GB2592377A

GB2592377A - Shelf

Info

Publication number: GB2592377A
Application number: GB2002642.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ruddick Paul; Bianchi Stephen
Original assignee: D Line Europe Ltd
Current assignee: D Line Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2020-02-25
Filing date: 2020-02-25
Publication date: 2021-09-01
Anticipated expiration: 2040-02-25
Also published as: WO2021170587A1; GB2592377B; GB202002642D0

Abstract

A shelf 100 for mounting over a plug socket has an adjustable width, provided by a first side portion 200a and a second side portion 200b wherein the side portions are engaged with a bottom surface 402 of a support platform 400. The adjustable width is formed by the first side portion being movable relative to the second side portion between a first position with a first width to a second position with a second width. The direction of relative movement may be restricted to a single direction. The direction of relative movement may be parallel to the back edge of the support platform. In another aspect of the invention, a shelf includes a hollow support platform with an interior cavity.

Description

SHELF

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shelf that can be mounted on a wall, optionally above a plug socket. The present invention also relates to kits of parts which may be assembled into those shelves.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is well-known that, in the home, or in commercial premises, plug sockets (alternatively referred to as power outlets) may not be located in convenient of positions both with regard to their location within a room, and also their height on a wall. As a result, when devices are plugged in, it is often necessary to place the device on the floor, or to place a table by the socket. Placing the device on the floor may present a safety hazard, since users of the device may trip over either the device itself or the cable connecting it to the plug socket. It may also be undesirable to place a table by the socket, in case, for example, it obstructs a corridor or walkway, or makes a room appear congested.

In the past, shelves which can be mounted either directly over a plug socket, or on the wall above a plug socket have been proposed. However, these suffer from a number of disadvantages. For example, in many cases, while a shelf may avoid the need to place an electrical device on the floor or on a table, the problem wherein cables may still present a tripping hazard is not solved. In addition to this, it is widely-known that plug sockets vary substantially in width, so a shelf which may be installed directly over a first plug socket may be of no use with a second plug socket which is e.g. wider or taller. The present invention aims to solve these problems in the provision of a new shelf.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general terms, a first aspect of the present invention addresses the problem of varying plug socket widths in the provision of a shelf which may be straightforwardly mounted on a plug socket regardless of its width. Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a shelf for mounting over a plug socket on a wall, the shelf comprising: a support platform having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion are each engageable or engaged with the bottom surface of the support platform, to define a space for the plug socket; a mounting means for mounting one or more of the support platform, the first side portion, and the second side portion to either plug socket or the wall; wherein, when the first side portion and the second side portion are engaged with the bottom surface of the support platform, the first side portion is movable relative to the second side portion between a first position, in which the first side portion and the second side portion are separated by a first width, and a second position in which the first side portion and the second side portion are separated by a second width, different from the first width.

In this way, it will be appreciated that the shelf can be adjusted to house plug sockets of varying widths, which is not possible with known shelves of this kind which are designed specifically for a plug socket of one, given width. Herein, the term "engageable" means that the first side portion and the second side portion can be engaged with the bottom surface of the support platform. In some embodiments, the term "engaged" simply refers to a connection between the respective side portion and the support platform, but preferably, the term engaged should be understood to mean that when the portions in question are connected together, they are somehow fixed to one another so that they cannot be easily separated. This ensures that, in use, the support platform does not inadvertently become disconnected from the first side portion and/or the second side portion. Specific examples of how this engagement may take place are set out later in this application.

The top surface of the support platform is preferably flat or substantially flat. Alternatively, the top surface of the support platform may include a flat portion or substantially flat portion. This is because, in use, devices which are plugged into the socket may be placed onto the top surface of the support platform, in order to avoid the need to place those devices on the floor or on a table.

The direction of relative movement between the first side portion and the second side portion is preferably restricted to a single direction, referred to herein as the "direction of relative movement". In preferred embodiments, the direction of relative movement is preferably parallel to, or substantially parallel to a back edge of the support platform. The back edge of the support platform is the edge which is closest to, and preferably in contact with, the wall when the shelf is mounted over a plug socket. In those cases, the first width and the second width are measured in the direction of relative movement. In cases in which the direction of relative movement is not restricted such as this, the first width and the second width may be defined by the width in a direction which is parallel or substantially parallel to the back edge of the support platform, the back edge being defined as above. It is preferred that the first width and the second width correspond to standard power outlet widths. For example, the first width of the second width may be any of the following: between 81 mm and 91 mm, preferably about 86mm, between 141 mm and 151 mm, preferably 146 mm.

It should be noted that the spacing between the first side portion and the second side portion is not restricted to only the first width and the second width. Rather, the spacing between the first side portions may be any of a continuous spectrum of widths.

The bottom surface of the support platform may include a first elongate slot, and an upper surface of the first side portion may include a first protrusion which is arranged to fit in at least an entry portion of the first elongate slot, in order to be engaged with the bottom surface of the support platform. The first elongate slot may include a wide, entry portion, and a narrower, retaining portion. Correspondingly, the protrusion may include a wide upper portion and a narrower lower portion, wherein the width of the entry portion of the first elongate slot is larger than the width of the wide upper portion and the narrower lower portion, and the width of the retaining portion of the first elongate slot is narrower than the width of the wide upper portion, but wider than, or the same width as, the narrower lower portion of the protrusion. In this way, the first side portion may be engaged with the bottom surface of the support platform by inserting the wider upper portion of the protrusion into the entry portion of the first elongate slot, and moving it along to the retaining portion. Once in the retaining portion, it will not be possible to disengage the first side portion from the first elongate slot, because the wide upper portion has passed through the first elongate slot, and is too wide to be removed from the retaining portion of the first elongate slot. It should be noted that the first side portion is still slidable along the first elongate slot because the narrower lower portion is narrower than (or the same width as) the retaining portion of the first elongate slot.

In order to maintain the first side portion in a position where it is spaced from the second side portion by a preferred width, such as the first width or the second width, the retaining portion may include a restricting structure configured to restrict the first side portion in a given longitudinal position along the elongate slot. Preferably, the restricting structure is configured to increase the resistance to movement past itself, but not entirely to prevent movement along the elongate slot. For example, one or both edges of the elongate slot may include a ratchet strip, and the outer surfaces of the narrow portion of the first protrusion may include a pawl, or pawl-like structure configured to engage with the ratchet strip. In other embodiments, the restricting structure may include a narrowed portion of the retaining portion of the elongate slot, which may be referred to as a "pip". In preferred cases, the elongate slot includes a plurality of restricting structures, each corresponding to a preferred width between the first side portion and the second side portion. Restricting structures such as those discussed in this paragraph ensure that a snug fit around the fascia of the power outlet. Alternatively, or in addition to the restricting structure(s) the shelf may include a biasing means configured to bias the first side portion and the second side portion towards each other, in order to ensure that they are able to firmly abut the outer edges or surfaces of e.g. the fascia of a power outlet. The biasing means may include, for example: a spring (such as a coil spring or a leaf spring) which may be in tension or compression, or some kind of elastic material (which may be also be in tension or compression).

The bottom surface of the support platform may include a second elongate slot, as defined above, for receiving a second protrusion which is located on the top surface of the second side portion. The disclosure of the previous paragraphs applies equally well to the second elongate slot and the second protrusion. In other configurations, rather than having a first elongate slot and a second elongate slot, the bottom surface of the support platform may include only a single elongate slot, again preferably running parallel to the back edge of the support platform. In these cases, the elongate slot may include only a first entry portion, and a retaining portion, wherein both the first protrusion and the second protrusion are insertable into the elongate slot via the single entry portion. Alternatively, the elongate slot may include a first entry portion configured to receive the first protrusion, and a second entry portion configured to receive the second protrusion.

Rather than a single, elongate slot, the bottom surface of the support platform may include a plurality of discrete recesses, each of which may be configured to receive a protrusion on the first side portion or the second side portion. In preferred cases, the recesses may be spaced apart from each other in the bottom surface of the support platform the define widths between pairs of recesses (either adjacent pairs or non-adjacent pairs) which correspond to the standard widths of plug sockets in various locations around the world. For example, a first pair of recesses of the plurality of recesses may be separated by e.g. about 86 mm, or about 146 mm, where here "about" should be interpreted to mean around 5 mm either side of the stated number. By including discrete recesses spaced such as this, it is easier for an installer to ensure a snug fit between the inner surfaces of the first side portion and second side portion, and the outer surface of a power outlet.

For added stability, the upper surface of the first side portion may include a plurality of protrusions, and the bottom surface of the support platform may include a corresponding plurality of elongate slots, or discrete recesses configured to receive a respective protrusion of the plurality of protrusions. The same may apply to the second side portion. Furthermore, the slots and protrusions may have the same geometry as set out in the preceding paragraphs. Preferably, the upper surfaces of each of the first side portion and the second side portion include two protrusions.

In alternative configurations, the roles and locations protrusions and the slots may be reversed, and the disclosure of the previous 25 paragraphs will apply equally well.

The first side portion may include an L-shaped structure, having an upper limb, and a rear limb. The tapper surface of the first side portion is preferably an upper surface of the upper limb. Specifically, the bottom surface of the support platform is preferably engageable with the upper surface of the upper limb, for example by means of slots and protrusions as outlined in the preceding disclosure. A rear surface of the rear limb of the first side portion is preferably arranged to face the wall when the shelf is installed over a power outlet. Here, "facing the wall" should be understood to mean that the rear surface faces in the direction of the wall, but need not be in contact therewith; for example, a portion of the mounting means may be located between the rear surface of the rear limb and the wall. In addition to the upper limb and the rear limb, the first side portion preferably includes a bracing structure. The bracing structure TS preferably configured to resist bending of the L-shaped first side portion, i.e. deformation of the L-shaped first side portion to reduce the angle between the upper limb and the rear limb. In this way, when an object is placed on the shelf, in use, the support platform will not droop, which could lead, for example, to the object sliding off the shelf. The bracing structure may be in the form of a rigid (i.e. substantially inflexible and incompressible) member connecting the upper limb and the rear limb of the first side portion. Alternatively, the bracing structure may be in the form of a plate or sheet of rigid or substantially rigid material between the upper limb and the rear limb of the first side portion. The plate or sheet of material may be triangular or quadrant-shaped. Preferably, the upper limb, the rear limb and the bracing structure of the first side portion are integrally formed, for Improved structural strength.

The second side portion may also include an L-shaped structure, having the same features as the first side portion. In some cases, the first side portion may be identical to the second side portion. Alternatively, the first side portion may be a mirror image of the second side portion.

The shelf of the present invention includes a mounting means for mounting one or more of the support platform, the first side portion, and the side portion of the shelf to the wall. The first side portion may include a first mounting protrusion, and the mounting means may include a first mounting component including a first mounting recess configured to receive the first mounting protrusion. The first mounting protrusion may be hook-shaped, such that when it is engaged with the first mounting recess, the first side portion effectively hangs from the first mounting component. Specifically, the first side portion may have a first mounting protrusion extending rearwardly then downwardly from a rear surface, e.g. on the rear limb. The first mounting component may include an interior cavity located behind the first mounting recess, wherein when the first mounting component and the first side portion are engaged, at least a portion of the downwardly-extending portion of the first mounting protrusion is located within the interior cavity.

In some cases, either the first mounting recess or the first mounting protrusion, or both, may include a locking mechanism to secure the first side portion in place when it is engaged with the first mounting component. The locking mechanism may include a pawl which is configured to engage with e.g. at least a portion of the downwardly-extending portion of the first mounting protrusion to prevent the first side portion from being disengaged. The first mounting component may include a second mounting protrusion, and the first mounting means may Include a second mounting recess. The structure and function of the second mounting protrusion and second mounting recess may be substantially the same as the first mounting protrusion and the first mounting recess respectively. The first mounting means may include a single interior cavity which is located behind the first mounting recess and the second mounting recess, or alternatively may include a first interior cavity located behind the first mounting recess, and a second interior cavity located behind the second mounting recess. It should be noted that the locations of the protrusions and the recessed could be reversed.

The first mounting component preferably includes means for mounting onto a wall. For example, the first mounting component may include a hole through which a screw may be passed, to mount it to the wall. Alternatively, the first mounting portion may include an adhesive pad, or similar, to stick it to the wall. In other cases, the shelf may be mounted to the wall in a manner which does not cause damage to a wall.

A preferred mounting method Involves removing the fascia of a power outlet from a wall, placing the first mounting portion on the wall, and securing the fascia back to the wall, so that a portion of the first mounting portion is held to the wall as a result of the fastening between the fascia and the wall. It is beneficial that there is as little space between the fascia and the wall surface as possible. With all of this in mind, the first mounting portion may include a first wing portion to be secured behind the fascia of a plug socket or power outlet, in use. In order to fulfil this role, it is preferable that the first wing portion be thin, with a thickness of less than 2mm, and preferably about lmm. The wing portion TS preferably shaped to ensure that when it is in place behind the fascia of the plug socket, it does not obstruct the internal wiring of the plug socket. In order to achieve this, it is preferable that the portion of the wing which is located near to its vertical centre is narrower than at least one of the region which is located at the vertical top or the vertical bottom. By providing a first mounting component having this structure, there is no requirement to e.g. screw the mounting component to the wall, or to apply an adhesive to the wall -thas minimizing damage to the wall. This also provides a neat appearance.

The mounting means may include a second mounting component, preferably separate from the first mounting component. The second mounting component, and accordingly the second side portion, may also have the structural features which have been set out in the preceding paragraphs in respect of the first mounting component and the first side portion, and will not be repeated here, for conciseness.

Users of the shelf of the present invention may place electrical devices on the support platform, those electrical devices being plugged in to the plug socket over which the shelf is mounted. Before now, it has been necessary to drape the electrical wiring around the side of the platform, resulting in a messy appearance and a possible tripping hazard if the wires hang down to the floor.

In order to address this, the support platform may include an aperture extending from a top surface of the support platform to the bottom surface of the support platform. By providing a support platform with an aperture, a cable can be passed through the aperture from the plug socket to an electrical device which is situated on the top surface of the support platform. The aperture need not be in the form of a simple porthole-like aperture, but any kind of aperture which provides a path from the top surface to the bottom surface of the support platform, through which a wire can pass. The support platform may include a first aperture in its top surface, and a second aperture in its bottom surface. Preferably, the aperture, or both the first aperture and the second aperture, is/are sized to allow a plug to pass through. In other configurations, an aperture may be defined instead by the support platform and the wall onto which the shelf is mounted. Accordingly, the support platform may include a recess at one of its edges, the recess shaped to form an aperture when the support platform is in contact with or close to the wall.

In preferred configurations, the support platform may be hollow.

For example, the support platform may have an interior cavity formed therein. The first aperture and the second aperture described above preferably provide access to the interior cavity. The provision of an interior cavity which can be accessed from both the top and the bottom surface means that, if an electrical device has a long electrical cable, the cable can be stored inside the shelf in use, which has associated advantages in terms of safety and appearance. The interior cavity may include a number of posts or walls around which a cable can be wrapped. In this way, it is possible to avoid tangling of the cable during installation. The walls may be arcuate. For enhanced structural strength, the posts or walls and the base portion of the support platform may be integrally formed. In addition to the first aperture and the second aperture, the (elongate) slots discussed in detail earlier in this application may also open into the interior cavity. When assembled, the wider upper portions of the protrusions are preferably located in the interior cavity.

The support platform preferably comprises a base portion and a top portion, which may be the form of a plate. The inner surfaces of the base portion and the inner surfaces of the top portion preferably define the interior cavity. The top portion is preferably in the form of a removable lid. For example, the top portion may be completely detachable from the base portion, or may be connected to it via a hinge, which may be a living hinge, or a separate component. A removable top portion provides a user with access to the interior cavity, allowing them conveniently to wrap the cable around the posts which may be inside, or simply to place the cable inside the Interior cavity. Either the top portion, the base portion or both the top portion and the base portion may include a locking mechanism for securing the support platform closed. This is beneficial in case, for example, a large bundle of cable is stored inside the support platform.

The first aspect of the invention relates primarily towards a shelf having an adjustable width, in order to accommodate varying sizes of plug socket. A second aspect of the present invention relates to a shelf which enables a user to conceal a length of electrical cable, either for a neater appearance or for safety. In general terms, this is enabled by the provision of a shelf having a hollow support platform in which a cable can be stored. Specifically, a second aspect of the present invention provides a shelf comprising: a support platform having an interior cavity therein, and having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion are each engageable or engaged with the bottom surface of the support platform. Where compatible, any or all of the optional features presented above in respect of the first aspect of the invention may apply equally well to the second. Furthermore, in some configurations of the second aspect of the invention, the first side portion may be movable relative to the second side portion between a first position, in which the first side portion and the second side portion are separated by a first width, and a second position in which the first side portion and the second side portion are separated by a second width, different from the first width.

The shelf of the second aspect of the invention may be suitable for mounting over a plug socket on a wall.

The mounting means of the second aspect of the invention may include a single back plate, onto which both the first side portion and the second side portion can be mounted. The back plate preferably includes a groove on its rear surface, i.e. the surface which rests against the wall when the back plate is mounted onto the wall. It is preferred that when the back plate is mounted on the wall, a channel is defined between the back plate and the wall. This is advantageous since it means that a cable can pass through the channel to the support platform.

It will be noted that the shelves provided by the first and second aspects of the present invention are also advantageous in that they are modular, and can therefore be transported in an unassembled state, in flat-pack form. Third and fourth aspects of the present invention therefore provide kits of parts for assembly, respectively, into the first and second aspects of the invention.

Specifically, a third aspect of the present invention provides a kit of parts for assembly into a shelf for mounting over a plug socket on a wall, the kit of parts comprising: a support platform having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion are each engageable with the bottom surface of the support platform, to define a space for the plug socket; a mounting means for mounting one or more of the support platform, the first side portion, and the second side portion to either plug socket or the wall; wherein, when the first side portion and the second side portion are engaged with the bottom surface of the support platform, the first side portion is movable relative to the second side portion between a first position, in which the first side portion and the second side portion are separated by a first width, and a second position in which the first side portion and the second side portion are separated by a second width, different from the first width.

And, a fourth aspect of the present invention provides a kit of parts for assembly into a shelf, the kit of parts comprising: a base portion and a top portion, the base portion and the top portion being mutually engageable to form a hollow support platform defining an interior cavity therein, and having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion are each engageable with the bottom surface of the support platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figs. lA to 1C show various perspective views of a shelf according to the present invention.

- Figs. 2A and 2E show different views of a side portion used in the shelf of the present invention.

- Figs. 3A and 35 show different views of a mounting component which may be used in the shelf of the present invention.

- Fig. 4 shows a base portion of a support platform of the shelf of the present invention.

-Figs. 5A and 5B show different views of a top portion of the support platform of the present invention.

- Figs. 6A and 65 show different views of a back plate which may be used in an alternative example of the present invention.

-Figs. 7 and 8 show different views of a shelf according to the alternative example of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figs. lA to 1C show various views of a shelf 100 for mounting over a 5 plug socket 102 according to the present invention. The shelf 100 includes a first side portion 200a, a second side portion 200b, a first mounting component 300a, a second mounting component 300b, and a support platform 400, which is made up of a base portion 402 and a top portion 404. Each of these components will be described in turn 10 below, with reference to the drawings, and then the overall gross structure of the shelf 100 will be described.

Figs. 2A and 25 show, respectively, a side portion 200 of the device. As will be appreciated, in the shelf 100 shown in Figs. 1A to 10, the side portion 200a and the side portion 200b are identical or substantially Identical. The side portion 200 shown in Figs. 2A and 2B could be used for both the side portions 200a, 200b. Side portion 200 includes an L-shaped structure 202, with an upper limb 204, and a rear limb 206. In use, as illustrated in Figs. lA to 10, the upper limb 204 is at the top of the device, and the rear limb 206 is at the rear, in contact with or facing the wall (not shown).

A bracing structure in the form of quadrant-shaped plate 208 connects the upper limb 204 and the rear limb 206 in order to provide improved structural strength, specifically resistance to bending in a manner which acts to reduce the angle between the upper limb 204 and the rear limb 206. An arcuate lip 210 is present around the edge of the quadrant-shaped plate 208, in order to provide additional structural strength. In the example shelf 100 shown in the drawings, the quadrant-shaped plate 208 has a fan pattern, but the skilled person will appreciate that this is an optional feature, and not essential to the technical function of the shelf 100.

The upper limb 204 has a first protrusion 212 and a second protrusion 214 formed thereon. It is preferred that these protrusions 212, 214 are integrally formed with the upper limb 204. The first protrusion 212 has a narrow lower portion 216 and a wider upper portion 218. The wider upper portion 218 is shown in this example has having a rounded cuboidal portion 220 and a sloping portion 222, but it will be appreciated that any shape could be used. The second protrusion 214 also has a narrow lower potion 224 and a wider upper portion 226. On the second protrusion 214, the wider upper portion 226 is a rounded cuboid, but again it could take other forms. These protrusions 212, 214 are engaged with slots in the bottom portion of base portion 404 in use -this will be described in detail later in this application.

The rear limb 206 has a first mounting protrusion 228 and a second mounting protrusion 230 mounted thereon. These protrusions 228, 230 are engageable with corresponding recesses on the first and second mounting components 300a, 300b, described in depth later in this application. The first mounting protrusion 228 and the second mounting protrusion 230 are both hook-shaped. The first mounting protrusion 228 includes a rearwardly-extending portion 232 and a downwardly-extending portion 234, which together define a hook. Similarly, the second mounting protrusion 230 includes a rearwardlyextending portion 236 and a downwardly-extending portion 238, which together define a hook. The rearwardly-extending portions 232, 236 and downwardly-extending portion 234, 238 are preferably integrally formed with the rear limb 206.

Figs. 3A and 3B respectively show front and rear views of a mounting component 300, which could be either the first mounting component 300a, or the second mounting component 300b. The mounting component 300 includes a central portion 302, and two wings 304, 306 located either side of the central portion 302. In use, one of the wings 304, 306 may be located behind the fascia of a plug socket, and is thinner than the central portion 332 in order to ensure that this is possible. Each of the wings 304, 306 includes a lip 308, 310 which in use rests on the upper surface of the fascia of the plug socket. The wings 304, 306 each include a wider portion 312 and a narrower portion 314.

The mounting component 300 includes a top aperture 316 and a bottom aperture 318. These are arranged, respectively, to receive the first mounting protrusion 228 and the second mounting protrusion 230 shown in Figs. 2A and 2B. Abutment surfaces 320, 322 are located beneath the aperture 316. When the first mounting protrusion 228 is in place, the lower surfaces of the rearwardly-extending portion 232 and the downwardly-extending portion 234 of the first mounting protrusion 230 rest respectively on the first abutment surface 320 and the second abutment surface 322. Similarly, abutment surfaces 324, 326 are located beneath the aperture 316. When the first mounting protrusion 230 is in place, the lower surfaces of the rearwardly-extending portion 236 and the downwardly-extending portion 234 of the first mounting protrusion 238 rest respectively on the first abutment surface 324 and the second abutment surface 326.

Fig. 4 shows a base portion 402 of the support platform 400. The base 406, side walls 408a, 408b, front wall 410, and rear wall 412 define an interior cavity 414. The base 406 has formed therein four elongate slots 416, 418, 420, 422. Each of the elongate slots 416, 418, 420, 422 includes a wide entry portion 416a, 418a, 420a, 422a, and a narrow retaining portion 416b, 418b, 420b, 422b. In use, the protrusions 212, 214 of the first side portion 200a and the second side portion 200b, are placed through the entry portions of the respective slots 416a, 418a, 420a, 422a. The entry portions 416a, 418a, 420a, 422a are sufficiently wide that the wide upper portions 218, 226 of the first and second protrusions 212, 214 are able to pass through. Then, once the wide upper portions 218, 226 are in place, the narrow lower portions 216, 224 of the protrusions 212, 214 are slid along the length of the elongate slots, 416, 418, 420, 422, specifically along the retaining portions 416b, 418b, 420b, 422b of the slots 416, 418, 420, 422. Because the wider upper portions 218, 226 of the protrusions 212, 214 are too wide to fit through the retaining portions 416b, 418b, 420b, 422b, the protrusions 212, 214 are retained in the elongate slots 416, 418, 420, 422, securing the support platform 400 onto the side portions 200a, 200b.

There are also a plurality of arcuate walls 424, 426, 428, 430, 432, 434 formed integrally with the base 406 of the base 402 of the support platform 400. Outer walls 424, 426, 428 define a first ellipse around which a cable may be wrapped in use, and inner walls 430, 432, 434 define a second ellipse around which another cable may be wrapped in use. By defining two separate ellipses in this way, two different cables can be stored in the interior cavity of the support platform 400 without becoming tangled.

An aperture 436 is also formed in the base 406 of the base portion 15 402 of the support platform 400, through which a cable from the plug socket below may be passed, i.e. providing access to the interior cavity.

Figs. 5A and 5B show the top portion 404 of the support platform 400. The top portion 404 includes a flat plate 438, with an elongate recess 440 including two sloping sides 442, 444, and two end walls 446, 448. The base 450 of the recess includes an aperture 452, which, when the shelf 100 is assembled, provides access to the interior cavity defined by the base portion 402 and top portion 404 of the support platform 400. The front portion 454 of the flat plate 438 extends forward beyond the length of the side portions 200a, 200b, in order to provide more room for objects to be placed on the top portion 404 of the support platform.

Figs. 6A to 7B show a different configuration 100' of the invention. Here, like numerals correspond to equivalent features from the configuration shown in Figs. 1A to 5B, the description of which will not be repeated here, for brevity. In this configuration, the width of the shelf 100' is not adjustable. Figs. 6A and 63 show a back plate 600' which may be used with this configuration of the shelf 100'. The back plate 600' includes a top aperture 616' and a bottom aperture 618', which are arranged, respectively, to receive the first mounting protrusion 228 and the second mounting protrusion 230 shown in Figs. 21k and 23. Abutment surfaces 620' (other not visible), are located beneath the aperture 616'. When the first mounting protrusion 228 is in place, the lower surfaces of the rearwardly-extending portion 232 and the downwardly-extending portion 234 of the first mounting protrusion 230 rest respectively on the first abutment surface 620' and the second abutment surface.

Similarly, abutment surfaces 624' (other not visible), are located beneath the aperture 616'. When the first mounting protrusion 230 is in place, the lower surfaces of the rearwardly-extending portion 236 and the downwardly-extending portion 234 of the first mounting protrusion 238 rest respectively on the first abutment surface 624' and the second abutment surface. As will be apparent, in this configuration, the back plate 600' of Figs. 61k and 6B replaces the first and second mounting components 300a, 300b of the shelf 100 of Fig. 1. There is a smooth ridge 628' in the centre of the back plate 600' through which a cable may pass in order to provide access to electrical devices which may be stored on the top surface of the shelf 100'.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary configurations described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary configurations of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A shelf for mounting over a plug socket on a wall, the shelf comprising: a support platform having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion are each engageable with the bottom surface of the support platform, to define a space for the plug socket; a mounting means for mounting one or more of the support platform, the first side portion, and the second side portion to either plug socket or the wall; wherein, when the first side portion and the second side portion are engaged with the bottom surface of the support platform, the first side portion is movable relative to the second side portion between a first position, in which the first side portion and the second side portion are separated by a first width, and a second position in which the first side portion and the second side portion are separated by a second width, different from the first width.
2. The shelf of claim 1, wherein: the direction of relative movement between the first side portion and the second side portion is restriction to a single direction or relative movement.
3. The shelf of claim 2, wherein: the direction of relative movement is parallel to a back edge of the support platform.
4. The shelf of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the bottom surface of the support platform includes a first elongate slot, and an upper surface of the first side portion includes a first protrusion.
5. The shelf of claim 5, wherein: the first elongate slot includes an entry portion and a retaining portion, the entry portion being wider than the retaining portion, and the first protrusion is arranged to fit in the entry portion of the first elongate slot.
6. The shelf of claim 5, wherein: the first protrusion includes a wide upper portion and a narrower lower portion, wherein the width of the entry portion of the first elongate slot is larger than the width of the wide upper portion and the narrower lower portion, and wherein the width of the retaining portion of the first elongate slot is narrower than the width of the wide upper portion, but wider than, or the same width as, the narrower lower portion of the first protrusion.
7. The shelf of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: the upper surface of the first side portion includes a plurality of protrusions, and the bottom surface of the support platform may include a corresponding plurality of elongate slots.
8. The shelf of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the bottom surface of the support platform includes a plurality of discrete recesses, each of which is configured to receive a protrusion on the first side portion or the second side portion.
9. The shelf of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: the first portion includes an L-shaped structure having an upper limb and a rear limb.
10. The shelf of claim 9, wherein: the first side portion includes a bracing structure.
11. The shelf of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: the first side portion includes a first mounting protrusion, and the mounting means includes a first mounting component including a first mounting recess configured to receive the first mounting protrusion.
12. The shelf of claim 11, wherein: the first mounting protrusion is hook-shaped and includes a rearwardly-extending portion and a downwardly-extending portion.
13. The shelf of claim 12, wherein: the first mounting component includes an interior cavity located behind the first mounting recess, wherein when the first mounting component and the first side portion are engaged, at least a portion of the downwardly-extending portion of the first mounting protrusion is located within the interior cavity.
14. The shelf of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: the first mounting portion includes a wing portion having a thickness of less than 2mm, to be secured behind the fascia of a plug socket, in use.
15. The shelf of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: the support platform includes a first aperture in its top surface, and a second aperture in its bottom surface, the first aperture and/or the second aperture are sized to allow a plug to pass through.
16. The shelf of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the support platform has an interior cavity formed therein.
17. The shelf of claim 16, wherein: the support platform comprises a base portion and a top portion, wherein inner surfaces of the base portion and the top portion define the interior cavity.
18. A shelf comprising: a hollow support platform having an interior cavity therein, and having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion are each engageable or engaged with the bottom surface of the support platform a mounting means for mounting one or more of the support platform, the first side portion, and the second side portion to a plug socket or a wall.
19. The shelf of claim 18, wherein: the bottom surface of the support platform includes a first elongate slot, and an upper surface of the first side portion includes a first protrusion.
20. The shelf of claim 19, wherein: the first elongate slot includes an entry portion and a retaining portion, the entry portion being wider than the retaining portion, and the first protrusion is arranged to fit in the entry portion of the first elongate slot.
21. The shelf of claim 20, wherein: the first protrusion includes a wide upper portion and a narrower lower portion, wherein the width of the entry portion of the first elongate slot is larger than the width of the wide upper portion and the narrower lower portion, and wherein the width of the retaining portion of the first elongate slot is narrower than the width of the wide upper portion, but wider than, or the same width as, the narrower lower portion of the first protrusion.
22. The shelf of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein: the upper surface of the first side portion includes a plurality of protrusions, and the bottom surface of the support platform may include a corresponding plurality of elongate slots.
23. The shelf of claim 18, wherein: the bottom surface of the support platform includes a plurality of discrete recesses, each of which is configured to receive a protrusion on the first side portion or the second side portion.
24. The shelf of any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein: the first portion includes an L-shaped structure having an upper limb and a rear limb.
25. The shelf of claim 24, wherein: the first side portion includes a bracing structure.
26. The shelf of any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein: the first side portion includes a first mounting protrusion, and the mounting means includes a first mounting component including a first mounting recess configured to receive the first mounting protrusion.
27. The shelf of claim 26, wherein: the first mounting protrusion is hook-shaped and includes a rearward ly-extend ing portion and a downwardly-extending portion.
28. The shelf of claim 27, wherein: the first mounting component includes an interior cavity located behind the first mounting recess, wherein when the first mounting component and the first side portion are engaged, at least a portion of the downwardly-extending portion of the first mounting protrusion is located within the interior cavity.
29. The shelf of any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein: the first mounting portion includes a wing portion having a thickness of less than 2mm, to be secured behind the fascia of a plug socket, in use.
30. The shelf of any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein: the mounting means includes a single back plate, onto which both the first side portion and the second side portion can be mounted.
31. The shelf of claim 30, wherein: the back plate includes a groove on its rear surface, arranged such that when the back plate is mounted to a wall, the groove and the wall define a channel through which a cable may pass.
32. The shelf of any one of claims 18 to 31, wherein: the support platform includes a first aperture in its top surface, and a second aperture in its bottom surface, the first aperture and/or the second aperture are sized to allow a plug to pass through.
33. The shelf of any one of claims 18 to 32, wherein: the support platform comprises a base portion and a top portion, wherein inner surfaces of the base portion and the top portion define the interior cavity.
34. A kit of parts for assembly into a shelf for mounting over a plug socket on a wall, the kit of parts comprising: a support platform having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion are each engageable with the bottom surface of the support platform, to define a space for the plug socket; a mounting means for mounting one or more of the support platform, the first side portion, and the second side portion to either plug socket or the wall; wherein, when the first side portion and the second side portion are engaged with the bottom surface of the support platform, the first side portion is movable relative to the second side portion between a first position, in which the first side portion and the second side portion are separated by a first width, and a second position in which the first side portion and the second side portion are separated by a second width, different from the first width.
35. A kit of parts for assembly into a shelf, the kit of parts comprising: a base portion and a top portion, the base portion and the top portion being mutually engageable to form a hollow support platform defining an interior cavity therein, and having a top surface and a bottom surface; a first side portion and a second side portion, wherein the first side portion and the second side portion are each engageable with the bottom surface of the support platform.