Panel shelf system

Abstract

A load panel shelf assembly includes a shelf frame, at least one panel, a mounting rail, and a hinge assembly. The shelf frame is composed of a plurality of frame segments. The at least one panel is fitted within the shelf frame to form a shelf surface. The mounting rail is configured to attach to a sidewall of a transport vehicle and includes a shelf support configured to support a portion of the shelf frame. The mounting rail includes a mounting rail receiver and the at least one of the frame segments includes a frame segment receiver. The hinge assembly includes first and second hinge segments which are pivotally connectable by a pivot pin disposed through both the first and second hinge segments. The first hinge segment and the second hinge segment each have a cross-section profile that is configured to fit into the cross-section profiles of the mounting rail receiver and the frame segment receiver, respectively.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A load panel shelf assembly attachable on a side wall of a vehicle cargo area, the load panel shelf assembly comprising:
 a hinge assembly including a first hinge segment and a second hinge segment;   wherein the first hinge segment is pivotable with respect to the second hinge segment by a pivot pin disposed through both the first hinge segment and the second hinge segment;   wherein the first hinge segment and the second hinge segment are substantially identical, and each has a cross-section profile that is configured to fit into a cross-section profile of a first hinge segment receiver of a shelf mount and a second hinge segment receiver of a shelf, when the first hinge segment is positioned reverse with respect to the second hinge segment.