VENTILATED SHELVING BRACKET FOR HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL HANG RAIL SYSTEM

Abstract

A ventilated shelving bracket for a top rail assembly and a vertical rail assembly including a plurality of vertical uprights, and vertical hang rail system. The bracket includes one or more receiving bracket apertures include an indented backward facing slot. The indented backward facing slot is positioned on a bottom surface of the one or more receiving bracket apertures.

Description

PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This Continuation-In-Part (CIP) application claims priority to and incorporates by reference in its entirety pending U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 15/644,210 filed on Jul. 7, 2017; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/716,118 filed on Sep. 26, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/423,766 filed on Nov. 17, 2016, by the same inventor(s).

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

One or more portions of this disclosure contain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner makes no objection to reproduction by anyone of this disclosure as disclosed in the Patent and Trademark Office files, record, or the like. Otherwise, the copyright owner reserves any and all copyright rights whatsoever for this patent disclosure. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

(1) Field of the Disclosure

The field of the disclosure relates generally to storage systems for conveniently supporting and/or storing objects, more particularly to storage systems that employ at least one vertical rail and/or at least one horizontal track for supporting shelving brackets and/or other components.

(2) Description of Related Art including Information Disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98

Storage organizers, shelving units, and other storage systems are known in the art. Some are adjustable and can be arranged and configured in various ways prior to or during installation, within a storage space such as a closet. However, such systems typically cannot be readjusted or easily rearranged after installation, and are typically not compatible with most shelving solutions in the market.

Many examples of shelving systems are known to have vertical risers with multiple perforations provided therein. Once the risers are installed on a wall surface, shelf mounting brackets are mounted on the risers where a shelf is desired. The brackets are provided with hooks shaped for being received in the perforations. The hooks are typically L-shaped such that when received in the perforations, the hooks hold the bracket in the installed position. The brackets are typically designed for a shelf to either merely rest directly on the bracket top surface, or be fastened to the bracket.

Known storage organizers are not typically provided with different types of storage structures. A typical shelving unit comes with shelves and the hardware to mount shelves. Conventional storage organizers are not designed or configured to accommodate different types of storage structures and accessories in the same unit.

All referenced patents, applications and literatures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein, is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. The disclosure may seek to satisfy one or more of the above-mentioned desires. Although the present disclosure may obviate one or more of the above-mentioned desires, it should be understood that some aspects of the disclosure might not necessarily obviate them.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The inventive subject matter addresses and overcomes the above-described drawbacks of conventional storage systems.

The present storage system is configured to be modular in construction so as to be able to use a plurality of horizontally disposed hang rails and/or a plurality of vertical standards, and/or modular storage components that are received on a hang rail or a vertical standard, or that may be connected directly to a wall structure.

Although the following discloses example storage systems and methods for their use in supporting, storing and/or displaying items, such as for use in a residential environment, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the teachings of this disclosure are in no way limited to such specific embodiments. It is contemplated that the teachings of this disclosure may be implemented in alternative configurations and environments. For instance, although the example storage systems and methods described herein are described in conjunction with configurations for supporting or storing items on shelves, by hooks or other modular storage components, for somewhat generalized use, those having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the example storage systems and methods of their use may be employed in supporting, storing and/or displaying many types of items that require specifically configured components.

Similarly, the storage systems and methods illustrated are configured generally for installation against substantially vertical surfaces of wall structures. Also, it will be appreciated that example storage systems and their methods of use may be configured for installation in various locations, such as a garage, basement, laundry room, pantry, mud room, storage room, closet, work shop, retail store, or other facility which has available one or more wall structures that have substantially vertical surfaces. For purposes of this disclosure, such wall structures may be in the form of wall studs, plywood, wall board, plaster over lath, concrete, concrete block or alternative wall structures, as well as doors made of any suitable materials.

The example storage systems and methods shown further provide the advantageous feature of being readily reconfigured. Depending on the particular configuration and placement of the hang rails, vertical standards, and/or modular storage components chosen, this allows additional system components and/or items of various sizes to be later introduced, frequently without resulting in damage or alterations to wall structures or surfaces. This may provide for increased utility and more enhanced convenience during use. Thus, the disclosure includes storage systems that may be installed with one use in mind, and thereafter may continue to be used for that purpose or may be reconfigured for an alternative purpose.

Various embodiments are disclosed herein.

In one aspect of the present embodiment, the disclosure includes a storage system having a first hang rail adapted to be connected in a horizontally disposed position to a wall structure, a plurality of vertical standards adapted to be connected to the horizontally disposed first hang rail, and a second hang rail adapted to be connected in a horizontally disposed position to and generally forward of at least two of the plurality of vertical standards. The system also includes at least the first or second hang rail or at least two of the plurality of vertical standards further receiving at least one modular storage component.

In one aspect of the present embodiment, a method of connecting a storage system to a wall structure is disclosed where the method includes connecting to a wall structure a first hang rail in a horizontally disposed position, connecting to the first hang rail at least two vertical standards, connecting to each of the at least two vertical standards an adapter, connecting to each of the adapters a second hang rail in a horizontally disposed position, and connecting at least one modular storage component to the first or second hang rail or to at least one vertical standard.

In one aspect of the present embodiment, a modular storage component is disclosed and is configured for selectable connection to a face of a wall stud, a horizontally disposed hang rail, or a substantially planar wall surface, where the modular storage component includes a body including a central portion connecting a pair of spaced sidewalls. The central portion is selectably connectable to a wall stud when locating a side of the wall stud between the spaced sidewalls and against the central portion. Further, the spaced sidewalls include openings configured to engage a hang rail and being selectably connectable to a hang rail when engaging a hang rail in the openings of the sidewalls. Also, the modular storage component includes a plurality of foot portions with each foot portion extending at an angle from a spaced sidewall and being selectably engageable with a substantially planar wall surface when the foot portions are positioned against the substantially planar wall surface.

Standards may be used for supporting shelving or shelf brackets. A typical standard may include a relatively narrow strip of material with two columns of slots on the front surface thereof. The standard may be mounted vertically against a wall. Shelving brackets may be supported from the standard by inserting tabs of the shelving brackets into corresponding slots of the standard. The standard may be fixedly mounted to a wall using screws such that the standard is not generally adjustable, movable, or removable from its installed position.

In a related further aspect of the present embodiment, a method of connecting a modular storage component to a hang rail is disclosed. The modular storage component includes a body having a pair of spaced sidewalls connected by a central portion, with each sidewall having rearward facing openings to receive portions of a hang rail, and a latch member being movable relative to the body. The method further includes the step of positioning a modular storage component forward of a hang rail, advancing the modular storage component rearward and downward until the rearward facing openings in the sidewalls have received portions of the hang rail, and moving the latch member upward relative to the body until it reaches a latched position in which the latch member blocks the movement of the body relative to removal of the modular storage component from the hang rail.

In one aspect of the present embodiment, a storage system to a wall structure is disclosed. The storage system includes: a top rail assembly having an upper horizontally disposed edge and a lower horizontally disposed edge, a load bearing, concave-shaped flange horizontally disposed along the upper horizontally disposed edge and a receiving tab disposed along the lower horizontally disposed edge; and a plurality of vertical uprights removably coupled on a top portion and a slotted portion and extended downward from the top rail assembly. In one example, the top portion abuts an inner surface of the load bearing, concave-shaped flange, and the slotted portion abuts the receiving tab horizontally disposed along the lower horizontally disposed edge.

It is still further contemplated that this embodiment of the storage system includes one or more of the following features and/or limitations. In some embodiments, the load bearing, concave-shaped flange has a width approximately within a range of one-third to one-half of a spacing between the upper horizontally disposed edge and the lower horizontally disposed edge. In some embodiments, the load bearing, concave-shaped flange has an outer edge having an inward facing angle approximately within a range of 10 degrees to 15 degrees from vertical and an angled tab extending from the outer edge thereof between an angle of 10 to 35 degrees from vertical. In some instances, the receiving tab have a 25 to 45 degree angled surface from vertical having a width that is approximately one tenth the width of the load bearing, concave-shaped flange. In some embodiments, the plurality of vertical uprights have a set of forward angled tabs on a top portion and a slotted groove below the set of the forward angled tabs that interlocks and mates with an inner surface of the upper horizontally disposed edge; and wherein the receiving tab is concaved downward from the horizontal. In some embodiments, the plurality of vertical uprights have forward angled tabs between 15 to 25 degrees on the top portion and a slotted groove below the forward angled tabs those mates with an inner surface of the upper horizontally disposed edge; and wherein the receiving tab is concaved upward from the horizontal.

In some embodiments, at least one set of slots about an outer surface of the plurality of vertical uprights attaches to one or more receiving bracket tabs. In some embodiments, at least one set of slots, each of the at least one set of slots has two sub-slots that are connected off-center of a mid-axis of the at least one set of slots of the plurality of vertical uprights that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket tabs.

In some embodiments, at least one set of slots, each of the at least one set of slots has two sub-slots, wherein an upper sub-slot is 30% larger than that of the lower sub-slot and are connected off-center of a mid-axis of the at least one set of slots of the plurality of vertical uprights that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket tabs.

In some embodiments, the slotted portion includes outward angled sidewalls where at least one of the outward angled sidewalls abuts the receiving tab horizontally disposed along the lower horizontally disposed edge. In some embodiments, the plurality of vertical uprights includes at least one attachment structure about one or more opposing sides of at least one of inner or outer surfaces of the load bearing, concave-shaped flange that attaches to one or more receiving bracket tabs.

In some embodiments, a substantially greater than 25 degree arc about an outer edge of the load bearing, concave-shaped flange proximal to an outer edge of the top portion of the plurality of vertical uprights. In one example, the load bearing, concave shaped flange has an outer edge having an inward facing angle approximately within a range of 10 to 35 degrees from vertical and an angled tab extending outward from the outer edge thereof between an angle of 10 to 35 degrees from vertical.

In some embodiments, a substantially greater than 25 degree arc shape of the load bearing, concave-shaped flange proximal to an outer edge of the top portion of the plurality of vertical uprights. In one example, the load bearing, concave-shaped flange has a greater than approximately 2 times wider than a width of the receiving tab.

In one aspect of another embodiment, a storage system to a wall structure is disclosed. The storage system includes a top rail assembly having an upper horizontally disposed edge and a lower horizontally disposed edge, a load bearing, concave-shaped flange horizontally disposed along the upper horizontally disposed edge and a receiving tab disposed along the lower horizontally disposed edge; and a plurality of vertical uprights removably coupled on a top portion and a slotted portion and extended downward from the top rail, wherein the plurality of vertical uprights have a set of forward angled tabs on a top portion and a slotted groove below the set of the forward angled tabs that interlocks and mates with an inner surface of the upper horizontally disposed edge.

It is still further contemplated that this embodiment includes one or more of the following features or limitations. In some embodiments, the plurality of vertical uprights having at least one set of slots. In one example, each of the at least one set of slots having two sub-slots that are connected off-center of a mid-axis of the at least one set of slots of the plurality of vertical uprights.

In some embodiments, the load bearing, concave-shaped flange having an outer edge having an inward facing angle approximately within a range of 10 degrees to 15 degrees from vertical and an angled tab extending downward from the outer edge thereof between an angle of 10 to 35 degrees from vertical.

In some embodiments, the plurality of vertical uprights have forward angled tabs between 15 to 25 degrees on the top portion and a slotted groove below the forward angled tabs that mates with an inner surface of the upper horizontally disposed edge. In one example, the load bearing, concave-shaped flange has an outer edge having an inward facing angle approximately within a range of 10 degrees to 15 degrees from vertical and an angled tab extending outward from the outer edge thereof between an angle of 10 to 35 degrees from vertical. In some examples, the receiving tab has a lip having a width that is approximately one tenth the width of the load bearing, concave-shaped flange.

In some embodiments, a plurality of vertical uprights removably coupled on a top portion and a slotted portion and extended downward from the top rail assembly. In one example, the top portion abuts an inner surface the load bearing, concave-shaped flange, and the slotted portion abuts the receiving tab horizontally disposed along the lower horizontally disposed edge. In some embodiments, at least one set of slots, each of the at least one set of slots having two sub-slots. In one example, a upper sub-slot is 30% larger than that of the lower sub-slot and are connected off-center of a mid-axis of the at least one set of slots of the plurality of vertical uprights that attaches to one or more receiving bracket tabs; wherein the slotted portion includes outward angled sidewalls where at least one of the outward angled sidewalls abuts the receiving tab.

In another aspect of an embodiment, a ventilated shelving bracket is disclosed for a top rail assembly and a vertical hang rail assembly including a plurality of vertical uprights, the ventilated shelving bracket including one or more receiving bracket apertures having an indented backward facing slot.

It is further contemplated that the indented backward facing slot is positioned on a bottom surface of the one or more receiving bracket apertures.

It is further contemplated that the one or more receiving bracket apertures are positioned between a quarter and a third of a distance from a front along a bottom surface of the bracket.

It is further contemplated that the indented backward facing slot includes a diagonal slanted body slot coupled to a reverse hook facing slot.

In an example, at least one of the diagonal slanted body slot includes an angle between 20 to 45 degrees from vertical and the reverse hook facing slot includes an angle between 45 to 65 degrees from vertical.

In an example, an angle between 70 to 100 degrees is between the diagonal slanted body slot and the reverse hook facing slot.

It is further contemplated that a rear of the bracket includes one or more outward protrusions that abuts and/or couples to the vertical rail along a rear side. In one example, the one or more outward protrusion stabilizes up and down movement of the bracket under load conditions against the vertical rail along a rear side of the bracket.

It is further contemplated that a tab protrusion is included. For example, the tab protrusion includes an outward facing angle between a range of 90 degrees to 130 degrees extended from a front of the bracket.

It is further contemplated that an upward notch is included. For example, the upward notch on a top surface of the bracket proximal to approximately a front one fourth of the bracket.

In an example, the upward notch includes a rear end that has a rounded surface approximately semi-circular and a front end including an opening extended upward from the rounded surface upward from the top surface of the bracket.

It is further contemplated that a rear portion of the bracket includes an rearward notch.

It is further contemplated that a one or more receiving bracket tabs along a rear surface that are spaced apart and extended downward toward the bottom surface of the bracket.

It is further contemplated that a the one or more receiving bracket tabs mate, couple, or connect with at least one set of slots on the vertical rail. In an example, each of the at least one set of slots having two sub-slots that are connected off-center of a mid-axis of the at least one set of slots of the plurality of vertical uprights that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket tabs.

In an aspect of an embodiment, a ventilated support structure is disclosed that couples to a vertical rail of a top rail and vertical rail system. For instance, the ventilated support structure includes a bracket having one or more receiving bracket apertures that includes an indented backward facing slot positioned on a bottom surface of the one or more receiving bracket apertures. At least one hanger element includes a load bearing, concave shaped flange attached to the one or more receiving bracket apertures and a trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure extended from the load bearing, concave shaped flange.

It is further contemplated that the ventilated support structure includes a rear of the bracket that has one or more outward protrusions (bumps or projections) that abuts and/or couples to the vertical rail along a rear side. In one example, the one or more outward protrusions (bumps or projections) are proximally center on a rear of the bracket. In one example, the outward protrusion stabilizes up and down movement of the bracket under load conditions against the vertical rail along a rear side of the bracket.

It is further contemplated that the ventilated support structure has receiving bracket tabs along a rear surface that are spaced apart and extended downward toward the bottom surface of the bracket.

It is further contemplated that the receiving bracket tabs mate, couple, or connect with at least one set of slots on the vertical rail.

It is further contemplated that a each of the at least one set of slots has two sub-slots that are connected off-center of a mid-axis of the at least one set of slots of the plurality of vertical uprights that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket tabs.

In an example, the indented backward facing slot includes a diagonal slanted body slot coupled to a reverse hook facing slot; and/or at least one of the diagonal slanted body slot includes an angle between 20 to 45 degrees from vertical and the reverse hook facing slot includes an angle between 45 to 65 degrees from vertical.

It is further contemplated that a bracket is disclosed that couples to a vertical rail of a top rail and vertical rail system. In one example, the bracket structure includes one or more receiving bracket apertures that includes an indented backward facing slot positioned on a bottom surface of the one or more receiving bracket apertures. In one example, one or more outward protrusions on a rear surface of the bracket abuts and/or couples to the vertical rail along a rear side to stabilize up and down movement of the bracket under load conditions against the vertical rail along a rear side of the bracket.

It is further contemplated that the indented backward facing slot includes a diagonal slanted body slot coupled to a reverse hook facing slot. In one example, at least one of the diagonal slanted body slot includes an angle between 20 to 45 degrees from vertical and the reverse hook facing slot includes an angle between 45 to 65 degrees from vertical.

In an example, one or more receiving bracket tabs along a rear surface are spaced apart and extended downward toward the bottom surface of the bracket.

It is further contemplated that the receiving bracket tabs mate, couple, or connect with at least one set of slots on the vertical rail.

Thus, the present disclosure presents alternatives to prior art storage systems and provides advantageous features in more readily reconfigurable, secure systems. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and provided for purposes of explanation only, and are not restrictive with respect to the claimed subject matter. Further features and advantages will become more fully apparent in the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the appended claims.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the disclosure, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It should be noted that the drawing figures may be in simplified form and might not be to precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as, top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, front, distal, and proximal are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Such directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage shelving system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a horizontal rail.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another horizontal rail embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vertical upright.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one bracket embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one hanger embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the storage shelving system.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the storage shelving system with different vertical uprights.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the storage shelving system.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another horizontal rail embodiment with details of the side view.

FIG. 11 is a front and back view of another horizontal rail embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another horizontal rail embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a front, back and side view of another horizontal rail embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a bracket with details of the front view.

FIG. 15 is a side and bottom view of a bracket.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a vertical upright.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a vertical upright with details of the top portion of the upright.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a hanger.

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a hanger.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a hanger.

FIG. 21 is a close up view of one embodiment.

FIG. 22 shows the dimension of another embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a close up view of one embodiment.

FIG. 24 shows another embodiment where a leveler is sold together as part of the product as a novel way of installation and a novel way of marketing such products. It also shows a novel rail where length scale is provided thereon to facilitate installation. A user may easily determine where to fasten the next screw onto the wall by when a first stud was detected. In this way, a user simply looks at the length scale (and based on his/her knowledge of the standard distance between studs) and know where to fasten the next screw to hit the stud.

FIG. 25 shows a hanger having at least one tab structure(s) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 shows a hanger having slotted attachment structure(s) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 shows a hanger having rectangular attachment structure(s) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 shows a method for assembling a wall mounted unit for attaching a hanging item according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are presented as illustrated examples of the disclosure. It is expressly understood that the disclosure may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below.

The present disclosure is directed to an organizer system that is adjustable and reconfigurable either before, during, or after installation. The organizer system and its many variations disclosed herein provide a storage solution that is highly versatile and that can be individually customized for virtually any consumers storage needs. The disclosed organizer basic system provides shelving for storage. However, the system can also accommodate clothes hanging. The shelf and optional clothes hanging rod structures can be arranged in a vast array of different configurations.

To add further versatility, the disclosed organizer also can accommodate myriad storage accessories such as storage baskets, shoe storage shelves, shoe racks, and other storage accessories mountable to the basic system. The accessories can be mounted easily and directly to the basic system. The accessories can also be arranged in a wide variety of configurations as desired.

The organizer system and features disclosed herein solve many known problems with existing storage systems in units. The disclosed organizer system can be arranged to accommodate virtually any storage need, to fit in virtually any storage space that is at least large enough to install the minimum basic components, and can be customized utilizing the disclosed or other accessories to store virtually any item. The organizer system disclosed herein can be utilized in closets where it would be particularly well suited. However, the storage system can be mounted in virtually any space that can be used for storage, such as a shed, a laundry room, a basement corner, a garage, or the like.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 generally illustrates a storage unit or organizer system 100 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The organizer system 100 generally has a number of basic components including a horizontal top rail assembly 104. The system 100 also has a plurality of vertical uprights 103 mounted to and suspended from the top rail assembly 104. Two or more of the uprights can be mounted laterally spaced apart and extending downward from the top rail assembly 104. The uprights 103 are adapted to support the various components of the system and can be adapted to extend over a variety of vertical heights or lengths as explained below. The disclosed organizer system 100 also includes a plurality of shelf mounting brackets 101 mounted to the uprights 103 at desired locations. The system can also comprise a plurality of shelves supportable by the mounting brackets 101. The shelves may provide for width adjustment from a minimum width of a single shelf to virtually any width desired utilizing two or more shelf components also as discussed below.

In addition to the basic system components noted above, the disclosed organizer system 100 also can include a plurality of optional accessories. The basic system can be adapted for mounting one or more optional clothes hanging rods, e.g., connected to hanging elements 102. The system can be further adapted to accommodate one or more additional optional accessories such as storage baskets, shoe racks, shoe shelves, vertically oriented side sliders, or the like. Though not disclosed or described herein, any number of other accessories can be provided for use with and mounting directly on the basic system or indirectly via another optional accessory. Further, though the shelves are described as basic system components, the system can also be configured using only one or more storage accessories mounted to the uprights with no shelves installed.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the top rail assembly 104 is formed, in this example, having a substantially rigid support rail segments 104 constructed for mounting to a wall or other mounting surface. The top rail assembly 104 can include a plurality of decorative covers that attach to the support rail segments 104.

In some embodiments, a top rail assembly 104 is formed, in this example, having upper horizontally disposed edge 150 and a lower horizontally disposed edge 152, a load bearing, concave-shaped flange 154 horizontally disposed along the upper horizontally disposed edge 150 and a receiving tab 156 disposed along the lower horizontally disposed edge 152. In some embodiments, the receiving tab 156 having an angle θ1 between 25 to 45 degree angled surface from horizontal having a width that is approximately one tenth the width of the load bearing, concave-shaped flange 154. As illustrated in embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2, 12 and 21, the receiving tab 156 is concave upward with an angle θ1 between 25 to 60 degrees from horizontal. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the receiving tab 156 is concave upward with an angle between 25 to 60 degrees from horizontal and has a flat portion afterwards that abuts an inner surface of the slotted groove 160. As illustrated in embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10, the receiving tab 156 is concave downward with an angle θ1, illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, at an angle of 52 degrees from horizontal. Alternatively, the receiving tab 156 is concave downward with an angle θ1 between 25 to 60 degrees from horizontal.

In alternative of this embodiment, a plurality of vertical uprights 103 removably coupled on a top portion 158 and a slotted portion 160 and extended downward from the top rail assembly 104. In one example, the top portion 158 abuts an inner surface 162 of the load bearing, concave-shaped flange 154, and the slotted portion 160 abuts the receiving tab 156 horizontally disposed along the lower horizontally disposed edge 150.

In some embodiments, the load bearing, concave-shaped flange 154 having a width 164 approximately within a range of one-third to one-half of spacing between the upper horizontally disposed edge 150 and the lower horizontally disposed edge 152.

In some embodiments, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 9, 10, 12, and 21, the load bearing, concave-shaped flange 154 having an outer edge 166 having an inward facing angle θ2 approximately within a range of 10 degrees to 15 degrees from vertical and an angled tab 170 extending outward from the outer edge 166 thereof between an angle θ3 of 10 to 35 degrees from vertical. In some embodiments, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 3, the load bearing, concave-shaped flange 154 having an outer edge 166 having an inward facing angle θ2 approximately within a range of 10 degrees to 15 degrees from vertical and an angled tab 179 extending downward from the outer edge 166 thereof between an angle θ3 of 10 to 35 degrees from vertical.

In some embodiments, the plurality of vertical uprights 103 have a set of forward angled tabs 172 on a top portion and a slotted groove 175 below the set of the forward angled tabs 172 that interlocks and mates with an inner surface of the upper horizontally disposed edge 150. In yet another example, the plurality of vertical uprights 103 have forward angled tabs 172 between an angle θ4 of 15 to 25 degrees from vertical on the top portion and a slotted groove 175 below the forward angled tabs 172 that mates with an inner surface of the upper horizontally disposed edge 150.

In some embodiments, at least one set of slots 174 about an outer surface of the plurality of vertical uprights 103 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket tabs 170.

In some embodiments, at least one set of slots 174, each of the at least one set of slots 174 having two sub-slots 176, 177 that are connected off-center of a mid-axis of the at least one set of slots 174 of the plurality of vertical uprights 103 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket tabs 170.

In some embodiments, at least one set of slots 174, each of the at least one set of slots 174 having two sub-slots 176, wherein an upper sub-slot 176 is 30% larger than that of the lower sub-slot 177 and are connected off-center of a mid-axis of the at least one set of slots 174 of the plurality of vertical uprights 103 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket tabs 170.

In some embodiments, the slotted portion 160 includes outward angled sidewalls where at least one of the outward angled sidewalls abuts the receiving tab 156 horizontally disposed along the lower horizontally disposed edge.

In some embodiments, the plurality of vertical uprights 103 includes at least one attachment structure, e.g., slots 174, about one or more opposing sides of at least one of inner or outer surfaces of the load bearing, concave-shaped flange 154 that attaches to one or more receiving bracket tabs 107, e.g., of bracket 101.

In some embodiments, a substantially greater than a 25 degree arc about an outer edge of the load bearing, concave-shaped flange 154 is proximal to an outer edge of the top portion 158 of the plurality of vertical uprights 103.

In some embodiments, a substantially greater than 25 degree arc shape of the load bearing, concave-shaped flange 154 proximal to an outer edge of the top portion 158 of the plurality of vertical uprights 103. In one example, the load bearing, concave-shaped flange 154 has a greater than approximately 2 times wider than a width of the receiving tab 156.

As shown in FIG. 4, each support rail segment has a mounting section that is generally planar and extends the length of the support rail and defines its bottom edge and part of the rail height. The rail segments are adapted to mount the top rail assembly 32 to a mounting surface. The mounting section of each segment has a plurality of apertures which in this example are spaced apart over the length of each rail segment. Fasteners of any type can be used to mount the rail segments to a mounting surface. The disclosure is not to be limited to any particular type of mounting used for the rail segments.

The top rail can be length adjustable by placing two adjacent rail segments in an overlapping relationship. Depending upon the amount of overlap of the tow two segments, their combined length can be selected. Adding additional segments permit creating a longer top rail. Any top rail length, from one segment length or longer, can be achieved as desired.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a shelf mounting bracket 101. Each bracket 101 has a generally triangular configuration in side profile with a rear end and a forward end. The rear end is taller than the forward end to form a buttress-like shelf supporting structure. As shown in FIG. 5, the bracket 101 in the disclosed example has a generally tall and thin U-shaped configuration with an open bottom and a closed top. Pair of spaced apart sides of the bracket is connected along an integral top surface. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1, downwardly extending hook extended from each bracket.

FIG. 6 shows a hanger element directly, or by connection via a further structure, such as a flange. The hanger element may be in many forms, and may be constructed of a variety of materials. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the hanger element 102 includes an S-shaped bent wire (or rod), with a proximal portion connected to the central portion in a pivotal manner by the flange. The hanger element 102 can be constructed of any suitable material, such as a metal or a rigid plastic.

In one aspect, as referenced in FIG. 6, a hanger element 102 is disclosed for one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, e.g., as shown in FIG. 5, receive a hanging item 105, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, a ventilated shelving bracket is disclosed for a top rail assembly and a vertical hang rail assembly includes a plurality of vertical uprights. In one embodiment, the ventilated shelving bracket has a body including a flange having a hollow center. In some embodiments, on the bracket body, the ventilated shelving bracket includes the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106 that include an indented backward facing slot. In some embodiments, on the bracket body, the ventilated shelving bracket 101 includes two opposite sides having the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106 that includes indented backward facing slots.

In one example, the indented backward facing slot is positioned on a bottom surface of the one or more receiving bracket apertures. In one example, the one or more receiving bracket apertures are positioned between a quarter and a third of a distance from a front along a bottom surface of the bracket 103. In one example, the indented backward facing slot includes a diagonal slanted body slot 109 coupled to a reverse hook facing slot 113. In one example, the diagonal slanted body slot 109 includes an angle θ11 between 20 to 45 degrees from vertical. In one example, the reverse hook facing slot 113 includes an angle θ12 between 45 to 65 degrees from vertical. In one example, an angle θ13 between 70 to 100 degrees (preferred angle is 90 degrees) is between the diagonal slanted body slot 109 and the reverse hook facing slot 113.

In some embodiments, a rear of the bracket 101 includes an outward protrusion 117 that abuts and/or couples to vertical rail 103 along a rear side. In one example the outward protrusion 117 includes a stabilizing bump, e.g., pointy stub, that stabilizes up and down movement, e.g., wobbling, of bracket 101 against under load conditions, i.e., during receiving a hanging item 105, against the vertical rail 103 along a rear side. In one example, the stabilizing bump, e.g., pointy stub, is between a range of a tens of microns to a few hundred microns.

In some embodiments, a tab protrusion 119 is provided. In one example, the tab protrusion 119 includes an outward facing angle θ14 between a range of 90 degrees to 130 degrees extended from a front of the bracket 101.

In some embodiments, an upward notch 129 is provided. In one example, an upward notch 129 is provided on a top surface of the bracket 101 proximal to approximately a front one fourth, e.g., first quarter, of the bracket 101. In one example, the upward notch 129 includes a rear end 123 that has a rounded surface approximately semi-circular and a front end including an opening 125 extended upward from the round surface upward from the top surface of the bracket 101.

In some embodiments, a rear portion of the bracket 101 includes a rearward notch 127. In some embodiments, the receiving bracket tabs 107 are spaced apart and extended downward toward the bottom surface of the bracket 101. In some embodiments, the receiving bracket tabs 107 are spaced apart and extended downward toward the bottom surface of the bracket 101 and in between, for added stability, is protrusion 117 abuts the vertical rail 103.

In one example, a rear of the bracket 101 proximal to a center of the rear includes one or more protrusions 117 that abuts and/or couples to the vertical rail 103 along a rear side. In one example, the outward protrusion 117 stabilizes up and down movement of the bracket 101 under load conditions against the vertical rail 103 along a rear side of the bracket 101.

In some embodiments, the receiving bracket tabs 107 mate, couple, or connect with at least one set of slots 174. In one example, each of the at least one set of slots 174 having two sub-slots 176, 177 that are connected off-center of a mid-axis of the at least one set of slots 174 of the plurality of vertical uprights 103 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket tabs 170.

In some embodiments, one or more receiving bracket tabs 107 along the rear surface that are spaced apart and extended downward toward the bottom surface of the bracket and are on either side of the one or more outward protrusions 117. In an example, the receiving bracket tabs 107 mate, couple, or connect with at least one set of slots on the vertical rail 103.

A hanging item 105 may include a clothes hanging rod structure, bar, rod or the like, storage basket, storage accessory, shoe storage shelf, shoe rack, other storage accessories, and a variety of other items, e.g., tools, clothing hangers, garments, hangable goods, or the like, mountable thereto.

For example, the hanger element 102 includes a load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 attached to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, as shown in FIG. 5, and a trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 extended from the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108.

In some embodiments, a curved upward tip 112 extends from the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 that abut the received hanging item 105.

In some embodiments, at least one tab 114 about an outer surface 116 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

For example, the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106 are notch shaped cutouts 106, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 that mate with at least one tab 114 about an outer surface 116 118 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108. For example, the notched cutouts 106 are made to mate with, for instance, at least one tab 114, and in some embodiments, the notched cutouts 106 both removably mate and lock with the at least one tab 114. In some embodiments, the notched shaped cutouts 106 are shaped in a shaped slotted configuration, e.g., t-shaped, v-shaped, s-shaped, x-shaped, or slit-shaped, so as to slide onto, push into, and/or slide, push, and lock into a mating feature, e.g., at least one tab 114, on an outer 116, 118, or inner surface 121, 122 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108.

In some embodiments, at least two tabs 114 about opposing sides of outer surfaces 116, 118 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

In some embodiments, at least two tabs 114 about opposing sides of inner surfaces 121, 122 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 25, at least one tab 114, i.e., same as at least one tab 114 as discussed herein, for example, as referenced in FIG. 19, about opposing sides of at least one of inner 121, 122 or outer surfaces 116, 118 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 26, at least one slot 132, e.g., hole, groove, opening, or the like, about opposing sides of at least one of inner 121, 122 or outer surfaces 116, 118 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 27, at least one attachment structure 134, e.g., tab (see FIG. 6), rivot, bolt, protruding structure, mating structure, or the like, about one or more opposing sides of at least one of inner 121, 122 or outer surfaces 116, 118 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 18, a substantially greater than 90 degree arc shape 134 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 proximal to a receiving portion of the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

In some embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 18, a substantially greater than 100 degree arc shape 134 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 proximal to a receiving portion of the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In one example, the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 has a width 136 greater than approximately 2 times wider than a rim width 138 of a flange 140 about the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110.

In some embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 18, a substantially greater than 100 degree arc shape 134 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 proximal to a receiving portion of the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5. In one example, the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 has a width1 136 between an approximate range of 2 times to 4 times wider than a rim width 138 of a flange 140 about the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 and that of the curved upward tip 112.

In some embodiments, a u-shaped curved, concave shaped hook section 140 extended between the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 and the curved upward tip 112.

In some embodiments, a load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 includes a load bearing, concave shaped rim having one or more spaced-apart tabs 114 about its outer surfaces 116, 118 or its inner surfaces 121, 122 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 18, a load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 includes a load bearing, concave shaped rim having one or more spaced-apart tabs 114 about its outer surfaces 116, 118 or its inner surfaces 121, 122 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106. In one example, the load bearing, concave shaped rim 136 is between an approximate range of 2 times to 6 times wider than a rim width 138 of a flange 140 about the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 and that of the curved upward tip 112.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 18, a load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 including a load bearing, concave shaped rim 136. In one example, the load bearing, concave shaped rim 136 is between an approximate range of 2 times to 6 times wider than a rim width 138 of a flange 140 about the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 and that of the curved upward tip 112.

In another aspect, a hanger element 102 for an adapter bracket 101 for connecting a hanging item 105 to a wall mounted unit 100. The hanger element 102 includes a load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the adapter bracket 101 and a trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 extended from the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108.

In some embodiments, a curved upward tip 112 extended from the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 that abut the hanging item 105.

In some embodiments, the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 includes a load bearing, concave shaped rim 136 having one or more spaced-apart tabs 114 about its outer surfaces 116, 118 or its inner surfaces 121, 122 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106.

In some embodiments, a load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 includes a load bearing, concave shaped rim 136. In one example, the load bearing, concave shaped rim 136 is between an approximate range of 2 times to 6 times wider than a rim width 138 of a flange 140 about the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 and that of the curved upward tip 112.

In some embodiments, a substantially greater than 100 degree arc shape 132 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 proximal to a receiving portion of the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106. In one example, the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 has a rim width 136 greater than approximately 2 times wider than a rim width 138 of a flange 140 about the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110.

Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user requirements or wishes, design considerations, marketing preferences, cost(s), structural requirement(s), available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, orders within above-mentioned list that are different, eliminated and/or additional steps, including or eliminating, for example, procedure, process, and/or maintenance step(s), etc., may be sufficient.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that they should not be taken as limiting the disclosure.

The words used in this specification to describe the disclosure and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself.

The definitions of the words or elements therefore include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a certain combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Thus, specific embodiments and applications of storage systems for conveniently supporting and/or storing objects that employ at least one vertical rail and/or at least one horizontal track for supporting shelving brackets and/or other components have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Insubstantial changes from the subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as an equivalent. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

Claims

1. A ventilated shelving bracket for a top rail assembly and a vertical hang rail assembly including a plurality of vertical uprights, the ventilated shelving bracket comprising:

one or more receiving bracket apertures include an indented backward facing slot;

wherein the indented backward facing slot is positioned on a bottom surface of the one or more receiving bracket apertures.

2. The bracket of claim 1, wherein on a bracket body, the ventilated shelving bracket includes two opposite sides including the one or more receiving bracket apertures having indented backward facing slots.

3. The bracket of claim 1, wherein the one or more receiving bracket apertures are positioned between a quarter and a third of a distance from a front along a bottom surface of the bracket.

4. The bracket of claim 3, wherein the indented backward facing slot includes a diagonal slanted body slot coupled to a reverse hook facing slot.

5. The bracket of claim 4, wherein at least one of the diagonal slanted body slot includes an angle between 20 to 45 degrees from vertical and the reverse hook facing slot includes an angle between 45 to 65 degrees from vertical.

6. The bracket of claim 4, wherein an angle between 70 to 100 degrees is between the diagonal slanted body slot and the reverse hook facing slot.

7. The bracket of claim 1, wherein a rear of the bracket includes one or more outward protrusions that abuts and/or couples to the vertical rail along a rear side; and wherein the one or more outward protrusions stabilizes up and down movement of the bracket under load conditions against the vertical rail along the rear side of the bracket.

8. The bracket of claim 1, comprising a tab protrusion, the tab protrusion includes an outward facing angle between a range of 90 degrees to 130 degrees extended from a front of the bracket.

9. The bracket of claim 1, comprising an upward notch, the upward notch on a top surface of the bracket proximal to approximately a front one fourth of the bracket.

10. The bracket of claim 9, wherein the upward notch includes a rear end that has a rounded surface approximately semi-circular and a front end including an opening extended upward from the rounded surface upward from the top surface of the bracket.

11. The bracket of claim 1, wherein a rear portion of the bracket includes an rearward notch.

12. The bracket of claim 1, comprising one or more receiving bracket tabs along a rear surface that are spaced apart and extended downward toward the bottom surface of the bracket.

13. The bracket of claim 12, wherein the one or more receiving bracket tabs mate, couple, or connect with at least one set of slots on the vertical rail.

14. The bracket of claim 13, wherein each of the at least one set of slots having two sub-slots that are connected off-center of a mid-axis of the at least one set of slots of the plurality of vertical uprights that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket tabs.

15. A ventilated support structure that couples to a vertical rail of a top rail and vertical rail system, the ventilated support structure comprising:

a bracket having one or more receiving bracket apertures that includes an indented backward facing slot positioned on a bottom surface of the one or more receiving bracket apertures; and

at least one hanger element that includes a load bearing, concave shaped flange attached to the one or more receiving bracket apertures and a trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure extended from the load bearing, concave shaped flange.

16. The ventilated support structure of claim 15, wherein a rear of the bracket proximal to a center of the rear includes one or more protrusions that abuts and/or couples to the vertical rail along a rear side; and

wherein the outward protrusion stabilizes up and down movement of the bracket under load conditions against the vertical rail along a rear side of the bracket.

17. The ventilated support structure of claim 16, comprising one or more receiving bracket tabs along a rear surface that are spaced apart and extended downward toward the bottom surface of the bracket;

wherein the receiving bracket tabs mate, couple, or connect with at least one set of slots on the vertical rail.

18. The bracket of claim 17, wherein each of the at least one set of slots having two sub-slots that are connected off-center of a mid-axis of the at least one set of slots of the plurality of vertical uprights that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket tabs.

19. The bracket of claim 18,

wherein the indented backward facing slot includes a diagonal slanted body slot coupled to a reverse hook facing slot; and

wherein at least one of the diagonal slanted body slot includes an angle between 20 to 45 degrees from vertical and the reverse hook facing slot includes an angle between 45 to 65 degrees from vertical.

20. A bracket that couples to a vertical rail of a top rail and vertical rail system, the bracket structure comprising:

one or more receiving bracket apertures that includes an indented backward facing slot positioned on a bottom surface of the one or more receiving bracket apertures; and

one or more outward protrusions on a rear surface of the bracket that abuts and/or couples to the vertical rail along a rear side to stabilize up and down movement of the bracket under load conditions against the vertical rail along a rear side of the bracket.

21. The bracket of claim 20,

wherein the indented backward facing slot includes a diagonal slanted body slot coupled to a reverse hook facing slot; and

wherein at least one of the diagonal slanted body slot includes an angle between 20 to 45 degrees from vertical and the reverse hook facing slot includes an angle between 45 to 65 degrees from vertical.

22. The bracket of claim 21, comprising one or more receiving bracket tabs along the rear surface that are spaced apart and extended downward toward the bottom surface of the bracket and are on either side of the one or more outward protrusions;

wherein the receiving bracket tabs mate, couple, or connect with at least one set of slots on the vertical rail.