CA2321340A1 - Vertically interlocking support structure and articles of furniture utilizing the same - Google Patents
Vertically interlocking support structure and articles of furniture utilizing the same Download PDFInfo
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- CA2321340A1 CA2321340A1 CA 2321340 CA2321340A CA2321340A1 CA 2321340 A1 CA2321340 A1 CA 2321340A1 CA 2321340 CA2321340 CA 2321340 CA 2321340 A CA2321340 A CA 2321340A CA 2321340 A1 CA2321340 A1 CA 2321340A1
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- Prior art keywords
- support
- vertical
- planar surface
- shelving system
- unit
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
- A47F5/10—Adjustable or foldable or dismountable display stands
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
- A47F5/0043—Show shelves
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- Assembled Shelves (AREA)
Abstract
A shelving system comprised of a plurality of interlocking support units is disclosed.
Each of the interlocking support units is comprised of a planar surface from which a pyramid shape extends. Each of the support units also includes a pyramid shaped recess provided in the base which is adapted to receive an apex of a vertically adjacent supporting unit. The bottommost support unit is conveniently raised from the floor by a stand mechanism which can be provided in the form of a centrally mounted floor wedge along with a plurality of support feet positioned around the periphery of the bottommost support unit.
Each of the interlocking support units is comprised of a planar surface from which a pyramid shape extends. Each of the support units also includes a pyramid shaped recess provided in the base which is adapted to receive an apex of a vertically adjacent supporting unit. The bottommost support unit is conveniently raised from the floor by a stand mechanism which can be provided in the form of a centrally mounted floor wedge along with a plurality of support feet positioned around the periphery of the bottommost support unit.
Description
26-SEP-2000 15:13 PRGE HARGRRVE. BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.04 VERTICALLY INTERLOCKING SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND ARTICLES OF
FURNITURE UTILIZING THE SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to vertically interlocking support structures, more particularly columns, and articles of furniture, more particularly shelving systems, utilizing the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With typical floor supported shelving units, a plurality of vertical columns or posts are I 5 typically joined together by a number of cross beams upon which shelves are supported.
Alternatively, the shelves themselves can be employed not only as the surfaces upon which items may be placed, but also as the cross beams for structurally holding the columns together.
In the merchandising of goods, particularly in retail environs, it is desirable to display the goods in an aesthetically pleasing matter. One type of shelving unit used in such a situation is a stand-alone unit which does not rest against a vertical wall for support, but rather is positioned within the middle of an aisle or walkway to grab the attention of the consumer. Such shelving units present difficulties for ensuring the stability of the unit.
More generally, there is currently a demand for articles of furniture that can be readily assembled from a flat-pack kit of parts. Such kits are easily transported and, because the manual labour of an assembly stage has been avoided prior to retail sale, they enable articles of furniture to be sold at relatively low prices to the consumer.
The present invention aims to provide an effective system for enabling support structures and articles of furniture, particularly but not exclusively shelving systems, to be supplied as economically and aesthetically attractive flat-packed kits of parts for assembly, or at least to provide an alternative to the conventional products of this type.
26-SEP-2000 15:14 PRGE HARGRRUE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.05 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a vertical support structure is provided which includes a plurality of support units each interlocking with a vertically adj acent unit on a vertical axis, each unit including two or more discrete vertical load-bearing members arranged about the axis of the structure and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the structure, and at least one member adapted to retain the vertical load-bearing members in the said arrangement about the axis to provide a self supporting structure.
i0 The at least ane retaining member serves to prevent substantially radially outward movement of the vertical load-bearing members. The forces borne by the at least one retaining member will generally act in a relatively horizontal plane, as compared with the vertical (axial) direction of forces borne by the vertical load-bearing members.
The vertical support structure may be used in a wide range of applications. It is particularly suited to use in supporting a member from below, e.g. a shelf or other member providing an upwardly directed surface in an article of furniture.
The support units may, if desired, be used individually, although this would be less preferred. In this second aspect of the invention, of course, each unit would not interlock with a neighbour on the vertical axis (and would not need to be so adapted), although the component parts of the unit may interlock (interengage) with each other.
The retaining member may, for example, comprise a circumferential restrainer surrounding and engaging the vertical components. The retaining member may be rigid or flexible, and may suitably be capable of being flat packed. It may preferably be planar, for example generally in the form of a single circumferential collar.
The collar may be formed of natural or synthetic materials or a. combination thereof, e.g. wood, reconstituted wood, board, metals or plastics. The shape may be formed by any conventional method, e.g. cutting, pressing-out, moulding, casting or extruding.
26-SEP-2800 15:15 PRGE HRRGRRVE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.06 Each vertical load-bearing member is preferably planar, having two major surfaces and a peripheral minor face. Each vertical load-bearing member generally has a relatively long dimension and a relatively short transverse dimension. It can be of irregular shape, e.g. polygonal. It may be formed of natural or synthetic materials or a combination thereof, e.g. wood, reconstituted wood, board, metals or plastics. The shape may be formed by any conventional method, e.g. cutting, pressing-out, moulding, casting or extruding. In use, its long dimension will rest substantially vertically.
The component parts ofeach unit may interlock (interengage) and/or be secured together by conventional securement devices or in any other way. In one particularly preferred form, the parts slot into each other without the need for additional securement devices.
For example, each vertical load-bearing member may be provided with a locating notch, whereby a portion of the retaining member is received in the notch for mutual engagement of the parts.
At least three vertical load-bearing members are preferred in each support unit, so that they can each be correspondingly lighter and thinner than would be the case in a unit of fewer parts in order to bear the same load with a corresponding stability.
They are preferably arranged substantially circumferentially evenly around the axis ofthe support unit in use.
Each support unit is adapted to interlock with its upper/lower neighbours) on the vertical axis of the structure. This interlocking is gravity-assisted, and can be very simple, e.g. an arrangement of corresponding male and female portions, one at the top of one unit and the other at the bottom of the other unit.
It is particularly preferred that the region of prime load-bearing contact between adj acent support units lies radially inward from the location of engagement between the parts, so that a downward load acts to urge each vertical part into secure abutting relationship with the others) in the radially inward direction, about a pivot point between the parts.
Preferably, each assembled support unit tapers to a top apex, more particularly to provide a substantially pyramid shaped unit, including an apex and a base and sides 26-SEP-2000 15:15 PRGE HRRGRRUE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.07 which taper outwardly from the apex to the base, the sides being defined by the vertical load-bearing members and the base being defined by the retaining member. Each support unit in such a configuration further includes a recess proximate the base, most preferably at the portion of the base on the axis of the unit.
In such an arrangement, the most preferred configuration of each vertical load-bearing member is best seen as based on a modified right-angle triangle shape having a relatively long first side edge, a relatively short second side edge, orthogonal to the first side edge, and a hypotenuse edge, the basic triangle shape being bevelled across the right angle on a line generally parallel to the hypotenuse edge and optionally also across the corner opposite the long side edge on a line generally parallel to the long side. One or more locating notches are provided, the or each notch penetrating the hypotenuse edge or, where present, the second bevelled edge parallel to the second side.
1 S The most preferred configuration of the retaining member is that of a circumferential collar for the vertical load-bearing members, which includes a number of closed-ended elongate slots passing through its thickness, radiating (preferably circumferentially evenly) from a central point. For example, if three elongate slots are present, the arrangement would preferably be generally that of the letter Y; if four elongate slots are present, the arrangement would preferably be that ofthe sign +; etc. Each elongate slot is of a length generally equal to the shortest distance between the base of the locating notch in a vertical load-bearing member and the line of the long side of the vertical load-bearing member.
To assemble a support unit in such a preferred arrangement, the short side edge of the triangle of one vertical load-bearing member is slotted into engagement with the retaining member in one of the elongate slots thereof, a locating notch of the vertical load-bearing member receiving a portion of the retaining member at the closed end of the elongate slot. The other vertical load-bearing members are assembled in the same way, and each is tilted so that the long first sides abut along the vertical axis of the support unit. A unit is thus complete, and may be interlocked with like units on the vertical axis by inserting the apex of the pyramid skeleton formed by the vertical load-bearing members into the recess proximate the base of the vertically adjacent unit. Such 26-SEP-2000 15-16 PAGE HpRGRRVE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.08 a recess is defined by open portions of the elongate slots of the horizontal retaining member of the adjacent unit, the said portions being open as a result of the bevelling across the right angle of the vertical load-bearing members of that adjacent unit.
It will be noted that a portion of each vertical load-bearing member slightly protrudes through the retaining member in the assembled unit, so that when the unit is standing on a floor it will stand on those protruding edges of the vertical load-bearing members, the retaining member being thereby slightly raised above the floor.
Various additional features can be incorporated into this basic preferred design. For example, the two bevelled edges can meet at an apex, giving a particularly long line of load-bearing contact between adjacent interlocking units and consequent stability ofthe structure, as well as an attractive vertical-sided appearance to the support structure in all tiers of the column except the topmost one. For that topmost tier, the otherwise stark effect of the exposed apex of the pyramid skeleton can be softened by the use of a crown collar or other retaining system, which engages a short way onto the apex of the pyramid skeleton and serves also the technical function of keeping the vertical load-bearing members of that topmost tier in position.
The retaining members can have any convenient shape or dimensions. In one particularly preferred form, each retaining member can extend substantially radially outwards to form a horizontal shelf extending from the axis of the column and capable of supporting a load. The shelf can itself can be supported by two or more support columns provided by support structures according to the present invention, the shelf spanning between the columns. The shelves of one column can be of differing shapes or dimensions, so that tapering tiered shelves are provided on the assembled column, e.g. for a retail display stand or other stand for the support or display of goods.
In summary, a number of identical, preferably tapered, load-bearing members, each of which suitably has a locating notch, and a single retaining member, suitably having slots equal in length to the width of the vertical load-bearing members, may be assembled to produce a unit that may then be used, with other identical units, to construct a vertical column. The detail of both the tapered vertical and retaining members of this column, 26-SEP-2000 15:17 PRGE HRRGRAUE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.09 together with its unit construction, provide regular horizontal surfaces which may be used to support additional articles or a load. The compressive forces produced by the weight of these supported articles and the units themselves, acting through the tapered vertical members, provides a locking action where one unit fits inside another, as with the mortise taper. This downward motion in turn creates a clamping action where the tapered vertical members abut the retaining member within the slots. An interlocking vertical support column may therefore be created, from common components, which becomes more rigid as the load it supports increases.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an article of furniture is provided, comprising at least one member supported from below and at least one vertical support column therefor, the vertical support column comprising at least one column unit including a plurality of discrete vertical load-bearing members arranged about an axis of the column and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the column, the vertical load-bearing members of the or each unit being retained in said arrangement about the axis by at least one member adapted for that purpose to provide a self supporting structure, the at least one retaining member circumferentially surrounding and engaging the vertical load-bearing members.
The article of furniture preferably comprises a shelving system which includes a plurality of shelves associated with the at least one vertical support column.
Most preferably, the shelves are integral with at least some of the retaining members of the support columns.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the shelving system comprises a support tower having a plurality of vertical supports, and a plurality of planar shelf surfaces. Each vertical support includes an apex and a base, with each base including a recess adapted to receive an apex of a vertically adjacent vertical support.
Each vertical support includes a notch. At least one of the planar surfaces is associated with each vertical support. Each planar surface includes a slot with each vertical support extending through one of the planar surface slots. Each planar surface extends through one of the vertical support notches. At least one - preferably a majority - of the planar 26-SEP-2000 15:18 PRGE HRRGRRVE. BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.10 _7_ surfaces are of a substantially circular (e.g. at least eight-sided) configuration having a radial dimension. Each vertical support is substantially coaxial with the or each associated substantially circular planar surface. The base of each associated vertical support has a radial dimension. The radial dimension of at least one such substantially circular planar surface is more than about double the radial dimension of the base of a vertical support associated therewith.
The shelving system may include a plurality of support structures (towers) according to the present invention, each support tower including planar shelf surfaces including complementary shaped planar surfaces, adjacent support towers including planar surfaces on common horizontal planes forming continuous storage surfaces. Each of the planar surfaces is suitably substantially arcuately shaped having first and second ends and first and second curvilinear sides, adjacent towers forming continuous curved storage surfaces. Adjacent support towers may, for example, include oppositely curved I S planar surfaces to form substantially S-shaped continuously curved storage surfaces.
The shelving system may suitably further include at least one sign holder extending from at least one of the support structures, whereby advertising, pricing or other information may be displayed.
An article of furniture according to the invention preferably includes a discrete stand operatively associated with the bottom unit and a floor or like surface, the stand raising the bottom unit away from the floor. The stand may suitably include a floor wedge inserted into a recess of a base portion of the bottom unit, preferably a recess at the central region of the base, and preferably additionally a plurality of feet extending from the bottom unit, the plurality of feet cooperating with the floor wedge to raise the bottom unit away from the floor. The plurality of feet can in appropriate cases comprise castor wheels.
3 0 The use of a stand provides substantial advantages to the article of furniture constructed in accordance with this invention. These advantages can be appreciated most easily by reference to a shelving system.
26-SEP-2000 15:19 PRGE HRRGRRVE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.11 -$-Using the most preferred configuration of vertical load-bearing members, as described above, the bottom shelf of the assembled shelving system will be close to, but slightly spaced from, the short second side edge of each triangular vertical load-bearing member as it protrudes through the bottom shelf (which also serves as the retaining member at the base of the bottom pyramid shaped unit). Without the use of a stand, the bottom shelf would therefore be slightly raised above a floor on which the shelving system stands.
However, in such a condition, all the weight of the shelving system and the articles stored on the shelves would be transferred to the floor through the short side edges of the vertical load-bearing members, leading to considerable pressure on the floor.
Moreover, particularly in the case of a stand-alone shelving tower, such as commonly found in retail stores, the tower would be prone to tipping over and the bottom shelf would be prone to distortion under the weight of articles on it.
Therefore, the use of a stand, as described herein, provides the substantial technical advantage that the weight of the entire shelving system may be evenly and widely distributed so as to provide greater stability for the system.
In a further aspect of the present invention, therefore, there is provided a shelving system, comprising: apluralityofvertical supports each having an apex and abase, each base having a recess adapted to receive an apex of a vertically adj scent vertical support, each vertical support including a notch; a plurality of planar surfaces at least one planar surface being associated with each vertical support, each planar surface having a slot, each vertical support extending through one of the planar surface slots, each planar surface extending through one of the vertical support notches; and a stand operatively associated with a bottom planar surface and a floor, the stand raising the bottom planar surface away from the floor.
The present invention enables flat-pack kits of parts to be made and sold, from which articles of furniture, for example shelving systems, can readily be assembled, even without the use of any tools or implements or any fixing devices such as screws, nails or glue commonly used in furniture-making.
26-SEP-2000 15:19 PAGE HARGRAUE. BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.12 _g_ According to a still further preferred feature of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an article of furniture, comprising the steps of:
inserting vertical supports into a planar member to form first and second substantially pyramid shaped support units, each support unit including an apex and a base, each support unit tapering S radially outwardly from the apex to the base, each support unit including a recess proximate the base; stacking the first support unit onto the second support unit, the apex of the second support unit being inserted into the recess of the first support unit during the stacking step; and placing the first and second support units onto a floor wedge, the floor wedge including an apex and a base, the floor wedge tapering radially outwardly from the apex to the base, the floor wedge being inserted into the recess of the second support unit during the placing step, the base of the second support unit being thereby raised off the ground after the placing step.
As previously described, the inserting step will typically involve the step of inserting 1 S multiple vertical supports into multiple slots provided in the planar surfaces, each vertical support including inner and outer substantially parallel slanted sides, and first and second ends, a planar surface receiving notch being provided in each outer slanted side.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a first shelving system embodying the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a bottom support unit of the shelving system of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of an individual slotted planar surface of one support unit of the shelving system of Figure 1;
Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of the slotted planar surface of Figure 3, showing assembly of a support unit;
26-SEP-2000 15:20 PAGE HARGRAUE, BRISTOL 0117 929800'7 P.13 Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of an assembled support unit, following the procedure illustrated in Figure 4;
Figure 6 illustrates vertical stacking of the assembled support units of Figure 5;
Figure 7 illustrates a side partially sectional view of two stacked support units of Figure 5;
Figure 8 illustrates an isometric view of a support column of stacked support units of Figure S;
Figure 9 illustrates an isometric view of a second alternative shelving system embodying the invention, including support units having three vertical members;
Figure 10 illustrates an isometric view of a third alternative shelving system embodying the invention;
Figure 11 illustrates diagrammatically a modification of the vertical members of the shelving system of Figure 10;
Figure 12 illustrates an isometric view of a fourth alternative shelving system embodying the invention, in which each support unit includes four vertical members;
Figure 13 illustrates an isometric view of a fifth alternative shelving system embodying the invention, in which each support unit includes two vertical members;
Figure 14 illustrates an isometric view of a sixth alternative shelving system embodying the invention, in which a series of vertical support towers is positioned adj acent to one another;
Figure 15 illustrates an isometric view of a seventh alternative shelving system embodying the invention, including a series of the vertical support towers in a curvilinear array;
26-5EP-2008 15:21 PRGE HRRGRRVE. BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.14 Figure 16 illustrates a side view ofthe shelving system ofFigure 1, modified by the inclusion of a sign;
Figure 17 illustrates a side view of a further modification of the shelving system of Figure i, also including a sign; and Figure i 8 illustrates an isometric view of a still further modification of the shelving system of Figure I, also including a sign.
IO
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, alternative embodiments of vertical support columns and shelving systems utilizing them are shown. Like numerals designate like parts in the various drawings.
Referring firstly to FIG. 1, a shelving system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention is generally depicted by reference numeral 20. As shown therein, the shelving system 20 is comprised of a plurality of vertically interlocking support units 22. While four such units 22 are depicted in FIG. 1, it is to be understood that shelving systems 20 can be constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention comprised of a greater or lesser number of support units 22. Such a shelving system 20 provides a number of shelf surfaces 24 to support goods 26 (FIGS. 1 G to 18) in an aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound manner.
26-5EP-2000 15:21 PRGE HRRGRRVE~ BRISTOL 011? 9298007 P.15 Refernng now to FIG. 2, an individual support unit 22 is depicted.
Specifically, a base or bottom unit 28 is depicted. As can be seen in a comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom unit 28 is structurally identical to the other support units 22 stacked upon the bottom unit 28, but is of slightly larger dimension. The bottom unit 28 includes a planar surface 30 through which a plurality of vertical supports 32 extend. In the depicted embodiment, the planar surface 30 is circular in shape and the plurality of vertical supports 32 combine to form a pyramid 34. The pyramid 34 includes an apex 36 which expands radially outwardly toward a base 38. The radius of the circular planar surface 30 is more than about double the radial dimension of the base 38 of the pyramid 34. A
circular or substantially circular planar surface 30 provides a substantially constant shelf width at all radial directions around the shelving system 20, which leads to substantial advantages in terms of stability when the planar surfaces 30 are loaded with goods 26.
As shown in FIG. 3, the planar surface 30 includes a plurality of slots 40. In the depicted embodiment, two crossing slots 42, 44 are provided which form four radially extending half slots 46, 48, 50, 52. Each ofthe planar surfaces 30 and vertical supports 32 may be manufactured from any suitable strong material, including but not limited to, plastics, wood, reconstituted wood products and metals.
As also shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, each of the vertical supports 32 includes inner and outer parallel slanted sides 54, 56 and first and second ends 58, 60. The first end 58 forms a junction with the outer slanted side 56 such that when all of the vertical supports 32 are combined, the apex 36 is formed. Similarly, when the vertical supports 32 are combined, the plurality of inner slanted sides 54 combine to form an inner recess G2 complementary in shape to the apex 36. As will be described in further detail herein, such complementary shapes allow the individual support units 22 to be vertically stacked and interlocked.
Each of the vertical supports 32 also includes a notch 64 provided in the outer slanted side 56. As shown in FIG. 4, during assembly of the support unit a vertical support 32 is first inserted into one ofthe slots 40 (Arrow A) and the notch 64 is subsequently slid within the slot 40 (Arrow B), so as to grip the planar surface 30. In so doing, when all of the vertical supports 32 are secured to the planar surface 30 (FIG.S), and the support 26-SEP-2000 15:23 . PAGE HARGRAVE. BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.16 units 22 are then stacked vertically atop each other as shown by the arrow in FIG. G, the support units 32 provide stability for the overall shelving system 20. In order to provide stability to the topmost support unit 66, a top plate 68 is provided, as shown best in FIG.
1. The top plate 68 includes a plurality of slots 70 (FIGS. 12 and 14) to accommodate the individual vertical supports 32. The slots 70 are of a sufficiently small dimension so as to frictionaIly engage the vertical supports 32 proximate the apex 36.
Refernng to FIGS. 10 and 11 in particular, it is seen that more than one notch 64 may be provided, so that there is a choice ofposition for securement ofthe planar surface 30 to each of the vertical supports 32. Further, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the inner slanted sides 54 are sufficiently elongated that the first and second ends 58, 60 of the vertical supports are parallel to each other. This arrangement provides a particularly long line of load-bearing contact between the adjacent support units 22, leading to an enhanced stability of the column (FIG. 10), as well as an attractive vertical-sided appearance for the overall column in all tiers of the column except the top one.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the planar surface 30 of the base or bottom unit 28 is provided with a mechanism or structure by which the planar surface 30 of the bottom unit 28 can be raised away from a floor surface 72. In the depicted embodiment, the mechanism includes a discrete floor wedge 74 which works in conjunction with a plurality of feet 76. The floor wedge 74 is of a shape similar to each of the support units 22.
More specifically, the floor wedge 74 includes a base 78 from which a plurality of vertical wedges 80 extend. The vertical wedges 80 do not extend thrnnuh a hnttnm c",.f".~ Q~
of the base 78. Rather, the base 78 includes the flat bottom surface 82 which is adapted to fully engage the floor surface 72. Each of the vertical wedges 80 is of a triangular shape including a short side 84, a long side 86, and a hypotenuse 88. The vertical wedges 80 can be secured to the base 78 by any suitable means, such as by adhesive or external fasteners. Alternatively, the entire floor wedge 74 can be manufactured from a unitary piece of material such as plastics, manufactured from an inj ection molding, or other fabrication techniques.
26-SEP-2000 15:23 PRGE HRRGRRVE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.17 In the depicted embodiment, each of the feet 76 includes a block 90 secured to the planar surface 30 of the bottom unit 28, as well as a pedestal foot 92. The pedestal feet 92 may be attached to the block 90 by any suitable means, including threaded fasteners which would allow the space between the pedestal feet and the blocks 90 to be adjusted and thereby adjust the distance between the planar surface 30 and floor surface 72.
Alternatively, each of the feet 76 may include a castor wheel 93, as depicted for example in FIG. I 3, to facilitate movement.
FIG. 8 depicts a column ofmultiple stacked mots from underneath, showing the nesting of each unit with its vertically adjacent neighbour.
As shown in FiG. 9, the support units 22 need not be provided with four vertical supports 32, but rather can be provided with any a number of vertical supports 32. In the depicted embodiment, three such vertical supports 32 are provided.
Accordingly, the planar surface 30 of the support unit 22 is provided with only three slots 94, 96, 98 which extend radiaily outwardly.
In the alternative embodiments of FIGS. 12 and 13, respectively four and only two vertical supports 32 are provided with each support unit 22. More specifically with reference to FIG. 13, one elongate slot 100 can be provided through which two vertical supports 32 extend and meet at an apex 36. In the depicted embodiment, three slots 100 are provided within a shelf 102 proximate sides 104, 106, and 108. Each pair of vertical supports 32 cooperates to form a separate support unit 22. Since the vertical supports 32 are formed similarly to those of the previously described embodiments, the support units 22 can be vertically stacked as shown in FIG. 13. The topmost support units 22 can be capped by a top shelf 114 (see also FIG. 12) which not only provides for added storage space, but also stabilizes the topmost support units 22 similarly to the top plate 68 of the previously described embodiments.
The support units 22 can be vertically interlocked to form an individual shelving tower, or alternatively can be formed and used in conjunction with other towers to form a shelving system 116 as shown in FIGS. I4 and 15. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, a first tower 118 is formed from circular planar surfaces 30, a second tower 120 is formed 26-SEP-2000 15:24 PAGE HARGRAVE. BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.18 from planar surfaces 30 having a substantially rectangular shape, and a third tower 122 is formed from planar surfaces 30 having a substantially circular shape similar to the frst tower 118. The planar surfaces 30 of the second tower 120 include semi-circular recesses 124 which are shaped and dimensioned complementarily to the circular planar surfaces 30 of the first and second towers 118, 122. Accordingly, when the first, second, and third towers 118, 120,122 are positioned adjacent one another, the circular planar surfaces 30 of the first and second towers 118, 122 are in engagement with the recesses 124 of the second tower 120. Not only are the planar surfaces 30 horizontally aligned, but are vertically aligned as well due to the similar dimensions of the each of the support units 22. Accordingly, a series of continuous storage shelves 126 are formed, with four such surfaces 126 being formed in the depicted embodiment.
Referring now to FIG. 15, each of the planar surfaces 30 is shown to be of a curvilinear shape in that each includes the first and second arcuate sides 128, 130 as well as first and second ends 132, 134. Accordingly, when multiple towers are provided adjacent one another, the curvilinear planar surfaces 30 combine to form continuous, curved shelves 136. The curved shelves 136 can curve in a singular direction, or can alternate direction to thereby form one or more sinuous or S-type curves. It is to be understood that while not depicted, such curvilinear shelves can be provided in combination with shelves of a straight configuration or a slightly different curvature to provide a variety of different shapes and shelving systems.
In another embodiment, depicted in FIG. 16, which may be considered as a modified form of the shelving system of FIG. 1, a sign 138 is mounted to the apex 36 of the top unit 6b. In such an embodiment, the sign 138 may be provided with a frame 140 having posts 142 adapted to fasten to the apex 36 of the top unit 66. The posts 142 may bend outwardly forming horizontal cross bars 146 adapted to support one or more signage sheets 148. In alternative embodiments, other forms of signs 138 can be provided.
In a further embodiment, depicted in FIG. 17, which may considered as a further modified form ofthe shelving system of FIG. l, a sign 138 is mounted to the apex 36 of the top unit 66. The sign 138 is provided with a frame 1 SO adapted to fasten to the apex 36 of the top unit 66. In this embodiment, the inner sides 54 of the vertical 26-SEP-2000 15:25 PRGE HRRGRRVE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.19 supports 32 are elongated, so that the floor wedge 74 engages the inner slanted side 54 over substantially the whole length of the hypotenuse 88 of each vertical wedge 80 of the floor wedge 74. This has been found to provide for substantially enhanced aesthetic appeal, and substantially enhanced security of seating of the bottom unit 28 on the floor wedge, which correspondingly leads to an eff dent distribution of weight onto the floor surface 72. This weight distribution is further assisted by the feet 76.
In a still further embodiment, depicted in FIG. 18, which may be considered as a further modified form of the shelving system of FIG. 1, the planar surfaces 30 are not true circles, but instead are formed as regular polygons. The vertical supports 32 of each support unit other than the bottom unit 28 have more than one notch 64, to provide a choice of position for securement of the planar surface 30 to each of the said vertical supports 32, analogously to FIG. 11. Generally as in FIGS. 16 and 17, a sign 138 is mounted to the apex 36 of the top unit 66. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, I 5 however, the bottom unit 28 is provided with castor wheels 93, in addition to a central floor wedge (not shown in FIG. 18).
From the foregoing, it can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention provides, among other things, a shelving system which enables a plurality of vertically interlocked support units to be raised from a floor surface by a stand which not only enables the floor beneath the shelving unit to be accessed, but also facilitates movement of the shelving unit and provides greater stability for the shelving unit as well.
:30
FURNITURE UTILIZING THE SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to vertically interlocking support structures, more particularly columns, and articles of furniture, more particularly shelving systems, utilizing the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With typical floor supported shelving units, a plurality of vertical columns or posts are I 5 typically joined together by a number of cross beams upon which shelves are supported.
Alternatively, the shelves themselves can be employed not only as the surfaces upon which items may be placed, but also as the cross beams for structurally holding the columns together.
In the merchandising of goods, particularly in retail environs, it is desirable to display the goods in an aesthetically pleasing matter. One type of shelving unit used in such a situation is a stand-alone unit which does not rest against a vertical wall for support, but rather is positioned within the middle of an aisle or walkway to grab the attention of the consumer. Such shelving units present difficulties for ensuring the stability of the unit.
More generally, there is currently a demand for articles of furniture that can be readily assembled from a flat-pack kit of parts. Such kits are easily transported and, because the manual labour of an assembly stage has been avoided prior to retail sale, they enable articles of furniture to be sold at relatively low prices to the consumer.
The present invention aims to provide an effective system for enabling support structures and articles of furniture, particularly but not exclusively shelving systems, to be supplied as economically and aesthetically attractive flat-packed kits of parts for assembly, or at least to provide an alternative to the conventional products of this type.
26-SEP-2000 15:14 PRGE HARGRRUE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.05 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a vertical support structure is provided which includes a plurality of support units each interlocking with a vertically adj acent unit on a vertical axis, each unit including two or more discrete vertical load-bearing members arranged about the axis of the structure and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the structure, and at least one member adapted to retain the vertical load-bearing members in the said arrangement about the axis to provide a self supporting structure.
i0 The at least ane retaining member serves to prevent substantially radially outward movement of the vertical load-bearing members. The forces borne by the at least one retaining member will generally act in a relatively horizontal plane, as compared with the vertical (axial) direction of forces borne by the vertical load-bearing members.
The vertical support structure may be used in a wide range of applications. It is particularly suited to use in supporting a member from below, e.g. a shelf or other member providing an upwardly directed surface in an article of furniture.
The support units may, if desired, be used individually, although this would be less preferred. In this second aspect of the invention, of course, each unit would not interlock with a neighbour on the vertical axis (and would not need to be so adapted), although the component parts of the unit may interlock (interengage) with each other.
The retaining member may, for example, comprise a circumferential restrainer surrounding and engaging the vertical components. The retaining member may be rigid or flexible, and may suitably be capable of being flat packed. It may preferably be planar, for example generally in the form of a single circumferential collar.
The collar may be formed of natural or synthetic materials or a. combination thereof, e.g. wood, reconstituted wood, board, metals or plastics. The shape may be formed by any conventional method, e.g. cutting, pressing-out, moulding, casting or extruding.
26-SEP-2800 15:15 PRGE HRRGRRVE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.06 Each vertical load-bearing member is preferably planar, having two major surfaces and a peripheral minor face. Each vertical load-bearing member generally has a relatively long dimension and a relatively short transverse dimension. It can be of irregular shape, e.g. polygonal. It may be formed of natural or synthetic materials or a combination thereof, e.g. wood, reconstituted wood, board, metals or plastics. The shape may be formed by any conventional method, e.g. cutting, pressing-out, moulding, casting or extruding. In use, its long dimension will rest substantially vertically.
The component parts ofeach unit may interlock (interengage) and/or be secured together by conventional securement devices or in any other way. In one particularly preferred form, the parts slot into each other without the need for additional securement devices.
For example, each vertical load-bearing member may be provided with a locating notch, whereby a portion of the retaining member is received in the notch for mutual engagement of the parts.
At least three vertical load-bearing members are preferred in each support unit, so that they can each be correspondingly lighter and thinner than would be the case in a unit of fewer parts in order to bear the same load with a corresponding stability.
They are preferably arranged substantially circumferentially evenly around the axis ofthe support unit in use.
Each support unit is adapted to interlock with its upper/lower neighbours) on the vertical axis of the structure. This interlocking is gravity-assisted, and can be very simple, e.g. an arrangement of corresponding male and female portions, one at the top of one unit and the other at the bottom of the other unit.
It is particularly preferred that the region of prime load-bearing contact between adj acent support units lies radially inward from the location of engagement between the parts, so that a downward load acts to urge each vertical part into secure abutting relationship with the others) in the radially inward direction, about a pivot point between the parts.
Preferably, each assembled support unit tapers to a top apex, more particularly to provide a substantially pyramid shaped unit, including an apex and a base and sides 26-SEP-2000 15:15 PRGE HRRGRRUE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.07 which taper outwardly from the apex to the base, the sides being defined by the vertical load-bearing members and the base being defined by the retaining member. Each support unit in such a configuration further includes a recess proximate the base, most preferably at the portion of the base on the axis of the unit.
In such an arrangement, the most preferred configuration of each vertical load-bearing member is best seen as based on a modified right-angle triangle shape having a relatively long first side edge, a relatively short second side edge, orthogonal to the first side edge, and a hypotenuse edge, the basic triangle shape being bevelled across the right angle on a line generally parallel to the hypotenuse edge and optionally also across the corner opposite the long side edge on a line generally parallel to the long side. One or more locating notches are provided, the or each notch penetrating the hypotenuse edge or, where present, the second bevelled edge parallel to the second side.
1 S The most preferred configuration of the retaining member is that of a circumferential collar for the vertical load-bearing members, which includes a number of closed-ended elongate slots passing through its thickness, radiating (preferably circumferentially evenly) from a central point. For example, if three elongate slots are present, the arrangement would preferably be generally that of the letter Y; if four elongate slots are present, the arrangement would preferably be that ofthe sign +; etc. Each elongate slot is of a length generally equal to the shortest distance between the base of the locating notch in a vertical load-bearing member and the line of the long side of the vertical load-bearing member.
To assemble a support unit in such a preferred arrangement, the short side edge of the triangle of one vertical load-bearing member is slotted into engagement with the retaining member in one of the elongate slots thereof, a locating notch of the vertical load-bearing member receiving a portion of the retaining member at the closed end of the elongate slot. The other vertical load-bearing members are assembled in the same way, and each is tilted so that the long first sides abut along the vertical axis of the support unit. A unit is thus complete, and may be interlocked with like units on the vertical axis by inserting the apex of the pyramid skeleton formed by the vertical load-bearing members into the recess proximate the base of the vertically adjacent unit. Such 26-SEP-2000 15-16 PAGE HpRGRRVE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.08 a recess is defined by open portions of the elongate slots of the horizontal retaining member of the adjacent unit, the said portions being open as a result of the bevelling across the right angle of the vertical load-bearing members of that adjacent unit.
It will be noted that a portion of each vertical load-bearing member slightly protrudes through the retaining member in the assembled unit, so that when the unit is standing on a floor it will stand on those protruding edges of the vertical load-bearing members, the retaining member being thereby slightly raised above the floor.
Various additional features can be incorporated into this basic preferred design. For example, the two bevelled edges can meet at an apex, giving a particularly long line of load-bearing contact between adjacent interlocking units and consequent stability ofthe structure, as well as an attractive vertical-sided appearance to the support structure in all tiers of the column except the topmost one. For that topmost tier, the otherwise stark effect of the exposed apex of the pyramid skeleton can be softened by the use of a crown collar or other retaining system, which engages a short way onto the apex of the pyramid skeleton and serves also the technical function of keeping the vertical load-bearing members of that topmost tier in position.
The retaining members can have any convenient shape or dimensions. In one particularly preferred form, each retaining member can extend substantially radially outwards to form a horizontal shelf extending from the axis of the column and capable of supporting a load. The shelf can itself can be supported by two or more support columns provided by support structures according to the present invention, the shelf spanning between the columns. The shelves of one column can be of differing shapes or dimensions, so that tapering tiered shelves are provided on the assembled column, e.g. for a retail display stand or other stand for the support or display of goods.
In summary, a number of identical, preferably tapered, load-bearing members, each of which suitably has a locating notch, and a single retaining member, suitably having slots equal in length to the width of the vertical load-bearing members, may be assembled to produce a unit that may then be used, with other identical units, to construct a vertical column. The detail of both the tapered vertical and retaining members of this column, 26-SEP-2000 15:17 PRGE HRRGRAUE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.09 together with its unit construction, provide regular horizontal surfaces which may be used to support additional articles or a load. The compressive forces produced by the weight of these supported articles and the units themselves, acting through the tapered vertical members, provides a locking action where one unit fits inside another, as with the mortise taper. This downward motion in turn creates a clamping action where the tapered vertical members abut the retaining member within the slots. An interlocking vertical support column may therefore be created, from common components, which becomes more rigid as the load it supports increases.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an article of furniture is provided, comprising at least one member supported from below and at least one vertical support column therefor, the vertical support column comprising at least one column unit including a plurality of discrete vertical load-bearing members arranged about an axis of the column and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the column, the vertical load-bearing members of the or each unit being retained in said arrangement about the axis by at least one member adapted for that purpose to provide a self supporting structure, the at least one retaining member circumferentially surrounding and engaging the vertical load-bearing members.
The article of furniture preferably comprises a shelving system which includes a plurality of shelves associated with the at least one vertical support column.
Most preferably, the shelves are integral with at least some of the retaining members of the support columns.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the shelving system comprises a support tower having a plurality of vertical supports, and a plurality of planar shelf surfaces. Each vertical support includes an apex and a base, with each base including a recess adapted to receive an apex of a vertically adjacent vertical support.
Each vertical support includes a notch. At least one of the planar surfaces is associated with each vertical support. Each planar surface includes a slot with each vertical support extending through one of the planar surface slots. Each planar surface extends through one of the vertical support notches. At least one - preferably a majority - of the planar 26-SEP-2000 15:18 PRGE HRRGRRVE. BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.10 _7_ surfaces are of a substantially circular (e.g. at least eight-sided) configuration having a radial dimension. Each vertical support is substantially coaxial with the or each associated substantially circular planar surface. The base of each associated vertical support has a radial dimension. The radial dimension of at least one such substantially circular planar surface is more than about double the radial dimension of the base of a vertical support associated therewith.
The shelving system may include a plurality of support structures (towers) according to the present invention, each support tower including planar shelf surfaces including complementary shaped planar surfaces, adjacent support towers including planar surfaces on common horizontal planes forming continuous storage surfaces. Each of the planar surfaces is suitably substantially arcuately shaped having first and second ends and first and second curvilinear sides, adjacent towers forming continuous curved storage surfaces. Adjacent support towers may, for example, include oppositely curved I S planar surfaces to form substantially S-shaped continuously curved storage surfaces.
The shelving system may suitably further include at least one sign holder extending from at least one of the support structures, whereby advertising, pricing or other information may be displayed.
An article of furniture according to the invention preferably includes a discrete stand operatively associated with the bottom unit and a floor or like surface, the stand raising the bottom unit away from the floor. The stand may suitably include a floor wedge inserted into a recess of a base portion of the bottom unit, preferably a recess at the central region of the base, and preferably additionally a plurality of feet extending from the bottom unit, the plurality of feet cooperating with the floor wedge to raise the bottom unit away from the floor. The plurality of feet can in appropriate cases comprise castor wheels.
3 0 The use of a stand provides substantial advantages to the article of furniture constructed in accordance with this invention. These advantages can be appreciated most easily by reference to a shelving system.
26-SEP-2000 15:19 PRGE HRRGRRVE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.11 -$-Using the most preferred configuration of vertical load-bearing members, as described above, the bottom shelf of the assembled shelving system will be close to, but slightly spaced from, the short second side edge of each triangular vertical load-bearing member as it protrudes through the bottom shelf (which also serves as the retaining member at the base of the bottom pyramid shaped unit). Without the use of a stand, the bottom shelf would therefore be slightly raised above a floor on which the shelving system stands.
However, in such a condition, all the weight of the shelving system and the articles stored on the shelves would be transferred to the floor through the short side edges of the vertical load-bearing members, leading to considerable pressure on the floor.
Moreover, particularly in the case of a stand-alone shelving tower, such as commonly found in retail stores, the tower would be prone to tipping over and the bottom shelf would be prone to distortion under the weight of articles on it.
Therefore, the use of a stand, as described herein, provides the substantial technical advantage that the weight of the entire shelving system may be evenly and widely distributed so as to provide greater stability for the system.
In a further aspect of the present invention, therefore, there is provided a shelving system, comprising: apluralityofvertical supports each having an apex and abase, each base having a recess adapted to receive an apex of a vertically adj scent vertical support, each vertical support including a notch; a plurality of planar surfaces at least one planar surface being associated with each vertical support, each planar surface having a slot, each vertical support extending through one of the planar surface slots, each planar surface extending through one of the vertical support notches; and a stand operatively associated with a bottom planar surface and a floor, the stand raising the bottom planar surface away from the floor.
The present invention enables flat-pack kits of parts to be made and sold, from which articles of furniture, for example shelving systems, can readily be assembled, even without the use of any tools or implements or any fixing devices such as screws, nails or glue commonly used in furniture-making.
26-SEP-2000 15:19 PAGE HARGRAUE. BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.12 _g_ According to a still further preferred feature of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling an article of furniture, comprising the steps of:
inserting vertical supports into a planar member to form first and second substantially pyramid shaped support units, each support unit including an apex and a base, each support unit tapering S radially outwardly from the apex to the base, each support unit including a recess proximate the base; stacking the first support unit onto the second support unit, the apex of the second support unit being inserted into the recess of the first support unit during the stacking step; and placing the first and second support units onto a floor wedge, the floor wedge including an apex and a base, the floor wedge tapering radially outwardly from the apex to the base, the floor wedge being inserted into the recess of the second support unit during the placing step, the base of the second support unit being thereby raised off the ground after the placing step.
As previously described, the inserting step will typically involve the step of inserting 1 S multiple vertical supports into multiple slots provided in the planar surfaces, each vertical support including inner and outer substantially parallel slanted sides, and first and second ends, a planar surface receiving notch being provided in each outer slanted side.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a first shelving system embodying the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a bottom support unit of the shelving system of Figure 1;
Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of an individual slotted planar surface of one support unit of the shelving system of Figure 1;
Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of the slotted planar surface of Figure 3, showing assembly of a support unit;
26-SEP-2000 15:20 PAGE HARGRAUE, BRISTOL 0117 929800'7 P.13 Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of an assembled support unit, following the procedure illustrated in Figure 4;
Figure 6 illustrates vertical stacking of the assembled support units of Figure 5;
Figure 7 illustrates a side partially sectional view of two stacked support units of Figure 5;
Figure 8 illustrates an isometric view of a support column of stacked support units of Figure S;
Figure 9 illustrates an isometric view of a second alternative shelving system embodying the invention, including support units having three vertical members;
Figure 10 illustrates an isometric view of a third alternative shelving system embodying the invention;
Figure 11 illustrates diagrammatically a modification of the vertical members of the shelving system of Figure 10;
Figure 12 illustrates an isometric view of a fourth alternative shelving system embodying the invention, in which each support unit includes four vertical members;
Figure 13 illustrates an isometric view of a fifth alternative shelving system embodying the invention, in which each support unit includes two vertical members;
Figure 14 illustrates an isometric view of a sixth alternative shelving system embodying the invention, in which a series of vertical support towers is positioned adj acent to one another;
Figure 15 illustrates an isometric view of a seventh alternative shelving system embodying the invention, including a series of the vertical support towers in a curvilinear array;
26-5EP-2008 15:21 PRGE HRRGRRVE. BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.14 Figure 16 illustrates a side view ofthe shelving system ofFigure 1, modified by the inclusion of a sign;
Figure 17 illustrates a side view of a further modification of the shelving system of Figure i, also including a sign; and Figure i 8 illustrates an isometric view of a still further modification of the shelving system of Figure I, also including a sign.
IO
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings, alternative embodiments of vertical support columns and shelving systems utilizing them are shown. Like numerals designate like parts in the various drawings.
Referring firstly to FIG. 1, a shelving system constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention is generally depicted by reference numeral 20. As shown therein, the shelving system 20 is comprised of a plurality of vertically interlocking support units 22. While four such units 22 are depicted in FIG. 1, it is to be understood that shelving systems 20 can be constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention comprised of a greater or lesser number of support units 22. Such a shelving system 20 provides a number of shelf surfaces 24 to support goods 26 (FIGS. 1 G to 18) in an aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound manner.
26-5EP-2000 15:21 PRGE HRRGRRVE~ BRISTOL 011? 9298007 P.15 Refernng now to FIG. 2, an individual support unit 22 is depicted.
Specifically, a base or bottom unit 28 is depicted. As can be seen in a comparison of FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom unit 28 is structurally identical to the other support units 22 stacked upon the bottom unit 28, but is of slightly larger dimension. The bottom unit 28 includes a planar surface 30 through which a plurality of vertical supports 32 extend. In the depicted embodiment, the planar surface 30 is circular in shape and the plurality of vertical supports 32 combine to form a pyramid 34. The pyramid 34 includes an apex 36 which expands radially outwardly toward a base 38. The radius of the circular planar surface 30 is more than about double the radial dimension of the base 38 of the pyramid 34. A
circular or substantially circular planar surface 30 provides a substantially constant shelf width at all radial directions around the shelving system 20, which leads to substantial advantages in terms of stability when the planar surfaces 30 are loaded with goods 26.
As shown in FIG. 3, the planar surface 30 includes a plurality of slots 40. In the depicted embodiment, two crossing slots 42, 44 are provided which form four radially extending half slots 46, 48, 50, 52. Each ofthe planar surfaces 30 and vertical supports 32 may be manufactured from any suitable strong material, including but not limited to, plastics, wood, reconstituted wood products and metals.
As also shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, each of the vertical supports 32 includes inner and outer parallel slanted sides 54, 56 and first and second ends 58, 60. The first end 58 forms a junction with the outer slanted side 56 such that when all of the vertical supports 32 are combined, the apex 36 is formed. Similarly, when the vertical supports 32 are combined, the plurality of inner slanted sides 54 combine to form an inner recess G2 complementary in shape to the apex 36. As will be described in further detail herein, such complementary shapes allow the individual support units 22 to be vertically stacked and interlocked.
Each of the vertical supports 32 also includes a notch 64 provided in the outer slanted side 56. As shown in FIG. 4, during assembly of the support unit a vertical support 32 is first inserted into one ofthe slots 40 (Arrow A) and the notch 64 is subsequently slid within the slot 40 (Arrow B), so as to grip the planar surface 30. In so doing, when all of the vertical supports 32 are secured to the planar surface 30 (FIG.S), and the support 26-SEP-2000 15:23 . PAGE HARGRAVE. BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.16 units 22 are then stacked vertically atop each other as shown by the arrow in FIG. G, the support units 32 provide stability for the overall shelving system 20. In order to provide stability to the topmost support unit 66, a top plate 68 is provided, as shown best in FIG.
1. The top plate 68 includes a plurality of slots 70 (FIGS. 12 and 14) to accommodate the individual vertical supports 32. The slots 70 are of a sufficiently small dimension so as to frictionaIly engage the vertical supports 32 proximate the apex 36.
Refernng to FIGS. 10 and 11 in particular, it is seen that more than one notch 64 may be provided, so that there is a choice ofposition for securement ofthe planar surface 30 to each of the vertical supports 32. Further, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the inner slanted sides 54 are sufficiently elongated that the first and second ends 58, 60 of the vertical supports are parallel to each other. This arrangement provides a particularly long line of load-bearing contact between the adjacent support units 22, leading to an enhanced stability of the column (FIG. 10), as well as an attractive vertical-sided appearance for the overall column in all tiers of the column except the top one.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the planar surface 30 of the base or bottom unit 28 is provided with a mechanism or structure by which the planar surface 30 of the bottom unit 28 can be raised away from a floor surface 72. In the depicted embodiment, the mechanism includes a discrete floor wedge 74 which works in conjunction with a plurality of feet 76. The floor wedge 74 is of a shape similar to each of the support units 22.
More specifically, the floor wedge 74 includes a base 78 from which a plurality of vertical wedges 80 extend. The vertical wedges 80 do not extend thrnnuh a hnttnm c",.f".~ Q~
of the base 78. Rather, the base 78 includes the flat bottom surface 82 which is adapted to fully engage the floor surface 72. Each of the vertical wedges 80 is of a triangular shape including a short side 84, a long side 86, and a hypotenuse 88. The vertical wedges 80 can be secured to the base 78 by any suitable means, such as by adhesive or external fasteners. Alternatively, the entire floor wedge 74 can be manufactured from a unitary piece of material such as plastics, manufactured from an inj ection molding, or other fabrication techniques.
26-SEP-2000 15:23 PRGE HRRGRRVE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.17 In the depicted embodiment, each of the feet 76 includes a block 90 secured to the planar surface 30 of the bottom unit 28, as well as a pedestal foot 92. The pedestal feet 92 may be attached to the block 90 by any suitable means, including threaded fasteners which would allow the space between the pedestal feet and the blocks 90 to be adjusted and thereby adjust the distance between the planar surface 30 and floor surface 72.
Alternatively, each of the feet 76 may include a castor wheel 93, as depicted for example in FIG. I 3, to facilitate movement.
FIG. 8 depicts a column ofmultiple stacked mots from underneath, showing the nesting of each unit with its vertically adjacent neighbour.
As shown in FiG. 9, the support units 22 need not be provided with four vertical supports 32, but rather can be provided with any a number of vertical supports 32. In the depicted embodiment, three such vertical supports 32 are provided.
Accordingly, the planar surface 30 of the support unit 22 is provided with only three slots 94, 96, 98 which extend radiaily outwardly.
In the alternative embodiments of FIGS. 12 and 13, respectively four and only two vertical supports 32 are provided with each support unit 22. More specifically with reference to FIG. 13, one elongate slot 100 can be provided through which two vertical supports 32 extend and meet at an apex 36. In the depicted embodiment, three slots 100 are provided within a shelf 102 proximate sides 104, 106, and 108. Each pair of vertical supports 32 cooperates to form a separate support unit 22. Since the vertical supports 32 are formed similarly to those of the previously described embodiments, the support units 22 can be vertically stacked as shown in FIG. 13. The topmost support units 22 can be capped by a top shelf 114 (see also FIG. 12) which not only provides for added storage space, but also stabilizes the topmost support units 22 similarly to the top plate 68 of the previously described embodiments.
The support units 22 can be vertically interlocked to form an individual shelving tower, or alternatively can be formed and used in conjunction with other towers to form a shelving system 116 as shown in FIGS. I4 and 15. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, a first tower 118 is formed from circular planar surfaces 30, a second tower 120 is formed 26-SEP-2000 15:24 PAGE HARGRAVE. BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.18 from planar surfaces 30 having a substantially rectangular shape, and a third tower 122 is formed from planar surfaces 30 having a substantially circular shape similar to the frst tower 118. The planar surfaces 30 of the second tower 120 include semi-circular recesses 124 which are shaped and dimensioned complementarily to the circular planar surfaces 30 of the first and second towers 118, 122. Accordingly, when the first, second, and third towers 118, 120,122 are positioned adjacent one another, the circular planar surfaces 30 of the first and second towers 118, 122 are in engagement with the recesses 124 of the second tower 120. Not only are the planar surfaces 30 horizontally aligned, but are vertically aligned as well due to the similar dimensions of the each of the support units 22. Accordingly, a series of continuous storage shelves 126 are formed, with four such surfaces 126 being formed in the depicted embodiment.
Referring now to FIG. 15, each of the planar surfaces 30 is shown to be of a curvilinear shape in that each includes the first and second arcuate sides 128, 130 as well as first and second ends 132, 134. Accordingly, when multiple towers are provided adjacent one another, the curvilinear planar surfaces 30 combine to form continuous, curved shelves 136. The curved shelves 136 can curve in a singular direction, or can alternate direction to thereby form one or more sinuous or S-type curves. It is to be understood that while not depicted, such curvilinear shelves can be provided in combination with shelves of a straight configuration or a slightly different curvature to provide a variety of different shapes and shelving systems.
In another embodiment, depicted in FIG. 16, which may be considered as a modified form of the shelving system of FIG. 1, a sign 138 is mounted to the apex 36 of the top unit 6b. In such an embodiment, the sign 138 may be provided with a frame 140 having posts 142 adapted to fasten to the apex 36 of the top unit 66. The posts 142 may bend outwardly forming horizontal cross bars 146 adapted to support one or more signage sheets 148. In alternative embodiments, other forms of signs 138 can be provided.
In a further embodiment, depicted in FIG. 17, which may considered as a further modified form ofthe shelving system of FIG. l, a sign 138 is mounted to the apex 36 of the top unit 66. The sign 138 is provided with a frame 1 SO adapted to fasten to the apex 36 of the top unit 66. In this embodiment, the inner sides 54 of the vertical 26-SEP-2000 15:25 PRGE HRRGRRVE~ BRISTOL 0117 9298007 P.19 supports 32 are elongated, so that the floor wedge 74 engages the inner slanted side 54 over substantially the whole length of the hypotenuse 88 of each vertical wedge 80 of the floor wedge 74. This has been found to provide for substantially enhanced aesthetic appeal, and substantially enhanced security of seating of the bottom unit 28 on the floor wedge, which correspondingly leads to an eff dent distribution of weight onto the floor surface 72. This weight distribution is further assisted by the feet 76.
In a still further embodiment, depicted in FIG. 18, which may be considered as a further modified form of the shelving system of FIG. 1, the planar surfaces 30 are not true circles, but instead are formed as regular polygons. The vertical supports 32 of each support unit other than the bottom unit 28 have more than one notch 64, to provide a choice of position for securement of the planar surface 30 to each of the said vertical supports 32, analogously to FIG. 11. Generally as in FIGS. 16 and 17, a sign 138 is mounted to the apex 36 of the top unit 66. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, I 5 however, the bottom unit 28 is provided with castor wheels 93, in addition to a central floor wedge (not shown in FIG. 18).
From the foregoing, it can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention provides, among other things, a shelving system which enables a plurality of vertically interlocked support units to be raised from a floor surface by a stand which not only enables the floor beneath the shelving unit to be accessed, but also facilitates movement of the shelving unit and provides greater stability for the shelving unit as well.
:30
Claims (50)
1. An interlocking vertical support structure, comprising a plurality of support units each interlocking with a vertically adjacent unit on a vertical axis, each unit including two or more discrete vertical load-bearing members arranged about the axis of the column and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the structure, and at least one member adapted to retain the vertical load-bearing members in the said arrangement about the axis to provide a self-supporting structure.
2. An interlocking vertical support structure according to claim 1, wherein the retaining member of each unit comprises a circumferential collar.
3. An interlocking vertical support structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the retaining member of each unit comprises a planar surface extending from the support structure capable of supporting a load.
4. An interlocking vertical support structure according to claim 3, wherein the planar surfaces vary in size to provide a number of tiered shelves which are suitable for the supporting or displaying of goods.
5. An interlocking vertical support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical load-bearing members are planar.
6. An interlocking vertical support structure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each vertical load-bearing member is provided with a locating notch, whereby a portion of the retaining member is received in the notch for mutual engagement of the parts.
7. An interlocking vertical support structure according to claim 6, wherein the retaining member includes one or more slot and two or more vertical load-hearing members each provided with a locating notch are received in the one or more slot.
8. An interlocking vertical support structure according to claim 3, wherein the planar surface is common to one or more adjacent support structures to provide multiple supports for the planar surface capable of supporting a load.
9. A column unit for an interlocking vertical support column in which a series of generally like units each interlocks with a vertically adjacent unit on a vertical axis, the unit including a plurality of discrete vertical load-bearing members arranged about the axis of the column and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the column, and at least one member for retaining the vertical load-bearing members in the said arrangement about the axis to provide a self supporting structure.
10. A unit for supporting a member from below, the unit comprising a plurality of discrete vertical load-bearing members arranged about a vertical axis of the unit and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the unit, and at least one member for retaining the vertical load-bearing members in the said arrangement about the axis to provide a self supporting unit, the at least one retaining member circumferentially surrounding and engaging the vertical load-bearing members.
11. A unit according to claim 10, when adapted to interlock with a like neighbouring unit on a vertical axis, whereby to provide in use an interlocking vertical support column comprising a series of such column units each interlocking with a vertically adjacent unit.
12. An article of furniture comprising at least one member supported from below and at least one vertical support column therefor, the vertical support column comprising at least one column unit including a plurality of discrete vertical load-bearing members arranged about an axis of the column and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the column, the vertical load-bearing members of the or each unit being retained in said arrangement about the axis by at least one retaining member adapted for that purpose and circumferentially surrounding and engaging the vertical load-bearing members.
13. An article of furniture according to claim 12, being a shelving system in which the at least one retaining member comprises a planar surface adapted to provide a shelf for storage of goods.
14. A shelving system, comprising: a plurality of vertical supports each having an apex and a base, each base including a recess adapted to receive an apex of a vertically adjacent vertical support, each vertical support including a notch; a plurality of planar surfaces at least one planar surface being associated with each vertical support, each planar surface having a slot, each vertical support extending through one of the planar surface slots, each planar surface extending through one of the vertical support notches;
and a stand operatively associated with a bottom planar surface and a floor, the stand raising the bottom planar surface away from the floor.
and a stand operatively associated with a bottom planar surface and a floor, the stand raising the bottom planar surface away from the floor.
15. A shelving system according to claim 14, wherein the stand includes a floor wedge inserted into the recess of the bottom vertical support, and further includes a plurality of feet extending from the bottom planar surface, the plurality of feet cooperating with the floor wedge to raise the bottom planar surface away from the floor.
16. A shelving system according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of feet include a plurality of castor wheels.
17. A shelving system according to claim 14, wherein first and second crossing slots are provided in each planar surface, and wherein four vertical supports extend through the first and second crossing slots.
18. A shelving system according to claim 14, wherein first, second, and third slots are provided in each planar surface, and wherein three vertical supports extend through the first, second, and third slots.
19. A shelving system according to claim 14, wherein first and second vertical supports extend through each slot in each planar surface.
20. A shelving system according to claim 14, wherein each planar surface is substantially rectangular and includes three slots, each slot being provided adjacent one side of the rectangular planar surface, and wherein first and second vertical supports extend through each slot.
21. A shelving system according to claim 14, further including a sign holder extending from an apex of a topmost vertical support.
22. A shelving system according to claim 14, further including a top shelf adapted to slide onto an apex of a topmost vertical support.
23. A shelving system according to claim 15, wherein the floor wedge includes a planar base from which a wedge upwardly extends, the planar base having a bottom surface adapted to rest on the ground.
24. A shelving system having a plurality of support towers, each support tower comprising: a plurality of vertical supports each having an apex and a base, each base including a recess adapted to receive an apex of a vertically adjacent vertical support, each vertical support including a notch; and a plurality of planar surfaces, at least one planar surface being associated with each vertical support, each planar surface having a slot, each vertical support extending through one of the planar surface slots, each planar surface extending through one of the vertical support notches; each support tower including planar surfaces including complementarily shaped planar surfaces, adjacent support towers including planar surfaces on common horizontal planes forming continuous storage surfaces.
25. A shelving system according to claim 24, wherein each of the planar surfaces is substantially arcuately shaped having first and second ends and first and second curvilinear sides, adjacent towers forming continuous curved storage surfaces.
26. A shelving system according to claim 25, wherein adjacent support towers including oppositely curved planar surfaces to forth "S" shaped continuously curved storage surfaces.
27. A shelving system according to claim 24, wherein each support tower further includes a floor wedge adapted to be inserted into the recess of a bottom vertical support and rest upon the floor, the floor wedge raising a bottom planar surface away from the floor.
28. A shelving system according to claim 26, wherein each support tower further includes a plurality of feet extending from the bottom planar surface, the plurality of feet cooperating with the bottom floor wedge to raise the bottom planar surface away from the floor.
29. A shelving system according to claim 28, wherein the plurality of feet include a plurality of castor wheels.
30. A shelving system according to claim 24, wherein first and second crossing slots are provided in each planar surface, and wherein four vertical supports extend through the first and second crossing slots.
31. A shelving system according to claim 24, wherein first, second and third slots are provided in each planar surface, and wherein three vertical supports extend through the first, second and third slots.
32. A shelving system according to claim 24, further including at least one sign holder extending from at least one of the support towers.
33. A shelving system comprising a support tower having: a plurality of vertical supports each having an apex and a base, each base including a recess adapted to receive an apex of vertically adjacent vertical support, each vertical support including a notch;
a plurality of planar surfaces, at least one planar surface being associated with each vertical support, each planar surface having a slot, each vertical support extending through one of the planar surface slots, each planar surface extending through one of the vertical support notches; at least one of the planar surfaces being of a substantially circular configuration and having a radial dimension; each vertical support associated with the said at least one substantially circular planar surface being coaxial therewith and the base of each said associated vertical support having a radial dimension; the radial dimension of at least one such substantially circular planar surface being more than about double the radial dimension of the base of a vertical support associated therewith.
a plurality of planar surfaces, at least one planar surface being associated with each vertical support, each planar surface having a slot, each vertical support extending through one of the planar surface slots, each planar surface extending through one of the vertical support notches; at least one of the planar surfaces being of a substantially circular configuration and having a radial dimension; each vertical support associated with the said at least one substantially circular planar surface being coaxial therewith and the base of each said associated vertical support having a radial dimension; the radial dimension of at least one such substantially circular planar surface being more than about double the radial dimension of the base of a vertical support associated therewith.
34. The shelving system of claim 33, wherein the configuration of each substantially circular planar surface is at least eight-sided.
35. The shelving system of claim 33, wherein a majority of the planar surfaces are of substantially circular configuration having the said radial dimension.
36. A shelving system according to claim 33, wherein the support tower further includes a floor wedge adapted to be inserted into the recess of a bottom vertical support and rest upon the floor, the floor wedge raising a bottom planar surface away from the floor.
37. A shelving system according to claim 36, wherein the floor wedge includes a planar base from which a wedge upwardly extends, the planar base having a bottom surface adapted to rest on the floor.
38. A shelving system according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the recess of the bottom vertical support is adapted to engage the floor wedge over substantially all of the operative surface of the floor wedge.
39. A shelving system according to claim 36 or claim 37, wherein the support tower further includes a plurality of feet extending from the bottom planar surface, the plurality of feet cooperating with the bottom floor wedge to raise the bottom planar surface away from the floor.
40. A shelving system according to claim 39, wherein the plurality of feet include a plurality of castor wheels.
41. A shelving system according to claim 33, wherein first and second crossing slots are provided in each planar surface, and wherein four vertical supports extend through the first and second crossing slots.
42. A shelving system according to claim 33, wherein first, second and third slots are provided in each planar surface, and wherein three vertical supports extend through the first, second and third slots.
43. A shelving system according to claim 33, wherein at least one of the vertical supports includes a plurality of vertically spaced notches for engagement of the respective planar surface at a selected one of a range of vertical heights.
44. A shelving system according to claim 33, further including at least one sign holder extending from the support tower.
45. A method of assembling a shelving system, comprising the steps of:
inserting vertical supports into a planar surface to form first and second substantially pyramid shaped support units, each support unit including an apex and a base, each support unit tapering radially outwardly from the apex to the base, each support unit including a recess proximate the base; stacking the first support unit onto the second support unit, the apex of the second support unit being inserted into the recess of the first support unit during the stacking step; and placing the first and second support units onto a floor wedge, the floor wedge including an apex and a base, the floor wedge tapering radially outwardly from the apex to the base, the floor wedge apex being inserted into the recess of the second support unit during the placing step, the base of the second support unit being raised off the ground after the placing step.
inserting vertical supports into a planar surface to form first and second substantially pyramid shaped support units, each support unit including an apex and a base, each support unit tapering radially outwardly from the apex to the base, each support unit including a recess proximate the base; stacking the first support unit onto the second support unit, the apex of the second support unit being inserted into the recess of the first support unit during the stacking step; and placing the first and second support units onto a floor wedge, the floor wedge including an apex and a base, the floor wedge tapering radially outwardly from the apex to the base, the floor wedge apex being inserted into the recess of the second support unit during the placing step, the base of the second support unit being raised off the ground after the placing step.
46. A method according to claim 45, further including the step of attaching a plurality of feet to the base of the second support unit.
47. A method according to claim 45, wherein the inserting step involves the step of inserting multiple vertical supports into multiple slots provided in the planar surfaces, each vertical support including inner and outer substantially parallel slanted sides, and first and second ends, a planar surface receiving notch being provided in each outer slanted side.
48. A method according to claim 47, wherein each planar surface includes four radially extending slots and wherein the inserting step involves inserting a vertical support in each of the slots.
49. A method according to claim 47, wherein each planar surface includes three radially extending slots and wherein the inserting step involves inserting a vertical support in each of the slots.
50. A method according to claim 45, wherein the first and second support units and floor wedge form a support tower, and wherein the method further includes the steps of forming multiple support towers and positioning the multiple support towers adjacent one another, the planar surfaces of the first support units being horizontally aligned, the planar surfaces of the second support units being horizontally aligned.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2321340 CA2321340A1 (en) | 2000-09-28 | 2000-09-28 | Vertically interlocking support structure and articles of furniture utilizing the same |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2321340 CA2321340A1 (en) | 2000-09-28 | 2000-09-28 | Vertically interlocking support structure and articles of furniture utilizing the same |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2321340A1 true CA2321340A1 (en) | 2002-03-28 |
Family
ID=4167259
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2321340 Abandoned CA2321340A1 (en) | 2000-09-28 | 2000-09-28 | Vertically interlocking support structure and articles of furniture utilizing the same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2321340A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2449479A (en) * | 2007-05-24 | 2008-11-26 | Andrew David Higginson | Collapsible shelving unit |
| GB2474491A (en) * | 2009-10-19 | 2011-04-20 | Drukarnia Ellert Sp Z O O | A display stand for the blind |
| US20160192789A1 (en) * | 2015-01-05 | 2016-07-07 | Deflecto, LLC | Convertible Baked Goods Display |
-
2000
- 2000-09-28 CA CA 2321340 patent/CA2321340A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2449479A (en) * | 2007-05-24 | 2008-11-26 | Andrew David Higginson | Collapsible shelving unit |
| GB2449479B (en) * | 2007-05-24 | 2012-02-22 | Andrew David Higginson | Adjustable collapsible furniture system |
| GB2474491A (en) * | 2009-10-19 | 2011-04-20 | Drukarnia Ellert Sp Z O O | A display stand for the blind |
| GB2474491B (en) * | 2009-10-19 | 2012-06-27 | Drukarnia Ellert Sp Z O O | A display stand for the blind |
| US20160192789A1 (en) * | 2015-01-05 | 2016-07-07 | Deflecto, LLC | Convertible Baked Goods Display |
| US9839304B2 (en) * | 2015-01-05 | 2017-12-12 | Deflecto, LLC | Convertible baked goods display |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |