Collapsible outdoor shelving unit

Abstract

A collapsible, portable shelving unit that is useful within tents and the like when one is camping. The device is easy to pack and carry and is lightweight, but will hold a fair amount of weight when in use. There is no requirement for supporting the shelving unit to posts or trees or the like, as the device is self-supportable, even when it contains various objects on the shelving. It is especially useful for tent camping.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A collapsible outdoor shelving unit, said unit comprising:
 at least one shelf, each said shelf having a back edge, a top surface, a side surface and two ends;   a collapsible support shaft, said collapsible support shaft having a top end and a bottom end, said top end terminating in a handle, said bottom end terminating in a pointed tip;   each said shelf having an opening near said back edge and essentially centered between said two ends of said shelf to allow entry of said shaft;   a means of retaining each said shelf on said shaft in a predetermined location on said shaft.   
     
     
         2 . A collapsible outdoor shelving unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said retainer means is a friction grommet in said opening in each said shelf. 
     
     
         3 . A collapsible outdoor shelving unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said shaft is threaded in predetermined positions and said means is threaded nuts. 
     
     
         4 . A collapsible outdoor shelving unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said retainer means is an insertable threaded bolt. 
     
     
         5 . A collapsible outdoor shelving unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said retainer means is a shaft collar. 
     
     
         6 . A collapsible outdoor shelving unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said retainer means is a hex bolt through said side surface of said shelf to said shaft. 
     
     
         7 . A collapsible outdoor shelving unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said retainer means is a hitch pin through said opening in said shelf side edge to said shaft. 
     
     
         8 . A collapsible outdoor shelving unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said shaft consists of one piece. 
     
     
         9 . A collapsible outdoor shelving unit as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said shaft consists of at least two pieces.