Nestable unitized shelving system

A shelving system having a first series of nestable shelving units and a second series of nestable shelving units. All units in the first series are nestable one within the other and all units in the second series are nestable one within the other. When both unitized series are fully nested, the second series nests within the first series in an orthogonal relationship. The sides of all units are designed so that a plurality of predetermined heights corresponding to the heights of different units can be achieved by the unitized shelving system when assembled.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to shelving systems and in particular to shelving 
systems that have independent units. 
2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
Prior to filing for this application, the inventor effectuated a search of 
available prior art and uncovered the following patents: 
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Szabady (Austrian) 41,098 Oct. 1, 1909 
Dismuke 3,316,862 May 2, 1967 
Tisdall et al 3,368,856 Feb. 13, 1968 
Marcolongo 3,552,817 Jan. 5, 1971 
Bucholz 3,695,190 Oct. 3, 1972 
Pangburn et al 3,754,805 Aug. 28, 1973 
Moretini Des. 232,893 Sept. 24, 1974 
Horney Des. 236,411 Aug. 26, 1975 
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The 1971 patent to Marcolongo sets forth a unitized interlocking storage 
cabinet as best shown by reference to FIG. 5. Marcolongo discloses a 
plurality of units (1A-1G) which stack to interconnect as shown in FIG. 5. 
Each separate unit is a prismatic box having an open front and rear of 
rectangular configuration. The height of each rectangular configuration 
represents a unit size and the width is a multiple of that size. Thus, for 
example, by reference to FIG. 5, the width of unit 1A is 1/3 of its 
length. Or, unit 10 has a width which is 1/2 of its length. Due to this 
arrangement, the units can be interlocked into varying configurations. The 
1973 patent issued to Pangburn et al sets forth a funeral urn storage 
system. It is comprised of a plurality of rectangular storage member 12 
having an open front. 
The most pertinent prior patent however appears to be the Austrian Patent 
issued in 1909 which relates to a nestable table arrangement consisting of 
four tables and two stools. The Austrian approach, however, relates to a 
table set wherein the individual tables can be pushed together into a 
nestable relationship. The four tables are of the same height. The 
remaining patents discovered in the search relate to the field of the 
invention but are not as close to the present invention as those already 
discussed. 
However, when viewing the Austrian patent and all of the above prior art, 
either individually or taken together, it became apparent that the present 
invention was novel over these existing prior art approaches. 
Specifically, the present invention was designed after much 
experimentation and analysis to arrive at certain relationships occurring 
between the various units. None of the above prior art approaches suggest 
any such relationships nor do they discuss or suggest separate shelving 
units of differing heights and widths which may be conveniently rearranged 
at any time by the user without the aid of tools or the like and which can 
be quickly and conveniently nested for transportation to another area. 
Hence, the shelving units of the present invention can accomodate a wide 
range of items including different sized books, stereo equipment, record 
albums, plants, and art objects and can be set up and used in different 
sized environmental surroundings. Yet, to facilitate ease and moving and 
storage, the novel system of the present invention nests quickly within 
the largest unit. 
OBJECTS 
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and novel 
unitized shelving system. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and novel 
unitized shelving system which is completely nestable for storage or 
transportation. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and novel 
unitized shelving system that contains independent stackable units. 
Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the present invention will 
become more apparent as the description proceeds, taken in conjunction 
with the accompanying drawing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
A nestable shelving system comprising a plurality of rectangular units 
wherein each of the units has sidewalls of predetermined thicknesses. A 
first series of shelving units is utilized wherein each unit of the first 
series varies in height from the next taller unit by a predetermined 
amount and where each unit also varies in width from the next wider unit 
by the same predetermined amount. The predetermined amount being equal to 
at least twice the wall thickness. A second series of units is also 
utilized wherein each unit in the second series varies in height from the 
next taller unit by the predetermined amount and wherein each unit varies 
in width from the next wider unit by the same predetermined amount. The 
widths of each unit in the second series correspond to the width of each 
unit in the first series. The largest unit of the second series is 
designed to contain all of the smaller units of the second series and is 
further designed to engage the interior of the smallest unit of the first 
series in an orthogonal relationship so that the openings of the first 
units are orthogonal to the openings of the second units when nested. The 
units in the first series and in the second series are further designed 
according to certain primary congruency relationships in order to provide 
the stacking of the units to form, for example, a book shelf unit of 
differing predetermined sizes wherein the predetermined sizes correspond 
to the height of the units in the first series. 
DETAILED SPECIFICATION 
In FIG. 1, is shown the unitized shelving system 10 of the present 
invention in the nested arrangement. The system 10 includes a first series 
of shelving units 20 (hereinafter termed "Series One Units") and a second 
series of shelving units 30 (hereinafter termed "Series Two Units") 
wherein the second series 30 is inserted orthogonally to the first series. 
As shown in FIG. 1, this nestable system can be easily transported or 
stored. 
FIG. 2 sets forth the insertion of the Series One and Series Two Units into 
the nesting relationship as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, the Series One 
Units, in the preferred embodiment, are composed of three units designated 
A1, B1, and C1. The Series Two units contain five units: an A2 unit, two 
B2 units and two C2 units. Nestable shelves 15 are also provided. 
The Series One units 20 are designed so that unit C1 nests completely 
within unit B2 and unit B2 nests completely in unit A1 to obtain the 
configuration as shown in FIG. 1 for Series One 20. Furthermore, Series 
Two units are designed so that each unit C2 nests completely within each 
unit B2 and the stack of units containing unit B2 and C2 nests completely 
within the single unit A2. The complete Series Two units thereupon can be 
inserted to nest substantially within and orthogonal to unit C1 of Series 
One. All shelves 15 are fully insertable. 
The system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 does not require the use of any mounting 
or dismounting apparatus or the use of any tools. Hence, the unitized 
shelving system of the present invention can be quickly and rapidly 
assembled and disassembled for transportation or storage. 
FIG. 3 sets forth the side-by-side relationships for all the units in the 
preferred embodiment of the present invention. At the outset, it is noted 
that the height (Y-axis) of the units in each series, as oriented, varies 
from the next tallest by a predetermined value termed k. Furthermore, the 
width sequence in the Series One units corresponds to the width sequence 
in the Series Two units. Hence, the width of unit A1 of Series One, 
a.sub.x, is identical to the width, a.sub.x, of unit A2 in Series Two. 
These and other relationships will be discussed more fully. The 
relationships between the widths of the two series, Series One and Series 
Two, are also shown by reference to FIG. 4. The widths of these units also 
varies by the value of k from the next widest unit. 
The first series of units are related as follows: 
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SERIES ONE 
NESTING RELATIONSHIPS 
X-Axis Y-Axis 
______________________________________ 
a.sub.x = b.sub.x + k 
a.sub.yl = b.sub.yl + k 
b.sub.x = c.sub.x + k 
b.sub.yl = c.sub.yl + k 
. . 
. . 
. . 
n.sub.x = (n + 1) x + k 
n.sub.y = (n + 1) y + k 
______________________________________ 
where k= 2x (shelf thickness) + clearance 
It can be observed by inspection of the above relationships, that more than 
three units in Series One can be utilized. Indeed, any number of units can 
be utilized in the general case represented by n. In the above 
relationships, the value of k is proportionate to at least twice the 
thickness of the shelf and it may include a suitable clearance value. The 
value of k can, therefore, be selected to achieve the most convenient 
dimensional relationship. 
There also exists certain congruent relationships between the bottoms and 
sides of the units in Series One. These are set forth as follows: 
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SERIES ONE 
CONGRUENT RELATIONSHIPS 
______________________________________ 
a.sub.yl = a.sub.x + b.sub.x = b.sub.y2 + c.sub.x + c.sub.y2 
(Formula 1) 
b.sub.y1 = a.sub.x + c.sub.x = 2b.sub.x = 2b.sub.y2 + c.sub.y2 
= 2c.sub.y2 + c.sub.x (Formula 2) 
c.sub.yl = b.sub.x + c.sub.x = a.sub.x + b.sub.y2 = 2c.sub.y2 
(Formula 3) 
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In FIG. 5, the congruent relationships set forth in Formula 1 are 
illustrated. The complete set of Series One and Series Two units of the 
preferred embodiment are stackable to a predetermined height of a.sub.y1. 
In FIGS. 6, 7, and 8, the congruent relationships are set forth for Formula 
2 (height b.sub.y1). It is to be noted, that the configuration shown in 
FIG. 6 of the preferred embodiment utilizes all units of Series One and 
Series Two in an arrangement which has an overall stackable height of 
b.sub.y1. 
In FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, are set forth the congruent relationships of 
Formula 3. For example, in FIG. 6, all units of the preferred embodiment 
are arranged to achieve an overall stackable height of c.sub.y1. 
Certain of the congruent relationships can be expressed as set forth in 
Table 1 below: 
TABLE 1 
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a.sub.x b.sub.x c.sub.x 
a.sub.y x x 
b.sub.y x x 
c.sub.y x x 
______________________________________ 
It is observed that first height, a.sub.y, is equal to the largest sum of 
any two sides of a.sub.x, b.sub.x and c.sub.x. Side b.sub.y is equal to 
the next largest sum and side c.sub.y is equal to the third largest sum. 
The second series of units also undergoes nesting and congruency 
relationships including certain transitional relationships with Series 
One. The Series Two nesting relationships are set forth below. 
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SERIES TWO 
NESTING RELATIONSHIPS 
X-Axis Y-Axis 
______________________________________ 
a.sub.x = b.sub.x + k 
a.sub.y2 = 2b.sub.y2 + 2k 
b.sub.x = c.sub.x + k 
b.sub.y2 = c.sub.y2 + k 
. . 
. . 
. . 
n.sub.x =(n + 1).sub.x + k 
p.sub.y = (p + 1).sub.y + k 
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It is to be noted that the Series Two units on the X-axis have the same 
dimensional size and relationship as the Series One units as evident in 
FIG. 3. Furthermore, the same general relationship exists on the Y-axis of 
the Series Two units. The primary difference, however, being that the 
first unit A2 is a single unit whereas the remaining units B2 and C2 are 
half-size. Otherwise, the same general relationship exists on the Y-axis 
as was found for Series One. 
Certain transitional nesting relationships also exist between Series One 
and Series Two. These are: 
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TRANSITIONAL 
NESTING RELATIONSHIPS 
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c.sub.yl =a.sub.y2 + k 
(Formula 4) 
c.sub.x = b.sub.y2 + k 
(Formula 5) 
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It is to be noted that Formula 4 represents the same nesting relationship 
between the two series as is found in the individual series. Furthermore, 
Formula 5 sets forth a nesting relationship existing between the width 
c.sub.x and the height b.sub.y2. 
At this time, one overall nesting relationship should be commented on. That 
is the fact that any given side of any given unit is related to the value 
of k by an integer relationship. Hence, 
any side of any unit=NK (Formula 6) 
where N=integer 1, 2, 3, . . . n 
Hence, as set forth in FIGS. 1 and 2, all units of the shelving system 10 
of the present invention are fully nestable one within the other separated 
only by a clearance value between each given unit. 
The Series Two primary congruency relationships are set forth as follows: 
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SERIES TWO 
CONGRUENCY RELATIONSHIPS 
______________________________________ 
a.sub.y2 = 2c.sub.x = c.sub.y2 + a.sub.x = b.sub.y2 + b.sub.x 
(Formula 7) 
2c.sub.y2 = a.sub.x (Formula 8) 
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FIG. 15 sets forth the congruency relationships set forth in Formula 7. It 
is to be noted that all units of the preferred shelving system are 
arrangeable to line up to a predetermined height of a.sub.y2. Finally, in 
FIG. 16 the congruency relationship in Formula 8 is set forth. 
From an inspection of the above Figures it is clear that the Series One and 
Two units can be arranged in a number of configurations wherein the 
certain predetermined heights of a.sub.y1, b.sub.y1, c.sub.y1, and 
a.sub.y2 are achieved. Yet, the units are nestable, one within the other. 
Such concepts (i.e. predetermined heights v. differing heights) appear to 
be contradictory and unobtainable. Yet by adhering to the above 
relationships, the present invention accomplishes both of these concepts. 
In the preferred embodiment, the following dimensions are used: 
TABLE 2 
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PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
k = 21/2 inches 
Unit Side Dimension (Inches) N 
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a.sub.yl 371/2 15 
b.sub.yl 35 14 
c.sub.yl 321/2 13 
a.sub.y2 30 12 
b.sub.y2 121/2 5 
c.sub.y2 10 4 
a.sub.x 20 8 
b.sub.x 171/2 7 
c.sub.x 15 6 
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The thickness of the side wall of each side of any unit in the preferred 
embodiment is 3/4 inch. Hence, if k=21/2", the clearance value is 1". 
Furthermore, Table 2 sets forth the value of N under Formula 6. 
An additional optional feature of the present invention relates to the 
location of adjustable shelves in the various units. The location of the 
shelf support is as follows: 
##EQU1## 
Hence, as shown in FIG. 15, unit A1 is composed of a vertical side 1500, 
a.sub.y1, whose height is 15k (or 15.times.21/2 inches). Sides 1500 are 
made from 3/4" thick lumber and are conventionally interconnected at 
points 1510. 
The shelf supports 1550 are spaced at 11/4" intervals in the preferred 
embodiment. Hence, if the shelf support occupies 1/2" and the shelf 1520 
is 3/4" thick, the shelf 1520 lines up with the upper surface of unit C2. 
That is, unit C2 is 8.times.21/2" or 20" high while shelf 1520 is located 
20" high. From Formula 9: 
##EQU2## 
Hence, a plurality of removable shelves can be optionally supplied with the 
unitized shelving system of the invention. In the preferred embodiment, 
the shelves would have lengths substantially corresponding, but not 
limited to, the following dimensional values: 
a.sub.x -2(st) 
b.sub.x -2(st) 
c.sub.x -2(st) 
a.sub.y1 -2(st) 
b.sub.y1 -2(st) 
c.sub.y1 -2(st) 
a.sub.y2 -2(st) 
where st=side thickness 
Since the units of the invention can occupy any orientation, the shelf 
supports may be placed on all interior sides of units A1, B1, C1, and A2 
in the preferred invention. 
It is to be noted that the shelves are nestable within the system. As 
mentioned the clearance is one inch, hence with the shelf thickness being 
3/4", a shelf of appropriate dimension can be nested. 
For example, in the preferred embodiment, four shelves corresponding to a 
length of a.sub.x -2(st) are provided, two shelves corresponding to a 
length of b.sub.x -2(st) are provided and two shelves corresponding to a 
length of c.sub.x -2(st) are provided. These shelves are fully nestable 
into the system as shown in FIG. 1. 
Finally, the depth of each unit must be less than the value of c.sub.x 
-2(st) so that the Series Two units can engage the interior of unit C1. 
Although the present invention has been described with a certain degree of 
particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made 
by way of example and that changes in details of structure may be made 
without departing from the spirit thereof.