US20060157435A1

US20060157435A1 - Componentry assembled free standing wire shelving and organizer

Info

Publication number: US20060157435A1
Application number: US11/325,971
Authority: US
Inventors: Fred Oberhaus; Michael Gusdorf
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-01-05
Filing date: 2006-01-04
Publication date: 2006-07-20

Abstract

Componentry assembled free standing wire shelving and organizer includes a series of end frames, having pressure fitted shelving arranged therein, at varying heights, wherein a pair or more of such sectionalized shelving may be linked together through the use of intermediate shelving, or have lateral shelving extending from one side thereof, depending upon the space available for the shelving requirements as needed to form an organizer.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional patent application claims priority to the provisional application having Ser. No. 60/641,870 filed on Jan. 5, 2005 which claims priority to the patent application having Ser. No. 10/676,980, filed on Oct. 1, 2003, and which application claims priority to the provisional patent application having Ser. No. 60/416,423, filed on Oct. 7, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of wire racks, and all types of shelving racks, have long been available. In addition, organizers for closets have been available for some time, assembling various wire or other components to add supplemental storage and shelving particularly within a closet. Usually, most of these types of racks are generally supported upon the floor, some may be suspended, or have shelving applied to the wall, or other vertical surface, and generally disclose a plurality of integral shelving for use for storing almost any goods, including tools, hardware, lumber, canned goods, and any of a variety of materials. In addition, there are a number of publications that show embodiments for shelving, that also may be appended directly to the wall, wherein a support means, such as a bracket, will adhere the shelving directly to the vertical wall, door, or the like, generally through the usage of some type of fastening, and then secures a series of cantilever shelving from the support means, to readily dispose a plurality of shelving for storage and suspension of a variety of goods. A patent to the Applicant herein, No. 6,286,691, shows shelving for suspension from rafters.
It is, therefore, the enhancements of this current invention to provide uniquely designed components formed into the assembly of structural supports, upon which shelving may be pressure fitted, at any level, and have linking shelving between sections, all generally constructed of wire materials, and can be immediately assembled from its flattened and storage condition into erected shelving, for accommodation within the space provided, and which rests upon the floor, ground, or the like, having enhanced ability for supporting a variety of types of items or other household goods, on the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a storage and organizer type of rack, assembled from a variety of wire formed components, which when assembled, furnish a series of vertically aligned shelving, in various sections, that may be integrated together and because of its pressure fitting, during assembly, becomes reasonably self-supporting, and can remain stably erect, even when ladened with a variety of stored and displayed items. Various sections of this shelving may be of variable height, so that while, for example, the outer sections may be established at a height from the floor to the ceiling, the middle section may simply include one or two shelves, that are at a more convenient level, to add to the dexterity and versatility of usage of this shelving depending upon the type of space available to accommodate it. This invention adapts itself to custom designing of shelving. Essentially, the various sections of shelving can be erected to furnish complete organization to a select space, whether it be in a garage, basement, or even along a wall, as in a closet, as may be required by the circumstances. Through usage of this invention very efficient organization can be made for storage within the home, business, or other establishment.
The invention contemplates the formation of one or more wire racks, that may include one or more shelving, usually fabricated from metal wire, and which are integrated together by means of pressure fit, fasteners, or the like, into a unified structure, as when erected. Under these conditions, a series of shelves, connected by pressure, fit into end frames. This forms a storage type of multi-shelved rack. When a pair or more of these type of racks have been assembled, various of the shelving may additionally be extended, at select heights, between and intermediate previously assembled racks, in order to furnish full shelving of substantial width, that may fit within a particular area, such as along the wall of a closet, to furnish precise location of shelving positions where it is needed and desired, by the user, and which can store a variety of items, or even have hangers applied to it, for the hanging of clothing. Various rods may locate within each of the wire racks, and which span across the back of the rack, in order to provide stability, where this may be necessary, and to further sustain and support the erection of the entire assembled rack, once the shelving has been applied thereto. In addition, such support rods may also extend diagonally, or crosswise, between racks, where intermediate shelving is provided, where a pair or more of such racks are arranged in adjacency, but provide for intermediate shelving therebetween, as can be understood.
Each of the sections of the racks includes a series of end frames, each generally formed having at least a pair of vertical support rods, and further includes a variety of transverse cross rods, and onto which the shelving is located, as the rack is being assembled. Each of the end frames may have a series of integral or connected cross rods, to add stability to each end frame, when erected, and to also function to provide further support and structural integrity, to the end frames, when erected. In addition, the bottom of each vertical support rod may also include a cap, or other foot, in the assembled structure, to provide the rack with stable support, when erected, in place for usage.
Each of the shelving includes a series of longitudinal rods, and further includes a series of shelf forming rods, that are soldered, welded, or otherwise transversely secured to the longitudinal rods, when forming each individual shelf. In addition, each shelf includes a lower longitudinal rod, at both the front and back of the shelves, with the shelf forming rods being bent downwardly, at both their front and back edges, and soldered or welded into place with the lower longitudinal rods, to add substantial structural support and strength to each length of shelving, as at both the front and back edges of the assembled shelf, to afford further structural strength to the shelf, when laden with stored goods or material.
The intermediate rack section will simply be the provision of pressure fitting shelving, between the rack sections, where shelving can be located upon the various cross rods, generally at horizontal alignment, to add intermediate shelving to a pair of the assembled racks, and all of which may be self-sustaining and supported for structural integrity through the pressure fitting of the shelving, within the various rack sections, and the intermediate section, when the entire organizer is assembled.
The back of each of the end frames, and the intermediate section between sectional racks, may include means for enhancing support, and to which a diagonal brace, or cross braces, may connect, in order to add further to the structural strength and erectness of each of the end frames, and each assembled sectional rack, or such bracing or cross bracing may simply be assembled between rack sections, and add substantial structural integrity to the entire organizer, once assembled on location and for usage. This adds structural strength and erectness to the end frames, the rack sections, and the intermediate shelving sections, when supporting all of their shelves, as when the rack is assembled.
It is significant that all of the various components as defined herein, and to be analyzed in detail, when the rack is in a disassembled state, or when initially fabricated, can be layered into a generally flattened configuration, for storage, shipment, or when displayed for sale, as at the retail level. But, when purchased by a consumer, the rack can be immediately assembled and erected, into a versatile type of organizer of the type that may be required by the consumer, to fit within the confines of a particular area within a garage, closet, or the like, that is available to the consumer for organized storage. Hence, the multi-sectional shelves and racks may be assembled for immediate usage, and in a minimum of time and effort. Actually, no other fasteners are needed to promptly assemble a rack.
Hence, the essence of this invention is to provide the formation of a free standing wire shelving and organizer, that utilizes the pressure fit concept of applying various shelves within the structure of the organizer. For example, when a pair of such shelving sections are assembled, and then intermediate shelving is applied between each pair of shelving sections, this intermediate shelving may be applied onto the various cross rods that are yet available for application of shelving thereto, so as to add stability between a pair of sections, through the use of the intermediate framework, to furnish a very stabilized, and free standing, shelving system or organizer. In addition, lateral type shelving sections can be applied to the formed shelving sections, or one of the same, extending to either side of the section, incorporate a lone end frame displaced from the side of a section, and include various levels of shelving therein, upon the aligned cross rods, to furnish supplemental or lateral shelving, of the pressure fit type, within the concept of this invention, to form the style of organizer required to fit the space available for storage.
It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to provide shelving, supported by end frames, which may be assembled into sectional shelving, and where one or more of such racks may have intermediate or lateral shelves applied thereto, all for resting upon the floor or other surface, but yet have full stability to furnish instant storage for items to be located thereon.
Another object of this invention is to provide a supporting shelf, which is self-standing once assembled into a rack structure, wherein the shelving is pressure fitted within its various end frames, in order to initially provide structural support for the erected rack, or multiple sections of such assembled racks, when constructed into an organizer.
Still another object of this invention is to provide the fabrication of a supporting shelf that may be formed into a multi-shelved rack, at various levels as selected by the user, and which may be rested for full support upon the floor.
Another object is to provide shelving, which may be stored in a flattened condition, to facilitate its storage, transfer, or display in the market place.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a supporting shelf, including a variety of various height assembled shelving within a framework, that may be applied to the floor, is self-sustaining, has structural integrity, and may be held in position by means of various components, such as end frames, which when assembled together at the site of usage, may provide a multi-sectioned series of racks formed into an overall custom organizer.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a portable type of shelving, that may be instantly and quickly assembled into a variety of multi-shelved racks, held together by pressure fitting shelving, and which may or may not include a series of back bracings, to form a very secure and stably erected organizer rack.
Other objects may become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the description of the preferred embodiment provided herein.
Other various components may be used in the structure of this storage rack, within the scope of this invention as defined, after a review of the summary of this invention, and when further considered in conjunction with the description of the preferred embodiment, in light of the drawings accompanying this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In referring to the drawings;
FIG. 1 provides an isometric view of a pair of sectional racks, having an intermediate shelving pressure fitted therein, to provide a fully self-supporting stable organizer system for usage;
FIG. 2 provides a front view thereof;
FIG. 3 provides a rear view thereof;
FIG. 4 provides a left side view;
FIG. 5 is right side view;
FIG. 6 is a top plan view;
FIG. 7 is a bottom view;
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of one of the rack sections, having a lateral intermediate type of section applied thereto to furnish side shelving;
FIG. 9 is a front view thereof;
FIG. 10 is a back view thereof;
FIG. 11 is a left side view;
FIG. 12 is a right side view;
FIG. 13 is a top view; and
FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the organizer rack.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In referring to the drawings, and in particular FIG. 1, the componentry assembled free standing wire shelving and organizer 1 is readily disclosed. As can be seen, it may include one or more of sectional components, as at 2 and 3, wherein a series of shelves can be applied at various heights along the vertical of the shown shelving, to accommodate the type of storage required and needed by the user. As noted, the shelving can be placed at various height positions along the length of the vertical rods 4, through the pressure fitting of the type of shelves 5 upon the various cross rods 6 provided spacedly and fixedly along the sides of each of the formed end frames 7. This particular feature for providing shelving, that pressure fits within the end frames, at various heights, was previously described in our co-pending application, as identified in the cross reference herein, and in addition, was analyzed in the applicant's related invention upon the shelving for suspension from rafters, or the like, as shown in the U. S. Pat. No. 6,286,691, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. That particular patent defines the formation of the style of shelving 5, and how it can be fabricated for pressure fitting upon cross rods, in formed end frames for suspension usage, as can be seen.
The subject matter of this invention expands upon the previously defined technology, by forming various sectionalized shelving, and then having one or more of such shelving linked together, through intermediate or lateral structures, as shown at 8, which likewise provides one or more additional shelves 9, that pressure fit upon cross rods, as at 10, within the structured assembly. Hence, the dimensions of the space available against a wall, within a closet, or elsewhere within a home or business, where custom shelving is required, will determine how many sectionalized shelvings 2 or 3, may be used, and what type or length of intermediate shelving 8 may be applied, in order to link a series of these pressure fitted shelving together, to form a free standing wire racks or organizer, as desired.
It should also be noted that since this type of shelving is free standing, the bottom rods 10 extend between their proximate vertical rods 4, and even extend slightly forwardly and rearwardly thereof, as can be seen at 11, in order to furnish stability in the mounting of the entire organizer, upon the floor, once assembled. Obviously, more than one of the shelving 9 can be used within the intermediate framework, in order to stabilize a pair of the shelving sections 2 and 3, or more, together, depending upon the needs and requirements of the assembler, and the space requirements available, for such an organizer.
FIGS. 2 through 7 furnish various views of the shelving, and organizer, as described herein.
FIGS. 8 through 14 show another embodiment for componentry assembled free standing wire shelving and organizer of this invention. As can be seen, as particularly in FIG. 8, the organizer 12, in this particular instance, includes a sectionalized shelving 13 which is connected with a lateral style shelving 14. In this particular instance, the lateral style shelving is just that, provides a lesser width style of shelving to one or both sides of the sectionalized shelving, but in addition, allows for the organizer to be assembled and installed within a space that may be lesser than that in which the organizer 1, is used. Nevertheless, the structure of this type of organizer includes, in each shelving section, a pair of end frames 15 and 16, comprising a series of vertical rods 17, as a pair of rods at each end incorporating a series of cross rods 18, for pressure fitting of their various shelving 19 thereto. Once again, the description of the structure of the shelving, and its pressure fitting within each end frame, has already been described in our prior patent, and in the co-pending application from which this application comprises a continuation-in-part.
The assembly of the lateral shelving is similar to that as previously described with respect to the intermediate type of shelving 8, but in this particular instance, it includes a separate end frame 20 including a series of vertical rods 21 and cross rods 22 as can be seen. Thus, the shelving 23, whether it be one, as shown, or as many five or more of such shelving, can be applied between the end frame 20, in addition to the end frame 16, to provide further available shelving along the height of this supplemental and lateral shelving to the width as desired, as can be understood. Once again, the bottom rods 24 add stability to the shelving, when assembled and erected, and keep it from tilting, when ladened with bulky or heavy merchandise.
It can also be seen, although it may not be necessary, as noted in FIG. 1, and also in FIG. 8, that various diagonal or cross bracings may be provided to supplement the stability of the organizers when assembled. It has been found, through practice, that such bracing is not necessary to the overall stability of the assemblies, when used, but that some additional bracing, such as the cross bracing 25, comprising the bracing rods 26 and 27, or the diagonal rods 28 or 30, as can be seen, and can add some further stability to the structure. Actually, a single rod will work just as well in adding some stability in addition to that as inherent in the structure of the organizers per se, but a pair of cross rods will fix the two sectional assemblies 2 and 3 together, in addition to the combination of the sectional shelving 13, and its lateral shelving 14, as previously described with respect to FIG. 8.
Essentially, as is described in the embodiments of this invention, and as can be determined from the nomenclature, that these shelving assemblies, which are pressure fitted into place, are designed to furnish an organizer that may be structured from a variety of end frames and pressure fitted shelving, either into one or more sectionalized shelvings, having intermediate shelving therebetween, or lateral shelving off to one or both of the sides, so that the organizer can be assembled depending upon the space available in which such shelving is required, and structured. Much will depend upon the desires of the homeowner, or the business owner, when determining what are the needs for display and storage of any merchandise, clothing, or the like, when such organizers are assembled into, for example, a closet or against the wall of a business establishment, in a garage, basement, or the like. These are just examples, as explained herein, of how the organizer, through pressure fitted shelving can be immediately assembled into a utilitarian structure.
Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the summary of the invention as provided herein, and upon undertaking a study of the description of its preferred embodiment, in view of the drawings. Such variations, if within the spirit of this development, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention as defined. The description of the preferred embodiment as made herein, and as shown in the drawings are set forth for illustrative purposes only.

Claims

1. A componentry assembled free standing wire shelving in an organizer including:

at least a pair of sectionalized shelving, each sectionalized shelving including a pair of end frames, each end frame formed from a pair of spaced apart vertical rods and cross rods, to accommodate the pressure fitting of shelving thereon,

a pair of such sectionalized shelving having intermediate shelving provided therebetween, wherein one or more separate shelves are pressure fitted for accommodation onto said cross rods of said end frames provided at each side of a pair of such sectionalized shelving,

to furnish a fully structured inherently stable organizer for fitting into a space for storage or display purposes.

2. The wire shelving organizer of claim 1 further comprising:

said cross rods being mutually parallel and spaced apart, perpendicular to said vertical rods, and at the same elevation on said end frames; and,

said shelving having a generally horizontal orientation.

3. The wire shelving organizer of claim 2 further comprising:

bracing including at least one rod at an angle to the horizontal intermediate said sectionalized shelving and generally connecting to said end frames.

4. The wire shelving organizer of claim 2 further comprising:

each end frame having a bottom rod parallel to said cross rods upon the bottom of each section, said bottom rod having a length greater than that of said cross rods to improve stability of said organizer.

5. A free standing organizer assembled from wire comprising:

at least one section, each section including a pair of spaced apart end frames, each end frame having a pair of mutually parallel spaced apart vertical rods and a plurality of cross rods transverse said vertical rods, said cross rods receive shelving in a pressure fit;

at least one separate end frame spaced apart from each section, each separate end frame having a pair of mutually parallel spaced apart vertical rods and a plurality of cross rods transverse said vertical rods, said cross rods receive shelving in a pressure fit; and,

at least one shelving pressure fit between cross rods of said end frame and said separate end frame.

6. The organizer of claim 5 wherein said shelves have a generally horizontal orientation.

7. The organizer of claim 6 further comprising:

bracing including at least one rod at an angle to the horizontal intermediate said section and said separate end frame and generally connecting to said end frame to improve rigidity of said organizer.

8. The organizer of claim 5 further comprising:

each end frame having a bottom rod parallel to said cross rods upon the bottom of each section;

each separate end frame having a bottom rod parallel to said cross rods upon the bottom of each section; and,

said bottom rods having a length greater than that of said cross rods to improve stability of said organizer.

9. A free standing organizer assembled from wire comprising:

at least three frames, mutually parallel and spaced apart, each frame including a pair of vertical spaced apart rods and a plurality of cross rods spanning transverse said vertical rods;

at least two shelves, each shelf locating intermediate two of said frames, said shelves pressure fitting upon said cross rods; and,

bracing including at least one rod at an angle to the horizontal between at least one pair of said frames to improve rigidity of said organizer.

10. The free standing organizer of claim 9 further comprising:

each frame having a bottom rod, generally parallel to said cross rods and located at the bottom of said frame to improve stability of said organizer.