GB2481826A

GB2481826A - Extendable flexible shelf for self-supporting installation between two opposing walls

Info

Publication number: GB2481826A
Application number: GB1011452.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John George Handley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-07
Filing date: 2010-07-07
Publication date: 2012-01-11
Also published as: GB201011452D0

Abstract

A shelf 1 for mounting between opposing side walls, e.g. an alcove, comprises a flexible elongate shelf body member 10, at least one shelf extension member 20A,20B extendible by variable amounts from one end of the shelf body member, and locking means, e.g. pins 30(A,B) and locking holes 31(A,B),32(A,B), to lock the or each shelf extension relative to the body member in any extended position to adjust the length of the shelf. In use, the length of the shelf 1 is adjusted to a length just longer than the width between the opposing side walls [see Figure 2], the shelf is then flexed upwards so that the ends of the shelf fit between the side walls, with the subsequent downward weight of the shelf tending to straighten the shelf from its flexed position thereby biasing the opposing ends of the shelf into the side walls whereby the shelf is supported between the side walls.

Description

I

Title: Novel Shelf The present invention relates to a novel shelf, especially for an alcove.

Many people erect shelves in alcoves, e.g. either side of a chimney breast, or in other locations between opposing side walls, such as between side walls either side of a window or a cupboard. An alcove usually has is usually created within two opposing side walls extending from a rear wall. One problem is that the side walls are not necessarily parallel. Also such alcoves are of different widths and depths. Furthermore opposing side walls either side of a window are not necessarily parallel and are of different widths and depths.

The invention seeks to provide a shelf which can be erected easily and can accommodate different widths between side walls and non-parallel side walls.

According to the present invention there is provided a novel shelf for mounting between opposing side walls, said shelf comprising: a) a flexible elongate shelf body member, b) at least one shelf extension member extendible by variable amounts from one end of the shelf body member, and c) locking means for the or each shelf extension member to lock the or each shelf extension relative to the body member in any extended position to adjust the length of the shelf, in use the length of the shelf being adjusted to a length just longer than the width between the side walls, and the shelf being flexed upwards so that the ends of the shelf fit between the side walls, and downward weight of the shelf tending to straighten the shelf from its flexed position so biasing the opposing ends of the shelf into the side walls whereby the shelf is supported between the side walls.

Preferably the locking means is provided by a pin which is inserted into pin holes in the body member and extension member allowing incremental length adjustment of the shelf. Preferably one pin hole is provided in one member and a plurality of indexing pin holes are provided in the other member.

Preferably two extension members are provided, each extendible form opposing ends of the body member. Preferably the locking means for one shelf extension allows for different incremental length adjustment relative to the locking means for the other shelf extension.

Preferably the body member is of tubular of rectangular cross section and the or each extension member is of smaller rectangular cross section so that the or each extension member telescopes within the body member. Preferably the or each extension member is a loose fit within the body member whereby some angular movement either side of the elongate axis of the body member is provided to accommodate non-parallel side walls.

Preferably the ends of the shelf include wall engaging members to provide a friction surface to abut against a wall.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a shelf, and Figure 2 shows a shelf prior to erection in an alcove, and Figure 3 shows a shelf erected in an alcove.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a novel shelf! for mounting between opposing side walls A and B. Shelf I has a flexible elongate shelf body member in the form of a hollow tube 10 (e.g. of extruded plastics construction) which is rectangular in cross section.

Shelf I has a pair of shelf extension members in the form of hollow tubes 20A,20B (e.g. of extruded plastics construction) which are rectangular in cross section (but smaller in cross section than tube 10) each extendible by variable amounts from each end of the tube 10 as they telescope in and out of the hollow tube 10. The rectangular cross section of the hollow tubes 20A,20B is smaller than the cross section of tube 10 so each tube is a loose fit within the tube whereby some angular movement (e.g. 5°) either side of the elongate axis "Z-Z" is provided.

The ends of the tubes 20A,20B include wall engaging members in the form of end caps 21A,21B of resilient material to provide a friction surface to abut against a wall.

Locking means are provided for each shelf extension member to lock each shelf extension relative to the body member in any extended position to adjust the length of the shelf. The locking means comprise pins 30A,30B which can be passed through pin holes 3 lA,3 lB respectively adjacent the ends of tube 10, and one of a series of indexing holes 32A,32B in the tubes 20A,20B. Indexing holes 32A are spaced apart at twice the distance of holes 32B. Holes 32A may typically be 10mm apart and holes 32B may be 5mm apart whereby holes 32A of tube 20A allows for different incremental length adjustment relative to holes 32B of tube 20B.

It will be appreciated that it is possible to adjust the length of shelf 1 in increments of 5mm.

In use, as shown in Figure 2, the length of the shelf I adjusted to a length "Y"just longer than the width "X" between the side walls "A" and "B" in an alcove. The shelf is then flexed upwards so that the ends of the shelf are a distance "X" apart so that the shelf 1 fits between the side walls "A" and "B" with a slight upward bow in the shelf. The downward weight of the shelf tends to straighten the shelf from its flexed position so biasing the opposing ends of the shelf into the side walls whereby the shelf is supported between the side walls, with end caps 2lA,21B providing a friction grip against the side walls "A" and "B".

Because some angular movement (e.g. 5°) either side of the elongate axis "Z-Z" is provided, the shelf I will accommodate non-parallel side walls.

It is envisaged that body member, such as tube 10, could be provided in different lengths and widths, and the or each shelf extension member could be of a fixed length but in different widths. The user would purchase a body member of an appropriate length and width, probably just larger than the width between side walls, and cut this to a length just smaller than the width between side walls, and then use the or each shelf extension member and its locking means to get the exact desired length of shelf 1.

The shelf of the invention may be used other than in alcoves, e.g. between side walls in cupboards or side walls either side of windows.

The invention may take a form different to that specifically described above. For example only one shelf extension member may be provided in which case a wall engaging member may be fitted to an end of the body member. A different type of locking means could be provided to a pin and indexing hole arrangement shown.

Further modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A novel shelf for mounting between opposing side walls, said shelf comprising: a) a flexible elongate shelf body member, b) at least one shelf extension member extendible by variable amounts from one end of the shelf body member, and c) locking means for the or each shelf extension member to lock the or each shelf extension relative to the body member in any extended position to adjust the length of the shelf, in use the length of the shelf being adjusted to a length just longer than the width between the side walls, and the shelf being flexed upwards so that the ends of the shelf fit between the side walls, and downward weight of the shelf tending to straighten the shelf from its flexed position so biasing the opposing ends of the shelf into the side walls whereby the shelf is supported between the side walls. * *

* *...S * S :
2. A shelf according to claim 1, wherein the locking means is provided by a pin which is *5*S inserted into pin holes in the body member and extension member allowing incremental length adjustment of the shelf. 5.. * S 5*55 S. * a. S **
3. A shelf according to claim 2, wherein one pin hole is provided in one member and a plurality of indexing pin holes are provided in the other member.
4. A shelf according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein two extension members are provided, each extendible form opposing ends of the body member.
5. A shelf according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking means for one shelf extension allows for different incremental length adjustment relative to the locking means for the other shelf extension.
6. A shelf according to any preceding claim, wherein the body member is of tubular of rectangular cross section and the or each extension member is of smaller rectangular cross section so that the or each extension member telescopes within the body member.
7. A shelf according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each extension member is a loose fit within the body member whereby some angular movement either side of the elongate axis of
S..... * .the body member is provided to accommodate non-parallel side walls.

* 8. A shelf according to any preceding claim, wherein the ends of the shelf include wall *. engaging members to provide a friction surface to abut against a wall.
9. A novel shelf substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.