Patent ID: 8950602
Filing Date: 2015-02-10
Classification: A47B,A47F,F21V,F21W

Abstract:
1. A shelving system having a variable planform, the shelving system comprising variable planform shelves, each variable planform shelf having a variable planform and each variable planform shelf comprising: (a) a first frame providing a first part of a variable support platform; (b) a second frame providing a second part of the variable support platform, relative positioning of the first and second frames being variable so as to vary the planform of the variable support platform; (c) a third frame providing a third part of the variable support platform, the third frame being disposed between the first and second frames, relative positioning between the third frame and each of the first and second frames being variable to vary the planform of the variable support platform, wherein the third frame is slidingly coupled with each of the first and second frames, wherein relative orientation of the first and third frames is variable to vary the shape of the planform of the variable support platform, wherein relative orientation of the second and third frames is variable to vary the shape of the planform of the variable support platform, wherein each of the first and second frames has a slot that receives a portion of the third frame; and (d) a support surface assembly that is supported by the variable support platform and provides a support surface for items supported by the shelf, the support surface assembly being at least one of flexible or comprised of a plurality of linked panels so that the support surface provided is capable of varying in response to variation in the planform of the variable support platform, wherein each of the first, second, and third frames has an upper surface that interfaces with the support surface assembly; the upper surfaces of the first, second, and third frames being coplanar; wherein the shelving system further comprises: (A) a first variable planform shelf; (B) a second variable planform shelf, the second variable planform shelf being elevated above the first variable planform shelf; (C) at least one first support column supporting the first frames of the first and second variable planform shelves; and (D) at least one second support column supporting the second frames of the first and second variable planform shelves; (E) a base including: (F) a kick plate assembly attached to the base, the kick plate assembly including: