GB2499031A

GB2499031A - Adjustable shelf system formed from perforated support units and a plurality of rods

Info

Publication number: GB2499031A
Application number: GB1201961.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matteo Gerbi
Original assignee: MATTEO GERBI Ltd
Current assignee: MATTEO GERBI Ltd
Priority date: 2012-02-06
Filing date: 2012-02-06
Publication date: 2013-08-07
Also published as: GB201201961D0

Abstract

A customisable adjustable shelf system comprises one or more perforated support structure units 1 and a plurality of rods 2 assembled together. A shelf space is formed by means of rods 2 sliding through the specific openings 3 of the support units. The rods 2 can be lodged within one support unit forming a cantilever shelf (see Figure 14) or more efficiently between two or more supports units (see e.g. Figure 15). Rubber rings may be mounted over the shelf rods to secure them in place relative to the shelf support units. The openings 3 of the shelf support units are evenly distributed; all openings 3 have the same spacing and same opening dimensions and the dimensions and shape of the openings 3 matching the dimensions and shapes of the rods 2. The adjustable shelf system can be wall mounted or freestanding or a combination of both. The adjustable shelf system can be adapted to suit different spaces, scenarios and needs. It can easily be assembled or disassembled and modified in numerous combinations so that the configuration of the shelf can be varied.

Description

1

Adjustable Shelf System

This invention relates to an adjustable shelf system for storing books and the like that is versatile and easy to assemble. The adjustable shelf system may be either wall mounted or free standing or a combination of both.

Adjustable bookshelves are well known. By adjustable is meant a shelving unit able to be changed in either shape, size, or position according to what you want or need, and it can be used in different situations or for different purposes. However, in most cases, the adjustable shelves currently in the market offer only one degree of flexibility, which is the adaption of space between the height of the shelves according to the customer's needs. In these cases, whatever adjustment is made, the external appearance of the shelf is almost unchanged. The common unidirectional design approach used to develop these shelves is particularly useful for certain practical purposes but restrictive for other aesthetic purpose sought particularly in entertainment spaces, in offices, hotels and living areas in the residential spaces.

What this invention relates to is a bidirectional design approach for the development of an Adjustable Shelf System able to offer more degrees of flexibility than other adjustable shelves in the market. The primary objective of this invention is to provide a shelving system fully customisable where it does not rely on a predetermined spot and where the individual shelves may be readily repositioned and reconfigured in a new arrangement.

Commonly we tend to think that books and other objects, in order to be safely stored or displayed, must be laid on a flat solid plane; however it is well known that an object can also rest on at least two simple supports such as rods.

Based on this basic principle, the present invention proposes perforated support units (1) with fit-in rods (2) that form a customisable shelf. The rods can be inserted into any of the specific openings (3) provided in the support units without the need for any tools. The specific opening (3) are evenly distributed vertically and horizontally throughout the side faces of the support units (1).

The rods (2) may span between two or more support units (Figure 15); alternatively the rods (2) may be lodged within a single support unit (4), projecting from the unit to form a cantilever shelf (Figure (14).

The rods (2) take the weight of the object placed on it and transfer the load to the support units (1). If the support unit is wall mounted a bracket system may be provided. The support units (1) themselves may be used to store or display things.

2

The shelf may be assembled or changed to suit a specific user's needs or preference. This can mean that the external appearance can be varied. Numerous arrangements can be created simply by combining the support units (1) and the rod (2). The arrangement of the shelf can periodically be changed in order to give a fresh look to the space without the need to invest in a new set of furniture.

Advantages, features and details of the invention are illustrated in the following descriptions and accompanying drawings:

Figure 1: An isometric view of one of the potential combinations of the Adjustable Shelf System.

Figure 2: Possible section of the rod profile: Elliptical profile.

Figure 3: Possible section of the rod profile: Rectangular profile.

Figure 4: Possible section of the rod profile: Octagonal profile.

Figure 5: Possible section of the rod profile: Circular profile.

Figure 6: An isometric view of one of the possible shapes of the support unit: Rectangular frame perforated support unit.

Figure 7: An isometric view of one of the possible shapes of the support unit: Circular frame perforated support unit.

Figure 8: An isometric view of one of the possible shapes of the support unit: Triangular frame perforated support unit.

Figure 9: An isometric view of one of the possible shapes of the support unit: perforated support unit with irregular surfaces.

Figure 10: An isometric view of one of the possible shapes of the support unit: Elliptical frame perforated support unit.

Figure 11: An isometric view of one of the possible shapes of the support unit: Corner perforated support unit.

Figure 12: An isometric view that shows the Adjustable Shelf System before assembly.

Figure 13: An isometric view that shows the Adjustable Shelf System after assembly.

Figure 14: An isometric view of the adjustable shelf system using one support unit with rods that are projecting to form a cantilever shelf.

Figure 15: An isometric view of the adjustable shelf system using three support units, with rods spanning between them.

Figure 16: An isometric view that shows one of the possible configurations achievable with three wall mounted perforated support units and a plurality of rods.

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Figure 17: An isometric view that shows one of the possible configurations achievable with the same three wall mounted perforated support units and a plurality of rods shown in figure 16.

Figure 18: An isometric view that shows another possible configuration achievable with four wall mounted perforated support units, one corner wall mounted support unit, two free standing perforated support units and a plurality of rods unit of different lengths.

Figure 19: An isometric view that shows the fixing system of the wall mounted perforated support unit, fixed directly to the wall.

Figure 20: An isometric view that shows the fixing system of the wall mounted perforated support unit, with a rear concealed bracket system.

Figure 21: An isometric view that shows the fixing system of the wall mounted perforated support unit, with a rear concealed bracket system (same as Figure 20 but shown at a different angle).

Figure 22: An isometric view that shows the fixing system of the wall mounted perforated support unit, with a rear concealed single multiple bracket system.

Figure 23: An isometric view that shows the fixing system of the wall mounted perforated support unit, with a rear concealed double multiple bracket system.

Figure 24: An isometric view that shows the rubber ring insert around the rod.

Figure 25: An isometric view that shows the alternative bracket unit.

Figure 26: An isometric view that shows a configuration of the adjustable shelf system using the alternative with rods.

In Figure 1, an isometric view illustrates one of the numerous combinations that the present invention can offer. The Adjustable Shelf System includes a plurality of rods (2) insertable into each of the perforated support units (1). The openings (3) provided in the the support units (1) are designed to easily accommodate and safely secure the rods to the support units (1). The openings (3) form a pattern of shot equally distributed along the length and breadth of the support unit (3). In order to create a shelf system, at least 2 rods (2) must be inserted into the same horizontal row of openings (3). The number of rods (2) positioned at the same level can be increased in order to improve the mechanical resistance of the shelf. The rods (2) are generally parallel to the wall, but the design of the openings (3) allows the rod (2) to converge to the wall if required.

The rod (2) may have different shaped profiles and can be made from different types of materials such as steel, aluminium, carbon fibre, fibreglass, wood and plastic. Beyond the strength criteria that the design has to meet, particular attention has to be paid to the deformations and torsion caused by the loads applied to them. In order to avoid undesired alteration of shape, the mechanical property of the material, such as Young's modules and the Moment of Inertia, of the rod must be opportunely determined. Various rod profile shapes can be used: In figure 2, there is an elliptical profile; in figure 3, there is an octagonal profile; in figure 4, there is a rectangular profile and in figure 5, there is a circular profile.

4

The support unit (1) is a monolithic component that may have different shapes and be made with different materials such as steel, aluminium, wood and plastic. Beyond the strength criteria that the design has to meet, particular attention has to be paid to the deformations and torsion of the support unit (1) caused by the asymmetrical loads applied to them. In order to avoid undesirable alteration of shape and breaking point, the mechanical property of the material, such as Young's modules and the Ultimate Tensile Strength, of the support unit must be opportunely determined. Shapes can be varied, for example: In figure 6, a rectangular frame unit; in figure 7, a circular frame unit; in figure 8, an elliptical frame unit; in figure 9, an irregular shaped unit; in figure 10, a triangular frame unit and in figure 11, a support corner unit.

In figure 12, there is an isometric view of the Adjustable Shelf Systems components, comprising a perforated support unit (1) and rods (2) prior to the assembly. Whitest in figure 13, there is an isometric view of an Adjustable Shelf System after assembly where the rods (2) have been inserted into the openings (3) of the support unit (1). The numbers of the openings to each side of the support units vary depending on the size, material and shape of the support unit. Figure 12 and 13 show the simplicity of the mechanism, which creates a robust and reliable shelf support minimising the use of tools.

This invention allows numerous combinations of how the shelf system can be interpreted, following some principles: In figure 14, there is an isometric view of a wall mounted version of the Adjustable Shelf System with a plurality of rods (2) projecting from a circular support frame (4) with eight openings to each side (3). The cantilever rods form the shelves. The fixing details are subject to torsion when asymmetrical loads are applied to the shelves, for this reason the fixing system must prevent torsional movements and deformations which will be discussed later in this document. In figure 15, there is an isometric view of a wall mounted version of the Adjustable Shelf System with three perforated support units of different shapes -circular (4), square (5) and triangular (6)- and a plurality of rods (2) inserted into the openings of the support units. In this configuration the rods are freely supported at both ends by the support units (Figure 26). The rods can be configured to pass through and protrude past the surface of the perforated support unit.

In figure 16 and in figure 17 the isometric views show two potential configurations that the Adjustable Shelf System can obtain using: a square framed support unit with sixteen openings to each sides (7); a circular framed support unit with sixteen openings to each sides (8); a support unit consisting of a bended plate perpendicular to the wall with forty openings to its sides (9) and a plurality of rods (2).

In figure 18, there is an isometric view of a potential configuration that can be obtained with both wall mounted and free standing versions of the Adjustable Shelf System. In this configuration the following items have been used: a wall mounted, circular-framed perforated support unit (8); a wall mounted square framed perforated support unit (5); a wall mounted rectangular-framed perforated support unit (10); a wall mounted elliptical-framed perforated support unit (11); a wall mounted corner perforated support unit (12), a free standing rectangular-framed perforated unit (13); a free standing triangular-framed perforated support unit (14) and a plurality of rods (2). The Adjustable Shelf System can be flexibly altered by adjusting support units and rods to create different configurations.

5

The wall mounted support unit as already mentioned is subject to torsional forces whereby the fixing detail has to prevent such movements. The fixing detail is determined by the support unit's material. In figure 19, there is an isometric view of an aluminium or steel square framed support unit with a back panel (17). The back panel is provided with at least two holes (15), for screwing (16) the support unit directly to the wall. In figure 20 and 21, there are isometric views of a cylindrical aluminium or steel framed support unit (20) with a back panel; an interlocking hangers system (19) is welded to the back face of the back panels and fixed to the wall. In figure 22, there is a symmetrical view of a perforated single panel support unit (20) perpendicular to the wall which is held up by a single set of multiple hooks (21) which can be fixed to the wall by screw (22). The multiple hooks (21) are received by the cavities (23) that are open at the rear edge of the side panels of the support unit, this configuration is appropriate for wood and plastic support units. In figure 23, there is a symmetrical view of a square framed perforated support unit (24) with a double set of multiple hooks (25) which can be fixed to the wall by screws (26). The multiple hooks (25) are received by the cavities (27) that are open at the rear edge of the side panels of the support unit, this configuration is appropriate for wood and plastic support units. The above mentioned standard bracket devices are not part of the invention described in this application as they are commonly used in everyday practice, for this reason a further description is not included in this document.

The rods inserted into the openings of the support unit are freely supported and do not need to be fixed. The external face of the rod (28) is coincidental to the internal surface of the opening (29), to prevent undesired overturning. In addition, more the rods are loaded, the more stable the system is, as the contact between the two surfaces (28) (29) is tougher. However, in order to prevent longitudinal movement along the rod's axis a rubber ring (30) is inserted around the rod (2) and positioned in contact with the support unit's surface (31). In figure 24, there is an isometric view that shows the rubber ring (30) inserted around the rod (2) and put in contact with the surface of the support unit (31).

In figure 25, there is an isometric view of a bracket device (32) screwed to the wall that directly supports the rod (2). The bracket (32) is provided with equally spaced notches (33). The opening width and depth of the notches match the rod's profile dimensions cut in half along its horizontal axis. The number of the notches (33) depends on the bracket length. In figure 25 there are four notches, but the number can increase or decrease if the bracket is respectively longer or shorter. In principle the mechanism is working identically to the support unit described above with the exception that the bracket (32) allows the rod units (2) to be placed directly on the bracket instead of being inserted into the openings of the support unit. In figure 26, there is an isometric view of one of the numerous configurations that can be used.

6

Claims

1. An Adjustable Shelf System comprising:

a. At least one perforated support unit for supporting one or more shelf devices, in which the perforated support unit is provided with a pattern of equally spaced openings to accept the shelf devices on the side panels, wherein the perforated support unit can be either wall mounted or free standing.

b. A plurality of rods to be inserted within and through the provided openings of the said perforated support unit, to create one or more shelf devices.

c. At least two rubber rings inserted around each of the said rods at the point in which they make contact with the said perforated support unit surface.

d. A Secondary fixing system of at least two bracket system to accept shelf devices fixed to the wall.

2. An Adjustable Shelf System according to claim 1, in which the said rods are forming a shelf device.

3. An Adjustable Shelf System according to claim 1, in which the rod unit profile is the same in shape and dimension of the projection of the openings of the said perforated support unit to an imaginary plane perpendicular to the wall.

4. An Adjustable Shelf System according to claim 1, in which said elongate members are removable and can be re-inserted in another opening of the or each perforated support unit

CO so that the composition can be versatile.

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4. An Adjustable Shelf System according to claim 1, in which the position of the said rods in relation to the said perforated support unit is adjustable along its longitudinal axis so that the general configuration can be varied.

5. An Adjustable Shelf System according to claim 1, in which said rods are removable and can be re-inserted in another opening of the said perforated support units so that the composition can be versatile.

6. An Adjustable Shelf System according to claim 1, in which the said wall mounted perforated support unit is provided with a concealed bracket system fixed to the wall to prevent torsional rotation of the said perforated support unit due to the asymmetrical load distribution.

7. An Adjustable Shelf System according to claim 1, in which rubber rings are inserted around the rod and positioned in contact with each face of the said perforated support unit to prevent undesired movement along the longitudinal axis of the said rod unit.

8. An Adjustable Shelf System according to claim 1, in which the secondary fixing system of bracket units is provided with notches to accommodate the rods of the shelf devices.

9. Adjustable Shelf system consists of the ornamental design as shown and described.

7

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows.

Claims

1. An Adjustable Shelf System comprising:

a. at least one perforated support unit for supporting one or more shelf devices, in which the perforated support unit is provided with a pattern of spaced openings on its sides to accept the shelf devices, wherein the perforated support unit can be either wall mounted or free standing;

b. a plurality of elongate members to be inserted within and through the provided openings of the or each perforated support unit, to create one or more shelf devices, wherein the elongate members are parallel.

2. An Adjustable Shelf System according to claim 1, in which the ebngate member unit profile is the same in shape and dimension of the projection of the openings of the or each perforated support unit to an imaginary plane perpendicular to the wall.

3. An Adjustable Shelf System according to claim 1, in which the position of the elongate members in relation to the or each perforated support unit is adjustable along its longitudinal axis so that the general configuration can be varied.