GB2268873A

GB2268873A - "A bracket for supporting a shelf"

Info

Publication number: GB2268873A
Application number: GB9212589A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Czarek Josef Narkiewicz; Gina Maria Narkiewicz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-06-13
Filing date: 1992-06-13
Publication date: 1994-01-26
Also published as: GB9212589D0

Abstract

A bracket 1 for supporting a shelf comprises spaced-apart holding sections 2 extending from a surface mounting section, the space defined between the holding sections being in the form of a channel 4 for receiving an edge of the shelf. <IMAGE>

Description

A BRACKET The present invention relates to a bracket and in particular to a bracket for supporting a shelf in an alcove.

Conventional shelf brackets include a support member on which the shelf to be supported is rested.

However, this method of supporting shelves is dangerous because the shelves can be dislodged or tilted easily. Vibrations and other forms of upward and lateral forces produced by unbalanced loads etc.

can also de-stabilise the shelves, increasing the likelihood of upsetting any articles stored thereon.

In order to overcome some of the above problems it is known to fasten the support member of the bracket to shelf using screws. However this is unsatisfactory as the screws damage the shelf making it unsuitable for re-use in another location. An additional disadvantage of known brackets is that the brackets themselves are obtrusive and unsightly. This makes them unsuitable for use in locations such as living rooms where aesthetics are important.

The bracket of the present invention overcomes the above problems.

According to the invention there is provided a bracket for supporting a shelf from a surface comprising spaced apart holding sections extending from a surface mounting section, the space between the holding sections being in the form of a channel in which an edge of the shelf is to be received.

In another aspect the invention provides a bracket supporting a shelf, the bracket comprising spaced apart holding sections extending from a mounting section to the surface, spaced between the holding sections being in the form of a channel in which an edge of the shelf is received.

Preferably the mounting section of the bracket comprises the channel bed in which a plurality of counter-sunk holes are arranged. In use the bracket can be mounted to the surface by inserting a screw through each of the counter-sunk holes and into the wall or a wall plug therein. The head of the screw can then lie flush with the bed of the channel so that the screw will not impede entry of the shelf into the channel.

Preferably, two brackets are provided In use the brackets are mounted on surfaces facing one another so that the respective holding sections can receive opposite edges of the shelf to be supported.

Conveniently, the bracket of the invention is formed from extruded aluminium.

Advantageously, an edge of the holding section is curved to prevent injury to persons using the bracket.

The bracket of the invention has a number of advantages. Firstly, because the shelf is received between the holding sections, any upward or vibrational forces cannot dislodge the shelf from the bracket. Secondly, when the brackets are used in tandem, tilting of the shelf is not possible. Another advantage is that because the shelf is slid between the brackets it is not damaged and can therefore be used in another location subsequently. A further advantage is that the brackets of the invention are unobtrusive and virtually invisible when viewed from a distance. This makes them particularly suitable for use in locations such as alcoves where an attractive effect is important.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a cross-section through a bracket of the invention; Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the bracket of Fig.

1; Fig. 3 is a cross-section through a bracket and ., shelf mounted to a wall; Fig. 4 is a front elevation of a shelf mounted to a wall, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a bracket cf the invention supporting an edge of a shelf.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2 a bracket 1 of the invention comprises an aluminium extrusion having spaced apart holding sections 2 extending from a surface mounting section 3. As shown in the drawings, the space between the holding sections 2 is in the form cf a channel 4 in which an edge 5 of the shelf 6 is received. The channel bed 7 includes counter-sunk holes 8 for receiving screws 9 and the edge 10 of the holding section is curved.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 4 in order to fit a shelf between two walls, brackets of the invention are mounted to the walls by inserting screws 9 through each of the counter-sunk holes 8 of the channel bed 7 and screwing them into a wall plug 11 fitted in the wall. Once the two brackets are in position with their channels facing one another a shelf 6 can be slid along the channels and supported.

As is clear from the drawings, entry of the shelf stabilises the mounting of the bracket to the wall by preventing unscrewing of the screw from the wall plug in the wall. Tilting of the shelf is impossible making the bracket extremely safe. An additional advantage is that the holding sections of the brackets are unobtrusive and almost invisible when viewed from a distance. Hence the brackets of the invention are particularly suitable for use in locations where aesthetics are important.

Claims

1. A bracket for supporting a shelf from a surface comprising spaced apart holding sections extending from a surface mounting section, the space defined between the holding sections being in the form of a channel for receiving an edge of the shelf.

2. A bracket as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the mounting section comprises a channel bed in which a plurality of holes are arranged to permit fastening means to pass therethrough.

3. A bracket as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the holes are countersunk.

4. A bracket as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein a corner of the holding section at an end of the channel defining an entry end for the shelf is curved.

5. A bracket as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, the bracket being attached to a surface by means of the mounting section and an edge of the shelf being received in the channel defined between the holding sections.

6. A bracket supporting a shelf as claimed in Claim 5, wherein a further bracket is provided and receives the other edge of the shelf.

7. A shelving kit comprising two brackets as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4 and a shelf for supporting between the brackets.

8. A bracket substantially as described herein.

9. A bracket substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.