AU7010998A - A shelving system - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2 4,M

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aeii A JSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Details of Associated Provisional Application(s) No(s): GAVIN DOUGLAS HEWITT Gavin Douglas Hewitt

INTELLPRO

Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Level D, 308 Edward Street BRISBANE, QLD, 4000 (GPO Box 1339, BRISBANE, 4001) A SHELVING SYSTEM Australian Patent Application No. P07301 filed 11 June 1997.

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2 A SHELVING SYSTEM THIS INVENTION relates to a shelving system and in particular but not limited to a wine rack shelving system that can be supplied in kit form and assembled without using fasteners or glue.

Conventional shelving employs spaced apart panels and connecting shelves fastened to the panels using fasteners. The fasteners used typically include screws, nails, brackets and so on. Kit form shelving is popular and there are usually pre-drilled holes provided and in many cases special fasteners provided to facilitate and simplify the assembly process.

10 The fasteners are required to hold the assembly together and give rigidly so the shelving is sturdy.

The main disadvantage arising from the use of fasteners is that they add to M the overall cost of production. Nowadays kit form products are becoming much more popular due to the recent phenomena of "Do it Yourself" enthusiasts creating a market for high quantity low cost, low margin kit form products that are easy to assemble.

As a consequence due to the low margins involved any reduction in the cost of production is highly desirable. The present invention was devised with the "Do It Yourself" market in mind and has as its primary objective to provide a simple to assemble kit form shelving system where a self bracing action enables a self supported assembly to be produced.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a kit form shelving system that is self bracing and does not require fasteners.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a kit of panels that enable variation in design so a person can alter the design and therefore design their own shelving from the kit.

In one aspect therefore the present invention resides in a shelving system comprising at least four wall panels and at least two bracing panels, the wall panels having spaced slots extending from one edge of the panel to a point midway across the panel, the slots of adjacent panels being placed in confronting relation and slid together so the four wall panels form an open ended box, each bracing panel having a slot extending from one edge and the slots being slid together to form a cross shaped brace, the brace being slid into the open ended box as a tight fit so that the bracing panels extend diagonally across the box, the braced box so formed providing a module, the number of modules in the shelving system being variable in accordance with the number of wall panels and slots in the wall panels, the wall panels forming a grid of open ended boxes, a selected number of those boxes being fitted with cross-shaped braces to provide a sturdy shelving assembly.

In another aspect the present invention resides in a method of assembling shelving from a kit, the kit comprising wall panels and bracing panels, the wall panels having spaced slots so that the panels can be assembled into a grid of open ended boxes, each bracing panel having a slot so that two bracing panels can form a cross-shaped brace dimensioned to fit a said open ended box in the grid, the steps comprising: providing a selected number of wall panels and bracing panels to enable a number of different shelving designs; ~l arir~L--~ (ii) choosing a design from the different designs; (iii) assembling the wall panels; and (iv) inserting the bracing panels between adjacent wall panels.

In a preferred aspect the invention resides in a wine rack assembly comprising at least four wall panels and at least two bracing panels, the wall panels having spaced slots extending from one edge of the panel to a point midway across the panel, the slots of adjacent panels being placed in confronting relation and slid together so the four wall panels form an open ended box, each Sracing panel having a slot extending from one edge and the slots being slid together to form a cross shaped brace, the brace being slid into the open ended box as a tight fit so that the bracing panels extend diagonally across the box, the braced box so formed providing a module, the number of modules in the shelving system being variable in accordance with the number of wall panels and slots in the wall panels, the wall panels forming a grid of open ended boxes, a selected 15 number of those boxes being fitted with cross-shaped braces to provide a sturdy shelving assembly, the cross-shaped braces and the walls forming a grid of triangular prismatic shaped holes sized and dimensioned to hold a wine bottle.

The panels are typically all the same width so that the shelving assembly has a flush finish.

As the assembly is modular any shape and size can be made based on the basic box module. The grid need not be braced throughout and typically only strategic bracing is .required and this is usually by providing a symmetrical assembly.

The bracing panels typically have chamfered edges to fit into the corners of the box. Where the box has 90 degree corners adjacent edges are chamfered at 45 degrees so the edge of the bracing panel fits tightly into and is matched to the corner of the box.

In a preferred form the invention resides in a knockdown shelving system formed from vertical panels, horizontal panels and bracing panels, the bracing S panels having co-operating slots interconnecting the bracing panels to form a cross-shaped brace having four spaced free edges, the horizontal and vertical panels having co-operating slots interconnecting at least two horizontal panels with two vertical panels to form at least one open-ended box bounded by the horizontal and vertical panels with at least two marginal edge portions of the panels projecting from the box, the box having four corners defined by adjacent portions of respective horizontal and vertical panels, the cross-shaped brace being slidably fitted into the box with the free edges of the bracing panels being located 15 in said corners.

Preferably the knockdown shelving system has multiple levels comprising runs of horizontal panels and runs of vertical panels interconnected to form multiple boxes, at least one box in each level having a cross-shaped brace fitted within the box.

Preferably the shelving system includes a top panel structure comprising a top panel with spaced projections, the projections extending from the top panel the same distance as the marginal edge portions of adjacent vertical panels project from an uppermost box, the top panel being operatively seated on the uppermost -i box supported by the projections and preferably also by the marginal edge portion of the uppermost box.

Preferably the shelving system includes triangular prism shaped drawers slidably fitted between adjacent bracing panels.

Preferably the shelving system includes a first set of shelves constructed according to said system, a second set of shelves constructed according to said system positioned generally at 900 to the first set and a corner unit between the sets, the corner unit comprising a pair of slotted horizontal panels interconnected with a pair of slotted vertical panels, each horizontal panel of thile corner unit having projecting triangular end portions and preferably forming a box of equal ,sizes to the other said boxes.

iF" Typically the shelving system includes accessories made from a basic form of slotted panels interconnected by said slots in said panels, the accessories being adapted to fit into the boxes formed by the vertical and horizontal panels in the shelving system.

One said accessory typically comprises a set of four drawers formed from three vertical panels and four horizontal panels interconnected by said slots to form four boxes, each of said four boxes having a respective drawer slidably disposed therein.

A further said accessory comprises a compact disk rack comprising two slotted horizontal panels and two vertical panels interconnected by said slots, and opposed compact disk slots spaced apart so as to hold compact disks between the vertical panels of the compact disk rack.

7 A still further said accessory comprises a video disk rack having two slotted horizontal panels and two slotted vertical panels interconnected by said slots in said panels, the rack having opposed sets of video holding slots.

In order that the present invention can be more read i ly understood and be put into practical effect reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments and wherein:- Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a single box module according to the present invention; Figures 2 to 7 are schematic drawings illustrating shelving assemblies 10 employing the module of Figure 1 as the basic element and structure for the assembly; Figure 8 illustrates in schematic flow diagram a kit form method according to the present invention; 'Figure 9 is a drawing illustrating application of the present invention to an entertainment unit; and IFigures 10 and 11 are respective plan and end views of a knockdown iAf corner unit suitable for use with the present invention.

N Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1 there is illustrated a shelving module 10 in the process of being assembled from four wall panels 1 1, the wall panels in this case are identical and include spaced slots 12 that can be slid together as shown at 13 to ultimately form an open ended box with flush edges due to the slots 12 extending exactly half the width of the panels 11.

Bracing panels 14 are slotted at 15 and include 45 degree bevelled edges 16 so that when the slots 15 are slid together the panels 14 provide a cross q rrJ shaped brace that slides as a tight fit into the box formed by wall panels 1 thereby bracing and making the module sturdy without the need for fasteners or glue.

The panels 11 can be made longer and have additional slots at suitable spacing so that the number of panels equals the number of slots thus forming a grid of boxes, all or some of the boxes can be braced.

Figures 2 to 7 are examples of typical variations that employ the present invention. Clearly any arrangement of shelving can be provided in kit form and by having a predetermined number of wall panels of different lengths in the kit 10 the "Do It Yourself" enthusiasts can design his or her own variations. Additional "kits can be purchased to give even greater options.

i The dimensions can be chosen so that a wine bottle fits neatly in the triangular shaped prismatic hole formed by the braces.

Figure 8 illustrates a typical process employing the present invention. At 15 20 a kit of panels are provided. An instruction sheet can be employed that illustrates how the panels can be assembled into different designs. A designer may purchase a number of kits. Thus the present invention embodies flexibility and variation in design so that for example in a single kit or say two kits the S- designer can make a number of the previous designs (Figures 2 to 7) or alternatively use the imagination to arrive at other designs.

Referring now to Figure 9 there is illustrated application of the present invention to anr. entertainment unit 30. The entertainment unit comprises knockdown shelving as previously described. Accessories are illustrated in Figure 9, these include drawers 31 slidably disposed between bracing panels, a video 9 rack 32 and compact disk rack 33 made from slotted panels in the same way as the shelving. The racks 32 and 33 have plastic inserts to hold the disk and cassettes. A television 33 is illustrated set on top of a top panel 34. The top panel 34 includes spaced feet 35 that project the same distance as the marginal edge portion 36 of the panel 37 projects so that the top panel 34 is seated on the feet 35 and the marginal edge portion 36.

The drawers 31 can be used in a bedroom or any other environment, the shelving accessories not being limited in their application to an entertainment S unit.

10 Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a corner unit 38, the dotted lines 39 and illustrate a corner of a room. The dotted lines 41 and 42 illustrate shelving such as the entertainment unit 30 or other shelving according to the present invention aligned with the corner unit. The corner unit comprises slotted horizontal pane!s 43 possessing triangular end portions 44 and slotted vertical panels 45, the end unit being a knockdown unit assembled in the same way as the horizontal and vertical shelving panels. The box formed by the panels of the corner unit is the S, same size as the boxes of the shelving and therefore fits the same accessories.

In this case the accessory is a set of four drawers 46 formed again from a frame of slotted knockdown panelling, the drawers 46 being of fastened or glued construction. The drawers can slide out and be used in any shelving according to the present invention- Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the present invention many variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broad ambit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

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Claims (12)

1. A shelving system comprising at least four wall panels and at least two bracing panels, the wall panels having spaced slots extending from one edge of the panel to a point midway across the panel, the slots of adjacent panels being placed in confronting relation and slid together so the four wall panels form an open ended box, each bracing panel having a slot extending from one edge and the slots being slid together to form a cross shaped brace, the brace being slid into the open ended box as a tight fit so that the bracing panels extend diagonally across the box, the braced box so formed providing a module, the number of modules in the shelving system being variable in accordance with the number of wall panels and slots in the wall panels, the wall panels forming a grid of open ended boxes, a selected number of those boxes being fitted with cross-shaped 1: braces to provide a sturdy shelving assembly.

2. A method of assembling shelving from a kit, the kit comprising wall panels 15 and bracing panels, the wall panels having spaced slots so that the panels can be assembled into a grid of open ended boxes, each bracing panel having a slot so that two bracing panels can form a cross-shaped brace dimensioned to fit a said open ended box in the grid, the steps comprising: providing a selected number of wall panels and bracing panels to enable a number of different shelving designs; (ii) choosing a design from the different designs; (iii) assembling the wall panels; and (iv) inserting the bracing panels between adjacent wall panels. 12

3. In a knockdown shelving system formed from vertical panels, horizontal panels and bracing panels, the bracing panels having co-operating slots interconnecting the bracing panels to form a cross-shaped brace having four spaced free edges, the horizontal and vertical panels having co-operating slots interconnecting at least two horizontal panels with two vertical panels to form at least one open-ended box bounded by the horizontal and vertical panels with at least two marginal edge portions of the panels projecting from the box, the box having four corners defined by adjacent portions of respective horizontal and vertical panels, the cross-shaped brace being slidably fitted into the box with the free edges of the bracing panels being located in said corners.

4. A knockdown shelving system accordingto claim 3 further having multiple levels comprising runs of horizontal panels and runs of vertical panels t' interconnected to form multiple boxes, at least one box in each level having a M cross-shaped brace fitted within the box.

5. A top panel structurecomprising a top panel with spaced projections, the projections extending from the top panel the same distance as the marginal edge portions of adjacent vertical panels project from an uppermost box, the top panel being operatively seated on the uppermost box supported by the projections and preferably also by the marginal edge portion of the uppermost box.

6. Triangular prism shaped drawers slidably fitted between adjacent bracing panels.

7. A first set of shelves constructed according to said system, a second set of shelves constructed according to said system positioned generally at 90° to the first set and a corner unit between the sets, the corner unit comprising a pair of a 13 slotted horizontal panels interconnected with a pair of slotted vertical panels, each horizontal panel of the corner unit having projecting triangular end portions and preferably forming a box of equal sizes to the other said boxes.

8. Accessories made from a basic form of slotted panels interconnected by said slots in said panels, the accessories being adapted to fit into the boxes formed by the vertical and horizontal panels in the shelving system.

9. A knockdown shelving system according to claim 8 wherein the accessory comprises a set of four drawers formed from three vertical panels and four horizontal panels interconnected by said slots to form four boxes, each of said 10 four boxes having a respective drawer slidably disposed therein. Nt.

10. A knockdown shelving system according to claim 8 wherein the accessory comprises a compact disk rack comprising two slotted horizontal panels and two vertical panels interconnected by said slots, and opposed compact disk slots spaced apart so as to hold compact disks between the vertical panels of the compact disk rack.

11. A knockdown shelving system according to claim 8 wherein the accessory comprises a video disk rack having two slotted horizontal panels and two slotted vertical panels interconnected by said slots in said panels, the rack having opposed sets of video holding slots.

12. A. braced shelving unit substantially as described with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings. DATED this Eleventh day of June 1998 GAVIN DOUGLAS HEWITT By his Patent Attorneys INTELLPRO I