Quick assembly adjustable shelf and drawer system

Abstract

The present invention provides a storage system comprising a plurality of support devices each having first, second and third members, wherein the first and third members are connected to the second member. The system also includes a plurality of support brackets having first and second portions connected to each other. Further, two opposing walls each having at least two vertically spaced horizontal cavities, wherein for each of the opposing walls one of the cavities is operably configured to receive the first member of one of the support devices or the second portion of one of the support brackets and the other of the cavities is operably configured to receive the other of the first member and the second portion. The system also includes: a shelf having ends, a bottom surface and at least one notch disposed at each end, wherein the at least one notch is operably configured to receive the second member of one of the support devices, and the bottom surface is disposed adjacent to the third member of at least two of the support devices; and, a drawer having drawer glides disposed at each side wherein each of the drawer glides are attached to the first portion of at least one of the support brackets.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This nonprovisional application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/540,495, filed on Feb. 2, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention is related to shelf and drawer systems and brackets thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

The making of wood shelves and draws is an art that in times past was common knowledge to most people. However, through the last century, people have become more urbanized and less accustom with the ways of elementary carpentry. However, the need for shelving and drawers to maximize storage space has remained, but the skill to make them has not. Today, to fill the need for home, closet and garage shelving and drawers, many designers and manufactures have devised shelf and drawer systems. These systems vary from permanent structures to removable units to adjustable units and combinations thereof. In addition, the material used in their construction varies from wood, metal, plastic and a combination of the three. In the case of wood shelf and drawer systems, solid woods, plywood and composition wood are commonly used. The conventional wood shelving and drawer systems have inherent problems. One such problem is the sacrifice of lead bearing capacity for ease of assembly and adjustability in the placement of the shelves and drawers. Another problem with conventional systems is the eventual loss of structural integrity of the attachment mechanism, or the wall structure of the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks and shortcomings of conventional wood shelf and drawer systems while allowing the versatility of a quick adjustability of shelves and drawers to meet the changing demands of a user. Particularly, conventional wood shelf and drawer systems do not provide a means of quick adjustable assembly and high load bearing capacity. Many conventional wood shelf systems incorporate a hole in a support wall with a dowel or peg fitted into the hole to support a shelf. The loading and moments caused by shelves on the above mentioned support devices will cause the supporting walls to fatigue and eventually fail at the top of the hole. The design of conventional support devices converts loads into moments. These moments place a shear force on materials with great capacity to support compression forces, but with limited ability to withstand shear forces. The present invention places loads in compression on a supporting wall and on the shelf itself while minimizing moments and shear forces. Prior systems and devices sacrifice load bearing capacity for quick adjustable assembly or they sacrifice the quick adjustable assembly for more load bearing capacity. Either way, conventional systems are limited in their versatility. The present invention provides a system and devices that allow a user to quickly assemble and adjust both shelves and drawers without sacrificing load bearing capacity.

Additionally, conventional shelf systems have no means to restrain a shelf in position without the use of fasteners. An unfastened shelf can slide off its shelf supports creating an unsafe situation. The present invention incorporates the use of shelf brackets and notches in the shelves to lock the shelves in place without the need of fasteners.

Further, an added benefit of the self-locking shelves provided by this present invention, is that an unfastened shelf can now have a span-wise bracket. On conventional systems with shelves that can slide off the shelf support, a span-wise support bracket may not support the shelf because the shelf may not be positioned in the proper location. The present invention overcomes this by the added benefit of the self-locking shelves. The self-locking shelves allows for a span-wise bracket to be installed without the use of fasteners.

Another benefit to a user is that the present invention provides to a user is that no tools are required for the removal or adjusting of the shelves and drawers. Additionally, this invention incorporates a support bracket to adapt other devices for use within this invention.

This invention overcomes the drawbacks and shortcomings of the prior art conventional devices and systems.

This invention provides a storage system comprising: a plurality of support devices each having first, second and third members, wherein the first and third members are connected to the second member; a plurality of support brackets having first and second portions connected to each other; two opposing walls each having at least two vertically spaced horizontal cavities, wherein for each of the opposing walls one of the cavities is operably configured to receive at least one of the first member of one of the plurality of support devices and the second portion of one of the plurality of support brackets and the other of the cavities is operably configured to receive the other of the first member and the second portion; a shelf having ends, a bottom surface and at least one notch disposed at each end, wherein the at least one notch is operably configured to receive the second member of one of the plurality of support devices, and the bottom surface is disposed adjacent to the third member of at least two of the plurality of support devices; and, a drawer having drawer glides disposed at each side wherein each of the drawer glides are attached to the first portion of at least one of the plurality of support brackets.

This invention further provides a shelf system comprising: a plurality of support devices each having a first, second and third members, wherein the first and third members are connected to the second member; two opposing walls each having at least one horizontal slot operably configured to receive the first member of one of the plurality of support devices; and, a shelf having ends, a bottom surface and at least one notch disposed at each end, wherein the at least one notch is operably configured to receive the second member of one of the plurality of support devices, and the bottom surface is disposed adjacent to the third members of the plurality of support devices.

Additionally, this invention provides a drawer system comprising: a plurality of support brackets having first and second portions connected to each other; two opposing walls each having at least one horizontal slot operably configured to receive the second portion of one of the plurality of support brackets; and, a drawer having drawer glides at each side, wherein each of the drawer glides are attached to the first portion of at least one of the plurality of support brackets.

Further, this invention provides a support device comprising: a vertical member having first and second surfaces and being engageable with a notch disposed on an end of a shelf; a first horizontal member attached to the first surface of the vertical member and being engageable with a horizontal cavity of a wall; and, a second horizontal member attached to second surface of the vertical member at a vertical distance from the first horizontal member and being disposable adjacent to a bottom surface of the shelf, wherein the vertical member will prevent sliding of the shelf across the second surface of the vertical member when the first horizontal member is disposed in the horizontal cavity.

Still further, this invention provides a drawer glide comprising: a first member; a second member operably configured to slidably engage the first member and connectable to a drawer structure; and, a bracket member having a horizontal portion and being attached to the first member and being engageable with a horizontal cavity of a wall.

This invention further provides a method of assembly and adjustment of a variety of shelf and drawer systems of this invention.

These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the devices and methods according to this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein;

FIG. 1 is a partial cut-away perspective view of an assembled system according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial exploded cut-away perspective view of an assembly of a support device, a shelf and a support wall of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the assembly of the support device the shelf and the support wall of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the support device taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is perspective view of a support device according to this invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the support device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the support device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a notched shelf according to this invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a support bracket according to this invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the support bracket attached to a female glide attached according to this invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial exploded cut-away perspective view of the assembly of the support bracket attached to the female glide, a drawer with a male glide attached and the support wall; and,

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of alternative embodiment of a support bracket made in accordance with this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system 10, which is an exemplary embodiment of a shelf and drawer system made in accordance with this invention. The system 10 is specifically designed to be used in a garage; however, the system 10 may also be used in any environment where shelves and drawers are needed, such as but not limited to closets, kitchens, offices, bathrooms, etc. The system 10 includes a cabinet 100, a plurality of support devices 200, a plurality of shelves 300, a plurality of support brackets 400 and a plurality of drawers 500.

The system 10, as shown in FIG. 1, is operably configured to provide a means to adjust the placement of the shelves 300 and the drawers 500 by a user in minimum time without sacrificing load bearing capacity. The cabinet 100 is operably configured to receive the support devices 200 and the support brackets 400. The support devices 200, or shelf brackets, are operably configured to removably attach the shelves 300 to the cabinet 100. Similarly, the support brackets 400, or utility brackets, are operably configured to removably attach the drawers 500 to the cabinet 100.

In this exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the cabinet 100, or housing, is operably configured to provide a means of supporting the shelves 300 and the drawers 500 of the system 10. The cabinet 100 has a least two opposing support side walls 110 (only one wall shown). It should be appreciated that the opposing support side wall, not shown, is a mirror copy of the shown support side wall 110. The cabinet 100 also includes the following components: a back wall 120, a bottom board 130, a foundation 140, a plurality of foot pegs 150 and a top board (not shown). The back wall 120 connects the two opposing side walls 110. It should be appreciated that these additional components are optional and that in other various exemplary embodiments they are not included in the system and will be discussed below.

Further, this exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 has two shelves 300 and one drawer 500. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the system 10 could be assembled with a greater or lesser number of shelves or drawers, or with all shelves, all drawers or a variety of combinations of a plurality of shelves and drawers.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the two opposing support walls 110 are operably configured to provide a plurality of locations to removably attach the shelf brackets 200 and the utility brackets 400 and support loads caused by the shelves 300 and the drawers 500. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the cabinet 100 could have 3 or more support walls. The opposing support walls 110 have at least one slotted surface 112, a front end 113, a back end 114, a top surface 115, a bottom surface 116, a thickness 119, a length 118, a bottom dado 117 and a back dado 111. The two opposing support walls 110 are disposed with the respective slotted surfaces 112 oriented towards each other. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the support wall may have two sides configured as slotted surfaces.

The slotted surface 112 is operably configured with a plurality of horizontal slots 170. The horizontal slots 170 are cavities in the support wall 110 that are substantially perpendicular to the slotted surface 112. The horizontal slots 170 are disposed on the slotted surface 112 in rows. A row may have one or more horizontal slot 170. It is preferred that each row have two horizontal slots 170 per row. Further, it is preferred that the horizontal slots 170 be disposed on the slotted surface 112 in two columns as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, a slotted surface could have one or more columns of horizontal slots. Moreover, it should be appreciated that in this exemplary embodiment the opposing walls 110 are a mirror image of each other in that the horizontal slots 170 on one wall 110 vertically and horizontally align with the other opposing wall, not shown.

The horizontal slots 170 are operably configured to receive the both the support device 200 and the support bracket 400. The horizontal slots 170 provide the user an adjustment feature wherein the shelf brackets 200 and the utility brackets 400 can be easily removed from one location and re-attached to a second location. The brackets 200 and 400 simply slide in and out of the slots 170 when a shelf and/or drawer are not being supported by the brackets 200 and 400, respectively.

Each of the slots 170 have a slot front edge 171, a slot width 172, a slot height 173, a slot depth 174, a slot top surface 175, a slot bottom surface 176 and a slot spacing 178 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. It is preferred that the slot width 172 about be about 1.375 inches, the slot height 33 to be about 0.093 inches and the slot depth 34 to be about 0.395 inches. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the dimensions of the slots could be other values.

As discussed above, it is preferred that the horizontal slots 170 be disposed on the slotted surface 112 in rows with two slots 170 per row. The preferred positioning of the first horizontal slot 170 in a row is as follows: the first slot front edge 171 is about 2.00 inches from the support wall front end 113. The preferred positioning of the second horizontal slot 170 in a row has the second slot front edge 171 about 18.00 inches from the support wall front end 113. The slot spacing 178 is the distance between the rows of slots 170 and is measured from the one slot bottom surface 176 to the slot bottom surface of the slot 170 disposed above. The preferred slot spacing is about 4 inches. Additionally, It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the rows of horizontal slots could be one or more or slots per row. Further, it should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the locations as well as the spacing of the slots could be of other dimensions.

The fitting of the support device 200 into the horizontal slot 170, as shown in FIG. 4, permits the transfer of loading caused by the shelf 300 over a wider surface area along slot bottom surface 176. Furthermore, moments caused by loads imposed by the shelf 300 on the support device 200 are counteracted by the support device 200 pressing against the shelf 300 and the support device 200 pressing against the slotted surface 112. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the slot height 173 of the horizontal slot could be unlimited and the support device would still support the shelf.

Referring now to the support device 200 or shelf bracket. The shelf bracket 200 connects the shelf 300 to the cabinet 100. In this exemplary embodiment, for each shelf 300, a set of two support devices 200 are placed into a row of horizontal slots 170 of one of the walls 110 and another set of two support devices 200 are placed into corresponding horizontal slots 170 in the other opposing wall 110. It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, additional support devices and horizontal slots could be used to support shelves.

The shelf bracket 200, as shown in FIGS. 4 through 7, includes a vertical member 210, a top member 220 and a bottom member 230.

In this embodiment, the support device 200 is composed of one integral piece of material. The three members 210, 220 and 230 are formed by bending a piece of material in two places and in two opposing directions. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the top flange, the vertical member and the bottom flange could be joined by other methods common in the art of manufacturing, for example they could be welded together. Additionally, the support device 200 is substantially rigid. It is preferred that the shelf bracket 200 be constructed out of a rigid material, such as but not limited to steel. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments other rigid materials common to the art could be used.

The top member 220, or top flange 220, is operably configured to fit into one of the plurality of the horizontal slots 170. The top member 220 is connected to the bottom member 230 by the vertical member 210. The top member 220 is disposed such that it is substantially perpendicular to the vertical member 210.

The top member 220 has a top member first surface 221, a top member second surface 222, and a top member width 227, a top member length 228 and a top member thickness 229. The preferred top member width 227 is about 0.375 inches. The preferred top member length 228 is about 1.25 inches. The preferred top member thickness 229 is about 0.093 inches.

The vertical member 210 transfers loads placed on the bottom member 230 by the shelf 300 to the top member 220. The vertical member has a vertical member first surface 211, a vertical member second surface 212, a vertical member top end 213 with a vertical member top end radius 214, a vertical member bottom end 215 with a vertical member bottom end radius 216, a vertical member height 217, a vertical member length 218 and a vertical member thickness 219. The preferred vertical member height 217 is about 0.843 inches. The preferred vertical member width 218 is about 1.25 inches. The preferred vertical member thickness 219 is about 0.093 inches.

The vertical member 210 further has a vertical member orifice 241. The vertical member orifice 241 has a circular shape in the center of the vertical member first surface 211 with a bevel disposed towards the vertical member first surface 211. The orifice 241 in the vertical member 210 provides a means to removably fasten the support device 200 to the support wall 112 if desired by the user. The support device 200 can be removably mounted to the support wall 112 with the use of an optional fastener 245 as shown in FIG. 4. In this exemplary embodiment optional fastener 245 is a tapered flat head wood screw. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments other fasteners common in the art of woodworking can be used.

As mentioned above, the top member 220 is perpendicular to the vertical member 210. It is preferred that the top flange 220 be attached to the vertical member 210 such that the top member first surface 221 is flush with the vertical member top end 213 such that the vertical member top end 213 has a vertical member top end radius 216. It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, the top member could be operably configured such that the top member first surface is not flush with the vertical member top end. Further, it should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the vertical member top end radius could be zero.

Further, the connection of the top member 220 and the vertical member 210 forms an inside radius 242. The radius 242 is continuous and extends along the length of the connection. The inside radius 242 is preferred to have a dimension that is as close to zero as possible. Having the smallest continuous radius as possible allows the vertical member 210 to be disposed adjacent to the slotted surface 112 preventing the fatigue of the support wall 110. In this exemplary embodiment the preferred maximum value for radius 242 is about 0.020 inches.

Still referring to FIGS. 4 through 7, the vertical member 210 is disposed such that it is substantially perpendicular to the bottom member 230 or bottom flange 230. The connection of the vertical member 210 and the bottom member 230 forms an inside radius 243. The radius 243 is continuous and extends along the length of the connection. The inside radius 243 is preferred to have a dimension that is as close to zero as possible. Having the smallest continuous radius as possible allows the vertical member 210 to be disposed adjacent to the shelf end 302 reducing the moment created by the loads of shelf 300. By reducing the moment, the fatigue of the support wall 110 is further reduced. In this exemplary embodiment the preferred maximum value for radius 243 is about 0.020 inches.

Additionally, the bottom flange 230 is operably disposed on the vertical member 210 to provide a top member-bottom member separation distance 244. The separation distance 244 is measured from the top member first surface 221 to the bottom member first surface 231. In the preferred embodiment, the separation distance 244 is designed for aesthetic reasons, such that the separation distance 244 corresponds to the shelf 300 wherein the shelf 300 has a shelf thickness 306, which is equal to the separation distance 244. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the separation distance could equal to or greater than the vertical member height, such that, for example the bottom flange or the top member could be dispose along the vertical member height instead of at the vertical member ends.

The bottom member 230 provides the connection of the shelf 300 to the support device 200. The bottom flange 230 has a bottom member first surface 231, a bottom member second surface 232, a bottom member width 237, a bottom member length 238, and a bottom member thickness 239. The preferred bottom member width 237 is about 0.5625 inches. The preferred bottom member length 238 is about 1.25 inches. The preferred bottom member thickness 239 is about 0.093 inches.

As mentioned above, the bottom member 230 is perpendicular to the vertical member 210. It is preferred that the bottom member 230 be attached to the vertical member 210 such that the bottom member second surface 232 is flush with the vertical member bottom end 215. It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, the bottom flange could be operably configured such that the bottom flange second surface is not flush with the vertical member bottom end. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the vertical member bottom end radius could be zero.

The bottom flange 230 further has a bottom member orifice 246. The bottom member orifice 246 has a circular shape in the center of the bottom member first surface 231. The orifice 246 in the bottom member 230 provides a means to removably fasten the support device 200 to the shelf 300 if desired by the user. The support device 200 can be removably mounted to the shelf 300 with the use of an optional fastener 247 as shown in FIG. 4. In this exemplary embodiment optional fastener 247 is a round head wood screw. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments other fasteners common in the art of woodworking can be used.

The shelf 300 is assembled by placing a set of two support devices 200 disposed on one support wall 110 and a second set of two support devices 200 disposed on an opposing support wall 110. The shelf 300 is supported by the bottom flanges 230 of the shelf brackets 200. As mentioned above, if a back wall 120 is used, an additional plurality of shelf brackets 200 can be disposed in the back wall 120 to provide additional support for the shelf 300. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the optional back wall 120, when used, could be operably configured to have a plurality of horizontal slots 170 to receive the support devices 200. These extra slots 170 or “fifth slot” will allow a user to insert a fifth shelf bracket 200 into slot 170 as to provide extra support for a shelf 300 if desired by a user. It is preferred that whenever a shelf is greater than 36 inches in length, the back wall 120 be operably configured with a horizontal slot 170 and a shelf bracket 200 be inserted to provide additional support for shelf 300.

Now referring to FIGS. 1 through 4 and 8, the shelf 300 has a plurality of notches 320. Additionally, the shelf 300 has a plurality of shelf ends 302, a shelf bottom surface 304, a shelf thickness 306, a shelf width 308 and a shelf rear edge 310.

In this exemplary embodiment, each shelf 300 has at least four notches 320 and more specifically, two notches per shelf end 302. The notches 320 are operably disposed on the shelf ends 302 such that the horizontal spacing of the notches 320 corresponds to the horizontal slots 170 on the slotted surface 112. Further, the notches 320 are operably configured to fit on the shelf bracket 200 such that the vertical member 210 of the support device 200 is embraced by the notches 320. The notches 320 on each shelf 300 allow for the shelf 300 to be locked into place without the use of fasteners. Conventional shelf brackets require the use of fasteners to prevent a shelf from sliding forward towards a user when an object is removed. The notches 320 provide the securing mechanism for the shelf 300 to prevent the shelf sliding. Additionally, each notch 320 has a width 322, a depth 324 and a notch center 326.

In this exemplary embodiment the preferred notch width 322 is about 1.31 inches, the notch depth 324 is about 0.125 inches. As mentioned above, each shelf end 302 has two notches 320. The first notch center 326 is preferred to be located about 4.75 inches from the shelf rear edge 310. The second notch center 326 is preferred to be located about 20.75 inches for the shelf rear edge 310. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments a shelf could have one or more notches and the notches could be located at a variety of spacings from the front and rear edges of the wall. Additionally, it should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the notch could be extend along the shelf bottom surface such that the bottom flange of the support device is hidden from view.

Now, referring to the support bracket 400 or utility bracket. The support brackets 400, as shown in FIG. 9, connect the drawers 500 to the cabinet 100. The utility brackets 400 are operably configured to support the loads caused by the drawers 500. Additionally, the support brackets 400, similar to the support devices 200, are operably configured to fit into the horizontal slots 170.

In this exemplary embodiment, a set of four support brackets 400 are placed into two rows of opposed horizontal slots 170 for each drawer 500. It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, more support brackets and horizontal slots could be used to support drawers.

The support bracket 400, as shown in FIG. 9, includes a vertical portion 410 and a horizontal portion 430.

In the preferred embodiment, the support brackets 400 is composed of one integral piece of material. The two portions 410 and 430 are formed by bending a piece of material. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the vertical member and the horizontal portion could be joined by other methods common in the art of manufacturing, for example they could be welded together. Additionally, the support bracket 400 is substantially rigid. It is preferred that the support bracket 400 be constructed out of a rigid material, such as but not limited to steel. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments other rigid materials common to the art could be used.

Still referring to FIG. 9, the horizontal portion 430, or horizontal flange 430 is disposed such that it is substantially perpendicular to the vertical member 410. The connection of the vertical member 410 and the horizontal flange 430 forms an inside radius 443. The inside radius 443 is preferred to have a dimension that is as close to zero as possible. Having the smallest continuous radius as possible allows the vertical member 410 to be disposed adjacent to the slotted surface 112 reducing moments created by the loading of the drawer 500 and preventing the fatigue of the support wall 110. In this exemplary embodiment the radius 443 about is 0.020 inches.

The horizontal portion 430 provides the connection of the support bracket 400 to the support wall 110. The horizontal flange 430 has a horizontal portion first surface 431, a horizontal portion second surface 432, a horizontal portion width 437, a horizontal portion length 438 and a horizontal portion thickness 439. The preferred horizontal portion width 437 is about 0.31 inches. The preferred horizontal portion length 438 is about 1.25 inches. The preferred bottom portion thickness 439 is about 0.093 inches.

The vertical member 410 connects to the drawer 500 and transfers loads from the drawer 500 to the horizontal flange 430. The vertical member has a vertical member first surface 411, a vertical member second surface 412, a vertical member top end 413, a vertical member bottom end 415 with a vertical member bottom end radius 416, a vertical member height 417, a vertical member length 418 and a vertical member thickness 419. The preferred vertical member height 417 is about 0.8125 inches. The preferred vertical member width 418 is about 1.25 inches. The preferred vertical member thickness 419 is about 0.093 inches.

As mentioned above, the vertical member 410 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal flange 430. It is preferred that the horizontal portion 430 be attached to the vertical member 410 such that the horizontal portion second surface 432 is flush with the vertical member bottom end 415 such that the vertical member bottom end 413 has a vertical member bottom end radius 416. It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments, the horizontal flange could be operably configured such that the horizontal portion second surface is not flush with the vertical member bottom end. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the vertical member bottom end radius could be zero.

To aid in attaching the support bracket 400 to the drawer 500, the vertical member 410 of the has a plurality of vertical member alignment orifices 441. The vertical member alignment orifices 441 are disposed in a circular shape in the center of the vertical member first surface 411. In this embodiment the vertical surface 410 has two alignment orifices 441.

Now referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the drawer 500 has two drawer sides 510, a drawer rear end 512 and a plurality of drawer glides 515 wherein each drawer glide 515 has a female glide 520 and a male glide 540.

The drawer 500 is operably configured with the drawer glides 515 to connect the drawer 500 to the support bracket 400. One male glide 540 is disposed on each drawer side 510, as shown in FIG. 11, wherein the male glide roller 542 is disposed towards the drawer rear end 512. Further, the male glide 540 is operably configured to roll inside the female glide 520. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments other conventional drawer glides could be used.

The female drawer glide 520 is a glide common in the art of making drawers. The female glide 520 has a plurality of female glide alignment orifices 522, a female glide top member 524, a female glide bottom member 526, a female glide vertical member 528, a female glide height 530, and a female glide roller 532.

The female glide 520 is operably configured to attach to the vertical members 410 of two utility brackets 400. In this preferred embodiment, the support bracket 400 is spot-welded to the female drawer glide 520 and is operably configured to fit with the female glide 520, as shown in FIG. 10, such that the support bracket alignment orifices 441 align with the female glide alignment orifices 522. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the support bracket could be attached by other methods common to the art, such as but not limited to rivets.

Additionally, the female glide bottom member 526 is disposed such that it the female glide bottom member 526 is flush with the support bracket horizontal portion second surface 432. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the female glide bottom member may be above or below the support bracket horizontal portion second surface.

Further, it is preferred that the female glide height be about equal with the support bracket vertical member height 417. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the female glide height may be of a different height then the support bracket vertical member height.

Continuing, one female glide 520 with two support brackets 400 affixed to a female glide vertical member 528 is disposed on the support wall 110 such that the female glide roller 532 is positioned towards the support wall front end 113. The support brackets 200 are placed in two of the plurality of horizontal slots 170 on support wall 110. A second female glide 520 with two support brackets 400 affixed to a female glide vertical member 528 is disposed into two of the plurality of horizontal slots 170 directly opposed from the first female glide 520 into an opposing support wall 110 such that the female glide roller 532 is positioned towards the support wall front end 113.

The drawer 500 with two male glides 540 is attached to the cabinet 100 by placing the male glides into the two female glides 520 connected the support wall 110.

It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the support bracket could be operably configured to fit on the female glide such that the horizontal portion is disposed near the vertical member top end as shown in FIG. 12.

In this exemplary embodiment the support bracket 400 is used to support the drawer 500. It should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments the support bracket could be used to support other objects, for example but not limited to, a sliding shelf a sliding tray.

FIG. 12 displays a device 600, which is an alternative embodiment of a support bracket made in accordance with this invention. The device 600 is similar to the support bracket 400 described above and include similar features, such as for example a vertical member 610 and a horizontal portion 630.

One of the differences in this embodiment is in the manner of orientation. While the horizontal portion 630 is still attached to the vertical member 610, the location has changed. In this exemplary embodiment the horizontal portion 630 is joined with the vertical member 610 along the vertical member first surface 611 such that the horizontal portion first surface 631 is flush with the vertical member top end 613. Another difference with this exemplary embodiment is that the vertical member 610 is configured with one alignment orifice 641.

Referring back to FIG. 1 and as mentioned above, the cabinet 100 includes the following components: the back wall 120, the bottom board 130, the foundation 140, the plurality of foot pegs 150 and the top board (not shown).

The back wall 120 is operably situated between the two support walls 110 such that the back wall 120 is flush with the support wall back ends 114 and fits into the back dado 111. The support walls 110 and the back wall 120 rest upon the bottom board 130. The back wall 120, in this embodiment, is for aesthetics and is optional. However, it should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the back wall could have a plurality horizontal slots providing span-wise support to the shelf 300 if required.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that in other various embodiments the opposing support walls could be integral to a larger structure such as but not limited to the opposing walls of a room.

The bottom board 130 is operably situated between the two support walls 110 such that the bottom board 130 fits into the bottom dado 119. The bottom board 130 in this embodiment is for aesthetics and is optional.

The foundation 140, when used, supports the support walls 110, and back wall 120 and bottom board 130. The foundation 140 has a front board 141, a first side board 142, a second side board (not shown), a back board 144 and a plurality of foot pegs 150. The first and second side boards have a length 145. The length 145 of the first side board 142 and the second side board is less then the support walls 110. The front board 141 and the back board 144 have a length 146. The front and back board length 146 is the same as the shelf width 308.

The foundation 140 is supported by a plurality of foot pegs 150. The foot pegs 150 have a threaded rod 151 with a top end 152 and a bottom end 153, a flat head 154, and a threaded insert 155. The flat head 154 is pivotably attached to the bottom end 153. In this exemplary embodiment, the foundation 140 is connected to the support wall 110 by wood screws (not shown). It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments other types of wood fasteners could be used.

The use of foot pegs 150 is optional. Two foot pegs 150 are disposed on the foundation first and second side boards 142 and 143 such that the foot pegs 150 are positioned under the two columns of horizontal slots 170 on the support walls 110. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments a plurality of foot pegs can be used. Additionally, it should be appreciated that in other exemplary embodiments the foot pegs can be placed into any member of the foundation.

The foot pegs 150 are configured such that the threaded insert 155 is inserted into the foundation 150. The threaded rod 151 is screwed into the threaded inserts 155 to provide a means of leveling adjustment for the cabinet 100. It should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments other means common to the art could be use to support the foundation and provide a means of level adjustment.

This invention also includes a method of assembly and adjustment, which includes the acquiring of support walls 110 with slotted surfaces 112, a plurality of support devices 200, a plurality of support brackets 400, a plurality of shelves 300 and a plurality of drawers 500 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 11, inserting the support devices 200, inserting the support brackets 400, placing the shelves 300 on the support devices 200, placing the drawers 500 on the support brackets 400, and adjusting the shelves 300 and drawers 500.

The inserting the support devices step includes inserting two support devices 200 into a first set of horizontal slots 170 on slotted surface 112 of a support wall 110 and inserting two additional support devices 200 into a second set of horizontal slots 170 on a second support wall 110 directly opposing the first set of horizontal slots 170.

The inserting the female glide step includes inserting a first female glide 520 with two support brackets 400 attached thereto into a set of horizontal slots 170 on a support wall 12. Inserting a second female glide 520 with two support brackets 400 in a set of horizontal slots 170 on a second support wall 112 directly opposed the first female glide 520.

The placing a shelf step includes placing a shelf 300 onto the two sets of support devices 200 such that the notches 320 on the shelf 300 fit over the vertical member 210 of the support device 200.

The placing a drawer step includes engaging a drawer 500 with a male glide 540 on each drawer sides 510 with the two female glides 520.

The method further includes the step of adjusting the shelves 300 and drawer 500 by removing the shelves 300, drawers 500, support devices and support brackets then repeating the steps listed above in a different horizontal slot 170 location.

While the method described above includes a combination of shelves 300 and drawers 500, it should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments, the method could be just shelves or just drawers.

Additionally, it should be appreciated that in other various exemplary embodiments the cabinet 100 could have doors, molding or other features common in the art of cabinetry.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A storage system comprising:

a plurality of support devices each having first, second and third members, wherein the first and third members are connected to the second member;

a plurality of support brackets having first and second portions connected to each other;

two opposing walls each having at least two vertically spaced horizontal cavities, wherein for each of the opposing walls one of the cavities is operably configured to receive at least one of the first member of one of the plurality of support devices and the second portion of one of the plurality of support brackets and the other of the cavities is operably configured to receive the other of the first member and the second portion;

a shelf having ends, a bottom surface and at least one notch disposed at each end, wherein the at least one notch is operably configured to receive the second member of one of the plurality of support devices, and the bottom surface is disposed adjacent to the third member of at least two of the plurality of support devices; and,

a drawer having drawer glides disposed at each side wherein each of the drawer glides are attached to the first portion of at least one of the plurality of support brackets.

2. A storage system as recited in claim 1, wherein:

the second member of each of the plurality of support devices has opposing first and second surfaces;

the first member of each of the plurality of support devices is connected to the first surface of the second member at about ninety degrees relative to the second member; and,

the third member of each of the plurality of support devices is connected to the second surface of the second member at about ninety degrees relative to the second member.

3. A storage system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a radius formed by the connection of the first and second members of each of the plurality of support devices, wherein the radius is continuous and extends along the length of the connection of the first and second members.

4. A storage system as recited in claim 1, wherein, the at least one notch extends from the bottom surface of the shelf to a top surface of the shelf.

5. A shelf system comprising:

a plurality of support devices each having a first, second and third members, wherein the first and third members are connected to the second member;

two opposing walls each having at least one horizontal slot operably configured to receive the first member of one of the plurality of support devices; and,

a shelf having ends, a bottom surface and at least one notch disposed at each end, wherein the at least one notch is operably configured to receive the second member of one of the plurality of support devices, and the bottom surface is disposed adjacent to the third members of the plurality of support devices.

6. A system as recited in claim 5, wherein:

the second member of each of the plurality of support devices has opposing first and second surfaces;

the first member of each of the plurality of support devices is substantially perpendicular to the second surface of the second member; and,

the third member of each of the plurality of support devices is connected to the second substantially perpendicular to the second member.

7. A system as recited in claim 5, further comprising a radius formed by the connection of the first and second members of each of the plurality of support devices, wherein the radius is continuous and extends along the length of the connection of the first and second members.

8. A system as recited in claim 5, wherein the at least one notch extends from the bottom surface of the shelf to a top surface of the shelf.

9. A drawer system comprising:

a plurality of support brackets having first and second portions connected to each other;

two opposing walls each having at least one horizontal slot operably configured to receive the second portion of one of the plurality of support brackets; and,

a drawer having drawer glides at each side, wherein each of the drawer glides are attached to the first portion of at least one of the plurality of support brackets.

10. A drawer system, as recited in claim 9, wherein the first and second portions of the plurality of support brackets are connected to each other at about ninety degrees.

11. A drawer system, as recited in claim 9, further comprising a radius formed by the connection of the first and second portions of the plurality of support brackets, wherein the radius is continuous and extends along the length of the connection of the first and second portions.

12. A drawer system, as recited in claim 9, wherein the at least one horizontal slot is a horizontal cavity.

13. A support device comprising:

a vertical member having first and second surfaces and being engageable with a notch disposed on an end of a shelf;

a first horizontal member attached to the first surface of the vertical member and being engageable with a horizontal cavity of a wall; and,

a second horizontal member attached to second surface of the vertical member at a vertical distance from the first horizontal member and being disposable adjacent to a bottom surface of the shelf,

wherein the vertical member will prevent sliding of the shelf across the second surface of the vertical member when the first horizontal member is disposed in the horizontal cavity.

14. A support device, as recited in claim 13, further comprising a radius formed by the attachment of the first horizontal member to the vertical member, wherein the radius is continuous and extends along the length of the attachment of the first horizontal member to the vertical member.

15. A shelf support device as recited in claim 14, wherein, the radius has a maximum dimension of about 0.020 inches.

16. A support device, as recited in claim 13, wherein, the vertical member has at least one counter-sunk hole on the second surface.

17. A shelf support device as recited in claim 13, wherein, the second horizontal member has a center axis along its length and at least one hole along the center axis.

18. A drawer glide comprising:

a first member;

a second member operably configured to slidably engage the first member and connectable to a drawer structure; and,

a bracket member having a horizontal portion and being attached to the first member and being engageable with a horizontal cavity of a wall.

19. A drawer glide, as recited in claim 18, wherein the bracket member includes a vertical portion integrally connected to the horizontal portion and attached to the first member.

20. A drawer glide, as recited in claim 19, wherein the horizontal portion is disposed about ninety degrees relative to the vertical portion.

21. A drawer glide, as recited in claim 20, wherein the bracket member is attached to the first member such that the horizontal portion is positioned vertically below the vertical portion.