WO2014137285A1

WO2014137285A1 - Stackable and extensible display shelf and the method of stacking the same

Info

Publication number: WO2014137285A1
Application number: PCT/SG2013/000092
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eng Hong Lim
Original assignee: Lim Eng Hong Trading As Wellwin Tropical Produce Company
Priority date: 2013-03-06
Filing date: 2013-03-06
Publication date: 2014-09-12

Abstract

A stackable and extensible display shelf is disclosed. The shelf comprises: a first panel frame being the base of the display shelf, having at least two horizontally configured elongated strips running in parallel to each other, forming an elongated slot between the strips; a second panel frame being the top of the display shelf, having one or more than one horizontally configured elongated strips running in parallel to each other, forming an elongated slot between the strips if the strips are more than one, wherein the number of elongated strips is one less than that of the base of the display shelf; a first support having one edge perpendicularly connected to one end of each elongated strips on the first panel frame, and having the other edge perpendicularly connected to one end of each elongated strips on the second panel frame; a second support having one edge perpendicularly connected to the other end of each elongated strips on the first panel frame, and having the other edge perpendicularly connected to the other end of each elongated strips on the second panel frame; whereby the display shelf sits onto another display shelf in a way the first panel frame sits onto the second panel frame of another display shelf, and the slots formed at the first panel frame receive the elongated strips of another shelf unit.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

STACKABLE AND EXTENSIBLE DISPLAY SHELF AND THE METHOD OF STACKING

THE SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to display shelf, particularly to shelf that can be easily assembled or stacked to form a larger display shelf with a various shapes or combinations without any tools.

2. Description of the Related Art

Appreciation of collections or decorated items is part of our leisure and recreational life for the contemporary society, and decoration with potted plants in both commercial building or home has become part of our lives of today.

In addition, display shelf can also be used in retail shops to present products to customers and consumers. For example, books and magazines, collectible items, fashion accessories, etc. Such a display shelf can be arranged against wall of a living room or along an aisle in a store so that consumers can easily appreciate the items and take it at ease.

In some circumstances, the display shelf has to be arranged in horizontal so as to display item at the lower section of the shelve and in some occasions the display shelf has to be arranged in a specific configuration in order to present product for decoration or to the consumers.

In the markets, most of the available display shelves are either fixed that cannot be moved from one corner to another corner or of a specific configuration only for some specific types of products. US Patent Application No. 7,296,698 to Jack cclure, issued on 19 October 2004 discloses a blank comprising a substantially rectangular shelf member having side edges, side walls, each of said side walls having an integral extension. The walls are attached to the edges of the shelf member by score lines, each of the walls having a height which is perpendicular to the score line which attaches the side wall to the shelf member. The heights of the side walls being substantially equal, each the integral extension being formed in the shelf member by lines which allows each integral extension to be detachable from the shelf member, each of the integral extensions having a height which is perpendicular to the score line which attaches the side wall integral to the extension to the shelf member, the height of the integral extension being greater than the height of the side wall, each of the integral extensions having a transverse score line which divides the integral extension into an upper and a lower section, the score line being substantially parallel to the score line which attaches the integral extension to the shelf member, the lower section having a height which is perpendicular to the score line which attaches the integral extension's side wall to the shelf member, the height of the lower section being substantially equal to the height of the side wall.

US Patent No. 4,444,320 to Chap, issued on Apr. 24, 1984, discloses a stackable shelf unit. A portion of the legs of the shelf unit is offset so that the legs may engage the shelf below it. No connector is being used in the shelf unit , the legs of the upper shelf unit may slide past the lower shelf unit if there is too much weight added to an upper shelf unit or if the upper shelf is not properly aligned.

US Patent No. 4,155,311 to Jackovin, issued on May 22, 1979, discloses a stackable modular shelf apparatus. A series of individual rectangular frames are connected by clips to form the actual frame of the shelf. In addition, these shelves cannot be stacked in a manner such that they can be displaced while taking less room than an assembled shelf.

US. Patent No. 4, 17,783 discloses a module storage unit. Each of the modules is of a frame that has open sides, front, bottom and top. The corner of the frames has openings.

US Patent Publication No. 2004/0182810 discloses a modular shelving assembly comprising legs, support members, transverse members, and connectors. Independent modular shelving assemblies can be connected together to form a unit of shelves meeting an individual's needs. The connectors connecting the modular shelving assemblies together provide a tight friction fit between the individual modular shelving assemblies such that there is the added force of a vacuum holding the individual shelves together. Additionally, when a series of individual modular shelving assemblies are not needed, they may be stacked in a nested fashion, thereby taking much less space than the individual shelves, if stacked separately. This invention requires a plurality of connected to form a shelving assembly as compared to the present invention where no additional components or tools are used to form into a combined display shelf. In view of the above, conventional display shelves have some kinds of inconveniences and shortcomings:

1. When there is a need to change the items of display, the display shelf must be relocated and the bulky size of the entire display shelf makes handling very difficult.

2. When a specific configuration of shelve is needed as a result of the available space, the conventional display shelves could not easily be disassembled. 3. Conventional display shelves cannot be re-assembled conveniently for displaying other items different from the items displayed on the last displayed shelve.

In view of the above shortcomings, there is a need for an assemble display shelf that could overcome the above described shortcomings . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the present invention is to present a display shelf that can be easily assembled or stacked to form various configurations for displaying collectives items or the like. Another objective of the invention is to provide a stackable and extensible shelf , wherein the shelf can be easily fabricated and solidly hold displayed items.

The present invention is to provide a stackable and extensible display shelf, comprising : a first panel frame being the base of the display shelf, having at least two horizontally configured elongated strips running in parallel to each other, forming an elongated slot between the strips; a second panel frame being the top of the display shelf, having one or more than one horizontally configured elongated strips running in parallel to each other, forming an elongated slot between the strips if the strips are more than one, wherein the number of elongated strips is one less than that of the base of the display shelf; a first support having one edge perpendicularly connected to one end of each elongated strips on the first panel frame, and having the other edge perpendicularly connected to one end of each elongated strips on the second panel frame; a second support having one edge perpendicularly connected to the other end of each elongated strips on the first panel frame, and having the other edge perpendicularly connected to the other end of each elongated strips on the second panel frame; whereby the display shelf sits onto another display shelf in a way the first panel frame sits onto the second panel frame of another display shelf, and the slots formed at the first panel frame receive the elongated strips of another shelf unit.

The present invention also provides a method of assembly a shelf system comprising the steps of: placing a display shelf unit with the first panel frame as the base sitting on the ground; placing another shelf on top of the first shelf unit such that the first panel frame sits onto the second panel frame of a second shelf unit, whereby the first shelf unit is slidable with respect to the second shelf unit along the elongated strip of the second panel frame.

An object of the present invention is to provide a stackable and extensible display shelf with feature of ease of assembly for use, and minimal space for storage of the unit when it is not in use.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a stackable and extensible display shelf, wherein when a plurality of shelf units are combined at the same level, connector plates are used to secure these units together at appropriate location on the shelf. The connection may be assisted by a plurality of clips.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a stackable and extensible display shelf, wherein the outer edges of the elongated strips of the second panel are protruded and the inner edges of the elongated strips of the first panel are grooved such that the protruded outer edge of the elongated strips of a stackable unit is engaged with the grooved inner edge of the elongated strips of the first panel of another stackable unit, whereby the two split stackable units are combined by engaging with each other by the elongated strips. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a stackable and extensible display shelf, wherein a plurality display units are combined/assembled in a unique configuration to meet the user's requirements.

Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent through the detailed description of the preferred embodiment, drawings and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further enable the understanding of the detailed characteristics and construction of the invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the following drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the stackable and extensible display shelf of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the stacking of two units of the display shelf in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the stacking of two units of the display shelf in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the stacking of two units of the display shelf in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the stacking of three unit of the display shelf in accordance with the present invention.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are sectional views showing the engagement between the protruded outer edge of a strip on the second panel frame of one shelf unit with the inner grooved edge of the strip on the first panel frame of another shelf unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In describing a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-2, the structure and assembled unit of at least two display shelves 100 according to the present invention is shown. The single unit of the display shelf 100 is shown in FIG. 1 , and a combination of two shelf units of the type described above is shown in FIGS. 2-4. Now, refer to FIG. 1 which is a perspective view of the present invention of a stackable and extensible display shelf 100. The present invention of the display shelf involves a first and a panel frame, and a pair of vertical supports. The first panel frame, which is the base of the display shelf 100, includes a plurality of elongated strips 30, running in parallel to each other and forming an elongated slot 31 between each pair of the elongated strips 30. The width of the elongated slot 31 is generally about the width of the elongated strips 30.

The second panel frame, which is the top of the display shelf 00, includes a plurality of elongated strips 20, running in parallel to each other and forming an elongated slot 21 between each pair of the elongated strips 20. Similar to the first panel frame, the width of the elongated slot 21 is generally about the width of the elongated strips 20. The number of elongated strips 20 is one less than that of the first panel frame or the base.

The first support 10 having at least two edges, wherein one of the edge is perpendicularly connected to one end of each elongated strips 30 on the first panel frame, and the other edge is perpendicularly connected to one end of each elongated strips 20 on the second panel frame. The connecting of the elongated strips 20, 30 to the edges can be achieved by using screws, nails or the like.

The second support 40 having at least two edges, wherein one of the edges is perpendicularly connected to one end of each elongated strips 30 on the first panel frame, and the other edge is perpendicularly connected to one end of each elongated strips 20 on the second panel frame. The connecting of the elongated strips 20, 30 to the edges can be achieved by using screws, nails or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, and in view of the structure, a first display shelf 100 can sit onto another display shelf 100 in a way the first panel frame sits onto the second panel frame of another display shelf, and the slots 20 receive the elongated strips 30 of another shelf unit. The display unit 100 of the present invention can be further formed of a plurality of interconnect element on the top surface of the elongated strips at an appropriate position for interconnection with another similar display shelf 100 at the same level. In the present preferred embodiment, the display shelf 100 may be formed from wood, metal structure, or any suitable polymeric material, such as polyvinyl chloride. However, it is to be understood that the optimum dimensional for all the parts of the present invention may include variations in size, materials, and manner of operation, and therefore, the material used described herein should not be construed in a limiting sense. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, which show perspective views of the assembly of two units of display shelf 100. The first display shelf 50 is placed onto another display shelf 60 in a way the first panel frame of the first display shelf 50 sits onto the second panel frame of the second display shelf 60. The slot 21 of the second display shelf 60 appropriately received the elongated strips 30 of the first panel frame of the first display shelf 50. The elongated strips 30 of the first display shelf 50 are slidable on the second panel frame of the second panel frame. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the two display shelves 50, 60 being in aligned and stacked. Similarly, more shelves can be stacked and many formation or configuration can be formed, where the slots of one display shelf receive the elongated strips of other display shelve. Thus a plurality of various combinations are obtained for individual needs.

Refer again to FIG. 4, when two display shelves 50, 60 are stacked on top of each other, the shelf can be used for displaying collective items or for potted plants or the like. There is no limitation of number of display shelf to be stacked, however, the stacking can be as high as from 1 to 2 meter in height. Alternative clips (not shown) or other fasteners may be used to mount the first shelf 50 to the second shelf 60 together. In other alternative configuration of assembling the display shelves, two display shelves 60, 70 are arranged in aligned with each other in the y-axis. Similarly, fastening clips (not shown) can be used to make sure that the fastened or configured display shelves 50, 60 are firmly secured. It is not needed generally if the stacking is comparatively low. If the stacking of the display shelves 50, 60 is against a wall, wall clips (not shown) are used to secure the combined display shelved to the wall such that the combined unit of the display shelves will not topple.

Referring to FIG. 5, which is a perspective view showing the stacking and extensible of three display shelves 50, 60, 70 to form a larger display unit. In the preferred embodiment, two display shelves 60, 70 are aligned in axial direction where the first and second support (vertical support) of the shelves are placed next to each other. After that, another shelf 50 is placed onto of the combined display shelves 60, 70. In such assembly, a larger display platform is provided. Similarly, if the assembled display shelves 50, 60, 70 are fixed against a wall, wall fixtures for fixing purposes are used.

When the above structure is assembled, the first display shelf 50 can slide along the slots ' form by the second and the third shelf units 60, 70 to a position based on the user's desire for the specific needs. As shown in the figures, it is to be realized that the elongated strips 20, 30 on the first and second panel frame are arranged in parallel with elongated slots formed therebetween and that the slots formed are adapted to accommodate the elongated strips, and that the width of each slots formed on the first panel frame or on the second panel frame is the same. In the present preferred embodiment, the centre elongated strip 30 on the first panel frame of one shelf unit sits onto and slidable along the centre slot 21 formed on the second panel frame of another shelf unit, and each comer of the first support 10 and the second support 40 at the first panel frame is alignedly connected by an elongated strip such that the elongated strip defines the outermost edge of the first panel frame.

As shown in the figures, a plurality of the elongated strips on the second panel frame is at least two, and a plurality of the elongated strips on the first panel frame is at least three, wherein the slots formed at the first panel frame of one shelf unit sit onto the elongated strip of the second panel frame of another shelf unit.

The assembled display shelf 100 is used to display products or collective items. To enhance the attractiveness of the products, the display shelf 100 can be coated or painted with various colors depending on needs. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown the features of engagement of the elongated strips in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. The outer edges of the elongated strips 20 of the second panel frame are protruded or formed into an abutment and the inner edges of the elongated strips of the first panel are grooved with shape similar to the protrusion or abutment such that the protruded outer edge of the elongated strips of one stackable unit is engaged with the grooved inner edge of the elongated strips of the first panel of another stackable unit. Thus, the two individual stackable units are combined by engaging with each other by the elongated strips. In short, the engagement of the two individual stackable units are done by way similar to tongue and groove, which is a common technique used to join two pieces of wood into one piece. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protruded edge and he grooved edges are function as tongue and groove. The protruded strip on one stackable shelf unit is in engagement with groove on the strip of other unit. The tongue slides into the groove to create a joint that holds adjacent strip together. In accordance with the present invention, other kind of similar structure, such as butt joinery can also be used. Similarly, the engagement features which be modified to hold individual stackable shelf unit in place can also be used. The present invention also relates to a method of assembly a shelf system comprising the steps of: placing a display shelf unit with the first panel frame as the base sitting on the ground; placing another shelf on top of the first shelf unit such that the first panel frame sits onto the second panel frame of a second shelf unit, whereby the first shelf unit is slidable with respect to the second shelf unit along the elongated strip of the second panel frame. The use and operation of the display shelf 100 of the present invention will now be readily understood by those with ordinary skill in the art.

In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of the display shelves can be conveniently assembled for display of collective items, and one possible assembled configuration of the combined display shelf being shown in FIGs 2-5. Obviously, numerous other combined or assembled configurations will occur to those skilled in the art, and all such configurations are within the scope of the invention. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that there has been provided a stackable and extensible display shelf system, wherein the first panel frame or the base framework of one display unit firmly stacks onto the second panel frame of another display unit without the use of tools or other components. Variations and modifications of the herein described shelf system, in accordance with the invention, will be obvious to those skilled in this art. Accordingly, the foregoing description should be taken as illustrative and not in a limiting sense, and the above description covers a preferred embodiment only, so that all equivalent modifications and variations deriving from the description shall be included in the intent and scope of the subject claims. In particular, with respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional for all the parts of the present invention may include variations in size, materials, and manner of operation. The assembly and use of the present invention are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 , A stackable and extensible display shelf, comprising : a first panel frame being the base of the display shelf, having at least two horizontally configured elongated strips running in parallel to each other, forming an elongated slot between the strips; a second panel frame being the top of the display shelf, having one or more than one horizontally configured elongated strips running in parallel to each other, forming an elongated slot between the strips if the strips are more than one, wherein the number of elongated strips is one less than that of the base of the display shelf; a first support having one edge perpendicularly connected to one end of each elongated strips on the first panel frame, and having the other edge perpendicularly connected to one end of each elongated strips on the second panel frame; a second support having one edge perpendicularly connected to the other end of each elongated strips on the first panel frame, and having the other edge perpendicularly connected to the other end of each elongated strips on the second panel frame; whereby the display shelf sits onto another display shelf in a way the first panel frame sits onto the second panel frame of another display shelf, and the slots formed at the first panel frame receive the elongated strips of another shelf unit.

2. The stackable and extensible display shelf of Claim 1 , wherein the elongated strips on the first panel frame are arranged in parallel with a slot formed between the strips.

3. The stackable and extensible display shelf of Claim 1 , wherein the elongated strips on the second panel frame are arranged in parallel with a slot formed between the strips.

4. The stackable and extensible display shelf of Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the width of each slots formed on the first panel frame is the same.

5. The stackable and extensible display shelf of Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the width of each slots formed on the second panel frame is the same.

6. The stackable and extensible display shelf of Claim 1 , wherein the centre elongated strip on the first panel frame of one shelf unit sits onto and slidable along the centre slot formed on the second panel frame of another shelf unit.

7. The stackable and extensible display shelf of Claim 1 , wherein the top surface of the first panel frame is a platform for products display.

8. The stackable and extensible display shelf of Claim 1 , wherein each corner of the first support and the second support at the first panel frame is alignedly connected by an elongated strip such that the elongated strip defines the outermost edge of the first panel frame.

9. The stackable and extensible display shelf of Claim 1 , wherein a plurality of shelves are stacked together to form an extensible displaying structure for displaying purposes.

10. The stackable and extensible display shelf of Claim 1 , wherein a plurality of the elongated strips on the second panel frame is at least two, and a plurality of the elongated strips on the first panel frame is at least three, wherein the slots formed at the first panel frame of one shelf unit sit onto the elongated strip of the second panel frame of another shelf unit.

11. The stackable and extensible display shelf of Claim 1 , wherein the shelf unit are coated or painted with a material of various colors.

12. The stackable and extensible display shelf of Claim 1 , wherein the outer edges of the elongated strips of the second panel frame are protruded and the inner edges of the elongated strips of the first panel frame are grooved such that the protruded outer edge of the elongated strips of a stackable unit is engaged with the grooved inner edge of the elongated strips of the first panel of another stackable unit, whereby the two split stackable units are combined by engaging with each other by the elongated strips.

13. A method of assembly a shelf system comprising the steps of: placing a display shelf unit with the first panel frame as the base sitting on the ground; placing another shelf on top of the first shelf unit such that the first panel frame sits onto the second panel frame of a second shelf unit, whereby the first shelf unit is slidable with respect to the second shelf unit along the elongated strip of the second panel frame.