U.S. patent application number 11/261350 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-03 for storage system and method.
Invention is credited to Scott A. Schwerman.
Application Number | 20070095773 11/261350 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37994893 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070095773 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schwerman; Scott A. |
May 3, 2007 |
Storage system and method
Abstract
A shelving system having one or more shelving units is
disclosed. In some embodiments, the shelving units include one or
more corner shelving units and/or one or more rectangular shelving
units, each of which has one or more shelves connected to and
supported by uprights. Shelving units can be connected together by
telescoping or non-telescoping rods. The rods can be connected to
the shelving units by brackets connected to hanger rails on the
uprights of the shelving units. In some embodiments, the components
of different shelving units are the same, and can be interchanged,
thereby reducing the number of different parts needed for
construction of different shelving systems. Also, the free-standing
nature of the shelving units (and resulting shelving system) can
simplify installation and can enable shelving systems to be
installed in otherwise unavailable locations.
Inventors: |
Schwerman; Scott A.;
(Libertyville, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
Two Prudential Plaza
180 North Stetson Avenue, Suite 2000
CHICAGO
IL
60601
US
|
Family ID: |
37994893 |
Appl. No.: |
11/261350 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/187 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 47/0091
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/187 |
International
Class: |
A47B 57/00 20060101
A47B057/00 |
Claims
1. A modular shelving system for installation in a corner of a
room, the modular shelving system comprising: a first free-standing
shelving unit adapted to be positioned in the corner of the room,
the free-standing corner shelving unit comprising a first plurality
of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room; a first
shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights;
an unobstructed front corner through which user access to the first
shelf is provided; a first rear side adapted to be positioned
adjacent a first wall of the corner; and a second rear side adapted
to be positioned adjacent a second wall of the corner; and a second
free-standing shelving unit having a shape that is different from
that of the first free-standing shelving unit, the second
free-standing shelving unit coupled to the first free-standing
shelving unit a distance from the first free-standing shelving
unit, and comprising a second plurality of uprights substantially
unsupported by walls of the room; and a second shelf coupled to and
supported by the second plurality of uprights.
2. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
first and second pluralities of uprights have substantially the
same structure.
3. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
first plurality of uprights each have a different length than the
second pluralities of uprights.
4. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
first and second pluralities of uprights are interchangeable.
5. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the
first free-standing shelving unit has a non-rectangular footprint;
and the second free-standing shelving unit has a substantially
rectangular footprint.
6. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
first and second shelves are adjustable to different heights along
the first and second pluralities of uprights.
7. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
first and second shelves are coupled to the first and second
pluralities of uprights, respectively, in substantially the same
manner.
8. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
first and second free-standing shelving units are coupled to one
another by a rod.
9. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the
rod is coupled to at least one of the uprights of at least one of
the first and second free-standing shelving units by an open
collar.
10. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the
rod extends toward and is coupled to an edge of at least one of the
first and second shelves.
11. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the
rod has an adjustable length.
12. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
first and second free-standing shelving units are coupled to one
another by a shelf.
13. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the
shelf is coupled to at least one of the uprights of at least one of
the first and second free-standing shelving units by an open
collar.
14. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
second free-standing shelving unit comprises a substantially
horizontally-extending first rod located substantially within the
second plurality of uprights.
15. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the
first and second free-standing shelving units are coupled to one
another by a second rod.
16. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the
first rod is coupled to the second plurality of uprights by at
least one first bracket; and the second rod is coupled to the first
and second free-standing shelving units by at least one second
bracket interchangeable with the at least one first bracket.
17. A modular shelving system, comprising: a plurality of
substantially identical uprights; a first plurality of
substantially identical shelves; and a second plurality of
substantially identical shelves having a shape different from that
of the first plurality of substantially identical shelves; at least
one of a rod and a shelf; wherein the plurality of substantially
identical uprights are interchangeable with the first and second
pluralities of substantially identical shelves to construct two
free-standing shelving units having different shapes coupled by the
at least one of the rod and the shelf spanning a distance between
the two free-standing shelving units.
18. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the
two free-standing shelving units are coupled by a plurality of
rods.
19. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 18, wherein:
the plurality of rods are adjustable in length; and the modular
shelving system is adjustable to different room sizes by adjusting
the length of the rods.
20. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the
first plurality of substantially identical shelves are
non-rectangular in shape.
21. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the
second plurality of substantially identical shelves are
substantially rectangular in shape.
22. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the
first plurality of substantially identical shelves comprise corner
shelves.
23. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 17, wherein at
least one of the first and second pluralities of substantially
identical shelves are adjustable to different heights along the
plurality of substantially identical uprights.
24. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 17, wherein:
the two free-standing shelving units are coupled by at least one
rod; and the at least one rod is coupled to at least one of the two
free-standing shelving units by an open collar.
25. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the
at least one rod extends toward and is coupled to an edge of a
shelf of the first plurality of shelves.
26. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the
two free-standing shelving units are coupled by at least one shelf;
and the at least one shelf is coupled to at least one of the two
free-standing shelving units by an open collar.
27. A modular shelving system, comprising: a first free-standing
shelving unit, comprising a first plurality of uprights
substantially unsupported by walls of the room; and a first shelf
coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights; a
second free-standing shelving unit, comprising a second plurality
of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room; and a
second shelf coupled to and supported by the second plurality of
uprights; and a rod extending between and coupled to the first and
second free-standing shelving units, the rod having a length that
is adjustable to change a position of the first free-standing
shelving unit with respect to the second free-standing shelving
unit.
28. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the
rod has first and second portions in telescoping relationship with
one another.
29. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the
first and second free-standing shelving units have different
shapes.
30. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 29, wherein one
of the first and second free-standing shelving units is adapted to
be positioned in a corner of a room defined at least in part by
first and second walls, and comprises a first rear side adapted to
be positioned adjacent the first wall of the corner; and a second
rear side adapted to be positioned adjacent the second wall of the
corner.
31. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the
first and second pluralities of uprights are interchangeable.
32. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the
first and second shelves are adjustable to different heights along
the first and second pluralities of uprights.
33. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the
rod is adjustable to different heights along the first and second
pluralities of uprights.
34. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the
rod is releasably coupled to a first upright of the first plurality
of uprights by an open collar.
35. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 34, wherein the
rod is releasably coupled to a second upright of the second
plurality of uprights by another open collar.
36. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 34, further
comprising a rail coupled to the first upright via the open collar,
wherein the rod is coupled to the first upright via the rail.
37. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the
rod is one of a plurality of rods extending between and coupled to
the first and second free-standing shelving units, the plurality of
rods collectively defining a shelf adapted to support product.
38. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, wherein the
rod extends toward and is coupled to an edge of the first
shelf.
39. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 27, further
comprising a third shelf extending between and coupled to at least
one of the first plurality of uprights and at least one of the
second plurality of uprights.
40. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 39, wherein the
third shelf is coupled to the at least one of the first plurality
of uprights by an open collar.
41. A modular shelving system, comprising: a first free-standing
shelving unit, comprising a first plurality of uprights
substantially unsupported by walls of the room; and a first shelf
coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights; a
second free-standing shelving unit, comprising a second plurality
of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room; and a
second shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of
uprights; and a rod extending between and coupled to the first and
second free-standing shelving units, the rod releasably coupled to
a first upright of the first plurality of uprights via an open
collar.
42. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, wherein the
rod is releasably coupled to a second upright of the second
plurality of uprights by another open collar.
43. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, further
comprising a rail coupled to the first upright via the open collar,
wherein the rod is coupled to the first upright via the rail.
44. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 43, wherein the
rail is coupled to a second upright of the second plurality of
uprights by another open collar.
45. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, wherein the
rod is one of a plurality of rods extending between and coupled to
the first and second free-standing shelving units, the plurality of
rods collectively defining a shelf adapted to support product.
46. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, further
comprising a third shelf extending between and coupled to at least
one upright of the first plurality of uprights and at least one
upright of the second plurality of uprights.
47. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 46, wherein the
third shelf is coupled to the at least one upright of the first
plurality of uprights by another open collar.
48. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, wherein the
first and second free-standing shelving units have different
shapes.
49. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, wherein one
of the first and second free-standing shelving units is adapted to
be positioned in a corner of a room defined at least in part by
first and second walls, and comprises a first rear side adapted to
be positioned adjacent the first wall of the corner; and a second
rear side adapted to be positioned adjacent the second wall of the
corner.
50. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, wherein the
first and second pluralities of uprights are interchangeable.
51. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, wherein the
first and second shelves are adjustable to different heights along
the first and second pluralities of uprights.
52. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 41, wherein the
rod is adjustable to different heights along the first and second
pluralities of uprights.
53. A modular shelving system, comprising: a first free-standing
shelving unit, comprising a first plurality of uprights
substantially unsupported by walls of the room; and a first shelf
coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights; a
second free-standing shelving unit, comprising a second plurality
of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room; and a
second shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of
uprights; and a third shelf extending between and coupled to the
first and second free-standing shelving units, the third shelf
releasably coupled to a first upright of the first plurality of
uprights via an open collar.
54. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the
third shelf is releasably coupled to a second upright of the second
plurality of uprights by another open collar.
55. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 53, further
comprising a rod extending between and coupled to at least one
upright of the first plurality of uprights and at least one upright
of the second plurality of uprights.
56. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 55, wherein the
rod is coupled to the at least one upright of the first plurality
of uprights by another open collar.
57. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 55, wherein the
rod is one of a plurality of rods extending between and coupled to
the first and second free-standing shelving units, the plurality of
rods collectively defining a fourth shelf adapted to support
product.
58. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the
first and second free-standing shelving units have different
shapes.
59. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 53, wherein one
of the first and second free-standing shelving units is adapted to
be positioned in a corner of a room defined at least in part by
first and second walls, and comprises a first rear side adapted to
be positioned adjacent the first wall of the corner; and a second
rear side adapted to be positioned adjacent the second wall of the
corner.
60. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the
first and second pluralities of uprights are interchangeable.
61. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the
first and second shelves are adjustable to different heights along
the first and second pluralities of uprights.
62. The modular shelving system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the
third shelf is adjustable to different heights along the first and
second pluralities of uprights.
63. A method of assembling a modular shelving system, comprising:
coupling first and second shelves to a first upright of a first
plurality of uprights to at least partially define a first shelving
unit, the first shelf located above the second shelf in the first
shelving unit; coupling a third shelf to a second upright of a
second plurality of uprights to at least partially define a second
shelving unit disposed a distance from the first shelving unit;
coupling at least one of a rod and a fourth shelf to the first
upright at a location between the first and second shelves after
coupling the first and second shelves to the first upright and
without disassembly of the first upright; and coupling the at least
one of a rod and a fourth shelf to the second upright to couple the
first and second shelving units together.
64. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein the first and second
shelving units are free-standing shelving units.
65. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein coupling the at
least one of a rod and a fourth shelf to the first upright
comprises receiving the first upright within an open collar.
66. The method as claimed in claim 65, wherein coupling the at
least one of a rod and a fourth shelf to the second upright
comprises receiving the second upright within another open
collar.
67. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein the at least one of
a rod and a fourth shelf is a rod, the method further comprising
coupling the rod to a rail to couple the rod to the first
upright.
68. The method as claimed in claim 63, further comprising coupling
the rail to the first upright via an open collar.
69. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein the at least one of
a rod and a fourth shelf is a rod, the method further comprising
adjusting a length of the rod.
70. The method as claimed in claim 63, further comprising adjusting
a vertical position of the at least one of a rod and a fourth shelf
to a different location along the first and second uprights.
71. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein the first and second
shelving units each have footprints having substantially the same
shape.
72. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein: the first shelving
unit has a non-rectangular footprint; and the second shelving unit
has a substantially rectangular footprint.
73. The method as claimed in claim 63, wherein the first and second
uprights are interchangeable.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] A wide variety of conventional shelving systems is available
for storing all types of articles and products in many different
environments, some of which present unique challenges. For example,
it is often desirable to install shelving in closets, laundry
rooms, stock rooms, coolers, garages, and other rooms (each of
which is hereinafter referred to only as a "room") in which
modification to the walls, floor, and ceiling is not possible or
acceptable.
[0002] Also, rooms in which shelving is to be installed vary
significantly in size and shape, which may increase the difficulty
in installing standardized shelving in an efficient and
space-saving manner. Although customized shelving can be
manufactured to meet the particular dimensions and shape of any
room, the costs associated with non-standardized shelving often
render such shelving uneconomical. In addition, shelving customized
for a consumer's particular room dimensions is generally at odds
with the desire for consumers to purchase shelving that is
ready-to-assemble and install, and with the ability to construct
such shelving without requiring the consumer to purchase a
significant number of different shelving assembly components. In
this regard, the more customized shelving systems are made, the
less modular and adaptable to other applications they become.
[0003] Accordingly, economical, modular, easy-to-install,
adjustable, space-saving, and efficient shelving systems are
welcome additions to the art.
SUMMARY
[0004] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a modular
shelving system for installation in a corner of a room, wherein the
modular shelving system comprises a first free-standing shelving
unit adapted to be positioned in the corner of the room, the
free-standing corner shelving unit comprising a first plurality of
uprights substantially unsupported by walls of the room, a first
shelf coupled to and supported by the first plurality of uprights,
an unobstructed front corner through which user access to the first
shelf is provided, a first rear side adapted to be positioned
adjacent a first wall of the corner, and a second rear side adapted
to be positioned adjacent a second wall of the corner, and a second
free-standing shelving unit having a shape that is different from
that of the first free-standing shelving unit, the second
free-standing shelving unit coupled to the first free-standing
shelving unit a distance from the first free-standing shelving
unit, and comprising a second plurality of uprights substantially
unsupported by walls of the room, and a second shelf coupled to and
supported by the second plurality of uprights.
[0005] In some embodiments, a modular shelving system is provided
that comprises a plurality of substantially identical uprights, a
first plurality of substantially identical shelves, and a second
plurality of substantially identical shelves having a shape
different from that of the first plurality of substantially
identical shelves, at least one of a rod and a shelf, wherein the
plurality of substantially identical uprights are interchangeable
with the first and second pluralities of substantially identical
shelves to construct two free-standing shelving units having
different shapes coupled by the at least one of the rod and the
shelf spanning a distance between the two free-standing shelving
units.
[0006] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a modular
shelving system, comprising a first free-standing shelving unit,
comprising a first plurality of uprights substantially unsupported
by walls of the room, and a first shelf coupled to and supported by
the first plurality of uprights, a second free-standing shelving
unit, comprising a second plurality of uprights substantially
unsupported by walls of the room, and a second shelf coupled to and
supported by the second plurality of uprights, and a rod extending
between and coupled to the first and second free-standing shelving
units, the rod having a length that is adjustable to change a
position of the first free-standing shelving unit with respect to
the second free-standing shelving unit.
[0007] In some embodiments, a modular shelving system is provided
that comprises a first free-standing shelving unit, comprising a
first plurality of uprights substantially unsupported by walls of
the room, and a first shelf coupled to and supported by the first
plurality of uprights, a second free-standing shelving unit,
comprising a second plurality of uprights substantially unsupported
by walls of the room, and a second shelf coupled to and supported
by the first plurality of uprights, and a rod extending between and
coupled to the first and second free-standing shelving units, the
rod releasably coupled to a first upright of the first plurality of
uprights via an open collar.
[0008] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a modular
shelving system, comprising a first free-standing shelving unit,
comprising a first plurality of uprights substantially unsupported
by walls of the room, and a first shelf coupled to and supported by
the first plurality of uprights, a second free-standing shelving
unit, comprising a second plurality of uprights substantially
unsupported by walls of the room, and a second shelf coupled to and
supported by the first plurality of uprights, and a third shelf
extending between and coupled to the first and second free-standing
shelving units, the third shelf releasably coupled to a first
upright of the first plurality of uprights via an open collar.
[0009] In some embodiments, a method of assembling a modular
shelving system is provided that comprises coupling first and
second shelves to a first upright of a first plurality of uprights
to at least partially define a first shelving unit, the first shelf
located above the second shelf in the first shelving unit, coupling
a third shelf to a second upright of a second plurality of uprights
to at least partially define a second shelving unit disposed a
distance from the first shelving unit, coupling at least one of a
rod and a fourth shelf to the first upright at a location between
the first and second shelves after coupling the first and second
shelves to the first upright and without disassembly of the first
upright, and coupling the at least one of a rod and a fourth shelf
to the second upright to couple the first and second shelving units
together.
[0010] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present invention is further described with reference to
the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments of the
present invention. However, it should be noted that the invention
as disclosed in the accompanying drawings is illustrated by way of
example only. The various elements and combinations of elements
described below and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged and
organized differently to result in embodiments which are still
within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular shelving system
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of a support post of the shelving
system illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the support post
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a corner shelf of the
modular shelving system illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the modular
shelving system illustrated in FIG. 1, modified to include hanger
rails and a rod coupled thereto by brackets.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the modular
shelving system illustrated in FIG. 1, modified to include hanger
rails and a plurality of rods coupled thereto and to a wall rail
via brackets.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the modular
shelving system of FIG. 1, modified to include a hanger rail and a
rod coupled thereto and to a wall via hanger brackets.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a rectangular shelf liner of
the modular shelving system of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a corner shelf liner of the
modular shelving system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items.
[0022] With reference first to FIG. 1, a modular shelving system 10
is shown, and includes a corner shelving unit 14 and a rectangular
shelving unit 16. The corner shelving unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 1
has a five-sided polygonal footprint, while the rectangular
shelving unit 16 illustrated in FIG. 1 has a rectangular footprint.
Shelving units 14, 16 having other shapes (described in greater
detail below) can have footprints of other shapes. Each of the
corner and rectangular shelving units 14, 16 illustrated in FIG. 1
has a number of uprights 12 coupled to and supporting a number of
shelves 22 as will be described in greater detail below. The
modular shelving system 10 can have any number of uprights 12 for
supporting any number of corner shelves 20 or rectangular shelves
22 (herein collectively referred to as "shelves" and/or "shelf"
unless stated otherwise). Also, it should be noted that the shape
of the shelves 20, 22 is not limited to those illustrated in FIG.
1. For example, any or all of the shelves 20, 22 can have the same
shapes as shown in FIG. 1, but can be available in different sizes,
while other shelves 20, 22 can have entirely different shapes
(e.g., triangular, trapezoidal, round, oval, elliptical, irregular,
and the like).
[0023] The corner shelving unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 is shaped
to have two rear sides 92 and an unobstructed front corner 90
through which users are provided access to the shelves 20 and
articles/products upon the shelves 20. The corner shelf 14 can
therefore be placed in a corner (i.e., adjacent the walls defining
the corner) and even between two adjacent shelving units 14, 16 of
any type without preventing a user from accessing the interior of
the corner shelving unit 14. This corner shelf unit structure can
enable users to access and utilize portions of the corner shelving
unit 14 that might not otherwise be used if blocked by one or more
front uprights 12.
[0024] In some embodiments of the modular shelving system 10, one
or more of the shelves 20, 22 of the corner and/or rectangular
shelving units 14, 16 are adjustable to different heights along the
uprights 12. For example, the shelves 20, 22 illustrated in FIG. 1
are adjustable to different positions along the uprights 12, and
can be secured thereto in any conventional manner. In other
embodiments, none of the shelves 20, 22 are adjustable to different
positions in the modular shelving system 10.
[0025] With continued reference to FIG. 1, each upright 12 can have
a hollow cylindrical shape, although solid uprights 12 can be used
in other embodiments. The uprights 12 can have any cross-sectional
shape desired, including, without limitation, round, oval,
elliptical, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, irregular, and
other cross-sectional shapes. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, the uprights 12 each have a generally
round cross-sectional shape. Although the cross-sectional size and
shape of each upright 12 can be constant along the length of the
upright 12 as shown in the illustrated embodiments, this need not
necessarily be the case.
[0026] In those embodiments in which at least either or both ends
of the uprights 12 are hollow, the ends of the uprights 12 can be
closed with caps 44, if desired (see FIG. 3). Such caps 44 can be
pressed, threaded, pinned, or secured into place on the ends of the
uprights 12 in any other manner. In some embodiments, an end of one
or more uprights 12 includes a foot 40 designed to be placed in
contact with a floor surface. The foot 40 can take any of the forms
just described with reference to the caps 44. Also, the foot 40 is
adjustable in some embodiments, such as by a threaded connection
between the foot and the uprights 12 or between different portions
of the foot 40. Such adjustability enables a user to raise and
lower the associated upright 12 in order to level the shelving unit
14, 16.
[0027] The uprights 12 of any shelving unit 14, 16 disclosed herein
can comprise a single integral element or any number of elements
coupled together in any manner. For example, an upright 12 can
include a single pole, or two or more poles connected end-to-end.
The individual sections of multiple-sectioned uprights 12 can be
connected in a number of different manners, such as by mating
connections (e.g., press or clearance fit connections, threaded
connections, splined and/or keyed connections, and the like),
connections established by couplings (e.g., double-ended threaded
or press-fit couplings received on or in the ends of adjacent
upright sections), by telescoping connections between upright
sections, by adhesive or cohesive bonding material, welds, brazing,
or in any other manner. For example, the uprights 12 illustrated in
FIG. 1 are constructed of multiple sections joined by threaded
couplings 42 as shown in FIG. 3. The couplings 42 illustrated in
FIG. 3 have threaded ends that engage threads formed in adjacent
sections of an upright 12.
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the illustrated uprights 12
each have a plurality of external circumferential grooves 18. These
grooves 18 can be used to secure shelves 20, 22 to the uprights 12.
In some embodiments, multiple grooves 18 enable the attachment of
multiple shelves 20, 22 and/or accessories (e.g., rails 30,
described below) to the uprights 12 and/or permit the shelves 20,
22 to be secured at a variety of points along the uprights 12. If
employed, the grooves 18 can be used in conjunction with tapered or
non-tapered bushings (not shown) in order to connect the shelves
20, 22 to the uprights 12 in a conventional manner.
[0029] In some embodiments, shelves 20, 22 can be connected to the
uprights 12 by positioning bushings (not shown) around the uprights
12 at one or more desired heights. As described above, the bushings
can engage at least one of the grooves 18, if utilized. With the
bushings in place, a shelf 20, 22 can be lowered onto the uprights
12 such that collars 50 (e.g., see FIG. 4) of the shelf 20, 22 at
least partially surround and capture the bushings. In some
embodiments, the collars 50 compress the bushings against the
uprights 12. Tapered bushings and/or internally-tapered collars 50
can enhance this function. Accordingly, bushings can be compressed
and locked in place in the grooves 18 at desired locations along
the uprights 12 to secure the shelves 20, 22 at the desired
heights. The cylindrical collars 50 are designed to fit over the
uprights 12. Accordingly, and by enabling a user to secure the
shelves 20, 22 to the uprights 12 as described herein, the user can
install any number of shelves 20, 22 at different heights along the
upright 12. Supporting a shelf upon uprights 12 in this manner is
well known to those skilled in the art, and will not therefore be
discussed in greater detail.
[0030] In other embodiments of the present invention, the uprights
12 can be provided with other features and elements enabling
connection of shelves 20, 22 to the uprights 12. Such features and
elements include without limitation a plurality of slots, recesses,
and other apertures in the uprights 12, a plurality of ribs, studs,
bosses, flanges, lips, pins, or other protrusions extending from
the uprights 12, and the like. In still other embodiments, the
surfaces of the uprights 12 are relatively featureless (such as
when clamps, set-screws, or other fasteners are used to secure the
shelves 20, 22 in place on the uprights 12).
[0031] The shelves 20, 22 of the shelving units 14, 16 can take a
number of different forms. For example, the shelves 20, 22 can be
wire-type shelves as shown in the illustrated embodiments, can be
plate or panel-type shelves (e.g., solid plates or panels, expanded
metal or other apertured plates or panels, and the like), or can
take any other form desired. As another example, the shelves 20, 22
can be defined by two or more rods (e.g., rods 32, 134, 232, 234,
332 described in greater detail below) positioned to define a
substantially horizontal support surface, such as two or more
horizontal and parallel rods upon which product can be supported.
The shelves 20, 22 can have a side wall about any part or all of
the shelves 20, 22 as shown in the illustrated embodiments. In this
regard, the shelves 20, 22 can have relatively high side walls to
define a basket or other receptacle, if desired. Nevertheless,
shelves having such other shapes are still referred to herein and
in the appended claims as "shelves" for ease of description.
Alternatively, the shelves 20, 22 have no such side wall in other
embodiments.
[0032] The corner shelf 20 illustrated in FIG. 4 will now be
described in greater detail, it being understood that the following
description of the corner shelf 20 applies equally to the
rectangular shelves 22 illustrated in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 and to
shelves having other shapes. With reference now to FIG. 4, the
illustrated corner shelf 20 is a wire-type shelf having a hollow
cylindrical collar 50 located at each corner, perimeter wires 52,
edge wires 54, cross wires 56, and shelf surface wires 58. In some
embodiments, two pieces of perimeter wire 52 at least partially
define one or more sides of the shelf 20, and can be coupled to the
collars 50 at each corner. Also, in some embodiments, the edge wire
54 runs between the pieces of perimeter wire 52. The edge wire 54
can be coupled to both pieces of perimeter wire 52, and can have a
wavy shape along its length. In other embodiments in which
wire-type shelves are utilized, one or more edges of the shelves
20, 22 can be defined entirely or in part by other types of wire,
such as by upturned edges of cross wires 56 and/or shelf surface
wires 58 (described below), perimeter wires 52 having other shapes
with or without edge wires 54, edge wires 54 having other shapes
with or without perimeter wires 52, and the like.
[0033] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the illustrated cross
wires 56 extend between edges of the shelf 20, and are joined to
the perimeter wires 52 and/or the edge wires 54 at both ends. The
shelf surface wires 58 run perpendicular to and above the cross
wires 56 between edges of the shelf 20 across the tops of the cross
wires 56. In other embodiments, the cross and shelf surface wires
56, 58 are arranged in other manners with respect to one another
while still falling within the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a rectangular
shelving unit. The elements and features of this embodiment are
similar in many ways to elements and features in the embodiments
described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4. Accordingly, the
following description focuses primarily upon those elements and
features that are different from the embodiments described above.
Reference should be made to the above description for additional
information regarding the elements, features, and possible
alternatives to the elements and features of the shelving unit 116
illustrated in FIG. 5 and described below. Elements and features of
the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 that correspond to elements and
features of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-4 are designated hereinafter
in the 100 series of reference numbers.
[0035] In some embodiments, the shelving units 14, 16 can be
provided with one or more hanger rails 130 for mounting rods 134 or
other shelving components on the shelving units 14, 16. Although
FIG. 5 shows hanger rails 130 and a rod 134 installed on a
rectangular shelving unit 116 similar to that of FIG. 1, the
following description applies equally to the corner shelving unit
14 illustrated in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5,
the rectangular shelving unit 116 is illustrated with two hanger
rails 130, two brackets 136, and a rod 134. The hanger rails 130
can be constructed similarly to the shelves 122, or can have any
other type of construction (e.g., one or more rods, plates, tubes
or other elements) extending between and connected to the uprights
112. The hanger rails 130 can include hollow collars 138 that have
a "C" shape rather than a full cylindrical shape. Such a shape can
enable the hanger rails 130 to be snapped onto or otherwise
installed at desired positions on the uprights 112 (see FIG. 6)
without having to slide the hanger rails 130 along the uprights 112
from the ends of the uprights 112. Alternatively, the collars 138
can have the same or similar shape to the collars 150 (not shown in
FIG. 6) of the shelves 122. The hanger rails 130 can be attached to
the uprights 112 in any of the manners described above regarding
the connection between the shelves 20, 22 and the uprights 12 in
the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-4. In the illustrated
embodiment of FIG. 5, for example, the C-shaped collars 138
compress bushings (not shown) located on the uprights 112 in a
manner described earlier. It should also be noted that any number
of hanger rails 130 can be mounted at different heights along any
of the uprights 112, as desired.
[0036] The hanger rails 130 can also or instead have hinged collars
138 (not shown), in which a portion of each collar 138 is coupled
to the rest of the collar 138 via a hinge, enabling a user to open
and close the collar 138 for installation upon an upright 112. The
term "open collar" as used herein and in the appended claims refers
collectively to any collar having an at least partially opened
shape or capable of being opened to have an at least partially
opened shape for installation upon an upright 112, including
without limitation the C-shaped and hinged collars 138 described
above.
[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, one or more
rods 134 are coupled to one or more hanger rails 130 as described
above. This connection can be made by one or more brackets 136,
such as the brackets 136 shown in FIG. 5. The brackets 136 each
include a cupped portion 170 shaped to cradle the rod 134 and a
body portion 172 shaped to straddle the hanger rail 130. With
reference to FIG. 7, which illustrates an identical bracket 336
used in another embodiment described below, the body portion 372
can include a pair of apertures 373 passing therethrough for one or
more fasteners used to mount the bracket 336 to a wall or other
structure. To install the bracket 136 on a hanger rail 130 as
illustrated in FIG. 5, the body portion 172 is oriented with its
open end directed generally downwardly and placed so that it
straddles the hanger rail 130. In this and other embodiments, the
rods 134 can be adjustable to different positions along the hanger
rail(s) 130. For example, the brackets 36, 136, 236, 336 in the
illustrated embodiments can be positioned anywhere along the hanger
rails 130 by straddling the hanger rail 130 in any desired position
therealong.
[0038] It should be noted that the brackets 136 (and therefore,
telescoping or non-telescoping rods or other accessories coupled to
the brackets 136) can be coupled to one or more shelves 120, 122 in
any of the shelving system embodiments disclosed herein. For this
purpose, the hanger rails 130 and the edges of the shelves 120, 122
can have the same or similar shape enabling a user to mount
brackets 136 thereto. For example, and with reference back to the
embodiment of FIG. 1, the hanger rails 30 are similar in shape to
the lateral edges of the shelves 20, 22. In this manner, a user can
connect one or more brackets 36 and associated accessories to a
shelving unit 14, 16 by a hanger rail 30 (e.g., see the brackets 36
supporting the three telescoping rods 32 in FIG. 1) or by a shelf
120, 122 (e.g., see the brackets 36 supporting the single
telescoping rod 32 in the center of FIG. 1), thereby adding an
additional degree of flexibility to the shelving system 10.
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a rod 134 suspended between two brackets
136 supported by respective hanger rails 130. The rod 134 is
cradled at each end by the cupped portion 170 of each bracket 136.
In some embodiments, the brackets 136 (and therefore the rod 134)
can be moved to different positions along the lengths of the hanger
rails 130. Also, the hanger rails 130 can be adjusted vertically
along the uprights 112 in a manner similar to adjustment of the
shelves 122. Therefore, the position of the rod 134 can be adjusted
vertically and/or horizontally to meet the needs of the user. It
should be noted that multiple rods 134 can be added and supported
by additional brackets 136 which can be installed on the same or
additional hanger rails 130.
[0040] As described above, the brackets 136 illustrated in FIG. 5
straddle the hanger rails 130, while the rod 134 is received in
cupped portions 170 of the brackets 136. In other embodiments, the
brackets 136 can instead be permanently or releasably coupled to
the hanger rails 130 and/or to the rod 134 by screws, bolts, nails,
rivets, pins, and other fasteners, by clips, clamps, or
inter-engaging elements, by adhesive or cohesive bonding material,
by welds or brazing, or in any other manner. Also, any of these
manners of connection can be employed for direct connection of the
rod 134 to the hanger rails 130 (i.e., without the use of brackets
136). It should also be noted that the brackets 136 (if used) can
be integral with the hanger rails 130 and/or the rod 134 in other
embodiments, and can have any other shape suitable for performing
the connecting and supporting functions described above.
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a rectangular
shelving unit. The elements and features of this embodiment are
similar in many ways to elements and features in the embodiments
described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5. Accordingly, the
following description focuses primarily upon those elements and
features that are different from the embodiments described above.
Reference should be made to the above description for additional
information regarding the elements, features, and possible
alternatives to the elements and features of the shelving unit 216
illustrated in FIG. 6 and described below. Elements and features of
the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 that correspond to elements and
features of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 are designated hereinafter
in the 200 series of reference numbers.
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment identical to FIG. 5, but
with an additional hanger rail 230 secured to a wall or other
structure a distance from the rectangular shelving unit 216.
Although FIG. 6 shows an additional hanger rail 230 and other
structure (described below) installed on a rectangular shelving
unit 216 similar to that of FIG. 1, the following description
applies equally to the corner shelving unit 20 illustrated in FIG.
1. The additional hanger rail 230 can be secured to the wall or
other structure in any suitable manner, including any of the
manners described above regarding the connections between the
brackets 236 and the hanger rails 230. In the illustrated
embodiment of FIG. 6, the additional hanger rail 230 has three
brackets 236 installed thereon, each of which supports a respective
rod 232. The rods 232 are supported on their other ends by three
additional brackets 236 supported by the rectangular shelving unit
216. The rods 232 are telescoping rods 232, and have a first
portion slidable within a second portion to change the lengths of
the rods 232. The telescoping rods 232 can perform the same
functions as the rod 134 described above in connection with FIG. 5,
but can also be adjusted to various lengths. In other embodiments,
the rods 234 extending between the rectangular shelving unit 216
and the wall can be non-telescoping, if desired. The number of
telescoping rods 232 is arbitrary, as multiple telescoping rods 232
can be supported by the same hanger rail 230.
[0043] With reference back to the embodiment of FIG. 5, the
shelving unit 116 illustrated in FIG. 5 has a rod 134 suspended
between uprights 112 in the rectangular shelving unit 116. The
configuration shown in FIG. 5 is not limiting. The rod 134 can be
interchangeable with a telescoping rod, if desired. Also, one or
more rods 134 (or telescoping rods 32) can extend between hanger
rails 130 in adjacent shelving units as shown in FIG. 1, or between
a shelving unit 116 and a wall or other structure as shown in FIG.
6. Therefore, the rods 134 (or telescoping rods 132) can function
as closet rods and/or as a shelf upon which items can be
supported).
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a corner shelving
unit. The elements and features of this embodiment are similar in
many ways to elements and features in the embodiments described
above with reference to FIGS. 1-6. Accordingly, the following
description focuses primarily upon those elements and features that
are different from the embodiments described above. Reference
should be made to the above description for additional information
regarding the elements, features, and possible alternatives to the
elements and features of the shelving unit 314 illustrated in FIG.
7 and described below. Elements and features of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 7 that correspond to elements and features of the
embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 are designated hereinafter in the 300
series of reference numbers.
[0045] The corner shelving unit 314 illustrated in FIG. 7 is
coupled to a telescoping rod 332 supported at both ends by hanger
brackets 336. A first hanger bracket 336 is supported by a hanger
rail 330 coupled to the corner shelving unit 314. A second hanger
bracket 336 is secured to a wall or other structure by installing
two screws 374 in the apertures in the body portion 372 of the
hanger bracket 336. Alternatively, the second hanger bracket 336
can be secured to a wall or other structure by another hanger rail
(not shown) mounted to the wall or other structure (see the
embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 6).
[0046] Any of the configurations shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 with
regard to a rectangular shelving unit 36, 136, 236 can be employed
on a corner shelving unit 14, 314, or any other type of shelving
unit discussed but not illustrated. In many of the embodiments
described above and illustrated in the figures, the shelving system
components are modular, thereby allowing for many different types
of shelving units to be constructed using the same components.
[0047] Additional features, uses, and applications, of the shelving
system will now be described with reference only to the embodiment
of FIG. 1, it being understood that such features, uses, and
applications apply equally to the other embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0048] In some embodiments, various components of the shelving
system 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 are standardized, thereby
enabling a person to use the same parts for different shelving
units 14, 16. By way of example only, the uprights 12 used for the
corner shelving unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 are the same as those
used for the rectangular shelving unit 16. Similarly, the hanger
rail 30 on the corner shelving unit 14 illustrated in FIG. 1 is the
same as the hanger rail 30 on the rectangular shelving unit 14, as
are the brackets 36 used to connect the telescoping rods 32 to both
hanger rails 30, and the bushings (not shown) used to mount the
shelves 20, 22 to the uprights 12. In this regard, the same
uprights 12, bushings, hanger rails 30, brackets 36, and rods 32
can be used to assemble shelving systems having many other
configurations (including those described above in connection with
FIGS. 5-7). In this manner, parts used for constructing a shelving
unit 14, 16 of one configuration can be used interchangeably to
construct a shelving unit of another configuration 16, 14 without
the need for specialized parts and additional inventory.
[0049] A number of the embodiments described herein are
free-standing shelving systems. That is, such shelving systems are
not intended to be connected to a wall, whether for structural
support or otherwise. As mentioned above, shelving systems
requiring modification to the walls, floor, and ceiling of a room
are often not desirable or acceptable. Therefore, the free-standing
shelving system 10 illustrated by way of example in FIG. 1 can be
utilized in many rooms and other environments in which other
shelving systems cannot be installed. Also, the free-standing
shelving systems described herein and illustrated in the figures
can enable a user to more quickly and rapidly install the shelving
systems and to place the shelving units in more locations that
would otherwise not be available. Furthermore, the free-standing
shelving systems disclosed herein and illustrated in the figures do
not require skilled installers for installing a shelving system
adapted for a user's particular room or environment. Such a
requirement often exists for many conventional shelving systems,
where installation requires cutting and other modification of
boards, rods, and other elements to adapt the shelving system to a
particular room or environment.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 1, the corner and rectangular shelving
units 14, 16 are connected to and by telescoping rods 32. Although
non-telescoping rods can instead be employed, telescoping rods can
provide another manner in which to adapt any of the shelving
systems disclosed herein to a number of different rooms or
environments. In particular, the locations of shelving units 14, 16
in any shelving system disclosed herein can be changed without
requiring cutting or other modification of system elements (other
than adjusting the telescoping rods 32 as needed). Consequently, an
area in which shelving units 14, 16 are to be positioned can be
fully occupied by the shelving system 10 without wasted space,
simply by moving the shelving units 14, 16 to their desired
locations and connecting them with one or more telescoping rods 32.
Also, the shelving system 10 can thereby be easily adapted to
extend around or otherwise accommodate a variety of obstacles or
other features of the environment in which the shelving system 10
is installed, such as to extend over doors or doorways, to extend
over and/or under windows, plumbing, ducts, supports, and other
features of the environment, and the like. In conjunction with the
interchangeability of system components described above and/or the
free-standing nature of the shelving units 14, 16, this
adaptability can significantly simplify shelving system
installation while reducing the costs of the shelving system 10 and
the installation thereof.
[0051] As described above, the hanger rails 30 can be coupled to
the uprights 12 by open collars 38, enabling telescoping or
non-telescoping rods 32, 34 to be installed upon the shelving units
14, 16. As also described above, telescoping or non-telescoping
rods 32, 34 can be used to connect shelving units 14, 16 to one
another and/or to an adjacent wall or other structure. These
capabilities can enable a user to assemble one or more shelving
units 14, 16 and to thereafter connect the shelving units 14, 16 to
one another and/or to an adjacent wall or other structure via the
rods 32, 34. In particular, by virtue of the open collars 38
described above, the open collars 38 can be mounted to the uprights
12 at any time during the shelving system assembly process (rather
than being slid down the uprights 12 at particular points when the
shelving units 14, 16 are assembled, as may be necessary when using
non-open collars). In this manner, a user can complete assembly of
the shelving units 14, 16, move the shelving units 14, 16 into
desired installed positions, and then connect shelving units 14, 16
together with the rods 32, 34.
[0052] It will be appreciated that without this ability, the
shelving unit assembly process can be significantly more difficult.
Specifically, a user may otherwise have to know the desired heights
of the rods 32, 34 and shelves 20, 22 of the shelving system 10 in
advance--information that can be difficult to determine in some
cases. If the user desires to move the rods 32, 34 and/or shelves
20, 22 to different locations upon the uprights 12, the user can
easily remove, re-position, and re-mount the rods 32, 34 and hanger
rails 30 (via the open collars 38). Without this capability, such
adjustment could require disassembly of one or more shelving units
14, 16, such as the removal of one or more shelves 20, 22 in order
to remove and re-position the hanger rails 30.
[0053] In some embodiments, the various features of the shelving
system 10 described herein enable the shelving system 10 to be
shipped, stored, and displayed in an efficient and cost-saving
manner that is also attractive to retail and other consumers. For
example, many of the embodiments described herein utilize a limited
number of system components (e.g., uprights 12 and bushings, hanger
rails 30, brackets 36, rods 32, 34, and shelves 20, 22) to
construct many different shelving units 14, 16 and resulting
shelving system configurations . Accordingly, in some embodiments,
a retailer need only stock a limited number of different parts to
provide customers with the full functionality of the system design
disclosed herein. The system components could be stored in
different areas of a retail bay or other point of purchase display
(e.g., a first area in which identical shelving uprights 12 or
shelving upright portions are stored, second and third areas in
which identical shelves 20, 22 are stored, and fourth and fifth
areas in which rods 32, 34 are stored), enabling a customer to
purchase only those elements needed to construct a desired shelving
system 10. Any or all of the system components disclosed herein can
be stored and/or sold in this manner.
[0054] Shelving system components could be stored for purchase
individually or could be packaged in any manner as kits. For
example, identical uprights 12, identical shelves 20, 22, and
identical rods 32, 34 can be packaged in any number (e.g., four
uprights to a package, two rectangular shelves 22 to a package, and
the like) for purchase by consumers. As another example, any
combination of the system components described and illustrated
herein can be packaged together, such as a kit containing a set of
upright portions, a set of identical shelves 20, 22, and two hanger
rails 30, or a kit containing a set of identical rods 32, 34
together with a set of brackets 36. In other embodiments, kits can
comprise the elements (e.g., uprights 12 and shelves 20 or 22)
needed to assemble a type of shelving unit 14 or 16, enabling a
purchaser to purchase as many identical or different shelving units
14, 16 as desired for his or her particular environment. In such
cases, other components, such as rods 32, 34, hanger rails 30, and
the like, can also be included in kits or can be sold separately.
Any or all of the system components disclosed herein can be
packaged in any combination for sale in this manner.
[0055] In those embodiments of the present invention in which
different system components can be purchased as needed by a user,
signage can be included to provide instructions to the customer
regarding which components he or she will need and the necessary
quantity to construct a shelving system 10 meeting the customer's
needs. This signage can be located at a point of purchase display,
such as proximate one or more areas in which the packaged or
unpackaged system components are stored (in kit form or otherwise),
on packaging or labels associated with one or more of the system
components, or in other locations.
[0056] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a shelf liner 60 for a rectangular
shelf 22, and a shelf liner 62 for a corner shelf 20. Both shelf
liners 60, 62 are of a size that allows them to be laid atop a
shelf 22, 20 to provide a solid top surface, if desired. This is an
appropriate solution for items that may fall between the shelf
surface wires 58. Each corner of the shelf liners 60, 62 can be
provided with a cutout 64 for the uprights 12. Some or all of the
cutouts 64 can have a shape substantially identical to the profile
of an adjacent upright 12. These cutouts 64 can allow the shelf
liner 60, 62 to cover the entire top surface of a shelf 20, 22. The
shelf liners 60, 62 can be constructed of wood, metal, plastic, or
any other suitable material. In alternative embodiments, the shelf
liners 60, 62 can have significantly different shapes, such as to
match the shapes of the shelves they are supported by.
[0057] The embodiments described above and illustrated in the
figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended
as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present
invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary
skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their
configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the
appended claims.
[0058] For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, a
single corner shelving unit 14 is coupled to a single rectangular
shelving unit 16 by a number of telescoping rods 32. In other
embodiments, any number of corner and/or rectangular shelving units
14, 16 can be combined in order to construct a shelving system 10
adapted to a user's needs. For example, a rectangular shelving unit
14, 16 can be flanked by two corner shelving units 16 and can be
coupled thereto by any number of telescoping and/or non-telescoping
rods 32, 34. As another example, a corner shelving unit 14 can be
located between two rectangular shelving units 16 and can be
coupled thereto by any number of telescoping and/or non-telescoping
rods 32, 34 and/or shelves 20, 22. In another embodiment, two or
more corner shelving units 14 or two or more rectangular shelving
units 16 can be coupled by any number of telescoping and/or
non-telescoping rods 32, 34 spanning a distance between such units
14, 16.
[0059] It should also be noted that shelving units 14, 16 can be
coupled together in a number of different manners in various
embodiments. In some embodiments, adjacent shelving units 14, 16
are coupled together by one or more adjustable or non-adjustable
rods 32, 34. Also, in some embodiments, two or more adjacent
shelving units 14 and/or 16 are coupled together by one or more
shelves 20 and/or 22, in which case collars 50 of the same shelf 20
and/or 22 can be connected to the uprights 12 of different shelving
units 14 and/or 16 (e.g., collars 50 on opposite ends of the same
shelves 20, 22 connected to uprights 12 of different shelving units
14, 16). As shown in FIG. 1 by way of example only, a shelf 22'
extends between and is coupled to the two illustrated shelving
units 14, 16 via collars 50 at the ends of the shelf 22'. Although
the collars 50 of the shelf 22' are open, and have the same
structure as the open collars 50 on the ends of the hanger rails 30
also shown in FIG. 1, the collars 50 can be closed in other
embodiments. The open collars 50 on the shelf 22' of the
illustrated embodiment permit a user to install the shelf 22' on
uprights 12 at any location along the uprights 12, rather than
install the shelf 22' by sliding the shelf 22' along the uprights
12 to a desired location. This capability provides the same
advantages as described above in connection with the open collars
50 of the hanger brackets 30, 130, 230, 330.
[0060] In this regard, one or more of shelves can be defined by two
or more adjustable or non-adjustable rods 32, 34 as described
above. Such rods 32, 34 can be connected to the uprights 12 of the
shelving units 14, 16 directly by open or hinged collars 50, 138,
238 on the ends of the rods 32, 34, or by hanger rails 130, 230 and
brackets 36, 136, 236, 336 as described above. Also, in some
embodiments, two or more shelving units 14, 16 can be coupled
together by sharing one or more of the same uprights 12. For
example, the collars 50 of one or more shelves 14, 16 from one
shelving unit 14, 16 and the collars 50 of one or more shelves 14,
16 of another adjacent shelving unit 14, 16 can receive the same
uprights 12. Still other arrangements of corner shelving units 14,
rectangular shelving units 16, and other types of shelving units
are possible to provide shelving systems 10 adapted to many
different rooms and environments, each of which falls within the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0061] As another example, although the brackets 36, 136, 236, 336
in the illustrated embodiments are shown connected to hanger rails
30, 130, 230, 330 (e.g., for connecting rods 32, 132, 232, 332, 34,
134, 234, 334 to the shelving units 14, 16), the brackets 36, 136,
236, 336 can also or instead be coupled in a similar fashion
directly to the shelves 20, 120, 220, 320, 22, 122,222, 322 in
other embodiments to provide shelving systems 10, 110, 210, 310
having still other configurations.
* * * * *