GB2211076A

GB2211076A - Improvements in shelving

Info

Publication number: GB2211076A
Application number: GB8824456A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lee Antony Warrick Dunn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-10-19
Filing date: 1988-10-19
Publication date: 1989-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 2008-10-19
Also published as: GB8724395D0; GB2211076B; GB8824456D0

Abstract

A furnishing unit comprising a shelf (7) having its ends held in grooves (5) formed in the faces of wedge shaped end members (3). Wedge shape supports (1) have co-operative wedging action with inclined faces of the wedge shaped members (3) so that, upon exerting downward pressure on shelf (7) and/or the members (3) a firm wedging action is exerted between the pairs of members (1) and (3) at each end of the shelf (7) thereby forming a rigid shelf assembly which does not require any fixation to the wall. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN SHELVING This invention relates to shelves and unit furnishings. The invention may also be used for partitioning an area or any sub-division.

In known shelving, components are securely fixed to walls (or similar structures) by screws, bolts, or latterly by cartridge-fired rivets, or nails, or are free standing units using the floor as a base, sometimes being pinned to a wall for stability. This invention does not require any rigid fixing device nor is the floor used unless purposely required.

According to the present invention there is provided a unit furnishing including at least one shelf adapted to be fitted between walls or other structures by the ends thereof being entered into grooves in a pair of first end members, said members having vertically inclined rear faces arranged to bear against the complimentary inclined front faces of a pair of second end members to be located against the said walls or structures, the arrangement being such that in use downward pressure on the shelf and/or first members causes a firm wedging action between the pairs of end members, and in which the second members extend in use substantially horizontally and througout the lengths of the adjacent ends of the shelf and engage continuously throughout their lengths with said first members.

The construction may be such that each first member has at least two grooves spaced apart to receive two or more shelves. Moreover, the two first members may have vertical horizontally grooved front faces and the second members are substantially of wedge formation tapering towards the upper edge.

The unit furnishing may include an arrangement wherein a pair of horizontal shelves are located one above another in parallel relationship by the end wedging means, and door means engaged with the shelves to form a cupboard unit.

The invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawing which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shelf with end wedging means; Figure 2 is a front view of a shelf wedged between two walls; Figure 3 shows a detail of two side-by-side shelves with an interposed bracket; Figure 4 shows a modified detail arrangement of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a detail of two superposed shelves with an associated sliding door; and, Figure 6 shows a modified detail arrangement of Figure 5.

The construction shown in Figures l and 2 includes a pair of wedge shaped members I which are located in inverted positions flat against the faces of a pair of opposite and parallel wall or other structures 2. These two members may be held in position by having rear projections to enter the walls, or by panel pins being driven through the members. However, it should be understood that the projections or pins are employed purely as one temporary expedient to hold the members 1 in position against the walls while fixing of a shelf takes place. Upon completion of the shelf fixing, the structure is rigid and does not rely upon the projections or pins to contribute in any significant manner to the vertical support of the shelf.

A pair of members 3, with inclined rear faces 4 and horizontal grooves 5 in their front faces 6, are located on the ends of a shelf 7 of a predetermined length and width and the assembly located between the positioned members l.

When the shelf is level the members 3 can be pushed or tapped down into a position where they are locked firmly with the wedge members l.

If desired the members 1 and 3 may be of a size which allows two grooves 5 to be formed in each of the front faces of the members 3 to receive a pair of parallel spaced apart superposed shelves 7.

The shelves and other components could be made in a variety of lengths and widths but would ideally be based on a basic set of standards from which any combination of length and width can be compounded. The shelf would be of a suitable thickness to carry a specified maximum weight over a variety of lengths but may be of different thicknesses from one range to another. The components may also be made of any suitable material, including wood, plastics, metals and composites. The shaping of the components may be by routing, milling, casting, extrusion or moulding.

It can be seen from Figures l and 2 that the wedge members 1 extend substantially horizontally and througout the lengths of the adjacent ends of the shelf 7, and also engage continuously throughout their lengths with the members 3.

In another construction, Figure 3, a pair of shelves 7a of a given width can have shaped projections 8 with up turned lips 9 formed along one edge of each shelf to project towards each other when wedged in position as aforesaid and receive an interposed bracket 10 of complimentary shape. The stem ii of the bracket fits into the gap between the projections 8 and its downward projecting ribs 12 interlock with the lips 9. The base 13 of the bracket is recessed into the under faces of the shelves but may bear against or project below the shelves or be of some other shape. A fitment may be secured to or engaged with the bracket. The lipped projections 8 may be separate parts from the shelves 7, of the same or different material, and secured to the shelves in any convenient manner.

As shown in Figure 4 a pair of shelves 7b with modified grooved edges 14 have a bracket 15 of complimentary shape engaged therewith.

Figure 5 shows a pair of shelves 7a wedged in superposed facing arrangement and a sliding door 16 with upper and lower grooved edges engaging the lipped projections 8 to form a cupboard. Figure 6 shows a pair of superposed shelves 7b with a sliding door 17.

The shelves and members 1 and 3, brackets 13, 15 and doors 16, 17 may be of the same or different materials, such as wood, plastics or synthetic materials or metal.

Where the two walls, or upright planes are wider apart than the maximum available shelf length, or where a major divider is required, then multiples of assemblies may be used by adding upright or uprights of suitable material and strength.

The idea of wedged bearers may be applied where greater spans and/or greater load bearing characteristics are required. In this case the shelf 7 may be replaced by a pair of spaced apart longitudinal bearers in the form of wooden, metal or other members whose ends are entered into the grooves 5 in the members 3. Such parallel bearers can have a shelf, pallets or other means rested thereon and can be of any desired length and sectional shape and size.

This construction is very suitable for industrial use.

Claims

1. Unit furnishing including at least one shelf adapted to be fitted between walls or other structures by the ends thereof being entered into grooves in a pair of first end members, said members having vertically inclined rear faces arranged to bear against the complimentary inclined front faces of a pair of second end members to be located against the said walls or structures, the arrangement being such that in use downward pressure on the shelf and/or first members causes a firm wedging action between the pairs of end members, and in which the second members extend in use substantially horizontally and througout the lengths of the adjacent ends of the shelf and engage continuously throughout their lengths with said first members.

2. Unit furnishing according to Claim 1, wherein each first member has at least two grooves spaced apart to receive two or more shelves.

3. Unit furnishing according to Claim 1, wherein the two first members have vertical horizontally grooved front faces and the second members are substantially of wedge formation tapering towards the upper edge.

4. Unit furnishing according to Claim 1, including means through or projecting from the rear faces of the second end members to enter the walls or other structures for location purposes.

5. Unit furnishing according to Claim 1, wherein a pair of horizontal shelves are located one above another in parallel relationship by the end wedging means, and door means engaged with the shelves to form a cupboard unit.

6. Unit furnishing according to Claim 1, wherein at least two shelves are located by end wedging them in the same plane with interposed bracket means interlocked therewith.

7. Unit furnishing according to Claim 1, wherein the shelf is replaced by or rested upon a pair of spaced apart parallel bearers whose ends are entered into the grooves in said first end members.

8. Unit furnishing substantially as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

9. Unit furnishing substantially as described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

10. Unit furnishing substantially as described with reference to Figures 5 and 6.