SHELF PEG ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A shelf peg assembly has a peg member and securing clip, the peg member having a peg for inserting into a cabinet and a shelf receiving portion, and the securing clip having an aperture for receiving the peg from the peg member, a top edge for abutting the shelf receiving portion, and a sidewall for abutting the side of the shelf receiving portion and securing the outer edge of the shelf. In one method of use, three shelf peg assemblies support a shelf in a cabinet having only two walls.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to cabinet shelving. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to pegs for use in supporting a cabinet shelf.

BACKGROUND

Cabinets and shelving are a standard feature in every office and home. Because space is often limited, and because of the differing sizes of items being stored on the shelving, there was a need to adapt the distance between shelves. As a result, one of the most common methods of adjusting the height or distance between shelves is the use of a shelf peg. In other words, a cabinet may have a plurality of peg apertures on opposing sides of the cabinet. A user then typically places two pegs on each side of the cabinet to support the shelf: two pegs on the side of the shelf proximal to the user and two pegs on the side distal to the user, thereby supporting the shelf.

However, while the ability to alter the height of the shelf was an improvement, these prior art pegs allow for unwanted movement of the shelf. In an attempt to resolve this issue, users have turned to tape, spring clips, plastic or metal bumpers, or other solutions. However, these fixes are often temporary, can be unsightly, and often do not prevent movement.

Further, four pegs must be used, as described above, to adequately hold a shelf and support its contents. This requires at least three cabinet walls: two sidewalls and a back wall. Having three cabinet walls can significantly increase the cost of a cabinet.

Accordingly, there is a need for a shelf peg that can reduce or eliminate shelf movement, that does not require the use of unsightly, temporary solutions, and that does not require three cabinet walls. The shelf peg assembly described herein seeks to solve these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a shelf peg assembly comprises a peg member and securing clip, the peg member comprising a peg for inserting into a cabinet and a shelf receiving portion, and the securing clip comprising an aperture for receiving the peg from the peg member, a top edge for abutting the shelf receiving portion, and a sidewall for abutting the side of the shelf receiving portion and securing the outer edge of the shelf

In one method of use, three shelf peg assemblies support a shelf in a cabinet. In one embodiment, the cabinet need only have two walls.

In one embodiment, a shelf peg system comprises two edge pegs and a corner peg. In one embodiment, the cabinet need only have two walls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a disassembled rear perspective view of a shelf peg assembly;

FIG. 2 is an assembled rear perspective view of a shelf peg assembly;

FIG. 3 is an assembled rear elevation view of a shelf peg assembly;

FIG. 4 is a disassembled bottom perspective view of a shelf peg assembly;

FIG. 5 is an assembled side perspective view of a shelf peg assembly;

FIG. 6 is an assembled rear perspective view of a shelf peg assembly;

FIG. 7 is top perspective view of a peg member of a shelf peg assembly coupled to a cabinet;

FIG. 8 is top perspective view of a peg member of a shelf peg assembly coupled to a cabinet supporting a shelf;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an assembled shelf peg assembly supporting a shelf;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a plurality of shelf peg assemblies coupled to cabinet walls;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a shelf being supported by a plurality of shelf peg assemblies in a cabinet having only two walls;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a shelf and contents being supported by a plurality of shelf peg assemblies in a cabinet having only two walls;

FIG. 13 is a top, left perspective view of a shelf peg;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a shelf peg;

FIG. 15 is a left side elevation view of shelf peg;

FIG. 16 is a right side elevation view of a shelf peg;

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of a shelf peg;

FIG. 18 is a top, right perspective view of a corner shelf peg;

FIG. 19 is a right elevation view of a corner shelf peg;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a corner shelf peg;

FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of a corner shelf peg; and

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a shelf peg system supporting a shelf.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

As discussed above, there is a need for a shelf peg that can reduce or eliminate shelf movement, that does not require the use of unsightly, temporary solutions, and that does not require three cabinet walls. The shelf peg assembly disclosed below solves these and other problems.

In one embodiment, as generally shown in FIGS. 1-10, a shelf peg assembly 100 comprises a peg member 102 and securing clip 104. The peg member 102 comprises a peg 106 and a shelf receiving portion 108. The shelf receiving portion 108 comprises a top plate 110 and bottom plate 112, forming the shelf receiving portion 108 (i.e., an aperture) therebetween. The peg member 102 further comprises a wall 113 and may comprise a wall extension 114 (FIG. 3). The peg 106 extends rearwardly from the wall 113. The securing clip 104 comprises a peg-receiving aperture 116 through rear wall 118. In one embodiment, the peg-receiving aperture 116 extends from about the middle of the rear wall 118 to a bottom edge 120. This allows the peg-receiving aperture 116 to be assembled vertically over the peg 106. The securing clip 104 further comprises a top edge 122 for abutting the top plate 110, and a sidewall 124 for abutting and closing the side of the shelf receiving portion 108, as shown in FIG. 5.

As understood, the peg member 102 and securing clip 104 interlock when the peg 106 passes through the peg-receiving aperture 116 and the wall 113 of the peg member 102 abuts the rear wall 118 of the securing clip 104.

As shown in FIG. 7, the peg member 102 may be coupled to a cabinet wall 126 (i.e., the peg 106 is inserted into an aperture in the cabinet wall 126). A shelf 128 may then be inserted into shelf receiving portion 108. In other words, the shelf 128 is interposed between top plate 110 and bottom plate 112. With the shelf positioned, the securing clip 104 may be inserted vertically from the top so as to secure the shelf, as shown in FIG. 9. As appreciated, the sidewall 124 prevents the shelf 128 from moving horizontally. The sidewall 124 is prohibited from moving in a horizontal direction due to the peg 106 received through peg-receiving aperture 116. Accordingly, the shelf 128 is prevented from moving vertically and horizontally. This is a significant improvement over the prior art, which fails to secure a shelf in all directional planes.

Currently in the industry, three cabinet walls must be present: a back wall and two sidewalls. Four prior art pegs are then inserted into the two sidewalls, with one peg at the front and one peg on the back of each sidewall. This allows the shelf to be stabilized. However, if one of the prior art pegs is removed, the shelf becomes unstable and can tip, causing the contents thereon to fall. In contrast, the lockable peg assembly 100 described herein only requires two cabinet walls, and only three bore holes, supporting a shelf using as few as three assemblies. This is not only a significant cost savings, but it secures the shelf better than the four required prior art pegs. Referring to FIGS. 10-12, a plurality of lockable peg assemblies 100 can be used to secure a shelf 128 using only two cabinet walls 126, 127. As shown in FIG. 10, a first assembly 100A may be used on a first wall 126 and a second assembly 100B may be used on second wall 127. A third assembly 100C may be used on second wall 127, as shown, or on first wall 126. It will be appreciated that third assembly 100C only requires peg member 102 since the adjoining wall functions as the sidewall 124 of the securing clip 104. It will be appreciated that at least one securing clip 104 may be coupled to the assembly 100A prior to inserting a shelf 128, although not required. However, at least one assembly 100A, 100B must remain disassembled (i.e., securing clip 104 not coupled to peg member 102) until the shelf 128 is in place. As shown in FIG. 7, wall extension 114 of peg member 102 ensures a space 130 between the wall 113 of the peg member 102 and cabinet wall 126. This space 130 allows the rear wall 118 of the securing clip 104 to be inserted therein so as to interlock easily with the peg 106.

Referring to FIG. 11, once the shelf 128 is positioned, the securing clip(s) 104 may be interlocked to the peg members 106. Because the peg assemblies 100A, 100B comprise top plates 110 and bottom plates 112, the shelf 128 is fully supported. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 12, contents may be placed on the shelf 128, which remains fully supported. It will be understood that the first assembly 100A may be a mirror image of assembly 100B, so that each will secure their respective edges of the shelf 128.

Because only two cabinet walls 126, 127 are required, instead of three as is required in the prior art, there is a significant cost savings. Further, because only two cabinet walls 126, 127 are required, users may access the shelf from two sides, as opposed to one. Like prior art pegs, the peg assemblies 100 described herein may be placed in any number of cabinet apertures, allowing a user to customize the positioning of one or more shelves in a cupboard.

Referring to FIGS. 13-17, a shelf peg 200 comprises a peg 202, a bottom plate 204, a sidewall 206, and a rear wall 208. The sidewall 206 is only on one side, so as to secure a shelf therein. It will be appreciated that the shelf peg 200 would be used on a left side of a cabinet to support a shelf as shown later herein. Accordingly, a second shelf peg may be a mirror image of the shelf peg 200 for use on the right side of a cabinet. FIGS. 18-21 illustrate a corner shelf peg 300 comprising a peg 302, a bottom plate 304, a top plate 306, and a rear wall 308. Unlike shelf peg 200, corner shelf peg 300 does not have any sidewalls, allowing it to support the corner section of a shelf, as shown in FIG. 22. The top plate 306 secures the shelf 310 in position and prevents it from tilting when pressure is place on the opposite corner of the shelf 310. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 22, a shelf 310 may be fully supported using a first shelf peg 200A, a shelf peg 200B (a mirror image of 200A), and corner shelf peg 300 (referred to collectively as a “shelf peg system”). As understood, this allows the shelf 310 to be supported using only two cabinet walls 312, 314, which is an improvement over the prior art.

Therefore, as appreciated from the foregoing disclosure, the shelf peg assembly disclosed herein solves the need for a shelf peg that can reduce or eliminate shelf movement, that does not require the use of unsightly, temporary solutions, and that does not require three cabinet walls.

Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A shelf peg assembly for supporting a shelf, the shelf peg assembly comprising:

a peg member comprising a wall, a peg extending rearwardly from the wall, a shelf-receiving portion having a top plate and a bottom plate, and a wall extension extending rearwardly from the wall;

a securing clip comprising a rear wall, a peg-receiving aperture in the rear wall, a top edge, and a sidewall;

wherein the peg member and the securing clip are configured to interlock by the peg of the peg member passing through the peg-receiving aperture of the securing clip, the top edge of the securing clip abutting the top plate of the peg member, the wall extension forming a space for receiving the rear plate of the securing clip.

2. The shelf assembly of claim 1, wherein the shelf-receiving portion comprises an aperture interposed between the top plate and the bottom plate.

3. A method of using a shelf peg assembly to support a shelf, the method comprising:

coupling a first shelf peg assembly to a first cabinet wall;

coupling a second shelf peg assembly to a second cabinet wall;

coupling a peg member of a third shelf assembly to either the first or second cabinet wall;

the shelf peg assemblies supporting the shelf on only the first and second cabinet wall.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein a securing clip of the first shelf assembly is coupled to the peg member after the peg member has received the shelf.

5. A shelf peg system for supporting a shelf, the shelf peg system comprising:

a first shelf peg positioned on a first cabinet wall;

a second shelf peg positioned on a second cabinet wall; and

a corner shelf peg positioned where the first and second cabinet walls abut;

the first and second shelf pegs each comprising a peg, a bottom plate, a sidewall, and a rear wall; and

the corner shelf peg comprising a peg, a bottom plate, a top plate, and a rear wall.