US20040159622A1 - Modular multi-piece shelf and shelving unit - Google Patents
Modular multi-piece shelf and shelving unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040159622A1 US20040159622A1 US10/366,951 US36695103A US2004159622A1 US 20040159622 A1 US20040159622 A1 US 20040159622A1 US 36695103 A US36695103 A US 36695103A US 2004159622 A1 US2004159622 A1 US 2004159622A1
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- shelf
- self
- locking
- endcaps
- piece
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- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
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- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004793 Polystyrene Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920002223 polystyrene Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 19
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 9
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000000071 blow moulding Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B87/00—Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units
- A47B87/02—Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units stackable ; stackable and linkable
- A47B87/0207—Stackable racks, trays or shelf units
- A47B87/0246—Shelves stackable by means of separate vertical distance-holders therebetween
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B96/00—Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
- A47B96/02—Shelves
- A47B96/021—Structural features of shelf bases
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B12/00—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
- F16B12/10—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like
- F16B12/12—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for non-metal furniture parts, e.g. made of wood, of plastics
- F16B12/26—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for non-metal furniture parts, e.g. made of wood, of plastics using snap-action elements
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to plastic shelves and, more particularly, to a plastic shelf having a shelf body and endcaps and to a shelving unit incorporating same.
- modular shelving systems or units It is known in the art to provide modular shelving systems or units.
- One type of modular unit includes a plurality of rectangular panels or shelves, wherein each shelf has four sockets, one provided in each corner of the shelf. Successive shelves may be stacked and interconnected to adjacent shelves by inserting posts or risers into each of the sockets.
- the modular construction provides flexibility for the consumer to assemble a shelf system or unit with a desired number of shelves and/or to a desired height.
- the shelf includes a body and a pair of endcaps.
- the body has a first and a second end, wherein each of the first and second ends includes a first part of a locking mechanism that is integral to the body.
- the pair of endcaps each include one or more sockets, and a second part of the locking mechanism that is integral to the endcap.
- the first endcap is sized to slidingly engage with the first end of the body and the second endcap is sized to slidingly engage with the second end of the body.
- the first part of the locking mechanism in the first end of the body engages with the second part of the locking mechanism in the first endcap, and the first part of the locking mechanism in the second end of the body engages with the second part of the locking mechanism in the second endcap.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-locking multi-piece shelf as constructed in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a snap-mechanism of the self-locking multi-piece shelf of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the self-locking multi-piece shelf of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 a perspective view of another embodiment of a self-locking multi-piece shelf as constructed in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the self-locking multi-piece shelf of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modular shelving unit, including risers and shelves as constructed in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tab as constructed in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure.
- a self-locking multi-piece shelf constructed in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure is generally depicted by reference numeral 20 .
- the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 in one exemplary embodiment includes a body 22 and one or more endcaps 24 , and in this example, a pair of the endcaps 24 .
- the body 22 defines the center portion of the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 , and may have various shapes and sizes adapted to engage with the corresponding pair of endcaps 24 . Possible body shapes can include, but are not limited to, round, rectangular, oval, or square.
- the disclosed body 22 in this example includes a first end 30 , a second end 32 , a front side 34 , a rear side 36 , an upper side 38 and a lower side 40 .
- the body 22 and the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 in general will herein be described as having a generally rectangular shape, wherein the upper side 38 and the lower side 40 are rectangular and wherein the upper side 38 and the lower side 40 and the front side 34 and the rear side 36 , are respectively substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, the front side 34 and the rear side 36 , and the upper side 38 and the lower side 40 can be correspondingly spaced apart giving the body 22 a depth and a thickness.
- the body 22 has a plurality of support beams 42 located between the spaced apart upper side 38 and the lower side 40 .
- the beams 42 extend the length of the body 22 interior to the upper and lower sides. More specifically, the support beams 42 extend substantially perpendicular to and between the upper and the lower sides 38 , 40 , and extend from the first end 30 of the body 22 to the second end 32 of the body 22 .
- the thickness, depth, and number of the support beams 42 may depend and vary according to several factors, including but not limited to, the intended use of the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 , the width of the body 22 and/or the length of the body 22 .
- the number, thickness, and/or depth of the support beams 42 may be increased.
- the longer the body 22 i.e., the distance between the first and second ends 30 , 32 of the body 22
- wider the body 22 the distance between the front 34 and the rear 36 of the body 22
- the more support beams 42 may be used.
- the support beams 42 need not run the entire length of the body 22 .
- the beams may each be shorter in length, but arranged and positioned over the body 22 to achieve desired support and strength characteristics.
- the orientation and design of the support beams 42 are also not limited to the one disclosed above. Possible orientations and designs can include, support beams 42 that have a criss-cross pattern, support beams that run diagonal to the length and/or width of the body 22 , support beams that run transverse to the length of the body, or a combination thereof.
- other structural devices can be utilized to add strength and rigidity to the shelf, in place of the beams 42 .
- in-molded ribs, as shown in FIG. 5 may be square, or may be straight beams that include support structures on both ends of the beam.
- other structural devices such as triangular, slanted or other shaped structural devices may increase the shelf s structural performance.
- the lower side 40 of the body 22 may be perforated or segmented. More specifically, as best seen in FIGS. 3 , the lower side 40 of the body 22 may include slots 44 located intermittent the support beams 42 .
- the slots may 44 create T-shaped beams 42 having a first portion 43 extending perpendicularly downward from the upper side 38 and a second portion 45 attached to the end of the first portion and oriented substantially parallel to the upper side 38 .
- the slots 44 and the T-beams 42 may extend the entire length of the body 22 , and more specifically from the first end 30 to the second end 32 of the body 22 .
- the second portions 45 define the lower side 40 of the body 22 .
- the one or more endcaps 24 can be similar or identical and may be interchangeably used, whereas in another embodiment the endcaps 24 can be different and can be specifically designed to engage with specific parts of the body 22 .
- the endcaps 24 are designed to engage with the first or second end 30 , 32 of the body 22 .
- the disclosed endcaps 24 each include an open inner end 48 , a closed outer end 50 , a front side 52 , a rear side 54 , an upper side 56 and a lower side 58 .
- each of the endcaps 24 has a pair of sockets 60 each adapted to engage with a corresponding riser 62 of a shelving unit.
- the front and rear sides 52 , 54 , and the upper and lower sides 56 , 58 can be correspondingly spaced apart giving the endcaps 24 proper size to accommodate a particular shelving unit.
- the inner end 48 of the disclosed endcaps 24 are open and adapted to receive one or either of the first or second end 30 , 32 of the body 22 .
- Each endcap 24 telescopes onto one of the ends 30 or 32 in this example. More specifically, the inner surfaces of the front and rear sides 52 , 54 of the endcaps 24 may be spaced to slidingly engage with the outer surfaces of the front and rear sides 34 , 36 of the body 22 , respectively. Similarly, the inner surfaces of the upper and lower sides 56 , 58 of the endcaps 24 may be spaced to slidingly engage with the outer surfaces of the upper and lower sides 38 , 40 of the body 22 , respectively.
- the inner end 48 of the disclosed endcaps 24 are open and are adapted to be receive by one or either of the first or second end 30 , 32 of the body 22 .
- Each endcap 24 telescopes into one of the ends 30 or 32 in this example. More specifically, the outer surfaces of the front and rear sides 52 , 54 of the endcaps 24 may be spaced to slidingly engage with the inner surfaces of the front and rear sides 34 , 36 of the body 22 , respectively. Similarly, the outer surfaces of the upper and lower sides 56 , 58 of the endcaps 24 may be spaced to slidingly engage with the inner surfaces of the upper and lower sides 38 , 40 of the body 22 , respectively.
- each socket 60 Located toward the closed outer end 50 of the disclosed end caps 24 are the sockets 60 adapted to engage with risers 62 , as seen in FIGS. 1 and 6.
- Each socket 60 may be adapted to engage with a riser 62 both from the lower side 58 of the endcaps 24 and/or from the upper side 56 of the endcaps 24 .
- the sockets 60 may receive risers 62 on the lower side 58 of the endcaps 24
- the socket 60 may receive risers 62 on the upper side 56 of the endcaps 24 , thereby giving the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 modular capability.
- the endcaps 24 may, however, have a solid upper side 56 or a solid lower side 58 if needed in a particular application.
- a unique bottom self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 a in a shelving unit can be only adapted to receive risers 62 on the upper side 56 of the endcaps 24 , and may therefore have a solid lower side 58 .
- a top self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 c in a shelving unit can be adapted only to receive risers 62 on the lower side 58 of the endcaps 24 , and may therefore have a solid upper side 56 .
- the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 is referred to herein as 20 a - 20 c , while retaining all of the various embodiment and elements of the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 .
- the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 may include one or more locking mechanisms 64 to secure the endcap to the shelf body 22 .
- the shelf body 22 may include a first portion of the locking mechanism 64 and the one or more endcaps 24 may include a second portion of the locking mechanism 64 .
- the first portion of the disclosed locking mechanism 64 is the receiving portion of the mechanism, such as an aperture 70 , adapted to receive and retain the second portion of the locking mechanism 64 .
- the second portion of the disclosed locking mechanism 64 is the engagement portion, such as a tab 72 , adapted to nest in and engage with the aperture 70 .
- the first and second portions of the locking mechanism 64 can be located and/or placed in reverse order as described above.
- the body 22 may include the second portion of the locking mechanism 64 , such as the tab 72
- the endcaps 24 may include the first portion of the locking mechanism 64 , such as the aperture 70 .
- the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 can include a multitude of the locking mechanisms 64 that can be located on the body 22 and the endcaps 24 .
- the first portion includes one or more rectangular apertures 70 located near the first and second ends 30 , 32 of the body 22
- the second portion includes one or more wedge-shaped tabs 72 having a triangular profile located near the inner end 48 of the one or more endcaps 24 .
- the disclosed apertures 70 include an outer edge 74 and an inner edge 76 , such that the inner edge 76 is oriented toward the center of the body 22 , and the outer edge 74 is oriented away from the center of the body 22 .
- the tabs 72 include an inner portion 78 and an stop surface 80 , such that the inner portion 78 is oriented toward the inner side of the endcap 24 , and the stop surface 80 is oriented toward the outer side of the endcap 24 .
- the body 22 includes two apertures 70 located near the upper side 38 of the first end 30 of the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 adapted to engage with two tabs 72 located on an inner surface of the upper side 56 of the endcaps 24 .
- the body 22 may include the above described two apertures 70 and two tabs 72 and further include two apertures 70 located near the lower side 40 of the first end 30 of the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 adapted to engage with two tabs 72 located on an inner surface of the lower side 58 of the endcaps 24 .
- the various components of the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 may be fabricated from relatively light weight, durable, and sturdy plastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or other suitable plastic materials.
- the process or processes used to form the various components of the disclosed self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 may also vary considerably as necessary to form each given component.
- the components may be injection molded, blow molded, continuously molded, extruded, vacuum formed, rotation molded, or the like.
- the manufacturing process or processes can be selected based on feasibility, cost, tooling concerns, as well as other factors for a given application.
- the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 can be constructed in a sturdy yet cost effective manner. More specifically, the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 can be constructed using various methods including blow molding, injection molding, and/or extrusion.
- the body 22 of the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 can be economically constructed in various widths and thicknesses using, for example, a continuous blow molding or a continuous extrusion process. Such continuous processes permit fabricating the profile of the body 22 in continuous lengths. For example, manufacturing of the body 22 using an extrusion process enables the manufacturer to easily and inexpensively manufacture long strips 23 of the body 22 , that can then be cut into individual bodies 22 .
- the bodies 22 can be cut into varying lengths, thereby enabling the manufacturer to easily and cost effectively achieve various length bodies 22 without changing tooling parameters, and yet form them having structures providing strength and rigidity to the bodies.
- the endcaps 24 can be manufactured, for example, using a blow molded and/or injection molding process to obtain a sturdy endcap, thereby creating a sturdy yet cost efficient self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 .
- the manufacturing time can be greatly expedited by manufacturing extended lengths of the body 22 and then cutting them to size.
- the structure, such as the support beams and the profile of the body 22 , as seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, can be easily altered or changed by adjusting or replacing the dye of the extrusion device.
- the combination of the two separate processes, in manufacturing the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 includes further benefits to the ones described above. For example, by creating two separate pieces and by using two separate manufacturing processes, there is a great reduction in the cost of the manufacturing process of the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 . More particularly, if the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 would be manufactured as a single piece unit, a large mold(s), irregardless of the process, would be required, thereby increasing the cost of manufacturing. By creating two separate pieces, however (i.e. the endcap 24 and body 22 ), the size of the mold(s) for the endcaps 24 and/or body 22 can be reduces, thereby decreasing its cost.
- the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 by constructing the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 , from two separate pieces and two separate processes, a sturdy and structurally sound shelf is created, while obtaining a certain amount of modularity. More specifically, because the endcap 24 and body 22 are manufactured separately, various versions of the body 22 can be created that can all be utilized with the endcap 24 . For instance, the body 22 can be designed and manufactured with less material, such as thinner support beams, when intended to be used for storing lighter objects. Similarly, the body 22 can be designed and manufactured with more material, such as thicker or additional support beams, when intended to be used for storing heavy objects. The modularity also extends to the length of the body 22 , whereby the body 22 can be manufactured in various lengths while still being able to connect with the endcaps 24 .
- the user first connects the various components of the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 together prior to use.
- the user aligns the inner side 48 of the first endcap 26 to the first end 30 of the body 22 , and slides the inner surface of the first endcap 26 onto the outer surface of the first end 30 of the body 22 .
- the inner side 48 of the first endcap 26 and the first end 30 of the body 22 are aligned such that the upper side 38 of the body 22 slidingly engages with the inner surface of the upper side 56 of the first endcap 26 , the rear side 36 of the body 22 slidingly engages with the inner surface of the rear side 54 of the first endcap 26 , the lower side 40 of the body 22 slidingly engages with the inner surface of the lower side 58 of the first endcap 26 , and the front side 34 of the body 22 slidingly engages with the inner surface of the front side 52 of the first endcap 26 .
- the user then forces the body 22 and first endcap 26 together.
- the tabs 72 located on the inner surface of the first endcap 26 displace away from one another in this example, thereby allowing the continued engagement of the first endcap 26 with the body 22 .
- the number of tabs 72 may vary depending on the design of the shelf 20 . However, the disclosed example has two tabs 72 in the inner surface of the upper side 48 , and two tabs 72 on the inner surface of the lower side 58 .
- the tabs 72 may move in a variety of ways depending on the construction and design of the locking mechanism 64 .
- the tabs 72 may be a rigid protrusion from the inner surface of the endcaps 24 having a general wedge shape.
- the inner portion 78 of such a tab 72 located toward the inner side 48 of the endcap 24 is generally flush with the inner surface and ramps or inclines away from the inner surface as the tabs 72 approach the outer side of the endcaps 24 .
- the inner portion 78 of the tabs 72 (when located on the inside of the upper side 56 of the endcap 24 ) may abut the upper side 38 of the shelf body 22 as the shelf body 22 and the endcaps 24 are engaged.
- the tabs 72 are may cause the endcap 24 and/or the body 22 to deflect, creating space for the tabs 72 between the endcaps 24 and the body 22 . Due to the inherent qualities of the material used, after the tabs 72 deflect the endcap 24 and/or the body 22 , the original form of the endcap 24 and/or the body 22 will return once the tabs 72 are fully engaged with the apertures 70 .
- the tab 72 may be flexible and may be a portion of the inner surface of the endcap 24 , such as a partially cut out finger that is biased toward the inside of the endcap 24 away from the inner surface, thereby creating a tab 72 having resilient qualities.
- a partial cut out finger can be obtained by removing or cutting enough material out of an area thereby creating a tab (FIG. 7).
- the tab 72 may, however obtain its resilient qualities otherwise.
- the tab may be a cantilever beam that is biased through a manufacturing process, or the like. In this embodiment, when the tabs 72 are flexible and have resilient qualities, the tabs 72 once engaged with the body 22 , may depress to allow further engagement between the body 22 and the endcap 24 .
- the inner portion 78 of the tabs 72 (when located on the inside of the upper side 56 of the endcap 24 ) may abut the upper side 38 of the shelf body 22 as the shelf body 22 and the endcaps 24 are engaged. Upon further engagement, the tabs 72 may deflected against their bias by the ends 30 , 32 of the body 22 , thereby allowing the endcap 24 to further engage. Due to the resilient qualities of the tabs 72 , after the tabs 72 are deflected, the tabs 72 will return to their original position once the tabs 72 are fully engaged with the apertures 70 .
- the body 22 is received in the endcap 24 until the tabs 72 engage and pop into the apertures 70 , thereby locking the endcap 24 to the body 22 .
- the tabs 72 may have a bias to engage with the aperture 70 .
- the tabs 72 protrude into the apertures 70 thereby preventing the endcaps 24 from disengaging the body 22 .
- the endcap 24 may be prevented from disengagement from the body 22 by the stop surface 80 of the wedge-shaped tab 72 acting as a stop against the outer edge 74 of the aperture 70 .
- the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 may be designed to prevent sliding movement of the body 22 relative to the endcaps 24 , once the tabs 72 are engaged with the apertures 70 (FIG. 2). For example, once the body 22 has traversed far enough into the endcap 24 to engage the tabs 72 with the apertures 70 , the body 22 may continue to traverse further into the endcap 24 unless it is prevented from doing so.
- the endcap 24 may include stops 82 adapted to prevent the body 22 from traversing into the endcap 24 any further than desired.
- the stops 82 may, for example, be a post or ledge located in the endcap 24 to allow the body 22 to traverse into the endcap 24 enough to engage the tabs 72 of the endcap 24 with the aperture of the body 22 , and to prevent any further substantial sliding movement of the body 22 relative to the endcaps 24 once the tabs 72 and apertures 70 are engaged.
- the stops 82 may be part of the socket 60 , may be part of the outer side 50 of the endcap 24 , or may be the outer side 50 itself.
- the user may connect other components such as one or more risers 62 to the self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 to create a shelving system as shown in FIG. 6.
- the shelving system may be purchased separately, or may be purchased as components, wherein the user may purchase the riser and self-locking multi-piece shelf 20 individually.
- the shelving system may include 8 risers 62 and 3 self-locking multi-piece shelves 20 as shown in FIG. 6, but may be comprised of any number of self-locking multi-piece shelves 20 and risers 62 .
- the shelving system may include other types of risers and shelves (not shown).
- the risers 62 may include risers of more than one length and the shelves may include, one or other multi-piece shelves, including but not limited to solid one piece shelves, shelves having perforation, shelves having a bin or basket feature, etc.
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Abstract
A self-locking multi-piece shelf is disclosed wherein the shelf includes a first and second endcap, and a body having a first and a second end. The first endcap slidingly engages with the first end of the body, whereby a first part of a locking mechanism located on the body engages with a second part of the locking mechanism located on the first endcap, thereby locking the first endcap to the body. The second endcap slidingly engages with the second end of the body, whereby a first part of a locking mechanism located on the body engages with a second part of the locking mechanism located on the second endcap, thereby locking the second endcap to the body.
Description
- The present invention generally relates to plastic shelves and, more particularly, to a plastic shelf having a shelf body and endcaps and to a shelving unit incorporating same.
- It is known in the art to provide modular shelving systems or units. One type of modular unit includes a plurality of rectangular panels or shelves, wherein each shelf has four sockets, one provided in each corner of the shelf. Successive shelves may be stacked and interconnected to adjacent shelves by inserting posts or risers into each of the sockets. The modular construction provides flexibility for the consumer to assemble a shelf system or unit with a desired number of shelves and/or to a desired height.
- Manufacturing cost, cost component, ease of assembly, and product versatility are all variables that are considered in the development and production of these shelving systems. In previous designs, the shelf components and, more specifically, the shelves were manufactured as an integral unit consisting of a one-piece shelf having a plurality of sockets, or as a multi-piece unit consisting of a shelf body, end units having sockets, and fasteners connecting the end units and body together. There are several problems that exist with these designs, including, but not limited to, the difficulty and cost associated with the design and manufacture of integral units, and the complexity and tedious assembly associated with multi-piece shelving units requiring fasteners.
- In other previous designs, material and component cost was reduced by decreasing the amount of material used in the shelves, and more specifically, by reducing the thickness of the shelf material and/or by eliminating structural components of the shelf. These cost reducing designs, however, result in shelving units that are weak and that twist or bend more easily. Similarly, the shelves may be less durable and/or stable, thereby reducing the life of the shelving unit and perhaps limiting the shelving unit to use in storing only lighter objects.
- In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure among others, a self-locking multi-piece shelf is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the shelf includes a body and a pair of endcaps. The body has a first and a second end, wherein each of the first and second ends includes a first part of a locking mechanism that is integral to the body. The pair of endcaps each include one or more sockets, and a second part of the locking mechanism that is integral to the endcap. In one example, the first endcap is sized to slidingly engage with the first end of the body and the second endcap is sized to slidingly engage with the second end of the body. The first part of the locking mechanism in the first end of the body engages with the second part of the locking mechanism in the first endcap, and the first part of the locking mechanism in the second end of the body engages with the second part of the locking mechanism in the second endcap.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-locking multi-piece shelf as constructed in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure;
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a snap-mechanism of the self-locking multi-piece shelf of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the self-locking multi-piece shelf of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 a perspective view of another embodiment of a self-locking multi-piece shelf as constructed in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the self-locking multi-piece shelf of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modular shelving unit, including risers and shelves as constructed in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure; and
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tab as constructed in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure.
- While the method and device described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
- Referring now to the drawings, and with specific reference to FIG. 1, a self-locking multi-piece shelf constructed in accordance with the teachings of the disclosure is generally depicted by
reference numeral 20. As shown therein, the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 in one exemplary embodiment includes abody 22 and one ormore endcaps 24, and in this example, a pair of theendcaps 24. - In one exemplary embodiment, the
body 22 defines the center portion of the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20, and may have various shapes and sizes adapted to engage with the corresponding pair ofendcaps 24. Possible body shapes can include, but are not limited to, round, rectangular, oval, or square. The disclosedbody 22 in this example includes afirst end 30, asecond end 32, afront side 34, arear side 36, anupper side 38 and alower side 40. For ease of illustration and understanding, thebody 22 and the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 in general, will herein be described as having a generally rectangular shape, wherein theupper side 38 and thelower side 40 are rectangular and wherein theupper side 38 and thelower side 40 and thefront side 34 and therear side 36, are respectively substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, thefront side 34 and therear side 36, and theupper side 38 and thelower side 40 can be correspondingly spaced apart giving the body 22 a depth and a thickness. - In one exemplary embodiment, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, the
body 22 has a plurality ofsupport beams 42 located between the spaced apartupper side 38 and thelower side 40. In this example, thebeams 42 extend the length of thebody 22 interior to the upper and lower sides. More specifically, thesupport beams 42 extend substantially perpendicular to and between the upper and thelower sides first end 30 of thebody 22 to thesecond end 32 of thebody 22. - The thickness, depth, and number of the
support beams 42 may depend and vary according to several factors, including but not limited to, the intended use of the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20, the width of thebody 22 and/or the length of thebody 22. For example, if the intended purpose of the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 is to store large, heavy objects, the number, thickness, and/or depth of thesupport beams 42 may be increased. Similarly, the longer the body 22 (i.e., the distance between the first andsecond ends front 34 and the rear 36 of the body 22), themore support beams 42 may be used. Also, thesupport beams 42 need not run the entire length of thebody 22. The beams may each be shorter in length, but arranged and positioned over thebody 22 to achieve desired support and strength characteristics. The orientation and design of thesupport beams 42, are also not limited to the one disclosed above. Possible orientations and designs can include, supportbeams 42 that have a criss-cross pattern, support beams that run diagonal to the length and/or width of thebody 22, support beams that run transverse to the length of the body, or a combination thereof. Further, other structural devices can be utilized to add strength and rigidity to the shelf, in place of thebeams 42. For example in-molded ribs, as shown in FIG. 5, may be square, or may be straight beams that include support structures on both ends of the beam. Similarly, other structural devices, such as triangular, slanted or other shaped structural devices may increase the shelf s structural performance. - In one exemplary embodiment, the
lower side 40 of thebody 22 may be perforated or segmented. More specifically, as best seen in FIGS. 3, thelower side 40 of thebody 22 may includeslots 44 located intermittent thesupport beams 42. The slots may 44 create T-shaped beams 42 having afirst portion 43 extending perpendicularly downward from theupper side 38 and asecond portion 45 attached to the end of the first portion and oriented substantially parallel to theupper side 38. Theslots 44 and the T-beams 42 may extend the entire length of thebody 22, and more specifically from thefirst end 30 to thesecond end 32 of thebody 22. In this example, thesecond portions 45 define thelower side 40 of thebody 22. - In one exemplary embodiment, the one or
more endcaps 24 can be similar or identical and may be interchangeably used, whereas in another embodiment theendcaps 24 can be different and can be specifically designed to engage with specific parts of thebody 22. In this example, theendcaps 24 are designed to engage with the first orsecond end body 22. The disclosedendcaps 24 each include an openinner end 48, a closedouter end 50, afront side 52, arear side 54, anupper side 56 and alower side 58. For ease of illustration and understanding, theendcaps 24 are herein described as having a generally rectangular shape, wherein theupper side 56 and thelower side 58 are generally rectangular in shape, although defining slightlyrounded corners 59, and wherein theupper side 56 and thelower side 58 and thefront side 52 and therear side 54, are respectively substantially parallel to each other (FIGS. 1 and 4). In this example, each of theendcaps 24 has a pair ofsockets 60 each adapted to engage with acorresponding riser 62 of a shelving unit. Furthermore, the front andrear sides lower sides endcaps 24 proper size to accommodate a particular shelving unit. - The
inner end 48 of the disclosedendcaps 24 are open and adapted to receive one or either of the first orsecond end body 22. Each endcap 24 telescopes onto one of theends rear sides endcaps 24 may be spaced to slidingly engage with the outer surfaces of the front andrear sides body 22, respectively. Similarly, the inner surfaces of the upper andlower sides endcaps 24 may be spaced to slidingly engage with the outer surfaces of the upper andlower sides body 22, respectively. - In another exemplary embodiment, the
inner end 48 of the disclosedendcaps 24 are open and are adapted to be receive by one or either of the first orsecond end body 22. Eachendcap 24 telescopes into one of theends rear sides endcaps 24 may be spaced to slidingly engage with the inner surfaces of the front andrear sides body 22, respectively. Similarly, the outer surfaces of the upper andlower sides endcaps 24 may be spaced to slidingly engage with the inner surfaces of the upper andlower sides body 22, respectively. - Located toward the closed
outer end 50 of the disclosedend caps 24 are thesockets 60 adapted to engage withrisers 62, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 6. Eachsocket 60 may be adapted to engage with ariser 62 both from thelower side 58 of theendcaps 24 and/or from theupper side 56 of theendcaps 24. For example, thesockets 60 may receiverisers 62 on thelower side 58 of theendcaps 24, and/or thesocket 60 may receiverisers 62 on theupper side 56 of theendcaps 24, thereby giving the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 modular capability. Theendcaps 24 may, however, have a solidupper side 56 or a solidlower side 58 if needed in a particular application. For example, as best seen in FIG. 6, a unique bottom self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 a in a shelving unit can be only adapted to receiverisers 62 on theupper side 56 of theendcaps 24, and may therefore have a solidlower side 58. Similarly, a top self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 c in a shelving unit can be adapted only to receiverisers 62 on thelower side 58 of theendcaps 24, and may therefore have a solidupper side 56. To simplify the description of the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 and its various components, the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 is referred to herein as 20 a-20 c, while retaining all of the various embodiment and elements of the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20. - In one exemplary embodiment, as best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and4, the self-locking
multi-piece shelf 20 may include one ormore locking mechanisms 64 to secure the endcap to theshelf body 22. More specifically, theshelf body 22 may include a first portion of thelocking mechanism 64 and the one ormore endcaps 24 may include a second portion of thelocking mechanism 64. The first portion of the disclosedlocking mechanism 64 is the receiving portion of the mechanism, such as anaperture 70, adapted to receive and retain the second portion of thelocking mechanism 64. The second portion of the disclosedlocking mechanism 64 is the engagement portion, such as atab 72, adapted to nest in and engage with theaperture 70. Additionally and/or alternatively, the first and second portions of thelocking mechanism 64 can be located and/or placed in reverse order as described above. For example, thebody 22 may include the second portion of thelocking mechanism 64, such as thetab 72, and theendcaps 24 may include the first portion of thelocking mechanism 64, such as theaperture 70. - It is further contemplated that the self-locking
multi-piece shelf 20 can include a multitude of the lockingmechanisms 64 that can be located on thebody 22 and theendcaps 24. In one example, the first portion includes one or morerectangular apertures 70 located near the first and second ends 30, 32 of thebody 22, and the second portion includes one or more wedge-shapedtabs 72 having a triangular profile located near theinner end 48 of the one ormore endcaps 24. The disclosedapertures 70 include anouter edge 74 and aninner edge 76, such that theinner edge 76 is oriented toward the center of thebody 22, and theouter edge 74 is oriented away from the center of thebody 22. Thetabs 72 include aninner portion 78 and anstop surface 80, such that theinner portion 78 is oriented toward the inner side of theendcap 24, and thestop surface 80 is oriented toward the outer side of theendcap 24. - In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the
body 22 includes twoapertures 70 located near theupper side 38 of thefirst end 30 of the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 adapted to engage with twotabs 72 located on an inner surface of theupper side 56 of theendcaps 24. In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, thebody 22 may include the above described twoapertures 70 and twotabs 72 and further include twoapertures 70 located near thelower side 40 of thefirst end 30 of the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 adapted to engage with twotabs 72 located on an inner surface of thelower side 58 of theendcaps 24. - The various components of the self-locking
multi-piece shelf 20, including thebody 22 and the end caps 24, may be fabricated from relatively light weight, durable, and sturdy plastic materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or other suitable plastic materials. The process or processes used to form the various components of the disclosed self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 may also vary considerably as necessary to form each given component. The components may be injection molded, blow molded, continuously molded, extruded, vacuum formed, rotation molded, or the like. The manufacturing process or processes can be selected based on feasibility, cost, tooling concerns, as well as other factors for a given application. - In one embodiment, the self-locking
multi-piece shelf 20 can be constructed in a sturdy yet cost effective manner. More specifically, the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 can be constructed using various methods including blow molding, injection molding, and/or extrusion. For example, thebody 22 of the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 can be economically constructed in various widths and thicknesses using, for example, a continuous blow molding or a continuous extrusion process. Such continuous processes permit fabricating the profile of thebody 22 in continuous lengths. For example, manufacturing of thebody 22 using an extrusion process enables the manufacturer to easily and inexpensively manufacture long strips 23 of thebody 22, that can then be cut intoindividual bodies 22. Thebodies 22 can be cut into varying lengths, thereby enabling the manufacturer to easily and cost effectively achievevarious length bodies 22 without changing tooling parameters, and yet form them having structures providing strength and rigidity to the bodies. Theendcaps 24 can be manufactured, for example, using a blow molded and/or injection molding process to obtain a sturdy endcap, thereby creating a sturdy yet cost efficient self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20. - Many benefits can be achieved by manufacturing the self-locking
multi-piece shelf 20 using a plurality of processes and techniques. For example, by manufacturing the endcaps using a blow molding or injection molding process, detailed and intricate structures and/or elements can be incorporated into theendcaps 24. The ability to create the details and intricacies, will produce a solid and structurally superior product (then other manufacturing processes), while utilizing a minimal amount of material to produce the same product. Furthermore, because the structure of theendcaps 24 requires individual manufactured units, there is no time saving available when using other manufacturing processes. - In contrast, when utilizing a continuous blow molding or extrusion method to manufacture the
shelf body 22, the manufacturing time can be greatly expedited by manufacturing extended lengths of thebody 22 and then cutting them to size. Similarly the structure, such as the support beams and the profile of thebody 22, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, can be easily altered or changed by adjusting or replacing the dye of the extrusion device. - The combination of the two separate processes, in manufacturing the self-locking
multi-piece shelf 20, includes further benefits to the ones described above. For example, by creating two separate pieces and by using two separate manufacturing processes, there is a great reduction in the cost of the manufacturing process of the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20. More particularly, if the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 would be manufactured as a single piece unit, a large mold(s), irregardless of the process, would be required, thereby increasing the cost of manufacturing. By creating two separate pieces, however (i.e. theendcap 24 and body 22), the size of the mold(s) for theendcaps 24 and/orbody 22 can be reduces, thereby decreasing its cost. Furthermore, by constructing the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20, from two separate pieces and two separate processes, a sturdy and structurally sound shelf is created, while obtaining a certain amount of modularity. More specifically, because theendcap 24 andbody 22 are manufactured separately, various versions of thebody 22 can be created that can all be utilized with theendcap 24. For instance, thebody 22 can be designed and manufactured with less material, such as thinner support beams, when intended to be used for storing lighter objects. Similarly, thebody 22 can be designed and manufactured with more material, such as thicker or additional support beams, when intended to be used for storing heavy objects. The modularity also extends to the length of thebody 22, whereby thebody 22 can be manufactured in various lengths while still being able to connect with theendcaps 24. - In operation, as best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and4, the user first connects the various components of the self-locking
multi-piece shelf 20 together prior to use. In the disclosed embodiment, the user aligns theinner side 48 of the first endcap 26 to thefirst end 30 of thebody 22, and slides the inner surface of the first endcap 26 onto the outer surface of thefirst end 30 of thebody 22. More specifically, theinner side 48 of the first endcap 26 and thefirst end 30 of thebody 22 are aligned such that theupper side 38 of thebody 22 slidingly engages with the inner surface of theupper side 56 of the first endcap 26, therear side 36 of thebody 22 slidingly engages with the inner surface of therear side 54 of the first endcap 26, thelower side 40 of thebody 22 slidingly engages with the inner surface of thelower side 58 of the first endcap 26, and thefront side 34 of thebody 22 slidingly engages with the inner surface of thefront side 52 of the first endcap 26. - Once the first end cap26 and the
first end 30 of thebody 22 are properly aligned, the user then forces thebody 22 and first endcap 26 together. As the endcap 26 is forced onto thebody 22, thetabs 72 located on the inner surface of the first endcap 26 displace away from one another in this example, thereby allowing the continued engagement of the first endcap 26 with thebody 22. The number oftabs 72 may vary depending on the design of theshelf 20. However, the disclosed example has twotabs 72 in the inner surface of theupper side 48, and twotabs 72 on the inner surface of thelower side 58. - The
tabs 72 may move in a variety of ways depending on the construction and design of thelocking mechanism 64. In one exemplary embodiment, thetabs 72 may be a rigid protrusion from the inner surface of theendcaps 24 having a general wedge shape. Theinner portion 78 of such atab 72 located toward theinner side 48 of theendcap 24 is generally flush with the inner surface and ramps or inclines away from the inner surface as thetabs 72 approach the outer side of theendcaps 24. In this embodiment, theinner portion 78 of the tabs 72 (when located on the inside of theupper side 56 of the endcap 24) may abut theupper side 38 of theshelf body 22 as theshelf body 22 and theendcaps 24 are engaged. Upon further engagement, thetabs 72 are may cause theendcap 24 and/or thebody 22 to deflect, creating space for thetabs 72 between theendcaps 24 and thebody 22. Due to the inherent qualities of the material used, after thetabs 72 deflect theendcap 24 and/or thebody 22, the original form of theendcap 24 and/or thebody 22 will return once thetabs 72 are fully engaged with theapertures 70. - In another exemplary embodiment, the
tab 72 may be flexible and may be a portion of the inner surface of theendcap 24, such as a partially cut out finger that is biased toward the inside of theendcap 24 away from the inner surface, thereby creating atab 72 having resilient qualities. A partial cut out finger can be obtained by removing or cutting enough material out of an area thereby creating a tab (FIG. 7). Thetab 72 may, however obtain its resilient qualities otherwise. For example, the tab may be a cantilever beam that is biased through a manufacturing process, or the like. In this embodiment, when thetabs 72 are flexible and have resilient qualities, thetabs 72 once engaged with thebody 22, may depress to allow further engagement between thebody 22 and theendcap 24. More specifically, theinner portion 78 of the tabs 72 (when located on the inside of theupper side 56 of the endcap 24) may abut theupper side 38 of theshelf body 22 as theshelf body 22 and theendcaps 24 are engaged. Upon further engagement, thetabs 72 may deflected against their bias by theends body 22, thereby allowing theendcap 24 to further engage. Due to the resilient qualities of thetabs 72, after thetabs 72 are deflected, thetabs 72 will return to their original position once thetabs 72 are fully engaged with theapertures 70. - In one exemplary embodiment, the
body 22 is received in theendcap 24 until thetabs 72 engage and pop into theapertures 70, thereby locking theendcap 24 to thebody 22. More specifically, as thetabs 72 approach theapertures 70 located on thebody 22, thetabs 72 may have a bias to engage with theaperture 70. As thetabs 72 fully engage with theapertures 70, thetabs 72 protrude into theapertures 70 thereby preventing theendcaps 24 from disengaging thebody 22. Theendcap 24 may be prevented from disengagement from thebody 22 by thestop surface 80 of the wedge-shapedtab 72 acting as a stop against theouter edge 74 of theaperture 70. - In one exemplary embodiment, the self-locking
multi-piece shelf 20 may be designed to prevent sliding movement of thebody 22 relative to theendcaps 24, once thetabs 72 are engaged with the apertures 70 (FIG. 2). For example, once thebody 22 has traversed far enough into theendcap 24 to engage thetabs 72 with theapertures 70, thebody 22 may continue to traverse further into theendcap 24 unless it is prevented from doing so. In one exemplary embodiment, theendcap 24 may includestops 82 adapted to prevent thebody 22 from traversing into theendcap 24 any further than desired. The stops 82 may, for example, be a post or ledge located in theendcap 24 to allow thebody 22 to traverse into theendcap 24 enough to engage thetabs 72 of theendcap 24 with the aperture of thebody 22, and to prevent any further substantial sliding movement of thebody 22 relative to theendcaps 24 once thetabs 72 andapertures 70 are engaged. In other exemplary embodiments, thestops 82 may be part of thesocket 60, may be part of theouter side 50 of theendcap 24, or may be theouter side 50 itself. - Once the various components of the self-locking
multi-piece shelf 20 have been combined, the user may connect other components such as one ormore risers 62 to the self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 to create a shelving system as shown in FIG. 6. More specifically, the shelving system may be purchased separately, or may be purchased as components, wherein the user may purchase the riser and self-lockingmulti-piece shelf 20 individually. The shelving system may include 8risers 62 and 3 self-lockingmulti-piece shelves 20 as shown in FIG. 6, but may be comprised of any number of self-lockingmulti-piece shelves 20 andrisers 62. Furthermore, the shelving system may include other types of risers and shelves (not shown). For example, therisers 62 may include risers of more than one length and the shelves may include, one or other multi-piece shelves, including but not limited to solid one piece shelves, shelves having perforation, shelves having a bin or basket feature, etc. - The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
Claims (27)
1. A self-locking multi-piece shelf comprising:
a shelf body having a first end, a second end, an upper side, and a lower side;
first and second endcaps each slidingly attached to the first and second ends, respectively, and providing one or more riser sockets therein;
at least one locking mechanism first part carried on each of the first and second ends; and
at least one locking mechanism second part carried on each of the first and second end caps;
wherein each locking mechanism first part is engaged with a corresponding locking mechanism second part.
2. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 1 wherein the shelf body includes a plurality of support beams.
3. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 2 wherein the plurality of support beams are located between the upper and lower sides extending from the first end of the shelf body to the second end of the shelf body.
4. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 2 wherein the plurality of support beams are each an inverted T-beam support beams.
5. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism first parts are apertures.
6. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism second parts are wedge-shaped protrusions located on an inner surface of the first and the second endcaps.
7. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 1 wherein the endcaps slidingly telescope over the ends of the shelf body.
8. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 1 wherein the endcaps slidingly telescope into the ends of the shelf body.
9. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism first parts are wedge-shaped protrusions.
10. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism second parts are apertures.
11. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism first parts are integral to the respective endcaps.
12. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism first parts are integral to the respective ends of the shelf body.
13. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism second parts are integral to the respective endcaps.
14. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism second parts are integral to the respective ends of the shelf body.
15. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 1 wherein the shelf body is constructed from one of extruded or blow molded polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene material.
16. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 1 wherein the endcaps are constructed from one of injection molded or blow molded polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene material.
17. A self-locking multi-piece shelf comprising:
a shelf body having a first end, a second end, an upper side, and a lower side, wherein one or more apertures are located on the ends of the shelf body;
first and second endcaps each attached to the first and second ends of the shelf body, respectively, and having one or more sockets, wherein the endcaps include one or more wedged shaped tabs;
wherein the one or more wedged shaped tabs of the first endcap engage the one or more apertures located on the first end of the shelf body, and the one or more wedged shaped tabs of the second endcap engage the one or more aperture located on the second end of the shelf body.
18. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 17 wherein the lower side includes a plurality of slots located between support beams, thereby creating a plurality of T-beams.
19. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 17 wherein the endcaps slidingly telescope over the ends of the shelf body.
20. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 17 wherein the endcaps slidingly telescope into the ends of the shelf body.
21. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 17 wherein the shelf body is constructed from one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene material.
22. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 17 wherein the endcaps are constructed from one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene material.
23. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 17 further including at least one stop located in each of the endcaps adapted to position the shelf body relative to the endcaps.
24. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 17 wherein the one or more apertures include an inner edge and an outer edge.
25. The self-locking multi-piece shelf of claim 17 wherein the one or more wedge shaped tabs include an inner portion and a stop surface.
26. A modular shelving system comprising:
a plurality of shelf bodies having a first end, a second end, an upper side, and a lower side;
a plurality of first and second endcaps each able to slidingly attach to the first and second ends of the plurality of shelf bodies, the plurality of first and second endcaps providing one or more riser sockets therein;
at least one locking mechanism first part carried on each of the first and second ends of the plurality of shelf bodies; and
at least one locking mechanism second part carried on each of the plurality of first and second endcaps; and
a plurality of risers, wherein the plurality of risers engage with the one or more riser sockets on the plurality of endcaps.
27. A method of creating a shelf comprising:
providing a self-locking multi-piece shelf consisting of a shelf body having a first end, a second end, an upper side, and a lower side, and a first and second endcap adapted to slidingly engage with the shelf body ends, a first part of a locking mechanism, and a second part of the locking mechanism;
aligning the first endcap with the first end of the shelf body, and the second endcap with the second end of the shelf body; and
sliding the first endcap relative to the first end of the shelf body, and the second endcap relative to the second end of the shelf body until the first part and the second part of the locking mechanisms engage.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/366,951 US20040159622A1 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2003-02-14 | Modular multi-piece shelf and shelving unit |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US10/366,951 US20040159622A1 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2003-02-14 | Modular multi-piece shelf and shelving unit |
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US10/366,951 Abandoned US20040159622A1 (en) | 2003-02-14 | 2003-02-14 | Modular multi-piece shelf and shelving unit |
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