US20070095773A1 - Storage system and method - Google Patents
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- US20070095773A1 US20070095773A1 US11/261,350 US26135005A US2007095773A1 US 20070095773 A1 US20070095773 A1 US 20070095773A1 US 26135005 A US26135005 A US 26135005A US 2007095773 A1 US2007095773 A1 US 2007095773A1
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- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
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- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 4
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- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005219 brazing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B47/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements
- A47B47/0091—Modular arrangements of similar assemblies of elements
Definitions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the more customized shelving systems are made, the less modular and adaptable to other applications they become.
- 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.
- a modular shelving system 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.
- 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.
- a modular shelving system 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.
- 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.
- a method of assembling a modular shelving system 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.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular shelving system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side view of a support post of the shelving system illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the support post illustrated in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a corner shelf of the modular shelving system illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a rectangular shelf liner of the modular shelving system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a corner shelf liner of the modular shelving system of 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 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).
- the shape of the shelves 20 , 22 is not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- 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).
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- none of the shelves 20 , 22 are adjustable to different positions in the modular shelving system 10 .
- 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.
- the uprights 12 each have a generally round cross-sectional shape.
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 ).
- the shelves 20 , 22 of the shelving units 14 , 16 can take a number of different forms.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the shelves 20 , 22 have no such side wall in other embodiments.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- the C-shaped collars 138 compress bushings (not shown) located on the uprights 112 in a manner described earlier.
- any number of hanger rails 130 can be mounted at different heights along any of the uprights 112 , as desired.
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- the body portion 172 is oriented with its open end directed generally downwardly and placed so that it straddles the hanger rail 130 .
- the rods 134 can be adjustable to different positions along the hanger rail(s) 130 .
- 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.
- brackets 136 can be coupled to one or more shelves 120 , 122 in any of the shelving system embodiments disclosed herein.
- 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.
- the hanger rails 30 are similar in shape to the lateral edges of the shelves 20 , 22 .
- 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 .
- a hanger rail 30 e.g., see the brackets 36 supporting the three telescoping rods 32 in FIG. 1
- a shelf 120 , 122 e.g., see the brackets 36 supporting the single telescoping rod 32 in the center of FIG. 1
- 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 .
- the brackets 136 (and therefore the rod 134 ) can be moved to different positions along the lengths of the hanger rails 130 .
- 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.
- multiple rods 134 can be added and supported by additional brackets 136 which can be installed on the same or additional hanger rails 130 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 ).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 ).
- 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.
- the shelving system components are modular, thereby allowing for many different types of shelving units to be constructed using the same components.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 ).
- 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.
- 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.
- the corner and rectangular shelving units 14 , 16 are connected to and by telescoping rods 32 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- this adaptability can significantly simplify shelving system installation while reducing the costs of the shelving system 10 and the installation thereof.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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
- Shelving system components could be stored for purchase individually or could be packaged in any manner as kits.
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- a single corner shelving unit 14 is coupled to a single rectangular shelving unit 16 by a number of telescoping rods 32 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- shelving units 14 , 16 can be coupled together in a number of different manners in various embodiments.
- adjacent shelving units 14 , 16 are coupled together by one or more adjustable or non-adjustable rods 32 , 34 .
- 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.
- 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 ′.
- 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 .
- 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.
- two or more shelving units 14 , 16 can be coupled together by sharing one or more of the same uprights 12 .
- 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.
- 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.
Landscapes
- Assembled Shelves (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- 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.
- 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.
- Accordingly, economical, modular, easy-to-install, adjustable, space-saving, and efficient shelving systems are welcome additions to the art.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.
- 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.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular shelving system according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a side view of a support post of the shelving system illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the support post illustrated inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a corner shelf of the modular shelving system illustrated inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the modular shelving system illustrated inFIG. 1 , modified to include hanger rails and a rod coupled thereto by brackets. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the modular shelving system illustrated inFIG. 1 , modified to include hanger rails and a plurality of rods coupled thereto and to a wall rail via brackets. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of the modular shelving system ofFIG. 1 , modified to include a hanger rail and a rod coupled thereto and to a wall via hanger brackets. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a rectangular shelf liner of the modular shelving system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a corner shelf liner of the modular shelving system ofFIG. 1 . - 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.
- With reference first to
FIG. 1 , a modular shelving system 10 is shown, and includes acorner shelving unit 14 and arectangular shelving unit 16. Thecorner shelving unit 14 illustrated inFIG. 1 has a five-sided polygonal footprint, while therectangular shelving unit 16 illustrated inFIG. 1 has a rectangular footprint.Shelving units rectangular shelving units FIG. 1 has a number ofuprights 12 coupled to and supporting a number ofshelves 22 as will be described in greater detail below. The modular shelving system 10 can have any number ofuprights 12 for supporting any number ofcorner 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 theshelves FIG. 1 . For example, any or all of theshelves FIG. 1 , but can be available in different sizes, whileother shelves - The
corner shelving unit 14 illustrated inFIG. 1 is shaped to have tworear sides 92 and an unobstructedfront corner 90 through which users are provided access to theshelves 20 and articles/products upon theshelves 20. Thecorner shelf 14 can therefore be placed in a corner (i.e., adjacent the walls defining the corner) and even between twoadjacent shelving units corner shelving unit 14. This corner shelf unit structure can enable users to access and utilize portions of thecorner shelving unit 14 that might not otherwise be used if blocked by one or morefront uprights 12. - In some embodiments of the modular shelving system 10, one or more of the
shelves rectangular shelving units uprights 12. For example, theshelves FIG. 1 are adjustable to different positions along theuprights 12, and can be secured thereto in any conventional manner. In other embodiments, none of theshelves - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , each upright 12 can have a hollow cylindrical shape, althoughsolid uprights 12 can be used in other embodiments. Theuprights 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 ofFIGS. 2 and 3 , theuprights 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. - In those embodiments in which at least either or both ends of the
uprights 12 are hollow, the ends of theuprights 12 can be closed withcaps 44, if desired (seeFIG. 3 ).Such caps 44 can be pressed, threaded, pinned, or secured into place on the ends of theuprights 12 in any other manner. In some embodiments, an end of one ormore uprights 12 includes afoot 40 designed to be placed in contact with a floor surface. Thefoot 40 can take any of the forms just described with reference to thecaps 44. Also, thefoot 40 is adjustable in some embodiments, such as by a threaded connection between the foot and theuprights 12 or between different portions of thefoot 40. Such adjustability enables a user to raise and lower the associated upright 12 in order to level theshelving unit - The
uprights 12 of anyshelving unit 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, theuprights 12 illustrated inFIG. 1 are constructed of multiple sections joined by threadedcouplings 42 as shown inFIG. 3 . Thecouplings 42 illustrated inFIG. 3 have threaded ends that engage threads formed in adjacent sections of an upright 12. - With reference to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , the illustrateduprights 12 each have a plurality of externalcircumferential grooves 18. Thesegrooves 18 can be used to secureshelves uprights 12. In some embodiments,multiple grooves 18 enable the attachment ofmultiple shelves rails 30, described below) to theuprights 12 and/or permit theshelves uprights 12. If employed, thegrooves 18 can be used in conjunction with tapered or non-tapered bushings (not shown) in order to connect theshelves uprights 12 in a conventional manner. - In some embodiments,
shelves uprights 12 by positioning bushings (not shown) around theuprights 12 at one or more desired heights. As described above, the bushings can engage at least one of thegrooves 18, if utilized. With the bushings in place, ashelf uprights 12 such that collars 50 (e.g., seeFIG. 4 ) of theshelf collars 50 compress the bushings against the uprights 12. Tapered bushings and/or internally-taperedcollars 50 can enhance this function. Accordingly, bushings can be compressed and locked in place in thegrooves 18 at desired locations along theuprights 12 to secure theshelves cylindrical collars 50 are designed to fit over the uprights 12. Accordingly, and by enabling a user to secure theshelves uprights 12 as described herein, the user can install any number ofshelves upright 12. Supporting a shelf uponuprights 12 in this manner is well known to those skilled in the art, and will not therefore be discussed in greater detail. - In other embodiments of the present invention, the
uprights 12 can be provided with other features and elements enabling connection ofshelves uprights 12, a plurality of ribs, studs, bosses, flanges, lips, pins, or other protrusions extending from theuprights 12, and the like. In still other embodiments, the surfaces of theuprights 12 are relatively featureless (such as when clamps, set-screws, or other fasteners are used to secure theshelves - The
shelves shelving units shelves shelves rods shelves shelves shelves shelves - The
corner shelf 20 illustrated inFIG. 4 will now be described in greater detail, it being understood that the following description of thecorner shelf 20 applies equally to therectangular shelves 22 illustrated inFIGS. 1, 5 , and 6 and to shelves having other shapes. With reference now toFIG. 4 , the illustratedcorner shelf 20 is a wire-type shelf having a hollowcylindrical collar 50 located at each corner, perimeter wires 52,edge wires 54,cross wires 56, andshelf surface wires 58. In some embodiments, two pieces of perimeter wire 52 at least partially define one or more sides of theshelf 20, and can be coupled to thecollars 50 at each corner. Also, in some embodiments, theedge wire 54 runs between the pieces of perimeter wire 52. Theedge 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 theshelves cross wires 56 and/or shelf surface wires 58 (described below), perimeter wires 52 having other shapes with or withoutedge wires 54,edge wires 54 having other shapes with or without perimeter wires 52, and the like. - With continued reference to
FIG. 4 , the illustratedcross wires 56 extend between edges of theshelf 20, and are joined to the perimeter wires 52 and/or theedge wires 54 at both ends. Theshelf surface wires 58 run perpendicular to and above thecross wires 56 between edges of theshelf 20 across the tops of thecross wires 56. In other embodiments, the cross andshelf surface wires -
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 toFIGS. 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 theshelving unit 116 illustrated inFIG. 5 and described below. Elements and features of the embodiment shown inFIG. 5 that correspond to elements and features of the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-4 are designated hereinafter in the 100 series of reference numbers. - In some embodiments, the
shelving units more hanger rails 130 for mountingrods 134 or other shelving components on theshelving units FIG. 5 shows hanger rails 130 and arod 134 installed on arectangular shelving unit 116 similar to that ofFIG. 1 , the following description applies equally to thecorner shelving unit 14 illustrated inFIG. 1 . In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 5 , therectangular shelving unit 116 is illustrated with twohanger rails 130, twobrackets 136, and arod 134. The hanger rails 130 can be constructed similarly to theshelves 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 includehollow 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 (seeFIG. 6 ) without having to slide the hanger rails 130 along the uprights 112 from the ends of the uprights 112. Alternatively, thecollars 138 can have the same or similar shape to the collars 150 (not shown inFIG. 6 ) of theshelves 122. The hanger rails 130 can be attached to the uprights 112 in any of the manners described above regarding the connection between theshelves uprights 12 in the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 1-4 . In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 5 , for example, the C-shapedcollars 138 compress bushings (not shown) located on the uprights 112 in a manner described earlier. It should also be noted that any number ofhanger rails 130 can be mounted at different heights along any of the uprights 112, as desired. - 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 thecollar 138 via a hinge, enabling a user to open and close thecollar 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 hingedcollars 138 described above. - In some embodiments of the present invention, one or
more rods 134 are coupled to one ormore hanger rails 130 as described above. This connection can be made by one ormore brackets 136, such as thebrackets 136 shown inFIG. 5 . Thebrackets 136 each include acupped portion 170 shaped to cradle therod 134 and abody portion 172 shaped to straddle thehanger rail 130. With reference toFIG. 7 , which illustrates anidentical bracket 336 used in another embodiment described below, thebody portion 372 can include a pair of apertures 373 passing therethrough for one or more fasteners used to mount thebracket 336 to a wall or other structure. To install thebracket 136 on ahanger rail 130 as illustrated inFIG. 5 , thebody portion 172 is oriented with its open end directed generally downwardly and placed so that it straddles thehanger rail 130. In this and other embodiments, therods 134 can be adjustable to different positions along the hanger rail(s) 130. For example, thebrackets hanger rail 130 in any desired position therealong. - 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 theshelves 120, 122 can have the same or similar shape enabling a user to mountbrackets 136 thereto. For example, and with reference back to the embodiment ofFIG. 1 , the hanger rails 30 are similar in shape to the lateral edges of theshelves more brackets 36 and associated accessories to ashelving unit brackets 36 supporting the threetelescoping rods 32 inFIG. 1 ) or by a shelf 120, 122 (e.g., see thebrackets 36 supporting thesingle telescoping rod 32 in the center ofFIG. 1 ), thereby adding an additional degree of flexibility to the shelving system 10. -
FIG. 5 illustrates arod 134 suspended between twobrackets 136 supported by respective hanger rails 130. Therod 134 is cradled at each end by thecupped portion 170 of eachbracket 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 theshelves 122. Therefore, the position of therod 134 can be adjusted vertically and/or horizontally to meet the needs of the user. It should be noted thatmultiple rods 134 can be added and supported byadditional brackets 136 which can be installed on the same or additional hanger rails 130. - As described above, the
brackets 136 illustrated inFIG. 5 straddle the hanger rails 130, while therod 134 is received incupped portions 170 of thebrackets 136. In other embodiments, thebrackets 136 can instead be permanently or releasably coupled to the hanger rails 130 and/or to therod 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 therod 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 therod 134 in other embodiments, and can have any other shape suitable for performing the connecting and supporting functions described above. -
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 toFIGS. 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 theshelving unit 216 illustrated inFIG. 6 and described below. Elements and features of the embodiment shown inFIG. 6 that correspond to elements and features of the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-5 are designated hereinafter in the 200 series of reference numbers. -
FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment identical toFIG. 5 , but with anadditional hanger rail 230 secured to a wall or other structure a distance from therectangular shelving unit 216. AlthoughFIG. 6 shows anadditional hanger rail 230 and other structure (described below) installed on arectangular shelving unit 216 similar to that ofFIG. 1 , the following description applies equally to thecorner shelving unit 20 illustrated inFIG. 1 . Theadditional 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 thebrackets 236 and the hanger rails 230. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 6 , theadditional hanger rail 230 has threebrackets 236 installed thereon, each of which supports arespective rod 232. Therods 232 are supported on their other ends by threeadditional brackets 236 supported by therectangular shelving unit 216. Therods 232 are telescopingrods 232, and have a first portion slidable within a second portion to change the lengths of therods 232. Thetelescoping rods 232 can perform the same functions as therod 134 described above in connection withFIG. 5 , but can also be adjusted to various lengths. In other embodiments, therods 234 extending between therectangular shelving unit 216 and the wall can be non-telescoping, if desired. The number oftelescoping rods 232 is arbitrary, asmultiple telescoping rods 232 can be supported by thesame hanger rail 230. - With reference back to the embodiment of
FIG. 5 , theshelving unit 116 illustrated inFIG. 5 has arod 134 suspended between uprights 112 in therectangular shelving unit 116. The configuration shown inFIG. 5 is not limiting. Therod 134 can be interchangeable with a telescoping rod, if desired. Also, one or more rods 134 (or telescoping rods 32) can extend betweenhanger rails 130 in adjacent shelving units as shown inFIG. 1 , or between ashelving unit 116 and a wall or other structure as shown inFIG. 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). -
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 toFIGS. 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 theshelving unit 314 illustrated inFIG. 7 and described below. Elements and features of the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 that correspond to elements and features of the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-6 are designated hereinafter in the 300 series of reference numbers. - The
corner shelving unit 314 illustrated inFIG. 7 is coupled to a telescoping rod 332 supported at both ends byhanger brackets 336. Afirst hanger bracket 336 is supported by ahanger rail 330 coupled to thecorner shelving unit 314. Asecond hanger bracket 336 is secured to a wall or other structure by installing twoscrews 374 in the apertures in thebody portion 372 of thehanger bracket 336. Alternatively, thesecond 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 inFIG. 6 ). - Any of the configurations shown in
FIGS. 1, 5 , and 6 with regard to arectangular shelving unit corner shelving unit - 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. - 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 fordifferent shelving units uprights 12 used for thecorner shelving unit 14 illustrated inFIG. 1 are the same as those used for therectangular shelving unit 16. Similarly, thehanger rail 30 on thecorner shelving unit 14 illustrated inFIG. 1 is the same as thehanger rail 30 on therectangular shelving unit 14, as are thebrackets 36 used to connect thetelescoping rods 32 to both hanger rails 30, and the bushings (not shown) used to mount theshelves same uprights 12, bushings, hanger rails 30,brackets 36, androds 32 can be used to assemble shelving systems having many other configurations (including those described above in connection withFIGS. 5-7 ). In this manner, parts used for constructing ashelving unit configuration - 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. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the corner andrectangular shelving units 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 ofshelving units telescoping rods 32 as needed). Consequently, an area in whichshelving units shelving units 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 theshelving units - As described above, the hanger rails 30 can be coupled to the
uprights 12 by open collars 38, enabling telescoping ornon-telescoping rods 32, 34 to be installed upon theshelving units non-telescoping rods 32, 34 can be used to connectshelving units more shelving units shelving units rods 32, 34. In particular, by virtue of the open collars 38 described above, the open collars 38 can be mounted to theuprights 12 at any time during the shelving system assembly process (rather than being slid down theuprights 12 at particular points when theshelving units shelving units shelving units shelving units rods 32, 34. - 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 andshelves rods 32, 34 and/orshelves uprights 12, the user can easily remove, re-position, and re-mount therods 32, 34 and hanger rails 30 (via the open collars 38). Without this capability, such adjustment could require disassembly of one ormore shelving units more shelves - 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, andshelves 20, 22) to construct manydifferent shelving units identical shelving uprights 12 or shelving upright portions are stored, second and third areas in whichidentical shelves 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. - 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 identical rods 32, 34 can be packaged in any number (e.g., four uprights to a package, tworectangular 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 ofidentical shelves hanger rails 30, or a kit containing a set ofidentical rods 32, 34 together with a set ofbrackets 36. In other embodiments, kits can comprise the elements (e.g., uprights 12 andshelves 20 or 22) needed to assemble a type ofshelving unit different shelving units 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. - 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.
-
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate ashelf liner 60 for arectangular shelf 22, and ashelf liner 62 for acorner shelf 20. Bothshelf liners shelf shelf surface wires 58. Each corner of theshelf liners cutout 64 for the uprights 12. Some or all of thecutouts 64 can have a shape substantially identical to the profile of anadjacent upright 12. Thesecutouts 64 can allow theshelf liner shelf shelf liners shelf liners - 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.
- For example, in the illustrated embodiment of
FIG. 1 , a singlecorner shelving unit 14 is coupled to a singlerectangular shelving unit 16 by a number oftelescoping rods 32. In other embodiments, any number of corner and/orrectangular shelving units rectangular shelving unit corner shelving units 16 and can be coupled thereto by any number of telescoping and/ornon-telescoping rods 32, 34. As another example, acorner shelving unit 14 can be located between tworectangular shelving units 16 and can be coupled thereto by any number of telescoping and/ornon-telescoping rods 32, 34 and/orshelves corner shelving units 14 or two or morerectangular shelving units 16 can be coupled by any number of telescoping and/ornon-telescoping rods 32, 34 spanning a distance betweensuch units - It should also be noted that
shelving units adjacent shelving units non-adjustable rods 32, 34. Also, in some embodiments, two or moreadjacent shelving units 14 and/or 16 are coupled together by one ormore shelves 20 and/or 22, in whichcase collars 50 of thesame shelf 20 and/or 22 can be connected to theuprights 12 ofdifferent shelving units 14 and/or 16 (e.g.,collars 50 on opposite ends of thesame shelves uprights 12 ofdifferent shelving units 14, 16). As shown inFIG. 1 by way of example only, ashelf 22′ extends between and is coupled to the two illustratedshelving units collars 50 at the ends of theshelf 22′. Although thecollars 50 of theshelf 22′ are open, and have the same structure as theopen collars 50 on the ends of the hanger rails 30 also shown inFIG. 1 , thecollars 50 can be closed in other embodiments. Theopen collars 50 on theshelf 22′ of the illustrated embodiment permit a user to install theshelf 22′ onuprights 12 at any location along theuprights 12, rather than install theshelf 22′ by sliding theshelf 22′ along theuprights 12 to a desired location. This capability provides the same advantages as described above in connection with theopen collars 50 of thehanger brackets - 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 theuprights 12 of theshelving units collars rods 32, 34, or byhanger rails brackets more shelving units same uprights 12. For example, thecollars 50 of one ormore shelves shelving unit collars 50 of one ormore shelves adjacent shelving unit same uprights 12. Still other arrangements ofcorner 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. - As another example, although the
brackets rods shelving units 14, 16), thebrackets shelves
Claims (73)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/261,350 US20070095773A1 (en) | 2005-10-28 | 2005-10-28 | Storage system and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/261,350 US20070095773A1 (en) | 2005-10-28 | 2005-10-28 | Storage system and method |
Publications (1)
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US20070095773A1 true US20070095773A1 (en) | 2007-05-03 |
Family
ID=37994893
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/261,350 Abandoned US20070095773A1 (en) | 2005-10-28 | 2005-10-28 | Storage system and method |
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US20080237163A1 (en) * | 2007-03-26 | 2008-10-02 | Design Assistance Construction Systems, Inc. | Flue spacer |
US20080237161A1 (en) * | 2007-03-26 | 2008-10-02 | Design Assistance Construction Systems, Inc. | Flue spacer |
US20080302746A1 (en) * | 2007-06-08 | 2008-12-11 | Gottfried Scholz | Storage shelving system |
US20090127216A1 (en) * | 2007-11-20 | 2009-05-21 | Young International Llc | Ceiling mounted hanging shelving system |
US20100155352A1 (en) * | 2008-12-24 | 2010-06-24 | Ching-Chen Hsieh | Combination Shelf Whose Support Boards Can Be Increased |
US8157312B2 (en) | 2010-04-20 | 2012-04-17 | Knaack Llc | Universal modular storage for a vehicle |
US20150102002A1 (en) * | 2012-12-29 | 2015-04-16 | Scott D. Maurer | Shelf assembly particularly suitable for wire grid rack systems having racks at fixed vertical spacings |
DE102007045788B4 (en) * | 2007-09-25 | 2015-10-08 | Bruno Gruber | Multifunctional pedestal |
WO2016085978A1 (en) * | 2014-11-24 | 2016-06-02 | Tube Technology, Inc. | Corner piece for tubular shelving |
JP2016214691A (en) * | 2015-05-22 | 2016-12-22 | 株式会社イトーキ | Storage furniture |
EP3202282A1 (en) * | 2016-02-08 | 2017-08-09 | Peter Gerber | Modular shelving system |
NO20162005A1 (en) * | 2016-12-15 | 2018-06-18 | Stein Hofstad | Flexible storage system |
US20180208354A1 (en) * | 2017-01-25 | 2018-07-26 | Chuan-Ching YEH | Basket |
USD878061S1 (en) | 2019-10-16 | 2020-03-17 | Sterling Shelf Liners, Inc. | Shelf liner |
USD880874S1 (en) | 2019-10-29 | 2020-04-14 | Sterling Shelf Liners, Inc. | Shelf liner |
USD882964S1 (en) | 2019-10-29 | 2020-05-05 | Sterling Shelf Liners, Inc. | Shelf liner |
US10681978B2 (en) * | 2018-11-07 | 2020-06-16 | Seville Classics Inc. | Shelving assembly having an adjustable bridge shelf |
US10849425B2 (en) | 2017-10-06 | 2020-12-01 | The Intellectual Property Network, Inc. | Motorized modular smart shelving and storage unit |
US11116146B2 (en) * | 2019-07-29 | 2021-09-14 | T.U.I. Industrial Co., Ltd. | Cultivation assembly |
US11208048B2 (en) | 2019-07-11 | 2021-12-28 | Adrian Steel Company | Vehicle shelf system and method of use |
KR20220007380A (en) * | 2020-07-10 | 2022-01-18 | 주식회사 리노 | Shelf assembly for kitchen |
USD953752S1 (en) | 2019-05-28 | 2022-06-07 | Sterling Shelf Liners, Inc. | Shelf liner |
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US7857152B2 (en) | 2007-03-26 | 2010-12-28 | Design Assistance Construction Systems, Inc. | Flue spacer |
US20080302746A1 (en) * | 2007-06-08 | 2008-12-11 | Gottfried Scholz | Storage shelving system |
DE102007045788B4 (en) * | 2007-09-25 | 2015-10-08 | Bruno Gruber | Multifunctional pedestal |
US20090127216A1 (en) * | 2007-11-20 | 2009-05-21 | Young International Llc | Ceiling mounted hanging shelving system |
US20100155352A1 (en) * | 2008-12-24 | 2010-06-24 | Ching-Chen Hsieh | Combination Shelf Whose Support Boards Can Be Increased |
US8016140B2 (en) * | 2008-12-24 | 2011-09-13 | Ching-Chen Hsieh | Combination shelf whose support boards can be increased |
US8157312B2 (en) | 2010-04-20 | 2012-04-17 | Knaack Llc | Universal modular storage for a vehicle |
US20150102002A1 (en) * | 2012-12-29 | 2015-04-16 | Scott D. Maurer | Shelf assembly particularly suitable for wire grid rack systems having racks at fixed vertical spacings |
US9192250B2 (en) * | 2012-12-29 | 2015-11-24 | Scott D. Maurer | Shelf assembly particularly suitable for wire grid rack systems having racks at fixed vertical spacings |
WO2016085978A1 (en) * | 2014-11-24 | 2016-06-02 | Tube Technology, Inc. | Corner piece for tubular shelving |
JP2016214691A (en) * | 2015-05-22 | 2016-12-22 | 株式会社イトーキ | Storage furniture |
EP3202282A1 (en) * | 2016-02-08 | 2017-08-09 | Peter Gerber | Modular shelving system |
NO20162005A1 (en) * | 2016-12-15 | 2018-06-18 | Stein Hofstad | Flexible storage system |
US20180208354A1 (en) * | 2017-01-25 | 2018-07-26 | Chuan-Ching YEH | Basket |
US10849425B2 (en) | 2017-10-06 | 2020-12-01 | The Intellectual Property Network, Inc. | Motorized modular smart shelving and storage unit |
US11026510B2 (en) * | 2018-11-07 | 2021-06-08 | Seville Classics Inc. | Shelving assembly having an adjustable bridge shelf |
US10681978B2 (en) * | 2018-11-07 | 2020-06-16 | Seville Classics Inc. | Shelving assembly having an adjustable bridge shelf |
USD953752S1 (en) | 2019-05-28 | 2022-06-07 | Sterling Shelf Liners, Inc. | Shelf liner |
US11208048B2 (en) | 2019-07-11 | 2021-12-28 | Adrian Steel Company | Vehicle shelf system and method of use |
US11116146B2 (en) * | 2019-07-29 | 2021-09-14 | T.U.I. Industrial Co., Ltd. | Cultivation assembly |
USD878061S1 (en) | 2019-10-16 | 2020-03-17 | Sterling Shelf Liners, Inc. | Shelf liner |
USD882964S1 (en) | 2019-10-29 | 2020-05-05 | Sterling Shelf Liners, Inc. | Shelf liner |
USD880874S1 (en) | 2019-10-29 | 2020-04-14 | Sterling Shelf Liners, Inc. | Shelf liner |
KR20220007380A (en) * | 2020-07-10 | 2022-01-18 | 주식회사 리노 | Shelf assembly for kitchen |
KR102355986B1 (en) | 2020-07-10 | 2022-01-26 | 주식회사 리노 | Shelf assembly for kitchen |
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