MODULAR SHELVING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

Abstract

A cabinet includes a plurality of vertically spaced-apart shelves adapted to hold product for display in a retail location. The cabinet is formed from a flat blank which is folded to form the cabinet. The cabinet further includes an interior structure to provide strength and rigidity. Multiple cabinets can be coupled together in a system to create multiple configuration displays.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to retail display units that can be used for displaying sale, seasonal, and other transient items. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a cabinet, and particularly to a cabinet having shelves. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a cabinet formed from a blank of a corrugated material folded to form the cabinet.

SUMMARY

In illustrated embodiments, a shelf apparatus includes a base unit provided with a body having a back wall and a front wall is described. The shelf apparatus further includes a first side panel and a second side panel extending between the back wall and the front wall. The shelf apparatus further includes a plurality of shelves spaced between the back wall and the front wall, wherein the shelves further comprise shelf supports. Additionally, the shelf apparatus includes a plurality of slots spaced across the back wall of the body and an insert that fits within the body and includes a portion, which is secured in the plurality of slots. The apparatus may also include a plurality of vertical slots. Finally, the body, the plurality of shelves, and the insert are formed from a single sheet of corrugated stock.

In illustrative embodiments, the shelf apparatus may further include a top display unit. The top display unit may be used as a stand alone unit, a cap top display unit, box top display unit, or sheet top display unit. The top display unit, in some embodiments includes an insert that may include two vertical support members positioned within the body and includes a plurality of flaps configured to form part of the shelves. The modularity of the shelf apparatus creates smaller blanks that can be shipped in smaller containers and when stacked maintains stability and increases torsional strength when compared to larger one-piece cabinets.

In illustrative embodiments, the multi shelf apparatus allows for versatility for product and cabinet configurations. The shelving apparatus includes a stacking mechanism to allow multiple units to be stacked and includes an internal structural support that is used to strengthen the side-walls of the cabinet. Further, brackets may fold in at a front end of the shelving apparatus to aid in keeping the units from falling forward. One or two shelf modular units may be easier to manufacture, assemble, and ship compared to larger 4+ shelf displays. Modular unit construction may provide higher degree of strength and promotional flexibility vs other shelf displays having four or more shelf displays.

According to at least another illustrated embodiment, a shelving system is described. The shelving system may include of a plurality of cabinets. The plurality of cabinets may be in an unassembled, partially assembled, or assembled state.

Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a base cabinet unit and a top cabinet unit prior to attachment to one another to form a dual cabinet configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top cabinet unit stacked on the base cabinet unit to provide the dual cabinet configuration;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a base cabinet blank showing various panels in an unfolded state;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the base cabinet blank separated along a tear line to provide a cabinet base section and a cabinet support section;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cabinet base section folded along fold lines to form a base cabinet body having a back panel, first and second side panels, upper and lower front panels, and a plurality of shelves in an unfolded state;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cabinet support section folded along fold lines to form a base cabinet support having first and second side panels, upper and lower front panels, and first and second shelf support panels coupled to the upper and lower front panels, respectively;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base cabinet support being inserted into the base cabinet body;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the base cabinet support inserted into the base cabinet body to form the base cabinet unit with portions of the base cabinet unit in unfolded states;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the base cabinet unit showing the first and second shelf supports folded in a forward direction toward the upper and lower front panels of the base cabinet body;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the base cabinet unit showing a plurality of shelf-support flaps included in the base cabinet body folded inwardly toward one another;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the base cabinet unit showing the plurality of shelves folded in a rearward direction toward the back panel to overly first and second shelf supports and the plurality of shelf-support flaps so that the base cabinet support at least partially supports the plurality of shelves;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a top cabinet blank showing various panels in an unfolded state;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the top cabinet blank separated along a tear line to provide a top cabinet section and a cabinet support section;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the top cabinet section folded along fold lines to form a top cabinet body having a back panel, first and second side panels, upper and lower front panels, and a plurality of shelves in an unfolded state;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cabinet support section folded along fold lines to form a top cabinet support having first and second side panels, upper and lower front panels, and first and second shelf support panels coupled to the upper and lower front panels, respectively;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the top cabinet support being inserted into the top cabinet body;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the top cabinet support inserted into the top cabinet body to form the top cabinet unit with portions of the top cabinet unit in unfolded states;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the top cabinet unit showing the first and second shelf supports folded in a rearward direction toward the back panel of the top cabinet body;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the top cabinet unit showing a plurality of shelf-support flaps included in the top cabinet body folded inwardly toward one another;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the top cabinet unit showing the plurality of shelves folded in a rearward direction toward the back panel to overly the first and second shelf supports and/or the plurality of shelf-support flaps so that the top cabinet support at least partially supports the plurality of shelves;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a base cabinet unit including a plurality of shelves in an unfolded state and having a shelf panel and a front wall panel coupled to the shelf panel to position the shelf panel below a upper end of the front wall panel in a folded state, as shown in FIG. 21C, to provide a lip for each shelf;

FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the base cabinet unit with each of the shelves folding in a rearward direction toward the folded state;

FIG. 21C is a perspective view of the base cabinet unit in the folded state;

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a top cabinet unit including a plurality of shelves in an unfolded state and having a shelf panel and a front wall panel coupled to the shelf panel to position the shelf panel below a upper end of the front wall panel in a folded state, as shown in FIG. 22C, to provide a lip for each shelf;

FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the top cabinet unit with each of the shelves folding in a rearward direction toward the folded state;

FIG. 22C is a perspective view of the top cabinet unit in the folded state;

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a dual base cabinet configuration with a box display top;

FIG. 23B is a perspective view of a dual base cabinet configuration with a cap display top;

FIG. 23C is a perspective view of a base and top cabinet configuration with a sheet display top; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a shelving system constructed from various cabinet units, top display units, and support units.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1, an example embodiment of a base cabinet 100 and a top cabinet 200 is shown. The base cabinet 100 further includes a base cabinet upper shelf 101 and a base cabinet lower shelf 102. The base cabinet 100 includes a base cabinet support 103 which fits within the base cabinet 100 and provides support, torsional strength, and rigidity to the base cabinet 100 such that the base cabinet upper shelf 101 and the base cabinet lower shelf 102 can support a greater weight/loads than other comparative cabinets. The base cabinet 100 further includes a plurality of attachment slots 104. The attachment slots 104 are formed in side walls 111, 113 of base cabinet 100. The attachment slots 104 are further configured to allow multiple base cabinets 100 to be stacked on top of one another and secured via the attachment slots 104. The attachment slots 104 provide secure support and attachment for various configurations using multiple base cabinets 100. The modularity of the shelf apparatus creates smaller blanks that can be shipped in smaller containers and when stacked maintains stability and increases torsional strength when compared to larger one-piece cabinets.

The shelving apparatus is made from one blank of corrugated, paperboard, containerboard, etc. and can be either single wall, double wall, or more. It includes an internal panel that supports the shelves and stiffens the structure for stacking. A top edge of the shelving apparatus includes a series of vertical slots that allow material to pinch inward when stacking. The multi shelf apparatus allows for versatility for product and cabinet configurations. The shelving apparatus includes a stacking mechanism to allow multiple units to be stacked and includes an internal structural support that is used to strengthen the side-walls of the cabinet. Further, the brackets that fold in at front to aid in keeping stacked mods from falling forward. One or two shelf modular units are easier to manufacture, assemble, and ship compared to larger 4+ shelf displays. Modular unit construction provides higher degree of strength and promotional flexibility vs traditional 4-plus shelf displays.

FIG. 2 shows an example embodiment of the top cabinet 200 installed on the base cabinet 100 to form a base and top configuration 310. The top cabinet 200 includes a top cabinet upper shelf 201 and a top cabinet lower shelf 202. The top cabinet 200 includes a top cabinet support 203 which fits within the top cabinet 200 and provides support, torsional strength, and rigidity to the top cabinet 200 such that the top cabinet upper shelf 201 and the top cabinet lower shelf 202 can support a significant weight loads.

The base cabinet 100 and top cabinet 200 both can be made from a variety of corrugated materials, paperboard, containerboard, etc. and in a variety of thicknesses. In an example embodiment, the base cabinet 100 and top cabinet 200 can be made from single wall cardboard. In another embodiment, the base cabinet 100 and top cabinet 200 can be made from multiple-wall cardboard, such as double or triple wall cardboard.

Turning next to FIG. 3, a base cabinet blank 110 is shown. The base cabinet blank 110 is folded to form the base cabinet 100 with the internal base cabinet support 103. The base cabinet blank 110 is shipped as a single piece of corrugated material and folded into the base cabinet 100 at a retail location. The base cabinet blank 110 can be shipped as a prepack, near-pack, or flat-pack base cabinet blank 110. The base cabinet blank 110 further can be shipped with the products it is intended to be assembled to display. The base cabinet blank 110 is shipped with fold and tear lines already included throughout the base cabinet blank 110 to increase case of assembly.

The base cabinet blank 110 is folded into the base cabinet 100. In order to facilitate folding, the base cabinet blank 110 includes a base cabinet right wall 111, a base cabinet front shelf wall 112, a base cabinet left wall 113, and a base cabinet back wall 114, with each portion of the base cabinet blank 110 separated by a base blank fold line 119a-d. Additionally, the base cabinet blank 110 further includes two base cabinet blank tear lines 120a-b to allow separation of the base cabinet support 103 structure from the base cabinet right wall 111, the base cabinet shelf wall 112, the base cabinet left wall 113, and base cabinet back wall 114. The base cabinet support 103 is folded separately from the base cabinet right wall 111, the base cabinet shelf wall 112, the base cabinet left wall 113, and base cabinet back wall 114, and inserted into the base cabinet 100 to provide strength and rigidity and increase the load capacity that the base cabinet upper shelf 101 and base cabinet lower shelf 102 can support.

In order to fold the base cabinet blank 110 into the base cabinet 100 in an example embodiment, first, the base cabinet support 103 is removed from the base cabinet blank 110 by separating it along the base cabinet blank perforated line 120a as shown in FIG. 4. The base cabinet support 103 separated along the base cabinet blank perforated line 120b to separate it from material 121 in the base cabinet blank 110. The base cabinet support 103 includes two base side supports 118a-b, which provide strength and rigidity to the sides of the base cabinet 100. The base side supports 118a-b are folded such that they form a perpendicular configuration with the base cabinet support 103. Base cabinet support 103 includes lower shelf support 127 and upper shelf support 126. Base cabinet support 103 also includes lower shelf portion 102a and upper shelf portion 101a.

Viewing a top plan view of the base cabinet blank 110, as shown in FIG. 3, the base side supports 118a-b are folded toward the viewer as shown in FIG. 5. The base cabinet support 103 further includes portions which make up the base cabinet upper shelf 101 and base cabinet lower shelf 102. This includes the lower and upper shelf supports 127, 126 and the lower shelf portion 102a and upper shelf portion 101a. The base cabinet upper shelf 101 and base cabinet lower shelf 102 are folded in the opposite direction of the base side supports 118a-b. Viewing a top plan view of the base cabinet blank 110 (shown in FIG. 6), the base cabinet upper shelf 101 and base cabinet lower shelf 102 are folded away from the viewer. This forms the folded base cabinet support 103, which is then inserted into the base cabinet 100 as suggested in FIGS. 7 and 8. The lower shelf portion 102a and upper shelf portion 101a of the base cabinet support 103 are folded toward the viewer as shown in FIG. 9.

The base cabinet right wall 111, the base cabinet front lower wall 112, the base cabinet front upper wall 125 the base cabinet left wall 113, and base cabinet back wall 114 are folded to form the base cabinet 100. The base cabinet support 103 is then inserted into the base cabinet 100 and glued into place following glue indications on the base cabinet support 103. Viewing a top plan view of the base cabinet blank 110 (shown in FIG. 3), the base cabinet right wall 111 is folded toward the viewer across base cabinet blank fold line 119a as shown in FIG. 5. The base cabinet shelf wall 112 is then folded toward the viewer across base cabinet blank fold line 119b. The base cabinet left wall 113 is then folded toward the viewer across base cabinet blank fold line 119c. A portion of the base cabinet back wall 114 is folded across base cabinet blank fold line 119d toward the base cabinet right wall 111, which secures the base cabinet blank 110 together. This folding process will create a rectangular shape when viewed from the top of the base cabinet blank 110. Next, the folded base cabinet support 103 is inserted into the partially folded base cabinet blank 110 and glued into place following the glue indications on the base cabinet support 103 as shown in FIG. 8.

Next, the base cabinet upper shelf 101 and base cabinet lower shelf 102 are folded toward the base cabinet back wall 114 as well as lower shelf portion 102a and upper shelf portion 101a of the base cabinet support 103 as shown in FIGS. 9-11. The base cabinet upper shelf 101 and base cabinet lower shelf 102 each have two base cabinet shelf braces 115a-b and 115c-d. The base cabinet shelf braces 115a-d are folded down prior to folding the upper and lower shelves 101, 102 to provide support to the base cabinet upper shelf 101 and base cabinet lower shelf 102. This increases the structural rigidity and load bearing capacity of the base cabinet upper shelf 101 and base cabinet lower shelf 102.

The base cabinet back wall 114 includes a plurality of base rear flap slots 116a-d. The base cabinet upper shelf 101 and base cabinet lower shelf 102 further have a plurality of base rear tabs 117a-d. After the base cabinet upper shelf 101 and base cabinet lower shelf 102 are folded, the plurality of base rear tabs 117a-d engage with the plurality of base rear flap slots 116a-d. This engagement secures the base cabinet upper shelf 101 and base cabinet lower shelf 102 to the base cabinet back wall 114. This further secures the folded base cabinet 100 together.

The base cabinet blank 110 includes a plurality of attachment slots 104a-f located near the top of the base cabinet blank 110. The attachment slot 104a in the base cabinet right wall 111 and the attachment slot 104b in the base cabinet left wall line up with the attachment slots 104c and 104f in the base cabinet support 103 when the base cabinet support 103 is inserted into the base cabinet. The plurality of attachment slots 104a-f provide securement and support when multiple base cabinets 100 are connected together in various configurations. The attachment slots 104a-f in a first base cabinet 100 form a wedge fit with another base cabinet (such as top cabinet 200) to secure multiple base cabinets 100, 200 together.

Turning next to FIG. 12, a top cabinet blank 210 is shown. The top cabinet blank 210 is folded to form the top cabinet 200 with the internal top cabinet support 203. The top cabinet blank 210 is shipped as a single piece of corrugated material and folded into the top cabinet 200 at a retail location. The top cabinet blank 210 can be shipped as a prepack, nearpack, or flatpack top cabinet blank 210. The top cabinet blank 210 further can be shipped with the products it is intended to be assembled to display. The top cabinet blank 210 is shipped with fold and tear lines already included throughout the top cabinet blank 210 to increase case of assembly.

The top cabinet blank 210 is folded into the top cabinet 200. In order to facilitate folding, the top cabinet blank 210 includes a top cabinet right wall 211, a top cabinet front lower wall 202b, a top cabinet front upper wall 225, a top cabinet left wall 213, and a top cabinet back wall 214, with each portion of the top cabinet blank 210 separated by a top blank fold lines 219a-d. Additionally, the top cabinet blank 210 further includes two top cabinet blank tear lines 220a-b to allow removal of the top cabinet support 203 structure off from the top cabinet right wall 211, the top cabinet lower front wall 202b, the upper front wall 225 the top cabinet left wall 213, and top cabinet back wall 214. The top cabinet support 203 is folded separately from the top cabinet right wall 211, the top cabinet shelf wall 212, the top cabinet left wall 213, and top cabinet back wall 214, and inserted into the top cabinet 200 to provide strength and rigidity and increase the load that the top cabinet upper shelf 201 and top cabinet lower shelf 202 can support.

In order to fold the top cabinet blank 210 into the top cabinet 200 in an example embodiment, first, the top cabinet support 203 is removed from the top cabinet blank 210 by separating it across top cabinet blank tear line 220a as shown in FIG. 13. The top cabinet support 203 is removed across the top cabinet blank tear line 220b to separate it from material 121 in the top cabinet blank 210. The top cabinet support 203 includes two top side supports 218a-b, which provide strength and rigidity to the sides of the top cabinet 200. The top side supports 218a-b are folded such that they form a perpendicular configuration with the top cabinet support 203. Viewing a top plan view of the top cabinet blank 210 (shown in FIG. 12), the top side supports 218a-b are folded toward the viewer as shown in FIG. 15. The top cabinet support 203 further includes portions 201a, 201b which make up a portion of the top cabinet upper shelf 201 and top cabinet lower shelf 202. The top cabinet upper shelf 201 and top cabinet lower shelf 202 are folded in the same direction of the top side supports 218a-b. Viewing a top plan view of the top cabinet blank 210 (shown in FIG. 12), the top cabinet upper shelf 201 and top cabinet lower shelf 202 are folded away from the viewer. This forms the folded top cabinet support 203, which is then inserted into the top cabinet 200.

The top cabinet right wall 211, the top cabinet shelf wall 212, the top cabinet left wall 213, and top cabinet back wall 214 are folded to form the top cabinet 200. The top cabinet support 203 is then inserted into the top cabinet 200 and glued into place following glue indications on the top cabinet support 203 as shown in FIG. 17. Viewing a top plan view of the top cabinet blank 210 (shown in FIG. 12), the top cabinet right wall 211 is folded toward the viewer across top cabinet blank fold line 219a. The top cabinet shelf wall 212 is then folded toward the viewer across top cabinet blank fold line 219b. The top cabinet left wall 213 is then folded toward the viewer across top cabinet blank fold line 219c. A portion of the top cabinet back wall 214 is folded across top cabinet blank fold line 219d toward the top cabinet right wall 211, which secures the top cabinet blank 210 together. This folding process will create a “box” shape when viewed from the top of the top cabinet blank 210. Next, the folded top cabinet support 203 is inserted into the partially folded top cabinet blank 210 and glued into place following the glue indications on the top cabinet support 203.

Next, the top cabinet upper shelf 201 and top cabinet lower shelf 202 are folded toward the top cabinet back wall 214 as shown in FIG. 20. The top cabinet 200 includes two top cabinet shelf brackets 215a-b. The top cabinet shelf brackets 215a-d are folded down to provide support to the top cabinet lower shelf 202 prior to folding the shelves 201, 202. This increases the structural rigidity and load bearing capacity of the and top cabinet lower shelf 202.

The top cabinet back wall 214 includes a plurality of top rear flap mounts 216a-d. The top cabinet upper shelf 201 and top cabinet lower shelf 202 may further have a plurality of top rear flaps. After the top cabinet upper shelf 201 and top cabinet lower shelf 202 are folded, the plurality of top rear flaps, if included, may engage with the plurality of top rear flap mounts 216a-d. This engagement secures the top cabinet upper shelf 201 and top cabinet lower shelf 202 to the top cabinet back wall 214. This further secures the folded top cabinet 200 together.

An example embodiment of a base and top configuration 310 is shown in FIG. 2. The base and top configuration 310 may be formed by stacking a top cabinet 200 on a base cabinet 100. The base cabinet 100 is secured to the top cabinet 200 via the attachment slots 104 (not shown). The base and top configuration 310 forms four shelves vertically: a base cabinet lower shelf 102, a base cabinet upper shelf 101, a top cabinet lower shelf 202, and a top cabinet upper shelf 201. The base and top configuration 310 further comprises a base cabinet support 103 and a top cabinet support 203 to provide strength and rigidity to the base and top configuration 310.

A dual base configuration may be formed by stacking two base cabinets 100 on top of one another. The base cabinets 100 are secured to each other via the attachment slots 104 and a wedge fit to provide stability. The dual base configuration forms a plurality of base cabinet upper shelves 101 and base cabinet lower shelves 102. The dual base configuration further comprises a plurality of base cabinet supports 103 contained within the dual base configuration to provide strength and rigidity to the dual cabinet configuration.

Another embodiment of a base cabinet 400 is shown in FIGS. 21A-21C. The base cabinet 400 is substantially similar in structure and assembly to the base cabinet 100 previously described except that base cabinet 400 includes shelves 401, 402 with lips 403, 404. The lips 403, 404 are formed during folding of the shelves 401, 402. Each shelf 403, 404 includes a shelf panel 401a, 402a and a wall panel 401b, 402b coupled to each respective shelf panel 401a, 402a. The wall panels 401b, 402b are coupled to front panels 410, 412, respectively. The wall panels 401b, 402b extend in a downward direction alongside front panels 410, 412, respectively. The shelf panels 401a, 402a extend in a rearward direction away from the wall panels 401b, 402b and are perpendicular to the wall panels 401b, 402b. This lowers the planes established by the shelf panels 401a, 402a relative to the front panels 410, 412 and provide the lips 403, 404. The lips 403, 404 can help block items from falling off the shelves 401, 402.

Another embodiment of a top cabinet 500 is shown in FIGS. 22A-22C. The top cabinet 500 is substantially similar in structure and assembly to the top cabinet 200 previously described except that top cabinet 500 includes shelves 501, 502 with lips 503, 504. The lips 503, 404 are formed during folding of the shelves 501, 502. Each shelf 503, 504 includes a shelf panel 501a, 502a and a wall panel 501b, 502b coupled to each respective shelf panel 501a, 502a. The wall panels 501b, 502b are coupled to front panels 510, 512, respectively. The wall panels 501b, 502b extend in a downward direction alongside front panels 510, 512, respectively. The shelf panels 501a, 502a extend in a rearward direction away from the wall panels 501b, 502b and are perpendicular to the wall panels 501b, 502b. This lowers planes established by the shelf panels 501a, 502a relative to the front panels 510, 512 and provides the lips 503, 504. The lips 503, 504 can help block items from falling off the shelves 501, 502.

Turning next to FIGS. 23A-23C, various different configurations for cabinets with different top display units are illustratively shown. FIG. 23A shows an embodiment of a box top cabinet 320. The box top cabinet 320 is formed from two base cabinets 100 stacked on top of one another to form a dual base configuration 300 with an optional box top 321 installed. The box top 321 may display advertising or product information. The box top 321 is coupled via the attachment slots 104 to the dual base configuration 300, forming the box top cabinet 320. The box top cabinet 320 further includes base cabinet supports 103 to provide strength and rigidity to the box top cabinet 320.

FIG. 23B shows an embodiment of a cap top cabinet 330. The cap top cabinet 330 may be formed from two base cabinets 100 stacked on top of one another to form a dual base configuration 300 with an optional cap top 331 installed. The cap top 331 may display advertising or product information. The cap top 331 is coupled via the attachment slots 104 to the dual base configuration 300, forming the cap top cabinet 330. The cap top cabinet 330 further includes base cabinet supports 103 to provide strength and rigidity to the cap top cabinet 330.

FIG. 23C shows an embodiment of a sheet top cabinet 340. The sheet top cabinet 340 may be formed by stacking a top cabinet 200 on top of a base cabinet 100. The base cabinet 100 is secured to the top cabinet 200 via the attachment slots 104 (not shown). The top cabinet 200 further includes a sheet top 341. The sheet top 341 may display advertising or product information. The sheet top cabinet 340 further includes an internal support structure formed from the base cabinet support 103 and the top cabinet support 203 to provide strength and rigidity to the sheet top cabinet 340.

A sheet top cabinet 340 can include optional advertising information displayed on the sheet top 341, the top cabinet 200, and the base cabinet 100. The attachment slots 104 may secure the top cabinet 200 to the base cabinet 100 via a wedge fitting. It is understood by one of skill in the art that any number of other coupling mechanisms to attach and secure the top cabinet 200 to the base cabinet 100 may be used.

A system for assembly a modular shelf is shown in FIG. 24. Combining a base cabinet 100 with a top cabinet 200, or in the alternative a second base cabinet 100, a modular shelf can be formed. Combining a base cabinet 100 and top cabinet 200 forms a base and top configuration 310. In some embodiments, optionally, a sheet top 341 can be added to the base and top configuration 310. A sheet top 341 has been added to a base and top configuration 310 forming a sheet top configuration as shown in FIG. 23C. It is understood by one of skill in the art that any number of different combinations of the base cabinet 100 and top cabinet 200 may be configured, with any number of different top display units. This allows retail locations to customize a system that suits their display and product needs, without the need for tools or cutting since the base cabinet blank 110 and top cabinet blank 210 include fold and tear lines.

FIGS. 23B and 23C show an example embodiment of the cap top configuration 330 and the sheet top configuration 340 with optional retailer product and advertising information displayed on the top cabinet 200, base cabinet 100, cap top 331 (coupled via the attachment slots 104), and sheet top 341. FIG. 23B shows a cap top configuration assembled from two base cabinets 100. FIG. 23C shows a sheet top configuration 340 assembled from a base cabinet 100 and a top cabinet 200. It is understood by one of skill in the art that any number of different combinations of the base cabinet 100 and top cabinet 200 can be configured, with any number of different top display units. This allows retail locations to customize a system that suits their display and product needs, without the need for tools or cutting since the base cabinet blank 110 and top cabinet blank 210 are perforated and have tear lines. It is understood by one of skill in the art that any number of different combinations of the base cabinet 100 and top cabinet 200 can be configured, with any number of different top display units. This allows retail locations to customize a system that suits their display and product needs, without the need for tools or cutting since the base cabinet blank 110 and top cabinet blank 210 may be perforated and have tear lines in some embodiments.

FIG. 24 shows an example embodiment of a shelving system 360 assembled from a plurality of base cabinets 100 and top cabinets 200. The shelving system 360 may further include at least one cap top 331 and at least one sheet top 341.

The shelving system 360 may further include a header connector 361 and at least one surface connector 362a-b. The header connector 361 and at least one surface connector 362a-b provide additional space to show product or advertising information, and further increase the structural rigidity, torsional strength, and stability of the shelving system 360. It is understood by one of skill in the art that any number of different combinations of the base cabinet 100 and top cabinet 200 can be configured, with any number of different top display units. This allows retail locations to customize a shelving system 360 that suits their display and product needs, without the need for tools or cutting since the base cabinet blank 110 and top cabinet blank 210 may include fold and tear lines, by perforating, scoring, and/or cutting portions of the blanks, in some embodiments.

The following numbered clauses include embodiments that are contemplated and non-limiting:

Clause 1. A cabinet blank configured to be formed into a cabinet, the cabinet blank including a cabinet body section.

Clause 2. The cabinet blank of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the cabinet body section includes a cabinet back wall, at least one cabinet front wall, first and second cabinet side panels extending between the back wall and the front wall(s), and at least one cabinet shelf extending between the back wall and the cabinet front wall(s).

Clause 3. The cabinet blank of clause 1, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the cabinet body section includes a cabinet back wall, upper and lower cabinet front walls, first and second cabinet side panels extending between the back wall and the front walls, and a plurality of cabinet shelves spaced vertically and extending between the back wall and the cabinet front walls.

Clause 4. The cabinet blank of clause 3, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, further including a support section including first and second support side panels arranged to lie alongside the first and second cabinet side panels and upper and lower support front walls extending between and interconnecting the first and second support side panels.

Clause 5. A method of forming a cabinet from a cabinet blank, the method including separating the cabinet blank into a cabinet body section and a support section along a tear line.

Clause 6. The method of clause 5, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, further including folding the cabinet body section to provide a cabinet base having a cabinet back wall, upper and lower cabinet front walls, first and second cabinet side panels extending between the back wall and the front walls, and a plurality of cabinet shelves spaced vertically from one another and extending between the back wall and the upper and lower cabinet front walls.

Clause 7. The method of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, further including folding the support section into a cabinet support having first and second support side panels arranged to lie alongside the first and second cabinet side panels and upper and lower support front walls extending between and interconnecting the first and second support side panels.

Clause 8. The method of clause 7, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, further including inserting the cabinet support into the cabinet base to locate the cabinet support between the first and second cabinet side panels and between the back wall and the front walls.

Clause 9. The method of clause 8, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, further including supporting, at least partially, each of the shelves with the cabinet support.

Clause 10. A cabinet comprising a base cabinet.

Clause 11. The cabinet of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the base cabinet includes a base cabinet body.

Clause 12. The cabinet of clause 11, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the base cabinet body includes a base cabinet back wall.

Clause 13. The cabinet of clause 12, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the base cabinet body includes at least one of base cabinet upper and lower front walls.

Clause 14. The cabinet of clause 13, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the base cabinet body includes at least one of base cabinet first and second side panels extending between the back wall and the front walls.

Clause 15. The cabinet of clause 14, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the base cabinet back wall is formed to include a plurality of slots spaced across the base cabinet back wall.

Clause 16. The cabinet of clause 15, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the base cabinet body includes a plurality of base cabinet shelves spaced vertically from one another and extending between the back wall and the upper and lower front walls, respectively.

Clause 17. The cabinet of clause 16, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the base cabinet body includes a base cabinet support inserted within the base cabinet body between the first side panel and second side panel of the base cabinet body and secured in the plurality of slots.

Clause 18. The cabinet of clause 17, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, including a top cabinet.

Clause 19. The cabinet of clause 18, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top cabinet includes a top cabinet body.

Clause 20. The cabinet of clause 19, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top cabinet body includes a top cabinet back wall.

Clause 21. The cabinet of clause 20, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top cabinet body includes at least one of top cabinet upper and lower front walls.

Clause 22. The cabinet of clause 21, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top cabinet body includes at least one of top cabinet first and second side panels extending between the top cabinet back wall and the top cabinet upper and lower front walls.

Clause 23. The cabinet of clause 22, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top cabinet back wall formed to include a plurality of slots spaced across the top cabinet back wall.

Clause 24. The cabinet of clause 23, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, the top cabinet further comprising a plurality of top cabinet shelves spaced vertically from one another and extending between the top cabinet back wall and the top cabinet upper and lower front walls, respectively.

Clause 25. The cabinet of clause 24, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, the top cabinet further comprising a top cabinet support inserted within the top cabinet body between the first side panel and second side panel of the top cabinet body and secured in the plurality of slots.

Clause 26. The cabinet of clause 25, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the plurality of base cabinet shelves are at least partially supported by the base cabinet support, the plurality of top cabinet shelves are at least partially supported by the top cabinet support, and a portion of the top cabinet support rests on the base cabinet support to at least partially support the top cabinet support and the plurality of top cabinet shelves.

Clause 27. The cabinet of clause 26, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the base cabinet support has a lower end aligned with a lower end of the base cabinet body and rests on a surface underlying the base cabinet to provide a direct load path from the top cabinet through the base cabinet support to the surface underlying the base cabinet.

Clause 28. The cabinet of clause 27, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the base cabinet body and the base cabinet support are each formed to include a pair of attachment slots and the portion of the top cabinet support is received in the attachment slots.

Clause 29. The cabinet of clause 26, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the base cabinet support includes first and second support side panels arranged to lie alongside the first and second base cabinet side panels and upper and lower support front walls extending between and interconnecting the first and second support side panels and spaced apart from the upper and lower base cabinet front walls in a rearward direction toward the base cabinet back wall.

Clause 30. The cabinet of clause 29, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first and second base support side panels are each formed to include an attachment slot and the portion of the top cabinet support supported by the base cabinet support extends into the attachment slot.

Clause 31. The cabinet of clause 30, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the attachment slots are formed in an upper end of the first and second base support side panels and extend in a vertical direction to open in the vertical direction and receive the portion of the top cabinet support when the top cabinet is stacked with the base cabinet.

Clause 32. The cabinet of clause 31, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first and second base support side panels have a lower end aligned with a lower end of the base cabinet body to provide a direct load path from the top cabinet support, through the base cabinet support, and to a surface on which the lower ends of the base cabinet support and the base cabinet body rest.

Clause 33. The cabinet of clause 31, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the top cabinet support includes first and second support side panels arranged to lie alongside the first and second top cabinet side panels and upper and lower support front walls extending between and interconnecting the first and second support side panels and spaced apart from the upper and lower top cabinet front walls in a rearward direction toward the base cabinet back wall, and wherein the lower top cabinet front wall is the portion of the top cabinet support that extends in to the attachment slots.

Clause 34. The cabinet of clause 33, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first and second support side panels of the base cabinet body are formed to include a second attachment slot aligned with each respective attachment slot formed in the first and second support side panels of the base cabinet support and the lower top cabinet front wall is received in the second attachment slot.

Clause 35. The cabinet of clause 29, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the base cabinet support further comprises a first support flap coupled to an upper end of the upper support front wall and a second support flap coupled to an upper end of the lower support front wall, the first support flap configured to support a first base shelf included in the plurality of base shelves and the second support flap configured to support a second base shelf included in the plurality of support shelves.

Clause 36. The cabinet of clause 35, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first and second base side panels each include a base support flap arranged to extend in an inward direction toward one another and beneath a shelf included in the plurality of shelves to cooperate with the base cabinet support to support the plurality of shelfs in a horizontal position relative to the base cabinet body.

Clause 37. The cabinet of clause 26, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the plurality of shelves of the base cabinet each include a shelf portion configured to engage the base cabinet back wall and a wall portion arranged to lie in a parallel orientation to the upper and lower front walls and coupled to a front end of the shelf portion to position the shelf portion below an upper end of each respective upper and lower front wall and provide a lip at the front end of each shelf included in the plurality of shelves.

Clause 38. A cabinet comprising: a cabinet body including a cabinet back wall, upper and lower cabinet front walls, and first and second cabinet side panels extending between the back wall and the front walls, a plurality of cabinet shelves spaced vertically from one another and extending between the back wall and the upper and lower cabinet front walls, respectively, and a cabinet support inserted within the cabinet body between the first side panel and second side panel of the cabinet body and configured to engage and support each of the shelves included in the plurality of cabinet shelves.

Clause 39. The cabinet of clause 38, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein each shelf included in the plurality of shelves is supported by the cabinet body at a front end of each shelf and a rear end of each shelf and is supported by the cabinet support between the front end and the rear end.

Clause 40. The cabinet of clause 38, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the cabinet support includes first and second support side panels arranged to lie alongside the first and second cabinet side panels and upper and lower support front walls extending between and interconnecting the first and second support side panels and spaced apart from the upper and lower cabinet front walls in a rearward direction toward the back wall.

Clause 41. The cabinet of clause 38, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first and second support side panels are each formed to include an attachment slot.

Clause 42. The cabinet of clause 41, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the attachment slots are formed in an upper end of the first and second base support side panels and extend in a vertical direction to open in the vertical direction.

Clause 43. The cabinet of clause 42, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the cabinet support further comprises a first support flap coupled to an upper end of the upper support front wall and a second support flap coupled to an upper end of the lower support front wall, the first support flap configured to support a first shelf included in the plurality of shelves and the second support flap configured to support a second shelf included in the plurality of shelves.

Clause 44. The cabinet of clause 43, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the first and second side panels each include a support flap arranged to extend in an inward direction toward one another and lie beneath a shelf included in the plurality of shelves to cooperate with the cabinet support to support the plurality of shelfs in a horizontal position relative to the cabinet body.

Clause 45. The cabinet of clause 38, any other suitable clause, or any suitable combination of clauses, wherein the plurality of shelves each include a shelf portion configured to engage the cabinet back wall and a wall portion arranged to lie in a parallel orientation to the upper and lower front walls and coupled to a front end of the shelf portion to position the shelf portion below an upper end of each respective upper and lower front wall and provide a lip at the front end of each shelf included in the plurality of shelves.

Claims

1. A cabinet comprising: a base cabinet comprising: (i) a base cabinet body including a base cabinet back wall, base cabinet upper and lower front walls, and base cabinet first and second side panels extending between the back wall and the front walls, the base cabinet back wall formed to include a plurality of slots spaced across the base cabinet back wall, (ii) a plurality of base cabinet shelves spaced vertically from one another and extending between the back wall and the upper and lower front walls, respectively, and (iii) a base cabinet support inserted within the base cabinet body between the first side panel and second side panel of the base cabinet body and secured in the plurality of slots; anda top cabinet comprising: (i) a top cabinet body including a top cabinet back wall, top cabinet upper and lower front walls, and top cabinet first and second side panels extending between the top cabinet back wall and the top cabinet upper and lower front walls, the top cabinet back wall formed to include a plurality of slots spaced across the top cabinet back wall, and (ii) a plurality of top cabinet shelves spaced vertically from one another and extending between the top cabinet back wall and the top cabinet upper and lower front walls, respectively, and (iii) a top cabinet support inserted within the top cabinet body between the first side panel and second side panel of the top cabinet body and secured in the plurality of slots;wherein the plurality of base cabinet shelves are at least partially supported by the base cabinet support, the plurality of top cabinet shelves are at least partially supported by the top cabinet support, and a portion of the top cabinet support rests on the base cabinet support to at least partially support the top cabinet support and the plurality of top cabinet shelves.

2. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein the base cabinet support has a lower end aligned with a lower end of the base cabinet body and rests on a surface underlying the base cabinet to provide a direct load path from the top cabinet through the base cabinet support to the surface underlying the base cabinet.

3. The cabinet of claim 2, wherein the base cabinet body and the base cabinet support are each formed to include a pair of attachment slots and the portion of the top cabinet support is received in the attachment slots.

4. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein the base cabinet support includes first and second support side panels arranged to lie alongside the first and second base cabinet side panels and upper and lower support front walls extending between and interconnecting the first and second support side panels and spaced apart from the upper and lower base cabinet front walls in a rearward direction toward the base cabinet back wall.

5. The cabinet of claim 4, wherein the first and second base support side panels are each formed to include an attachment slot and the portion of the top cabinet support supported by the base cabinet support extends into the attachment slot.

6. The cabinet of claim 5, wherein the attachment slots are formed in an upper end of the first and second base support side panels and extend in a vertical direction to open in the vertical direction and receive the portion of the top cabinet support when the top cabinet is stacked with the base cabinet.

7. The cabinet of claim 6, wherein the first and second base support side panels have a lower end aligned with a lower end of the base cabinet body to provide a direct load path from the top cabinet support, through the base cabinet support, and to a surface on which the lower ends of the base cabinet support and the base cabinet body rest.

8. The cabinet of claim 6, wherein the top cabinet support includes first and second support side panels arranged to lie alongside the first and second top cabinet side panels and upper and lower support front walls extending between and interconnecting the first and second support side panels and spaced apart from the upper and lower top cabinet front walls in a rearward direction toward the base cabinet back wall, and wherein the lower top cabinet front wall is the portion of the top cabinet support that extends in to the attachment slots.

9. The cabinet of claim 8, wherein the first and second support side panels of the base cabinet body are formed to include a second attachment slot aligned with each respective attachment slot formed in the first and second support side panels of the base cabinet support and the lower top cabinet front wall is received in the second attachment slot.

10. The cabinet of claim 4, wherein the base cabinet support further comprises a first support flap coupled to an upper end of the upper support front wall and a second support flap coupled to an upper end of the lower support front wall, the first support flap configured to support a first base shelf included in the plurality of base shelves and the second support flap configured to support a second base shelf included in the plurality of support shelves.

11. The cabinet of claim 10, wherein the first and second base side panels each include a base support flap arranged to extend in an inward direction toward one another and beneath a shelf included in the plurality of shelves to cooperate with the base cabinet support to support the plurality of shelfs in a horizontal position relative to the base cabinet body.

12. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein the plurality of shelves of the base cabinet each include a shelf portion configured to engage the base cabinet back wall and a wall portion arranged to lie in a parallel orientation to the upper and lower front walls and coupled to a front end of the shelf portion to position the shelf portion below an upper end of each respective upper and lower front wall and provide a lip at the front end of each shelf included in the plurality of shelves.

13. A cabinet comprising: a cabinet body including a cabinet back wall, upper and lower cabinet front walls, and first and second cabinet side panels extending between the back wall and the front walls,a plurality of cabinet shelves spaced vertically from one another and extending between the back wall and the upper and lower cabinet front walls, respectively, anda cabinet support inserted within the cabinet body between the first side panel and second side panel of the cabinet body and configured to engage and support each of the shelves included in the plurality of cabinet shelves.

14. The cabinet of claim 13, wherein each shelf included in the plurality of shelves is supported by the cabinet body at a front end of each shelf and a rear end of each shelf and is supported by the cabinet support between the front end and the rear end.

15. The cabinet of claim 13, wherein the cabinet support includes first and second support side panels arranged to lie alongside the first and second cabinet side panels and upper and lower support front walls extending between and interconnecting the first and second support side panels and spaced apart from the upper and lower cabinet front walls in a rearward direction toward the back wall.

16. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein the first and second support side panels are each formed to include an attachment slot.

17. The cabinet of claim 16, wherein the attachment slots are formed in an upper end of the first and second base support side panels and extend in a vertical direction to open in the vertical direction.

18. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein the cabinet support further comprises a first support flap coupled to an upper end of the upper support front wall and a second support flap coupled to an upper end of the lower support front wall, the first support flap configured to support a first shelf included in the plurality of shelves and the second support flap configured to support a second shelf included in the plurality of shelves.

19. The cabinet of claim 18, wherein the first and second side panels each include a support flap arranged to extend in an inward direction toward one another and lie beneath a shelf included in the plurality of shelves to cooperate with the cabinet support to support the plurality of shelfs in a horizontal position relative to the cabinet body.

20. The cabinet of claim 13, wherein the plurality of shelves each include a shelf portion configured to engage the cabinet back wall and a wall portion arranged to lie in a parallel orientation to the upper and lower front walls and coupled to a front end of the shelf portion to position the shelf portion below an upper end of each respective upper and lower front wall and provide a lip at the front end of each shelf included in the plurality of shelves.