Abstract:
A freestanding frame for supporting shelves that includes a pair of posts that extend upwardly from a carpeted horizontal surface and rest against a wall, and a pair of braces that extend from one post to the other post in an X configuration. Each post has an uppermost vertical member that rests against the wall, a horizontal member that extends forwardly from the uppermost vertical member, and a lowermost vertical member that depends from the horizontal member and sinks into the carpeted horizontal surface so as to prevent the post from sliding away from the wall while resting thereon. Each brace is either one piece or two-piece so as to be length adjustable. In a first embodiment, the two pieces are screwed together, and in a second embodiment, the two pieces slide relative to each other and are maintained at a desired length by first and second locking apparatuses.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a frame for supporting shelves. More particularly, the present invention relates to a freestanding frame for supporting shelves. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Numerous innovations for shelving units have been provided in the prior art that will be described. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, however, they differ from the present invention. 
     A FIRST EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 3,655,159 to Held, Jr. teaches an improved base member for a freestanding shelving system comprised of two or more upright columns interconnected by lateral reinforcing members and supporting shelves at various heights. Each base member is formed with a pocket for receiving the lower end of an upright column and a locking means comprised of a pair of wedge members interconnected by a central wedge member that are manipulated to lock the column within the pocket. The base members are constructed to be utilized separately with decorative side panel attachments or to be connected by surrounding kickplate members. 
     A SECOND EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,950 to Ovitz, III teaches a display shelf having a front lip and a pair of side arms defining three sided enclosure for supporting an inside panel; brackets at the ends of the arms serve to cantilever the shelf on a pair of support bars. 
     A THIRD EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,489 to Albano teaches an extendible merchandise shelving display that embodies an elongated stationary shelf support which extends laterally from and is connected to at least one vertical support. An elongated, movable shelf support extends alongside and is slidably connected to the stationary shelf support. The movable shelf support is adapted for sliding movement relative to the stationary shelf support selectively to an extended position spaced from the vertical support and to a retracted position adjacent the vertical support. Cooperating locking members are carried by the movable and stationary shelf supports in position to engage each other and limit sliding movement of the movable shelf support while in it extended and retracted positions. An extendible shelf embodying a shelf-like member carried by the movable shelf support and at least two movable shelf-like elements carried by the stationary shelf support form a horizontal article supporting surface upon sliding movement of the movable shelf support to its extended position. The movable shelf-like elements pivot to generally upstanding positions adjacent the vertical support upon sliding movement of the movable shelf support to its retracted position. 
     A FOURTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,510 to Veyhl et al. teaches an office desk suited in particular for peripheral computer equipment that consists of two side parts formed by columns provided with feet, a longitudinal beam detachably connected with the columns by connection elements establishing a form-locking connection, and of carrying arms for at least one table top mounted on the longitudinal beam. These components can be varied in many different ways and combined in the most different manners so that office desks optimally adapted in each case to the respective application can be realized with the same basic elements. 
     A FIFTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,847 to Duffy teaches a library shelf assembly that has been designed to meet seismic code requirements for libraries in the state of California. The novel library shelf assembly has a tubular base support having a pair of right angularly shaped gussets welded to its top surface. The gussets have vertical edges that are spaced from each other a distance equal to the width of the post assembly that is received therebetween. A plurality of pairs of hat-shaped straps have their opposite ends bolted together thereby capturing the post assembly between the respective gussets. Anchor plates are welded on the opposite ends of the tubular base support for securing the base supports to a concrete or other type of floor structure. Conventional shelf brackets have their fingers detachably received in vertically oriented rows of spaced slots in the respective post assemblies. Standard shelves are connected between the respective shelf brackets. 
     A SIXTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,421 to Bustos teaches a gondola display rack for merchandising product that comprises a base having a top surface, at least one upright extending vertically from the rear of the base, and at least one shelf removably secured to the upright. Shelf supporting bracket means attach the shelf to the upright and include means for adjustment wherein the shelf may be positioned substantially horizontally or angled downwardly and forwardly, yet without any gap between the rear edge of the shelf and the upright as is typically experienced. The base includes adjustment means which allow the base top surface to be positioned substantially horizontally or angled downwardly and forwardly and which allows the depth of the base to be varied. The base further includes second adjustment means which allow the upright to be adjusted angularly with respect to the base. 
     A SEVENTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,789 to Von Gunten teaches a post including a back post and leg, together constituting a one-piece member. The member is bent to form the back post and leg, and when it is in upright active position, the back post rests against the wall, and the leg extends forwardly at an acute angle to the back post. A foot is secured to the lower end of the leg, extending transversely and engaging the floor. The back post is provided with holes for receiving brackets. There is no mechanical connection between the post and the wall or floor. 
     It is apparent that numerous innovations for shelving units have been provided in the prior art that are adapted to be used. Furthermore, even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, however, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     ACCORDINGLY, AN OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a freestanding frame for supporting shelves that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. 
     ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a freestanding frame for supporting shelves that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. 
     STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a freestanding frame for supporting shelves that is simple to use. 
     BRIEFLY STATED, STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a freestanding frame for supporting shelves that includes a pair of posts that extend upwardly from a carpeted horizontal surface and rest against a wall, and a pair of braces that extend from one post to the other post in an X configuration. Each post has an uppermost vertical member that rests against the wall, a horizontal member that extends forwardly from the uppermost vertical member, and a lowermost vertical member that depends from the horizontal member and sinks into the carpeted horizontal surface so as to prevent the post from sliding away from the wall while resting thereon. Each brace is either one piece or two-piece so as to be length adjustable. In a first embodiment, the two pieces are screwed together, and in a second embodiment, the two pieces slide relative to each other and are maintained at a desired length by first and second locking apparatuses. 
    
    
     The novel features which are considered characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with the accompanying drawing. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The figures of the drawing are briefly described as follows: 
     FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention in use; 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged diagrammatic side elevational view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by arrow  2  in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic rear elevational view taken generally in the direction of arrow  3  in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic rear elevational view taken generally in the direction of arrow  4  in FIG. 1 of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic rear elevational view taken generally in the direction of arrow  5  in FIG. 1 of a third embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged diagrammatic cross sectional view taken on line  6 — 6  in FIG. 5; and 
     FIG. 7 is an enlarged diagrammatic cross sectional view taken on line  7 — 7  in FIG.  5 . 
    
    
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWING 
     First Embodiment 
       10  freestanding frame of present invention for supporting shelves  12   
       12  shelves 
       14  pair of posts for extending upwardly from carpeted horizontal surface  16 , for resting against wall  18 , and for supporting shelves  12   
       16  carpeted horizontal surface 
       18  wall 
       20  pair of braces 
       22  uppermost vertical member of each post of pair of posts  14   
       24  rearwardmost surface of uppermost vertical member  22  of each post of pair of posts  14  for extending against wall  18   
       26  forwardmost surface of uppermost vertical member  22  of each post of pair of posts  14   
       28  lowermost end of uppermost vertical member  22  of each post of pair of posts  14  for positioning just above carpeted horizontal surface  16   
       29  uppermost end of uppermost vertical member  22  of each post of pair of posts  14   
       30  horizontal member of each post of pair of posts  14   
       32  rearwardmost end of horizontal member  30  of each post of pair of posts  14   
       34  forwardmost end of horizontal member  30  of each post of pair of posts  14   
       36  lowermost vertical member of each post of pair of posts  14   
       38  uppermost end of lowermost vertical member  36  of each post of pair of posts  14   
       40  lowermost end of lowermost vertical member  36  of each post of pair of posts  14  for sinking into carpeted horizontal surface  16  so as to prevent post  14  from sliding away from wall  18  while extending thereon 
       42  blindslots in forwardmost surface  26  of uppermost vertical member  22  of each post of pair of posts  14  for engaging brackets  44  to support shelves  12   
       44  brackets to support shelves  12   
       46  blindbores in rearwardmost surface  24  of uppermost vertical member  22  of each post of pair of posts  14   
       48  uppermost end of each brace of pair of braces  20   
       49  throughbore through uppermost end  48  of each brace of pair of braces  20   
       50  lowermost end of each brace of pair of braces  20   
       51  throughbore through lowermost end  50  of each brace of pair of braces  20   
       52  midpoint of each brace of pair of braces  20   
       54  throughbore through midpoint  52  of each brace of pair of braces  20   
       56  first screw 
       58  second screw 
       60  third screw 
       62  fourth screw 
       64  fifth screw 
     Second Embodiment 
       110  freestanding frame 
       114  pair of posts 
       120  pair of braces 
       146  blindbores in rearwardmost surface  124  of uppermost vertical member  122  of each post of pair of posts  114   
       150  lowermost end of each brace of pair of braces  120   
       166  lowermost member of each brace of pair of braces  120   
       167  uppermost member of each brace of pair of braces  120   
       168  uppermost end of lowermost member  166  of each brace of pair of braces  120   
       170  throughbores through uppermost end  168  of lowermost member  166  of each brace of pair of braces  120   
       172  throughbores through uppermost member  167  of each brace of pair of braces  120   
       174  pair of sixth screws 
     Third Embodiment 
       210  freestanding frame 
       220  pair of braces 
       248  uppermost end of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       250  lowermost end of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       252  midpoint of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       266  lowermost member of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       267  uppermost member of each brace of pair of braces  226   
       268  uppermost end of lowermost member  266  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       276  lowermost end of uppermost member  267  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       278  throughslot extending longitudinally along uppermost member  267  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       280  throughslot extending longitudinally along lowermost member  266  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       282  first locking apparatus 
       283  second locking apparatus 
       284  front plate of first locking apparatus  282   
       286  rearwardmost surface of front plate  284  of first locking apparatus  282   
       287  perimeter of rearwardmost surface  286  of front plate  284  of first locking apparatus  282   
       288  throughbore extending centrally through front plate  284  of first locking apparatus  282   
       290  blindslot extending diametrically across, and communicating with periphery  287  of, rearwardmost surface  286  of front plate  284  of first locking apparatus  282   
       292  back plate of first locking apparatus  282   
       294  forwardmost surface of back plate  292  of first locking apparatus  282   
       296  perimeter of forwardmost surface  294  of back plate  292  of first locking apparatus  282   
       298  throughbore extending centrally through back plate  292  of first locking apparatus  282   
       300  blindslot extending diametrically across, and communicating with periphery  296  of, forwardmost surface  294  of back plate  292  of first locking apparatus  282   
       302  first wing nut of first locking apparatus  282   
       304  bracket of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses  283  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       305  open chamber contained in bracket  304  of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses  283  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       306  front wall defining open chamber  305  contained in bracket  304  of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses  283  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       308  pair of side edges of front wall  306  of bracket  304  of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses 
       283  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       309  throughbore extending centrally through front wall  306  of bracket  304  of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses  283  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       310  pair of side walls further defining open chamber  305  contained in bracket  304  of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses  283  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       312  pair of rear edges of pair of side walls  310 , respectively, of bracket  304  of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses  283  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       314  pair of rear walls further defining open chamber  305  contained in bracket  304  of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses  283  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       316  pair of free edges of pair of rear walls  314 , respectively, of bracket  304  of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses  283  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       318  seventh screw of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses  283  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       320  washer of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses  283  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
       322  second wing nut of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses  283  of each brace of pair of braces  220   
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts, and particularly to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the freestanding frame of the present invention is shown generally at  10  for supporting shelves  12 . 
     The configuration of the freestanding frame  10  can best be seen in FIGS. 1-3, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto. 
     The freestanding frame  10  comprises a pair of posts  14  for extending upwardly from a carpeted horizontal surface  16 , for resting against a wall  18 , and for supporting the shelves  12 . 
     The freestanding frame  10  further comprises a pair of braces  20  that extend from one post  14  to the other post  14  in an X configuration. 
     The pair of posts  14  are identical to, spaced-apart from, and parallel to, each other. 
     Each post  14  has an uppermost vertical member  22  that is slender, elongated, and has a rearwardmost surface  24  for extending against the wall  18 , a forwardmost surface  26 , a lowermost end  28  for positioning just above the carpeted horizontal surface  16 , and an uppermost end  29 . 
     Each post  14  further has a horizontal member  30  that is slender, elongated, and has a rearwardmost end  32  and a forwardmost end  34 . 
     The rearwardmost end  32  of the horizontal member  30  is coincident with the lowermost end  28  of the uppermost vertical member  22 , with the horizontal member  30  extending perpendicularly forwardly from the uppermost vertical member  22  and is for being parallel to, and disposing just above, the carpeted horizontal surface  16 . 
     Each post  14  further has a lowermost vertical member  36  that is slender, elongated, and has an uppermost end  38  and a lowermost end  40  for sinking into the carpeted horizontal surface  16  so as to prevent the post  14  from sliding away from the wall  18  while extending along the wall  18 . 
     The uppermost end  38  of the lowermost vertical member  36  is coincident with the forwardmost end  34  of the horizontal member  30 , with the lowermost vertical member  36  depending perpendicularly from the horizontal member  30 , being parallel to the uppermost vertical member  22 , and for being perpendicular to the carpeted horizontal surface  16 . 
     The lowermost vertical member  36  is much shorter than the uppermost vertical member  22 , while the horizontal member  30  is much shorter than the uppermost vertical member  22 , but only slightly longer than the lowermost vertical member  36 . 
     The horizontal member  30  meets the uppermost vertical member  22  in a concavity to provide a smooth transition, while the horizontal member  30  meets the lowermost member  36  in a convexity to provide a smooth transition. 
     The forwardmost surface  26  of the uppermost vertical member  22  of each post  14  has blindslots  42  that extend vertically therealong, are spaced vertically-apart, and are for engaging brackets  44  to support the shelves  12 . 
     The rearwardmost surface  24  of the uppermost vertical member  22  of each post  14  has blindbores  46  that extend therealong and are spaced vertically-apart. 
     The pair of braces  20  are identical to each other. 
     Each brace  20  is slender, elongated, and has an uppermost end  48  with a throughbore  49 , a lowermost end  50  with a throughbore  51 , and a midpoint  52  that is midway between the uppermost end  48  thereof and the lowermost end  50  thereof and has a throughbore  54 . 
     The uppermost end  48  of one brace  20  is attached to the uppermost vertical member  22  of one post  14 , in proximity of the uppermost end  29  of the uppermost vertical member  22  of the one post  14 , the lowermost end  50  of the one brace  20  is attached to the uppermost vertical member  22  of the other post  14 , in proximity of the lowermost end  28  of the uppermost vertical member  22  of the other post  14 , the uppermost end  48  of the other brace  20  is attached to the uppermost vertical member  22  of the other post  14 , in proximity of the uppermost end  29  of the uppermost vertical member  22  of the other post  14 , the lowermost end  50  of the other brace  20  is attached to the uppermost vertical member  22  of the one post  14 , in proximity of the lowermost end  28  of the uppermost vertical member  22  of the one post  14 , and the midpoint  52  of the one brace  20  overlies the midpoint  52  of the other brace  20 . 
     The uppermost end  48  of the one brace  20  is attached to the uppermost vertical member  22  of the one post  14 , in proximity of the uppermost end  29  of the uppermost vertical member  22  of the one post  14  by a first screw  56  that extends into the throughbore  49  in the uppermost end  48  of the one brace  20  and into an appropriate one of the blindbores  46  in the rearwardmost surface  24  of the uppermost vertical member  22  of the one post  14 . 
     The lowermost end  50  of the one brace  20  is attached to the uppermost vertical member  22  of the other post  14 , in proximity of the lowermost end  28  of the uppermost vertical member  22  of the other post  14  by a second screw  58  that extends into the throughbore  51  in the lowermost end  50  of the one brace  20  and into an appropriate one of the blindbores  46  in the rearwardmost surface  24  of the uppermost vertical member  22  of the other post  14 . 
     The uppermost end  48  of the other brace  20  is attached to the uppermost vertical member  22  of the other post  14 , in proximity of the uppermost end  29  of the uppermost vertical member  22  of the other post  14  by a third screw  60  that extends into the throughbore  49  in the uppermost end  48  of the other brace  20  and into an appropriate one of the blindbores  46  in the rearwardmost surface  24  of the uppermost vertical member  22  of the other post  14 . 
     The lowermost end  50  of the other brace  20  is attached to the uppermost vertical member  22  of the one post  14 , in proximity of the lowermost end  28  of the uppermost vertical member  22  of the one post  14  by a fourth screw  62  that extends into the throughbore  51  in the lowermost end  50  of the other brace  20  and into an appropriate one of the blindbores  46  in the rearwardmost surface  24  of the uppermost vertical member  22  of the one post  14 . 
     The one brace  20  is attached to the other brace  20  by a fifth screw  64  that extends into the throughbore  54  in the midpoint  52  of the one brace  20  and into the throughbore  54  in the midpoint  52  of the other brace  20 . 
     Each brace  20  is one piece. 
     The configuration of a second embodiment of the freestanding frame  110  can best be seen in FIG. 4, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto. 
     The freestanding frame  110  is similar to the freestanding frame  10 , except that each of the pair of braces  120  is length adjustable so as to reduce the number of blindbores  146  in the rearwardmost surface  124  of the uppermost vertical member  122  of each post  114  necessary to achieve a desired distance between the pair of posts  114 . 
     Each brace  120  has a lowermost member  166  and an uppermost member  167  that extends colinearly from, and overlaps, the lowermost member  166  of an associated brace  120  so as to allow each brace  120  to be length adjustable. 
     The lowermost member  166  of each brace  126  extends from the lowermost end  150  of an associated brace  120 , past the midpoint  152  of the associated brace  120 , to an uppermost end  168  thereof. 
     The uppermost member  167  of each brace  120  extends overlappingly and colinearly from the uppermost end  168  of the lowermost member  66  of an associated brace  120  to the uppermost end  148  of the associated brace  120 . 
     The uppermost end  168  of the lowermost member  166  of each brace  120  has throughbores  170  that are spaced longitudinally therealong. 
     The uppermost member  167  of each brace  120  has throughbores  172  that are spaced longitudinally therealong and are alignable with the throughbores  170  through the uppermost end  168  of the lowermost member  166  of an associated brace  120 . 
     The lowermost member  166  of an associated brace  120  is attached to the uppermost member  167  of each brace  120  by a pair of sixth screws  174  that extend into an appropriate pair of the throughbores  170  through the uppermost end  168  of the lowermost member  166  of an associated brace  120  and into an aligned pair of the throughbores  172  through the uppermost member  167  of the associated brace  120 . 
     The general configuration of a third embodiment of the freestanding frame  210  can best be seen in FIG. 5, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto. 
     The freestanding frame  210  is similar to the freestanding frame  110  and the posts in FIG. 5 are identical to those in FIG.  4  and include the same number of blindbores as those of FIG. 4, except that: 
     1. The uppermost member  267  and the lowermost member  266  of each brace  220  are identical to each other and each has a width and a thickness. 
     2. The uppermost member  267  of each brace  220  depends from the uppermost end  248  of an associated brace  220 , past the midpoint  252  of the associated brace  220 , to a lowermost end  276  thereof. 
     3. The uppermost member  267  of each brace  220  has a throughslot  278  that extends longitudinally therethrough, from just inward of the uppermost end  248  of an associated brace  220  to just inward of the lowermost end  276  of the uppermost member  267  of the associated brace  220 . 
     4. The lowermost member  266  of each brace  220  has a throughslot  280  that extends longitudinally therethrough, from just inward of the lowermost end  250  of an associated brace  220  to just inward of the uppermost end  268  of the lowermost member  266  of the associated brace  220 . 
     5. The pair of braces  220  are attached to each other, at their midpoints  252  by first locking apparatus  282 . 
     6. The uppermost member  267  and the lowermost member  266  of each brace  220  are slidably attached to each other by a pair of second locking apparatuses  283 . 
     The specific configuration of the first locking apparatus  282  can best be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto. 
     The first locking apparatus  282  comprises a front plate  284  that is disk-shaped and has a rearwardmost surface  286  with a perimeter  287 , a throughbore  288  that extends centrally therethrough, and a blindslot  290  that has a depth, a width, and extends diametrically across, and communicates with the periphery  287  of, the rearwardmost surface  286  of the front plate  284 . 
     The blindslot  290  in the rearwardmost surface  286  of the front plate  284  slidingly receives the uppermost member  267  and the lowermost member  266  of one brace  220  that overlaps the uppermost member  267  of the one brace  220 . 
     The depth of the blindslot  290  in the rearwardmost surface  286  of the front plate  284  is less than the thickness of the uppermost member  267  and the lowermost member  266  combined of one brace  220  so as to provide sliding clearance between the other brace  220  and the front plate  284 . 
     The width of the blindslot  290  in the rearwardmost surface  286  of the front plate  284  is greater than the width of the uppermost member  267  and the lowermost member  266  of one brace  220  so as to provide sliding clearance between the uppermost member  267  and the lowermost member  266  of the one brace  220  and the front plate  284 . 
     The first locking apparatus  282  further comprises a back plate  292  that is disk-shaped and has a forwardmost surface  294  with a perimeter  296 , a throughbore  298  that extends centrally therethrough, and a blindslot  300  that has a depth, a width, and extends diametrically across, and communicates with the periphery  296  of, the forwardmost surface  294  of the back plate  292 . 
     The blindslot  300  in the forwardmost surface  294  of the back plate  292  slidingly receives the lowermost member  266  and the uppermost member  267  of the other brace  220  that overlaps the lowermost member  266  of the other brace  220 . 
     The depth of the blindslot  300  in the forwardmost surface  294  of the back plate  292  is less than the thickness of the lowermost member  266  and the uppermost member  267  combined of the other brace  220  so as to provide sliding clearance between the one brace  220  and the back plate  292 . 
     The width of the blindslot  300  in the forwardmost surface  294  of the back plate  292  is greater than the width of the lowermost member  266  and the uppermost member  267  of the other brace  220  so as to provide sliding clearance between the lowermost member  266  and the uppermost member  267  of the other brace  220  and the back plate  292 . 
     The fifth screw  264  extends freely into the throughbore  288  through the front plate  284 , the throughslot  278  through the uppermost member  267  of the one brace  220 , the throughslot  280  through the lowermost member  266  of the one brace  220 , the throughslot  278  through the uppermost member  267  of the other brace  220 , the throughslot  280  through the lowermost member  266  of the other brace  220 , the throughbore  298  through the back plate  292 , and threadably into a first wing nut  302 . 
     The specific configuration of the pair of second locking apparatuses  283  can best be seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto. 
     The pair of second locking apparatuses  283  of each brace  220  straddle the first locking apparatus  282 . 
     Each second locking apparatus  283  comprises a bracket  304  that is C-shaped. 
     The bracket  304  of each second locking apparatus  283  contains an open chamber  305  that is defined by a front wall  306  with a width, a pair of side edges  308 , and a throughbore  309  that extends centrally therethrough, a pair of side walls  310  that have heights and extend perpendicularly rearwardly from the pair of side edges  308  of the front wall  306 , respectively, to a pair rear edges  312 , respectively, and a pair of rear walls  314  that extend perpendicularly inwardly from the pair of rear edges  312  of the pair of side walls  310 , respectively, to a pair of free edges  316 , respectively, that are spaced-apart from each other. 
     The pair of rear walls  314  of the bracket  304  are coplanar with each other and parallel to the front wall  306  of the bracket  304 , and the pair of side walls of the bracket  304  are parallel to each other. 
     The open chamber  305  in the bracket  304  slidingly receives the uppermost member  267  and the lowermost member  266  of an associated brace  220  that overlaps the uppermost member  267  of the associated brace  220 . 
     The height of each of the pair of side walls  310  of the bracket  304  is greater than the thickness of the uppermost member  267  and the lowermost member  266  of an associated brace  220  combined and the width of the front all  306  of the bracket  304  is greater than the width of the uppermost member  267  and the lowermost member  266  of the associated brace  220  so as to provide sliding clearance between the associated brace  220  and the bracket  304 . 
     Each second locking apparatus  283  further comprises a seventh screw  318  that extends freely into the throughbore  309  through the front wall  306  of the bracket  304 , the throughslot  278  through the uppermost member  267  of an associated brace  220 , the throughslot  280  through the lowermost member  266  of the associated brace  220 , a washer  320 , and threadably into a second wing nut  322 . 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above. 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a freestanding frame for supporting shelves, however, it is not limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.