EXTENDABLE SUPPORTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR UTILITY RACKS, WORKBENCHES AND WORKSEATS

Abstract

Racks, workbenches, storage benches and other supports are configured with extendable supports, such as posts having extensions which are extendably movable with respect to the posts, allowing the rack, workbench or the like to have a variable height such as for supporting shelves or work surfaces. Racks or other supports may be connected in a stacked relationship, such as via stacking brackets which connect posts thereof. The racks or other supports may include accessor features such as retractable pegboards, coat racks and drawers. The racks or other supports may be configured to be packed in an assembled configuration for shipment and then assembled by user for use.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/764,939, filed Feb. 28, 2025, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to rack systems, as well as work benches. The present also relates to telescopic uprights and stacking brackets used in rack systems and work benches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Utility rack systems are a popular way to add storage in a home, office, garage, warehouse, or other facility. Such systems typically include one or more shelves which are supported by free-standing end supports. The vertically oriented end supports connect to shelf supports. Together, the end supports and the shelf supports provide the rigidity for supporting the shelves and anything placed on the shelves. Typically, end supports are formed of one or more members, which may include diagonal braces. These members are generally formed as a single unitary structure. While strong, unitary structures are large and difficult for packaging and transporting.

To overcome this, utility rack systems are available that come unassembled. Such a system uses end supports which are produced and shipped with the vertical end supports and braces as separate individual members. While reducing space in the packaging, the purchaser must still assemble the shelving system, which requires the use of tools and the tightening of many fasteners.

It is with respect to these and other considerations that the instant disclosure is concerned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the disclosure relate to support elements such as storage racks, workbenches and storage seats, and components thereof, including extendable or height adjustable components (such as vertical supports) for a rack, and methods of manufacturing, packing, assembling and using the same, including methods of changing a height of a support element. Additional aspects of the disclosure comprise connectors, such as for connecting or stacking racks or similar supports, and components or accessories for support elements such as storage racks, workbenches and storage seats.

One aspect of the disclosure relates to an extendable (such as height-adjustable) support, such as for a rack, workbench, storage seat or the like. The extendable support may comprise a post or upright and a telescopic extension which can be extended in and out of an end of the post or upright.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a connecting or stacking bracket, such as for connecting two supports, such as the posts of two racks.

Other aspects of the disclosure comprise methods of configuring extendable supports for packing, such as by placing them in a nested configuration, and methods of configuring the extendable supports for use, such as by extending the extensions from the post or upright and connecting other elements thereto, such as shelf beams, drawers or other elements.

Other aspects of the disclosure comprise work benches and work or storage seats, such as which have end supports which support a work surface, a seat, storage drawers, work backs, coat racks or various other accessories or elements, and which may include telescopic supports.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a rack having extendable supports in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of a bottom portion of the rack illustrated in FIG. 1A, showing a telescoping extension in relation to a post of the extendable support of the rack;

FIG. 1C is an enlarged view of a top portion of the rack illustrated in FIG. 1A, showing a nested support in relation to a telescoping extension of a post of the rack;

FIG. 2 illustrates a shelf of the rack illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the shelf illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top portion of the rack illustrated in FIG. 1A in relation to a bottom portion thereof;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an extendable support of the rack illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the rack illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are bottom and top views of a shelf for a rack in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the post and associated telescoping extension illustrated in FIG. 1C;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the post and associated telescoping extension illustrated in FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10 therein;

FIG. 11 illustrates channel members in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a rack stacking configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are exploded views of a support post and stacking bracket of the stacking configuration illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a nested post and stacking bracket of the rack stacking configuration illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a workbench configuration in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the workbench illustrated in FIG. 16;

FIGS. 18-22 are views of a storage bench in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 23-25 are views of a drawer and portions of a drawer in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIGS. 26 and 27 are perspective views of end supports of the storage bench illustrated in FIG. 18; and

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate an accessory component, such as for a storage seat, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. The term “and/or” indicates embodiments of one or more of the listed elements, with “A and/or B” indicating embodiments of element A alone, element B alone, or elements A and B taken together. The term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). The term “coupled” shall mean connected together either directly or indirectly via one or more intermediate parts or components.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to support elements such as storage racks, workbenches and storage seats, and components thereof, including extendable or height adjustable components (such as vertical supports) for support elements such as racks, and methods of manufacturing, packing, assembling and using the same, including methods of changing a height of a support element. Additional aspects of the disclosure comprise connectors, such as for connecting or stacking racks or similar supports, and components or accessories for support elements such as storage racks, workbenches and storage seats.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view diagram illustrating one example of a shelving or rack system 100, according to examples of the subject disclosure. The rack system 100 is useful for storing items in a home, office, garage, warehouse, or other facility. In a preferred configuration, the rack system 100 is designed to be disassembled to reduce the space occupied thereby, such as for packing, shipping and storage, and to be assembled by a user for use.

The rack system 100, in certain examples, includes a number of shelves 102 which are supported by end supports 104. The end supports 104 include vertical or upright members 106 that are joined by one or more connecting members. For example, the connecting members may comprise one or more generally horizontally extending (thus perpendicular to the vertical members 106) cross members 108 (such as an upper cross member and a lower cross member), and one or more diagonal members 111.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the end supports 104 are designed to support a plurality of shelves 102 or other supports. The number and position of the shelves may vary. FIGS. 2 and 3 show assembled and isometric views, respectively, of one of the elongated shelves 102. As shown, each elongated shelf 102 includes a pair of shelf beams 112. In one embodiment, one shelf beam 112 is located at a front of the rack system 100, extending between corresponding front vertical members 106 of the end supports 104, and another shelf beam 112 is located at a rear of the rack system 100, extending between corresponding rear vertical members 106 of the end supports. The shelf beams 112 may be removably connected to the vertical members 106, such as via pins or tabs which extend from flanges or brackets thereof (which may be located at the ends of the beam) into engagement with corresponding apertures (described in more detail below) in the vertical supports 106, or by other connectors (nuts and bolts, etc.). Additionally, the shelves 102 may comprise a number of tie beams 114 extending between the front and rear shelf beams 112 (generally perpendicular thereto), and a shelf surface, deck or the like which is supported by the shelf beams 112 and the tie beams 114. The shelf surface may comprise, for example, a wire frame 116 (or other supporting elements, including closed surface supports).

In one embodiment, the main body of the shelf beams 112 may define a front and one or more flanges extending rearwardly, such as a recessed top flange and a bottom flange which is spaced from the top flange. The recessed top flange may support the shelf 102, such as a wire deck, so that the top thereof is level or even with the top of the beam 112. The tie beams 114 may be connected to one or both of the top and bottom flanges, including fitting between them. In this example, the tie beams 114 are generally C shaped and have a middle with a top and a bottom extension which extend outwardly from the middle, where the top and bottom extensions may be connected to the top and bottom flanges of the shelf beam 112. In other embodiments, the tie beams 114 may have other configurations, including comprising separate top and bottom cross beams for connecting the top flanges of two shelf beams 112 or the bottom flanges of two shelf beams. Further, the tie beams 114 might be connected to the shelf beams 112 in various manners, including pins, bolts, tabs engaging slots, etc.

As indicated, the position of the shelves 102 may be changed, such as to be located at different locations along the vertical members 106 (e.g. at different heights), including different distances from one another. Moreover, in one embodiment of the invention, the length of each vertical member 106 of the end supports 104 is adjustable, thus allowing a user to change a height of the rack system 100. In one embodiment, the length adjustability is facilitated by one or more telescopic or extension members.

FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of a portion of the rack system 100 of FIG. 1A. As shown, the vertical member 106 includes a post member 120, a foot member 122, and a first telescopic extension or upright 124A. The first telescopic upright 124A may be extended relative to the post member 120, such as into and out of the post member 120 at the bottom thereof.

As will be more apparent with reference to FIG. 4, each of the vertical members 106 may further or alternatively include a second telescopic upright 124B, such as at a top of each post member 120. Again, the second telescopic upright 124B may be extended relative to its respective post member 120, such as into and out of the post member 120 at the top thereof.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1B and FIG. 5, each post member 120 may be generally C-shaped and define an interior or interior channel, such as by having a front face and pairs of sides that extend from the front face, such as perpendicular thereto. The post member 120 may also define one or more connecting member connection locations, such as outwardly extending flanges 115 (such as which extend outwardly away from the front face of the post member 120), such as parallel to the sides of the post member 120). As illustrated, the flanges 115 may be insert, such as via extensions at a rear of the post member 120 which extend generally perpendicular to the sides, and thus parallel to the front face. The flanges 115 preferably extend generally parallel to the sides, and thus perpendicular to the front face of the post member 120.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, a pin member 107 or other connecting or locking member may be used to connect an end of each of the cross members 108 and the diagonal member 111 to the post member 120 via the flanges 115. In one embodiment, the cross members 108 and diagonal members 111 may be configured to nest within pairs of post members 120 and be pivotable or rotatable outwardly therefrom for connection to a mating post member 120, such as via a sliding lock or similar member, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,647,833 to the inventor herein, which patent is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In such a configuration, the spacing of the flanges 115 defines a channel for accepting the cross members 108 and diagonal members 111.

The first and second telescopic uprights 124A,B, may similarly have a C-shape and be sized to fit within the channel of the post member 120, such as with a sufficiently close tolerance that there is little play between the two members, as also illustrated in FIG. 5. In one embodiment, the first and second telescopic uprights or extensions 124A,B thus also have a front face and first and second sides that extend rearwardly from the front face, and may or may not include similar flanges. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second telescopic uprights 124A,B can't be rotated relative to their associated vertical members 106. As illustrated, this may be accomplished by these members having front faces and sides which extend at angles relative to one another, and by having the telescopic uprights 124A,B be sufficiently close in size to the post members 120 that they can't rotate in the internal channels of the posts.

In one embodiment as described above, the post members 120 may include a first plurality of apertures 119 in the front face for accepting one or more connectors at the ends of the shelf beam 112, as illustrated in FIG. 1A. In one embodiment, these first apertures 119 may be spaced along the front face to allow the beam 112 to be connected at different positions between the top and bottom end of the post members 120. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a front face of the first and second telescopic uprights 124A,B may be inset slightly so as to accommodate a connector of the beam 110 through the post members 120 (protruding out the back of the front face between the post member 120 and the corresponding first or second telescopic upright 124A,B.

In one embodiment, the first and second telescopic uprights 124A,B can be fixed in different positions relative to their respective post members 120. The post member 120 may include a second plurality of apertures 121, such as in at least one side (and preferably both sides) thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. The first and second telescopic uprights 124A,B may include similar second apertures 125 in at least one side thereof. When the user extends the telescopic uprights 124A,B to a position in which one of the second apertures 125 therein aligns with a corresponding second aperture 121 in the corresponding post member 120, the user may connect, such as via a pin 123 which is extended into the mating apertures (and thus through the post 106 and the corresponding first or second telescopic upright 124A,B) to lock the telescopic upright 124A,B into a fixed position relative to the post member 120, and where the extended position is variable due to the different positions of either or both sets of apertures 121,125. As illustrated, when the apertures 121 and 125 have a designated shape (in this case, not circular, but trapezoidal with sides that vary in distance from one another), the pin 123 may have a corresponding cross-sectional shape. Further, the pin 123 might have a head, and/or might include a threaded portion at its distal end, such as for accepting a nut, such as to secure the pin in a designated position to and prevent it from falling out.

As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the front faces of the telescopic uprights 124A,B may also include a second plurality of apertures 119 similar to those of the post members 120 to allow coupling of a beam 112 directly thereto, such as best illustrated in FIG. 4 (in this manner, shelves or similar elements may be supported by either or both the post members 120 and the telescopic uprights 124A,B. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, this allows a top shelf to be supported by the telescopic uprights 124A,B above a top of the post members 120.

As indicated above, the pairs of the post members 120 that form the end supports 108 may be connected with one or more cross and diagonal members. Similarly, when the first and/or second telescopic uprights 124A,B are extended sufficiently far outward of the corresponding post members 120, it may be desirable to also connect them together for support and rigidity purposes. In some embodiments, the cross or end member might simply be separate elements which are mounted to the telescopic uprights 124A,B. However, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, which shows a top view of a portion of the rack system 100, in some embodiments, the cross and/or diagonal members might be associated with the telescopic uprights 124A,B and be moved between a stowed or stored position and an extended position. In particular, the telescopic uprights 124A,B may include an interior channel which is similar to the channel in the post members 120. An additional cross member 105 (or in other embodiments, a diagonal member) may be located in the channel of the telescopic upright 124A,B and be configured to be extended outwardly.

In one embodiment, the fold-out cross member 105 may be pivotally coupled to one telescopic upright 124A,B by a pin 109, so as to be rotatable outwardly thereof and coupled to the adjacent telescopic upright 124A,B opposite thereto (in one embodiment, a fold-out cross member 105 might be provided with only one of the telescopic uprights of each end support).

In addition to attaching to another one of the telescopic uprights 124, the cross member 105 may be used to attach to a tabletop and act as a support in the event that a second one of the telescopic uprights 124 is not being used to keep the other telescopic upright 124 stable.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the rear of the post members 120 may be closed (and may or may not have flanges 115 extending therefrom, and the rear of the first and second telescopic uprights 124A,B, could be closed, such as if they are configured to house associated supports.

In one example, the telescopic extensions or uprights 124A,B, allow the rack system 100 to have a variable height. For example, when the telescopic uprights 124A,B are retracted within the post members 120, the rack system 100 may have a first, short height, and when the telescopic uprights 124A,B are extended outwardly of the post members 120, the rack system 100 may have a second height taller than the first height. When the height of the rack system 100 is increased, it may allow for a great number of shelves 102 to be connected thereto, to allow the shelves 102 to be spaced vertically apart a greater distance from one another, may allow the bottom shelf 102 to be spaced upwardly from surface which supports the rack system 100 by a greater distance, etc.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the telescopic extensions or uprights 124A,B might be configured to extend out of the bottoms of the post members 120, or might be configured to extend out of the tops of the post members 120 as illustrated in FIG. 4, or both.

One aspect of the rack system 100 is the ability of the rack system 100 to be packed and shipped in a disassembled, and thus space-saving configuration (as compared to the space occupied by the rack if it were unitary and shipped fully assembled). In the preferred embodiment, because the telescopic uprights 124A,B are configured to be nested within the post members 120, they can be retracted into the post members 120 during shipping and storage, thus reducing the overall amount of the space occupied by the vertical members during shipment. To achieve a vertical member having the same total height as the vertical members 106 of the disclosure (when extended), existing racks either use fixed uprights (thus causing the associating packaging to be very large/long in dimension) or use multiple shorter uprights that have to be connected (also causing the associated packaging to be large due to the number of shorter uprights that need to be shipped).

It will be appreciated that while the post members 102 may include both an upper and lower telescopic upright 124A,B, in some embodiments, only the lower telescopic uprights 124A or only the upper telescopic uprights 124B might be utilized.

Further details of these aspects of the disclosure will be appreciated from additional figures showing portions of the rack system 100. FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the rack system 100. FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of one of the elongated shelves 102 of the rack system 100. As shown, the rack system 200 includes a pair of channel members 130 and 132 (described in more detail below) coupled to the elongated shelf 202.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional bottom view of the rack system 100 illustrated in FIG. 6, illustrating the four vertical members 106 and the lower shelf 102, as well as the pair of channel members 130 and 132 which are connected to one of the beams 112.

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the vertical members 106, showing the post member 120, the nested telescopic upright 124B, a cross-member 108 which is deployed and extends outwardly from the vertical member 106 to the corresponding vertical member of that end support, and another cross-member 105 which is not deployed, but is instead nested within the telescopic upright 124B and hidden therein. FIG. 10. Illustrates a portion of one of the vertical members 106 having a post member 120, a telescopic upright 124A located therein, and a cross-member 105 located in the telescopic upright (connected thereto by a pin at one end and having a free end with a sliding locking member for engagement with a mating pin on a corresponding telescopic upright corresponding to the other vertical post of one of the end supports).

Another aspect of the disclosure is a method and apparatus for supporting a tote in a rack system, such as the rack system 100 described above. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the rack system 100 may include one or more pairs of channel members (e.g., two example channels members 130 and 132 are shown) for accepting the sides of a tote. In one embodiment, the channel members 130 and 132 are configured to be coupled to a corresponding one of the elongated shelves 102. In one example, the channel members 130 and 132 are configured to “hang” a container, such as a tote, in an elevated position.

In one embodiment, the channel members 130 and 132 are generally “C” shaped. A top portion or flange of each channel member 130 and 132 may be connected to and be supported by one of the front and rear shelf beams 112 of one of the shelves 102. The bottom portion or flange of each channel member is then positioned below the shelf 102, as better illustrated in FIG. 6. A front portion of the bottom flange of each channel member 130 and 312 may a downwardly extending lip 134 and 136 of each of the channel members 130 and 132. In use, a user may align and end of a tote with the channel members 130 and 132 and slide the tote rearwardly so that the sides thereof engage the lips 134 and 136, causing the sides of the tote to enter the channels defined by the channel members. The tote is then supported by the bottom flanges of the channel members channel members 130 and 132.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the channel members 130 and 132 may have a length which is less than the distance between the front and rear shelf beams 112. In such a configuration, the front of each channel member 130 and 132 might be connected to the front shelf beam 112 and the rear of each channel member might be supported by the shelf deck, such as via a connector which connects the two members. Of course, in other embodiments, the channel members 130 and 132 might have a length which allows them to span, and thus be connected to, the front and rear shelf beams 112. In this regard, the channel members 130 and 132 may be coupled to the elongated shelves 102 via a number of different mechanisms, including via coupling members, such as pins, extending through the elongated shelves 102 and through a corresponding one of the channel members 130 and 132, after the channel members 130 and 132 have been interlocked with one of the elongated shelves 102. As illustrated, however, slots 140 may extend into the sides of the channel members 130 and 132, such as just below the top flanges thereof. These slots 140 may accept a lower flange portion of the shelf beams 112, thus allowing them to be hung from the shelf beams 112. Further, one or more apertures 142 may be provided in the top flange of each channel member 130 and 132, such as for receiving a pin 144 (see FIG. 11). The pin 144 may be extended downwardly, such as into the top of tote which is supported by the channel members. When a user attempts to withdraw the tote, the pin 144 may act as a stop, limiting the outward travel thereof.

Of course, a number of pairs of channel members 130 and 132 might be utilized relative to a single shelf 102, different shelves, or multiple shelves. This aspect of the disclosure advantageously allows the rack system 100 to be adapted to easily and conveniently storing one or more totes or other containers. Depending upon the spacing between shelves, the mounting of the totes under one shelf still allows the top of that shelf to be used for storage, but also may allow the top of the shelf which is below the totes to be used for storage.

In one embodiment, the channel members 130 and 132 may be telescopic, such as where each includes a first portion and a second portion which may be moved inwardly and outwardly relative to one another, such as to change the length of the channel members for different applications (such as for use with racks having different depths between the front and rear beams thereof). In one embodiment, for example, the channel members 130 and 132 may include a base portion which defines one or more slots for slidingly accepting an extension portion relative thereto (where both portions may have similar cross-sectional shapes). One the length of the channel members 130 and 132 are selected, they may be coupled to the shelf beams 112, thus fixing them in position.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a method and system for stacking (vertically) one or more racks. FIG. 12 shows a side view of two rack systems 200 and 300, each of which may be similar to the rack system 100 described above (and thus like numbers have been utilized to designate like elements thereto). As illustrated, these rack systems 200 and 300 are stacked on top of each other in a secure manner.

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, stacking brackets are utilized to connect the vertical uprights, such as posts, of two different racks. FIGS. 13 and 14 show different isometric views of a post member 220 and a stacking bracket or connector 500 for the rack systems 200 and 300 of FIG. 12. In one example, the stacking bracket 500 facilitates stacking of the upper rack system 300 onto the top of the lower rack system 200.

In one embodiment, a stacking bracket 500 has a bottom or lower end positioned in the top of each post member 220 of the lower rack 200. Similar to the telescopic uprights described above, the stacking bracket 500 preferably has a profile which corresponds to the interior channel of the post member 220, such as illustrated in FIG. 15. Again, the stacking bracket 500 is preferably sized to fit tightly within the post member 220, so as to reduce play therebetween (and thus rocking of the rack systems relative thereto). For example, referring to FIG. 14, the stacking bracket 500 preferably includes a C-shaped body portion 502 (such as with a front face and first and second sides that extend outwardly therefrom, such as perpendicular thereto) and a corresponding pair of flange members 504 and 506 each extending from a corresponding end of the C-shaped body portion 502 and being disposed parallel to one another. Additionally, the example post member 220 similarly has a C-shaped body portion 222 and a corresponding pair of flange members 224 and 226 each extending from corresponding sides of the C-shaped body portion 222 and being disposed parallel to one another. The post members 320 (FIG. 12) are preferably configured the same as the post member 220. Accordingly, when the stacking bracket 500 is positioned in the interior of the post members 220 and 320, as reflected in FIG. 12, the flange members 224 and 226, as well as the flange members (not shown) of the post members 320, are preferably aligned and parallel with respect to the flange members 504 and 506 of the stacking bracket 500. Once again, the stacking bracket 500 may define a plurality of apertures on the sides or flanges thereof, such as for alignment with the apertures in the posts 220 and 320, facilitating insertion of a coupling member (e.g., a pin) through aligned apertures therein to couple them.

In one embodiment, the stacking brackets 500 are similar to the telescopic extensions or uprights 124A,B, described above, but may not include the apertures 119 in the front face because the stacking brackets 500 are not used to support shelf beams 112.

In use, a stacking bracket 500 is fixed (such as via a pin) to the post member 200 of the lower rack system 200 so that the top of the stacking bracket 500 extends outwardly of the top of the post member 220 of the lower rack system 200. This allows the stacking bracket 500 to extend into the bottom of a corresponding post member 220 of the upper rack system 300. Of course, in an arrangement where the rack systems 200 and 300 have four post members, four corresponding stacking brackets 500 are utilized.

Advantageously, the stacking brackets 500 can be retracted into the posts 220 and 320 of one of the rack system 200 and 300 for shipment, thus again reducing the total space occupied by the components, and thus reducing the package size. Further, this configuration allows a user to create a single large rack from two stacked racks, where the dimensions of the components thereof (particularly the end supports) are reduced (such as by 50%) by effectively breaking the assembled rack into an upper and a lower rack of half the height.

While aspects of the disclosure have been described with a rack system, various of the features may be utilized with other types or racks or supports, such as configured as work benches, workseats and other features. For example, FIGS. 16 and 17 are exploded isometric and assembled side views, respectively, of work bench 700, in accordance with another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosed concept. The work bench 700 is similar to the rack system 100 (FIG. 1A) in that it has end supports 704 comprising a pair of vertical members 706 (and preferably one or more cross and/or diagonal supports) that support one or more shelves 702 (such as comprising shelf beams which are connected to the end supports 704 and which then support a work support), a work surface 702A or the like. FIG. 16 illustrates a configuration of side-by-side workbench elements, utilizing a common middle-positioned end support. However, the features of the disclosure may be applied to individual workbenches or other configurations of workbenches.

Once again, the vertical member 706 may again comprise a post member 706 and one or more telescopic uprights, such as a telescopic upright 724A that extends from the bottom of the post 706, allowing the height of the workbench 700 to be adjusted. In this embodiment, a second telescopic upright 724B may be associated with the rear post members 706 and those telescopic uprights 724B may be extend upwardly, such as for forming a work bench back.

The post members 720 and the telescopic uprights 724A, B may be configured similarly to those described above relative to the rack system, and may be secured to one another in a similar manner. That is, the post members 720 and the telescopic upright 724A, B may be concentric with respect to each other, with form fitting profiles including corresponding similarly shaped bends, and also with a pin extending through each of the two components in order to couple them to one another.

As indicated, the upper telescopic uprights 724B may be extended upwardly, such as for use in creating a workbench back. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, shelves, pegboard members or other elements may be connected to the telescopic uprights 724B.

One aspect of the disclosure is a convertible workbench support, such as which may be supported by the telescopic uprights 724B (but might be supported by other supporting elements or structures). Preferably, the convertible workbench support can be converted from a vertical support to a horizontal or shelf-like support.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the convertible members may comprise pegboards 760 coupled to the telescopic uprights 724B, preferably in a pivoting manner, such as by pins at each end which are supported by the telescopic uprights 724B. It will be appreciated that the pegboards 760 are thus advantageously configured to be used in both a vertical position and a horizontal position, although only the horizontal position is depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17. In one embodiment, a means is provided for limiting the pivoting movement of the pegboards 760 to the horizontal position. This means may comprise coupling members, such as wire lanyards 762. Of course, other stop elements might be utilized. Further, in the vertical position, a means may be provided for locking the pegboard 760 in that position, such as by pining them to the telescopic uprights 724B. As illustrated, the pegboards 760 may be mounted to beam elements or other supports, such where the beam elements are connected to the upper telescopic uprights 724B in a manner similar to the shelf beams described above, and where the pegboards 760 are then rotatably connected to those beams.

FIGS. 18-29 illustrate a workseat or storage bench 800 to which features of the disclosure are applicable, and having additional features as described below. Referring to FIGS. 18 and 26-27, the storage bench 800 may again include two end supports 804. Each end support 804 may be defined by first and second vertical members 806, such as posts 820. The vertical members 806 may, in some embodiments, be telescopic, such as in the manner described above.

The first and second vertical members 806 may again be connected by one or more connecting members, such as first and second horizontal cross-members 808 and a diagonal member 811. Again, these members may be connected to the vertical members 806 in various manners, such as via a sliding lock or similar member, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,647,833 as referenced above.

The first and second vertical members 806 may again have a similar shape to the posts 106 described above and may again include a plurality of mounting apertures 821, such as at the front and sides thereof. Once again, the end supports 804 are preferably connected, such as by one or more cross-members. As illustrated in FIGS. 18 and 20, in one embodiment, at least one cross-beam 812 connects the end supports 804, such as a front cross beam 812A (connected to corresponding front vertical members 806) and a rear cross beam 812B (connected to corresponding rear vertical members 806). The cross beams 812 may have the same or similar configuration as the shelf beam 112 described above, such as comprising a beam and mounting flanges or brackets or other connectors (such as located at the ends of the beam 812) (in FIGS. 20 and 26-27 the main body of the shelf beam 812 is shown separately from the end brackets, it being understood that in one embodiment, the flanges or brackets 812B may be welded to the main body 812A of the beam 112 so that the beam 812 comprises a unitary element). In the embodiment illustrated, the end supports 804 are connected by a single pair of cross beams 812. However, the end supports might be connected by other numbers of cross beams 812 or other connecting members.

Once again, tie beams 814 may be used to connect pairs of front and rear cross beams 812. These tie beams 814 may again have a similar configuration to the tie beams 114 described above, or have other configurations.

In one embodiment, the end supports 804 and associated cross beams 812 define a support structure for various other elements or accessories. In one embodiment, this structure supports at least one drawer 870 and a seat 880.

The drawer 870 will be described primarily with reference to FIGS. 23-25, wherein FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate top and bottom perspective views of the drawer in an assembled form. In one embodiment, the drawer 870 may generally have a bottom 870A, a front 870B, first and second opposing sides 870C and 870D, a rear 870E and one or more partitions 870F. In one embodiment, each of these portions of the drawer 870 may be panel-like, such as being constructed from metal and being generally planar. In one embodiment, the drawer 870 can be moved from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein the first configuration may be referred to as a collapsed configuration or position (such as having a reduced dimension for shipping) and where the second configuration may be referred to as an assembled configuration or position.

In one embodiment, to facilitate movement of the drawer 870 between its first and second configurations or positions, one or more portions thereof may be movable relative to other portions. In one embodiment, the front 870B, sides 870C and 870D and rear 870E are movably connected to the bottom 870, such as via one or more hinges 872. In this configuration, the front, rear and sides can be folded to a generally flat position along the bottom, such as for reducing the dimension of the drawer 870 for packing and shipping. A user may then assemble the drawer 870 by rotating the front, rear and sides into an upright position. The user may connect those elements, such as by one or more connectors. In one embodiment, the connectors may comprise connecting posts 874. In one embodiment, the connecting posts 874 might define slots or channels, such as for accepting the edges of the front, rear and sides of the drawer 870 (such as where the user slides the posts 874 downwardly to capture corresponding edges of those members into the slots or channels thereof). Of course, in other embodiments, the front, rear and sides of the drawer 870 might be directly connected, such as by fasteners which extend through edge flanges. A particular advantage of the configuration which is illustrated is that the front, rear and sides of the drawer 870 can be generally planar, reducing the manufacturing required to make them, and the collapsed dimension of the drawer 870.

Once the user has assembled the main body of the drawer 870, they may add one or more partitions 870F. In one embodiment, the partitions 870F may be generally flat panels. The orientation of the partitions 870F, and their number, may vary. In the illustrated embodiment, two front to back (e.g. extending between the front 870B and rear 870E of the drawer 870 may be provided). The partitions 870F may be connected to the drawer 870 in various manners, such as via fasteners, slots/channels, tabs and slots or other connections.

As described in more detail below, drawer 870 may include one or more casters 876, wheels or the like. For example, casters 876 may extend downwardly from the bottom 870A of the drawer 870, such as at the front corners thereof, for the reasons described below.

In one embodiment, the at least one drawer 870 is mounted for movement to the supporting structure of the storage bench 800, such as the end supports 804. In one embodiment, for example, slide mounts 815 may be connected to the end supports 804. The slide mounts 815 may have a number of configurations, such as comprising panels 815A having flanges or brackets 815B for mounting to the vertical members 806 (see FIG. 20) of the end supports 804 (where the flanges or brackets 815B may again include tabs for engaging the apertures 821 on the posts 820 of the vertical members 820).

In one embodiment, one or more slides (not shown) may have a first portion mounted to the panel 815A of the slide mount 815 and a second portion mounted to a side/end 870C or 870D of the drawer 870. For example, referring to FIGS. 23-27, a first portion of the slide may be connected to the panel 815A, such as via tabs or fasteners which extend through corresponding mounting holes or apertures 815C in the panel 815A, and a second portion of the slide may be connected to a side 870C or 870D, also via tabs or fasteners which extend through holes or apertures 870G therein. In the embodiment which is illustrated, upper and lower sets of corresponding apertures 815C and 870G are provided for connection of upper and lower slides at both sides of the drawer 870. The first and second portions of the slides may be configured to move relative to one another, such as facilitated by one or more bearings or the like.

In one embodiment, the drawer 870 is dimensioned so that it fits between the end supports 804, with the front 870B thereof generally even with a front of the end supports 804 when the drawer is in a closed position. In this regard, as best illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, the drawer 870 is preferably movable from an open (FIG. 21) to a closed (FIG. 22) position, such as facilitated by the sliding mounting. The movement of the drawer 870 and support of the drawer, is preferably facilitated by the casters 876 (for example, the casters 876 aid in supporting the front of the drawer when it is in the open position, relieving cantilever forces on the slides and reducing the probability of the storage bench 800 tipping over).

As indicated above, the storage bench 800 may include a seat 880. In one embodiment, the seat 880 may be located at a top of the storage bench 800. In one embodiment, the seat 800 may have a peripheral shape which is generally the same as the frame of the storage bench 800 (e.g. a width generally equal to the length of the bench from end support to end support 804 and having a depth which is generally equal to the width of the end supports 804. The seat 800 may have various constructions, such as comprising a support (such as generally rigid panel) having a cushioned seat surface thereon.

In a preferred configuration, the seat 880 is movable between a raised or open position and a lowered or closed position (see FIGS. 18, 21 and 22). In one embodiment, the seat 880 may be movably mounted to the storage bench 800, such as via a hinge 882 which connects the seat 880 to the rear cross support 812. The seat 880 might be maintained in an open position as illustrated in FIG. 18, such as via a stop 884, such as a rod.

In one embodiment, an under-seat storage area 886 may be defined by the storage bench 800. The underseat storage area 886 may be defined by a space between a bottom of the seat 880 (when closed) and a panel 888. The panel 888 may be mounted to the bottom of the cross supports 812 and/or tie beams 814, thus cooperating with those elements to define a partitioned storage area. In this embodiment, the under-seat storage area 886 is thus defined below the seat 880 and above the drawer 870.

The storage bench 800 may include other features, such as accessories which are connected thereto. For example, a workback 890 may be associated with the storage bench 800, as illustrated in FIGS. 18-21. In one configuration, the workback 890 may be defined by upright supports 892. As with the workbench embodiment 700 illustrated in FIG. 16, it is possible for the upright supports 892 to be configured as telescopic extensions of the rear vertical supports 806 of the end supports 804. However, in an embodiment where the seat 880 extends over the tops of the vertical supports 806, the upright supports 892 may be connected to the rear vertical supports 806 of the end supports 804, such as via brackets 894. The brackets 894 may include tabs or similar connectors, such as for mating with the apertures 821 in the vertical supports 806. Once again, these upright supports 892 may support various items or accessories, such as a workback, shelves, or the movable pegboards such as described above relative to the workbench 700.

As another example, the storage bench 800 may include one or more shelves, trays or other supports. For example, a shelf 898 may be mounted to the frame of the storage bench 800. The shelf 898 might have a mount 898A, such as in the form of a beam having brackets at both ends for connection to the vertical supports 806 of the end supports 804. The shelf 898 might include a support surface 898B which is connected to the mount 898A. In one configuration, the support surface 898B can be rotated between a generally vertical, stowed or storage position in which it extends along an outside end of the end support 804, and a deployed, generally horizontal position. The support surface 898B may thus be mounted to the mount 898A via a hinge or the like. In one embodiment, the support surface 898B may be maintained in its deployed position, such by a stop 898C (see FIG. 19). The stop 898C may also be movably connected to the mount 898A, such as to be moved from a disengaged position (relative to the support surface 898B) and an engaged position in which it maintains the support surface 898B in its deployed position. Of course, other types of stops might be utilized, such as a pin which engages an aperture, a rod which engages a mounting hole, etc. Of course, this deployable work support may be applied to the work bench 700 described above, or other elements, including the rack 100.

FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate another accessory that may be used with the storage bench 700 (but which might be applied to other device, such as the work bench 700, a rack 100, etc.). These figures illustrate a coat rack 899. The coat rack 899 may have a support 899A, such as a generally elongate support. The support 899A might be configured as a telescopic extension of one of the vertical supports 806. However, in a case where the tops of the vertical supports 806 are not accessible, such as due to the inclusion of the seat 880, the support 899A might be mounted to the storage bench 700 via a mounting bracket 899B, such as which includes tabs for engaging apertures 821 in the post 820 of the vertical support 806. The coat rack 899 might also include one or more mounts 899C, such as outwardly extending hooks or catches, such as for supporting a jacket which is associated therewith.

Once again, it will be appreciated that features of the storage bench 800 described above need not all be used in combination with one another, may be used in other combinations or configurations, or might be used with other devices. For example, in some embodiments, the storage bench 800 might not include a seat, but might still include at least one drawer. The storage bench 800 might include a seat, but not include a drawer, such as to provide an open storage under the seat. Further, other configurations of the storage bench 800 are possible. For example, the storage bench 800 might include multiple drawers, such as in a stacked or side-by-side relationship.

As stated above, the disclosed concept provides several advantages to users over the known art. For example, the rack systems 100 and 200 and 300 and the work bench 700 and storage bench 800 allow for compact packing, such as for shipping and storage on a store shelf. As indicated above, the rack systems 100 and 200 and 300, and the work bench 700 and storage bench 800, are all constructed from modular components which can be arranged into an unassembled, compact configuration for shipping. At the same time, these elements allow for simplified assembly. In one example, because when the telescopic uprights 124 and 724 are pulled out of a box, the post members 120 and 720 slide right out, e.g., due to their nested configuration when positioned in a box for shipment. As a result, space is saved and assembly is advantageously simplified. It will be appreciated that the rack systems 200 and 300 have similar advantages, for example with the manner in which the stacking bracket 500 is positioned in a box with respect to the post members 220 and 320. These additional advantages are thus able to be achieved, in addition to the capability of the rack systems 100 and 200 and 300 and the work bench 700 to allow for a variable height that may readily be adjusted via the disclosed telescoping features. This is an even further advantage over known technologies which employ multi-segment post members which have a fixed dimension (not shown).

While certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described as having a post or similar support and an extension, bracket or other member for location in a portion of the post and movable relative thereto, it will be appreciated that the configuration of these elements might be reversed (such as where the extension portion fits over or contains a portion of the post).

It will be understood that the above-described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this disclosure and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A height adjustable rack component, comprising:

a first upright having a top end and a bottom end, a front face and a first side and a second side each extending at an angle to said front face, and an interior channel defined at least partly by said front face, first side and second side, a first plurality of apertures in at least one of said first side and said second side and a second plurality of apertures in said front face, said first upright further comprising a first extension having a top end and a bottom end, a front face, a first side and a second side each extending at an angle to said front face, and a first plurality of apertures in at least one of said first side and said second side, at least a portion of said first extension located in said interior channel of said first upright, movable relative to said first upright to extend outwardly of at least one of said top end and bottom end thereof, and a locking pin configured to be positioned in one of said first plurality of apertures in said first extension and one of said first plurality of apertures in said first upright to fix a position of said first extension relative to said first upright;

a second upright having a top end and a bottom end, a front face and a first side and a second side extending at an angle to said front face, and an interior channel defined at least partly by said front face, first side and second side, a first plurality of apertures in at least one of said first side and said second side and a second plurality of apertures in said front face, said second upright further comprising a second extension having a top end and a bottom end, a front face, a first side and a second side each extending at an angle to said front face, and a first plurality of apertures in at least one of said first side and said second side, at least a portion of said second extension located in said interior channel of said second upright, movable relative to said second upright to extend outwardly of at least one of said top end and bottom end thereof, and a locking pin configured to be positioned in one of said first plurality of apertures in said second extension and one of said first plurality of apertures in said second upright to fix a position of said second extension relative to said second upright; and

at least one beam having a first end and a second end, a first connector located at said first end and configured to engage at least one of said second plurality of apertures in said front face of said first upright and a second connector located at said second end and configured to engage at least of said second plurality of apertures in said front face of said second upright to connect said first and second uprights.

2. The height adjustable rack component in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first extension extends outwardly of said bottom end of said first upright and said second extension extends outwardly of said bottom end of said second upright.

3. The height adjustable rack component in accordance with claim 2, wherein said first end of said first extension is located in said interior channel of said first upright and a first foot is located at said bottom end of said first extension, said first foot located outwardly of said bottom end of said first upright and wherein a first end of said second extension is located in said interior channel of said second upright and a second foot is located at said bottom end of said second extension, said second foot located outwardly of said bottom end of said second upright.

4. The height adjustable rack component in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first extension extends outwardly of said top end of said first upright and said second extension extends outwardly of said top end of said top upright.

5. The height adjustable rack component in accordance with claim 4, wherein a second plurality of apertures are located in said front face of said first extension, a second plurality of apertures are located in said front face of said second extension, and further comprising at least one second support having a first end and a second end, a first connector located at said first end and configured to engage at least one of said second plurality of apertures in said front face of said first extension and a second connector located at said second end and configured to engage at least of said second plurality of apertures in said front face of said second upright.

6. The height adjustable rack component in accordance with claim 1, wherein said front face of said first extension is located adjacent said first face of said first upright.

7. The height adjustable rack component in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first extension is not rotatable within said first upright and said second extension is not rotatable within said second upright.

8. The height adjustable rack component in accordance with claim 1, wherein a support is rotatably connected to said first upright and is configured to be moved from a deployed position in which it extends outwardly from said first upright and a second stowed position in which said support extends generally parallel to said first upright.

9. The height adjustable rack component in accordance with claim 8, wherein first and second flanges extend from said first and second sides of said first upright and away from said front face, said support is rotatably connected to said first and second flanges and in said stowed position said support is located between said first and second flanges.

10. The height adjustable rack component in accordance with claim 1, wherein a support is rotatably connected to said first extension and is configured to be moved from a deployed position in which it extends outwardly from said first extension and a second stowed position in which said support extends generally parallel to said first extension and is positioned within said interior channel of said first upright.

11. The height adjustable rack component in accordance with claim 10, wherein said support comprises at least one of a diagonal and a horizontal cross support.

12. The height adjustable rack component in accordance with claim 1, wherein said rack component is part of a workbench.

13. The height adjustable rack component in accordance with claim 1, wherein said beam comprises a shelf beam for supporting a shelf element.

14. The height adjustable rack component in accordance with claim 1, wherein said front face of said first extension defines at least one inset for accommodating a portion of said first connector of said beam at a rear of said front face of said first upright.

15. A stacking configuration for a rack system comprising:

a first upright of a first rack, the first upright having a top end and a bottom end, a front face and a first side and a second side each extending at an angle to said front face, and an interior channel defined at least partly by said front face, first side and second side, a first plurality of apertures in at least one of said first side and said second side and a second plurality of apertures in said front face;

a second upright of a second rack, the second upright having a top end and a bottom end, a front face and a first side and a second side extending at an angle to said front face, and an interior channel defined at least partly by said front face, first side and second side, a first plurality of apertures in at least one of said first side and said second side and a second plurality of apertures in said front face;

a stacking bracket having a top end and a bottom end, a front face, a first side and a second side each extending at an angle to said front face, and a first plurality of apertures in at least one of said first side and said second side, said bottom end of said stacking bracket located in said interior channel of said first upright at said top end of said first upright and said top end of said stacking bracket located in said interior channel of said second upright at said bottom end of said second upright.

16. The stacking configuration for a rack system in accordance with claim 15, further comprising a first locking pin positioned in one of said first plurality of apertures in said first upright and one of said first plurality of apertures of said stacking bracket connecting said stacking bracket to said first upright.

17. The stacking configuration for a rack system in accordance with claim 15, wherein said first rack has four first uprights, said second rack has four second uprights, and four stacking brackets are associated with said four first and second uprights.

18. The stacking configuration for a rack system in accordance with claim 15, wherein said first rack further comprises one or more first shelves supported by said four first uprights and said second rack further comprises one or more second shelves supported by said four second uprights.

19. A modular utility storage component comprising:

a first end support comprising a first upright connectable to a second upright;

a second end support comprising a third upright connectable to a fourth upright;

a connector configured to connect said first end support to said second end support;

a collapsible drawer having a bottom and each of a front, a first end, a second end and a rear hingedly connected to the bottom and movable between a collapsed position in which each of said front, said first end, said second end and said rear extend generally parallel to said bottom and a raised position in which each of said front, said first end, said second end and said rear extend upwardly generally perpendicular to said bottom so that said drawer defines a generally enclosed storage area with an open top, said drawer configured to be positioned between said first and second end supports when said first and second end supports are connected by said connector; and

a cover, said cover being generally planar and configured to be positioned over said connector.

20. A storage unit comprising:

a frame comprising: a first end support; a second end support; and a connector extending between and connecting said first end support to said second end support and defining and interior area located between said first end support and said second end support and said connector, whereby said frame has a front and a rear;

a collapsible drawer having a bottom, a front, a first end, a second end and a rear hingedly connected to the bottom and positioned in an upright position so as to extend upwardly from said bottom to cooperate with said bottom to define a generally enclosed storage area with an open top, said collapsible drawer movably connected to said frame for movement between a first stowed position in which said collapsible drawer is located in said interior area and a second extended position in which at least a portion of said collapsible drawer is positioned outwardly of said front of said frame;

a panel positioned at a bottom of said connector; and

a cover, said cover being generally planar and movably connected to said frame whereby said cover is movable between a lowered position adjacent to a top of said connector and said cover cooperates with said panel to define a storage space above said collapsible drawer and a raised position in which said storage area is accessible.