U.S. patent application number 11/744423 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-06 for shelf mounting system.
This patent application is currently assigned to J. DAVENPORT, LLC. Invention is credited to John Davenport.
Application Number | 20080272076 11/744423 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39938812 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080272076 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davenport; John |
November 6, 2008 |
SHELF MOUNTING SYSTEM
Abstract
A shelf mounting system with a rigid shelf track having a face
substantially free of apertures other than those used to mount the
track to a wall, two sides having slots, and a bracket to engage
and support the shelf track. In the preferred embodiment, the
bracket includes a pair of opposed side flanges joined at a
proximal end, and having two free distal ends terminating in
engaging portions attachable to the track slots. A method for
constructing a shelf mounting system according to the present
invention is also provided.
Inventors: |
Davenport; John; (Clarendon
Hills, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL P. MAZZA, LLC
686 CRESCENT BLVD.
GLEN ELYN
IL
60137
US
|
Assignee: |
J. DAVENPORT, LLC
Clarendon Hills
IL
|
Family ID: |
39938812 |
Appl. No.: |
11/744423 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/90.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 57/42 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/90.01 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/08 20060101
A47F005/08 |
Claims
1. A shelf mounting system, comprising: a shelf track adapted to be
mounted on a wall, the track having a front face, two sides having
slots; one or more brackets adapted to securely engage the side
slots, the one or more brackets adapted to support shelving.
2. The shelf mounting system of claim 1, wherein the shelf track is
a vertically extending, rigid member, and the face of the track is
substantially free of apertures other than those used to mount the
track to the wall.
3. The shelf mounting system of claim 1, wherein the bracket
comprises a pair of opposed side flanges joined at a proximal end,
the side flanges each having a free distal end, the distal ends
being laterally moveable between an open position in which the free
distal ends are separated by a distance greater than a width of the
track, and a closed position in which the distal ends each securely
engage the side slots.
4. The shelf mounting system of claim 3, wherein the brackets
include one or more fins mounted on at least one of the opposed
side flanges, the one or more fins having an aperture for receiving
a fastener which may be attached to shelving.
5. The shelf mounting system of claim 3, wherein each of the free
distal ends terminates in an arcuate surface adapted to abut the
face of the track when the track is engaged with the bracket.
6. The shelf mounting system of claim 5, wherein engaging tabs are
affixed to or integral with the arcuate surface, the engaging tabs
being adapted to securely engage the side slots of the track.
7. A shelf mounting system, comprising: a vertical, rigid shelf
track adapted to be mounted on a wall, the track having a face and
two sides having a plurality of vertically-spaced slots, and the
track being substantially free of apertures other than those used
to mount the track to the wall; and one or more brackets adapted to
securely engage the side slots and thereby support shelving.
8. The shelf mounting system of claim 7, wherein the one or more
brackets comprise a pair of opposed side flanges joined at a
proximal end, the side flanges having two free distal ends
laterally moveable between an open position in which the free
distal ends are separated by a distance greater than a width of the
track, and a closed position in which the distal ends each securely
engage the side slots.
10. A shelf mounting system, comprising: a vertical shelf track
adapted to be mounted on a wall, the track having a face and two
sides each having a plurality of vertically-spaced slots, the face
being substantially free of apertures other than those used to
mount the track to the wall; and at least one bracket adapted to
engage the side slots, the bracket comprising a pair of opposed
side flanges joined at a proximal end, the side flanges having two
free distal ends laterally moveable between an open position in
which the free distal ends are separated by a distance greater than
a width of the track, and a closed position in which in which the
distal ends each securely engage the side slots.
11. A method for creating a shelf mounting system, comprising the
steps of: providing a shelf track adapted to be mounted on a wall,
the shelf track having a face free of apertures other than those
used to mount the track to the wall, and the track having a
plurality of side slots; providing a bracket adapted to engage the
side slots; and securely engaging the bracket with the side
slots.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the bracket includes a pair of
opposed side flanges joined at a proximal end and having two free
distal ends.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the free distal ends are
laterally moveable between an open position in which the free
distal ends are separated by a distance greater than a width of the
track, and a closed position in which the distal ends are engaged
to the track.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the free distal ends
terminates in an engaging portion attached to or integral with an
arcuate surface of the side flange, the arcuate surface being
adapted to abut the face of the track when the track is engaged
with the bracket.
15. A method for creating a shelf mounting system, comprising the
steps of: providing a shelf track adapted to be mounted on a wall,
the track having a front face and a plurality of side slots;
providing a bracket adapted to engage the side slots, the bracket
having a pair of opposed side flanges joined at a proximal end, and
the side flanges each having a free distal end and being laterally
moveable between an open position in which the free distal ends are
separated by a distance greater than a width of the track, and a
closed position; and engaging the free distal ends of the bracket
with the side slots of the shelf track so that the free distal ends
are placed into the closed position.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the track is a rigid member
free of apertures other than those used to mount the track to the
wall.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a shelf and/or accessory
mounting system. Current shelf mounting products and systems are
constructed from vertical shelf tracks that contain front slots,
and brackets that fit into these front slots for shelving and other
hanging accessories. These tracks are typically constructed from
steel vertical uprights, which are fastened to a wall by fasteners,
such as anchors, screws, bolts, hooks and so forth.
[0002] Current shelf mounting products and systems have not gained
wide acceptance into the home market even though they were designed
for home use. One of the problems with the current products and
systems is that the color of the track and the bracket do not blend
easily with the typical household shelving or wall color schemes.
Another problem is that the current shelf mounting products and
systems are not aesthetically pleasing because of the position of
the slots on the front face of the shelf tracks.
[0003] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a shelf
mounting system that includes shelf tracks that have side slots and
have a front face that is substantially free from slots in order to
blend with the color schemes of the typical household and to be
aesthetically pleasing.
DEFINITION OF CLAIM TERMS
[0004] The following terms are used in the claims of the patent as
filed and are intended to have their broadest meaning consistent
with the requirements of law. Where alternative meanings are
possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the
claims are intended to be used in the normal, customary usage of
grammar and the English language.
[0005] "Shelf track" means an elongated member mountable on a wall
and having slots for receiving brackets therein.
[0006] "Bracket" means a support member.
[0007] "Arcuate" means curvilinear.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The objects mentioned above, as well as other objects, are
solved by the present invention, which overcomes disadvantages of
prior shelf mounting systems, while providing new advantages not
believed associated with such systems.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shelf
mounting system includes a shelf track and a bracket. The shelf
track preferably has a front face and two sides having slots. The
shelf track is adapted to be mounted on a wall. The shelf track may
be a vertically extending, rigid member, preferably substantially
free of apertures other than those used to mount the track to the
wall. The bracket is adapted to securely engage with the side
slots, so that the bracket may support shelving. The bracket may
include a pair of opposed side flanges joined at a proximal end,
and having two free distal ends laterally moveable between an open
position in which the free distal ends are separated by a distance
greater than a width of the track, and a closed position in which
the free distal ends are engaged with the track slots.
[0010] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the free distal ends
may terminate in an arcuate surface having engaging portions such
as tabs or hooks for secure engagement to the track side slots. The
arcuate surface is preferably adapted to abut in mating proximity
to the face of the track when the track is engaged with the
bracket, to help stabilize the system.
[0011] In another embodiment, the brackets may include one or more
fins mounted on at least one of the opposed side flanges and having
an aperture for receiving a fastener secured to adjacent
shelving.
[0012] In another embodiment a method is provided for creating a
shelf mounting system. The method include the step providing a
shelf track with a face substantially free of apertures other than
those used to mount the track to the wall. Side walls of the track
may include a plurality of side slots. A bracket may also be
provided, adapted to engage the side slots. When the bracket and
track are thus securely engaged, the bracket can securely support
shelving.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The novel features which are characteristic of the invention
are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself,
however, together with further objects and attendant advantages
thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. The
drawings illustrate currently preferred embodiments of the present
invention. As further explained below, it will be understood that
other embodiments, not shown in the drawings, also fall within the
spirit and scope of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the shelf track and the
bracket;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a view of a section of the pair of the opposed
side flanges;
[0016] FIG. 3A is a top view showing an open position of the free
distal ends of the bracket and a free shelf track;
[0017] FIG. 3B is a top view showing a closed position of the free
distal ends of the bracket engaging the shelf track; and
[0018] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the bracket before and after
engaging the shelf track.
[0019] The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the
principles of the present invention. In the drawings, like
reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the
several views.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Set forth below is a description of what are currently
believed to be the preferred embodiments and/or best examples of
the invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and
modifications to these preferred embodiments are contemplated. Any
alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in
function, in purpose, in structure or in result are intended to be
covered by the claims of this patent.
[0021] Referring first to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the
invention is shown, in which shelf mounting system 10 includes at
least one shelf track 20 and at least one bracket 30 for supporting
and engaging the shelf track 20. Shelf track 20 includes a face 22,
a wall mounting aperture 24, a first side 26, a second side 28 and
a width 23. Both first side 26 and second side 28 have side slots
29. Shelf track 20 is preferably a rigid member, which is free from
apertures on face 22 other than wall mounting aperture 24. Bracket
30 includes a pair of opposing side flanges 32 joined at a proximal
end 31 and has two free distal ends 33. Proximal end 31 may be
curved, squared-off, cramped or otherwise bent, for example.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 2, a side view showing a through section
of the pair of opposing side flanges 32 of bracket 30 is provided.
Flanges 32 are preferably rigid members in order to withstand the
weight of the shelf and the other hanging accessories mountable on
top of bracket 30.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, FIG. 3A shows free distal ends
33 of flanges 32 in an open position separated by a distance, width
35A, which is greater than width 23 of adjacent free shelf track
20. Free distal ends 33 are flexibly laterally moveable between the
open position and a closed position when free distal ends 32 are
separated by a distance 35B, which is less than the width 23 of
shelf track 20, as shown in FIG. 3B. Free distal ends 32 of bracket
30 preferably terminate in an engaging portion 38 attached to or
made from an arcuate surface 36. Surface 36 could be of any shape
and geometry, preferably matching the shape of face 22 of shelf
track 20.
[0024] In a further embodiment, bracket 30 may include at least one
fin 40 with an aperture 42 for receiving a fastener such as nails,
screws and so forth, in order to fasten a shelf (not shown)
mountable on top of bracket 30. Fin 40 provides additional
stability for bracket 30 and the mountable shelf (not shown).
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 4, a rear view of shelf track 20 and
bracket 30 is provided. Securing tab 39 of engaging portions 38 of
bracket 30 is shown before (in dotted lines) and after (in solid
lines) slideably engaging into side slots 29 of shelf track 20. One
or more of securing tabs 39 may be permanently attached to side
slots 29 of track 20. However, this is not a preferred embodiment
because it makes it difficult to transport shelf track 20 and
bracket 30 is no longer adjustable to track 20.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows the steps of creating a shelf mounting system,
which includes providing shelf track 20 with side slots 29, which
is free of apertures on its front face 22 other than those used to
mount track 20 to the wall, such as aperture 24, providing a
bracket 30 with at least one securing element, such as securing tab
39, which engages side slots 29.
[0027] It will be understood that various modifications to the
preferred embodiment disclosed above may be made. The above
description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used
in the following claims that define the invention. Rather, it is
contemplated that future modifications in structure, function or
result will exist that are not substantial changes and that all
such insubstantial changes are intended to be covered by the
following claims.
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