Shelving System and Improved Support Post for Same

Abstract

Improved support posts are disclosed for shelving systems comprising one or more shelves spaced and supported by the support posts. Improved shelving systems comprising such support posts also are disclosed. The disclosed support posts have strengthening ribs extending longitudinally along their inside surface. The improved support posts and shelving systems incorporating the improved support posts have greater strength and rigidity with little added cost or weight of material.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 793,339 filed Mar. 15, 2013 and titled “Improved Shelving System and Improved Support Post for Same” (Attorney Docket No. 007338.00025), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to improved shelving systems and to improved support posts for such shelving systems.

[0003] There is a need for affordable shelving, such as shelving systems that provide good aesthetics, flexibility of use, and good functionality. Some shelving systems require significant assembly, which consumers may not want to or may not be able to undertake. Many consumers, for example, do not have tools or aptitude to assemble wall-mounted shelves.

[0004] Freestanding shelving systems are known that can be assembled by hand. Such shelving systems have multiple shelving panels with sockets to receive tubular support posts, typically two to ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0018]Various different examples and embodiments of the inventive subject matter disclosed here are possible and will be apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. In this disclosure reference to “some embodiments,”“certain embodiments,”“certain exemplary embodiments” and similar phrases each means that those embodiments are merely non-limiting examples of the inventive subject matter, and there are alternative embodiments which are not excluded. Unless otherwise indicated or unless otherwise clear from the context in which it is described, alternative and optional elements or features in any of the disclosed embodiments and examples are interchangeable with each other. That is, an element described in one embodiment or example should be understood to be interchangeable or substitutable for one or more corresponding but different elements in another described example or embodiment and, likewise, an optional feature of one embodiment or...

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 793,339 filed Mar. 15, 2013 and titled “Improved Shelving System and Improved Support Post for Same” (Attorney Docket No. 007338.00025), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to improved shelving systems and to improved support posts for such shelving systems.

[0003] There is a need for affordable shelving, such as shelving systems that provide good aesthetics, flexibility of use, and good functionality. Some shelving systems require significant assembly, which consumers may not want to or may not be able to undertake. Many consumers, for example, do not have tools or aptitude to assemble wall-mounted shelves.

[0004] Freestanding shelving systems are known that can be assembled by hand. Such shelving systems have multiple shelving panels with sockets to receive tubular support posts, typically two to ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0018]Various different examples and embodiments of the inventive subject matter disclosed here are possible and will be apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. In this disclosure reference to “some embodiments,”“certain embodiments,”“certain exemplary embodiments” and similar phrases each means that those embodiments are merely non-limiting examples of the inventive subject matter, and there are alternative embodiments which are not excluded. Unless otherwise indicated or unless otherwise clear from the context in which it is described, alternative and optional elements or features in any of the disclosed embodiments and examples are interchangeable with each other. That is, an element described in one embodiment or example should be understood to be interchangeable or substitutable for one or more corresponding but different elements in another described example or embodiment and, likewise, an optional feature of one embodiment or...

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