Expandable modular shelf system

Abstract

An expandable modular shelf system comprises at least one shelf which has a plurality of engaging portions adapted to be engaged with a plurality of joint assemblies correspondingly. Each joint assembly includes two cap members mated together to receive one engaging portion therebetween, a rod connected to one of the cap members, and a connecting member joining the two cap members and the rod in a way to retrain the cap members from detachment. The joint assembly is adapted to further receive at least one shelf, thereby increasing the number of shelves horizontally. The rod is adapted to further receive a joint assembly, whereby the number of shelves can be increased vertically.

1 . An expandable modular shelf system comprising:
 at least one shelf which has a plurality of engaging portions adapted to be engaged with a plurality of joint assemblies correspondingly, with each joint assembly including two cap members mated together to receive one engaging portion therebetween, a rod connected to one of the cap members, and a connecting member joining the two cap members and the rod in a way to retrain the cap members from detachment; and   wherein each joint assembly is adapted to further receive at least one shelf, thereby increasing the number of shelves horizontally; and   wherein the rod is adapted to further receive a joint assembly, whereby the number of shelves can be increased vertically.   
   
   
       2 . The expandable modular shelf system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each cap member comprises a through hole, and a cavity in communication with the through hole, and wherein the connecting member is insertably engaged in the through holes of the two cap members. 
   
   
       3 . The expandable modular shelf system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each cap member comprises a mating surface having two connections formed thereon, with one connection formed of a stud and the other formed of a recess, and with the stud-like connection of one cap member engaged in the recess-like connection of another cap member. 
   
   
       4 . The expandable modular shelf system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each cap member comprises a plurality of substantially L-shaped grooves, with the grooves of one cap member joined with corresponding grooves of another cap member to receive engaging portions therebetween. 
   
   
       5 . The expandable modular shelf system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the connecting member includes a flange adapted to be received in one cap member, the connecting member includes a first section and a second section separated by the flange, and the second section is threadly engaged with the rod, whereby the rod is securely connected to the cap member. 
   
   
       6 . The expandable modular shelf system as claimed in  claim 1  further comprises a rail adapted to interconnect between two horizontally spaced joint assemblies, the rail includes two end portions engaged with the horizontally spaced cap members correspondingly. 
   
   
       7 . The expandable modular shelf system as claimed in  claim 1  further comprises a panel adapted to be disposed perpendicular to the shelf, the panel has a wall section with edges having bars disposed therealong correspondingly, and each bar has two legs receivable by two joint assemblies correspondingly. 
   
   
       8 . The expandable modular shelf system as claimed in  claim 1  further comprises a bar adapted to be disposed perpendicular to the shelf, the bar has two legs receivable by two joint assemblies correspondingly. 
   
   
       9 . The expandable modular shelf system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the shelf comprises a frame having corners serving as engaging portions and a wall serving as a shelving surface, and the wall extends between the frame but leaves the engaging portions exposed. 
   
   
       10 . The expandable modular shelf system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the shelf comprises a wall having corners with holes disposed adjacent thereto correspondingly, and the shelf further comprise an engaging portion defined between the edge of the corner and the hole.