Patent ID: 6050657
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: A47B

Abstract:
A modular shelf system for storing and displaying variously sized items, comprising:a shelf module having first and second walls and an open front, the first wall presenting a resilient male attachment structure, and the second wall defining a resilient female receptacle;a first detachable sidewall having a first generally smooth side and a second side defining a resilient female receptacle configured for detachably coupling with the male attachment structure of the first wall;a second detachable sidewall having a first generally smooth side and a second side presenting a resilient male attachment structure configured for detachably coupling with the female receptacle of the second wall;wherein the male attachment structure of the shelf module includes an elongated member extending along the first wall and presenting a trapezoidal configuration;wherein the male attachment structure of the second detachable sidewall includes an elongated member extending along the first side and presenting a trapezoidal configuration;wherein the female receptacle of the shelf module includes an elongated member extending along the second wall and defining a channel configured to selectably receive the elongated member of the male attachment structure of the shelf module or the elongated member of the male attachment structure of the second sidewall;wherein the female receptacle of the first sidewall includes an elongated member extending along the second side and defining a channel configured to receive the elongated member of the male attachment structure of the shelf module;wherein the male attachment structure of the shelf module includes an annular flange extending longitudinally across the elongated member;wherein the male attachment structure of the second sidewall includes an annular flange extending longitudinally across the elongated member;wherein the female receptacle of the shelf module includes a rear surface defining an annular recess configured for selectably receiving the annular flange of the male attachment structure of the shelf module or the annular flange of the male attachment of the second sidewall; andwherein the female receptacle of the first sidewall includes a rear surface defining an annular recess configured for receiving the annular flange of the male attachment structure of the shelf module, whereby to enhance the coupling between any male attachment structures and female receptacles.