ADJUSTABLE SHELF FOR STORAGE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/720,474, filed on Nov. 14, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to storage racks, and, more particularly, to an adjustable shelf that can be removably coupled to a storage rack.

BACKGROUND

There are many different methods of storing products, with storage shelves being amongst some of the most effective and space-saving. In situations where space is limited, it can be challenging to store items, such as exercise equipment as each piece of equipment may vary in size, shape, weight, and may require different types of shelving to securely store the item. These complications can either deter individuals from purchasing exercise equipment or require multiple different types of storage.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an adjustable storage shelf comprises a first bracket and a second bracket, each of the first bracket and second bracket comprising a first side surface and a second side surface, and each of the first side and second surface having a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening. The adjustable storage shelf also comprises a support member having a first side panel and a second side panel, wherein each of the first side panel and the second side panel comprises a first opening and a second opening. The support member is positionable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that in the first configuration, the first side panel and the first bracket are secured together via a first fastener extending through the first opening of the first side panel of the support member and the first opening of the first bracket and a second fastener extending through the second opening of the first side panel of the support member and the third opening of the first bracket. The second side panel and the second bracket are secured together via a third fastener extending through the first opening of the second side panel of the support member and the first opening of the second bracket, and a fourth fastener extending through the second opening of the second side panel of the support member and the third opening of the second bracket. In a second configuration, the first side panel and first bracket are secured together such that the first fastener extends through the first opening of the first side panel of the support member and the second opening of the first bracket and the second fastener extends through the second opening of the first side panel of the support member and the third opening of the first bracket. The second side panel and second bracket are secured together such that the third fastener extends through the first opening of the second side panel of the support member and the second opening of the second bracket and the fourth fastener extends through the second opening of the second side panel of the support member and the third opening of the second bracket.

In another aspect, an adjustable storage shelf includes a first bracket and a second bracket, each of the first and second brackets having a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening; and a support member removably coupled to the first bracket and the second bracket. The support member is coupled to the first bracket and the second bracket at the first opening and the third opening of the first bracket and second bracket in a first configuration. The support member is coupled to the first bracket and the second bracket at the second opening and the third opening of the first bracket and second bracket in a second configuration.

In another aspect, a storage system includes a storage rack comprising a plurality of coupling locations and at least one adjustable shelf coupled to the storage rack at one of the plurality of coupling locations. The adjustable shelf includes a first bracket and a second bracket each having a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, and a support member coupled to the first bracket and the second bracket and having a first side panel and a second side panel opposite the first side panel. In a first configuration, the first side panel of the support member is coupled to the first bracket at the first opening and third opening of the first bracket via a first fastener and a second fastener and the second side panel of the support member is coupled to the second bracket at first opening and the third opening of the second bracket via a third fastener and a fourth fastener. In a second configuration, the first side panel of the support member is coupled to the first bracket at the second opening and third opening of the first bracket via a first fastener and a second fastener and the second side panel of the support member is coupled to the second bracket at the second opening and the third opening of the second bracket via a third fastener and a fourth fastener.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the present disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1A depicts a front perspective view of an example storage shelf in a first configuration;

FIG. 1B depicts a back perspective view of the example storage shelf in the first configuration;

FIG. 1C depicts a bottom perspective view of the example storage shelf in the first configuration;

FIG. 2 depicts a back perspective view of the example storage shelf in the first configuration, with a set of kettlebells stored on the storage shelf;

FIG. 3 depicts the example storage shelf in the first configuration, coupled to a storage rack;

FIG. 4A depicts a front perspective view of the example storage shelf in a second configuration;

FIG. 4B depicts a back perspective view of the example storage shelf in the second configuration

FIG. 4C depicts a bottom perspective view of the example storage shelf in the second configuration;

FIG. 5 a back perspective view of the example storage shelf in the second configuration, with a set of dumbbells stored on the storage shelf; and

FIG. 6 discloses the example storage shelf in the second configuration, coupled to a storage rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the features as claimed. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “having,” including,” or other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, system, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, system, article, or apparatus. Further, relative terms, such as, for example, “about,” “substantially,” “generally,” and “approximately” are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% in a stated value.

As used herein, an adjustable storage shelf includes any type of storage shelf that can be used in different configurations. For example, an adjustable storage shelf may include a shelf that can be rotated to different angles or positions for storing of a variety of different items. An adjustable storage shelf may also be a storage shelf that can be coupled to a storage rack in multiple configurations allowing the storage of a variety of different items. It is contemplated that the adjustable storage shelf may adjust from configuration to configuration automatically or manually.

As described herein, components of the adjustable storage shelf of the present disclosure can be configured into multiple configurations. For example, in a first configuration, a support member of the storage shelf is disposed generally flat and parallel to a ground surface, while in a second configuration the support member is not disposed so as to be generally parallel to the ground surface, but instead is disposed at an angle relative to the ground surface (e.g., 45 degree angle or another suitable angle). In some instances, the storage shelf may be configured in more or other configurations. Further, the support member may be secured to brackets in multiple configurations. For example, as described herein, the support member may be secured to the brackets in multiple orientations, such that a retaining lip of the support member may be rotated 180 degrees, thereby flipping the location of the retaining lip from the front to the back of the storage shelf. Changes in configuration will depend on the items to be stored.

FIGS. 1A-1C depict three views of an adjustable storage shelf 100. FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of the storage shelf 100, FIG. 1B illustrates a back perspective view of the storage shelf 100, and FIG. 1C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the storage shelf 100. As shown, the adjustable storage shelf 100 includes various components, including a first bracket 114, a second bracket 124, and a flat or substantially planar support member 102.

The first bracket 114 includes a flange 144 extending perpendicular to a first surface 130 of the first bracket 114. The flange 144 includes two openings 152 and 154 that are configured to receive two fasteners, such as fasteners 116 and 118 that allow the first bracket 114 to be secured to a storage rack (as further described below). Similarly, the second bracket 124 includes two openings 156 and 158 for receiving fasteners 128 and 140 that allow the second bracket 124 to be secured to the storage rack. When the first bracket 114 and the second bracket 124 are secured to support member 102, the first bracket 114 and second bracket 124 are parallel to one another. Each of the fasteners 116, 118, 128, and 140 will extend through openings 152, 154, 156, and 158 and be secured to the first bracket 114 and second bracket 124 via a nut or screw or any applicable fastener.

The first bracket 114 includes a first opening 104, a second opening 108, and a third opening 112 that are each configured for receiving fasteners, such as fasteners 106 and 110. The first bracket also includes a first surface 130 and a second surface 135 through which the first opening 104, second opening 108, and third opening 112 extend. The fasteners 106 and 110 allow the first bracket 114 to be secured to the support member 102. Similarly, the second bracket 124 also comprises a first opening (not shown), a second opening 150, and a third opening (not shown) for receiving fasteners, such as fasteners 106 and 110, to allow the second bracket 124 to be secured to the support member 102. The second bracket 124 also comprises a first surface 137 and a second surface 139 through which the first opening, second opening 150, and third opening of the second bracket extend. In some instances, the first bracket 114 and the second bracket 124 mirror one another and the locations of the three openings are the same on each bracket. It is contemplated that in other aspects, the two brackets 114 and 124 may not be identical, but the location of the openings of the first bracket 114 and second bracket 124 mirror one another.

The support member 102 includes a first side 138, a second side 148 opposite the first side 138, a third side 157 extending between the first side 138 and the second side 148, and a fourth side 161 extending between the first side 138 and the second side 148 and opposite the third side 157. In aspects, the first side 138 and the second side 148 have a length longer than the third side 157 and fourth side 161. As shown, in some aspects, the adjustable support member 102 has a rectangular shape. However, it is contemplated that in other aspects the support member 102 may be configured differently and have a different shape, such as for example a square or any other suitable shape. Additionally, the support member 102 has a first side panel (not shown) that extends perpendicular to the third side 157 of the support member 102 and a second side panel 174 that extends perpendicular to the fourth side 161 of the support member 102. The support member 102 also includes a retaining lip 122 that extends vertically from support member 102.

The first side panel (not shown) and second side panel 174 of support member 102 comprise a first opening and a second opening located on opposite ends of each side panel. While not shown, the first opening and second opening of the first side panel mirror the first opening 162 and second opening 150 of the second side panel 174. In other words, the first side panel and second side panel 174 of support member 102 mirror one another. Each of the first opening 162 and second opening 150 of the second side panel 174 and similarly the first opening and second opening of the first side panel are configured to receive fasteners, such as fasteners 160 and 170 which allow the coupling of the support member 102 to the first bracket 114 and second bracket 124.

As can be seen through FIGS. 1A-1C, in a first configuration of the adjustable storage shelf 100, the first opening and second opening of the first side panel and the second side panel are lined up with the first opening 104 and third opening 112 of the first bracket 114 and second bracket 124. As such, in the first configuration the first opening and second opening of the first side panel are coupled to the first opening 104 and third opening 112 of the first bracket 114 via fasteners 106 and 110, and the first opening and second opening of the second side panel are coupled to the first opening 162 and third opening 172 of the second bracket 124 via fasteners 160 and 170. The first fastener 106 extends through the first opening of the first side panel of the support member 102 and the first opening 104 of the first bracket 114 and the second fastener 110 extends through the second opening of the first side panel and the third opening 112 of the first bracket 114 to securely couple the first side panel of the support member 102 to the first bracket. A third fastener 160 extends through the first opening 162 of the second side panel 174 of the support member 102 and the first opening of the second bracket 124 and a fourth fastener 170 extends through the second opening 162 of the second side panel 174 of the support member 102 and the third opening of the second bracket 124 to securely couple the second side panel of support member 102 to the second bracket 124. In the first configuration shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the support member 102 is positioned parallel to a ground surface.

As mentioned, the support member 102 also includes the retaining lip 122 that is coupled to the second side 148 of the support member 102. The retaining lip 122 is positioned to extend vertically and perpendicular to the support member 102 in order to stop an object resting on support member 102 from moving or rolling off the support member 102 when the support member 102 is coupled to a storage rack. In addition to the retaining lip 122, support member 102 includes a support piece 141 seen in FIG. 1C which provides support to the support member 102 when items are stored on the support member 102 so that the support member 102 does not bend or break due to heavy weight. Further, support member 102 also includes ledge 180 which is positioned perpendicular to the top surface 105 of support member 102. Ledge 180 extends from the first side 138 of the support member 102 and provides additional support for the support member 102 when items are placed on support member 102 for storage.

As mentioned, FIG. 2 illustrates the example adjustable storage shelf 100 discussed herein storing a set of kettlebells 250. In FIG. 2, the adjustable storage shelf 100 is shown in the first configuration described herein. As seen, the first bracket 114 and second bracket 124 are secured to the support member 102. The kettlebells 250 are put onto the top surface 105 of the support member 102 such that bottoms of the kettlebells 250 rest on the top surface 105. Additionally, the retainer lip 122 is situated to prevent the kettlebells 250 from rolling off the support member 102.

FIG. 3 illustrates the adjustable storage shelf 100 coupled to an example storage rack 200. As can be seen, when the adjustable storage shelf 100 is coupled to a storage rack 200, such as storage rack 200 of FIG. 3, the ledge 180 of the storage shelf faces the storage rack 200 while the retainer lip 122 is on the opposite side of the storage shelf 100 and situated to prevent any items from falling. Additionally, as can be seen in FIGS. 1-3, the support member 102 is in a substantially planar or flat in the first configuration. This is important for the storing of items, such as kettlebells, so that a kettlebell's flat base, for example, can rest on the flat top surface of the storage shelf 100. The storage rack 200 may include a plurality of beams 280 and one or more of the beams 280 may include a plurality of openings by which various types of exercise equipment may be affixed to the storage rack 200.

The adjustable storage shelf 100 is coupled to the storage rack 200 via fasteners, such as the fasteners 116, 118, 128 and 140. Fasteners 118 and 120 are inserted through an opening on the storage rack 200 (not shown) and then through openings 152 and 154 to secure the first bracket 114 to the storage rack 200 at the desired location. Similarly, fasteners 128 and 140 are inserted through openings 156 and 158 on the second bracket 124. Further, the fasteners 116, 118, 128 and 140 are also inserted into openings on the storage rack 200 to couple the first bracket 114 and second bracket 124 to the storage rack 200.

In the first configuration shown in FIG. 3, the support member 102 is secured to the first surface 130 of the first bracket 114 and the first surface 137 of the second bracket 124. The top surface 105 of the support member 102 is perpendicular to the first surface 130 of the first bracket 114 and the first surface 137 of the second bracket 124. Additionally, the support member 102 is perpendicular to the beams 280 of the storage frame 230.

In FIGS. 4A-4C, the adjustable storage shelf 100 is shown in the second configuration. Components of the storage shelf 100, including the support member 102, the first bracket 114, and the second bracket 124 are the same as those described about with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C. In FIGS. 4A-4C, the support member 102 has been rotated 180 degrees relative to the orientation illustrated in the preceding figures, such that the location of the ledge 180 and retaining lip 122 are the opposite from what is seen in FIGS. 1A-1C. However, in aspects, the storage shelf 100 may remain in the same position as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. When the storage shelf 100 remains in the same position as FIGS. 1A-1C, in the second configuration, the first opening and the second opening of the first side panel (not shown) are coupled to the second opening 108 and the third opening 112 of the first bracket 114 via fasteners 106 and 110, and the first opening 162 and the second opening 172 of the second side panel are coupled to the second opening and the third opening of the second bracket 124 via fasteners 160 and 170.

Alternatively, in the second configuration shown in in FIGS. 4A-C, when the support member 102 has been rotated 180 degrees, the first opening of the first side panel is now coupled to the second opening of the second bracket 124 and the second opening of the first side panel is coupled to the third opening 172 of the second bracket 124 via fasteners 160 and 170. Additionally, the first opening of the second side panel is coupled to the second opening 108 of the first bracket 114 and the second opening of the second side panel is coupled to the third opening 112 of the first bracket 114 via fasteners 106 and 110. The first opening 104 of the first bracket and the first opening of the second bracket 124 are not coupled to any portion of the storage shelf 100 in the second configuration. By contrast, as seen in FIG. 1A, the second opening 108 of the first bracket 114 and the second opening 150 of the second bracket 124 remain open and uncoupled to the support member 102 in the first configuration. In the second configuration, the support member 102 is resting at an angle. In some embodiments, the angle is between about 0 degrees and 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is between about 15 degrees and 30 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 22 degrees, 25 degrees, or 30 degrees. The angle of the shelf is contemplated to be any appropriate angle that still allows the support member 102 to secure whatever items are stored.

FIG. 5 illustrates a sample set of dumbbells 260 that are resting on the support member 102 when the support member 102 is in the second configuration. As shown, the dumbbells 260 are kept in place by the positioning of retainer lip 122. When the adjustable storage shelf 100 is coupled to the storage rack 200, the retainer lip 122 prevents the dumbbells 260 that are resting on the angled support member 102 from moving. FIG. 6 depicts the storage shelf 100 coupled to the storage rack 200 in the second configuration. Specifically, the adjustable storage shelf 100 is coupled to the storage rack 200 via fasteners, the retaining lip 122 is now facing the storage rack 200 while the ledge 180 is facing away from the storage rack 200. In the second configuration, the adjustable storage shelf 100 is coupled to the storage rack 200 in the same manner described above with respect to the first configuration. In other words, the fasteners 116 and 118 of the first bracket 114 secure the storage shelf 100 and the storage rack 200 via designated openings on the frame 230 of the storage rack and the first bracket 114. The second bracket 124 is secured using the fasteners 128 and 140 via the designated openings on the storage frame 230 and the second bracket 124. In order for there to be a secure coupling via the fasteners, such as fasteners 116, the designated openings of each bracket 114 and 124 must align with the designated openings on the frame 230 of the storage rack 200. The fasteners, such as fasteners 116, may be held in place with a nut or some additional component that helps secure the fasteners from moving while keeping the storage rack 200 and the support member 102 secured together.

In the second configuration shown in FIG. 6, the support member 102 is secured to the first surface 130 of the first bracket 114 and the first surface 137 of the second bracket 124. The top surface 105 of the support member 102 is offset from the first surface 130 of the first bracket 114 and the first surface 137 of the second bracket 124. Additionally, the support member 102 is offset at an angle in relation to the beams 280 of the storage frame 230.

As mentioned, providing an adjustable storage rack, such as example storage shelf 100 that can move between two configurations and where the support member 102 can be placed in two positions optimizes the use of storage rack 200. The adjustable storage shelf 100 allows for the storage of a variety of different items that may have different shapes, sizes, and features that would historically require different types of shelving for each different type of equipment. For example, both kettlebells and dumbbells may not be able to be securely stored on one type of shelf as a kettlebell and dumbbells need different setups to stay in place. The adjustable storage shelf 100 is advantageous as it would allow for the storage of different types of requirement within one storage rack 200, which would save space, be more efficient and cost effective.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed system without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments of the system will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the system disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.