U.S. patent application number 10/282832 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-20 for support bracket for ventilated shelving.
Invention is credited to Remmers, Lee.
Application Number | 20030051643 10/282832 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24676668 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030051643 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Remmers, Lee |
March 20, 2003 |
Support bracket for ventilated shelving
Abstract
Apparatus for securing a ventilated shelf to a vertical support
such as a wall including a support bracket having a first end
adapted to be secured to the vertical support at a point spaced
vertically from the attachment of a rearward rod of the shelf to
the vertical support structure. The first end includes a first end
reinforcing rib functionally positioned so as to strengthen the
first end portion and to substantially prevent the first end
portion from bending. The support bracket also has a second end for
lockingly engaging and supporting a front support rod of the shelf.
The second end includes a support face for supporting the shelf
against rotation in a first direction towards the vertical support
structure and a gripping portion for engaging the front support rod
of the shelf and inhibiting rotation of the shelf in a second
direction towards the vertical support structure. The gripping
portion preferably includes at least one rod receiving slot so that
it can be disposed in straddling relation to a transverse rod of
the shelf or can be disposed intermediate adjacent transverse rods
of the shelf. The second end also has a second end reinforcing rib
functionally positioned so as to strengthen the second end portion
and to substantially prevent the second end portion from
bending.
Inventors: |
Remmers, Lee; (Ocala,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Scott J. Garber
Howery, Simon, Arnold, & White, LLP
750 Bering Drive
Houston
TX
77057
US
|
Family ID: |
24676668 |
Appl. No.: |
10/282832 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10282832 |
Oct 29, 2002 |
|
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09667069 |
Sep 21, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
108/147.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 55/02 20130101;
A47B 96/027 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/147.17 |
International
Class: |
A47B 009/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A support bracket for supporting a shelf mounted to a vertical
support structure, the shelf including a longitudinal front support
rod and at least one transverse rod member, comprising: a
longitudinal main body portion; a first end portion for mounting
the bracket to a vertical support structure, the first end portion
having a first end reinforcing rib functionally positioned so as to
strengthen the first end portion and to substantially prevent the
first end portion from bending; a second end portion comprising a
stop face defining a seat for limiting rotational movement of the
front support rod relative the vertical support structure; and a
second end reinforcing rib located on the second end portion
functionally positioned so as to strengthen the second end portion;
wherein the second end portion is attached to the longitudinal main
body at a top portion of the longitudinal main body, such that a
clearance is defined between the second end portion and a first and
second side portions of the longitudinal main body, so as to allow
the second end to rotate relative to its attachment to the
longitudinal main body.
2. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the second end portion
comprises a gripping portion for engaging a portion of the front
support rod, and includes at least one slot for receiving a
transverse rod member of the shelf.
3. A support bracket as in claim 2, wherein the second end
reinforcing rib is located on the gripping portion.
4. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the gripping portion
comprises an arcuate C-shaped element which extends in an arc of
between about 90.degree. and about 270.degree. from the stop
face.
5. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the first end portion
comprises a flat plate member defining an aperture for receiving a
fastening device.
6. A support bracket as in claim 5, wherein the main body portion
of the support bracket extends at an angle from a plane of the flat
plate first end portion.
7. A support bracket as in claim 6, wherein the angle is between
about 0.degree. and about 90.degree. from the first end
portion.
8. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the second end
reinforcing rib extends from a point on the gripping portion to a
point on the longitudinal main body portion.
9. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the cross-section of
the longitudinal main body is substantially in the shape of the
letter `U.`
10. A support bracket as in claim 9 wherein the longitudinal main
body has a transition zone near the second end portion in which the
cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal main body changes from
being substantially `U` shaped to being substantially rectangular
shaped.
11. A support bracket as in claim 1 wherein the clearance is about
{fraction (1/32)} of an inch.
12. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the first end
reinforcing rib is substantially U-shaped.
13. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the first end
reinforcing rib is disposed exclusively within the first end
portion.
14. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the second end portion
rotates relative to its attachment to the longitudinal main body to
rest against the first and second side portions of the longitudinal
main body.
15. A shelving system comprising: at least one shelf defining a
substantially planar surface and comprising a plurality of spaced,
parallel, transversely extending deck rod members, the rod members
being coupled to and extending at least between a longitudinally
extending rear support rod and a longitudinally extending front
support rod of the shelf, respectively; a means for mounting the
rear support rod to an adjacent vertical support structure; and a
support bracket for the shelf comprising a longitudinal main body
portion; a first end portion for mounting the bracket to a vertical
support structure, the first end portion having a first end
reinforcing rib functionally positioned so as to strengthen the
first end portion and to substantially prevent the first end
portion from bending; a second end portion comprising a stop face
defining a seat for limiting rotational movement of the front
support rod relative the vertical support structure; and a second
end reinforcing rib located on the second end portion functionally
positioned so as to strengthen the second end portion; wherein the
second end portion is attached to the longitudinal main body at a
top portion of the longitudinal main body, such that a clearance is
defined between the second end portion and a first and second side
portions of the longitudinal main body, so as to allow the second
end to rotate relative to its attachment to the longitudinal main
body.
16. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the second end
portion comprises a gripping portion for engaging a portion of the
front support rod, and includes at least one slot for receiving a
transverse rod member of the shelf.
17. A shelving system as in claim 16, wherein the second end
reinforcing rib is located on the gripping portion.
18. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the gripping portion
comprises an arcuate C-shaped element which extends in an arc of
between about 90.degree. and about 270.degree. from the stop
face.
19. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the first end portion
comprises a flat plate member defining an aperture for receiving a
fastening device.
20. A shelving system as in claim 19, wherein the main body portion
of the support bracket extends at an angle from a plane of the flat
plate first end portion.
21. A shelving system as in claim 20, wherein the angle is between
about 0.degree. and about 90.degree. from the first end
portion.
22. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the second end
reinforcing rib extends from a point on the gripping portion to a
point on the longitudinal main body portion.
23. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the cross-section of
the longitudinal main body is substantially in the shape of the
letter `U.`
24. A shelving system as in claim 23, wherein the longitudinal main
body has a transition zone near the second end portion in which the
cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal main body changes from
being substantially `U` shaped to being substantially rectangular
shaped.
25. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the clearance is
about {fraction (1/32)} of an inch.
26. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the first end
reinforcing rib is substantially U-shaped.
27. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the first end
reinforcing rib is disposed exclusively within the first end
portion.
28. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the second end
portion rotates relative to its attachment to the longitudinal main
body to rest against the first and second side portions of the
longitudinal main body.
29. A support bracket for supporting a shelf mounted to a vertical
support structure and including a longitudinal front support rod,
comprising: a longitudinal main body portion; a first end portion
for mounting the bracket to a vertical support structure; and a
second end portion comprising a stop face defining a seat for
limiting rotational movement of the front support rod relative the
vertical support structure; and wherein the second end portion is
attached to the longitudinal main body at a top portion of the
longitudinal main body, such that a clearance is defined between
the second end portion and a first and second side portions of the
longitudinal main body, so as to allow the second end to rotate
relative to its attachment to the longitudinal main body.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No.
09/667,069, filed Sep. 21, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a support bracket and,
more particularly, to a support bracket for a shelf used in a
rod-type ventilated shelving system, and which can be used to
support the shelf either from above in a suspended manner or from
below as a brace.
[0003] Support brackets for shelving systems have been known for a
long time. Examples of older style support brackets are shown in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,268,237, 3,669,395, 4,361,099, and 4,374,498. It
was found, though, that these prior art support brackets were
disadvantageous in that a given bracket cannot be used both for
suspending shelving system from above or, in the alternative,
providing a below the shelf support depending on the particular
shelving system in which the bracket is used or the wall area where
use is desired. Further, the above-mentioned known support brackets
could not be quickly and easily mounted to its associated shelf so
as to enable the simple and quick assembly of the shelving system
as well as the rapid disassembly when so desired.
[0004] This necessarily led to the invention of an apparatus for
securing a rod type shelf to a vertical support, such as a wall,
that overcame the disadvantages if the aforementioned prior art
support brackets. An example of this invention is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,783,035 to Remmers (the '035 reference), and is entire
contents are herein incorporated by reference. The '035 reference
apparatus includes a support bracket having a first end adapted to
be secured to the vertical support at a point spaced vertically
from the attachment of a rearward rod of the shelf to the vertical
support structure. The apparatus also includes a second end for
lockingly engaging and supporting a front support rod of the shelf.
The second end includes a support face for supporting the shelf
against rotation in a first direction towards the vertical support
structure and a gripping portion for engaging the front support rod
of the shelf and inhibiting rotation of the shelf in a second
direction towards the vertical support structure. The gripping
portion preferably includes at least one rod receiving slot so that
it can be disposed in straddling relation to a transverse rod of
the shelf or can be disposed intermediate adjacent transverse rods
of the shelf.
[0005] As the use of the '035 reference and other prior art
brackets became more prevalent, it was discovered that additional
support was needed to place more substantial loads on the shelf
being supported. Thus a need has developed for providing additional
support to the ends of a support bracket so as to be better able to
support more substantial loads on a shelf.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the
deficiencies of the prior art support brackets as set forth above.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to
provide a universal support bracket which can be utilized as an
above the shelf support for example in linen shelving systems or,
in the alternative, can be provided so as to support an associated
shelf from below when such a shelving system is preferred.
[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
simple one piece support bracket which can be rapidly and
inexpensively manufactured. It is also an object of this invention
to provide a bracket that can be quickly and easily utilized in the
assembly of a shelving system and thus can be readily installed by
relatively unskilled homeowners.
[0008] To achieve the foregoing objects, the present invention
provides a support bracket for a shelving system which can be
efficiently and reliably mounted to any vertical wall surface,
particularly those constructed of dry wall or the like. More
particularly, the shelves themselves preferably comprise a
plurality of spaced, parallel, transversely extending deck rods
which are each welded at space points along a longitudinally
extending support rod which extends along a rearward edge of the
shelf. A similar longitudinal rod extends along the forward edge of
the shelf. Further, the shelf may be of the type having a third
longitudinally extending rod vertically disposed below the forward
longitudinal rod and coupled thereto by either separate spaced
support members or by extending the deck rods over and downwardly
from the forward longitudinal rod so that they can be welded to the
third longitudinal rod and form a front edge on the shelf. To
provide additional support for the shelf structure when mounted to
a wall or the like, a support bracket formed in accordance with the
present invention is engaged with a portion of the forward
longitudinal rod of the shelving structure.
[0009] The support bracket includes a first end having means for
mounting the same to a vertical support such as a wall. The first
end further includes a reinforcing rib functionally positioned so
as to strengthen the first end portion and to substantially prevent
the first end portion from bending, especially if the support
bracket is made from a plastic material.
[0010] The support bracket further includes a shaped and reinforced
longitudinal main body portion that extends at an angle from the
first end and terminates in a second end. The longitudinal main
body also has a transition zone near the second end in which the
shape of the longitudinal main body changes from, preferably, being
substantially `U` shaped to being substantially rectangular
shaped.
[0011] The second end includes a stop face portion disposed in a
plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
main body portion of the support bracket. Further, the second end
includes an arcuate C-shaped portion which extends through an arc
of about 180.degree. from the stop face of the support bracket and
a longitudinally extending slot that extends rearwardly along a
control portion of the C-shaped portion. The arcuate C-shaped
portion is sized so as to be engageable in surrounding relation to
the longitudinal rod of an associated shelf. The second end also
includes a reinforcing rib functionally positioned so as to
strengthen the second end portion and to substantially prevent the
second end portion from bending. This second end reinforcing rib
extends from at least partially on the arcuate portion of the
second end at least partially onto the longitudinal main body
portion. The second end is attached to the longitudinal main body
at a top portion of the longitudinal main body leaving a clearance
between the second end and a first and second side of the
longitudinal main body. The clearance is sufficient to allow the
second end to rotate relative to its attachment to the longitudinal
main body and rest on the first and second sides of the
longitudinal main body so as to provide extra support of the second
end when a load is placed on the shelf.
[0012] In this manner, when it is desired to utilize the support
bracket as a "below-the-shelf" support, as shown in FIG. 1, the
arcuate C-shaped portion of the support bracket is engaged with the
longitudinal forward rod of the shelf from the rear with the main
body portion extending downwardly. The slot engages in surrounding
relation the forward portion of a deck rod or wire adjacent to
where the latter is welded to the forward longitudinal rod. In this
manner, the stop face provides a seat for the longitudinal forward
rod and together with the slot prevents the rod from rotating
angularly downwardly towards the vertical wall. The first end of
the support bracket can then be fastened to the vertical wall to
maintain the shelf horizontally when loads are placed upon the
shelf.
[0013] Similarly, when it is desired to utilize the support bracket
as a suspending support for the associated shelf, as shown in FIG.
2, the arcuate C-shaped portion is engaged with the longitudinal
forward rod from the rearward direction with the main body of the
support bracket extending upwardly from the associated shelf. In
this manner, the stop face of the support bracket inhibits the
upward rotation of the shelf in a direction toward the vertical
wall. Further, the arcuate C-shaped portion of the support bracket
provides a seat for the longitudinal forward rod to prevent the rod
from swinging downwardly toward the vertical wall. The first end of
the support bracket is then fastened to the wall to complete the
attachment of the support bracket and to provide support to the
shelf.
[0014] Other objects, features and characteristics of the present
invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the
related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and
economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following detailed description and the
appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings all of
which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference
numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a universal support bracket
formed in accordance with the present invention disposed as to
provide a support for a shelf from below.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a universal support bracket
formed in accordance with the present invention and coupled to an
associated ventilated shelf so as to provide a suspending support
for a shelf.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of a support bracket formed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a top view of the bracket of FIG. 3.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the bracket of FIG. 3.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the main body portion of
the bracket of FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the transition zone of
the main body portion of the bracket of FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of the second end and part of the main
body portion.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the support bracket
used as a suspending support for a drop-rod type shelf.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Referring first to FIG. 1, and FIG. 2, a support bracket 10
formed in accordance with the present invention is shown mounted to
an associated ventilated shelf 12 to provide support for the shelf
from below in FIG. 1, and from above in FIG. 2. The rear
longitudinal edge wire 17 of the shelf itself is coupled to an
associated vertical support structure such as a wall 14 by means of
a plurality of support clips 16 or the like. Ventilated shelf 12
may be rotatably mounted within support clip 16 so that quick and
easy installation of the shelf is facilitated.
[0025] Once the ventilated shelf has been attached to wall 14, of
course, it is necessary for the shelf to be restrained from
undesirable rotation when objects are placed upon the shelf and
removed therefrom. Such support against rotation can be provided,
as is known in the art, by end brackets (not shown) which are
mounted to side walls of a closet, for example, so that the forward
support rods 18 and 20 of the shelf can be received and held
therein. It has been found, however, that the portions of shelf 12
spaced from such end brackets can bow downwardly when heavy loads
are placed thereon. Thus, in accordance with the present invention,
an additional support in the form of support bracket 10 can be
provided along the length of shelf 12 to minimize the likelihood of
downward rotation of the shelf and, in particular, bowing of the
shelf structure by supporting the longitudinal forward rod 18 of
the associated shelf.
[0026] Accordingly, the support bracket 10 can be placed either
between transverse rods 38 of the ventilated shelving system, as
shown in FIG. 2, or can be disposed so as to straddle a transverse
deck rod 38, as shown in FIG. 1, effectively locking the front edge
of the shelf to the second end of the support bracket. Thus, the
support bracket formed in accordance with the present invention is
very versatile in that the particular location in which it is
placed along the length of the shelf can be modified in accordance
with the particular needs of the user.
[0027] Referring in particular to FIGS. 3-5, support bracket 10
formed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention includes a first end 22. First end 22 includes, for
example, an aperture 24 for receiving a nail, screw or the like,
shown generally as element 26 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Element 26 is
inserted through aperture 24 defined in a substantially flat plate
member 22 provided at end of the bracket for coupling that end of
bracket 10 to wall 14. The first end also includes a reinforcing
rib 23 functionally positioned so as to strengthen the first end
and to substantially prevent the first end from bending.
[0028] The support bracket further includes a longitudinal main
body portion 28 that extends from first end 22 at an angle, as can
be seen in FIG. 3. Main body portion 28 of the support bracket can
be formed of any rigid or substantially rigid material including
wood, metal or plastic. In one embodiment, main body portion 28 of
support bracket 10 is formed from flat plate steel which is stamped
to the desired size and then folded as otherwise formed with a V or
U-shaped cross-section, preferably U-shaped, to provide maximum
support for loads placed on the associated shelf and to prevent
undesirable rotation or bowing. A portion of the main body portion
near the second end 30 enters into a transition zone 29 as shown on
FIG. 4. In transition zone 29, the shape of the main body portion
28 is transformed from being V or U-shaped to being substantially
rectangular shaped. FIG. 6 shows the preferred U-shaped cross
section of the main body portion having a bottom portion 40, a
first side portion 41 and a second side portion 42 FIG. 7 shows the
substantially rectangular shaped cross section of the main body
portion at the end of the transition zone 29, having a bottom
portion 43, a first side portion 44 and a second side portion
45.
[0029] The second end 30 of support bracket 10 includes a gripping
portion 32 for engaging a longitudinal forward rod 18 of the
associated ventilated shelf 12. In the embodiment of the bracket 10
illustrated in FIGS. 3-8, gripping portion 32 is in the form of an
arcuate C-shaped clamping portion which extends through an angle of
about 90.degree. to about 270.degree. from the stop face 34 defined
by the section of the an arcuate C-shaped clamping portion closest
to the second longitudinal end of main body portion 28.
[0030] The second end 30 of support bracket 10 can be formed of any
suitable material but, in a preferred embodiment, is formed
integrally with main body portion 28 and first end 22 of support
bracket 10 and is preferably stamped from flat plate steel and
subsequently formed into the arcuate configuration shown. The
second end 30 is attached to the bottom portion 43 of the main body
portion 28 after changing shape through the transition zone. This
leaves first side portion 44 and second side portion 45 unconnected
to the second end 30, and a small clearance 46, preferably
{fraction (1/32)}", between the two sides 44 and 45 and the second
end 30. This is best illustrated in FIG. 4. This allows for the
second end 30 to rotate about its attachment to the main body
portion 28 and rest upon the first side portion 44 and a second
side portion 45 of the main body for extra support when substantial
loads are placed on the shelf. The second end 30 also includes a
longitudinal slot 36 defined along a portion of arcuate C-shaped
portion 32 with slot 36 being dimensional to be able to receive a
transverse deck wire 38 therein. Further, the second end 30
includes a reinforcing rib 31 that extends from at least partially
on the second end 30 to at least partially onto the main body
portion 28. FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view of an example of
the relation of the reinforcing rib 31 to the second end 30 and the
main body portion 28. The first side portion 44 has been removed
for clarity.
[0031] When the support bracket formed in accordance with the
present invention is used as a "below-the-shelf" support as shown
in FIG. 1, gripping portion 32 is first hooked around a forward
longitudinal rod 18 of the associated shelf, either between
transverse rods 38 of shelf 12 or so as to straddle a particular
transverse rod 38, as discussed above. Support bracket 10 is then
swung rearwardly so that its, first end 22 can be fastened to wall
14 to dispose the shelf in a horizontal plane. Of course, the
length of the bracket, the angle between main body portion 28 and
first end 22, and the width of shelf 12 can be selected so that a
shelf having an upward tilt or a downward tilt could also be
provided if desired. In addition, the system can be assembled such
that the shelves are "flipped over" from the illustrated
disposition and can be supported or suspended from either forward
longitudinal rod 18 or 20. After end 22 has been fastened to wall
14 the associated shelf will be positioned at the desired angle
with respect to the wall, stop face portion 34 of the support
bracket will provide a seat upon which the forward longitudinal rod
18 or 20 of the shelf will rest when loads are placed upon the
shelf. Likewise, forces tending to rotate the shelf upwardly
relative to the support bracket will be resisted by the arcuate
C-shaped portion 32 through its engagement with the upper and
rearward portion of the forward longitudinal rod 18 or 20 of the
shelf.
[0032] As is apparent, then, the support bracket formed in
accordance with the present invention may be quickly and easily
attached to the forward longitudinal rod of an associated shelving
member so as to facilitate the ease of assembly of the ventilated
shelving system and to provide a stable and useful shelving system
in accordance with a consumer's needs.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, in particular, universal support
bracket 10 of the present invention is shown in a "suspending"
second support position. As can be seen, in this configuration the
arcuate C-shaped portion 32 of support bracket 10 is engaged with
longitudinal forward rod 18 of the associated shelf from behind
with main body portion 28 extending upwardly at an angle relative
to ventilated shelf 12. When support bracket 10 is utilized in this
manner, it is coupled to the longitudinal forward rod 18 of shelf
12 and to wall 14 in a manner analogous to the "below-the-shelf"
orientation of the support bracket, but the support bracket itself
is simply turned upside down from the orientation shown in FIG. 1.
As is apparent, when the support bracket is coupled to the shelf to
provide such suspending support, as shown in FIG. 2, C-shaped
arcuate portion 32 of second end 30 of support bracket 10 provides
a seat for longitudinal forward rod 18 of shelf 12, preventing the
shelf from undesirable downward rotation. Furthermore, stop face 44
defined at the second longitudinal end of main body portion 28
prevents upward and rearward rotation of the shelf when exposed to
upward displacing forces.
[0034] A support bracket formed in accordance with the present
invention is universal in that it can be attached from the bottom
of the shelf to provide a below the shelf support as well as from
above to provide a reverse suspending support for the shelf. In
addition, the bracket can be used with a linen type shelf as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2 or with a drop rod type shelf as shown in FIG. 9.
Thus, a support bracket can be rapidly and inexpensively
manufactured as a once piece unit and can be effectively secured to
an associated shelf in a manner that is particularly suited to a
consumer's needs.
[0035] In view of the above disclosure one of ordinary skill in the
art should understand that the present invention encompasses a
support bracket for supporting a shelf mounted to a vertical
support structure and including a longitudinal front support rod
and at least on transverse rod member. The support bracket
comprises a longitudinal main body portion and a first and second
end portions. The first end portion is defined at a first
longitudinal end of the longitudinal main body portion for mounting
the bracket to a vertical support structure to which the shelf is
mounted. The first end portion has a first end reinforcing rib
functionally positioned so as to strengthen the first end portion
and to substantially prevent the first end portion from bending,
giving the shelf an increased load capacity.
[0036] The second end portion is defined at a second longitudinal
end of the longitudinal main body portion. It includes a stop face
that defines a seat for limiting rotational movement of the shelf's
front support rod relative to the vertical support structure. It
also includes a means for receiving and gripping a portion of the
circumference of the front support rod of the shelf. The means for
receiving and gripping includes an arcuate portion extending in the
longitudinal direction of the main body portion from the stop face
and defines therewith an arcuate recess having a longitudinal axis
extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body
portion, coincident with a longitudinal axis of the front support
rod of a shelf to which it is mounted, and parallel to a plane of
the vertical support structure to which the first end portion is
mounted. The arcuate portion includes at least one slot means
extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the arcuate recess
and is sized so as to receive a transverse rod member of the shelf.
Finally, a second end reinforcing rib is functionally positioned on
the second end portion so as to strengthen the second end portion
and to substantially prevent the second end portion from
bending.
[0037] The first end portion includes a flat plate member having an
aperture defined therein for receiving a device for fastening the
first end to the vertical support structure. The main body portion
of the support bracket extends at an angle from a plane of the flat
plate first end portion. The angle is preferably between about
0.degree. and about 90.degree. from the first end portion.
[0038] The arcuate portion is preferably an arcuate C-shaped
element which extends in an arc of between about 90.degree. and
about 270.degree. from the stop face. The second end reinforcing
rib extends from a point on the acurate portion to a point on the
longitudinal main body portion. The longitudinal main body is
substantially U-shaped, and has a transition zone near the second
end portion in which the shape of the longitudinal main body
changes from being substantially U-shaped to being substantially
rectangular shaped.
[0039] The second end portion is attached to the longitudinal main
body at a top portion of the longitudinal main body, leaving a
clearance between the second end portion and a first and second
side portions of the longitudinal main body. The clearance should
be sufficient to allow the second end portion to rotate relative to
the longitudinal main body and rest on the first and second side
portions of the longitudinal main body so as to provide extra
support of the second end portion when a load is placed on the
shelf. The clearance is preferably {fraction (1/32)} of an
inch.
[0040] While the structures of the present invention have been
described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to
those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the
what has been described herein without departing from the concept
and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and
modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be
within the scope and concept of the invention as it is set out in
the following claims.
* * * * *