Freestanding frame for supporting shelves

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a frame for supporting shelves. More particularly, the present invention relates to a freestanding frame for supporting shelves.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] Numerous innovations for shelving units have been provided in the prior art that will be described. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, however, they differ from the present invention.

[0006] A FIRST EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 3,655,159 to Held, Jr. teaches an improved base member for a freestanding shelving system comprised of two or more upright columns interconnected by lateral reinforcing members and supporting shelves at various heights. Each base member is formed with a pocket for receiving the lower end of an upright column and a locking means comprised of a pair of wedge members interconnected by a central wedge member that are manipulated to lock the column within the pocket. The base members are constructed to be utilized separately with decorative side panel attachments or to be connected by surrounding kickplate members.

[0007] A SECOND EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,197,950 to Ovitz, III teaches a display shelf having a front lip and a pair of side arms defining three sided enclosure for supporting an inside panel; brackets at the ends of the arms serve to cantilever the shelf on a pair of support bars.

[0008] A THIRD EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,489 to Albano teaches an extendible merchandise shelving display that embodies an elongated stationary shelf support which extends laterally from and is connected to at least one vertical support. An elongated, movable shelf support extends alongside and is slidably connected to the stationary shelf support. The movable shelf support is adapted for sliding movement relative to the stationary shelf support selectively to an extended position spaced from the vertical support and to a retracted position adjacent the vertical support. Cooperating locking members are carried by the movable and stationary shelf supports in position to engage each other and limit sliding movement of the movable shelf support while in it extended and retracted positions. An extendible shelf embodying a shelf-like member carried by the movable shelf support and at least two movable shelf-like elements carried by the stationary shelf support form a horizontal article supporting surface upon sliding movement of the movable shelf support to its extended position. The movable shelf-like elements pivot to generally upstanding positions adjacent the vertical support upon sliding movement of the movable shelf support to its retracted position.

[0009] A FOURTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,679,510 to Veyhl et al. teaches an office desk suited in particular for peripheral computer equipment that consists of two side parts formed by columns provided with feet, a longitudinal beam detachably connected with the columns by connection elements establishing a form-locking connection, and of carrying arms for at least one table top mounted on the longitudinal beam. These components can be varied in many different ways and combined in the most different manners so that office desks optimally adapted in each case to the respective application can be realized with the same basic elements.

[0010] A FIFTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,847 to Duffy teaches a library shelf assembly that has been designed to meet seismic code requirements for libraries in the state of California. The novel library shelf assembly has a tubular base support having a pair of right angularly shaped gussets welded to its top surface. The gussets have vertical edges that are spaced from each other a distance equal to the width of the post assembly that is received therebetween. A plurality of pairs of hat-shaped straps have their opposite ends bolted together thereby capturing the post assembly between the respective gussets. Anchor plates are welded on the opposite ends of the tubular base support for securing the base supports to a concrete or other type of floor structure. Conventional shelf brackets have their fingers detachably received in vertically oriented rows of spaced slots in the respective post assemblies. Standard shelves are connected between the respective shelf brackets.

[0011] A SIXTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,421 to Bustos teaches a gondola display rack for merchandising product that comprises a base having a top surface, at least one upright extending vertically from the rear of the base, and at least one shelf removably secured to the upright. Shelf supporting bracket means attach the shelf to the upright and include means for adjustment wherein the shelf may be positioned substantially horizontally or angled downwardly and forwardly, yet without any gap between the rear edge of the shelf and the upright as is typically experienced. The base includes adjustment means which allow the base top surface to be positioned substantially horizontally or angled downwardly and forwardly and which allows the depth of the base to be varied. The base further includes second adjustment means which allow the upright to be adjusted angularly with respect to the base.

[0012] A SEVENTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,789 to Von Gunten teaches a post including a back post and leg, together constituting a one-piece member. The member is bent to form the back post and leg, and when it is in upright active position, the back post rests against the wall, and the leg extends forwardly at an acute angle to the back post. A foot is secured to the lower end of the leg, extending transversely and engaging the floor. The back post is provided with holes for receiving brackets. There is no mechanical connection between the post and the wall or floor.

[0013] It is apparent that numerous innovations for shelving units have been provided in the prior art that are adapted to be used. Furthermore, even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, however, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.

[0014] ACCORDINGLY, AN OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a freestanding frame for supporting shelves that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0015] ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a freestanding frame for supporting shelves that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0016] STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a freestanding frame for supporting shelves that is simple to use.

[0017] BRIEFLY STATED, STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a freestanding frame for supporting shelves that includes a pair of posts that extend upwardly from a carpeted horizontal surface and rest against a wall, and a pair of braces that extend from one post to the other post in an X configuration. Each post has an uppermost vertical member that rests against the wall, a horizontal member that extends forwardly from the uppermost vertical member, and a lowermost vertical member that depends from the horizontal member and sinks into the carpeted horizontal surface so as to prevent the post from sliding away from the wall while resting thereon. Each brace is either one piece or two-piece so as to be length adjustable. In a first embodiment, the two pieces are screwed together, and in a second embodiment, the two pieces slide relative to each other and are maintained at a desired length by first and second locking apparatuses.

[0018] The novel features which are considered characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with the accompanying drawing.

[0019] The figures of the drawing are briefly described as follows:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention in use;

[0021] FIG. 2 is an enlarged diagrammatic side elevational view of the area generally enclosed by the dotted curve identified by arrow 2 in FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic rear elevational view taken generally in the direction of arrow 3 in FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic rear elevational view taken generally in the direction of arrow 4 in FIG. 1 of a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic rear elevational view taken generally in the direction of arrow 5 in FIG. 1 of a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 6 is an enlarged diagrammatic cross sectional view taken on line 6—6 in FIG. 5; and

[0026] FIG. 7 is an enlarged diagrammatic cross sectional view taken on line 7—7 in FIG. 5.

[0027] 10 freestanding frame of present invention for supporting shelves 12

[0028] 12 shelves

[0029] 14 pair of posts for extending upwardly from carpeted horizontal surface 16, for resting against wall 18, and for supporting shelves 12

[0030] 16 carpeted horizontal surface

[0031] 18 wall

[0032] 20 pair of braces

[0033] 22 uppermost vertical member of each post of pair of posts 14

[0034] 24 rearwardmost surface of uppermost vertical member 22 of each post of pair of posts 14 for extending against wall 18

[0035] 26 forwardmost surface of uppermost vertical member 22 of each post of pair of posts 14

[0036] 28 lowermost end of uppermost vertical member 22 of each post of pair of posts 14 for positioning just above carpeted horizontal surface 16

[0037] 29 uppermost end of uppermost vertical member 22 of each post of pair of posts 14

[0038] 30 horizontal member of each post of pair of posts 14

[0039] 32 rearwardmost end of horizontal member 30 of each post of pair of posts 14

[0040] 34 forwardmost end of horizontal member 30 of each post of pair of posts 14

[0041] 36 lowermost vertical member of each post of pair of posts 14

[0042] 38 uppermost end of lowermost vertical member 36 of each post of pair of posts 14

[0043] 40 lowermost end of lowermost vertical member 36 of each post of pair of posts 14 for sinking into carpeted horizontal surface 16 so as to prevent post 14 from sliding away from wall 18 while extending thereon

[0044] 42 blindslots in forwardmost surface 26 of uppermost vertical member 22 of each post of pair of posts 14 for engaging brackets 44 to support shelves 12

[0045] 44 brackets to support shelves 12

[0046] 46 blindbores in rearwardmost surface 24 of uppermost vertical member 22 of each post of pair of posts 14

[0047] 48 uppermost end of each brace of pair of braces 20

[0048] 49 throughbore through uppermost end 48 of each brace of pair of braces 20

[0049] 50 lowermost end of each brace of pair of braces 20

[0050] 51 throughbore through lowermost end 50 of each brace of pair of braces 20

[0051] 52 midpoint of each brace of pair of braces 20

[0052] 54 throughbore through midpoint 52 of each brace of pair of braces 20

[0053] 56 first screw

[0054] 58 second screw

[0055] 60 third screw

[0056] 62 fourth screw

[0057] 64 fifth screw

[0058] 110 freestanding frame

[0059] 114 pair of posts

[0060] 120 pair of braces

[0061] 146 blindbores in rearwardmost surface 124 of uppermost vertical member 122 of each post of pair of posts 114

[0062] 150 lowermost end of each brace of pair of braces 120

[0063] 166 lowermost member of each brace of pair of braces 120

[0064] 167 uppermost member of each brace of pair of braces 120

[0065] 168 uppermost end of lowermost member 166 of each brace of pair of braces 120

[0066] 170 throughbores through uppermost end 168 of lowermost member 166 of each brace of pair of braces 120

[0067] 172 throughbores through uppermost member 167 of each brace of pair of braces 120

[0068] 174 pair of sixth screws

[0069] 210 freestanding frame

[0070] 220 pair of braces

[0071] 248 uppermost end of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0072] 250 lowermost end of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0073] 252 midpoint of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0074] 266 lowermost member of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0075] 267 uppermost member of each brace of pair of braces 226

[0076] 268 uppermost end of lowermost member 266 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0077] 276 lowermost end of uppermost member 267 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0078] 278 throughslot extending longitudinally along uppermost member 267 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0079] 280 throughslot extending longitudinally along lowermost member 266 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0080] 282 first locking apparatus

[0081] 283 second locking apparatus

[0082] 284 front plate of first locking apparatus 282

[0083] 286 rearwardmost surface of front plate 284 of first locking apparatus 282

[0084] 287 perimeter of rearwardmost surface 286 of front plate 284 of first locking apparatus 282

[0085] 288 throughbore extending centrally through front plate 284 of first locking apparatus 282

[0086] 290 blindslot extending diametrically across, and communicating with periphery 287 of, rearwardmost surface 286 of front plate 284 of first locking apparatus 282

[0087] 292 back plate of first locking apparatus 282

[0088] 294 forwardmost surface of back plate 292 of first locking apparatus 282

[0089] 296 perimeter of forwardmost surface 294 of back plate 292 of first locking apparatus 282

[0090] 298 throughbore extending centrally through back plate 292 of first locking apparatus 282

[0091] 300 blindslot extending diametrically across, and communicating with periphery 296 of, forwardmost surface 294 of back plate 292 of first locking apparatus 282

[0092] 302 first wing nut of first locking apparatus 282

[0093] 304 bracket of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses 283 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0094] 305 open chamber contained in bracket 304 of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses 283 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0095] 306 front wall defining open chamber 305 contained in bracket 304 of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses 283 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0096] 308 pair of side edges of front wall 306 of bracket 304 of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses

[0097] 283 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0098] 309 throughbore extending centrally through front wall 306 of bracket 304 of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses 283 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0099] 310 pair of side walls further defining open chamber 305 contained in bracket 304 of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses 283 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0100] 312 pair of rear edges of pair of side walls 310, respectively, of bracket 304 of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses 283 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0101] 314 pair of rear walls further defining open chamber 305 contained in bracket 304 of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses 283 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0102] 316 pair of free edges of pair of rear walls 314, respectively, of bracket 304 of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses 283 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0103] 318 seventh screw of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses 283 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0104] 320 washer of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses 283 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0105] 322 second wing nut of each second locking apparatus of pair of second locking apparatuses 283 of each brace of pair of braces 220

[0106] Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts, and particularly to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the freestanding frame of the present invention is shown generally at 10 for supporting shelves 12.

[0107] The configuration of the freestanding frame 10 can best be seen in FIGS. 1-3, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

[0108] The freestanding frame 10 comprises a pair of posts 14 for extending upwardly from a carpeted horizontal surface 16, for resting against a wall 18, and for supporting the shelves 12.

[0109] The freestanding frame 10 further comprises a pair of braces 20 that extend from one post 14 to the other post 14 in an X configuration.

[0110] The pair of posts 14 are identical to, spaced-apart from, and parallel to, each other.

[0111] Each post 14 has an uppermost vertical member 22 that is slender, elongated, and has a rearwardmost surface 24 for extending against the wall 18, a forwardmost surface 26, a lowermost end 28 for positioning just above the carpeted horizontal surface 16, and an uppermost end 29.

[0112] Each post 14 further has a horizontal member 30 that is slender, elongated, and has a rearwardmost end 32 and a forwardmost end 34.

[0113] The rearwardmost end 32 of the horizontal member 30 is coincident with the lowermost end 28 of the uppermost vertical member 22, with the horizontal member 30 extending perpendicularly forwardly from the uppermost vertical member 22 and is for being parallel to, and disposing just above, the carpeted horizontal surface 16.

[0114] Each post 14 further has a lowermost vertical member 36 that is slender, elongated, and has an uppermost end 38 and a lowermost end 40 for sinking into the carpeted horizontal surface 16 so as to prevent the post 14 from sliding away from the wall 18 while extending along the wall 18.

[0115] The uppermost end 38 of the lowermost vertical member 36 is coincident with the forwardmost end 34 of the horizontal member 30, with the lowermost vertical member 36 depending perpendicularly from the horizontal member 30, being parallel to the uppermost vertical member 22, and for being perpendicular to the carpeted horizontal surface 16.

[0116] The lowermost vertical member 36 is much shorter than the uppermost vertical member 22, while the horizontal member 30 is much shorter than the uppermost vertical member 22, but only slightly longer than the lowermost vertical member 36.

[0117] The horizontal member 30 meets the uppermost vertical member 22 in a concavity to provide a smooth transition, while the horizontal member 30 meets the lowermost member 36 in a convexity to provide a smooth transition.

[0118] The forwardmost surface 26 of the uppermost vertical member 22 of each post 14 has blindslots 42 that extend vertically therealong, are spaced vertically-apart, and are for engaging brackets 44 to support the shelves 12.

[0119] The rearwardmost surface 24 of the uppermost vertical member 22 of each post 14 has blindbores 46 that extend therealong and are spaced vertically-apart.

[0120] The pair of braces 20 are identical to each other.

[0121] Each brace 20 is slender, elongated, and has an uppermost end 48 with a throughbore 49, a lowermost end 50 with a throughbore 51, and a midpoint 52 that is midway between the uppermost end 48 thereof and the lowermost end 50 thereof and has a throughbore 54.

[0122] The uppermost end 48 of one brace 20 is attached to the uppermost vertical member 22 of one post 14, in proximity of the uppermost end 29 of the uppermost vertical member 22 of the one post 14, the lowermost end 50 of the one brace 20 is attached to the uppermost vertical member 22 of the other post 14, in proximity of the lowermost end 28 of the uppermost vertical member 22 of the other post 14, the uppermost end 48 of the other brace 20 is attached to the uppermost vertical member 22 of the other post 14, in proximity of the uppermost end 29 of the uppermost vertical member 22 of the other post 14, the lowermost end 50 of the other brace 20 is attached to the uppermost vertical member 22 of the one post 14, in proximity of the lowermost end 28 of the uppermost vertical member 22 of the one post 14, and the midpoint 52 of the one brace 20 overlies the midpoint 52 of the other brace 20.

[0123] The uppermost end 48 of the one brace 20 is attached to the uppermost vertical member 22 of the one post 14, in proximity of the uppermost end 29 of the uppermost vertical member 22 of the one post 14 by a first screw 56 that extends into the throughbore 49 in the uppermost end 48 of the one brace 20 and into an appropriate one of the blindbores 46 in the rearwardmost surface 24 of the uppermost vertical member 22 of the one post 14.

[0124] The lowermost end 50 of the one brace 20 is attached to the uppermost vertical member 22 of the other post 14, in proximity of the lowermost end 28 of the uppermost vertical member 22 of the other post 14 by a second screw 58 that extends into the throughbore 51 in the lowermost end 50 of the one brace 20 and into an appropriate one of the blindbores 46 in the rearwardmost surface 24 of the uppermost vertical member 22 of the other post 14.

[0125] The uppermost end 48 of the other brace 20 is attached to the uppermost vertical member 22 of the other post 14, in proximity of the uppermost end 29 of the uppermost vertical member 22 of the other post 14 by a third screw 60 that extends into the throughbore 49 in the uppermost end 48 of the other brace 20 and into an appropriate one of the blindbores 46 in the rearwardmost surface 24 of the uppermost vertical member 22 of the other post 14.

[0126] The lowermost end 50 of the other brace 20 is attached to the uppermost vertical member 22 of the one post 14, in proximity of the lowermost end 28 of the uppermost vertical member 22 of the one post 14 by a fourth screw 62 that extends into the throughbore 51 in the lowermost end 50 of the other brace 20 and into an appropriate one of the blindbores 46 in the rearwardmost surface 24 of the uppermost vertical member 22 of the one post 14.

[0127] The one brace 20 is attached to the other brace 20 by a fifth screw 64 that extends into the throughbore 54 in the midpoint 52 of the one brace 20 and into the throughbore 54 in the midpoint 52 of the other brace 20.

[0128] Each brace 20 is one piece.

[0129] The configuration of a second embodiment of the freestanding frame 110 can best be seen in FIG. 4, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

[0130] The freestanding frame 110 is similar to the freestanding frame 10, except that each of the pair of braces 120 is length adjustable so as to reduce the number of blindbores 146 in the rearwardmost surface 124 of the uppermost vertical member 122 of each post 114 necessary to achieve a desired distance between the pair of posts 114.

[0131] Each brace 120 has a lowermost member 166 and an uppermost member 167 that extends colinearly from, and overlaps, the lowermost member 166 of an associated brace 120 so as to allow each brace 120 to be length adjustable.

[0132] The lowermost member 166 of each brace 126 extends from the lowermost end 150 of an associated brace 120, past the midpoint 152 of the associated brace 120, to an uppermost end 168 thereof.

[0133] The uppermost member 167 of each brace 120 extends overlappingly and colinearly from the uppermost end 168 of the lowermost member 66 of an associated brace 120 to the uppermost end 148 of the associated brace 120.

[0134] The uppermost end 168 of the lowermost member 166 of each brace 120 has throughbores 170 that are spaced longitudinally therealong.

[0135] The uppermost member 167 of each brace 120 has throughbores 172 that are spaced longitudinally therealong and are alignable with the throughbores 170 through the uppermost end 168 of the lowermost member 166 of an associated brace 120.

[0136] The lowermost member 166 of an associated brace 120 is attached to the uppermost member 167 of each brace 120 by a pair of sixth screws 174 that extend into an appropriate pair of the throughbores 170 through the uppermost end 168 of the lowermost member 166 of an associated brace 120 and into an aligned pair of the throughbores 172 through the uppermost member 167 of the associated brace 120.

[0137] The general configuration of a third embodiment of the freestanding frame 210 can best be seen in FIG. 5, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

[0138] The freestanding frame 210 is similar to the freestanding frame 110 and the posts in FIG. 5 are identical to those in FIG. 4 and include the same number of blindbores as those of FIG. 4, except that:

[0139] 1. The uppermost member 267 and the lowermost member 266 of each brace 220 are identical to each other and each has a width and a thickness.

[0140] 2. The uppermost member 267 of each brace 220 depends from the uppermost end 248 of an associated brace 220, past the midpoint 252 of the associated brace 220, to a lowermost end 276 thereof.

[0141] 3. The uppermost member 267 of each brace 220 has a throughslot 278 that extends longitudinally therethrough, from just inward of the uppermost end 248 of an associated brace 220 to just inward of the lowermost end 276 of the uppermost member 267 of the associated brace 220.

[0142] 4. The lowermost member 266 of each brace 220 has a throughslot 280 that extends longitudinally therethrough, from just inward of the lowermost end 250 of an associated brace 220 to just inward of the uppermost end 268 of the lowermost member 266 of the associated brace 220.

[0143] 5. The pair of braces 220 are attached to each other, at their midpoints 252 by first locking apparatus 282.

[0144] 6. The uppermost member 267 and the lowermost member 266 of each brace 220 are slidably attached to each other by a pair of second locking apparatuses 283.

[0145] The specific configuration of the first locking apparatus 282 can best be seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

[0146] The first locking apparatus 282 comprises a front plate 284 that is disk-shaped and has a rearwardmost surface 286 with a perimeter 287, a throughbore 288 that extends centrally therethrough, and a blindslot 290 that has a depth, a width, and extends diametrically across, and communicates with the periphery 287 of, the rearwardmost surface 286 of the front plate 284.

[0147] The blindslot 290 in the rearwardmost surface 286 of the front plate 284 slidingly receives the uppermost member 267 and the lowermost member 266 of one brace 220 that overlaps the uppermost member 267 of the one brace 220.

[0148] The depth of the blindslot 290 in the rearwardmost surface 286 of the front plate 284 is less than the thickness of the uppermost member 267 and the lowermost member 266 combined of one brace 220 so as to provide sliding clearance between the other brace 220 and the front plate 284.

[0149] The width of the blindslot 290 in the rearwardmost surface 286 of the front plate 284 is greater than the width of the uppermost member 267 and the lowermost member 266 of one brace 220 so as to provide sliding clearance between the uppermost member 267 and the lowermost member 266 of the one brace 220 and the front plate 284.

[0150] The first locking apparatus 282 further comprises a back plate 292 that is disk-shaped and has a forwardmost surface 294 with a perimeter 296, a throughbore 298 that extends centrally therethrough, and a blindslot 300 that has a depth, a width, and extends diametrically across, and communicates with the periphery 296 of, the forwardmost surface 294 of the back plate 292.

[0151] The blindslot 300 in the forwardmost surface 294 of the back plate 292 slidingly receives the lowermost member 266 and the uppermost member 267 of the other brace 220 that overlaps the lowermost member 266 of the other brace 220.

[0152] The depth of the blindslot 300 in the forwardmost surface 294 of the back plate 292 is less than the thickness of the lowermost member 266 and the uppermost member 267 combined of the other brace 220 so as to provide sliding clearance between the one brace 220 and the back plate 292.

[0153] The width of the blindslot 300 in the forwardmost surface 294 of the back plate 292 is greater than the width of the lowermost member 266 and the uppermost member 267 of the other brace 220 so as to provide sliding clearance between the lowermost member 266 and the uppermost member 267 of the other brace 220 and the back plate 292.

[0154] The fifth screw 264 extends freely into the throughbore 288 through the front plate 284, the throughslot 278 through the uppermost member 267 of the one brace 220, the throughslot 280 through the lowermost member 266 of the one brace 220, the throughslot 278 through the uppermost member 267 of the other brace 220, the throughslot 280 through the lowermost member 266 of the other brace 220, the throughbore 298 through the back plate 292, and threadably into a first wing nut 302.

[0155] The specific configuration of the pair of second locking apparatuses 283 can best be seen in FIGS. 5 and 7, and as such, will be discussed with reference thereto.

[0156] The pair of second locking apparatuses 283 of each brace 220 straddle the first locking apparatus 282.

[0157] Each second locking apparatus 283 comprises a bracket 304 that is C-shaped.

[0158] The bracket 304 of each second locking apparatus 283 contains an open chamber 305 that is defined by a front wall 306 with a width, a pair of side edges 308, and a throughbore 309 that extends centrally therethrough, a pair of side walls 310 that have heights and extend perpendicularly rearwardly from the pair of side edges 308 of the front wall 306, respectively, to a pair rear edges 312, respectively, and a pair of rear walls 314 that extend perpendicularly inwardly from the pair of rear edges 312 of the pair of side walls 310, respectively, to a pair of free edges 316, respectively, that are spaced-apart from each other.

[0159] The pair of rear walls 314 of the bracket 304 are coplanar with each other and parallel to the front wall 306 of the bracket 304, and the pair of side walls of the bracket 304 are parallel to each other.

[0160] The open chamber 305 in the bracket 304 slidingly receives the uppermost member 267 and the lowermost member 266 of an associated brace 220 that overlaps the uppermost member 267 of the associated brace 220.

[0161] The height of each of the pair of side walls 310 of the bracket 304 is greater than the thickness of the uppermost member 267 and the lowermost member 266 of an associated brace 220 combined and the width of the front all 306 of the bracket 304 is greater than the width of the uppermost member 267 and the lowermost member 266 of the associated brace 220 so as to provide sliding clearance between the associated brace 220 and the bracket 304.

[0162] Each second locking apparatus 283 further comprises a seventh screw 318 that extends freely into the throughbore 309 through the front wall 306 of the bracket 304, the throughslot 278 through the uppermost member 267 of an associated brace 220, the throughslot 280 through the lowermost member 266 of the associated brace 220, a washer 320, and threadably into a second wing nut 322.

[0163] It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

[0164] While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a freestanding frame for supporting shelves, however, it is not limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

[0165] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.