Folding shelf carriage

Abstract

An apparatus for carrying and/or storing shelves which is capable of folding into a compact condition to minimize the footprint of the device when not in use for carrying or storing shelves. The apparatus includes a releasable transverse cross member extending between the side frames to form a base for supporting shelves.

1 . An apparatus to move and store shelves comprising:
 back frame;   two side frames, wherein each side frame is foldably connected to the respective outer ends of the back frame and movable between a closed state substantially adjacent to the back frame and an open state approximately perpendicular to the back frame; wherein each of the side frames includes a plurality of openings; and wherein each of the openings is adapted to receive a protrusion of a shelf; and wherein a shelf is supported laterally by coupling one or more protrusions of the shelf with one or more openings of each of the side frames;   a detachable transverse member comprising a rail that extends between fronts of the two side frames to secure an apparatus in its open position; and   two or more mobility components to provide mobility to the apparatus, wherein at least one mobility component is coupled to each of the side frames.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein in the closed state, the detachable support member rotates about a rotatable connection to be disposed vertically. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein one or more of the protrusions on the shelf comprises at least one of a bracket or a hook. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein when in an open condition the transverse member, a top surface of the first side member, and a top surface of the second side member are positioned to support at least one shelf. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein each of the side frame comprises a side rail. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a depth between the side rails is variable. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one strap capable of at least partially retaining shelves laterally supported by the apparatus. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein in the open position the side frames are positioned to limit movement of at least one shelf. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a depth between the back frame and the transverse member is variable. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first side frame further comprises a first side rail, and wherein the second side frame further comprises a second side rail, wherein a width between the first side rail and the second side rail is variable. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the back frame comprises upper and lower back frame members. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus to move and store shelves, the apparatus comprising
 a back;   a first side frame attached to the back by a first rotatable connection, wherein the first side frame comprises:
 a plurality of first shelf support connections disposed along at least a part of the first side frame; 
   a second side frame attached to the back by a second rotatable connection, wherein the second side frame comprises:
 a plurality of second shelf support connections disposed along at least a part of the second side frame; 
   a transverse frame member comprising:
 a first end; and 
 a second opposing end; 
 wherein the transverse frame member is attached at the first end to the first side frame by a third rotatable connection, and wherein the transverse frame is attachable at the second end to the second side frame member by a releasable connection; 
   one or more vertical adjusters coupled to the back, wherein each vertical adjuster comprises:
 a first end; 
 a second opposing end; and 
   a first area disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein the first area comprises a plurality of third shelf support connections disposed along the first area;   wherein the apparatus is capable of laterally supporting at least one first shelf by coupling the at least one first shelf to at least one of the first shelf support connections and at least one of the second shelf support connections;   and wherein the apparatus is capable of laterally supporting at least one second shelf by coupling at least one second shelf to at least one of the third shelf support connections;   and wherein the apparatus is capable of transitioning between an open state and a closed state; and wherein in the open state, the transverse frame member is attached to the second side frame; and wherein in the closed state, the transverse frame member is disconnected from the second side frame; and wherein the first side frame and the second side frame fold inwards toward the back, in the closed state.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the apparatus is further capable of supporting at least one second shelf by coupling the second shelf to at least one of the third shelf supports of one of the vertical adjusters and at least one of:
 one or more of the first shelf supports 
 or one or more of the second shelf supports. 
 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the apparatus is further capable of supporting the second shelf by coupling the at least one second shelf to at least one of the third shelf supports of one of the vertical adjusters and at least one of the third shelf supports of another one of the vertical adjusters. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein one or more of the vertical adjusters is coupled to the back via one or more fasteners. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein each of the vertical adjusters is coupled to a back surface of the back such that a front surface of the first area of the vertical adjuster is approximately planar with the front surface of the back. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 12  further comprising at least one strap capable of at least partially retaining shelves laterally supported by the apparatus. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 12  further comprising at least one strap coupleable to the back and the transverse member, wherein each strap is capable of at least partially retaining shelves laterally supported by the apparatus. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein a depth between the back and the transverse member is variable. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the first side frame further comprises a first side rail, and wherein the second side frame further comprises a second side rail, wherein a width between the first side rail and the second side rail is variable.