Shelving system

Abstract

A shelving system having a plurality of shelving support units spanned from each other in a parallel fashion along a wall with each support unit having a pair of extensions which project laterally outward from the wall and aperture panels extending therefrom. The aperture panels are configured with a plurality of apertures and a small securing hole positioned adjacent to an outermost aperture. A plurality of cylindrical pipes are coupled between the shelving support units, the pipes being inserted through the apertures and coupled to the shelving support units via a locking mechanism.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/437,079 entitled “Shelving Support Unit” and filed on May 19, 2006.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to shelving. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wall-mounted shelving system comprised of one or more shelving support units which may be used in homes, businesses, and/or industrial settings.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Wall mounted shelving systems are known in the art and allow users to store items without having to sacrifice and/or dedicate floor space. Such systems are ideal for areas in which square footage is limited or in which maximum use of square footage is desired. FIG. 1 illustrates a typical prior art wall mounted shelving system. As shown in FIG. 1, the prior art wall mounted system is typically comprised of two or more elongated braces which are positioned in a vertical direction, against a vertical support member such as a wall. Brackets or trunnions are then typically coupled with these elongated braces and positioned to extend laterally therefrom. Rectangular panels of rigid material (such as wood, glass and/or metal) are then placed to extend across these brackets/trunnions, and used to form shelf platforms.

A shortcoming of prior art, wall mounted shelving systems is that such systems are often inflexible. First, widths of the rectangular panels which form the shelf platforms are fixed and cannot be adjusted. Additionally, users cannot conveniently extend or shorten the length of these platforms, as they are typically designed to extend across a predetermined length/spacial distance. This prevents the user from easily adjusting the span of such shelving systems. In short, storage needs of a user tend to change over time and prior art systems do not allow users to easily adapt systems to accommodate changing needs.

An additional shortcoming in the prior art is that shelving platforms comprising bracket or trunnion-based support systems tend to have limited load-bearing capacity. As described above, trunnion-based systems comprise vertical braces that are attached to a vertical wall member. The vertical braces typically contain slots or apertures that allow for the insertion/coupling of a pair of brackets/trunnions to the vertical braces. An assembled trunnion-based system results in a cantilevered structure, with the shelf platform forming a cantilever. Because cantilevered structures are inherently unstable, trunnion based systems are not ideal for heavy loads. Industrial facilities typically require shelving systems capable of carrying large and heavy loads. As a result, industrial facilities often have to construct expensive, custom built systems, capable of holding heavy loads.

The present invention addresses the above shortcomings by teaching a flexible shelving system in which the width or depth of the shelving system can be easily adjusted for the user's particular purposes. The invention incorporates prefabricated steel pipes, or PVC piping to form a shelf platform component of the system. Such materials are widely available to the general public in building material stores and can be easily cut to the user's specifications. Such materials are also relatively inexpensive. Thus the present invention teaches a low cost system for constructing a sturdy, customized shelving system.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a typical prior art wall mounted shelving system;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a single shelving support unit used in the shelving system of the present invention;

FIG. 3, shows a close-up, rear view of one of the mounting plates of a shelving support unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of a securing hole for coupling a locking mechanism to the shelving support unit, in order to secure an outermost support pipe in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5a shows an inner close-up view of a locking mechanism for securing an outermost support pipe to the shelving support unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5b shows an outer close-up view of the locking mechanism for securing an outermost support pipe to the shelving support unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a shelving system comprised of a pair of shelving support units and support pipes coupled laterally therebetween in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 shows a preferred embodiment for a locking cap used in the shelving system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shelving support unit 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of such units may be used fo construct an entire shelving system, as explained and described further hereinafter. In a preferred embodiment, a shelving support unit is constructed as a single steel unit. The unit may be constructed from less expensive alloys, however, if the needs of the user do not require the load bearing capacity of steel. The unit may be covered with a protective enamel if used in a corrosive environment, such as outdoors or near the ocean.

As shown in FIG. 2, the shelving support unit includes a pair of wall mounting plates 2, allowing for attachment of the unit to a vertical support member 3, such as a wall. The mounting plates form a plane that is parallel to the vertical support member to which it is attached. FIG. 3 shows a close-up, rear view of one of the mounting plates of a shelving support unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, each of the mounting plates 2 preferably has three holes/openings 4, allowing for attachment of the plate to the vertical support member (i.e. the wall) via attachment means, such as bolts, lag screws, or other concrete anchor or fastening systems, which other systems are known to those skilled in the art.

Referring again to FIG. 2, adjacent to the plates 2 are multiple extensions 5 projecting laterally and perpendicularly (or roughly perpendicular), in an outward fashion away from each of the mounting plates 2. The extensions are parallel to each other, with each projecting outward to different lengths/distances from their respective plates. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, a first extension 20 is longer than a second extension 30. It is understood that this may be altered such that the first extension may lie either directly above the second extension or directly below the second extension depending on which direction the shelving support unit is attached against the vertical support member.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, the extensions are actually joined together on an opposite side via a vertical member which is formed between the two extensions. The vertical member is disposed opposite the vertical support member (i.e. the wall) and will preferably be slanted between the two extensions.

Coupled to each of the extensions 20 and 30 and extending in a preferably downward fashion therefrom are multiple aperture panels 6. The aperture panels 6 are provided for creating a shelf platform component of the system and will be used to couple support pipes between two opposing shelving support units. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aperture panels 6 are configured with apertures 8 having a diameter suitable for insertion of cylindrical pipe components available at building supply stores. The multiple aperture panels may provide gaps 11 of various lengths between the apertures 8. Storage of larger items will allow for larger gaps 11 and the insertion of multiple pipes; while storage of smaller objects will require smaller gaps between the apertures so that said items do not fall through the gaps.

In a preferred embodiment, the outermost aperture 8 has a small securing hole 12 positioned directly therebelow. This hole will be used to couple a locking mechanism to the shelving support unit 1, in order to secure and outermost cylindrical pipe. FIG. 4 shows a close-up view of a securing hole for coupling a locking mechanism to the shelving support unit, in order to secure an outermost support pipe in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. When a locking mechanisms is coupled to the shelving support unit, it will prevent a cylindrical pipe from moving horizontally and help to provide one unitary and secure shelving system, as described further hereinafter.

FIGS. 5a and 5b show inside and outside close-up views of a locking mechanism for securing an outermost support pipe to the shelving support unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the locking mechanism includes an eyebolt 51 inserted through the securing hole and preferably screwed to the shelving support unit on both sides. The locking mechanism further includes a self-tapping screw which is connected between the eyebolt and an outermost support pipe, thereby coupling the outermost pipe to the shelving support unit.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a shelving system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, a fully assembled system requires multiple shelving support units 1, as described above. Each shelving support unit 1 comprising the system should be positioned at an equal height along the wall. A span 8 separates two shelving support units. The span between any two units will be spaced according to the projected load the user intends to have supported on the shelving system. Heavier loads will require that the span between the shelving support units be smaller.

As shown in FIG. 6, the system further includes a shelf platform 9 which is comprised of a plurality of cylindrical pipes 10, which are widely available in building supply and home improvement stores. The pipes are cut a length that is larger than the span 8 between two shelving support units. The pipes are inserted in the apertures located in the multiple aperture panels 6 of the shelving support units. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the assembly will comprise an upper shelf platform 12 and lower shelf platform 13.

Shelf platform widths may vary in size depending on the needs of the user. Accordingly, the number of pipes inserted may vary such that by adding additional pipes, a wider shelf platform 9 may be created. Additionally, larger shelf platforms may require larger extension sizes and additional apertures, while smaller shelf platforms may require smaller extension sizes and fewer apertures. In either event, the user may modify the number of pipes that are inserted in the holes/apertures of the aperture panels in order to accommodate the user's intended use of the system.

In a preferred embodiment the pipes which are inserted into the holes /apertures of the aperture panels are covered with locking caps. These caps help protect against any rough edges which may exist when the pipes are cut and also help to keep the pipes in place, thereby ensuring one secure unit. FIG. 7 illustrates a locking cap in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the locking cap is preferably round in shape and designed to fit around the end of the pipe after it is inserted through the apertures. Each locking cap preferably has a diameter slightly larger then the aperture such that when a pair of caps are secured to opposite end of a pipe, they prevent the pipe from sliding or moving horizontally, securing the pipe within the apertures.

Manufacture of the present invention is simple. Steel tubes may be bent using methods known in the art to form the multiple extensions 20, 30 and angled bracing portion 7, as shown in FIG. 1. Steel plates may be welded to the tubes to provide the brackets 2 and multiple aperture panels 6 provided on the extensions. One inch galvanized steel pipes may be used to form the shelf platform structure. For a less industrial appearance, injection molded plastic may be used for the extensions and angled bracing portion. Instead of steel pipes, electrical metallic tubing, wood dowels, copper piping, or PVC piping may be used for the shelf platform. This list is not exhaustive however and numerous prefabricated materials are suitable for use.

The user is afforded great flexibility using the present invention because the shelf platform can be easily and inexpensively modified when desired. Steel and plastic piping are readily available and inexpensive when compared to custom cut pieces of wood or plastic panels. Expanding or reducing the span of the shelf platform of the present invention only requires a user to go to his local home improvement store to purchase the piping materials.

In summary, the present invention is a novel, inventive shelving system that addresses many of the shortcomings in the art. With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, manner and use are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, while still falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A shelving support unit comprising:

at least two mounting plates;

extensions which project laterally from each of said mounting plates;

aperture panels coupled to and extending from the extensions, said aperture panels configured with a plurality of apertures and a small securing hole positioned adjacent to an outermost aperture, wherein said small securing hole is designed for insertion of a locking mechanism coupled to said shelving support unit.

2. The shelving support unit of claim 1, wherein the extensions are parallel to each other and each has a different length.

3. The shelving support unit of claim 1, wherein the extensions are joined together on an opposite side via a vertical member formed between the two extensions.

4. The shelving support unit of claim 1, wherein each aperture in the plurality has a diameter suitable for insertion of a cylindrical pipe through said aperture.

5. The shelving support unit of claim 4, wherein the locking mechanism is comprised of:

an eyebolt which is threaded through the small securing hole and coupled to the shelving support unit on both sides of the securing hole; and

a self-tapping screw coupled between the eyebolt and an outermost cylindrical pipe when it is inserted through the outermost aperture.

6. A shelving system comprised of:

a plurality of shelving support units spanned from each other in a parallel fashion along a wall, wherein each support unit has a pair of extensions which project laterally outward from said wall and aperture panels coupled to and extending from each of said extensions, said aperture panels configured with a plurality of apertures and a small securing hole positioned adjacent to an outermost aperture; and

a plurality of cylindrical pipes coupled between the shelving support units, said pipes being inserted through said apertures in said aperture panels.

7. The shelving system of claim 6, wherein the extensions are parallel to each other and each has a different length.

8. The shelving system of claim 6, wherein the extensions are joined together on an opposite side via a vertical member formed between the two extensions.

9. The shelving system of claim 6 further comprising;

a pair of locking mechanisms for insertion into the securing holes in order to couple an outermost cylindrical pipe to the shelving support units.

10. The shelving system of claim 9, wherein each locking mechanism in the pair is comprised of:

an eyebolt which is threaded through the small securing hole and coupled to the shelving support unit on both sides of the securing hole; and

a self-tapping screw coupled between the eyebolt and the outermost cylindrical pipe when it is inserted through the outermost aperture.