Shelving support bracket assembly

Abstract

A shelving system includes a support post having a mounting surface and a plurality of vertically spaced retention members extending from the mounting surface. A shelf includes a bracket member configured for coupling to a first of the vertically spaced retention members. A support bracket includes an attachment portion configured for coupling to a second of the vertically spaced retention members adjacent the first vertically spaced retention member and a support portion configured for coupling to the bracket member.

Claims

1. A support bracket assembly for a shelving system having a support post with a mounting portion including a first surface and a second surface opposed to and facing away from the first surface, a third surface that defines a plane and extends between and orthogonal to the first and second surfaces, a plurality of support pins fixed to the support post and extending outwardly from the first and second surfaces, a first transition surface extending between the first surface and the third surface of the support post, and a second transition surface extending between the second surface and the third surface of the support post, the support bracket assembly configured to be removably coupled to the support post and comprising: first and second attachment flanges each formed as a planar portion, each planar portion configured to attach to one of the first surface or the second surface of the support post, wherein each planar portion is configured such that in an assembled state of the shelving system the planar portions are positioned parallel to one another and each planar portion is positioned adjacent to and extends along one of the first surface or the second surface of the support post toward a shelf coupled to the support post, wherein each planar portion includes an aperture configured to releasably engage any one of the plurality of support pins, the aperture in the second attachment flange formed as a slot with an open end; a first transition portion extending from the first attachment flange and a second transition portion extending from the second attachment flange, wherein each transition portion is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the first transition portion extends across one of the first or second transition surfaces of the support post and the second transition portion extends across one of the first or second transition surfaces of the support post; and a first support portion coupled to the first transition portion and a second support portion coupled to the second transition portion such that in the assembled state of the shelving system each of the support portions extends in a longitudinal direction that is orthogonal to the plane defined by the third surface of the support post, wherein the first support portion includes a recess region and is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the recess region is disposed above the slot with the open end and receives and supports a portion of the shelf to inhibit movement of the shelf in a direction orthogonal to the plane defined by the third surface of the support post, and wherein the planar portions are each configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the planar portions cooperate to transmit a loading force from the shelf to the support post.

2. The support bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first support portion of the support bracket assembly is configured to engage and support a bottom portion of the shelf.

3. The support bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first support portion and the recess region are formed from a single piece of material.

4. The support bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first transition portion and the first support portion are formed from a single piece of material.

5. The support bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second attachment flanges are each configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the planar portions of both the first and second attachment flanges of the support bracket assembly are both attached to only the first surface or second surface of the support post.

6. The support bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the recess region is positioned relative to the first support portion such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the recess region supports a bottom of the shelf above the slot with the open end.

7. The support bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the recess region is positioned relative to the first support portion such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the recess region supports a bottom of the shelf above a bottom of one of the attachment flanges.

8. The support bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the planar portion of the first attachment flange and the planar portion of the second attachment flange are separable from each other.

9. The support bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the second attachment portion includes two apertures that are each configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system one aperture of the two apertures opens in a first direction away from the shelf coupled to the support post and the other aperture of the two apertures opens in a second direction different than the first direction.

10. The support bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the recess region is separable from one of the planar portions.

11. The support bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the support bracket assembly is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the support bracket assembly supports the shelf such that a top side of the shelf does not extend above a top side of the second support portion.

12. The support bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first support portion is configured such that upon receiving the portion of the shelf by the recess region, the recess region is constrained from movement toward the plane.

13. The support bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein the first support portion is configured such that upon receiving the portion of the shelf by the recess region, the recess region constrains movement of the shelf away from the plane.

14. The support bracket assembly of claim 1, wherein each planar portion is configured such that in an assembled state of the shelving system the planar portions are positioned parallel to one another and each planar portion is in contact with the one of the first surface or the second surface of the support post, and wherein the first support portion is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the shelf does not extend beyond a top side of the second support portion.

15. A shelving system comprising: first and second support posts, each support post defining a mounting portion comprising a first surface and a second surface opposed to and facing away from the first surface, each of the first and second surfaces of each support post presenting a plurality of retention members formed as support pins that are fixed to and extend laterally away from the first and second surfaces, and each support post including a third surface extending between and orthogonal to the first and second surfaces, wherein the third surface of the support post defines a plane; a shelf; and a pair of support bracket assemblies, wherein each support bracket assembly of the pair of support bracket assemblies is configured such that in an assembled state of the shelving system one support bracket assembly is coupled to the first support post to support one side of the shelf and the other support bracket assembly is coupled to the second support post to support an opposite side of the shelf, and wherein each support bracket assembly of the pair of support bracket assemblies comprises first and second attachment flanges, wherein each attachment flange of the support bracket assembly is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the first and second attachment flanges are positioned parallel to one another and each of the first and second attachment flanges is removably coupled to a same support post of the first and second support posts, wherein each of the first and second attachment flanges is formed as a planar portion, wherein each planar portion is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system each planar portion is positioned adjacent to and extends along one of the first or second surfaces of the same support post, wherein each of the planar portions includes an aperture configured to releasably engage any one of the plurality of retention members, the aperture in the second attachment flange formed as a slot with an open end, a first transition portion extending from the first attachment flange and a second transition portion extending from the second attachment flange, and a first support portion coupled to the first transition portion and a second support portion coupled to the second transition portion such that in the assembled state of the shelving system each support portion extends in a longitudinal direction orthogonal to the plane defined by the third surface of the same support post, wherein the first support portion includes a recess region and is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the recess region supports a bottom side of the shelf above a bottom side of one of the first and second attachment flanges and above the slot with the open end, and wherein the recess region is positioned relative to the first support portion such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the recess region receives a portion of the shelf and inhibits movement of the shelf in a direction orthogonal to the plane defined by the third surface of the same support post, and wherein the planar portions are each configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the planar portions cooperate to transmit a loading force from the shelf to the same support post.

16. The shelving system of claim 15, wherein each support bracket assembly is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the planar portions of both the first and second attachment flanges of each support bracket assembly of the pair of support bracket assemblies are both attached to only the first surface or second surface of the same support post.

17. The shelving system of claim 15, wherein the first support portion and the recess region are formed from a single piece of material.

18. The shelving system of claim 15, wherein the recess region is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the recess region receives and supports a bottom portion of the shelf.

19. The shelving system of claim 15, wherein the planar portion of the first attachment flange and the planar portion of the second attachment flange are separable from each other.

20. The shelving system of claim 15, wherein the second attachment flange includes two apertures that are each configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system one aperture of the two apertures opens in a first direction away from the shelf and the other aperture of the two apertures opens in a second direction different than the first direction.

21. The shelving system of claim 15, wherein the recess region is separable from one of the planar portions.

22. The shelving system of claim 15, wherein the first attachment flange and the second attachment flange are each configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the first attachment flange and the second attachment flange are in contact.

23. The shelving system of claim 15, wherein the first support portion is configured such that upon receiving the portion of the shelf by the recess region, the recess region is constrained from movement toward the plane.

24. The shelving system of claim 15, wherein the first support portion is configured such that upon receiving the portion of the shelf by the recess region, the recess region constrains movement of the shelf away from the plane.

25. The shelving system of claim 15, wherein each planar portion is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system each planar portion is in contact with the one of the first or second surfaces of the same support post, and wherein the first support portion is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the shelf does not extend beyond a top side of the second support portion.

26. A shelving system comprising: first and second support posts, each support post defining a mounting portion comprising a first surface and a second surface opposed to and facing away from the first surface, each of the first and second surfaces of each support post presenting a plurality of retention members formed as support pins that are fixed to and extend away from the first and second surfaces, and each support post including a third surface extending between and orthogonal to the first and second surfaces, wherein the third surface of the support post defines a plane; and a pair of support bracket assemblies, each support bracket assembly of the pair of support bracket assemblies is configured such that in an assembled state of the shelving system one support bracket assembly of the pair of support bracket assemblies is coupled to the first support post to support one side of a shelf and the other support bracket assembly of the pair of support bracket assemblies is coupled to the second support post to support an opposite side of the shelf, and wherein each support bracket assembly of the pair of support bracket assemblies comprises first and second attachment flanges, wherein each attachment flange of the support bracket assembly is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the first and second attachment flanges are positioned parallel to one another and each of the first and second attachment flanges is removably coupled to a same support post of the first and second support posts, wherein each of the first and second attachment flanges is formed as a planar portion, wherein each planar portion is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system each planar portion is positioned adjacent to and extends along one of the first surface or the second surface of the same support post, wherein each planar portion includes an aperture for releasable attachment with any one of the plurality of retention members of the same support post, the aperture in the second attachment flange formed as a slot with an open end, a first transition portion extending from the first attachment flange and a second transition portion extending from the second attachment flange, and a first support portion coupled to the first transition portion and a second support portion coupled to the second transition portion such that in the assembled state of the shelving system each support portion extends in a longitudinal direction orthogonal to the plane defined by the third surface of the same support post wherein the first support portion includes a support member to engage a portion of the shelf and is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the support member is disposed above the slot with the open end and inhibits movement of the shelf in a direction orthogonal to the plane defined by the third surface of the same support post, and wherein the planar portions are configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the planar portions cooperate to transmit a loading force from the shelf to the same support post.

27. The shelving system of claim 26, wherein each support bracket assembly of the pair of support bracket assemblies is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the planar portions of both the first and second attachment flanges of each support bracket assembly of the pair of support bracket assemblies are both attached to only the first surface or second surface of the same support post.

28. The shelving system of claim 26, wherein the planar portion of the first attachment flange and the planar portion of the second attachment flange are separable from each other.

29. The shelving system of claim 26, wherein the support member comprises a recess region and the support member is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the recess region receives a portion of one side of the shelf.

30. The shelving system of claim 29, wherein the support member is configured such that upon receiving the portion of the one side of the shelf by the recess region, the recess region is constrained from movement toward the plane.

31. The shelving system of claim 29, wherein the support member is configured such that upon receiving the portion of the one side of the shelf by the recess region, the recess region constrains movement of the shelf away from the plane.

32. The shelving system of claim 26, wherein the first attachment flange and the second attachment flange are each configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the first attachment flange and the second attachment flange are in contact.

33. The shelving system of claim 26, wherein the support member is separable from one of the planar portions.

34. The shelving system of claim 26, wherein each planar portion is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system each planar portion is in contact with the one of the first surface or the second surface of the same support post, and wherein the first support portion is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the shelf does not extend beyond a top side of the second support portion.

35. A shelving system comprising: first and second support posts, each support post defining a mounting portion comprising a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface, the mounting portion of each support post presenting a plurality of retention members formed as support pins that are fixed to and extend laterally away from the first and second surfaces, and each support post including a third surface extending between and orthogonal to the first and second surfaces, wherein the third surface of each support post defines a plane; a shelf; and a pair of support bracket assemblies, wherein each support bracket assembly of the pair of support bracket assemblies is configured such that in an assembled state of the shelving system one support bracket assembly of the pair of support bracket assemblies is coupled to the first support post to support one side of the shelf and the other support bracket assembly of the pair of support bracket assemblies is coupled to the second post to support an opposite side of the shelf, and wherein each support bracket assembly of the pair of support bracket assemblies comprises first and second attachment flanges, wherein each attachment flange is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the first and second attachment flanges are positioned parallel to one another and each of the first and second attachment flanges is removably coupled to a same support post of the first and second support posts, wherein each of the first and second attachment flanges is formed as a planar portion, wherein each planar portion is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system each planar portion is positioned adjacent to and extends along one of the first or second surfaces of the same support post, wherein each planar portion includes an aperture configured for releasable attachment with any one of the plurality of retention members of the same support post, the aperture in the second attachment flange formed as a slot with an open end, a first transition portion extending from the first attachment flange and a second transition portion extending from the second attachment flange, and a first support portion coupled to the first transition portion and a second support portion coupled to the second transition portion such that in the assembled state of the shelving system each support portion extends in a longitudinal direction orthogonal to the plane defined by the third surface of the same support post, wherein the first support portion includes a recess region that is separable from one of the planar portions, wherein the recess region is positioned relative to the support portion such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the recess region is positioned above the slot with the open end and receives a bottom portion of the shelf and inhibits movement of the shelf in a direction orthogonal to the plane defined by the third surface of the same support post, wherein the first support portion is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the shelf does not extend beyond a top side of the second support portion, and wherein the planar portions are each configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the planar portions cooperate to transmit a loading force from the shelf to the same support post.

36. The shelving system of claim 35, wherein the planar portion of the first attachment flange and the planar portion of the second attachment flange are separable from each other.

37. The shelving system of claim 35, wherein the second attachment flange includes two apertures and each aperture is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system one aperture of the two apertures opens in a first direction away from the shelf and the other aperture of the two apertures opens in a second direction different than the first direction.

38. The shelving system of claim 35, wherein the first and second attachment flanges are each configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the planar portions of both the first and second attachment flanges of each support bracket assembly of the pair of support bracket assemblies are both attached to only the first surface or second surface of the same support post of the first and second support posts.

39. The shelving system of claim 35, wherein the first attachment flange and the second attachment flange are each configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system the first attachment flange and the second attachment flange are in contact.

40. The shelving system of claim 35, wherein the first support portion is configured such that upon receiving the bottom portion of the shelf by the recess region, the recess region is constrained from movement toward the plane.

41. The shelving system of claim 35, wherein the first support portion is configured such that upon receiving the bottom portion of the shelf by the recess region, the recess region constrains movement of the shelf away from the plane.

42. The shelving system of claim 35, wherein each planar portion is configured such that in the assembled state of the shelving system each planar portion is in contact with the one of the first or second surfaces of the same support post.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shelving system including a support bracket.

(2) FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the shelving system showing the bracket identified in FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 is another partial perspective view of the shelving system showing the bracket identified in FIG. 1.

(4) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the support bracket of FIG. 2.

(5) FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the support bracket of FIG. 2.

(6) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another support bracket for use with the shelving system of FIG. 1.

(7) FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the support bracket of FIG. 6.

(8) FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the shelving system of FIG. 1, showing a lock member of the support bracket in a locked position.

(9) FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the shelving system of FIG. 1, showing the lock member of the support bracket in an unlocked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

(11) FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary shelving system 10 including one or more support brackets 20. The shelving system 10 is referenced herein with respect to a proximal end 12, a distal end 14, a left side 16, and a right side 18, the left and right sides 16, 18 referenced when viewed in the distal direction. The shelving system 10 includes a pair of vertical support posts 22 (i.e., left and right support posts 22) erected with respect to a ground or other support surface. Each post 22 defines a proximal side 26, a distal side 30, a left side 34, and a right side 38, and includes a plurality of vertically spaced retention members 42 in the form of support pins extending therethrough and protruding laterally from the left and right sides 34, 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the support pins 42 are spaced a distance of between about one inch and about four inches along the length of each post 22. In other embodiments, the support pins 42 can be spaced equally or unequally from each other. Each pin 42 is preferably press-fit in place but can be secured in any suitable manner generally known to those of skill in the art, e.g., welding, etc. In additional embodiments, the retention members can be in the form of hooks, ledges, or other shaped protrusions and forms affixed or otherwise coupled to each post 22.

(12) A bottom shelf 46 nearest the ground or other support surface extends from the proximal side 26 of the posts 22 and includes a pair of support legs 50 at or near an end 52 that contacts the ground or other support surface to provide stability for the shelving system 10.

(13) With continued reference to FIG. 1, the shelving system 10 includes one or more shelves 54 configured for coupling to the support posts 22. Each shelf 54 is mounted to the posts 22 by way of the support pins 42 and includes lateral brackets 58 with a plurality of support members 62 in the form of cross-braces extending therebetween to provide a generally planar support surface 66 for the shelf 54. Each of the support members 62 includes a proximal side 74 substantially perpendicular to the planar support surface 66, a top side 78 adjacent the planar support surface 66, a bottom side 82 opposite the top side 78, and a distal side 86 opposite the proximal side 74. As such, the illustrated support members 62 have a generally rectangular cross-section. However, other embodiments of a shelf 54 can include support members 62 having any other regularly or irregularly shaped cross-section, while still maintaining generally designated sides. For example, a support member having a circular cross-section (not shown) is oriented by definition to include top, bottom, front, and rear sides despite not having distinct surfaces separated by corners. In yet other embodiments, the lateral brackets 58 can be connected by a frame, sheet, series of bars or poles, mesh, screen, grate, or other form of support member extending between the lateral brackets 58 for purposes of supporting weight, through either direct contact or optionally through a separate supporting surface cover or platform upon which to store and/or display articles.

(14) Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the lateral brackets 58 includes a flange member 92 having a first side 94 opposite the support post 22 when coupled thereto, a second side 96 adjacent the support post 22, and a top side 98 extending between the first side 94 and the second side 96. The flange member 92 also includes a bearing surface 100 adjacent and generally parallel to the proximal side 26 of the support post 22. Contact between the bearing surface 100 and the proximal side 26 prevents rotation of the shelf 54 on the post 22 due to the weight of the shelf 54 and additional loading placed upon the support members 62. As shown in FIG. 3, the proximal side 26 of the post 22 defines a plane such that a longitudinal direction A is orthogonal to the plane.

(15) In the illustrated embodiment, the flange members 92 include a plurality of distally-extending fingers 102 or hooks that curve downward to form recesses 106. The recesses 106 each receive and removably secure a pin 42 to mount the shelf 54 to the post 22, preventing translational and rotational movement of the shelf due to loading forces. The fingers 102 or hooks can be equally or unequally spaced but are positioned to correspond to the support pins 42.

(16) The support bracket 20, to be hereinafter described with reference to FIGS. 2-5, 8, and 9, is configured as a left-side bracket for coupling generally to the left side 16 of the shelving system 10. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another support bracket 20 configured as a right-side support bracket for coupling generally to the right side of the shelving system 10. In other embodiments, the support brackets 20, 20 can be incorporated into the shelving system individually (e.g., for a shelving system having a single support post). The support bracket 20 of FIGS. 6 and 7 is a mirror image of the support bracket 20. As such, the support bracket 20 will not be described in detail herein, and like features of the support brackets 20 and 20 have been given like reference numerals. Although the support bracket 20 is described with respect to the shelving system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, it should be understood that various embodiments of the support bracket 20 can be used with other types of shelving systems.

(17) The support bracket 20 includes an attachment portion 110 and a support portion 114 continuously extending from the attachment portion 110. The attachment portion 110 includes a first side 118, a second side 122 opposite the first side 118, and an aperture 126 extending from the first side 118 to the second side 122. The aperture 126 is configured to receive a pin 42 projecting from the post 22 to couple the attachment portion 110 to the post 22. In other embodiments, the attachment portion 110 can be sized to include two or more apertures 126 to receive two or more pins 42 of the post 22. Alternative engagement features for coupling the attachment portion 110 with the post 22 or with posts of other shelving systems are within the scope of the present invention.

(18) In the illustrated embodiment, the support bracket 20 is positioned on the post 22 with the second side 122 of the attachment portion 110 generally parallel and adjacent to the post 22, specifically the right side 38 of the post 22 (or the left side 34 for a support bracket 20). The attachment portion 110 is positioned vertically adjacent the flange member 92 of a lateral bracket 58, and the aperture 126 of the attachment portion 110 receives the pin 42a adjacent the pin 42b engaged with the fingers 102 on the flange member 92, as illustrated in FIG. 2. As such, a portion of the support bracket 20 is positioned directly above the shelf 54. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment portion 110 abuts the top side 98 of the flange member 92, but in other embodiments, the attachment portion 110 can be spaced from the top side 98 of the flange member 92 and need not receive the pin adjacent the pin 42b (e.g., dependent on the spacing of the pins 42, the position of the aperture 126, or the shape of the attachment portion 110). In yet other embodiments, by varying the connection of the attachment portion 110 to the support portion 114, the support bracket 20 can be coupled to the post 22 such that the second side 122 of the attachment portion 110 is positioned laterally adjacent the flange member 92. In such an embodiment, the attachment portion 110 and the flange member 92 can be coupled to the same pin(s) 42.

(19) Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the support portion 114 includes a first side 130 substantially parallel with the first side 118 of the attachment portion 110, and a second side 134 opposite the first side 130. A curved transition region 138 offsets the attachment portion 110 from the support portion 114. In other embodiments, the first and second sides 130, 134 of the support portion 114 can be generally coplanar with the first and second sides 118, 122 of the attachment portion 110. The support portion 114 further includes a generally C-shaped region 142 extending downward from the support portion (relative to the orientation of FIGS. 4 and 5). The C-shaped region 142 forms a recess 146 having an opening 150 oriented toward the attachment portion 110. The recess 146 is further defined by an upper wall 154, a lower wall 158, and an intermediate wall 162 extending between the upper wall 154 and the lower wall 158. The walls 154, 158, and 162 are configured to engage the distal support member 62a of the shelf 54 (when mounted to the post 22). Accordingly, in other embodiments, the recess 146 can have other shapes and/or orientations suitable to engage with the support member 62a or other shaped or sized member extending between lateral brackets 58 and supporting or otherwise forming the support surface cover or platform 66 upon which to store and/or display articles. For example, in some embodiments, the recess 146 can include a single curved wall to engage with a support member having a circular cross-section. In other embodiments with alternative mounting of the attachment portion 110, the C-shaped region 142 can extend upward from the support portion 114 to engage the support member 62a.

(20) With reference to FIG. 3, the recess 146 of the support portion 114 is disposed about a portion of the distal support member 62a of the shelf 54 to engage and secure or otherwise support the support member 62a when the support bracket 20 is installed on the post 22. The upper wall 154 is positioned adjacent the top side 78 of the distal support member 62a, the intermediate wall 162 is positioned adjacent the proximal side 74 of the distal support member 62a, and the lower wall 158 is positioned adjacent the bottom side 82 of the distal support member 62a, i.e., the support portion 114 is disposed substantially about the support member 62a. At least one of the sides (e.g., the bottom side 82 and/or the proximal side 74) of the distal support member 62a contacts or bears against the adjacent wall (i.e., the lower 158 and/or intermediate wall 162) to transmit loading from the lateral bracket 58 through the distal support member 62a to the support bracket 20. The support bracket 20 then transmits this loading to the support post 22. Accordingly, the support bracket 20 reduces the stresses experienced by the lateral bracket 58 and strengthens the shelving system 10.

(21) The support brackets 20, 20 are preferably formed from a single piece of metal, for example, by a stamping or cutting process.

(22) Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 8, and 9, the support bracket 20 includes a lock member 166 slidable relative to the support bracket 20 between an unlocked position (FIG. 9) in which the lock member 166 permits movement of the support bracket 20 relative to the flange member 92 and a locked position (FIG. 8) in which the lock member 166 inhibits movement of the support bracket 20 relative to the flange member 92. The lock member 166 includes a first leg 170 adjacent the first side 118 of the attachment portion 110 and a second leg 174 adjacent the second side 122 of the attachment portion 110. The first leg 170 includes a slot 178 extending therethrough, which receives a laterally extending projection 182 of the attachment portion 110 to couple the lock member 166 to the attachment portion 110. The slot 178 is slidable along the projection 182 as the lock member 166 moves between the locked position and the unlocked position. The lock member 166 also includes a connecting portion 186 extending between the first and second legs 170, 174, and an upper surface 190 extending generally perpendicular to the legs 170, 174 to facilitate positioning of the lock member 166. In the illustrated embodiment, the lock member 166 is integrally formed from a single piece of metal. For example, the second leg 174 can be stamped or cut from the first leg 170 to thereby define the slot 178, then bent to laterally offset the second leg 174 from the first leg 170, forming the connecting portion 186. In other embodiments, the lock member 166 can be formed from multiple pieces and/or through any suitable process.

(23) With reference to FIG. 8, in the locked position, the connecting portion 186 of the lock member 166 abuts a top side 194 of the attachment portion 110 to provide an indication that the lock member 166 is fully engaged in the locked position. In the locked position of FIG. 8, the first leg 170 of the lock member 166 spans across both the first side 118 of the attachment portion 110 and the first side 94 of the flange member 92. Similarly, the second leg 174 of the lock member 166 spans across the second side of the attachment portion and the second side 96 of the flange member 92, disposed in the space defined between the surface 122 of bracket 20 and surface 96 of flange member 92, on the one hand, and the surface 38 of support post 22, on the other hand. As such, the attachment portion 110 and the flange member 92 are captured between the first and second legs 170, 174 of the lock member 166 and held in alignment. This prevents lateral movement of the support bracket 20 relative to the flange member 92 and keeps the bracket 20 in its optimal position for providing support to the shelf 54.

(24) The support brackets 20 and 20 thereby assist in mitigating the mechanical stresses developed in the lateral brackets 58 due to shelf loading, such as impact loading, by providing a countering force to such loading. The support bracket can be readily installed without the need for any tools or external devices to new or existing shelving systems having a variety of different configurations, shelf depths, and lengths.

(25) Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.