WO2007038628A2

WO2007038628A2 - Mounting and support system for shelving

Info

Publication number: WO2007038628A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/037740
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Poston
Original assignee: OSullivan Industries Holdings Inc
Current assignee: OSullivan Industries Holdings Inc
Priority date: 2005-09-27
Filing date: 2006-09-27
Publication date: 2007-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2008-03-27
Also published as: WO2007038628A3

Abstract

A bracket for shelving includes a support portion configured to support a shelf, and a mounting portion configured to engage a mounting component. The mounting portion includes an S-shaped support member between first and second engagement portions. The S-shaped support member is configured to abut the mounting component. The first and second engagement portions are configured to engage the mounting component.

Description

MOUNTING AND SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR SHELVING

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to shelving systems, and more particularly, to a mounting and support system for installing shelving.

[0002] Shelving systems are used in a variety of applications for storing items thereon, thereunder, or attached thereto. For example, user installable shelving systems for mounting within garages are known and may be used for hanging and storing different items thereon, for example, storage containers. As another example, shelving systems with different shelving units may be used and designed for closet installation, such as for hanging and storing clothing thereon. At least some known shelving systems may provide additional components for particular applications, for example, a shoe storage component for storing shoes.

[0003] At least some known shelving systems include mounting hardware for installing the system. For example, wall clips and side mounting brackets along with support arms for mounting the shelving to a support structure, such as a wall, may be provided. As another example, at least some known shelving systems may include wall supports, which may be referred to as standards, that are mounted to a wall or other support structure and that include openings for receiving a portion of a bracket therein. The bracket includes a complementary member for inserting through at least one of the openings. By selecting a particular opening, the height of the bracket relative to the floor or ceiling may be adjusted. Once mounted to the wall support, the bracket is maintained in a generally horizontal orientation for supporting thereon a shelf.

[0004] Because of the construction of one or more components of at least some known shelving systems, when brackets are mounted to the wall supports, the brackets may move side to side, sway, and/or wobble, which may result in a weakening of the portion of the shelf mounted to the wall support. Additionally, swaying movement of the brackets may result in movement of a shelf supported thereon, which can result in a dangerous or otherwise unsafe condition. Moreover, depending on the size and weight of articles placed on or hung from at least some known shelves, at least some known brackets may begin to sag and/or be subjected to forces that may not be adequately dispersed. Some forces may result in excessive force being applied to a portion of the bracket, thereby increasing a likelihood of failure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one aspect, a bracket for shelving includes a support portion configured to support a shelf, and a mounting portion configured to engage a mounting component. The mounting portion includes an S-shaped support member between first and second engagement portions. The S-shaped support member is configured to abut the mounting component. The first and second engagement portions are configured to engage the mounting component.

[0006] In another aspect, a mounting component for receiving a shelving bracket includes a plurality of slots for receiving a mounting portion of the shelving bracket and a groove extending along the plurality of slots.

[0007] In another aspect, a mounting and support system for shelving includes a mounting component configured to be attached to a support structure. The mounting component includes a plurality of slots and a groove extending along the plurality of slots. A bracket includes a support portion configured to support a shelf and a mounting portion configured to engage the mounting component. The mounting portion includes a support member extending between first and second engagement portions. The support member is configured to abut the mounting component groove. The first and second engagement portions are configured to engage the plurality of slots of the mounting component. The second engagement portion includes a groove extending from a bottom of the bracket. [0008] In another aspect, a bracket for shelving includes a first support portion configured to support a portion of a shelf, and a second support portion configured to support a portion of the shelf. The second support portion extends generally parallel to the first support portion. A mounting portion is configured to engage a mounting component, and a pair of tabs extend perpendicularly inwardly from the first support portion and the second support portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a bracket for supporting a shelf.

[0010] Figure 2 is a side elevation view of the bracket shown in Figure 1.

[0011] Figure 3 is a rear elevation view of the bracket shown in Figure 1.

[0012] Figure 4 is front elevation view of the bracket shown in Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 5 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a mounting component for use with a bracket, such as, but not limited to, the bracket shown in Figures 1-4.

[0014] Figure 6 is an elevation view of an end of the mounting component shown in Figure 5.

[0015] Figure 7 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a mounting component for use with a bracket, such as, but not limited to, the bracket shown in Figures 1-4.

[0016] Figure 8 is an elevation view of an end of the mounting component shown in Figure 7. [0017] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the mounting component shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0018] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a bracket connected to an exemplary embodiment of a mounting component.

[0019] Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a bracket for supporting a shelf.

[0020] Figure 12 is a top perspective view of the bracket shown in Figure 11.

[0021] Figure 13 is side elevation view of another exemplary embodiment of a bracket for supporting a shelf.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Various embodiments of the invention provide a support component that may be used with a mounting component for mounting and maintaining shelving. The support component and mounting component may used with different types and configurations of shelving and shelving systems and are not limited to the embodiments described herein. Additionally, the various embodiments may be configured to provide a shelving system or shelving installation system. For example, in one embodiment, the support component is configured as a bracket to support a shelf thereon and the mounting component is configured as a mounting support, such as a wall standard, for engaging the support component thereto. The support component will first be described followed by a description of the mounting component.

[0023] In the exemplary embodiment, illustrated in Figure 1, a support component constructed in accordance with the present invention is configured as a bracket 20 that includes a mounting portion 22 and a support portion 24. Mounting portion 22 generally includes a first groove, or slot, 26 and a second groove, or slot, 28 defined therein by a first tab, or engagement portion, 30 and a second tab, or engagement portion, 32, respectively. The first tab 30 and second tab 32 are each generally extend outward from a back end of the mounting portion 22 to define the first groove 26 and the second groove 28, respectively. More specifically, the first and second tabs 30 and 32, are generally hook-shaped tabs.

[0024] Support portion 24 includes a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion for engaging a mounting component, as is described in more detail below, and which may include, for example the first tab 30 and first groove 26, and/or the second tab 32 and second groove 28. In the exemplary embodiment, first tab 30 extends outward from bracket 20 along a top portion 34 of the mounting portion 22 and the second tab 32 extends outward from bracket 20 along bottom portion 36 of the mounting portion 22, For example, in the exemplary embodiment, the first tab 30 is provided generally within the top third of mounting portion 26 and the second tab 32 is provided generally within the bottom third of mounting portion 22. In the exemplary embodiment, the first groove 26 and second groove 28 each generally perpendicular to support portion 24 with an open end of the second groove 28 extending from a bottom of bottom portion 36. It should be noted that a bottom 40 of second tab 32 may extend lower than a bottom 42 of a support end 44 of bottom portion 36.

[0025] The mounting portion 22 also includes a brace or support member 46, which in the exemplary embodiment, is configured in a generally "S" shape. For example, in some embodiments support member 46 may be a generally "S" shaped crimped member. The support member 46 includes an upper portion 48 and a lower portion 50 that extend outwardly from the longitudinal plane P of the bracket 20 as shown more clearly in Figures 3 and 4. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the support member 46 is formed between the first tab 30 and the second tab 32. More specifically in the exemplary embodiment, an outer edge 52 of support member 46 extends from, and is continuous with, an inner edge 54 of groove 26. The support member 46 extends generally from a bottom portion 55 of top portion 34 to a top portion 56 of bottom portion 36. The outer edge 52 is configured to engage a mounting component as described in more detail below. Essentially, the support member 46 extends transversely along mounting portion 22, with the first tab 30 and second tab 32 generally extending longitudinally from a top and bottom of base 58.

[0026] The support portion 24 of bracket 20 also defines a support arm 60 that extends outward generally from top portion 34 of mounting portion 22 to an end 62. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the support portion 24 extends generally perpendicularly to mounting portion 22 and defines a support surface 64 that is configured to support thereon, for example, a portion of a shelf. The end 62 of support arm 60 includes an upwardly projecting tab 66 that facilitates resisting and/or preventing transverse or forward sliding movement of a shelf supported on support arm 60.

[0027] It should be noted that the dimensions, including the size of support member 46 may be provided on bracket 20, for example using a sticker, imprinting, etc. The size and shape of support member 46 also may be modified. For example, in some embodiments support member 46 is S-shaped with a width of approximately eight millimeters (mm) and a height of approximately twenty-one mm. However, depending on the application or use, the dimensions may be modified, and the above-referenced dimensions are merely exemplary.

[0028] Mounting portion 24 of bracket 20 is configured to engage with various embodiments of a mounting component. More particularly, Figures 5 and 7 show two exemplary embodiments of mounting components 70 and 90, respectively, that are each configured as wall mount standards. In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting component 70 includes two substantially parallel rows of slots 72 that generally define two mounting tracks. Slots 72 generally define openings 74 that are sized to receive therein mounting portion 24 (shown in Figures 1 and 2) and, more particularly, one of first tab 30 and second tab 32 (both shown in Figures 1 and 2). However, a groove 76, as shown more clearly in Figures 6 and 9, extends generally longitudinally along each of the rows of slots 72. hi the exemplary embodiment, each groove 76 has a width that is generally approximately the same as the width of the plurality of slots 72. Additionally, an opening 78 may be defined at different portions along mounting component 70 and between the rows of slots 72. Openings 78 are sized to receive a fastening mechanism, such as, a screw or other mounting means, therethrough for attaching mounting component 70 to, a support structure, such as, for example, a wall. Additionally, in some embodiments a slot 79 may be provided on each side 80 of a first end 82 and second end 84 of mounting component 70.

[0029] Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, the mounting component 90 includes a single row of slots 92 that generally define a single mounting track. Slots 92 generally define openings 94 that are seized to receive therein mounting portion 24 and, more particularly, one of first tab 30 and second tab 32 (both shown in Figure 1). Moreover, a groove 96, as shown more clearly in Figure 8, extends generally longitudinally along the row of slots 92. The groove 96, in the exemplary embodiment, has a width that is approximately the same as the width of the plurality of slots 92. Additionally, on opening 98 may be defined at different portions along mounting component 90 and between slots 92, that is sized to receive therethrough, a screw or other mounting means for attaching mounting component 90 to, for example, a wall. Additionally, a slot (not shown), similar to slot 78 (shown in Figure 9), may be provided on each side 100 of a first end 102 and a second end 104 of mounting component 90.

[0030] The size and shape of the mounting components and the size and positioning of the slots, grooves, and openings may be modified as desired or needed. For example, for various applications mounting component 70 may generally have the following approximate dimensions: 3.6mm by 23mm rectangular slots 72, with slots 72 spaced 6mm apart measured left to right, and 19mm apart measured up and down. As another example, mounting component 90 may generally have the following approximate dimensions: 4mm by 21.5mm rectangular slots 92, with slots 92 spaced 20mm apart measured up and down. However, depending on the application or use, the dimensions may be modified, as the above-referenced dimensions are merely exemplary.

[0031] Bracket 20 is configured to engage a mounting component, such as, but not limited to, mounting components 70 and/or 90. However, it should be appreciated that bracket 20, and more particularly, mounting portion 22 of bracket 20 may be configured to engage different types and sizes of mounting components, including, for example, different types and sizes of standards. As shown in Figure 10, bracket 20 engages a mounting component, for example mounting component 70. Specifically, first tab 30 and second tab 32 extend into slots 72, which may be adjacent slots 72 or non-adjacent slots 72, for example, as is known, when engaging a bracket to a standard. In this position, first groove 26 and second groove 28 (both shown in Figure 1) each engage a bottom lip 114 of mounting component slots 72. Moreover, when bracket 20 is engaged with mounting component 70, support member 46 of mounting portion 22 engages a front face 110 of mounting component 70. Specifically, upper portion 48 and lower portion 50 of support member 46 engage face 110 on opposite sides of bracket 20. In the exemplary embodiment, edge 52 (shown in Figure 1) of support member 46 engages front face 110. It should be noted that a portion of support member 26 may overlap a portion of one or more of slots 72. Additionally, bracket 20, when engaged with mounting component 70, also engages groove 96. For example, inner edge 54 (shown in Figure 1) of groove 26 aligns with and fits within groove 96.

[0032] When bracket 20 is engaged with mounting component 70, support arm 60 (shown in Figures 1 and 2) is maintained in a generally horizontal orientation. In this horizontal orientation support surface 64 is configured to receive thereon a portion of a shelf, and more particularly, to support a portion of a bottom of a shelf as is known.

[0033] It should be noted that the components of the various embodiments may be varied or modified. For example, depending on the size of the shelf, the length of support arm 60 and height of projecting tab 66 (shown in Figures 1 and 2) may be modified. Additionally, the width, height and length of mounting portion 22 of bracket 20 may be modified based on, for example, the size of the standard to which bracket 20 is to be mounted. Additionally, and for example, the size and shape of support member 46 of mounting portion 22 of bracket 20 may be modified, for example, in a different shape, based on the configuration of the standard, the load requirements for the shelf to be supported, the application for the shelf, etc.

[0034] Additional members or elements may also be provided to the various embodiments. For example, a double bracket 150 as shown in Figures 11 and 12 may be provided wherein two spaced apart tabs 152 (similar to tabs 30 and 32 shown in Figures 1 and 2) extend from both a top portion 154 and a bottom portion 156 of a mounting portion 158. In this embodiment, bracket 150 includes a longitudinally extending base 160 extending along a bottom 162 of bracket 150 between a first support portion 164 and a second support portion 166, which in the exemplary embodiment are generally parallel. One or more holes 168 may be provided in bottom 162. Further, one or more additional braces or tabs 170, which may be provided in pairs, extend from an edge 172 of top portion 154 of each of first support portion 164 and second support portion 166. Essentially, one or more braces or tabs 170, which may be spaced along top portion 154, extend perpendicularly inwardly from each of first support portion 164 and second support portion 166. In an exemplary embodiment, a gap 174 is provided between braces or tabs 170 extending from each of first support portion 164 and second support portion 166. However, it should be noted that in some embodiments braces or tabs 170 may abut.

[0035] Additionally, and for example, as shown in Figure 13, a bracket 120, similar to bracket 20 may be provided, except with a hole 122 or other opening provided on a back end 124 of bracket 120, for example, generally at a top portion of base 58 of mounting portion 22. Hole 122 may be configured to allow hanging of bracket 120 during a powder coating or painting process as is known.

[0036] Thus, various embodiments provide a support component and a mounting component for supporting a shelf and/or for use with a shelving system. The support component and mounting component may facilitate providing increased support for a shelf while facilitating reducing side to side movement, swaying, wobbling, sagging, and/or forces that are not adequately dispersed. [0037] Exemplary embodiments of brackets, mounting components, and systems are described and/or illustrated herein in detail. The brackets, mounting components, and systems are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each bracket, mounting component, and system may be utilized independently and separately from other components described herein. Each component can also be used in combination with other components.

[0038] When introducing elements/components/steps/etc, of the brackets, mounting components, and systems described and/or illustrated herein, the articles "a", "an", "the", "said", and "at least one" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/step(s)/etc. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/step(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/step(s)etc.

[0039] While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A bracket for shelving, said bracket comprising:

a support portion configured to support a shelf; and

a mounting portion configured to engage a mounting component, said mounting portion comprising an S-shaped support member between first and second engagement portions, said S-shaped support member configured to abut the mounting component, said first and second engagement portions configured to engage the mounting component.

2. A bracket in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said first engagement portion comprises a first tab and said second engagement portion comprises a second tab, said first tab at least partially defined by a first groove and said second tab at least partially defined by a second groove, said first and second grooves each configured to engage slots of the mounting component.

3. A bracket in accordance with Claim 2 wherein said second groove extends from a bottom of said bracket.

4. A bracket in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said S-shaped support member comprises a top portion and a bottom portion each extending outwardly from a plane of said mounting portion.

5. A bracket in accordance with Claim 1 wherein said S-shaped support member comprises a single S-shaped crimped member.

6. A bracket in accordance with Claim 1 wherein the S-shaped support member extends generally from a bottom portion of said first engagement portion to a top portion of said second engagement portion.

7. A bracket in accordance with Claim 1 wherein an edge of said S-shaped support member is configured to engage the mounting component.

8. A mounting component for receiving a shelving bracket, said mounting component comprising:

a plurality of slots for receiving a mounting portion of the shelving bracket; and

a groove extending along said plurality of slots.

9. A mounting component in accordance with Claim 10 wherein said plurality of slots are aligned in a row.

10. A mounting component in accordance with Claim 10 wherein a width of said groove is substantially the same as a width of said plurality of slots.

11. A mounting component in accordance with Claim 10 wherein said plurality of slots are aligned in a plurality of rows.

12. A mounting component in accordance with Claim 10 further comprising sides, and a first and a second end, wherein a slot is provided in each side and at each of said first and second ends.

13. A mounting component in accordance with Claim 10 wherein said plurality of slots are aligned longitudinally.

14. A mounting and support system for shelving, said system comprising:

a mounting component configured to be coupled to a support structure, said mounting component comprising a plurality of slots and a groove extending along said plurality of slots; and

a bracket comprising a support portion configured to support a shelf and a mounting portion configured to engage said mounting component, said mounting portion comprising a support member extending between first and second engagement portions, said support member configured to abut said mounting component groove, said first and second engagement portions configured to engage said plurality of slots of said mounting component, wherein said second engagement portion comprises a groove extending from a bottom of the bracket.

15. A mounting and support system in accordance with Claim 14 wherein said support member is generally S-shaped.

16. A mounting and support system in accordance with Claim 14 wherein said first and second engagement portions comprise first and second tabs.

17. A mounting and support system in accordance with Claim 14 wherein said support member comprises a single continuous crimped member, at least a portion of which extends outwardly from the plane of said bracket.

18. A mounting and support system in accordance with Claim 14 wherein said mounting component comprises a wall standard and said groove extends longitudinally along said wall standard.

19. A bracket for shelving, said bracket comprising:

a first support portion configured to support a portion of a shelf;

a second support portion configured to support a portion of the shelf, said second support portion extending generally parallel to said first support portion;

a mounting portion configured to engage a mounting component; and

a pair of tabs extending substantially perpendicularly inwardly from said first support portion and said second support portion, each of said pair of tabs extending outward from said mounting portion such that a pair of gaps are defined between said mounting portion and each of said tabs.