WO2004084676A1

WO2004084676A1 - Shelving apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2004084676A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/000377
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jim Leigh
Original assignee: Water Valves Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-27
Filing date: 2004-03-26
Publication date: 2004-10-07

Abstract

A method and apparatus (10) for modifying a shelving structure (2) including the steps of: providing an elongated thin base plate shaped and sized according to a shelf size and constructed to be able to lie flat so that it can rest on the shelves of existing video display apparatus (2); providing a first connection means located within the thickness of the base plate and accessible from the top surface or bottom surface of the base plate; providing a plurality of substantially planar support members having second connection means at a bottom end or top end which are complementary to or inter-engage with the first connection means to allow extension of the planar support members (16) substantially normal to the base plate; locating the substantially planar support members (16) in spaced arrangements alongside predetermined sets of first connection means having predefined spacing and angular alignment; allowing connection of the base plate and support members (16) by connecting together by interengaging or interfitting first and second connection means to form shelving apparatus (10) with sections above or below the base plate with required dimensions for a predetermined sizing of articles of a particular type to be displayed together either above or below the base plate.

Description

SHELVING APPARATUS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shelving apparatus. More particularly, the invention relates to a shelving apparatus which can be used for storage and display of boxed articles such as video cassettes and DVDs and the like but not limited to such use.

BACKGROUND ART

One application for the shelving of the invention is in video rental stores. Most video rental stores have considerable investment in shelving which has been originally designed to store and display video cassettes. Normally these are VHS video cassettes in cases. The shelving is normally a tiered structure including shelves which are fixed in width and can be used to hold typically three or four video cassettes stacked upright across the width of the shelf.

With the increasing acceptance of the DVD format, there is a need in video stores to have shelving which can store and display DVDs. Unfortunately, the configuration of the shelving designed for video cassettes is not really convenient for efficient storage and display of DVDs.

An object of the invention is to provide improved shelving apparatus which can be used to store and display articles such as DVDs.

Another object of the invention is to provide shelving apparatus which can be used in conjunction with conventional cassette shelving to permit efficient display of DVDs thereon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a shelving apparatus including a base plate having a plurality of first connecting portions arranged in spaced rows; a plurality of support members, each including at least one of second connecting portions which are able to interconnect with the first connecting portions in each row; the arrangement being such that the support members can be connected to the base plate by connection of the first and second connecting portions; whereby an article for display can be supported by at least the support members.

The first connection means can include shaped projections and the second connection means including substantially complementary shaped receiving cavities. The second connection means can include shaped projections and the first connection means including substantially complementary shaped receiving cavities. The first connection means can include shaped bottom edges, slots, plugs, sockets, or the like, or any combination thereof. The second connection means including shaped projections or receiving cavities able to interengage with each of the first connection means.

The rows of first connecting portions spaced such that articles are able to be supported on the base plate between adjacent support members or the support members are shaped such that the articles are able to be supported on adjacent support members above the base plate.

The support members can be shaped and spaced such that first article being supported on the support members can tilt still be at least partially supported by at least one of the support members and adjacent second of the articles is able to be selectively viewed without removal of first or second articles from the shelving apparatus.

At least one of the support structures includes on an upper side a cavity or cut-out for receiving an article for display; the arrangement being such that at least one of the articles for display can be supported at least partially in the cavity or cut-out of the one or more adjacent support members.

The base plate is preferably an elongated substantially planar structure with the first connecting portions allowing for selective receiving of the support members at an upper surface thereof in one or more configurations, the base plate including: rows of said first connecting portions in spaced parallel support rows such that a first of the articles of a first size can be supported between adjacent support members mounted in the spaced parallel support rows; rows of said first connecting portions in spaced parallel mounting rows such that at least one of the articles of a first size can be supported on one or more support members mounted in the spaced parallel mounting rows; and the support members including: a size and shape able to be mounted in spaced parallel support rows such that a first of the articles of a first size can be supported between adjacent support members mounted in the^" spaced parallel support rows; a cut-out or cavity in an upper surface such that at least one of the articles of a first size can be supported on one or more support members mounted in the spaced parallel mounting rows.

The base plate can be an elongated planar structure with second connecting portions on an underside thereof for substantially upright connection to the first connection portions of the base plate.

The shelving apparatus can have at least two different selective spacings or angles of support rows of the first connection portions arranged in sets to allow required dimensions for receiving the support members for at least two different predetermined sized articles to be displayed together and supported between the support members.

The base plate can include a plurality of sets of rows of connecting portions such that the one shelving apparatus provides a plurality of different sized locations of mounting rows for receiving the support members and retaining a plurality of different sized articles at least partially on support members mounted in the mounting rows.

The sets of mounting rows and support rows can be at an angle to at least one other set of support rows or mounting rows such that the sets are readily identifiable and usable.

The base plate in one form includes connecting portions allowing for selective connection of wall members to an underside surface of the base plate. The first connecting portions can be arranged on two base plates such that when two base plates are placed with respective side edges adjacent to one another, the first connecting portions in adjacent base plates form rows which are able to engage said second connecting portions on the support members or the wall members whereby at least one of the support members can be connected to the two base plates so as to span said side edges and couple the two base plates together.

The base plate is in one form rectangular and wherein the rows are located at a predetermined angle relative to a longer side of the base plate. The predetermined angle relative to a longer side of the base plate can be a predetermined angle of 45°.

The invention also provides a shelving apparatus with the support structures including a planar structure with a cut-out providing a shaped surface on the upper part of the body; the shaped surface including a concave section forming an opening wherein an article for display can be partially supported on a resting surface within the cut-out and extend out through the opening. The peripheries of the opening of the cut-out can include at least one angular surface for supporting an article for display which is partially supported on a resting surface within the cut-out and extending out through the opening. The opening including two angular surfaces forming a backing surface and a leaning surface; the angular surfaces being diverging from each other whereby the backing surface provides a support for an article for display which is partially supported within the cut-out and extends out through the opening and is leaning back towards the backing surface for support thereon or extends out through the opening and is leaning towards the leaning surface for support thereon. The angle of divergence of the backing surface and leaning surface about or less than 90° or substantially in the range of 75° to 90° or more preferably about 80°. The angle of divergence of the backing surface and leaning surface virtually begins substantially at the resting surface.

The support structure is preferably planar and including a plurality of cut-outs along an upper surface. Each cut-out can be symmetrical. Each cut-out can be angularly offset to the lower surface of the body of the support structure such that when the support structure is mounted on a flat horizontal base the backing surface is higher than the leaning surface. The invention further provides a shelving apparatus, the apparatus including a base plate including a plurality of openings; a plurality of support members, each including projections which are complementary to the openings in each row; the arrangement being such that the support members can be coupled to the base plate by insertion of the projections into the openings; whereby an article for display can be supported on the base plate between adjacent support members.

The rows disposed on the base plate such that when two base plates are placed with respective side edges adjacent to one another, the openings in adjacent base plates form rows which are complementary to said projections whereby at least one of the support members can be connected to the two base plates so as to span said side edges and couple the two base plates together.

The base plate is preferably rectangular and wherein the rows are located at a predetermined angle relative to a longer side of the base plate. The predetermined angle can be 45°.

The openings in the rows are in the form of slots.

The base member includes second rows of openings and the apparatus further including at least first and second wall members, each of said wall members including second projections which are complementary to the second openings in each said row, the arrangements being such that the wall members can be coupled to the base plate by insertion of second projections into said second rows of openings, whereby the base plate is supported by the wall members and a storage space is defined beneath the base plate and between said wall members.

The base plate is injection moulded from plastics material.

Also in accordance with the invention there is provided a kit of parts for forming shelving apparatus including a base plate having a plurality of first connecting portions arranged in spaced rows; a plurality of support members, each including at least one of second connecting portions which are able to engage the first connecting portions in each row; the arrangement being such that the support members can be connected to the base plate by connection of the first and second connecting portions; whereby an article for display can be supported by the support members.

The kit can include at least two wall members which in use can be coupled to the underside of the base member whereby the base plate is supported by the wall members and a storage space is defined beneath the base plate and between said wall members.

The base plate of the kit can be constructed to be able to lie flat so that it can rest on the shelves of existing video display apparatus while providing connection portions allowing for selective connection of support members to an upper surface and selective connection of wall members to an underside. The base plate being an elongated substantially planar structure with the first connecting portions allowing for selective receiving of the support members at an upper surface thereof in one or more configurations, the base plate including: rows of said first connecting portions in spaced parallel support rows such that a first of the articles of a first size can be supported between adjacent support members mounted in the spaced parallel support rows; rows of said first connecting portions in spaced parallel mounting rows such that at least one of the articles of a first size can be supported on one or more support members mounted in the spaced parallel mounting rows; and the support members including: a size and shape able to be mounted in spaced parallel support rows such that a first of the articles of a first size can be supported between adjacent support members mounted in the spaced parallel support rows; a cut-out or cavity in an upper surface such that at least one of the articles of a first size can be supported on one or more support members mounted in the spaced parallel mounting rows.

The connection portions on the base plate can be arranged to form at least two different selective spacings or angles.

The kit can have connection portions arranged in sets to allow required dimensions for a predetermined sizing of articles of a particular type to be displayed together. Still further the invention provides a shelving apparatus, including a base structure including a plurality of openings arranged in a first configuration; a plurality of support members, each including projections which are complementary in size and configuration to the openings in the base structure; the arrangement being such that the support members can be coupled to the base plate by insertion of the projections into the openings whereby an article for display can be supported on the base structure between adjacent support members.

The support members can be planar. The projections extend from the lower section of the planar support member substantially linearly and extending at an angle to the planar extension of the support member.

Also according to the a shelving apparatus, including a base structure including a plurality of openings arranged in a first configuration; a plurality of support structures including on a lower side of the support structures, projections which are complementary in size and configuration to the openings in the base structure and each including on an upper side a cavity or cut-out for receiving an article for display; the arrangement being such that the support members can be coupled to the base plate by insertion of the projections into the openings whereby an article for display can be supported on one or more adjacent support members. The support structures can be planar.

The projections extending from the lower section of the planar support structure and substantially linearly and extending at an angle to the planar extension of the support structure.

The support structures can include a planar structure with a cut-out providing a shaped surface on the upper part of the body; the shaped surface including a concave section forming an opening wherein an article for display can be partially supported on a resting surface within the cut-out and extend out through the opening. Peripheries of the opening of the cut-out including at least one angular surface for supporting an article for display which is partially supported on a resting surface within the cut-out and extending out through the opening. The opening can include two angular surfaces forming a backing surface and a leaning surface; the angular surfaces being diverging from each other whereby the backing surface provides a support for an article for display which is partially supported within the cut-out and extends out through the opening and is leaning back towards the backing surface for support thereon or extends out through the opening and is leaning towards the leaning surface for support thereon.

The angle of divergence of the backing surface and leaning surface can be about or less than 90°. Preferably it is in the range of 75° to 90°. More preferably the angle of divergence of the backing surface and leaning surface with the angle about 80°. The angle of divergence of the backing surface and leaning surface virtually beginning substantially at the resting surface.

The support structure can be planar and include a plurality of cut-outs along an upper surface. Each cut-out can be symmetrical. Each cut-out can be angularly offset to the lower surface of the body of the support structure such that when the support structure is mounted on a flat horizontal base the backing surface is higher than the leaning surface.

The invention also provides a method of modifying a shelving structure including the steps of: providing an elongated thin base plate shaped and sized according to a shelf size and constructed to be able to lie flat so that it can rest on the shelves of existing video display apparatus; providing a first connection means located within the thickness of the base plate and accessible from the top surface or bottom surface of the base plate; providing a plurality of substantially planar support members having second connection means at a bottom end or top end which are complementary to or interengage with the first connection means to allow extension of the planar support members substantially normal to the base plate; locating the substantially planar support members in spaced arrangements alongside predetermined sets of first connection means having predefined spacing and angular alignment; allowing connection of the base plate and support members by connecting together by interengaging or interfitting first and second connection means to form shelving apparatus with sections above or below the base plate with required dimensions for a predetermined sizing of articles of a particular type to be displayed together either above or below the base plate.

The method can also provide a base plate being an elongated substantially planar structure with the first connecting portions allowing for selective receiving of the support members at an upper surface thereof in one or more configurations, the base plate including: rows of said first connecting portions in spaced parallel support rows such that a first of the articles of a first size can be supported between adjacent support members mounted in the spaced parallel support rows; rows of said first connecting portions in spaced parallel mounting rows such that at least one of the articles of a first size can be supported on one or more support members mounted in the spaced parallel mounting rows; and providing one or more of the support members including: a size and shape able to be mounted in spaced parallel support rows such that a first of the articles of a first size can be supported between adjacent support members mounted in the spaced parallel support rows; a cut-out or cavity in an upper surface such that at least one of the articles of a first size can be supported on one or more support members mounted in the spaced parallel mounting rows.

In one form the articles can be supported on the base plate between adjacent support members.

In another form the articles can be supported on adjacent support members above the base plate.

The support of the articles by the support members can be so that the article is able to tilt such that the article and adjacent articles are able to be selectively viewed without removal from the shelving apparatus.

The support of the articles can be by a plurality of support structures, each including on a lower side of the support structures, projections which are complementary in size and configuration to the openings in the base structure and each including on an upper side a cavity or cut-out for receiving an article for display; the arrangement being such that the support members can be coupled to the base plate by insertion of the projections into the openings whereby an article for display can be supported on one or more adjacent support members.

The base plate can be constructed to be able to lie flat so that it can rest on the shelves of existing video display apparatus while providing connection portions allowing for selective connection of support members to an upper surface. The base plate can also be constructed to be able to provide selective connection of wall members to an underside.

The connection portions on the base plate can be arranged to form selective spacings and angles. Connection portions can be arranged in sets to allow required dimensions for a predetermined sizing of articles of a particular type to be displayed together. The base plate can have a plurality of sets of rows of connection portions such that the one shelving apparatus provides a plurality of different sized locations for retaining a plurality of different sized articles. The sets of rows can be at an angle to at least one other set such that the sets are readily identifiable and usable.

The rows can be disposed on the base plate such that when two base plates are placed with respective side edges adjacent to one another, the connecting portions in adjacent base plates form rows which are complementary to said connecting portions on the support members or the wall members whereby at least one of the support members can be coupled to the two base plates so as to span said side edges and couple the two base plates together.

Further, the base plate can be rectangular and wherein the rows are located at a predetermined angle relative to a longer side of the base plate. The predetermined angle can be 45°.

In this specification reference to a video cassette should be taken to mean a VHS cassette within a VHS casing or an empty casing for a VHS cassette. Similarly, a reference to a DVD should be taken to refer to a DVD casing containing a DVD or an empty DVD casing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention will be understood more fully embodiments will now be described by way of illustration only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a fragmentary view showing shelving apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention used with known video display shelving;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a DVD supported by shelving apparatus of the invention of Figure 1;

Figure 3 diagrammatically illustrates one embodiment of application of the shelving apparatus of the invention;

Figure 4 diagrammatically illustrates a second embodiment of use of the shelving apparatus of the invention;

Figure 5 diagrammatically illustrates a third embodiment of use of the shelving apparatus of the invention; Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of application of the shelving of the invention;

Figure 7 is a plan view of a base member for .use in the shelving apparatus of the invention;

Figure 8 is a side view of the base member of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a fragmentary view showing slots of the base member of Figure 7 in more detail;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary view showing two base members of the type shown in Figure 7 located side by side;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a support member for use in the shelving apparatus of the invention;

Figure 12 is a side view of the support member of Figure 11; Figure 13 is a plan view of the support member of Figure 11 ; Figure 14 is a sectional view along the line 14-14 of Figure 12; Figure 15 is a side view of a wall member for use in the shelving apparatus of the invention;

Figure 16 is a plan view of the wall member of Figure 15; Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of a double wall member of the type of figure 15; Figure 18 is a diagrammatic front perspective view of an improved shelving apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention with a number of DVD cases in viewing position;

Figure 19 is a diagrammatic front perspective view of the improved shelving apparatus of Figure 18 without any DVD cases in viewing position;

Figure 20 is a side cross sectional view of the improved shelving apparatus of Figure 18 with DVD case in viewing position;

Figure 21 is a side elevation of support structures for use in the improved shelving apparatus of Figure 18 for holding DVD cases in viewing position; Figure 22 is a perspective top view of the support structures of Figure 4 for use in the improved shelving apparatus of Figure 18 for holding DVD cases in viewing position;

Figure 23 is a perspective underneath view of support structures for use in the improved shelving apparatus of Figure 18 for holding DVD cases in viewing position.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Generally shelving 2 which is used for display of video cassettes 4 in a video rental outlet is normally a tiered structure which includes shelves 6 which are typically about 100mm wide so that three or four video cassettes, in their cases, can be stacked in an upright position for storage and display. Whilst such an arrangement is suitable for display of VHS cassettes, it is not really suitable for display of DVDs because DVDs are of a different size. Shelving apparatus 10 of the invention can be used in conjunction with the existing shelving 2 in order to enable the shelving 2 to conveniently display DVDs or a combination of VHS cassettes and DVDs, as will be described in more detail below.

Figure 1 diagrammatically shows shelving apparatus 10 of the invention located on the shelf 6 of the existing shelving 2. Figure 2 diagrammatically shows a DVD 12 supported for display in the shelving apparatus 10.

Figure 3 diagrammatically illustrates one embodiment of application of the shelving apparatus of the invention. In this embodiment, the shelving apparatus 10 includes a base plate 14 and a plurality of support members 16. The support members 16 project from the upper surface of the plate 14 and define channel shaped gaps 18 into which DVDs can be placed, as shown in broken lines in Figure 3. The support members are inclined at an angler, say 45°, relative to the base plate 14 so that the DVDs will be supported in an inclined plane relative to the tiers of the shelving, as diagrammatically shown in Figure 2. This orientation enables a plurality of DVDs to be stored on the shelves 6 of the shelving 2 such that the DVDs do not project over the edges of the shelves 6.

As best seen in Figure 7, the base plate 14 includes rows 20 of slots 22, two of the rows being indicated by chain lines in Figure 7 for clarity of illustration. In the illustrated arrangement, there are four slots 22 in each row 20. Further, in the illustrated arrangement there are eighteen rows 20 of slots, each being parallel and oriented at an angle of 45° relative to the longer sides 24 and 26 of the base plate 14. The base plate 14 has side edges 28 and 30 and, adjacent to the side edge 28, there are end rows 32, 34 and 36 in which there are respectively three, two and one of said slots. Similarly, adjacent to the opposite side edge 30, there are end rows 38, 40 and 42 in which there are respectively three, two and one of said slots 22.

In the array of slots 22, they can also be considered to we disposed in rows 44 and 46 which extend transversely across the width of the base plate 14, each separated by a perpendicular distance L. The transverse rows adjacent to the side edges 28 and 30 are spaced a distance of L/2 from the side edges so that when adjacent side edges arte placed adjacent to one another, as diagrammatically shown in Figure 10, the end rows in the slots are aligned so as to effectively form rows in which there are four of the slots 22 in each row.

Figure 9 shows one of the slots 22 in more detail. Typically, it is 10mm long and 3mm wide.

Figures 11 to 14 show more details of the support members 16. The support member 16 is injection moulded from ABS plastic material and includes a plate like body 50 having a top edge 52, side edges 53 and 54 which connect with the top edge 52 by respective inclined edges 56 and 58. The lower edge 60 of the body 50 is formed with four projections 62. The size and spacing of the projections 62 is such that they can be snugly received within the four slots 22 of a row slots in the base plate 14. This enables eighteen of the support members 16 to be mounted on the upper surface of the base plate 14, as shown in Figure 3.

The effective length of the shelving apparatus 10 can be increased by locating a number of base plates 14 along the shelves 6 so that the DVD display area can be increased. Figure 3 shows two of the base units located end to end, each having eighteen support members 16 mounted thereon. Because of the alignment of the end rows 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42, as described previously, three further support members can be coupled to these effective rows. This has the dual effect of interlocking the adjacent base plates 14 together and providing additional storage gaps for storage of DVDs.

Figure 4 illustrates a different embodiment of use of the shelving apparatus 10 of the invention. In this arrangement, the shelving includes wall members 64 which can be coupled to the underside of the base plate 14 so as to define storage spaces 66 beneath the base plate 14 and between adjacent wall members 64. In the illustrated arrangement, two DVDs 12 can be stacked in each storage space 66, there being three storage spaces 66 beneath each base plate 14. In the illustrated arrangement, the length of the base plate 14 is 590.5mm.

Figures 15 and 16 show more details of the wall member 64. The wall member 64 is in the form of a plate-like moulded body 68 which is injection moulded from plastics material such as ABS. The wall member has a bottom edge 70 and a top edge 72. Three projections 74 extend upwardly from the top edge 72.

The projections 74 cooperate with transverse rows of slots 76 formed in the base plate 14. The details of one of the slots 76 are shown in Figure 9. In the illustrated arrangement, there are end rows 78, and 79 of slots 76 closely adjacent to side edges 28 and 30 respectively. There are also intermediate rows 80 and 82 of slots 76 which are equally spaced from the end rows and from each other. Finally, there are central rows 84 and 86 which are located between the intermediate rows 80 and 82, as shown in Figure 7.

When the wall members 64 interlock with the slots 76 in the transverse rows 78, 79, 80 and 82, the wall members 64 will be equally spaced as in the arrangement shown in Figure 4. In this configuration, DVDs can be stored in the storage spaces 66 as diagrammatically illustrated, and VHS cassettes can be stacked on top of the base plates 14, generally in the same manner as they would be if stacked directly on the shelves 6 of the existing shelving. In this embodiment it would be convenient to have VHS titles beneath the same video cassette titles.

A further embodiment of operation of the shelving apparatus 10 of the invention is shown in Figure 5. This essentially is the same as Figure 4 except that the support members 16 are coupled to the top faces of the base plates 14. This effectively increases the storage capacity because the storage spaces 66, which can accommodate two DVDs each, are created beneath the DVD storage space provided above the base plates 14.

Figure 6 illustrates a further embodiment of use of the shelving apparatus 10. In this arrangement wall members 64 are coupled into the centre transverse rows of slots 84 and 86, thereby creating two storage spaces 90 and 92 which are long enough to each include a single VHS cassette 45, as shown. DVDs can be stored between the support members 16 as in the arrangements of Figures 3 and 5.

Figure 17 illustrates a double end wall 94 which is in the form of a moulded body having on its top face 96, two rows of projections 74. The body can be injection moulded from plastics material such as ABS. The double end wall 94 can be used in place of two of the wall members 64 between adjacent base plates so as to effectively interlock them together.

Referring to Figures 18 to 23 there is shown a shelving apparatus, including a base structure having a plurality of openings arranged in a first configuration and a plurality of support structures. The support structures each include on a lower side projections which are complementary in size and configuration to the openings in the base structure. On an upper side there is a cavity or cut-out for receiving an article for display

In this way the arrangement of the support members allows coupling to the base plate by insertion of the projections into the openings whereby an article for display can be supported on one or more adjacent support members so as to allow flipping forward or backward of the articles having lower edge in the cut-outs.

The projections extending from the lower section of the planar support structure are substantially linear but extend at an angle to the planar extension of the support structure. This allows a different angle of grip of the projections in the complementary openings in the base structure to the angle of the support structure providing an improved torsional strength and less likelihood of removal of support structures from the base. '

The cut-out provided by the shaped surface on the upper part of the body includes a concave section forming an opening wherein an article for display can be partially supported on a resting surface within the cut-out and extend out through the opening.

At the peripheries of the opening the cut-out includes at least one angular surface for supporting an article for display which is partially supported on a resting surface within the cut-out and extends out through the opening. The opening further includes two angular surfaces forming a backing surface and a leaning surface. The angular surfaces are diverging from each other whereby the backing surface provides a support for an article for display which is partially supported within the cut-out and extends out through the opening and is leaning back towards the backing surface for support thereon or extends out through the opening and is leaning towards the leaning surface for support thereon.

The angle of divergence of the backing surface and leaning surface is about or less than 90°. The angle can be substantially in the range of 75° to 90°. The angle can preferably be about 80°. The angle of divergence of the backing surface and leaning surface virtually begins substantially at the resting surface.

The support structure is planar and includes a plurality of these cut-outs along an upper surface. Each cut-out is symmetrical. However adjacent cut-outs are angularly offset from a higher back portion to a lower front portion in order to provide a stepped viewing of articles held in respective cut-outs.

Therefore in use a shelving structure can be modified by providing an elongated thin base plate constructed to be able to lie flat so that it can rest on the shelves of existing video display apparatus and including a first connection means located within the thickness of the base plate and accessible from the top surface or bottom surface of the base plate. A plurality of substantially planar support members are also needed having second connection means at a bottom end or top end which are complementary to or interengage with the first connection means to allow extension of the planar support members substantially normal to the base plate.

The substantially planar support members are located in spaced arrangements alongside predetermined sets of first connection means having predefined spacing and angular alignment. The connection of the base plate and support members is by coupling together by interengaging or interfitting first and second connection means to form shelving apparatus with sections above or below the base plate with required dimensions for a predetermined sizing of articles of a particular type to be displayed together either above or below the base plate.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the shelving apparatus 10 of the invention is very flexible in its embodiment of use. The apparatus facilitates storage of DVDs and VHS cassettes on shelving which was originally designed for display of VHS cassettes.

Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. DVD's & VHS can be spaced further apart or closer together depending on the placement of the top angle plates.

With the use of the bottom legs to raise the base plate above the existing shelf that the entire system sits on, DVD's or VHS can then be placed under the base plate depending on the placement of the underside legs.

The underside legs can be used in conjunction with or without the top angled plates. This permits the system to be used with DVD or VHS angled on top or face on top without the use of the top angled plates whilst allowing DVD's or VHS to sit under the base plate.

The top angled plates can be substituted for the flip plate, this than allows the DVD's on top to be displayed in a flip system type setup. Once again this flip system could be used in conjunction with the underside legs allowing DVD's or VHS to be stored under the base plate.

There may be other configurations that a customer could use, the shelving is designed to be able to be set up to suit an individuals needs and there are therefore an endless number of different setups that one could undertake.

This is the beauty of this shelving system, it can be built to suit whatever a customer wants using the available plates.

Such modifications as will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A shelving apparatus including a base plate having a plurality of first connecting portions arranged in spaced rows; a plurality of support members, each including at least one of second connecting portions which are able to interconnect with the first connecting portions in each row; the arrangement being such that the support members can be connected to the base plate by connection of the first and second connecting portions; whereby an article for display can be supported by at least the support members.

2. A shelving apparatus according to claim 1 with the first connection means including shaped projections and the second connection means including substantially complementary shaped receiving cavities.

3. A shelvmg apparatus according to claim 1 with the second connection means including shaped projections and the first connection means including substantially complementary shaped receiving cavities.

4. A shelving apparatus according to claim 1 with the first connection means including shaped bottom edges, slots, plugs, sockets, or the like, or any combination thereof.

5. A shelving apparatus according to claim 4 with the second connection means including shaped projections or receiving cavities able to interengage with each of the first connection means.

6. A shelving apparatus according to claim 5 with the rows of first connecting portions spaced such that articles are able to be supported on the base plate between adjacent support members.

7. A shelving apparatus according to claim 5 with the support members shaped such that the articles are able to be supported on adjacent support members above the base plate.

8. A shelving apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 with the support members being shaped and spaced such that first article being supported on the support members can tilt still be at least partially supported by at least one of the support members and adjacent second of the articles is able to be selectively viewed without removal of first or second articles from the shelving apparatus.

9. A shelving apparatus according to claim 8 with at least one of the support structures including on an upper side a cavity or cut-out for receiving an article for display; the arrangement being such that at least one of the articles for display can be supported at least partially in the cavity or cut-out of the one or more adjacent support members.

10. A shelving apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims with the base plate being an elongated substantially planar structure with the first connecting portions allowing for selective receiving of the support members at an upper surface thereof in one or more configurations, the base plate including: rows of said first connecting portions in spaced parallel support rows such that a first of the articles of a first size can be supported between adjacent support members mounted in the spaced parallel support rows; rows of said first connecting portions in spaced parallel mounting rows such that at least one of the articles of a first size can be supported on one or more support members mounted in the spaced parallel mounting rows; and the support members including: a size and shape able to be mounted in spaced parallel support rows such that a first of the articles of a first size can be supported between adjacent support members mounted in the spaced parallel support rows; a cut-out or cavity in an upper surface such that at least one of the articles of a first size can be supported on one or more support members mounted in the spaced parallel mounting rows.

11. A shelving apparatus according to claim 10 with the base plate being an elongated planar structure with second connecting portions on an underside thereof for substantially upright connection to the first connection portions of the base plate.

12. A shelving apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 with the at least two different selective spacings or angles of support rows of the first connection portions arranged in sets to allow required dimensions for receiving the support members for at least two different predetermined sized articles to be displayed together and supported between the support members.

13. A shelving apparatus according to claim 10, 11 or 12 with the base plate including a plurality of sets of rows of connecting portions such that the one shelving apparatus provides a plurality of different sized locations of mounting rows for receiving the support members and retaining a plurality of different sized articles at least partially on support members mounted in the mounting rows.

14. A shelving apparatus according to claim 13 with the sets of mounting rows and support rows at an angle to at least one other set of support rows or mounting rows such that the sets are readily identifiable and usable.

15. A shelving apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims with the base plate including connecting portions allowing for selective connection of wall members to an underside surface of the base plate.

16. A shelving apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims with the first connecting portions arranged on two base plates such that when two base plates are placed with respective side edges adjacent to one another, the first connecting portions in adjacent base plates form rows which are able to engage said second connecting portions on the support members or the wall members whereby at least one of the support members can be connected to the two base plates so as to span said side edges and couple the two base plates together.

17. A shelving apparatus according to claim 16 with the base plate being rectangular and wherein the rows are located at a predetermined angle relative to a longer side of the base plate.

18. A shelving apparatus according to claim 17 with the predetermined angle relative to a longer side of the base plate being a predetermined angle of 45°.

19. A shelving apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims with the support structures including a planar structure with a cut-out providing a shaped surface on the upper part of the body; the shaped surface including a concave section forming an opening wherein an article for display can be partially supported on a resting surface within the cut-out and extend out through the opening.

20. A shelving apparatus according to claim 19 with peripheries of the opening of the cut-out including at least one angular surface for supporting an article for display which is partially supported on a resting surface within the cut-out and extending out through the opening.

21. A shelving apparatus according to claim 20 with the opening including two angular surfaces forming a backing surface and a leaning surface; the angular surfaces being diverging from each other whereby the backing surface provides a support for an article for display which is partially supported within the cut-out and extends out through the opening and is leaning back towards the backing surface for support thereon or extends out through the opening and is leaning towards the leaning surface for support thereon.

22. A shelving apparatus according to claim 21 with the angle of divergence of the backing surface¹ and leaning surface about or less than 90°.

23. A shelving apparatus according to claim 22 with the angle of divergence of the backing surface and leaning surface substantially in the range of 75° to 90°.

24. A shelving apparatus according to claim 23 with the angle of divergence of the backing surface and leaning surface with the angle about 80°.

25. A shelving apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 23 with the angle of divergence of the backing surface and leaning surface virtually beginning substantially at the resting surface.

26. A shelving apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 23 with the support structure being planar and including a plurality of cut-outs along an upper surface.

27. A shelving apparatus according to claim 26 with each cut-out being symmetrical.

28. A shelving apparatus according to claim 27 with each cut-out being angularly offset to the lower surface of the body of the support structure such that when the support structure is mounted on a flat horizontal base the backing surface is higher than the leaning surface.

29. A shelving apparatus, the apparatus including a base plate including a plurality of openings; a plurality of support members, each including projections which are complementary to the openings in each row; the arrangement being such that the support members can be coupled to the base plate by insertion of the projections into the openings; whereby an article for display can be supported on the base plate between adjacent support members.

30. A shelving apparatus according to claim 29 with the rows disposed on the base plate such that when two base plates are placed with respective side edges adjacent to one another, the openings in adjacent base plates form rows which are complementary to said projections whereby at least one of the support members can be connected to the two base plates so as to span said side edges and couple the two base plates together.

31. A shelving apparatus according to claim 30 with the base plate being rectangular and wherein the rows are located at a predetermined angle relative to a longer side of the base plate.

32. A shelving apparams according to claim 31 with the predetermined angle being 45°.

33. A shelving apparatus according to claim 32 with the openings in the rows in the form of slots.

34. A shelving apparatus according to claim 33 with the base member including second rows of openings and the apparatus further including at least first and second wall members, each of said wall members including second projections which are complementary to the second openings in each said row, the arrangements being such that the wall members can be coupled to the base plate by insertion of second projections into said second rows of openings, whereby the base plate is supported by the wall members and a storage space is defined beneath the base plate and between said wall members.

35. A shelving apparatus according to claim 34 the base plate is injection moulded from plastics material.

36. A kit of parts for forming shelving apparatus including a base plate having a plurality of first connecting portions arranged in spaced rows; a plurality of support members, each including at least one of second connecting portions which are able to engage the first connecting portions in each row; the arrangement being such that the support members can be connected to the base plate by connection of the first and second connecting portions; whereby an article for display can be supported by the support members.

37. The kit according to claim 36 including at least two wall members which in use can be coupled to the underside of the base member whereby the base plate is supported by the wall members and a storage space is defined beneath the base plate and between said wall members.

38. The kit according to claim 36 or 37 with the base plate constructed to be able to lie flat so that it can rest on the shelves of existing video display apparatus while providing connection portions allowing for selective connection of support members to an upper surface and selective connection of wall members to an 'underside.

39. The kit according to any one of claims 36 to 38 with the base plate being an elongated substantially planar structure with the first connecting portions allowing for selective receiving of the support members at an upper surface thereof in one or more configurations, the base plate including: rows of said first connecting portions in spaced parallel support rows such that a first of the articles of a first size can be supported between adjacent support members mounted in the spaced parallel support rows; rows of said first connecting portions in spaced parallel mounting rows such that at least one of the articles of a first size can be supported on one or more support members mounted in the spaced parallel mounting rows; and the support members including: a size and shape able to be mounted in spaced parallel support rows such that a first of the articles of a first size can be supported between adjacent support members mounted in the spaced parallel support rows; a cut-out or cavity in an upper surface such that at least one of the articles of a first size can be supported on one or more support members mounted in the spaced parallel mounting rows.

40. The kit according to claim 39 with the connection portions on the base plate arranged to form at least two different selective spacings or angles.

41. The kit according to claim 40 with the connection portions arranged in sets to allow required dimensions for a predetermined sizing of articles of a particular type to be displayed together.

42. A shelving apparams, including a base structure including a plurahty of openings arranged in a first configuration; a plurality of support members, each including projections which are complementary in size and configuration to the openings in the base structure; the arrangement being such that the support members can be coupled to the base plate by insertion of the projections into the openings whereby an article for display can be supported on the base structure between adjacent support members.

43. A shelving apparatus according to claim 42 with the support members being planar.

44. A shelving apparatus according to claim 43 with the projections extending from the lower section of the planar support member substantially linearly and extending at an angle to the planar extension of the support member.

45. A shelving apparatus, including a base structure including a plurality of openings arranged in a first configuration; a plurality of support structures including on a lower side of the support structures, projections which are complementary in size and configuration to the openings in the base structure and each including on an upper side a cavity or cutout for receiving an article for display; the arrangement being such that the support members can be coupled to the base plate by insertion of the projections into the openings whereby an article for display can be supported on one or more adjacent support members.

46. A shelving apparatus according to claim 45 with the support structures being planar.

47. A shelving apparatus according to claim 45 or 46 with the projections extending from the lower section of the planar support structure and substantially linearly and extending at an angle to the planar extension of the support structure.

48. A shelving apparams according to any one of claims 45 to 47 with the support structures including a planar structure with a cut-out providing a shaped surface on the upper part of the body; the shaped surface including a concave section forming an opening wherein an article for display can be partially supported on a resting surface within the cut-out and extend out through the opening.

49. A shelving apparatus according to claim 48 with peripheries of the opening of the cut-out including at least one angular surface for supporting an article for display which is partially supported on a resting surface within the cut-out and extending out through the opening.

50. A shelving apparatus according to claim 49 with the opening including two angular surfaces forming a backing surface and a leaning surface; the angular surfaces being diverging from each other whereby the backing surface provides a support for an article for display which is partially supported within the cut-out and extends out through the opening and is leaning back towards the backing surface for support thereon or extends out through the opening and is leaning towards the leaning surface for support thereon.

51. A shelving apparatus according claim 50 with the angle of divergence of the backing surface and leaning surface about or less than 90°.

52. A shelving apparatus according to claim 50 with the angle of divergence of the backing surface and leaning surface substantially in the range of 75° to 90°.

53. A shelving apparatus according to claim 50 with the angle of divergence of the backing surface and leaning surface with the angle about 80°.

54. A shelving apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 53 with the angle of divergence of the backing surface and leaning surface virtually begir ing substantially at the resting surface.

55. A shelving apparatus according to any one of claims 50 to 54 with the support structure being planar and including a plurality of cut-outs along an upper surface.

56. A shelving apparatus according to claim 55 with each cut-out being symmetrical.

57. A shelving apparatus according to claim 55 or 56 with each cut-out being angularly offset to the lower surface of the body of the support structure such that when the support structure is mounted on a flat horizontal base the backing surface is higher than the leaning surface.

58. A method of modifying a shelving structure including the steps of: providing an elongated thin base plate shaped and sized according to a shelf size and constructed to be able to lie flat so that it can rest on the shelves of existing video display apparatus; providing a first connection means located within the thickness of the base plate and accessible from the top surface or bottom surface of the base plate; providing a plurality of substantially planar support members having second connection means at a bottom end or top end which are complementary to or interengage with the first connection means to allow extension of the planar support members substantially normal to the base plate; locating the substantially planar support members in spaced arrangements alongside predetermined sets of first connection means having predefined spacing and angular alignment; allowing connection of the base plate and support members by connecting together by fnterengaging or interfitting first and second connection means to form shelving apparatus with sections above or below the base plate with required dimensions for a predetermined sizing of articles of a particular type to be displayed together either above or beiow the base plate.

59. A method according to claim 58 including providing a base plate being an elongated substantially planar structure with the first connecting portions allowing for selective receiving of the support members at an upper surface thereof in one or more configurations, the base plate including: rows of said first connecting portions in spaced parallel support rows such that a first of the articles of a first size can be supported between adjacent support members mounted in the spaced parallel support rows; rows of said first connecting portions in spaced parallel mounting rows such that at least one of the articles of a first size can be supported on one or more support members mounted in the spaced parallel mounting rows; and providing one or more of the support members including: a size and shape able to be mounted in spaced parallel support rows such that a first of the articles of a first size can be supported between adjacent support members mounted in the spaced parallel support rows; a cut-out or cavity in an upper surface such that at least one of the articles of a first size can be supported on one or more support members mounted in the spaced parallel mounting rows.

60. A shelving apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.

61. A kit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.

62. A method of modifying a shelving structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.