SE541756C2 - A shelf assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shelf assembly comprising a shelf unit (1), and a mounting unit (8) adapted to pivotably attach the shelf unit to a support structure (2) to allow the shelf unit to rotate relative the support structure between a folded position and an unfolded position. The shelf unit (1) comprises an upper layer (3) and a lower layer (4) removably attached to the upper layer, the mounting unit (8) comprises a mounting member (9;9") and a pivot element (10;10";10"') attached to the mounting member, and at least a part of the mounting unit is disposed between the upper and lower layers.

Description

A shelf assembly Field of the invention The present invention relates to a shelf assembly comprising a shelf unit, a mounting unit adapted to pivotably attach the shelf unit to a support structure in order to allow the shelf unit to rotate relative the support structure between a folded position and an unfolded position.

Background of the invention Shelves may have different functions and can be made of different materials. Shelves are often permanently mounted on a support structure, such as a wall, whereby the shelves extend perpendicular from the wall surface. Sometimes shelves can be pivotally mounted to the support structure such that the shelf can be folded in an open and a closed position.

Combining a shelf with a functional module made of different material than the shelf, such as a light source or an acoustic source or other electrical apparatus, is difficult, especially when a pivoting function of the shelf is to be maintained. This often leads to bulky products. The functional modules are often built in cabinets in a bookshelf assembly.

It is challenging to combine different functional modules with a shelf in such a manner that the functional modules are removable and interchangeable, without the design of the shelf becoming bulky or otherwise aesthetically unattractive.

Another challenge relates to safety. Light and other electrical apparatus need to be attached in a secure manner, especially when the shelf is to be pivotal.

There are no interior systems that exploit the power of new, compact technology in lighting, sound and image to build complex multimedia based interior solutions.

Object and summary of the invention It is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome the above mentioned problems, and to provide an improved shelf assembly for building complex multimedia based interior systems.

This object is achieved by a shelf assembly as defined in claim 1.

The shelf assembly comprises a shelf unit and a mounting unit adapted to pivotably attach the shelf unit to a support structure to allow the shelf unit to rotate relative the support structure between a folded position and an unfolded position. The mounting unit comprises a mounting member and a pivot element attached to the mounting member. The shelf unit comprises an upper layer and a lower layer removably attached to the upper layer, and at least a part of the mounting unit is disposed between the upper and lower layers.

The support structure is, for example, a wall or a support structure attached to the wall.

The mounting unit is at least partly hidden between the upper and lower layers Thus, the mounting unit does not protrude from the surface of any of the first and second layers. Further, the mounting unit is invisible, when the shelf unit is folded as well as unfolded. Accordingly, the mounting unit does not negatively affect the use and function of the upper and lower layers.

The lower layer is interchangeable and may comprise a functional module, such as a light source, a sound source, etc. The shelf unit is pivotable, which means that the shelf can be folded against the wall, such that a bottom surface of the lower layer is visible, and thus the functional module comprised therein, or, the shelf is unfolded and can be used for holding an object, while the lower layer can be used for light, sound, etc. Thus, the shelf assembly provides for a compact technology in lighting, sound and/or image to build complex multimedia based interior solutions. A bookshelf can be build using the shelf assembly of the invention using different functional modules on the lower layers, such that a "wall" of shelves can be build having light sources, sound sources, display units, such as a tablet, e.g. ipad, as well as shelves for storage of objects, such as books.

In one embodiment, at least a part of the pivot element is disposed between the upper and lower layers.

In one embodiment, the mounting member is disposed between the upper and lower layers.

In one embodiment, at least one of the upper and lower layers is provided with at least one groove adapted to accommodate the mounting member. In one embodiment, the upper layer is provided with at least one groove. In another embodiment, the lower layer is provided with at least one groove. In a further embodiment, the upper layer and lower layer is provided with a groove. In another embodiment, each of the upper and lower layers has a top surface and a bottom surface, and the bottom surface of the upper layer is facing the top surface of the lower layer, and said groove is arranged in the bottom surface of the upper layer and/or the top surface of the lower layer. The grooves improve stability of the assembly and the connection between the upper and lower layer.

In one embodiment, the pivot element is cylindrical and one end of the pivot element is attached to the mounting member and the opposite end is protruding from the shelf unit.

In one embodiment, the mounting unit is clamped between the upper and lower layers. In one embodiment, the mounting member is clamped between the upper and lower layers.

In another embodiment, the pivot element is clamped between the upper and lower layers. In one embodiment, the mounting member and the pivot element are clamped between the upper and lower layers.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the shelf assembly comprises a support structure for supporting the shelf unit, the mounting unit is adapted to pivotally attach the shelf unit to the support structure to allow the shelf unit to rotate relative the support structure between the folded position and unfolded position. The pivot element is rotatably connected to the support structure, and the mounting member is disposed between the upper and lower layers.

In one embodiment, the shelf assembly comprises an elongated holding element configured to hold the shelf unit in the unfolded position, and one end of the holding element is attached to the mounting unit. The holding member is, for example, removably attached to the mounting member. In one embodiment, the other end of the holding element is attached to the support structure. The holding member can also be attached directly to the wall. The holding element provides additional safety for the unfolded shelf.

The support structure may be a wall of a building or an object that can be mounted on such a wall. In another embodiment, the support structure comprises first and second elongated bars arranged in parallel and at a distance from each other, the shelf unit extends between the first and second elongated bars in a first direction perpendicular to the bars, and said mounting unit comprises a first, and optionally a second and third pivot element, whereby the second and third elements are disposed at a distance from each other in said first direction, and the first, and optionally the second and third pivot elements are rotatably connected to the first and second elongated bars respectively. In one embodiment, the support structure comprises first and second elongated bars arranged in parallel and at a distance from each other, the shelf unit extends between the first and second elongated bars in a first direction perpendicular to the bars, and said mounting unit comprises a first and second pivot element disposed at a distance from each other in said first direction, and the first and second pivot elements are rotatably connected to the first and second elongated bars respectively.

The construction provides for a pivotable connection, which is flexible for the user as well as robust and safe.

In an embodiment, said mounting member comprises an elongated body extending along the shelf unit in said first direction and the first and second pivot elements are disposed at opposite ends of the elongated body and optionally the third pivot element is disposed between the first and second pivot element. In a further embodiment, said mounting member comprises an elongated body extending along the shelf unit in said first direction and the first and second pivot elements are disposed at opposite ends of the elongated body. The elongated body improves stability of the assembly.

In a further embodiment, the shelf unit defines a plane orthogonal to the elongated bars, and said mounting member comprises a first and optionally a second and third protruding part, which parts are arranged at a distance from each other in said first direction, and protruding in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction in said plane, and said first and optionally second and third pivot elements are attached to an inner end of the first and optionally the second and third protruding parts respectively, and said holding element comprises first and optionally second and third holding elements attachable to an outer end of the first and optionally the second and third protruding parts respectively. In one embodiment, the protruding part are protruding from the elongated body in the second direction. In another embodiment, the shelf unit defines a plane orthogonal to the elongated bars, and said mounting member comprises first and second protruding parts arranged at a distance from each other in said first direction and protruding from the elongated body in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction in said plane, and said first and second pivot elements are attached to an inner end of the first and second protruding parts respectively, and said holding element comprises first and second holding elements attachable to an outer end of the first and second protruding parts respectively. The protruding parts improve stability of the assembly and the connection between the upper and lower layer.

In yet a further embodiment, the shelf assembly comprises elongated attachment elements adapted to removably attach the upper layerto the lower layer, and the upper layer, the lower layer, and the mounting member comprises through holes aligned with each other to receive the elongated attachment elements. This provides for a simple, safe and robust construction, which allows the interchangeable lower layer to be removed from the upper layer in a simple and uncomplicated manner.

In a further embodiment, the upper layer comprises a first material and the lower layer comprises a second material being different from the first material. In one embodiment, said upper layer is a shelf made of a carrying material, and the lower layer comprises any of a sound-absorbing material, a light source, a sound source, a graphic display unit, a mirror, or any mixtures thereof. As mentioned above, the shelf assembly provides for a compact technology in lighting, sound and/or image to build complex multimedia based interior solutions.

Brief description of the drawings The invention will now be explained more closely by the description of different embodiments of the invention and with reference to the appended figures.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view seen from above of a shelf assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention in an unfolded position.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view seen from below of the shelf assembly according to the first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows an example of a support structure.

Fig. 4 shows an example of a mounting unit.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a shelf assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a shelf assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 shows a bookshelf comprising the shelf assembly.

Fig. 8 shows a bottom side of the shelf assembly with a graphic display unit as functional module on the lower layer.

Figs. 9a,b,c,d shows a bottom side of the shelf assembly with a light source as functional module on the lower layer.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a shelf assembly of the present invention. The shelf assembly comprises a shelf unit 1. The shelf unit comprises an upper layer 3 and a lower layer 4. The lower layer is removably attached to the upper layer.

In this embodiment, the shelf assembly comprises a support structure 2. The support structure 2 is adapted for supporting the shelf unit 1, such that the shelf unit can be mounted on a wall or other construction. The support structure may be a wall.

Figure 3 shows an example of a support structure, whereby the support structure comprises first and second elongated bars 6, 7 arranged in parallel and at a distance d from each other. The shelf unit 1 extends between the first and second elongated bars in a first direction L perpendicular to the bars. The shelf unit defines a plane orthogonal to the elongated bars.

The shelf assembly further comprises a mounting unit 8;8";8"' adapted to pivotally attach the shelf unit 1 to the support structure 2. The mounting unit allows the shelf unit to rotate relative the support structure between a folded position and an unfolded position. The mounting unit comprises a mounting member 9;9" disposed between the upper and lower layers 3, 4. The mounting member 9;9" may be disposed between the upper and lower layers as shown in figure 1, 2 and 6.

The mounting unit 8;8";8"'comprises one or more pivot element 10;10";10"' attached to the mounting member 9 and rotatably connected to the support structure 2. The first, second and third pivot elements are disposed at a distance from each other in said first direction L. The pivot elements may be rotatably connected to the first and second elongated bars 6, 7, respectively, as shown in figures 1, 2 and 8.

The shelf assembly comprises an elongated holding element 11 configured to hold the shelf unit 1 in the unfolded position. One end of the holding element is attached to the support structure 2 and the other end is attached to the mounting member 9, or the pivot element 10 attached to the mounting member 9.

As shown in figure 1 and 2, the mounting member may comprise an elongated body 12 extending along the shelf unit in the first direction L. Figure 4 shows details of an embodiment of a mounting unit 8, whereby the first and second pivot elements 10 are disposed at opposite ends of the elongated body 12 of the mounting member. In figure 1, 2 and 6, the first and second pivot elements 10 are disposed at opposite ends of the elongated body 12 and the third pivot element is disposed between the first and second pivot element.

The mounting member 9 may comprise a first and optionally a second and third protruding part 13. As shown in figures 1 and 2, two protruding parts are arranged at a distance from each other in the first direction L. Also shown is that the protruding parts 13 protrude from the elongated body 12 in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction in the plane. Figure 5 shows an embodiment with three protruding parts. The first and optionally second and third pivot elements 10", are attached to an inner end of the first and optionally the second and third protruding parts respectively. The holding element 11 comprises first and optionally second and third holding elements attachable to an outer end of the first and optionally the second and third protruding parts respectively.

Figure 4a shows details of the mounting unit 8 having two protruding parts 13 extending from the elongated body 12. Figure 4a shows a top view of the mounting member of this embodiment. Figure 4b and 4c show a mounting member of the embodiment of figure 5. Figure 4b shows a side view of the mounting unit and the lower layer 4, where the pivot elements 10 are shown. Figure 4c shows the shelf unit 1 with an upper layer 3 and a lower layer 4 together with the pivot elements and the fastening members 5. Also illustrated are elongated attachment elements 14 adapted to removably attach the upper layer to the lower layer, and the mounting member. It is apparent from figure 4c that the attachment member 14 and the fastening member 5 may have different designs. The upper layer, the lower layer, and the mounting member 9 comprise through holes 15 aligned with each other to receive the elongated attachment elements 14 as shown in figures 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6.

At least one of the upper and lower layer may be provided with at least one groove 16 adapted to accommodate the mounting member. The grooves are adapted to receive the protruding parts 13 of the mounting member 9. Therefore, the amount of grooves will correspond with the amount of protruding parts. Each of the upper and lower layers 3, 4 has a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the upper layer is facing the top surface of the lower layer. The groove is arranged in the bottom surface of the upper layer and/or the top surface of the lower layer. Figure 1 and 2 show an embodiment, whereby two grooves are present in both the upper and lower layer. The two grooves are adapted to receive the protruding part 13 of the mounting member 9. In figure 5, the lower layer comprises three grooves 16 adapted to receive three protruding parts of the mounting member 9" of the mounting member 8", which in this embodiment comprises of three parts. In figure 6, no groove may be present. Alternatively, a groove may be present in the upper and lower layer in extension of the pivot element 10 in the second direction.

The upper layer 3 comprises a first material 17 and the lower layer 4 comprises a second material 18, which is different from the first material. The first material may be a carrying material adapted for storage of book or other object. The first material may be metal, wood or hard plastic. The top surface of this first material may be covered with a layer of a third material (not shown), such as a soft fabric.

The lower layer 4 comprises a second material. The material may comprise at least one functional unit, which may be selected from the group comprising sound-absorbing material, a light source, a sound source, a graphic display unit and a mirror. The second material may be any mixtures of such functional modules. These functional modules are attached to a bottom surface of the lower layer. Figure 6 shows an example of a lower layer having speaker as a sound source, attached to the bottom surface. Around the speaker, the bottom surface of the lower layer may be covered with fabric or other material to cover any electrical wires.

Figure 7a, 7b and 7c show an example of a book shelf made of a plurality of shelf assemblies 1 according to the invention. The shelf assemblies can be mounted on a wall of a building as well. Figure 7 shows how the assemblies can be used to build a wall or shield.

Figure 8 shows an example of a lower layer having a graphic display unit attached to the bottom surface, such as an ipad or computer screen or even a television screen. Figure 9 shows an example of a light source having three lights, attached to the bottom surface. Figure 9a shows a bottom view of the bottom surface of the lower layer 4. Around the light source, the bottom surface of the lower layer may be covered with fabric or other material to cover any electrical wires. Figure 9b shows a bottom view and figure 9c shows a side view of another embodiment, whereby the light sources are covered by a fabric 19 to improve aesthetic appearance of the lower layer. The fabric is held in place by a frame 20. The shelf assembly may not be part of a bookshelf but instead can be used as a lamp hanging from e.g. a sealing as illustrated in figure 9d. A frame 21 may be used over the bottom surface to secure the functional module attached to the lower layer.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed but may be varied and modified within the scope of the following claims. For example other functional modules may be used in the shelf assembly. Also, the mounting member may be designed in different ways. Any variations are part of the invention.

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Claims (9)

Claims

1. A shelf assembly comprising: - a shelf unit (1), and - a mounting unit (8) adapted to pivotably attach the shelf unit (1) to a support structure (2) to allow the shelf unit (1) to rotate relative the support structure (2) between a folded position and an unfolded position, and the shelf unit (1) comprises an upper layer (3) and a lower layer (4) removably attached to the upper layer (3), the mounting unit (8) comprises a mounting member (9;9") and a pivot element (10;10";10"') attached to the mounting member (9;9"), and at least a part of the mounting unit (8) is disposed between the upper and lower layers (3, 4), characterized in that the mounting member (9;9") is clamped between the upper and lower layers (3, 4).

2. The shelf assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the pivot element (10) is disposed between the upper and lower layers (3, 4).

3. The shelf assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said mounting member (9;9") is disposed between the upper and lower layers (3, 4).

4. The shelf assembly according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the upper and lower layers (3, 4) is provided with at least one groove (16) adapted to accommodate the mounting member (9;9").

5. The shelf assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the pivot element (10;10";10"') is cylindrical and one end of the pivot element is attached to the mounting member (9) and the opposite end is protruding from the shelf unit (1).

6. The shelf assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the shelf assembly comprises elongated attachment elements (14) adapted to removably attach the upper layer (3) to the lower layer (4), and the upper layer, the lower layer, and the mounting member (9) comprises through holes (15) aligned with each other to receive the elongated attachment elements (14).

7. The shelf assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the shelf assembly comprises an elongated holding element (11) configured to hold the shelf unit (1) in the unfolded position, and one end of the holding element (11) is attached to said mounting unit (8).

8. The shelf assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein the upper layer (3) comprises a first material (17) and the lower layer (4) comprises a second material (18) being different from the first material.

9. The shelf assembly according to any of the previous claims, wherein said upper layer (3) is a shelf made of a carrying material, and the lower layer (4) comprises any of a sound-absorbing material, a light source, a sound source, a graphic display unit, a mirror, or any combinations thereof.