Utility rack having end supports with folding cross-members

Abstract

A utility rack includes a pair of end supports for supporting one or more shelves there between. Each end support includes a first vertical support having one or more cross members mounted thereto and a second vertical support. The cross members may be mounted to one or more cross member mounts of the first vertical support and are configured to be movable relative to the first vertical support between a stored position in which they are disconnected from the second vertical support and are collapsed inwardly towards the first vertical support for storage or transport and an extended position in which free ends of the cross members may be attached to the second vertical support using fasteners.

Claims

1. A utility rack comprising: a plurality of shelves; and an end support disposed on each of opposite ends of the plurality of shelves, the end supports being configured to support the shelves, and each end support comprising: a first vertical support including a first cross-member attachment mechanism and a second cross-member attachment mechanism; a second vertical support including a third cross-member attachment mechanism and a fourth cross-member attachment mechanism; a first horizontal member having a first end pivotally connected to the first cross-member attachment mechanism and a second end at least one of removably or pivotally connected to the third cross-member attachment mechanism; a second horizontal member having a first end pivotally connected to the second cross-member attachment mechanism and a second end at least one of removably or pivotally connected to the fourth cross-member attachment mechanism; and a diagonal member having a first end pivotally connected with the first cross-member attachment mechanism and a second end at least one of removably or pivotally connected to the fourth cross-member attachment mechanism; wherein the first end of the first horizontal member and the first end of the diagonal member overlap at the first cross-member attachment mechanism in a first direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the first vertical support and the second vertical support, the second end of the second horizontal member and the second end of the diagonal member overlap at the fourth cross-member attachment mechanism in the first direction, and an internal width of the first, second, third, and fourth cross-member attachment mechanisms is not substantially larger than an external width of a widest of the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, and the diagonal member.

2. The utility rack of claim 1, wherein the first and second horizontal members are formed having a channel cross section, the first end of the diagonal member is received in the channel cross section of the first horizontal member, and the second end of the diagonal member is received in the channel cross section of the second horizontal member.

3. The utility rack of claim 2, wherein the channel cross section of the first horizontal member opens downward, and the channel cross section of the second horizontal member opens upward.

4. The utility rack of claim 1, wherein the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, and the diagonal member are each configured to be rotatable with respect to the first vertical support from a first position that is substantially parallel to the first vertical support to a second position that is extended at least partially away from the first vertical support for connecting with the second vertical support.

5. The utility rack of claim 4, wherein the first and second vertical supports are constructed to each have a channel, and, in the first position, at least one of the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, and the diagonal member is disposed at least partially within the channel of the first vertical support.

6. The utility rack according to claim 5, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth cross-member attachment mechanisms are brackets that are installed within the channels of the first and second vertical supports, the brackets each comprise a single pair of opposing apertures, and the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, and the diagonal member are attached to the brackets by a fastener extending through the single pair of apposing apertures.

7. A method for packaging a utility rack, the utility rack comprising a plurality of shelves; and an end support disposed on each of opposite ends of the plurality of shelves, the end supports being configured to support the shelves, and each end support comprising a first vertical support including a first cross-member attachment mechanism and a second cross-member attachment mechanism; a second vertical support including a third cross-member attachment mechanism and a fourth cross-member attachment mechanism; a first horizontal member having a first end pivotally connected to the first cross-member attachment mechanism and a second end configured to be at least one of removably or pivotally connected to the third cross-member attachment mechanism; a second horizontal member having a first end pivotally connected to the second cross-member attachment mechanism and a second end configured to be at least one of removably or pivotally connected to the fourth cross-member attachment mechanism; and a diagonal member having a first end pivotally connected with the first cross-member attachment mechanism and a second end configured to be at least one of removably or pivotally connected to the fourth cross-member attachment mechanism, the method comprising: for each end support, folding the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, and the diagonal member to a stored position in which the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, and the diagonal member are substantially parallel with the first vertical support, the first end of the first horizontal support and the first end of the diagonal support at least partially overlapping one another at the first cross-member attachment mechanism in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the first vertical support and the second vertical support, wherein an internal width of the first cross-member attachment mechanism is not substantially larger than an external width of a wider of the first horizontal member and the diagonal member, and packaging the plurality of shelves and the end supports with the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, and the diagonal member of the first vertical support of each end support in the stored position for storage and/or shipping.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first and second horizontal members are formed having a channel cross section, the first end of the diagonal member is received in the channel cross section of the first horizontal member, and the second end of the diagonal member is configured to be received in the channel cross section of the second horizontal member.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the channel cross section of the first horizontal member opens downward, and the channel cross section of the second horizontal member opens upward when the first and second horizontal members are in a deployed position in which the first and second horizontal members are rotated at least partially away from the first vertical support.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the first and second vertical supports are constructed to each have a channel, and, in the stored position, at least one of the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, and the diagonal member is disposed at least partially within the channel of the first vertical support.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth cross-member attachment mechanisms are brackets that are installed within the channels of the first and second vertical supports, the brackets each comprise a single pair of opposing apertures, and the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, and the diagonal member are attached to the brackets by a fastener extending through the single pair of apposing apertures.

12. A method of assembling a utility rack, the utility rack comprising a plurality of shelves; and an end support disposed on each of opposite ends of the plurality of shelves, the end supports being configured to support the shelves, and each end support comprising a first vertical support including a first cross-member attachment mechanism and a second cross-member attachment mechanism; a second vertical support including a third cross-member attachment mechanism and a fourth cross-member attachment mechanism; a first horizontal member having a first end pivotally connected to the first cross-member attachment mechanism and a second end configured to be at least one of removably or pivotally connected to the third cross-member attachment mechanism; a second horizontal member having a first end pivotally connected to the second cross-member attachment mechanism and a second end configured to be at least one of removably or pivotally connected to the fourth cross-member attachment mechanism; and a diagonal member having a first end pivotally connected with the first cross-member attachment mechanism and a second end configured to be at least one of removably or pivotally connected to the fourth cross-member attachment mechanism, the method comprising: assembling each end support by rotating the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, and the diagonal member from a stored position in which the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, and the diagonal member are substantially parallel with the first vertical support to a deployed position in which the first and second horizontal members and the diagonal member are rotated at least partially away from the first vertical support; connecting the second end of the first horizontal member to the third cross-member attachment mechanism; connecting the second end of the second horizontal member to the fourth cross-member attachment mechanism; and connecting the second end of the diagonal member to the fourth cross-member attachment mechanism; and utilizing one or more fasteners to connect the plurality of shelves to the ends supports to cause the plurality of shelves to be supported between the ends supports; wherein the first end of the first horizontal support and the first end of the diagonal support at least partially overlap one another at the first cross-member attachment mechanism in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the first vertical support and the second vertical support, and wherein an internal width of the first cross-member attachment mechanism is not substantially larger than an external width of a wider of the first horizontal member and the diagonal member.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the steps of connecting comprise pinning the second end of the first horizontal member to the third cross-member attachment mechanism, pinning the second end of the second horizontal member to the fourth cross-member attachment mechanism, and pinning the second end of the diagonal member to the fourth cross-member attachment mechanism.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first and second horizontal members are formed having a channel cross section, the first end of the diagonal member is received in the channel cross section of the first horizontal member, and the second end of the diagonal member is configured to be received in the channel cross section of the second horizontal member.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the channel cross section of the first horizontal member opens downward, and the channel cross section of the second horizontal member opens upward when the first and second horizontal members are in the deployed position.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the first and second vertical supports are constructed to each have a channel, and, in the stored position, at least one of the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, and the diagonal member is disposed at least partially within the channel of the first vertical support.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth cross-member attachment mechanisms are brackets that are installed within the channels of the first and second vertical supports, the brackets each comprise a single pair of opposing apertures, and the first horizontal member, the second horizontal member, and the diagonal member are attached to the brackets by a fastener extending through the single pair of apposing apertures.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a utility rack that includes end supports according to one embodiment of the invention.

(2) FIG. 2A is a vertical support of the end supports of the utility rack shown in FIG. 1 with folding cross members.

(3) FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of the folding cross members, member mounts and associated fasteners shown in FIG. 2A.

(4) FIG. 2C is a top view of a connection of cross members to a vertical support via a member mount and fasteners.

(5) FIGS. 3A-3C show an example of assembling two vertical supports with the folding cross members shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 3A shows the vertical supports in a stored condition, FIG. 3B shows the vertical supports with cross members moving towards an assembled position, and FIG. 3C shows the vertical supports and cross members in an assembled position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) 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.

(7) One embodiment of the invention is a utility rack with end supports having folding cross members. The utility rack with these end supports allows for compact packaging and storage, easy assembly and high rigidity and strength when fully assembled.

(8) FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a utility rack 100 that includes end supports according to one embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the utility rack 100 is configured as a shelving unit. The utility rack 100 includes two end supports 110. The end supports 110 are configured to support a plurality of shelves 120 therebetween. The shelves 120 may be removably connectable at various locations on the end supports 110. The shelves 120 may be of unitary construction or may include a storage surface that is connected to shelf supports 122. The connection between the shelves 120 and the end supports 110 may be by various connections or connectors. The number of shelves 120, their configuration and spacing, may vary. For example, the position of the shelves 120 may be varied by the user. It will be appreciated that the utility rack 100 could have other configurations. For example, the rack 100 might be configured as a pallet rack and have two end supports 110 and a plurality of pallet supporting beams extending there between, or the like.

(9) In one embodiment of the invention, each end support 110 of the rack 100 comprises two vertical supports and one or more cross-members. In an embodiment, the one or more cross-members couple, variously, to the two vertical supports at a first attachment point 126, a second attachment point 128, a third attachment point 130, and a fourth attachment point 132. FIG. 2A illustrates a first vertical support 210 of one of the end supports 110 of the utility rack 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion of the first vertical support 210 and a connection of one of the cross members shown in FIG. 2A.

(10) The first vertical support 210 includes one or more cross members 222, 224, 226. As described below, the cross members 222, 224, 226 are designed to be movable between a first collapsed position and a second extended position. In the second extended position, the cross members are connectable to a second vertical support to form a rack end support 110.

(11) As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first vertical support 210 is an elongate member having first and second ends. In one embodiment, the first vertical support 210 is generally C-shaped in cross-sectional shape, thus defining a channel 212 along the length thereof. The first vertical support 210 may include a plurality of attachment points or elements. For example, the first vertical support 210 may include a plurality of apertures 214. The apertures 214 may be formed by punching out a section of the vertical support 210 to form tabs 124 (see FIG. 1). As illustrated in FIG. 1, mounts of the shelves 120 may be configured to connect to the tabs 124 to support the shelves 120, in a manner that is well known in the art. The first vertical support 210 might also include catches, hooks, pins or other elements to facilitate the attachment of the shelves 120 or other elements.

(12) The cross members 222, 224, 226 are mounted to the first vertical support 210, and most preferably are permanently affixed or connected to the first vertical support 210. At the same time, the cross members 222, 224, 226 are configured to be foldable or pivotable relative to the first vertical support 210. In one embodiment, the cross members 222, 224, 226 are mounted to the vertical supports by one or more cross member mounts or other attachment mechanisms. Particularly, brackets 230 or other mounts are provided that are mounted or connected to the first vertical support 210. In one embodiment, the brackets 230 include tabs or other elements which connect to one or more of the fastening apertures 214 in the channel 212 of the vertical support 210. The brackets 230 may be fixed to the fastening apertures 214 via any suitable connection providing sufficient strength and rigidity such as by a force fit, fasteners, and the like. Alternatively, the brackets 230 may be welded within the channel 212 of the first vertical support 210, or may be formed integrally with the first vertical support 210.

(13) In a preferred embodiment, each bracket 230 includes a pair of spaced flanges 234 each having an aperture 232 configured to receive at least one fastener. The fastener, such as a pin, bolt or the like may be configured to extend through the apertures 232 and corresponding apertures in a first end of the cross members 222, 224, 226. The pin may be force fit into the apertures 232 to secure the pin to the bracket 230, or the pin may be a bolt that has a corresponding nut to secure the pin to the bracket 230. It is also possible to utilize two pins, each of which engages one of the flanges and one portion of the first end of the cross members 222, 224, 226. The rotatable connection between the cross members 222, 224, 226 and the brackets 230 allows the cross member 222, 224, 226 to rotate or fold with respect to the first vertical support 210.

(14) In this embodiment, there is a lower horizontal cross member 224, an upper horizontal cross member 226, and a diagonal cross member 222. In a preferred embodiment, each cross member 222, 224, 226 is also generally U or C shaped in cross-sectional shape, thus including a pair of spaced apart walls 236. The U or C shape of the of horizontal or diagonal cross members, as described above, forms a channel with an open side. In some embodiments, the channels are positioned to open in a certain direction indicated by arrows 241 in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. As used herein, the term open when referring to an orientation of the channel, refers to a position of the open side of the channel. A channel that opens downward, therefore, has the open side of the channel generally facing downward. The cross members 222, 224, 226 are sized so that the spaced walls 236 fit tightly adjacent to the spaced flanges 234 of the brackets 230. In a preferred embodiment, the dimension between the outside of the walls 236 of the cross member is slightly smaller than the distance between the flanges 234 of the bracket 230, whereby the end of the cross member may fit within or between the flanges 234 of the bracket 230, as illustrated in FIG. 2B.

(15) In one embodiment, a first end of the lower horizontal cross member 224 and a first end of the diagonal cross member 222 are permanently attached to the first vertical support 210 at a first position via a first bracket 230, and a first end of the upper cross member 226 is permanently attached to the vertical support 210 at a second position via a second bracket 230, as shown in FIG. 2A. The other second or free ends of the cross members 222, 224, 226 include apertures 244 and 246 that are configured for use in attaching these members to a second vertical support 310, as illustrated in FIG. 3A and described in more detail below. In this embodiment, apertures 246 and 244 of the diagonal cross member 222 and the upper cross member 226 are configured to be attached to the second vertical support 310 at the same location. The upper cross member 226 further includes guiding tabs 242 that project from an inner channel surface of the upper cross member 226 to facilitate easy assembly of the diagonal cross member 222 and upper cross member 226.

(16) As indicated, each end support 110 of the rack 110 preferably also includes a second vertical support 310. In a preferred embodiment, the second vertical support 310 also comprises an elongate member having a first end and a second end. The second vertical support 310 may also include one or more attachment points or members, such as for attaching the shelving 120 or shelving supports 122. Preferably, the second vertical support 310 does not include any cross members. Instead, the second vertical support 310 only includes one or more brackets 330 or similar members to which the free ends of the cross members 222, 224, 226 of the first vertical support 210 may be selectively connected and disconnected (i.e. the end supports 110 include means for removably connecting the cross members 222, 224, 226 to the second vertical support 310), as described below.

(17) FIGS. 3A-3B show an example method of assembling and end support 110 for a rack 100 of the invention. As explained above, the first vertical support 210 is constructed so that while the cross members 222, 224, 226 are fixed to the first vertical support 210, they are also movable relative to the first vertical support 210. In particular, during storage and shipping as shown in FIG. 3A, the cross members 222, 224, 226 may be moved to a first or stored position. In this position, the cross members 222, 224, 226 are folded or moved to a position in which they extend generally parallel with the first vertical support 210.

(18) As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the free ends of the cross members 222, 224, 226 may be disconnected from the second vertical support 310. The upper cross member 226 may be folded down towards the middle of the first vertical support 210, and the diagonal cross member 222 and the lower cross member 224 may be folded up towards the middle of the first vertical support 210. When the first vertical support 210 defines a channel, the cross members 222, 224, 226 may be configured to fold such that one or more of the cross members 222, 224, 226 (or portions thereof) rest within the channel 212 of the vertical support 210. The position of the vertical support 210 and cross members 222, 224, 226 shown in FIG. 3A may be referred to as a folded position for packaging, storing, and shipping. In this position, because the second vertical support 310 is not connected to the first vertical support 210 and because the cross members 222, 224, 226 are folded down, the second vertical support 310 may be placed directly adjacent to the first vertical support 210 (i.e. the second vertical support 310 does not need to be spaced outwardly from the first vertical support 210, such as is the case with welded end supports of the prior art). In this position, the position the first and second vertical supports 210, 310 and associated cross members 222, 224, 226 take up considerably less space for storage and shipping as compared to a configuration where the cross members are welded to both vertical supports, thus causing those supports to be spaced from one another by the cross-members

(19) As shown in FIG. 3B, to assemble the end support 110, the cross members 222, 224, 226 are unfolded for connection with corresponding brackets 330 on the second vertical support 310. That is, the lower cross member 224 is folded downwardly so that the free end thereof is aligned with a lower bracket 330 of the second vertical support 310. In this position, the lower cross member 224 may be in a horizontal position between the first and second vertical supports 210, 310. Similarly, the diagonal cross member 222 is folded outwardly so as to extend from a lower bracket 230 on the first vertical support 210 to an upper bracket 330 on the second vertical support 310. Further, the upper cross member 226 is folded upwardly to connect to the upper bracket 330. In this position, the upper cross member 226 may be in a generally horizontal position between the first and second vertical supports 210, 310.

(20) The free ends of the cross members 222, 224, 226 are connected to the brackets 330 of the second vertical support 310. The brackets 330 may be similar to the brackets 230 described above (such as having a pair of flanges 334 which have apertures therein). Various means may be used to connect the cross members 222, 224, 226 to the second vertical support 310. Referring to FIGS. 2B and 2C, in the preferred embodiment, one or more fasteners (e.g. one or more elements separate from the cross members or the second vertical support) are utilized to connect the cross members 222, 224, 226 to the second vertical support 310. The fastener(s) may comprise one or more pins or other elements. In a most preferred embodiment, the fasteners comprise fasteners which allow customization of the tightness of the connection, such as a bolt 338 and corresponding nut 340 (such as by extending a bolt 338 through the apertures in the cross members and the associated bracket 330 and securing the bolt with a nut 340, which nut may be mounted on the bracket 330 (such as via welding or by threading the aperture of the bracket 330, etc.)), thus allowing the user to ensure that even though there may be variances in each connection, such as due to manufacturing variation in the members, the connection of each cross member to the second vertical support 310 is tight and secure. The assembled end support 110 is shown in FIG. 3C. As depicted in FIG. 2C, at least one of the cross members is formed with walls 236 that are spaced apart or sized to receive another of the cross members. For example, the dimension between the walls 236a of the upper horizontal cross member 226 may be greater than the outside dimension of the walls 236b of the diagonal cross member 222. As such, at least a portion (e.g., an end) of the diagonal cross member 222 may be partially inserted or nested into the upper horizontal cross member 226.

(21) Referring to FIG. 1, once the user has assembled the two end supports 110, the user may use them to support one or more shelves 120 or other members. As indicated above, the user may connect the shelves 120 to the end supports 110 via the provided connectors, such as by aligning slots on the shelves/shelf members with pins 124 on the end supports 110. A particular advantage of the invention is that the location of the cross members 222, 224, 226 is entirely independent of the shelves 120. In particular, unlike the prior art, the user can locate the shelves 120 in any position because the shelves/shelf supports do not serve as connecting or supporting members for the end supports 110. Instead, dedicated cross members 222, 224, 226 are used to connect and support the vertical supports 210, 310 of the end supports 110. This allows the user to place the shelves 120 at any desired position along the end supports 110.

(22) The first vertical support 210 with integral cross members 222, 224, 226 and the separate/separable second vertical support 310 allows the end support 110 of the shelving system 100 to be collapsed or separated, thus requiring less space for packaging, storing, and shipping. Further, the end support 110 formed from the first vertical support 210 having integral cross members 222, 224, 226 and connectable second vertical support 310 maintains sufficient strength and is ease of assembly. Particularly, because the cross members 222, 224, 226 are mounted or permanently affixed to the vertical support 210, the cross members 222, 224, 226 are both securely connected to the first vertical support 210 while also being foldable or rotatable with respect to the vertical support 210.

(23) The end support 110 provides a number of advantages or prior end supports. Because the end support 110 includes foldable cross members 222, 224, 226, the end support 110 requires considerably less storage space than prior end supports. This decreases storage costs such as packing and inventory costs as well as shipping costs. The smaller packaging size may also be more convenient for an end purchaser to transport the rack 100 to an installation location. Further, because the vertical support 210 is fabricated or constructed with integral cross members 222, 224, 226, the end support 110 is easy to assemble. As described above, all the user needs to do to assemble the rack 100 is to form each end support 110 by folding out the cross members 222, 224, 226 from the first vertical support 210 and attaching them to the second vertical support 310, and then connecting the shelves 120 to the end supports 110. The assembly of the end supports 110 is obvious because the first ends of the cross members 222, 224, 226 are already mounted to the first vertical support 210, such that the free ends can only be rotated out to one position where they align with the brackets 330 of the second vertical support 310. All the user needs to do is simply pin or otherwise connect the free ends of the cross members to the second vertical support 310.

(24) At the same time, because the foldable cross members 222, 224, 226 are already installed onto the vertical support 210, they are mounted in a manner which maximizes strength while minimizing free play, thus ensuring that the end supports 110 are strong and rigid when assembled. In particular, in the preferred configuration, the brackets 230, 330 have outwardly extending spaced flanges 234. Opposing walls 236 or portions of the free ends of the cross members 222, 224, 226 are mounted to those flanges, thus reducing the play between the cross members 222, 224, 226 and the first vertical support 210 (e.g. keeping the cross members 222, 224, 226 aligned therewith). Further, unlike boltless racks of the prior art, the configuration of the invention which requires fasteners to connect the members ensures that connected members are tightly connected to one another, eliminating play between those members.

(25) The above described embodiment is an example implementation and does not limit the scope of the invention. Further modifications of the shelving unit incorporating the above features are also envisaged. For example, while the above shelving unit comprises brackets 230, 330 for connecting the cross members 222, 224, 226 to the vertical support 210, the invention is not limited to this. Instead of the bracket 230, 330, installation apertures for connecting to the cross members 222, 224, 226 may be built into the sidewalls of the channel 212 of the vertical member 210.

(26) It will also be appreciated that other forms of rotating connections might be utilized between the cross members 222, 224, 226 and the first vertical support 210. For example, the brackets 230 of the first vertical support 210 might carry bearing mounted rods to which the cross members are connected. In one embodiment, pins might actually extend through the sides of the first vertical support 210 itself (rather than through brackets 230) for rotatably mounting the cross members 222, 224, 226.

(27) The invention is not limited to the configuration of cross members 222, 224, 226 described above. For example, there may be fewer cross members (such as a single diagonal cross member, or just one or more horizontal cross members) or additional horizontal and/or diagonal cross members based on the size and strength of the desired end support. For example, an end support 110 might include a first vertical support having upper, intermediate and lower cross members which can fold for storage or extend into a generally horizontal position for connection to the second vertical support.

(28) It will also be appreciated that the mounting points for the cross members 222, 224, 226 may vary. In one embodiment, the diagonal cross member 222 might be connected to the upper bracket 230 along with the upper cross member 226, so that the diagonal cross member 222 must be rotated upwardly to connect to the second vertical support. Also, the first end of the diagonal cross member 222 need not be the same as either horizontal cross member.

(29) Further, the spacing between the brackets and/or their location (from the ends of the first vertical support 210) may vary. Also, the location of the brackets 330 of the second vertical support 310 may vary. In one embodiment, it is possible for the brackets 330 to be offset from the brackets 230 of the first vertical support 210, whereby the upper and lower cross members 224, 226 do not extend horizontally, but slope. The cross members may each be connected to a single bracket or installation aperture, or two or more cross members may be connected to a single bracket or installation aperture.

(30) While the rack 100 of the invention comprises two end supports 110 and one or more intermediate members such as shelves 120, other elements or units could be connected to or added onto the rack 100. For example, in one embodiment the rack 100 might comprise first and second end supports and one or more intermediate supports. Shelves or other elements might extend between one end support and a first intermediate support, the first intermediate support and another intermediate support, and the last intermediate support and a second end support, for example. In this regard, the end support 110 of the invention, including its method of assembly and packing, may be applied to a wide variety of products or environments.

(31) The size of the rack 100 may vary, such as depending on the desired application. As one example, the end supports 110 may be about 24 inches wide and 72 inches high and they may be spaced from one another by about 70-80 inches. As indicated however, the dimensions of the rack 100 may vary considerably.

(32) The components of the rack 100 may be constructed from a variety of materials. In a preferred embodiment, the components are constructed from metal, and preferably steel. As indicated, while the cross members 222, 224, 226 are preferably generally C shaped in cross-section so that they are strong but have a lighter weight, the cross members could have a closed hollow body construction or even be solid.

(33) 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 invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.