GB2623938A

GB2623938A - A shelving device

Info

Publication number: GB2623938A
Application number: GB2213296.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Smith Anthony
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-09-12
Filing date: 2022-09-12
Publication date: 2024-05-08
Also published as: GB202213296D0

Abstract

A shelving device 99, such as a window shelf, comprising at least one shelf; provided by a plurality of elongate supports 2, and two brackets 1,10. The brackets are arranged to receive the poles along a vertical axis. A locking mechanism 3,4 is arranged to hold the rods in place on the brackets and prevent the posts returning along the vertical axis. The locking mechanism may comprise a cover over the brackets. The device may comprise a resiliently deformable locking mechanism or a displaceable pin locking mechanism. The brackets may comprise spaced apart receiving rebates arranged to receive one or the supports. The supports may be elongate aluminium box section. A rear bar 5 may be elevated above the supports in use. The brackets may include a chamfered rear edge to accommodate any build-up of paint, filler, or sealant. A shelf comprised of such a device is also disclosed. A system of installing and of providing a shelf is also disclosed.

Description

A SHELVING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a shelving device, in particular a device for utilising unused space in a property; more particularly but not exclusively a device for providing shelving in a window recess or window reveal.

Background

In many societies there are increasing demands on space in commercial and domestic buildings. As a result, many people are increasingly looking to use different spaces in their buildings. Often unused space may be found in window recesses or similar.

Although window openings in the UK conform to a limited range of sizes the actual internal window recess dimensions may vary by several centimetres. This is due to the hand-finished nature of building work such as plaster thickness and the presence, or otherwise, of interior wall treatments like tiling or panelling. Individual window openings are not reliably 'square' or 'true'. The sides of the recess are likely to 'toe-in' or 'toe-out' by several millimetres. The join between the window frame and the internal wall is unlikely to be a 'sharp' 90-degree corner. Mastic sealant or tile grout may round-out the corner.

The window recess must bridge the cavity wall. This creates a weak or hollow area to the rear of the recess which makes it difficultto guarantee a secure fixing.

A long (over 150 cm) load beating shelf typically requires end brackets and a rear support to spread the load. Without this additional rear support, the shelf must be thicker (and heavier). Traditional shelves are therefore impractical for installation in this location.

Prior Art

US 2009 0 230 070 (ANDERSON et al) discloses a window shelf with a first hollow long rectangular box member and a second hollow long rectangular box member having one open end, wherein the open end of the second box mem ber slides over the first box member and a ratchet rail is located within the first box member and engages a pawl mechanism located within the second box member, so that when the first box member is slid outward from the second box mem berthe pawl engages the ratchet rail and prevents the first box member from sliding inward.

US 2006 0 236 896 (HEROUX) discloses an adjustable window shelf is removably attachable to a windowsill, has at least one anchor adjustably extendable from a rear of the platform. The anchor has a short arm for engagement into a crevice between a window frame and sash and a long arm of the anchor is adjustably coupled to the platform, which is supported by at least one support assembly having a runner disposed along the bottom surface of the shelf platform and a support bracket slidably engaged with the runner.

US 4 653 712 (MURRAY) discloses a pair of shelf brackets for installing on a window of the type having a grooved vertical frame member and a bottom sash, each of said brackets comprised of: at least three segments, including a first segment adapted fa inserting in a groove in a vertical frame member of said window and resting upon a horizontal member of said bottom sash; a second segment attached to said first segment and orthogonal thereto, and adapted to rest against a vertical member of the sash when suspended from said first segment; and a third segment attached to said second segment and orthogonal to both the first and second segments and adapted to extend horizontally toward the centre of said window.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a shelving device comprising: at least one shelf; provided by a plurality of elongate supports, and two brackets; wherein the brackets are arranged to receive the supports along a vertical axis; further comprising a locking mechanism, which locking mechanism is arranged to hold the supports in place on the brackets and prevent the supports returning along the vertical axis.

In some embodiments one or more brackets comprise a cover, which cover may be envisaged to be displaceable from the bracket, and in use may be emplaced onto and /or over the supports to ensure that the supports are not able to return, thereby forming the locking mechanism.

In some embodiments the device comprises a resiliently deformable locking mechanism.

For example, it may be envisaged that the supports or one or more of the brackets may comprise a resiliently deformable clip, such that in emplacement of the support into or onto the bracket or brackets, the clip may be displaced, and in order to displace it to allow return movement a larger or contrary or counter-intuitive force may be required, thereby ensuring a locking mechanism that prevents unauthorised or accidental return.

In some embodiments the locking mechanism may comprise a displaceable pin. For example, such pin may be a wholly separate part, which part is then placed into a hole, which may pass through a cover, one or more supports, and/or a bracket, to lock the support(s) and cover onto the bracket.

In some embodiments one or more bracket comprises spaced apart receiving rebates, each rebate arranged to receive a support.

Such rebates may have a depth that enables variation in lengths of the supports, whereby it may be envisaged that a support that is 5-10mm too long or too short may be accommodated and supported on the bracket.

In some embodiments the supports are elongate aluminium box section. In this way it may be easy for a user to cut the supports down to preferred lengths, for example with a hacksaw.

In some embodiments the device comprises a rear bar.

Such rear bar may be envisaged to advantageously limit possibilities of items displacing rearwards from the shelf, for example when the window is open, and falling from the window. Additionally, or alternatively, this ensures displayed items don't touch the window -keeps items away from any condensation and reduces the incidence of marks or smudges on the glass.

In some embodiments the device may further comprise a front bar, so as to limit items falling forwards from the shelf.

In some embodiments at least one of the brackets incorporates a release lever which can be locked shut to form the locking mechanism.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a shelf comprised of two brackets, four supports and a rear bar; substantially as described herein.

It may be envisaged that the device may be quick to install, with each bracket being secured to a window recess using instant grab building adhesive and a single frame fixingscrew to makeinstallation simple and reliable by designing solutions to overcome structural limitations in this area caused by hand finishing and cavity wall construction.

Additionally, it may be envisaged that the brackets are arranged to automatically align horizontally, by butting up against the window frame.

Such abutment ensures strength and correctpositioning of the brackets, and in some embodiments therefore it may be envisaged that the brackets include a chamfered rear edge to accommodate any build-up of paint, filler or sealant between the recess and the window frame. This also creates a sharper, firmer abutment and ensures the brackets make full contact with the wall behind them and with the window frame.

In this way the device of the present invention may enable a strong, lightweight storage and display system which utilises previously unused space in the home by fitting easily and securely inside a standard window recess to create a strong storage/display solution inside such a restricted space.

Advantageously the device of the present invention therefore provides the following benefits: Space: To add display/storage space safely, easily, and securely without any loss of floor or wall space in a room.

Privacy: To enable a brighter, more flexible, and less dusty alternative solution for screening and privacy in front of a window.

Security: To provide a visible, and in some embodiments, lockable obstruction/deterrent in front of a window which is quick and easy to remove when necessary.

It may be envisaged that the supports and rear bar may be easily cut to the required length on-site using a hacksaw for can be sent pre-cut to required size).

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of etc-ample only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention.

Figure 2 show a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5a shows an isometric exploded view of a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention. and

Figure 5b shows a second exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

As shown in Figure 1 there is provided a shelving device (99) generally comprising: at least one shelf; provided by a plurality of elongate supports (2), and two bracket (1,10); wherein the brackets are arranged to receive the supports along a vertical axis; further comprising a locking mechanism (3,4), which locking mechanism is arranged to hold the supports in place on the brackets and prevent the supports returning along the vertical axis.

Referenceto the pictured embodiment of the invention the embodiment comprises two similar brackets (1,10), and four supports (2), which supports sit into rebates in the brackets, to form a discontinuous shelf, which both lets the fight through from the window, and is easy to displace when access is needed to the window.

The embodiment comprises two wall brackets which may be formed in medium density fibreboard (MDF), or marine plywood and a series of aluminium supports made from extruded aluminium box section. In the pictured embodimentthe bracketsare cut from 12mm and 15mm marine plywood sheet using a C.N.0 machine.

The supports are cut from lightweight extruded aluminium square box section. Various embodiments may be rendered in at least three standard width sizes designed to fit most residential windows in the UK: Small (up to 120 cm wide) -4 supports each 12 mm x 24 mm Medium (up to 180 cm wide) -4 supports each 24 mm x 24 mm Large (up to 240 cm wide) -4 supports each 24 mm x 24 mm It may be envisaged that with 2.4m length of supports the embodiment may support up to 25kg without additional supports or battens.

A rear bar 5, forming a safety rail is cut from 10 mm x 7 mm lightweight extruded aluminium bar.

The use of aluminium enables a bright and reflective surface, further increasing the attractiveness of the window recess.

In use the brackets may be installed using a single fixing 6, and grab adhesive wherein the bracket is pre-drilled (and countersunk) in the fixing's location.

Alternatively, it may be envisaged that the device may be installed using a second-fa nail gun of the type of tool used to install skirting board and architrave, and grab adhesive. The pictured embodiment of the bracket also incorporates a rebate to accommodate fixing using a nail gun.

In this way the device may be envisaged to fit quickly and securely into a restricted space with less than perfect structural integrity and optimising the positioning of all components. This in turn compensates for inaccurate measuring or cutting.

In particular the pictured embodiment comprises the following parts: Countersunk fixing point, aligned with position of substantial wall construction substrate for easy one point installation. Predrilled and countersunk through the bracket this hole will support and align installers drill bit during fitting ensuring bored hole is perpendicular to wall to make fitting more reliable by ensuring the bracket retains required tight rear edge/window frame abutment A cover 4 over the support ends and rebates in one or the brackets 1, which cover protects user from potentially sharp support ends as well as providing a part of the locking mechanism which allows supports to easily and quickly be removed f or window cleaning, opening redecoration or emergency egress.

A displaceable pin 3, which may be used to lock the cover 4 in place on the bracket 1, so as to provide the other part of the locking mechanism.

A 5 mm rebate around the edge of the bracket offers an alternate fixing solution by providing a location where a nail gun can be deployed.

A smooth rounded front edge ensures no fouling with curtains or blinds and ensures one size (length) of bracketwill alwaysfit With reference to the embodiment shown in Figure 5a, the supports 22 have a flatter profile for a slimmer, less visible shelf, with associated rebates in the brackets 20,21.

The cover 24, further corn prises a fixed pin 23 for locking through the cover 24.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A shelving device comprising at least one shelf; provided by a plurality of elongate supports, and two brackets; wherein the brackets are arranged to receive the supports along a vertical axis; further comprising a locking mechanism, which locking mechanism is arranged to hold the supports in place on the brackets and prevent the supports returning along the vertical axis.
2. A shelving device according to claim 1 wherein the locking mechanisrn comprises a cover over one or more bracket.
3. A shelving device according to claim 1 or 2 comprising a resiliently deformable locking mechanism.
4. A shelving device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 comprising a displaceable pin locking mechanism.
S. A shelving device according to any preceding claim wherein one or more bracket comprises spaced apart receiving rebates, each rebate arranged to receive a support.
6. A shelving device according to any preceding claim wherein the supports are elongate aluminium box section.
7. A shelving device according to any preceding claim comprising a rear bar elevated above the supports in use.
8. A shelving device according to any preceding claim wherein the brackets include a chamfered rear edge to accommodate any build-up of paint, filler or sealant between the recess and the window frame.
9. A shelf comprised of a device according to any of the preceding claims.
10. A system of installing and of providing a shelf according to claim 9.