Shelf with integral bracing

Abstract

A shelf assembly is provided in which the shelf has a horizontal surface for supporting a load, at least one fixation extension above the horizontal surface, at least one fixation element at the at least one fixation extension for fixing the shelf assembly to a mounting surface, and at least one bracing extension below the horizontal surface for bracing the shelf assembly against the mounting surface. When installed on a mounting surface, the fixation element is at least partially in tension and the bracing extension is in compression.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A shelf assembly comprising:
 a horizontal surface for supporting a load;   at least one fixation extension above the horizontal surface;   at least one fixation element at the at least one fixation extension for fixing the shelf assembly to a mounting surface; and   at least one bracing extension below the horizontal surface for bracing the shelf assembly against the mounting surface;   wherein, when installed on a mounting surface, the fixation element is at least partially in tension and the bracing extension is in compression.   
     
     
         2 . The shelf assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fixation element is a plurality of fixation elements, each located at a single fixation extension. 
     
     
         3 . The shelf assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fixation element is a non-damaging fixation mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The shelf assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one fixation element is a suction cup. 
     
     
         5 . The shelf assembly of  claim 4 , wherein the suction cup is clear. 
     
     
         6 . The shelf assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one bracing extension is a plurality of bracing extensions located at regular intervals along a length of the shelf. 
     
     
         7 . The shelf assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of bracing extensions comprises a pair of bracing extensions, each extending from a corresponding end of a length of the shelf. 
     
     
         8 . The shelf assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one fixation extension is a single fixation panel running perpendicular the horizontal surface and parallel the length of the shelf. 
     
     
         9 . The shelf assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the fixation extension extends from a back edge of the horizontal surface, and wherein the plurality of bracing extensions extend at least partially behind the fixation extension. 
     
     
         10 . The shelf assembly of  claim 6 , wherein each of the plurality of bracing extensions runs perpendicular the horizontal surface and parallel a depth of the shelf and has a diagonal lower edge, such that it extends further below the horizontal surface at a back edge of the shelf than at a front edge of the shelf. 
     
     
         11 . The shelf assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the bracing extensions extend partially above the horizontal surface and form sidewalls for the shelf. 
     
     
         12 . The shelf assembly of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the bracing extensions further comprises a notched opening above the horizontal surface for retaining a cable. 
     
     
         13 . The shelf surface of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the bracing extensions further comprises an opening below the horizontal surface for locating an accessory. 
     
     
         14 . The shelf assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the horizontal surface, the at least one fixation extension, the at least one fixation element, and the at least one bracing extension are formed from clear materials. 
     
     
         15 . The shelf assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one fixation extension, and the at least one fixation element are formed from clear materials, and the horizontal surface and the at least one bracing extension are formed from opaque materials.