U.S. patent application number 11/432136 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-15 for shelf support system.
Invention is credited to Richard G. Kluge.
Application Number | 20070262220 11/432136 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38684234 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070262220 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kluge; Richard G. |
November 15, 2007 |
Shelf support system
Abstract
A shelf support system is provided for supporting one or more
shelves at selected elevations on a vertical surface. In one form
of the system, a standard is provided with vertically spaced-apart
slots which are concealed when the standard is viewed from the
front. A shelf support is provided with an attachment portion for
fitting into the slots of the standard. In another form of the
system, a shelf support is adjustably mounted to a shelf retainer
for clamping the shelf between the shelf support and shelf
retainer, and the shelf retainer is in turn attached with screws to
a hanger which includes an attachment portion for mounting to the
slots in the standard on the wall. In another form of the system,
the hanger is not used, and an attachment portion is provided at
the rear end of the shelf support which is adjustably attached to
the shelf retainer and which is mounted directly to the
standard.
Inventors: |
Kluge; Richard G.; (Lake
Geneva, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOOD, PHILLIPS, KATZ, CLARK & MORTIMER
500 W. MADISON STREET
SUITE 3800
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
38684234 |
Appl. No.: |
11/432136 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/246 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 96/065 20130101;
A47B 57/402 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/246 |
International
Class: |
A47G 29/02 20060101
A47G029/02 |
Claims
1. A system for mounting one or more shelves to a generally
vertical surface, said system comprising: (I) a least one standard
for being attached to said vertical surface, said standard having
rearwardly extending, spaced-apart, first and second walls and
having a front wall extending across said first and second walls to
define the front of said standard, said standard first wall
defining a column of vertically spaced slots, said standard also
having a lateral extension extending laterally beyond said first
wall to conceal said slots from view when said standard is attached
to said vertical surface and viewed looking generally toward said
front of said standard; and (II) at least one shelf support having
(A) a shelf support platform upon which at least a portion of a
shelf can be disposed, and (B) an attachment portion that (1) is
located at one end of said shelf support platform, (2) extends
adjacent and rearwardly beyond said standard lateral extension, and
(3) has at least one tab that (i) is located rearwardly of, and
extends generally adjacent to, said standard lateral extension and
standard front wall, (ii) has a cantilevered portion passing
through one of said standard first wall slots, and (iii) has a foot
portion depending downwardly from said cantilevered portion
adjacent said standard first wall below said one slot to hold said
shelf support on said standard.
2. The system in accordance with claim 1 in which said shelf
support platform has a generally U-shaped, transverse cross section
defined by first and second, generally parallel, spaced-apart legs
which are joined by a connecting web along the length of the bottom
of said shelf support platform.
3. The system in accordance with claim 2 in which said shelf
support platform first leg extends rearwardly into said attachment
portion; and said shelf support platform second leg has a
rearwardly facing, vertical, abutment surface for engaging said
standard front wall.
4. The system in accordance with claim 1 in which said shelf
support attachment portion includes a rear wall generally parallel
to, and behind, said standard lateral extension; and said at least
one tab extends from said rear wall.
5. A system for mounting one or more shelves to a generally
vertical surface, said system comprising: (I) at least one standard
for being attached to said vertical surface, said standard having
rearwardly extending, spaced-apart, first and second walls and
having a front wall extending across said first and second walls to
define the front of said standard, said standard first wall
defining a column of vertically spaced slots, said standard also
having a lateral extension extending laterally beyond said first
wall to conceal said slots from view when said standard is attached
to said vertical surface and is viewed looking generally toward
said front of said standard; (II) a shelf support having (A) a
cantilevered lower clamp jaw on which at least a portion of a shelf
bottom surface can be disposed, (B) a pair of spaced-apart,
vertical channels which open toward each other, and (C) a
vertically oriented screw shank-receiving aperture for receiving
the shank of a screw; (III) a shelf retainer having (A) slide
portions received in said shelf support channels, (B) a
cantilevered upper clamp jaw for engaging a top surface of a shelf,
(C) a horizontally oriented screw shank-receiving aperture, and (D)
a vertically oriented, threaded bore aligned with said shelf
support vertically oriented screw shank-receiving aperture; (IV) a
first screw having a head bearing against said shelf support and
having a shank extending through said shelf support vertically
oriented screw shank-receiving aperture and into threaded
engagement with said shelf retainer vertically oriented, threaded
bore for adjustably holding said shelf support to said shelf
retainer to position said lower clamp jaw at a selected distance
below said upper clamp jaw thereby clamping said shelf
therebetween; (V) a hanger for mounting said shelf retainer to said
standard, said hanger including (A) a front panel defining a
horizontally oriented threaded bore for alignment with said shelf
retainer horizontally oriented screw shank-receiving aperture, (B)
an attachment portion that (1) extends from said front panel
adjacent and rearwardly beyond said standard lateral extension, and
(2) has at least one tab that (i) is located rearwardly of, and
extends generally adjacent to, said standard lateral extension and
standard front wall, (ii) has a cantilevered portion passing
through one of said standard first wall slots, and (iii) has a foot
portion depending downwardly from said cantilevered portion
adjacent said standard first wall below said one slot to hold said
hanger on said standard; and (VI) a second screw having a head
bearing against said shelf retainer and having a shank extending
through said shelf retainer horizontally oriented screw
shank-receiving aperture and into threaded engagement with said
hanger horizontally oriented threaded bore to hold said shelf
retainer to said hanger.
6. The system in accordance with claim 5 in which said shelf
support lower clamp jaw is defined by a rim around a concave
region.
7. The system in accordance with claim 5 in which said hanger
attachment portion has a rearwardly extending wall extending from
said front panel generally perpendicular to said front panel, and
has a rear wall that extends from said rearwardly extending wall
and that is generally parallel to said front panel.
8. The system in accordance with claim 7 in which said at least one
tab extends from said rear wall.
9. A system for mounting one or more shelves to a generally
vertical surface, said system comprising: (I) at least one standard
for being attached to said vertical surface, said standard having
rearwardly extending, spaced-apart, first and second walls and
having a front wall extending across said first and second walls to
define the front of said standard, said standard first wall
defining a column of vertically spaced slots, said standard also
having a lateral extension extending laterally beyond said first
wall to conceal said slots from view when said standard is attached
to said vertical surface and is viewed looking generally toward
said front of said standard; (II) a shelf support having (A) a
cantilevered lower clamp jaw on which at least a portion of a shelf
bottom surface can be disposed, (B) a pair of spaced-apart,
vertical channels which open toward each other, (C) a vertically
oriented screw shank-receiving aperture for receiving the shank of
a screw, (D) an attachment portion that (1) extends from said lower
clamp jaw adjacent and rearwardly beyond said standard lateral
extension, and (2) has at least one tab that (i) is located
rearwardly of, and extends generally adjacent to, said standard
lateral extension and standard front wall, (ii) has a cantilevered
portion passing through one of said standard first wall slots, and
(iii) has a foot portion depending downwardly from said
cantilevered portion adjacent said standard first wall below said
one slot to hold said shelf support on said standard; (III) a shelf
retainer having (A) slide portions received in said shelf support
channels, (B) a cantilevered upper clamp jaw for engaging a top
surface of a shelf, (C) a horizontally oriented screw
shank-receiving aperture, and (D) a vertically oriented, threaded
bore aligned with said shelf support vertically oriented screw
shank-receiving aperture; and (IV) a screw having a head bearing
against said shelf support and having a shank extending through
said shelf support vertically oriented screw shank-receiving
aperture and into threaded engagement with said shelf retainer
vertically oriented, threaded bore for adjustably holding said
shelf retainer to said shelf support to position said shelf
retainer upper clamp jaw at a selected distance above said shelf
support lower clamp jaw thereby clamping said shelf
therebetween.
10. The system in accordance with claim 9 in which said shelf
support lower clamp jaw is defined by a rim around a concave
region.
11. The system in accordance with claim 9 in which said shelf
attachment portion includes a rearwardly extending wall and has a
rear wall that extends from said rearwardly extending wall.
12. The system in accordance with claim 11 in which said at least
one tab extends from said rear wall.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] None.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] None.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] None.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] This invention is directed to an improved shelf support
system, and more particularly to a shelf support system that can
support one or more shelves at selected elevations on a vertical
surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS POSED BY THE
PRIOR ART
[0005] A typical shelving system available in the "do-it-yourself"
market uses elongate, metal rails or standards which are adapted to
be vertically oriented and fastened to a wall at laterally
spaced-apart locations in a parallel array. The vertical standards
are typically attached to a wall by screwing the standards into the
studs in the wall. Each standard has a column of vertically spaced
slots for receiving the attachment end or connector end of one or
more plastic or metal, cantilevered, shelf supports or shelf
support brackets. The cantilevered shelf supports are mounted in
the slots of the standards at desired levels or elevations along
the height of the installed standards. Shelves are placed
horizontally across the shelf supports. Some types of shelf
supports include holes for receiving screws that are screwed to the
undersides of the shelves to securely hold the shelves to the shelf
supports.
[0006] Variations of the above-described conventional shelving
system exist. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,461 illustrates a
shelving system in which the vertical standards can be hung from a
single support bracket at the top of the wall. The vertical
standard illustrated in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,461 also has a pair
of columns of vertically spaced slots rather than just one column
of vertically spaced slots.
[0007] While the above-described shelving systems can function
satisfactorily in the applications for which they are intended,
some people may think that the column or columns of vertically
spaced slots in the standards which are exposed and visible above
and below each shelf are aesthetically objectionable. It would be
desirable to provide an improved shelving system in which the
visibility of such slots could be minimized relative to an observer
looking at the installed shelving system from the front of the
shelving system.
[0008] It would also be desirable to provide an improved shelf
support assembly that could either accommodate attachment of the
shelf support to the standard on the wall or optionally be
configured to permit mounting of the shelf support directly to a
wall or other vertical support surface without using the
standard.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides an improved system for
mounting one or more shelves in a way that improves the aesthetic
display of the components. One embodiment of the invention provides
a set of components that permits the user to optionally mount a
shelf support to a vertical standard attached to the wall or,
alternatively, permits the user to mount the shelf support directly
to the wall without requiring the use of such a vertical
standard.
[0010] According to one form of the present invention, a system is
provided for mounting one or more shelves to a generally vertical
surface (e.g., wall), and the system includes at least one standard
for being attached to the vertical surface. The standard has
rearwardly extending, spaced-apart, first and second walls and has
a front wall extending across the first and second walls to define
the front of the standard. The standard first wall defines a column
of vertically spaced slots. The standard also has a lateral
extension extending laterally beyond the first wall to conceal the
slots from view when the standard is attached to the vertical
surface and viewed looking generally toward the front of the
standard.
[0011] The system further includes at least one shelf support
(e.g., shelf support bracket) that includes a shelf support
platform and an attachment portion. The shelf support platform
functions to support at least a portion of a shelf disposed
thereon. The attachment portion is located at one end of the shelf
support platform and extends adjacent and rearwardly beyond the
standard lateral extension. The attachment portion has at least one
tab that is located rearwardly of, and extends generally adjacent
to, the standard lateral extension and standard front wall. The tab
has a cantilevered portion that is adapted to pass through one of
the standard first wall slots, and has a foot portion depending
downwardly from the cantilevered portion adjacent the standard
first wall below the one slot to hold the shelf support on the
standard.
[0012] According to another form of the invention, a system is
provided for mounting one or more shelves to a generally vertical
surface, and the system consists of components which provide the
installer with the option of mounting the shelving system directly
to the vertical surface, or to a standard that is in turn mounted
directly to the vertical surface. The standard has the same
configuration as described above for the first form of the
invention. If the installer decides to use the standard, the
standard is attached to the wall.
[0013] A shelf support is provided, and the shelf support includes
a cantilevered lower clamp jaw on which at least a portion of the
shelf bottom surface can be disposed. The shelf support also has a
pair of spaced-apart, vertical channels which open toward each
other. The shelf support also includes a vertically oriented screw
shank-receiving aperture for receiving the shank of a screw.
[0014] The system also includes a shelf retainer that has slide
portions received in the shelf support channels, a cantilevered
upper clamp jaw for engaging a top surface of the shelf, a
horizontally oriented screw shank-receiving aperture, and a
vertically oriented, threaded bore aligned with the shelf support
vertically oriented screw shank-receiving aperture.
[0015] The system includes a first screw that has a head bearing
against the shelf support and that has a shank extending through
the shelf support vertically oriented screw shank-receiving
aperture and into threaded engagement with the shelf retainer
vertically oriented, threaded bore for adjustably holding the shelf
support to the shelf retainer to position the lower clamp jaw at a
selected distance below the upper clamp jaw thereby clamping the
shelf therebetween.
[0016] The system also employs a hanger for mounting the shelf
retainer to the standard that is attached to the vertical surface
(e.g., wall). The hanger includes a front panel and an attachment
portion. The front panel defines a horizontally oriented threaded
bore for alignment with the shelf retainer horizontally oriented
screw shank-receiving aperture. The attachment portion extends from
the front panel adjacent and rearwardly beyond the standard lateral
extension and has at least one tab. The attachment portion tab is
located rearwardly of, and extends generally adjacent to, the
standard lateral extension and standard front wall. The tab also
has a cantilevered portion adapted to pass through one of the
standard wall slots. The tab also has a foot portion depending
downwardly from the cantilevered portion adjacent the standard
first wall below the one slot to hold the hanger on the
standard.
[0017] The system further includes a second screw which has a head
bearing against the shelf retainer and which has a shank extending
through the shelf retainer horizontally oriented screw
shank-receiving aperture and into threaded engagement with the
hanger horizontally oriented threaded bore to hold the shelf
retainer to the hanger.
[0018] If the installer does not wish to employ one or more
standards attached to the vertical surface, then no standard is
used. In such a case, the installer also does not use the hanger
for mounting the shelf retainer to the standard, and does not use
the screw for attaching the shelf retainer to the hanger. Instead,
a suitable fastener is provided for attaching the shelf retainer
directly to the vertical surface (e.g., wall), and such a fastener
may be an appropriate screw, toggle bolt, etc. The shelf support
remains attached to the shelf retainer so that the lower clamp jaw
can cooperate with the shelf retainer upper clamp jaw to hold the
shelf.
[0019] According to yet another form of the present invention, the
function of the above-described separate hanger (for mounting the
shelf retainer to the standard) can be incorporated as a unitary
part, and extension, of the shelf support that has the lower clamp
jaw. In such a modified system, the standard is provided for being
attached to the vertical surface (e.g., wall), and the standard has
the same design as described above. The shelf support has a
cantilevered lower clamp jaw on which at least a portion of the
shelf bottom surface can be disposed. The shelf support also has a
pair of spaced-apart, vertical channels which open toward each
other. The shelf support also has a vertically oriented screw
shank-receiving aperture for receiving the shank of a screw.
Finally, the shelf support has an attachment portion that extends
from the lower clamp jaw adjacent and rearwardly beyond the
standard lateral extension and that has at least one tab. The tab
is located rearwardly of, and extends generally adjacent to, the
standard lateral extension and standard front wall. The tab has a
cantilevered portion adapted to pass through one of the standard
first wall slots. The tab also has a foot portion depending
downwardly from the cantilevered portion adjacent the standard
first wall below the one slot to hold the shelf support on the
standard.
[0020] A shelf retainer is provided with slide portions for being
received in the shelf support channels. The shelf retainer has a
cantilevered upper clamp jaw for engaging the top surface of the
shelf. The shelf retainer also has a horizontally oriented screw
shank-receiving aperture, and also has a vertically oriented,
threaded bore aligned with the shelf support vertically oriented
screw shank-receiving aperture.
[0021] A screw is provided with a head for bearing against the
shelf support. The screw has a shank extending through the shelf
support vertically oriented screw shank-receiving aperture and into
threaded engagement with the shelf retainer vertically oriented,
threaded bore for adjustably holding the shelf retainer to the
shelf support to position the shelf retainer upper clamp jaw at a
selected distance above the shelf support lower clamp jaw thereby
clamping the shelf therebetween.
[0022] Numerous other advantages and features of the present
invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention, from the claims, and from the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] In the accompanying drawings that form part of the
specification, and in which like numerals are employed to designate
like parts throughout the same,
[0024] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, front, isometric view of a first
form of the present invention for mounting one or more shelves on a
vertical surface or wall by employing a rail or standard that is
attached to the wall and to which a shelf support is mounted;
[0025] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the standard employed in the
first form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the shelf support employed in
the first form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a front, isometric view similar to FIG. 1, but
FIG. 4 shows the installed components of the first form of the
system prior to mounting a shelf thereon;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the system
illustrated in FIG. 1 with the wall shown in cross section;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken
generally along the plane 6-6 in FIG. 5;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, front elevational view of the
system shown in FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken
generally along the plane 8-8 in FIG. 7;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, front, isometric view of a second
form of the system of the present invention shown installed on a
fragmentary portion of a vertical wall;
[0033] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a subassembly of some of the
components shown in FIG. 9;
[0034] FIG. 11 is a front, isometric view of the shelf support
(including the lower clamp jaw) shown in FIGS. 9 and 10;
[0035] FIG. 12 is a rear isometric view of the shelf support shown
in FIG. 11;
[0036] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view taken generally along the
plane 13-13 in FIG. 11;
[0037] FIG. 14 is a front, isometric view of the upper clamp jaw of
the second form of the system of the present invention shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10;
[0038] FIG. 15 is a front, elevational view of the upper clamp jaw
shown in FIG. 14;
[0039] FIG. 16 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken generally
along the plane 16-16 in FIG. 15;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a rear, isometric view of the hanger of the
second form of the system of the present invention shown in FIGS. 9
and 10;
[0041] FIG. 18 is a rear, isometric view of the upper clamp jaw
shown in FIG. 14 assembled with the shelf support shown in FIG.
12;
[0042] FIG. 19 is a front, isometric view of a subassembly of the
hanger shown in FIG. 17, the upper clamp jaw shown in FIG. 14, and
the shelf support shown in FIG. 1; and in FIG. 19 a portion of the
lower clamp jaw is broken away to show interior detail;
[0043] FIG. 20 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the
second form of the system of the present invention shown in FIG. 9
taken generally along the plane 20-20 in FIG. 9;
[0044] FIG. 21 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken
generally along the plane 21-21 in FIG. 20;
[0045] FIG. 22 is a fragmentary, front elevational view taken along
the plane 22-22 in FIG. 20;
[0046] FIG. 23 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken
generally along the plane 23-23 in FIG. 22;
[0047] FIG. 24 is a fragmentary, front, isometric view of a third
form of the system of the present invention shown installed on a
fragmentary portion of a wall;
[0048] FIG. 25 is a rear, isometric view of the shelf support
(including the lower clamp jaw) shown in FIG. 24;
[0049] FIG. 26 is a top plan view taken generally along the plane
26-26 in FIG. 25;
[0050] FIG. 27 is a front, isometric view of the upper clamp jaw
shown in FIG. 24;
[0051] FIG. 28 is a front, elevational view of the upper clamp jaw
shown in FIG. 27;
[0052] FIG. 29 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken generally
along the plane 29-29 in FIG. 28;
[0053] FIG. 30 is a rear, isometric view of a subassembly of the
upper clamp jaw shown in FIG. 27 mounted in the lower clamp jaw
shown in FIG. 25;
[0054] FIG. 31 is a fragmentary, front elevational view taken
generally along the plane 31-31 in FIG. 24;
[0055] FIG. 32 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view
taken generally along the plane 32-32 in FIG. 31;
[0056] FIG. 33 is a fragmentary, side elevational view taken
generally along the plane 33-33 in FIG. 31; and
[0057] FIG. 34 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view
taken generally along the plane 34-34 in FIG. 33.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings
disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention. The
invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so
described, however. The scope of the invention is pointed out in
the appended claims.
[0059] For ease of description, many of the figures illustrating
the invention show a shelving support system in the typical
orientation that it would have on a vertically oriented wall, in
terms such as upper, lower, horizontal, etc., are used with
reference to this position. It will be understood, however, that
the components of the shelving support system of this invention may
be manufactured, stored, transported, and sold in an orientation
other than the position described.
[0060] The shelving support system of this invention is suitable
for use with a variety of conventional or special shelves. The
shelves, per se form no part of, and therefore are not intended to
limit, the present invention.
[0061] A first embodiment of the shelving support system of the
present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, and is designated
generally therein by the reference number 40 in FIG. 1. The first
embodiment of the shelving support system is shown supporting a
single shelf 42 on a vertical surface 44, such as a wall. The shelf
42 is supported on a shelf support 46 which is mounted to a single
standard 48 that is attached to the vertical surface or wall 44 by
means of one or more suitable fasteners, such as the illustrated
screws 50. The shelf support 46 may be described as a shelf support
"bracket," but for convenience herein, the shorter phrase "shelf
support" will generally be used for the element 46.
[0062] It will be appreciated that in the installation illustrated
in FIG. 1, the shelf 42 is a relatively narrow shelf that requires
only one shelf support 46. To provide enhanced stability, the shelf
42 maybe be screwed to the shelf support 46 where suitable screws
55 which are each positioned with the screw head at the bottom of
the shelf support and which each has a threaded shank extending
vertically upwardly into the shelf 42.
[0063] It will be appreciated that in more typical shelving
arrangements, the shelf 42 is normally much wider (longer) so that
it would extend horizontally for a greater distance along the wall
or other surface 44. With such a typically wider or longer shelf
42, there would be two (or more) standards 48 spaced apart in a
vertically oriented, parallel arrangement. At least one separate
shelf support would be associated with each vertical standard 48.
Further, typically a plurality of shelves 42 would be mounted with
shelf supports 46 in a spaced, vertical array upwardly and
downwardly on two or more such standards 48.
[0064] For ease of illustration, the invention herein is described
with reference to the one shelf 42, the one shelf support 46, and
the one standard 48. It should be understood that the invention may
be practiced with two or more longer shelves that are each
supported by two or more shelf supports 46 mounted to two or more
standards 48. Where wider (longer) shelves are employed and are
disposed across two or more shelf supports 46 mounted to two or
more standards 48, it may not be necessary to provide screws 55 for
securing the shelves 42 to the shelf supports 46.
[0065] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the standard has a rearwardly
extending first wall 51 and a rearwardly extending second wall 52.
The walls 51 and 52 are spaced apart, and, in the preferred
embodiment, are substantially parallel and terminate in rear
vertical edges or surfaces for bearing against the surface of the
vertical wall 44 or other support surface to which the standard 48
is attached.
[0066] With references to FIG. 2, the first wall 51 defines a
column of vertically spaced slots 54 which are adapted to receive
an attachment portion of the shelf support 46 as described in
detail hereinafter. In one contemplated example, each slot 54 is
about five-eighths inch high. As can be see in FIG. 2, the standard
48 also has a lateral extension 56 which extends laterally beyond
the first wall 51 to conceal the slots 54 from view when the
standard 48 is attached to the vertical wall or other surface 44
and viewed when looking generally toward the front of the standard
48 (as in FIG. 1).
[0067] In a presently preferred form of the invention, the standard
48 is made from metal, such as steel. A steel sheet (e.g., about
one-eighth inch thick in one contemplated example) can be readily
punched to form the slots 54 and formed by bending into the
configuration of the standard 48. With such a manufacturing
process, the lateral extension 56 is defined by a U-shaped bent
portion of the metal having a front leg 58 and a rear leg 60.
[0068] It will be understood, however, that the standard 48 may be
made from materials other than metal. The standard 48 could be
extruded from a suitable thermoplastic material. The lateral
extension 56 need not be formed by a U-shaped portion having legs
58 and 60--rather, the lateral extension 56 could be provided as a
single wall protruding from the injunction of the front wall 53 and
first wall 51.
[0069] As can be seen in FIG. 4, the front wall 53 of the standard
48 is preferably provided with a plurality of vertically
spaced-apart apertures 64 for each receiving one of the screws 50
(FIG. 1) for attaching the standard 48 to the wall or other
vertical surface 44.
[0070] As can be see in FIG. 3, the shelf support 46 can be
characterized as having two portions--a shelf support platform 70
and an attachment portion 72. The shelf support platform 70, in the
preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, has a generally
U-shaped, transverse cross section defined by a (1) first leg 81,
(2) a second leg 82 which is spaced from, and generally parallel,
to the first leg 81, and (3) a connecting web 84 which runs along
the length of the bottom of the shelf support platform 70. The web
84 along the bottom of the shelf support platform 70 defines one or
more apertures 86 (FIGS. 3 and 6) for receiving the shanks of the
screws 55 that may optionally be used to screw into the bottom of
the shelf 42 for securing the shelf 42 to the shelf support 46.
[0071] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the shelf support attachment
portion 72 is located at the rear end of the shelf support platform
70. In the preferred form illustrated in FIG. 3, the shelf support
platform first leg 81 extends rearwardly into the attachment
portion 72. The shelf support platform second leg 82 defines a
rearwardly facing, vertical, abutment surface 90 for engaging the
front of the standard 48 when the shelf support 46 is attached to
the standard 48 as can be seen in FIG. 6.
[0072] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the shelf support attachment
portion 72 preferably includes a rearwardly extending portion 81A
which extends rearwardly as a continuation of the support platform
first wall 81. At the rearward end of the extending portion 81A,
the attachment portion 72 defines one or more tabs 92 which each
has a cantilevered portion 94 and a foot portion 96. In the
preferred form illustrated in FIG. 3, there are two such tabs
92.
[0073] As can be seen in FIG. 6, the tab cantilevered portion 94
extends through one of the slots 54 of the standard 48. As can be
seen in FIG. 8, the tab foot portion 96 depends downwardly from the
cantilevered portion 94 adjacent the standard first wall 51 below
the slot 54 to hold the shelf support 46 on the standard 48. Each
tab 92 may be characterized as each extending generally adjacent
to, and rearwardly of, the standard lateral extension 56 and
standard front wall 53. Each tab 92 may also be further
characterized, in the preferred form illustrated, as extending
generally parallel to, and rearwardly of, the standard lateral
extension first leg 58, second leg 60, and front wall 53. The shelf
support 46 can be formed from sheet steel. It will be understood,
however, that the shelf support 46 could be made from materials
other than metal (e.g., a synthetic polymer).
[0074] Each shelf support 46 can be readily mounted to the standard
48 by inserting the tab 92 into the standard slots 54 and pushing
the shelf support downwardly to fully seat the shelf support 46 on
the standard 48. Next, the shelf 42 can be placed on one or more
shelf supports 46 attached to one or more standards 48. Optionally,
each shelf support 46 may also be screwed to the shelf 42 as
previously described. When the mounted shelving system is viewed
generally from the front (e.g., FIG. 1), the mounting slots 54 in
the standard 48 are not visible. Thus, the front of each standard
presents a relatively flat front surface that is free of open
apertures that might be considered to be aesthetically undesirable
and/or that could snag objects placed on the shelf 42 or trap
dust.
[0075] A second form of the shelving system of the present
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 9-23 and is designated in some of
the figures generally by the reference number 140. As with the
first embodiment 40 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8,
the second form of the invention employs one or more standards 48
which are adapted to be mounted to a vertical surface or wall 44
with one or more screws or other suitable fasteners 50 as
illustrated in FIG. 9. The second form of the shelving system 140
includes a shelf support 146 which is attached to a shelf retainer
150 for clamping the shelf 42 between the shelf support 146 and
shelf retainer 150. The shelf retainer 150 and the attached shelf
support 146 are mounted together to a hanger 160 which in turn is
mounted to the standard 48.
[0076] As can be seen in FIG. 11, the shelf support 146 includes a
rear portion defining a pair of spaced-apart vertical channels 164
which open toward each other, and the shelf support 146 also
includes a forwardly extending or cantilevered, lower clamp jaw 170
on which the bottom surface of the shelf 42 can be disposed as
shown in FIG. 20. The lower clamp jaw 170 is defined by a rim
around a concave, hollow region. The jaw 170 could be solid or have
other shapes.
[0077] As can be seen in FIG. 13, the shelf support 146 also
includes a vertically oriented screw shank-receiving aperture 172
with a countersunk opening 174. The aperture 172 is not threaded
and is adapted to receive the shank 178 (FIG. 19) of a screw having
a head 180 which is adapted to bear against the shelf support at
the countersunk opening 174.
[0078] As can be seen in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, the shelf retainer
150 has slide portions 184 for each being received in one of the
shelf support vertical channels 164 as can be seen in FIG. 18. The
shelf retainer 150 also includes a cantilevered upper clamp jaw 190
for engaging the top surface of the shelf 42 (FIGS. 9 and 20).
[0079] As can be seen in FIG. 14, the lower end of the shelf
retainer 150 includes a forwardly projecting lug or boss 200
defining a vertically oriented, threaded bore 206 which, when the
shelf retainer 150 is mounted in the shelf support 146 as shown in
FIG. 19, is aligned with the shelf support vertically oriented
screw shank-receiving aperture and with the screw shank 178 so that
the screw shank 178 can be threadingly engaged with the shelf
retainer threaded bore 206 (FIG. 12).
[0080] The shelf retainer 150 also defines one or more apertures
210 (FIG. 15), and in the preferred embodiment illustrated, two
apertures 210 are provided in a spaced-apart, vertical array. As
can be seen in FIG. 19, each aperture 210 is not threaded, but is
adapted to accommodate the threaded shank 218 of a machine screw
having a head 216. Each aperture 210 is countersunk to accommodate
the screw head 216.
[0081] As can be seen in FIG. 17, the hanger 160 has a front panel
220 defining one or more horizontally oriented threaded bores 222.
As can be seen in FIG. 19, the hanger bores 222 are adopted for
receiving the screw shanks 218 extending rearwardly from the shelf
retainer 150 when the shelf retainer 150 is attached with the
screws to the hanger 160 (FIGS. 10 and 19).
[0082] Initially, the shelf support 146 can be adjustably connected
to the shelf retainer 150 with the threaded shank 178 of the screw
extending upwardly from the bottom of the shelf support 146 into
the threaded bore of the shelf retainer boss or lug 200 (FIG. 19).
The assembly of the shelf retainer 150 and connected shelf support
146 can then be attached to the hanger 160 with the two machine
screws that each have the head 216 engaged with the shelf retainer
150 and the threaded shank 218 threadingly engaged with one of the
threaded bores 222 of the hanger 160. The connected assembly of the
shelf support 146, shelf retainer 150, and hanger 160 can then be
mounted at a selected elevation on the standard 48 as shown in
FIGS. 20-23.
[0083] In order to accommodate the mounting of the hanger 160 to
the standard 48, the hanger 160 includes an attachment portion 230
(FIG. 10) that extends from the front panel rearwardly. When the
hanger 160 is mounted on the standard 48, the attachment portion
230 may be characterized as extending from the hanger front panel
220 adjacent and rearwardly beyond the standard lateral extension
56 as shown in FIG. 23.
[0084] As can be seen in FIG. 10, the hanger attachment portion 230
includes a rearwardly extending leg or wall 232 and a rear wall 234
extending from the wall or leg 232. With reference to FIG. 17, the
rear wall 234 is spaced rearwardly of, and is generally parallel
to, the front wall 220. With continued reference to FIG. 17, the
hanger attachment portion 230 also includes one or more tabs 240.
In the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the tabs 240
are vertically spaced apart and extend from the rear wall 234. As
can be seen in FIG. 17, each tab 240 has a cantilevered portion 242
and a foot portion 244 which depends downwardly from the
cantilevered portion 242. As can be seen in FIG. 21, when the
hanger 160 is mounted on the standard 48, the tab cantilevered
portion 242 passes through one of the standard first wall slots 54,
and the tab foot portion 244 extends downwardly from the
cantilevered portion adjacent the standard first wall 51 below the
slot 54 to hold the hanger 160 on the standard 48. Each tab 240 may
be characterized as being located rearwardly of, and extending
generally parallel to, the standard lateral extension 56.
[0085] When the shelf support 146 connected to the shelf retainer
150 sufficiently far below the shelf retainer upper clamp jaw 190,
there is enough space between the upper clamp jaw 190 and the shelf
support lower clamp jaw 170 to insert the shelf 42 as shown in FIG.
20. If necessary, the adjusting screw in the shelf support 146 can
be adjusted by engaging the screw head 180 (FIG. 19) with a screw
driver, and rotating the screw to move the shelf support 146
upwardly relative to the shelf retainer upper clamp jaw 190 so that
the shelf 42 is tightly gripped between the lower clamp jaw 170 and
upper clamp jaw 190.
[0086] The second form of the shelf support system of the present
invention described above with reference to FIGS. 9-23 accommodates
an optional method of use with a reconfiguration of the components.
In particular, in some applications, an installer may not care to
have vertical adjustability of the shelf or shelves, and the
installer may not wish to employ one or more standards 48 attached
to the wall or other vertical surface 44. Rather, the installer may
wish to mount the shelf retainer 150 (with the attached shelf
support 146) directly to the wall 44. In such a case, the installer
would not use the hanger 160 and, of course, would not use the
standard 48. Instead, the machine screws (shown in FIG. 19 with the
threads 218) would be replaced with other suitable fasteners, such
as wood screws, or other screws for mounting directly to a wall
with or without other fastener devices (e.g., toggle bolt, nylon
insert anchor, etc.). The shelf retainer 150 could then be mounted
directly to the wall 44, and the shelf support 146 could then be
attached to the shelf retainer 150 with the screw shank 178.
[0087] A third form of the shelving system of the present invention
is illustrated in FIGS. 24-34 and is designated in some of the
figures generally by the reference number 140A. As with the first
embodiment 40 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8, the
third form of the invention employs one or more standards 48 which
are adapted to be mounted to a vertical surface or wall 44 with one
or more screws or other suitable fasteners 50 as illustrated in
FIG. 24. The third form of the shelving system 140A includes a
shelf support 146A which is attached to a shelf retainer 150A for
clamping the shelf 42 between the shelf support 146A and shelf
retainer 150A. The shelf support 146A, with the shelf retainer 150A
attached, is mounted to the standard 48.
[0088] As can be seen in FIG. 25, the shelf support 146A includes a
rear portion defining a pair of spaced-apart vertical channels 164A
which open toward each other, and the shelf support 146A also
includes a forwardly extending or cantilevered, lower clamp jaw
170A on which the bottom surface of the shelf 42 can be disposed as
shown in FIG. 24. These aspects of the shelf retainer 146A are the
same as in the second embodiment of the shelf retainer 146
illustrated in FIG. 13.
[0089] As can be seen in FIG. 26, the shelf support 146A also
includes a vertically oriented screw shank-receiving aperture 172A
with a countersunk opening. This aspect of the shelf retainer 146A
is the same as in the second embodiment of the shelf retainer 146
illustrated in FIG. 13. The aperture 172A is not threaded and is
adapted to receive the shank 178A (FIG. 32) of a screw having a
head 180A (FIG. 31) which is adapted to bear against the bottom of
the shelf support 146A at the countersunk opening of the aperture
172A.
[0090] In order to accommodate the mounting of the shelf support
146A to the standard 48, the shelf support 146A includes an
attachment portion 230A (FIG. 26) that extends rearwardly behind
the channels 164A. When the shelf support 146A is mounted on the
standard 48 as shown in FIG. 32, the attachment portion 230A may be
characterized as extending from the lower clamp jaw 170A adjacent
and rearwardly beyond the standard lateral extension 56.
[0091] As can be seen in FIG. 25, the shelf support attachment
portion 230A includes a rearwardly extending leg or wall 232A and a
rear wall 234A extending from the wall or leg 232A. With reference
to FIG. 25, the rear wall 234A is rearwardly of, and is generally
parallel to, the channels 164A.
[0092] With continued reference to FIG. 25, the attachment portion
230A also includes at least one tab 240A. In the preferred
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25, the tab 240A extends from the
rear wall 234A. As can be seen in FIG. 25, the tab 240A has a
cantilevered portion 242A and a foot portion 244A which depends
downwardly from the cantilevered portion 242A. As can be seen in
FIGS. 32 and 34, when the shelf support 146A is mounted on the
standard 48, the tab cantilevered portion 242A passes through one
of the standard first wall slots 54, and the tab foot portion 244A
extends downwardly from the cantilevered portion 242A adjacent the
standard first wall 51 below the slot 54 to hold the shelf support
146A on the standard 48. The tab 240A may be characterized as being
located rearwardly of, and extending generally parallel to, the
standard lateral extension 56.
[0093] As can be seen in FIGS. 27, 28, and 29, the shelf retainer
150A has slide portions 184A for each being received in one of the
shelf support vertical channels 164A as can be seen in FIG. 30 and
32. The shelf retainer 150A also includes a cantilevered upper
clamp jaw 190A for engaging the top surface of the shelf 42 (FIGS.
24, 31 and 33).
[0094] As can be seen in FIG. 27, the lower end of the shelf
retainer 150A includes a forwardly projecting lug or boss 200A
defining a vertically oriented, threaded bore 206A which, when the
shelf retainer 150A is mounted in the shelf support 146A as shown
in FIG. 30, is aligned with the shelf support vertically oriented
screw shank-receiving aperture and with the screw shank 178A (FIG.
32) so that the screw shank 178A can be threadingly engaged with
the shelf retainer threaded bore 206 (FIG. 32).
[0095] Initially, the shelf support 146A can be adjustably
connected to the shelf retainer 150A with the threaded shank 178A
of the screw extending upwardly from the bottom of the shelf
support 146A into the threaded bore of the shelf retainer boss or
lug 200 (FIG. 32). The assembly of the shelf retainer 150A and
connected shelf support 146A can then be mounted at a selected
elevation on the standard 48 with the attachment portion 230A at
the rear of the shelf support 146A as shown in FIGS. 32 and 34.
[0096] When the shelf support 146A is connected to the shelf
retainer 150A sufficiently far below the shelf retainer upper clamp
jaw 190A, there is enough space between the upper clamp jaw 190A
and the shelf support lower clamp jaw 170A to insert the shelf 42
as shown in FIGS. 31 and 33. If necessary, the adjusting screw in
the shelf support 146A can be adjusted by engaging the screw head
180A (FIG. 31) with a screw driver, and rotating the screw to move
the shelf support 146A upwardly relative to the shelf retainer
upper clamp jaw 190A so that the shelf 42 is tightly gripped
between the lower clamp jaw 170A and upper clamp jaw 190A.
[0097] Of course, the second embodiment of the system illustrated
in FIGS. 9-23 and the third embodiment of the system illustrated in
FIGS. 24-34 may be used with a wider (i.e., longer) shelf 42 or
shelves supported by a plurality of vertically oriented, parallel,
spaced-apart standards 48 to which are mounted the second
embodiment assembly of the shelf support 146, shelf retainer 150,
and hanger 160, or the third embodiment assembly of the shelf
support 146A and shelf retainer 150A.
[0098] It will be readily apparent from the foregoing detailed
description of the invention and from the illustrations thereof
that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or
principles of this invention.
* * * * *