Patent Abstract:
A modular shelving system includes: a rail including a plurality of mounting holes; a plurality of shelves, each shelf including a pair of pivot pins; a plurality of pivots removably secured to the rail, wherein each pivot receives at least one pivot pin such that each of the shelves are rotatably supported on the rail between a corresponding pair of pivots; and a plurality of covers covering the rail and spanning the distance between each corresponding pair of pivots. The shelves each include a portion of a piece of visual art, such that when each of the shelves is positioned approximately vertically, the portion of the visual art is displayed and further such that when all of the plurality of shelves are positioned in the approximately vertical position, the entirety of the visual art is displayed.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application incorporates by reference and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/333,881 filed May 12, 2010. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates generally to shelving system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-element, multi-position shelving system. 
     Shelves and shelving units are ubiquitous staples in commercial and residential design and space management. Shelves may serve aesthetic and functional purposes promoted by the materials, the geometry, the configuration, the ornamentation, etc. 
     Shelves often occupy wall space and/or floor space. In many environments, wall space is a prime location for visual art. In addition, floor space is often a desirable feature. To the extent a shelving unit may be adaptable to serve aesthetic and utilitarian purposes, optimizing the use of wall space between visual art and storage/function while optimizing the floor space for functionality, it may be a functional improvement over the numerous existing shelves and shelving units. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for a shelving system that is adaptable to serve aesthetic and utilitarian purposes, optimizing the use of wall space between visual art and storage/function while optimizing the floor space for functionality. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The shelving system disclosed herein is adaptable to serve aesthetic and utilitarian purposes, optimizing the use of wall space between visual art and storage/function while optimizing the floor space for functionality. 
     In one example, a shelving system includes a plurality of pivoting shelves, each independently adapted to be positioned in a horizontal or vertical position. The shelves are pivotally mounted to one or more rails that are anchored to a wall or similar approximately vertical element. The shelving system may be adapted to include visual art independently displayed on each shelf when each shelf is placed in the approximately vertical position. Alternatively, a plurality of shelves may be grouped to display a composite piece when two or more of the shelves are placed in the approximately vertical position. The shelves can be grouped horizontally, vertically or otherwise arranged to form an approximately two or three dimensional composite form. Various shelf designs may be employed and visual art may be adapted to be displayed via the shelves using numerous techniques. 
     In another example, one or more shelves in the shelving system may be adapted to provide approximately horizontal and/or vertical work surfaces for a user. For example, shelves may provide approximately horizontal work surfaces for supporting items, such as computers, etc. In another example, shelves may provide approximately vertical work surfaces, such as dry-erase boards, corkboards, etc. It is understood that the shelving system may be adapted for use as a workspace in any number of environments, including, but not limited to as a kiosk for inputting golf scores in a club house, data entry in an office space, or for a registry in retail environment. Other examples of uses for the shelving system are in a library to resource books or in a work space where a group may plug in their laptop computer and view work together. The shelving system may be useful anywhere temporary or ad-hoc workspaces or storage may be desired. 
     Various mechanisms may be provided to secure the shelves in either the approximately horizontal or vertical position and further to secure the shelves to the rails. Moreover, various mechanism may be provided to secure items to the shelves, both the approximately vertical surfaces (e.g., visual art, work surfaces, etc.) and the approximately horizontal surfaces (e.g., items displayed on the shelves, such as electronics, jewelry, 3D artwork, etc.). Further, accommodations for cord management may be incorporated in the shelving system to better facilitate the use of the shelving system with electronic equipment. A modular shelving system includes: a rail including a plurality of mounting holes; a plurality of shelves, each shelf including a pair of pivot pins; a plurality of pivots removably secured to the rail, wherein each pivot receives at least one pivot pin such that each of the shelves are rotatably supported on the rail between a corresponding pair of pivots; and a plurality of covers covering the rail and spanning the distance between each corresponding pair of pivots. The shelves each include a portion of a piece of visual art, such that when each of the shelves is positioned approximately vertically, the portion of the visual art is displayed and further such that when all of the plurality of shelves are positioned in the approximately vertical position, the entirety of the visual art is displayed. 
     An advantage of the shelving system is visual art may be displayed when one or more shelves are in the vertical position. 
     Another advantage of the shelving system is floor space may be conserved when one or more shelves are in the vertical position. 
     A further advantage of the shelving system is in providing an adaptable composite visual aesthetic. 
     Yet another advantage of the shelving system is in providing temporary and/or ad hoc workspace. 
     Still another advantage of the shelving system is in providing a visually appealing functional solution for commercial and residential space management. 
     Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an example of a shelving system as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 1 , wherein several of the shelves are positioned horizontally to hold items thereon and other shelves are positioned vertically. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of another shelving system as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a rail and pivot attachments of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view of a rail and cover attachment from the shelving system shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a shelf of a shelving system as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of another shelf of a shelving system as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional side view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another shelf of a shelving system as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of another shelving system as disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  are perspective views illustrating how the shelf shown in  FIG. 10  mounts within the shelving system. 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  are perspective views of another shelf of a shelving system as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of another shelf of a shelving system as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of another shelf of a shelving system as disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another shelf of a shelving system as disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 17-19  are cross-sectional side views of various locking mechanisms for use in shelving systems as disclosed herein. 
         FIGS. 20-21  are perspective views of a preferred embodiment of the shelving system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The shelving system  10  shown in  FIG. 1  includes a plurality of shelves  12 . In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , the shelving system  10  includes twenty shelves  12 , each shown in a vertical orientation. As shown, the each of the shelves  12  cooperates to display a visual image, wherein each shelf  12  contributes to the overall composition. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the shelving system  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , with four of the shelves  12  shown in a horizontal orientation. As shown, the horizontally oriented shelves  12  are configured to support items, while the remaining vertically oriented shelves  12  cooperate to display a portion of the visual image. As shown, any number of the shelves  12  in the shelving system  10  may be oriented vertically or horizontally. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates another example of a shelving system  10 . In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , the shelving system  10  includes: a plurality of shelves  12 ; a plurality of rails  14 , including mounting holes  16 ; a plurality of anchor bolts  18  securing the rails into the wall; a plurality of middle pivot supports  20 ; a plurality of end pivot supports  22 ; set screws  24  attaching the pivot supports  20  and  22  to the rails  14 ; and a plurality of covers  26 . Some of the elements of the shelving system  10  are shown in a closer view in  FIG. 4 . 
     In the example shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , there are four rails  14  anchored to the wall. Each of the rails  14  supports a group of four shelves  12 . However, it is understood that any number of rails  14  can support any number of shelves  12 . In addition, the rails  14  may be configured in number and geometry to form various shapes and proportions. Further, the shelves  12  may be provided in varying sizes and shapes such that the combination of shelves  12  may be used to provide various configurations and visual effects. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the pivot supports  20  and  22  are configured as middle pivot supports  20  and end pivot supports  22 . In the example shown, the middle pivot supports  20  are approximately twice as wide as the end pivot supports  22  in order to support two shelves  12  with each middle pivot support  20 . However, it is understood that in certain embodiments, the pivot supports  20  and  22  may be identically designed. 
     The pivot supports  20  and  22  may be securely attached to the shelving system  10  using clips, screws or a locking mechanism to help prevent dislocating during seismic activity, user collision or theft. 
     The covers  26  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  are used to provide an aesthetic cover to the rail  14  when the shelving system  10  is assembled. In addition, the covers  26  may protect the accidental or intentional tampering with the anchor bolts  18  holding the rail  14  to the wall. It is understood the cover  26  may increase the durability and the attractiveness of the shelving system  10 . However, alternate examples of the shelving system  10  may or may not include covers  26 . 
     In the examples shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the cover  26  serves the functional purpose of limiting the rotation of the shelves  12 . When the shelf  12  is rotated to the approximately horizontal position, the top surface of the shelf  12  comes into contact with the cover  26 , which prevents further rotation of the shelf  12  and maintains the shelf  12  in the horizontal position. It is contemplated that in other embodiments of the shelving system  10 , the rotation of the shelf may be limited by the rail  14  or by other mechanisms. 
     The shelves  12  shown in  FIG. 3  include pivot pins  28  which pivotally attach the shelves  12  to the pivot supports  20  and  22 , as described further herein. 
     The example of the shelving system  10  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is substantially formed from extruded aluminum. For example, the rails  14  and the shelves  12  may be formed from extruded aluminum. However, it is understood that the shelving system  10  may be formed from any number of materials and combination of materials. For example, the shelves  12  may be made from sheet aluminum or sheet steel. Alternatively, the shelves  12  may be made from formed aluminum. Additionally, the shelves  12  and/or rail  14  may be formed from wood. It is further understood that the shelving system  10  may incorporate elements made from polymers, composites, carbon fiber, etc. 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a shelving system  10  where a middle pivot support  20  attaches to a rail  14 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the pivot support  20  provides a channel  30  within which the pivot pins  28  of the shelves  12  may be supported. As shown, the width of the channel  30  at the top of the channel  30  may be narrower than the width deeper into the channel  30 . The narrowest width of the channel  30  may be approximately the same dimension as or slightly narrower than the diameter of the pivot pins  28 . Accordingly, the channel  30  may secure the pivot pins  28  in a snap-fit mechanism. The materials used to construct the pivot supports  20  and  22  and/or pivot pins  28  may further effect the snap-fit attachment. 
     Although shown as a snap-fit attachment between pivot supports  20  and  22  and pivot pins  28 , it is contemplated that the shelves  12  may be supported in any number of ways that enable the shelves  12  to pivot between an approximately horizontal and an approximately vertical orientation. 
     It is contemplated that the shelving system  10  may be implemented in environments where the “vertical” wall is not actually vertical. In these environments, the pivot supports  20  and  22  may be configured to allow the shelves  12  to pivot between vertical and horizontal. Alternatively, the pivot supports  20  and  22  may be adapted to allow the shelves  12  to pivot between parallel to the wall surface and horizontal, to support items on the shelves  12 , whether the angle between the two is less than or greater than ninety degrees. It is further understood that the shelves  12  may be adapted to pivot between additional positions and orientations. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates and exploded view of a shelf  12  made from the combination of an extruded aluminum base  32  and a shelf body  34  formed from sheet aluminum. Additionally, the shelf  12  shown in  FIG. 6  includes adhesive vinyl artwork  36  to be attached to the shelf  12 .  FIG. 6  is merely one example of a shelf  12  that may be incorporated into the shelving system  10  and merely one example of attaching artwork to a shelf  12 . For example, the artwork may be etched into the shelf  12  or otherwise incorporated into the shelf  12  itself. 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  illustrate another example of how artwork may be attached to a shelf  12 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the shelf assembly includes an artwork sheet  38  that is secured to the shelf  12  by a formed clear acrylic protective sleeve  40 . The assembly shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  is an example of a shelf  12  that may facilitate interchanging of artwork sheets  38 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another example of how artwork may be attached to a shelf  12 . In the example shown in  FIG. 9 , the shelf assembly includes an artwork sheet  38  that is secured to the shelf  12  by a formed clear protective sheet  42 . The protective sheet  42  slides into the shelf  12  in channels  44  to secure the artwork  38  sheet therein. The assembly shown in  FIG. 9  is another example of a shelf  12  that may facilitate interchanging of artwork sheets  38 . 
     The protective sleeve  40  and the protective sheet  42  are merely two examples of protective covers for protecting artwork from physical and/or from UV degradation. It is further contemplated that other configurations of protective covers may be employed in the shelving system  10 . Alternative embodiments may be clear, may be translucent and/or colored, or may be the artwork themselves. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an example of a shelving system  10  in which a magnet  46  is used to secure the shelf  12  in the vertical orientation. The shelf  12  shown in  FIG. 10  is formed from steel or other ferromagnetic material. The use of a magnet  46  and a ferromagnetic shelf  12  enable the shelf  12  to be secured in an upright position without it accidentally moving out of the upright position. A further advantage of using a ferromagnetic shelf  12  is that the shelf  12  may be used with magnetic artwork, signage, tiles, panels, etc. It is further contemplated that other securing mechanisms may be employed to secure the shelf  12  in one or more orientations. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate how a shelf  12  mounts within the channel  30  of an end pivot support  22 . As described above, the pivot pin  28  of the shelf  12  may be lowered into the channel  30  and snapped into place. The shelf  12  may then rotate freely between a vertical and a horizontal orientation, with the magnet  46  securing the shelf  12  in the vertical orientation. 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate one example of a security bracket  48  that may be secured to the shelving system  10 , for example, by bolting the security bracket  48  to the cover  26  with a security bolt  50 . In the example shown in  FIGS. 13A and 13B , the security bolt  50  passes through the rail  14  and anchors into the wall. The security bracket  48  enables valuable items to be secured to the shelving system  10 , such as, for example, such as electronics, jewelry, 3D artwork, etc. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an example of how a shelving system  10  may be adapted for use with electronic equipment. In the example shown in  FIG. 14 , a slot  52  is provided where the shelf  12  abuts the cover  26  such that an electronic cord  54  may be neatly passed through the shelf  12 . In other contemplated examples, the cord  54  may be passed within the cover  26 , within a covered channel (not shown) or other adapted cord management system. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an example of a shelving system  10  adapted for use in a hot desking environment. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the shelving system  10  includes various sizes of shelves  12 , including a wide shelf  12  for use as a horizontally oriented workspace. In addition, the shelving system  10  includes a white board  56  and a corkboard  58 , each of which provides a vertically oriented workspace. The remaining shelves  12  include artwork to form composite visual art. The shelving system  10  shown in  FIG. 15  may be particularly advantageous in environments in which temporary desks or workspaces may be needed. 
       FIG. 16  is an example of a shelving system  10  that may be of particular use in a retail environment. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the shelves  12  may incorporate an opening  60  from which hangers may be suspended. Accordingly, a unique configuration of hanging clothes may be arranged within visual art. The shelving system  10  shown in  FIG. 16  may also be advantageously used in a hotel room where the shelving system  10  provides visual art and functional shelving and hangers for hanging clothing. 
       FIGS. 17-19  illustrate examples of locking mechanisms  62  that may be employed to assist in holding the pivot pin  28  within the channel  30  of the pivot support  20  or  22 . The examples shown demonstrate that various configurations of locking mechanisms may be employed, for example, to resist seismic events. In the example shown in  FIG. 19 , the pivot support  20  or  22  includes a slot  64  for receiving a slide in locking mechanism  62 . As shown, any number of locking mechanisms  62  may be employed to secure the pivot pin  28  in the channel  30 . 
     In the embodiments of the shelving system  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-19 , the pivot supports  20  and  22  and the shelves  12  may be provided in fixed positions or may be slidable along the rail  14  to be arranged in various configurations. If slidable, the pivot supports  20  and  22  and the shelves  12  may be locked into place, for example, using anchors, locks, etc. The slidable shelves  12  make the shelving system  10  modular and/or mobile, while being attached to a wall. 
     It is further contemplated that various portions or combinations of the shelving system  10  described herein as separate elements, for example the rail  14  and the pivot supports  20  and  22 , may be formed as unitary elements. 
     A preferred embodiment of the shelving system  10  is shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the shelving system  10  includes a plurality of shelves  12 ; a plurality of rails  14 , including mounting holes  16 ; a plurality of anchor bolts  18  securing the rails into the wall; a plurality of middle pivot supports  20 ; a plurality of end pivot supports  22 ; set screws  24  attaching the pivot supports  20  and  22  to the rails  14 ; and a plurality of covers  26 . 
     The example shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the pivot supports  20  and  22  include receiving holes  66  for receiving the pivot pins  28 , rather than the channels  30  shown in other illustrated embodiments of pivot supports  20  and  22 . As shown, the receiving holes  66  surround the pivot pins  28  and allow the shelves  12  to pivot freely within the pivot pins  20  and  22 . The receiving holes  66  allow axial rotation while preventing translation of the pivot pins  28  out of the pivot supports  20  and  22 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 21 , the pivot supports  20  and  22  include set screws  68  threaded through the lower surface of the pivot supports  20  and  22  into the receiving holes  66  for interaction with the pivot pins  28 . The middle pivot supports  22  may include a pair of set screws  68 , one for each pivot pin  28  and the end pivot supports  22  may include a single set screw  68  for the single pivot pin  28  located therein. 
     In use, the pivot pins  28  may be located into the receiving holes  66 . Then, the corresponding set screws  68  may be tightened against the pivot pins  28  to create resistance to rotation. The tighter the set screws  68  are tightened, the more resistance there is to rotational movement of the shelves  12 . The set screws  66  may be tightened such that the shelves  12  are essentially “locked” into a given position. 
     Although described above with reference to numerous examples and variations, it is contemplated that there are nearly limitless configurations into which the inventive subject matter described herein may be incorporated. For example, the shelves  12  may be provided as frames into which a plurality of video screens (e.g., LCD screens) forming a composite display. The video screens may be adapted such that they are switched on when placed in the upright “viewing” position and off when positioned in the horizontal position. In another example, the shelves  12  may include an inductive charging station such that when the shelf  12  is in the vertical position the station is switched off and when the shelf  12  is in the horizontal position it may be used to inductively charge electronic devices placed thereon. Many additional examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosure provided herein. 
     It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0