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The present invention relates, in general, to a shelving unit, and, more specifically the present invention relates to a shelving unit that is adjustable and stackable and utilizes a guide groove.
Various types of shelving or storage systems have been known and used for many years. These prior art systems include units wherein a plurality of shelves are disposed on vertical supports so as to provide a relatively large storage area for a small amount of floor space.
The units may vary from being individual stackable units which can mount on top of one another to so to provide a variety of units to meet the individual needs to simple shelving units such as basic bookcases with open fronts and backs. Thus, the user has a variety of options in choosing units for his particular needs. There is always a need for units which provide different attachments or configurations so as to broaden the available options for individuals.
Thus, the present invention provides an apparatus for storing and displaying various objects such as books, plants, decorative items and the like. The apparatus comprises a plurality of horizontally disposed individual shelf members and a plurality of vertically disposed post members disposed at each corner of the plurality of horizontally disposed individual shelf members for engagement with the horizontally disposed individual shelf members. There is a first means engageable with the plurality of vertically disposed post members for supporting the plurality of horizontally disposed individual shelf members and a second means engageable with the plurality of vertically disposed post members and with the first means for securing the first means to the plurality of vertically disposed post members.
It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a shelving unit in which the vertical members have a guide groove disposed therein.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a shelving unit in which the units are stackable.
Yet, another object of the present invention is to provide a shelving unit in which the shelves are adjustable.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a shelving unit in which shelf brackets can slide on a guide groove.
These and various other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent after a full reading of the following detailed description, particularly, when read in conjunction with the attached drawings as described below and the appended claims.
FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a shelving unit according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view looking at the underside of a portion of the shelving unit seen in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a top view of a shelf member of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3.
Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.
The present invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for storing and displaying various objects such as books, plants, decorative items and the like. The apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of horizontally disposed individual shelf members 2 and a plurality of vertically disposed post members 4 disposed at each corner of the plurality of horizontally disposed individual shelf members 2 for engagement with the horizontally disposed individual shelf members 2. There is a first means, generally designated 20, that is engageable with the plurality of vertically disposed post members 4 for supporting the plurality of horizontally disposed individual shelf members 2 and a second means, generally designated 30, that is engageable with the plurality of vertically disposed post members 4 and with the first means 20 for securing the first means 20 to the plurality of vertically disposed post members 4. Such third means 30 is selected from one of screws 12 and/or bolts 12.
According to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention such first means 20 is a brace member 8. Such brace member 8 is attached to the post members 4 by such screws 12. The plurality of post members also have a guide groove 14 disposed on an inner surface of the plurality of vertical post members 4. The brace member 8 engages the guide groove 14 and can slide up or down on the guide grove 14 so that the brace member 8 can be positioned to whatever location the user wishes that the shelf member 2 be positioned.
Further, such plurality of vertical post members 4 have a plurality of apertures 16 disposed at predetermined locations therein. These plurality of apertures 16 are positioned at identical locations on all of the vertical post members 4. Thus, it is easy to move the brace member 8, or brace members 8 since 2 are needed for each shelf member 2, to another of the plurality of apertures 16 and secure them in place by such screw or bolt 12 and shelf member 2 will be perfectly level position since all of the apertures 16 are located at identical positions on the vertical post members 4. The guide grooves 14 insure that the braces 8 will be positioned correctly.
It is also preferred that such horizontal shelf member 2 is attached to such brace member 8 so that when the brace member 8 or brace members are moved to a different position the shelf member 2 is automatically moved as well. Having the shelf member 2 attached to such brace member 8 also prevents such shelf member 2 from sliding in a horizontal direction and is always secured in place. Such attachment can be made by using an adhesive or by the use of screws or bolts. It is presently preferred that such attachment be a demountable attachment. In the case of a demountable attachment such screws used to secure such shelf member 2 to the brace member 8 would go through the brace member 8 to the underside of the shelf member 2 so as to not impair the upper surface of such shelf 2.
FIG. 1 shows the shelf member as being square; however, it is within the scope of the invention that such shelf member 2 can be rectangular rather than a square. It is presently preferred that such shelf is a rectangle with the shelf member 2 or the apparatus 10 being wider than it is deep.
In an alternate embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 such shelf member 22 has a plurality of projections 23 disposed closely adjacent the corners of the shelf member 22. Such projections 23 are for engagement with a guide groove 14 disposed on an inside surface of post members 4. Having such projections 23 eliminates the need for the bracket members 8 shown in the other embodiment. In this embodiment such screws 12 of means 30 would screw directly into the shelf 22.
While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.