|
(11) | EP 1 483 983 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
| (54) | Support apparatus |
| (57) 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. |
[0002] 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.
[0003] The present applicant has sought to alleviate the problem of objects toppling over when stored on a shelf as hereinbefore defined.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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).
[0011] An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of components of apparatus embodying the present invention; and
Figure 2 illustrates use of the apparatus of Figure 1 in a shelf as hereinbefore defined.
[0012] Figure 1 shows schematically apparatus (10) for supporting objects (not shown) on a shelf (100) (see Figure 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.
[0013] 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).
[0014] The second part (18) defines a recess (30) for receiving one end of the first part (16) (with or without cover plate 28). [In Figure 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).
[0015] A third part (181) is provided for engaging the opposite end of the first part (16) to the second part (18). The second and third parts (18, 181) are mirror images of each other and function in equivalent ways. Thus, the third part 181 includes a recess (301) for receiving its end of the first part (16), with a spring bias (201) mounted therebetween.
[0016] As shown in Figure 2, 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, 181) 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.
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 any one of the preceding claims, 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 any one of the preceding claims, in which the urging means
comprises a spring bias disposed between the first and second parts.