The Conway Cast Iron Horizontal Bookcase, Style #: T71114-2A, DPC-item #: 249-14-5145, is a piece of furniture designed for storage and display. Its primary function is to provide shelving for books, decorative items, and other household goods. The bookcase features a robust construction, likely incorporating cast iron elements as suggested by its name, combined with wooden panels for shelves and skirting.
Technical Specifications:
- Maximum Weight Allowance:
- Top and Bottom Panels: 90.7 kg / 200 lb
- Middle Shelf: 22.7 kg / 50 lb
- Dimensions (assembled): Based on the visual representation, it appears to be a horizontally oriented bookcase with three main sections, each containing a shelf. The overall structure includes side frames (A, B, C), a top panel (D), a middle shelf (E), a bottom panel (F), front skirting (G), back skirting (H), side skirting (I), and metal stretchers (J).
- Hardware Components:
- Cam lock (H1): 16 units
- Cam bolt (H2): 16 units
- M8 x 30 mm wood dowel (H3): 12 units
- 1/4" x 5/8" bolt (H4): 22 units
- 1/4" x 1" bolt (H5): 2 units
- Hex nut (H6): 2 units
- 1/4" x 3/8" bolt (H7): 2 units
- Open wrench (H8): 1 unit
- Hex wrench (H9): 1 unit
- Tipping restraint hardware kit (H10): 2 units (includes short screw, long screw, metal bracket, restraint strap)
Usage Features:
- Assembly: The bookcase requires assembly, with detailed instructions provided. The assembly process involves attaching various panels and frames using cam locks, cam bolts, wood dowels, and different types of bolts and nuts. An open wrench and hex wrench are included for assembly.
- Cam Lock System: The assembly utilizes a cam lock system, which is explained in a dedicated section. This system involves screwing in cam bolts flush, inserting panels, placing cam locks, and rotating them 180 degrees to secure the connection.
- Progressive Tightening: A key instruction during assembly is to not fully tighten all bolts until all parts are assembled. This allows for easier alignment and adjustment, with final tightening to be done once the entire structure is in place.
- Tip-Over Restraint: The bookcase is equipped with a tipping restraint hardware kit (H10). This is a critical safety feature designed to prevent serious or fatal crushing injuries from furniture tip-over. Users are explicitly instructed to install this restraint, place heavier items on lower shelves, and avoid placing TVs or other heavy objects on top unless specifically designed for them. Children should not be allowed to climb or hang on the furniture.
- Shelf Configuration: The design includes a top panel, a middle shelf, and a bottom panel, offering three distinct levels for storage and display. The middle shelf has a lower weight capacity compared to the top and bottom panels.
- Stability: The inclusion of metal stretchers (J) and the overall frame design suggest a focus on structural stability.
Maintenance Features:
- Cleaning:
- Use a soft, clean cloth for dusting to avoid scratching the surface.
- Furniture polish is not necessary; if used, test in an inconspicuous area first.
- Avoid using solvents or water for cleaning, as they can damage the finish.
- Protection:
- Always use coasters under beverage glasses and flowerpots.
- Use protective pads under hot dishes and plates to prevent chemical changes and spotting.
- Spill Management: Liquid spills should be removed immediately by blotting gently with a soft, clean cloth, avoiding rubbing.
- Stain Removal: Stains or marks from crayons or ink markers may be difficult to remove. Professional repair is recommended for significant stains or damage.
- Hardware Check: Periodically check and tighten all bolts, screws, and nuts to maintain structural integrity.
- Environmental Control: It is recommended to keep the furniture in a climate-controlled environment to prevent fading, warping, shrinking, and splitting of wood due to extreme temperature and humidity changes. Direct sunlight should also be avoided.
- Moving the Furniture: When moving the bookcase, unload shelves first, starting from the top. Do not push or pull the furniture on carpet. It is advised to have assistance to lift and reposition it properly.
- Tip-Over Prevention: Install the provided tip-over restraint. Place heaviest items in the lowest drawers/shelves. Do not set TVs or other heavy objects on top unless designed for them. Never allow children to climb or hang. Never open more than one drawer at a time (though this specific model appears to be a bookcase, not a drawer unit, the general warning applies). The restraint reduces, but does not eliminate, tip-over risk.
- Children's Safety: Children climbing on furniture can cause serious injury or death. Do not allow children to climb or play on the furniture or TV. Do not place toys, food, or remotes on top of the TV or furniture. Always use safety hardware or wall anchoring devices.
- TV Placement: Do not place a TV on furniture not intended to support one. Do not exceed the maximum size and weight of the TV shown in instructions (if applicable).
- Overloading: Do not exceed weight limits for shelves. Place heavier items on lower shelves, as far back as possible. Load bottom surfaces first to prevent top-heavy furniture.
- Moving: Unload shelves and drawers (if applicable) from top to bottom before moving. Do not push or pull on carpet. Lift with assistance.
The Conway Cast Iron Horizontal Bookcase is designed as a functional and aesthetically pleasing storage solution, with a strong emphasis on user safety through its tip-over restraint system and clear weight capacity guidelines.