDFKFLYLOFRPSODLQWILOHG7KHDWWRUQH\ILOLQJDFDVHVKRXOGFRPSOHWHWKHIRUPDVIROORZV
,D 3ODLQWLIIV'HIHQGDQWV(QWHUQDPHVODVWILUVWPLGGOHLQLWLDORISODLQWLIIDQGGHIHQGDQW,IWKHSODLQWLIIRUGHIHQGDQWLVDJRYHUQPHQWDJHQF\XVH

RQO\WKHIXOOQDPHRUVWDQGDUGDEEUHYLDWLRQV,IWKHSODLQWLIIRUGHIHQGDQWLVDQRIILFLDOZLWKLQDJRYHUQPHQWDJHQF\LGHQWLI\ILUVWWKHDJHQF\DQG
WKHQWKHRIILFLDOJLYLQJERWKQDPHDQGWLWOH
E &RXQW\RI5HVLGHQFH)RUHDFKFLYLOFDVHILOHGH[FHSW86SODLQWLIIFDVHVHQWHUWKHQDPHRIWKHFRXQW\ZKHUHWKHILUVWOLVWHGSODLQWLIIUHVLGHVDWWKH
WLPHRIILOLQJ,Q86SODLQWLIIFDVHVHQWHUWKHQDPHRIWKHFRXQW\LQZKLFKWKHILUVWOLVWHGGHIHQGDQWUHVLGHVDWWKHWLPHRIILOLQJ127(,QODQG
FRQGHPQDWLRQFDVHVWKHFRXQW\RIUHVLGHQFHRIWKHGHIHQGDQWLVWKHORFDWLRQRIWKHWUDFWRIODQGLQYROYHG
F $WWRUQH\V(QWHUWKHILUPQDPHDGGUHVVWHOHSKRQHQXPEHUDQGDWWRUQH\RIUHFRUG,IWKHUHDUHVHYHUDODWWRUQH\VOLVWWKHPRQDQDWWDFKPHQWQRWLQJ
LQWKLVVHFWLRQVHHDWWDFKPHQW
,, -XULVGLFWLRQ7KHEDVLVRIMXULVGLFWLRQLVVHWIRUWKXQGHU5XOHD)5&Y3ZKLFKUHTXLUHVWKDWMXULVGLFWLRQVEHVKRZQLQSOHDGLQJV3ODFHDQ;

LQRQHRIWKHER[HV,IWKHUHLVPRUHWKDQRQHEDVLVRIMXULVGLFWLRQSUHFHGHQFHLVJLYHQLQWKHRUGHUVKRZQEHORZ
8QLWHG6WDWHVSODLQWLII-XULVGLFWLRQEDVHGRQ86&DQG6XLWVE\DJHQFLHVDQGRIILFHUVRIWKH8QLWHG6WDWHVDUHLQFOXGHGKHUH
8QLWHG6WDWHVGHIHQGDQW:KHQWKHSODLQWLIILVVXLQJWKH8QLWHG6WDWHVLWVRIILFHUVRUDJHQFLHVSODFHDQ;LQWKLVER[
)HGHUDOTXHVWLRQ7KLVUHIHUVWRVXLWVXQGHU86&ZKHUHMXULVGLFWLRQDULVHVXQGHUWKH&RQVWLWXWLRQRIWKH8QLWHG6WDWHVDQDPHQGPHQW
WRWKH&RQVWLWXWLRQDQDFWRI&RQJUHVVRUDWUHDW\RIWKH8QLWHG6WDWHV,QFDVHVZKHUHWKH86LVDSDUW\WKH86SODLQWLIIRUGHIHQGDQWFRGHWDNHV
SUHFHGHQFHDQGER[RUVKRXOGEHPDUNHG
'LYHUVLW\RIFLWL]HQVKLS7KLVUHIHUVWRVXLWVXQGHU86&ZKHUHSDUWLHVDUHFLWL]HQVRIGLIIHUHQWVWDWHV:KHQ%R[LVFKHFNHGWKH
FLWL]HQVKLSRIWKHGLIIHUHQWSDUWLHVPXVWEHFKHFNHG6HH6HFWLRQ,,,EHORZ127(IHGHUDOTXHVWLRQDFWLRQVWDNHSUHFHGHQFHRYHUGLYHUVLW\
FDVHV
,,, 5HVLGHQFHFLWL]HQVKLSRI3ULQFLSDO3DUWLHV7KLVVHFWLRQRIWKH-6LVWREHFRPSOHWHGLIGLYHUVLW\RIFLWL]HQVKLSZDVLQGLFDWHGDERYH0DUNWKLV

VHFWLRQIRUHDFKSULQFLSDOSDUW\
,9 1DWXUHRI6XLW3ODFHDQ;LQWKHDSSURSULDWHER[,IWKHUHDUHPXOWLSOHQDWXUHRIVXLWFRGHVDVVRFLDWHGZLWKWKHFDVHSLFNWKHQDWXUHRIVXLWFRGH
WKDWLVPRVWDSSOLFDEOH&OLFNKHUHIRU1DWXUHRI6XLW&RGH'HVFULSWLRQV
9 2ULJLQ3ODFHDQ;LQRQHRIWKHVHYHQER[HV
2ULJLQDO3URFHHGLQJV&DVHVZKLFKRULJLQDWHLQWKH8QLWHG6WDWHVGLVWULFWFRXUWV
5HPRYHGIURP6WDWH&RXUW3URFHHGLQJVLQLWLDWHGLQVWDWHFRXUWVPD\EHUHPRYHGWRWKHGLVWULFWFRXUWVXQGHU7LWOH86&6HFWLRQ
5HPDQGHGIURP$SSHOODWH&RXUW&KHFNWKLVER[IRUFDVHVUHPDQGHGWRWKHGLVWULFWFRXUWIRUIXUWKHUDFWLRQ8VHWKHGDWHRIUHPDQGDVWKHILOLQJ
GDWH
5HLQVWDWHGRU5HRSHQHG&KHFNWKLVER[IRUFDVHVUHLQVWDWHGRUUHRSHQHGLQWKHGLVWULFWFRXUW8VHWKHUHRSHQLQJGDWHDVWKHILOLQJGDWH
7UDQVIHUUHGIURP$QRWKHU'LVWULFW)RUFDVHVWUDQVIHUUHGXQGHU7LWOH86&6HFWLRQD'RQRWXVHWKLVIRUZLWKLQGLVWULFWWUDQVIHUVRU
PXOWLGLVWULFWOLWLJDWLRQWUDQVIHUV
0XOWLGLVWULFW/LWLJDWLRQ±7UDQVIHU&KHFNWKLVER[ZKHQDPXOWLGLVWULFWFDVHLVWUDQVIHUUHGLQWRWKHGLVWULFWXQGHUDXWKRULW\RI7LWOH86&
6HFWLRQ
0XOWLGLVWULFW/LWLJDWLRQ±'LUHFW)LOH&KHFNWKLVER[ZKHQDPXOWLGLVWULFWFDVHLVILOHGLQWKHVDPHGLVWULFWDVWKH0DVWHU0'/GRFNHW
3/($6(127(7+$77+(5(,6127$125,*,1&2'(2ULJLQ&RGHZDVXVHGIRUKLVWRULFDOUHFRUGVDQGLVQRORQJHUUHOHYDQWGXHWR
FKDQJHVLQVWDWXH
9, &DXVHRI$FWLRQ5HSRUWWKHFLYLOVWDWXWHGLUHFWO\UHODWHGWRWKHFDXVHRIDFWLRQDQGJLYHDEULHIGHVFULSWLRQRIWKHFDXVH'RQRWFLWHMXULVGLFWLRQDO
VWDWXWHVXQOHVVGLYHUVLW\([DPSOH86&LYLO6WDWXWH86&%ULHI'HVFULSWLRQ8QDXWKRUL]HGUHFHSWLRQRIFDEOHVHUYLFH
9,, 5HTXHVWHGLQ&RPSODLQW&ODVV$FWLRQ3ODFHDQ;LQWKLVER[LI\RXDUHILOLQJDFODVVDFWLRQXQGHU5XOH)5&Y3
'HPDQG,QWKLVVSDFHHQWHUWKHDFWXDOGROODUDPRXQWEHLQJGHPDQGHGRULQGLFDWHRWKHUGHPDQGVXFKDVDSUHOLPLQDU\LQMXQFWLRQ
-XU\'HPDQG&KHFNWKHDSSURSULDWHER[WRLQGLFDWHZKHWKHURUQRWDMXU\LVEHLQJGHPDQGHG
9,,, 5HODWHG&DVHV7KLVVHFWLRQRIWKH-6LVXVHGWRUHIHUHQFHUHODWHGSHQGLQJFDVHVLIDQ\,IWKHUHDUHUHODWHGSHQGLQJFDVHVLQVHUWWKHGRFNHW
QXPEHUVDQGWKHFRUUHVSRQGLQJMXGJHQDPHVIRUVXFKFDVHV
'DWHDQG$WWRUQH\6LJQDWXUH'DWHDQGVLJQWKHFLYLOFRYHUVKHHW
AO 440 (Rev. 06/12) Summons in a Civil Action
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
for the
CentralDistrict
__________ Districtof
of__________
Illinois
Design Ideas, Ltd., )

)
)
)
Plaintiff(s) )
)
v. Civil Action No.
)
Target Corporation and Shipt, Inc., )
)
)
)
Defendant(s) )
SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION
To: (Defendant’s name and address) Target Corporation

c/o CT Corporation System
208 South LaSalle Street
Suite 814
A lawsuit has been filed against you.
Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) — or 60 days if you
are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ.
P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) — you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of
the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney,
whose name and address are: Gregory C. Schodde
(312) 775-8000
If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.
You also must file your answer or motion with the court.
CLERK OF COURT
Date:
Signature of Clerk or Deputy Clerk
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-16 Page 2 of 2
AO 440 (Rev. 06/12) Summons in a Civil Action (Page 2)
Civil Action No.
PROOF OF SERVICE
(This section should not be filed with the court unless required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 (l))
This summons for (name of individual and title, if any)

was received by me on (date) .
u I personally served the summons on the individual at (place)

on (date) ; or
u I left the summons at the individual’s residence or usual place of abode with (name)
, a person of suitable age and discretion who resides there,
on (date) , and mailed a copy to the individual’s last known address; or
u I served the summons on (name of individual) , who is

designated by law to accept service of process on behalf of (name of organization)
on (date) ; or
u I returned the summons unexecuted because ; or
u Other (specify):
.
My fees are $ for travel and $ for services, for a total of $ 0.00 .
I declare under penalty of perjury that this information is true.
Date:
Server’s signature
Printed name and title
Server’s address
Additional information regarding attempted service, etc:

AO 440 (Rev. 06/12) Summons in a Civil Action
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
for the
CentralDistrict
__________ Districtof
of__________
Illinois
Design Ideas, Ltd., )

)
)
)
Plaintiff(s) )
)
v. Civil Action No.
)
Target Corporation and Shipt, Inc., )
)
)
)
Defendant(s) )
SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION
To: (Defendant’s name and address) Shipt, Inc.

c/o National Registered Agents, Inc.
208 South LaSalle Street
Suite 814
A lawsuit has been filed against you.
Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) — or 60 days if you
are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ.
P. 12 (a)(2) or (3) — you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of
the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney,
whose name and address are: Gregory C. Schodde
(312) 775-8000
If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.
You also must file your answer or motion with the court.
CLERK OF COURT
Date:
Signature of Clerk or Deputy Clerk
3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1-17 Page 2 of 2
AO 440 (Rev. 06/12) Summons in a Civil Action (Page 2)
Civil Action No.
PROOF OF SERVICE
(This section should not be filed with the court unless required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 (l))
This summons for (name of individual and title, if any)

was received by me on (date) .
u I personally served the summons on the individual at (place)

on (date) ; or
u I left the summons at the individual’s residence or usual place of abode with (name)
, a person of suitable age and discretion who resides there,
on (date) , and mailed a copy to the individual’s last known address; or
u I served the summons on (name of individual) , who is

designated by law to accept service of process on behalf of (name of organization)
on (date) ; or
u I returned the summons unexecuted because ; or
u Other (specify):
.
My fees are $ for travel and $ for services, for a total of $ 0.00 .
I declare under penalty of perjury that this information is true.
Date:
Server’s signature
Printed name and title
Server’s address
Additional information regarding attempted service, etc:

Design Ideas v. Target - Complaint

Încărcat de

Informații document

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Design Ideas v. Target - Complaint

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

3:20-cv-03231-SEM-TSH # 1 Page 1 of 43 E-FILED

Friday, 04 September, 2020 12:07:05 PM

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

Design Ideas, Ltd.,

I. NATURE OF THE ACTION

action under 35 U.S.C. § 271 et seq., 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338(a).

II. THE PARTIES

3. Plaintiff Design Ideas, Ltd. is an Illinois corporation with a principal place of

business at 2521 Stockyard Road, Springfield, Illinois. Design Ideas is in the

business of creating, making, and selling a range of unique housewares

products incorporating novel designs and structures protected by United

4. Defendant Target Corporation (“Target”) is a Minnesota Corporation with a

principal place of business at 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis MN 55403.

Target is registered to do business in Illinois.

5. Defendant Shipt, Inc. (“Shipt”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Target that

owns and operates, on information and belief, an online same-day delivery

service platform for Target products. Shipt is a Minnesota Corporation that

is registered to do business in Illinois. Target and Shipt are referred to

to infringe Design Ideas’ patents.

from Target’s store and deliver them to consumers. A reasonable opportunity

III. JURISDICTION AND VENUE

9. Defendants conduct business in this District by importing, marketing, offering

for sale, and selling infringing products in this District.

62704. Defendant has, on information and belief, additional store locations in

the Central District of Illinois including McLean and Peoria counties.

Target container is https://www.target.com/p/short-metal-sweater-bin-13-w-

53222725?preselect=53177909#lnk=sametab. (Copy attached as Exhibit 1).

These containers and non-colorable variations thereof are the accused

13. An image of a typical “Made by Design” wire mesh container is reproduced

14. A collection of photographic images of various sizes of the container are

Product Name Product SKU Color

Shipt, or order the product for delivery by commercial delivery. A reasonable

these options for at least one or more of the accused products.

Defendants are subject to personal jurisdiction in this district, have committed

business in this district.

IV. BACKGROUND FACTS

19. A history of Design Ideas is available on the web at the URL

https://shop.designideas.net/our-story. (Physical disk with video attached as

clever design with innovations around manufacturing a container with

smooth, high quality finished edges.

Ideas branded products can be found at www.designideas.net/patents.

superiority of the Design Ideas container. In 2006, Design Ideas contracted

with The Container Store (“TCS”) to exclusively supply expanded wire

shown below, from URL https://www.containerstore.com/s/platinum-elfa-

mesh-drawers/d?q=elfa+mesh&productId=10009304 (Exhibit 4).

“virtual marking” notice, providing constructive notice of Design Ideas’

knowledge of the Design Ideas patent portfolio directed to expanded wire

V. PATENT INFRINGEMENT CLAIMS

COUNT I - US PATENT NO. D804,821

recover damages of U.S. Patent No. D804,821 (“D‘821 Patent”). A copy of

the ‘821 Patent is attached as Exhibit 5.

which is illustrated for example by Figure 1:

Target Container – Metal Shoe Bin

Design Ideas D’821 Patent Target Metal Shoe Bin

(White) and 002-07-1657 (Black).

or for pickup at Target locations in the United States.

or more locations in the United States.

notice of the D’821 Patent.

least the statutory remedy of an accounting and disgorgement of Target’s

profits from the sale of the Target containers.

entitled to preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to end Target’s

COUNT II - PATENT NO. D632,080

recover damages of U.S. Patent No. D632,080 (“D’080 Patent”). A copy of

the ‘080 patent is attached as Exhibit 6.