Support bracket for ventilated shelving

Abstract

Apparatus for securing a ventilated shelf to a vertical support such as a wall including a support bracket having a first end adapted to be secured to the vertical support at a point spaced vertically from the attachment of a rearward rod of the shelf to the vertical support structure. The first end includes a first end reinforcing rib functionally positioned so as to strengthen the first end portion and to substantially prevent the first end portion from bending. The support bracket also has a second end for lockingly engaging and supporting a front support rod of the shelf. The second end includes a support face for supporting the shelf against rotation in a first direction towards the vertical support structure and a gripping portion for engaging the front support rod of the shelf and inhibiting rotation of the shelf in a second direction towards the vertical support structure. The gripping portion preferably includes at least one rod receiving slot so that it can be disposed in straddling relation to a transverse rod of the shelf or can be disposed intermediate adjacent transverse rods of the shelf. The second end also has a second end reinforcing rib functionally positioned so as to strengthen the second end portion and to substantially prevent the second end portion from bending.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to a support bracket and, more particularly, to a support bracket for a shelf used in a rod-type ventilated shelving system, and which can be used to support the shelf either from above in a suspended manner or from below as a brace.

[0003] Support brackets for shelving systems have been known for a long time. Examples of older style support brackets are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,268,237, 3,669,395, 4,361,099, and 4,374,498. It was found, though, that these prior art support brackets were disadvantageous in that a given bracket cannot be used both for suspending shelving system from above or, in the alternative, providing a below the shelf support depending on the particular shelving system in which the bracket is used or the wall area where use is desired. Further, the above-mentioned known support brackets could not be quickly and easily mounted to its associated shelf so as to enable the simple and quick assembly of the shelving system as well as the rapid disassembly when so desired.

[0004] This necessarily led to the invention of an apparatus for securing a rod type shelf to a vertical support, such as a wall, that overcame the disadvantages if the aforementioned prior art support brackets. An example of this invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,783,035 to Remmers (the '035 reference), and is entire contents are herein incorporated by reference. The '035 reference apparatus includes a support bracket having a first end adapted to be secured to the vertical support at a point spaced vertically from the attachment of a rearward rod of the shelf to the vertical support structure. The apparatus also includes a second end for lockingly engaging and supporting a front support rod of the shelf. The second end includes a support face for supporting the shelf against rotation in a first direction towards the vertical support structure and a gripping portion for engaging the front support rod of the shelf and inhibiting rotation of the shelf in a second direction towards the vertical support structure. The gripping portion preferably includes at least one rod receiving slot so that it can be disposed in straddling relation to a transverse rod of the shelf or can be disposed intermediate adjacent transverse rods of the shelf.

[0005] As the use of the '035 reference and other prior art brackets became more prevalent, it was discovered that additional support was needed to place more substantial loads on the shelf being supported. Thus a need has developed for providing additional support to the ends of a support bracket so as to be better able to support more substantial loads on a shelf.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art support brackets as set forth above. Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a universal support bracket which can be utilized as an above the shelf support for example in linen shelving systems or, in the alternative, can be provided so as to support an associated shelf from below when such a shelving system is preferred.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a simple one piece support bracket which can be rapidly and inexpensively manufactured. It is also an object of this invention to provide a bracket that can be quickly and easily utilized in the assembly of a shelving system and thus can be readily installed by relatively unskilled homeowners.

[0008] To achieve the foregoing objects, the present invention provides a support bracket for a shelving system which can be efficiently and reliably mounted to any vertical wall surface, particularly those constructed of dry wall or the like. More particularly, the shelves themselves preferably comprise a plurality of spaced, parallel, transversely extending deck rods which are each welded at space points along a longitudinally extending support rod which extends along a rearward edge of the shelf. A similar longitudinal rod extends along the forward edge of the shelf. Further, the shelf may be of the type having a third longitudinally extending rod vertically disposed below the forward longitudinal rod and coupled thereto by either separate spaced support members or by extending the deck rods over and downwardly from the forward longitudinal rod so that they can be welded to the third longitudinal rod and form a front edge on the shelf. To provide additional support for the shelf structure when mounted to a wall or the like, a support bracket formed in accordance with the present invention is engaged with a portion of the forward longitudinal rod of the shelving structure.

[0009] The support bracket includes a first end having means for mounting the same to a vertical support such as a wall. The first end further includes a reinforcing rib functionally positioned so as to strengthen the first end portion and to substantially prevent the first end portion from bending, especially if the support bracket is made from a plastic material.

[0010] The support bracket further includes a shaped and reinforced longitudinal main body portion that extends at an angle from the first end and terminates in a second end. The longitudinal main body also has a transition zone near the second end in which the shape of the longitudinal main body changes from, preferably, being substantially ‘U’ shaped to being substantially rectangular shaped.

[0011] The second end includes a stop face portion disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body portion of the support bracket. Further, the second end includes an arcuate C-shaped portion which extends through an arc of about 180° from the stop face of the support bracket and a longitudinally extending slot that extends rearwardly along a control portion of the C-shaped portion. The arcuate C-shaped portion is sized so as to be engageable in surrounding relation to the longitudinal rod of an associated shelf. The second end also includes a reinforcing rib functionally positioned so as to strengthen the second end portion and to substantially prevent the second end portion from bending. This second end reinforcing rib extends from at least partially on the arcuate portion of the second end at least partially onto the longitudinal main body portion. The second end is attached to the longitudinal main body at a top portion of the longitudinal main body leaving a clearance between the second end and a first and second side of the longitudinal main body. The clearance is sufficient to allow the second end to rotate relative to its attachment to the longitudinal main body and rest on the first and second sides of the longitudinal main body so as to provide extra support of the second end when a load is placed on the shelf.

[0012] In this manner, when it is desired to utilize the support bracket as a “below-the-shelf” support, as shown in FIG. 1, the arcuate C-shaped portion of the support bracket is engaged with the longitudinal forward rod of the shelf from the rear with the main body portion extending downwardly. The slot engages in surrounding relation the forward portion of a deck rod or wire adjacent to where the latter is welded to the forward longitudinal rod. In this manner, the stop face provides a seat for the longitudinal forward rod and together with the slot prevents the rod from rotating angularly downwardly towards the vertical wall. The first end of the support bracket can then be fastened to the vertical wall to maintain the shelf horizontally when loads are placed upon the shelf.

[0013] Similarly, when it is desired to utilize the support bracket as a suspending support for the associated shelf, as shown in FIG. 2, the arcuate C-shaped portion is engaged with the longitudinal forward rod from the rearward direction with the main body of the support bracket extending upwardly from the associated shelf. In this manner, the stop face of the support bracket inhibits the upward rotation of the shelf in a direction toward the vertical wall. Further, the arcuate C-shaped portion of the support bracket provides a seat for the longitudinal forward rod to prevent the rod from swinging downwardly toward the vertical wall. The first end of the support bracket is then fastened to the wall to complete the attachment of the support bracket and to provide support to the shelf.

[0014] Other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a universal support bracket formed in accordance with the present invention disposed as to provide a support for a shelf from below.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a universal support bracket formed in accordance with the present invention and coupled to an associated ventilated shelf so as to provide a suspending support for a shelf.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of a support bracket formed in accordance with the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a top view of the bracket of FIG. 3.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the bracket of FIG. 3.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the main body portion of the bracket of FIG. 3.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the transition zone of the main body portion of the bracket of FIG. 3.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of the second end and part of the main body portion.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the support bracket used as a suspending support for a drop-rod type shelf.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Referring first to FIG. 1, and FIG. 2, a support bracket 10 formed in accordance with the present invention is shown mounted to an associated ventilated shelf 12 to provide support for the shelf from below in FIG. 1, and from above in FIG. 2. The rear longitudinal edge wire 17 of the shelf itself is coupled to an associated vertical support structure such as a wall 14 by means of a plurality of support clips 16 or the like. Ventilated shelf 12 may be rotatably mounted within support clip 16 so that quick and easy installation of the shelf is facilitated.

[0025] Once the ventilated shelf has been attached to wall 14, of course, it is necessary for the shelf to be restrained from undesirable rotation when objects are placed upon the shelf and removed therefrom. Such support against rotation can be provided, as is known in the art, by end brackets (not shown) which are mounted to side walls of a closet, for example, so that the forward support rods 18 and 20 of the shelf can be received and held therein. It has been found, however, that the portions of shelf 12 spaced from such end brackets can bow downwardly when heavy loads are placed thereon. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, an additional support in the form of support bracket 10 can be provided along the length of shelf 12 to minimize the likelihood of downward rotation of the shelf and, in particular, bowing of the shelf structure by supporting the longitudinal forward rod 18 of the associated shelf.

[0026] Accordingly, the support bracket 10 can be placed either between transverse rods 38 of the ventilated shelving system, as shown in FIG. 2, or can be disposed so as to straddle a transverse deck rod 38, as shown in FIG. 1, effectively locking the front edge of the shelf to the second end of the support bracket. Thus, the support bracket formed in accordance with the present invention is very versatile in that the particular location in which it is placed along the length of the shelf can be modified in accordance with the particular needs of the user.

[0027] Referring in particular to FIGS. 3-5, support bracket 10 formed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a first end 22. First end 22 includes, for example, an aperture 24 for receiving a nail, screw or the like, shown generally as element 26 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Element 26 is inserted through aperture 24 defined in a substantially flat plate member 22 provided at end of the bracket for coupling that end of bracket 10 to wall 14. The first end also includes a reinforcing rib 23 functionally positioned so as to strengthen the first end and to substantially prevent the first end from bending.

[0028] The support bracket further includes a longitudinal main body portion 28 that extends from first end 22 at an angle, as can be seen in FIG. 3. Main body portion 28 of the support bracket can be formed of any rigid or substantially rigid material including wood, metal or plastic. In one embodiment, main body portion 28 of support bracket 10 is formed from flat plate steel which is stamped to the desired size and then folded as otherwise formed with a V or U-shaped cross-section, preferably U-shaped, to provide maximum support for loads placed on the associated shelf and to prevent undesirable rotation or bowing. A portion of the main body portion near the second end 30 enters into a transition zone 29 as shown on FIG. 4. In transition zone 29, the shape of the main body portion 28 is transformed from being V or U-shaped to being substantially rectangular shaped. FIG. 6 shows the preferred U-shaped cross section of the main body portion having a bottom portion 40, a first side portion 41 and a second side portion 42FIG. 7 shows the substantially rectangular shaped cross section of the main body portion at the end of the transition zone 29, having a bottom portion 43, a first side portion 44 and a second side portion 45.

[0029] The second end 30 of support bracket 10 includes a gripping portion 32 for engaging a longitudinal forward rod 18 of the associated ventilated shelf 12. In the embodiment of the bracket 10 illustrated in FIGS. 3-8, gripping portion 32 is in the form of an arcuate C-shaped clamping portion which extends through an angle of about 90° to about 270° from the stop face 34 defined by the section of the an arcuate C-shaped clamping portion closest to the second longitudinal end of main body portion 28.

[0030] The second end 30 of support bracket 10 can be formed of any suitable material but, in a preferred embodiment, is formed integrally with main body portion 28 and first end 22 of support bracket 10 and is preferably stamped from flat plate steel and subsequently formed into the arcuate configuration shown. The second end 30 is attached to the bottom portion 43 of the main body portion 28 after changing shape through the transition zone. This leaves first side portion 44 and second side portion 45 unconnected to the second end 30, and a small clearance 46, preferably {fraction (1/32)}″, between the two sides 44 and 45 and the second end 30. This is best illustrated in FIG. 4. This allows for the second end 30 to rotate about its attachment to the main body portion 28 and rest upon the first side portion 44 and a second side portion 45 of the main body for extra support when substantial loads are placed on the shelf. The second end 30 also includes a longitudinal slot 36 defined along a portion of arcuate C-shaped portion 32 with slot 36 being dimensional to be able to receive a transverse deck wire 38 therein. Further, the second end 30 includes a reinforcing rib 31 that extends from at least partially on the second end 30 to at least partially onto the main body portion 28. FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view of an example of the relation of the reinforcing rib 31 to the second end 30 and the main body portion 28. The first side portion 44 has been removed for clarity.

[0031] When the support bracket formed in accordance with the present invention is used as a “below-the-shelf” support as shown in FIG. 1, gripping portion 32 is first hooked around a forward longitudinal rod 18 of the associated shelf, either between transverse rods 38 of shelf 12 or so as to straddle a particular transverse rod 38, as discussed above. Support bracket 10 is then swung rearwardly so that its, first end 22 can be fastened to wall 14 to dispose the shelf in a horizontal plane. Of course, the length of the bracket, the angle between main body portion 28 and first end 22, and the width of shelf 12 can be selected so that a shelf having an upward tilt or a downward tilt could also be provided if desired. In addition, the system can be assembled such that the shelves are “flipped over” from the illustrated disposition and can be supported or suspended from either forward longitudinal rod 18 or 20. After end 22 has been fastened to wall 14 the associated shelf will be positioned at the desired angle with respect to the wall, stop face portion 34 of the support bracket will provide a seat upon which the forward longitudinal rod 18 or 20 of the shelf will rest when loads are placed upon the shelf. Likewise, forces tending to rotate the shelf upwardly relative to the support bracket will be resisted by the arcuate C-shaped portion 32 through its engagement with the upper and rearward portion of the forward longitudinal rod 18 or 20 of the shelf.

[0032] As is apparent, then, the support bracket formed in accordance with the present invention may be quickly and easily attached to the forward longitudinal rod of an associated shelving member so as to facilitate the ease of assembly of the ventilated shelving system and to provide a stable and useful shelving system in accordance with a consumer's needs.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, in particular, universal support bracket 10 of the present invention is shown in a “suspending” second support position. As can be seen, in this configuration the arcuate C-shaped portion 32 of support bracket 10 is engaged with longitudinal forward rod 18 of the associated shelf from behind with main body portion 28 extending upwardly at an angle relative to ventilated shelf 12. When support bracket 10 is utilized in this manner, it is coupled to the longitudinal forward rod 18 of shelf 12 and to wall 14 in a manner analogous to the “below-the-shelf” orientation of the support bracket, but the support bracket itself is simply turned upside down from the orientation shown in FIG. 1. As is apparent, when the support bracket is coupled to the shelf to provide such suspending support, as shown in FIG. 2, C-shaped arcuate portion 32 of second end 30 of support bracket 10 provides a seat for longitudinal forward rod 18 of shelf 12, preventing the shelf from undesirable downward rotation. Furthermore, stop face 44 defined at the second longitudinal end of main body portion 28 prevents upward and rearward rotation of the shelf when exposed to upward displacing forces.

[0034] A support bracket formed in accordance with the present invention is universal in that it can be attached from the bottom of the shelf to provide a below the shelf support as well as from above to provide a reverse suspending support for the shelf. In addition, the bracket can be used with a linen type shelf as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 or with a drop rod type shelf as shown in FIG. 9. Thus, a support bracket can be rapidly and inexpensively manufactured as a once piece unit and can be effectively secured to an associated shelf in a manner that is particularly suited to a consumer's needs.

[0035] In view of the above disclosure one of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the present invention encompasses a support bracket for supporting a shelf mounted to a vertical support structure and including a longitudinal front support rod and at least on transverse rod member. The support bracket comprises a longitudinal main body portion and a first and second end portions. The first end portion is defined at a first longitudinal end of the longitudinal main body portion for mounting the bracket to a vertical support structure to which the shelf is mounted. The first end portion has a first end reinforcing rib functionally positioned so as to strengthen the first end portion and to substantially prevent the first end portion from bending, giving the shelf an increased load capacity.

[0036] The second end portion is defined at a second longitudinal end of the longitudinal main body portion. It includes a stop face that defines a seat for limiting rotational movement of the shelf's front support rod relative to the vertical support structure. It also includes a means for receiving and gripping a portion of the circumference of the front support rod of the shelf. The means for receiving and gripping includes an arcuate portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion from the stop face and defines therewith an arcuate recess having a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the main body portion, coincident with a longitudinal axis of the front support rod of a shelf to which it is mounted, and parallel to a plane of the vertical support structure to which the first end portion is mounted. The arcuate portion includes at least one slot means extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the arcuate recess and is sized so as to receive a transverse rod member of the shelf. Finally, a second end reinforcing rib is functionally positioned on the second end portion so as to strengthen the second end portion and to substantially prevent the second end portion from bending.

[0037] The first end portion includes a flat plate member having an aperture defined therein for receiving a device for fastening the first end to the vertical support structure. The main body portion of the support bracket extends at an angle from a plane of the flat plate first end portion. The angle is preferably between about 0° and about 90° from the first end portion.

[0038] The arcuate portion is preferably an arcuate C-shaped element which extends in an arc of between about 90° and about 270° from the stop face. The second end reinforcing rib extends from a point on the acurate portion to a point on the longitudinal main body portion. The longitudinal main body is substantially U-shaped, and has a transition zone near the second end portion in which the shape of the longitudinal main body changes from being substantially U-shaped to being substantially rectangular shaped.

[0039] The second end portion is attached to the longitudinal main body at a top portion of the longitudinal main body, leaving a clearance between the second end portion and a first and second side portions of the longitudinal main body. The clearance should be sufficient to allow the second end portion to rotate relative to the longitudinal main body and rest on the first and second side portions of the longitudinal main body so as to provide extra support of the second end portion when a load is placed on the shelf. The clearance is preferably {fraction (1/32)} of an inch.

[0040] While the structures of the present invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the what has been described herein without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope and concept of the invention as it is set out in the following claims.

Claims

1. A support bracket for supporting a shelf mounted to a vertical support structure, the shelf including a longitudinal front support rod and at least one transverse rod member, comprising: a longitudinal main body portion; a first end portion for mounting the bracket to a vertical support structure, the first end portion having a first end reinforcing rib functionally positioned so as to strengthen the first end portion and to substantially prevent the first end portion from bending; a second end portion comprising a stop face defining a seat for limiting rotational movement of the front support rod relative the vertical support structure; and a second end reinforcing rib located on the second end portion functionally positioned so as to strengthen the second end portion; wherein the second end portion is attached to the longitudinal main body at a top portion of the longitudinal main body, such that a clearance is defined between the second end portion and a first and second side portions of the longitudinal main body, so as to allow the second end to rotate relative to its attachment to the longitudinal main body.

2. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the second end portion comprises a gripping portion for engaging a portion of the front support rod, and includes at least one slot for receiving a transverse rod member of the shelf.

3. A support bracket as in claim 2, wherein the second end reinforcing rib is located on the gripping portion.

4. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the gripping portion comprises an arcuate C-shaped element which extends in an arc of between about 90° and about 270° from the stop face.

5. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the first end portion comprises a flat plate member defining an aperture for receiving a fastening device.

6. A support bracket as in claim 5, wherein the main body portion of the support bracket extends at an angle from a plane of the flat plate first end portion.

7. A support bracket as in claim 6, wherein the angle is between about 0° and about 90° from the first end portion.

8. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the second end reinforcing rib extends from a point on the gripping portion to a point on the longitudinal main body portion.

9. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the longitudinal main body is substantially in the shape of the letter ‘U.’

10. A support bracket as in claim 9 wherein the longitudinal main body has a transition zone near the second end portion in which the cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal main body changes from being substantially ‘U’ shaped to being substantially rectangular shaped.

11. A support bracket as in claim 1 wherein the clearance is about {fraction (1/32)} of an inch.

12. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the first end reinforcing rib is substantially U-shaped.

13. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the first end reinforcing rib is disposed exclusively within the first end portion.

14. A support bracket as in claim 1, wherein the second end portion rotates relative to its attachment to the longitudinal main body to rest against the first and second side portions of the longitudinal main body.

15. A shelving system comprising: at least one shelf defining a substantially planar surface and comprising a plurality of spaced, parallel, transversely extending deck rod members, the rod members being coupled to and extending at least between a longitudinally extending rear support rod and a longitudinally extending front support rod of the shelf, respectively; a means for mounting the rear support rod to an adjacent vertical support structure; and a support bracket for the shelf comprising a longitudinal main body portion; a first end portion for mounting the bracket to a vertical support structure, the first end portion having a first end reinforcing rib functionally positioned so as to strengthen the first end portion and to substantially prevent the first end portion from bending; a second end portion comprising a stop face defining a seat for limiting rotational movement of the front support rod relative the vertical support structure; and a second end reinforcing rib located on the second end portion functionally positioned so as to strengthen the second end portion; wherein the second end portion is attached to the longitudinal main body at a top portion of the longitudinal main body, such that a clearance is defined between the second end portion and a first and second side portions of the longitudinal main body, so as to allow the second end to rotate relative to its attachment to the longitudinal main body.

16. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the second end portion comprises a gripping portion for engaging a portion of the front support rod, and includes at least one slot for receiving a transverse rod member of the shelf.

17. A shelving system as in claim 16, wherein the second end reinforcing rib is located on the gripping portion.

18. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the gripping portion comprises an arcuate C-shaped element which extends in an arc of between about 90° and about 270° from the stop face.

19. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the first end portion comprises a flat plate member defining an aperture for receiving a fastening device.

20. A shelving system as in claim 19, wherein the main body portion of the support bracket extends at an angle from a plane of the flat plate first end portion.

21. A shelving system as in claim 20, wherein the angle is between about 0° and about 90° from the first end portion.

22. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the second end reinforcing rib extends from a point on the gripping portion to a point on the longitudinal main body portion.

23. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the cross-section of the longitudinal main body is substantially in the shape of the letter ‘U.’

24. A shelving system as in claim 23, wherein the longitudinal main body has a transition zone near the second end portion in which the cross-sectional shape of the longitudinal main body changes from being substantially ‘U’ shaped to being substantially rectangular shaped.

25. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the clearance is about {fraction (1/32)} of an inch.

26. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the first end reinforcing rib is substantially U-shaped.

27. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the first end reinforcing rib is disposed exclusively within the first end portion.

28. A shelving system as in claim 15, wherein the second end portion rotates relative to its attachment to the longitudinal main body to rest against the first and second side portions of the longitudinal main body.

29. A support bracket for supporting a shelf mounted to a vertical support structure and including a longitudinal front support rod, comprising: a longitudinal main body portion; a first end portion for mounting the bracket to a vertical support structure; and a second end portion comprising a stop face defining a seat for limiting rotational movement of the front support rod relative the vertical support structure; and wherein the second end portion is attached to the longitudinal main body at a top portion of the longitudinal main body, such that a clearance is defined between the second end portion and a first and second side portions of the longitudinal main body, so as to allow the second end to rotate relative to its attachment to the longitudinal main body.