Multiple configuration shelving system for displaying audio visual components

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6601929
  • Patent Number
    6,601,929
  • Date Filed
    Wednesday, March 28, 2001
    23 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, August 5, 2003
    20 years ago
Abstract
A shelving system for displaying audio visual components that may be configured into multiple positions is disclosed. The system includes a base that supports a center platform disposed between right and left platforms. The center platform and the right and left platforms all may assume multiple positions for displaying and demonstrating different audio visual components of varying sizes. In a first upright position, the right and left platforms provide an open three walled platform for holding a large speaker or other component in an inclined position. In second inverted positions, the right and left platforms are useful for supporting a component, such as a smaller speaker, in an elevated position above the base. In a first upright position, the center platform provides an elevated platform for a larger component, such as a monitor with or without other components such as a DVD player and a video cassette recorder. In the first upright position, the center platform also provides space beneath the top panel thereof for accommodating other components such as a center speaker, subwoofer, amplifier and the like. In a second inverted position, the center platform provides a front wall and an elevated support surface. Ceiling mounted speaker enclosures are also provided which enable a retailer to easily suspend smaller speaker components from the ceiling either in front of or behind the multiple configuration shelving system.
Description




FIELD OF THE INVENTION




The present invention relates generally to a shelving system for demonstrating and displaying audio visual components. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multiple configuration shelving system capable of displaying a wide variety of audio visual components of varying sizes. Still more specifically, the present invention provides a multiple configuration shelving system for displaying and demonstrating various home theater systems.




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




The marketing and selling of audio visual components or so-called home electronics components has changed dramatically with the introduction of the so-called home theater systems. Specifically, instead of purchasing stereo or high-fidelity audio equipment, television sets, video cassette recorders and DVD players separately, consumers often purchase these components together as an integrated system. Further, consumers may also enhance their existing television by purchasing a sound system that is coupled to the television set and that may include an amplifier, a subwoofer and/or anywhere from 2 to 5 or more additional speakers. The amplifier, subwoofer and speaker systems may or may not include a DVD player. Some systems are sold with a specially designed stand for housing or supporting the television, amplifier, subwoofer and other components such as a VCR or DVD player. Further, the currently available speaker systems vary greatly in size and dimension.




As a result, the retailers of consumer electronics are presented with a difficult task in terms of displaying or demonstrating the currently available home theater systems, accessories and supplementary components. For a consumer to appreciate the sound qualities of many systems, the speakers must be arranged so that they are directed towards the consumer. Because the size of the speakers vary greatly, retailers often must construct custom shelving for individual brands or styles of speaker systems. Further, retailers must often build or create separate shelving systems for those home theater systems that include a subwoofer, which should be disposed beneath the television set or monitor and those systems which do not include such a subwoofer. Additional space beneath the television must also be provided for a center speaker, if one is provided with a system. Further, many home theater systems include rear speakers which, to be appreciated, must be mounted either overhead or behind the space where the consumer would be standing when demonstrating an individual home theater system. Shelving may also be needed for an amplifier, DVD player and VCR.




Consequently, standard shelving systems that are currently employed by electronics retailers are simply unsatisfactory for demonstrating and displaying home theater systems and other audio visual components used to complement consumers' existing home theater systems or consumers' existing television/VCR/DVD systems. Because the style and type of audio visual components is constantly changing, it is not cost efficient for retailers to custom build shelving for a particular system because the size and dimensions of the system will inevitably change from year to year in response to consumer demand and in response to technological developments.




Accordingly, a need exists for a multiple configuration shelving system which can be easily reconfigured by retail personnel for displaying different audio visual components such as different home theater systems.




SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE




The present invention satisfies the aforenoted need by providing a shelving system for demonstrating and displaying audio visual components that may be easily reconfigured into a plurality of different positions and configurations. The disclosed shelving system comprises a base, a center platform, a right platform and a left platform. The base comprises a flat surface for supporting the center, right and left platforms. The center platform is disposed between the right and left platforms. The center platform comprises a first horizontal panel and a second horizontal panel. The first and second horizontal panels of the center platform are connected by a vertical panel. The right platform comprises a right horizontal panel, a right side vertical panel and a right end vertical panel. The right horizontal panel comprises a side edge connected normally to the right side vertical panel and the right horizontal panel further comprises an end connected normally to the right end vertical panel. The right side vertical panel and the right end vertical panel are also connected normally together.




Similarly, the left platform comprises a left horizontal panel, a left side vertical panel and a left end vertical panel. The left horizontal panel comprises a side edge connected normally to the left side vertical panel. The left horizontal panel further comprises an end connected normally to the left end vertical panel. Further, the left side vertical panel and the left end vertical panel are connected normally together.




All three platforms rest on top of the base. Preferably, the platforms are not fixedly connected to the base so that they may be rotated or reconfigured to assume different positions. Specifically, one preferred right and left platform configuration, as disclosed above, are three sided structures. In a first upright position, the horizontal panels of the right and left platforms rest on the base and the vertical and end panels of the right and left platforms extend upward therefrom to create a speaker platform with an open front and an open side. In contrast, in a second inverted position, the speaker platforms may be rotated so that the horizontal panel is spaced vertically above the base and upper edges of the vertical side panels and end panels rest on the base. The end panel can create a solid front wall and the vertical side panel can create a solid side wall. The horizontal panel of the right and left platforms may then be used to create an elevated platform for a speaker or other component.




Similarly, the center platform has at least two different positions. Specifically, with the first horizontal panel resting on the base, the vertical panel serves as a back wall and the second horizontal panels serves as an elevated platform for a component, such as a television set. The front end is open and may optionally include a shelf for supporting a subwoofer, an amplifier and/or a center speaker beneath the television set and/or other components disposed on top of the second horizontal panel. The center platform may also be reconfigured by rotating the platform so that the second horizontal panel rests on the base, the first horizontal panel provides an elevated platform and the vertical panel provides a solid front wall. In this configuration, an elevated platform for a television set is provided without shelving space below the television.




In a further refinement of the disclosed system, the horizontal panels of the right and left platforms each include a first surface which either engages the base when the right and left platforms are in the first upright position or which provide an elevated horizontal support for a component, such as a speaker, in the second inverted position. The horizontal panels also include a second incline surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the right and left platforms are in their respective first upright positions. The inclined surfaces of the right and left platforms provide an inclined support for a component, such as a speaker and which facilitates the directing of a speaker at an appropriate angle for demonstration purposes.




In another refinement of the disclosed shelving system, the center platform further comprises right and left side panels for structural stability and also which may provide a means for securing the right and left platforms to the center platform. For example, connecting rods or pins may be used to detachable connect the right and left platforms to the center platform. A convenient location for such connecting rods or pins would be through either the right and left side vertical panels of the right and left platforms and into the right and left side panels of the center platform, respectively. As an alternative, connecting rods could be passed through the right and left horizontal panels of the right and left speaker platforms, respectively, and into the right and left side panels of the center platform, respectively. Other nonpermanent and easy to disassemble mechanisms for securing the right and left platforms to the center platform will be apparent to those skilled in the art.




In another refinement of the disclosed system, holes may be provided in the right and left side panels of the center platform, the right and left side vertical panels of the right and left platforms, as well as the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform for accommodating component wiring.




In a further refinement of the disclosed system, the center platform may be secured in place on the upper surface of the base by a tongue and groove connection. In yet a further refinement along these lines, the upper surface of the base may further comprise a slot for receiving a cleat used to hold the center platform in place on the upper surface of the base.




In yet another refinement of the disclosed system, the center platform may be removed to provide an open space between the left and right platforms. An open flat support surface is provided between the right and left platforms which may be used for displaying a large monitor or television set or a monitor or television set and other components that are provided with a stand or rack. The right and left platforms can then be used to display speakers.




In yet a further refinement of the disclosed system, ceiling mounted speaker enclosures may be provided for displaying or demonstrating rear speakers of a multiple speaker sound system. The ceiling mounted speaker enclosures may comprise a front section comprising a grid, a back section connected to the front section and two side walls disposed on opposite sides of and connected normally to the front and rear sections. The front and rear sections and the two side walls form an open top that is connected to the ceiling. The front and rear sections and the two side walls also form an enclosure for accommodating a speaker. The speaker is directed toward the grid of the front section so that sound may travel outward towards the consumer in an unencumbered fashion.




In a refinement, the speaker enclosures may be connected to the ceiling structure with a plurality of easy to fabricate clips.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




For a more complete understanding of the disclosed shelving system, reference should now be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings wherein:





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a shelving made in accordance with the present invention and with the right and left platforms in a first upright position and the center platform in a first upright position;





FIG. 2

is another perspective view of the shelving system shown in

FIG. 1

with the center platform in a first upright position and the right and left platforms in a second inverted position;





FIG. 3

is another perspective view of the shelving system shown in

FIG. 1

with the right and left platforms in a first upright position and the center platform in a second inverted position;





FIG. 4

is another perspective view of the shelving system of

FIG. 1

with the right, left and center platforms all in a second inverted position;





FIG. 5

is another perspective view of the shelving system shown in

FIG. 1

with the right and left platforms in a first upright position and the center platform removed;





FIG. 6

is a side sectional view of the shelving system shown

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 7

is a right side view of right platform of the shelving system shown in

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 8

is a top plan view of the shelving system shown in

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 9

is a front plan view of the shelving system shown in

FIG. 1

;





FIG. 10

is a perspective view of a ceiling mounted speaker enclosure made in accordance with the present invention;





FIG. 11

is a top plan view of the ceiling mounted enclosure shown in

FIG. 10

;





FIG. 12

is a front plan view of the ceiling mounted speaker enclosure shown in

FIG. 10

;





FIG. 13

is a right side plane view of a ceiling mounted speaker enclosure shown in

FIG. 10

;





FIG. 14

is a perspective view of a clip used to connect the ceiling mounted speaker enclosure shown in

FIG. 10

to a ceiling; and





FIG. 15

is a plan view of the front panel grid of the ceiling mounted speaker enclosure shown in FIG.


10


.











It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the embodiments are sometimes illustrated using phantom lines and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed shelving system or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.




DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS




Turning first to

FIG. 1

, a shelving system


10


is shown which includes a base


11


which supports a center platform


12


disposed between a right platform


13


and a left platform


14


. In the configuration illustrated in

FIG. 1

, the center platform


12


, right platform


13


and left platform


14


are all disposed in their so-called first upright positions.




The center platform includes a first horizontal panel


15


and a second horizontal panel


16


. The first horizontal panel


15


is connected to the second horizontal panel


16


by a vertical panel


21


(see

FIG. 3

) as well as a right side panel


18


and left side panel


19


. The center platform


12


may also include a center shelf


20


. In the first upright position shown in

FIG. 1

, the center platform


12


is ideally configured to support a television or other component on the second horizontal panel


16


and one or more speakers on the shelf


20


and first horizontal panel


15


. In addition, am amplifier or a subwoofer could be supported on either the shelf


20


or first horizontal panel


15


. In the event that a large subwoofer or other component is to be displayed, the shelf


20


could be easily removed and such a larger component could be accommodated between the first horizontal panel


15


and second horizontal panel


16


. The second or top horizontal panel


16


includes a hole


22


for accommodating component wiring.




The right platform


13


includes a right horizontal panel


23


which is connected normally to a right end panel


24


as well as a right side vertical panel


25


to form a 3-walled platform. Turning to the left platform


14


, the left horizontal panel


26


is connected to a left end vertical panel


27


as well as a left side vertical panel


28


to also form a 3-walled platform. Preferably, the left side vertical panel


28


and the left end vertical panel


27


are normally connected and normally connected to the left horizontal panel


26


. It will be noted that the right horizontal panel


23


comprises a first horizontal surface


31


and the left horizontal panel


26


also comprises a first horizontal surface


32


. As best seen when viewing the left platform


14


, the horizontal surfaces


31


,


32


are preferably inclined. The inclined surfaces


31


,


32


provide support for a speaker in an inclined position. Retailers have found this configuration to be helpful because it directs a speaker towards a consumer who would be standing in front of the shelving system


10


.




The right and left platforms


13


,


14


and center platform


12


are not fixedly connected to the base


11


. Instead, the right platform


13


and left platform


14


are preferably detachably connected to the center platform


12


using connecting rods or pins


33




a


(not shown in

FIG. 1

; see

FIG. 8

) that extend outward from the center platform


16


and that are received in holes


33


disposed in the horizontal panels


23


,


26


or the vertical panels


25


,


28


of the right and left platforms


23


,


26


respectively. The pins or connecting rods


33




a


are preferably disposed in the horizontal panel


16


of the center platform


12


but as shown in

FIG. 6

, may also be disposed in the horizontal panel


15


or rear panel


21


of the center platform


12


as well.




Turning briefly to

FIG. 5

, the base


11


may include a slot or groove


34


for receiving an alignment cleat that may be connected to one or both of the horizontal panels


15


,


16


of the center platform


12


or may also be received in a similar groove or slot disposed in the horizontal panels


15


,


16


of the center platform


12


. In any event, the preferred connection or placement mechanism for the center platform


12


on the base


11


is a tongue and groove connection which enables the center platform


12


to be easily disconnected from the base


11


and rotated to assume the position shown in

FIG. 3

which will be discussed below. A similar tongue and groove connection or alignment mechanism can be used to secure the placement of the right platform


13


and left platform


14


on top of the base


11


or, as shown in

FIG. 1

, one or more connecting rods or pins


33


can be used to secure the right and left platforms


13


,


14


to the center platform


12


which is secured in place on the base


11


by a tongue and groove or similar connection mechanism. Finally, it will be noted that the right side vertical panel


26


and left side vertical


28


of the right and left platforms


13


,


14


preferably include a hole


34


for accommodating component wiring.




Turning to

FIG. 2

, the right platform


13


and left platform


14


are shown in their second inverted positions or, with the horizontal panels


23


,


26


disposed in an elevated position with respect to the base


11


. The second surfaces


36


,


37


of the panels


23


,


26


respectively provide an elevated surface for supporting a small component, such as a small speaker. In a preferred embodiment, the surfaces


36


,


37


of the right horizontal panel


23


and left horizontal panel


26


respectively are aligned with the surface


38


of the horizontal panel


16


of the center platform


12


.




Turning to

FIG. 3

, the right platform


13


and left platform


14


are again disposed in their first upright position and the center platform


12


has been rotated to assume a second inverted position. That is, the first horizontal panel


15


is disposed in the elevated position above the base


11


. The outwardly facing surface


39


of the first horizontal panel


15


can be used to provide an elevated support for a component, such as a television set or any one or more components such as a television set, DVD player, video cassette recorder, amplifier and/or small speakers. One application for the configuration shown in

FIG. 3

is to display a television set or monitor on the surface


39


of the center platform


12


and large stereo speakers in the platforms


13


,


14


. Other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.




Turning to

FIG. 4

, the right and left platforms


13


,


14


and center platform


12


have all been rotated to assume their second inverted positions. Preferably, the surfaces


36


,


37


and


39


are substantially coplanar as are the surfaces


41


,


42


,


43


. It will also be noted that the first horizontal panel


15


of the center platform


12


may also include a hole


44


for accommodating component wiring. One application for the configuration illustrated in

FIG. 4

would be to display a television set or any combination of a television set, DVD player and video cassette recorder on the surface


39


of the center platform


12


along with speakers disposed on the surfaces


36


,


37


of the platforms


13


,


14


respectively. Other applications will be apparent to those skilled in the art as well.




Turning to

FIG. 5

, the center platform


12


has been removed and the right and left platforms


13


,


14


are disposed in their first upright position. The configuration of

FIG. 5

would be useful to display a system where the monitor or television set and other components such as an amplifier, DVD player, video cassette recorder, subwoofer and/or center speaker are provided in a stand. In such a case, the stand could be placed on the upper surface


45


of the base


11


and larger speakers could be disposed on the inclined surfaces


31


,


32


of the right and left platforms


13


,


14


respectively. Holes for accommodating connecting pins or rods for securing the right and left platforms


13


,


14


to the center platform


12


are shown at


33


. Preferably, the base


11


is supported by casters which enable the system


10


to be easily moved about a showroom floor.




Turning to

FIG. 6

, it will be noted that the undersurface


38


of the first horizontal panel


15


of the center platform


12


may be connected to a cleat


48


which is received in the slot


34


disposed in the base


11


. Further, holes


33


may be disposed in the first horizontal panel


15


and/or second horizontal panel


17


for receiving connecting pins or rods


33




a


as discussed above. An additional hole


49


may be disposed in the side panel


18


for accommodating speaker wiring. The hole


49


would be in matching registry with the hole


34


of the right platform


13


as shown in FIG.


7


. In

FIGS. 8 and 9

, one relative position of the alignment cleat


48


is shown.





FIGS. 10-15

illustrate the speaker enclosure for mounting a rear speaker of a sound system to store ceiling or other similar structure. The speaker enclosure


50


includes a front section


51


that is connected to a rear section


52


at about a 90° angle thereby providing for triangular right


53


(see

FIG. 13

) and left


54


(see

FIG. 10

) sidewalls. The front section


51


includes a grid


55


. The enclosed speaker faces towards this grid so sound can proceed outward from the enclosure


50


in an unencumbered fashion. Optionally, the rear section


52


may include a junction box


56


for accommodating a speaker connection. The enclosures


50


may be easily mounted to ceiling rails used to support acoustic tiles by way of the clips shown at


58


. Referring to

FIG. 14

, the clips


58


include a bottom end


59


which may be secured to the enclosure


50


using a conventional fastening means and the hole


60


. The top end


61


of the clip


58


includes an inverted u-shaped hook


62


which receives a ceiling rail.




As shown in

FIGS. 11 and 12

, four hooks


58


are utilized, however, the number may vary. As also shown in

FIG. 11

, the front and rear sections


51


,


52


and sidewalls


53


,


54


form an open top for receiving a speaker. One example of a grid


55


is shown in FIG.


15


. However, a screen or other similar device capable of restraining a speaker in the enclosure


50


would suffice.




Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only is not to be limiting of the invention. Thus, the details herein given may be varied substantially without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the exclusive use of all modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims is reserved.



Claims
  • 1. A shelving system comprising:a base, a center platform, a right platform, and a left platform, the base including a flat surface for supporting the center, right and left platforms with the center platform being disposed between the right and left platforms, the base further including a front edge and a rear edge, the center platform including a first horizontal panel and a second horizontal panel, the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform being connected by a vertical panel, the center platform being movable between at least two positions including a first upright position where the first horizontal panel engages the base, the vertical panel being disposed proximate the rear edge of the base and the second horizontal is disposed above the base, and a second inverted position where the second horizontal panel engages the base, the vertical panel is disposed proximate the front edge of the base and the first horizontal panel is disposed above the base, the right platform including a right horizontal panel, a right side vertical panel and a right end vertical panel, the right horizontal panel including a side edge connected normally to the right side vertical panel, the right horizontal panel further including an end connected normally to the right end vertical panel, the right side vertical panel and right end vertical panel being connected normally together, the left platform including a left horizontal panel, a left side vertical panel and a left end vertical panel, the left horizontal panel including a side edge connected normally to the left side vertical panel, the left horizontal panel further including an end connected normally to the left end vertical panel, the left side vertical panel and left end vertical panel being connected normally together.
  • 2. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the right horizontal panel of the right platform further includes a first horizontal surface that engages the upper surface of the base when the right platform is in a first upright position and that further provides a horizontal support in a position spaced vertically above the base when the right platform is in a second inverted position,the right horizontal panel of the right platform further including a second inclined surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the right platform is in its first upright position, the second inclined surface of the right platform providing a support in an inclined position when the right platform is in its first upright position.
  • 3. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the left horizontal panel of the left platform further includes a first horizontal surface that engages the upper surface of the base when the left platform is in a first upright position and that further provides a horizontal support in a position spaced vertically above the base when the left platform is in a second inverted position,the left horizontal panel of the left platform further including a second inclined surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the left platform is in its first upright position, the second inclined surface of the left platform providing a support in an inclined position when the left platform is in its first upright position.
  • 4. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the center platform further includes a right side panel and a left side panel disposed on opposite sides of and normally connected to the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform.
  • 5. The shelving system of claim 4 wherein the right side panel of the center platform includes a hole.
  • 6. The shelving system of claim 4 wherein the left side panel of the center platform includes a hole.
  • 7. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the center platform further includes a shelf disposed horizontally and between the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform is in the first upright position, the shelf providing a support disposed beneath the second horizontal panel and above the first horizontal panel of the center platform when the center platform is in the first upright position.
  • 8. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the right side vertical panel of the right platform includes a hole.
  • 9. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the left side vertical panel of the right platform includes a hole.
  • 10. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the right horizontal panel of the right platform further includes a first horizontal surface that engages the upper surface of the base when the right platform is in a first upright position, the right horizontal panel of the right platform further including a second inclined surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the right platform is in its first upright position, the second inclined surface of the right platform providing a support in an inclined position when the right platform is in its first upright position,the left horizontal panel of the left platform further includes a first horizontal surface that engages the upper surface of the base when the left platform is in a first upright position, the left horizontal panel of the left platform further including a second inclined surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the left platform is in its first upright position, the second inclined surface of the left platform providing a support in an inclined position when the left platform is in its first upright position, the center platform further includes a right side panel and a left side panel disposed on opposite sides of and normally connected to the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform, the right side panel of the center support being in juxtaposition with respect to the right side vertical panel of the right platform when center platform and the right platform are in their respective first upright positions, the left side panel of the center support being in juxtaposition with respect to the left side vertical panel of the left platform when center platform and the left platform are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 11. The shelving system of claim 10 wherein the right side vertical panel of the right platform further includes a hole and the right side panel of the center platform further includes a hole, the holes of the right side vertical panel of the right platform and the right side panel of the center platform being in matching registry when the right and center platforms are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 12. The shelving system of claim 10, wherein the left side vertical panel of the left platform further includes a hole and the left side panel of the center platform further includes a hole, the holes of the left side vertical panel of the left platform and the left side panel of the center platform being in matching registry when the left and center platforms are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 13. The shelving system of claim 12 further including a grommet secured in the holes of the left side vertical panel of the left platform and the left side panel of the center platform when the left and center platforms are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 14. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the center platform is secured in place on the upper surface of the base by a tongue and groove connection.
  • 15. The shelving system of claim 14 wherein the right and left platforms are secured to the center platform with removable alignment rods.
  • 16. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the upper surface of the base includes a slot and the first horizontal panel of the center platform includes an outer surface, said outer surface includes a cleat that is received in the slot of the upper surface of the base to hold the center platform in position on the base.
  • 17. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform includes a hole.
  • 18. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the left horizontal panel of the left platform further includes a first horizontal surface that engages the upper surface of the base when the left platform is in a first upright position, the left horizontal panel of the left platform further including a second inclined surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the left platform is in its first upright position, the second inclined surface of the left platform providing a support in an inclined position when the left platform is in its first upright position,the center platform further includes a right side panel and a left side panel disposed on opposite sides of and normally connected to the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform, the first horizontal panel of the center platform engages the upper surface of the base and the vertical panel of the center platform is proximal to the back edge of the base and the second horizontal panel of the center platform provides a horizontal support surface spaced vertically above the base when the center support is in a first upright position, the right side panel of the center support being in juxtaposition with respect to the right side vertical panel of the right platform when center platform and the right platform are in their respective first upright positions, the left side panel of the center support being in juxtaposition with respect to the left side vertical panel of the left platform when center platform and the left platform are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 19. The shelving system of claim 18 wherein the right side vertical panel of the right platform further includes a hole and the right side panel of the center platform further includes a hole, the holes of the right side vertical panel of the right platform and the right side panel of the center platform being in matching registry when the right and center platforms are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 20. The shelving system of claim 18 wherein the left side vertical panel of the left platform further includes a hole and the left side panel of the center platform further includes a hole, the holes of the left side vertical panel of the left platform and the left side panel of the center platform being in matching registry when the left and center platforms are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 21. The shelving system of claim 20 further including a grommet secured in the holes of the left side vertical panel of the left platform and the left side panel of the center platform when the left and center platforms are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 22. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the right horizontal panel of the right platform further includes a first horizontal surface that engages the upper surface of the base when the right platform is in a first upright position, the right horizontal panel of the right platform further including a second inclined surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the right platform is in its first upright position, the second inclined surface of the right platform providing a support in an inclined position when the right platform is in its first upright position,the center platform further includes a right side panel and a left side panel disposed on opposite sides of and normally connected to the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform, the first horizontal panel of the center platform engages the upper surface of the base and the vertical panel of the center platform is proximal to the back edge of the base and the second horizontal panel of the center platform provides a horizontal support surface spaced vertically above the base when the center support is in a first upright position, the right side panel of the center support being in juxtaposition with respect to the right side vertical panel of the right platform when center platform and the right platform are in their respective first upright positions, the left side panel of the center support being in juxtaposition with respect to the left side vertical panel of the left platform when center platform and the left platform are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 23. The shelving system of claim 22 wherein the right side vertical panel of the right platform further includes a hole and the right side panel of the center platform further includes a hole, the holes of the right side vertical panel of the right platform and the right side panel of the center platform being in matching registry when the right and center platforms are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 24. The shelving system of claim 22 wherein the left side vertical panel of the left platform further includes a hole and the left side panel of the center platform further includes a hole, the holes of the left side vertical panel of the left platform and the left side panel of the center platform being in matching registry when the left and center platforms are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 25. The shelving system of claim 24 further including a grommet secured in the holes of the left side vertical panel of the left platform and the left side panel of the center platform when the left and center platforms are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 26. A shelving system for demonstrating audio visual components, the shelving system comprising:a base, a center platform, a right platform, and a left platform, the base comprising a flat surface for supporting the center, right and left platforms with the center platform being disposed between the right and left platforms, the base comprising a front edge and a back edge, the center platform comprising a first horizontal panel and a second horizontal panel, the first and second horizontal panels being connected by a vertical panel, the first horizontal panel of the center platform engages the upper surface of the base and the vertical panel of the center platform is proximal to the back edge of the base and the second horizontal panel of the center platform provides a horizontal support surface for a component spaced vertically above the base when the center support is in a first upright position, the second horizontal panel of the center platform engages the upper surface of the base and the vertical wall is proximal to the front edge of the base and the first horizontal panel of the center platform provides a horizontal support surface for a component spaced vertically above the base when the center support is in a second inverted position, the center platform further comprises a right side panel and a left side panel disposed on opposite sides of and normally connected to the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform, the right platform comprising a right horizontal panel, a right side vertical panel and an right end vertical panel, the right horizontal panel comprising a side edge connected normally to the right side vertical panel, the right horizontal panel further comprising an end connected normally to the right end vertical panel, the right side vertical panel and right end vertical panel being connected normally together, the right horizontal panel of the right platform further comprises a first horizontal surface that engages the upper surface of the base when the right platform is in a first upright position, the right horizontal panel of the right platform further comprising a second inclined surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the right platform is in its first upright position, the second inclined surface of the right platform supporting a component in an inclined position when the right platform is in its first upright position, the right side panel of the center support being in juxtaposition with respect to the right side vertical panel of the right platform when center platform and the right platform are in their respective first upright positions, the left platform comprising a left horizontal panel, a left side vertical panel and an left end vertical panel, the left horizontal panel comprising a side edge connected normally to the left side vertical panel, the left horizontal panel further comprising an end connected normally to the left end vertical panel, the left side vertical panel and left end vertical panel being connected normally together, the left horizontal panel of the left platform further comprises a first horizontal surface that engages the upper surface of the base when the left platform is in a first upright position, the left horizontal panel of the left platform further comprising a second inclined surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the left platform is in its first upright position, the second inclined surface of the left platform supporting a component in an inclined position when the left platform is in its first upright position, the left side panel of the center support being in juxtaposition with respect to the left side vertical panel of the left platform when center platform and the left platform are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 27. The shelving system of claim 26 wherein the center platform further comprises a shelf disposed horizontally and between the first and second horizontal panels when the center support is in the first upright position, the shelf providing support for a component disposed beneath the second horizontal panel and above the first horizontal panel of the center platform.
  • 28. The shelving system of claim 26 wherein the right side vertical panel of the right platform further comprises a hole for accommodating component wiring and the right side panel of the center platform further comprises a hole for accommodating component wiring, the holes of the right side vertical panel of the right platform and the right side panel of the center platform being in matching registry when the right and center platforms are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 29. The shelving system of claim 26 wherein the left side vertical panel of the left platform further comprises a hole for accommodating component wiring and the left side panel of the center platform further comprises a hole for accommodating component wiring, the holes of the left side vertical panel of the left platform and the left side panel of the center platform being in matching registry when the left and center platforms are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 30. The shelving system of claim 29 further comprising a grommet secured in the holes of the left side vertical panel of the left platform and the left side panel of the center platform when the left and center platforms are in their respective first upright positions.
  • 31. The shelving system of claim 26 wherein the center platform is secured in place on the upper surface of the base by a tongue and groove connection.
  • 32. The shelving system of claim 31 wherein the right and left platforms are secured to the center platform with removable alignment rods.
  • 33. The shelving system of claim 26 wherein the upper surface of the base comprises a slot and the first horizontal panel of the center platform comprises an outer surface, said outer surface comprises a cleat that is received in the slot of the upper surface of the base to hold the center platform in position on the base.
  • 34. The shelving system of claim 26 wherein at least one of the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform comprise a hole for accommodating component wiring.
  • 35. A shelving system comprising:a base, a right platform, and a left platform, the right and left platforms being spaced apart on the base with a gap disposed therebetween, the base including a flat surface for supporting the center, right and left platforms with the center platform being disposed between the right and left platforms, the right platform including a right horizontal panel, a right side vertical panel and a right end vertical panel, the right horizontal panel including a side edge connected normally to the right side vertical panel, the right horizontal panel further including an end connected normally to the right end vertical panel, the right side vertical panel and right end vertical panel being connected normally together, the horizontal panel of the right platform further including a first horizontal surface that engages the upper surface of the base when the right platform is in a first upright position and that further provides a horizontal support in a position spaced vertically above the base when the right platform is in a second inverted position, the horizontal panel of the right platform further including a second inclined surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the right platform is in its first upright position, the second inclined surface of the right platform providing a support in an inclined position when the right platform is in its first upright position, the left platform including a left horizontal panel, a left side vertical panel and a left end vertical panel, the left horizontal panel including a side edge connected normally to the left side vertical panel, the left horizontal panel further including an end connected normally to the left end vertical panel, the left side vertical panel and left end vertical panel being connected normally together.
  • 36. A shelving system comprising:a base, a right platform, and a left platform, the right and left platforms being spaced apart on the base with a gap disposed therebetween, the base including a flat surface for supporting the center, right and left platforms with the center platform being disposed between the right and left platforms, the right platform including a right horizontal panel, a right side vertical panel and a right end vertical panel, the right horizontal panel including a side edge connected normally to the right side vertical panel, the right horizontal panel further including an end connected normally to the right end vertical panel, the right side vertical panel and right end vertical panel being connected normally together, the left platform including a left horizontal panel, a left side vertical panel and a left end vertical panel, the left horizontal panel including a side edge connected normally to the left side vertical panel, the left horizontal panel further including an end connected normally to the left end vertical panel, the left side vertical panel and left end vertical panel being connected normally together, the horizontal panel of the left platform further including a first horizontal surface that engages the upper surface of the base when the left platform is in a first upright position and that further provides a horizontal support in a position spaced vertically above the base when the left platform is in a second inverted position, the horizontal panel of the left platform further including a second inclined surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the left platform is in its first upright position, the second inclined surface of the left platform providing a support in an inclined position when the left platform is in its first upright position.
  • 37. A shelving system comprising:a base, a center platform, a right platform, and a left platform, the base including a flat surface for supporting the center, right and left platforms with the center platform being disposed between the right and left platforms, the center platform including a first horizontal panel and a second horizontal panel, the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform being connected by a vertical panel, the right platform including a right horizontal panel, a right side vertical panel and a right end vertical panel, the right horizontal panel including a side edge connected normally to the right side vertical panel, the right horizontal panel further including an end connected normally to the right end vertical panel, the right side vertical panel and right end vertical panel being connected normally together, the right horizontal panel of the right platform further including a first horizontal surface that engages the upper surface of the base when the right platform is in a first upright position and that further provides a horizontal support in a position spaced vertically above the base when the right platform is in a second inverted position, the right horizontal panel of the right platform further including a second inclined surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the right platform is in its first upright position, the second inclined surface of the right platform providing a support in an inclined position when the right platform is in its first upright position, the left platform comprising a left horizontal panel, a left side vertical panel and a left end vertical panel, the left horizontal panel including a side edge connected normally to the left side vertical panel, the left horizontal panel further including an end connected normally to the left end vertical panel, the left side vertical panel and left end vertical panel being connected normally together.
  • 38. The shelving system of claim 37 wherein the left horizontal panel of the left platform further includes a first horizontal surface that engages the upper surface of the base when the left platform is in a first upright position and that further provides a horizontal support in a position spaced vertically above the base when the left platform is in a second inverted position,the left horizontal panel of the left platform further including a second inclined surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the left platform is in its first upright position, the second inclined surface of the left platform providing a support in an inclined position when the left platform is in its first upright position.
  • 39. The shelving system of claim 37 wherein the center platform further includes a right side panel and a left side panel disposed on opposite sides of and normally connected to the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform.
  • 40. The shelving system of claim 39 wherein the right side panel of the center platform includes a hole.
  • 41. The shelving system of claim 39 wherein the left side panel of the center platform includes a hole.
  • 42. The shelving system of claim 37 wherein the base includes a front edge and a back edge, andthe first horizontal panel of the center platform engages the upper surface of the base and the vertical panel of the center platform is proximal to the back edge of the base and the second horizontal panel of the center platform provides a horizontal support surface spaced vertically above the base when the center support is in a first upright position, and the second horizontal panel of the center platform engages the upper surface of the base and the vertical wall is proximal to the front edge of the base and the first horizontal panel of the center platform provides a horizontal support surface spaced vertically above the base when the center support is in a second inverted position.
  • 43. The shelving system of claim 37 wherein the center platform further includes a shelf disposed horizontally and between the first and second horizontal panels when the center support is in the first upright position, the shelf providing a support disposed beneath the second horizontal panel and above the first horizontal panel of the center platform.
  • 44. The shelving system of claim 37 wherein the right side vertical panel of the right platform includes a hole.
  • 45. The shelving system of claim 37 wherein the left side vertical panel of the left platform includes a hole.
  • 46. The shelving system of claim 37 wherein the center platform is secured in place on the upper surface of the base by a tongue and groove connection.
  • 47. The shelving system of claim 46 wherein the right and left platforms are secured to the center platform with removable alignment rods.
  • 48. The shelving system of claim 37 wherein the upper surface of the base includes a slot and the first horizontal panel of the center platform includes an outer surface, said outer surface includes a cleat that is received in the slot of the upper surface of the base to hold the center platform in position on the base.
  • 49. The shelving system of claim 37 wherein at least one of the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform comprise a hole.
  • 50. A shelving system comprising:a base, a center platform, a right platform, and a left platform, the base including a flat surface for supporting the center, right and left platforms with the center platform being disposed between the right and left platforms, the center platform including a first horizontal panel and a second horizontal panel, the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform being connected by a vertical panel, the right platform including a right horizontal panel, a right side vertical panel and a right end vertical panel, the right horizontal panel including a side edge connected normally to the right side vertical panel, the right horizontal panel further including an end connected normally to the right end vertical panel, the right side vertical panel and right end vertical panel being connected normally together, the left platform including a left horizontal panel, a left side vertical panel and a left end vertical panel, the left horizontal panel including a side edge connected normally to the left side vertical panel, the left horizontal panel further including an end connected normally to the left end vertical panel, the left side vertical panel and left end vertical panel being connected normally together, the left horizontal panel of the left platform further including a first horizontal surface that engages the upper surface of the base when the left platform is in a first upright position and that further provides a horizontal support in a position spaced vertically above the base when the left platform is in a second inverted position, the left horizontal panel of the left platform further including a second inclined surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the left platform is in its first upright position, the second inclined surface of the left platform providing a support in an inclined position when the left platform is in its first upright position.
  • 51. The shelving system of claim 50 wherein the right horizontal panel of the right platform further includes a first horizontal surface that engages the upper surface of the base when the right platform is in a first upright position and that further provides a horizontal support in a position spaced vertically above the base when the right platform is in a second inverted position,the right horizontal panel of the right platform further including a second inclined surface that faces away from the upper surface of the base when the right platform is in its first upright position, the second inclined surface of the right platform providing a support in an inclined position when the right platform is in its first upright position.
  • 52. The shelving system of claim 50 wherein the center platform further includes a right side panel and a left side panel disposed on opposite sides of and normally connected to the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform.
  • 53. The shelving system of claim 52 wherein the right side panel of the center platform includes a hole.
  • 54. The shelving system of claim 52 wherein the left side panel of the center platform includes a hole.
  • 55. The shelving system of claim 52 wherein the base includes a front edge and a back edge, andthe first horizontal panel of the center platform engages the upper surface of the base and the vertical panel of the center platform is proximal to the back edge of the base and the second horizontal panel of the center platform provides a horizontal support surface spaced vertically above the base when the center support is in a first upright position, and the second horizontal panel of the center platform engages the upper surface of the base and the vertical wall is proximal to the front edge of the base and the first horizontal panel of the center platform provides a horizontal support surface spaced vertically above the base when the center support is in a second inverted position.
  • 56. The shelving system of claim 50 wherein the center platform further includes a shelf disposed horizontally and between the first and second horizontal panels when the center support is in the first upright position, the shelf providing a support disposed beneath the second horizontal panel and above the first horizontal panel of the center platform.
  • 57. The shelving system of claim 50 wherein the right side vertical panel of the right platform includes a hole.
  • 58. The shelving system of claim 50 wherein the left side vertical panel of the left platform includes a hole.
  • 59. The shelving system of claim 50 wherein the center platform is secured in place on the upper surface of the base by a tongue and groove connection.
  • 60. The shelving system of claim 59 wherein the right and left platforms are secured to the center platform with removable alignment rods.
  • 61. The shelving system of claim 50 wherein the upper surface of the base includes a slot and the first horizontal panel of the center platform includes an outer surface, said outer surface includes a cleat that is received in the slot of the upper surface of the base to hold the center platform in position on the base.
  • 62. The shelving system of claim 50 wherein at least one of the first and second horizontal panels of the center platform comprise a hole.
US Referenced Citations (6)
Number Name Date Kind
687740 French Dec 1901 A
1739730 Orthwine Dec 1929 A
2725274 Stivale Nov 1955 A
4728158 D'Elia et al. Mar 1988 A
4807539 Del Castillo von Haucke Feb 1989 A
6086172 Lee Jul 2000 A