Stackable or nestable shelf with reinforced platform

Abstract

A particularly styled shelf of a simplified design has a unique structure and appearance from a minimum of components. The shelf may be both stackable, one shelf upon the other, for the storage of goods, and can be easily nested into a compact state, when shelves are desired to be stored or shipped. Each of the shelves has a platform with spaced apart planks upon transverse ribs, and the platform provides a smooth transition for ready storage of goods. Each shelf has two closed loop wire legs, at each end, and the legs elevate the shelf when upon another shelf or a surface. The downward end of each leg has a foot portion of less width than the handle. The foot portions may be inserted through the handle to furnish interconnection of stacked shelves, even when subject to a lifting force.

1 . A device for separating and storing items vertically, a plurality of said devices being capable of stacking, comprising:
 a generally planar platform, horizontal, having a perimeter frame and a grill within said frame;   said perimeter frame having a height substantially greater than its thickness to add to its strength; and   two spaced apart and opposed legs, each of said legs joining to said frame,   each of said legs having a handle proximate and above said platform, an opposite foot, and at least one side connecting said handle to said foot.   
   
   
       2 . The storing device of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of devices are nested. 
   
   
       3 . The storing device of  claim 2  further comprising:
 said handle of each of said legs being inclined towards said frame, the incline of which terminating at a shoulder where said handle connects to said side;   said side of each of said legs continuing downwardly from said shoulder, generally perpendicular to said frame;   said foot of each of said legs extending perpendicular to said side and generally outwardly from said frame.   
   
   
       4 . The storing device of  claim 3  further comprising:
 each of said legs forming a closed loop having said handle integral with two of said shoulders, said shoulders integral with two of said sides, said sides integral with said foot.   
   
   
       5 . The storing device of  claim 4  wherein each of said sides bends inwardly, said foot of each leg has less width than said handle, and said handle of each leg is located above an end of said platform. 
   
   
       6 . The storing device of  claim 3  further comprising: 
     each of said legs forming a closed loop having said handle integral with two of said shoulders, said shoulders integral with two of said sides, said sides integral with said foot and said sides bent inwardly, said foot of each leg has less width than said handle, and said handle of each leg is located above an end of said platform;
 said foot of each leg of an upper device fitting into a gap between said handle of each leg of a lower device and said frame of a lower device, thus locating the upper device in a spaced apart stacked relationship with the lower device as during usage; and, 
 said foot of each leg of the upper device passing said handle of each leg of the lower device and within said sides of each leg of the lower device so said feet of the upper device and the lower device are spaced apart and parallel, thus locating the upper device in a compact nesting relationship with the lower device as during non-usage. 
 
   
   
       7 . The storing device of  claim 3  further comprising: 
     said grill having planks extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of said device and a plurality of ribs laterally beneath said planks;
 said perimeter frame having sufficient thickness to conceal said planks; and, 
 said ribs connecting beneath said perimeter frame. 
 
   
   
       8 . The storing device of  claim 3  further comprising: said grill having planks extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of said device and a plurality of ribs laterally beneath said planks;
 said ribs connecting within said perimeter frame; and,   said perimeter frame having sufficient thickness to conceal said planks and said ribs.   
   
   
       9 . The storing device of  claim 3  wherein said ribs have a height substantially greater than their thickness to add to their strength. 
   
   
       10 . A stackable and nestable shelf for use for temporarily stacking and storing items, vertically, a plurality of said shelves being capable of stacking, one on top of the other, comprising:
 a generally planer platform, horizontally disposed, and including a series of longitudinally and parallel arranged bars along it length; two spaced apart opposed legs;   a pair of horizontal ribs, one being arranged at least at each end of the platform, and securing the longitudinal bars thereon;   the legs been secured to a respective horizontal rib to complete the integrated structure of each shelf; and   each of the legs having a handle proximate and above said platform, and an opposite foot arranged downwardly thereof, and a pair of sides connecting said handle to each foot, to complete the leg structure for each shelf.   
   
   
       11 . The shelf of  claim 10  wherein a series of said shelves may be stacked one upon the other, with the foot of one shelf locating within the handle of the shelf arranged therebelow. 
   
   
       12 . The shelf of  claim 11  wherein a series of said shelves may be nested, for storage.