Article of manufacture comprising a support system for the support of a shelf or shelves or other rigid or non-rigid materials

Abstract

A new article of manufacture that suspends from a stationary object or support structure and neatly reconfigures to a compact form for easy storage and transport when not in use, with a frame for support of a shelf or shelves or other rigid or non-rigid materials with a hanger member, an upright member, an optional stabilizer member, a singular or plurality of projections and a projections support member. The new article of manufacture is useful for storage and organization of items in residential, commercial or industrial setting. A preferred embodiment includes a hanger member that provides the point by which the support system is suspended. Attached to the hanger member is an upright member to which the projection support member or members attach. An optional stabilizer member is provided allowing the end user to determine the need of enhanced stability and apply said stabilizer if deemed necessary. A projection support member is included thereby enhancing the load capability and rigidity of the support structure. Once installed in a hanging position, construction grade boards may be added to establish a shelf or shelves or rigid or non-rigid material may be added without the use of construction grade boards. Examples of rigid material likely to be stored on such a support structure are copper plumbing pipe, galvanized rigid conduit, or round, square or rectangular stock steel tubing.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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DESCRIPTION OF ATTACHED APPENDIX

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates primarily to a support system and more particularly to an article of manufacture comprising a support system for the support of a shelf or shelves or other rigid or non-rigid materials.

This invention relates to a support system with support member or members for support of a shelf or shelves for storing items or for storing rigid or non-rigid materials, specifically to a lightweight support system used for support of a shelf or shelves, or rigid or non-rigid material, that hangs without interfering with floor space below, is quick and easy to install and is portable to allow for transport between job sites or other locations. People who enjoy activities within the construction field, such as electricians, plumbers or the like, find it essential to have temporary on site storage. One method of meeting this need is through the use of shipping containers that are rented or owned for use as portable storage containers. Typically these shipping containers come void of any form or method of organizing materials thereby requiring the craftsman to install some type of temporary shelf system. Often times this is achieved through the use of 2×4 and plywood construction. This detracts from the time the craftsman can attend to his or her field of training, is cumbersome in implementation, is constructed in a manner whereby the main support is typically the floor thereby obstructing valuable floor space, does not lend itself to portability, is costly both in materials and labor and is often discarded at the close of construction or when the need for the storage space no longer exists.

The need for, and unavailability of, any existing prior art that provides a portable, lightweight, strong and durable support system that withstands the rough conditions found within these shipping containers, provides fast and easy set-up, is convenient to use, can be easily transported between locations and occupies very little space while not in use, was a motivating factor for the present invention. To date, this need has gone unfulfilled and a search for prior art indicates no solution has been developed.

No prior technology exists and therefore, no deficiency in prior technology exists.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide a support system that can be used as a shelf support system or a rigid or non-rigid material storage system that enhances organization, item accessibility, is quick and easy to install and does not interfere with floor space below.

Another object of the invention is to provide a support system that can be used as a shelf support or rigid or non-rigid material support system that is lightweight, portable, heavy duty and convenient.

Another object of the invention is to provide a support system that can be used as a shelf support or a rigid or non-rigid material support system that stacks conveniently, stores with low profile and occupies very little space when not in use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a support system for a shelf or shelves or rigid or non-rigid material storage system that is simple to use and when supporting a shelf or shelves or rigid or non-rigid material is stable, strong and durable.

Another object of the invention is to provide a support system that can be used as a means to organize and enhance accessibility of items supported thereon.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an article of manufacture comprising a support system for the support of a shelf or shelves or other rigid or non-rigid materials comprising: a hanger means, and an upright member, and an optional stabilizer member and a projection support element and a singular or plurality of projections whereon the shelf or shelves or other rigid or non-rigid material will be supported thereby allowing the user to store items conveniently thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention demonstrating an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention demonstrating an alternate embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention demonstrating one application among a multitude of applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

A first embodiment of the article of manufacture is shown in perspective view in FIG. 1. This embodiment comprises a hanger member 10, comprising a plate with a key-hole opening, an upright member 11, an optional stabilizer member 12, slid into the upright member thus requiring no additional mounting hardware, a plurality of projections 13 and a projection support member 14, comprising a round stock material that attaches to the upright member 11, and the plurality of projections 13.

An alternate embodiment of the article of manufacture is shown in perspective view in FIG. 2. This embodiment comprises a hanger member 20, comprising an arcular hook, an upright member 21, an optional stabilizer member 22, attached utilizing attachment hardware, a plurality of projections 23 and a projection support member 24, comprising a flat stock material that attaches to the upright member 21, and the plurality of projections 23.

An alternate embodiment of the article of manufacture is shown in perspective view in FIG. 3. This embodiment comprises a hanger member 30, comprising a hook, an upright member 31, an optional stabilizer member 32, attached to the upright member 31, at a point to provide sufficient lateral support and attached utilizing attachment hardware, a plurality of projections 33 and a projection support member 34 that attaches to the upright member 31, and the plurality of projections 33.

Referring briefly to FIG. 4, a perspective view is shown utilizing two support systems 41, with three support projections each, whereon two each construction grade boards 43 are placed, forming three shelves 42.

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An article of manufacture comprising a support system for the support of a shelf or shelves or other rigid or non-rigid materials comprising:

a hanger member; and

an upright member; and

an optional stabilizer member; and

a singular or plurality of projections; and

a projection support member.

2. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hanger member is manufactured in a form that allows for the mounting of the support system to a wall or other support structure, this could be, but not be limited to, a hanger member in the shape and cross section of which would be of a design that would be sufficient to support the applied load.

3. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said hanger member is attached to said upright member. The attachment method could include, but not be limited to, welding, bolting, rivet or screw type attachment.

4. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said upright member is of sufficient length to support said singular or plurality of projections, the shape and cross section of the said upright member would be of a design sufficient to support the applied load.

5. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said optional stabilizer member is fashioned of sufficient length to provide lateral stability and may be permanently attached or removable from said upright member and added to the support system based on user application. The design of the optional stabilizer member would have a shape and cross section that would be sufficient to provide lateral support when subject to the applied load.

6. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said singular or plurality of projections would be of a design of sufficient length to provide support for a shelf or rigid or non-rigid material, permanently attached to or removable from said upright member. The shape and cross section of said singular or plurality of projections would be of a design that would be sufficient to provide support of a shelf or rigid or non-rigid materials when subject to the applied load.

7. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said singular or plurality of projections attach to said upright member. The attachment method could include but not be limited to welding, bolting, rivet or screw type attachment.

8. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a projection support member as a means of connecting and adding additional support, strength and stability to said upright member and said singular or plurality of projections and may be permanently attached or removable from said upright member and singular or plurality of projections. The shape and cross section of said projection support member would be of a design that would be sufficient to provide additional support when subject to the applied load.

9. An article of manufacture as claimed in claim 1 wherein said projection support member is attached to said upright member and said singular or plurality of projections. The attachment method could include, but not be limited to welding, bofting, rivet or screw type attachment.