BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The vertical panel structure product on the market lacks of a proper method to add shelves, some are adopting a method of making vertical panels contracting inwards, that limits the product function, utility, versatility, aesthetic, marketing and promotion. the invention provides a simple expansive outward way to assembly shelves when several vertical panels structure device was involved, that can be applied in furniture, gardening, exhibition display, store product display, and hospitality industries. The invention could take advantage of space more effective, economical and practical, that makes end user to have more choice on the product utility and versatility.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Adding two or more shelves pose a challenge to the vertical panel structure product, that results in the space underneath the top was not fully utilized and stuffs on the product can only be placed on the limited top space, this restricts the product marketing and promotion. the invention not only solve this problem but also simplify the manufacturing process and save the freight cost, the invention provides end user more option and choice on how to assembly their multi-tier device based on their personal preference.
when comparing with traditional methods of fixating and securing the shelves, the invention fixate, lock and secure the shelf in an expansive outwards way instead of traditional contracting inwards way, there are lot of materials can be used to make this kind of product, like wood, metal, plastic, glass etc. . . . designers and inventors could make products more versatile, aesthetic and multi-functional, end user could take advantage of the additional space underneath the top more economical, effective and organized.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows the shelf with an open slot that terminates into a cutout inside shelf itself at one end, the position and shape of the cutout on the shelf depends on the function, purpose, utility, aesthetic etch, another end of the open slot terminates at the perimeter of the shelf.
FIG. 2 shows the shelf interlocking with the 1st panel and the panel rotating counterclockwise to the configured position so that its surface keeps 120-degree angle with the open slot of the shelf.
FIG. 3 shows the shelf interlocking with the 2nd panel and the panel rotating clockwise to the configured position so that its surface keeps a 120-degree angle with the 1st panel and the shelf slot respectively.
FIG. 4 shows the shelf interlocking with the 3rd panel and all the 3 panels surface keeps a 120-degree angle with each other as designed, and M6 holes at the top and bottom of the panels aligned at the center of the holes on the panels.
FIG. 5 shows the exploded L shape brackets with M6 hole, that were attached underneath the top by appropriate method, depending on the top material.
FIG. 6 shows how to assembly the top with the panels and how the panels mounted at bottom with each other, a M6 screw and Allen key is applied in this embodiment.
FIG. 7 shows the labeling and numbering parts and the position relevant to each and every part in the embodiment.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
- 1. In the following detailed description, certain specific terminology will be employed for the sake of clarity and a particular embodiment described in accordance with the requirement of 35 USC 112, but it is to be understand that the same is not intended to be limiting and should not be so construed inasmuch as the invention is capable of taking many materials, shapes, size and variations within the scope of the appended claims.
- 2. The panels 1, 2, 3 and shelf 5 are metal sheet in the embodiment illustration, and top 8 is wooden, both the shelf 5 and top 8 are standard circle with same diameter, the panel 1, 2, 3 in FIG. 2 are standard rectangular shape if not considering the small tab 111A, 111B, 211A, 211B in FIG. 7 on the upper and lower corner of the long edge of the panels here mentioned, the panel 1, 2, 3 is not necessarily to be flat and rectangular and the number is not limited to be three pieces, the panel 1 and 2 are rotatable panel that can be rotating to the configured position after interlocking with the shelf slot 51, the panel 3 is an non-rotatable panel that is not rotatable after inserting into or interlocking with the shelf slot 51, panel 3 is the last panel to insert into the shelf slot 51 in this embodiment, and the shelf 5 and top 8 is not necessarily to be flat and round, and the number of the shelf is not limited to one piece only, the fastener wherein is any necessary parts to attach the panels with each other, and to attach the top with the panels, that can be in different accessories based on the material of the top and panels, the shape, size, material here mentioned in the embodiment is not intended to be limiting the invention.
- 2.1 The rotatable panel 1 and 2 are attachable to the non-rotatable panel 3 after rotating to the configured position inside the shelf cutout 50, the attaching method depends on the material of the panels, shelf, and top, the panel 1, 2, 3 form a vertical frame after assembly that secure and support the shelf 5. The rotatable panel has horizontal slot to interlock with the shelf slot while the non-rotatable panel either has slot to interlock with the shelf slot or has no slot at all, the non-rotatable panel is always the last panel to interlock with or insert into the shelf slot. the panel 1 and 2 has horizontal slot and the panel 3 has no slot in this embodiment.
- 3. For the purpose of detailed description and illustration, where appropriate, the singular includes both singular and plural and vice versa, the adjective word “slight”, “a bit”, “right”, “correct”, “perfect”, “nice” etch cannot be interpreted as any specific number or figure unless specified.
- 4. The three panels 1, 2, 3 have same thickness 11, 21, 31 in FIG. 7 in this embodiment to simplify the explanation and illustration, the thickness 55 of the round shelf 5 is a little bit smaller than the slot height 15, 25 on the panel 1, 2 while the width 51 of the shelf 5 slot should be a slight bigger than the thickness 31 of the panel 3, the smaller and bigger here mentioned is to ensure a smooth intersecting interlocking with each other while the gap is as minimum as possible so that the panel 1, 2, 3 not only fixate and secure the shelf 5 but also could sustain and support the shelf 5 properly.
- 5. The slot length 102, 202 in FIG. 7 on the panel 1, 2 are same and equivalent to the round shelf 5 radius minus the inner arc 531 radius, not considering the thickness of the panel 1, 2, 3, the inner arc 531 and the round shelf 5 are concentric, this is not necessary but could achieve a smooth edge, nice fitting and better appearance in this embodiment.
- 6. The panel width 117, 217, and 317 in FIG. 7 not including the small tab 111A, 111B, 211A, 211B at the corner of the edge of the panel 1, 2 should be equivalent to the radius of the round shelf 5 while the height 101 and 201 on the panel 1 and 2 must be exactly same to assure a leveled shelf 5.
- 7. The small tab 111A, 111B, 211A, 211B in FIG. 7 on the upper and lower of the corner of the edge at the panel 1, 2 is made from metal bending process in this embodiment, the small tab 111A, 111B, 211A, 211B surface here mentioned forms a 120 degrees angle in the same perspective with the panel 1 and 2 main surface respectively. The position of the small tab 111A, 111B, 211A, 211B is not limited to be in the corner of the edge at the panel 1, 2, especially when additional support, extra loading, thinner shelf 5 was into consideration.
- 8. The cutout 50 contour of the shelf 5 must be connected to the shelf slot, but the size, shape and position of cutout 50 are not limited to the embodiment and illustration here.
- 9. The bottom hole 29 on the panel 2 and the hole 89 on the L shape bracket 811B should be M6 countersunk hole while the bottom hole 17 on the panel 1 and the hole 87 on the L shape bracket 811A is an M6 threaded hole, all other holes are M6 unthreaded holes, so that screws can be properly mounted and fastened as illustration of embodiment on FIG. 6, screws and Allen key should be applied in this assembly process in this embodiment.
- 10. The top 8 in FIG. 6 was attached with the two L shape bracket 811A, 811B, the distance 803 between the two bracket 811A and 811B should be a slight bigger than 3 times of the accumulated thickness of the panel 1, 2, 3 to ensure a nice and tight fitting when fastened attached together with the panel 1, 2, 3 here mentioned as the illustration of this embodiment.
- 11. The attachment between the top 8 and the L shape bracket 811A and 811B in FIG. 7 can be different methods depending on the material, process and technology etic as long as function, utility and durability secured and ensured.
- 12. FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the shelf 5 that shows maintaining the shelf 5 in a leveled position and maintaining the height equivalent to the height 101 of the panel 1 in FIG. 7.
- 13. FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the inserting and interlocking process between the shelf 5 and the panel 1, hold the panel 1 in a vertical position and keep the edge of the panel 1 against the ground, rotate the panel 1 to the position so that the slot on panel 1 and the slot on the shelf 5 aligned while opening at the slot on both the panel 1 and the shelf 5 are facing against each other, move the panel 1 along the direction of the shelf 5 slot until the opening at the slot on the panel 1 reach the outer perimeter of the shelf 5, then rotate the panel 1 to a 60 degree counterclockwise. The panel 1 is a rotatable panel in this embodiment.
- 14. FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the inserting and interlocking process between the shelf 5 and the panel 2, hold the panel 2 in a vertical position and keep the short edge of the panel 2 against the ground, rotate the panel 2 to the position so that slot on the panel 2 and the slot on the shelf 5 aligned while the opening at the slot on both the panel 2 and the shelf 5 are facing against each other, move the panel 2 along the direction of the shelf 5 slot until the opening at the slot on panel 2 reach the outer perimeter of the shelf 5, then rotate the panel 2 to a 60 degree clockwise. The panel 2 is a rotatable panel in this embodiment.
- 15. FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the inserting process between the shelf 5 and the panel 3, hold the panel 3 in a vertical position and keep the edge of the panel 3 against the ground, make sure the slot on the shelf 5 aligned with the panel 3 surface, move the panel 3 along the direction of the shelf 5 slot until the edge without the slot opening on the panel 3 well match the out perimeter of the shelf 5. The panel 3 is a non-rotatable panel and is the last panel in this embodiment.
- 16. FIG. 5 is an elevational view and exploded view of the L shape brackets 811A and 811B, that is attached to the underneath surface of the top 8, the process and technique to attach the brackets to the top 8 has something to do with the material and technology that is beyond this invention. The shape, size, and position of the brackets 811A and 811B must make sure the hole 87 and 89 well aligned with hole 16, 26, 36 when assembly, and the gap 803 between the bracket 811A and 811B should ensure a smooth and perfect fitting to the accumulated thickness of the small tab 111A, 211A and 31.
- 17. FIG. 6 is an elevational view of showing the mounting process to fixate and attach the panels with the top 8, M6 countersunk screws was employed in this embodiment.
- 18. FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the labelling and numbering parts and its relevant positions.
Patent Application
20240341466
