Modular shelf and cabinet system
First Claim
1. In a modular structural system for the assembly of display shelving and the like and of the type including separable shelf panels and spacer columns, the improvement characterized bya. said spacer columns being formed of extruded sections and being of relatively uniform hollow cross section throughout,b. said shelf panels being of molded plastic construction and including generally flat panel sections and integral, downwardly extending peripheral flanges along all sides,c. said shelf panels having, at a plurality of spaced points, integral, upwardly extending lug posts,d. said lug posts being of such dimensions and of such cross sectional configuration as to be tightly received within the hollow interior of said spacer columns,e. said shelf panels further having integral, downwardly opening sockets at a plurality of spaced points, andf. said sockets being of such dimensions and of such cross sectional configuration as to tightly receive an end portion of a spacer column.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to a shelf and cabinet system of modular construction, arranged such that, with a few standard components, display shelving, storage cabinets and the like, may be assembled quickly and easily and in a wide variety of configurations. The systems includes, as a significant feature, a preformed structural shelf, which includes aligned sockets and lugs for securing legs and spacer columns. The pre-formed shelving unit includes integral marginal tracks or grooves arranged to receive cabinet panels. In a typical unit of rectangular shape, dual tracks are provided along the longer sides, to accommodate sliding door panels, if desired. The cross sectional configuration of the sockets and lugs is such as to receive vertically grooved spacer columns, which are arranged for alignment with the panel receiving grooves in the shelf units. The vertical grooves provide a decorative effect and also serve a functional purpose when cabinet panels are utilized in the assembly.
To advantage, the pre-formed shelf units are injection molded of a material such as medium impact polystyrene. The spacer columns desirably are extruded of similar material.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. In a modular structural system for the assembly of display shelving and the like and of the type including separable shelf panels and spacer columns, the improvement characterized by
a. said spacer columns being formed of extruded sections and being of relatively uniform hollow cross section throughout, b. said shelf panels being of molded plastic construction and including generally flat panel sections and integral, downwardly extending peripheral flanges along all sides, c. said shelf panels having, at a plurality of spaced points, integral, upwardly extending lug posts, d. said lug posts being of such dimensions and of such cross sectional configuration as to be tightly received within the hollow interior of said spacer columns, e. said shelf panels further having integral, downwardly opening sockets at a plurality of spaced points, and f. said sockets being of such dimensions and of such cross sectional configuration as to tightly receive an end portion of a spacer column.
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7. In a modular structural system for the assembly of display shelving and the like, the combination of
a. an injection molded shelving panel, including a generally flat panel section and an integral, downwardly extending peripheral flange, b. said panel being of generally flat-sided, polygonal configuration, c. a column-receiving socket formed integrally with said panel, one at each corner area, d. a column-engaging lug post formed integrally with said panel, one above each socket, e. a plurality of extruded spacer column sections adapted for tight-fitting frictional engagement with said lug posts and sockets, f. said lug posts and sockets being of sufficient axial length to align and support said spacer columns when telescopically engaged therewith, and g. said lug posts and sockets being tapered in directions to tightly grip said spacer columns upon full telescropic assembly thereof.
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11. In a modular structural system for the assembly of display shelving and the like, the combination of
a. an injection molded shelving panel, including a generally flat panel section and an integral, downwardly extending peripheral flange, b. said panel being of generally flat-sided polygonal configuration, c. a column-receiving socket formed integrally with said panel, one at each corner area, d. a column-engaging lug post formed integrally with said panel, one above each socket, e. a plurality of extruded spacer column sections adapted for tight-fitting frictional engagement with said lug posts and sockets, f. said lug posts and sockets being of sufficient axial length to align and support said spacer columns when telescopically engaged therewith, g. said lug posts and sockets being tapered in directions to tightly grip said spacer column upon full telescopic assembly thereof, h. elongated panel receiving grooves being formed integrally in the upper and lower surfaces of said shelf panels and axially in said spacer columns, i. a set of double parallel panel receiving grooves along at least one edge of said shelf panels, and j. wall-forming panel means engaged by said opposed pairs of panel receiving grooves to form cabinet walls, including a pair of panel members slidably received in said double grooves to form sliding cabinet doors.
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12. In a modular structural system for the assembly of display shelving and the like, the combination of
a. an injection molded shelving panel including a generally flat panel section and an integral, downwardly extending peripheral flange, b. said panel being invertible to form a tray, c. said panel being of generally flat-sided polygonal configuration, d. a column-receiving socket formed integrally with said panel, one at each corner area, e. a column-engaging lug post formed integrally with said panel, one above each socket, f. a plurality of extruded spacer column sections adapted for tight-fitting frictional engagement with said lug posts and sockets, g. said lug posts and sockets being of sufficient axial length to align and support said spacer columns when telescopically engaged therewith, h. said lug posts and sockets being tapered in directions to tightly grip said spacer column upon full telescopic assembly thereof.
Specification