US3513786A - Multisection shelf and bracket assembly - Google Patents

Multisection shelf and bracket assembly Download PDF

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US3513786A
US3513786A US650992A US3513786DA US3513786A US 3513786 A US3513786 A US 3513786A US 650992 A US650992 A US 650992A US 3513786D A US3513786D A US 3513786DA US 3513786 A US3513786 A US 3513786A
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shelf
segments
multisection
bracket
openings
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US650992A
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Harlan F Kellogg
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Rockware Inc
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Rockware Inc
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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16BDEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B12/00Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
    • F16B12/10Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like
    • F16B12/12Jointing 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
    • F16B12/14Jointing 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 threaded bolts or screws
    • F16B12/16Jointing 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 threaded bolts or screws using self-tapping screws
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47BTABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B96/00Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
    • A47B96/02Shelves
    • A47B96/021Structural features of shelf bases
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47BTABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B96/00Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
    • A47B96/02Shelves
    • A47B96/027Cantilever shelves
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16BDEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B12/00Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
    • F16B12/10Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like
    • F16B12/12Jointing 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
    • F16B12/24Jointing 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 separate pins, dowels, or the like
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47BTABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B2230/00Furniture jointing; Furniture with such jointing
    • A47B2230/0029Dowels
    • A47B2230/0037Dowels or dowel-pins

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to supports and more particularly to a multisection shelf and bracket assembly.
  • shelf bracket assemblies have included support members adapted for mounting on a wall, and brackets selectively engageable in any of various spaced openings in the support members.
  • a shelf is then supported on the brackets.
  • the shelf is planar, as is the supporting surface of the brackets for each shelf. Practically speaking, however, this ideal situation does not usually exist. If the wall is not perfectly planar, or if there is a slight bump thereon, the support members will not be mounted in the same plane, thus causing the brackets to be canted. A slight burr on the mounting end of the bracket, or slight wear at the joining parts of the bracket and support member, can have the same result. Additionally, a wide shelf is frequently warped. Any of these results in a situation where the shelf and its supporting brackets are not coplanar and the shelf can rock on the bracket.
  • an erected shelf and bracket assembly was substantially invariable as to size. It could not, for example, be lengthened or widened without discarding the old shelf and replacing it will a new one of the desired slze.
  • the present invention relates to a multisection shelf and bracket assembly which comprises support members, brackets, a multisection shelf including spaced segments, and means for holding the segments in spaced relationship.
  • Another object is to provide an assembly in which the shelf will engage the brackets even if the shelf is warped or the brackets canted slightly.
  • Still another object is to provide an assembly which is versatile and can be erected in various widths and/or lengths and which can easily be changed in size.
  • Yet another object is to provide a multisection shelf and bracket assembly wherein the shelf includes segments arranged in spaced relationship.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional View taken along line 3 3 of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a device for joining the shelf segments
  • FIG. 5 is a top view of a modified form of the invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a device for joining the shelf segments in the modied form.
  • FIG. l there is illustrated a support member, generally designated by the numeral 10, and a bracket, generally designated by the numeral 12, engaged thereto.
  • a second support member 10' and a second bracket 12 are similarly arranged. It is contemplated that additional support members and brackets may be utilized, if desired.
  • the support members are adapted for mounting on a supporting surface 13 in a generally vertical position.
  • support member 10 has a front wall 14 and side walls 15 and 16.
  • a plurality of openings 17 are provided in the support member for passage of fasteners 17a to mount the member on the supporting surface 13.
  • Front wall 14 has a plurality of equally spaced openings in the form of slots 19 for mounting the bracket 12 thereon in any convenient manner well known in the art.
  • Bracket 12 has a body 22 having a rear end 24 disposed adjacent support member 10. End 24 has projections 25 for interi'ltting with slots 19 in the support member to mount the bracket thereon in a cantlevered fashion. When so mounted, the bracket has a generally horizontal supporting surface 26 extending outwardly from the support member for supporting a shelf in the usual manner. At the outer end of the bracket is provided a projection 28 extending above the level of the supporting surface 26.
  • Support member 10' and bracket 12 are similarly arranged, and similar parts are illustrated in the drawing by the same numeral followed by the postscript prime and further description is deemed unnecessary.
  • a multisection shelf is supported on the surfaces 26, 26 of the brackets 12 and 12', respectively.
  • the multisection shelf includes a plurality of identical longitudinally extending segments 30 which span the brackets 12 and 12.
  • Each segment has a front edge 30a and a rear edge 30b, and the edges of adjacent segments are spaced apart a preselected distance.
  • Each segment is provided with a plurality of generally cylindrical openings 32 in each longitudinal extending edge thereof for a purpose which will hereinafter become apparent.
  • Identical openings 32 are also provided in the ends of each segment. These end openings 32 are centrally located at each segment and serve a function hereafter explained.
  • Means is provided for holding the segments in said spaced relationship.
  • this is in the form of a plurality of devices, generally designated 40.
  • the device 40 includes a head portion 41 and leg portions 42 and 43 extending in opposite lateral directions from the head portion.
  • the leg portions and head portions are generally cylindrical in cross section.
  • the leg portions are sized for a frictional t into the openings 32.
  • the head portion 41 has a size larger than the leg portions but not greater than the thickness of the segments to leave the upper surface of the shelf unobstructed when the devices 40 are inserted into openings 32.
  • the segments 30 are generally identical; thus, when the ends thereof are aligned, the Openings 32 in the edges of adjacent segments are generally aligned.
  • the aligned legs 42 and 43 of the device 40 may be inserted into the aligned openings 32 to join the segments and hold them from movement relative to each other in a longitudinal direction.
  • the head portion 41 has a width equal to said preselected distance, and the sides of the head engage the edges 30a and 30h of adjacent segments and maintain said preselected distance.
  • two devices 40 are required for each two adjacent segments so joined. However, it is preferable to use three of the devices since this provides more ideal load transfer when the multisection shelf is loaded.
  • the shelf When the desired width of the multisection shelf has been accomplished by assembling the segments together, the shelf may be supported on the brackets as illustrated in FIG. l. lf desired, a decorative button (not shown) may be inserted into the openings 32 in the front edge 30a of the front segment.
  • the -back edge 30b of the back segment engages the front wall 14 of support member 10 while the front edge 30a of the front segment engages the back edge of the projection 28 (see FIG. 3).
  • the multisection shelf is securely held between the projection 28 and the wall 14 of the support member to prevent lateral movement of the segments.
  • the length of the supporting surface 26 of each bracket is delined by the formula: Wn+S(n-1) wherein W is the width of the segments, S is the width of the head 41, and n is the number of segments in the multisection shelf.
  • brackets of different lengths may be provided to accommodate different widths of the multisection shelf. Additional widths can lbe provided merely by adding or subtracting segments in the manner described above.
  • the segments each has a front edge 35a and a rear edge 3Sb.
  • the edges have no openings as do the edges of segments 30.
  • the front edge 35a of the front segment provide an unencumbered surface to the viewer.
  • Means is provided for holding the segments in spaced relationship, and this means is in the form of ya device, generally designated 50, advantageously formed of moderately resilient plastic.
  • the device includes a head portion 51 and leg portions 52 and 53 extending laterally in opposite directions from the head portion.
  • the leg portions are adapted to underlie their respective segments, Vand the head portion extends upwardly therefrom to a level not higher than the top of the adjacent segments.
  • the legs 52 and 53 are provided with openings 52a and 53a, respectively, for passage of fasteners 55 to secure each leg to its respective segment.
  • at least one device 50 is located closely adjacent the bracket 12 and I engages the side of the body 22.
  • another device 50 is located closely adjacent the other bracket 12'. The devices closely adjacent the sides of the two brackets engage the brackets to hold the multisection shelf from longitudinal movement with respect to the brackets.
  • bracket has a supporting surface 26 defined by the aforementioned formula.
  • Two or more assemblies of support members 10, brackets 12, 12'; and multisection shelves may be arranged with the multisection shelves in end-to-end relationship (see FIG. l).
  • the segments 30 of the adjacent multisection shelves are held with their ends in spaced relationship by the aforedescribed devices. As described above, segments 30 have openings 32 in their ends and devices 40 are provided to secure the ends as shown in FIG. 2. Similarly,
  • FIG. 5 illustrates devices 50 securing segments 35 in spaced end-to-end relationship.
  • the devices 40 or 50 ⁇ provide a load transferring joint at the ends of the multisection shelf.
  • multisection shelves of many different widths can be assembled as indicated above. Additionally, when the segments are furnished in two and three feet lengths, any length shelf two feet or more in length can be assembled. However, since four feet is a popular length, it is preferable to furnish that length also. In this manner, a number of segments can be utilized to make a large variety of shelf widths and lengths.
  • a multisection shelf formed in the manner described above, is particularly advantageous in such a non-planar situation.
  • the devices 40 and 50 permit a limited amount of twisting of each segment relative to the adjacent segment.
  • the segments will more readily conform to the supporting surfaces. This is because the segments, when loaded, will twist slightly, as described, and conform to the supporting surface somewhat independently of the adjacent segments. This result cannot -be accomplished by a one-piece shelf. It is deemed obvious that holding the segments in spaced relationship aids in this advantageous result. Additionally, the spaced relationship minimizes any slight misalignment of the segments and provides a pleasing appearance without an exacting, perfect fit.
  • a multisection shelf and bracket assembly comprising, in combination:
  • At least two upwardly extending wall mountable support members having means for mounting the same on a supporting wall;
  • each shelf bracket having means for engaging a respective support member to support the bracket thereon, each shelf bracket having a bearing surface extending outwardly from the support member and an upwardly extending projection at the outer end thereof;
  • a multisection shelf supported on the bearing surface of the rst and second brackets and including a plurality of elongate flat shelf segments spanning said brackets and extending in sidewise aligned relation generally parallel to each other, said shelf segments each having front and rear side edges and at least two openings in each side edge located so that the openings in adjacent segments are aligned when the segments are coextensive; and
  • each pin connector having a central head portion and reduced leg portions extending in opposite directions from the head portion, said head portion having a size less than the thickness of said shelf segments but greater than the size of said openings and disposed in the space and engaged with the side edges of adjacent shelf segments for holding the segments in said spaced relationship, said leg portions being dimensioned to be frictionally received in said openings and extending laterally in opposite directions from the head portion into aligned openings in adjacent segments for holding the shelf segments in relative longitudinal position.
  • a multisection shelf and bracket assembly comprising, in combination:
  • At least one shelf bracket mounted on each support member and having a bearing surface extending outwardly therefrom;
  • a multisection shelf supported on the bearing surfaces of said brackets and including first and second sets of elongate flat shelf segments, the shelf segments in each set being disposed in sidewise aligned relation with each other and the shelf segments of one set being disposed in endwise aligned relation With respective ones of the shelf segments of -the other set, the shelf segments having at least two openings in each side edge thereof and at least one opening in the end edges thereof;
  • a plurality of pin connectors each having a central head portion and reduced leg portions extending in opposite directions from the head portion, said head portion having a size less than the thickness of said shelf segments but greater than the size of Said openings in the side and end edges of the shelf segments,
  • a first set of said pin connectors having the leg portions thereof extending into the openings in the adjacent side edges of the first set of shelf segments with the heads on the first set of pin connectors engaging said adjacent side edges of the first set of shelf segments to laterally space the same
  • a second set of said pin connectors having the leg portions thereof extending into the openings in the adjacent side edges of the second set of shelf segments with the heads on the second set of pin connectors engaging said adjacent side edges of the second set of shelf segments to laterally space the same
  • a third set of said pin connectors extending into the openings in the adjacent end edges of the shelf segments of the first and second sets with the head portions disposed between said adjacent ends to space the same.

Description

May 26, 1970 H. F. KELLOGG MULTISECTION SHELF AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 5, 1967 May 26, 1970 H. F. KELLOGG 3,513,786
MULTISECTION SHE'LF AND BRACKET ASSEMBLY File-d July 5, 1967 ,2 Sheets-Sheei 2 55,7 357 5S 35 w/L 28 Si# so so United States Patent O U.S. Cl. 10S-64 3 Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE A plurality of support members having brackets supported thereon. A plurality of shelf segments having devices secured thereto and joining the segments in spaced side-by-side and end-to-end relationship.
BACKGROUND This invention relates generally to supports and more particularly to a multisection shelf and bracket assembly.
In the past, shelf bracket assemblies have included support members adapted for mounting on a wall, and brackets selectively engageable in any of various spaced openings in the support members. A shelf is then supported on the brackets. Ideally, the shelf is planar, as is the supporting surface of the brackets for each shelf. Practically speaking, however, this ideal situation does not usually exist. If the wall is not perfectly planar, or if there is a slight bump thereon, the support members will not be mounted in the same plane, thus causing the brackets to be canted. A slight burr on the mounting end of the bracket, or slight wear at the joining parts of the bracket and support member, can have the same result. Additionally, a wide shelf is frequently warped. Any of these results in a situation where the shelf and its supporting brackets are not coplanar and the shelf can rock on the bracket.
Also, in the past, an erected shelf and bracket assembly was substantially invariable as to size. It could not, for example, be lengthened or widened without discarding the old shelf and replacing it will a new one of the desired slze.
SUMMARY The present invention relates to a multisection shelf and bracket assembly which comprises support members, brackets, a multisection shelf including spaced segments, and means for holding the segments in spaced relationship.
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a multisection shelf and bracket assembly which obviates the above noted problems in the prior art, which is attractive, and which is easily assembled.
Another object is to provide an assembly in which the shelf will engage the brackets even if the shelf is warped or the brackets canted slightly.
Still another object is to provide an assembly which is versatile and can be erected in various widths and/or lengths and which can easily be changed in size.
Yet another object is to provide a multisection shelf and bracket assembly wherein the shelf includes segments arranged in spaced relationship.
It is another object to provide a multisection shelf and bracket assembly wherein the shelf includes segments which are held from longitudinal and lateral movement relative to each other.
These, and other objects and advantages of the present invention, will become apparent as the same becomes better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
3,513,786 Patented May 26, 1970 DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional View taken along line 3 3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a device for joining the shelf segments;
FIG. 5 is a top view of a modified form of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5; and
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a device for joining the shelf segments in the modied form.
DESCRIPTION Referring to FIG. l, there is illustrated a support member, generally designated by the numeral 10, and a bracket, generally designated by the numeral 12, engaged thereto. A second support member 10' and a second bracket 12 are similarly arranged. It is contemplated that additional support members and brackets may be utilized, if desired. The support members are adapted for mounting on a supporting surface 13 in a generally vertical position. As illustrated, support member 10 has a front wall 14 and side walls 15 and 16. A plurality of openings 17 are provided in the support member for passage of fasteners 17a to mount the member on the supporting surface 13. Front wall 14 has a plurality of equally spaced openings in the form of slots 19 for mounting the bracket 12 thereon in any convenient manner well known in the art.
Bracket 12 has a body 22 having a rear end 24 disposed adjacent support member 10. End 24 has projections 25 for interi'ltting with slots 19 in the support member to mount the bracket thereon in a cantlevered fashion. When so mounted, the bracket has a generally horizontal supporting surface 26 extending outwardly from the support member for supporting a shelf in the usual manner. At the outer end of the bracket is provided a projection 28 extending above the level of the supporting surface 26.
Support member 10' and bracket 12 are similarly arranged, and similar parts are illustrated in the drawing by the same numeral followed by the postscript prime and further description is deemed unnecessary.
A multisection shelf is supported on the surfaces 26, 26 of the brackets 12 and 12', respectively. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the multisection shelf includes a plurality of identical longitudinally extending segments 30 which span the brackets 12 and 12. Each segment has a front edge 30a and a rear edge 30b, and the edges of adjacent segments are spaced apart a preselected distance. Each segment is provided with a plurality of generally cylindrical openings 32 in each longitudinal extending edge thereof for a purpose which will hereinafter become apparent. Identical openings 32 are also provided in the ends of each segment. These end openings 32 are centrally located at each segment and serve a function hereafter explained.
Means is provided for holding the segments in said spaced relationship. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, this is in the form of a plurality of devices, generally designated 40. As best seen in FIG. 4, the device 40 includes a head portion 41 and leg portions 42 and 43 extending in opposite lateral directions from the head portion. In the embodiment illustrated, the leg portions and head portions .are generally cylindrical in cross section. The leg portions are sized for a frictional t into the openings 32. The head portion 41 has a size larger than the leg portions but not greater than the thickness of the segments to leave the upper surface of the shelf unobstructed when the devices 40 are inserted into openings 32.
As explained above, the segments 30 are generally identical; thus, when the ends thereof are aligned, the Openings 32 in the edges of adjacent segments are generally aligned. Thus, the aligned legs 42 and 43 of the device 40 may be inserted into the aligned openings 32 to join the segments and hold them from movement relative to each other in a longitudinal direction. The head portion 41 has a width equal to said preselected distance, and the sides of the head engage the edges 30a and 30h of adjacent segments and maintain said preselected distance. For each two adjacent segments so joined, two devices 40 are required. However, it is preferable to use three of the devices since this provides more ideal load transfer when the multisection shelf is loaded. When the desired width of the multisection shelf has been accomplished by assembling the segments together, the shelf may be supported on the brackets as illustrated in FIG. l. lf desired, a decorative button (not shown) may be inserted into the openings 32 in the front edge 30a of the front segment.
Preferably, the -back edge 30b of the back segment engages the front wall 14 of support member 10 while the front edge 30a of the front segment engages the back edge of the projection 28 (see FIG. 3). In this manner, the multisection shelf is securely held between the projection 28 and the wall 14 of the support member to prevent lateral movement of the segments. Preferably, then, the length of the supporting surface 26 of each bracket is delined by the formula: Wn+S(n-1) wherein W is the width of the segments, S is the width of the head 41, and n is the number of segments in the multisection shelf. Obviously, brackets of different lengths may be provided to accommodate different widths of the multisection shelf. Additional widths can lbe provided merely by adding or subtracting segments in the manner described above.
Another embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. In this embodiment, the segments, generally designated 35, each has a front edge 35a and a rear edge 3Sb. The edges, however, have no openings as do the edges of segments 30. Thus, the front edge 35a of the front segment provide an unencumbered surface to the viewer. Means is provided for holding the segments in spaced relationship, and this means is in the form of ya device, generally designated 50, advantageously formed of moderately resilient plastic. As best seen in FIG. 7, the device includes a head portion 51 and leg portions 52 and 53 extending laterally in opposite directions from the head portion. In this embodiment, the leg portions are adapted to underlie their respective segments, Vand the head portion extends upwardly therefrom to a level not higher than the top of the adjacent segments. The legs 52 and 53 are provided with openings 52a and 53a, respectively, for passage of fasteners 55 to secure each leg to its respective segment. Preferably, at least one device 50 is located closely adjacent the bracket 12 and I engages the side of the body 22. In a similar manner, another device 50 is located closely adjacent the other bracket 12'. The devices closely adjacent the sides of the two brackets engage the brackets to hold the multisection shelf from longitudinal movement with respect to the brackets.
As many segments 35 as desired may be secured in side-by-side relationship by the devices 50 to make a multisection shelf of various desired widths. For each width, a different size bracket must be used. The bracket has a supporting surface 26 defined by the aforementioned formula.
Two or more assemblies of support members 10, brackets 12, 12'; and multisection shelves may be arranged with the multisection shelves in end-to-end relationship (see FIG. l). The segments 30 of the adjacent multisection shelves are held with their ends in spaced relationship by the aforedescribed devices. As described above, segments 30 have openings 32 in their ends and devices 40 are provided to secure the ends as shown in FIG. 2. Similarly,
FIG. 5 illustrates devices 50 securing segments 35 in spaced end-to-end relationship. The devices 40 or 50` provide a load transferring joint at the ends of the multisection shelf.
By supplying a plurality of segments 30 or 35 and their respective devices 40 or 50, multisection shelves of many different widths can be assembled as indicated above. Additionally, when the segments are furnished in two and three feet lengths, any length shelf two feet or more in length can be assembled. However, since four feet is a popular length, it is preferable to furnish that length also. In this manner, a number of segments can be utilized to make a large variety of shelf widths and lengths.
As explained above, the ideal situation of brackets having supporting surfaces lying in the same plane and a perfectly planar shelf does not usually exist. A multisection shelf, formed in the manner described above, is particularly advantageous in such a non-planar situation. For example, the devices 40 and 50 permit a limited amount of twisting of each segment relative to the adjacent segment. Should the supporting faces of the bracket not be planar, or should the segments be slightly warped, the segments will more readily conform to the supporting surfaces. This is because the segments, when loaded, will twist slightly, as described, and conform to the supporting surface somewhat independently of the adjacent segments. This result cannot -be accomplished by a one-piece shelf. It is deemed obvious that holding the segments in spaced relationship aids in this advantageous result. Additionally, the spaced relationship minimizes any slight misalignment of the segments and provides a pleasing appearance without an exacting, perfect fit.
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have herein been illustrated and described, this has been done by Way of illustration `and not limitation, and it is to be understood that Various modifications in structure will occur to a person skilled in the art.
What is claimed is:
1. A multisection shelf and bracket assembly comprising, in combination:
at least two upwardly extending wall mountable support members having means for mounting the same on a supporting wall;
rst and second shelf brackets each having means for engaging a respective support member to support the bracket thereon, each shelf bracket having a bearing surface extending outwardly from the support member and an upwardly extending projection at the outer end thereof;
a multisection shelf supported on the bearing surface of the rst and second brackets and including a plurality of elongate flat shelf segments spanning said brackets and extending in sidewise aligned relation generally parallel to each other, said shelf segments each having front and rear side edges and at least two openings in each side edge located so that the openings in adjacent segments are aligned when the segments are coextensive; and
means for holding the shelf segments in spaced relationship and including at least two pin connectors associated with the Space between adjacent ones ofthe shelf segments, each pin connector having a central head portion and reduced leg portions extending in opposite directions from the head portion, said head portion having a size less than the thickness of said shelf segments but greater than the size of said openings and disposed in the space and engaged with the side edges of adjacent shelf segments for holding the segments in said spaced relationship, said leg portions being dimensioned to be frictionally received in said openings and extending laterally in opposite directions from the head portion into aligned openings in adjacent segments for holding the shelf segments in relative longitudinal position.
2. The combination of claim 1 and including a second multisection shelf and bracket assembly constructed in accordance with claim 1, said assemblies having their support members generally in a vertical plane, the bearing surfaces of their brackets generally in the same plane, and their multisection shelves adjacent each other and with the segments in end-to-end relationship; the bracket of each assembly being spaced from the adjacent ends of the multisection shelves; and including means for holding the adjacent ends in spaced relationship and for providing a load-transferring connection between the multisection shelves, said last-mentioned means including end openings in the ends of said segments and a plurality of pin connectors each constructed in accordance with claim 1, there being a pin connector for each pair of segments in endto-end relationship.
3. A multisection shelf and bracket assembly comprising, in combination:
a plurality of upwardly extending support members;
at least one shelf bracket mounted on each support member and having a bearing surface extending outwardly therefrom;
a multisection shelf supported on the bearing surfaces of said brackets and including first and second sets of elongate flat shelf segments, the shelf segments in each set being disposed in sidewise aligned relation with each other and the shelf segments of one set being disposed in endwise aligned relation With respective ones of the shelf segments of -the other set, the shelf segments having at least two openings in each side edge thereof and at least one opening in the end edges thereof;
a plurality of pin connectors each having a central head portion and reduced leg portions extending in opposite directions from the head portion, said head portion having a size less than the thickness of said shelf segments but greater than the size of Said openings in the side and end edges of the shelf segments,
and said leg portions being dimensoned to be frictionally received in said openings, a first set of said pin connectors having the leg portions thereof extending into the openings in the adjacent side edges of the first set of shelf segments with the heads on the first set of pin connectors engaging said adjacent side edges of the first set of shelf segments to laterally space the same, a second set of said pin connectors having the leg portions thereof extending into the openings in the adjacent side edges of the second set of shelf segments with the heads on the second set of pin connectors engaging said adjacent side edges of the second set of shelf segments to laterally space the same, and a third set of said pin connectors extending into the openings in the adjacent end edges of the shelf segments of the first and second sets with the head portions disposed between said adjacent ends to space the same.
References Cited Dixon 52-585 X ROY D. FRAZIER, Primary Examiner A. FRANKEL, Assistant Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R.
gjgo UNITED STATES lPATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,513,786 Dated May 25, 1970 Inventor(s) Harlan I?- Kellg It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent; and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:
[ Claim 3,I column 6, line 18, "ends" should be end edges 1 nova m (SEAL) Amat:
Mmmm mm1. m 3g.
l zu w om
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Cited By (29)

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US3832957A (en) * 1972-11-03 1974-09-03 Modern Display Plastics Inc Interlocking display shelf arrangement
US4028858A (en) * 1976-03-05 1977-06-14 Rehbein Erwin G Deck block
US4121377A (en) * 1977-03-14 1978-10-24 Allen Peter A Greenhouse display bench
US4158335A (en) * 1977-05-09 1979-06-19 Patricia Belcastro Apparatus to join table tops together
US4817538A (en) * 1984-05-30 1989-04-04 Bang & Olufsen Of America, Inc. Construction system for shelves
US4958739A (en) * 1989-08-09 1990-09-25 The Mead Corporation Composite organizer and gravity feed shelf
US4966343A (en) * 1989-07-14 1990-10-30 Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company Aesthetic shelving system
US4997094A (en) * 1989-08-09 1991-03-05 The Mead Corporation Composite organizer shelf
US5002248A (en) * 1989-07-14 1991-03-26 Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company Beam and telescopic connector shelving system
US5004201A (en) * 1989-07-14 1991-04-02 Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company Interlock shelving bracket and standard cover
US5037234A (en) * 1987-12-18 1991-08-06 Pieter De Jong Wood connection
US5069408A (en) * 1989-07-14 1991-12-03 Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company Shelving mount system
US5322173A (en) * 1992-06-09 1994-06-21 Kay Leslie A Ventilated wooden closet shelf and its method of construction
US5361554A (en) * 1992-11-06 1994-11-08 Robert Bryan Prefabricated deck system
US5367853A (en) * 1992-11-06 1994-11-29 Bryan; Robert Prefabricated deck system
FR2797756A1 (en) * 1999-08-27 2001-03-02 Cabinet Idees Conseil Storage unit has two side supports and shelves consisting of central section with bores which can be fastened with pegs to edge components
US6401945B1 (en) * 1999-05-07 2002-06-11 Theodore E. Gawel Shelving unit
US20070007223A1 (en) * 2005-07-07 2007-01-11 The Parallax Group International, Llc Modular overhead storage
US20090260405A1 (en) * 2004-10-22 2009-10-22 Whirlpool Corporation Modular Laundry System with Vertical Laundry Module
US20090293553A1 (en) * 2004-10-22 2009-12-03 Whirlpool Corporation Modular laundry system with segmented work surface
US20110186533A1 (en) * 2005-07-07 2011-08-04 Parallax Group International, Llc Modular Overhead Storage
US8479542B2 (en) 2004-10-22 2013-07-09 Whirlpool Corporation Modular laundry system with work surface having a functional insert
US8579127B2 (en) 2011-11-01 2013-11-12 Henry V. Dyck Closet organizer shelving system
US20140208989A1 (en) * 2013-01-25 2014-07-31 Chep Technology Pty Limited Pallet with single layer top deck having inserts therein and related methods
US20140208990A1 (en) * 2013-01-25 2014-07-31 Chep Technology Pty Limited Plastic pallet with single layer top deck having inserts therein and related methods
US9445669B2 (en) * 2014-08-07 2016-09-20 Hisense Ronshen (Guangdong) Freezer Co., Ltd. Combined shelf structure and refrigeration equipment
US9546442B2 (en) 2004-10-22 2017-01-17 Whirlpool Corporation Modular laundry system and laundry module
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US3088424A (en) * 1961-01-13 1963-05-07 Lyon Metal Products Inc Shelving structure
US3179212A (en) * 1962-01-30 1965-04-20 Kwikform Ltd Builders' scaffolding
US3207100A (en) * 1963-02-28 1965-09-21 Swain & Myers Inc Shelf brackets and assemblies therewith
US3295281A (en) * 1962-04-04 1967-01-03 Daniel R Dixon Building block construction with spacer and method of fabricating the block
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US1630102A (en) * 1925-09-14 1927-05-24 Arnold W Zimmerman Folding table
US1723306A (en) * 1927-08-02 1929-08-06 Harry E Sipe Resilient attaching strip
US1954954A (en) * 1931-06-01 1934-04-17 Harold E Shugart Ceiling
US3081718A (en) * 1961-01-03 1963-03-19 Fogarty Mfg Co Shelving arrangement
US3088424A (en) * 1961-01-13 1963-05-07 Lyon Metal Products Inc Shelving structure
US3179212A (en) * 1962-01-30 1965-04-20 Kwikform Ltd Builders' scaffolding
US3295281A (en) * 1962-04-04 1967-01-03 Daniel R Dixon Building block construction with spacer and method of fabricating the block
US3207100A (en) * 1963-02-28 1965-09-21 Swain & Myers Inc Shelf brackets and assemblies therewith
US3389666A (en) * 1965-10-09 1968-06-25 Heinz Schultze Bonatz Furniture element

Cited By (46)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3832957A (en) * 1972-11-03 1974-09-03 Modern Display Plastics Inc Interlocking display shelf arrangement
US4028858A (en) * 1976-03-05 1977-06-14 Rehbein Erwin G Deck block
US4121377A (en) * 1977-03-14 1978-10-24 Allen Peter A Greenhouse display bench
US4158335A (en) * 1977-05-09 1979-06-19 Patricia Belcastro Apparatus to join table tops together
US4817538A (en) * 1984-05-30 1989-04-04 Bang & Olufsen Of America, Inc. Construction system for shelves
US5037234A (en) * 1987-12-18 1991-08-06 Pieter De Jong Wood connection
US5002248A (en) * 1989-07-14 1991-03-26 Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company Beam and telescopic connector shelving system
US4966343A (en) * 1989-07-14 1990-10-30 Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company Aesthetic shelving system
US5004201A (en) * 1989-07-14 1991-04-02 Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company Interlock shelving bracket and standard cover
US5069408A (en) * 1989-07-14 1991-12-03 Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company Shelving mount system
US4997094A (en) * 1989-08-09 1991-03-05 The Mead Corporation Composite organizer shelf
US4958739A (en) * 1989-08-09 1990-09-25 The Mead Corporation Composite organizer and gravity feed shelf
US5322173A (en) * 1992-06-09 1994-06-21 Kay Leslie A Ventilated wooden closet shelf and its method of construction
US5361554A (en) * 1992-11-06 1994-11-08 Robert Bryan Prefabricated deck system
US5367853A (en) * 1992-11-06 1994-11-29 Bryan; Robert Prefabricated deck system
US6401945B1 (en) * 1999-05-07 2002-06-11 Theodore E. Gawel Shelving unit
US7131547B2 (en) 1999-05-07 2006-11-07 Gawel Theodore E Shelving unit
FR2797756A1 (en) * 1999-08-27 2001-03-02 Cabinet Idees Conseil Storage unit has two side supports and shelves consisting of central section with bores which can be fastened with pegs to edge components
US8286452B2 (en) * 2004-10-22 2012-10-16 Whirlpool Corporation Modular laundry system with segmented work surface
US20090260405A1 (en) * 2004-10-22 2009-10-22 Whirlpool Corporation Modular Laundry System with Vertical Laundry Module
US20090293553A1 (en) * 2004-10-22 2009-12-03 Whirlpool Corporation Modular laundry system with segmented work surface
US10443176B2 (en) 2004-10-22 2019-10-15 Whirlpool Corporation Laundry system
US10041201B2 (en) 2004-10-22 2018-08-07 Whirlpool Corporation Modular laundry system
US8322169B2 (en) 2004-10-22 2012-12-04 Whirlpool Corporation Modular laundry system with vertical laundry module
US8375750B2 (en) 2004-10-22 2013-02-19 Whirlpool Corporation Modular laundry system with vertical laundry module
US8381552B2 (en) 2004-10-22 2013-02-26 Whirlpool Corporation Modular laundry system with vertical laundry module
US8413470B2 (en) 2004-10-22 2013-04-09 Whirlpool Corporation Modular laundry system with vertical laundry module
US8459067B2 (en) 2004-10-22 2013-06-11 Whirlpool Corporation Modular laundry system with vertical laundry module
US8479542B2 (en) 2004-10-22 2013-07-09 Whirlpool Corporation Modular laundry system with work surface having a functional insert
US9611578B2 (en) 2004-10-22 2017-04-04 Whirlpool Corporation Modular laundry system
US9546442B2 (en) 2004-10-22 2017-01-17 Whirlpool Corporation Modular laundry system and laundry module
US9433285B2 (en) * 2005-07-07 2016-09-06 The Parallax Group International, Llc Modular overhead storage
US8657130B2 (en) 2005-07-07 2014-02-25 Parallax Group International, Llc Modular overhead storage
US8985350B2 (en) 2005-07-07 2015-03-24 The Parallax Group International, Llc Modular overhead storage
US20150189986A1 (en) * 2005-07-07 2015-07-09 The Parallax Group International, Llc Modular Overhead Storage
US20110186533A1 (en) * 2005-07-07 2011-08-04 Parallax Group International, Llc Modular Overhead Storage
US20070007223A1 (en) * 2005-07-07 2007-01-11 The Parallax Group International, Llc Modular overhead storage
US8579127B2 (en) 2011-11-01 2013-11-12 Henry V. Dyck Closet organizer shelving system
US9340320B2 (en) * 2013-01-25 2016-05-17 Chep Technology Pty Limited Plastic pallet with single layer top deck having inserts therein and related methods
US20140208989A1 (en) * 2013-01-25 2014-07-31 Chep Technology Pty Limited Pallet with single layer top deck having inserts therein and related methods
US9409673B2 (en) * 2013-01-25 2016-08-09 Chep Technology Pty Limited Pallet with single layer top deck having inserts therein and related methods
US20140208990A1 (en) * 2013-01-25 2014-07-31 Chep Technology Pty Limited Plastic pallet with single layer top deck having inserts therein and related methods
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US9445669B2 (en) * 2014-08-07 2016-09-20 Hisense Ronshen (Guangdong) Freezer Co., Ltd. Combined shelf structure and refrigeration equipment
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