GB2585242A

GB2585242A - Shelving system

Info

Publication number: GB2585242A
Application number: GB1909687.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pierce Tony
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-07-05
Filing date: 2019-07-05
Publication date: 2021-01-06
Also published as: GB201909687D0

Abstract

A shelving system (10, Figure 1(a)) for installation within a frame, comprises a shelf 40 and a pair of shelf supports 38 positionable vertically within the frame; wherein each shelf support has right and left lateral sides 38A, top and bottom ends 38B, 38C and front and rear ends 38D, 38E; and wherein the supports 38 removably support the shelf 40 and the frame removably supports the shelf supports 38, in the assembled state of the shelf system. The shelf support 38 may have a side view profile that is selected from: rectangular, square, parallelogram and trapezoid. The bottom end 38C of the support 38 may be adapted to be seated on the upper surface of the shelf 40. The top end 38B of the shelf support 38 may define a shelf ledge. The top and bottom ends 38B,38C may be parallel to each other. The shelf support 38 may have an aperture (68, Figure 2(b)) in its side for engaging the end of a hanger rod (64, Figure 2(a)). The system (10, Figure 1(a)) may comprise the frame which supports shelf support 38.

Description

SHELVING SYSTEM

FIELD

The present invention relates to shelving systems, in particular to boltless shelving systems. A boltless shelving system comprises supporting structures which require no nuts and bolts or other additional fastening means to secure them to one another.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many known shelving systems are of limited versatility and/or complicated to install, particularly if power tools are required. The installation of shelving frequently involves the drilling of many holes in a wall and requires that shelf supports are attached to the wall permanently using screws inserted into the pre-drilled holes. In some systems, shelves are removably supported by the provision of multiple holes in opposed walls and special clips or fasteners for insertion into selected holes to support shelf ends. However, these systems generally provide insufficient structural integrity to support significant loads and, in addition, many of the holes in such a system will necessarily be unused but visible.

Moreover, if it is desired to have horizontal clothes rods in conjunction with the shelves, in many known systems, each end of a clothes rod must be securely fastened to a perpendicular side wall.

An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative and improved shelving system in which shelves can be quickly and easily positioned and removed without having to use tools and fasteners, and yet which is versatile and sturdy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention accordingly provides a shelving system for installation within a frame, comprising: a shelf; a pair of shelf supports positionable vertically within the frame, each shelf support having right and left lateral sides, top and bottom ends, and front and rear ends; wherein the shelf supports removably support the shelf, and the frame removably supports the shelf supports, in the assembled state of the shelving system.

The shelf supports are removable and as such are not attached or connected to any adjacent components when in position but rather are held in position simply by having one or more of their surfaces in contact with, lying against, or resting on, one or more adjacent surfaces. The stability of an installed shelving system is ensured by the placement of a pair of shelf supports between adjacent shelves at first and second height levels so that the top and bottom ends of a shelf support are supported by the respective shelves and, optionally, one lateral side is supported by a side wall or framework. In addition, a front end and/or a rear end of the shelf support may be supported by a wall or framework.

The shelving system according to the present invention has unique shelf supports which are removably held in position to permit the shelf to be quickly and easily positioned and adjusted as required. The top ends of the shelf supports define shelf ledges upon which a shelf may be easily but securely placed, wherein a shelf is seated upon and supported by a pair or set of supports. The bottom ends of the shelf supports define surfaces adapted to sit securely on the upper surface of a shelf, wherein a pair or set of supports is seated upon a shelf. In use, therefore, a shelf support is in contact with one shelf at its top end and another shelf at its bottom end. Thus, a shelf support as a component of the present invention in use is supported on a first shelf at a first level and supports a second shelf at a second level. In this way, a pair or set of shelf supports provide a secure engagement with adjacent shelves to promote the stability and security of a completely installed system.

In addition, a shelf support may be provided with an aperture in its lateral side so that a pair of such shelf supports may receive respective ends of a hanger rod. The presence of a hanger rod further promotes stability and security of the completely installed system.

It will be appreciated that shelf supports at the bottom of a shelving system may have their bottom ends in contact with a floor or like base rather than a shelf upper surface and, likewise, shelf supports at the top of a shelving system may have their top ends in contact with a top panel or the like rather than a shelf lower surface.

The shelf supports preferably have top, bottom, front and/or rear ends that are generally flat and rectilinear. At least one lateral side of the support is preferably also generally flat or planar. The length of the top and/or bottom end of the shelf support is preferably about equal to the depth of the shelf. The exterior shape of the support when viewed from one side will vary depending on the desired use and may be, for example, generally square, generally rectangular, generally in the form of a parallelogram or generally in the form of a trapezoid.

A pair of shelf supports that are generally square or generally rectangular when viewed from one lateral side support a first shelf in a horizontal orientation and are seated on a second shelf in a horizontal orientation. Thus, a pair of such support panels is for use when one shelf is to be in a horizontal orientation and an adjacent shelf is also to be in a horizontal orientation.

A shelf support may have a top end that is inclined relative to the horizontal so that a shelf can be supported in an inclined orientation by a pair of the support panels and a bottom end that lies in a horizontal plane to be seated on a shelf in a horizontal orientation. It will be appreciated that these shelf supports are reversible in use to support a shelf in an inclined orientation when the inclined end is the top end and in a horizontal orientation when the end in a horizontal plane is the top end. A pair of such support panels is used where one shelf is to be in a horizontal orientation and an adjacent shelf is to be in an inclined orientation.

A shelf support may have both top and bottom ends that are inclined relative to the horizontal so that a pair of the supports can rest on an inclined first shelf and support an adjacent second shelf in an inclined orientation. A pair of such support panels is used where two shelves at adjacent levels are to be in an inclined orientation.

The front and rear ends of the shelf supports preferably extend vertically when in position.

It should be appreciated that all shelf supports are movable, replaceable and reversible and opposed supports are oriented in a vertical plain to support a shelf at a desired shelf level and in a desired orientation at each shelf level quickly and easily without tools.

As the shelf supports cover the surface of the side walls of a shelving unit with which they are in contact, shelf ends appear to be flush with the side walls of the shelving unit, without holes or fastenings being visible.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a shelving system as defined above, further comprising a base and/or side walls for supporting the shelf supports.

In a preferred embodiment, the shelf support is removably supported in the vertical position by having one lateral side flush against a side wall or panel. A pair of shelf supports may be supported in position by respective side walls of a framework.

Thus, the side wall and/or back wall of the supporting structure or framework may removably support a shelf support panel by providing a surface(s) against which the lateral side and/or rear end of the support panel can lie. The bottom end of the shelf support sits on a base or a shelf.

In one embodiment, a framework for the shelf and shelf supports comprises a plurality of vertically upstanding corner posts and a shelf support is removably supported in the vertical position by having its front end and rear end adjacent a pair of corner posts. A pair of adjacent corner posts may be provided with respective longitudinally-extending guide channels such that guide channels of the pair lie in opposite facing alignment. The guide channels may be shaped to receive the front and/or rear ends of the shelf support. The shelf supports may be placed in positon or removed by sliding the panels in the guide channels.

The shelf may comprise a lip along its front edge. Such a shelf is reversible and may be positioned so that the lip extends upwardly or downwardly. When the shelf is at an inclined orientation it is advantageous for the lip to extend upwardly so that items displayed on the shelf are prevented from sliding off the front edge of the shelf.

In a preferred embodiment, the shelf comprises cut-out portions at two or more corners for receiving respective vertically upstanding corner posts in the framework. The cut-out portions may be at the front and/or rear corners. In this way, any undesired forward or rearward shelf movement is avoided.

A further aspect of the present invention includes a kit for a shelving system, comprising at least one shelf, and at least one pair of shelf supports, each shelf support having right and left lateral sides, top and bottom ends, and front and rear ends. The top end of the shelf support is diposed to support a shelf at one height level and the bottom end of the shelf support is disposed to be seated on a shelf at a lower adjacent shelf level. In use, the shelf support lies between, and is in contact with, adjacent upper and lower shelves.

The system according to the present invention may be installed upon existing side walls, such as the side walls of a cupboard or wardrobe, or the side walls of a recess in a wall. In a preferred embodiment, the kit further comprises means for supporting the shelf supports in a vertical position, such as a frame.

The system according to the invention is versatile to permit a variety of shelf and/or hanger rod configurations as may be selected by the user. Accordingly, the present invention provides an easy-to-assemble, easy-to-break down boltless shelving system which, when assembled, includes a sturdy shelf on which to store books, files, decorative items, and the like.

The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not to be construed as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 (a) shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a fully assembled boltless shelving system according to the present disclosure within a framework; Figure 1 (b) shows a side view of the fully assembled boltless shelving system of Figure 1 (a) with an outer side panel of the framework removed; Figure 2 (a) shows a front view of another exemplary embodiment of a fully assembled boltless shelving system according to the present disclosure within a framework; Figure 2 (b) shows a side view of the fully assembled boltless shelving system of Figure 2 (a) with a right side panel of the framework removed; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a shelving system according to the present disclosure within a framework from above and partially cut away; Figure 4 (a) shows a side view of one shelf support useable in the system according

to the present disclosure;

Figure 4 (b) shows a side view of a second shelf support useable in the system according to the present disclosure; Figure 4 (c) shows a side view of a third shelf support useable in the system according

to the present disclosure;

Figure 4 (d) shows a side view of a fourth shelf support useable in the system according to the present disclosure; Figure 5 (a) shows a view from above of a shelf useable in the system according to the present disclosure; Figure 5 (b) shows a front view of the shelf of Figure 5 (a); Figure 5 (c) shows a side view of the shelf of Figures 5 (a) and (b); Figure 6 shows a side view of an alternative shelf support useable in the system according to the present disclosure; Figure 7 (a) shows a side view of a further alternative shelf support useable in the system according to the present disclosure; and Figure 7 (b) shows a rear end view of the shelf support of Figure 7 (a).

The various views are not necessarily to scale relative to one another.

DEFINITIONS

The following definitions shall apply throughout the specification and the appended claims.

Unless otherwise stated or indicated, the term "removable" means able to be moved into and taken off, or away from, the required position without the use of tools and fastening means. For example, a removable component as intended herein is a component which is secured in position by contact with another component without connection or attachment means.

The terms "top" and "bottom", "right" and "left", and "back" (or "rear") and "front" may be best understood with reference to the drawings in Figures 1 (a) and 2 (a). These Figures show a front view of two examples of an installed system upon a back panel 12 and between a right side panel 14 at the right side of the Figure and a left side panel 16 at the left side of the Figure, with a floor 18 seen at the bottoms of the side panels 38 and a pelmet 21 seen at the tops 20 of the side panels 14, 16.

Within the context of the present application, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" are interpreted to mean "includes, among other things". These terms are not intended to be construed as "consists of only".

The term "about" means plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 100/0, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

The following detailed description should not be construed as limiting. For example, all dimensions provided are exemplary and not limiting of the scope of the invention.

The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, there is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 a shelving system or unit according to first and second embodiments of the invention installed within a framework, where the combined system and framework are shown generally as 10. It is understood that the system is well-suited for use within a constructed frame enclosed on five sides with a back wall 12, right and left side walls 14, 16, a base 18 and a top 20, but is not so limited. In addition, the frame includes four vertically upstanding corner posts 22, 24, 26, 28. Such an enclosure may be formed from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, wood, particle-or fibre-board panels, etc. The walls can have a plain finish or a decorative finish to enhance aesthetic appeal of the unit.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, ten modular shelf support panels are employed and the shelving system hangs four shelves 40, 42, 44, 46. The shelf support panels 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 are on the right side of the unit as shown in Figure 1 (b). Identical support panels are provided on the left side of the unit. It shall be recognized to those skilled in the art that the number of shelf support panels can be varied to adapt the system to a particular configuration suited to the user's personal preference. Thus, it is possible for a shelving system according to the present invention to feature as few as two, and perhaps as many as twelve or more shelf support panels. The spacing distance between a pair of opposed support panels is determined by the width of the framework and is a fixed distance to accommodate shelves or hanging rods. It may be appreciated that the uppermost shelf can form the top 20 and the lowermost shelf can form the base 18 of the enclosed boltless shelving system.

With reference to Figures 4 (a) and 4 (b), a shelf support panel 48, 50 has a generally square or rectangular exterior shape when viewed from one side. A support panel 48, 50 preferably has a generally planar, flat side 48A, 50A that can be placed flush against the wall upon which the support panel is to be supported. The top 48B, 50B and bottom 48C, 50C ends and the front 48D, 50D and rear 48E, 50E edges of the shelf support panel 48, 50 also typically are generally flat and rectilinear. With reference to Figure 4 (c), a shelf support panel 52 is in the form of a parallelogram when viewed from one lateral side 52A. With reference to Figure 4 (d), a shelf support panel 54 is in the form of a trapezoid when viewed from one lateral side 54A.

With reference to Figure 3, a pair of shelf support panels 66 are disposed on opposite sides of the framework in facing alignment and parallel to the framework side walls 14, 16 which support the shelf support panels 66 in the vertical position. It is seen that the shelf support panels are supported against the side walls of the framework, without being attached to the side walls.

Each support panel 66 extends between a pair of front 22, 24 and rear 26, 28 corner posts of the framework. In this embodiment, the corner posts provide support to the support panel 66, in addition to the side wall 14 or 16 of the framework.

It is seen that the top ends 66B of the shelf support 66 provide shelf ledges and the bottom ends 66C of the shelf support 66 provide a supporting base that rests on a shelf 69. Here the tops of a pair of the supports lie in essentially the same horizontal plane and so a shelf placed thereon will be horizontally disposed, comprising flat shelving.

With reference to Figure 1, a plurality of shelves 40, 42, 44, 46 are laid upon the shelf ledges 38B, 36B, 34B, 32B of respective sets of two 38, 36, 34, 32 support panels.

The bottom ends, e.g., 32C, of a pair of support panels, e.g. 32C, are seated upon the shelf surface of a shelf 44 at one height level and the top ends, e.g., 32B, of the pair of support panels, e.g., 32, support an adjacent shelf 46 at a higher level. When the front and rear ends 32D, 32E of a support panel e.g., 32, each form a straight line, S therefore, the vertical distance between adjacent shelves 44, 46 is determined by the length of the front and rear parallel ends 32D, 32E of a shelf support panel 32. It will be appreciated that where one shelf is in an inclined orientation and an adjacent shelf at a higher or lower level is in a horizontal orientation e.g., 44, 42, the vertical distance between the shelves will vary between the front and rear ends.

The shelving system according to the invention features at least two, preferably a plurality in multiples of two, of vertical shelf support panels which are supported by existing side walls or a framework. The support panels have top edges upon which the ends of a shelf rest. A pair of support panels are identical so that it does not matter which side of the support panel faces right or left in the installation.

There is illustrated in Figure 2 a shelving system or unit according to another embodiment of the invention installed within a frame. The unit includes three shelves 58, 60, 62 and a hanging rod 64. Pairs of supports, accordingly, can be relatively larger, in vertical extent so that the spacing between shelves is chosen as required.

It is understood that two rod holes 68 at the same height elevation in opposed panels 66 are used to mount a particular hanger rod 64. The hanger rod 64 is releasably secured in horizontal place for use. Significantly, the connection of the ends of a rod to the respective rod holes of opposed pairs of support panels 66 stabilises the panels by limiting their freedom of lateral (side-to-side) movement. Accordingly, the need to secure the outermost support panels of an installed system to sidewalls (such as the end walls of a wardrobe) is eliminated.

It is immediately appreciated by one skilled in the art that the support panels are modular, and can be fabricated in a variety of sizes. A panel may be, for example, between about 15 cm and about 100 cm high, such as about 30, 40, 50, 60 or 80 cm high, and between about 10 and about 50 cm deep, such as about 20, 30 or 40 cm deep, front-to-back. The maximum thickness of a support panel may be, again by way of example, between about 10 and about 30 mm, or between about 15 and 20 mm. The shelf ledge is of a suitable thickness to provide a substantial, reliable, supporting surface upon which the end of a shelf element can be laid.

Figure 7 illustrates an alternative shelf support 80 that is provided with a cut-out portion 82 at its rear end. This shelf support 80 is suitable for use when the rear wall of the shelving framework is a slatwall.

Details of a single shelf 70 are seen in Figure 5. The shelf main body 70A is in a generally rectangular shape. In a given system, a plurality of shelf main bodies is supplied, and the main bodies are substantially the same so that description of one describes them all, although reference to their various possible orientations will be explained independently. A shelf such as shelf 70, like all shelves, e.g., 40, 42, 44, 46, comprises a shelf preferably of wood panel, sheet metal material, fibreboard or the like, of sufficient gauge to provide the support desired in a shelf of the configuration shown. A shelf may be, for example, about 20 to about 200 cm, or about 40 to about 120 cm, long (end to end), about 10 to about 50, or about 20 to about 40 cm, deep, and about 0.5 to 2.0 cm thick.

Each shelf has an upper flat surface 70A and a lower flat surface 70B and elongated edges 70D, 70E. One elongated edge 70D comprises an edge flange 72 having an edge at 90° from flat shelf member along the front edge. A relieved portion cut-out 74 is provided at each rear corner to accommodate respective vertical posts 26, 28 of the framework. This serves to increase the stability of the unit.

The shelves can be oriented to constitute flat or horizontal shelving with the edge flanges of the shelves directed downwardly where that is desired. The shelves can be oriented to alternatively constitute inclined shelving where the rear elongated edge of the shelf is placed at a higher level than the front elongated edge. In Figure 1, two of the shelves 40, 42 are inverted and inclined. In particular, in this orientation, the edge flange 72 of the shelf is directed upwardly.

Although the shelving units of Figures 1 and 2 comprise shelf levels where each level has a single shelf component thereon, it will be appreciated that two or more shelving units may be positioned side-to-side so that multiple shelves can be provided for each shelf level as desired.

The shelves in a system can be oriented selectively to present all inclined or all horizontal shelves, or shelves in alternate orientations as desired. Also, when inverted, it will be appreciated that the front edge component of the shelf projects upwardly to form a shelf lip to provide edge security for items thereon.

As evident from this disclosure, the function and system layout is readily changeable. The presently disclosed system is easily modified by the simple expedient of removing support panels and inserting different support panels and disposing on the support panels shelves or hanger rails.

The operation and function of the shelving unit is apparent from the foregoing, but may be described.

The configuration of the system is the option and calculation of the user. For example, the location(s) of the shelf/shelves may first be determined, and a pair of support panels, e.g., 38, positioned against opposed side walls 14, 16 of a framework. The two support panels 38 are placed engaging one of their lateral sides 38A with a respective side wall 16, and their bottom ends 38C sitting on a flat surface or base 18. A first shelf 40 is disposed, resting its ends upon respective corresponding shelf ledges/top ends 38B of the first pair of parallel support panels 38. A further pair of support panels 36 are then positioned as before against opposed side walls 14, 16 of the framework but this time the bottom ends of the support panels 36C are seated at the ends of the upper surface of the first shelf 40. A second shelf 42 is laid upon, resting its ends upon respective corresponding shelf ledges/top ends 36B of, the second pair of parallel support panels 36. The user-selected remaining panels 34, 32 are placed into position at the ends of the top of the last shelf, 42, 44, respectively. Lifting the uppermost shelf 46 allows the support panels below 32 to be removed.

Pre-cut wardrobe/hanger rods are provided, or the length(s) of the desired wardrobe/hanger rods are determined, and the rods measured and then cut to appropriate length(s).

According to the present invention, a single shelving structure can be configured in such a way as to present horizontal or inclined, flush-walled shelf configurations, with or without a hanging rod, all from the same structure. Therefore, a purchaser or user can avail himself with the capacity to buy one shelving unit and configure it to his own use or need and adapt it as and when required.

It will be appreciated that the shelves of the unit are positioned without the use of tools and fasteners as is otherwise common to conventional shelving systems. In this same regard, the shelves can be assembled and disassembled in less time and without the complexity that is usually associated with conventional systems.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A shelving system for installation within a frame, comprising a shelf, a pair of shelf supports positionable vertically within the frame, each shelf support having right and left lateral sides, top and bottom ends and front and rear ends, wherein the supports removably support the shelf, and the frame removably supports the shelf supports, in the assembled state of the shelf system.
A shelving system according to claim 1, wherein the shelf support has a side view profile that is selected from: rectangular, square, parallelogram and trapezoid.
A shelving system according to claim 1, wherein the bottom end of the shelf support is adaped to be seated on the upper surface of a shelf.
A shelving system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top end of the shelf support defines a shelf ledge.
A shelving system according to claim any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top and bottom ends of the shelf support are generally parallel to each other.
A shelving system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shelf support includes an aperture in its side for engaging the end of a hanger rod and wherein respective apertures in a pair of opposed shelf supports engage two opposite ends of a hanger rod in the assembled state of the system. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
7. A shelving system accoring to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the frame.
8. A shelving system according to claim 7, wherein the frame removably supports the shelf supports by providing a surface(s) against which the lateral side, front end and/or rear end of the shelf support can lie.
9. A shelving system according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the frame comprises two vertical side walls which provide surfaces against which the lateral sides of respective supports can lie.
10. A shelving system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the frame includes a back wall and removably supports the shelf support panels by the back wall providing a surface against which the rear ends of respective support panels can lie.