US20170208949A1 - Foldable Post for Shelving Apparatus - Google Patents
Foldable Post for Shelving Apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170208949A1 US20170208949A1 US15/047,652 US201615047652A US2017208949A1 US 20170208949 A1 US20170208949 A1 US 20170208949A1 US 201615047652 A US201615047652 A US 201615047652A US 2017208949 A1 US2017208949 A1 US 2017208949A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- post
- members
- lower post
- post members
- wall
- Prior art date
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- Granted
Links
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- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 45
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 45
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 45
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 11
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004080 punching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008719 thickening Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- 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
- A47B96/14—Bars, uprights, struts, or like supports, for cabinets, brackets, or the like
-
- 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
- A47B43/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features enabling folding of the cabinet or the like
-
- 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
- A47B45/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features enabling enlarging in height, length, or depth
-
- 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
- A47B47/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements
-
- 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
- A47B47/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements
- A47B47/0083—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements with four vertical uprights
-
- 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
- A47B47/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements
- A47B47/02—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements made of metal only
- A47B47/021—Racks or shelf units
-
- 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
- A47B57/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions
- A47B57/30—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting the height of detachable shelf supports
- A47B57/32—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting the height of detachable shelf supports consisting of grooved or notched ledges, uprights or side walls
- A47B57/34—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting the height of detachable shelf supports consisting of grooved or notched ledges, uprights or side walls the grooved or notched parts being the side walls or uprights themselves
-
- 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
- A47B57/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions
- A47B57/30—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting the height of detachable shelf supports
- A47B57/48—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting the height of detachable shelf supports consisting of tongues, pins or similar projecting means coacting with openings
- A47B57/50—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting the height of detachable shelf supports consisting of tongues, pins or similar projecting means coacting with openings characterised by shape or orientation of opening, e.g. keyhole-shaped
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A47B87/0215—Stackable frames, or frame elements, with upright parts connected by inserting the ends or tips of the uprights, e.g. at the corners, into the uprights of the next frame or frame element, e.g. coaxial tubular ends
-
- 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
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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
- 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
- A47B96/14—Bars, uprights, struts, or like supports, for cabinets, brackets, or the like
- A47B96/145—Composite members, i.e. made up of several elements joined together
-
- 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
- A47B96/14—Bars, uprights, struts, or like supports, for cabinets, brackets, or the like
- A47B96/145—Composite members, i.e. made up of several elements joined together
- A47B96/1458—Composite members, i.e. made up of several elements joined together with perforations
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
- A47F5/10—Adjustable or foldable or dismountable display stands
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
- A47F5/10—Adjustable or foldable or dismountable display stands
- A47F5/101—Display racks with slotted uprights
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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
- F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
-
- 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
- A47B2220/00—General furniture construction, e.g. fittings
- A47B2220/0061—Accessories
- A47B2220/0069—Hinges
- A47B2220/0072—Hinges for furniture
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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
- F16B21/00—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings
- F16B21/09—Releasable fastening devices with a stud engaging a keyhole slot
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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
- F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
- F16B7/04—Clamping or clipping connections
- F16B7/0406—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being coaxial
- F16B7/0413—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being coaxial for tubes using the innerside thereof
- F16B7/042—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being coaxial for tubes using the innerside thereof with a locking element, e.g. pin, ball or pushbutton, engaging in a hole in the wall of at least one tube
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Assembled Shelves (AREA)
Abstract
A foldable post for a shelving apparatus includes an upper post member, a lower post member, and a post joint for connecting the upper and lower post members end-to-end. The post joint includes an engaging tongue extended from an end portion of the first post wall of the upper post member, an engaging groove provided at an end portion of the first post wall of the lower post member, and a pivot hinge pivotally coupled the second post walls of the upper and lower post members, such that when the upper and lower post members are pivotally moved to engage the engaging tongue with the engaging groove, the upper and lower post members are interlocked and coupled with each other end-to-end.
Description
- This is a Continuation-In-Part application that claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to a non-provisional application, application Ser. No. 15/004,986, filed Jan. 24, 2016.
- A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to any reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
- Field of Invention
- The present invention relates to a shelf structure, and more particularly to a foldable post for a shelving apparatus, wherein a plurality of post members of a foldable post can be easily assembled to rigidly support a plurality of supporting frames, and can be easily disassembled without detaching the post members.
- Description of Related Arts
- A conventional shelf structure comprises four vertical posts vertically extended from four corners of the shelf structure and a plurality of supporting panels horizontally and spacedly coupled at the vertical posts to form a shelving unit for supporting objects. As shown in
FIG. 1 , each vertical post comprises a plurality of tubular post members A1 arranged to align end-to-end. Each of the supporting panels comprises a panel body A2 and four tubular connectors A3 provided at four corners of the panel body A2, wherein the end of the post member A1 is inserted into the tubular connector A3 in order to connect the supporting panel at the vertical post. Accordingly, the configuration of the panel body A2 is fixed such that the size of the panel body A2 cannot be adjusted. In particular, each of the tubular connectors A3 has an upper tapered slot at an upper portion of the tubular connector A3 and a lower tapered slot at a lower portion of the tubular connector A3. Therefore, the end portions of two post members A1 are respectively inserted into the upper and lower tapered slots to securely connect the panel body A2 with the vertical posts while the vertical post are aligned end-to-end. Such tubular detachable connecting structure provides a quick assembling operation to allow the user to set up the shelving unit easily. However, after the objects are loaded and supported by the shelving unit, the overall weight of the objects will exerted to the vertical posts via the supporting panel. In other words, the end portions of two post members A1 are secured at the upper and lower tapered slots of the tubular connector A3, such that the user may require relatively larger pulling force to detach the post members A1 from the tubular connectors A3. In addition, when one of the tubular connectors A3 is broken or damaged, the supporting panels cannot be securely coupled to the vertical posts any more. In fact, in order to enhance the rigidity of the shelving unit, the structure of tubular connectors A3 must be enhanced by using rigid material such a metal or by thickening the walls of the upper and lower tapered slots of the tubular connector A3. Therefore, the material cost of the shelving unit will be substantially high and the size of the shelving unit will be enlarged. Therefore, most users will not use this conventional shelf structure in shopping centers or in the booths because the shelf structure is required to assemble and disassemble and is required to move from places to places. - An improved shelf structure is provided to enhance the storage space by reducing the size of the post connection, as shown in
FIG. 2 , wherein the shelf structure comprises four vertical posts each comprising a plurality of L-shaped post members B1 and a plurality of couplers B2 for coupling the post members B1 end-to-end. Each of the couplers B2 comprises has a corresponding L-shaped coupler flange B21 and two reverse bend flanges B22 extended along two edges of the coupler flange B21, wherein a gap is formed between the reverse bend flange B22 and the coupler flange B21, such that the end portions of two post members B1 are inserted into the gap of the coupler B2 to couple the post members B1 end-to-end. In other words, two post members B1 in an abutting are secured by the coupler B2 by downwardly inserting the end portion of the upper post member B1 into the gap of the coupler B2 and by upwardly inserting the end portion of the lower post member B1 into the gap of the coupler B2. In addition, each of the couplers B2 has a detent B23 on each of the reverse bend flanges B22 to frictionally engage with the post member B1 so as to retain the coupler B2 in position. Since the cross section of the coupler B2 matches with the cross section of the post member B1, the connection between the ends of the post members B1 can be substantially reduced its size. The L-shaped detachable connecting structure provides a quick assembling operation to allow the user to set up the shelving unit easily. However, due to the frictional engagement between the end portion of the post member B1 and the coupler B2, the user may not able to correctly insert the end portion of the post member B1 into the gap of the coupler B2. It is unstable for the shelf structure when the end portion of the post member B1 cannot be fully inserted into the gap of the coupler B2. The excessive inserting force of the end portion of the post member B1 will damage the structure of the coupler B2 and will enlarge the size of the gap thereof. After the shelving unit is set up, the reverse bend flanges B22 are located at the outer surface of post member B1, such that the user may get cut or scratched by the reverse bend flanges B22 when placing the objects. Furthermore, such shaped detachable connecting structure cannot solve the same problem of how to easily disassemble the shelving unit. In other words, after the objects are loaded and supported by the shelving unit, the overall weight of the objects will exerted to the vertical posts via the couplers B2. In other words, the end portions of two post members B1 are secured at the gaps of the couplers B2, such that the user may require relatively larger pulling force to detach the post members B1 from the couplers B2. Once the gap is enlarged by the excessive detaching force, the end portions of the post members B1 cannot be securely engaged with the coupler B2 by means of frictional force. The overall structure of the shelving unit become wobble and unstable. In addition, when one of the couplers B2 is lost or damaged, the post members B1 cannot be coupled end-to-end any more. - The invention is advantageous in that it provides a foldable post for a shelving apparatus, wherein the post members can be easily assembled to rigidly support a plurality of supporting frames, and can be easily disassembled without detaching the post members.
- Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable post for a shelving apparatus, wherein the post members are pivotally coupled with each other end-to-end to enhance the assembling/disassembling operation of the foldable post.
- Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable post for a shelving apparatus, wherein the post members are coupled with each other via tongue-and-groove engagement to ensure the rigidity of the foldable post.
- Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable post for a shelving apparatus, wherein two engaging tongues are extended from the end portions of the upper and lower post members to interlock and couple with each other to ensure the rigidity of the foldable post.
- Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable post for a shelving apparatus, wherein the post locker is provided for locking up a pivot connection between the post members to ensure the post members to be locked end-to-end.
- Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable post for a shelving apparatus, which does not require to alter the original structural design of the shelf structure, so as to minimize the manufacturing cost of the shelving apparatus incorporating with the foldable post.
- Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable post for a shelving apparatus, wherein no expensive or complicated structure is required to employ in the present invention in order to achieve the above mentioned objects. Therefore, the present invention successfully provides an economic and efficient solution for providing a rigid configuration for the foldable post of the shelving apparatus.
- Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, and may be realized by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particular point out in the appended claims.
- According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects and advantages are attained by a foldable post for a shelving apparatus, comprising an upper post member, a lower post member, and a post joint for connecting the upper and lower post members end-to-end.
- Each of the upper and lower post members having a first post wall and a second post wall extended from the first wall at an angle.
- The post joint comprises an engaging tongue extended from an end portion of the first post wall of the upper post member, an engaging groove provided at an end portion of the first post wall of the lower post member, and a pivot hinge pivotally coupled the second post walls of the upper and lower post members, such that when the upper and lower post members are pivotally moved to engage the engaging tongue with the engaging groove, the upper and lower post members are interlocked and coupled with each other end-to-end.
- In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the present invention comprises a foldable post for a shelving apparatus, comprising an upper post member, a lower post member, and a post joint for connecting the upper and lower post members end-to-end.
- The post joint comprises a first engaging tongue extended from an end portion of the upper post member, a second engaging tongue extended from an end position of the lower post member, and a pivot hinge pivotally coupled the upper and lower post members, such that when the upper and lower post members are pivotally moved to engage the first engaging tongue with the lower post member and to engage the second engaging tongue with the upper post member, the upper and lower post members are interlocked and coupled with each other end-to-end.
- Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
- These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a first conventional shelf structure. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a second conventional shelf structure. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a shelving apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the shelving apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a post joint of the shelving apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the post joint of the shelving apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the post members being interlocked end-to-end. -
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the post joint of the shelving apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the folded post members. -
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an alternative mode of the post joint of shelving apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 a perspective view of a shelving apparatus according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the foldable post of the shelving apparatus according to the above second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9A is a sectional view illustrating the engagement between the fastener and keyhole of the foldable post of the shelving apparatus according to the above second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a partially perspective view of the shelving apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention to illustrate the structural configuration of the shelving apparatus. - The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments are provided in the following description only as examples and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined in the following description would be applied to other embodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
- Referring to
FIGS. 3 to 7 , a shelving apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the shelving apparatus comprises a supportingframe 10 and a plurality offoldable posts 20 for detachably coupling with the supporting frames 10. - According to the preferred embodiment, the supporting
frame 10 is incorporated with one or more shelf supporting beam configurations and is supported by thefoldable posts 20 in a horizontally oriented manner for supporting one or more objects on the supportingframe 10. - In one embodiment, each of the shelf supporting beam configurations of the supporting
frame 10 comprises ashelf platform 11 and a plurality ofshelf retaining members 12. Each of theshelf retaining members 12 is detachably coupled with two of thefoldable posts 20 via at least a fastener, such that theshelf retaining members 12 form a boundary frame to support theshelf platform 11 therewithin. Accordingly, two of theshelf retaining members 12 serve as a front boundary and a rear boundary respectively, and the other twoshelf retaining members 12 serve as two side boundaries respectively, such that the boundary frame is formed by the front boundary, the rear boundary, and the side boundary. Preferably, a length of the front boundary matches with a length of the rear boundary and the side boundaries are preferred identical in length. - Each of the
foldable posts 20 is supported in a vertically oriented manner to serve as a corner post of the shelving apparatus. In one embodiment, at least fourfoldable posts 20 are provided that four corners of the supportingframe 10 are coupled at thefoldable posts 20 respectively. Each of thefoldable posts 20 comprises at least anupper post member 21, at least alower post member 22 and at least a post joint 30, wherein each of the upper andlower post members first post wall second post wall first wall first post walls lower post members second post walls upper post member 21 is identical to thelower post member 22. It is appreciated that the length of theupper post member 21 can be different from that of thelower post member 22. A width of thefirst post wall second post wall lower post members foldable posts 20 further has a plurality ofkeyholes 23 alignedly formed on thefirst post wall second post wall lower post members keyholes 23 has anupper hole portion 231 and alower hole portion 232, wherein a size of theupper hole portion 231 is larger than a size of thelower hole portion 232. - The post joint 30 is arranged for connecting the upper and
lower post members foldable post 20, such that the upper andlower post members foldable post 20 is in an unfolded condition. Accordingly, the post joint 30 comprises a first means provided at theupper post member 21 and a second means provided at thelower post member 22 to interlock the upper andlower post members tongue 31 extended from an end portion of thefirst post wall 211 of theupper post member 21, an engaginggroove 32 provided at an end portion of thefirst post wall 221 of thelower post member 22, and apivot hinge 33 pivotally coupled thesecond post walls lower post members lower post members tongue 31 with the engaginggroove 32, the upper andlower post members tongue 31 and the engaginggroove 32 to form the interlocking unit to interlock the upper andlower post members - As shown in
FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B , the post joint 30 further comprises an additional engaginggroove 34 extended from an end portion of thesecond post wall 212 of theupper post member 21 adjacent to the engagingtongue 31 thereof, and an additionalengaging tongue 35 provided at an end portion of thesecond post wall 222 of thelower post member 22 adjacent to the engaginggroove 32 thereof. - In other words, the engaging
tongue 31 and the additional engaginggroove 35 are provided at thefirst post wall 211 and thesecond post wall 212 of theupper post member 21 respectively while the engaginggroove 32 and the additionalengaging tongue 34 are provided at thefirst post wall 221 and thesecond post wall 222 of thelower post member 22 respectively. Therefore, when the upper andlower post members tongue 31 at thefirst post wall 211 of theupper post member 21 will engage with the engaginggroove 32 at thefirst post wall 221 of thelower post member 22 while the additionalengaging tongue 34 at thesecond post wall 222 of thelower post member 22 will engage with the additional engaginggroove 35 at thesecond post wall 212 of theupper post member 22, so as to interlock the upper andlower post members - Preferably, the engaging
tongue 31 is extended from an inner side of thefirst post wall 211 of theupper post member 21 and the engaginggroove 32 is formed at an inner side of thefirst post wall 221 of thelower post member 22. Likewise, the additionalengaging tongue 34 is extended from an inner side of thesecond post wall 222 of thelower post member 22 and the additional engaginggroove 35 is formed at an inner side of thesecond post wall 212 of theupper post member 21. - As shown in
FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B , the post joint 30 further comprises twocoupling sleeves 36 coupling with the end portions of the upper andlower post members pivot hinge 33 is formed between thecoupling sleeves 36 to pivotally couple the upper andlower post members coupling sleeves 36 comprises a firstinner sleeve member 361 coupled at the inner side of theupper post member 21 and a secondinner sleeve member 362 coupled at the inner side of thelower post member 22. In particular, the firstinner sleeve member 361 has two firstinner sleeve portions second post walls upper post member 21 respectively, wherein one of the firstinner sleeve portions 3611 is extended from the end portion of thefirst post wall 211 of theupper post member 21 to form the engagingtongue 31 while another firstinner sleeve portion 3612 is spaced apart from the inner side of the end portion of thesecond post wall 212 of theupper post member 21 to form the additional engaginggroove 35. The secondinner sleeve member 362 has two secondinner sleeve portions second post walls lower post member 22 respectively, wherein one of the secondinner sleeve portions 3621 is spaced apart from the inner side of the end portion of thefirst post wall 221 of thelower post member 21 to form the engaginggroove 32 while another secondinner sleeve portion 3622 is extended from the end portion of thesecond post wall 222 of thelower post member 21 to form the additionalengaging tongue 34. Thepivot hinge 33 is pivotally coupled between two corresponding side edges of the first and secondinner sleeve members lower post members - According to the preferred embodiment, each of the
coupling sleeves 36 further comprises a firstouter sleeve member 363 coupled with the firstinner sleeve member 361 to define afirst sleeve cavity 365 to receive the end portion of theupper post member 21, and a secondinner sleeve member 364 coupled with the secondinner sleeve member 362 to define asecond sleeve cavity 366 to receive the end portion of thelower post member 22. Preferably, thecoupling sleeves 36 are securely affixed to the end portions of the upper andlower post members lower post members FIG. 5 . - It is appreciated that at least one of the engaging
tongue 31 and the additional engaginggroove 35 can be formed at the firstouter sleeve member 363 and one of the engaginggroove 32 and the additionalengaging tongue 34 can be formed at the secondouter sleeve member 364. In other words, the post joint 30 provides a tongue-and-groove engagement, especially the interlock tongue-and-groove engagement, to ensure the upper andlower post members - As shown in
FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B , the post joint 30 further comprises apost locker 37 for releasably locking the end-to-end interlocking of the upper andlower post members post locker 37 is arranged to lock up the pivotal movement between the upper andlower post members post locker 37 comprises alocking slot 371 provided at thelower post member 22 and a lockinglatch 372 provided at theupper post member 21, such that when the upper andlower post members tongue 31 with the engaginggroove 32, i.e. the additionalengaging tongue 34 engaged with the additional engaginggroove 35 at the same time, the lockinglatch 372 is actuated to engage with thelocking slot 371 to retain the upper andlower post members slot 373 provided at theupper post member 21 to align with thelocking slot 371, wherein the lockinglatch 372 is guided by the guidingslot 373 to slidably actuate to selectively lock up with thelocking slot 371. Preferably, the lockinglatch 372 is a spring-loaded device to push the lockinglatch 372 to the locking slot 317. In other word, when the lockinglatch 372 is slidably pulled along the guidingslot 373 until a free end of the lockinglatch 372 is disengaged with thelocking slot 371, the upper andlower post members pivot hinge 33. Once the upper andlower post members tongue 31 with the engaginggroove 32, the lockinglatch 372 is slidably pushed until the free end of the lockinglatch 372 is engaged with thelocking slot 371 to lock up the pivotal movement between the upper andlower post members slot 373 and thelocking slot 371 are formed at thecoupling sleeves 36 respectively. In addition, thepivot hinge 33 is formed one side edge of thecoupling sleeve 36 and thepost locker 37 is formed at an opposed side edge of thecoupling sleeve 36. -
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrates an alternative mode of the post joint 30A which comprises a first means provided at theupper post member 21 and a second means provided at thelower post member 22 to interlock the upper andlower post members engaging tongue 31A extended from the end portion of theupper post member 21, a secondengaging tongue 34A extended from the end position of thelower post member 22, and apivot hinge 33A pivotally coupled the upper andlower post members lower post members engaging tongue 31A with thelower post member 22 and to engage the secondengaging tongue 34A with theupper post member 21, as shown inFIG. 7A , the upper andlower post members foldable post 20. The upper andlower post members pivot hinge 33A, as shown inFIG. 7B , the upper andlower post members engaging tongues lower post members - Accordingly, the first
engaging tongue 31A is extended from one of the first andsecond post walls upper post member 21 and the secondengaging tongue 34A is extended from one of the first andsecond post walls lower post member 22. Preferably, the first and secondengaging tongue second post walls lower post members engaging tongue 31A is extended from the outer side of theupper post member 21 and the secondengaging tongue 34A is extended from the inner side of thelower post member 22, such that when the upper andlower post members FIG. 7A , the firstengaging tongue 31A is engaged with the outer side of thelower post member 22 while the secondengaging tongue 34A is engaged with the inner side of theupper post member 21, so as to interlock the upper andlower post members engaging tongues lower post members lower post members - As shown in
FIGS. 7A and 7B , the post joint 30A further comprises two coupling sleeves 36A coupling with the end portions of the upper and lower post members respectively, wherein thepivot hinge 33A is formed between the coupling sleeves 36A to pivotally couple the upper andlower post members upper post member 21, wherein a portion of the coupling sleeve 36A is upwardly extended out of the end portion of theupper post member 21 to form the firstengaging tongue 31A. The other coupling sleeve 36A is coupled at the inner side of thelower post member 22, wherein a portion of the coupling sleeve 36A is downwardly extended out of the end portion of thelower post member 22 to form the secondengaging tongue 34A. - According to the preferred embodiment, one of the coupling sleeve 36A comprises an
outer sleeve 363A coupled at the outer side of theupper post member 21. Theouter sleeve 363A has twoouter sleeve portions second post walls upper post member 21 respectively. The other coupling sleeve 36A comprises aninner sleeve 361A coupled at the inner side of thelower post member 22. Theinner sleeve 361A has twoinner sleeve portions second post walls lower post member 21 respectively. Preferably, the coupling sleeves 36A are securely affixed to the end portions of the upper andlower post members lower post members 21 - The
pivot hinge 33A is pivotally coupled one of theouter sleeve portions 3631A with one of theinner sleeve portions 3611A at the edges thereof. In particular, the first and secondengaging tongues outer sleeve portions 3632A and theinner sleeve portion 3612A respectively. - As shown in
FIG. 7A , the post joint 30A further comprises apost locker 37A for releasably locking the end-to-end interlocking of the upper andlower post members post locker 37A is arranged to lock up the pivotal movement between the upper and lower post members 21A, 22A. Accordingly, thepost locker 37A comprises alocking slot 371A provided at thelower post member 22 and a lockinglatch 372A provided at theupper post member 21, such that when the upper andlower post members engaging tongues latch 372A is actuated to engage with thelocking slot 371A to retain the upper andlower post members - In addition, the post joint 30A further comprises a guiding
slot 373A provided at theupper post member 21 to align with thelocking slot 371A, wherein the lockinglatch 372A is guided by the guidingslot 373A to slidably actuate to selectively lock up with thelocking slot 371A. Preferably, the lockinglatch 372A is a spring-loaded device to push the lockinglatch 372A to the locking slot 317A. In other word, when the lockinglatch 372A is slidably pulled along the guidingslot 373A until a free end of the lockinglatch 372A is disengaged with thelocking slot 371A, the upper andlower post members pivot hinge 33A. Once the upper andlower post members engaging tongues latch 372A is slidably pushed until the free end of the lockinglatch 372A is engaged with thelocking slot 371A to lock up the pivotal movement between the upper andlower post members slot 373A and thelocking slot 371A are formed at the coupling sleeves 36A respectively. In addition, thepivot hinge 33A is formed one side edge of the coupling sleeve 36A and thepost locker 37A is formed at an opposed side edge of the coupling sleeve 36A. It is worth mentioning that the guidingslot 373A and thelocking slot 371A are formed at theouter sleeve portions 3632A and theinner sleeve portion 3612A at the edges thereof respectively. - It is worth mentioning that the shelving apparatus of the instant invention can be easily set up by pivotally folding the
post members FIG. 6A , to form thefoldable posts 20 and by coupling the supportingframe 10 to thefoldable posts 20 to form a completed shelving unit. Once thepost members post members foldable post 20. For disassembling the shelving apparatus of the instant invention, the user is able to easily detach the supportingframe 10 from thefoldable posts 20, and is able to pivotally fold thepost members FIG. 6B , to minimize the overall length of each of the foldable posts 20. It is worth mentioning that the post joint 30 is remained attached to two end portions of thepost members post members post members shelf retaining member 12 which forms the front or rear boundary for minimizing the packaging size of the shelving apparatus. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , a shelving apparatus according to a second embodiment illustrates an alternative mode of the first embodiment, wherein the structural configuration of the shelving apparatus of the second embodiment is the modification of the first embodiment. Accordingly, the upper andlower post members foldable post 20D of the second embodiment are modifications of the upper andlower post members foldable post 20 of the first embodiment, wherein the upper andlower post members pivot hinge 33. - As shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9 , a plurality ofkeyholes 23D are alignedly formed on thefirst post wall second post wall lower post members keyholes 23D has anupper hole portion 231D and alower hole portion 232D, wherein a size of theupper hole portion 231D is larger than a size of thelower hole portion 232D. Each of the upper andlower post members first post wall second post wall upper hole portion 231D of each of thekeyholes 23D at the outer side of thepost members lower hole portion 232D of each of thekeyholes 23D is uncovered. The shape and size of thekeyhole cover 233D is configured according to the shape and size of theupper hole portion 231D of thekeyhole 23D. In order to form the keyhole covers 233D, each of the upper andlower post members lower post members - As shown in
FIGS. 8 to 10 , each of theshelf retaining members 12D has a planar structure to have the first and secondlongitudinal edges shelf retaining members 12D are detachably engaged withkeyholes 23D of the twofoldable posts 20D. Accordingly, twofasteners 123D are provided at eachcoupling end 120D of theshelf retaining member 12D to engage with twokeyholes 23D of the correspondingfoldable post 20D. In particular, two fastener holes are formed at each coupling end of theshelf retaining member 12D, wherein the twofasteners 123D are affixed to avertical beam wall 124D of theshelf retaining member 12D via the fastener holes respectively. According to the preferred embodiment, each of thefasteners 123D is riveted to therespective coupling end 120D of theshelf retaining member 12D and has a head 123D1 having a size larger than thelower hold portion 232D and slightly smaller than theupper hole portion 231D so as to fittingly inserted through theupper hole portion 231D while guiding by thekeyhole cover 233D not to prevent the head 123D1 from over inserting and to guide aneck 1232D, protruded between the head 123D1 and theshelf retaining member 12D and having a size smaller than the head 123D1, to slide into thelower hole portion 232D of thecorresponding keyhole 23D from theupper hole portion 231D, so as to securely couple theshelf retaining member 12D at thepost member 21D of thefoldable post 20D. - It is worth mentioning that when the
fastener 123D is inserted into theupper hole portion 231D of thekeyhole 23D, as shown inFIG. 9A , thefastener 123D is blocked by the respective keyhole cover 233D to ensure the engagement between thefastener 123D and thekeyhole 23D. Therefore, thefastener 123D can be correctly slid to thelower hole portion 232D from theupper hole portion 231D, so as to securely couple theshelf retaining member 12D at thefoldable post 20D. In addition, since thefastener 123D is slid at thelower hole portion 232D of thekeyhole 23D, a portion of thefastener 123D, such as thehead 1231D, can be covered and protected by thekeyhole cover 233D to protect thefastener 123D from being damaged by any external force at the outer side of each of the upper and thelower post members - It is worth mentioning that the
shelf platform 11D of the supportingframe 10D is reversibly supported by a supportingsurface 132D of thetop beam wall 131D of theshelf retaining member 12D at a first position and a reversibly second position to selectively adjust a depth of theshelf platform 11D. At the first position, thebase panel 112D of theshelf platform 11D is supported by the supportingsurface 132D at a position that the surroundingedge 111D of theshelf platform 11D is located above thebase panel 112D thereof to maximize the depth of theshelf platform 11D. At the second position, thebase panel 112D of theshelf platform 11D is supported by the supportingsurface 132D at a position that the surroundingedge 111D of theshelf platform 11D is located below thebase panel 112D thereof to minimize the depth of theshelf platform 11D. - It is worth mentioning that the
shelf platform 11D or theshelf retaining members 12D is reversibly supported at a first position and a reversibly second position to selectively adjust a depth of theshelf platform 11D. The structural configuration of theshelf platform 11D and theshelf retaining members 12D are the same as the above mentioned embodiments. As shown inFIG. 8 , the top level of the shelf apparatus is shown that theshelf retaining members 12D form a boundary frame for theshelf platform 11D while the second to bottom levels of the shelf apparatus are shown that theshelf retaining members 12D form a boundary-less frame for theshelf platform 11D. - One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.
- It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claims (16)
1-26. (canceled)
27. A post arrangement for a shelving apparatus which comprises a supporting frame, comprising:
a plurality of foldable posts for detachably coupling with the supporting frame to form the shelving apparatus, each of said foldable posts comprising at least an upper post member, at least a lower post member, and at least a post joint connecting said upper and lower post members to form said respective foldable post such that said upper and lower post members are capable of being selectively unfolded and extended rigidly in an end-to-end and vertically oriented manner and folded pivotally in a side-by-side manner, wherein each of said upper and lower post members has a first post wall and a second post wall extended from said first wall at an angle, wherein said post joint provides an interlock unit that interlocks upper and lower post members with each other end-to-end, and a pivot hinge pivotally coupled to said second post walls of said upper and lower post members, wherein when said upper and lower post members are pivotally moved end-to-end, said upper and lower post members are interlocked and coupled with each other end-to-end, wherein said interlock unit comprises an engaging tongue extended from an end portion of said first post wall of said upper post member and an engaging groove provided at an end portion of said first post wall of said lower post member, wherein when said upper and lower post members are pivotally moved to engage said engaging tongue with said engaging groove, said upper and lower post members are interlocked and coupled with each other end-to-end, wherein said post joint further comprises an additional engaging groove extended from an end portion of said second post wall of said upper post member adjacent to said engaging tongue thereof, and an additional engaging tongue provided at an end portion of said second post wall of said lower post member adjacent to said engaging groove thereof, such that when said upper and lower post members are pivotally moved to engage said additional engaging tongue with said additional engaging groove, said upper and lower post members are coupled with each other end-to-end, wherein said post joint further comprises two coupling sleeves coupling with said end portions of said upper and lower post members respectively, wherein said pivot hinge is formed between said coupling sleeves to pivotally couple said upper and lower post members.
28. The post arrangement, as recited in claim 27 , further comprising a post locker for releasably locking the interlocking of said upper and lower post members, wherein said post locker comprises a locking slot provided at said lower post member and a locking latch provided at said upper post member, such that when said upper and lower post members are pivotally moved to engage said engaging tongue with said engaging groove, said locking latch is actuated to engage with said locking slot to retain said upper and lower post members to be coupled with each other end-to-end.
29. The post arrangement, as recited in claim 28 , wherein said post locker further comprises a guiding slot provided at said upper post member to align with said locking slot, wherein said locking latch is guided to slide at said guiding slot to selectively lock up with said locking slot.
30. The post arrangement, as recited in claim 29 , wherein said guiding slot and said locking slot are formed at said coupling sleeves respectively.
31. The post arrangement, as recited in claim 29 , wherein said pivot hinge is formed at one side edge of one of said coupling sleeves and said post locker is formed at an opposed side edge of another said coupling sleeve.
32. A post arrangement for a shelving apparatus which comprises a supporting frame, comprising:
a plurality of foldable posts for detachably coupling with the supporting frame to form the shelving apparatus, each of said foldable posts comprising:
at least an upper post member,
at least a lower post member,
at least a post joint connecting said upper and lower post members to form said respective foldable post such that said upper and lower post members are capable of being selectively unfolded and extended rigidly in an end-to-end and vertically oriented manner and folded pivotally in a side-by-side manner, wherein each of said upper and lower post members has a first post wall and a second post wall extended from said first wall at an angle, wherein said post joint provides an interlock unit that interlocks upper and lower post members with each other end-to-end, and a pivot hinge pivotally coupled to said second post walls of said upper and lower post members, wherein when said upper and lower post members are pivotally moved end-to-end, said upper and lower post members are interlocked and coupled with each other end-to-end, wherein said interlock unit comprises an engaging tongue extended from an end portion of said first post wall of said upper post member and an engaging groove provided at an end portion of said first post wall of said lower post member, wherein when said upper and lower post members are pivotally moved to engage said engaging tongue with said engaging groove, said upper and lower post members are interlocked and coupled with each other end-to-end, and
a post locker for releasably locking the interlocking of said upper and lower post members, wherein said post locker comprises a locking slot provided at said lower post member and a locking latch provided at said upper post member, such that when said upper and lower post members are pivotally moved to engage said engaging tongue with said engaging groove, said locking latch is actuated to engage with said locking slot to retain said upper and lower post members to be coupled with each other end-to-end.
33. The post arrangement, as recited in 32, wherein said post locker further comprises a guiding slot provided at said upper post member to align with said locking slot, wherein said locking latch is guided to slide at said guiding slot to selectively lock up with said locking slot.
34. A post arrangement for a shelving apparatus which comprises a supporting frame, comprising:
a plurality of foldable posts for detachably coupling with the supporting frame to form the shelving apparatus, each of said foldable posts comprising at least an upper post member, at least a lower post member, and at least a post joint connecting said upper and lower post members to form said respective foldable post such that said upper and lower post members are capable of being selectively unfolded and extended rigidly in an end-to-end and vertically oriented manner and folded pivotally in a side-by-side manner, wherein each of said upper and lower post members has a first post wall and a second post wall extended from said first wall at an angle, wherein said post joint provides an interlock unit that interlocks upper and lower post members with each other end-to-end, and a pivot hinge pivotally coupled to said second post walls of said upper and lower post members, wherein when said upper and lower post members are pivotally moved end-to-end, said upper and lower post members are interlocked and coupled with each other end-to-end, wherein said interlock unit comprises a first engaging tongue extended from an end portion of said upper post member and a second engaging tongue extended from an end position of said lower post member, such that when said upper and lower post members are pivotally moved to engage said first engaging tongue with said lower post member and to engage said second engaging tongue with said upper post member, said upper and lower post members are interlocked and coupled with each other end-to-end, wherein said post joint further comprises two coupling sleeves coupling with said end portions of said upper and lower post members respectively, wherein said pivot hinge is formed between said coupling sleeves to pivotally couple said upper and lower post members.
35. The post arrangement, as recited in claim 34 , further comprising a post locker for releasably locking said upper and lower post members, wherein said post locker comprises a locking slot provided at said lower post member and a locking latch provided at said upper post member, such that when said upper and lower post members are pivotally moved to interlock with each other via said first and second engaging tongues, said locking latch is actuated to engage with said locking slot to retain said upper and lower post members to be coupled with each other end-to-end.
36. The post arrangement, as recited in claim 35 , wherein said post locker further comprises a guiding slot provided at said upper post member to align with said locking slot, wherein said locking latch is guided to slide at said guiding slot to selectively lock up with said locking slot.
37. The post arrangement, as recited in claim 36 , wherein said guiding slot and said locking slot are formed at said coupling sleeves respectively.
38. The post arrangement, as recited in claim 36 , wherein said pivot hinge is formed at one side edge of one of said coupling sleeves and said post locker is formed at an opposed side edge of another said coupling sleeve.
39. The post arrangement, as recited in claim 35 , wherein each of said foldable posts has a plurality of keyholes alignedly formed on said first post wall and said second post wall of each of said upper and lower post members of said foldable member, wherein each of said keyholes has a larger upper hole portion, a smaller lower hole portion and a keyhole cover integrally and outwardly protruded from an outer side of said post walls to partially cover said upper hole portion, wherein at least one of said keyholes is arranged for detachably coupling with a fastener of the supporting frame and for guiding the fastener of the supporting frame to be inserted through said upper hole portion and slid into said lower hole portion.
40. A post arrangement for a shelving apparatus which comprises a supporting frame, comprising:
a plurality of foldable posts for detachably coupling with the supporting frame to form the shelving apparatus, each of said foldable posts comprising:
at least an upper post member,
at least a lower post member,
at least a post joint connecting said upper and lower post members to form said respective foldable post such that said upper and lower post members are capable of being selectively unfolded and extended rigidly in an end-to-end and vertically oriented manner and folded pivotally in a side-by-side manner, wherein each of said upper and lower post members has a first post wall and a second post wall extended from said first wall at an angle, wherein said post joint provides an interlock unit that interlocks upper and lower post members with each other end-to-end, and a pivot hinge pivotally coupled to said second post walls of said upper and lower post members, wherein when said upper and lower post members are pivotally moved end-to-end, said upper and lower post members are interlocked and coupled with each other end-to-end, wherein said interlock unit comprises a first engaging tongue extended from an end portion of said upper post member and a second engaging tongue extended from an end position of said lower post member, such that when said upper and lower post members are pivotally moved to engage said first engaging tongue with said lower post member and to engage said second engaging tongue with said upper post member, said upper and lower post members are interlocked and coupled with each other end-to-end, and
a post locker for releasably locking said upper and lower post members, wherein said post locker comprises a locking slot provided at said lower post member and a locking latch provided at said upper post member, such that when said upper and lower post members are pivotally moved to interlock with each other via said first and second engaging tongues, said locking latch is actuated to engage with said locking slot to retain said upper and lower post members to be coupled with each other end-to-end.
41. The post arrangement, as recited in claim 40 , wherein said post locker further comprises a guiding slot provided at said upper post member to align with said locking slot, wherein said locking latch is guided to slide at said guiding slot to selectively lock up with said locking slot.
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CA2955903A CA2955903A1 (en) | 2016-01-24 | 2017-01-24 | Foldable post for shelving apparatus |
US15/431,717 US20170208950A1 (en) | 2016-01-24 | 2017-02-13 | Foldable Post for Shelving Apparatus |
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US15/004,986 US9788650B2 (en) | 2016-01-24 | 2016-01-24 | Foldable post for shelving apparatus |
US15/047,652 US9723925B1 (en) | 2016-01-24 | 2016-02-19 | Foldable post for shelving apparatus |
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US15/431,717 Abandoned US20170208950A1 (en) | 2016-01-24 | 2017-02-13 | Foldable Post for Shelving Apparatus |
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US11064806B1 (en) * | 2020-04-30 | 2021-07-20 | Qingdao Lanshan Trade Co., Ltd. | Combined goods support device |
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KR20180028504A (en) * | 2015-07-10 | 2018-03-16 | 호세-구아달루페 가르자-몬테마요르 | Releasable coupling system |
CN107672956B (en) * | 2016-08-01 | 2020-09-04 | 南通中集特种运输设备制造有限公司 | Double-layer foldable frame box |
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CN108016796B (en) * | 2017-12-25 | 2019-05-28 | 中国科学院沈阳自动化研究所 | A kind of space shelf of foldable expansion |
US20190290000A1 (en) * | 2018-02-15 | 2019-09-26 | Hercke LLC | Shelving unit |
WO2019173935A1 (en) * | 2018-03-12 | 2019-09-19 | 杭州联和工具制造有限公司 | Goods shelf |
US11019921B2 (en) * | 2018-11-27 | 2021-06-01 | Edsal Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Shelving unit with capacity increasing shelving |
CN113260549A (en) * | 2018-12-28 | 2021-08-13 | 通用台车欧洲有限公司 | Coupling system |
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- 2016-02-19 US US15/047,652 patent/US9723925B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2017
- 2017-01-24 CA CA2955903A patent/CA2955903A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2017-02-13 US US15/431,717 patent/US20170208950A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US11064806B1 (en) * | 2020-04-30 | 2021-07-20 | Qingdao Lanshan Trade Co., Ltd. | Combined goods support device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20170208950A1 (en) | 2017-07-27 |
US9723925B1 (en) | 2017-08-08 |
US20170208936A1 (en) | 2017-07-27 |
CA2955903A1 (en) | 2017-07-24 |
US9788650B2 (en) | 2017-10-17 |
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