Improvements in Adjustable Shelves for Book Cases, Cupboards, and other purposes.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 6th Nov., 1891-Accepted, 24th Dec., 1891
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Adjustable Shelves for Book Cases, Cupboards, and
other purposes.
I, JOSEF STAENDER of 8, Höfchenstrasse, Breslau, Silesia in the German
Empire, Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this invention and the manner
in which the same is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the
following statement :-
My invention relates to improvements in adjustable shelves for book cases,
cupboards, &c. said adjustable shelves with their attachments forming a part of the
entire device.
According to the present invention in which the board or shelf and the attaching
device forming the one part are arranged between perfectly smooth side pieces,
Fig. 1 represents a book case or cupboard with adjustable shelves 6 in
elevation.
Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the inner surfaces of one of the side pieces in
elevation and showing the grooves or grooved rails into which the attachment of
the shelf b gears.
The cupboard represented in Fig. 1 has only one compartment but if several
vertical compartments are used the groove rails between each two compartments
must be so broad that the same can receive the attachment device of each one left
and one right hand shelf. This is necessary in order that the shelves of all the
vertical compartments of the same book case or cupboard, can if desired be
arranged in one line. The shelves and also the groove rails and side pieces can be
made of wood, metal or other suitable material and the side walls can be massive or
perforated.
Fig. 3 is a plan of the cupboard.
Fig. 4 represents the adjustable shelf with the attachment consisting of two
tappets n which are rendered adjustable by means of the shaft or spindle d which
turns on its own axis.
This attaching device can be applied to both ends of the shelf or only to one end
whereas the other end can be provided with fixed tenons c.
In Fig. 1 the lower shelf is represented in the moment when the same is being
inserted or adjusted or when the shifting of the shelf to a higher or lower position
is to be effected. If a shelf is to be inserted the same is held in somewhat inclined
position so that the fixed tenons c can be readily inserted in the grooves s of one of
the side walls a, when the other end is raised a little above the corresponding
groove of the opposite side wall and the front tappets n of the shaft d guided into
the groove whereby the rear tappet is at the same time brought into the groove of
the rear grooved rail or the grooves or perforations in the side wall.
The shelf 6 is now allowed to sink by its own weight into a horizontal position
and in correct height.
If the shelf is to be removed the end with the movable tappets n is raised thus
drawing the tappets from the grooves which are turned downwards whereupon the
fixed tenons c are also drawn from the grooves by giving the shelf a suitable incline.
If the shelves are provided with movable tappets at each end all the movements of
inserting, fixing, shifting and removing the shelves can be effected with the shelves
in horizontal position. The shelf is fixed by inserting the front right and left
tenous as above mentioned in the desired grooves.
In order to shift or remove a shelf it need only be raised when all the tappets
will be turned down and glide out of the grooves in the side walls or the grooves of
the rails of the same, the pins g, preventing the shafts from shifting.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and the manner in which the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is :
1. Fixing the shelves 7, between the side walls a, by means of attaching devices
consisting of a movable shaft or spindle d, with the tappets n, said shaft being
carried in suitable bearings and prevented from shifting by pins g, the tappets n,
being inserted in grooves s, in the side walls or rails of the same substantially as
described.
2. The combination of the said shaft or spindle d, and tappets n, of the shelf b,
with the tenons c, substantially as described.
3. The hereinbefore described improved adjustable shelves for book cases,
cupboards or the like.
Dated this 6th day of November 1891.
DAY, DAVIES & HUNT,
321, High Holborn, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.