Universal Shelving Unit

Abstract

A shelving unit made from universal components. The shelving unit can include components including one or more brackets, beams, and support arms. Each of these components is shaped and includes apertures that provide for usage in different configurations. This provides for the different components to be assembled in a variety of different arrangements. The shelving unit can also include one or more corner brackets to support the shelving unit in a corner formed by two walls.

Description

BACKGROUND

Shelving units are used for a variety of reasons to store items on a wall. The shelving units include different components, including but not limited to shelves, brackets, and support members. The shelves form the surface on which the items can be placed. The shelves extend outward from the wall and can include different sizes and shapes depending upon the items. The brackets secure the shelves to the wall. The support members support the shelf as it extends outward from the wall. The members can be positioned above or below the shelf depending upon the configuration. The shelving units can include additional or different components depending upon their construction and use.

An issue with existing shelving units is the components are configured to be used in a specific manner. By way of example, the members attach to the brackets in a single predetermined manner, or the shelves are supported by the members in a predetermined manner. Thus, each type of shelving unit includes components that are specific to that shelving unit. This requires a large number of different components for a supplier of shelving units. A manufacturer is required to produce a wide variety of different components. A supplier or retailer is likewise required to carry a large inventory of different shelving units that include a wide variety of components. This can also be frustrating for a user who is required to use different shelving units for different uses.

SUMMARY

One aspect is directed to a universal shelving unit. The shelving unit includes a plurality of brackets that each include: first and second sides that are aligned at 90 degrees relative to each other; and apertures that extend through the first and second sides of the bracket with the apertures being arranged in sets of at least two and that are symmetrical about a centerline of the bracket. The shelving unit also includes a plurality of beams that each include: first and second sides that are aligned at 90 degrees relative to each other; and apertures that extend through the first and second sides of the beam with the apertures being arranged in sets of at least two and that are symmetrical about a centerline of the beam. The shelving unit includes a plurality of support arms each with an elongated shape with opposing first and second ends and apertures positioned at the first and second ends.

In another aspect, the shelving unit includes at least one corner bracket that includes: a top side; first and second sides that are connected and extend from the top side and aligned at 90 degrees relative to each other; and a junction wall that is connected to and extends from the top side and is positioned between and connected to each of the first and second sides.

In another aspect, an outer side of each of the first side, the second side, the top, and the junction wall is flat.

In another aspect, the sets of apertures that extend through the bracket include: a first set of the apertures on the first side that has a pair of apertures; and a second set of apertures on the second side that has eight apertures.

In another aspect, a single aperture extends through one of the first and second sides of the bracket on the centerline.

In another aspect, a first set of the set of apertures in the bracket includes the apertures aligned in a pattern that is repeated on each side of the centerline of the bracket.

In another aspect, the apertures of a first set of apertures that extend through the bracket are larger than the apertures of a second set of apertures that extend through the bracket.

One aspect is directed to a universal shelving unit. The shelving unit includes a plurality of brackets that each include: a first side and a second side positioned at a 90° angle relative to each other; a first end and a second end; a centerline that extends across each of the first side and the second side at a midpoint between the first end and the second end; a first set of apertures that extend through the first side and are arranged in a first pattern that is symmetrical about the centerline; and a second set of apertures that extend through the second side and are arranged in a second pattern that is symmetrical about the centerline with the second set of apertures being smaller than the first set of apertures and with a greater number than the first set of apertures. The shelving unit includes a plurality of beams that each include: a first side and a second side positioned at a 90° angle relative to each other; a first end and a second end with a length measured between the first and second ends that is greater than the brackets; a centerline that extends across each of the first side and the second side at a midpoint between the first end and the second end; a first set of apertures that extend through the first side and are arranged in a third pattern that is symmetrical about the centerline; and a second set of apertures that extend through the second side and are arranged in a fourth pattern that is symmetrical about the centerline.

In another aspect, the first set of apertures of the brackets is arranged in a different pattern than the second set of apertures of the brackets.

In another aspect, the first set of apertures of the beams is arranged in a different pattern than the second set of apertures of the beams.

In another aspect, each of the plurality of beam and each of the plurality of brackets include flat inner and outer surfaces.

In another aspect, the shelving unit includes at least one corner bracket that includes: a top side; first and second sides that are connected and extend from the top side and aligned at 90 degrees relative to each other; and a junction wall that is connected to and extends from the top side and is positioned between and connected to each of the first and second sides.

In another aspect, the shelving unit includes a plurality of support arms that each include an elongated shape with opposing first and second ends and apertures positioned at the first and second ends.

In another aspect, each of the support arms further includes: a first notch that extends into a side of the support arm a predetermined distance from the first end; and a second notch that extends into the side of the support arm the predetermined distance from the second end.

One aspect is directed to a universal shelving unit that includes a plurality of brackets, a plurality of beams, a plurality of support arms, and a plurality of corner brackets. Each of the plurality of brackets and the plurality of beams includes first and second sides that are aligned at 90 degrees relative to each other. Each of the plurality of brackets and the plurality of beams include a first set of apertures that extends through the first side with the first set of apertures being aligned in a first pattern that is symmetrical about a centerline of the bracket and the first set of apertures that extend through the beams are aligned in a second pattern that is symmetrical about a centerline of the beam. Each of the plurality of brackets and the plurality of beams including a second set of apertures that extends through the second side with the second set of apertures being aligned in a third pattern that is symmetrical about a centerline of the bracket and the second set of apertures that extend through the beams are aligned in a fourth pattern that is symmetrical about a centerline of the beam.

In another aspect, each of the corner brackets includes: a top side; first and second sides that are connected and extend from the top side and aligned at 90 degrees relative to each other; and a junction wall that is connected to and extends from the top side and is positioned between and connected to each of the first and second sides.

In another aspect, the first set of apertures that extends through the brackets includes groups of four apertures that are positioned on each side of the centerline of the brackets.

In another aspect, each of the first set, the second set, the third set, and the fourth set of apertures includes a different pattern.

In another aspect, each of the plurality of beams and the plurality of brackets includes flat outer sides and flat inner sides.

In another aspect, each of the plurality of beams and the plurality of brackets includes a bend that extends between the first and second sides.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a universal shelving unit.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bracket.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of end members each formed by a bracket and a beam.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a beam.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end member formed by a bracket and a beam and an intermediate member formed by a bracket and a pair of beams.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an end of a shelving unit.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a support arm mounted to a beam.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a corner bracket.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a corner bracket.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a corner bracket mounted in a corner and supporting a beam.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a corner bracket mounted in a corner and supporting a beam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to shelving units 10 for attachment to one or more walls 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the unit 10 includes brackets 20 that mount to the wall 100. Beams 30 are mounted to the brackets 20 and extend outward from the wall 100. Support arms 40 are mounted to the beams 30 at points outward from the wall 100. Brackets 20 mount the opposing ends of the support arms 40 to the wall 100. The shelving unit 10 is configured to receive slats 110 that extend between the beams 30 to form the shelf.

The shelving units 10 are constructed from components configured to be used in a variety of different configurations. This provides for the same components to be used in different shelving units 10. This limits the total number of components that are needed to construct shelving units 10 having different configurations and which can be used in different contexts.

FIG. 2 illustrates a bracket 20 that includes first and second sides 21, 22 positioned at a 90 degree angle relative to each other. The bracket 20 can be constructed from a single piece of material that is bent to form the first and second sides 21, 22. Each of the first and second sides 21, 22 includes a first end 23 and a second end 24. A length L of the bracket 20 is measured between the first and second ends 23, 24. A centerline C extends across each of the first and second sides 21, 22. The centerline C is located at a midpoint of the length between the first and second ends 23, 24.

The first and second sides 21, 22 can include planar inner faces 27 and flat outer faces 28. The flat inner faces 27 provide for the bracket 20 to be in contact with one or more components of the shelving unit 10. The inner faces 27 can also support the slats 110 to form a relatively flat shelf. The flat outer faces 28 can provide for mounting the bracket 20 flush against a wall 100.

One or more sets of apertures 25 extend through the bracket 20. The apertures 25 provide for receiving fasteners to secure the bracket 20 in the different configurations. The sets of apertures 25 are arranged in patterns that are symmetrical about the centerline C. The apertures 25 can be sized and positioned to receive fasteners to mount to various other components, including the beams 30 and the wall 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first side 21 of the bracket 20 includes a first set that includes two apertures 25a. Each of the apertures 25a is equally spaced away from the centerline C and has the same shape. As illustrated in FIG. 3, each of the apertures 25a can be sized and positioned to receive a fastener 120 to secure the bracket 20 to a beam 30.

A second set of apertures 25b extends through the second side 22. The apertures 25b are arranged in a pattern with a first group of four apertures 25b on a first side of the centerline C and matching group of four apertures 25b on a second side of the centerline C. Each group includes four apertures 25b that have the same shape, size, and position, and the group are spaced an equal distance from the centerline C.

A third set of apertures 25c extend through the first side 21 with each group including a single aperture 25c. The apertures 25c are symmetrical about the centerline C and include the same size and shape and are spaced an equal distance away from the centerline C.

A single aperture 25d extends through the second side 22. The aperture 25d is centered on the centerline C.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the beams 30 include an elongated shape with a length measured between a first end 33 and a second end 34. The beams 30 include a centerline D that extends across the beam 30 at a midpoint between the first and second ends 33, 34. The length of the beams 30 is greater than the brackets 20.

The beams 30 include a first side 31 and a second side 32 positioned at a 90 degree angle relative to each other. The bracket 20 can be constructed from a single piece of material that is bent to form the first and second sides 31, 32. The first and second sides 31, 32 can include flat inner faces 37 and flat outer faces 38. The flat faces 37, 38 provide for seating against other components. The inner faces 37 can also support the slats 110 to form a relatively flat shelf. The flat outer faces 38 can provide for mounting the beam 30 flush against a wall 100.

Apertures 35 extend through the first and second sides 31, 32 of the beam 30. One or more of the apertures 35 are positioned in proximity to the ends 33, 34 are sized to receive fasteners 120 to mount to the bracket 20 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Other apertures 35 are positioned to receive fasteners 120 that extend into the slats 110 and to mount to the support arms 40.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the apertures 35 on the second side 32 can be symmetrical about the centerline D. The beam 30 of FIG. 4 includes two apertures 35 on each side of the centerline D. The two apertures 35 closest to the centerline D include the same shape and size and are located an equal distance from the centerline D. The two apertures 35 likewise are positioned an equal distance from the centerline D and include the same shape and size. The apertures 35 on the first side 31 are also symmetrical about the centerline D in a similar manner. As illustrated in FIG. 4, four pairs of apertures 35 are symmetrical about the centerline D.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the universal shelving unit 10 includes brackets 20 and beams 30 to form different end members of the shelving unit 10. The first end member A includes the beams 30 aligned with an outer half of the brackets 20. Fasteners 120 extend through the aligned apertures 25a, 35 to secure the end members together. One or more of the other apertures 25 of the brackets 20 are positioned to receive fasteners 120 to attach to the wall 100 and/or another component of the shelving unit 10.

A bracket 20 and a pair of beams 30 can be mounted together to form an intermediate support member as illustrated in FIG. 5. The beams 30 are positioned with the first sides 31 abutted together. The sides 31 are positioned at a center of the bracket 20. Fasteners 120 mount each of the beams 30 to the bracket 20.

As illustrated, the bracket 20 and beams 30 can be positioned at different relative positions to form different support members. This provides for flexibility in design, and requires fewer specialized components to form the shelving unit.

FIG. 6 illustrates a support arm 40 that extends between a beam 30 and a bracket 20. The support arm 40 includes an elongated shape with a first end 43 and a second end 44. Apertures 45 extend through the support arm 40 at one or more locations. As illustrated in FIG. 6, apertures 45 in proximity to each end 43, 44 provide for receiving fasteners 120 to connect with each of the respective components. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a notch 41 is positioned in proximity to each of the ends 43, 44. The notches 41 are each spaced the same distance inward from the respective end 43, 44. The notches 41 provide a visual determination of the angle of the support arm 40 relative to the beam 30. The notches 41 can also accommodate a slat 110.

The shelving unit 10 can be mounted in a corner 121 formed between adjacent walls 100 (see FIG. 1). A corner bracket 50 can be used in the corner 121 to support the shelving unit 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 8-11, the corner bracket 50 includes opposing flat sides 51 to abut against the walls 100 at the corner 121. A junction wall 52 extends between the sides 51. An aperture 55 at the junction wall 52 is sized to receive a fastener 120 to secure to the corner bracket 50 to a stud in one or both walls 100. The corner bracket 50 also includes a top side 53 that supports a beam 30.

The shelving units 10 can include different sizes. The beams 30 can include various lengths depending upon the desired amount of space required for the shelving unit 10.

Slats 110 can be constructed from various materials. This can include wood slats, such as 2×4 wooden boards. The lengths of the slats 110 can also vary depending upon the spacing between the beams 30.

In use, the shelving unit 10 includes the brackets 20, beams 30, and support arms 40. Each of these components can be used at the different locations along the shelving unit 10 thus facilitating assembly. For example, brackets 20 can be used at the ends or intermediate section to support the slats 110, and also to support the support arms 40. The beams 30 can be used at the ends or intermediate section of the shelving unit 10. The support arms 40 can also be used along the length of the shelving unit 10. This interchangeability of the various components reduces the number of unique components needed for the shelving unit 10. This also facilitates assembly as the user is not required to determine the specific components that can only be used in a particular location in the shelving unit 10. The shelving unit 10 can also include corner brackets 50 to secure one or more of the components to a corner of walls 100.

The various shelving units 10 can include different numbers and arrangements of the components. Shelving units 10 can include end members each formed a bracket 20 and beam 30 at each of the ends. Shelving units 10 can include a single end member with an opposing end abutting against a wall 100. The shelving unit 10 can also include various number of intermediate support members each formed by abutting together two beams 30.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A universal shelving unit comprising: a plurality of brackets each comprising: first and second sides that are aligned at 90 degrees relative to each other;apertures that extend through the first and second sides of the bracket, the apertures being arranged in sets of at least two and that are symmetrical about a centerline of the bracket;a plurality of beams each comprising: first and second sides that are aligned at 90 degrees relative to each other; andapertures that extend through the first and second sides of the beam, the apertures being arranged in sets of at least two and that are symmetrical about a centerline of the beam; anda plurality of support arms each comprising an elongated shape with opposing first and second ends and apertures positioned at the first and second ends.

2. The universal shelving unit of claim 1, further comprising at least one corner bracket comprising: a top side;first and second sides that are connected and extend from the top side and aligned at 90 degrees relative to each other; anda junction wall that is connected to and extends from the top side and is positioned between and connected to each of the first and second sides.

3. The universal shelving unit of claim 2, wherein an outer side of each of the first side, the second side, the top, and the junction wall is flat.

4. The universal shelving unit of claim 1, wherein the sets of apertures that extend through the bracket comprise: a first set of the apertures on the first side that comprises a pair of apertures;a second set of apertures on the second side that comprises eight apertures.

5. The universal shelving unit of claim 1, further comprising a single aperture that extends through one of the first and second sides of the bracket on the centerline.

6. The universal shelving unit of claim 1, wherein a first set of the set of apertures in the bracket comprises the apertures aligned in a pattern that is repeated on each side of the centerline of the bracket.

7. The universal shelving unit of claim 1, wherein the apertures of a first set of apertures that extend through the bracket are larger than the apertures of a second set of apertures that extend through the bracket.

8. A universal shelving unit comprising: a plurality of brackets that each comprise: a first side and a second side positioned at a 90° angle relative to each other;a first end and a second end;a centerline that extends across each of the first side and the second side at a midpoint between the first end and the second end;a first set of apertures that extend through the first side and are arranged in a first pattern that is symmetrical about the centerline;a second set of apertures that extend through the second side and are arranged in a second pattern that is symmetrical about the centerline, the second set of apertures being smaller than the first set of apertures and with a greater number than the first set of apertures;a plurality of beams that each comprise: a first side and a second side positioned at a 90° angle relative to each other;a first end and a second end with a length measured between the first and second ends that is greater than the brackets;a centerline that extends across each of the first side and the second side at a midpoint between the first end and the second end;a first set of apertures that extend through the first side and are arranged in a third pattern that is symmetrical about the centerline; anda second set of apertures that extend through the second side and are arranged in a fourth pattern that is symmetrical about the centerline.

9. The universal shelving unit of claim 8, wherein the first set of apertures of the brackets is arranged in a different pattern than the second set of apertures of the brackets.

10. The universal shelving unit of claim 9, wherein the first set of apertures of the beams is arranged in a different pattern than the second set of apertures of the beams.

11. The universal shelving unit of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of beam and each of the plurality of brackets comprises flat inner and outer surfaces.

12. The universal shelving unit of claim 8, further comprising at least one corner bracket comprising: a top side;first and second sides that are connected and extend from the top side and aligned at 90 degrees relative to each other; anda junction wall that is connected to and extends from the top side and is positioned between and connected to each of the first and second sides.

13. The universal shelving unit of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of support arms each comprising an elongated shape with opposing first and second ends and apertures positioned at the first and second ends.

14. The universal shelving unit of claim 13, wherein each of the support arms further comprises: a first notch that extends into a side of the support arm a predetermined distance from the first end;a second notch that extends into the side of the support arm the predetermined distance from the second end.

15. A universal shelving unit comprising: a plurality of brackets;a plurality of beams;a plurality of support arms;a plurality of corner brackets;each of the plurality of brackets and the plurality of beams comprising first and second sides that are aligned at 90 degrees relative to each other;each of the plurality of brackets and the plurality of beams comprising a first set of apertures that extends through the first side, the first set of apertures that extend through the brackets being aligned in a first pattern that is symmetrical about a centerline of the bracket and the first set of apertures that extend through the beams are aligned in a second pattern that is symmetrical about a centerline of the beam;each of the plurality of brackets and the plurality of beams comprising a second set of apertures that extends through the second side, the second set of apertures that extend through the brackets are aligned in a third pattern that is symmetrical about a centerline of the bracket and the second set of apertures that extend through the beams are aligned in a fourth pattern that is symmetrical about a centerline of the beam.

16. The universal shelving unit of claim 15, wherein each of the corner brackets comprises: a top side;first and second sides that are connected and extend from the top side and aligned at 90 degrees relative to each other; anda junction wall that is connected to and extends from the top side and is positioned between and connected to each of the first and second sides.

17. The universal shelving unit of claim 16, wherein the first set of apertures that extends through the brackets comprises groups of four apertures that are positioned on each side of the centerline of the brackets.

18. The universal shelving unit of claim 15, wherein each of the first set, the second set, the third set, and the fourth set of apertures comprises a different pattern.

19. The universal shelving unit of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of beams and the plurality of brackets comprises flat outer sides and flat inner sides.

20. The universal shelving unit of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of beams and the plurality of brackets comprises a bend that extends between the first and second sides.