SUPPORT BRACKETS AND STORAGE UNITS AND STORAGE SYSTEMS UTILIZNG SUPPORT BRACKETS AND STORAGE UNITS

Abstract

A support bracket for use in a storage unit to support a tote. The support bracket includes first and second ends. A structural member extends longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The structural member includes a web separating a top flange from a bottom flange. The top flange and the bottom flange each have a width as measured from the web. The width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is greater than the width of the other one of the top flange and the bottom flange. At least the top flange resides in a plane that is perpendicular to the web and is configured to support the tote. The support bracket further includes a plate-like tab defining each of the first end and the second end of the structural member. Each plate-like tab has a securing finger formed therein.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Design application No. Ser. No. 29/990,393, filed on Feb. 21, 2025, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

This invention relates to shelving systems, shelving units, and more particularly to support brackets for use with those systems and units.

BACKGROUND

Shelving units are commonly used for storing various items in a space-efficient manner. Such units typically include four vertical support posts arranged at corners of a generally rectangular configured. In that configuration, horizontal front and rear shelf support beams extend side to side between the two front corner support posts and between the two rear corner support posts. Shorter horizontal beams are often positioned on opposing sides of the unit and extend front to back between a front corner support post and a rear corner support post. In a conventional arrangement, such shelving units define multiple shelves and supporting beams one above the other with the corner support posts and shelf support beams of metal. For example, these components are often formed of sheet metal or steel and, in combination with shelves, are generally referred to as steel shelving or storage units.

On these storage units, containers including lids may be stored. Typically, multiple items may be stored in any single container rather than being placed individually directly on a shelf. By placing multiple items in any single container, usage of the shelf space may be maximized. This often maximizes storage efficiency. Containers also permit better organization of items while also providing some security/protection against any dust/dirt, moisture, and pests that may be present in and around the shelving unit. Storing containers on shelves may permit heavier loading of each container individually as compared to stacking containers one directly on another thereby permitting more efficient use of storage space. That is, the shelving unit carries the weight of each individual container rather than the bottom-most containers carrying the load of all containers stacked on it. Furthermore, storing containers on a shelving system makes a storage space look more organized. As demand for metal shelving units rises, it becomes increasingly desirable to improve the design of shelving for container storage.

To this end, while metal shelving units and containers are generally successful for their intended purpose and remain useful and popular with consumers, manufacturers and other providers continually strive to improve upon designs for purposes of manufacturability and ease of assembly. In this regard, it is desirable to reduce the cost, including materials, processing steps, and time required to manufacture certain components of shelving units without any significant loss in performance of those components. Furthermore, it is desirable to both improve the assembly efficiency and performance of those components.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the invention, there is a support bracket for use in a storage unit to support a tote. The support bracket includes a first end and a second end located at opposite longitudinal ends of the support bracket. A structural member extends longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The structural member includes a web separating a top flange from a bottom flange, which collectively define a C-shaped cross-section. The top flange and the bottom flange each have a width as measured from the web. The width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is greater than the width of the other one of the top flange and the bottom flange. At least the top flange resides in a plane that is perpendicular to the web and is configured to support the tote. The support bracket further includes a plate-like tab defining each of the first end and the second end of the structural member. Each plate-like tab has a securing finger formed therein.

In one embodiment, each of the top flange and the bottom flange resides in a respective plane that is perpendicular to the web and each of the top flange and the bottom flange is configured to support the tote.

In one embodiment, a width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least twice a width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

In one embodiment, a width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least four times a width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

In one embodiment, the support bracket consists of two securing fingers.

In one embodiment, the two securing fingers are aligned on a centerline of the support bracket.

In one embodiment, each of the top flange and the bottom flange do not extend a full length of the support bracket to define abutment edges spaced inwardly of the first end and the second end. In a related embodiment, the web extends a distance beyond the abutment edges to form opposing plate-like tabs at each of the first end and the second ends.

In one aspect of the invention, there is a storage unit for storing a tote. The storage unit includes a plurality of posts and a pair of support brackets. Each support bracket of the pair of support brackets is configured to be attached to two posts of the plurality of posts. Each pair of support brackets is configured to support one tote. Each support bracket of the pair of support brackets has a first end and a second end located at opposite longitudinal ends of the support bracket and a structural member extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The structural member includes a web separating a top flange from a bottom flange which collectively define a C-shaped cross-section. The top flange and the bottom flange each have a width as measured from the web. The width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is greater than the width of the other one of the top flange and the bottom flange. At least the top flange resides in a plane that is perpendicular to the web and is configured to support the tote. Each support bracket of the pair of support brackets includes a plate-like tab defining each of the first end and the second end of the structural member. Each plate-like tab has a securing finger formed therein.

In one embodiment, each of the top flange and the bottom flange resides in a respective plane that is perpendicular to the web and each of the top flange and the bottom flange is configured to support the tote.

In one embodiment, a width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least twice a width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

In one embodiment, a width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least four times a width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

In one embodiment, each pair of the support brackets is configured to define a slide plane for receiving the tote.

In one embodiment, the support bracket consists of two securing fingers.

In one embodiment, the two securing fingers are aligned on a centerline of the support bracket.

In one embodiment, the top flange and the bottom flange do not extend a full length of the support bracket to define abutment edges spaced inwardly of the first end and the second end. In a related embodiment, the web extends a distance beyond the abutment edges to form opposing plate-like tabs at each of the first end and the second end.

In one embodiment, each post of the plurality of posts includes a central web that separates opposing side flanges. The central web and opposing side flanges define a C-shaped cross-section.

In one embodiment, each of the opposing plate-like tabs is configured to be coupled to one of the opposing side flanges in the central web.

In one embodiment, each of the central web and the opposing side flanges of the plurality of posts includes a plurality of keyholes.

In one embodiment, the plurality of keyholes in the opposing side flanges are offset in a lengthwise direction from the plurality of keyholes in the central web.

In another aspect of the invention, there is a storage system including the storage unit described here and one or more totes. Each tote includes a base and a lid and is configured to be slidably received in the storage unit.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the technical field of optical connectivity. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description, the following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary and intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. Features and attributes associated with any of the embodiments shown or described may be applied to other embodiments shown, described, or appreciated based on this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary storage system, including a storage unit, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the storage system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tote positioned for insertion/removal in relation to a pair of support brackets of the exemplary storage unit of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are a front perspective view and a back perspective view, respectively, of a support bracket shown in the storage system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the storage unit taken along section line 6-6 in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are a front plan view and a rear plan view, respectively, of the support bracket shown in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are left and right elevation views, respectively, of brackets according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the storage system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the storage system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the storage system shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the storage system of FIG. 12 with a tote in an alternative location.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a storage unit 10 is shown on which two totes 12 are supported. The storage unit 10 in combination with the totes 12 is referred to as a storage system 14 herein. While not shown, additional totes 12 may be supported on the storage unit 10. The storage unit 10 includes posts 16 arranged at corners of a generally rectangular configuration. Pairs of posts 16 are coupled together with a plurality of horizontal beams 20. The horizontal beams 20 are shown attached at or near each of the top end of the posts 16 and at or near each of the bottom end of the posts 16. The beams 20 removably couple adjacent posts 16 in front-to-back and side-to-side directions. In this configuration, beams 20 form an outer rim at the top and at the bottom levels of the storage unit 10. The uppermost horizontal beams 20 may support one or more shelves 22, shown as wire rack shelves, along the front and the back of the storage unit 10 shown in FIG. 1. Other configurations, such as solid shelves, are also possible. In one embodiment, storage unit 10 may include only a single topmost shelf, shown as a pair of individual wire rack shelves. Although not shown, items or additional totes 12 may be stored on each shelf 22. In another embodiment, the storage unit 10 may lack a single shelf.

Optional, additional horizontal beams 20 are shown coupled to rear posts 16 at intermediate height-wise positions along the posts 16. In the exemplary storage unit 10 shown, six posts 16 and twelve beams 20 (i.e., six at the top of the posts 16 and six at the bottom of the posts 16) generally define a rectangular prism. However, embodiments of the invention are not limited to rectangular prism configurations. By way of an alternative configuration, the storage unit 10 may include four posts 16 and eight beams 20, which amounts to one-half of the storage unit 10 shown in FIG. 1. The minimum of four posts 16 represents the simplest arrangement of the storage unit 10. As a maximum, the storage unit 10 may further include additional posts 16 and beams 20 and so may extend in one or more directions (e.g., laterally and/or upwardly) and be limited only by the available space for the storage unit 10. Embodiments of the storage unit 10 are not limited to a particular arrangement. In that regard, vertical extension of the storage unit 10 may be achieved by coupling posts 16 end to end with a post coupler 18. With the post coupler 18, the height of the storage unit 10 may be increased. In the exemplary embodiment, the post coupler 18 secures a bottom post 16 to a top post 16. That is, the height of the storage unit 10 shown is approximately twice the length of an individual post 16. Embodiments of the invention contemplate the minimum of four posts 16 to those having additional posts 16 coupled by additional post couplers 18.

The storage unit 10 may include additional features. For example, the storage unit 10 may include one or more lock clips (not shown) configured to prevent the uppermost horizontal beams 20 from becoming inadvertently detached from the posts 16. In this regard, the posts 16 may include one or more holes or apertures immediately above the uppermost horizontal beams 20. The apertures are configured to receive a respective lock clip that prevents the uppermost horizontal beams 20 from being moved upwardly, where they may disengage from the posts 16. Additionally, the posts 16 may include an end cap (not shown) at the top end of the posts 16 to provide a more aesthetic appearance to the storage unit 10 and minimize snag points. Furthermore, the posts may include another end cap (not shown) at the lower end of the posts 16 and operates as a foot for supporting the storage unit 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, each tote 12 is supported by a pair of opposing support brackets 24. Each support bracket 24 is coupled to and extends between a pair of posts 16, for example, from a front post 26 to a rear post 30 at the same height from the ground. The support brackets 24 are intended be coupled to pairs of front and rear posts 26 and 30 and be generally level front to back to support each tote 12 in a stable, level orientation.

The support brackets 24 are formed by bending a single sheet of material, such as sheet of metal. Furthermore, appropriate fastening means used to selectively couple the support brackets 24 to corresponding posts 16 are punch-formed in the single sheet of material. Punch-forming eliminates at least one secondary manufacturing operation, such as welding, to attach a fastening means to posts 16 and/or the support brackets 24, which results in at least one additional manufacturing step, if not several. In particular, it was discovered that by punch-forming the fastening means and roll-forming the support brackets 24, the support brackets 24 may be formed from a single piece of material thereby eliminating the need for additional manufacturing or processing steps. Thus, according to embodiments of the present invention, support brackets 24 are designed for ease of manufacturing and are capable of being formed from a single piece of material, requiring only minimal manufacturing processing steps while also easing assembly of the storage unit 10.

With continuing reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the support brackets 24 are configured to be selectively coupled to the posts 16 via releasable fastening means located at opposite ends of the support brackets 24. Generally, with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, 9, and 10, each of the support brackets 24 includes a pair of punch-formed securing fingers 32 with one finger 32 at each end of the support bracket 24. In one embodiment, the securing fingers 32 are aligned with a center line 28 (FIG. 7) of the support bracket 24. Advantageously, in the embodiment shown, the support bracket 24 includes only two punch-formed securing fingers 32 thereby simplifying manufacturing. The support bracket 24 may be free of additional punch-formed penetrations thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving the strength of the support bracket 24. The securing fingers 32 are configured to be received within corresponding keyholes 34 that are distributed along the length of the posts 16. The details of the securing fingers 32 and keyholes 34 are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 11,925,258, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

More particularly, with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the posts 16 have a generally C-shape cross-section in which opposing side flanges 40, 42 extend in one direction from a central web 44 to thereby form a channel 46. Each of the side flanges 40, 42 and central web 44 include the keyholes 34 positioned at a periodic distance interval along the post 16. In the embodiment shown, the central web 44 include pairs of keyholes 34 in a column with each of the opposing side flanges 40, 42 including a single column of keyholes 34. In one embodiment, the keyholes 34 in the central web 44 are offset in lengthwise position relative to the keyholes 34 in each of the side flanges 40 and 42. So, while centers of the keyholes 34 in the side flanges 40 and 42 are aligned at each level with one another, in one embodiment, the centers of the keyholes 34 in the central web 44 do not align with the centers of keyholes 34 in the side flanges 40 and 42 at any height level. The support brackets 24 couple to the posts 16 at the keyholes 34 in one side flange 40, 42 from within the channel 46 and may be moved vertically with respect to the posts 16 between different keyholes 34. The number of support brackets 24 and their respective heights from the ground on the posts 16 may therefore be varied according to size of any particular tote 12.

As described above, according to aspects of the present invention, the support brackets 24 are each formed from a single piece or a single sheet of material, otherwise referred to as a blank. The material may be sheet metal such as alloy steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, or other suitable metal, for example. The support brackets 24 may be formed without the need for secondary manufacturing processes, such as welding one or more components together to form the support bracket 24. Thus, the support bracket 24 is not a multi-piece or multi-component structure. Rather, the support bracket 24 is a unitary or monolithic structure.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, details of the support bracket 24 according to an exemplary embodiment are shown and will now be described. The support bracket 24 includes a first end 48 and a second end 50 located at opposite longitudinal ends of the support bracket 24 between which a structural member 52 is formed. The structural member 52 has a generally C-shape and is truncated inwardly of each of the first and second ends 48, 50 to define plate-like tabs 54, 56. Visually, the plate-like tabs 54, 56 project beyond the structural member 52 to define ends 48, 50 of the support bracket 24. Each plate-like tab 54, 56 includes the punch-formed securing finger 32 for securing ends 48, 50 of the support bracket 24 to corresponding keyholes 34 in posts 16, as is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 9 and 10, the C-shaped cross-section of the structural member 52 is provided by a top flange 58 and a bottom flange 60 between which a web 62 extends. The web 62 forms a vertical portion of the structural member 52 and the flanges 58, 60 define tote contact surfaces during use. In the exemplary embodiment, the top flange 58 extends perpendicularly to the web 62 so that the entirety of the top flange 58 resides in a plane that is perpendicular to a plane of the web 62. The top flange 58 is flat. This configuration requires only a single bend to define the web 62 and the top flange 58. Stated another way, the top flange 58 lacks a bend from the web 62 to an outer edge. Moreover, because the entirety of the top flange 58 is a single plane, the entire surface is available to slidably receive the tote 12 thereby easing insertion and removal of the tote 12 from the storage unit 10. A similar configuration exists for the bottom flange 60 and the web 62.

Namely, in the exemplary embodiment, the bottom flange 60 extends perpendicularly to the web 62 so that the entirety of the bottom flange 60 resides in a plane that is perpendicular to a plane of the web 62. The bottom flange 60 is flat. This configuration requires only a single bend to define the web 62 and the bottom flange 60. Stated another way, the bottom flange 60 lacks a bend from the web 62 to an outer edge. Moreover, because the entirety of the bottom flange 60 is a single plane, the entire surface is available to slidably receive the tote 12 thereby easing insertion and removal of the tote 12 from the storage unit 10.

In the exemplary embodiment, the top flange 58 is wider than the bottom flange 60 as measured perpendicularly from the web 62. As an example, the top flange 58 may be at least 10% wider than the width of the bottom flange 60. By way of further example, the width of the top flange 58 may be from at least twice the width of the bottom flange 60. As another example, the width of the top flange 58 may be up to four times the width of the bottom flange 60 and, as another example, up to five times the width of the bottom flange 60. Although not shown, in an alternative embodiment, the bottom flange 60 may be wider than the top flange 58. The top flange 58, the bottom flange 60, and the web 62 collectively define a channel 64 that extends a length of the structural member 52. The top and bottom flanges 58, 60 are generally parallel to one another and define corresponding edges 66 and 68. The web 62 may be radiused at each of the locations at which the structural member 52 transitions to the top flange 58 and to the bottom flange 60. Generally, a height of the web 62 (i.e., a distance between the bottom flange 60 and the top flange 58) may be greater than a corresponding dimension of a closure portion of the tote 12, described below.

Referring now to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, in the embodiment shown, the plate-like tabs 54 are an extension of the web 62. Each of the top flange 58 and the bottom flange 60 define abutment edges 70 and 72, respectively, at each end 48, 50 of the support bracket 24. Abutment edges 70, 72 are generally perpendicular to a plane of a longitudinal axis of the support bracket 24 and are spaced apart from each end 48, 50 and define a lengthwise dimension of the plate-like tabs 54, 56. In an exemplary embodiment, the dimension of the plate-like tabs 54, 56 is related to one or more dimensions of the post 16 to facilitate efficient assembly of the storage unit 10. For example, a lengthwise dimension of the plate-like tabs 54, 56 from one or both abutment edges 70, 72 to respective end 48, 50 is approximately equal to a width dimension of the side flanges 40, 42. As another example, the position of the securing finger 32 in each plate-like tabs 54, 56 from respective end 48, 50 and/or from one or both abutment edges 70, 72 is related to a distance the keyhole 34 is in side flanges 40, 42 from the central web 44 of the post 16. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the top flange 58 may have one or more bores 74 located at or near the plate-like tabs 54. The bores 74 are configured to hang the support brackets 24 during, for example, a painting or coating process.

During assembly of the storage unit 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, after assembly of the beams 20 with posts 16, according to one embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, plate-like tabs 54, 56 are inserted into the channel 46 of posts 16 to align the securing finger 32 laterally with a keyhole 34 in a corresponding one of the side flanges 40, 42. Moving the support bracket 24 vertically downward relative to the side flange 40, 42 engages the securing finger 32 with the keyhole 34 at each end 48, 50. In accordance with embodiments, the relative dimensions of the support brackets 24 and the posts 16 facilitate efficient assembly of the support brackets 24 on the posts 16. As an example, plate-like tabs 54, 56 may be the same length or longer than the depth of the channel 46 as determined by the side flanges 40, 42 and central web 44. Inserting the plate-like tabs 54, 56 into the channel 46 of the post 16 to abut the respective end 48, 50 with the central web 44 laterally aligns the securing finger 32 with keyhole 34. In this way, visual alignment of the securing finger 32 with the keyhole 34 is not necessary as alignment of the securing finger 32 with the keyhole 34 is achieved by contact between the respective end 48, 50 and the central web 44. Alternatively, the plate-like tabs 54, 56 may be shorter than the depth of the channel 46. In this case, the abutting edge 70 and/or 72 of the structural member 52 may abut an edge of the side flange 40, 42. Abutting the edge 70 and/or edge 72 with the side flange 40, 42 aligns the securing finger 32 with the keyhole 34. Stated another way, embodiments of the invention contemplate a physical stop (e.g., the respective end 48, 50 abutting the central web 44 or the edge 70, 72 abutting the side flange 40, 42) between the support bracket 24 and the post 16 during assembly to ensure lateral alignment of the securing finger 32 with the keyhole 34. The engagement between the plate-like tabs 54, 56 and corresponding posts 16 is maintained as a result of the engagement between each securing finger 32 and corresponding keyhole 34.

Once the storage unit 10 is assembled, and with reference to FIGS. 3, 11, 12, 13, and 14, in which pairs of support bracket 24 are coupled to posts 16, the top flange 58 and bottom flange 60 of one support bracket 24 coupled to one pair of posts 16 oppose the top flange 58 and bottom flange 60, respectively, of an opposing support bracket 24 coupled to a pair of opposing posts 16. That is, when pairs of support brackets 24 are coupled to posts 16, the opposing top flanges 58 and opposing bottom flanges 60 extend toward one another. Each pair of flanges 58, 60 defines a plane for slidably receiving the tote 12, as is shown by arrow 76 in FIG. 3. Further in that regard, the edges 66 and/or the edges 68 on opposing support brackets 24 form an upper receiving gap 78 and a lower receiving gap 80, respectively. The gaps 78 and 80 (FIG. 3) receive a portion of the tote 12 when the tote 12 is inserted between the opposing support bracket 24 for storage in the storage unit 10. Each tote receiving gap 78 and 80 is a narrow space between the support brackets 24 and measures less than at least one dimension of the tote 12, for example a width dimension. Once the tote 12 is received in the receiving gap 78, 80, there is an interference fit between the tote 12 and the receiving gap 78, 80 in the direction of gravity. A portion of the tote 12 then engages under gravity with each of the pair of support brackets 24. Specifically, the tote 12 directly contacts and is supported on each of the flanges 58 or on each of the flanges 60.

As an example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, the tote 12 is shown supported on the top flanges 58 of opposing support brackets 24. The exemplary tote 12 is received in each of the receiving gaps 78 and 80. The tote 12 is configured for storage of items and has a lid 82 releasably attached to a body or base 84. With reference to FIG. 13, the exemplary base 84 has a sidewall having a wedge-shape which defines a rim 86 through which items may be loaded in the tote 12 when the lid 82 is not in position. The rim 86 is then closed off by the lid 82 to prevent ingress of any combination of dust, dirt, and moisture. At the rim 86, the base 84 includes an outwardly and downwardly extending lip 90. In the example shown, the lid 82 includes a corresponding lip 92 that is configured to engage the lip 90 of the base 84 when the lid 82 is properly positioned on the base 84.

In FIGS. 12 and 13, the storage unit 10 receives the tote 12 in the receiving gaps 78 and 80 at a location below the lid 82. In the exemplary embodiment, the tote 12 rests on the support brackets 24 at the rim 86, specifically on the lip 90 of the base 84. While a specific tote configuration is shown and described with respect to the storage system 14, other totes 12 are usable with the storage unit 10. For example, with a wedge-shaped tote, the base 84 may be supported at a location below the lip 90, such as at a location where a width dimension of the base 84 is equal to the receiving gap 78. Advantageously, with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a person may remove the lid 82 and add/remove items from the tote 12 without removing the tote 12 from the storage unit 10.

As another example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the tote 12 is supported on the opposing bottom flanges 60. In particular, the lip 90 of the base 84 rests on bottom flange 60. In this embodiment, the distance between the top flange 58 and the bottom flange 60 is greater than a height of the lip 90. This permits the tote 12 to be slid into the tote receiving gap 78. With the tote 12 being supported by the bottom flange 60, top flange 58 extends outwardly above the lid 82 thereby preventing removal of the lid 82 when the tote 12 is stored. The tote 12 in FIG. 14 may be larger than that shown in FIG. 13. Thus, the storage unit 10 is capable to accommodating different size totes 12 within the same storage unit, which provides additional flexibility and functionality to the storage unit 10.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of various embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Thus, the various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope of the general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A support bracket for use in a storage unit to support a tote comprising:

a first end and a second end located at opposite longitudinal ends of the support bracket;

a structural member extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, wherein (i) the structural member includes a web separating a top flange from a bottom flange which collectively define a C-shaped cross-section, (ii) the top flange and the bottom flange each have a width as measured from the web, with the width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange being greater than the width of the other one of the top flange and the bottom flange, and (iii) at least the top flange resides in a plane that is perpendicular to the web and is configured to support the tote; and

a plate-like tab defining each of the first end and the second end of the structural member, each plate-like tab having a securing finger formed therein.

2. The support bracket of claim 1, wherein each of the top flange and the bottom flange resides in a respective plane that is perpendicular to the web and each of the top flange and the bottom flange is configured to support the tote.

3. The support bracket of claim 1, wherein a width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least twice a width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

4. The support bracket of claim 1, wherein a width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least four times a width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

5. The support bracket of claim 1, wherein the support bracket consists of two securing fingers.

6. The support bracket of claim 5, wherein the two securing fingers are aligned on a centerline of the support bracket.

7. The support bracket of claim 1, wherein each of the top flange and the bottom flange do not extend a full length of the support bracket to define abutment edges spaced inwardly of the first end and the second end.

8. The support bracket of claim 7, wherein the web extends a distance beyond the abutment edges to form opposing plate-like tabs at each of the first end and the second ends.

9. A storage unit for storing a tote comprising:

a plurality of posts; and

a pair of support brackets each support bracket of the pair of support brackets being configured to be attached to two posts of the plurality of posts, each pair of support brackets being configured to support one tote,

wherein each support bracket of the pair of support brackets comprises: a first end and a second end located at opposite longitudinal ends of the support bracket; a structural member extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, wherein (i) the structural member includes a web separating a top flange from a bottom flange which collectively define a C-shaped cross-section, (ii) the top flange and the bottom flange each having a width as measured from the web, with the width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange being greater than the width of the other one of the top flange and the bottom flange, and (iii) at least the top flange resides in a plane that is perpendicular to the web and is configured to support the tote; and

a plate-like tab defining each of the first end and the second end of the structural member, each plate-like tab having a securing finger formed therein.

10. The storage unit of claim 9, wherein each of the top flange and the bottom flange resides in a respective plane that is perpendicular to the web and each of the top flange and the bottom flange is configured to support the tote.

11. The storage unit of claim 9, wherein a width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least twice a width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

12. The storage unit of claim 9, wherein a width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least four times a width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

13. The storage unit of claim 9, wherein each pair of the support brackets is configured to define a slide plane for receiving the tote.

14. The storage unit of claim 9, wherein the support bracket consists of two securing fingers.

15. The storage unit of claim 14, wherein the two securing fingers are aligned on a centerline of the support bracket.

16. The storage unit of claim 9, wherein the top flange and the bottom flange do not extend a full length of the support bracket to define abutment edges spaced inwardly of the first end and the second end.

17. The storage unit of claim 16, wherein the web extends a distance beyond the abutment edges to form opposing plate-like tabs at each of the first end and the second end.

18. The storage unit of claim 17, wherein each post of the plurality of posts includes a central web that separates opposing side flanges, and herein the central web and opposing side flanges define a C-shaped cross-section.

19. The storage unit of claim 18, wherein each of the opposing plate-like tabs is configured to be coupled to one of the opposing side flanges in the central web.

20. The storage unit of claim 18, wherein each of the central web and the opposing side flanges of the plurality of posts includes a plurality of keyholes.

21. The storage unit of claim 20, wherein the plurality of keyholes in the opposing side flanges are offset in a lengthwise direction from the plurality of keyholes in the central web.

22. A storage system including the storage unit of claim 9 and one or more totes, each tote including a base and a lid and being configured to be slidably received in the storage unit.