Patent Description:
It is known to have building systems that consist of stackable building elements, such as LEGO elements or EverBlocks.

It is also known to assemble building elements on a vertically oriented building plate to achieve three-dimensional effects, such as a three-dimensional image.

A toy building plate may be mounted on a wall surface and then building elements may be mounted on the building plate and on top of each other, respectively. The toy building elements extend horizontally in varying distance from the toy building plate and the wall.

However, it can be difficult to build horizontally, as the coupling organs of the building elements may lack clapping effect to withhold the weight of the building elements themselves. Previously, this problem has been solved by gluing the toy building elements together.

<CIT> discloses a building block platform structures comprising a studded surface for attachment of building block elements and further comprising an adhesive backing that provides for removably attaching the building block platform structures to surfaces. In one example embodiment, a building block platform structure is provided that comprises a plate comprising a plurality of studs formed on a first surface of the plate, wherein the plurality of studs are configured to couple with one or more building block elements. The building block platform structure further comprises an adhesive layer provided on a second surface of the plate, wherein the second surface is opposite the first surface, and wherein the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive material configured to removably attach to a surface.

It would be desirable to provide a shelving system being strong enough to hold the weight of displayed items.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a sturdy and strong shelving system.

This is solved in part according to the features listed in claim <NUM>.

Hereby is achieved a strong shelving system that gives the illusion that it has been constructed by standardized modular units, such as toy construction elements. According to the invention, the second area has no protrusions it is free from protrusions of cylindrical shape.

According to the invention, the first standard module size is defined by the distance between grid points of a two dimensional grid.

Further advantageous features are provided in the dependent claims.

In an embodiment, the one or more block elements extend perpendicular to the planar surface of the back panels in a distance corresponding to a multiple of one or multiple of a second standard module size. In an embodiment, the second standard module size may be defined by the distance between grid points of a three dimensional grid.

In an embodiment, the outer surface of the block elements extends in one or more standard module sizes in three mutually perpendicular directions.

In an embodiment, the size of the block element in the plane parallel to the planar surface of the back panel in the two mutually perpendicular directions defined by grid points of the regular two dimensional grid correspond to the size of the second area.

According to the invention, the protrusions comprise a cylindrical shape adapted to simulating coupling organs of a toy construction system.

According to the invention, the outer surface of the block element comprises a cladding, which is formed in a plastic, preferably such as Kerrock or Corion.

According to the invention, the cladding comprises one or more indentations, the indentations adapted to divide the block element visually into modular parts in all three mutually perpendicular directions, such that each modular part is fully or partly outlined by indentations in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface and in a direction parallel to the planar surface, the indentations are interposed intermediate the grid points of the regular grids.

In an embodiment, the shelving system comprises one or more block bases and the one or more block elements comprises a cavity, the cavity comprises a shape complementary to the outer surface of the one or more block bases allowing the one or more block elements to be mounted on and enclosing the one or more block bases.

In an embodiment, the block element comprises protrusions positioned in grid points of the regular grid, the protrusions comprise a cylindrical shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface of the back panel, thus simulating coupling organs of a toy construction system.

In an embodiment, the block element comprises one or more top panels, the top panels extend in a distance of <NUM>/<NUM> of a standard module in the direction perpendicular to the planar surface, the top panels are marked by the one or more indentations of a second type, the one or more indentations of a second type extend parallel with the planar surface in a distance from the planar surface corresponding to one or more standard module sizes, thus simulating a cover panel of toy construction system.

In an embodiment, all surfaces of the back panels and the one or more block elements extending parallel with the planar surface, within the at least first and second areas, comprise either a cylinder shaped protrusion or a top panel, such that all grid points of the regular grid within the at least two areas comprise a cylinder shaped protrusion or a top panel.

In an embodiment, the block element comprises a support structure, the support structure defines the inner cavity, which is shaped complementary to the outer surface of the block base.

In an embodiment, the one or more back panels comprise a base structure, the base structure is covered by an inner cladding adapted for strengthening the one or more back panels to avoid bending of the one or more back panels.

In an embodiment, the grid points are positioned on grid points of a regular cubical three-dimensional grid, the cubical standard module comprises the sizes of <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> respectively.

It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising/comprised of" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is to be noted that the figures and the above description have shown the example embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. The internal electronic and mechanical details have not been shown since the person skilled in the art should be familiar with these details and they would just unnecessarily complicate this description.

<FIG> show different views of one embodiment of a shelving system according to the present invention.

The term grid point is meant as points which are positioned on grid points of a regular grid. The grid points will be arranged in a pattern such that their relative positions and distances from each other follow a set of geometrical constraints.

The regular grid may be a two-dimensional grid or a three-dimensional grid, e. g a square grid, a cubic grid, a rectangular grid or the like.

The term first standard module size is meant as the distance between two adjacent grid points, and thus a standard module having the size of the distance between two adjacent grid points of a regular grid.

The term "a modular part" is meant as a three dimensional part comprising the sizes of one or multiple of a standard module size in at least two of the three directions in a three dimensional grid. In the third direction a "modular part" may have a second standard module size, which is in the same order as the first standard module size. In one embodiment the first and second standard module sizes are equivalent. However, in other embodiments the first and second standard module sizes may be different.

<FIG> shows a three dimensional view of a shelving system <NUM> (or shelf system <NUM>). The shelving system <NUM> may be adapted to provide display shelving or/and display areas.

The shelving system comprises a back panel <NUM>, a block base <NUM> and a block element <NUM>.

The back panel <NUM> comprises a base structure <NUM>, which is covered by a cladding <NUM>. The back panel comprises a first area comprising a substantially outer planar surface <NUM> and protrusions <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> are formed in a cylindrical shape. The protrusions <NUM> could also be referred to as knobs.

The protrusions <NUM> are positioned on the planar surface <NUM> in grid points of a regular two dimensional grid. The grid points are arranged in a two dimensional square grid pattern parallel to the planar surface <NUM>. The first standard module size is defined as the distance between two adjacent grid points, and thus a standard module has the size (in the plane of the planar surface <NUM>) of the distance between two adjacent grid points of the regular grid.

In the shown embodiment, in <FIG>, the back panel comprises a second area equivalent to six grid points, where six protrusions <NUM> are replaced by a block base <NUM>. The block base <NUM> is mounted on the back panel <NUM> by fastening means <NUM>, such as screws.

The block base <NUM> comprises a protruding flange <NUM>, which extends perpendicular from the planar surface <NUM> of the back panel <NUM>.

The block element <NUM> is shaped complementary to the outer surface of the block base <NUM>. The block element <NUM> is mounted on and enclosing the block base <NUM> and fixed to the back panel or the block base <NUM> by fastening means <NUM>, such as screws.

The block element <NUM> in this embodiment comprises a first modular element <NUM> and a top panel <NUM>.

The block element <NUM> extends, in a plane parallel to the planar surface <NUM> of the back panel <NUM>, a distance corresponding to five standard modules sizes in one, first direction, i.e. a whole number (multiple) of grid points, and in one and two first standard module sizes in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (and in a plane parallel to the palnar surface <NUM>), and in such a way that each grid point in the regular two-dimensional grid is covered by a protrusion <NUM> or a block element <NUM>.

The first modular element <NUM> thus also extends, in the plane parallel to the planar surface <NUM> of the back panel <NUM>, a distance corresponding to five first standard modules in one, first direction, and in one and two standard module sizes in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction(and in a plane parallel to the palnar surface <NUM>).

The first modular element <NUM>, in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface <NUM> of the back panel <NUM>, extends a distance of one second standard module size.

The block element <NUM> comprises an outer surface which comprises indentations <NUM>,<NUM> of two types.

A first type of indentations <NUM> are interposed intermediate the grid points. The first type of indentations <NUM> extends both perpendicular to the planar surface <NUM> and parallel thereto, and thus - in the <FIG> embodiment - extends in a plane which is perpendicular to the planar surface <NUM>. Thus, the first type of indentations <NUM> provides visual dividing lines between two juxtaposed modular parts.

The top panel <NUM> of the block element <NUM> extends in a distance <NUM>/<NUM> of a second standard module size in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface <NUM>. The top panel <NUM> is visually divided from the first modular part by indentations <NUM> of a second type, which are arranged parallel to the planar surface <NUM> in a distance corresponding to one or more second standard module sizes from the planar surface <NUM> (in <FIG> the indentations <NUM> of the second type are arranged one second standard module size from the planar surface <NUM>). As mentioned, thus the indentations <NUM> of the second type defines a visual dividing line between the top panel <NUM> and the first modular part <NUM>. Thereby, the block element <NUM> visually appears as if it is finished off by a cover plate, despite the fact that it may be formed by a single integrated structure.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the block element <NUM> extends horizontally in a plane parallel to the planar surface <NUM>, in a distance having a size equivalent to <NUM> standard module sizes. In the vertical direction the block element <NUM> extends respectively one and two standard modules. In the direction perpendicular to the planar surface <NUM> the block element <NUM> including the top panal <NUM> on the first modular part <NUM> - extends a distance equivalent to <NUM><NUM>/<NUM> (one and one third) second standard module sizes of a (standard) module.

The indentations <NUM> of the second type (or top panel indentation <NUM>) divides the block element <NUM> into the first modular part <NUM> and the top panel <NUM>, at least visually.

The indentations <NUM>,<NUM> give the illusion that the block element is constructed by construction elements, such as modular construction elements.

<FIG> illustrates a part of a shelving system <NUM> viewed in perspective (a three dimensional view). The shelving system <NUM> of <FIG> is a part of a shelving system <NUM> shown in <FIG> in a front view.

In the top part of <FIG>, a shelf formed by a block element <NUM>I having a depth/size/dimension of <NUM><NUM>/<NUM> (two and one third) second stand module sizes, is illustrated.

The block element <NUM>I comprises a spatial structure, the spatial structure comprising a first modular part <NUM>, a second modular part <NUM>, and a top panel <NUM>. The first modular part <NUM> and second modular part <NUM> are visually divided by indentations <NUM> of the first type. In this case the indentation of the first type are arranged in a plane parallel to the planar surface <NUM>, as was the indentations <NUM> of the second type described above in connection with <FIG>.

The first modular part <NUM> extends - in the horizontal direction - <NUM> first standard modular sizes. In the vertical direction, the first modular part <NUM> extends in one first standard modular size. In the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the planar surface <NUM>, the first modular part extends in one second standard modular size.

The second modular part <NUM> extends - in the horizontal direction - <NUM> first standard modular sizes. In the vertical direction, the second modular part <NUM> extends in one first standard modular size. In the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the planar surface <NUM>, the second modular part extends in one second standard modular size.

The second modular part <NUM> and the top panel <NUM> are divided by the indentation <NUM> of the second type (see the description of <FIG>, above). The indentation <NUM> of the second type extends on four surfaces of the spatial structure of the block element <NUM>I in a plane parallel to the planar surface <NUM>, in a distance from the planar surface <NUM> of two second standard module sizes.

The top panal <NUM> extends - in the horizontal direction - <NUM> first standard modular sizes. In the vertical direction, the top panal <NUM> extends in one first standard modular size. In the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the planar surface <NUM>, the top panal <NUM> extends in <NUM>/<NUM> (one third) second standard modular size.

The indentations <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second types again divide the block element <NUM>I visually into modular parts.

Thus, the block element <NUM>I shown in the top part of <FIG> gives the illusion that the block element <NUM>I has been built from four modular parts. The apparent four modular parts defined by the indentations <NUM>, <NUM> of the first and second types, provide a shelf suitable for display purpose.

The shelving/shelf in form of the block element <NUM>I is formed following a set of geometrical constraints set by the grid points and the first and second standard module sizes.

The surface of the first modular part <NUM>, where the first modular part <NUM> does not extend (in the horizontal direction), has thre protrusions <NUM>.

In the bottom right part of <FIG> another block element <NUM>" is illustrated. This block element <NUM>" comprises a spatial structure shape like a rectangular shelving/shelf or frame. In the embodiment the shown, the rectangular hellving/shelf or frame is formed from to square shelving/shelves or frames stacked on top of each other.

Part of the block element <NUM>" comprises a first modular part <NUM> and a second modular part <NUM>. The first modular part <NUM> and second modular part <NUM> are visually divided by indentations <NUM> of the first type.

The second modular part <NUM> and a top panel <NUM> are divided by indentation <NUM> of the second type. The indentations <NUM>, <NUM> divide the block element <NUM>" visually into modular parts. The shelving system <NUM> is adapted to give the illusion that the shelving system has been modular constructed using enlarged toy construction system elements.

The outer surfaces of the block elements <NUM> extend in standard module sizes in three mutually perpendicular directions.

<FIG> is a side view of a vertical cross sectional view of a shelving system <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The shelving system <NUM> comprises a back panel <NUM>, which comprises a planar surface <NUM>, which comprises protrusions <NUM>.

A number of block elements <NUM> of different sizes and shapes are formed on the back panel <NUM>.

The block element <NUM>III, shown at the top of <FIG>, comprises a first modular part <NUM> and a top panel <NUM>. The second type of indentation <NUM> extends parallel with the planar surface <NUM> in a distance from the planar surface <NUM>, corresponding to one second standard module size.

The lower part of the shelving system <NUM> comprises another block element <NUM>IV comprising a first modular part <NUM> and a second modular part <NUM> arranged on (in front of) the first modular part <NUM>. Additionally a third modular part <NUM> is arranged on (in front of) the second modular part <NUM>. Furthermore a forth modular part <NUM> is arranged on (in front of) the third modular part <NUM>. Each modular part <NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, <NUM> is arranged to extend a distance of one second standard module over an adjacent modular part.

In an upper portion of the lower block element <NUM>IV of <FIG>, the second modular part <NUM> arranged on the first modular part <NUM> is covered by a top flange <NUM>. At a middle portion of the lower block element <NUM>IV of <FIG>, the first modular part <NUM> is covered by a top flange <NUM>.

Each modular part is marked by indentations <NUM>, both in a direction perpendicular and in parallel direction with respect to the planar surface <NUM>. In general, the indentations <NUM> are interposed intermediate the grid points.

In a particular embodiment, the two dimensional grid points along the extent of the planar surface are positioned at a regular square grid, at a first standard module size of <NUM>. Thus the protrusions <NUM> are arranged at the grid points having a distance of <NUM> from centerline to centerline of the protrusions <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the third dimension, perpendicular to the planar surface <NUM> comprises a second standard size of a module at <NUM>.

The back panel <NUM> and the top panel <NUM> comprise the width of <NUM>, in the direction perpendicular to the planar surface <NUM>, being <NUM>/<NUM> of a second standard module size.

The indentations <NUM> may be positioned such that a modular part extends over several modules in all three directions defined by the three dimensional grid points. <FIG> also illustrates a modular part <NUM>, which extends two second standard module sizes in the direction perpendicular to the planar surface <NUM>.

<FIG> in the uppermost portion of the shown shelving system <NUM>, illustrates a further block element <NUM>V comprising the sizes of <NUM> x <NUM> corresponding to a shelf extending <NUM> x <NUM> first standard module sizes.

Another block element <NUM>I in the upper left portion of the shown shelving system <NUM>, and described in connection with <FIG>, comprises a second modular part <NUM>, the size of <NUM> x <NUM>, which forms a shelf comprising <NUM> x <NUM> first standard module sizes. The second modular part <NUM> is - as described in connection with <FIG> - formed on a first modular part <NUM>, with a size of <NUM> x <NUM>, which forms a shelf comprising <NUM> x <NUM> first standard module sizes. The block element <NUM>I comprises a combination of a top panel <NUM> on the second modular part <NUM>, and three mutually identical cylindrical shaped protrusions <NUM>, formed on the portion of the first modular part <NUM>, which is not covered by the second modular part <NUM>.

<FIG>, in a front view, shows a shelving system <NUM>, with different block elements than in <FIG>. <FIG>, at the top of the shelving system <NUM>, for example illustrates an L-shaped block element <NUM>, similar to the one shown in <FIG>, comprising the size of <NUM> X <NUM> at one horizontal end , and having a width of one standard module at <NUM> at another horizontal end.

The line marked D in <FIG> indicates a section of the back panel, which is shown in a side view in <FIG>.

<FIG>, in a top view, illustrates a left portion of a shelving system <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The shelving system <NUM> comprises a back panel <NUM> positioned adjacent a first modular part <NUM>, a second modular part <NUM>, a third modular part <NUM>, and a fourth modular part <NUM>.

The second modular part <NUM> is arranged on (in front of) the first modular part <NUM>. The third modular part <NUM> is arranged on (in front of) the second modular part <NUM>. The forth modular part <NUM> is arranged on (in front of) the third modular part <NUM>. Each modular part <NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, <NUM> is arranged to extend a distance of one second standard module over an adjacent modular part. A top panel <NUM> is formed on some of he first, second, third or fourth modular parts.

The shelving system <NUM> comprises indentations <NUM>,<NUM>. The indentations mark the modular parts, the modular parts corresponding to the size of one or more standard modules. The modular parts are finished off by top panels <NUM> or protrusions <NUM>, thus simulating that the shelving system has been constructed by toy construction elements.

All grids point on the front surfaces of the shelving system, which extend parallel with the planar surface <NUM> comprising either identically shaped protrusions <NUM> or top panels <NUM>.

The shelving system <NUM> in <FIG> further comprises drawers <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the rest of the shelving system <NUM> shown in the <FIG> seen in a top view, i.e. <FIG> shows the right portion of the shelving system <NUM>.

The outer measurements of a block element <NUM> are equal to a first or second standard module size of a module or larger. By larger is meant a multiple of the first or second standard module sizes. When a block element <NUM>, <NUM>I, <NUM>II, <NUM>III, <NUM>IV, <NUM>V is larger than one first or second standard module size, the block comprises indentation <NUM>,<NUM> to give the illusion that the block element <NUM>, <NUM>I, <NUM>II, <NUM>III, <NUM>IV, <NUM>V, and the shelving system are assembled by several construction elements.

<FIG> illustrates a cross sectional side view of the back panel <NUM> shown in <FIG>, which is marked by a D in <FIG>.

The back panel <NUM> comprises a support or base structure <NUM>. The base structure is preferably made of wooden material, such as <NUM> plywood. The base structure <NUM> comprises a cladding <NUM> on the front face and the top face of the back panel <NUM>, which may be made of/formed in plastic, such as Kerrock or Corion.

The base structure <NUM> of each of the one or more back panels <NUM> may further comprise an inner cladding <NUM>. The inner cladding <NUM> is adapted for/configured for strengthening the one or more back panels <NUM> to avoid bending thereof.

The back panel <NUM> comprises fastening means in form of a L-shaped mounting. The L-shaped mounting <NUM> may hang on a complementary L-shaped support fastened to the wall by fastening means, such as screws.

The cladding <NUM> on the front face of the back panel <NUM> comprises protrusions <NUM>. The cross sectional side view of the block element shown in <FIG> has a similar structure.

The block element <NUM> comprises a support or base structure <NUM>. The base structure is preferably made of wooden material. The base structure <NUM> comprises a cladding made of plastic, such as Kerrock or Corion, on a front face <NUM>, on a top face <NUM> and on a bottom face <NUM>, thus enclosing base structure <NUM> of the block element.

The block element <NUM>, <NUM>I, <NUM>II, <NUM>III, <NUM>IV, <NUM>V comprises an inner cavity <NUM>. The inner cavity <NUM> has an inner face. The inner face of the inner cavity <NUM> comprises a shape complementary to an outer surface of the protruding flange(s) (<NUM>) of the block base <NUM>. Thereby, the block bases <NUM> and the block elements <NUM> are thus configured to allow the block elements <NUM> to be mounted on and enclosing the one or more block bases <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A shelving system (<NUM>) comprising at least one back panel (<NUM>) and at least one block element (<NUM>, <NUM>I, <NUM>II, <NUM>III, <NUM>IV, <NUM>V), the back panel (<NUM>) comprises a substantially planar surface (<NUM>), and where the at least one block element is mounted on the back panel (<NUM>), wherein
the back panel (<NUM>) comprises at least two areas, a first area of the at least one back panel (<NUM>) comprising protrusions (<NUM>); the protrusions (<NUM>) being of cylindrical shape, mutually identical and positioned on the planar surface (<NUM>) in grid points of a regular two dimensional grid; and a second area of the at least one back panel (<NUM>), which is free from the protrusions (<NUM>) of cylindrical shape, and comprising the at least one block element (<NUM>, <NUM>I, <NUM>II, <NUM>III, <NUM>IV, <NUM>V), the block element extending in a distance corresponding to one or multiple of a standard module size in a plane parallel to the planar surface of the back panel (<NUM>) in two mutually perpendicular directions defined by grid points of a regular two dimensional grid wherein the the standard module sizes is defined by the distance between grid points of a two dimensional grid, characterized in that the outer surface of the block element comprises a cladding, which is formed in plastic, and wherein the cladding comprises one or more indentations (<NUM>, <NUM>), the indentations (<NUM>, <NUM>) adapted to divide the block element visually into modular parts in all three mutually perpendicular directions, such that each modular part is fully or partly outlined by indentations (<NUM>, <NUM>) in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface (<NUM>) and in a direction parallel to the planar surface (<NUM>), the indentations (<NUM>, <NUM>) are interposed intermediate the grid points of the regular grids.