Shelf

Abstract

A shelf ( 10 ) that is of a square or rectangular configuration so as to have a first pair of sides ( 11 ) that are generally parallel and transversely spaced and generally perpendicular to the sides ( 11 ). The shelf ( 10 ) has a body ( 14 ) injected of moulded plastics material with elongated frame members ( 15, 16 ) moulded within the body ( 14 ).

1 . A shelf of generally square or rectangular configuration so as to have four sides and four corners, the shelf including:
 a pair of elongated frame members, the frame members being generally parallel and transversely spaced, each frame member being located adjacent a respective side of the shelf;   an insert at each corner to be engaged by a post that supports the shelf;   a body moulded of plastics material with the frame members and inserts embedded in the body; and wherein   a space is provided between each insert and adjacent frame member.   
     
     
         2 . The shelf of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of frame members is a first pair of frame members, and the shelf includes a second pair of elongated frame members, the second frame members being generally parallel and transversely spaced, and generally perpendicular to the first members, with the inserts being spaced from each adjacent frame member, and the second frame member being located adjacent a respective one of the sides. 
     
     
         3 . The shelf of  claim 1 , wherein the body is injection moulded with each frame member and insert embedded in the body as the body is injection moulded. 
     
     
         4 . The shelf of  claim 1 , wherein each frame member is metal. 
     
     
         5 . The shelf of  claim 1 , wherein each insert is metal. 
     
     
         6 . The shelf of  claim 1 , wherein each insert is of a generally square transverse cross section so as to provide for upwardly extending sides surrounding a hollow to receive an associated post, with said sides converging upwardly. 
     
     
         7 . The shelf of  claim 1 , wherein each frame member is non planar so as to have longitudinally extending recesses and/or ridges. 
     
     
         8 . The shelf of  claim 1 , wherein each frame member has smooth external surfaces. 
     
     
         9 . The shelf of  claim 2 , wherein the body is injection moulded with each frame member and insert embedded in the body as the body is injection moulded, with each frame member is metal. 
     
     
         10 . The shelf of  claim 9 , wherein each insert is metal. 
     
     
         11 . The shelf of  claim 9 , wherein each insert is of a generally square transverse cross section so as to provide for upwardly extending sides surrounding a hollow to receive an associated post, with said sides converging upwardly. 
     
     
         12 . The shelf of  claim 9 , wherein each frame member is non planar so as to have longitudinally extending recesses and/or ridges. 
     
     
         13 . The shelf of  claim 12 , wherein each frame member has smooth external surfaces. 
     
     
         14 . A shelf of generally square or rectangular configuration so as to have four sides and four corners, the shelf including:
 a pair of elongated metal frame members, the frame members being generally parallel and transversely spaced, each frame member being located adjacent a respective side of the shelf;   a metal insert at each corner to be engaged by a post that supports the shelf;   a body injection moulded of plastics material with the frame members and inserts embedded in the body so that there is a space is provided between each insert and adjacent frame member, and wherein the pair of frame members is a first pair of frame members, and the shelf includes a second pair of elongated metal frame members, the second frame members being generally parallel and transversely spaced, and generally perpendicular to the first members, with the inserts being spaced from each adjacent frame member, the second frame member are located adjacent a respective one of the sides, and each insert is of a generally square transverse cross section so as to provide for upwardly extending sides surrounding a hollow to receive an associated post, with said sides converging upwardly.   
     
     
         15 . The shelf of  claim 14 , wherein each frame member is non planar so as to have longitudinally extending recesses and/or ridges. 
     
     
         16 . The shelf  claim 15 , wherein each frame member has smooth external surfaces.