US3688915A

US3688915A - Combined shelf edge and hanger support

Info

Publication number: US3688915A
Application number: US100101A
Authority: US
Inventors: Joe B Ramsey
Original assignee: Acme General Corp
Current assignee: Acme General Corp
Priority date: 1970-12-21
Filing date: 1970-12-21
Publication date: 1972-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 1989-09-05
Also published as: CA938917A

Abstract

A metal strip that fits along the front edge of a shelf for reinforcing the shelf edge and also providing a place to hang conventional coat hangers is roll formed from sheet metal. A generally T-shaped end clip at each end is fittable over the edge bar for holding it in place and also for length adjustment. The end clip has a fastener receiving aperture on the cross bar of the T for accommodating a nail, screw or the like into the shelf end nailing strip.

Description

United States Patent Ramsey 51 Sept. 5, 1972 [54] COMBINED SHELF EDGE AND HANGER SUPPORT [72] Inventor: Joe B. Ramsey, Walnut, Calif.

[73] Assignee: Acme General Corporation, Monrovia, Calif.

[22] Filed: Dec. 21, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 100,101

[52] US. Cl ..211/123, 248/225 [51] Int. Cl. ..A47h 1/00 [58] Field of Search .....211/l23, 94, 105.1; 248/248, 248/214, 215, 225, 227; 223/85, 87, 88, 120; 108/28, 29, 30, 31; 40/16, 132

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,120,309 2/1964 Goettl et al ..211/123 3,248,765 5/1966 Achabal ..248/227 X 3,084,463 4/1963 Guyer ..40/132 3,294,353 12/1966 Rowe ..248/225 X 2,504,741 4/1950 Simpson ..248/225 X 3,339,749 9/1967 Odegaard ..21 l/94 3,225,940 12/1965 Story .Q ..2l l/l53 2,940,600 6/ 1960 Bonia ..21 1 90 2,608,777 9/1952 Schuler ..40/16 2,856,711 10/1958 Hobbs ..40/16 3,221,676 12/1965 Sedo 108/28 Primary Examiner-Nile O. Byers, Jr. Attorney-Christie, Parker & Hale [57] ABSTRACT A metal strip that fits along the front edge of a shelf for reinforcing the shelf edge and also providing a place to hang conventional coat hangers is roll formed from sheet metal. A generally T-shaped end clip at each end is fittable over the edge bar for holding it in place and also for length adjustment. The end clip has a fastener receiving aperture on the cross bar of the T for accommodating a nail, screw or the like into the shelf end nailing strip.

10 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Patented Sept. 5, 1972 3 688 915 Lig M INVENTOR.

COMBINED SHELF EDGE AND HANGER SUPPORT BACKGROUND It is desirable to form closet shelves or the like out of relatively thin stock, such as composition board, or thin plywood; however, such thin panels cannot by themselves support substantial weight. It is also desirable in closets to provide a means for hanging conventional coat hangers or the like. Typically a separate bar is provided in a closet for coat hangers; however, there has been provided an edge strip connectible to the leading edge of the shelf for supporting hooks of coat hangers. Such edge strips have required substantial shelf thicknesses since the edge strip is supported by the shelf and must bear the weight of the hangers and transmit it to the shelf. This has been the case since prior edge strips did not come completely to the end of the shelf for transmitting loads to the end nailing strips. Failures of the shelf material at the end nailing strips under heavy loads has been a problem. The only known solution has been to provide a recessed portion in an end nailing strip for accommodating a portion of the edge bar; however, this requires substantial on'site labor when an edge bar is installed on a shelf.

Means must also be provided for retaining the edge bar on the shelf, and previously this has been done by locking the edge bar to the shelf itself. With thin shelf stock such interlocking is not feasible.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, according to a presently preferred embodiment, there is provided a combined shelf edge and hanger support assembly, including a pair of end clips of a generally T-shape. Each of the end clips has a flat portion fittable to a shelf top on the crossbar of the T, including an extension beyond the leg of the T on each side thereof a distance corresponding to the thickness of the shelf end nailing strip, each of the extensions including a fastener receiving aperture and the end clip further comprising an internal portion complementary to a shelf edge and hanger bar, including at least a portion extending along the leg of the T.

DRAWINGS These and other features and advantages of this invention will be appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective a shelf having an edge strip and end clips incorporating principles of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary cross section of a shelf with an edge strip in place;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view of a tool useful in installation of the shelf edge assembly;

FIG. 4 illustrates in perspective an end clip constructed according to principles of this invention; and

FIG. 5 is a plan view of one end of the shelf with an edge strip and end clip in place.

Throughout the drawings like numerals refer to like parts.

DESCRIPTION FIG. 1 illustrates in cutaway perspective a shelf having a combined shelf edge and hanger support constructed according to principles of this invention. As illustrated in this presently preferred embodiment, there is provided a shelf 10 made of thin pressboard or plywood and mounted in a conventional closet or the like. The shelf is supported at its rear edge by a rear nailing strip 11 and is supported at each side edge (or v end) by an end nailing strip 12. The end nailing strips 12 preferably extend forwardly of the front edge of the shelf for supporting the front edge, as will be apparent hereinafter. The nailing strips 11 and 12 are typically nailed or screwed to a closet wall (not shown), and the shelf 10 is nailed or stapled to the nailing strips in at least a few locations to prevent the shelf from being shifted or raised.

Along the forward edge of the shelf 10 is a shelf edge and hanger support assembly formed of an elongated strip 13 extending the principal portion of the length of the shelf and a pair of similar end clips 14 one at each end of the edge strip 13.

The edge strip 13 and an end clip 14 are seen in the transverse cross section of FIG. 2. The edge strip is preferably made of sheet steel and is conveniently roll formed into the illustrated cross section which is uniform throughout the length of the edge strip. The cross section of the edge strip can be considered for purposes of exposition as having two interconnected portions, namely, a U-shaped portion engaging the edge of the shelf 10 and a J-shaped portion extending below the shelf. The bight 16 of the U-shaped portion extends along the front edge of the shelf 10 and, typically, is in close engagement there against. One leg 17 of the U-shaped portion lies along the top surface of the shelf and typically lies substantially parallel to the surface of the shelf as constrained by the end clips 14. The angle between the bight l6 and top leg 17 of the U- shaped portion may not be a right angle, and a triangular space may occur between the front edge of the shelf and the interior of the bight of the U when it is installed on the shelf.

The lower leg 18 of the U is beneath the shelf and has at least its open end 19 in engagement with the lower surface of the shelf. Thus, the front edge of the shelf is between the

legs

17 and 18 of the U and typically is gripped therebetween due to springiness of the sheet steel forming the edge strip.

In manufacturing the edge strip 16 it is preferred to make it sufficiently versatile that it can be used with shelves in the size range of from about A to V4 inch as may be required in a particular application. These sizes are, of course, only exemplary and strips can be made in a variety of sizes. In order to accommodate such a range of sizes, the U-shaped portion is formed with the bight 16 of the U having an internal dimension of slightly more than V4 inch so that shelf stock of this larger dimension can be accommodated within the U. Also, the open end of the U-shaped portion is formed with an opening of about A; inch so that when the edge strip is installed upon A: inch thick shelf stock the

legs

17 and 18 of the U-shaped portion grip the shelf stock for eliminating any looseness of the edge strip relative to the shelf. This permits the upper leg 17 to lie substantially parallel to the top surface of the shelf and, typically, when so installed a triangular space 21 occurs between the lower leg 18 and the bottom surface of the shelf. The close spacing at the open end of the U also grips the shelf with a degree of frictional resistance that inhibits removal of the edge strip from the edge of the shelf.

If desired in manufacturing operations, different sizes of openings of the U-shaped portion may be formed for different shelf thicknesses. However, it is more convenient to form a single edge'strip size with the narrowest usable opening and enlarge the opening on the job as required for a particular installation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a tool useful for opening up the open end of the U-shaped portion along the full length of the strip, as may be required for a particular installation on shelf stock having greater than the minimum thickness. As illustrated in this embodiment, a double conical wheel 23 is mounted for rotation in a yoke 24 having any convenient handle (not shown). The two cones forming the wheel 23 are shallow and the periphery of the wheel is sufficiently narrow to enter the open edge of the U-shapedportion of the edge strip as formed. In order to enlarge the opening of the U-shaped portion of the edge strip, the wheel 23 is rolled along the length thereof and forced into the opening. The shallow cones on the wheel tend to spread and enlarge the opening of the U-shaped portion so that it can accommodate any desired shelf thickness up to about /4 inch. It will be noted that absolute uniformity of opening of the U-shaped portion is not required since when the edge strip is installed it is preferred to have the U-shaped portion elastically deformed so as to tightly grip the shelf edge. If desired a pair of such wheels in tandem may be used on the enlarging tool. Other arrangements for opening the width of the U-shaped portion will be apparent.

Installation of the edge strip on the front edge of a shelf involves opening of the U-shaped portion, if required, and then the top leg 17, which is slightly longer than the lower leg 18, is placed on the top surface of the shelf. The open end 19 of the lower leg 18 is rounded so as to best slide onto the shelf edge. The edge strip is then pushed into place as illustrated in FIG. 2, either simply by hand or with the assistance of a rubber mallet or the like.

Connected to the open end 19 of the lower leg 18 is a deep J-shaped portion of the edge strip 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the J-shaped portion has a longer leg 26 connected at the open end 19 to the lower leg of the U-shaped portion. The longer leg 26 extends downwardly and forwardly relative to the shelf, typically at an angle of about 30 from the vertical. The hook or shorter leg 27 of the J-shaped portion is approximately parallel to the longer leg 26 and is rear wardly thereof as installed on a shelf. In the illustrated embodiment the bight of the J between the longer leg 26 and shorter leg 27 is formed of two

flat portions

28 and 29 at approximately right angles to each other. The first of these flat portions 28 is approximately parallel to the bight 16 of the U-shaped portion of the edge strip and, hence, as installed is approximately vertical. The other flat portion 29 is therefore approximately horizontal; Other shapes of the bight of the J-shaped portion, such as a continuous curve, can be employed if desired.

At the open end of the shorter leg 27 of the J-shaped portion is a rounded lip 31 terminating in a rolled edge 32 on the under side. When installed on a shelf, the open end of the .I-shaped portion faces rearwardly and is sized for accommodating the hook on a conventional coat hanger or the like (not shown). Thus, the J-shaped portion of the edge strip serves as a support for coat hangers beneath the closet shelf.

Such an arrangement thus stiffens the forward edge of the shelf and also provides a place for coat hangers, thereby eliminating the labor required for adding a separate hanger bar beneath the shelf. Labor is also saved by providing a prefinished edge strip which masks the front edge of the shelf, thereby minimizing finishing of the shelf edge that might be required if it were exposed. The great amount of stiffening that is provided on the front edge of the shelf permits the use of V4 inch plywood for forming the shelves, or pressboard that may be as thin as k inch and still provide adequate strength for substantial loads on the shelf.

If an edge strip alone, as described to this point, were employed on a shelf of such thin stock, the full weight of any clothing hung in the J-shaped portion would be transmitted to the shelf itself, and it has been found that such an arrangement causes failure of the shelf adjacent the end nailing strips. There is, therefore, provided in practice of this invention a pair of end clips 14, one at each end of the edge strip 13.

Each of the end clips 14 is formed of sheet steel, preferably of heavier gauge than the edge strip 13, and has a cross section substantially similar to that of the edge strip. Because of this similarity, which is apparent in the cross section of FIG. 2, the cross section of the end clip 14 is not described in detail; however, the portions thereof corresponding to similar portions of the edge strip are indicated by like reference numerals increased by 100, that is, for one example, the bight of the U-shaped portion of the edge strip is designated by numeral 16 and the corresponding bight on the edge clip is indicated by numeral 116. The cross section of the end clip 14 differs from that of the edge strip 13 in that the inside of the clip is approximately congruent with the outside of the edge strip. Clearances are provided, for example, between the curved opening 19 on the edge strip and the corresponding curve 119 on the end clip so that the clip fits readily over the edge strip. With such an arrangement, an end clip can be slid onto the end of an edge strip and slid along its length. It is preferred that a relatively tight fit be provided between the end clip and the edge strip so that they are not really loose relative to each other and do not freely slide. Tight fit therebetween also eliminates any twisting of the clip relative to the edge strip when installed. The tight fit also allows minimum shelf deflection and therefore minimum loading before load begins to be transferred to the nailing strips. A loose fit allows significant sag at the joint where the end clip overlaps the bar and may induce excessive loads on the shelf.

The end clip cross section includes one portion not present in the edge strip 13, viz, a flat extension 134 at the open end of the upper leg 117. The plane of the extension 134 is offset from the plane of the upper leg 1 17 by an amount approximately equal to the thickness of the sheet metal employed for forming the edge strip 13. Thus, when the edge strip and end clip are installed on a shelf, the upper leg 17 of the edge strip and the extension 134 of the end clip can both lie substantially flush with the top surface of the shelf. This is important for both safety of users and appearance. In the absence of an extension flush with the shelf a fastener into the end nailing strip would crush the end clip since there is no supporting edge strip in that region. Absence could also cause the edge clip to tilt up some before loads are applied.

As may be better seen in the views of FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the end clips 14 has a substantially T-shape with the U-shaped portion of the cross section extending in a direction along the'front edge of the shelf a greater distance than the J-shaped portion of the cross section. Thus, the U-shaped portion of the cross section forms the cross bar of the T, and the J-shaped portion forms the leg of the T. The crossbar portion of the end clip typically extends beyond the leg a distance of about )4; inch or slightly more. It will be recognized that the standard thickness of nominal 1 inch planed lumber is 13/16 inch. The end nailing strip for supporting the shelf is typically made of one inch planed lumber. Therefore, the portion of the cross bar of the end clip beyond the leg is preferably installed so that the side of the leg is flush with the end nailing strip and the extension of the crossbar lies over a principal portion of the end nailing strip. A hole 135 is provided in the extension 134 in the portion extending beyond the leg of the T. A nail, staple, or screw driven through the hole 135 thus enters the end nailing strip used for supporting the shelf.

In a typical installation a shelf may have a nominal length of 4 feet; however, in actual practice the length of the shelf may vary a substantial amount from this nominal length. In such an installation an edge strip having a length of 45 inches is employed. Typical end clips have a leg of the T with a width of about 2 inches, that is, in a direction extending along the length of the shelf. Since the end clips are slidable along the length of the edge strip, any variation in length of the shelf from the nominal length can be accommodated. Thus, with dimensions as set forth in this example, a length of shelf from about 46 k to 50 inches can be accommodated with standard parts. This is of significant advantage since stock lengths of edge strip can be employed and fitted to each particular installation by sliding the end clips as required rather than requiring any on-the-job cutting of the edge strip to the appropriate length. This minimizes on-the-job labor and waste due to erroneous cutting. If it is necessary to provide an edge strip in other than a standard length, an end can be readily cut off of the edge strip without any great precision required in either the location or angle of out since the cut edge is almost completely obscured by the end clip.

As mentioned hereinabove, a problem with prior hanger supports connected to the edge of the shelf has been that the entire load of the clothing hanging on the hanger support has been transmitted to the shelf itself, and this load must in turn be transmitted to the end nailing strips. This has resulted in failures of shelves, particularly in thin stock at locations between the ends of the hanger support and the nailing strip.

In the arrangement provided in practice of this invention, the edge strip is sufficiently strong to accommodate the weight of clothing hanging thereon, plus an equal weight applied to the shelf, over a span of as much as four feet without any intermediate bracing. For longer lengths, an intermediate brace may be desirable. The loads applied by the hanger support are transmitted, not to the shelf, but to the end clips 14 which fit closely about the edge strip at its ends. The downward load imposed by hanging clothes is then transmitted by the end clip directly to the end nailing strip by way of the portion of the crossbar of the end clip extending beyond the leg thereof. Thus, the end clip substantially completely removes the load of clothing hanging on the hanger support from the shelf and applies it directly to the end nailing strips which are sufficiently strong to support it. This, plus the rigidification provided by the edge strip along the forward edge of the shelf, permits the use of shelf stock in the range of from about A; to inch, thereby providing substantial savings in material. This is of significant advantage in construction of mobile homes or the like where A inch plywood and similar materials are employed for a variety of panels, and small pieces that would otherwise be scrap may be employed for forming closet shelves.

The end clips perform the additional function of holding the edge strip in place on the forward edge of the shelf. Previously edge strips have been secured to the shelf itself by mechanical fasteners, barbs or the like to prevent the edge strip from moving forwardly and off of the edge of the shelf. Fasteners such as nails, screws, or the like, require an appreciable shelf thickness in order to be satisfactory, and even provision of barbs along the shelf edge limits the minimum thickness of shelf stock that is useful. The fastener holes in the end clips permit nailing or stapling of the end clips to the end nailing strip, thereby holding both the clips and the edge strip in place on the forward edge of the shelf. It is found in practice that no additional connection to the shelf is required, thereby permitting the use of shelf stock as thin as inch. In some situations the edge bar and end clips can be used without fastening to the end nailing strips, however, if large loads are applied, the end clip may tilt with the top towards the center and bottom toward the wall, causing the top portion to pull away from the wall.

Although but one embodiment of shelf edge and hanger support assembly has been described and illustrated herein, many modifications and variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Thus, for example, each of the end clips can be an L-shaped piece of opposite handedness at opposite ends of the shelf and this is substantially equivalent to a pair of T-shaped clips. The advantages of a single T-shaped clip in manufacture, storage, and use will, however, be apparent. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is: 1. An assembly comprising: an edge strip for fitting along the forward edge of a shelf or the like including means for reinforcing the forward edge of a shelf and means for supporting coat hangers or the like beneath the shelf; and a pair of end clips, one on each end of the edge strip,

each end clip comprising: an internal surface approximately congruent with an external surface of the edge strip and slidable along the length thereof; a laterally extending portion for overlying the top of the shelf and a principal portion of the width of a standard end nailing strip which extends beyond the shelf edge at an end of a shelf; and a fastener receiver in the laterally extending portion.

2. An assembly comprising:

an edge strip for fitting along the forward edge of a shelf or the like including means for reinforcing the forward edge of a shelf and means for supporting coat hangers or the like beneath the shelf; and

' a pair of substantially identical end clips, one for each end of the edge strip, each end clip comprising an internal surface approximately congruent with an external surface of the edge strip and slidable along the length thereof; and wherein each end clip comprises a substantially T shape with an extending portion forming at least a part of the crossbar of the T for overlying a principal portion of the width of a standard end nailing strip at an end of a shelf, the congruent surface forming at least a part of the leg of the T; and further comprising a fastener receiver on the crossbar of the T.

3. An assembly comprising:

an edge strip for fitting along the forward edge of a shelf or the like including means for reinforcing the forward edge of the shelf comprising a U- shaped portion having legs for fitting on the top and bottom surfaces of a shelf and a bight for fitting along the forward edge of a shelf, and means for supporting coat hangers or the like beneath the shelf; and

a pair of end clips, one for each end of the edge strip,

each end clip comprising: an internal surface approximately congruent with an external surface 'of the edge strip and slidable along the length thereof; an extending portion for overlying a principal portion of the width of a standard end nailing strip at an end of a shelf; and a fastener receiver in the extending-portion.

4. An assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein the means for supporting coat hangers comprises a J- shaped portion integral with and depending from the U-shaped portion and having a rearwardly facing openmg.

5. An assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein each of the end clips has a cross section having a U-shaped portion and a J-shaped portion substantially similar to the U-shaped and J-shaped portions, respectively, of the edge strip, the J-shaped portion forming the leg of the T-shaped end clip and the U-shaped portion forming the cross bar of the T.

6. An assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein the opening of the U-shaped portion is smaller than the bight of the U-shaped portion for receiving a shelf edge having a thickness in the range of from the opening width to the width of the bight.

7. An end clip for a shelf edge and hanger bar for connection to a shelf and nailing strip, in the form of a generally T-shaped piece comprising:

a flat portion for fitting on a shelf top on the crossbar of the T, the flat portion including an extension beyond the leg of the T on each side thereof a distance corresponding to a principal portion of the thickness of a standard shelf and nailing strip; a pair of astener receiving apertures, one in each extension; and

an internal portion complementary to a shelf edge and hanger strip including at least a portion extending along the leg of the T.

8. An end clip as defined in claim 7 including at least a portion on the crossbar of the T for fitting adjacent the bottom of a shelf.

9. A combined shelf edge and hanger support assembly for fitting along the forward edge of the shelf or the like comprising:

an elongated edge strip having a cross section with a generally U-shaped portion including a first leg for fitting on the top of a shelf, a second leg for fitting on the bottom of a shelf and a bight for fitting against the forward edge of a shelf; and a generally J -shaped portion having the top of the longer leg of the J-shaped portion joined to the top of the second leg of the U-shaped portion and extending downwardly and forwardly relative to a shelf edge, the hook of the J opening rearwardly relative to the shelf edge for receiving a hanger hook; and

a pair of similar end clips, each of the end clips having a cross section substantially similar to the cross section of the edge strip and sufficiently larger than the edge strip to fit at least partly over the outside of the U-shaped and J-shaped portions, the U-shaped portion of each end clip extending laterally further than the J-shaped portion for defining a generally T-shaped piece with the U- shaped portion forming the bar of the T and a J- shaped portion defining the leg of the T.

10. A combined shelf edge and hanger support assembly as defined in claim 9 wherein the U-shaped portion of each end clip further comprises an extension on the leg overlapping the first leg of the edge strip, the extension being offset from the first leg of the U-shaped portion of the end clip by a distance corresponding approximately to the thickness of the first leg of the U- shaped portion of the edge bar so that the extension is fittable against the top of a shelf, the extension further comprising a fastener receiving aperture on each of the portions thereof extending further laterally than the J- shaped piece for receiving a fastener connectable to a shelf end nailing strip.

P0405) UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,688,915 Dated September 5 1.972

Inv nt fl Joe B. Ramsey It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Columnline 40, "1/2" should be --1/s-- Signed and sealed this 13th day of March- 1973 (SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner'of Paten1:s

Claims

1. An assembly comprising: an edge strip for fitting along the forward edge of a shelf or the like including means for reinforcing the forward edge of a shelf and means for supporting coat hangers or the like beneath the shelf; and a pair of end clips, one on each end of the edge strip, each end clip comprising: an internal surface approximately congruent with an external surface of the edge strip and slidable along the length thereof; a laterally extending portion for overlying the top of the shelf and a principal portion of the width of a standard end nailing strip which extends beyond the shelf edge at an end of a shelf; and a fastener receiver in the laterally extending portion.

2. An assembly comprising: an edge strip for fitting along the forward edge of a shelf or the like including means for reinforcing the forward edge of a shelf and means for supporting coat hangers or the like beneath the shelf; and a pair of substantially identical end clips, one for each end of the edge strip, each end clip comprising an internal surface approximately congruent with an external surface of the edge strip and slidable along the length thereof; and wherein each end clip comprises a substantially T shape with an extending portion forming at least a part of the crossbar of the T for overlying a principal portion of the width of a standard end nailing strip at an end of a shelf, the congruent surface forming at least a part of the leg of the T; and further comprising a fastener receiver on the crossbar of the T.

3. An assembly comprising: an edge strip for fitting along the forward edge of a shelf or the like including means for reinforcing the forward edge of the shelf comprising a U-shaped portion having legs for fitting on the top and bottom surfaces of a shelf and a bight for fitting along the forward edge of a shelf, and means for supporting coat hangers or the like beneath the shelf; and a pair of end clips, one for each end of the edge strip, each end clip comprising: an internal surface approximately congruent with an external surface of the edge strip and slidable along the length thereof; an extending portion for overlying a principal portion of the width of a standard end nailing strip at an end of a shelf; and a fastener receiver in the extending portion.

4. An assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein the means for supporting coat hangers comprises a J-shaped portion integral with and depending from the U-shaped portion and having a rearwardly facing opening.

7. An end clip for a shelf edge and hanger bar for connection to a shelf and nailing strip, in the form of a generally T-shaped piece comprising: a flat portion for fitting on a shelf top on the crossbar of the T, the flat portion including an extension beyond the leg of the T on each side thereof a distance corresponding to a principal portion of the thickness of a standard shelf and nailing strip; a pair of fastener receiving apertures, one in each extension; and an internal portion complementary to a shelf edge and hanger strip including at least a portion extending along the leg of the T.

9. A combined shelf edge and hanger support assembly for fitting along the forward edge of the shelf or the like comprising: an elongated edge strip having a cross section with a generally U-shaped portion including a first leg for fitting on the top of a shelf, a second leg for fitting on the bottom of a shelf and a bight for fitting against the forward edge of a shelf; and a generally J-shaped portion having the top of the longer leg of the J-shaped portion joined to the top of the second leg of the U-shaped portion and extending downwardly and forwardly relative to a shelf edge, the hook of the J opening rearwardly relative to the shelf edge for receiving a hanger hook; and a pair of similar end clips, each of the end clips having a cross section substantially similar to the cross section of the edge strip and sufficiently larger than the edge strip to fit at least partly over the outside of the U-shaped and J-shaped portions, the U-shaped portion of each end clip extending laterally further than the J-shaped portion for defining a generally T-shaped piece with the U-shaped portion forming the bar of the T and a J-shaped portion defining the leg of the T.

10. A combined shelf edge and hanger support assembly as defined in claim 9 wherein the U-shaped portion of each end clip further comprises an extension on the leg overlapping the first leg of the edge strip, the extension being offset from the first leg of the U-shaped portion of the end clip by a distance corresponding approximately to the thickness of the first leg of the U-shaped portion of the edge bar so that the extension is fittable against the top of a shelf, the extension further comprising a fastener receiving aperture on each of the portions thereof extending further laterally than the J-shaped piece for receiving a fastener connectable to a shelf end nailing strip.