GB2478742A

GB2478742A - Modular shelving unit with improved stability

Info

Publication number: GB2478742A
Application number: GB1004344A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Helen Thomas; Roy Farrell; Anya Agnew
Original assignee: OPENING BOOK FURNITURE Ltd; OPENING BOOK PROMOTIONS Ltd
Current assignee: OPENING BOOK FURNITURE Ltd; OPENING BOOK PROMOTIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2010-03-16
Filing date: 2010-03-16
Publication date: 2011-09-21
Also published as: GB201004344D0

Abstract

A modular shelving unit comprises a plurality of stacked shelf modules 2 and an elongate connecting element 3. Each shelf module comprises end panels which include first and second connection means 23, 24; the first connection means connects adjacent shelf modules in the stack and the second connection means cooperates with the elongate connecting element which in use extends across the two or more shelf modules to secure the modules together. In a preferred embodiment the first connection is provided by holes 23a in opposing portions of adjacent end panels that receive dowels 23b and the second connection projections 24 on the end panels which are received in groove 31 of the elongate connecting means. The elongate connecting element may be in the form of a post 103 for connecting multiple shelving units together. A kit of parts for forming said shelving unit is also described.

Description

SHELVING UNIT

This invention relates generally to a shelving unit for books and the like and particularly to modular shelving units. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to shelving units that include a plurality of modules that can be interconnected in any number of combinations to provide a bespoke shelving unit configuration.

Modular shelving units sometimes include some form of connection or locating means between adjacent modules in a stack. Where the stack is to be made up of several modules, the connection or locating means is preferably configured to provide a secure connection so as to minimise the movement between adjacent modules of a stack in order to provide as stable of a stack as possible.

USD426092 discloses one such shelving unit in which facing portions of adjacent is modules are cooperatively shaped to provide a relatively stable stack. However, each connection will invariably allow some movement between the modules. Where the stack includes several modules, this movement is compounded and reduces the stability of the stack.

It is therefore a first non-exclusive object of the invention to provide a more stable modular shelving unit. It is a more general non-exclusive object of the invention to provide an improved shelving unit, for example one that overcomes or at least mitigates the issues associated with known designs.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a shelving unit comprising two or more stacked or stackable shelf modules and an elongate connecting element, each shelf module having a pair of end parts with a cradle secured to and extending between the end parts, each end part including a first connection means for connecting or locating, e.g. releasably connecting or locating, opposing portions of adjacent shelf modules of the stack and a second connection means for cooperating with the elongate connecting element, wherein the elongate connecting element is configured to extend, in use, across the two or more shelf modules and to cooperate with the second connection means of each shelf module to secure, e.g. releasably secure, the two or more shelf modules together.

The provision of a first connection means that connects or locates opposing portions of adjacent shelf modules of the stack in combination with an elongate member that cooperates with a second connection means of each of the modules provides a more robust arrangement.

The shelving unit may comprise a third stackable shelf module, wherein the elongate connecting element is configured to extend, in use, across the three shelf modules and to cooperate with the second connection means of each shelf module to secure, e.g. releasably secure, the three shelf modules together.

The end parts are preferably end panels along or through which the elongate connecting element may extend. More preferably, the elongate connecting element extends across adjacent or parallel outer surfaces, for example major surfaces, of adjacent end panels, e.g. wherein the second connection means extends outwardly from the outer or major surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, the elongate connecting element may extend into or through a hole or groove of the end panels or parts, e.g. that extends between the is major surfaces of each end panel.

Advantageously, one of the elongate connecting element and the second connection means may comprise a projection, e.g. an elongate projection, while the other may comprise a recess or groove, e.g. an elongate recess or groove, within which recess or groove the projection may be received or receivable, e.g. slideably received or receivable.

The projection and recess or groove may be cooperatively shaped, e.g. a dovetail or T-shape. Additionally or alternatively, the recess or groove may comprise an inwardly facing lip that engages an outwardly extending flange or it may comprise a pair of opposed inwardly facing lips that engage with or a pair of outwardly extending flanges.

While the second connection means or each end part may comprise the recess or groove and the elongate connecting element may comprise the projection, it is preferable that the elongate connecting element comprises the recess or groove, e.g. along its length and/or one or each end part comprises the projection, e.g. extending thereacross. Preferably, the projection is slideably receivable within the recess or groove. More preferably, the projections of adjacent end parts in a stack, e.g. on a first side of the stack, are all received within the recess or groove of the elongate connecting element, for example to connect or secure stacked end parts, e.g. on the first side, of the two or more stacked modules together. Advantageously, the shelving unit may comprise a second elongate connecting element, wherein projections of adjacent end parts on a second side of the stack may all be received within a recess or groove of the second elongate connecting element, for example to connect or secure the stacked end parts on the second side of the two or more stacked modules together.

The or each elongate connecting element may comprise an engaging strip or post, which post may be circular, elliptical, square, rectangular, polygonal or any other shape or cross-section. The engaging strip may comprise a first side that includes the recess or groove and/or a second side that is smooth or rounded. Advantageously, the engaging post may comprise two or more of recesses or grooves, for example a plurality of recesses or grooves, which may be equally spaced about the periphery or circumference thereof. Each recess or groove may be configured to engage the second connection means of a respective stack of shelf modules. For example, the shelving unit may comprise two or more stacks of shelf modules interconnected by the post and/or by one or more further posts. Preferably, the post comprises a plurality of recesses or grooves to permit the two stacks to be connected at one of a plurality of different angles. The is shelving unit may further comprise one or more spacers, for example vertical spacers, e.g. to allow the two stacks to be connected at an angle of less than 180°. The or each vertical spacer may comprise a groove along a first edge or longitudinal edge thereof, e.g. for cooperating with the second connection means, and/or a projection or groove on or along a second edge or longitudinal edge thereof, e.g. for cooperating with a recess or groove of the post. Where the second edge is provided with a groove, the shelving unit may include a further elongate engaging member that may have a bowtie or hourglass or egg timer shaped cross section along its length. The cross-sectional shape of the further elongate engaging member may be such that it provides a projection on or along the second longitudinal edge for cooperating with a recess or groove of the post.

The first connection means may comprise at least one projection, preferably two or more projections, on one of the opposing portions and/or a hole or recess, e.g. a respective hole or recess, in or on the other of the opposing portions. Preferably, each opposing portion includes at least one hole or recess within which a connecting element is receivable or is received, in use, to connect the opposing portions, e.g. by an interference fit. The connecting element may comprise a dowel which may include a wood or plastic or metallic or steel material. The dowel may be moulded, for example injection moulded, e.g. it may comprise an injection moulded plastics material.

The shelving unit may further comprise one or more further spacers, e.g. horizontal spacers, for example adapted to be placed, in use, or configured for placement between adjacent modules or end parts in a stack or under the lowermost module or end part in a stack or on the uppermost module or end part in a stack. Advantageously, at least one of the spacers may include one or more holes therethrough, which may be aligned with the one or more holes of the first connection means. Where the spacers are adapted to be placed or configured for placement between adjacent modules or end parts in a stack, the holes may be configured to be slightly larger than the connecting element, e.g. to provide relative location therebetween, or slightly smaller than the connecting element, e.g. to provide an interference fit therebetween.

Advantageously, the shelf modules may comprise two or more different configurations and/or sizes and/or dimensions, e.g. for accommodating different types or sizes of articles or books. In such embodiments, the horizontal spacer or spacers may be configured or selected such that the shelving unit has a predetermined height. For example, where the shelving unit includes two or more stacks of shelf modules the horizontal spacer or spacers may be selected such that the height of each stack is substantially the same.

The cradle may comprise one or more, e.g. two or more, panels or rods that extend between the end parts or panels. For example, the cradle may comprise two panels that extend at an angle to one another, for example that extend perpendicular or orthogonal with respect to one another, and may include a third panel, e.g. extending from the free edge of one of the panels such as to provide a retaining lip. A first of the shelf modules may be configured to receive articles or books of a first size, while a second of the shelf modules may be configured to receive articles or books of a second size.

A second aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for assembly into a shelving unit as described above.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shelving unit according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a shelving unit according to a second embodiment of the invention; and Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a shelving unit kit for assembly into a shelving unit according to the first or second embodiment of the invention.

Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a shelving unit 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The shelving unit 1 includes three stacked shelf modules 2, a pair of elongate connecting elements 3, two base spacers 4 and four intermediate spacers 5.

Each shelf module 2 includes a pair of end panels 20, 21 with a cradle 22 secured to and extending between the end panels 20, 21. Each end panel 20, 21 is rectangular in plan and includes first and second connection means 23, 24 shown more clearly in Figure 3.

The first connection means 23 is in the form of three holes 23a in the upper and lower edge faces of each end panel 20, 21 with corresponding dowels 23b for releasably connecting or locating opposing portions of adjacent shelf modules 2 of the stack. The dowels 23b are formed of an injection moulded plastics material. The second connection is means 24 is in the form of an elongate projection or guide 24a with a dovetail or truncated triangular cross section. The projection or guide 24a is secured to the outer major surface of each end panel 20, 21 by three equally spaced screws 24b with its narrower edge face abutting the end panel 20, 21 and such that it extends vertically and centrally along the respective end panel 20, 21.

The cradle 22 in this embodiment is made up of a pair of cradle panels 22a, 22b that are rectangular in plan and secured to the inner surfaces the end panels 20, 21 by known means, such as by screws (not shown) or an adhesive or the like. The cradle panels 22a, 22b are secured such that their major surfaces are orthogonal to one another and at an angle to the horizontal and the vertical in order to support books (not shown) in a slightly tilted orientation.

Each elongate connecting element 3 is in the form of an engaging strip 30 in this embodiment. Each engaging strip 30 is in the form of an extrusion with a rectangular cross-section having a dovetail or truncated triangular shaped groove 31 on one side 32 thereof and chamfered corners 33 on opposite side 34 thereof.

Each base spacer 4 is rectangular in plan with the same thickness as the end panels 20, 21 and includes three holes 40 on an upper edge face thereof. The position and size of the holes 40 correspond to and are aligned with the holes 23a in the lower edge face of the end panels 20, 21.

Similarly, each intermediate spacer 5 is also rectangular in plan with the same thickness as the end panels 20, 21. However, each intermediate spacer 5 is shorter than the base spacers 4 and includes three through holes 50 extending from its upper edge face to its lower edge face. The position and size of the holes 50 correspond to and are aligned with the holes 23a in the upper and lower edge faces of the end panel 20, 21.

In use, dowels 23b are fitted in each hole 40 of the base spacers 4 and in the corresponding holes 23a in the lower edge faces of the end panels 20, 21 of the first shelf module 2 to secure the base spacers 4 to the end panels 20, 21. Dowels 23b are then fitted in each hole 23a in the upper edge faces of the end panels 20, 21 of the first shelf module 2 and one of the intermediate spacers 5 is placed over each upper edge face of the end panels of the first shelf module such that the dowels 23b extend through its holes 50. A second shelf module 2 is then placed over the spacers 5 such that the dowels 23b are fitted into the corresponding holes 23a in the lower edge faces of the end panels 20, 21 there to secure the first and second shelf modules 2 together. The same process is repeated with the second set of intermediate spacers 5 and the third shelf module 2.

With the stack of shelf modules 2 secured together by the first connection means 23, each engaging strip 30 is engaged with the second connection means 24 by placing the upper end of the dovetail projection or guide 24a of the third or top shelf module 2 into the bottom of the correspondingly shaped groove 30 in the engaging strip 30 and urging the engaging strip 30 downwardly to provide a sliding engagement therebetween.

This arrangement interconnects opposed portions of each consecutive shelf module 2 and secures the entire stack of modules 2 together using a single elongate connection element 3. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this provides a more robust arrangement.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a shelving unit 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention that is similar to the shelving unit according to the first embodiment, wherein like references represent like features that will not be described further. The shelving unit 100 according to this embodiment differs from the shelving unit 1 of the first embodiment in that one of the elongate connecting elements 103 is in the form of a circular post 103 with a plurality of equally spaced dovetail grooves 130 about its periphery extending along its length.

Each groove 130 is configured to engage the projections or guides 24a such that the shelving unit 1 may include two stacks of shelf modules 2 interconnected by the post 103 at one of a plurality of different angles relative to one another. The shelving unit 100 also includes one or more vertical spacers 131 to allow two stacks to be connected at an angle of less than 180° without interfering with each other. The vertical spacer 131 is rectangular in plan and includes a dovetail groove 132 along a first longitudinal edge thereof for cooperating with the projection or guide 24a and a projection or guide 124a on or along a second longitudinal edge thereof for cooperating with one of the grooves 130 of the post 103.

It is envisaged that, advantageously, the shelving unit 1, 100 may be supplied in kit form.

One important feature of the invention is that its configuration permits multiple different combinations of shelf modules 2. For example, the shelving unit 1, 100 may include shelf modules 2 of two or more different configurations in order to accommodate different book sizes. Where adjacent shelving units 1, 100 or adjacent stacks of shelf modules 2 include such different combinations, it is desirable to configure each stack to be the same height.

This can be achieved easily by configuring the height of the spacers 4, 5 as required.

In some applications, for example where the shelving units 1, 100 are used in schools, guidelines have been issued that dictate height and configuration requirements. These requirements may be met easily with the shelving unit 1, 100 according to the invention by virtue of its novel modular configuration.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the projection or guide 24a and the recess or groove 30 need not comprise a dovetail cross-section. They may, for example, comprise a T-shape or any other suitable shape. Additionally or alternatively, the recess or groove 30 may comprise an inwardly facing lip that engages an outwardly extending flange of the projection or guide 24a or it may comprise a pair of opposed inwardly facing lips that engage with or a pair of outwardly extending flanges of the projection or guide 24a. Additionally or alternatively, the shelf modules 2 may comprise the recess or groove 30 and/or the elongate connecting element 3 may comprise the projection or guide 24a.

The engaging strip 30 need not be of the shape or configuration shown, for example the chamfered corners 33 may be omitted andlor the outer face 33, 34 of the engaging strip may be curved or any other suitable or aesthetically pleasing shape or configuration.

The base spacers 4 may be omitted or replaced with any suitable spacing or base means.

Advantageously, the spacing or base means may comprise a single base unit, for example an H-shaped base unit or kickboard, e.g. in addition to or in place of the base spacers 4. Additionally or alternatively, the shelving unit 1, 100 may be provided with further intermediate spacers 5 between the base spacers 5 or base unit and the lowermost shelf module 2 in the stack. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate spacers 5 need not be of the same thickness and/or configuration as the end panels 20, 21, for example they may be undersized or oversized, e.g. for aesthetic or functional reasons.

The vertical spacer 131 need not be of the configuration shown, for example it may include a dovetail groove 132 along both longitudinal edges thereof, one for cooperating with the projection or guide 24a and the other for cooperating with a further elongate is engaging member (not shown) that may have a bowtie or hourglass or egg timer shaped cross section along its length. The cross-sectional shape of the further elongate engaging member may be such that it provides the projection or guide 124a on or along the second longitudinal edge when inserted into the dovetail groove (not shown) of the second longitudinal edge.

Moreover, the post 103 need not be circular, it may be elliptical, square, rectangular, polygonal or any other shape or cross-section. The post 103 may comprise any number of grooves 130, for example four, six, eight or more grooves. The dowels 23b need not be formed by injection moulding and/or may be formed of any suitable material such as wood or plastic or metallic or steel material. The cradle 22 may be provided by any suitable means and/or may comprise any suitable construction, for example it may be provided by two or more rods or the like. Additionally or alternatively, the cradle 22 may comprise a third panel that extends upwardly and/or perpendicularly or orthogonally of the base cradle panel 22b, for example at its free end, e.g. to provide a retaining lip.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A shelving unit comprising two or more stacked shelf modules and an elongate connecting element, each shelf module having a pair of end parts with a cradle secured to and extending between the end parts, each end part including a first connection means for connecting or locating opposing portions of adjacent shelf modules of the stack and a second connection means for cooperating with the elongate connecting element, wherein the elongate connecting element extends across the two or more shelf modules and cooperates with the second connection means of each shelf module to secure the two or more shelf modules together.
2. Shelving unit according to claim 1, wherein the elongate connecting element is configured to cooperate with the second connection means to releasably secure the two or more shelf modules together.
3. Shelving unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second connection means comprises a projection that is slideably received within a groove of the elongate connecting element to secure the elongate connecting element to each shelf module.
4. Shelving unit according to claim 3, wherein the projection and groove both comprise corresponding dovetail or T-shaped cross-sections.
5. Shelving unit according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the projection comprises an elongate guide projecting from an outer surface of the end part.
6. Shelving unit according to any preceding claim further comprising a third stackable shelf module, wherein the elongate connecting element extends across the three shelf modules and cooperates with the second connection means of each shelf module to secure the three shelf modules together.
7. Shelving unit according to any preceding claim further comprising a second elongate connecting element, wherein the first elongate connecting element extends across and engages a first end or side of the stack of shelf modules and the second elongate connecting element extends across and engages a second end or side of the stack of shelf modules.
8. Shelving unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the or one of the elongate connecting elements comprises an engaging strip.
9. Shelving unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the or one of the elongate connecting elements comprises a post with a plurality of grooves about its periphery extending along its length.
10. Shelving unit according to claim 9 further comprising a second stack of shelf modules, wherein projections of the first stack of shelf modules are slideably received within a first of the grooves and projections of the second stack of shelf modules are slideably received within a second of the grooves to secure the second stack of shelf modules to the first stack of shelf modules.
11. Shelving unit according to claim 9 further comprising a vertical spacer with a is projection slideably received within a first of the grooves of the post and a groove within which the or a projection of each shelf module is slideably received to secure the post to each shelf module.
12. Shelving unit according to claim 11 further comprising a second vertical spacer and a second stack of shelf modules, wherein a projection of the second vertical spacer is slideably received within a second of the grooves of the post and projections of the second stack of shelf modules are slideably received within a groove of the second vertical spacer to secure the second stack of shelf modules to the first stack of shelf modules.
13. Shelving unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the first connection means comprises at least one projection on one of the opposing portions and a hole or recess in the other of the opposing portions.
14. Shelving unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each opposing portion includes two or more holes or recesses within which connecting elements are received to connect the opposing portions by interference fit.
15. Shelving unit according to claim 14, wherein the connecting elements comprise dowels.
16. Shelving unit according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the connecting elements comprise an injection moulded plastics material.
17. Shelving unit according to any preceding claim further comprising a spacer between the stacked shelf modules or under the lowermost shelf module in the stack.
18. Shelving unit according to claim 17, wherein the shelf modules comprise two or more different configurations for accommodating different book sizes.
19. Shelving unit according to claim 18 when dependent upon claim 10, wherein the spacer is selected such that the height of each of the first and second stacks is io substantially the same.
20. A modular shelving unit substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
21. A kit of parts for assembly into a shelving unit according to any preceding claim.