Modular Storage System

Abstract

A highly modular and adjustable shelving system, for household articles and other objects, supported by vibration isolating and noise suppressing, soft and non-slippery padding. The shelving system is comprised of at least one frame element and at least one removable support element or any combination of these components. The modular design provides for quick assembly, easy customization and disassembly.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/630,936 filed on Dec. 04, 2009. The entire application is incorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

This invention is directed at modular storage systems, where there is flexibility of storage both in terms of the type of items to be stored, and in flexibility of how the storage system is erected. In particular, flexibility in how the elevation of the shelving horizontal supports are located on a vertical supporting structure, and additional flexibility in what types of horizontal shelving components are installable on the vertical supports.

This type of shelving system provides important improvements over other storage and shelving methods. The flexible and modular system allows storage and display of all types of household articles such as boxes, containers, food items, reading materials, bottles, decorative items, pictures, food cans, plastic storage containers of various kinds, and irregular items.

(2) Description of Related Art

Shelving systems have been around for many years.

Some have designed fixed shelving systems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,117 describes a rod based system at fixed locations on vertical supports. The rods are designed for a particular purpose and not designed to be flexible to accommodate a variety of types of shelving.

Others have looked into variable height storage shelving systems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,401 describes a variable height shelving system where the storage shelves are relocate able via two vertical notched posts, and the storage shelves are otherwise guided or stabilized by four vertical guide posts. Unfortunately, this system does not provide for a wall type of display, nor does it provide for a method of holding individual items. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,394 describes a four post adjustable shelf system where notches in the vertical posts are used to adjust the shelf height to particular values.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,937 describes a method of utilizing a slotted hole and a slot on an angle. Although this may have some advantage in strength, the design is permanently attached to the wall and is not generally considered re-locatable.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,238 describes a shelving system that is useful for storing a variety of items. However, the system requires vertical supports when it is not attached to the wall, and is over complicated. Re-configuring the shelving system is not convenient, nor can it be done rapidly.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,770,135 describes cantilevered horizontal supports installed in vertical supports with spaced slots. This design provides for flexibility in choosing the shelf elevation, but is directed primarily at supporting horizontal shelving boards.

The designs above generally do not conceive of a modular design where multiple types of shelving are installable in the vertical support columns. The designs generally conceive of systems where the shelving is incrementally elevated by slots, pin inserts, or other methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A highly modular and adjustable shelving system is useful for storing or displaying items such as household articles and other objects, supported by Vibration isolating and noise suppressing, soft and non-slippery padding. The presented shelving system is comprised of at least one base frame element and at least one shelving support element, each of which may be selected from a number of components. The shelving support element is adjustable in elevation by a Twist Lock System where a T Slot and a Fitted Cam with a snap lock is used to set the shelving support element in place on the base frame element. The modular design provides for quick assembly, easy customization and disassembly.

The presented modular System is modern looking, simple, decorative, light weight, designed for optional integrated lighting. The Installation of the modular storage System can be, but is not restricted to, wall mounting, free Standing, floor to ceiling attachment or any combination of the above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1A-1B shows a horizontal support arm.

FIG. 2 shows how a horizontal support arm is interlocked with a vertical pole and holds cylindrical items for storage.

FIG. 3 shows details of the vertical pole, or vertical support frame.

FIG. 4 shows how the horizontal support members are twist locked into the vertical support members.

FIG. 5 shows details of another vertical support member.

FIG. 6 shows a new design for vertical support members which incorporates a wide stiffening flat panel.

FIG. 7 shows how a dual horizontal support arm is interlocked with a vertical pole and holds cylindrical items for storage where a different arm elevation is used.

FIG. 8 shows how the twist lock feature may be utilized to support a horizontal member.

FIG. 9 shows how multiple types of storage shelving units may be incorporated into the twist lock design at varying heights.

FIG. 10 shows details of a shelving unit insert piece.

FIG. 11 shows how shelving panels may be incorporated into the vertical poles.

FIG. 12 shows how supporting feet are incorporated into the vertical poles.

FIG. 13 shows and alternate version where two types of poles are screwed together rather than use the twist lock feature.

FIG. 14 shows how the shelving unit can be utilized in a wine glass holding and shelf unit.

FIG. 15 shows additional details of a shelving unit insert piece.

FIG. 16 shows a divider panel.

FIG. 17 shows dovetail assembly system for a horizontal pole.

FIG. 18 shows a shelving system for a vertical self standing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A general, modular storage, display or partition system based on the use of, but not limited to, one or more, or a combination of the following base components, and any of the other components of the system, allowing a shelving and storage system expansion as previously presented in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/630,936.

The modular system of the present design is specifically for quick assembly and disassembly, and for ready customization.

The presented modular system is modern looking, simple, decorative, and readily incorporates integrated lighting.

The Installation of the modular storage system can be, but is not restricted to, wall mounting, free Standing, floor to ceiling attachment, or any combination of the three.

The base components comprise a column with a single T Slot or a pole with multiple T Slots. In an embodiment of the present invention the T Slot is fitted with an incremental positioning insert that allows fast, exact positioning of horizontal load bearing supports. The use of a positioning insert is not required. If desired, positioning holes can be added to the T Slot by drilling or punching during manufacturing.

Column: a single “T” slot member with sufficient strength that is used to support shelving elements. It is generally installed in the vertical orientation and is optionally fitted with an incremental positioning insert with positioning holes, which allows fast locating, exact positioning, and load bearing of the components attached to it.

The columns are profiles, “T” slot shaped in the front, typically but not exclusively with locater holes, capable of receiving in any hole, a connecting member located at the rear part of the component to be attached. The connecting member has a matching T shape, typically but not exclusively provided with a double axial cam and a locator pin.

Another embodiment of the column is a “T” profile of the same shape and size, without the locator holes, capable of receiving “T” shaped connecting members that slide in the profile. The T shaped sliding connecting members do slide regardless of the presence of locator holes. The locator holes can be used for exact positioning of the sliding connecting members.

The columns are made of, but not restricted to extruded aluminum profile. The columns can be wall mounted, attached to poles of the claimed System or attached to any other structure.

The pole is typically, but not necessary, a four sided profile usually with a “T” Slot shape on every side. It can be installed in the horizontal or vertical orientation. Every side of the pole with a T Slot can be optionally fitted with an incremental positioning insert incorporating positioning holes, which allows fast locating, exact positioning, and load bearing of the shelving components attached to it.

A pole more broadly speaking is a supporting frame element, vertical or horizontal, with at least one T Slot, and an optional positioning insert. The pole commonly has a geometric cross sectional profile of a polygon, repeating the “T” Slot on each side of the polygon. Common polygons are 3, 4, 6, and 8. A special pole, also called a rail, has a rectangular profile and has two T Slots on each of the smaller lengths of the rectangular profile.

The poles are typically made of, but not restricted to, extruded aluminum or extruded plastic, along with plastic or metallic inserts.

The presence of locator holes in a pole is not mandatory. If they are present, they can be drilled, punched or they can be placed in the pole by the optional insert (or inserts).

An optional locator insert is typically mounted inside a V shaped groove adjacent to the T Slot, and becomes part of the T Slot. The locator insert is also attachable by another method (e.g. riveted, screwed, glued), inside the T Slot which is then made slightly wider to accommodate the thickness of the locator insert.

Poles can be used in vertical, horizontal or tilted positions. They are normally used in substantially vertical or horizontal positions.

Columns and Poles can be stacked with the appropriate linking components to achieve different heights, can be cut to fit exact spacing or extended with telescopic mounts, assuring advanced modularity and customization.

FIG. 1A-1B shows a horizontal support arm or element 102 useful for a shelving unit. The support element has a structural shape for strength with a high strength to weight ratio. It incorporates a soft overlay 101 that is a rubber, soft elastomer, or similar vibration isolator. The overlay preferably has high coefficient of friction and is additionally includes noise suppressor characteristics. Also, an isometric view of the support arm 103 is shown. Stops 104 provide spacing of items that may roll or slide on the support arms 103.

FIG. 2 shows how a horizontal support arm 203 is interlocked with a vertical column 201 and holds cylindrical items or container examples 202 for storage.

FIG. 3 shows details of the vertical column, or vertical support frame element. A replaceable frame insert 301 with indexing holes 302 is incorporated into the design of the vertical support frame, and is inserted into a v-groove adjacent the T Slot in the depicted embodiment.

FIG. 4A shows how the horizontal support members are twist locked into the vertical support members in three steps. A vertical support frame element 401 incorporating a T Slot and a Horizontal Support Arm 402 are interlocked together. In step 1, the horizontal support arm is inserted in to the T Slot 405 as shown by being oriented so the cam 407 is parallel to the T Slot opening 405. In Step 2, the support arm is pushed all the way in so that the locator pin 406 is inserted into an indexing hole 404. Depending upon which indexing hole is chosen; this establishes the elevation of the support arm. In step 3, the support is rotated substantially 90 degrees (i.e. ¼ turn) so that the snap lock 403 aligns or clicks into the T Slot opening. This simple three step process assures the alignment and full supporting strength of the support arm. The cam and snap lock provides resistance to rotation when engaged with the T Slot in this manner. FIG. 4B shows a cross section detail of the cam in the T Slot at step 2, and FIG. 4C shows a cross section of the support arm at step 3. The locator pin 406 and indexing hole 404 combination serve as a rotation axis for the twist lock motion and have a load bearing function at the same time.

FIG. 5A shows details of another vertical support member or element, a pole with four T slots. A Replaceable Frame Insert (Optional on any side of the pole) 501 is insertable on any of the four sides of the vertical pole 503 and each side incorporates a T Slot 502. Each of the sides also incorporates a V groove for replaceable frame insert 504 so that the T Slot may be used for a precise and repeatable location of a support frame element that includes a locator pin.

In FIG. 5B, alternate pole configurations incorporate 3, 4, 6, and 8 sided respectively 505-508. Another version is a 4 sided pole with two T Slots as shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 6 shows a new design for vertical support members which incorporates a wide stiffening flat panel. As is seen in the figure, a Narrow panel 601 is installed on a vertical column 602, and is part of the T Slot 603. A wide panel 604 is incorporated between vertical columns.

The presented embodiment is a one piece extruded panel with two T slot features. Another embodiment would be two or more columns embedded in a panel .

FIG. 7 shows how a dual horizontal support arm is interlocked with dual vertical columns 702 with T Slots 701 and holds cylindrical items for storage where a different arm elevation is used.

FIG. 8 (upper half) shows how the twist lock feature may be utilized to support a horizontal rail. A Vertical support column 801 is connected to a horizontal pole 802 (with two T Slots) by use of a specialized support arm 805 that incorporates a Cam 806 for the Twist/Lock system (previously described). The horizontal pole 802 (rail) is snap locked in the flexible jaw 803 of the support arm 805. A hole 804 is used to locate a snap fit decorative rail end cap which will also act as a rail stopper.

FIG. 8 (lower half) shows how the twist lock feature may be utilized to support a horizontal pole. A vertical support pole with a T Slot 811 is connected to a horizontal pole 807 (with two T Slots) by use of a specialized connector 809 with a flexible jaw 808 that incorporates a Cam 806 and Stop 810 for the Twist/Lock system (previously described). The flexible jaw 808 is capable of receiving a rail type horizontal pole.

FIG. 8 shows a typical example of how the Twist Lock feature can be adapted to any type of horizontal supporting structure. The horizontal bracket 805 or arm should only be seen as an example of how a rail is supported. Other types of objects or shelving components could also be adapted for support using this system. A linking bracket that fitted with a “cam” profile at rear side, is easily able to match any sort of “T” slot of Columns or Poles, and a flexible jaw at the front is easily designable to accept a snap fit with other shelving components. In particular, this design is useful to accept and support items such as, but not limited to: shelves, baskets, display boards.

FIG. 9 shows how multiple types of storage shelving units may be incorporated into the twist lock design at varying heights. As seen, the modular System is multifunctional, and can be configured and used in a large variety of applications such as, but not limited to, bottle storage, pantry storage Systems, display or general storage.

FIG. 10 shows details of a particular male dovetail 1004 shelving unit insert piece. T Shaped tabs 1001 are used to fit into T Slots with a raceway 1002 for low voltage wires. A threaded hole for a set screw/locator 1003 is also provided. A locking device/tab is provided to attach other items to the dovetail. In general, the “Male dovetail” will interconnect with any “Female dovetail”. The male dovetail can be free sliding in any “T” slot or can be locked in the profile with a set screw.

FIG. 11 shows how shelving panels may be incorporated into the vertical poles along with lighting. A Vertical Pole 1106 is connected to the male dovetail 1102 and a set screw (not shown) is used to firmly lock it in place. A raceway for low voltage wires in male dovetail 1103 provides room for low voltage wires 1105 for a Light (LED) 1104. Ultimately, a Divider Panel 1107 is illuminated by the LED light to achieve a uniform, pleasant, light box effect shining within the Divider Panel.

The above panels can be clear or decorated and can serve as partitions, display backgrounds, marketing displays, trade show booth walls or any other application where a light weight decorative or translucent panel is needed.

FIG. 12 shows how supporting feet are incorporated into the vertical poles. At least two vertical poles 1202 are connected by a Linker connector 1203 and terminate in a cap 1201 at the top, and an axial pole support 1206 on the bottom. To steady the connected poles and keep them vertical, a Rear Leg 1204 and a Front Leg 1205 are attached at the bottom of the pole assembly. Convenient levelers are attached at the base of the pole 1207 and the legs 1208 to ensure the poles are steady. Though only two legs are shown, an assembly with divider panels would only need two per pole as the divider panels would provide additional stability. Not all components listed above have to be present to support the vertical poles. The linker connector is used to stack multiple poles in the modular system. The cap is a decorative finishing component. Additional legs can be installed, depending upon the pole used, to provide stability.

FIG. 13 shows and alternate version where a horizontal pole and a vertical column are screwed together rather than use the twist lock feature by use of an insert nut. A horizontal pole 1301 with a T Slot 1302 incorporates a spacer/nut 1304/1303 insert. The spacer and nut are one flexible component (not a separate insert nut). It can be “squeezed” and inserted in any T slot of the system, and will slide until is spread locked by the screw 1306. The screw 1306 is used to attach the horizontal pole to the vertical column 1307.

This component allows flexibility of design with columns and poles by using their T Slots, and can be inserted into any column or pole in the desired position. The front side of the insert nut will accept a self tapping screw. The screw will spread and lock the component in place and attach the -column or pole- to the -column or pole- at the desired position.

FIG. 14 shows how the shelving unit can be utilized in a wine glass holding and shelf unit. The shelf assembly incorporates a flat shelf 1401, a Sliding hanger attached to the rail 1402, a waste Container attached to vertical support 1403, a rail attached to horizontal support 1404, a Glass hanger attached to a single vertical support 1405, and on the glass hanger there is a soft elastomer on slotted v-groove 1406. Arrows of motion highlight how the shelf assembly may be adjusted.

The horizontal pole 1404 could also be called a “Rail” due to the “H” shaped profile, and is typically, but not limited to, extruded aluminum. It is designed to support sliding or fixed snap-on shelving units or installed for dedicated or general purpose holders. The rails are typically designed for the horizontal orientation.

FIG. 15 shows additional details of a shelving unit insert piece. Similar to FIG. 10, FIG. 15 shows details of a double tapered female dovetail 1502 with a locking feature 1501. The female dovetail will link to any male dovetail. The rear side of the female dovetail can have several different configurations. It can be a mating part for a pole profile, at 90 degree, 45 degree or any other angle. A component with a “female dovetail” at each end can also act as a spacer, linker or anchor in-between two male dovetails. The inclusion of spacers with different lengths is part of the design of the system.

FIG. 16 shows a divider panel installation. A vertical pole 1605 is connected to a horizontal pole 1602 by use of a male and female dovetail 1603 and a locking set screw 1604. A divider panel is then inserted in a T Slot of the horizontal pole 1602.

FIG. 17 shows more clearly the dovetail assembly system for a horizontal pole onto a vertical pole using the double tapered male dovetail 1707 and the double tapered female dovetail 1704. A vertical pole 1710 connects with a T shaped rear 1709, of a male dovetail 1707 and

a) a female dovetail at 45 degrees 1706

b) a female dovetail short piece 1705, or

c) a female dovetail 1704 with a spacer 1703.

Finally, to connect these parts to a fixed structure (such as a wall), a screwed in anchor plate with a male dovetail 1701 and a locking tab 1702 is used. The male dovetail is designed to fit into any female dovetail.

Alternately, a horizontal pole 1712 may be connected by use of a Female Dovetail 1711 at 90 degrees, a Set Screw 1713, and a Male Dovetail 1714 screwed into the vertical pole. Ultimately the dovetail is screwed into the vertical pole (or column) and into the horizontal support. It is then assembled in place using the tapers and locking features of the spacers, male and female parts.

FIG. 18 shows a shelving system for a vertical self standing system. An optional lid 1804 along with various basket configurations 1803 and a universal bracket 1802 are attached to universal poles 1801.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, the invention may be modified and adapted to various operational methods to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the description and figure shown herein, and includes all such embodiments, changes, and modifications that are encompassed by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A storage system comprising:

a) at least one vertical frame element and at least one horizontal support element,

b) wherein said vertical frame element incorporates at least one T slot,

c) wherein said horizontal support element incorporates a cam and a snap lock,

d) wherein said cam engages fits into said T slot and firmly attaches said horizontal support element when rotated one quarter turn,

e) wherein said snap lock engages with said T slot when said horizontal support element is rotated one quarter turn, wherein said snap lock provides resistance to rotation when engaged with said T slot,

f) wherein said vertical frame element is a pole or column,

g) wherein said horizontal support element is a pole or arm,

h) wherein said vertical frame element incorporates an indexing hole locator strip or locating holes,

i) wherein said cam additionally incorporates a pin for alignment to a hole in said indexing hole locator strip or said locating holes, and

j) wherein the position of said horizontal support element relative to said vertical frame element is determined by a selection of a hole in said indexing hole locator strip or said locating holes,

 whereby said horizontal support element is useful for storing or displaying items.

2. The storage and display system of claim 1 wherein a cross section of said pole incorporates a polynomial shape with 3, 4, 6, or 8 faces, and wherein each said face additionally incorporates said T slot.

3. The storage and display system of claim 2 wherein said pole incorporates a V groove adjacent to said T slot, and said indexing hole locator strip is inserted into said V groove.

4. The storage and display system of claim 1 wherein said vertical frame elements are

i) attached to a wall, or

ii) free standing by use of a plurality of legs attached to at least one said vertical frame element.

5. The storage and display system of claim 1 wherein a plurality of panels are supported by said vertical frame elements and said horizontal support elements.

6. The storage and display system of claim 5 wherein said panels incorporate internal lighting.

7. The storage and display system of claim 1 wherein at least one said horizontal support element incorporates at least one stop and a covering with any properties from the group consisting of:

i) noise suppressing,

ii) vibration dampening, and

iii) non-slip.

8. A storage system according to claim 1 wherein

a) said horizontal support element is an arm, and

b) wherein said arm is connected to a horizontal rail by a rail connecting base,

 whereby said horizontal rail is useful for storing or displaying items.

9. A storage system comprising:

a) at least one vertical frame element and at least one horizontal support element,

b) wherein said vertical frame element incorporates at least one vertical T slot,

c) wherein said horizontal support element incorporates at least one horizontal T slot,

d) a spacer nut insert,

e) wherein said spacer nut insert is configured to fit into any said T slot and firmly attaches said horizontal support element and to said vertical frame element by use of a threaded connector,

f) wherein said vertical frame element is a pole or column,

g) wherein said horizontal support element is a pole or a rail,

h) wherein said vertical frame element incorporates indexing holes, wherein said threaded connector engages a selected hole in said indexing holes, and

i) wherein said threaded connector causes spacer nut to increase in dimension so as to grip said horizontal T slot,

 whereby said horizontal support element is useful for storing or displaying items.

10. A storage system comprising:

a) at least one vertical frame element and at least one horizontal support element,

b) wherein said vertical frame element incorporates at least one vertical T slot,

c) wherein said horizontal support element incorporates at least one horizontal T slot,

d) a dovetail insert,

e) wherein said dovetail insert is configured to fit into any said T slot and firmly attaches said horizontal support element and to said vertical frame element by use of threaded connectors,

f) wherein said vertical frame element is a pole or column,

g) wherein said horizontal support element is a pole or a rail,

h) wherein said vertical frame element incorporates vertical indexing holes, wherein a selected hole in said vertical indexing holes is used for connection to said horizontal support element,

i) wherein said horizontal support element incorporates horizontal indexing holes, wherein a selected hole in said horizontal indexing holes is used for connection to said vertical frame element, and

j) wherein said dovetail insert additionally incorporates a space for wiring,

 whereby said horizontal support element is useful for storing or displaying items.

11. The storage and display system of claim 10 wherein a plurality of panels are supported by said vertical frame elements and said horizontal support elements.

12. The storage and display system of claim 11 wherein said panels incorporate internal lighting.