NETTING ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH SHELVING ASSEMBLIES

Abstract

A netting assembly includes a netting panel sized to span at least a majority of a shelving assembly's storage space. An adjusting member is capable of being positioned in three configurations and is operatively connected to the netting panel proximate at least two spaced apart portions of the adjusting member. The adjusting member is operatively connected to the netting panel such that gaps are created between the adjusting member and the netting panel proximate between the at least two spaced apart portions when the adjusting member is in the first and second configurations. The netting panel has a first size when the adjusting member is in the first configuration and is expandable to a second size when the adjusting member is in the third configuration. The netting panel is adjustable in size between the first size and the second size, and the adjusting member tensions the netting panel.

Description

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/910,254, filed Apr. 5, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a netting assembly for use with shelving assemblies.

BACKGROUND

Among other things, a netting assembly may be used as a barrier across at least a portion of a shelving assembly's storage space to prevent items on at least one of the shelves within the storage space from falling off the shelving assembly. Ideally, such an arrangement should be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, easy to install, and reliable in use. Also, convenient access to items on at least one of the shelves may be desired, in which case, the netting should be readily movable into and out of its “barrier” position relative to the items to which access is desired.

One problem with prior art netting assemblies is that the size of the netting panel needs to be adjusted so that the netting panel is both taut and aesthetically pleasing. Even if the netting panels are made to fit a particular storage space, the netting panels tend to stretch over time because they are typically made out of synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester. Some prior art netting panels include tensioning straps proximate the corners of the netting panels to allow the user to adjust the tension of the netting panel once it has been installed. Also, if the netting panels are too large for the storage space, the tensioning straps may be used to gather any slack in the netting panels. However, commonly the tensioning straps are not used thus leaving the netting panels loose and sloppy in appearance. Leaving the netting panels loose could reduce the effectiveness of the barrier and allow items to fall off the shelving assembly.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention provides a netting assembly for use with a shelving assembly. The shelving assembly has vertical support posts and horizontal support posts defining at least one storage space in which items are stored, and the at least one storage space has a shelf length. A netting panel is sized to span at least a majority of the shelf length. An adjusting member is operatively connected to the netting panel proximate at least two spaced apart portions of the adjusting member. The adjusting member is made of an elasticized material capable of being positioned in a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration. The first configuration is when the adjusting member is in a released state, the second configuration is when the adjusting member is in a partially extended state, and the third configuration is when the adjusting member is in a fully extended state. The adjusting member is operatively connected to the netting panel such that gaps are created between the adjusting member and the netting panel proximate between the at least two spaced apart portions when the adjusting member is in the first and second configurations. The netting panel has a first size when the adjusting member is in the first configuration and is expandable to a second size when the adjusting member is in the third configuration. The netting panel is adjustable in size between the first size and the second size, and the adjusting member tensions the netting panel.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a storage assembly including a shelving assembly, a netting panel, connectors, and an adjusting member. The shelving assembly includes vertical support posts and horizontal support posts defining at least one storage space in which items are stored. The netting panel is sized to span at least a majority of the storage space. The connectors interconnect the netting panel and the shelving assembly. The adjusting member is operatively connected to the netting panel proximate at least two spaced apart portions of the adjusting member. The adjusting member is made of an elasticized material capable of being positioned in a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration. The first configuration is when the adjusting member is in a released state, the second configuration is when the adjusting member is in a partially extended state, and the third configuration is when the adjusting member is in a fully extended state. The adjusting member is operatively connected to the netting panel such that gaps are created between the adjusting member and the netting panel proximate between the at least two spaced apart portions when the adjusting member is in the first and second configurations. The netting panel has a first size when the adjusting member is in the first configuration and is expandable to a second size when the adjusting member is in the second configuration and to a third size when the adjusting member is in the third configuration. The netting panel expands to at least the second size and the adjusting member tensions the netting panel when the netting panel is connected to the shelving assembly.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of connecting a netting panel to a shelving assembly. The shelving assembly includes vertical support posts and horizontal support posts defining at least one storage space in which items are stored. The netting panel includes a top, a bottom, a first side, a second side, and at least one adjusting member operatively connected to the netting panel proximate at least two spaced apart portions of the adjusting member. The adjusting member is made of an elasticized material capable of being positioned in a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration. The first configuration is when the adjusting member is in a released state, the second configuration is when the adjusting member is in a partially extended state, and the third configuration is when the adjusting member is in a fully extended state. The adjusting member is operatively connected to the netting panel such that gaps are created between the adjusting member and the netting panel proximate between the at least two spaced apart portions when the adjusting member is in the first and second configurations. The netting panel has a first size when the adjusting member is in the first configuration and is expandable to a second size when the adjusting member is in the third configuration. The netting panel is adjustable in size between the first size and the second size and the adjusting member tensions the netting panel. A cable is connected to at least two of the vertical support posts proximate a top portion of the at least one storage space. A first elongate connecting member is connected to the first side of the netting panel and a second elongate connecting member is connected to the second side of the netting panel. The top of the netting panel is connected to the cable, and the netting panel is slidable along the cable between the at least two of the vertical support posts. The first elongate connecting member is connected to one of the vertical support posts. The second elongate connecting member is connected to another of the vertical support posts. The netting panel adjusts in size from the first size to the second size and the adjusting member tensions the netting panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the Figures of the Drawings, wherein like numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art netting assembly installed on a shelving assembly;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a netting assembly constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a portion of the netting assembly shown in FIG. 2 with an adjusting member shown in phantom lines;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a portion of the netting assembly shown in FIG. 2 with an adjusting member;

FIG. 5 is a front view of another embodiment netting assembly constructed according to the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a front view of the netting assembly shown in FIG. 2 installed on a bottom storage space of a shelving assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to a netting assembly designated by the numeral 200 in the drawings for use with a shelving assembly.

FIG. 1 shows a prior art shelving assembly 100 that includes vertical support posts 120 and horizontal supports 125, 128, and 129 which are supported by the vertical support posts 120 in a manner well known in the art. The horizontal supports 125, 128, and 129 may themselves function as shelves for large objects and/or skids, or sheet members may be secured thereto to define shelves having a continuous support surface. A netting assembly 200′ extends along the forward edge of at least one of the horizontal supports 128 (the forward horizontal support is hidden by the netting assembly 200′) and spans a storage space disposed above same. Each side of the netting assembly 200′ is secured to a respective post 120 by means of respective net anchors 300. The netting assembly 200′ prevents objects from falling off the supports 128 or a shelf top associated therewith.

The netting assembly 200, shown in FIG. 2, includes a mesh netting panel 201 and a border 202 secured to the panel 201 proximate its perimeter. Preferably, the netting panel 201 is made of a knotless nylon mesh material and the border 202 is made of a light weight polypropylene webbing approximately 3 inches wide. The border 202 is preferably folded in half, sandwiching the perimeter of the netting panel 201 between the halves with the edge of the perimeter proximate the fold, so that the border 202 is approximately 1½ inches wide on each side of the netting panel 201. A plurality of grommets 203 are connected to the border 202 at distances spaced apart sufficient to secure the netting assembly 200 to a support structure proximate the storage space. Preferably, snap hooks 204 are inserted through openings in the grommets 203 and are used to secure the netting assembly 200 to the support structure. At least one adjusting member 205 is connected to the border 202, preferably with stitching 206 such as a box stitch, at spaced apart portions along the length of the adjusting member 205. The adjusting member 205 is preferably a polyester webbing material with elastic woven into the webbing. However, any suitable elasticized material may be used. It is also recognized that the adjusting member 205 may be connected to the border 202 with any suitable connecting means.

The adjusting member 205 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The adjusting member 205 is elastic, meaning that it extends and retracts along its length when pulled and released. Thus, the adjusting member 205 has at least a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration. The first configuration is when the adjusting member 205 is in its released state, the second configuration is when the adjusting member 205 is in its partially extended state, and the third configuration is when the adjusting member 205 is in its fully extended state. It is recognized that, over time, some of its elasticity may be lost and so the adjusting member 205 may become longer in length in its released state. Regardless whether some of its elasticity has been lost, the adjusting member 205 will generally have these three configurations. Should the adjusting member 205 lose all of its elasticity, then the adjusting member 205 should be replaced to function as desired.

The adjusting member 205 could be connected to the border 202 while fully extended in its third configuration, which creates tension when released and gathers any excess border 202. In other words, the adjusting member 205 is connected to the border 202 so that there is slack in the border 202 between the connecting means, as shown in FIG. 4, when the adjusting member 205 is in its first configuration. The slack in the border 202 creates a gap 208 between the border 202 and the adjusting member 205 between the stitching 206. The adjusting member 205 reduces the length of the netting assembly 200 in its first or second configuration but allows for the length to be increased by extending the adjusting member 205 up to its third configuration. Thus, when the netting assembly 200 is secured to the support structure, if the storage space is larger than the netting assembly 200 when the adjusting member 205 is in its first configuration, the adjusting member 205 may be extended to its second or third configurations, thus reducing the gap 208, and extending the length of the netting assembly 200. The adjusting member 205 allows the netting assembly 200 to be automatically tensioned to accommodate storage spaces of varying lengths. Thus, when the netting assembly 200 is installed, no further adjustment of the netting panel 201 is required.

There may be variables in the adjusting member 205 and how the adjusting member 205 is connected to the border as long as the panel 201 has the ability to contain an item should the item fall. Although the adjusting member 205 may be any length or any number of series of lengths along the border 202, it is preferred that the adjusting member 205 is 12 to 18 inches long and connected to the border 202 at two to four locations, one at each end and any additional connections at intermediate portions along the length of the adjusting member 205. Preferably, the length of the border 202 within the gap 208 is approximately 8 inches. The width of the adjusting member 205 and the amount of elasticity of the adjusting member 205 may also vary. However, to sufficiently contain an item that falls, the entire perimeter of the netting assembly 200 should not be adjustable. Preferably, the netting assembly 200 should only extend 3 to 5 inches from its size when installed to reduce the risk that items will bypass the netting assembly 200 should the items fall.

For illustrative purposes only, the netting assembly 200 shown in FIG. 2 has a length of approximately 110 to 115 inches and a height of approximately 48 inches. The length is approximately 110 inches when the adjusting members 205 are in their first configurations and approximately 115 when the adjusting members 205 are in their third configurations thus allowing for adjustability in length.

Although the adjusting member 205 is shown connected to the border proximate the middle of the top and the bottom of the netting assembly 200, it is recognized that the adjusting member 205 could be connected anywhere along the border 202. Further, if it is desired to have the height of the netting assembly 200 be adjustable, adjusting members 205 may be connected to the border 202 proximate the left and right sides (the vertically extending sides) of the netting assembly 200. Adjusting members 205 may be placed along the top and bottom sides (the horizontally extending sides) to make the length adjustable and to the left and right sides (the vertically extending sides) to make the height adjustable.

In addition, the adjustability of the netting panel 201, due to the adjusting member 205, allows for the netting panel 201 to accommodate items that may protrude from the shelving assembly while still acting as a barrier for the storage space in which the items are stored. Even if the netting assembly 200 has already been installed and items are later placed in the storage space, the netting panel 201 could automatically adjust to accommodate items that may protrude from the shelving assembly without requiring additional manual adjustment of the size of the netting panel 201.

The adjusting member 205 is preferably elastic webbing, but any suitable elasticized material may be used. For example, an elastic cord may be sewn onto the border or threaded or woven through the border.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment netting assembly 400 having a netting panel 401 and a border 402 secured about the perimeter of the panel 401. A reinforcement 407 extends between opposing sides (top and bottom) of the border 402 proximate the middle of the panel 401. The border 402 and the reinforcement 407 are preferably made of light weight polypropylene webbing. Adjusting members (not shown) are secured to the border 402 and to the reinforcement 407 with stitching 406, and the adjusting members allow the netting panel 401 to be adjusted vertically in height and horizontally in length. The adjusting members secured to the left and right sides of the netting panel 401 allow the netting panel 401 to be adjusted vertically in height. The adjusting members secured to the top and bottom sides of the netting panel 401 allow the netting panel 401 to be adjusted horizontally in length.

Although not shown, reinforcements may be positioned diagonally on the netting panels and adjusting members may be positioned on the diagonal reinforcements to adjust and tension the netting panel diagonally.

FIG. 6 shows the netting assembly 200 installed on a support assembly 529 proximate a bottom storage space of a shelving assembly 500. The support assembly 529 interconnects the netting assembly 200 and the shelving assembly 500. The shelving assembly 500 includes vertical support posts 520 supported on a support surface such as a floor with bases 535 and horizontal supports 528, which are supported by the vertical support posts 520 in a manner well known in the art. Connectors 530 are operatively connected to the posts 520 and are configured and arranged to support a cable 531 proximate the top of the storage space.

An elongate connecting member, such as a bar, 532 is operatively connected to each of the vertically extending sides (left and right sides) of the netting panel 201. The bars 532 include apertures 532a proximate the top and the bottom of the bars 532 through which fasteners, such as snap hooks, 536 may be inserted to interconnect the bars 532 and the cable 531. Preferably, the bars 532 are connected to the sides of the netting panel 201 by passing the snap hooks 536 through the apertures 532a and the grommets 203 proximate the top corners of the netting panel 201 as shown in FIG. 6. Thus the snap hooks 536 interconnect the netting panel 201, the bars 532, and the cable 531. Other types of fasteners, such as bolts, may be inserted through the openings in the grommets along the sides of the netting panel 201 below the top corner grommets and secured to the bars 532. Alternatively, other types of fasteners, such as bolts, may be inserted through the openings in the top corner grommets of the netting panel 201 and secured to the bars 532 and the snap hooks 536 would interconnect the bars 532 and the cable 531. Alternatively, the respective sides of the netting panel 201 may include sleeves through which the bars 532 may be inserted to secure the netting panel 201 to the bars 532. Alternatively, the snap hooks 204 along the sides of the netting panel 201 as shown in FIG. 2 may be secured about the bars 532 to secure the netting panel 201 to the bars 532. Other connecting means may also be used.

The portion of the netting panel 201 between the left and right sides may also be operatively connected to the cable 531 with snap hooks 204. The snap hooks 536 and 204 allow the netting panel 201 to be slid along the length of the cable 531. Securing members 533 are configured and arranged to releasably interconnect the bars 532 and the vertical support posts 520 proximate the middle of the storage space. Each of the securing members 533 includes a connector 533a operatively connected to the bar 532, a slidable member 533b, and a mounting member 533c operatively connected to the post 520. The slidable member 533b may be slidably operatively connected to either the connector 533a, as shown proximate the right side of the netting panel 201, or the mounting member 533c, as shown proximate the left side of the netting panel 201, and the corresponding mounting member 533c or connector 533a acts as a receptacle for receiving a hook portion of the slidable member 533b. The slidable members 533b are slidable into and out of the receptacles to secure the bars 532 to the respective posts 520 in a locked position and to release the bars 532 from the respective posts 520 in an unlocked position. Preferably, the slidable members 533b are in the locked position securing the bars 532 to the posts 520 until it is desired to access items stored in the storage space. The slidable members 533b may be slid out of the receptacles and placed in the unlocked position so that the netting panel 201 may be slid along the cable 531 to access the items. The netting panel 201 may be slid from left to right or from right to left.

Each time the slidable members 533b are placed in the locked position, the adjusting members (not shown) may be stretched to lengthen the netting panel 201 thus reducing the gap between the adjusting members and the border of the netting panel 201, which also automatically tensions the netting panel 201. If adjusting members were positioned on the portions of the border extending vertically, the netting panel 201 may be stretched to increase the height of the netting panel 201 thus reducing the gap between the adjusting member and the border of the netting panel 201, which also automatically tensions the netting panel 201 when the snap hooks 536 and 204 are installed along the cable 531.

If the netting assembly 200 is installed proximate a middle or a top storage space of the shelving assembly 500, a bottom cable would preferably also be used, and the bottom cable would be similarly operatively connected to the posts 520 with connectors 530 and configured and arranged to support a cable 531 proximate the bottom of the storage space. The netting panel would be similarly connected to the bottom cable as described with respect to the top cable.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims

1. A netting assembly for use with a shelving assembly, the shelving assembly having vertical support posts and horizontal support posts defining at least one storage space in which items are stored, the storage space having a shelf length, comprising:

a netting panel sized to span at least a majority of the shelf length;

an adjusting member operatively connected to the netting panel proximate at least two spaced apart portions of the adjusting member, the adjusting member being made of an elasticized material capable of being positioned in a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration, the first configuration being when the adjusting member is in a released state, the second configuration being when the adjusting member is in a partially extended state, and the third configuration being when the adjusting member is in a fully extended state; and

the adjusting member being operatively connected to the netting panel such that gaps are created between the adjusting member and the netting panel proximate between the at least two spaced apart portions when the adjusting member is in the first and second configurations, the netting panel having a first size when the adjusting member is in the first configuration and being expandable to a second size when the adjusting member is in the third configuration, wherein the netting panel is adjustable in size between the first size and the second size and the adjusting member tensions the netting panel.

2. The netting assembly of claim 1, wherein the netting panel is sized to span at least a majority of the storage space.

3. The netting assembly of claim 1, wherein the netting panel includes a border proximate a perimeter of the netting panel, the adjusting member being operatively connected to the border.

4. The netting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcement extending from a first side of the netting panel to an opposing side of the netting panel, the adjusting member being operatively connected to the reinforcement.

5. The netting assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjusting member is positioned to horizontally adjust the netting panel's size.

6. The netting assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjusting member is positioned to vertically adjust the netting panel's size.

7. The netting assembly of claim 1, wherein the adjusting member includes a first adjusting member and a second adjusting member, and the first adjusting member being positioned to horizontally adjust the netting panel's size and the second adjusting member being positioned to vertically adjust the netting panel's size.

8. The netting assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a support assembly configured and arranged to be operatively connected to the shelving assembly proximate the storage space;

the netting panel including a top, a bottom, a left side, and a right side;

connectors interconnecting the top, the bottom, the left side, and the right side of the netting panel and the support assembly;

the netting panel having the first size prior to interconnecting the top, the bottom, the left side, and the right side and the support assembly, the adjusting member extending from the first configuration to the second configuration and the netting panel expanding from the first size to the second size as the top, the bottom, the left side, and the right side are connected to the support assembly.

9. A storage assembly, comprising:

a shelving assembly including vertical support posts and horizontal support posts defining at least one storage space in which items are stored;

a netting panel sized to span at least a majority of the storage space;

connectors interconnecting the netting panel and the shelving assembly;

an adjusting member operatively connected to the netting panel proximate at least two spaced apart portions of the adjusting member, the adjusting member being made of an elasticized material capable of being positioned in a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration, the first configuration being when the adjusting member is in a released state, the second configuration being when the adjusting member is in a partially extended state, and the third configuration being when the adjusting member is in a fully extended state; and

the adjusting member being operatively connected to the netting panel such that gaps are created between the adjusting member and the netting panel proximate between the at least two spaced apart portions when the adjusting member is in the first and second configurations, the netting panel having a first size when the adjusting member is in the first configuration and being expandable to a second size when the adjusting member is in the second configuration and to a third size when the adjusting member is in the third configuration, wherein the netting panel expands to at least the second size and the adjusting member tensions the netting panel when the netting panel is connected to the shelving assembly.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the netting panel includes a border proximate a perimeter of the netting panel, the adjusting member being operatively connected to the border.

11. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising a reinforcement extending from a first side of the netting panel to an opposing side of the netting panel, the adjusting member being operatively connected to the reinforcement.

12. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the adjusting member is positioned to horizontally adjust the netting panel's size.

13. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the adjusting member is positioned to vertically adjust the netting panel's size.

14. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the adjusting member includes a first adjusting member and a second adjusting member, and the first adjusting member being positioned to horizontally adjust the netting panel's size and the second adjusting member being positioned to vertically adjust the netting panel's size.

15. The assembly of claim 9, further comprising:

a cable operatively connected to the vertical support posts proximate an upper portion of the storage space;

the netting panel including a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side;

the connectors including elongate connecting members and a plurality of fasteners;

the elongate connecting members being operatively connected to the first and second sides of the netting panel for releasably connecting the netting panel to the vertical support posts; and

the plurality of fasteners interconnecting at least the top of the netting panel and the cable, the netting panel being slidable along the cable.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the plurality of fasteners further interconnect the elongate connecting members and the cable.

17. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising a second cable operatively connected to the vertical support posts proximate a lower portion of the storage space, wherein the plurality of fasteners further interconnect the bottom of the netting panel and the second cable, the netting panel being slidable along the cable and the second cable.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the plurality of fasteners further operatively connect the elongate connecting members to the cable and the second cable.

19. A method of connecting a netting panel to a shelving assembly, the shelving assembly including vertical support posts and horizontal support posts defining at least one storage space in which items are stored, the netting panel including a top, a bottom, a first side, a second side, and at least one adjusting member operatively connected to the netting panel proximate at least two spaced apart portions of the adjusting member, the adjusting member being made of an elasticized material capable of being positioned in a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration, the first configuration being when the adjusting member is in a released state, the second configuration being when the adjusting member is in a partially extended state, and the third configuration being when the adjusting member is in a fully extended state, the adjusting member being operatively connected to the netting panel such that gaps are created between the adjusting member and the netting panel proximate between the at least two spaced apart portions when the adjusting member is in the first and second configurations, the netting panel having a first size when the adjusting member is in the first configuration and being expandable to a second size when the adjusting member is in the third configuration, wherein the netting panel is adjustable in size between the first size and the second size and the adjusting member tensions the netting panel, comprising:

connecting a cable to at least two of the vertical support posts proximate a top portion of the at least one storage space;

connecting a first elongate connecting member to the first side of the netting panel and connecting a second elongate connecting member to the second side of the netting panel;

connecting the top of the netting panel to the cable, the netting panel being slidable along the cable between the at least two of the vertical support posts;

connecting the first elongate connecting member to one of the vertical support posts;

connecting the second elongate connecting member to another of the vertical support posts, wherein the netting panel adjusts in size from the first size to the second size and the adjusting member tensions the netting panel.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the top of the netting panel is connected to the cable by connecting the first elongate connecting member and the second elongate connecting member to the cable using fasteners.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the top of the netting panel is connected to the cable using a plurality of fasteners.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising connecting a second cable to the at least two of the vertical support posts proximate a bottom portion of the at least one storage space and connecting the bottom of the netting panel to the second cable, the netting panel being slidable along the cable and the second cable between the at least two of the vertical support posts.