CA2503940A1

CA2503940A1 - Shelving system

Info

Publication number: CA2503940A1
Application number: CA002503940A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Matthew Weatherly; Daniel Whyman
Original assignee: OSullivan Industries Inc
Current assignee: Sauder Woodworking Co
Priority date: 2004-04-20
Filing date: 2005-04-08
Publication date: 2005-10-20
Also published as: GB0507999D0; GB2413760A; US20050229823A1

Abstract

A shelving system including first and second supports, an adapter extending into the first and second supports, and first and second spacers interposing the first and second supports and having first and second apertures, respectively, through which the adapter extends. A shelf interposes the first and second spacers and has a third aperture through which the adapter extends.

Description

SHELVING SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
[0001] Televisions and other appliances are often housed on or within stands or similar furniture assemblies (e.g., entertainment centers). Such assemblies may provide a surface on which a television may be placed, or may provide an attachment mechanism that holds the television. Moreover, for both practical and aesthetic reasons, such assemblies often include shelves and other provisions for storing or displaying audio and video equipment, digital versatile discs (DVDs) and other entertainment media, knick-knacks, and the like. The shelves employed in such shelving systems, as well as storage assemblies other than those employed with entertainment equipment and paraphernalia, often employ glass and other materials which make associated coupling and support structure aesthetically displeasing and difficult to mass produce.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

[0003] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of at least a portion of a shelving system kit according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0004] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a spacer for use in a shelving system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0005] Fig. 3 is a sectional view of at least a portion of one embodiment of a shelving system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0006] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a furniture piece according to aspects of the present disclosure.
R-102651 1.DOC

[0007] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a furniture piece according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a furniture piece according to aspects of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features according to aspects of the present disclosure. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.
Moreover, the formation of a first feature over, on, or coupled to a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed interposing the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact.

[0010] Referring to Fig. l, illustrated is a perspective view of at least a portion of one embodiment of a shelving system kit 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The kit 100 comprises at least one adapter 110, at least one spacer 120, and at least one support 130. The kit 100 may also comprise at least one shelf 140 and at least one locking feature 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the kit 100 comprises one adapter 110, two spacers 120, two supports 130, one shelf 140, and two locking features 150. However, only a portion of the kit 100 may be shown in Fig. 1, and the kit 100 may include any number of adapters 110, spacers 120, supports 130, shelves 140, and locking features 150, including in quantitative and dimensional proportions other than as depicted in Fig. 1, as well as one or more other kit components.

[0011] The adapter 110 may comprise one or more elongated members or protrusions configured to extend into a portion of a support 130. For example, the illustrated embodiment of R-102651 1.DOC

the adapter 110 includes two elongated members 115 coupled by a cross-member 117. The cross-member 117 may be a substantially rectangular or otherwise shaped member configured to fit within a recess of a support 130. The cross-member 117 may be integral to the elongated members 115, or may be a discrete component coupled to the elongated members 115, such as by welding, bonding, interference fit, threaded or other mechanical fasteners, and/or other coupling means. The illustrated elongated members 115 have a substantially circular or otherwise rounded cross-sectional shape, although other shapes are within the scope of the present disclosure. The elongated members 115 may also have one or more flats providing a substantially flat surface to assist in securing the elongated members 115 within a support 130, such as by a set screw, adhesive, welding, and/or other fastening methods. The adapter 110, or portions thereof, may comprise steel, aluminum, plastic, wood, and/or other materials, and may be formed by machining, molding, casting, press or stamp forming, electro-discharge machining (EDM), and/or other methods.

[0012] Each support 130 may comprise an extrusion having a substantially oval-or ovoid-shaped cross-section, as in the illustrated embodiment, or other shapes, including circular, rectangular, other polygonal shapes, or other shapes. Fabrication methods other than extrusion may also or alternatively be employed to manufacture the supports 130, such as machining, molding, casting, EDM, and/or other methods. The supports 130 may comprise steel, aluminum, wood, plastic, and/or other materials. One or more of the supports 130 may comprise a recess 135 configured to receive a portion of the adapter 110.

[0013] The recess 135 may be formed by machining or otherwise removing material from an end of the supports, or may be part of the cross-sectional shape formed by extruding the support 130. The recess 135 may have a substantially circular or otherwise rounded cross-sectional shape, or otherwise may substantially conform to the cross-sectional shape of the received portion of the adapter 110. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the recess 135 may not substantially conform to the cross-sectional shape of the received portion of the adapter 110, although the recess 135 is still configured to receive a portion of the adapter 110. At least in embodiments in which the recess 135 and the received portion of the adapter 110 are substantially circular or otherwise rounded, the inner diameter of the recess 135 may be substantially similar, and possibly slightly larger, than the outer diameter of the received portion R-102651 l .DOC

of the adapter 110. The recess 135 may also include a portion configured to at least partially receive the cross-member 117 of the adapter 110.

[0014] One or more of the supports 130 may also be configured to assist securing the adapter 110 within the recess 135. For example, a support 130 may include a threaded hole 137 for receiving a set screw or other threaded fastener. However, other means may also or alternatively be employed to secure the adapter 110 to the support 130.

[0015] The shelf 140 may be a substantially planar sheet or plate having one more apertures 145 therein for receiving at least a portion of the adapter 110. However, in one embodiment, the shelf 140 may not be substantially planar, and may have or include one or more convex or concave shaped portions. The shelf 140 may also have substantially smooth surfaces, or may have rough, undulating, uneven, frosted, and/or other surfaces. The perimeter of the shelf 140 may be substantially rectangular, square, circular, oval, other polygonal shapes, or otherwise shaped. The shelf 140 may comprise glass, steel, aluminum, plastic, wood, and/or other materials, and may have a thickness ranging between about 1/8 inch and about 1 inch, although other thicknesses are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] Each locking feature 150 may be or comprise a threaded fastener, such as a set screw having a pointed, flat, or recessed tip, for engaging or pressing against the adapter 110.
However, in other embodiments, the locking feature 150 may be or comprise a rivet or other mechanical means for securing the adapter 110 within a support 130. Ball detents, cotter pins, snap rings, and/or other means may also or alternatively be employed to secure the adapter 110 within a support 130.

[0017] Referring to Fig. 2, with continued reference to Fig. 1, illustrated is a perspective view of one embodiment of the spacer 120 shown in Fig. 1. The spacer 120 may comprise plastic, aluminum, steel, other metals, wood, and/or other materials. In one embodiment, the spacer 120 comprises a pliable material. The spacer 120 may also comprise a vibration dampening material, such as rubber, foam, and/or other materials.

[0018] The perimeter shape of the spacer 120 may substantially conform to or fit within the perimeter shape of one or more of the supports 130, although other shapes are within the scope R-102651 1.DOC

of the present disclosure. The spacer 120 also includes one or more apertures 125 through which portions of the adapter 110 may extend. The apertures 125 may have a diameter that is substantially similar, and possibly slightly larger, than the diameter of a received portion of the adapter 110, at least in embodiments in which received portions of the adapter 110 and the apertures 125 are substantially circular or otherwise rounded.

(0019] As in the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 120 may also comprise an annulus-shaped protrusion 127 extending from one or more surfaces. The protrusion 127 may be configured to be received by an aperture 145 in the shelf 140, and/or by the recess 135 of a support 130. For example, in embodiments in which the protrusion 127 and the aperture 145 are substantially circular, the outer diameter of the protrusion 127 may be substantially similar, and possibly slightly smaller, than the diameter of the aperture 145, and the inner diameter of the protrusion 127 may be substantially similar, and possibly slightly larger, than the outer diameter of a received portion of the adapter 110. The thickness of the spacer 120 may range between about 1/16 inch and about 1/8 inch and, if employed, the protrusion 127 may extend away from the remainder of the spacer 120 to a thickness ranging between about 1/8 inch and about 1/4 inch, although other thicknesses are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] Referring to Fig. 3, with continued reference to Figs. 1 and 2, illustrated is a sectional view of one embodiment of the shelving system kit 100 shown in Fig. 1 in an assembled state according to aspects of the present disclosure. The assembled kit 100 may be referred to as a shelving system 300. Although many assembly sequences may be employed within the scope of the present disclosure, one sequence of assembling the shelving system 300 comprises; (1) locating the adapter 110 within one of the supports 130; (2) locating one of the spacers 120 adjacent the support 130 such that at least a portion of the adapter 110 extends through the one or more apertures 125 in the spacer 120; (3) locating the shelf 140 adjacent the assembled spacer 120 such that at least a portion of the adapter 110 extends through the one or more apertures 145 in the shelf 140; (4) locating an additional spacer 120 adjacent the shelf 140 opposite the previously assembled spacer 120 such that at least a portion of the adapter 110 extends through the one or more apertures 125 in the additional spacer 120; and (S) locating the additional support 130 adjacent the additional spacer 120 such that at least a portion of the adapter 110 extends into the additional support 130. Thus, at least in one embodiment, portions 310, 320 of R-102651 1.DOC

the adapter 110 extend through one of the spacers 120 and into one of the supports 130, and portions 330, 340 of the adapter 110 extend through another of the spacers 130 and the shelf 140 and into another one of the supports 130. Thereafter, locking features 150 may be installed, tightened, or otherwise employed to secure the adapter 110 within the supports 130.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 3, a portion 350 of the shelf 140 may interpose at least portions of the spacers 120 in embodiments in which the spacers 120 include protrusions 127. In such an embodiment, the thickness to which the protrusions 127 extend away from the remainder of the spacers 120 may be about 50% of the thickness of the shelf 140.

[0022] As also shown in Fig. 3, in embodiments in which the adapter 110 includes a cross-member 117, the cross-member 117 may fit within a recess 360 of one of the supports 130. In other embodiments, the cross-member 117 may also fit within a recess in the shelf 140, and possibly within a recess in the additional support 130.

[0023] Referring to Fig. 4, illustrated is a perspective view of one embodiment a furniture piece 400 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The furniture piece 400 is one environment in which the shelving system 300 shown in Fig. 3 may be implemented. For example, the furniture piece 400 includes supports 410-412 which may each be substantially similar to the supports 130 and shelves 420-422 which may each be substantially similar to the shelf 140. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the furniture piece 400 includes two intermediate supports 410, two base supports 411, and two L-shaped supports 412, although these supports 410-412 may be employed in other quantities. Furniture pieces within the scope of the present disclosure may also employ supports having shapes other than those of supports 410-412 shown in Fig. 4.

[0024] The shelf 420 interposes the base supports 411 and the intermediate supports 410, and the shelf 421 interposes the intermediate supports 410 and the L-shaped supports 412. The shelf 422 rests on or over the L-shaped supports 412, although the shelf 422 may also be secured to the L-shaped supports 412. As with the kit 100 shown in Fig. 1, each coupling of two supports on opposing sides of a shelf (e.g., at least similar to the shelving system 300) may employ an adapter substantially similar to the adapter 110 and one or more spacers substantially similar to the spacer 120. For example, portions of the supports 410, 412 have been removed in Fig. 4 to R-102651 1.DOC

reveal how an adapter 430 may extend into one of the L-shaped supports 412 and one of the intermediate supports 410, including through one or more spacers 440 and the shelf 421.

[0025] The furniture piece 400 may also include a television 450, such as a plasma television, resting on or coupled to the shelf 422, the L-shaped supports 412, and/or other components of the furniture piece 400. In one embodiment, the television 450 is directly or indirectly coupled to one or more central supports 470 which are directly or indirectly coupled to one or more of the supports 410-412. The furniture piece 400 may also include other audio/video (AV) equipment 460 resting on or coupled to one or more of the shelves 420-422, such as one or more video cassette devices, DVD devices, tuners, receivers, digital recorders, audio cassette devices, compact disc devices, and/or other devices.

[0026] Refernng to Fig. 5, illustrated is another embodiment of a furniture piece 500 according to aspects of the present disclosure, and which is another environment in which the shelving system 300 of Fig. 3 may be implemented. The furniture piece 500 includes supports 510-514 and shelves 520-524. The shelf 520 interposes supports 510 and supports 511. The shelf 521 interposes supports 511 and supports 512. The shelf 522 interposes supports 512 and supports 513. The shelf 523 interposes supports 513 and supports 514. The shelf 524 rests on or is coupled to the supports 514. Each of the supports 510-514 may be substantially similar to or otherwise include means for receiving an adapter extending through each of the shelves 520-523, such as the adapter 110 shown in Figs. 1 and 3. Each of the shelves 520-523, and possibly the shelf 524, may also be substantially similar to the shelf 140 shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

[0027] The furniture piece 500 may also include AV equipment 560 resting on or coupled to one or more of the shelves 520-524, the supports 510-514, and/or other components of the furniture piece 500. In one embodiment, the furniture piece 500 includes one or more central support 570 which are coupled to one or more of the supports 510-514, and to which one or more components of the AV equipment 560 may also be directly or indirectly coupled.

[0028] Referring to Fig. 6, illustrated is another embodiment of a furniture piece 600 according to aspects of the present disclosure, and which is another environment in which the shelving system 300 of Fig. 3 may be implemented. The furniture piece 600 includes supports 610, 611 and shelves 620, 621. The shelf 620 interposes the supports 610, 611.
The shelf 621 R-102651 1.DOC

rests on or is coupled to the supports 611. Each of the supports 610, 611 may be substantially similar to the supports 130 shown in Figs. 1 and/or 3 or otherwise include means for receiving an adapter extending through each of the shelf 620, such as the adapter 110 shown in Figs. 1 and 3.
Each of the shelves 620, 621 may be substantially similar to the shelf 140 shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

[0029] The furniture piece 600 may also include a television 650, such as a plasma television, resting on or coupled to the shelf 621, the supports 611, and/or other components of the furniture piece 600. In one embodiment, the television 650 is directly or indirectly coupled to one or more central supports 670 which are directly or indirectly coupled to one or more of the supports 610, 611. The furniture piece 600 may also include other AV equipment 660 resting on or coupled to one or more of the shelves 620, 621.

[0030] Thus, the present disclosure provides a shelving system including, in one embodiment, first and second supports, an adapter extending into each of the first and second supports, and first and second spacers interposing the first and second supports and having first and second apertures, respectively, through which the adapter extends. Such an embodiment also includes a shelf interposing the first and second spacers and having a third aperture through which the adapter extends.

[0031] Another embodiment of a shelving system according to aspects of the present disclosure includes a plurality of supports and a plurality of shelves each interposing ones of the plurality of supports. A plurality of adapters each extend through one of the plurality of shelves and into ones of the plurality of supports proximate the one of the plurality of shelves. A
plurality of spacers each interpose one of the plurality of shelves and one of the plurality of supports proximate the one of the plurality of shelves, such that each of the plurality of shelves is physically isolated from each proximate one of the plurality of supports by at least one of the plurality of spacers.

[0032] A shelving system kit is also introduced in the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the kit includes an adapter having first and second protrusions, a first support configured to receive the first adapter protrusion, and a second support configured to receive the second adapter protrusion. The kit may also include a spacer configured to receive one of the R-102651 1.DOC

first and second adapter protrusions, as well as a shelf configured to receive one of the first and second adapter protrusions.

[0033] The present disclosure also provides a furniture piece including, in one embodiment, first and second supports having proximate first ends and distal second ends, wherein the second ends of each of the first and second supports include first recesses. Such a furniture piece also includes third and fourth supports having third ends proximate the second ends of the first and second supports, respectively, wherein the third ends of each of the third and fourth supports include second recesses. First and second adapters each have a first protrusion extending into one of the first recesses and a second protrusion extending into one of the second recesses. A
shelf interposes the first support and the third support and also interposes the second support and the fourth support. The furniture piece also includes a first spacer interposing the shelf and the first support, a second spacer interposing the shelf and the second support, a third spacer interposing the shelf and the third support, and a fourth spacer interposing the shelf and the fourth support. In one embodiment, the furniture piece also includes a television coupled at least indirectly to one of the first, second, third, and fourth supports.

[0034] The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments according to aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
R-102651 1.DOC

Claims

1. A shelving system, comprising:
first and second supports;
an adapter extending into each of the first and second supports;
first and second spacers interposing the first and second supports and having first and second apertures, respectively, through which the adapter extends; and a shelf interposing the first and second spacers and having a third aperture through which the adapter extends.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the adapter includes first and second elongated portions coupled by a cross-member, wherein first ends of the first and second elongated portions extending into the first support and second ends of the first and second elongated portions extend into the second support.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein:
the first spacer further comprises a fourth aperture;
the second spacer further comprises a fifth aperture;
the shelf further comprises a sixth aperture; and the adapter includes:
a first portion extending through the first aperture and into the first support;
a second portion extending through the fourth aperture and into the first support;
a third portion extending through the second and third apertures and into the second support; and a fourth portion extending through the fifth and sixth apertures and into the second support.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second spacers includes a protrusion extending at least partially into the third aperture.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second spacers comprise a pliable material.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second spacers comprise rubber.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second spacers comprise a vibration dampening material.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the shelf is a glass shelf.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the shelf comprises a glass portion having the third aperture.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein a portion of the shelf interposes at least portions of the first and second spacers.

11. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one locking feature securing the adapter to at least one of the first and second supports.

12. A shelving system, comprising:
a plurality of supports;
a plurality of shelves each interposing ones of the plurality of supports;
a plurality of adapters each extending through one of the plurality of shelves and into ones of the plurality of supports proximate the one of the plurality of shelves; and a plurality of spacers each interposing one of the plurality of shelves and one of the plurality of supports proximate the one of the plurality of shelves, such that each of the plurality of shelves is physically isolated from each proximate one of the plurality of supports by at least one of the plurality of spacers.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein at least one of the plurality of adapters includes first and second elongated portions coupled by a cross-member, wherein first ends of the first and second elongated portions extending into a first one of the plurality of supports and second ends of the first and second elongated portions extend into a second one of the plurality of supports.

14. The system of claim 12 wherein at least one of the plurality of spacers includes a protrusion extending at least partially into an aperture in an adjacent one of the plurality of shelves.

15. The system of claim 12 wherein at least one of the plurality of spacers comprises a pliable material.

16. The system of claim 12 wherein at least one of the plurality of spacers comprises rubber.

17. The system of claim 12 wherein at least one of the plurality of spacers comprises a vibration dampening material.

18. The system of claim 12 wherein at least one of the plurality of shelves is a glass shelf.

19. The system of claim 12 wherein at least one of the plurality of shelves comprises a glass portion through which a corresponding one of the plurality of adapters extends.

20. The system of claim 12 wherein a portion of at least one of the plurality of shelves interposes at least portions of proximate ones of the plurality of spacers.

21. The system of claim 12 further comprising a plurality of locking features each securing one of the plurality of adapters to one of the plurality of supports.

22. A shelving system kit, comprising:
an adapter having first and second protrusions;
a first support configured to receive the first adapter protrusion;
a second support configured to receive the second adapter protrusion;
a spacer configured to receive one of the first and second adapter protrusions; and a shelf configured to receive one of the first and second adapter protrusions.

23. The kit of claim 22 wherein the adapter is one of a plurality of substantial similar adapters included in the kit and the spacer is one of a plurality of substantially similar spacers included in the kit.

24. The kit of claim 23 wherein the shelf is one of a plurality of substantially similar shelves included in the kit..

25. The kit of claim 24 wherein the first support is one of a plurality of substantially similar first supports included in the kit and the second support is one of a plurality of substantially similar second supports included in the kit.

26. The kit of claim 22 wherein:
the spacer is a first spacer and is configured to receive the first adapter protrusion;
the first protrusion has first cross-sectional dimensions;
the first support and the spacer include first apertures having first aperture dimensions that are substantially similar to the first cross-sectional dimensions;
the second protrusion has second cross-sectional dimensions;
the kit further comprises a second spacer; and the second support and the second spacer include second apertures having second aperture dimensions that are substantially similar to the second cross-sectional dimensions.

27. The kit of claim 22 wherein the adapter includes first and second elongated portions coupled by a cross-member, wherein first ends of the first and second elongated portions are configured to be received by the first support and second ends of the first and second elongated portions are configured to be received by the second support.

28. The kit of claim 22 wherein the spacer includes a substantially annulus-shaped spacer protrusion having an outer diameter that is less than an aperture diameter of an aperture in the shelf, wherein an inner diameter of the spacer protrusion is greater than a cross-sectional diameter of one of the first and second adapter protrusions.

29. The kit of claim 22 wherein the spacer comprises a pliable material.

30. The kit of claim 22 wherein the spacer comprises rubber.

31. The kit of claim 22 wherein the spacer comprises a vibration dampening material.

32. The kit of claim 22 wherein the shelf is a glass shelf.

33. The kit of claim 22 wherein the shelf comprises a glass portion having an aperture, wherein a diameter of the aperture is greater than a cross-sectional diameter of the first and second of adapter protrusions.

34. The kit of claim 22 further comprising a locking feature configured to secure one of the first and second adapter protrusions to one of the first and second supports.

35. A furniture piece, comprising:
first and second supports having proximate first ends and distal second ends, the second ends of each of the first and second supports including first recesses;
third and fourth supports having third ends proximate the second ends of the first and second supports, respectively, the third ends of each of the third and fourth supports including second recesses;
first and second adapters each having a first adapter protrusion extending into one of the first recesses and a second adapter protrusion extending into one of the second recesses;

a shelf interposing the first support and the third support and interposing the second support and the fourth support;
a first spacer interposing the shelf and the first support;
a second spacer interposing the shelf and the second support;
a third spacer interposing the shelf and the third support; and a fourth spacer interposing the shelf and the fourth support.

36. The furniture piece of claim 35 wherein each of the first, second, third, and fourth spacers includes a spacer protrusion extending at least partially into a corresponding aperture in the shelf.

37. The furniture piece of claim 35 further comprising a central support at least indirectly coupled to the first ends of the first and second supports.

38. The furniture piece of claim 35 further comprising a television coupled at least indirectly to at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth supports.