ES2372076A1 - Fold-out shelving unit made of cardboard or a similar material - Google Patents

Abstract

Foldable shelving made of cardboard or a similar material The shelving comprises a rear panel (1), side panels (2) movable between a folded position, wherein said panels are coplanar, and an expanded position, wherein the side panels (2) are perpendicular to the rear panel (1), a moving support panel (3) extending from one to the other of the side panels (2) and a shelf panel (4) foldable over the rear panel (1). The support panel (3) and the shelf panel (4) are cinematically linked to one another and to the side panels (2) by first and second cinematic linking means so that the support panel (3) gets closer and away parallel to the rear panel (1) and the shelf panel (4) pivots relative to the rear panel (1) when the side panels (2) move between the folded position and the expanded position.

Description

Folding cardboard or material shelf Similary.

Technical field

The present invention concerns a bookcase folding cardboard or similar material, such as corrugated cardboard, plastic, corrugated plastic, pen cardboard, etc. The shelf folding of the present invention is useful, for example, as display to show products at a point of sale, and by consequently it comprises one or more shelves capable of supporting products including relatively heavy items, such as books, cans or cans, bottles, etc.

Background of the invention

The international patent application WO-A-2009037368 describes a self-expanding folding structure for an exhibitor with shelves, made of cardboard or similar material, comprising a piece main that defines a rear panel and side panels articulated jointly to opposite side edges of said rear panel, where the side panels can be moved between a folded position, in which said side panels and the panel rear are substantially parallel or coplanar, and a expanded position, in which the side panels are substantially perpendicular to the rear panel. The shelf It includes shelf panels, each of which has a rear edge articulated jointly to the rear panel so that it can be moved between a folded position, in which the panel of shelf is substantially parallel to the rear panel and the side panels when they are in the folded position, and a expanded position, in which the shelf panel forms angles trihedrons with the back panel and side panels when these are in the expanded position. The shelf panels are connected to the side panels by means of panels linkage that establish a kinematic link between side panels and shelf panels and that support the Shelf panels on their side edges in the expanded position. Elastic elements are arranged to push the panels lateral to the expanded position.

The aforementioned kinematic linkage makes a movement of any of the panels be communicated automatically to the remaining panels. So when the elements Elastic move the side panels from the folded position towards the expanded position the shelf panels are also automatically moved to the expanded position, and when side panels are manually moved from the position expanded towards the folded position against the force of the elastic elements the shelf panels are also moved automatically towards the folded position.

A drawback of the link panels described in the cited international patent application WO-A-2009037368 is that they only support the shelf panels by their side edges in position expanded, and this carries the risk of shelf panels they are combined or fail under the weight of the articles arranged on the same unless the shelf panels are made of a substantially rigid material or that its leading edges are reinforced with fins and folds that add complexity to the structure.

The patent US-A-6715623 discloses a folding shelf made of corrugated cardboard comprising one piece main that defines a rear panel and side panels articulated jointly to opposite side edges of said rear panel The side panels can be moved between a folded position, in which said side panels and the panel rear are substantially parallel or coplanar, and a expanded position, in which the side panels are substantially perpendicular to the rear panel. From each other support panels extend from the side panels, the which are obtained by some cuts in the mentioned piece main and adopt a substantially parallel position and separated from the rear panel when the shelf is in said expanded position. The shelf includes shelf panels, each of which has an articulated joined rear edge to the rear panel so that it can be moved between a position folded, in which the shelf panel is substantially parallel to the rear panel and side panels when they they are in the folded position, and an expanded position, in which the Rack panel forms Triangle angles with the back panel and with the side panels when they are in the expanded position, When the shelf panels are in the expanded position their front regions are supported in the entire width of by the support panels

A drawback of said patent US-A-6715623 is that it does not comprise a kinematic linking between the panels integrated in the piece main and shelf panels, so that to move the shelving from the expanded position to the folded position is it is necessary first to fold the shelf panels individually and keep them in the folded position before they can fold side and support panels. This also makes it impossible or very complicated to incorporate elastic elements arranged to push the bookshelf towards the expanded position so that the bookshelf Foldable be self expanding.

Exhibition of the invention

The present invention contributes to mitigate the previous and other inconveniences providing a folding shelf of cardboard or similar material, comprising a rear panel and some side panels joined articulately to side edges opposite of said rear panel so that they can be moved between a folded position, in which said side panels and the rear panel are substantially parallel or coplanar, and a expanded position, in which the side panels are substantially perpendicular to the rear panel. The shelf it also comprises at least one support panel that extends from one to the other side panels in a substantially position parallel and separated from the rear panel in said expanded position, and at least one shelf panel movably attached to the rear panel and / or to the side panels so that it can be moved between a folded position, in which said shelf panel is substantially parallel to the rear panel and side panels when these are in the folded position, and an expanded position, in which the shelf panel forms trihedral angles with the panel rear and with the side panels when they are in the expanded position, and is directly or indirectly supported by said support panel. Retention means are arranged to keep the rear, side and support panels in the expanded position.

The support panel is linked kinematically to the side panels by first means of kinematic linking, so that the support panel is approaching and moves parallel to the rear panel when the panels laterals move between the folded position and the position expanded, and the shelf panel is kinematically linked to the support panel for a few second means of kinematic linking so that the shelf panel pivots relative to the rear panel when the support panel moves between the folded position and the expanded position.

The aforementioned second linking means kinematics comprise at least one kinematic linking panel which has a first edge articulated jointly to the support panel and a second opposite edge articulated jointly to the shelf panel in a position between the support panel and the rear panel when They are in the expanded position.

In one embodiment, the first means of kinematic linking comprise connection panels that they have a first edge jointly attached to each side end of the support panel and a second edge articulated jointly to each side panel in a position between the support panel and the panel rear when in the expanded position. In another embodiment Alternatively, each side panel comprises a fold line longitudinal substantially parallel to the corresponding edge side of the rear panel and located between the support panel and the rear panel when in the expanded position, and the edges sides of the support panel are articulated to the side panels at or near their free front edges.

One of the shelves located in a region bottom of the shelf can form a pedestal, in which case the corresponding support panel preferably extends from the shelf panel to the floor or support surface on the which rests the shelf in the expanded position. Between the panel of shelf and the floor or support surface is arranged a folding support structure, which comprises two or more panels of vertical structure jointly linked to each other. One of said structure panels is jointly linked to one of the rear, side or support panels and other panels of structure is articulated jointly to another of the rear panels, side or support, so that the support structure folding is moved between a folded position and a position expanded along with the rear, side and support panels when these are moved between the folded position and the position expanded.

The structure panels have edges upper and lower edges, and its height is selected so that said upper edges are arranged to support the shelf panel while said lower edges are willing to rest on the ground or surface of support. Thus, thanks to the vertical structure panels, the shelf panel is capable of supporting heavy items although the folding shelf is made entirely of corrugated cardboard or a similar material.

Optionally, one or more elastic elements, such as rubber annular bands, are arranged to push the rear, side and support panels towards the expanded position and to keep them in it. So, thanks to elastic element or elements, the folding shelf is self-expanding, since it automatically expands from the folded position to the expanded position while folding from the expanded position to the folded position is performed manually against the strength of the elastic elements. Alternatively, since the panels are linked kinematically, expansion and folding can be done manually easily, and retention means can be used alternative, elastic or not, to keep them in position expanded.

Preferably, the rear panel and side panels comprise at least one transverse fold line substantially perpendicular to the side edges of the rear panel, so that the shelf can be moved from the folded position to a compact folded position by folding the rear panel and the side panels along said transverse fold line. If the folding shelf is self-expanding by the incorporation of the elastic elements, said compact folded position is stable since the fold along the transverse fold line prevents the elastic means from moving the shelf from the compact folded position to the position expanded. The deployment from the compact folded position must be started manually until a point from which the elastic means act and the expansion to the expanded position is automatically carried out in a few seconds.
two.

To get the fold line cross form a spine of a desired width, this comprises two first mutually parallel complementary fold lines and separated by a first distance. If the material is cardboard wavy or similar, each first line of complementary fold it comprises, in at least one section of its length, a line of partial cut on an outer side of the panel and a fold line on the opposite inner side of the panel. In some places, one or more of the rear and side panels has a region of multiple layers, in which the transverse fold line comprises two second mutually parallel complementary fold lines and separated by a second distance less than said first distance. Each second complementary fold line comprises a partial cutting line on an outer side of the region of multiple layers of the panel and a fold line on the inner side opposite. The first and second complementary fold lines They are bounded by a full cross-section line. The mentioned second distance is approximately equal to the first distance less than twice the thickness of the layer or additional layers of said region of multiple layers.

In one embodiment, on the shelf panel a stepped structure comprising one or more is arranged stepped shelf panels and one or more support panels staggered jointly joined together. All panels of stepped support have a bottom edge articulated jointly to the shelf panel while stepped shelf panel upper has a rear edge articulated jointly to the panel rear. Obviously, the stepped structure could comprise a single step with a stepped shelf panel and a panel of stepped support.

Brief description of the drawings

The above and other features and advantages will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of some embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a folding cardboard shelf or similar material according to a embodiment of the present invention in an intermediate position between a folded position and an expanded position;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view in explosion showing some elements that form a shelf of the folding shelf of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the elements of Fig. 2 assembled in an expanded position;

Fig. 4 is a side view of the elements of Fig. 2 assembled in an intermediate position between the folded position and expanded position;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the folding shelf of Fig. 1 in the expanded position;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a variant of the folding shelf of Fig. 5 with a single shelf forming a base in the expanded position;

Fig. 7 is a side view of a variant of the elements that form the shelf of Fig. 2 assembled in an expanded position;

Fig. 8 is a side view of the elements forming the shelf of Fig. 7 in an intermediate position between the folded position and the expanded position;

Fig. 9 is a side view of another variant of the elements that form the shelf of Fig. 2 assembled in an expanded position;

Fig. 10 is a side view of the elements forming the shelf of Fig. 9 in an intermediate position between the folded position and the expanded position;

Fig. 11 is a partial view of the shelf folding in the intermediate position showing a variant of the elements that form the shelf of Figs. 9 and 10;

Fig. 12 is a side view of the elements forming the shelf of Fig. 11 in an expanded position;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a folding cardboard shelf or similar material according to another embodiment of the present invention in an intermediate position between a folded position and an expanded position;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the folding shelf of Fig. 13 in the expanded position;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a folding cardboard shelf or similar material according to yet another embodiment of the present invention in a position expanded;

Fig. 16 is a side view of some elements forming a shelf of the folding shelf of Fig. 15 in an expanded position;

Fig. 17 is a side view of the elements of Fig. 16 in an intermediate position between the folded position and the expanded position;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a folding cardboard shelf or similar material according to a variant of the shelf in Fig. 13 in an intermediate position between a folded position and an expanded position, where a panel kinematic linking has been omitted to better show a folding support structure according to one embodiment;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view in explosion of elements that form the support structure folding of Fig. 18;

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the elements forming the folding support structure of Fig. 18 in the expanded position;

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a foldable cardboard shelf or similar material according to a variant of the shelf of Fig. 13 in an intermediate position between a folded position and an expanded position, where a kinematic linking panel has been omitted to better show a folding support structure according to another embodiment
tion;

Fig. 22 is a plan view of the development of an element that forms the folding support structure of the Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the element forming the folding support structure of Fig. 18 in the expanded position;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a folding cardboard shelf or similar material according to yet another embodiment of the present invention in a position intermediate between a folded position and an expanded position;

Fig. 25 is a plan view of the shelving of Fig. 24 in the intermediate position;

Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a folding cardboard shelf or similar material according to the present invention in an intermediate position between the position folded and a compact folded position by folding along a transverse fold line;

Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the shelving of Fig. 26 in the compact folded position;

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a enlarged detail showing the inside side of the fold line transverse in a multi-layer region of a side panel of the shelf in an intermediate position between the folded position and a compact folded position;

Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a enlarged detail showing the outer side of the fold line transverse in the multi-layered region in position intermediate between the folded position and a folded position compact;

Fig. 30 is a perspective view of a folding cardboard shelf or similar material according to a further embodiment of the present invention including a stepped structure in an intermediate position between a position folded and an expanded position;

Fig. 31 is a perspective view of the folding shelf of Fig. 30 in the expanded position; Y

Fig. 32 is a side view of some elements that form the stepped structure of Figs. 30 and 31 in an intermediate position between a folded position and a position expanded;

Detailed description of some embodiments

Referring firstly to Figs. 1 to 5, the folding cardboard shelf or similar material of according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a rear panel 1 having opposite side edges and about side panels 2 articulated jointly to said side edges opposites of the rear panel 1 so that they can be moved between a folded position (not shown), in which said panels sides 2 and rear panel 1 are substantially parallel or coplanaries, and an expanded position (shown in Fig. 5), in the that the side panels 2 are substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 1.

Although not essential, it is preferred that rear and side panels 1,2 are made of the same piece where the articulated joint between them comprises lines of crease including crease lines, partial cut lines, or combinations of both. Also preferably, the rear panels and laterals 1, 2 comprise a transverse fold line 15 substantially perpendicular to the side edges of the panel rear 1, which allows folding back panel 1 and panels sides 2 of the folded position to a compact folded position, as will be described in greater detail below.

The shelf of Figs. 1 to 5 includes also a pair of shelf panels 4, each of which has a rear edge jointedly connected to the rear panel 1 so which can be moved between a folded position, in which said shelf panel 4 is substantially parallel to the rear panel 1 and to the side panels 2 when they are in position folded, and an expanded position, in which the shelf panel 4 form trihedron angles with the back and side panels 1, 2 (Fig. 5). Alternatively or additionally, the shelf panels could be linked to the side panels by means of bonding panels as described in the aforementioned request for international patent WO-A-2009037368 allowing the Same movements

Each shelf panel 4 is associated with a panel of support 3, which, in the expanded position, extends from one to the other side panels 2 in a substantially position parallel and separated from the rear panel 1. This support panel 3 is kinematically linked to the side panels 2 by about first means of kinematic linking, so that the panel of support 3 approaches and moves parallel to the rear panel 1 when the side panels 2 move between the folded position and the expanded position. In the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 5, the mentioned first means of kinematic linking comprise a pair of connection panels 6, each of which has a first leading edge or edge articulated jointly to a corresponding side end of support panel 3 and a second edge or edge rear jointly connected to the corresponding side panel 2 in a position between the support panel 3 and the rear panel 1 when they are in the expanded position.

To facilitate the movements of the shelf Folding between folded and expanded positions, the distance between the front and rear edges of the connection panel 6 is equal to the distance between the rear edge of the connection panel 6 and the rear edge of the corresponding side panel 2 attached to the side edge of the rear panel 1. In general, the side panels 2 open outward to move from the expanded position to the folded position.

In addition, shelf panel 4 is linked kinematically to support panel 3 for a few seconds means of kinematic linking so that the shelf panel 4 pivots with respect to the rear panel 1 when the support panel 3 moves between the folded position and the expanded position. In the realization of Figs. 1 to 5, these second means of kinematic linking they comprise a kinematic linking panel 5 that has a first edge jointly linked to support panel 3 and a second edge opposite jointedly connected to shelf panel 4 in one position between the support panel 3 and the rear panel 1 when they are in the expanded position.

With this construction, all the panels of the folding shelving are kinematically linked to each other, of way that the movement of any of them causes the movement of others. Optionally providing one or more elastic element 14, such as for example annular bands of rubber, so that they push the rear, side panels of stand and shelf 1, 2, 3, 4 towards the expanded position will get the folding display is also self-expanding, it is say, capable of automatically expanding from the folded position to the expanded position.

In the embodiment of Figs. 1 to 5, the elastic elements 14 in the form of rubber annular bands are arranged to pull the side panels 2 the one towards the other, although alternatively they might be willing to pull other panels towards each other by virtue of bonding Kinematics among all of them. For practical and aesthetic reasons, elastic elements are arranged adjacent to a lower face of the shelf panels 4 so that they are hidden when the folding shelf is in the expanded position.

Obviously, the force exerted by the elements elastic 14 also serves to keep the shelving panels Folding in the expanded position. To prevent the effect of relaxation that rubber ring bands can experience when they are held in tension for a long period of time, it may be convenient to install two or more rubber ring bands associated with each shelf panel, each rubber ring band being individually subjected to a lower tension than if there were only a. Alternatively, if the folding shelf is not self-expanding, other elastic retention means are provided or not to keep the back, side, support and side panels shelf 1, 2, 3, 4 in the expanded position, such as one or more surrounding bands or a rigid socket in which they are inserted lower regions of the rear and side panels 1, 2.

In Figs. 2 to 4 the construction is shown and the operation of one of the shelves of the folding structure according to an embodiment. The support panel 3 is made of one piece of corrugated cardboard or similar material that has a couple of lines of fold defining fixing fins 3a adjacent to their side edges for articulated connection of the support panel 3 to the connection panels 6. Each of the connection panels 6 is made in turn of a corresponding piece of corrugated cardboard or similar material that has a fold line defining a fin 6a adjacent to its rear edge for articulated joint of the connection panels 6 to the respective side panels 2. Although not essential, it is preferred that the length of the fixing fins 6a is equal to the length of the panels of connection 6 to help position them in relation with the side panels 2. On each of said fixing flap 6a is formed by punching a hitch member 6b where hook the flexible element 14.

The shelf panel 4 is also made of a piece of corrugated cardboard or similar material that has a line of fold defining a fixing flap 4a adjacent its edge rear for articulated connection of shelf panel 4 to panel rear 1. Finally, the kinematic linking panel 5 is made of a corresponding piece of corrugated cardboard or material similar that has a pair of fold lines defining fins fixing 5a, 5b adjacent to its front and rear edges for articulated joint of the kinematic linking panel 5 to the panel support 3 and shelf panel 4, respectively. For example, the joints of the different fixing fins to the respective panels are made by gluing.

As shown in Fig. 3 (valid both for the top shelf as for the bottom shelf), the panel shelf 4 has a selected length so that in position expanded a front region thereof be directly supported by the upper edge of the support panel 3, while the panel kinematic linking 5 remains in an inclined position between the shelf panel 4 and the support panel 3 that contributes to support a middle region of the shelf panel 4. The panel of kinematic linkage 5 preferably forms an acute angle with the shelf panel 4 in the expanded position. When for example the support panel 3 is moved towards the rear panel 1 (Fig. 4), either by direct pressure on it or as a result of a movement of the side panels 2 towards the folded position, the kinematic linking panel 5 pushes the shelf panel 4 up, towards the folded position.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the support panel 3 associated with the upper shelf has a low height while the support panel 3 associated with the shelf Bottom extends from the corresponding shelf panel 5 to the ground or other support surface on which Find the folding shelf, forming a base. The fins of 6a fixing have considerable height and connection panels 6 have an increasing height from the support panel 3 to the corresponding fixing fins 6a. Both panels connection 6 as the fixing fins 6a protrude above the corresponding shelf panels 4 in the expanded position. On the top shelf, the relatively large height of the connection panels 6 and corresponding fixing fins 6a it provides a great firmness to the support panel 3 even though This is of low height and is supported in the air.

Fig. 6 shows a variant of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 5 where the top shelf has been omitted and there is only one lower shelf panel 4 associated with a support panel 3 that forms a base.

Figs. 7 and 8 show a variant of the elements 3, 4, 5, 6, 6a that form the upper shelf, which are analogous to those described above in relation to Figs. 3 and 4 except that in this case the connection panels 6 and its corresponding fixing fins 6a, despite having a considerable height, they extend down from the level of the shelf panel 4, so that they do not protrude above the corresponding shelf panels 4 in the expanded position. The relatively large height of connection panels 6 and corresponding fixing fins 6a provides firmness to the panel of support 3.

Figs. 9 and 10 show another variant of the elements 3, 4, 5, 6, 6a that form the upper shelf, which they are analogous to those described above in relation to Figs. 3 and 4 except that in this case the connection panels 6 and their corresponding fixing fins 6a substantially have the same height as the support panel 3. In this variant, the panel of support 3 has a lower firmness and is suitable to support light items.

Figs. 11 and 12 show yet another variant of the elements 3, 4, 5, 6, 6a that form the upper shelf, the which are analogous to those described above in relation to Figs. 9 and 10 with the addition of a 6c cut made in a bottom edge of each connection panel 6 near the panel bracket 3 to fit with a projection 9 fixed on the inner side of the corresponding side panel 2 when the shelf is in the expanded position. Thus, the projections 9 support the panels of connection 6 in the expanded position and give the panel firmness bracket 3 and shelf panel 4. The protrusions 9 may be made, for example, of pieces of corrugated cardboard or material similar fixed to the side panels. Optionally, the cuts 6c can be omitted, in which case it will be a lower edge of each connection panel 6 which will rest on the corresponding highlight 9 in the expanded position.

Figs. 13 and 14 show a bookshelf folding according to a variant of the folding shelf shown in Fig. 6, which only has a shelf panel 4 bottom associated with a support panel 3 that forms a base. The difference in this variant is that the connection panels 6 have a length much longer than in the shelf of Fig. 6, and are connected near the free front edges of the corresponding side panels 2. Accordingly, the panel bracket 3 is located in front of the free leading edges of the side panels 2 and the shelf panel 4 rests on the upper edge of the support panel 3 in position expanded.

The result is a folding bookcase with a base provided with a shelf panel 4 of dimensions remarkably larger than that of the folding shelf shown in Fig. 6. In the expanded position, the support panel 3, the shelf panel 4 and the connection panels 6 protrude significantly from the panels lateral 2, while in the folded position the shelf folding would occupy exactly the same space as the bookcase folding shown in Fig. 6, since the maximum width of the shelving in the folded position is delimited by the edges free front of the side panels 2 and not by the elements that form the shelf and the base.

Fig. 15 shows a variant of the shelf folding shown in Figs. 13 and 14, where the only difference resides in that the rear edge of the shelf panel 4 is attached articulated to the rear panel 1 at a lower level than the upper edges of the support and connection panels 3, 6, and the shelf panel 4 has a selected length so that a front region thereof be supported in the expanded position on a shoulder 8 protruding from the inner side of the panel support 3, at a level lower than its upper edge. The result is that the base forms a container where upper portions of the support and connection panels 3, 6 provide some railings around the front of the shelf panel 4, whose rear part is delimited by the rear panels and laterals 1, 2. The shoulder 8 can be formed, for example, by the upper edge of a corrugated cardboard plate or similar material fixed on the inner side of the support panel 3.

Figs. 16 and 17 show the operation of the container formed by the base of the folding shelf according to the variant of Fig. 15. In them the arrangement of a kinematic linkage panel 5 with a bonded front edge articulated to the support panel 3, or to the plate that provides the protrusion 8, and a rear edge articulated jointly to the panel of shelf 4 in a middle region thereof. In the expanded position (Fig. 16), the front region of the shelf panel 4 rests on the highlight 8 and the kinematic linking panel 5 remains in an inclined position between the shelf panel 4 and the panel support 3, so that it contributes to support a middle region of the shelf panel 4.

Fig. 18 shows another variant of the folding shelf shown in Figs. 13 and 14, which includes additionally a folding support structure 10 arranged between the shelf panel 4 and the floor or other support surface on which rests the shelf in the expanded position. In Fig. 18 the kinematic linking panel 5 has been omitted to display more clearly the support structure 10, although in reality the folding shelf of Fig. 18 comprises a pair of panels of kinematic linking 5 straits (not shown) installed from one analogously to the one described above on both sides of the support structure 10 so as not to interfere with it.

Figs. 19 and 20 show the aforementioned support structure 10 according to the embodiment of Fig. 18, which comprises two panels of structure 11, 12 vertical cardboard corrugated or similar material, each of which has a line of vertical fold 11a, 12a in its middle region and a couple of cuts linear 11b, 12b parallel to said vertical fold line 11a, 12a on opposite sides of said vertical fold line 11a, 12a. The structure panels 11, 12 also have respective fixing fins 11c, 12c on opposite edges thereof. The two structure panels 11, 12 folded by their fold lines Vertical 11a, 12a are assembled by mutual fit of their cuts linear 11b, 12b as shown in Fig. 20.

In an operational situation (Fig. 18), the support structure 10 is housed within the base of the folding shelf with fixing flap 11c of one of the structure panels 11 attached to the rear panel 1 and the fin of fixing 12c of the other structure panel 12 attached to the inner side of the support panel 3. Thus, the support structure 10 is moved between a folded position and an expanded position along with the 1,2,3 rear, side and support panels when these are moved between the folded position and the expanded position. The height of the support panels 11, 12 is selected so that, in the expanded position, one upper edges thereof are arranged to support the shelf panel 4 and some edges lower are arranged to rest on the ground or other support surface. Preferably, the structure panels 11, 12 include respective windows 11d, 12d (Fig. 19) a through which elastic element 14 is passed in the operational situation (Fig. 18).

Fig. 21 shows a folding shelf similar to that shown in Fig. 18 but including a variant of the folding support structure 10 housed in the base. In this variant, the folding structure comprises a plurality of panels of structure 13a-13e vertical joined articulated to each other by articulation lines vertical forming an accordion structure. In the situation operational, one of the structure panels 13a located in a end of the accordion structure is articulated jointly to the rear panel 1 the structure panel 13e located on the other opposite end of the accordion structure is attached articulated to the support panel 3. The support structure 10 moves between plague and expanded positions along with the remaining shelving panels. In the expanded position, the shelf panel 4 is supported on one upper edges of the structure panels 13a-13e while about lower edges of them rest on the ground or other support surface.

As shown in Figs. 22 and 23, the structure panels 13a-13e are obtained preferably from a single corrugated cardboard plate or similar material provided with parallel fold lines 21 that provide articulated union between them, and from structure panels 13a, 13e located at opposite ends of the plate extend fixing fins 22a, 22b that provide the articulated joint to the rear and support panels 1, 3. Preferably, some of the structure panels 13b, 13d selected include respective windows 23 (Figs. 22 and 23) through which respective elements are passed elastics 14 in the operative situation (Fig. 18).

Figs. 24 and 25 show another embodiment Alternative folding shelf of the present invention, where instead of the connection panels 6 described above, the first means of kinematic linking comprise in each side panel 2 a longitudinal fold line 7 substantially parallel to the corresponding side edge of the rear panel 1. This longitudinal fold line 7 is located between the panel of bracket 3 and rear panel 1 when the shelf is in the expanded position. In this embodiment, the support panel 3 has its opposite side edges articulated jointly to the panels lateral 2, near its free front edges or directly on its front edges free, and the kinematic link panel 5 is articulated to the rear and support panels 1.3 such as described above.

For example, from opposite side edges fixing fins 3a extend from the support panel 3 to the articulated joint to the side panels, and at the ends free of said fixing fins 3a members are formed of coupling 3b (Fig. 25) where the flexible element 14 is engaged. In this embodiment, when the folding shelf moves from the expanded position to the folded position, the back half of the side panels open out while half front folds inward and overlaps the back half. For this reason, in the folded situation the shelf has a width smaller than that of the described embodiments previously.

Figs. 26 and 27 illustrate how a bookshelf Folding according to the present invention can be moved from the folded position (next to that shown in Fig. 26) at a compact folded position (Fig. 27). To do this, the rear panel 1 and the side panels 2 comprise a transverse fold line 15 substantially perpendicular to the side edges of the panel rear 1, so that the shelf can be moved from the folded position to the compact folded position by folding the panel rear 1 and side panels 2 by said fold line transversal 15. The elements 3, 4, 5, 6 that form the shelf upper are arranged above the fold line transverse 15 and the elements 3, 4, 5, 6 that form the shelf bottom and base are below the fold line transverse 15, so that they do not interfere with folding.

Preferably, the top of the Rear and side panels 1, 2 folds forward (Fig. 26) so that the elements 3, 4, 5, 6 that form the shelf upper and lower shelf with base stand mutually superimposed and substantially covered by the corresponding halves of the rear and side panels 1, 2 when the shelf it is in the compact folded position (Fig. 27). However, there is no no technical impediment to the top of the Rear and side panels 1, 2 can be folded back.

Figs. 28 and 29 show in detail the side inside and outside side, respectively, of the fold line transverse 15 in a region where the side panel 2 has a fold that provides a double layer region 2. For example, this fold and the double layer region 2a are located along the free front edges of side panels 2 to reinforce said edges and at the same time present a smooth edge 2b that hides the internal structure of corrugated cardboard or similar material that if the fold does not exist, it would be visible on these edges.

To facilitate the fold in the double region layer 2a without crushing and tearing, the line of cross fold 15 comprises, in the single layer regions 2, first two complementary fold lines 15a, 15b mutually parallel and separated by a first distance d1 and, in the 2a double layer regions, two second fold lines complementary 15c, 15d mutually parallel and separated by a second distance d2 less than said first distance d1. Each of said first complementary fold lines 15a, 15b it comprises, in at least one section of its length, a line of partial cut on an outer side of the panel (Fig. 29) and a line of fold on the opposite inner side of the panel (Fig. 28), and each of the second complementary fold lines 15c, 15d comprises a partial cutting line on an outer side of the double region panel layer 2a (Fig. 29) and a fold line on the side opposite interior of the double layer region 2a of the panel (Fig. 28). The first and second complementary fold lines 15a, 15b; 15c, 15d are delimited by a complete cutting line 16 transverse at the boundary between the single layer region 2 and the double layer region 2a.

Alternatively, the fold can provide a region with a thickness of more than two layers, or the region of two or more layers may consist of overlapping and joined layers of corrugated cardboard or similar material without a fold, being in any applicable case the technique described in relation to the Figs. 28 and 29. When there is a double layer region 2, the one mentioned second distance d2 is approximately equal to the first distance d1 less than twice the thickness of corrugated cardboard or similar material. Generalizing, when the panel has a multi-layer region 2a, the second distance d2 is approximately equal to the first distance d1 less twice the thickness of the layer or layers additional of said region of multiple layers 2a. The first distance d1 is selected to provide a loin of a desired width, for example to house the elements 3, 4, 5, 6 which form the shelves in the compact folded position.

The transverse fold line 15 including the first and second complementary fold lines 15a, 15b; 15c, 15d and full cut line 16 is compatible with other longitudinal fold lines 24 including creasing lines, partial cut lines, or combinations of both, such as, for example, the fold lines that connect the rear panel 1 with side panels 2.

Figs. 30 and 31 show a bookshelf folding according to a further embodiment of the present invention, which is essentially analogous to the shelf described above in relation to Fig. 13, with the addition of a stepped structure 17 arranged on the shelf panel 4 associated to the support panel 3 that forms the base.

Fig. 32 shows the construction of the stepped structure 17, which comprises a shelf panel top stepped 18 which has a bonded back edge articulated to the rear panel 1 and a stepped support panel 19 having an upper edge articulated jointly to an edge front of said stepped shelf panel 18 and an edge Bottom jointly attached to the shelf panel 4. The structure stepped 17 further comprises a stepped shelf panel additional 18a which has a rear edge articulated jointly to the stepped support panel 19 and a stepped support panel additional 19a having an upper edge articulated jointly to a leading edge of said additional stepped shelf panel 18a and a bottom edge articulated jointly to the shelf panel 4.

One skilled in the art will understand that they can further additional steps are added, each with a corresponding additional stepped shelf panel 18a with a rear edge articulated jointly to the stepped support panel additional adjacent 19a and an additional stepped support panel 19a with an upper edge articulated jointly to the leading edge of the additional stepped shelf panel and an attached bottom edge articulated to the shelf panel 4. With this construction, be whatever the number of steps, the stepped structure 17 can be moved between a folded position and an expanded position together with rear, side, support and shelf panels 1, 2, 3, 4 of the folding shelf when these are moved between the folded position and expanded position.

In the embodiment of Fig. 32, which It comprises two steps, the stepped shelf panel 18 and a front panel 19b corresponding to the upper step, as well as the additional stepped shelf panel 18a and support panel additional step 19a corresponding to the lower step is formed from a corrugated cardboard plate or similar material provided with fold lines between the panels and fins of fixing 25, 26 at its ends for fixing glued to the panel rear 1 to shelf panel 4, while support panel stepped 19 corresponding to the upper step is formed by another plate of the same material fixed to the inner side of said panel front 19b and provided at its lower end with a fin of fixing 27 for glued fixing to the shelf panel 4. The panel of additional stepped support 19a acts at the same time as a panel front for the lower step. A person skilled in the art will be other configurations will occur without going beyond the scope of the present invention

A person skilled in the art will come up with modifications and variations from the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (23)

1. Folding cardboard or material shelf similar, understanding a rear panel (1); joined side panels (2) articulated to opposite side edges of said panel rear (1) so that they can be moved between a position folded, wherein said side panels (2) and the rear panel (1) are substantially parallel or coplanar, and a position expanded, in which the side panels (2) are substantially perpendicular to the rear panel (1); at least one support panel (3) that extends from one to the other side panels (2) in one position substantially parallel and separated from the rear panel (1) in said expanded position; Y at least one shelf panel (4) attached so movable to the rear panel (1) and / or to the side panels (2) so which can be moved between a folded position, in which said shelf panel (4) is substantially parallel to the rear panel (1) and to the side panels (2) when they are in position folded, and an expanded position, in which the shelf panel (4) form trihedron angles with the back panel (1) and with the panels lateral (2) when they are in the expanded position, and it is supported by said support panel (3); characterized in that the support panel (3) is kinematically linked to the side panels (2) by first kinematic linking means, so that the support panel (3) approaches and moves parallel to the rear panel (1) when the side panels (2) move between the folded position and the expanded position, and the shelf panel (4) is kinematically linked to the support panel (3) by a second kinematic linking means so that the shelf panel ( 4) pivots with respect to the rear panel (1) when the support panel (3) moves between the folded position and the expanded position. 2. Shelving according to claim 1, characterized in that said second kinematic linking means comprise at least one kinematic linking panel (5) having a first edge articulated jointly to the support panel (3) and a second opposite edge articulated jointly to the panel of shelf (4) in a position between the support panel (3) and the rear panel (1) when they are in the expanded position. 3. Shelving according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first kinematic linking means comprise connection panels (6) having a first edge articulated jointly to each lateral end of the support panel (3) and a second edge articulated jointly to each side panel (2) in a position between the support panel (3) and the rear panel (1) when they are in the expanded position. 4. Shelving according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first kinematic linking means comprise in each lateral panel (2) a longitudinal fold line (7) substantially parallel to the corresponding lateral edge of the rear panel (1) and located between the support panel (3) and the rear panel (1) when they are in the expanded position, where side edges of the support panel (3) are articulated jointly to the panels
lateral (2) at or near its free edges. 5. Shelving according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shelf panel (4) has a length from its rear edge to its selected leading edge so that a front region thereof is supported by an upper edge of the panel support (3) when they are in the expanded position. 6. Shelving according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the shelf panel (4) has a length from its rear edge to its selected leading edge for a front region thereof be supported by a protrusion (8) that protrudes of an inner face of the support panel (3) when they are in the expanded position. 7. Shelving according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said kinematic linking panel (5) forms an acute angle with the shelf panel (4) when they are in the expanded position to provide additional support for the shelf panel (4 ). 8. Shelving according to claim 3, characterized in that said connection panels (6) are supported by respective projections (9) protruding from an inner face of the corresponding side panels (2) when they are in the expanded position. 9. Shelving unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a folding support structure (10) is arranged between the shelf panel (4) and a support surface on which the shelf rests in the expanded position, said structure comprising of support (10) at least two vertical structure panels (11, 12, 13a-13e) articulated jointly to each other and each jointly connected to at least one of the rear, side and support panels (1, 2, 3) so that the support structure (10) is moved between a folded position and an expanded position together with the rear, side and support panels (1, 2, 3) when they are moved between the folded position and the position expanded. 10. Shelving according to claim 9, characterized in that said structure panels (11, 12, 13a-13e) have one upper edges arranged to support the shelf panel (4) and lower edges arranged to rest on said support surface when They are in the expanded position. 11. Shelving according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that retention means are arranged to keep the rear, side and support panels (1, 2, 3) in the expanded position, 12. Shelving according to claim 11, characterized in that said retention means comprise at least one elastic element (14) arranged to push the rear, side and support panels (1, 2, 3) towards the expanded position and keep them therein. . 13. Shelving according to claim 12, characterized in that said elastic element (14) is arranged to pull the side panels (2) towards each other. 14. Shelving unit according to claim 13, characterized in that the elastic element (14) is arranged adjacent to a lower face of the shelf panel (4) when it is in the expanded position. 15. Shelving according to claim 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that the elastic element (14) is an annular rubber band. 16. Shelving according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear panel (1) and the side panels (2) comprise at least one transverse fold line (15) substantially perpendicular to the side edges of the rear panel (1) of such that the shelf can be moved from the folded position to a compact folded position by folding the rear panel (1) and the side panels (2) by said transverse fold line (15). 17. Shelving according to claim 16, characterized in that the transverse fold line (15) comprises first two complementary fold lines (15a, 15b) mutually parallel and separated by a first distance (d1) selected to provide a loin of a desired width, where each first complementary fold line (15a, 15b) comprises, in at least one section of its length, a partial cut line on an outer side of the panel and a fold line on the side opposite panel interior. 18. Shelving according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one of the rear and side panels (2) has a multilayer region (2a), and the transverse fold line (15) comprises in said multilayer region (2a ) two second complementary fold lines (15c, 15d) mutually parallel and separated by a second distance (d2) less than said first distance (d1), where each second complementary fold line (15c, 15d) comprises a partial cut line on an outer side of the multilayer region (2a) of the panel and a fold line on the opposite inner side of the multilayer region (2a) of the panel. 19. Shelving according to claim 18, characterized in that said first and second complementary fold lines (15a, 15b; 15c, 15d) are delimited by a complete cross-sectional line (16). 20. Shelving according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that said second distance (d2) is approximately equal to the first distance (d1) less twice the thickness of the layer or additional layers of said multi-layer region (2a). 21. Shelving according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stepped structure (17) is provided on the shelf panel (4) comprising at least one stepped shelf panel (18) with a rear edge articulated jointly to the rear panel ( 1) and a stepped support panel (19) with an upper edge articulated jointly to said stepped shelf panel (18) and a lower edge articulated jointly to the shelf panel (4), so that said stepped structure (17) can be moved between a folded position and an expanded position together with the rear, side, support and shelf panels (1, 2, 3, 4) when they are moved between the folded position and the expanded position. 22. Shelving unit according to claim 21, characterized in that it comprises at least one additional stepped shelf panel (18a) with a rear edge articulated jointly to the stepped support panel (19) or to another adjacent stepped support panel (19a) and a panel of additional stepped support (19a) with an upper edge articulated jointly to said additional stepped shelf panel (18a) and a lower edge articulated jointly to the shelf panel (4). 23. Shelving according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shelf panel (4) has a rear edge articulated jointly to the rear panel (1).