Shelf Storage System and Method of Using the Same

Abstract

A shelf storage system with a shelf and an accessory. The shelf has an upwardly facing surface and a perimeter. The perimeter has an accessory engageable portion, and the accessory has a shelf engageable portion and a projecting portion. The accessory engageable portion and the shelf engageable portion are configured to mate with one another so that the accessory is movable relative to the shelf between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The projecting portion of the accessory projects outward relative to the perimeter when the accessory is in the engaged position. The projecting portion is configured to support a storable item outside the perimeter of the shelf when the accessory is in the engaged position. The accessory is movable from the disengaged position by moving the accessory upwardly relative to the shelf.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0004] This invention pertains to a shelf storage system and method of using the same.SUMMARY

[0005] One aspect of the disclosure is a shelf storage system comprising a shelf and an accessory. The shelf has an upwardly facing surface that is adapted to support items for storage, and a perimeter comprising an accessory engageable portion. The accessory comprises a shelf engageable portion and a projecting portion. One of the accessory engageable portion of the perimeter and the shelf engageable portion of the accessory comprises a socket while the other comprises a plug. The plug and the socket are configured to mate with one another so that the accessory is movable relative to the shelf between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The accessory is movable from the engaged position to the disengaged position by moving the accessory upwardly relative to the shelf. In the engaged position, the plug mates with the socket, and the plug and socket are configured to limit lateral and downward movement of the accessory relative to the shelf. In the disengaged position, the plug is spaced from the socket. The projecting portion of the accessory projects outward relative to the perimeter of the shelf when the accessory is in the engaged position. In the engaged position, the projecting portion of the accessory is configured to support a storable item outside the perimeter.

[0006] Another aspect of the disclosure is a shelf storage system comprising a shelf and an accessory. The shelf has an upwardly facing surface adapted to support items for storage, a first end edge, a second end edge, a front edge, and a back edge. The first end edge of the shelf comprises a first socket. The second end edge comprises a second socket. The first socket is spaced from the front edge at a first distance, and the second socket is spaced from the front edge at a second distance. The first distance and the second distance are of equal length. The first socket is configured to be coupled with the second socket on an identical second shelf in order to removably couple the shelf with the identical second storage shelf. The accessory of the shelf storage system comprises a plug that is configured to mate with each of the first socket and the second socket. The accessory is movable relative to the shelf between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The accessory is movable from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The engaged position is configured to limit lateral and downward movement of the accessory relative to the shelf. In the engaged position, the plug mates with one of the first socket or the second socket. In the disengaged position, the plug is spaced from the first socket and the second socket. The accessory comprises a projecting portion that is configured to support a storable item when the accessory is in the engaged position.

[0007] Another aspect of the disclosure is a method comprising placing the shelf engageable portion of the accessory into the accessory engageable portion of the shelf. An item is placed on the accessory so that the item is supported by the shelf storage system but not in contact with the upwardly facing surface of the shelf.

[0008] In one embodiment, the accessory engageable portion of the perimeter comprises a socket and the shelf engageable portion of the accessory comprises the plug. The socket and the plug are generally T-shaped. The socket is configured to receive a first end of an interlocking aperture that has a second end that is a mirror of the first end of the interlocking aperture. The second end of the interlocking aperture is configured to be received by a second socket in a second identical shelf storage system in order to interlock the shelf storage system to the second identical shelf storage system. The shelf engageable portion has an upwardly facing portion that is flush with the upwardly facing surface of the shelf when the accessory is in the engaged position.

[0009] In one embodiment, the projecting portion comprises one of a hook, an eyelet, a tool holder, a side storage bin, a cord warp, and a side shelf.

[0010] In one embodiment, the shelf comprises a main body, a first cap with a first front edge and a first end edge, and a second cap with a second front edge and a second end edge. The main body comprises a first end edge, a second end edge, a front edge and a back edge. The first cap is connectable to the first end edge, and the second cap is connectable to the second end edge. The accessory engageable portion is a portion of the first cap and the second cap. Each of the first end edge and the second end edge comprise an edge accessory engageable portion. The front edge and the back edge of the main body are devoid of an accessory engageable portion. Each of the shelf, the main body of the shelf, the accessory, the first cap, and the second cap are formed by injection molding.

[0011] Further features and advantages, as well as the operation, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the shelf storage system.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the one embodiment of the shelf storage system of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front perspective view of certain portions of the shelf storage system of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the shelf storage system of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the shelf storage system of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of one embodiment of an accessory.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 6.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a side view of the accessory of FIG. 6.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a 20 inch shelf bin accessory.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a 20 inch shelf side accessory bin.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a 36 inch shelf accessory bin.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of another hook embodiment accessory.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a screwdriver holder with hooks accessory.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a bin accessory.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a cord wrap accessory.

[0027] FIG. 16. is a side perspective view of one embodiment of an adapter accessory.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an eyelet accessory.

[0029] FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a double t-slot shelf hook accessory.

[0030] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of using a shelf storage system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] An embodiment of a shelf storage system in accordance with the present invention is indicated generally by reference number 10 in FIGS. 1-18. The shelf storage system 10 may include at least one shelf 12 and at least one accessory. The accessory shown in FIG. 1 is a hook 76. Other non-limiting embodiments of accessories are shown in FIGS. 9-18, including a 20 inch shelf bin 78 (FIG. 9), a 20 inch shelf side accessory bin 80 (FIG. 10), a 36 inch shelf accessory bin 82 (FIG. 11), another hook embodiment 84 (FIG. 12), a screwdriver holder with hooks 86 (FIG. 13), a bin 88 (FIG. 14), a cord wrap 90 (FIG. 15), an adapter 92 (FIG. 16), an eyelet 94 (FIG. 17), and a double t-slot shelf hook 96 (FIG. 18). The shelf 12 includes an upwardly facing surface 16. The upwardly facing surface 16 is configured to support items for storage. In certain embodiments, the shelf storage system 10 includes multiple shelves 12, each having its own upwardly facing surface 16. With each additional upwardly facing surface 16, the storage capacity of the shelf storage system increases. Each shelf may be supported by supports 18 and a plurality of feet 20. The supports 18 and feet 20 elevate the shelves 12 from the ground and allow for multiple shelves to rest above one another, allowing for more storage in a limited amount of space. In one non-limiting example, each shelf 12 may be substantially rectangular and have four corners. However, other shapes for the shelves may also be selected by a skilled artisan, within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] Each shelf 12 has a perimeter 22. The perimeter includes at least one accessory engageable portion 24. The accessory engageable portion 24 may have a socket or a plug. Additionally, each accessory includes a shelf engageable portion 26 that may have either a socket or a plug to mate with the socket or plug of the accessory engageable portion 24. The socket and the plug may be generally t-shaped, though other shapes may be used that allow the socket and the plug to mate with one another. For example, the socket may have a bottom, back and sides that fully enclose the space within the socket. The front of the socket on the perimeter may have a slight opening to accommodate the plug of an accessory. When the plug is slid into the socket, the bottom, back and side walls prevent any downward or lateral movement. Because of the t-shape of the plug and socket, even though there is a slight opening in the front of the socket, the t-shape of the plug cannot go through the slight opening. In this example, the only way to move the accessory from the engaged position to the disengaged position is by moving the accessory upward out of the socket. The accessory engageable portion 24 is configured to engage with the shelf engageable portion 26. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, which shows an accessory (hook 76, discussed in greater detail below) in the disengaged position, the accessory engageable portion has a socket 28 and the shelf engageable portion has a plug 30. The plug and the socket are configured to mate with one another. As shown in FIG. 1, the plug 30 may be slid into the socket 28 in a downward direction. Inserting the plug 30 of the accessory into the socket 28 of the perimeter 22 brings the accessory into an engaged position with the shelf 12 (see FIG. 5). In the engaged position, the accessory is prevented from moving laterally or downward relative to the shelf 12 because of the mated connection of the plug 30 and socket 28. From the engaged position, the accessory is movable to a disengaged position. As shown in FIG. 1, the plug 30 of the accessory may be slid upward relative to the shelf 12 and out of the socket 28. When the plug 30 of the accessory is out and away from the socket 28 and no longer limited from downward and lateral movement relative to the shelf, the accessory is in the disengaged position. The shelf engageable portion 26 may have an upwardly facing portion 32 that faces upward when the accessory is in the engaged position. While the accessory is in the engaged position, the upwardly facing portion 32 of the shelf engageable portion 26 is flush with the upwardly facing surface 16 of the shelf. The accessory may have more than one shelf engageable portion 26, as desired. Multiple shelf engageable portions 26 may provide additional support for longer accessories that are long enough to mate with two accessory engageable portions, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0033] The accessory also has a projecting portion 34. The projecting portion 34 may be opposite the shelf engageable portion 26 so that the projecting portion 34 projects outward relative to the perimeter 22 when the accessory is in the engaged position. The projecting portion 34 of the accessory is configured to support at least one storable item outside the perimeter 22 when the accessory is in the engaged position. For example, the projecting portion 34 may comprise a hook, an eyelet, a tool holder, a side storage bin, a cord wrap, a side shelf, a screwdriver holder, an adaptor, or any other tool or holder configured to store items. FIGS. 6-8 show an embodiment of a hook that can be used as a projecting portion 34. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a bin that can be used as a projecting portion 34. FIG. 10 shows a 20 inch shelf side accessory bin. FIG. 11 shows a 36 inch shelf accessory bin. FIG. 12 shows another hook embodiment. FIG. 13 shows a screwdriver holder with hooks. FIG. 14 shows a bin. FIG. 15 shows a cord wrap. FIG. 16 shows an adapter. FIG. 17 shows an eyelet FIG. 18 shows a double t-slot shelf hook. The projecting portion 34 may include multiple features, such as a double hook, as shown in FIG. 18, though any of the features shown in FIGS. 9-18 could be presented as multiple features. Each of these may be used to store items onto the shelf storage system 10 without taking up space on the upwardly facing surface 16. For example, an item may be hooked onto the hook, placed through the eyelet, placed in the tool holder or side storage bin, wrapped around the cord wrap, or placed in the side shelf. In each instance, the shelf storage system 10 supports the item without taking up space on the upwardly facing surface 16 of any shelf 12.

[0034] The shelf storage system 10 may be adapted to interlock with adjacent shelf storage systems 10 via the use of an interlocking aperture 36. The interlocking aperture 36 has a first end 38 and a second end 40 wherein the second end 40 is a mirror of the first end 38. The first end 38 of the interlocking aperture 36 is configured to be received by the socket 28 in the perimeter of a shelf 12 on a first shelf storage system 10, and the second end 40 of the interlocking aperture 36 is configured to be received by the socket 28 in the perimeter of a shelf 12 on a second shelf storage system that is identical to the first shelf storage system 10. In one embodiment, the interlocking aperture 36 may be generally H-shaped, but the interlocking aperture 36 may be any shape so long as the first and second ends are mirrored so that each end may fit into a socket of separate shelves. With the first end 38 of the interlocking aperture 36 in the socket 28 of the shelf 12 of the first shelf storage system 10, and the second end 40 of the interlocking aperture 36 in the socket 28 of the shelf 12 of the second shelf storage system, the first and second shelf storage systems are interlocked. For additional interlocking stability, multiple interlocking apertures may be used to interlock multiple sockets together. Further, the interlocking apertures may be used to interlock more than two shelf storage systems together. A shelf 12 may have multiple sockets 28 on varying locations on the perimeter 22, which allows for one shelf storage system 10 to be interlocked with more than one identical other shelf storage system. The interlocking may be undone by removing the interlocking aperture 36 from the sockets 28 that connect the two shelf storage systems.

[0035] Each shelf 12 may have a main body 44 and a mostly hollow interior 42. The mostly hollow interior 42 of the main body 44 of the shelf 12 may be defined by a first end edge 46, a second end edge 48, a front edge 50 and a back edge 52. The mostly hollow interior 42 of the main body 44 of the shelf may be open to the outside via the first end edge 46 and the second end edge 48. The mostly hollow interior 42 includes connecting arm openings 54 formed in the first end edge 46 and the second end edge 48. The connecting arm openings 54 formed in the first end edge 46 and the second end edge 48 of the main body 44 of each shelf may be adapted to receive a plurality of connecting arms 56 disposed on each of the first cap 58 and the second cap 60. Each of the first cap 58 and the second cap 60 may have an accessory engageable portion 24, for example, a socket. Each of the first and second caps include a front edge 62 and an end edge 64, wherein the end edge 64 is substantially parallel to the arm openings 54 formed in the first end edge 46 or second end edge 48 when the cap is connected to either the first end edge or the second end edge. When either the first cap 58 or the second cap 60 is connected to one of the arm openings 54 in the first end edge 46 or the second end edge 48, the first and second front edges 64 of the first cap 58 and second cap 60 are substantially perpendicular to the arm openings 54. Each of the first end edge, the first front edge, the second end edge and the second front edge may include an accessory engageable portion 24. The first end edge and the second end edge may comprise an edge accessory engageable portion 66. The front 50 and back 52 edges of the main body 44 of the shelf may be devoid of an accessory engageable portion so that each of the accessory engageable portions 24 of the shelf are located on either the first cap 58 or the second cap 60. This allows for different configurations of accessory engageable portions by changing out the caps without having to replace the entire main body of the shelf. Conversely, the front and back edges of the main body may have accessory engageable portions.

[0036] The first end edge 46 of the shelf may have a first socket 68, and the second end edge 48 of the shelf may a second socket 70. The first socket 68 is spaced away from the front edge 50 at a first distance 72, and the second socket 70 is spaced away from the front edge 50 at a second distance 74. In one embodiment, the first distance 72 is equal to the second distance 74. The first socket 68 is then configured to be coupled with the second socket 74 on an identical second shelf in order to removably couple the shelf with the identical second shelf. The first distance 72 being the same as the second distance 74 allows the first shelf to be coupled to the second shelf in such a way that the front edges 50 and back edges 52 of the two shelves are substantially flush.

[0037] In a non-limiting example, the shelf storage system 10 may be formed from a lightweight plastic material such as a poly-propylene plastic material, by a molding process such as injection molding. However, it should be understood that the shelf assembly 10 may be formed from any suitable material, including other thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene, and non-thermoplastic materials such as foam or metal. Nonetheless, any suitable processes for forming the shelf storage system 10 may be chosen by one skilled in the art, as desired.

[0038] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of using the shelf storage system 10. The method comprises placing the shelf engageable portion of the accessory into the accessory engageable portion of the shelf 102. This can be done by sliding the plug on the accessory into the slot of the perimeter of the shelf. The method further comprises placing an item on the accessory so that the item is not in contact with the upwardly facing surface of the shelf 104. For example, the method may include placing an item onto a hook, wherein the hook is the projecting portion of the accessory. The item placed onto the portion is supported by the shelf storage system, but does not take up space on or come in contact with the upwardly facing surface of any shelf. In the example of a hook, the item may hang down from the hook without taking up space on or coming into contact with the upwardly facing surface. The method may further comprise placing items onto the upwardly facing surface. The method may further comprise placing a second shelf engageable portion of the accessory into the accessory engageable portion of the shelf.

[0039] In view of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the invention has several advantages over the prior art.

[0040] It should also be understood that when introducing elements of the present invention in the claims or in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, the terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be open-ended and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, the term “portion” should be construed as meaning some or all of the item or element that it qualifies. Moreover, use of identifiers such as first, second, and third should not be construed in a manner imposing any relative position or time sequence between limitations.

[0041] As various modifications could be made in constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0031]An embodiment of a shelf storage system in accordance with the present invention is indicated generally by reference number 10 in FIGS. 1-18. The shelf storage system 10 may include at least one shelf 12 and at least one accessory. The accessory shown in FIG. 1 is a hook 76. Other non-limiting embodiments of accessories are shown in FIGS. 9-18, including a 20 inch shelf bin 78 (FIG. 9), a 20 inch shelf side accessory bin 80 (FIG. 10), a 36 inch shelf accessory bin 82 (FIG. 11), another hook embodiment 84 (FIG. 12), a screwdriver holder with hooks 86 (FIG. 13), a bin 88 (FIG. 14), a cord wrap 90 (FIG. 15), an adapter 92 (FIG. 16), an eyelet 94 (FIG. 17), and a double t-slot shelf hook 96 (FIG. 18). The shelf 12 includes an upwardly facing surface 16. The upwardly facing surface 16 is configured to support items for storage. In certain embodiments, the shelf storage system 10 includes multiple shelves 12, each having its own upwardly facing surface 16. With each additional upwar...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.APPENDIX

[0003] Not Applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0004] This invention pertains to a shelf storage system and method of using the same.SUMMARY

[0005] One aspect of the disclosure is a shelf storage system comprising a shelf and an accessory. The shelf has an upwardly facing surface that is adapted to support items for storage, and a perimeter comprising an accessory engageable portion. The accessory comprises a shelf engageable portion and a projecting portion. One of the accessory engageable portion of the perimeter and the shelf engageable portion of the accessory comprises a socket while the other comprises a plug. The plug and the socket are configured to mate with one another so that the accessory is movable relative to the shelf between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The accessory is movable from the engaged position to the disengaged position by moving the accessory upwardly relative to the shelf. In the engaged position, the plug mates with the socket, and the plug and socket are configured to limit lateral and downward movement of the accessory relative to the shelf. In the disengaged position, the plug is spaced from the socket. The projecting portion of the accessory projects outward relative to the perimeter of the shelf when the accessory is in the engaged position. In the engaged position, the projecting portion of the accessory is configured to support a storable item outside the perimeter.

[0006] Another aspect of the disclosure is a shelf storage system comprising a shelf and an accessory. The shelf has an upwardly facing surface adapted to support items for storage, a first end edge, a second end edge, a front edge, and a back edge. The first end edge of the shelf comprises a first socket. The second end edge comprises a second socket. The first socket is spaced from the front edge at a first distance, and the second socket is spaced from the front edge at a second distance. The first distance and the second distance are of equal length. The first socket is configured to be coupled with the second socket on an identical second shelf in order to removably couple the shelf with the identical second storage shelf. The accessory of the shelf storage system comprises a plug that is configured to mate with each of the first socket and the second socket. The accessory is movable relative to the shelf between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The accessory is movable from the engaged position to the disengaged position. The engaged position is configured to limit lateral and downward movement of the accessory relative to the shelf. In the engaged position, the plug mates with one of the first socket or the second socket. In the disengaged position, the plug is spaced from the first socket and the second socket. The accessory comprises a projecting portion that is configured to support a storable item when the accessory is in the engaged position.

[0007] Another aspect of the disclosure is a method comprising placing the shelf engageable portion of the accessory into the accessory engageable portion of the shelf. An item is placed on the accessory so that the item is supported by the shelf storage system but not in contact with the upwardly facing surface of the shelf.

[0008] In one embodiment, the accessory engageable portion of the perimeter comprises a socket and the shelf engageable portion of the accessory comprises the plug. The socket and the plug are generally T-shaped. The socket is configured to receive a first end of an interlocking aperture that has a second end that is a mirror of the first end of the interlocking aperture. The second end of the interlocking aperture is configured to be received by a second socket in a second identical shelf storage system in order to interlock the shelf storage system to the second identical shelf storage system. The shelf engageable portion has an upwardly facing portion that is flush with the upwardly facing surface of the shelf when the accessory is in the engaged position.

[0009] In one embodiment, the projecting portion comprises one of a hook, an eyelet, a tool holder, a side storage bin, a cord warp, and a side shelf.

[0010] In one embodiment, the shelf comprises a main body, a first cap with a first front edge and a first end edge, and a second cap with a second front edge and a second end edge. The main body comprises a first end edge, a second end edge, a front edge and a back edge. The first cap is connectable to the first end edge, and the second cap is connectable to the second end edge. The accessory engageable portion is a portion of the first cap and the second cap. Each of the first end edge and the second end edge comprise an edge accessory engageable portion. The front edge and the back edge of the main body are devoid of an accessory engageable portion. Each of the shelf, the main body of the shelf, the accessory, the first cap, and the second cap are formed by injection molding.

[0011] Further features and advantages, as well as the operation, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the shelf storage system.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the one embodiment of the shelf storage system of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front perspective view of certain portions of the shelf storage system of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the shelf storage system of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the shelf storage system of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of one embodiment of an accessory.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the accessory of FIG. 6.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a side view of the accessory of FIG. 6.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a 20 inch shelf bin accessory.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a 20 inch shelf side accessory bin.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a 36 inch shelf accessory bin.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of another hook embodiment accessory.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a screwdriver holder with hooks accessory.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a bin accessory.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a cord wrap accessory.

[0027] FIG. 16. is a side perspective view of one embodiment of an adapter accessory.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an eyelet accessory.

[0029] FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a double t-slot shelf hook accessory.

[0030] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of using a shelf storage system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] An embodiment of a shelf storage system in accordance with the present invention is indicated generally by reference number 10 in FIGS. 1-18. The shelf storage system 10 may include at least one shelf 12 and at least one accessory. The accessory shown in FIG. 1 is a hook 76. Other non-limiting embodiments of accessories are shown in FIGS. 9-18, including a 20 inch shelf bin 78 (FIG. 9), a 20 inch shelf side accessory bin 80 (FIG. 10), a 36 inch shelf accessory bin 82 (FIG. 11), another hook embodiment 84 (FIG. 12), a screwdriver holder with hooks 86 (FIG. 13), a bin 88 (FIG. 14), a cord wrap 90 (FIG. 15), an adapter 92 (FIG. 16), an eyelet 94 (FIG. 17), and a double t-slot shelf hook 96 (FIG. 18). The shelf 12 includes an upwardly facing surface 16. The upwardly facing surface 16 is configured to support items for storage. In certain embodiments, the shelf storage system 10 includes multiple shelves 12, each having its own upwardly facing surface 16. With each additional upwardly facing surface 16, the storage capacity of the shelf storage system increases. Each shelf may be supported by supports 18 and a plurality of feet 20. The supports 18 and feet 20 elevate the shelves 12 from the ground and allow for multiple shelves to rest above one another, allowing for more storage in a limited amount of space. In one non-limiting example, each shelf 12 may be substantially rectangular and have four corners. However, other shapes for the shelves may also be selected by a skilled artisan, within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] Each shelf 12 has a perimeter 22. The perimeter includes at least one accessory engageable portion 24. The accessory engageable portion 24 may have a socket or a plug. Additionally, each accessory includes a shelf engageable portion 26 that may have either a socket or a plug to mate with the socket or plug of the accessory engageable portion 24. The socket and the plug may be generally t-shaped, though other shapes may be used that allow the socket and the plug to mate with one another. For example, the socket may have a bottom, back and sides that fully enclose the space within the socket. The front of the socket on the perimeter may have a slight opening to accommodate the plug of an accessory. When the plug is slid into the socket, the bottom, back and side walls prevent any downward or lateral movement. Because of the t-shape of the plug and socket, even though there is a slight opening in the front of the socket, the t-shape of the plug cannot go through the slight opening. In this example, the only way to move the accessory from the engaged position to the disengaged position is by moving the accessory upward out of the socket. The accessory engageable portion 24 is configured to engage with the shelf engageable portion 26. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, which shows an accessory (hook 76, discussed in greater detail below) in the disengaged position, the accessory engageable portion has a socket 28 and the shelf engageable portion has a plug 30. The plug and the socket are configured to mate with one another. As shown in FIG. 1, the plug 30 may be slid into the socket 28 in a downward direction. Inserting the plug 30 of the accessory into the socket 28 of the perimeter 22 brings the accessory into an engaged position with the shelf 12 (see FIG. 5). In the engaged position, the accessory is prevented from moving laterally or downward relative to the shelf 12 because of the mated connection of the plug 30 and socket 28. From the engaged position, the accessory is movable to a disengaged position. As shown in FIG. 1, the plug 30 of the accessory may be slid upward relative to the shelf 12 and out of the socket 28. When the plug 30 of the accessory is out and away from the socket 28 and no longer limited from downward and lateral movement relative to the shelf, the accessory is in the disengaged position. The shelf engageable portion 26 may have an upwardly facing portion 32 that faces upward when the accessory is in the engaged position. While the accessory is in the engaged position, the upwardly facing portion 32 of the shelf engageable portion 26 is flush with the upwardly facing surface 16 of the shelf. The accessory may have more than one shelf engageable portion 26, as desired. Multiple shelf engageable portions 26 may provide additional support for longer accessories that are long enough to mate with two accessory engageable portions, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0033] The accessory also has a projecting portion 34. The projecting portion 34 may be opposite the shelf engageable portion 26 so that the projecting portion 34 projects outward relative to the perimeter 22 when the accessory is in the engaged position. The projecting portion 34 of the accessory is configured to support at least one storable item outside the perimeter 22 when the accessory is in the engaged position. For example, the projecting portion 34 may comprise a hook, an eyelet, a tool holder, a side storage bin, a cord wrap, a side shelf, a screwdriver holder, an adaptor, or any other tool or holder configured to store items. FIGS. 6-8 show an embodiment of a hook that can be used as a projecting portion 34. FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a bin that can be used as a projecting portion 34. FIG. 10 shows a 20 inch shelf side accessory bin. FIG. 11 shows a 36 inch shelf accessory bin. FIG. 12 shows another hook embodiment. FIG. 13 shows a screwdriver holder with hooks. FIG. 14 shows a bin. FIG. 15 shows a cord wrap. FIG. 16 shows an adapter. FIG. 17 shows an eyelet FIG. 18 shows a double t-slot shelf hook. The projecting portion 34 may include multiple features, such as a double hook, as shown in FIG. 18, though any of the features shown in FIGS. 9-18 could be presented as multiple features. Each of these may be used to store items onto the shelf storage system 10 without taking up space on the upwardly facing surface 16. For example, an item may be hooked onto the hook, placed through the eyelet, placed in the tool holder or side storage bin, wrapped around the cord wrap, or placed in the side shelf. In each instance, the shelf storage system 10 supports the item without taking up space on the upwardly facing surface 16 of any shelf 12.

[0034] The shelf storage system 10 may be adapted to interlock with adjacent shelf storage systems 10 via the use of an interlocking aperture 36. The interlocking aperture 36 has a first end 38 and a second end 40 wherein the second end 40 is a mirror of the first end 38. The first end 38 of the interlocking aperture 36 is configured to be received by the socket 28 in the perimeter of a shelf 12 on a first shelf storage system 10, and the second end 40 of the interlocking aperture 36 is configured to be received by the socket 28 in the perimeter of a shelf 12 on a second shelf storage system that is identical to the first shelf storage system 10. In one embodiment, the interlocking aperture 36 may be generally H-shaped, but the interlocking aperture 36 may be any shape so long as the first and second ends are mirrored so that each end may fit into a socket of separate shelves. With the first end 38 of the interlocking aperture 36 in the socket 28 of the shelf 12 of the first shelf storage system 10, and the second end 40 of the interlocking aperture 36 in the socket 28 of the shelf 12 of the second shelf storage system, the first and second shelf storage systems are interlocked. For additional interlocking stability, multiple interlocking apertures may be used to interlock multiple sockets together. Further, the interlocking apertures may be used to interlock more than two shelf storage systems together. A shelf 12 may have multiple sockets 28 on varying locations on the perimeter 22, which allows for one shelf storage system 10 to be interlocked with more than one identical other shelf storage system. The interlocking may be undone by removing the interlocking aperture 36 from the sockets 28 that connect the two shelf storage systems.

[0035] Each shelf 12 may have a main body 44 and a mostly hollow interior 42. The mostly hollow interior 42 of the main body 44 of the shelf 12 may be defined by a first end edge 46, a second end edge 48, a front edge 50 and a back edge 52. The mostly hollow interior 42 of the main body 44 of the shelf may be open to the outside via the first end edge 46 and the second end edge 48. The mostly hollow interior 42 includes connecting arm openings 54 formed in the first end edge 46 and the second end edge 48. The connecting arm openings 54 formed in the first end edge 46 and the second end edge 48 of the main body 44 of each shelf may be adapted to receive a plurality of connecting arms 56 disposed on each of the first cap 58 and the second cap 60. Each of the first cap 58 and the second cap 60 may have an accessory engageable portion 24, for example, a socket. Each of the first and second caps include a front edge 62 and an end edge 64, wherein the end edge 64 is substantially parallel to the arm openings 54 formed in the first end edge 46 or second end edge 48 when the cap is connected to either the first end edge or the second end edge. When either the first cap 58 or the second cap 60 is connected to one of the arm openings 54 in the first end edge 46 or the second end edge 48, the first and second front edges 64 of the first cap 58 and second cap 60 are substantially perpendicular to the arm openings 54. Each of the first end edge, the first front edge, the second end edge and the second front edge may include an accessory engageable portion 24. The first end edge and the second end edge may comprise an edge accessory engageable portion 66. The front 50 and back 52 edges of the main body 44 of the shelf may be devoid of an accessory engageable portion so that each of the accessory engageable portions 24 of the shelf are located on either the first cap 58 or the second cap 60. This allows for different configurations of accessory engageable portions by changing out the caps without having to replace the entire main body of the shelf. Conversely, the front and back edges of the main body may have accessory engageable portions.

[0036] The first end edge 46 of the shelf may have a first socket 68, and the second end edge 48 of the shelf may a second socket 70. The first socket 68 is spaced away from the front edge 50 at a first distance 72, and the second socket 70 is spaced away from the front edge 50 at a second distance 74. In one embodiment, the first distance 72 is equal to the second distance 74. The first socket 68 is then configured to be coupled with the second socket 74 on an identical second shelf in order to removably couple the shelf with the identical second shelf. The first distance 72 being the same as the second distance 74 allows the first shelf to be coupled to the second shelf in such a way that the front edges 50 and back edges 52 of the two shelves are substantially flush.

[0037] In a non-limiting example, the shelf storage system 10 may be formed from a lightweight plastic material such as a poly-propylene plastic material, by a molding process such as injection molding. However, it should be understood that the shelf assembly 10 may be formed from any suitable material, including other thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene, and non-thermoplastic materials such as foam or metal. Nonetheless, any suitable processes for forming the shelf storage system 10 may be chosen by one skilled in the art, as desired.

[0038] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of using the shelf storage system 10. The method comprises placing the shelf engageable portion of the accessory into the accessory engageable portion of the shelf 102. This can be done by sliding the plug on the accessory into the slot of the perimeter of the shelf. The method further comprises placing an item on the accessory so that the item is not in contact with the upwardly facing surface of the shelf 104. For example, the method may include placing an item onto a hook, wherein the hook is the projecting portion of the accessory. The item placed onto the portion is supported by the shelf storage system, but does not take up space on or come in contact with the upwardly facing surface of any shelf. In the example of a hook, the item may hang down from the hook without taking up space on or coming into contact with the upwardly facing surface. The method may further comprise placing items onto the upwardly facing surface. The method may further comprise placing a second shelf engageable portion of the accessory into the accessory engageable portion of the shelf.

[0039] In view of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the invention has several advantages over the prior art.

[0040] It should also be understood that when introducing elements of the present invention in the claims or in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, the terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be open-ended and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, the term “portion” should be construed as meaning some or all of the item or element that it qualifies. Moreover, use of identifiers such as first, second, and third should not be construed in a manner imposing any relative position or time sequence between limitations.

[0041] As various modifications could be made in constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0031]An embodiment of a shelf storage system in accordance with the present invention is indicated generally by reference number 10 in FIGS. 1-18. The shelf storage system 10 may include at least one shelf 12 and at least one accessory. The accessory shown in FIG. 1 is a hook 76. Other non-limiting embodiments of accessories are shown in FIGS. 9-18, including a 20 inch shelf bin 78 (FIG. 9), a 20 inch shelf side accessory bin 80 (FIG. 10), a 36 inch shelf accessory bin 82 (FIG. 11), another hook embodiment 84 (FIG. 12), a screwdriver holder with hooks 86 (FIG. 13), a bin 88 (FIG. 14), a cord wrap 90 (FIG. 15), an adapter 92 (FIG. 16), an eyelet 94 (FIG. 17), and a double t-slot shelf hook 96 (FIG. 18). The shelf 12 includes an upwardly facing surface 16. The upwardly facing surface 16 is configured to support items for storage. In certain embodiments, the shelf storage system 10 includes multiple shelves 12, each having its own upwardly facing surface 16. With each additional upwar...

Claims

1. A shelf storage system comprising a shelf and an accessory, the shelf having an upwardly facing surface and a perimeter, the upwardly facing surface adapted to support items for storage, the perimeter comprising an accessory engageable portion, the accessory comprising a shelf engageable portion and a projecting portion, one of the accessory engageable portion and the shelf engageable portion comprising a socket and the other of the accessory engageable portion and the shelf engageable portion comprising a plug, the plug and socket being configured to mate with one another, the accessory being movable relative to the shelf between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the engaged position being a position in which the plug mates with the socket, the disengaged position being a position in which the plug is spaced from the socket, the projecting portion of the accessory projecting outward relative to the perimeter when the accessory is in the engaged position, the projecting portion of the accessory being configured to support a storable item outside the perimeter when the accessory is in the engaged position, the plug and socket in the engaged position being configured to limit lateral and downward movement of the accessory relative to the shelf, the accessory being movable to the disengaged position by moving the accessory upwardly relative to the shelf.

2. The shelf storage system of claim 1 wherein the accessory engageable portion comprises the socket and the shelf engageable portion comprises the plug.

3. The shelf storage system of claim 2 wherein the socket is configured to receive a first end of an interlocking aperture, the interlocking aperture having a second end that is a mirror of the first end of the interlocking aperture, the second end of the interlocking aperture being configured to be received by a second socket in a second identical shelf storage system in order to interlock the shelf storage system to the second identical shelf storage system.

4. The shelf storage system of claim 1 wherein the plug and the socket are generally T-shaped.

5. The shelf storage system of claim 1 wherein the projecting portion comprises one of a hook, an eyelet, a tool holder, a side storage bin, a cord wrap, and a side shelf.

6. The shelf storage system of claim 1, wherein the shelf comprises a main body and a first cap, the main body comprising a first end edge, a second end edge, a front edge and a back edge, the first cap being connectable to the first end edge, the accessory engageable portion being a portion of the first cap.

7. The shelf storage system of claim 6, wherein the shelf comprises a second cap, the second cap being connectable to the second end edge, the second accessory engageable portion being a portion of the second cap.

8. The shelf storage system of claim 7 wherein the first cap comprises a first front edge and a first end edge, the second cap comprises a second front edge and a second end edge, each of the first end edge and the second end edge comprising an edge accessory engageable portion.

9. The shelf storage system of claim 8 wherein the front edge of the main body is devoid of an accessory engageable portion and the back edge of the main body is devoid of an accessory engageable portion.

10. The shelf storage system of claim 7 wherein the main body, the accessory, the first cap, and the second cap are formed by injection molding.

11. The shelf storage system of claim 1, wherein the shelf engageable portion has an upwardly facing portion, the upwardly facing portion being flush with the upwardly facing surface of the shelf when the accessory is in the engaged position.

12. A shelf storage system comprising a shelf and an accessory, the shelf having an upwardly facing surface, a first end edge, a second end edge, a front edge, and a back edge, the upwardly facing surface adapted to support items for storage, the first end edge comprising a first socket, the second end edge comprising a second socket, the accessory comprising a plug and a projecting portion, the plug being configured to mate with each of the first socket and the second socket, the accessory being movable relative to the shelf between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the engaged position being a position in which the plug mates with one of the first socket or the second socket, the disengaged position being a position in which the plug is spaced from the first socket and the second socket, the projecting portion being configured to support a storable item when the accessory is in the engaged position, the engaged position being configured to limit lateral and downward movement of the accessory relative to the shelf, the accessory being movable to the disengaged position, the first socket being spaced from the front edge at a first distance, the second socket being spaced from the front edge at a second distance, the first distance being equal to the second distance, the first socket being configured to be coupled with the second socket on an identical second shelf in order to removably couple the shelf with the identical second shelf.

13. The shelf storage system of claim 12 wherein the plug, the first socket, and the second socket are generally T-shaped.

14. The shelf storage system of claim 12 wherein the projecting portion comprises one of a hook, an eyelet, a tool holder, a side storage bin, a cord wrap, and a side shelf.

15. The shelf storage system of claim 12, wherein the shelf comprises a first cap, the first cap being connectable to the first end edge, the first socket being a portion of the first cap.

16. The shelf storage system of claim 15 further comprising a second cap, the second cap being connectable to the second end edge, the second socket being a portion of the second cap.

17. The shelf storage system of claim 16 wherein the first cap comprises a first front edge and a first end edge, the second cap comprises a second front edge and a second end edge, each of the first end edge and the second end edge comprising an edge socket.

18. The shelf storage system of claim 17 wherein the front edge of the shelf is devoid of a socket, and the back edge of the shelf is devoid of a socket.

19. The shelf storage system of claim 16 wherein the shelf, the accessory, the first cap, and the second cap are formed by injection molding.

20. A method comprising placing the shelf engageable portion of the accessory of claim 1 into the accessory engageable portion of the shelf, and placing an item on the accessory so that the item is not in contact with the upwardly facing surface of the shelf.

Images