GB2285571A

GB2285571A - Free-standing shelving system

Info

Publication number: GB2285571A
Application number: GB9400096A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mary Mcleod
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-01-05
Filing date: 1994-01-05
Publication date: 1995-07-19
Also published as: GB9400096D0

Abstract

A shelving system comprises vertical rods a, shelves b threaded onto the rods and spacer tubs c threaded onto the rods to spare the shelves. By using spacers of different sizes and providing multiple holes in the shelves complex shelving arrangements can be constructed. Spacers split along their length are also provided so that they can be snap filled on the vertical rods and the shelf spacing thereby adjusted without dismantling the system. <IMAGE>

Description

FREE-STANDING SHELVING SYSTEM This invention relates to a free-standing shelving system.

There are a range of free-standing shelving systems already available. However, they are often difficult and time consuming to assemble. Simple systems, such as those using wooden pegs to connect shelves to uprights, are easily broken.

The design of many systems limit the proportions available. A unit requiring a diagonal support to prevent it collapsing has a limited shelf length; one where end supports are connected can only have a specified shelf width. The distance between shelves can also be limited. Many designs are suitable only for specific materials, and therefore have a limited aesthetic and practical range.

The present invention comprises multiples of three basic components as shown in figure 1:- vertical rods (a),shelves (b) and spacers (c). The latter two have equal sized holes through them slightly larger in diameter than the rods which will fit snugly through them.

The unit is assembled by threading the shelves and spacers onto the vertical rods (figure 2). The unit is dismantled by reversing this procedure.

The basic components can be constructed from a variety of materials such as wood, wood products, glass, metal and plastic to suit practical requirements (figures 3 and 4) The shape and finish of components can be altered to suit aesthetic requirements (figures 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8).

The height of the unit is determined by the length of the vertical rod (a). Figure 9 shows the top shelf can be finished by the addition of a part drilled 'spacer (d) or by only drilling part way through the shelf.

Shelves of different proportions can be used with the same spacers and rods (see figure 11).

The distance between the shelves is adjusted by varying the quantity and size of spacers (c).

Figure 10 shows how the use of double holed spacers (e) can allow the unit to be extended by linking to other units.

Figures 11 and 12 show that units can be extended and shelves of different proportions combined if further holes are drilled in the shelves.

Figure 11 shows that the height of some or all spacers (c) must be equal to the thickness of shelves (b) to allow the unit to be extended.

To make a versatile unit which may need frequent changing, a series of holes may be drilled at regular distances along the shelves (figure 13.

To allow adjustment of the distance between shelves without dismantling the whole unit, additional snap-on spacers can be provided in a flexible material (figure 11 f) To provide additional stability where necessary, the vertical rods may be fixed to the bottom spacer to provide a base support,(figure 11 g).

Claims

1 A shelving system comprising multiples of three basic components as shown in figure 1 of the accompanying drawings:vertical rods (a), shelves (b) and spacers (c), the latter two having holes in them marginally bigger than the diameter of the former, (b) and (c) being threaded onto (a) to assemble the unit (figure 2).

2 A shelving system as claimed in Claim I where the basic components are constructed of any material.

3 A shelving system as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 where the shape of the spacers or shelves are altered.

4 A shelving system as claimed in any preceding claim where the proportions of components are altered.

5 A shelving system as claimed in any preceding claim with three or more holes in each shelf.

6 A shelving system as claimed in any preceding claim with snap-on spacers as described with reference to figure 11 f of the accompanying drawing.

7 A shelving system as claimed in any preceding claim where the vertical rods are attached to a base support as described with reference to figure 11g of the accompanying drawing.