Abstract:
The present invention involves shelving for installation into inside corners, outside corners, curved surfaces, and a variety of other surface configurations. Rather than employing a cantilever style shelf, the present invention uses corner geometry such that the moment around fastening points is more efficiently supported. Therefore, adhesives, which are not sufficiently strong to support cantilever style shelves, may be effectively utilized. Further, a novel “peel-in-place” installation system is disclosed. With this system, a shelf may be adhered to surfaces while it is already placed in the desired position. Thus, the peel-in-place system reduces the possibility of erroneous installation.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to shelving, and more specifically, to an improved corner shelf that is easily mounted on and removed from both inside and outside corners. These corners are generally created, but are not limited to, circumstances where two walls meet, a wall and a roof meet, and a wall and a ceiling meet.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Shelves have been mounted on walls for many years. These wall mounted shelves have been supported by a variety of mechanisms ranging from mechanical fasteners to suction cups to stacks of bricks. Usually, however, when the shelves are supported, they carry a moment relative to the wail surface. Supporting the moment with a cantilever configuration is generally impractical, so vertical supports such as L-brackets, vertical mounting bars, or hanging cables are used.  
         [0003]     However, the present invention provides a novel method of supporting a moment. Specifically, installing a shelf in an inside or on an outside corner provides means to transfer a moment such that it is more efficiently supported. For instance, the moment around the fastening point on one wall can be carried by the shelf to the other wall. Because of the distance between the fastening point and the opposing wall, as well as the leverage that is created, substantially less force is necessary to carry the moment. Thus, the load capacity of the shelf can be greatly increased. Therefore, vertical supports may no longer be necessary to support the moment, thereby allowing for more low-profile mounting systems for corner shelves (i.e., less area above or below the shelf is utilized for support structure).  
         [0004]     In addition to its ability to support the moment, a proper shelf should be installed level to prevent articles from sliding and falling. This can be more difficult than it sounds, especially to those unskilled in construction, carpentry, and related arts.  
         [0005]     Conventionally, the first step of installing a shelf in a corner is placing a separate leveling device on a shelf to find a level position. Once correctly oriented, marks are sketched on the wall. With help from these marks, the installer installs shelf supports (e.g., standards). If the shelving is intended to support heavier loads, the standards must be screwed into studs. Thus, the studs within the walls must be found, which can require time and expensive equipment. Next, the shelves are installed onto the standards. Such a mounting process results in a level shelf when performed by a skilled artisan.  
         [0006]     Some shelving systems utilize adhesives instead of hardware which penetrates a walls surface. Similar planning and effort is necessary to install a shelf in this manner. For instance, the adhesive backing must be removed and applied (on the first try) to the wall such that the shelf is level. Thus, only a single opportunity is provided to properly mount the shelf. As with hardware, the mounting procedure must be carefully planned, However, the present invention, which is an easily installable and shelving structure, provides systems that can efficiently support a moment without penetrating the surfaces to which it is secured. Even though the art is devoid of such a device, to fully understand the present invention in its proper context, reference is made to the following U.S. Patents:  
         [0007]     Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,815, discloses a corner shelf assembly for mounting to a 90° corner. The assembly includes an L-shaped bracket with a lip on the two distal ends of the bracket. Thus, when the bracket is placed snugly into the corner, the lips protrude as flat vertically-oriented members. The shelf of the &#39;815 patent is designed to fit into a corner and slide onto the bracket. Grooves are built into the shelf such that the shelf may be slid onto the bracket and be supported by the lips of the bracket. The present invention, however, provides a shelf structure that does not penetrate surfaces and is easily removable from a corner.  
         [0008]     Moshofsky, U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,434, teaches a freestanding shelf assembly with adjustable shelves. A freestanding structure shaped as a rectangular parallelepiped is provided. The structure includes horizontal slots located adjacent to each of its corners. Shelves having tangs that cooperate with the slots are also provided. Thus, the tangs of a shelf can be slid into the slots such that the shelf secures itself around the corners of the freestanding structure. Because the slots are located over the entire freestanding structure, the shelves can be placed in a variety of locations. Therefore, unique configurations of shelves can be provided to adapt for specific needs. The present invention, on the other hand, utilizes corners for support, rather than a dedicated support structure, while providing easily mountable and removable corner shelving.  
         [0009]     Slade, U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,575, discloses a support apparatus that forms a corner shelf. The support apparatus comprises two support members with spikes. Each of these members is driven into each of the walls that form the corner. A shelf member comprises slots that cooperate with the support members. Thus, the shelf member is slid onto support members to complete installation. The instant invention, however, does not utilize spikes or any other devices that penetrate the surface to which they attach.  
         [0010]     Waluda, U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,805, teaches a corner shelf assembly comprising a left support member, a right support member, and a base plate. The left and right support members attach to one another and are affixed to a corner via conventional hardware which penetrates a walls surface. Subsequently, the base plate may be installed in between the left and right support members. Each of the support members comprises protruding tongues that are accepted by openings in the base member. The shelf system is collapsible such that it is easily stored. The instant invention, however, advances by providing a corner shelf with removable mounting means that do not penetrate a surface.  
         [0011]     Dente, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,654, is pointed to a removable corner shelf that attaches itself to a wall via two piercing members. The piercing members are controlled mechanically by a central member. By moving the central member, the piercing members penetrate the walls forming the corner. Thus, the shelf is securely installed into the corner. By returning the central member to its original position, the piercing members are removed. Consequently, the shelf too can be removed. The present invention, however, is designed not to penetrate surfaces, and further is capable of attaching to hard surfaces such as tile, which is not possible with the apparatus of the &#39;654 patent. The &#39;654 patent punctures surfaces and does not attach to hard surface because they cannot be easily punctured.  
         [0012]     Wang, U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,128, teaches a triangularly shaped corner shelf device. The device secures itself into a corner via suction cups and piercing members. A mechanical means is used to force the piercing members into the wall, thereby securing the shelf. The present invention, in contrast, provides a shelf that can secure itself without puncturing and damaging any surfaces.  
         [0013]     Thus, there is a clear need in the art for a corner shelf that proper transfers a moment for optimal support and does not penetrate the surfaces to which it is secured.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     The present invention relates to a corner shelf that is inexpensive and easily mounted to and removed from a surface without marring or otherwise damaging that surface.  
         [0015]     The corner shelf of the present invention, in its preferred embodiment, comprises at least one shelf structure for supporting articles. The shelf structure is attached to the walls via removable adhesives such that the shelf can be easily installed and removed. Preferably, the adhesives will be relatively small in comparison with the shelf structure such that they do not protrude up or down. Further, the present invention can also be used to support a wall-length shelf by providing corner shelves in adjacent corners that can support an elongate member. Moreover, the corner shelf of the present invention can compensate for variations in corner geometry by using adhesives of varying thickness and various types of hinges and joints.  
         [0016]     Preferably, the present invention utilizes 3M® Command® removable adhesive. This removable adhesive is described in Kreckel et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,516,581, 5,672,402, and 5,989,708, all of which are assigned to the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, Minn., and all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Other types of adhesive means are possible, however, and have been contemplated. For example, the clamping means described in the inventor&#39;s co-pending application Ser. No. 10/142,738, filed May 9, 2002, and entitled “Corner Climber,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, can be made appropriate for use with the present invention.  
         [0017]     The 3M® Command® adhesive is an easily removable, pressure-sensitive adhesive tape comprising a stretchable backing with little elastic memory. The tape firmly bonds to substrates and is easily removed. To remove the tape, it is simply stretched closely parallel (i.e., less than about 35°) to the substrate&#39;s surface.  
         [0018]     Preferably, the backing of 3M® Command® adhesive has a modulus of elasticity between 34 MPa and 207 Mpa, a high tensile strength, a breaking point at a lengthwise elongation of at least 150%, and less than about 50% elastic recovery. Additionally, the fracture strength of the backing must be high enough to prevent the backing from rupturing prior to the tape&#39;s removal.  
         [0019]     As stated previously, the 3M® Command® adhesive tape can be removed by stretching the tape in a direction up to 35° from the substrate&#39;s surface. The tape is preferably stretched about 10° from the surface. After removal, the adhesive tape leaves no residue and does not damage the substrate&#39;s surface.  
         [0020]     Removable attachment means, such as 3M® Command® removable adhesive, are widely available and inexpensive, which allows the present invention to be a low-cost corner shelf system. However, as previously stated, the present invention is not limited to use with the 3M® Command® adhesive. Other such adhesives, which exist presently or will be available in the future, may be used in accordance with the present invention. Thus, the corner shelves of the present invention are not limited to a specific attachment means.  
         [0021]     Additionally, the present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for installing a corner shelf with adhesives. Traditionally, a protective backing covers adhesives to prevent the premature exposure of the adhesive material. However, once the adhesive is exposed, the user has just one opportunity to properly place the adhesive to a surface. Thus, installation of a corner shelf requires perfect placement in terms of levelness and position on the initial attempt. Matters are further complicated if the adhesive is permanent, or “single-use.” The present invention remedies these problems by providing a “peel-in-place” application system. This system allows a corner shelf to be placed as desired first. After the shelf has been correctly placed, the material protecting the adhesive may be removed. Therefore, the adhesive is exposed and adhered to the wall after the shelf has already been correctly positioned.  
         [0022]     Therefore, the present invention provides a shelf design that is able to support heavy weight without permanently marking surfaces. The present invention also provides for a shelf that is easily installed and removed. Importantly, the shelves disclosed herein may be adhered after they have been correctly positioned. Thus, those with virtually no skill in any relevant art can adeptly install shelves. Another advantage is that no vertical supports are necessary, allowing for low profile construction.  
         [0023]     The foregoing “peel-in-place” application system is realized with a folded backing design from which a pull tab protrudes from the adhesive material. When the pull tab is pulled, the adhesive the backing is removed, and the adhesive is exposed to the wall. Consequently, the shelf is adhered to the wall while already in position. Moreover, the pull-in-place system of the present invention does not prevent the backing from being removed prior to positioning, but does give an installer the previously unavailable option of positioning first and exposing adhesive second.  
         [0024]     Thus, generally disclosed herein are several low-profile corner shelf configurations. The invention can be installed in inside or on outside corners in addition to a variety of other surfaces. Such surfaces include, but are not limited to, ceiling-to-wall corners, wall-to-roof corners, curved surfaces (both concave and convex), disjoint surfaces, etc. Additionally, the present invention benefits from increased usable shelf space, low profile construction, cost efficiency, non-marring and easily removable attaching means, and simple installation.  
         [0025]     Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a space efficient corner shelf.  
         [0026]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cost efficient corner shelf.  
         [0027]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a corner shelf utilizing removable adhesive.  
         [0028]     Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a corner shelf that does not mar the surface to which it is installed.  
         [0029]     Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an easily removable corner shelf.  
         [0030]     It is another object of the present invention to provide an easily mountable corner shelf.  
         [0031]     It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a corner shelf that utilizes a peel-in-place system.  
         [0032]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a corner shelf for use on outside corners.  
         [0033]     Also, it is an object of the present invention to provide a corner shelf for use in inside corners.  
         [0034]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide shelving that utilizes at least two corner shelves that support at least one elongate member therebetween.  
         [0035]     It is another object of the present invention to provide a corner shelf that compensates for irregularities in corner geometry.  
         [0036]     Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a corner shelf that compensates for movements of surfaces.  
         [0037]     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a corner shelf that utilizes widely available adhesives.  
         [0038]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a corner shelf that is easily mass produced.  
         [0039]     It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a corner shelf that is either symmetrical or asymmetrical.  
         [0040]     Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide an inside corner shelf that can be converted to an outside corner shelf.  
         [0041]     These and other objects will become readily apparent to one skilled in the art upon review of the following description, figures, and claims.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0042]     A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to a preferred embodiment set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary of systems for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention.  
         [0043]     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following drawings in which:  
         [0044]      FIG. 1  ( FIG. 1 ) depicts a perspective view of the simplest embodiment of the corner shelf in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0045]      FIG. 2  ( FIG. 2 ) depicts the preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein an angle bracket is used to compensate for variations in corner geometry;  
         [0046]      FIG. 3  ( FIG. 3 ) depicts a plan view of a corner shelf in accordance with the present invention utilizing an angle bracket to compensate for variations in corner geometry;  
         [0047]      FIG. 4  ( FIG. 4 ) is a perspective view of a corner shelf in accordance with the present invention utilizing living hinges;  
         [0048]      FIG. 5A  ( FIG. 5A ) is a plan view of a corner shelf in accordance with the present invention utilizing living hinges;  
         [0049]      FIG. 5B  ( FIG. 5B ) is a perspective view of a corner shelf in accordance with the present invention utilizing living hinges to accommodate wall angle variations;  
         [0050]      FIGS. 6A-6G  ( FIGS. 6A-6G ) are plan views of several contemplated shapes of an inside corner shelf in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0051]      FIGS. 7A-7E  ( FIGS. 7A-7E ) are plan views of several contemplated shapes of an asymmetrical inside corner shelf in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0052]      FIG. 8  ( FIG. 8 ) is a plan view of an outside corner shelf in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0053]      FIG. 9  ( FIG. 9 ) is a plan view of an outside corner shelf in accordance with the present invention for supporting a vase or similar objects with substantially circular cross-sections;  
         [0054]      FIGS. 10A-10D  ( FIGS. 10A-10D ) are plan views of several contemplated shapes of an outside corner shelf in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0055]      FIGS. 11A-11D  ( FIGS. 11A-11D ) are plan views of several contemplated shapes of an asymmetrical outside corner shelf in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0056]      FIG. 12A  ( FIG. 12A ) depicts the peel-in-place system (before installation) suitable for use with any embodiment of the present invention using an adhesive; and  
         [0057]      FIG. 12B  ( FIG. 12B ) depicts the peel-in-place system (during installation) suitable for use with any embodiment of the present invention using an adhesive.  
         [0058]      FIG. 13A  ( FIG. 13A ) depicts an outside corner shelf utilizing a load line.  
         [0059]      FIG. 13B  ( FIG. 13B ) depicts an inside corner shelf utilizing a load line. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0060]     As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems, and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the present invention. The following presents a detailed description of a preferred embodiment (as well as some alternative embodiments) of the present invention and features thereof.  
         [0061]     Corner shelves can be mounted on inside or outside corners in addition to a variety of other configurations. In any case, corners may not form exact 90° angles. Also, shelves must accommodate typical variations in wall alignment. In addition, the walls may move or flex, either slowly (e.g., seasonally) or quickly (e.g., when a door slams). Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention have been designed to account for such issues while providing an easily installable and removable shelf system. Although the following discussion recites the use of adhesives, other fastening means may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0062]      FIG. 1  shows shelf  100  of the present invention. Shelf  100  is installed in the inside corner of walls  101 . The shelf comprises shelf structure  104  and adhesive pads  102  and  103 .  
         [0063]      FIG. 2  illustrates a simple means of accommodating variations in corner geometry in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Here, the left edge  201  of shelf structure  202  is mounted to wall  212  with adhesive pad  211 . Right edge  203  of shelf structure  202  engages angle bracket  204 , which is mounted to wall  213  with adhesive pad  205 . Preferably, 3M® Command® adhesive is used for adhesive pad  211  and  205 , although other adhesives may be used. Right edge  203  of the shelf can slide in angle bracket in the left and right directions (indicated by arrow  206 ) such that variations in the wall angles can be accommodated. By utilizing compressible adhesive pads or two adhesive strips per side (not shown), unevenness of wall  212  and  213  can also be accommodated. Specifically, the thickness and flexibility of the adhesive strips allow them to conform to variations in the surfaces of walls  212  and  213 . Release tabs  207  and  208  of the adhesive pads  211  and  205  assist in the removal of adhesive pads  211  and  205  (when removable 3M® Command® adhesives are used) respectively. As discussed supra, 3M® Command® adhesives may be removed by stretching via release tabs  207  and  208  at no more than 35°, preferably about 10°, relative to the wall. Further, release tabs  207  and  208  may be covered with covers  209  and  210 , respectively. Covers  209  and  210  may prevent dirt and other contaminants from accumulating on the adhesive and/or improve aesthetics.  
         [0064]      FIG. 3  shows a top view of corner shelf  300  of the present invention utilizing the accommodation means of  FIG. 2 . As in  FIG. 2 , shelf structure  202 , left edge  201 , right edge  203 , and angle bracket  204  are shown.  
         [0065]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of corner shelf  400  of the present invention. Included are shelf structure  401  and living hinges  402  and  403  (which are described more completely infra in reference to FIGS.  5 A-B).  
         [0066]     FIGS.  5 A-B show top and perspective views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of corner shelf  500  of the present invention. In this embodiment, shelf structure  501  is molded flat (except for any stiffening ribs or other features such as railings and bottle holders which are not shown, but can be included). Adhesive member  506  is attached to shelf structure  501  via flexible material  503 . Flexible material  503  allows adhesive member  506  to be bent either up or down along hinge lines  502  with respect to shelf structure  501 . Therefore, flexible material forms a living hinge along hinge lines  502 .  FIG. 5B  shows adhesive member  506  bent downward. Allowing adhesive member  506  to be bent either up or down adds versatility to shelf  500 . For instance, it may be desirable to have clearance along the wall under the shelf as opposed above, or vice-versa. Thus, shelf  500  can be easily adapted for either situation. Furthermore, variations in wall angle are accommodated by the flex of material  503  between hinge lines  502 .  FIG. 5B  indicates how material  503  may accommodate a wall that is not parallel to left edge  504 . The use of such flexible material to provide living hinges may be used on both left and right edges  504  and  505 . In the event that front edge  508  is straight (not shown here), front edge  508  may incorporate these bending features for decoration and/or stabilization (i.e., the edge may be bent perpendicular to the surface of shelf  500  to prevent bending under a load). Optionally, tabs  510  may be included to provide flexibility for accommodating irregular surfaces. Also, tabs  510  may allow shelf  500  to be installed without interfering with a structure such as a fixture. Moreover, tables  510  may assist determining the proper location for adhesive strips.  
         [0067]      FIGS. 6A-6G  show several possible shelf shapes for inside corner shelves. A square configuration ( FIG. 6A ), comprising edges  601 ,  603 ,  604 , and  609 , is simple, but protrudes relatively far from the corner. This may not be suitable for tight confines such as showers. Also, the square configuration may not be desirable for areas that are accident prone such as children&#39;s rooms. However, a square shaped shelf provides more shelf area than some other embodiments. Alternatively, boomerang shaped shelves may be constructed. A boomerang shape ( FIG. 6B ) comprises edges  603  and  604 . The boomerang shape may be completed by curved edge  607  which may vary in shape depending on the desired shelf area. Additionally, two straight edges  605  and  606  ( FIG. 6C ) may be used to complete the boomerang shape. Moreover, a single straight edge  610  ( FIG. 6D ) may be used to provide a wedge shape. A curved wedge shape may also be completed by curved edge  611  ( FIG. 6E ) which may vary in curvature. Although depicted as symmetric, the corner shelf of the present invention may be configured in an asymmetrical fashion. The boomerang/wedge shapes, which can appear in a variety of shapes and sizes, are better suited for tight spaces because they lack a protruding corner. Further, a rounded design may also be desirable. This provides additional area without the potentially dangerous corners of a square shape. Such a design may comprise edges  603 ,  604 , and  613  ( FIG. 6F ) Also, any of these shapes may comprise rounded inner corner  614  ( FIG. 6G ). The shelves of the present invention are not limited to the shapes disclosed for exemplary purposes in  FIG. 6A-6G . A variety of other shapes can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.  
         [0068]      FIGS. 7A-7E  show some of the possible asymmetrical shapes of corner shelves of the present invention. Each of these shapes comprises edges  701  and  702 . The shapes may be completed to form an approximately rectangular shape with either of edges  704  ( FIG. 7A ) or  705  ( FIG. 7B ). An asymmetrical wedge shape may be provided by using edge  703  ( FIG. 7C ). A more rounded configuration is provided by completing the shape with edge  707  ( FIG. 7D ). Furthermore, any of these shapes may comprise rounded inner corner  708  ( FIG. 7E ). The asymmetric shelves of the present invention are not limited to the shapes disclosed for exemplary purposes in  FIG. 7 . A variety of other shapes can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0069]     Previously described shelves of the present invention have been designed for use with inside corners. However, the shelves of the present invention may also be installed on outside corners. One such embodiment of an outside corner shelf is depicted in  FIG. 8 . Here outside corner shelf  800  is secured against the outside corner formed by walls  801 . All of the features (disclosed supra) used to adhere corner shelves to walls may be used for outside corner embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, features used to compensate for variations in wall geometry may also be used for the outside corner embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0070]     Additionally, an inside corner shelf can made adaptable for outside corners. One possibility is to add to the inside corner shelf such that it can fit around an outside corner. For example, still referring to  FIG. 8 , assume that section  802  is an inside corner shelf. By attaching an additional piece or pieces, represented by the combination of sections  803  and  804 , outside corner shelf  800  is created. Alternatively, the section  803  may be an inside corner shelf, and sections  802  and  804  are added to it to create outside corner shelf  800 . Likewise, section  804  may be an inside corner shelf, and an additional piece or pieces, represented by the combination of sections  802  and  803 , create outside corner shelf  800 . Furthermore, sections  802 ,  803 , and  804  may be three inside corner shelves designed to combine into outside corner shelve  800 . The various sections may be combined with snap-in techniques, screws, removable or permanent adhesives, grooves, bolts, clamps, or any other techniques known in the art.  
         [0071]     Shelves constructed for outside corners can be specified for various applications.  FIG. 9  shows outside corner shelf  900  intended for holding substantially round objects such as lighting fixtures, candles, vases, flower pots, etc. Outside corner shelf  900  comprises outside corner bracket  901  and shelf structure  902 . Outside corner bracket  901  may be adhered to walls  903  by any technique disclosed herein. Outside corner shelf  900  protrudes far from the outside corner formed by walls  903 . In case an outside corner shelf is desired in a location where many objects pass, a less protrusive design may be implemented.  
         [0072]      FIGS. 10A-10D  depict various less protrusive outside corner shelf shapes that the present invention may take. All the shapes comprise edges  1001  and  1002 . More rectangular shapes are created by adding edges  1003  and  1004  in conjunction with either of edges  1005  ( FIG. 10A ) or  1006  ( FIG. 10B ). A more rounded shape is created with curved edges  1008  and  1009  ( FIG. 10C ). A skewed shape can be created with edges  1010  and  1011  ( FIG. 10D ).  
         [0073]     An outside corner shelf may also be constructed asymmetrically.  FIGS. 11A-11D  show possible shapes of an asymmetric outside corner shelf. Each of these shapes comprises edges  1101 ,  1102  and  1109 . Rectangular shapes are completed with either edges  1103  and  1104  ( FIG. 11A ) or edges  1105 ,  1106 , and  1113  ( FIG. 11B ). A skewed shape may be completed with edges  1108  and  1110  ( FIG. 11C ). A more rounded shape is completed, with curved edges  1111  ( FIG. 11D ).  
         [0074]     As previously discussed, mounting a corner shelf with adhesives may prove difficult. Furthermore, the use of semi-permanent and permanent adhesives can lead to irreversible errors. Therefore, a “peel-in-place” system has been invented to assist with the installation of corner shelves. FIGS.  12 A-B show the preferred embodiment of the peel-in-place system of the present invention. In  FIG. 12A , member  1202 , which may be an edge of a corner shelf, will be adhered to wall  1201 . Adhesive material  1203  is located between wall  1201  and member  1202 . Thin strip  1204 , preferably made out of plastic, covers the adhesive surface of adhesive material  1203 . Also, thin strip  1204  is folded over such that it exposes pull tab  1205 . By pulling on pull tab  1205 , thin strip  1204  is removed from adhesive material  1203 . Thus, member  1202  can be positioned against wall  1201  before pulling on pull tab  1205  to expose adhesive material  1203 . Once the desired position is obtained, pull tab  1205  may be pulled to begin exposing the adhesive surface of adhesive material  1203 . Consequently, the adhesive is exposed while member  1202  is “in place” to ease and provide better control over installation.  
         [0075]     By partially peeling the thin strip  1204  as shown in  FIG. 12B , member  1202  may be held in place without full exposure of the adhesive. At this time, the position may be checked, and if necessary, the member  1202  may be repositioned before completely exposing the adhesive surface of adhesive material  1203 . Therefore, once the member  1202  is correctly positioned (while being stabilized by partial exposure of adhesive) , member  1202  is securely mounted by further pulling the pull tab  1205  to completely expose the surface of adhesive material  1203 .  
         [0076]     In the case that permanent, or semi permanent, adhesion is desired, adhesive material  1203  may be constructed with permanent, or semi permanent, adhesive. In this situation, the peel-in-place system described is especially useful because the user cannot remove and reposition the shelf. The shelf must be installed correctly the first time, which is a task that is significantly simplified by the peel-in-place system.  
         [0077]     If preferred, thin strip  1204  may still be entirely removed before installation. Thus, the peel-in-place mounting procedure is available without sacrificing the option of fully removing thin strip  1204  before installation.  
         [0078]     In case that 3M® Command® adhesive is used as adhesive material  1203 , release tab  1206  may be provided to assist with removal of adhesive material  1203  and thus, removal of member  1202  from wall  1201 . Stretching release tab  1206  downward substantially parallel to wall  1201 , i.e., less than about 35° to wall  1201 , preferably 10°, causes adhesive material  1203  to release. This process is described in more detail in Kreckel et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,516,581, 5,672,402, and 5,989,708.  
         [0079]     In addition to inside and outside corners, the concepts disclosed in this application can be applied to curved surfaces such as columns, as well as disjoint surfaces. Similarly, the concepts can be used for wall-to-ceiling, wall-to-floor, wall-to-roof, interfaces in addition to anywhere else surfaces are available. Furthermore, adhesive need not be used for the present invention. Corner clamps as disclosed in Applicants&#39; “Corner Climber” application, may also be used to secure the present invention into corners. Moreover, the corners shelves of the present invention need not be used for resting objects. For instance, mounting inside corner shelves in the wall-to-ceiling interface provides a point of attachment (e.g., a bracket) for hanging shelves or light fixtures. These alternate embodiments allow for many applications without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0080]     In an alternative embodiment, corner shelves of the present invention can use a load line for support. Outside corner shelf  1301  utilizing load line  1302  is depicted in  FIG. 13A . Here, load line  1302  is attached to surface  1303  while no attachment to surface  1304  is provided. When a load is placed on outside corner shelf  1301 , it will tend to rotate downward in the clockwise direction. Because of the tilted design of load line  1302 , outside corner shelf  1301  would tend to rotate against surface  1304 . However, that tendency toward rotation is countered by surface  1304 , which prevents rotation and assists in supporting the load. Significantly, mostly shear force (and little tensile force) is placed on the attachment between load line  1302  and surface  1303 . Thus, this configuration is especially useful when using adhering materials that provide high shear strength relative to their tensile strength.  
         [0081]     Alternatively,  FIG. 13B  depicts inside corner shelf  1305  utilizing load line  1306 . Angled load line  1306  is adhered along surface  1307 . When a load is applied to inside corner shelf  1306 , it tends to rotate downward in the clockwise direction. Once again, the tilted design of load line  1306  causes inside corner shelf  1306  to rotate into surface  1308 . Consequently, surface  1308  prevents rotation and facilitates support of the load. Like outside corner shelf  1301 , inside corner shelf  1305  is advantageously implemented with adhering materials having relatively high shear strength.  
         [0082]     While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred embodiments, which embodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention.