Abstract:
A convertible shelving unit with adjustable shelves includes an adaptable shelving system which allows a user to arrange the shelving into horizontal and cradling positions.

Description:
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a convertible shelving unit and will have particular but not limited application to a convertible shelving system having a multi-use adjustable shelving unit. 
     Heretofore, multi-purpose book trucks have been used to transfer or display books in places such as libraries, retail book stores, and home libraries. The current industry standard utilizes a cart having side walls, a flat lower and upper surface having typically three to five shelves. The shelves are generally permanently fixed in position for increased strength and stability, and are easily transportable on caster wheels. However, there are problems associated with such designs. Although industry standard multi-purpose book trucks are well known for their durability, the permanently placed shelving is inflexible when trying to accommodate items of different shapes, sizes, and the manner in which they can be displayed. The end result for the user is the need to purchase several multi-purpose book trucks in different shapes, sizes, and shelving configurations. In this invention, a convertible shelving unit has shelving that is easily adaptable in allowing the user to arrange the shelving in a variety of different positions. Such a shelving unit allows for greater flexibility without sacrificing durability and can be used not only in a library setting, but at the home or office as well. 
     Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a convertible shelving unit with an easily adaptable shelving system. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a shelving unit for transporting and accommodating a variety of products within a home, office, or public building. 
     Other objects of the invention will become apparent upon a reading of the following description. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shelving unit in a first operative position having a horizontal configuration. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shelving unit in the first operative position showing the component parts in exploded form. 
     FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view showing the shelving unit in the first operative position in exploded form. 
     FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view showing the component parts of the shelving unit in the first operative position. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the shelving unit in a second operative position having a sloped configuration. 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the shelving unit in the second operative position showing the component parts in exploded form. 
     FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view showing the shelving unit in the second operative position. 
     FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view showing the component parts of the shelving unit in the second operative position in exploded form. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the shelving unit in a third operative position having a combined horizontal and sloped configuration. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the shelving unit in a third operative position showing the component parts in exploded form. 
     FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view showing the component parts of the shelving unit in the third operative position exploded form 
     FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view showing the shelving unit in the third operative position. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The preferred embodiment illustrated is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form herein described but rather it is described in order to enable one having ordinary skill in the art to produce and use the invention. 
     This invention relates to a convertible shelving unit  1  having a frame  3  and shelves  8 . Frame  3  is made up of two side panels  2  and bottom panel  10 . Side panels  2  are adapted to accommodate holes  20  which are located in the interior surface  17  of side panels  2  and are aligned into two spaced vertical rows in order to accommodate shelving support pins  12  or retainers. Each pin is placed into a selected hole  20  with its protruding end supporting a shelf  8 . This allows for the adaptability of shelving  8  and multiple configurations. Bottom panel  10  is equipped with caster wheels  14  to allow for mobility when the shelving unit is moved to a different location. Side panels  2  are attached perpendicularly to bottom shelf  10 . Frame  3  is reinforced by a cross brace  4  which is extended between the top inside corners of side panels  2 . In addition, frame  3  has the ability to accommodate a removable back panel  18 . Back panel  18  includes an upper grip part  19  and fits between spaced guide rails  6  which are mounted to side panels  2 . Guide rails  6  are used to retain and guide back panel  18  into place with the grip part fitting over the upper ends of the guide rails and the lower edge of the panel fitting behind a lower retainer rail  7 . Retainer rail  7  is mounted to the bottom panel  10  and extends between guide rails  6   
     Each shelf  8  is made up a wall part  28 , a wall part  30 , and a catch  32 . Wall part  30  is secured perpendicularly to wall part  30 . Catch  32  is mounted to the free edge of wall part  28 . The configuration of shelf  8  provides for its variety of uses in conjunction with frame  3 . 
     As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, shelves  8  are placed in a first operative position. In this first position the pins  12  are located in a horizontally supportive position in holes  20  of frame  3  in which wall part  30  of each shelf rests upon pins  20 . This first operative position allows for the storage of books or other similar items, or the display of items needing a horizontally flat display surface. 
     As seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, shelving  8  is placed in a second operative position. In this second position, the pins  12  are again located in a horizontally supportive position. In this position, shelf catch  32  rests on the back pins  12  and shelf wall part  30  in rests on the front pins  12 . This second position allows for the display of books or other similar types of items in a sloped storage location. 
     As seen in FIGS. 9 and 12 the upper most shelf  8  is placed in a third operative position. In the third position the pins  12  are off set vertically in which wall part  30  rests on the back pins  12  located in a higher vertical position that the front pins. Shelf catch  32  rests on the lower front pins  12 . This third position allows for the display of open books or other similar items. As also seen in FIGS. 5,  9 , and  12 , the two lower shelves are placed in the second position, therefore emphasizing the versatility of an adaptable shelving unit as mentioned above. If desired, back panel  18  can be removed, and the remaining shelves  8  can be placed in the third or display position by relocating pins  12 . 
     Shelving unit  1  can also be used as a lectern by moving the uppermost shelf  8  upwardly with the relocation of its supporting pins  12  to the uppermost holes  20  in side panel  2 . 
     This invention is not to be limited by the above described but it may be modified within scope of the appended claim.