Shelving system for mounting on a fence railing and the like

Abstract

A shelving which may be easily hung or installed on a fence and similar objects and which may be used for a variety of different purposes has a pair of support arms which are coupled to the upright support. A body section is adjustably coupled to the support arms. The body section has a bottom pan section. The bottom pan section funnels down to a common area. An opening is drilled through the bottom pan section in the common area in order to aid in draining contents in the bottom pan section. A platform is generally placed in the bottom pan section for providing a level surface for holding items placed on the shelving.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to shelving systems, and more specifically, to a shelving system which may be easily mounted onto a fence railing and the like and which may be used for a variety of different purposes.

[0003] 2. Background of the Invention

[0004] People are spending more and more time in their backyards. Spending time in the backyard is a way many people like to relax and get away from their hectic life. Since people spend so much time in their backyard, many individuals like to decorate their yards with potted plants, statues, wind chimes and other items. These items are very attractive to look at and thus help people to relax.

[0005] The above is also true for people who live in apartments or townhouses that have no back yards. These people like to relax by spending time on their balcony or enclosed patio area. These people also like to decorate their balconies and patios by hanging potted plants, wind chimes, and the like.

[0006] A problem arises when decorating one's backyard, patio, balcony and the like. The problem is that many people find it difficult to decorate or hang items from the fencing and/or railing that enclose the area. Numerous types of plant hangers are available for hanging a single plant from overhead beams, rafters and so forth. However, these hangers only hold a single plant. Furthermore, these plant hangers are difficult to mount on a brick fence. There are shelving systems which may be mounted onto a wall and/or fence. However, these shelving systems require complex and time consuming mounting brackets and the like. Furthermore, these shelving systems may only be used for a single purpose.

[0007] Therefore, a need existed to provide an improved shelving system for fence railing and the like. The improved shelving system must be easy to install. The improved shelving system must further be able to be used for multiple functions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved shelving system.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved shelving system that is easy to install.

[0010] It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved shelving system that is able to be used for multiple functions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a shelving which may be easily hung or installed on a fence and similar objects and which may be used for a variety of different purposes is disclosed. The shelving has a pair of support arms which are coupled to the upright support. A body section is adjustably coupled to the support arms. The body section has a bottom pan section. The bottom pan section funnels down to a common area. An opening is drilled through the bottom pan section in the common area in order to aid in draining contents in the bottom pan section. A platform is generally placed in the bottom pan section for providing a level surface for holding items placed on the shelving.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals and symbols represent like elements.

[0014] FIG. 1 is an elevated perspective view of the shelving system for a fence railing and the like of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the shelving system of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional side view of the shelving system of FIG. 1 taking along lines 3-3.

[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the shelving system of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 5A is one embodiment of the support system used in the shelving system of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 5B is another embodiment of the support system used in the shelving system of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional side view of the plug mechanism used in the shelving system of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a side view of the retractable hooks used in the shelving system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring to the Figures wherein like numerals and symbols represent like elements, a shelving system 10 (hereinafter shelving 10) is shown. The shelving 10 may be easily hung or installed on a fence and similar objects. Furthermore, the shelving 10 may be used for a variety of different purposes.

[0023] The shelving 10 has a body section 12. The body section 12 is generally rectangular in shape. However, the body section 12 may come in other shapes and this should not be seen as to limit the scope of the present invention. The body section 12 will have a bottom pan section 14. The interior of the bottom pan section 14 will angle down to a common area. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, each side of the bottom pan section 14 will angle down towards a cental section. An opening 16 will be drilled through the pan section 14. The opening 16 will allow water or other elements which are in the pan section 14 to drain out of the opening 16. A stopper 18 is provided with the shelving 10. The stopper 18 may be inserted into the opening 16 to prevent items from draining out of the pan section 14.

[0024] A border 20 is coupled to the bottom pan section 14. The border 20 extends along the entire perimeter of the bottom pan section 14. The border 20 is coupled to the bottom pan section 14 in a manner that will allow the bottom pan section 14, in conjunction with the border 20, to store water or other items without leaking when the opening 16 is closed off by the stopper 18. Because of this, the border 20 is of a sufficient height to allow the body section 12 to store a desired depth of water or other items within the body section 12.

[0025] A platform 22 is placed in the body section 12. The platform 22 is removable and may be easily placed and removed from the body section 12. The platform 22 is generally the same length and width of the body section 12. When the platform 22 is placed within the body section 12, the bottom pan section 14 will support the platform 22. Thus, the platform 22 may be used to hold and support items which are placed on top of the platform 22. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the platform 22 has a plurality of openings 23. Thus, the platform 22 is more like a grating. The openings 23 in the platform 22 will allow water or other small items to drain through the platform 22 and into the bottom pan section 14.

[0026] One or more holding devices 24 may be coupled to the body section 12. The holding devices 24 are used to hold and support tubing or piping 25. The tubing and/or piping 25 is used to supply water to plants or other items which may be placed on the shelving 10. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the holding devices 24 are circular tubes. However, the holding devices 24 may be clips, clamps, or the like. Any type of device which is able to secure tubing or piping 25 to the body section 12 may be used.

[0027] The shelving 10 will have one or more hooks 26 coupled to the body section 12. The hooks 26 are used to hang items from the shelving 10. One may be able to hang potted plants and the like from the hooks 26. As may be seen more clearly in FIG. 7, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the hooks 26 are retractable. The hooks 26 may be flipped down from the body section 12 and locked into position. Potted plants and other items may then be hung from the hook 26. If nothing is to be hung from the shelving 10, one may flip back the hook 26 so that the hook rests against the bottom of the body section 12. In this manner, the hook 26 is out of view.

[0028] The shelving 10 has a pair of support arms 28. The support arms 28 are used to hang the shelving 10 on a fence 30 or other type of railing. The support arms 28 may be permanently or removably coupled to the fence 30. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the support arms 28 have a straight member 28A. The straight member 28A may be used alone or the straight member 28A may have an angled bracket 28B coupled thereto. The angled bracket 28B may be movably coupled or permanently coupled to the straight member 28A. If the angled bracket 28B is permanently coupled to the straight member 28B, then the support arms 28 are “L” shaped. The bottom portion of the “L” shaped support arm 28 is approximately the same width as the thickness of the fence 30. Thus, the interior bottom portion of the “L” shaped support arm will fit over the thickness of the fence 30 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. In this embodiment, the support arms 28 are removably coupled to the fence 30.

[0029] The angled bracket 28B may also be movably coupled to the straight member 28A. In this embodiment, the angled brackets 28B may be placed in a first position similar as described above. In this embodiment, the angled brackets 28B would be used to hold the support arms 28 to the fence 30. The angled brackets 28B may also be placed in a second positioned where the angled brackets 28B are flipped forward. In this position, the angled brackets 28B are used as hooks to hold items on the shelving 10. In this embodiment, the straight member 28A needs to be coupled to the fence.

[0030] The straight member 28A will have a plurality of openings 32. The openings 32 will be drilled along the length of the straight member 28A and will be in axial alignment with each other. The openings 32 are used to hang the body section 12 of the shelving 10 at different elevations.

[0031] As may be seen more clearly in FIG. 3, the body section 12 has a pair of hook members 34. It should be noted that additional hook members 34 may be used. The hook members 34 are coupled to each end of the body section 12. The hook members 34 are used for securing the body section 12 to the support arms 28. The hook members 34 are inserted into openings 32 which are parallel to one another. The curve portion of each hook member 34 is used to support and hold the body section 12 within the opening 32 of each support arms 28.

[0032] For additional support, a pair of support beams 36 may be used. The support beams 36 has a first end which is coupled to the body section 12. The first end may be permanently or removably coupled to the body section 12. If the support beam 36 is removably coupled, the first end will have a holding mechanism 36A. As seen in FIG. 5A, the holding mechanism 36A is generally a mechanism which is used to hold the first end of the support beam 36 up against a bottom section of the body section 12. A second end of the support beam 36 is removably coupled to the support arms 28. The second end will have a finger 36B which is inserted into one of the openings 32 on the support arm 28 thus providing additional support for holding up the body section 12.

[0033] The shelving 10 may perform a variety of different functions. With the stopper 18 installed, the body section 12 may be filled with water or bird feed to act as a bird bath or bird feeder. When the platform 22 is in position, the shelving 10 may function to hold a variety of different potted plants and flowers. The shelving 10 has one or more holding devices 24 to hold tubing to be used as sprinklers for the potted plants. The shelving 10 will further have one or more hooks 26 to hang items from the shelving 10.

[0034] While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A shelving system to be mounted on an upright support comprising, in combination:

a pair of support arms coupled to the upright support; and

a body section adjustably coupled to the support arms.

2. The shelving system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the support arms comprises:

a straight member; and

a plurality of openings located along the length of the straight member wherein each opening is in axial alignment along the length of the straight member.

3. The shelving system in accordance with claim 2 wherein the straight member is coupled to the upright support.

4. The shelving system in accordance with claim 2 wherein the support arms further comprises an angled member coupled to a top section of the straight member to form an “L” shaped support arm.

5. The shelving system in accordance with claim 4 wherein the angled member is permanently coupled to the straight member to form an “L” shaped support arm wherein an interior bottom section of the “L” shaped support arm is placed over the upright support to hold the support arm on the upright support.

6. The shelving system in accordance with claim 3 wherein the angled member is movably coupled to the straight member to form an “L” shaped support arm.

7. The shelving system in accordance with claim 6 wherein the straight member is coupled to the upright support and the angled member flipped forward to form a hook.

8. The shelving system in accordance with claim 1 wherein the body section comprises a bottom pan section.

9. The shelving system in accordance with claim 8 wherein the bottom pan section funnels down to a common area.

10. The shelving system in accordance with claim 9 wherein the body section further comprises an opening drilled through the bottom pan section in the common area.

11. The shelving system in accordance with claim 10 wherein the body section further comprises a stopper for closing the opening drilled through the bottom pan section.

12. The shelving system in accordance with claim 8 wherein the body section further comprises a border around the entire circumference of the bottom pan section.

13. The shelving system in accordance with claim 12 wherein the body section further comprises a platform which is laid inside the bottom pan section.

14. The shelving system in accordance with claim 12 wherein the platform has a plurality of holes drilled there through.

15. The shelving system in accordance with claim 14 further comprising a tube holder coupled to the body section for holding sprinkler tubing.

16. The shelving system in accordance with claim 12 further comprising at least one hook coupled to the body section for hanging items.

17. The shelving system in accordance with claim 16 wherein the at least one hook is retractably coupled to the body section.

18. The shelving system in accordance with claim 8 wherein the body section further comprises a pair of fastening members coupled to the bottom pan section for adjustably coupling the body section to the pair of support arms.

19. The shelving system in accordance with claim 18 further comprising a pair of holding arms coupled to the body section and the support arms for supporting the body section.

20. The shelving system in accordance with claim 19 wherein each of the holding arms comprises:

a rod member having a first end coupled to the body section; and

a finger coupled to a second end of the holding arm for adjustably coupling the second end of the holding arm to the support arm.