Modular multi-piece shelf and shelving unit

Abstract

A self-locking multi-piece shelf is disclosed wherein the shelf includes a first and second endcap, and a body having a first and a second end. The first endcap slidingly engages with the first end of the body, whereby a first part of a locking mechanism located on the body engages with a second part of the locking mechanism located on the first endcap, thereby locking the first endcap to the body. The second endcap slidingly engages with the second end of the body, whereby a first part of a locking mechanism located on the body engages with a second part of the locking mechanism located on the second endcap, thereby locking the second endcap to the body.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A self-locking multi-piece shelf comprising: 
 a shelf body having a first end, a second end, an upper side, and a lower side;    first and second endcaps each slidingly attached to the first and second ends, respectively, and providing one or more riser sockets therein;    at least one locking mechanism first part carried on each of the first and second ends; and    at least one locking mechanism second part carried on each of the first and second end caps;    wherein each locking mechanism first part is engaged with a corresponding locking mechanism second part.    
     
     
         2 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 1  wherein the shelf body includes a plurality of support beams.  
     
     
         3 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 2  wherein the plurality of support beams are located between the upper and lower sides extending from the first end of the shelf body to the second end of the shelf body.  
     
     
         4 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 2  wherein the plurality of support beams are each an inverted T-beam support beams.  
     
     
         5 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 1  wherein the locking mechanism first parts are apertures.  
     
     
         6 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 1  wherein the locking mechanism second parts are wedge-shaped protrusions located on an inner surface of the first and the second endcaps.  
     
     
         7 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 1  wherein the endcaps slidingly telescope over the ends of the shelf body.  
     
     
         8 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 1  wherein the endcaps slidingly telescope into the ends of the shelf body.  
     
     
         9 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 1  wherein the locking mechanism first parts are wedge-shaped protrusions.  
     
     
         10 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 1  wherein the locking mechanism second parts are apertures.  
     
     
         11 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 1  wherein the locking mechanism first parts are integral to the respective endcaps.  
     
     
         12 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 1  wherein the locking mechanism first parts are integral to the respective ends of the shelf body.  
     
     
         13 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 1  wherein the locking mechanism second parts are integral to the respective endcaps.  
     
     
         14 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 1  wherein the locking mechanism second parts are integral to the respective ends of the shelf body.  
     
     
         15 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 1  wherein the shelf body is constructed from one of extruded or blow molded polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene material.  
     
     
         16 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 1  wherein the endcaps are constructed from one of injection molded or blow molded polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene material.  
     
     
         17 . A self-locking multi-piece shelf comprising: 
 a shelf body having a first end, a second end, an upper side, and a lower side, wherein one or more apertures are located on the ends of the shelf body;    first and second endcaps each attached to the first and second ends of the shelf body, respectively, and having one or more sockets, wherein the endcaps include one or more wedged shaped tabs;    wherein the one or more wedged shaped tabs of the first endcap engage the one or more apertures located on the first end of the shelf body, and the one or more wedged shaped tabs of the second endcap engage the one or more aperture located on the second end of the shelf body.    
     
     
         18 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 17  wherein the lower side includes a plurality of slots located between support beams, thereby creating a plurality of T-beams.  
     
     
         19 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 17  wherein the endcaps slidingly telescope over the ends of the shelf body.  
     
     
         20 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 17  wherein the endcaps slidingly telescope into the ends of the shelf body.  
     
     
         21 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 17  wherein the shelf body is constructed from one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene material.  
     
     
         22 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 17  wherein the endcaps are constructed from one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene material.  
     
     
         23 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 17  further including at least one stop located in each of the endcaps adapted to position the shelf body relative to the endcaps.  
     
     
         24 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 17  wherein the one or more apertures include an inner edge and an outer edge.  
     
     
         25 . The self-locking multi-piece shelf of  claim 17  wherein the one or more wedge shaped tabs include an inner portion and a stop surface.  
     
     
         26 . A modular shelving system comprising: 
 a plurality of shelf bodies having a first end, a second end, an upper side, and a lower side;    a plurality of first and second endcaps each able to slidingly attach to the first and second ends of the plurality of shelf bodies, the plurality of first and second endcaps providing one or more riser sockets therein;    at least one locking mechanism first part carried on each of the first and second ends of the plurality of shelf bodies; and    at least one locking mechanism second part carried on each of the plurality of first and second endcaps; and    a plurality of risers, wherein the plurality of risers engage with the one or more riser sockets on the plurality of endcaps.    
     
     
         27 . A method of creating a shelf comprising: 
 providing a self-locking multi-piece shelf consisting of a shelf body having a first end, a second end, an upper side, and a lower side, and a first and second endcap adapted to slidingly engage with the shelf body ends, a first part of a locking mechanism, and a second part of the locking mechanism;    aligning the first endcap with the first end of the shelf body, and the second endcap with the second end of the shelf body; and    sliding the first endcap relative to the first end of the shelf body, and the second endcap relative to the second end of the shelf body until the first part and the second part of the locking mechanisms engage.