GB2335594A

GB2335594A - Interlocking vertical support column for shelves &c

Info

Publication number: GB2335594A
Application number: GB9905409A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Samuel Maurice Finlay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-03-13
Filing date: 1999-03-09
Publication date: 1999-09-29
Anticipated expiration: 2019-03-09
Also published as: GB2335594B; GB9805364D0; GB9905409D0

Abstract

The column, which may be used to form free-standing or spanned-support shelving (Fig 6), comprises a plurality (eg three or four) of tapered vertical panels 1 which bear radially inwards towards each other in equilibrium along the axis of the column to support a vertical load from above. The lower ends of the panels are received in slots 3 of a circumferential collar 2 forming (part of) a shelf. Interaction under load between the lower ends of panels 1 with the upper ends of similar panels immediately below them forces notches 5 in the lower ends into engagement with the edges of the slots. Several notches 5 may be provided in each panel to allow variable positioning of the collar 2.

Description

2335594 1 - Interlocking Vertical Support Colunm The present invention

relates to an interlocking vertical support column.

vertical columns or posts are the key structural element of most component based furniture systems. The material and method of manufacture used to construct these columns dictates the nature of the components theysupport, their suitability for any specific use, and their cost.' Additionally, these vertical columns dictate the appearance and functionality of the structure they support through the physical and mechanical constraints placed on them by their' material and method of manufacture.

A vertical support column which is manufactured in a unique way will therefore give rise to a number of structures i which are in turn unique in their construction, appearance and functionality.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interlocking vertical support column comprising a series of column units (sub-assemblies) each interlocking with its neighbour(s) on a vertical axis, each unit including a number (i. e. two or more) of discrete vertical load-bearing components arranged about the axis of the column and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the column, and at least' one horizontal component (as herein defined) for retaining the vertical components in the said arrangement about the axis to provide a self-supporting structure.

The expression "horizontal component" refers generally to any means for retaining the vertical components in the required arrangement about the axis of the column to 2 - prevent substantially radially outward movement thereof. This component will generally act in a relatively horizontal (radial) plane, as compared with the vertical (axial) direction of forces acting on the vertical components.

The interlocking vertical support column may be used in a wide range of applications. It is particularly suited to use in supporting a member from below, e.g. a shelf or other member providing an upwardly directed surface in an article of furniture.

The column units may, if desired, be used individually, although this would be less preferred. In this second aspect of the invention, of course, each unit would not interlock with a neighbour on the vertical axis (and would not need to be so adapted), although the component parts of the unit may interlock (interengage) with each other.

The horizontal component may, for example, comprisea circumferential restraining member surrounding and engaging the vertical components. The rigid restraining member may generally take the form of a single circumferential collar.

The collar may be formed of natural or synthetic materials or a combination thereof, e.g. wood, reconstituted wood, board or plastics. The shape may be formed by any conventional method, e.g. cutting, pressing-out, moulding, casting or extruding.

Each vertical component is preferably planar, having two major surfaces and a peripheral minor face. Each vertical component generally has one relatively long dimension and a relatively short transverse dimension. It can be of irregular shape, e.g. polygonal. I t may be f ormed of natural or synthetic materials or a combination thereof, e.g. wood, reconstituted wood, board or plastics. The is shape may be formed by any conventional method, e.g. cutting, pressing- out, moulding, casting or extruding. In use, its long dimension will rest substantially vertically.

The component parts of each unit may interlock (interengage) and/or be secured together by conventional securement devices or in any other wayIn one particularly preferred form, the parts slot into each other without the need for additional securement devices. For example, each vertical component may be provided with a locating notch, whereby a portion of the horizontal component is received in the notch for mutual engagement of the components.

At least three vertical components are preferred in each column unit, so that they can each be correspondingly lighter and thinner than fewer components in order to bear the same load with a corresponding stability. They are preferably arranged substantially circumferentially evenly around the axis of the column in use.

Each column unit is adapted to interlock with its: upper/lower neighbour(s) on the vertical axis of the column. This interlocking is gravity- assisted, being on' the vertical axis of the column, and can be very simple,, e.g. an arrangement of corresponding male and female portions, one at the top of one column unit and the other at the bottom of the other column unit. Most preferably, a top of one unit tapers to an apex and nests in a corresponding shaped recess provided in a base of the next unit up the column, and so on along the column.

It is particularly preferred that the region of prime load-' bearing contact between adjacent column units lies radially' inward from the location of engagement between the vertical! downward load acts to pivot each vertical component into secure abutting relationship with the other(s) in the radially inward direction, about a pivot point between the components.

The most preferred configuration of each vertical component is best seen as based on a modified right-angle triangle shape having a relatively long side edge, a relatively short side edge and a hypotenuse edge, bevelled across the right angle on a lineparallel to the hypotenuse edge and optionally also across the corner opposite the long side edge on a line parallel to the long side. One or more locating notches are provided, the or each notch entering the hypotenuse edge or, where present, the second bevelled edge parallel to the short side.

The most preferred configuration of the horizontal component is that of a circumferential collar for the vertical components, which includes a number of closedended elongate slots passing through its thickness, radiating (preferably circumferentially evenly) from a central point. For example, if three elongate slots are present, the arrangement would preferably be generally that of the letter Y; if four elongate slots are present, the arrangement would preferably be that of the sign +; etc. Each elongate slot is of a length generally equal to the shortest distance between the base of the locating notch in a vertical component and the line of the long side of the vertical component.

To assemble a column unit in such a preferred arrangement, the short side edge of the triangle of one vertical component is slotted into engagement with the horizontal component in one of the elongate slots thereof, a locating notch of the vertical component receiving a portion of the horizontal component at the closed end of the elongate is slot. The other vertical components are assembled in the: same way, and each is tilted so that the long sides abut' along the vertical axis of the column unit. A unit is thus complete, and may be interlocked with like units on the vertical axis by inserting the apex of the pyramid skeleton: formed by the vertical components through the open portions of the elongate slots of the horizontal component of the adjacent unit, the said portions being open as a result of the bevelling across the right angle of the vertical components of that adjacent unit.

Various additional features can be incorporated into this basic preferred design. For example, the two bevelled, edges can meet at an apex, giving a particularly long line of loadbearing contact between adjacent interlocking units and consequent stability of the column, as well as an' attractive vertical-sided appearance to the support column in all tiers of the column except the topmost one. For that topmost tier, the otherwise stark effect of the' exposed apex of the pyramid skeleton can be softened by the use of a crown collar or other retaining system, which engages a short way onto the apex of the pyramid skeleton and serves also the technical function of keeping the' vertical components of that topmost tier in position.

The horizontal components can have any convenient shape or dimensions. In one particularly preferred form, each horizontal component can extend substantially radially outwards to form a horizontal shelf extending from the axis' of the column and capable of supporting a load. The shelf' can itself can be supported by two or more support columns according to the present invention, the shelf spanning between the columns. The shelves of one column can be of differing shapes or dimensions, so that tapering tiered! shelves are provided on the assembled column, e.g. for a 6 retail display stand or other stand for the support or display of goods.

In summary, a number of identical, preferably tapered, vertical components, each of which suitably has a locating notch, and a single horizontal component, suitably having slots equal in length to the width of the vertical components, may be assembled to produce a unit that may then be used, with other identical units, to construct a vertical column. The detail of both the tapered vertical and horizontal components of this column, together with its unit construction, provide regular horizontal surfaces which may be used to support additional components or a load. The compressive forces produced by the weight of these supported elements and the units themselves, acting through the tapered vertical components, provides a locking action where one unit fits inside another, as with the Mortise Taper.

This downward motion, in turn, creates a clamping action, where the tapered vertical components abut the horizontal component within the slots, when the tapered vertical components seek to pivot about their apex which is constrained by another unit, a horizontal component or other securing method above. An interlocking vertical support column may therefore be created, from common components, which becomes more rigid as the load it supports increases.

A number of specific embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates diagrammatically the forces acting on the components of a vertical support column to produce a rigid structure.

is - 7 Figure 2 illustrates in perspective how the vertical and horizontal components of a vertical support column are assembled into a typical single unit which forms the basis: of an interlocking column.

Figure 3 shows in perspective an assembled vertical support column using the units of Figure 2.

Figure 4 illustrates in perspective an alternative embodiment, providing a free standing tower of shelves.

Figure 5 illustrates diagrammatically a unit of a further alternative embodiment, showing how the distance between the horizontal components may be varied through the introduction of additional locating notches in the vertical component.

Figure 6 illustrates in perspective a further alternative embodiment, showing how two or more support columns may be linked using larger, common, horizontal components to provide a series of spanning shelves.

Figure 7 illustrates in perspective a further alternative embodiment, showing how a vertical column may be constructed using three tapered vertical components per unit.

Referring to the drawings, alternative embodiments of vertical support columns are shown. Like numerals designate like parts in the various drawings.

In each case the vertical support column comprises a series of column units or sub-assemblies 6 each engaging with its neighbour on a vertical axis. Each unit 6 includes a number (f our in Figs. 2 to 6; three in Fig. 7) of discrete vertical load-bearing components 1 arranged 1 1 1 circumferentially evenly about the axis of the column and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in use under application of a vertical load to the column (vertical arrows in Figure 1).

A circumferential collar 2 is also present as a horizontal component of each unit 6, the collar retaining the vertical components in the said arrangement about the axis to prevent substantially radially outward movement thereof in the direction of the horizontal arrows in Figure 1.

The component parts are in sheet form, e.g. made of wood, reconstituted wood, board or moulded plastics. It is a particular preferred feature of the present invention that the component parts can be easily slotted together to form the assembled column, without the need for adhesives, nails or other securement means.

As shown particularly in Figures 1, 2 and 5, each vertical component 1 takes the form of a notched tapered flat strip which locates individually through slots 3 of equal length and width, cut into the horizontal component. Each vertical component 1 can be considered as based on a modified right-angle triangle shape having a relatively long side, a relatively short side and a hypotenuse, bevelled firstly across the right angle on a line parallel to the hypotenuse and secondly across the corner opposite the long side on a line parallel to the long side. The angle between the long side and the hypotenuse thus creates the taper of the vertical components. One (Figs. 1 and 2) or more (Fig. 5) locating notches 5 are provided, the or each notch entering the hypotenuse or the second bevelled edge parallel to the short side, such notch(es) having a width slightly larger than the thickness of the collar 2.

is - 9 As already mentioned, the circumferential collar 2 includes a number (four in Figs. 2 to 6; three in Fig. 7) of closedended elongate slots 3 passing through its thickness, radiating circumferentially evenly from the location of the' central axis of the assembled column. Each elongate slot 3 is of a length generally equal to the shortest distance between the base of the notch 5 in the vertical component 1 and the line of the long side.

Referring particularly to Figure 2, the short side of the triangle of one vertical component 1 is inserted into the respective elongate slot 3 of the collar 2 and the notch 5 engaged within and abutting the collar 2 (curved arrow' followed by straight arrow as shown in Figure 2). The' short slot 5 of the vertical component thus receives a portion of the collar 2 at the end of the elongate slot 3. The other vertical components are engaged in the same way,' and are then tilted so that their long sides abut along the vertical axis of the column (Figs. 1 and 2). A unit 6 is thus complete, and may be nested with like units on the' vertical axis (see, for example, Figs. 1 and 3) by inserting the apex 9 of the pyramid skeleton formed by the' vertical components 1 through the open portions of the elongate slots 3 of the collar of the adjacent unit, the said portions being open as a result of the bevelling across the right angle of the vertical components retained, by that other collar.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, three short slots can be provided in the vertical component 1, to accommodate differing positions of the collar 2. Moreover, the two bevelled edges meet at a lower apex, providing a particularly long line of load-bearing contact between adjacent nesting units. This provides an enhanced' stability of the column (Fig. 4), as well as an attractive 1 1 1 - 10 verticalsided appearance to the support column in all tiers of the column except the topmost one.

For that topmost tier, the otherwise stark effect of the exposed apex of the pyramid skeleton can be softened by the use of a crown element 7 (see particularly Figs. 3 and 6) having slots equal in width but shorter than those of the sub-assemblies 6 below it, which engages a short way onto the apex of the pyramid skeleton and serves also the technical function of finally securing the completed assembly and keeping the long sides of the vertical components 1 of the topmost tier 8 in abutting engagement. This horizontal crown element 7 can be located over the tapered verticals 1 of the top unit 8 and pressed into place, or another securing method can be used, such as an adhesive, mechanical fixing, or a clamp.

The vertical supports 1 of the base unit or sub-assembly 6 may be secured to the horizontal component 2 of the same before any further assembled units 6 are placed above.

The column may be disassembled into its component parts by reversing the above sequence provided no permanent securing method has been used during construction.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 2 to 7 the parts 2 and optionally 7 are adapted to function as shelves for the support or display of goods. The present invention thus provides a convenient, cheap and attractive self-assembly shelving system or other furniture system based on one or more vertical column.

1 i 11 -

Claims

1. An interlocking vertical support column comprising a, series of column units each interlocking with its' neighbour(s) on a vertical axis, each unit including a number of discrete vertical load-bearing components arranged about the axis of the column and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the, column, and at least one horizontal component for retaining the vertical components in the said arrangement about the axis to provide a self-supporting structure.

2. An interlocking vertical support column according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal component of each unit! comprises a circumferential collar.

3. An interlocking vertical support column according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the horizontal component of each unit is dimensioned to provide a shelf extending from the support column capable of supporting a load.

4. An interlocking vertical support column according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal' components vary in size to provide a number of tiered shelves which are suitable for the support or display of goods.

5. An interlocking vertical support column according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical components are planar.

6. An interlocking vertical support column according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each vertical component is provided with a locating notch, whereby a 1 1 is 12 - portion of the horizontal component is received in the notch for mutual engagement of the components.

7. An interlocking vertical support column according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein three or more tapered vertical components each provided with a locating notch are retained in each unit by a slotted horizontal component.

8. An interlocking vertical support column according to claim 6 or claim 7, which has additional or alternate locating notches on each of the vertical components which provide for variations in vertical spacing between the horizontal components within any given column construction.

9. An interlocking vertical support column according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal component of a column unit is common to the units of one or more additional support columns to provide multiple supports for a number of horizontal components capable of supporting a spanned load.

10. A column unit for an interlocking vertical support column in which a series of generally like units each interlocks with its neighbour(s) on a vertical axis, the unit including a number of discrete vertical loadbearing components arranged about the axis of the column and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the column, and at least one horizontal component for retaining the vertical components in the said arrangement about the axis to provide a self-supporting structure.

1 \1 1\

1 1 is 13 - 11. A column unit according to claim 10, wherein the interlocking vertical support column is as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9.

12. A unit for supporting a member from below, the unit comprising a number of discrete vertical load-bearing components arranged about a vertical axis of the unit and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the column, and at least one horizontal component for retaining the vertical components in the said arrangement about the axis to provide a self-supporting unit.

13. A unit according to claim 12, when adapted to interlock with a like neighbouring unit on a vertical axis, whereby to provide in use an interlocking vertical support column comprising a series of such column units each interlocking with its neighbour(s).

14. A unit according to claim 13, wherein the interlocking vertical support column is as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9.

15. An article of furniture comprising at least one member supported from below and at least one vertical support column therefor, the vertical support column comprising at least one column unit including a number of discrete vertical loadbearing components arranged about an axis of the column and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the column, the vertical components of the or each unit being retained in said arrangement about the axis by at least one horizontal component adapted for that purpose to provide a self supporting structure.

- 14 16. An article of furniture according to claim 15, wherein two or more column units are present in each vertical support column and each is adapted to interlock with its neighbour(s) on the axis of the column, whereby to provide in use an interlocking vertical support column comprising a series of such column units each interlocking with its neighbour (s).

17. An article of furniture according to claim 16, wherein the interlocking vertical support column is as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9.

18. An interlocking vertical support column substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 3; or Figure 4; or Figure 5; or Figure 6; or Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.

19. A column unit for an interlocking vertical support column substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 3; or Figure 4; or Figure 5; or Figure 6; or Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.

20. A unit for supporting a member from below substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 3; or Figure 4; or Figure S; or Figure 6; or Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.

21. An article of furniture substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 3; or Figure 4; or Figure 5; or Figure 6; or Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.

. 1\1 - Ar- Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. An interlocking vertical support column comprising a series of column units each interlocking with its neighbour(s) on a vertical axis, each unit including a number of discrete vertical load-bearing components arranged about the axis of the column and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the column, and at least one horizontal component for retaining the vertical components in the said arrangement about the axis to provide a self-supporting structure.

2. An interlocking vertical support column according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal component of each unit comprises a circumferential collar.

4. An interlocking vertical support column according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the horizontal components vary in size to provide a number of tiered shelves which are suitable for the support or display of goods.

6. An interlocking vertical support column according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each vertical is provided with a locating notch, whereby a comiDonent id - portion of the horizontal component is received in the notch for mutual engagement of the components.

10. A column unit for an interlocking vertical support column in which a series of generally like units each interlocks with its neighbour(s) on a vertical axis, the unit including a number of discrete vertical loadbearing components arranged about the axis of the column and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the column, and at least one horizontal component for retaining the vertical components in the said arrangement about the axis to provide a self -supporting structure.

17 11. A column unit according to claim 10, wherein the interlocking vertical support column is as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9.

is 12. A unit for supporting a member from below, the unit comprising a number of discrete vertical load-bearing components arranged about a vertical axis of the unit and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the column, and at least one horizontal component for retaining the vertical components in the said arrangement about the axis to provide a self-supporting unit.

13. A unit according to claim 12, wherein the horizontal component comprises a circumferential restraining member surrounding and engaging the vertical components.

14. A unit according to claim 12 or claim 13, when adapted to interlock with a like neighbouring unit on a vertical axis, whereby to provide in use an interlocking vertical support column comprising a series of such column units each interlocking with its neighbour(s).

15. A unit according to claim 14, wherein the interlocking vertical support column is as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9.

16. An article of furniture comprising at least one member supported from below and at least one vertical support column therefor, the vertical support column comprising at least one column unit including a number of discrete vertical load-bearing components arranged about an axis of the column and adapted to bear substantially radially inwardly towards each other in equilibrium under application of a vertical load to the column, the vertical i 1 i 1 1 - components of the or each unit being retained in said arrangement about the axis by at least one horizontal component adapted for that purpose to provide a selfsupporting structure.

17. An article of furniture according to claim 16, wherein the horizontal component of the or each unit comprises a circumferential restraining member surrounding and engaging the vertical components.

18- An article of furniture according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein two or more column units are present in each vertical support column and each is adapted to interlock with its neighbour(s) on the axis of the column, whereby to provide in use an interlocking vertical support column comprising a series of such column units each interlocking with its neighbour(s).

19. An article of furniture according to claim 18, wherein the interlocking vertical support column is as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9.

20. An interlocking vertical support column substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 3; or Figure 4; or Figure 5; or Figure 6; or Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.

21. A column unit for an interlocking vertical support column substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 3; or Figure 4; or Figure 5; or Figure 6; or Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.

22. A unit for supporting a member from below substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 3; or Figure 4; or Figure 5; or Figure 6; or Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.

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23. An article of furniture substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 3; or Figure 4; or Figure 5; or Figure 6; or Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings.

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