Storage enclosure and method of reconfiguring a storage enclosure

Abstract

The storage enclosure includes a first support member spaced apart from a second support member. The first support member includes a first rotating shelf support and the second support member includes a second rotating shelf support. A third support member is spaced apart from a fourth support member. The third support member includes a first fixed shelf support and a second fixed shelf support and the fourth support member includes a third fixed shelf support and a fourth fixed shelf support. A shelf includes a first end and a second end connected to the first rotating shelf support and the second rotating shelf support. The shelf is positionable in a first configuration and a second configuration.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of storage enclosures, and more specifically, to an adjustable and stowable storage shelf for a storage enclosure. BACKGROUND

[0002] Storage enclosures are provided to support items for a variety of purposes. For example, storage enclosures can support items awaiting shipment, items provided for sale, and / or items awaiting pickup, as well as items in transit from one point to another. The number of uses of a storage enclosure is virtually limitless. A typical storage enclosure includes one or more shelves for supporting items. The shelves are often vertically height adjustable in order to accommodate a wide range of item sizes.

[0003] In many cases, storage enclosures are configured to support large quantities of items and / or heavy items. In order to accommodate taller objects, the shelves sometimes need to be adjusted or removed. That is, the removed shelves must be stored for later reinstallation into the storage enclosure. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a storage enclosure having shelves that can be easily vertically height adjusted and / or removed without the need for storage. SUMMARY

[0004] In a non-limiting example, a storage enclosure includes a first pair of vertical supports including a first support member spaced apart from a second support member along a horizontal axis. The first support member includes a first rotating shelf support and the second support member includes a second rotating shelf support. A second pair of vertical supports includes a third support member spaced apart from a fourth support member along the horizontal axis. The third support member includes a first fixed shelf support and a second fixed shelf support and the fourth support member includes a third fixed shelf support and a fourth fixed shelf support. A shelf is selectively supported between the first pair of vertical supports and the second pair of vertical supports. The shelf includes a first end connected to the first rotating shelf support and the second rotating shelf support and a second end opposite the first end, the shelf positionable in a first configuration in which the second end is supported at the first fixed shelf support and the third fixed shelf support and a second configuration in which the first end of the shelf is rotated in a first direction relative to the first pair of vertical supports and the second end of the shelf is supported by the second fixed shelf support and the fourth fixed shelf support.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the shelf can be selectively positioned in a third configuration in which the second end is not supported.

[0006] Each of the first and second support members includes a first stop member and a second stop member, wherein each of the first and second rotary shelf supports is located between the first and second stop members on each of the first and second support members.

[0007] Each of the first and second rotary shelf supports includes a hinge pin having an axis of rotation defined between the first and second stop members.

[0008] The shelf includes a first side extending between the first and second ends and a second side opposite the first side extending between the first and second ends, the shelf including a first bar element disposed at the second end, the first bar element including a first end and a second end, each of the first and second ends projecting outwardly from the first and second sides, respectively.

[0009] The first fixed shelf support includes an upper surface, a front surface, a lower surface, and an opening disposed opposite the front surface, the opening receiving the first end.

[0010] The third fixed shelf support includes an upper surface portion, a front surface portion, a lower surface portion, and an opening portion disposed opposite the front surface portion, the opening portion receiving the second end.

[0011] The upper surface portion includes a first length, and the lower surface portion includes a second length that is longer than the first length.

[0012] The shelf includes a hinge including an axis of rotation extending between the first and second sides, the shelf being foldable about the hinge.

[0013] The shelf includes a first shelf portion and a second shelf portion, the first shelf portion including a first bar defining the first end and a second bar disposed at a middle portion of the shelf, the second shelf portion including a first bar element defining the second end and a second bar element disposed at the middle portion, the hinge being disposed between the second bar and the second bar element.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first shelf portion includes a plurality of connecting members extending between the first bar and the second bar, and the second shelf portion includes a plurality of connecting elements extending between the first bar element and the second bar element, each of the plurality of connecting members selectively engages the second bar element, and each of the plurality of connecting elements selectively engages the second bar.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, each of the plurality of connecting members includes a hook selectively engaging the second bar element, and each of the plurality of connecting elements includes a hook element selectively engaging the first bar.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the hinge includes a first pin connecting one of the plurality of connecting members and one of the plurality of connecting elements defining the first side, and a second pin connecting one of the plurality of connecting members and one of the plurality of connecting elements defining the second side.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the axis of rotation is disposed between the second bar and the second bar element.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first bar is connected to the first rotating shelf support and the second rotating shelf support.

[0019] According to non-limiting examples, a method of reconfiguring a storage enclosure includes rotating a first end of a shelf pivotally supported by a first pair of vertical supports, disengaging a second end of the shelf from a first fixed shelf support and a third fixed shelf support disposed on a second pair of vertical supports, and supporting the second end of the shelf in a second fixed shelf support and a fourth fixed shelf support disposed on the second pair of vertical supports and vertically offset from the first fixed shelf support and the second fixed shelf support.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first end of the rotating shelf includes pivoting the first end of the shelf from a first stop member disposed on each of the first pair of vertical supports to a second stop member disposed on each of the second pair of vertical supports.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, disengaging the second end includes folding the shelf about an axis extending substantially parallel to each of the first end and the second end.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method includes transitioning the shelf to a storage configuration in which the first end of the shelf is supported by the first pair of vertical supports and the second end of the shelf is not supported.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, converting the shelving to the storage configuration includes folding the shelving about a hinge having an axis of rotation extending parallel to the first end and the second end, and supporting the hinge and the first end at the first pair of vertical supports.

[0024] The above features and advantages of the present disclosure, and other features and advantages, are readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Other features, aspects, and details are described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are provided and are part of this specification and are included to further illustrate aspects and features of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shelving enclosure including adjustable and stowable shelving in a first configuration, according to a non-limiting example;

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a shelving enclosure including adjustable and stowable shelving in a second configuration, according to a non-limiting example;

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a shelving enclosure including adjustable and stowable shelving in a third configuration, according to a non-limiting example;

[0029] Figure 4 is a detailed view of the circled portion 4 in Figure 3 , according to a non-limiting example;

[0030] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a shelving enclosure showing the shelving in a second configuration, according to a non-limiting example;

[0031] Figure 6 is a detailed view of the circled portion 6 in Figure 5 , according to a non-limiting example;

[0032] Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of the shelving of Figure 1 in a first orientation, according to a non-limiting example;

[0033] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the shelving of Figure 7 in a second orientation, according to a non-limiting example;

[0034] Figure 9A is a partial perspective view of a shelving enclosure showing the shelving in a second configuration, according to a non-limiting example; Figure 2

[0035] Figure 9B ​It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 9A A partial perspective view of the shelving enclosure, depicting the shelving being converted to a first configuration;

[0036] Figure 9C It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 9B A partial perspective view of the shelving housing, showing the shelving deployed in a first configuration;

[0037] Figure 9D It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 9C A partial perspective view of the shelving housing, showing the shelving in a first configuration;

[0038] Figure 10A It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 2 A partial perspective view of the shelving housing, showing the shelving in a second configuration;

[0039] Figure 10B It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 10A A partial perspective view of the shelving housing, showing the shelving transitioning from a second configuration to a third configuration; and

[0040] Figure 10C It is based on the non-restrictive example. Figure 10B A partial perspective view of the shelving enclosure, showing the shelving in a third configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0042] According to the non-limiting example of the storage enclosure Figure 1 The general designation is 10. The storage housing 10 includes a first pair of vertical supports 12 and a second pair of vertical supports 14. The first pair of vertical supports 12 and the second pair of vertical supports 14 are connected by an upper frame 16 and a lower frame 18. In a non-limiting example, the first pair of vertical supports 12 includes a first support member 22 and a second support member 24. The second pair of vertical supports 14 includes a third support member 28 and a fourth support member 30.

[0043] Shelf 32 is supported between a first pair of vertical supports 12 and a second pair of vertical supports 14. As will be described in detail herein, shelf 32 can be selectively positioned to establish various storage and / or stowage configurations. For example, shelf 32 can be arranged in an upper configuration ( Figure 1 ), lower configuration ( Figure 2 ) or collapse configuration ( Figure 3 ).

[0044] The shelf 32 includes a first end 34 supported by a first pair of vertical supports 12 and a second end 36 supported by a second pair of vertical supports 14. The second end 36 is opposite to the first end 34. The shelf 32 also includes a first side 38 and a second side 40. The second side 40 is opposite to the first side 38. The shelf 32 includes as follows: Figure 5 The intermediate portion 42 is shown. The intermediate portion 42 divides the shelf 32 into a first shelf portion 45 and a second shelf portion 47. As will be described in detail herein, the shelf 32 can pivot about the intermediate portion 42.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, the first shelf portion 45 includes a first rod 49 extending between the first pair of vertical supports 12 and a second rod 51 at the intermediate portion 42. The first shelf portion 45 includes a plurality of connecting members 56 extending between the first rod 49 and the second rod 51. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, each connecting member 56 includes an end 58, the end 58 having a hook 60 disposed outside the second rod 51. Figure 6 In a non-limiting example, the second shelf portion 47 includes a first rod element 63 extending between the second pair of vertical supports 14 and a second rod element 65 disposed at the intermediate portion 42.

[0046] The second shelf section 47 includes a plurality of connecting elements 68 extending from the first rod element 63 to the second rod element 65. For example... Figure 8 As shown, each connecting element 68 includes an end 70 supporting a hook element 72 extending outward from the second rod element 65. Figure 3 As shown, the first rod element 63 includes a first end 73 and a second end 74 that protrude outward from the first side 38 and the second side 40, respectively.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, the first shelf portion 45 is connected to the second shelf portion 47 at the intermediate portion 42 via a first hinge 75A. The first hinge 75A employs a first pin 76A disposed between the second rod 51 and the second rod element 65. Figure 8 The pin 76A is formed in the form of one of the plurality of connecting members 56 and one of the plurality of connecting elements 68 at the first side 38. The second pin 76B is also present. Figure 2 The second hinge 75B, in the form of a hook 75B, is formed at the second side 40 as one of the plurality of connecting members 56 and one of the plurality of connecting elements 68. Each hook 60 engages the second rod element 65, and each hook element 72 engages the second rod 51 to lock the first shelf portion 45 to the second shelf portion 47, as shown. Figure 7 As shown.

[0048] Continue to refer to Figure 5The first support member 22 includes an inner surface 78 and the third support member 28 includes an inner surface portion 80. It will be appreciated that the second support member 24 and the fourth support member 30 include similar structures. A first rotating shelf support 82 is pivotally mounted to the inner surface 78 of the first support member 22. A second rotating shelf support 84 Figure 2 ) is pivotally supported to the second support member 24. The first end 34 of the shelf 32 is coupled between the first rotating shelf support 82 and the second rotating shelf support 84.

[0049] The first rotating shelf support 82 includes a rod or link 86 that is pivotally connected to the inner surface 78 of the first support member 22 by a pin 88. The pin 88 defines a pivot axis 90 for the rod 86. The rod 86 rotates between a first stop member 92 that defines an upper configuration of the shelf 32 and a second stop member 94 that defines a lower configuration and a stowed configuration of the shelf 32. In the non-limiting example, the third support member 28 includes a first fixed shelf support 102 and a second fixed shelf support 104. The fourth support member 30 includes a third fixed shelf support 110 and a fourth fixed shelf support 112.

[0050] In the upper configuration, the first and second rotating shelf supports 82 and 84 are rotated upward to engage the stop member 92 and the second end 36 of the shelf 32 is supported by the first and third fixed shelf supports 102 and 110. In the lower configuration, the first and second rotating shelf supports 82 and 84 are rotated downward to engage the stop member 94 and the second end 36 of the shelf 32 is supported between the second and fourth fixed shelf supports 104 and 112. The first fixed shelf support 102 will be described below Figure 5 with the understanding that the second, third, and fourth fixed shelf supports 104, 110, and 112 are similarly formed. The first fixed shelf support 102 includes an upper surface 116, a lower surface 118, and a front surface 120. A C-shaped opening 122 is defined between the upper and lower surfaces 118. In the non-limiting example, the lower surface 118 is longer than the upper surface 116.

[0051] Reference will now be made to Figures 9A-9D which describes a method of displacing the shelf 32 from the lower configuration to the upper configuration according to the non-limiting example. In the lower configuration Figure 9A , an upward force is applied to the intermediate portion 42. The shelf 32 is folded about the hinge 75 as shown in Figure 9B such that the hook 60 and the hook element 72 are disengaged from the second rod 51 and the second rod element 65, respectively. Upon folding, the first rod element 63 is disengaged from the second fixed shelf support 104 and the fourth fixed shelf support 112. The shelf 32 can then be raised by pivoting the first rotating shelf support 82 and the second rotating shelf support 84 upward as shown inFigure 9C At this time, the shelf 32 can be unfolded such that the hooks 60 and hook elements 72 re-engage with the second rods 51 and second rod elements 65, respectively, and the first rod element 63 is supported by the first fixed support 102 and the third fixed support 110, as shown in Figure 9D .

[0052] Reference will now be made to Figures 10A-10C , which describes a method of displacing the shelf 32 from the lower configuration to the stowed configuration. As shown in Figure 10A , an upward force is applied to the middle portion 42. The shelf 32 folds about the hinge 75, as shown in Figure 10B , such that the hooks 60 and hook elements 72 disengage from the second rods 51 and second rod elements 65, respectively. Upon folding, the first rod element 63 disengages from the second fixed shelf support 104 and the fourth fixed shelf support 112. At this time, the shelf 32 continues to fold towards the first support member 22 and the second support member 24, as shown in Figure 10B . The shelf 32 continues to fold until the second shelf portion 47 is positioned against or proximate to the first shelf portion 45, as shown in Figure 10C . The shelf 32 can be held in the folded configuration by a locking mechanism (not shown), or allowed to hang, unfold.

[0053] At this time, it will be appreciated that the storage enclosure formed in accordance with the non-limiting examples described herein can be easily reconfigured without the need for special tools or any type of tooling. Furthermore, the storage enclosure can be easily reconfigured by a single individual. The storage enclosure can be provided with a large lower storage area, a smaller lower storage area, or one large storage area, depending on what items need to be stored.

[0054] While the foregoing disclosure has been described in reference to illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but can include all embodiments falling within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A storage enclosure comprising: a first pair of vertical supports including a first support member spaced apart from a second support member along a horizontal axis, the first support member including a first rotating shelf support, the second support member including a second rotating shelf support; a second pair of vertical supports including a third support member spaced apart from a fourth support member along a horizontal axis, the third support member including a first fixed shelf support and a second fixed shelf support, the fourth support member including a third fixed shelf support and a fourth fixed shelf support; and a shelf selectively supported between the first pair of vertical supports and the second pair of vertical supports, the shelf including a first end connected to the first rotating shelf support and the second rotating shelf support and a second end opposite the first end, the shelf positionable in a first configuration in which the second end is supported at the first fixed shelf support and the third fixed shelf support and a second configuration in which the first end of the shelf is rotated in a first direction relative to the first pair of vertical supports and the second end of the shelf is supported by the second fixed shelf support and the fourth fixed shelf support; wherein the first rotating shelf support includes a link pivotally connected to an inner surface of the first support member by a pin defining a pivot axis for the link such that the first rotating shelf support and the second rotating shelf support are pivoted about the pivot axis to transition the shelf between the first configuration and the second configuration. the shelf is selectively positioned in a third configuration in which the second end is not supported.

2. The storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein, each of the first support member and the second support member includes a first stop member and a second stop member, wherein each of the first rotating shelf support and the second rotating shelf support is positioned between the first stop member and the second stop member on each of the first support member and the second support member.

3. The storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein, the first fixed shelf support includes an upper surface, a front surface, a lower surface, and an opening disposed opposite the front surface.

4. The storage enclosure of claim 1, wherein, the upper surface includes a first length and the lower surface includes a second length that is longer than the first length.

5. The storage enclosure of claim 4, wherein, 6. A method of reconfiguring a storage enclosure, the storage enclosure being as claimed in any one of claims 1-5, the method comprising: rotating a first end of a shelf pivotally supported by a first pair of vertical supports; moving a second end of the shelf away from a first fixed shelf support and a third fixed shelf support disposed on a second pair of vertical supports; and supporting the second end of the shelf in a second fixed shelf support and a fourth fixed shelf support, the second fixed shelf support and fourth fixed shelf support disposed on the second pair of vertical supports and vertically offset from the first fixed shelf support and the third fixed shelf support. ​ 7. The method of claim 6, wherein, rotating the first end of the shelf includes pivoting the first end of the shelf from a first stop member disposed on each of the first pair of vertical supports to a second stop member disposed on each of the second pair of vertical supports.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein, folding the second end away includes folding the shelf about an axis extending substantially parallel to each of the first end and the second end.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising: converting the shelf to a storage configuration whereby the first end of the shelf is supported by the first pair of vertical supports and the second end of the shelf is not supported.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, converting the shelf to the storage configuration includes folding the shelf about a hinge having an axis of rotation extending parallel to the first end and the second end and supporting the hinge and the first end at the first pair of vertical supports.

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