WALL SHELF BRACKET SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

A shelf system is provided that can include a first bracket, a second bracket, a first shelf, and a second shelf. Each of the first bracket and the second bracket can include a main frame, a first support member and a second support member. The main frame can be configured to be secured to a surface and positioned generally parallel to the surface. The first support member can be coupled to a first end of the main frame and extend generally perpendicular to the main frame. The second support member can be coupled at a first end at or near a second end of the main frame and coupled at a second end to the first support member. When secured to the surface the first bracket and the second bracket are spaced a predetermined distance apart. Each shelf can be disposed on one support member of each bracket.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claims is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/387,438, filed Dec. 14, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure is generally related to shelves and bracket systems used to secure the shelves to a wall or surface.

Description of the Related Art

Shelving systems are typically secured to a wall and are used for storing or displaying items. Existing systems can include more than one shelf in a tiered system, for example, shelves positioned at different heights and above or below each other.

SUMMARY

The embodiments disclosed herein each have several aspects no single one of which is solely responsible for the disclosure's desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this disclosure, its more prominent features will now be briefly discussed. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the second entitled “DETAILED DESCRIPTION,” one will understand how the features of the embodiments described herein provide advantages over existing systems, devices and methods related to shelves and bracketing systems.

The following disclosure describes non-limiting examples of some embodiments. For instance, other embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods may or may not include the features described herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages and benefits may apply only to certain embodiments of the invention and should not be used to limit the disclosure.

The shelving systems described herein provide many benefits and advantages including enabling a user to utilize the space below a top shelf that may otherwise go unutilized and providing the ability to adjust the height of the tiered shelves relative to each other. Further, the shelving systems provide the user ability to easily remove and/or add shelves to the shelving systems, which can allow the user to customize the shelving systems to fit their individual needs. The tiered shelving systems also eliminate the need to individually mount each shelf, as the tiered shelves can be mounted as a single unit and not as individual shelves. Further, some embodiments enable installation of a secondary shelf below a primary shelf with no fasteners required and/or with fasteners required only at the end of the shelf that is adjacent a wall, not the end of the shelf that is positioned away from the wall.

In one aspect, a shelf system includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a first shelf and a second shelf. Each of the first bracket and the second bracket include a main frame, a first support member, a second support member and a third support member. The main frame is configured to be secured to a surface and positioned generally parallel to the surface. The first support member is coupled to a first end of the main frame and extending generally perpendicular to the main frame. The second support member is coupled to an intermediate portion of the main frame and positioned below the first support member. The second support member extends generally perpendicular to the main frame. The third support member is coupled at a first end at or near a second end of the main frame and coupled at a second end to the first support member. When secured to the surface the first bracket and the second bracket are spaced a predetermined distance apart. The first shelf is configured to be disposed at least partially on the first support member of the first bracket and at least partially on the first support member of the second bracket. The second shelf is configured to be disposed at least partially on the second support member of the first bracket and at least partially on the second support member of the second bracket.

Various embodiments of the various aspects may be implemented. In some embodiments, the third support member is positioned at an angle relative the surface. In some embodiments, the main frame includes an opening having a predetermined length and the second support member is coupled to the main frame via a bolt that is slidable within the opening. In some embodiments, the main frame includes a first portion separated from a second portion, the first portion extending from the main frame towards the third support member and the second portion extending from the third support member toward the main frame. In some embodiments, the second support member is formed by a cut-out of the main frame and is bendably or pivotably moveable relative to the main frame and includes an opening configured to receive a mechanical fastener to secure the second shelf to the second support member. In some embodiments at least one of the first support member and the second support member includes an upward extending protrusion configured to be retained within a recess of the first shelf or the second shelf to secure the first shelf or the second shelf to the first support member or the second support member.

In another aspect, a shelf system includes a first bracket, a second bracket, a first shelf, and a second shelf. Each of the first bracket and the second bracket include a main frame, a first support member, and a second support member. The main frame is configured to be secured to a surface and positioned generally parallel to the surface. The first support member is coupled to a first end of the main frame and extends generally perpendicular to the main frame. The second support member is coupled at a first end at or near a second end of the main frame and coupled at a second end to the first support member. Wherein when secured to the surface, the first bracket and the second bracket are spaced a predetermined distance apart. The first shelf is configured to be disposed at least partially on the first support member of the first bracket and at least partially on the first support member of the second bracket. The second shelf is configured to be removably coupled to main frame.

Various embodiments of the various aspects may be implemented. In some embodiments, the second shelf is pivotably coupled to the main frame and configured to transition from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. In some embodiments, each of the first bracket and the second bracket further includes a third support member coupled to an intermediate portion of the main frame and positioned below the first support member. The third support member extends generally perpendicular to the main frame. The second shelf is disposed on the third support member. In some embodiments, the second support member is positioned at an angle relative to the surface. In some embodiments, the main frame of each of the first bracket and the second bracket includes one or more openings configured to receive one or more protrusions extending from the third support member to removably couple the third support member to the main frame. In some embodiments, the main frame include an opening having a predetermined length and the third support member is coupled to the main frame via a bolt that slidable within the opening. In some embodiments, the system further includes a third support member extending from the main frame towards the second support member and a fourth support member extending from the second support member toward the main frame. The second shelf is positioned at least partially on the third support member and at least partially on the fourth support member. In some embodiments, the third support member is formed by a cut-out of the main frame and is bendably or pivotably moveable relative to the main frame and includes an opening configured to receive a mechanical fastener to secure the second shelf to the third support member. In some embodiments, at least one of the first support member and the third support member includes an upward extending protrusion configured to be retained within a recess of the first shelf or second shelf to secure the first shelf or second shelf to first support member or the third support member.

In another aspect a method of assembling a shelf system includes securing a first main frame to a surface, the first main frame includes a first support member extending generally perpendicular to the first main frame and a second support member extending at a first end from the first main frame to the first support member at a second end, securing a second main frame to a surface, the second main frame includes a first support member extending generally perpendicular to the second main frame and a second support member extending at a first end from the second main frame to the first support member at a second end, coupling a first shelf to the first support member of the first main frame and the first support member of the second main frame, and coupling a second shelf to the first main frame and the second main frame, the second shelf positioned below the first shelf.

Various embodiments of the various aspects may be implemented. In some embodiments, the coupling of the second shelf to the first main frame and the second main frame includes pivotably coupling the second shelf at a hinge to each main frame. In some embodiments, the method further includes coupling a third support member to each main frame, the third support member positioned below the first support member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the drawings of various embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the disclosure. The drawings comprise the following figures in which:

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate example embodiments of an assembled shelving system having an upper shelf and a lower shelf;

FIG. 2A illustrates a shelving system, having an upper shelf and a lower shelf, secured to a wall;

FIG. 2B illustrates multiple shelving systems secured to a wall and used together to form a larger shelving system;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a shelving system secured to a wall;

FIGS. 4A-4I illustrate various embodiments of securing a support member to a main frame of a shelving system;

FIG. 5 illustrates a shelf pivotably coupled to a main frame of a shelving system;

FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of an assembled shelving system having an elongated upper shelf;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method of assembling a shelving system;

FIG. 8 illustrates a second support member that is removably attached to a shelving system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although several embodiments, examples, and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the inventions described herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples, and illustrations and include other uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Embodiments of the inventions are described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments. In addition, embodiments of the inventions can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the inventions herein described. Further, it should be understood that any of the examples herein are non-limiting. As such, the inventions disclosed herein are not limited to any particular embodiments, aspects, concepts, structures, functionalities, or examples described herein.

The present disclosure is generally related to shelving systems, in particular two-tiered shelving systems where an upper shelf is positioned above a lower shelf using two or more brackets. The shelving systems described herein provide many benefits and advantages including enabling a user to utilize the space below a top shelf that may otherwise go unutilized and providing the ability to adjust the height of the tiered shelves relative to each other. Further, the shelving systems provide the user the ability to easily remove and/or add shelves to the shelving systems, which can allow the user to customize the shelving systems to fit their individual needs. The tiered shelving systems can also eliminate the need to individually mount each shelf, as the tiered shelves can be mounted as a single unit and not as individual shelves. Further, some embodiments enable installation of a secondary shelf below a primary shelf with no fasteners required and/or with fasteners required only at the end of the shelf that is adjacent a wall, not the end of the shelf that is positioned away from the wall. Although many of the embodiments described herein include two tiers, the concepts described herein can also be used for shelving systems that include more than two tiers, such as three, four, five, or more.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an example embodiment of an assembled shelving system 100. The shelving system 100 can be secured to a surface, for example a wall. The shelving system 100 can include a plurality of brackets 104. The plurality of brackets 104 can be used to support one or more shelves 108. In some embodiments, one or more of the shelves 108 can be an upper shelf 108a and one or more of the shelves 108 can be a lower shelf 108b. The upper shelf 108a can be positioned above the lower shelf 108b. The brackets 104 can be positioned a predetermined distance DI apart. The distance DI can be at least partially dependent upon a length L1 of the shelves 108. The distance DI can be equal to or less than the length L1. The lengths L1 of the shelves 108 can be the same or different.

FIG. 2A illustrates the shelving system 100 secured to a wall. Each bracket 104 can be secured to a stud 112 in the wall. In some embodiments, the brackets 104 can be secured to the wall without being secured to the stud 112. Each bracket 104 can be affixed to the stud 112 or wall, for example, by the use of nails, screws, hooks, glue, doubled side tape, and/or the like.

FIG. 2B illustrates ten brackets 104 being used to support five upper shelves 108a and five lower shelves 108b. While a specific number of brackets 104, upper shelves 108a, and lower shelves 108b are shown, any number or combination of brackets 104, upper shelves 108a, and lower shelves 108b can be used to form an overall larger shelving system. For example, three or more brackets 104 can be used and a single upper shelf 108a and single lower shelf 108b can be disposed across the three brackets 104.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the shelving system 100, with a single bracket 104 visible. As shown, the shelving system 100 can be secured to the wall 116 using a bolt, screw, or nail 120 that extends through the wall 116 into the stud 112. The bracket 104 can include a main frame 124, a first support member 128, a second support member 132, and a third support member 136. The first support member 128 can support the upper shelf 108a. The second support member 132 can support the lower shelf 132. The third support member 136 can support one or both of the first shelf 108a and the second shelf 108b (such as, for example, by supporting a portion of the first support member 128 and/or second support member 132). In some embodiments, the bracket 104 can include one or more corner support members 140. The corner support members 140 can be generally L-shaped and positioned such that a first portion of the L-shape contacts (or is otherwise supported by) the main frame 124 and a second portion of the L-shape contacts (or otherwise supports) the first support member 128 or the second support member 132. The corner support member 140 can assist in supporting the first support member 128 and/or the upper shelf 108a or the corner support member 140 can assist in supporting second support member 132 and/or the lower shelf 108b. Other embodiments may use different shapes for the corner support members 140.

The main frame 124 can be positioned generally parallel to the wall 116 and be secured to the wall 116. The first support member 128 can be positioned at or near a first end of the main frame 124. The first support member 128 can extend generally perpendicular to the main frame 124 away from the wall 116. The second support member 132 can be positioned at an intermediate portion of the main frame 124 and can extend generally perpendicular to the main frame 124 away from the wall 116. The third support member 136 can extend at an angle from a position at or near a second end of the main frame 124 to a location at or near the end of the first support member 128 that is not connected the main frame 124. An intermediate portion of the third support member 136 can support or be coupled to an end of the second support member 132.

In some embodiments the shelves 108a, 108b can be mechanically coupled to the first support member 128 and/or second support member 132. The shelves 108a, 108b can be secured using one or more attachment members 144, for example, bolts, screws, nails, and/or the like. The one or more attachment members 144 can extend through the support member 128, 132 and into the shelf 108a, 108b.

FIGS. 4A-4H illustrate various methods of coupling the support members 128 and/or 132 to the main frame 124. While the figures will be described with reference to the second support member 132, the methods described according to the present disclosure can also apply to the support member 128 and/or additional support members for additional tiers. Features of one method can be applied to other example methods.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate an example method of coupling the support member 132 to the main frame 124. The main frame 124 can include a plurality of holes or openings 148. The openings 148 can be positioned in a generally central location on the main frame 124 such that when the support member 132 is coupled to the main frame the support member 132 is centrally aligned in the horizontal direction of the main frame 124. The openings 148 can include at least two horizontal rows including at least one opening 148 in each row. The at least two horizontal rows allow for the height of the support member 132 to be varied. In some embodiments, the openings 148 can be arranged in one or more vertical columns. This can allow for a change in positioning of the support member 132 in the vertical direction.

The support member 132 can include one or more protrusions 152 that can be sized and shaped to be received within the openings 148. In some embodiments, at least one protrusion 152 can have a horizontally extending portion with an upward vertically extending portion at the end of the horizontal portion. Thus, when connecting the support member 132 to the main frame 124 the support member 132 can first be positioned in an orientation such that the upwardly vertically extending portion of the protrusion 152 can enter the opening and then the support member 132 can be slightly rotated to allow the horizontal portion of the protrusion 152 to at least partially extend into the opening 148. The vertical portion of the protrusion 152 can assist in maintaining the connection between the support member 132 and the main frame 124. In some embodiments, the support member 132 can have a second protrusion 152 that includes both a vertical and horizontal portion according to the present disclosure or only a horizontal portion that will rest within an opening 148 once the support member is coupled to the main frame 124.

In some embodiments, the support member 132 can include three protrusions 152 as shown in FIG. 4B. For example, the support member 132 can include two upper protrusions 152a and one lower protrusion 152b. The upper protrusions 152a can be positioned on edges of the support member 132. The lower protrusion 152b can be centrally located on the edge of the support member 132. The main frame 124 can have three column openings 148 with at least two rows. The upper protrusions 152a can be received within openings of the same row, one in each outer column of the openings 148. The lower protrusion 152b can be received in an opening of the central column in a row that is positioned lower than that of the row receiving the upper protrusions 152a. The positioning of the protrusions 152a, 152b can provide improved support and retention to the support member 132.

FIG. 4C illustrates an example method of coupling the support member 132 to the main frame 124. The main frame 124 can include a plurality of holes or openings 156. The openings 156 can be positioned in a generally centrally located vertical column on the main frame 124 such that when the support member 132 is coupled to the main frame the support member 132 is centrally aligned in the horizontal direction of the main frame 124. There can be any number of openings 156. For example, one, two, three, four, five or more openings 156. The openings 156 being positioned in a column can allow for a change in positioning of the support member 132 in the vertical direction, thus allowing for various heights to be used.

The support member 132 can include one or more protrusions 160 that can be sized and shaped to be received within the openings 156. In some embodiments, at least one protrusion 160 can have a horizontally extending portion with a downwardly vertically extending portion at the end of the horizontal portion. Thus, when connecting the support member 132 to the main frame 124 the support member 132 can first be positioned in an orientation such that the downwardly vertically extending portion of the protrusion 160 can enter the opening and then the support member 132 can be rotated to allow the horizontal portion of the protrusion 160 to at least partially extend into the opening 156. The downward vertical portion of the protrusion 160 can assist in maintaining the connection between the support member 132 and the main frame 124. In some embodiments, the support member 132 can have a second protrusion 160 that includes both a vertical and horizontal portion according to the present disclosure or only a horizontal portion that will rest within an opening 156 once the support member 132 is coupled to the main frame 124. In some embodiments, the support member 132 can include an opening 164 that can allow for the attachment member 144 to extend through the support member 132 and into the shelf 108b. In some embodiments, the attachment member 144 is not needed. For example, the support member 132 can include an upwardly extending protrusion 161 that is sized to fit within an opening 162 of the shelf, as shown in FIG. 4I.

FIG. 4D illustrates an example method of coupling the shelf 108b to the main frame 124. The main frame 124 can have a cut-out portion 168 that is physically connected to main frame 124 and moveable relative to the main frame 124. The cut-out portion 168 can be pushed away from the main frame 124 such that extends generally perpendicular to the main frame 124. The shelf 108b can then be secured to the cut-out portion 168 via an attachment member 144. The cut-out 168 can have a hole 172 that the attachment member 144 can extend through to then secured the shelf 108b.

In some embodiments, the cut-out 168 can be a four-sided shape, for example a square or rectangle. The vertically extending sides 176 and the top side 177 can be physically separate from the main frame 124. The cut-out can have a bottom side 178 that remains at least partially connected to the main frame 124. The vertically extending sides 176 and the top side 177 can move away from the main frame 124 when the cut-out is pushed outward. In some embodiments, the cut-out 168 can rotate about the bottom side 178 which can function as a hinge. In some embodiments, the cut-out portion 168 and the adjacent portions of the main frame 124 can be formed from the same material, such as sheet metal, and moving the cut-out portion 168 from the vertical position (shown at the left side of FIG. 4D) to the horizontal position (shown at the right side of FIG. 4D) can involve bending the cut-out portion 168 along the bottom side 178. The surface 182 of the cut-out 168 can function as the support member (e.g., support member 132) and support the shelf 108b.

FIG. 4E illustrates an example method of coupling the support member 132 to the main frame 124. The method as shown in FIG. 4E incorporates the features as disclosed with reference to FIG. 4C. In addition to the features disclosed with reference to FIG. 4C, the support member 132 of FIG. 4E can include a corner support 180. The corner support 180 can be generally triangular in shape. A first edge of the corner support 180 can be in contact with a first portion 133 of the support member 132. The first portion of the support member 132 can be the portion having protrusions 160. A second edge of the corner support 180 can be in contact with a second portion 134 of the support member 132. The second portion 134 can be the portion that supports the shelf. The corner support member 180 can be beneficial in that it further supports the shelf by adding additional structure to the support member 132.

FIG. 4F illustrates an example method of coupling the support member 132 to the main frame 124. The main frame 124 can include a first opening 186 and a second opening 188. The first opening 186 can be linear and extend in the width wise direction of the main frame 124. The first opening 186 can be sized and shaped to receive a protrusion 190 of the support member 132. The second opening 188 can be sized and shaped to receive the attachment member 144 such as a bolt or screw. The protrusion 190 of the support member 132 can be inserted into the first opening 186. The attachment member 144 can then be inserted through the second opening 188 into a corresponding opening 192 of the support member 132. The protrusion 190 and attachment member 144 can maintain the connection between the support member 132 and the main frame 124.

The support member 132 can include an enclosed area 194. The enclosed area 194 can define a retaining area for the attachment member 144. The enclosed area 194 can extend at least partially under a surface 196 of the support member 132 and can provide additional support to the surface 196. In some embodiments, the enclosed area 194 can be box shaped.

After the support member 132 is coupled to the main frame 124 the shelf 108b can be disposed on or coupled to the support member 132. In some embodiments, the support member 132 can include an opening 198 that an attachment member can extend through to couple the shelf 108b to the support member 132.

FIG. 4G illustrates a method of coupling the support member 132 to the main frame 124. The main frame 124 can include a plurality of elongate openings 202. For example, one, two, three, or more openings 202. In some embodiments, the main frame 124 can include three elongate openings 202. Two of the elongate openings 202 can be oriented vertically such that the height of the opening exceeds the width. The two vertical openings 202 can be spaced a predetermined distance apart. The third elongate opening 202 can be positioned in a horizontal orientation such that the width exceeds the height of the opening 202. The third opening 202 can at least partially extend the predetermined distance between the two vertical openings. The third opening 202 can be positioned above the vertical openings, below the vertical openings, or any position in between.

The support member 132 can have a plurality of sides 206 defining an at least partially enclosed space 208. In some embodiments, the support member 132 can have three sides 206. For example, the support member 132 can have two vertical sides 206a and one horizontal side 206b connecting the two vertical sides 206a. The vertical sides 206a can be parallel to one another or can extend at angles such that the ends of the vertical sides 206a that are furthest from the main frame 124 are closer together than the ends of the vertical sides 206a that are coupled to the main frame 124.

The support member 132 can have a plurality of protrusions 204 corresponding to the plurality of elongate openings 202. The plurality of protrusions 204 can correspond to the number of elongate openings 202 and/or the number of sides 206 of the support member 132. The plurality of protrusions 204 can be at least partially received within the openings 202. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 204 can be bent once within the openings 202 to further secure the support member 132 to the main frame 124. For example, by bending the end of the protrusions 204 that extend through the openings 202, the protrusions 204 will not be able to be removed from the openings 202 without the bend being reversed.

FIG. 4H illustrates a method of coupling the support member 132 to the main frame 124, where the support member 132 includes two portions 132a and 132b. The first portion 132a of the support member 132 can extend outward from the main frame 124. In some embodiments, the first portion 132a and the main frame 124 can form a unitary part. In some embodiments, the first portion 132a can be coupled to the main frame 124 according to the present disclosure. The second portion 132b can extend outward from the third support member 136 toward the first portion 132a. In some embodiments, the second portion 132b and the third support member 136 can form a unitary part. In some embodiments, the second portion 132b can be coupled to the main frame 124. The lower shelf 108b can be sized such that it rests at least partially on the first portion 132a and the second portion 132b. The lower shelf 108b can be disposed such that it rests on the support member 132 or mechanically fixed (e.g., through the use of an attachment member 144) such that it is mechanically secured the first portion 132a and the second portion 132b. In some embodiments, no bolts or other fasteners are needed at support member portion 132a and/or 132b. For example, by placing the shelf 108b inside of the triangular shaped area formed by members 124, 128, and 136, the shelf 108b may be sufficiently constrained with no fasteners and/or with fasteners at only one of the support member portions 132a or 132b. For example, the forward edge of the shelf 108b (the right edge as oriented in FIG. 4H), may be constrained from moving away from the wall by contact with support member 136, since the shelf 108b is positioned withing the triangular frame formed by members 124, 128, and 136. This feature can make the second shelf 108b easier to install and/or remove as needed than with a normal shelf that may require more fasteners. It should be noted that similar concepts (e.g., using support member 136 to constrain the positioning of the edge of the second shelf that is positioned away from the wall without requiring fasteners at that location) can apply to any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates the lower shelf 108b pivotably coupled to the main frame 124 of the shelving system 100. The lower shelf 108b can be pivotably coupled at a hinge 212. The lower shelf 108b can transition from a stowed state to an open or deployed state. In the stowed state, the lower shelf 108b can be positioned such that the support surface 216 of the shelf 108b is in contact with the main frame 124. In an open or deployed state, the shelf 108b can be positioned such that the support surface 216 of the shelf 108b is positioned generally perpendicular to the main frame 124. When in an open or deployed state, the shelf 108b can be at least partially supported by the hinge 212 and the third support member 136. For example, the side of the shelf 108b opposite the hinge 212 can rest on the third support member 136 when in the open or deployed position. In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the lower shelf 108b includes a first end (near the main frame 124) and a second end (near the third support member 136), and the first end can be configured to be more constrained than the second end. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the first end is constrained in both the vertical and horizontal directions (with reference to the orientation of the side view at the right end of FIG. 5) by the hinge 212, but the second end is only constrained in the vertical direction by the third support member 136. This can have a number of benefits, such as making it easier to deploy or store the lower shelf 108b, making a cleaner appearance at the junction between the lower shelf 108b and the third support member 136, and/or the like.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of an assembled shelving system 100 having an elongated upper shelf 108a. In some embodiments, the upper shelf 108a can be longer than the main frame 124. When the upper shelf 108a increases in length, the lower shelf 108b can also increase in length. The increase in length of the upper shelf 108a can cause the positioning of the third support member 136 to change and as such the length of the lower shelf 108b can increase in order to maintain contact with the third support member 136 for additional support. The first support member 128 and/or second support member 132 can also increase in length to correspond to the change in length of the upper shelf 108a and/or lower shelf 108b. The increase in length of both the upper shelf 108a and the lower shelf 108b can increase the surface area for storage or use by the user.

In some embodiments, the use of additional nails or other securing mechanisms 120 can be used to better secure the elongated shelves 108a, 108b to the wall 116. For example, two or more nails 120 can be positioned between the upper shelf 108a and the lower shelf 108b to better support the elongated length and weight distribution on the elongated length of the upper shelf 108a.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example method of assembling a shelving system 100 through the use of welding. Starting at point 300 a single piece frame can be formed. The single piece frame can start as generally straight elongate piece of material. The elongate piece of material can initially be bent to form a first angled corner at point 302. This initial step can form the first support member 128. The now bent piece of material can then be bent a second time to form a second angled corner at point 304. The length of material between the first angled corner and the second angled corner can form the third support member 136. After forming the second angled corner, the remaining portion of the piece of material can extend upward towards the starting point 300. The piece of material can be cut to length, if needed, and the two ends welded together to form a single piece support frame. The second support member 132 can then be welded at each end to the single piece support frame, as shown.

In some embodiments, the second support member 132 can be removably attached to the single piece support frame, for example, as shown in FIG. 8. The main frame 124 and the third support member 136 can each include an opening 306 configured to receive a portion of the second support member 132 or protrusion 308 extending from an end of the second support member 132. This can allow the second support member 132 to be removably coupled to the single piece support frame.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The headings used herein are for the convenience of the reader only and are not meant to limit the scope of the inventions or claims.

Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Additionally, the skilled artisan will recognize that any of the above-described methods can be carried out using any appropriate apparatus. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with an embodiment can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. For all of the embodiments described herein the steps of the methods need not be performed sequentially. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above. The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Moreover, language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and the like includes the number recited. Numbers or qualities or characteristics or amounts or quantities preceded by a term such as “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” as used herein include the recited numbers (e.g., about 10%=10%), and also represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.

While particular forms of the inventions have been illustrated and described, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except by the appended claims.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.

Claims

1. A shelf system comprising:

a first bracket and a second bracket, each of the first bracket and the second bracket comprising: a main frame configured to be secured to a surface and positioned generally parallel to the surface; a first support member coupled to a first end of the main frame, the first support member extending generally perpendicular to the main frame; a second support member coupled to an intermediate portion of the main frame and positioned below the first support member, the second support member extending generally perpendicular to the main frame; and a third support member coupled at a first end at or near a second end of the main frame and coupled at a second end to the first support member; wherein when secured to the surface the first bracket and the second bracket are spaced a predetermined distance apart;

a first shelf configured to be disposed at least partially on the first support member of the first bracket and at least partially on the first support member of the second bracket; and

a second shelf configured to be disposed at least partially on the second support member of the first bracket and at least partially on the second support member of the second bracket.

2. The shelf system of claim 1, wherein the first support member of each of the first bracket and the second bracket has a length that exceeds a length of the second support member of each of the first bracket and the second bracket.

3. The shelf system of claim 1, wherein the third support member is positioned at an angle relative the surface.

4. The shelf system of claim 1, wherein the main frame of each of the first bracket and the second bracket comprises one or more openings configured to receive one or more protrusions extending from the second support member to removably couple the second support member to the main frame.

5. The shelf system of claim 1, wherein the main frame comprises an opening having a predetermined length and the second support member is coupled to the main frame via a bolt that is slidable within the opening.

6. The shelf system of claim 1, wherein the second support member comprises a first portion separated from a second portion, the first portion extending from main frame towards the third support member and the second portion extending from the third support member toward the main frame.

7. The shelf system of claim 1, wherein the second support member is formed by a cut-out of the main frame and is bendably or pivotably moveable relative to the main frame and comprises an opening configured to receive a mechanical fastener to secure the second shelf to the second support member.

8. The shelf system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first support member and the second support member comprises an upward extending protrusion configured to be retained within a recess of the first shelf or the second shelf to secure the first shelf or the second shelf to the first support member or second support member.

9. A shelf system comprising:

a first bracket and a second bracket, each of the first bracket and the second bracket comprising: a main frame configured to be secured to a surface and positioned generally parallel to the surface; a first support member coupled to a first end of the main frame, the first support member extending generally perpendicular to the main frame; and a second support member coupled at a first end at or near a second end of the main frame and coupled at a second end to the first support member; wherein when secured to the surface the first bracket and the second bracket are spaced a predetermined distance apart;

a first shelf configured to be disposed at least partially on the first support member of the first bracket and at least partially on the first support member of the second bracket; and

a second shelf configured to be removably coupled to the main frame.

10. The shelf system of claim 9, wherein the second shelf is pivotably coupled to the main frame and configured to transition from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration.

11. The shelf system of claim 9, wherein each of the first bracket and the second bracket further comprises a third support member coupled to an intermediate portion of the main frame and positioned below the first support member, the third support member extending generally perpendicular to the main frame, wherein the second shelf is disposed on the third support member.

12. The shelf system of claim 9, wherein the second support member is positioned at an angle relative the surface.

13. The shelf system of claim 11, wherein the main frame of each of the first bracket and the second bracket comprises one or more openings configured to receive one or more protrusions extending from the third support member to removably couple the third support member to the main frame.

14. The shelf system of claim 11, wherein the main frame comprises an opening having a predetermined length and the third support member is coupled to the main frame via a bolt that is slidable within the opening.

15. The shelf system of claim 9, further comprising a third support member extending from main frame towards the second support member and a fourth support member extending from the second support member toward the main frame, wherein the second shelf is positioned at least partially on the third support member and at least partially on the fourth support member.

16. The shelf system of claim 11, wherein the third support member is formed by a cut-out of the main frame and is bendably or pivotably moveable relative to the main frame and comprises an opening configured to receive a mechanical fastener to secure the second shelf to the third support member.

17. The shelf system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first support member and the third support member comprises an upward extending protrusion configured to be retained within a recess of the first shelf or second shelf to secure the first shelf or second shelf to first support member or the third support member.

18. A method of assembling a shelf system comprising:

securing a first main frame to a surface, the first main frame comprising a first support member extending generally perpendicular to the first main frame and a second support member extending at a first end from the first main frame to the first support member at a second end;

securing a second main frame to a surface, the second main frame comprising a first support member extending generally perpendicular to the second main frame and a second support member extending at a first end from the second main frame to the first support member at a second end;

coupling a first shelf to the first support member of the first main frame and the first support member of the second main frame; and

coupling a second shelf to the first main frame and the second main frame, the second shelf positioned below the first shelf.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein coupling the second shelf to the first main frame and the second main frame comprises pivotably coupling the second shelf at a hinge to each main frame.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising, coupling a third support member to each main frame, the third support member positioned below the first support member.