Ventilated shelving hook element system and method

Abstract

A hanger element for one or more receiving bracket apertures that receives a hanging item. The hanger element includes a load bearing, concave shaped flange that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket aperture. A trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure extends from the load bearing, concave shaped flange.

Claims

1. A hanger element for one or more receiving bracket apertures that, receives a hanging item, the hanger element comprising: a load bearing, concave shaped flange configured to attach to the one or more receiving bracket apertures wherein the load bearing, concave shaped flange comprises a first lateral side, and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side; a trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure extended from the load bearing, concave shaped flange; a first tab extended from the first lateral side of the load bearing, concave shaped flange; a second tab extended from the second lateral side of the load bearing, concave shaped flange; and wherein the first tab and the second tab are identical and symmetrically arranged.

2. The hanger element of claim 1, comprising a curved upward tip extended from the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure that is configured to abut to the received hanging item.

3. The hanger element of claim 1, comprising a third tab extended from the first lateral side of the loading bearing, concave shaped flange, and a fourth tab extended from the second lateral side of the loading bearing, concave shaped flange, wherein the third and fourth tabs are identical and symmetrically arranged.

4. The hanger element of claim 1, comprising an attachment structure disposed on a distal end of the first tab.

5. The hanger element of claim 1, comprising a substantially greater than 90 degree arc shape of the loading bearing, concave shaped flange.

6. The hanger element of claim 1, comprising a substantially greater than 100 degree arc shape of the load bearing, concave shaped flange.

7. The hanger element of claim 2, comprising a substantially greater than 100 degree arc shape of the load bearing, concave shaped flange.

8. A hanger element for an adapter bracket for connecting a hanging item to a wall mounted unit, the hanger element comprising: a load bearing, concave shaped flange that is configured to attach to the adapter bracket; wherein the loading bearing, concave shaped flange comprises a first lateral side, and a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side; a trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure extended from the load bearing, concave shaped flange; a first tab extended from the first lateral side of the load bearing, concave shaped flange; a second tab extended from the second lateral side of the load bearing, concave shaped flange; wherein the first tab and the second tab are identical and symmetrically arranged.

9. The hanger element of claim 8, comprising a curved upward tip extended from the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure that is configured to abut the hanging item.

10. A hanger element of claim 8, comprising: a third tab extended from the first lateral side of the loading bearing, concave shaped flange, and a fourth tab extended from the second lateral side of the loading bearing, concave shaped flange, wherein the third and fourth tabs are identical and symmetrical arranged.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) It should be noted that the drawing figures may be in simplified form and might not be to precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms, such as, top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, front, distal, and proximal are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Such directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage shelving system.

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a horizontal rail.

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another horizontal rail embodiment.

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vertical upright.

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one bracket embodiment.

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one hanger embodiment.

(8) FIG. 7 is a back view of the storage shelving system.

(9) FIG. 8 is a front view of the storage shelving system with different vertical uprights.

(10) FIG. 9 is a side view of the storage shelving system.

(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another horizontal rail embodiment with details of the side view.

(12) FIG. 11 is a front and back view of another horizontal rail embodiment.

(13) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another horizontal rail embodiment.

(14) FIG. 13 is a front, back and side view of another horizontal rail embodiment.

(15) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a bracket with details of the front view.

(16) FIG. 15 is a side and bottom view of a bracket.

(17) FIG. 16 is a front view of a vertical upright.

(18) FIG. 17 is a side view of a vertical upright with details of the top portion of the upright.

(19) FIG. 18 is a side view of a hanger.

(20) FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a hanger.

(21) FIG. 20 is a top view of a hanger.

(22) FIG. 21 is a close up view of one embodiment.

(23) FIG. 22 shows the dimension of another embodiment.

(24) FIG. 23 is a close up view of one embodiment.

(25) FIG. 24 shows another embodiment where a leveler is sold together as part of the product as a novel way of installation and a novel way of marketing such products. It also shows a novel rail where length scale is provided thereon to facilitate installation. A user may easily determine where to fasten the next screw onto the wall by when a first stud was detected. In this way, a user simply looks at the length scale (and based on his/her knowledge of the standard distance between studs) and know where to fasten the next screw to hit the stud.

(26) FIG. 25 shows a hanger having at least one tab structure(s) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(27) FIG. 26 shows a hanger having slotted attachment structure(s) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(28) FIG. 27 shows a hanger having rectangular attachment structure(s) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(29) FIG. 28 shows a method for assembling a wall mounted unit for attaching a hanging item according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(30) The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are presented as illustrated examples of the invention. It is expressly understood that the invention may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below.

(31) The present invention is directed to an organizer system that is adjustable and reconfigurable either before, during, or after installation. The organizer system and its many variations disclosed herein provide a storage solution that is highly versatile and that can be individually customized for virtually any consumers storage needs. The disclosed organizer basic system provides shelving for storage. However, the system can also accommodate clothes hanging. The shelf and optional clothes hanging rod structures can be arranged in a vast array of different configurations.

(32) To add further versatility, the disclosed organizer also can accommodate myriad storage accessories such as storage baskets, shoe storage shelves, shoe racks, and other storage accessories mountable to the basic system. The accessories can be mounted easily and directly to the basic system. The accessories can also be arranged in a wide variety of configurations as desired.

(33) The organizer system and features disclosed herein solve many known problems with existing storage systems in units. The disclosed organizer system can be arranged to accommodate virtually any storage need, to fit in virtually any storage space that is at least large enough to install the minimum basic components, and can be customized utilizing the disclosed or other accessories to store virtually any item. The organizer system disclosed herein can be utilized in closets where it would be particularly well suited. However, the storage system can be mounted in virtually any space that can be used for storage, such as a shed, a laundry room, a basement corner, a garage, or the like.

(34) Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 generally illustrates a storage unit or organizer system 100 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The organizer system 100 generally has a number of basic components including a horizontal top rail assembly 104. The system 100 also has a plurality of vertical uprights 103 mounted to and suspended from the top rail assembly 104. Two or more of the uprights can be mounted laterally spaced apart and extending downward from the top rail assembly 104. The uprights are adapted to support the various components of the system and can be adapted to extend over a variety of vertical heights or lengths as explained below. The disclosed organizer system 100 also includes a plurality of shelf mounting brackets 101 mounted to the uprights at desired locations. The system can also comprise a plurality of shelves supportable by the mounting brackets 101. The shelves may provide for width adjustment from a minimum width of a single shelf to virtually any width desired utilizing two or more shelf components also as discussed below.

(35) In addition to the basic system components noted above, the disclosed organizer system 100 also can include a plurality of optional accessories. The basic system can be adapted for mounting one or more optional clothes hanging rods, e.g., connected to hanging elements 102. The system can be further adapted to accommodate one or more additional optional accessories such as storage baskets, shoe racks, shoe shelves, vertically oriented side sliders, or the like. Though not disclosed or described herein, any number of other accessories can be provided for use with and mounting directly on the basic system or indirectly via another optional accessory. Further, though the shelves are described as basic system components, the system can also be configured using only one or more storage accessories mounted to the uprights with no shelves installed.

(36) As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the top rail assembly 104 is formed, in this example, having a substantially rigid support rail segments 104 constructed for mounting to a wall or other mounting surface. The top rail assembly 104 can include a plurality of decorative covers that attach to the support rail segments.

(37) As shown in FIG. 4, each support rail segment has a mounting section that is generally planar and extends the length of the support rail and defines its bottom edge and part of the rail height. The rail segments are adapted to mount the top rail assembly 32 to a mounting surface. The mounting section of each segment has a plurality of apertures which in this example are spaced apart over the length of each rail segment. Fasteners of any type can be used to mount the rail segments to a mounting surface. The invention is not to be limited to any particular type of mounting used for the rail segments.

(38) The top rail can be length adjustable by placing two adjacent rail segments in an overlapping relationship. Depending upon the amount of overlap of the tow two segments, their combined length can be selected. Adding additional segments permits creating a longer top rail. Any top rail length, from one segment length or longer, can be achieved as desired.

(39) FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a shelf mounting bracket 101. Each bracket 101 has a generally triangular configuration in side profile with a rear end and a forward end. The rear end is taller than the forward end to form a buttress-like shelf supporting structure. As shown in FIG. 5, the bracket 101 in the disclosed example has a generally tall and thin U-shaped configuration with an open bottom and a closed top. Pair of spaced apart sides of the bracket is connected along an integral top surface. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1, downwardly extending hook extended from each bracket.

(40) FIG. 6 shows a hanger element directly, or by connection via a further structure, such as a flange. The hanger element may be in many terms, and may be constructed of a variety of materials. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the hanger element 102 includes an S-shaped bent wire (or rod), with a proximal portion connected to the central portion in a pivotal manner by the flange. The hanger element 102 can be constructed of any suitable material, such as a metal or a rigid plastic.

(41) In one aspect, as referenced in FIG. 6, a hanger element 102 is disclosed for one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, e.g., as shown in FIG. 5, receive a hanging item 105, as shown in FIG. 6.

(42) A hanging item 105 may include a clothes hanging rod structure, bar, rod or the like, storage basket, storage accessory, shoe storage shelf, shoe rack, other storage accessories, and a variety of other items, e.g., tools, clothing hangers, garments, hangable goods, or the like, mountable thereto.

(43) For example, the hanger element 102 includes a load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 attached to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, as shown in FIG. 5, and a trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 extended from the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108.

(44) In some embodiments, a curved upward tip 112 extends from the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 that abuts the received hanging item 105.

(45) In some embodiments, at least one tab 114 about outer surface 116 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

(46) For example, the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106 are notch shaped cutouts 106, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, that mate with at least one tab 114 about an outer surface 116, 118 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108. For example, the notched cutouts 106 are made to mate with, for instance, at least one tab 114, and in some embodiments, the notched cutouts 106 both removably mate and lock with the at least one tab 114. In some embodiments, the notched shaped cutouts 106 are shaped in a shaped slotted configuration, e.g., t-shaped, v-shaped, s-shaped, x-shaped, or slit-shaped, so as to slide onto, push into, and/or slide, push, and lock into a mating feature, e.g., at least one tab 114, on an outer 116, 118, or inner surface 121, 122 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108.

(47) In some embodiments, at least two tabs 114 about opposing sides of outer surfaces 116, 118 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

(48) In some embodiments, at least two tabs 114 about opposing sides of inner surfaces 121, 122 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

(49) In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 25, at least one tab 114, i.e., same as at least one tab 114 as discussed herein, for example, as referenced in FIG. 19, about opposing sides of at least one of inner 121, 122 or outer surfaces 116, 118 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

(50) In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 26, at least one slot 132, e.g., hole, groove, opening, or the like, about opposing sides of at least one of inner 121, 122 or outer surfaces 116, 118 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

(51) In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 27, at least one attachment structure 114, e.g., tab (see FIG. 6), rivot, bolt, protruding structure, mating structure, or the like, about one or more opposing sides of at least one of inner 121, 122 or outer surfaces 116, 118 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

(52) In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 18, a substantially greater than 90 degree arc shape 134 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 proximal to a receiving portion of the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

(53) In some embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 18, a substantially greater than 100 degree arc shape 134 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 proximal to a receiving portion of the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In one example, the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 has a width 136 greater than approximately 2 times wider than a rim width 138 of a flange 140 about the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110.

(54) In some embodiments, such as illustrated in FIG. 18, a substantially greater than 100 degree arc shape 134 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 proximal to a receiving portion of the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5. In one example, the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 has a width 136 between an approximate range of 2 times to 4 times wider than a rim width 138 of a flange 140 about the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 and that of the curved upward tip 112.

(55) In some embodiments, a u-shaped curved, concave shaped hook section extended between the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 and the curved upward tip 112.

(56) In some embodiments, a load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 includes a load bearing, concave shaped rim having one or more spaced-apart tabs 114 about its outer surfaces 116, 118 or its inner surfaces 121, 122 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106, e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5.

(57) In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 18, a load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 includes a load bearing, concave shaped rim having one or more spaced-apart tabs 114 about its outer surfaces 116, 118 or its inner surfaces 121, 122 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106. In one example, the load bearing, concave shaped rim 136 is between an approximate range of 2 times to 6 times wider than a rim width 138 of a flange 140 about the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 and that of the curved upward tip 112.

(58) In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 18, a load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 including a load bearing, concave shaped rim 136. In one example, the load bearing, concave shaped rim 136 is between an approximate range of 2 times to 6 times wider than a rim width 138 of a flange 140 about the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 and that of the curved upward tip 112.

(59) In another aspect, a hanger element 102 for an adapter bracket 101 for connecting a hanging item 105 to a wall mounted unit 100. The hanger element 102 includes a load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the adapter bracket 101 and a trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 extended from the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108.

(60) In some embodiments, a curved upward tip 112 extended from the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 that abuts the hanging item 105.

(61) In some embodiments, the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 includes a load bearing, concave shaped rim 136 having one or more spaced-apart tabs 114 about its outer surfaces 116, 118 or its inner surfaces 121, 122 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106.

(62) In some embodiments, a load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 includes a load bearing, concave shaped rim 136. In one example, the load bearing, concave shaped rim 136 is between an approximate range of 2 times to 6 times wider than a rim width 138 of a flange 140 about the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 and that of the curved upward tip 112.

(63) In some embodiments, a substantially greater than 100 degree arc shape 132 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 proximal to a receiving portion of the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106. In one example, the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 has a rim width 136 greater than approximately 2 times wider than a rim width 138 of a flange 140 about the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110.

(64) Referring now to FIG. 28, a method 2800 is disclosed for assembling a wall mounted unit for attaching a hanging item 114 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(65) In method 2800, the method includes the steps:

(66) connecting one or more first hang rails 103 in a horizontally or a vertically disposed position to a wall structure 100 (step 2802);

(67) attaching one or more receiving bracket apertures 106 of one or more receiving brackets 101 to the one or more first hang rails 103 (step 2804); and

(68) attaching a load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 to the one or more receiving apertures 106 of the one or more receiving brackets 101 above a trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 extending from the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 (step 2806)

(69) In some embodiments, the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 includes a load bearing, concave shaped rim 136 is between an approximate range of 2 times to 6 times wider than a rim width 138 of a flange 140 about the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 and that of a curved upward tip 112 extended from the trailing concave shaped, curved hanging structure 110 that abuts the hanging item 105 (step 2808).

(70) In some embodiments, the aching the load bearing, concaved shaped flange 108 includes at least one of:

(71) attaching at least one slot about opposing sides of at least one of inner 121, 122 or outer surfaces 116, 118 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106 of the one or more receiving brackets 101 (step 2810); and

(72) attaching at least one attachment structure about one or more opposing sides of at least one of inner 121, 122 or outer surfaces 116, 118 of the load bearing, concave shaped flange 108 that attaches to the one or more receiving bracket apertures 106 of the one or more receiving brackets 101 (step 2812).

(73) It should be noted that step(s) 2808-2812 is/are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method 2800 are illustrated using dotted lines in FIG. 28 so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method 2800.

(74) It should be noted as herein described in the method, the steps and/or method of contemplated use can be carried out in many different ways, procedures, and the like according to, for example, one or more user preference(s). [S]tep of should not be interpreted as step for, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112 116.

(75) Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as user requirements or wishes, design considerations, marketing preferences, cost(s), structural requirement(s), available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, orders within above-mentioned list that are different, eliminated and/or additional steps, including or eliminating, for example, procedure, process, and/or maintenance step(s), etc., may be sufficient.

(76) Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that they should not be taken as limiting the invention.

(77) The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself.

(78) The definitions of the words or elements therefore include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a certain combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

(79) Thus, specific embodiments and applications of storage systems for conveniently supporting and/or storing objects that employ at least one vertical rail and/or at least one horizontal track for supporting shelving brackets and/or other components have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. Moreover, in interpreting the specification, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms comprises and comprising should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Insubstantial changes from the subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as an equivalent. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.