Modular Support-Based Revolving Shelf System

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a support-based shelf unit designed for organizing space in areas such as workspaces, study zones, or recreational environments.

BACKGROUND

A common practice in engineering and domestic applications is the vertical stacking of stored items to optimize the use of available space.

In residential and commercial interiors, multi-level shelving or racking systems are frequently used at varying heights. In specific scenarios, to facilitate easier access to stored items, shelf components are designed to be movable.

Conventional shelving units are typically designed with static, fixed configurations, limiting their ability to adapt to dynamic architectural conditions or user preferences.

While some rotating or modular shelves exist, they often rely on heavy base fixtures or require wall anchoring, which restricts ease of installation and spatial reconfiguration.

Prior art also fails to provide a system capable of continuous vertical rotation of modular shelves around an articulated central structure without permanent mounting.

There is therefore a need for a support-based, fully modular shelving unit that combines stability, rotation, adjustability, and ease of user assembly.

Definitions

As used herein:

The term “modular” refers to components that are independently constructed and can be repeatedly assembled, disassembled, or rearranged to create varied configurations without altering the base structure.

A “bearing ring” denotes a structural circular or near-circular support component integrally attached to a shelf module, facilitating its rotation about a central support rod.

An “angled extension” means an intermediate connecting element positioned between vertical support tubes, incorporating pivot joints (elbows) that allow the articulation and spatial adjustment of connected modules.

Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. 2,590,380 discloses a rotating shelf structure with successive levels mounted around a central axis supported within a cabinet frame.

DE3918220 describes a rotating shelf system mounted in a furniture body, wherein the axis is anchored at both ends to the cabinet structure.

Chinese utility model CN218663551 presents a rotating shelf with a “star-like” cantilever structure, supported by multiple radially extending arms.

CN209769869 focuses on anchoring methods for rotation-enabled shelves.

CN201542059 emphasizes bearing-mounted axial supports for modular structures under load.

These prior solutions generally fail to address installations under sloped ceilings or staircases and offer limited flexibility in self-assembly or spatial adaptation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a scalable, modular, and adjustable shelving unit comprising a lower and an upper base with bearing-mounted sockets.

Between these bases are vertical support tubes connected by articulated angled extensions, supporting rotatable modular shelves via fixed bearing rings.

The bottom support tube inserts into the lower base socket and supports at least one shelf via a bearing ring.

The tube connects to an angled extension with two elbows, one proximal and one distal, both with parallel pivot axes.

The second support tube is connected to the distal elbow, repeating the structure vertically as needed.

The topmost tube is inserted into the socket of the upper base.

Bearing rings are affixed near the top and bottom surfaces of each shelf module, enabling 360° rotation.

Preferably, elbows exhibit bending angles between 45° and 90°.

Bases include pressure plates and threaded screws, optionally with transverse locking pins.

In one embodiment, the screw is integrated into the first support tube.

Each shelf module may be cube, cuboid, or polygonal prism shaped and is structurally hollow.

Openings may be included on side, top, and bottom surfaces. Top/bottom openings are offset and ≥80 mm in diameter.

In some embodiments, the floor is elevated by 2-3 cm and supported by a reinforcing plate; the bearing ring has a matching thickness.

Modules may be made from plywood, composite panels, or slats of non-uniform profile, fastened with screws.

The upper surface may include an internal arch for reinforcement.

Module height ranges from 10 to 100 cm; structural component diameters from 30 mm to 600 mm; elbow lengths 50-200 mm; angled extensions 30-300 cm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The system provides a scalable solution for storage using a vertical assembly of tubes and angled connectors, supporting rotatable modular shelves.

Bases use pressure fit with adjustable screws, requiring no permanent anchoring.

Angled connectors with parallel elbow pivots allow serpentine layouts.

Shelves are hollow (cube, cuboid, prism) with integrated bearing rings for rotation. Optional access openings in walls, tops, and bottoms (offset).

Some versions include elevated floors and internal plates matched to bearing ring thickness.

Material choices include plywood, laminated board, and composite panels. Slatted versions may include arches.

Support tube diameters: 30-600 mm; elbow lengths: 50-200 mm; extension lengths: 30-300 cm; module heights: 10-100 cm.

In the preferred embodiment, the upper base of the support structure includes an axial mounting hole designed for securing a stabilizing pin. The pin is screwed into the ceiling surface before assembly, and then the upper base is aligned so that the pin enters the mounting hole in the base, thereby preventing unintended shifting or displacement of the upper foot during rotation of the spreader element when assembling the set in the desired location.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment 1: Standard configuration with angled connectors, cuboidal modules, bearing rings, and arch support in each shelf. The shelving system comprises a lower base and an upper base with a bearing socket, interconnected by vertical support tubes and angled extensions. Shelf modules are mounted on the support tubes using permanently affixed bearing rings. The upper end of each tube connects to an angled extension with a proximal and distal elbow. A subsequent support tube is attached to the distal elbow. The number of extensions and tubes is determined by the required installation height. Shelf modules are cuboidal and include side openings. Each shelf includes an internal arch and is rotatable (360) around the support axis, FIG. 11. In the preferred embodiment, the upper base of the support structure includes an axial mounting hole designed for securing a stabilizing pin. The pin is screwed into the ceiling surface before assembly, and then the upper base is aligned so that the pin enters the mounting hole in the base, thereby preventing unintended shifting or displacement of the upper foot during rotation of the spreader element when assembling the set in the desired location.

Embodiment 2: Same as Embodiment 1, with added transverse locking pins securing the threaded screws in the upper and lower bases. Modules are hollow cuboids with lateral, top, and bottom openings. The top and bottom openings are offset and each has a minimum diameter of 80 mm. Module height ranges from 30 to 100 cm, and structural components range from 30 mm to 600 mm in diameter; extensions measure 20 to 300 cm in length.

Embodiment 3: Includes polygonal-shaped shelf modules with side access openings and an internal arch supporting the upper surface. The modules have the shape of a honeycomb and can be made of any material such as plastic, plywood or metal and are placed on a vertical supporting strut consisting of tilting extensions FIG. 12/10, FIG. 13. In this variant, a very wide deflection of the modules in relation to the vertical axis of the supporting column is possible. FIG. 14, FIG. 15.

Embodiment 4: As in Embodiment 1, but modules are made of plywood with a floor surface elevated by 2-5 cm and reinforced with an internal plate. The bearing ring thickness corresponds to the plate thickness. Completely glued construction of the module if produced of plywood or welded of metal or extruded/injected entirely of plastic. FIG. 16. FIG. 20.

Embodiment 5: Same structure as Embodiment 1, with the pressure screw integrated into either the topmost or bottommost support tube. The modules do not have raised floors. reinforced with internal plates. In this variant modules have a mixed construction, they consist of structural arches made of plywood, metal sheet or plastics and load-bearing posts with the help of which we screw the upper and lower surfaces of the module. Glued-screwed construction. Module height ranges from 30 to 100 cm, and structural components range from 30 mm to 600 mm in diameter; extensions measure 20 to 300 cm in length.

Embodiment 6: Modules have side walls composed of parallel slats of regular shape, connected by threaded fasteners. The structure and articulation mechanisms are identical to Embodiment 1. The upper and lower surfaces of the module can be made of plywood or other rigid material with or without an opening, which are connected by means of threaded rods on which screwed strips are mounted to stiffen the entire structure. Module height ranges from 30 to 100 cm, component diameters from 30 mm to 600 mm, and extensions range from 20 to 300 cm. FIG. 18.

Embodiment 7: As in the former one modules have side walls composed of parallel slats of irregular shape, connected by threaded fasteners. The structure and articulation mechanisms are identical to Embodiment 1. The upper and lower surfaces of the module can be made of plywood or other rigid material with or without an opening, which are connected by means of threaded rods on which screwed strips are mounted to stiffen the entire structure. Module height ranges from 30 to 100 cm, component diameters from 30 mm to 600 mm, and extensions range from 20 to 300 cm. FIG. 19.

Embodiment 8: An embodiment wherein each modular shelf takes the form of a skeletal cubical frame constructed entirely from metal rods FIG. 21,22. The structural skeleton includes corner braces or diagonal struts for reinforcement. Within this open-frame module, various internal storage surfaces such as grids, baskets, or shelves are also formed from intersecting rods. The overall structure is fully openwork, providing visibility and air circulation, while maintaining structural integrity. This configuration is particularly suitable for lightweight applications, visual transparency, or use in workshop environments FIG. 23. A minimal configuration in which the entire support structure consists of a single straight extension, having a length of approximately 230-300 cm, positioned directly between the lower base and the upper base with no intermediate support tubes. Modular shelves are mounted directly onto this single tube, each supported beneath by a permanently affixed bearing ring. The system remains pressure-stabilized between the lower and upper bases and does not require any articulated angled connectors.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of the shelving unit with modules arranged in a single vertical plane. Reference numeral 4 denotes the lower or upper base of the support column.

FIG. 2 is a view showing modules freely positioned around the vertical axis of the support column.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a module. Reference numeral 1 indicates a pipe segment of the support column; 2 indicates the bearing rings used to mount the module on the support pipe; 3 indicates the connectors joining the pipe segments of the support column.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the shelving unit with modules aligned in a single vertical plane.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the shelving unit with modules aligned in a single vertical plane.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the shelving unit with modules spaced along the vertical support column.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the shelving unit with modules spaced along the vertical support column.

FIG. 8 is a view of the expansion element with a base and a module mounted on a pipe element of the support column. 1—pipe segment (support column element), 2—module, 3—connector between pipe segments, 4—base of the support column, 5—bearing rings supporting the module on the pipe, 6—expansion element, 7—threaded rod placed inside the expansion element, 8—base socket receiving the rod.

FIG. 9 shows various types of lower and upper bases for the support column. Reference numeral 4 denotes base components.

FIG. 10 illustrates elements of a support column incorporating an inclined structural component with a honeycomb-shaped module.

FIG. 11 shows assemblies of modules on the expansion-based support column using different types of connectors.

FIG. 12 presents types of connectors and components of the support columns.

FIG. 13 shows a complete assembly using inclined support column elements and honeycomb-shaped modules.

FIG. 14 shows front, side, top, and perspective views of a shelving unit using inclined support elements and honeycomb-shaped modules. 11—front view, 12—side view, 13—top view, 14—perspective view.

FIG. 15 is an alternative configuration of FIG. 14 with honeycomb-shaped modules and inclined supports, also showing: 11—front view, 12—side view, 13—top view, 14—perspective view.

FIG. 16 shows a module variant with shaped one-piece infill panels: 15—front view, 16—side view, 17—rear view, 18—bottom view, 19—top view, 20—perspective view.

FIG. 17 shows a two-piece infill module variant with structural vertical rods on the front face: 15—front view, 16—side view, 17—rear view, 18—bottom view, 19—top view, 20—perspective view.

FIG. 18 shows a structural module formed of vertically stacked layers connected by vertical rods: 15—front view, 16—side view, 17—rear view, 18—bottom view, 19—top view, 20—perspective view.

FIG. 19 illustrates a structural module with freely shaped outer edges formed of vertically stacked layers connected by vertical rods: 15—front view, 16—side view, 17—rear view, 18—bottom view, 19—top view, 20—perspective view.

FIG. 20 shows a honeycomb-shaped module in multiple views: 15—front view, 16—side view, 17—rear view, 18—bottom view, 19—top view, 20—perspective view.

FIG. 21 shows a wireframe module constructed of metal rods (Example 1): 16—side view, 19—top view.

FIG. 22 shows a wireframe module constructed of metal rods (Example 2): 16—side view, 19—top view.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an assembly using skeletal modules made of metal rods.