U.S. patent application number 11/231381 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-19 for track-mounted shelving systems and components.
Invention is credited to John Richard Nawrocki, Lee E. Remmers.
Application Number | 20060011568 11/231381 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35598340 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060011568 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Remmers; Lee E. ; et
al. |
January 19, 2006 |
Track-mounted shelving systems and components
Abstract
A shelving system generally includes a track and at least one
shelving component, such as a bracket. In one embodiment, the track
includes a support portion and a retaining lip. The support portion
has an upper generally horizontal planar support surface and a
lower generally horizontal planar surface. The upper generally
horizontal planar support surface is vertically spaced from the
lower generally horizontal planar surface. The bracket includes
first and second end portions. The bracket also includes an arm
extending generally between the first and second end portions for
supporting a storage structure. The bracket's first end portion
includes forward and rearward surfaces. The bracket's rearward
surface includes an opening having an upper surface that contacts
the upper generally horizontal planar support surface of the track
when the bracket's first end portion is engaged with the track. The
bracket's front surface includes an upper portion that contacts the
track's retaining lip when the track's support portion is within
the opening of the bracket's rearward surface.
Inventors: |
Remmers; Lee E.; (Ocala,
FL) ; Nawrocki; John Richard; (Ocala, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Anthny G. Fussner
Suite 400
7700 Bonhomme
St. Louis
MO
63105
US
|
Family ID: |
35598340 |
Appl. No.: |
11/231381 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11194849 |
Aug 1, 2005 |
|
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|
11231381 |
Sep 21, 2005 |
|
|
|
10657855 |
Sep 9, 2003 |
6953176 |
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11194849 |
Aug 1, 2005 |
|
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|
09436363 |
Nov 9, 1999 |
6669154 |
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10657855 |
Sep 9, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/94.01 ;
211/106; 211/175; 211/90.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 96/028 20130101;
A47F 5/101 20130101; A47B 96/067 20130101; A47F 5/0846 20130101;
A47B 96/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/094.01 ;
211/106; 211/175; 211/090.03 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/08 20060101
A47F005/08 |
Claims
1. A shelving system comprising: a track having a support portion
and a retaining lip, said support portion having an upper generally
horizontal planar support surface and a lower generally horizontal
planar surface, said upper generally horizontal planar support
surface vertically spaced from said lower generally horizontal
planar surface; at least one bracket including first and second end
portions, and an arm extending generally between the first and
second end portions for supporting a storage structure, the first
end portion having a forward surface and a rearward surface, said
rearward surface including an opening having an upper surface that
contacts said upper generally horizontal planar support surface of
said track when the bracket's first end portion is engaged with the
track, the bracket's forward surface having an upper portion that
contacts the track's retaining lip when the track's support portion
is within said opening of the bracket's rearward surface.
2. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the at least one bracket
is slidably movable along the track.
3. The shelving system of claim 2, wherein the at least one bracket
includes two or more brackets each slidably movable along the track
for cooperatively supporting at least one storage structure.
4. The shelving system of claim 3, further comprising at least one
storage structure supportable by the two or more brackets.
5. The shelving system of claim 4, wherein the storage structure
comprises a plurality of wire members.
6. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the at least one bracket
is reversibly mountable to the track such that the bracket's first
end portion is engaged with the track when the bracket is in a
first orientation, and such that the bracket's second end portion
is engaged with the track when the bracket is in a second
orientation.
7. The shelving system of claim 6, wherein the second end portion
includes: a load-bearing surface that contacts the track's upper
generally horizontal planar support surface when the at least one
bracket is in the second orientation; and an upper portion that
contacts the track's retaining lip when the track's support portion
is within the opening of the bracket's second end portion.
8. The shelving system of claim 7, wherein the bracket's second end
portion includes at least one protuberance having a generally
rounded transverse profile and defining the load-bearing surface of
the bracket's second end portion.
9. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the track includes a
generally backward S-shaped transverse profile, and wherein the
support portion of the track includes a generally U-shaped
transverse profile.
10. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the bracket's rearward
surface includes at least one protuberance having a generally
rounded transverse profile and defining the upper surface of the
opening of the bracket's rearward surface.
11. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the bracket includes at
least one surface having at least fastener opening therein to allow
mounting of the bracket directly to a vertical support surface
without using the track.
12. A shelving system comprising: a track including a web extending
generally between an upper flange portion having a retaining lip
and a lower flange portion having a generally horizontal planar
support surface; and at least one shelving component including at
least one end portion having a rearward side and an upper portion,
said rearward side having a load-bearing surface configured to be
positioned on the track's support surface, the shelving component's
upper portion configured to contact the track's retaining lip when
the load-bearing surface is positioned on the track's support
surface, whereby said at least one shelving component may be
slidably positioned along and be supported by said track.
13. The shelving system of claim 12, wherein the at least one
shelving component comprises a bracket having said at least one end
portion, the bracket further including a leg extending downwardly
from the at least one end portion, and an arm generally extending
from the leg for supporting a storage structure.
14. The shelving system of claim 13, wherein the storage structure
comprises a plurality of wire members.
15. The shelving system of claim 12, wherein the at least one
shelving component comprises at least two spaced apart end
portions, and a storage structure disposed between said at least
two spaced apart end portions.
16. The shelving system of claim 12, wherein the at least one end
portion of the shelving component comprises at least one
protuberance having a generally rounded transverse profile and
defining the load-bearing surface.
17. The shelving system of claim 12, wherein the track further
comprises a lower generally horizontal planar surface configured to
limit the upward movement of the shelving component relative to the
track when the upper portion of the shelving component is
contacting the track's retaining lip.
18. The shelving system of claim 12, wherein the track is
configured to be mounted on a wall.
19. The shelving system of claim 12, wherein the track includes a
generally backward S-shaped transverse profile, and wherein the
support portion of the track includes a generally U-shaped
transverse profile.
20. A shelving component for use with a track having an upper
flange portion including a retaining lip and a lower flange portion
including a generally horizontal planar support surface, the
shelving component comprising at least one end portion configured
to be engagingly received by the track, the at least one end
portion having a rearward side and a upper portion, said rearward
side including a load-bearing surface configured to be positioned
on the track's support surface, the shelving component's upper
portion including a forward surface configured to contact the
track's retaining lip when the shelving component's load-bearing
surface is positioned on the track's support surface, whereby the
at least one shelving component may be supported by engaging the
shelving component's end portion with the track.
21. The shelving component of claim 20, wherein the at least one
shelving component comprises a bracket having said at least one end
portion, the bracket further including a leg extending downwardly
from the at least one end portion, and an arm generally extending
from the leg for supporting a storage structure.
22. The shelving component of claim 21, wherein the bracket's end
portion includes at least one protuberance having a generally
rounded transverse profile and defining the load-bearing
surface.
23. The shelving component of claim 22, wherein the bracket
includes a second end portion having an upper portion and at least
one protuberance with a generally rounded transverse profile and
defining a load-bearing surface, whereby the bracket is reversibly
mountable to the track with the bracket's second end portion
engaged to the track such that the second end portion's
load-bearing surface positioned on the track's support surface and
such that the second end portion's upper portion contacts the
track's retaining lip.
24. The shelving component of claim 21, wherein the bracket
includes at least one surface having at least fastener opening
therein to allow mounting of the bracket directly to a vertical
support surface without using the track.
25. The shelving component of claim 20, wherein the at least one
end portion comprises two spaced apart end portions, and a support
structure disposed between said two spaced apart end portions.
26. A track for supporting at least one shelving component having
an end portion with a load-bearing rearward surface and a upper
forward portion, the track comprising a web extending between an
upper flange portion having a retaining lip and a lower flange
portion having at least an upper generally horizontal planar
support surface, the track configured to support the shelving
component therefrom with the shelving component's load-bearing
surface positioned on the track's upper generally horizontal
support surface, and with the shelving component's upper portion
contacting the track's retaining lip.
27. The track of claim 26, wherein the track includes a generally
backward S-shaped transverse profile.
28. A shelving bracket including first and second end portions and
a leg extending generally between the first and second end portions
for supporting a storage structure, each said end portion of the
bracket including an upper portion and at least one protuberance
defining a load-bearing surface, whereby the first and second end
portions allow the bracket to be reversibly mountable to a track
having a retaining lip and a support surface with one of the end
portion's load-bearing surface positioned on the track's support
surface and upper portion contacting the track's retaining lip.
29. The shelving bracket of claim 28, wherein the bracket includes
at least one surface having at least fastener opening therein to
allow mounting of the bracket directly to a vertical support
surface without using the track.
30. The shelving component of claim 28, wherein at least one of
said protuberances has a generally rounded transverse profile.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/194,849 filed Aug. 1, 2005, which, in turn,
is a divisional of presently allowed U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/657,855 filed Sep. 9, 2003, which, in turn, claimed priority
to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/436,363 filed Nov. 9, 1999,
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,154, issued Dec. 30, 2003. The disclosures
of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the use of tracks
for mounting shelves and other storage devices.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] Support standards for the purpose of supporting shelving
brackets are well known in the art. These support standards are
often comprised of narrow strips that may be mounted vertically
against a wall and contain a plurality of slots such that tabs of
shelving brackets can be inserted and supported by such standards.
Vertical shelving standards are typically mounted to a wall through
screws or other means such that the standard is not generally
mobile or removable from its position if desired by the consumer
after installation. Additional improvements thus in the manner of
flexibility in positioning such standards combined with added
strength and load-bearing capacity thus remains warranted.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] According to one aspect of the invention, an exemplary
shelving system generally includes a track and at least one
shelving component, such as a bracket. In one particular
embodiment, the track includes a support portion and a retaining
lip. The support portion has an upper generally horizontal planar
support surface and a lower generally horizontal planar surface.
The upper generally horizontal planar support surface is vertically
spaced from the lower generally horizontal planar surface. The
bracket includes first and second end portions. The bracket also
includes an arm extending generally between the first and second
end portions for supporting a storage structure. The bracket's
first end portion includes forward and rearward surfaces. The
bracket's rearward surface includes an opening having an upper
surface that contacts the upper generally horizontal planar support
surface of the track when the bracket's first end portion is
engaged with the track. The bracket's front surface includes an
upper portion that contacts the track's retaining lip when the
track's support portion is within the opening of the bracket's
rearward surface.
[0005] In another aspect of the invention, a shelving system
generally includes a track and at least one shelving component. In
one particular embodiment, the track includes a web extending
generally between an upper flange portion having a retaining lip
and a lower flange portion having a generally horizontal planar
support surface. The shelving component includes at least one end
portion having a rearward side and an upper portion. The rearward
side has a load-bearing surface configured to be positioned on the
track's support surface. The shelving component's upper portion is
configured to contact the track's retaining lip when the
load-bearing surface is positioned on the track's support surface.
Accordingly, the shelving component may be slidably positioned
along and be supported by said track.
[0006] In a further aspect, the invention provides shelving
components. The shelving components can be used with or without a
track having an upper flange portion including a retaining lip and
a lower flange portion including a generally horizontal planar
support surface. In one embodiment, the shelving component includes
at least one end portion configured to be engagingly received by
the track. The end portion has a rearward side and an upper
portion. The rearward side includes a load-bearing surface
configured to be positioned on the track's support surface. The
shelving component's upper portion includes a forward surface
configured to contact the track's retaining lip when the shelving
component's load-bearing surface is positioned on the track's
support surface. Accordingly, the shelving component may be
supported by engaging the shelving component's end portion with the
track.
[0007] In still another aspect, the invention provides tracks for
supporting at least one shelving component having an end portion
with a load-bearing rearward surface and an upper forward portion.
In one embodiment, the track includes a web extending between an
upper flange portion having a retaining lip and a lower flange
portion having at least an upper generally horizontal planar
support surface. The track is configured to support the shelving
component therefrom with the shelving component's load-bearing
surface positioned on the track's support surface, and with the
shelving component's upper portion contacting the track's retaining
lip.
[0008] In yet another aspect, the invention provides shelving
brackets. In one embodiment, the shelving bracket includes first
and second end portions and a leg extending generally between the
first and second end portions for supporting a storage structure.
Each bracket end portion of the bracket includes an upper portion.
Each bracket end portion also includes at least one protuberance
that defines a load-bearing surface. Accordingly, the first and
second end portions allow the bracket to be reversibly mountable to
a track having a retaining lip and a support surface with either
one of the end portion's load-bearing surface positioned on the
track's support surface and upper portion contacting the track's
retaining lip.
[0009] Further aspects and features of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the invention,
are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended
to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The following drawings form part of the specification and
are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present
invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to
one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed
description presented herein.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a shelving
apparatus.
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of a shelving
apparatus, with a standard having a bracket and a shelf mounted
thereon.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shelving
apparatus, with a bracket and a shelf mounted to the standard.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a
shelving apparatus.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a shelving apparatus including a track and brackets mounted to
track for supporting a shelf from the track.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a side view of the shelving apparatus shown in
FIG. 5.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one of the retaining clips
shown in FIG. 5 and illustrating engagement of the retaining clip
to the bracket and the wire shelf.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one of the retaining clips
shown in FIG. 5 according one exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective of one of the brackets shown in FIG.
5.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the bracket shown in
FIGS. 14 and 18.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a shelving apparatus including a track having a different
cross-sectional profile than the track shown in FIG. 5.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a side view of the shelving apparatus shown in
FIG. 11.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
shelving apparatus including a track and brackets mounted to track
for supporting a shelf from the track.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of the shelving
apparatus shown in FIG. 18.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a side view of the shelving apparatus shown in
FIG. 13.
[0026] FIG. 16 is an upper view of the shelving apparatus shown in
FIG. 13 with the end portions of the brackets slidably engaged
within the track.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a frontal view of the brackets and shelf shown in
FIG. 16.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a back perspective view of the shelving apparatus
shown in FIG. 16.
[0029] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a retaining clip
engaged to the wire shelf and bracket shown in FIG. 13.
[0030] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bracket having two
retaining clips engaged to the bracket but without a shelf
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing an end portion of the
bracket and the two retaining clips shown in FIG. 20.
[0032] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of one of the retaining clips
shown in FIGS. 13 through 21.
[0033] FIG. 23 is a front view of the retaining clip shown in FIG.
22.
[0034] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the wire shelf shown in
FIG. 13.
[0035] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a shelving apparatus including a track and a shelf including
brackets mounted to the track for supporting the shelf from the
track.
[0036] FIG. 26 is a side view of the shelf having integral brackets
shown in FIG. 25.
[0037] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a bracket according to
another embodiment in which the shelving bracket includes fastener
slots for mounting the bracket directly to a wall.
[0038] FIG. 28 is a back view of the bracket shown in FIG. 27.
[0039] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a shelving apparatus
including two of the brackets shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 mounted to a
track.
[0040] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a shelving apparatus
including two of the brackets shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 mounted to a
wall using the fastener slots without a track.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0041] The following descriptions of various embodiments are merely
exemplary in nature and are in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0042] Various aspects of the present invention generally relate to
a vertical support standard and track system for supporting
shelving brackets, such that the standard is able to receive
greater loading capacity and can be moved prior to final
positioning, if desired, to various positions across a wall through
use of a track. In various embodiments, the horizontally mounted
track provides added support to increase the loading that can be
placed on the standard and also provides the ability for such
standard to be moved to various positions along the track's length.
Illustratively, one embodiment of the invention generally includes
a shelving apparatus containing a vertical support standard and a
track. Embodiments of the invention can also include a shelf and
shelving bracket mounted to the standard. The standard may be
constructed like a typical wall mounted standard having front and
back sides. The front side of the standard may contain a plurality
of slots so as to be able to receive tabs or other mounting means
of a shelving bracket. The standard can contain one or more columns
of slots so as to accept one or more shelving brackets or
multi-sided shelving brackets. The back side of the standard,
preferably near a top portion, defines an opening having upper and
lower surfaces. This opening should preferably be constructed in
such a way that it can receive a support portion of a track. The
standard may also be able to be moved horizontally along a wall
mounted track without becoming detached from the track.
[0043] Another component in embodiments of the invention is a track
which can be mounted to a wall by any typical mounting means. The
track comprises a body which is able to accept a standard. In order
to keep such a standard mounted to the track, various embodiments
include a track having a lip that extends downwardly and overlaps a
front surface of the top portion of the standard so as to prevent
the standard from disengaging from the track. The track can also
include a support portion having upper and lower surfaces that is
adapted to be inserted into the opening on the back of the
standard. The opening on the standard and the support portion of
the track are preferably aligned so that the front lip of the track
is able to engage a front portion of the standard.
[0044] The top portion of the standard that engages the lip of the
track, and the upper surface of the opening that engages the upper
surface of the support portion of the track, provide support for
downward loading placed on the standard and keep the standard
locked into the track. The lower surface of the opening prevents
the standard from being pushed up and disjointed from the track by
engaging the lower surface of the support portion of the track.
When mounted on the track, the standard is preferably able to move
horizontally along the support portion so as to be placed in a
desired position by the consumer prior to first mounting of the
standard to a wall. In this way, a shelf bracket and shelving
system can be mounted to the standard in a location preferable to
the consumer while providing maximum support and accepting greater
amount of loading such as by an attached bracket and shelf.
[0045] According to another aspect of the invention, an exemplary
shelving apparatus generally includes a track and a standard. The
track includes a support portion having an upper support surface
and an extension extending generally outwardly from the support
portion. The standard includes a back surface having an opening.
When the support portion is within the opening, an upper surface of
the opening contacts the upper support surface of the support
portion, and the extension is engagingly received within a portion
of the opening. This engagement of the extension within the portion
of the opening can inhibit disengagement of the standard from the
track.
[0046] According to another aspect, the present invention provides
methods of supporting standards with a track. In one particular
implementation, the track includes a support portion having an
upper support surface and an extension extending generally
outwardly from the upper support surface. The standard includes a
back surface having an opening configured to engagingly receive the
support portion. The method generally includes positioning the
standard relative to the track such that a portion of the opening
engages the extension, the opening engages the support portion of
the track, and the upper support surface of the support portion
contacts an upper surface of the opening.
[0047] According to another aspect, an exemplary shelving apparatus
includes a standard and a track. The standard includes a back
surface having an opening. The track includes means for supporting
the standard. The track also includes means for retaining the
standard within the track. When the standard is engaged with the
track, an upper surface of the opening contacts the means for
supporting, and the means for retaining contacts a portion of the
opening.
[0048] According to another aspect, various embodiments of a
shelving system are also provided that include a track for
supporting at least one shelving component. In some embodiments,
the shelving component may comprise a bracket having an end portion
and an arm generally extending therefrom for supporting or
connection a shelf or rack thereon. In other embodiments, the
shelving component may comprise a support structure having integral
thereto at least two spaced apart end portions.
[0049] According to other aspects of the invention, a shelving
system includes at least one shelving component, such as a bracket
configured to engage the track. In various embodiments, the track
includes a support portion and a retaining lip. The track's support
portion has an upper generally horizontal planar support surface
and a lower generally horizontal planar surface. The upper
generally horizontal planar support surface is vertically spaced
from the lower generally horizontal planar surface. The bracket
includes first and second end portions. The bracket also includes
an arm extending generally between the first and second end
portions for supporting a storage structure. The bracket's first
end portion includes forward and rearward surfaces. The bracket's
rearward surface includes an opening having an upper surface that
contacts the upper generally horizontal planar support surface of
the track when the bracket's first end portion is engaged with the
track. The bracket's front surface includes an upper portion that
contacts the track's retaining lip when the track's support portion
is within the opening of the bracket's rearward surface. In this
exemplary manner, the bracket can thus be retained in a supported
manner by the track.
[0050] In one particular embodiment, a shelving system is provided
that includes a track having a generally vertical web extending
between an upper flange portion and a lower flange portion. The
upper flange portion of the track has a retaining lip, and the
lower flange portion has at least a support surface. The lower
flange portion includes a support surface that is a generally
horizontal surface extending along the length (or at least a
portion thereof) of the elongate track. The lower portion may
further include a bottom surface that prevents (or at least
inhibits) a shelving component engagingly received in the track
from being disengaged from the track if the shelving component is
pushed or jarred in a generally upward direction. The shelving
system further includes at least one shelving component having at
least one end portion engageable with the track. The end portion of
the shelving component has a rearward side and an upper portion.
The rearward side includes an opening having a load-bearing surface
that is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, positioned, etc.) to be
positioned on and in contact with the support surface of the track.
The shelving component also has a top portion that includes a
frontwardly-facing surface configured to contact the retaining lip
of the track when the upper load-bearing surface is positioned on
the support surface of the track. In this position, the at least
one shelving component may be slidably positioned along the track,
which provides support for the shelving component. The shelving
component may be a bracket that includes an end portion, a leg
extending generally downwardly from the end portion, and an arm
extending generally outward from the leg. The leg may be used for
supporting and/or connecting to a support or storage structure such
as a wire shelf, wire basket, or wire bin, etc. For example,
various embodiments include a wire shelf, which may be secured to a
bracket by means of a clip member and/or by positioning end
portions of the wire members forming the shelf into openings/holes
in the bracket. In other embodiments, the shelving component may
also be a storage structure such as a wire shelf, which is disposed
between at least two spaced apart end portions of brackets
integrally connected to the wire shelf.
[0051] Other aspects of the present invention include tracks,
standards, brackets, storage structures (e.g., wire shelves, wire
bins, wire baskets, etc.), shelving systems, and methods of making
and/or using one or more of the same. Any of the aspects of the
present invention can be used individually or in combination with
any one or more of the other aspects of the present invention.
[0052] In FIG. 1, there is shown a cross-sectional side view of a
shelving apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the
invention. As shown, the shelving apparatus comprises a standard 10
and a track 100. The embodiment of the standard 10 shown comprises
a front surface 50, a back surface 55, and a top portion 60. The
front surface 50 defines slots 70 (as shown in FIG. 3), which in
other embodiments can be of any size and shape such that a shelving
bracket may be mounted thereto. Alternatively, instead of slots,
any other means of mounting a bracket, such as protrusions, may be
used on front surface 50.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 1, the back portion 55 of the standard 10
defines an opening 20 for supporting the standard 10 on the track
100. The opening 20 defines an upper surface 30 and a lower surface
40. The opening 20 is preferably shaped such that the upper and
lower surfaces 30 and 40 are generally horizontal in orientation.
The opening 20, however, can be of any shape such that it can
receive and be supported by an opposing supporting member and is
preferably slidable along that member. The opening 20 can be
located on any portion of the standard such that it is supported by
engaging with a track.
[0054] Also shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 is a track 100, which can be
mounted on a wall or other surface, preferably horizontally. Track
100 may be constructed of any material suitable for standards or
brackets, such as steel or aluminum. Track 100 also has a length
such that standard 10 can preferably slide horizontally along the
length of the track 100.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, the cross-section of an embodiment of
track 100 is preferably generally shaped like a backward S. The
track 100 also defines a front lip 110 that is designed to abut the
front surface 50 of the standard 10 such that the standard 10 is
held within track 100. Lip 110 preferably extends some distance
over the top portion 60 of standard 10 and comes into contact with
the front surface 50 such that when jarred or otherwise moved, the
standard 10 is not released from the track 100. Any means, however,
such as a latch or other mechanism can also be used in place of the
lip 110, as long as the standard 10 remains held within track
100.
[0056] Track 100 also defines a support portion 120 that, when
engaged with the opening 20, supports the standard 10 and prevents
(or at least inhibits) the standard 10 from being pushed upward and
separated from track 100. In one embodiment of track 100, support
portion 120 (as shown in cross section in FIG. 1) is generally
U-shaped and is adapted to extend into opening 20 on standard
10.
[0057] With continued reference to FIG. 1, support portion 120
includes upper surface 140 and bottom surface 150. Upper surface
140 supports standard 10, such as when a shelf and shelving bracket
and the contents of the shelf are connected to the standard 10.
Bottom surface 150 prevents (or at least inhibits) standard 10 from
being disengaged from track 100 if the standard 10 is pushed or
jarred in an upward direction by engaging with lower surface 40 of
opening 20.
[0058] Support portion 120 may also be designed to allow standard
10 to slide horizontally along the track if desired, as shown in
FIG. 3. Once in a desired position, the portion of the standard 10
not engaged with the track 100 may thereafter be secured to a wall
to prevent (or at least inhibit) any further movement of the
standard 10 from its desired position.
[0059] Alternative embodiments of support portion 120 may also be
used. In such alternative configurations, the support portion need
only provide an upper and bottom surface adapted to engage opening
20, or other means to support the standard 10 while preferably
allowing the standard to slide if desired. Additionally, support
portion 120 is not required to be at the bottom of track 100, but
can be located at any place on the track 100 such that the support
portion 120 can engage with an opening on the back surface of a
wall standard and preferably provide one or more of the benefits as
described herein. Preferably, however, support portion 120 is
located in a position that when inserted into opening 20, lip 110
will be engaged with front surface 50 of standard 10. Thus, as
shown in FIG. 1, distance y (the distance between the top 60 of the
standard and bottom of the lip 110) is preferably greater than
distance x (the spaced distance between the lower surface 40 and
bottom surface 150 when the upper surface 140 of the track 100 is
in contact with the upper surface 30 of the standard's opening 20).
Also, track 100 may be of any cross-sectional design, and such
alternative cross-sectional design can provide one or more of the
benefits described herein.
[0060] In an alternate embodiment as shown in FIG. 4, lip 110 may
be eliminated altogether by support portion 120 both providing
support and keeping the standard 10 connected to the track. For
example, support portion 120 can comprise not only upper and bottom
surfaces 140 and 150, but can comprise extension 160 that provides
the same function as did the lip 110. In one such embodiment (as
shown in FIG. 4), extension 160 prevents the standard 10 from
disengaging from the track 100 by engaging a notch or hole 72 in
opening 20. The notch 72 and extension 160 may be located on the
opening 20 and support member 120 respectively (or vice versa) in
any position such that they can engage each other and prevent the
standard 10 from disengaging from track 100. The standard 10 is
also preferably slidable along the track 100 in this
embodiment.
[0061] A method of mounting the standard 10 to track 100 is also
disclosed herein. Track 100 is first secured to a wall or other
surface, preferably in a substantially horizontal manner. A top
portion of the standard 10 is then inserted under lip 110 and
standard 10 rotated such that the opening 20 on the back 55 of the
standard 10 engages the support portion 120 of the track 100. The
standard 10 may then be slid along track 100 until it is in a
desired position and then attached to the wall to prevent further
movement along the track 100.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, standard 10 and track 100 may be
used in combination with a shelf 200 and/or shelving bracket 250.
Such bracket and shelf can be of any type ordinarily used with
vertical wall standards. As described above, standard 10 in
combination with track 100 not only preferably allows standard 10
to be horizontally moved so that bracket 250 and shelf 200 can be
supported in a position desired by the consumer, but also provides
additional support and increased loading capacity for the shelf and
bracket.
[0063] In FIG. 5, there is shown a shelving system according to one
exemplary embodiment. The shelving system comprises a track 100 and
at least one shelving component 260 configured to engage and be
supported by the track 100. While the track 100 in some embodiments
may be shaped such that the track 100 includes a generally backward
S-shaped transverse profile, the track 100 may include other shapes
as well without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 6, various embodiments of a shelving
system include a track 100 having a web 102 extending between an
upper flange portion 104 and at least a lower flange portion 106.
The upper flange portion 104 has a retaining lip 110, and the lower
flange portion 106 has at least a support surface 120 extending
along a substantial portion of the track 100.
[0065] The lower flange portion 106 may further comprise a
downwardly extending portion 108 that forms a generally U-shaped
configuration. The lower flange portion 106 may further include a
bottom surface 150 that prevents (or at least inhibits) a shelving
component received in the track 100 from being disengaged from the
track 100 if pushed or jarred in an upward direction. The track 100
is adapted to engagingly receive an end portion 262 of the shelving
component 260 within the space generally between the retaining lip
110 and the support surface 120. The shelving component 260 may be
used to support a support structure 290, such as a wire shelf, wire
basket, wire bin, solid shelf member, etc. The support structure
290 may be secured to the shelving component by one or more clip
members 300. Alternatively, or additionally, other suitable means
can also be used to secure support structure 290 to the shelving
components 260.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the shelving component 260
generally comprises a bracket 264 having an end portion 262
configured to be received generally within the space between the
track's retaining lip 110 and support surface 120. The bracket 264
may be used to support any of a wide range of support structures,
such as wire rack, wire baskets, wire bins, non-wire shelving
structures, etc.
[0067] The bracket 264 includes a leg 266 extending downwardly from
the end portion 262. The bracket 264 also includes an arm 268
generally extending from the leg 266 for locating a support
structure 290 thereon. The shelving component 260 is configured to
be engagingly received by the track 100 in a manner such that the
shelving component 260 may be slidably positioned along the length
of the track 100.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 6, the end portion 262 of the shelving
component 260 has an opening 270 on the rearward side that includes
a load-bearing surface 272 configured to be positioned on the
support surface 120. The end portion 262 also includes a top
portion 274 configured to contact the track's retaining lip 110
when the load-bearing surface 272 is positioned on the support
surface 120, such that the shelving component 260 may be supported
by the track 100. The shelving component 260, when engagingly
received by the space between the retaining lip 110 and the support
surface 120, may be slidably moved along the support surface 120 of
the track 100. This, in turn, allows the shelving component 260 to
be slidably positioned as needed to position a shelf of the
shelving system.
[0069] With continued reference to FIG. 6, the shelving component
260 further comprises a second end portion 280. The shelving
component 260 includes a rib 282 spanning across at least the
second end portion 280. The second end portion 280 further includes
at least one opening 284 therein for receiving at least one wire
end portion of a wire support structure 290. The arm portion 268 of
the shelving component 260 may also include one or more openings
284 for receiving at least one wire end portion of a wire support
structure 290. The one or more openings 284 in the shelving
component 260 may comprise a hole in which a wire end may be
inserted, or alternatively may comprise a slot or other contour
adapted to receive a wire end.
[0070] The wire support structure 290 may be a wire shelf, wire
basket, wire bin etc., which may have one or more wire ends adapted
to be received in the openings 284 of the shelving component 260.
The one or more openings 284 are oriented such that the one or more
openings 284 may slide over the wire end of a wire support
structure 290 as the shelving component 260 is moved along the
support surface 120 of the track 100. In this exemplary manner, the
shelving component 260 may be positioned on the track 100 and slid
relatively towards the wire support structure 290 to such that the
wire ends are received within the openings 284 in the shelving
component 260, to provide for assembly of the shelving system
without requiring the use of tools or screw-type fasteners.
[0071] The wire support structure 290 may further be secured to the
shelving component 260 by one or more clip members 300. As shown in
FIG. 8, the clip members 300 include spaced apart ends 302 and 304.
These ends 302 and 304 are configured to be positioned over the rib
282 (or other portion of the shelving component 260) and a portion
of the wire support structure 290 to help retain the wire support
structure 290 to the shelving component 260.
[0072] In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the
second end portion 280 may include at least two spaced apart
protuberances 286 having generally rounded or arcuate transverse
profiles. As shown, each protuberance 286 has a generally
semi-circular or hemispherical transverse profile. Alternatively,
other shapes and configurations can be used for the protuberances
286, such as circular, ovular, triangular, rectangular, etc.
[0073] Each protuberance 286 may include an opening 284 for
receiving a wire end of a wire support structure 290 as shown in
FIG. 7. The two spaced apart protuberances 286 define a space 288
for receiving and retaining a clip member 300 positioned over the
shelving component 260, such that the protuberances 286 inhibit the
clip member 300 from sliding out of position on the shelving
component 260.
[0074] As generally shown in FIG. 8, the first end 302 of the clip
member 300 includes a retaining flange 306, and the second end 304
includes a retaining flange 308. These flanges 306 and 308 are
configured to be positioned over a portion of the shelving
component 260, whereby the retaining flanges 306 and 308 cooperate
to retain the clip member 300 to the shelving component 260. The
retaining flanges 306 and 308 are further configured to be
positioned over a portion of the wire support structure 290, such
as a length of wire that is positioned adjacent to the shelving
component 260. The clip member 300 accordingly is configured (e.g.,
sized, shaped, etc.) to be positioned over a portion of a wire
support structure 290 and a portion of the shelving component 260.
At which point, the clip member 300 is retained over the wire
support structure 290 and shelving component 260 so as to help
secure the wire support structure 290 to shelving component
260.
[0075] FIG. 7 shows a clip member 300 engaged to the second end
portion 280 of the shelving component 260 and a portion of a wire
rack 290. The clip member's retaining flanges 306 and 308 extend
generally inwardly from the respective end portions 302 and 304 of
the clip member 300, to thereby define a space therebetween for
receiving a portion of the wire support structure 290 and the
shelving component 260. This space is such that a slight
interference may exist as the clip member 300 is slid over the
shelving component 260. The retaining flanges 306 and 308 can be
configured to allow the flanges 306 and 308 to be flexed away from
each other to permit the clip member 300 to fit over the shelving
component 260.
[0076] In some embodiments of a shelving system, the shelving
bracket component 260 may comprise a first end portion 262, a
second end portion 280, and an arm 268 extending generally
therebetween. The shelving component 260 may be reversibly
mountable to the track 100 in either a first orientation or a
second orientation. That is, the shelving component 260 can be
mounted to the track 100 in a first orientation in which the
shelving component's first end portion 262 is engaged with the
track 100, as shown in FIG. 5. But the shelving component 260 can
also be mounted to the track 100 in a second orientation in which
the shelving component's second end portion 280 is engaged with the
track 100 (instead of the shelving component's first end portion
262 which is shown engaged to the track 100 in FIG. 5).
[0077] The second end portion 280 includes generally oppositely
facing surfaces 288 and 289. The second end portion 280 includes
protuberances 286. The lower protuberance 286 includes a
load-bearing surface 294 that contacts the upper support surface
120 of the track 100. The second end portion 280 also has a top
portion 295 that contacts the retaining lip 110 when the second end
portion 280 is engaged with the track 100, and when the
load-bearing surface 294 is in contact with the track's support
surface 120.
[0078] In some of the exemplary embodiments of a shelving system,
the track 100 may further comprise a lower surface 150 configured
to limit the upward movement of the shelving component 260 relative
to the track 100 when the portion 274 of the shelving component 260
is contacting the retaining lip 110 on the track 100. This lower
surface 150 can at least inhibit the shelving component 260 from
lifting and sliding out of the track 100 when the shelving
component 260 is subject to an upward jarring force. Such an upward
movement of the shelving component 260 could occur, for example, by
a person accidentally bumping against the underside of the shelving
component 260 or a shelf (e.g., wire ventilated shelf, etc.)
supported by the shelving component 260. The lower surface 150 can
thus help ensure that the shelf and all its contents are not
dropped by minor upward movement of the shelf and/or shelving
component.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 10, the shelving component 260 comprises a
bracket 264 that includes an end portion 262 having an opening 270.
As shown in this particular embodiment, the opening 270 is defined
generally between a rib 278 and the lower protuberance 286. The
upper surface 272 of the opening 2780 (or in this particular
embodiment, the lower surface 272 of the protuberance 286) contacts
the upper support surface 120 of the track 100 such that the
surface 272 serves as a load-bearing surface for the shelving
component 260, which the support surface 120 of the track 100 bears
against to permit the bracket 264 to be supported by the track
100.
[0080] The top portion 274 contacts the track's retaining lip 110
when the support portion 120 is within the opening 270. The
load-bearing surface 272 of the shelving component 260 is suitably
supported by the support surface 120 of the track 100, particularly
when the shelving component 260 is under load such as when a wire
shelf 290 is being supported.
[0081] With continued reference to FIG. 10, some embodiments
include a shelving component 260 having an end portion 262 and a
leg portion 266 extending from the end portion 262. The leg portion
266 further comprises a generally vertical support surface 296 for
contacting a wall. The vertical support surface 296, when
contacting a wall or vertical support, provides additional support
that reduces the bending moment about the end portion 262 received
within the track 100 when the shelving component 260 is under a
load. When the wall is in contact with the vertical support surface
296 of the shelving component 260, the wall provides a force
against the vertical support surface 296 acting about the end
portion 262 received in the track 100, which force counters the
cantilever load on the shelving component acting about the end
portion 262. Accordingly, the track 100 can support a greater shelf
load with a shelving component 260 having a vertical support
surface 296 on its rearward side. Accordingly, this particular
shelving component 260 with a vertical support surface 296 can be
slidably positioned on a track 100 and connected to a wire
structure to allow for assembling a shelf without requiring the use
of tools or screw-type fasteners, and can also support a greater
shelf loads.
[0082] FIGS. 19 through 23 illustrate another embodiment of a clip
member 300', which can be assembled over a wire rack 290 and the
shelving bracket component 260. As shown in FIG. 19, the clip
member 300' is assembled over the second end portion 280 generally
between two spaced apart protuberances 286. As shown, each
protuberance 286 has a generally semi-circular or hemispherical
transverse profile. Alternatively, other shapes and configurations
can be used for the protuberances 286, such as circular, ovular,
triangular, rectangular, etc. The spaced apart protuberances 286
define a space 288 sized to receive and help retain a clip member
300' positioned over the shelving component 260, such that the
protuberances 286 inhibit the clip member 300 from sliding out of
position on the shelving component 260.
[0083] In this particular embodiment, the clip member 300' includes
first and second end portions 302' and 304', each of which includes
a tapered retaining tab 306' and 308' respectively. The tapered
tabs 306' and 308' generally extend inwardly from the ends 302' and
304' of the clip member 300', to define a space there between for
receiving a portion of the wire support structure 290 and the
shelving component 260. This space is such that a slight
interference exists as the clip member 300' is slid over the
shelving component 260, where the taper on the retaining tabs 306'
and 308' aid in the clip member's end portions 302 and 304 flexing
apart from each other to permit the clip member 300' to fit over
the shelving component 260.
[0084] FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate another embodiment of a shelving
system. As shown, the shelving system includes shelving component
260 having two end portions 262 each received within the space
between the track's retaining lip 110 and the support surface 120.
The shelving component 260 may be used to support a storage
structure 290, such as a wire rack, wire shelf, wire bin, etc. The
shelving component 260 further include a leg 266 extending
generally downwardly from each end portion 262, and an arm 268
extending generally outwardly from each leg 266. The shelving
component 260 is adapted to be received in the track 100, such that
the shelving component 260 may be slidably positioned along the
length of (or at least a portion of the length of) the track 100.
As shown in FIG. 26, each end portion 262 of the shelving component
260 has a load-bearing surface 272 configured to be positioned on
the tracks' support surface 120. Each end portion 262 also includes
a top portion 274 configured to contact the track's retaining lip
110 when the load-bearing surface 272 is positioned on the support
surface 120, such that the shelving component 260 may be supported
by the track 100. Each end portion 262 in this particular
embodiment has a generally curved portion 298.
[0085] FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate another embodiment of a bracket
360. As shown, the bracket 360 includes fastener slots 361. As
shown in FIG. 28, the two of the brackets 360 can used to support a
storage structure 290 (e.g., wire shelf, wire basket, wire bin,
plank-type shelf, etc.) from the track 100. In this particular
embodiment, the fastener slots 361 can be used with fasteners
(e.g., bolts, nails, screws, etc.) to further secure the brackets
360 to a wall or other vertical support surface. Alternatively, the
fastener slots 361 and fasteners can be used to mount the brackets
360 directly to a wall or other vertical support surface without
using the track 100. For example, FIG. 30 illustrates two brackets
360 mounted to a wall using fasteners that are engagingly received
within the fastener slots 361. In this particular embodiment, the
brackets 360 are supporting the storage structure 290 without using
a track 100.
[0086] In alternative embodiments, a shelving system includes a
track having a generally vertical web extending between upper and
lower generally horizontal flange portions. In these embodiments,
the lower flange portion does not necessarily comprise a downwardly
extending portion that forms a generally U-shaped configuration, or
a bottom surface. The track may still include a retaining lip and
the support surface such that a shelving component can be
engagingly received by the track with a load-bearing surface of the
shelving component positioned on the track's support surface and
with a top portion of the shelving component contact the track's
retaining lip. In such alternate embodiments, the track may not
have the lower surface feature that inhibits the generally upward
movement of the shelving component relative to the track.
[0087] In the figures, there are shown exemplary ventilated wire
shelves for which can be used one or more of the devices of the
present invention. Ventilated shelves may be of different sizes
(e.g., four foot, six foot, eight foot, ten foot, and/or cut to a
custom size, etc.) and may be mounted to walls of a closet (or at
other locations, such as a bathroom, grocery store, department
store, etc.) using brackets and/or other suitable means. The depth
of the shelves and the spacing of the wires or rod members may also
be different than what is shown in the figures. Further, the wires
may be oriented generally longitudinally, transversely, diagonally,
etc. relative to the shelf. In addition, non-wire type (e.g.,
wooden, etc.) shelving structure can also be used in other aspects
of the invention. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention
should not be limited to implementation into any specific form/type
of shelf. In addition, any of the aspects of the present invention
can be used in combination with any one or more of the other
aspects of the present invention.
[0088] The examples described and shown herein are provided to
demonstrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. It should be
appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques
disclosed in the examples represent techniques discovered by the
inventor(s) to function well in the practice of the invention, and
thus can be considered to constitute preferred modes for its
practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of
the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in
the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain a
like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention.
[0089] Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference
only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms
such as "upper", "lower", "above", and "below" refer to directions
in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as "front",
"back", "rear", "bottom" and "side", describe the orientation of
portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame
of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the
associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such
terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above,
derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the
terms "first", "second" and other such numerical terms referring to
structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly
indicated by the context.
[0090] When introducing elements or features of the present
invention and the exemplary embodiments, the articles "a", "an",
"the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of
such elements or features. The terms "comprising", "including" and
"having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be
additional elements or features other than those specifically
noted. It is further to be understood that the method steps,
processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed
as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order
discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an
order or performance. It is also to be understood that additional
or alternative steps may be employed.
[0091] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in
nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of
the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention.
Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *