US20040245198A1 - Support apparatus - Google Patents

Support apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
US20040245198A1
US20040245198A1 US10/861,303 US86130304A US2004245198A1 US 20040245198 A1 US20040245198 A1 US 20040245198A1 US 86130304 A US86130304 A US 86130304A US 2004245198 A1 US2004245198 A1 US 2004245198A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
shelf
divider
elongate
elongate assembly
assembly
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Abandoned
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US10/861,303
Inventor
Francis McNally
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication of US20040245198A1 publication Critical patent/US20040245198A1/en
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B45/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features enabling enlarging in height, length, or depth
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B57/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions
    • A47B57/58—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting partitions horizontally

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to apparatus for supporting objects on a shelf or the like.
  • shelf-like structures may be incorporated in other structures such as bookcases or cupboards, or may be adaptations of other structures such as windowsills, or may even be purpose built structures.
  • shelf as used herein is intended to embrace all such structures which define a horizontal support surface disposed between opposing end walls which prevent objects supported on the support surface from toppling off either end. Even with the end walls, there is still a tendency for the stored objects to topple inwardly unless tightly packed together. To some extent, bookends provide some resistance to such toppling of stored objects. However, not all bookends are able to prevent toppling in every scenario envisaged.
  • apparatus for supporting objects loosely stored on a shelf comprising: an elongate assembly comprising a first part and a second part, the second part being moveable relative to the first part, and means for biasing one part away from the other part to provide a bracing action between opposed walls of the shelf; and at least one divider for dividing shelf space, the or each divider being releasably mountable on the elongate assembly.
  • the present applicant has devised apparatus which can be retro-fitted to any of the shelves as hereinbefore defined.
  • the elongate assembly is configured to be aligned lengthwise along the shelf and then held firmly in place by the bracing action created by the means urging each part against its respective end wall.
  • the or each divider is mounted on the elongate assembly to create compartments along the length of the shelf. Any forces exerted on the or each divider from objects on the shelf are transmitted to the elongate assembly and hence to the shelf itself.
  • the elongate assembly may be configured to mount the or each divider at one of a plurality of discrete locations along its length.
  • the elongate assembly and the or each divider may be configured to engage with “peg and slot” couplings.
  • the elongate member may define a track along which the or each divider may be positioned and secured at any location desired.
  • one part of the elongate assembly may itself be elongate and configured to be cut to length to suit intended use.
  • the apparatus may be supplied in kit form to fit a wide variety of shelf lengths simply by cutting the elongate part to length.
  • the other part may be mounted on one end of the elongate part, with the urging means disposed therebetween.
  • the urging means may comprise a spring bias disposed between the first and second parts. With apparatus of appropriate length for the shelf, the spring bias may be compressed when positioning the elongate assembly on the shelf, and subsequently released to trigger the bracing action.
  • Other forms of urging means may be employed, including a screw-threaded shaft rotatable in a corresponding mounting to produce movement along its axis.
  • the elongate assembly may further comprise a third part, the third part being moveable relative to the first part, with means for biasing apart the first and third parts to enhance the bracing action between opposed walls of the shelf.
  • the second and third parts may be disposed at opposite ends of the first part, with the third part and/or associated biasing means perhaps being equivalent in function to those of or associated with the second part.
  • the second part and/or any third part may have a protuberant member defining a finger or hand hold to enable its respective part to be gripped securely (e.g. when compressing a spring bias).
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of components of apparatus embodying the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates use of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a shelf as hereinbefore defined.
  • FIG. 1 shows schematically apparatus ( 10 ) for supporting objects (not shown) on a shelf ( 100 ) (see FIG. 2).
  • the apparatus ( 10 ) comprise an elongate assembly ( 12 ) and a divider ( 14 ) releasably mountable on the elongate assembly ( 12 ).
  • the elongate assembly ( 12 ) comprises a first part ( 16 ), a second part ( 18 ) and a spring-bias ( 20 ) disposed therebetween.
  • the first and second parts ( 16 , 18 ) are moveable relative to each other, with compression of spring bias ( 20 ) providing a force urging the parts apart along the longitudinal axis AA.
  • the first part ( 16 ) is elongate and includes a plurality of square shaped apertures ( 22 ) extending transversely to its longitudinal axis AA. Each aperture ( 22 ) is configured to receive snugly a peg ( 24 ) extending from divider ( 14 ), and thus together the apertures provide a plurality of discrete locations for mounting the divider ( 14 ) along the length of element ( 12 ).
  • the first part ( 16 ) may be cut to length and newly exposed end ( 26 ) may be covered by plate ( 28 ).
  • the second part ( 18 ) defines a recess ( 30 ) for receiving one end of the first part ( 16 ) (with or without cover plate 28 ). [In FIG. 1, the second part ( 18 ) is shown partially cut-away to reveal recess ( 30 ).]
  • Spring bias ( 20 ) is mounted in the recess ( 30 ) (e.g. along axis AA) such that it is compressed as the first part ( 16 ) is pushed into, and slides within, the recess ( 30 ).
  • a third part ( 18 1 ) is provided for engaging the opposite end of the first part ( 16 ) to the second part ( 18 ).
  • the second and third parts ( 18 , 18 1 ) are mirror images of each other and function in equivalent ways.
  • the third part 18 1 includes a recess ( 30 1 ) for receiving its end of the first part ( 16 ), with a spring bias ( 20 1 ) mounted therebetween.
  • the elongate assembly ( 12 ) is positioned along the length of the shelf ( 100 ).
  • the shelf ( 100 ) includes opposed sidewalls ( 102 ), and the spring bias ( 20 ) urges the second and third parts ( 18 , 18 1 ) towards their respective side walls ( 102 ), providing a bracing action.
  • one or more dividers ( 14 ) may be introduced as shown to provide lateral supports for objects stored on the shelf.

Landscapes

  • Assembled Shelves (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
  • Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)

Abstract

Apparatus (10) for supporting objects on a shelf, comprising an elongate assembly (12) and at least one divider (14) releasably mounted thereon. The elongate assembly (12) comprises a first part (16), a second part (18) and a spring bias (20) disposed therebetween. The first and second parts (16), (18) are movable relative to each other, with compression of spring bias (20) providing a force urging apart the parts (16),(18) along the longitudinal axis AA. In this way, the assembly (12) may be braced between opposed side wall of a shelf in a book case or the like.

Description

  • The present invention relates to apparatus for supporting objects on a shelf or the like. [0001]
  • Miscellaneous object such as books, CDs, videos, shopping packets and boxes and even dishes are often stored on shelf-like structures. The shelf-like structures may be incorporated in other structures such as bookcases or cupboards, or may be adaptations of other structures such as windowsills, or may even be purpose built structures. For the purposes of the present specification, the term “shelf” as used herein is intended to embrace all such structures which define a horizontal support surface disposed between opposing end walls which prevent objects supported on the support surface from toppling off either end. Even with the end walls, there is still a tendency for the stored objects to topple inwardly unless tightly packed together. To some extent, bookends provide some resistance to such toppling of stored objects. However, not all bookends are able to prevent toppling in every scenario envisaged. [0002]
  • The present applicant has sought to alleviate the problem of objects toppling over when stored on a shelf as hereinbefore defined. [0003]
  • In accordance with the present invention, there is provided apparatus for supporting objects loosely stored on a shelf has hereinbefore defined, comprising: an elongate assembly comprising a first part and a second part, the second part being moveable relative to the first part, and means for biasing one part away from the other part to provide a bracing action between opposed walls of the shelf; and at least one divider for dividing shelf space, the or each divider being releasably mountable on the elongate assembly. [0004]
  • The present applicant has devised apparatus which can be retro-fitted to any of the shelves as hereinbefore defined. The elongate assembly is configured to be aligned lengthwise along the shelf and then held firmly in place by the bracing action created by the means urging each part against its respective end wall. Once secured in place, the or each divider is mounted on the elongate assembly to create compartments along the length of the shelf. Any forces exerted on the or each divider from objects on the shelf are transmitted to the elongate assembly and hence to the shelf itself. [0005]
  • The elongate assembly may be configured to mount the or each divider at one of a plurality of discrete locations along its length. For example, the elongate assembly and the or each divider may be configured to engage with “peg and slot” couplings. Alternatively, the elongate member may define a track along which the or each divider may be positioned and secured at any location desired. [0006]
  • In one embodiment, one part of the elongate assembly may itself be elongate and configured to be cut to length to suit intended use. In this way, the apparatus may be supplied in kit form to fit a wide variety of shelf lengths simply by cutting the elongate part to length. With this arrangement, the other part may be mounted on one end of the elongate part, with the urging means disposed therebetween. [0007]
  • The urging means may comprise a spring bias disposed between the first and second parts. With apparatus of appropriate length for the shelf, the spring bias may be compressed when positioning the elongate assembly on the shelf, and subsequently released to trigger the bracing action. Other forms of urging means may be employed, including a screw-threaded shaft rotatable in a corresponding mounting to produce movement along its axis. [0008]
  • The elongate assembly may further comprise a third part, the third part being moveable relative to the first part, with means for biasing apart the first and third parts to enhance the bracing action between opposed walls of the shelf. The second and third parts may be disposed at opposite ends of the first part, with the third part and/or associated biasing means perhaps being equivalent in function to those of or associated with the second part. [0009]
  • The second part and/or any third part may have a protuberant member defining a finger or hand hold to enable its respective part to be gripped securely (e.g. when compressing a spring bias).[0010]
  • An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [0011]
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of components of apparatus embodying the present invention; and [0012]
  • FIG. 2 illustrates use of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a shelf as hereinbefore defined.[0013]
  • FIG. 1 shows schematically apparatus ([0014] 10) for supporting objects (not shown) on a shelf (100) (see FIG. 2). The apparatus (10) comprise an elongate assembly (12) and a divider (14) releasably mountable on the elongate assembly (12). The elongate assembly (12) comprises a first part (16), a second part (18) and a spring-bias (20) disposed therebetween. The first and second parts (16,18) are moveable relative to each other, with compression of spring bias (20) providing a force urging the parts apart along the longitudinal axis AA.
  • The first part ([0015] 16) is elongate and includes a plurality of square shaped apertures (22) extending transversely to its longitudinal axis AA. Each aperture (22) is configured to receive snugly a peg (24) extending from divider (14), and thus together the apertures provide a plurality of discrete locations for mounting the divider (14) along the length of element (12). The first part (16) may be cut to length and newly exposed end (26) may be covered by plate (28).
  • The second part ([0016] 18) defines a recess (30) for receiving one end of the first part (16) (with or without cover plate 28). [In FIG. 1, the second part (18) is shown partially cut-away to reveal recess (30).] Spring bias (20) is mounted in the recess (30) (e.g. along axis AA) such that it is compressed as the first part (16) is pushed into, and slides within, the recess (30).
  • A third part ([0017] 18 1) is provided for engaging the opposite end of the first part (16) to the second part (18). The second and third parts (18, 18 1) are mirror images of each other and function in equivalent ways. Thus, the third part 18 1 includes a recess (30 1) for receiving its end of the first part (16), with a spring bias (20 1) mounted therebetween.
  • As shown in FIG. 2, the elongate assembly ([0018] 12) is positioned along the length of the shelf (100). The shelf (100) includes opposed sidewalls (102), and the spring bias (20) urges the second and third parts (18, 18 1) towards their respective side walls (102), providing a bracing action. With the elongate assembly (12) held firmly in place, one or more dividers (14) may be introduced as shown to provide lateral supports for objects stored on the shelf.

Claims (4)

1. Apparatus for supporting objects loosely stored on a shelf has hereinbefore defined, comprising:
an elongate assembly comprising a first part and a second part, the second part being moveable relative to the first part, and means for biasing one part away from the other part to provide a bracing action between opposed walls of the shelf; and
at least one divider for dividing shelf space, the or each divider being releasably mountable on the elongate assembly.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the elongate assembly is configured to mount the or each divider at one of a plurality of discrete locations along its length.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which one part of the elongate assembly is itself elongate and configured to be cut to length to suit intended use.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the urging means comprises a spring bias disposed between the first and second parts.
US10/861,303 2003-06-06 2004-06-03 Support apparatus Abandoned US20040245198A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0313050A GB2402327B (en) 2003-06-06 2003-06-06 Support apparatus
GB0313050.7 2003-06-06

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US20040245198A1 true US20040245198A1 (en) 2004-12-09

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US10/861,303 Abandoned US20040245198A1 (en) 2003-06-06 2004-06-03 Support apparatus

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EP (1) EP1483983A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2402327B (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180238126A1 (en) * 2017-02-18 2018-08-23 Agile Equipment, LLC Bar and insert for restraining elongated members

Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1425247A (en) * 1921-01-24 1922-08-08 Charles E Galbreath Portiere rod
US1500049A (en) * 1921-04-02 1924-07-01 John W Brooks Curtain holder
US2147625A (en) * 1938-03-05 1939-02-21 Abe R Brothers Necktie rack
US2979155A (en) * 1957-04-17 1961-04-11 Irvin T Scharfenberger Workman's supporting device
US3410512A (en) * 1966-10-20 1968-11-12 Vecchio Michael Del Crib attachment
US3563182A (en) * 1968-08-12 1971-02-16 Stanley Works Combined shelving and clothes bar apparatus
US4118087A (en) * 1976-11-26 1978-10-03 Dorf Helen A Recreational vehicle shelf bars
US4488651A (en) * 1981-02-16 1984-12-18 Bishop Charles W Clothes rack
US5242223A (en) * 1992-07-13 1993-09-07 Thomas Koves Dividers for drawers or the like
US5642818A (en) * 1995-06-13 1997-07-01 Adam Brent Structure for supporting articles against vehicles
US5775522A (en) * 1996-10-09 1998-07-07 Martin, Sr.; Chester Card divider and holder
US5873311A (en) * 1995-04-25 1999-02-23 Schlattl; Alice Parts tray for use in an opened engine compartment
US5931315A (en) * 1994-08-02 1999-08-03 Lorentz; Hilel Modular storage and display device
US6488159B2 (en) * 2001-04-19 2002-12-03 Janchy Enterprise Co., Ltd. Telescopic hanging rack structure
US6655538B2 (en) * 2002-01-08 2003-12-02 Anne Louise Saulnier-Matteini Telescoping adjustable-length shelf

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB361552A (en) * 1900-01-01
GB796854A (en) * 1954-10-14 1958-06-18 L A Darling Company A shelf or like bracket and upright support therefor
GB794035A (en) * 1955-01-25 1958-04-30 Poul Cadovius Improvements in and relating to a book-slide for book-cases or the like
DK109580C (en) * 1963-12-30 1968-05-13 Arne Ingvartsen Front edge strip for shelves.
FR1422782A (en) * 1964-01-31 1965-12-24 Device forming an arrangement of shelves, shelves, shelves or the like and its various applications
AU516931B2 (en) * 1977-10-13 1981-07-02 Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Limited Shelf divider system
US4195577A (en) * 1978-10-10 1980-04-01 Gross Leo H Portable hanging shelf
CA2018123C (en) * 1989-06-02 2001-02-27 Donald G. Santucci Adjustable self supporting locker shelf and method for installing same
DE9000642U1 (en) * 1990-01-22 1990-03-29 Steiger, Peter, Prof., Zürich Bookend for insertion between two spaced-apart shelves
JP3929542B2 (en) * 1997-02-27 2007-06-13 株式会社岡村製作所 Partition member mounting device in a shelf
US6224128B1 (en) * 1999-06-24 2001-05-01 David R. Mains Adjustable shelf for vehicular camper

Patent Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1425247A (en) * 1921-01-24 1922-08-08 Charles E Galbreath Portiere rod
US1500049A (en) * 1921-04-02 1924-07-01 John W Brooks Curtain holder
US2147625A (en) * 1938-03-05 1939-02-21 Abe R Brothers Necktie rack
US2979155A (en) * 1957-04-17 1961-04-11 Irvin T Scharfenberger Workman's supporting device
US3410512A (en) * 1966-10-20 1968-11-12 Vecchio Michael Del Crib attachment
US3563182A (en) * 1968-08-12 1971-02-16 Stanley Works Combined shelving and clothes bar apparatus
US4118087A (en) * 1976-11-26 1978-10-03 Dorf Helen A Recreational vehicle shelf bars
US4488651A (en) * 1981-02-16 1984-12-18 Bishop Charles W Clothes rack
US5242223A (en) * 1992-07-13 1993-09-07 Thomas Koves Dividers for drawers or the like
US5931315A (en) * 1994-08-02 1999-08-03 Lorentz; Hilel Modular storage and display device
US5873311A (en) * 1995-04-25 1999-02-23 Schlattl; Alice Parts tray for use in an opened engine compartment
US5642818A (en) * 1995-06-13 1997-07-01 Adam Brent Structure for supporting articles against vehicles
US5775522A (en) * 1996-10-09 1998-07-07 Martin, Sr.; Chester Card divider and holder
US6488159B2 (en) * 2001-04-19 2002-12-03 Janchy Enterprise Co., Ltd. Telescopic hanging rack structure
US6655538B2 (en) * 2002-01-08 2003-12-02 Anne Louise Saulnier-Matteini Telescoping adjustable-length shelf

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20180238126A1 (en) * 2017-02-18 2018-08-23 Agile Equipment, LLC Bar and insert for restraining elongated members

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0313050D0 (en) 2003-07-09
GB2402327B (en) 2005-10-19
GB2402327A (en) 2004-12-08
EP1483983A1 (en) 2004-12-08

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