RU2777590C1 - Storage components for a configurable storage system - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: storage.

SUBSTANCE: storage system, wherein the storage components are cantilevered on vertical racks, uses thin cantilever brackets for the support of the storage components. Despite the tendency of such brackets to rock on connection to a vertical rack, the cantilever brackets are implemented and able to rigidly support the storage components, providing an attractive appearance. A thin cantilever bracket made of a single flat metal workpiece, oriented vertically and protruding from the part being coupled, comprises a platform extending from the lateral surface thereof below the upper edge of the bracket so as to support one end of a shelf or other flat element forming a storage component, wherein said platform comprises at least one pin protruding from the top surface thereof.

EFFECT: ensured storage in a cantilever system.

14 cl, 9 dwg

Description

This application relates to US Provisional Application No. 62/730,524, filed September 12, 2018, and PCT Application No. PCT/US 2018/050781, filed September 12, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein for all purposes.

The field of technology to which the invention belongs

The present invention relates to components of a storage system using cantilever brackets mounted on uprights.

State of the art

Traditional configurable modular storage systems are typically based on cantilever brackets connected to a vertical or standing element to support shelves, drawers and other modular storage components in standard sizes that can be mounted in a variety of configurations to suit specific space constraints and needs. storage. The components that comprise these systems typically include a vertical stud that is attached to a wall with fasteners, hung from a rail on the wall (sometimes called a "hanging stud"), or attached to a base or foundation ("vertical stud"). Two or more vertical posts are installed or placed at a predetermined distance from each other. Each post has a plurality of slots through which brackets can be attached. To support the storage component, at least one cantilever bracket is attached to each rack. A cantilever bracket is usually attached to a rack by inserting one or more hooks located at one end of the bracket into grooves made in the rack. The hook may be formed in any manner, in particular in one example it is formed by a protrusion having a recess on the bottom edge into which the bottom edge of the groove engages when the protrusion is inserted into the groove and pushed down.

A pair of cantilever arms connected on a vertical upright can be used to support one or more components designed to store or organize goods or act as work surfaces, such as shelves, baskets, drawers and any other type of storage component. , systematization and display of clothing, clothing accessories, books, newspapers, folders, technical equipment, as well as decorative and utilitarian products. These components are generally referred to as "storage components". The end user chooses the supporting parts of the system and installs them to get a combination of storage components that meets the needs of the user and fits into the free space. Assembly is usually simple and requires a minimal set of tools. Such systems typically also allow easy dismantling, fitting, and reuse of parts to assemble other configurations. The components of such systems can also function or be assembled to create tables, worktops, seating, and other furniture-like structures, depending on the components and accessories available.

Disclosure of the essence of the invention

The following description discloses embodiments of a storage system using cantilever brackets mounted on vertical support members to support storage components.

Prior art brackets may use, for example, pairs of horizontally offset hooks to stabilize the cantilever bracket or a structural member extending from the sides of the bracket at its connection to the upright to act on the upright. However, this approach involves the use of a bracket with a relatively large width that cannot be easily hidden or incorporated into an aesthetically pleasing design, and moreover, it is generally not possible to connect more than one bracket to a single column.

In one aspect of the invention, the storage components for the storage system are supported by narrow cantilever uprights that would otherwise wobble when attached to the upright using a single row of one or more hooks inserted into a row of slots in the upright. Despite the tendency of these brackets to wobble when attached to a vertical rack, cantilever brackets are implemented and firmly support storage components for an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and allow more than one bracket to be connected at the same level to the same rack when needed.

Aspects of the various embodiments of the storage components described below retain the ease of assembly from standard parts with standard dimensions using a minimum set of tools, as well as the flexibility in installing the storage components to fit the available space and meet the user needs that are typical of traditional systems. Each of these aspects, alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects, allows or contributes to improved mechanical stiffness and strength and improved appearance compared to conventional systems.

Brief description of the drawings

FIG. 1 is a top view of a cantilever bracket for connection to a vertical post to support a shelf.

FIG. 2A is a plan view of a second embodiment of a cantilever bracket for connection to a vertical post to support a shelf.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the cantilever arm of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A-3D are perspective views illustrating successive steps in the installation process of a wall storage system shelf.

FIG. 4A-4D are perspective views of the wardrobe rail installation process as part of the shelf installation process shown in FIG. 3A-3D.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cantilever bracket for supporting an inclined surface in a wall storage system.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an illustrative non-limiting example of installing the horizontal shelf wall storage system shown in FIG. 3D and an inclined display shelf mounted on the same set of uprights.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the wall storage system in the first stage of installing the rear trim panel.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the wall storage system of FIG. 7A showing an alternative way of attaching the brackets to the rear trim panel.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the installation of the wall storage system of FIG. 7A or 7B with rear trim panel attached.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a drawer installed in a wall storage system similar to that shown in FIG. 7C.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the drawer of FIG. 8A with drawer parts cut out.

FIG. 8C is a view of a fragment from FIG. 8B is enlarged to show additional details.

FIG. 8D is a view of another fragment from FIG. 8B is enlarged to show additional details.

FIG. 8E is a view of another fragment from FIG. 8B is enlarged to show additional details.

FIG. 9A is a plan view of a bracket used to support the drawer of FIG. 8A-8E.

FIG. 9B is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 9A.

Implementation of the invention

In the description below, like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements.

The following description relates to a storage or staging system containing modular storage components that can be mounted in a number of different configurations depending on end user needs and available space. Said system includes posts that are installed in a vertical position and cantilever brackets that are connected to the vertical posts by a mechanical connection, hereinafter referred to as a mate (interface), or mating part. The description provides illustrative examples of storage systems in which their use may be particularly advantageous, however, the storage components described below can be adapted for other types of modular storage systems that use cantilever brackets, including systems that are not wall-mounted, and which use vertical racks of a different design.

In the exemplary storage systems described below, racks are held in a vertical orientation. To connect the rack to the wall, it can be attached to the wall using any type of fastener, such as a screw, bolt or nail, can be held against the wall by one or more clamps or brackets that are connected to the wall or hung from one or more laths. or crossbars attached to the wall. However, other methods of holding the uprights can be used. For example, a base on the floor or a brace extending from the floor, walls and/or ceiling can be used alone or in combination with each other to hold the uprights. The uprights may also be held at each end by the floor and ceiling. Once racks are in place, these systems allow, but do not always require, reconfiguration of storage components and the addition of new components. Non-limiting examples of components include shelves, drawers, cabinets, baskets, hangers, desks, and hooks. However, such systems may include many more types of components and accessories that can be attached to the racks or held by brackets connected to the racks.

The size of each post is sufficiently long in one dimension and narrower and shorter relative to its length in each of the other two dimensions. Each of the studs typically includes on the front side evenly spaced openings, such as slots at one or more equally spaced intervals, into which a horizontally positioned element of the cantilever bracket interface is inserted. Each cantilever bracket typically consists of an elongate support member extending forward from the mating portion, including a means by which it can be mated or connected to a vertical post. The mating part of the bracket is configured to engage with the post to prevent the bracket from turning and moving down after it is connected to the vertical post. Said mating portion may comprise one or more rear protrusions that fit into one or more corresponding holes provided in the upright. The bracket is then moved or rotated and placed in the locked position. A number of different rear lug configurations are available that connect the cantilever brackets to the uprights and allow the cantilever bracket to be attached and detached without the need for a tool or additional hardware. The mating part allows you to install and, if necessary, rearrange the brackets to support various configurations of storage elements. Examples of such means for connecting a bracket to a vertical post include a horizontal member that resembles in cross-section a hook with a horizontal component engaging the post to prevent vertical movement of the bracket and a vertical component engaging the post to prevent rotation and torque transfer. , created by the load on the horizontal support element of the bracket.

To assemble a typical wall storage system, two vertical racks are installed at a predetermined distance from each other. The system may have one or more stud spacings that match the width of its standard storage components. Some specific, non-limiting examples of such a system are described below. The cantilever bracket is then connected at the appropriate height to each upright so that they are flush. After that, the storage component is mounted between the brackets. In this case, a plurality of storage components can be installed so that they form a vertical row or stack of two or more storage components by attaching additional pairs of brackets at different heights. This system can be expanded by adding another rack, allowing two vertical rows of storage components to be mounted side by side.

FIG. 1, 2A-2B, 3A-3D, 4A-4D, 5 and 6 show illustrative examples of cantilever brackets 100, 200, and 500 intended for use in a storage system to support shelves and similar components. Illustrative examples or embodiments of shelves include a horizontal shelf 300 and an inclined shoe shelf 600. Cantilever brackets 100' in FIG. 3A-3E and 4A-4C are mirror images of bracket 100. Similarly, cantilever bracket 500' in FIG. 6 is a mirror image of bracket 500. The following description only refers to brackets 100 and 500, however, the description is applicable to both. Each cantilever arm 100, 200 and 500 consists of an extended support portion 104 which has a proximal end 106 where the arm connects to the upright 310 and a free distal end 108 which protrudes outward from the upright. The extended support member 104 protrudes horizontally in the brackets 100 and 200 and at an obtuse angle in the cantilever bracket 500. The elongate support member 104 has a top edge 110 and a support pad 114 that extends along at least one of two surfaces 112 of the elongated support element 104. The brackets 100 and 500 embodiments have a support pad on one side; an embodiment of the bracket 200 has two support pads, one on each side surface 112.

Each pad is located on the side surface 112 below the top edge 110. The distance between the top edge 110 and the top surface 115 of the pad 114 in the embodiments shown in the drawings remains substantially uniform or constant along the entire length of the pad 114. the plane of the top surface 115 of each platform 114 is parallel to the top edge 110. In one preferred embodiment, this distance is equal to the thickness Ts of the shelf, so that the top surface 308 of the shelf 300 and the top surface 606 of the shoe shelf 600 are flush or flush with the top edge 110 when any of these shelves is supported by platform 114. In this embodiment, the top surface 115 of platform 114 forms a right angle with the part of the side surface 112 from which this platform protrudes. The top surface 115 and the portion of the side surface 112 between the platform 114 and the top edge 110 are substantially flat or flat (no visually perceptible curvature to the average observer), with the side and bottom surfaces of the shelf (e.g., side surface 304 and bottom surface 306 shelves 300) engage with the side surface 112 of the bracket and the top surface 115 of the platform. This allows the shelf to be mounted close to or adjacent to the platform and bracket to provide a neat appearance and further restrict movement of the shelf relative to the bracket in at least two directions or degrees of freedom of movement.

Preferably, the portion of the side surface 112 above the top surface 115 is flat and oriented vertically (when mounted on a vertical upright) to accommodate a shelf, in particular shelves 300 and 600, with flat side and top surfaces at right angles, however, in an alternative embodiment, at least these portions of the side surfaces 112 may be inclined, curved, or have a shape complementary to the side of the shelf. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the side surfaces 112 may be non-planar or non-parallel to each other while maintaining a thin profile, as can be seen at the distal end of the brackets 100 and 200.

Platform 114 is shown as a single element that is attached to the side surface, however, in alternative embodiments, such platform may comprise two or more segments that are separated from each other and possibly spaced apart to support the shelf. The use of one solid platform is preferred for ease of manufacture of the bracket. The term "platform" as used in the description and claims refers to a solid or segmented pad, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

Each of the brackets 100 and 100' (FIGS. 3A-3D, and 4A-4D) and 500 and 500' (FIG. 6) is cantilevered to one of the uprights 310. The connecting portion 116 includes at least one protruding back element 120 and a trailing edge 122. The rearward protrusion, when inserted into a slot or hole (not visible) in the upright and locked into position, serves to hold the bracket on the upright by preventing movement in and out, and sideways and down from the slot. . In this example, moving down the protruding element after insertion into the groove locks it or establishes a connection, and moving it up releases it and allows it to be removed from the groove. The rearward-protruding member 120 and the trailing edge 122 also cooperate to transmit to the vertical strut a moment generated by a load acting on the cantilever arm. The top edge 110, in embodiments that use horizontal shelf support, such as cantilever brackets 100 and 200, is perpendicular to the trailing edge 122. cantilever bracket 500, the top edge 110 extends at an oblique angle relative to the trailing edge.

Several different connection designs are possible, however, in this example, the rear projection includes a slot 124 that accepts the lower transverse edge of the opening or slot in the front wall of the upright 310. Thus, the projection forms a hook portion that, in the locked position, interacts with the (invisible) inside surface of the front wall of the upright below the opening into which the rearward element is inserted. racks over the hole.

The connecting part 116 also contains a second protruding back element 126, which is located under the first element and is additional. It interacts with the bottom (invisible) slot provided on the upright and primarily serves to maintain vertical alignment of the bracket with the upright. In this example, moving the rearward tongue element 120 down to lock it in, aligns the rearward tongue element 126 with the bottom slot, allowing it to be inserted into the slot. The dimensions and location of the tab can be chosen so that its top edge can engage with the top edge of the slot and help prevent the bracket from moving upwards inadvertently after it has been placed in the locked position. Depending on its size, it can also be used to transfer to the upright some of the load acting on the cantilever arm. The lower protruding element 118 extends from the trailing edge 122 below the bottom edge 128 of the extended element 104. The protruding part includes a second protruding back element 126, the lower part of which is located below the lower edge 128 of the extended element. The distance between the rearwardly protruding elements 120 and 126 is equal to or a multiple of the distance between the slots on the upright.

The elongated support member 104 in this example is made or cut from a single vertically oriented sheet or plate of a rigid material, such as steel or other metal, with one edge of said sheet or plate forming the top edge 110 of the bracket. The sheet has a uniform thickness T _in so that the extended support member 104 also has a uniform thickness. The top edge 110 and the bottom edge 128 of the elongate support member 104 are mutually parallel. However, in alternative embodiments, this is not required. The elongated support member 104 has a height H that remains constant throughout the length of the elongated support member 104 of the bracket, except at the corners where the post merges into the connecting portion 116 of the bracket. The lower extension 118 is an example of the height of the bracket varying near the transition of the elongate support member 104 into the connecting part 116. The connecting part 116 of the bracket can be formed from a sheet of the same materials by cutting to obtain the rear projecting elements 120 and 126, as well as the lower projecting element . Thus, the entire bracket, except for the pads 114, can be cut from a single sheet of material. The thickness and other dimensions of the bracket are sufficient to resist bending, twisting, or other deformation when the proximal end is connected to the upright and subjected to the maximum expected or full load rating of the storage component supported by the bracket and its contents. Examples of material from which the elongate support member can be made include metals, in particular steel, as well as polymeric and composite materials. Each pad 114 in the example shown is derived from an L-shaped element. One part of it is pressed against the side surface and attached to it, while the other part protrudes outward.

FIG. 3A-3D show the process of assembling a storage shelf component using cantilever brackets 100 and 100'. The two uprights 310 are a typical example of uprights. They are attached to the wall 312 and spaced apart by the width of the shelf 300. Each shelf has in this example the standard width and depth provided for the storage components for the storage system. An additional panel 314 is installed between the racks, which gives the system a finished look, while the panels appear to be recessed. Brackets 100 and 100' are connected at the same level with each of the posts 310, as shown in FIG. 3A and 3B. A shelf is then inserted between brackets 100 and 100' and rests on top surfaces 115 of platforms 114. As shown in FIG. 6, the slanted shoe rack 600 has the same standard width as the rack 300 and extends forward to the same point. It is installed in the same way.

On the top surface 115 of each platform is at least one pin 130 extending upward. The pins extend in a direction normal to the top surface. In the examples shown, two pins 130 are provided, however, if necessary, their number can be increased. The pins 130 are inserted into sockets or holes 314 provided in the bottom surface 306 of the shelf 300 and the bottom (invisible) surface of the shoe shelf 600. The number of holes is at least equal to the number of pins, however, there may be more holes than pins. Thus, at least two holes are provided, one at each end of the shelf. The pins and sockets are aligned so that the sides 304 of the shelf 300 fit snugly against the side surfaces 112 of the elongated posts 104 of the brackets 100 and 200, and the front side surface 302 of the shelf 300 occupies a predetermined position relative to the front edge 132 of the elongated support member 104. Similarly, the front surface 604 shelves 600 for shoes also occupies a predetermined position relative to the front edge 132 of the bracket 500. The top surfaces 308 and 606 of the shelves 300 and 600 also occupy a predetermined position relative to the top edge 110 of the brackets 300 and 500. This position is determined by the position of the platform 114 relative to the top edge 110 and the thickness shelves. In one embodiment, the predetermined position of the top surface and front side surface of the shelf relative to the top and front edges of the bracket is chosen such that they are aligned or flush with each other. However, in alternative embodiments, the implementation of the pins and holes can be located in such a way as to create a different relative position between the front side surface 304 and the front edge 132 of the elongated element. The predetermined position of the top surface 302 and the top edge 110 can also be changed if you want to arrange them not flush, but otherwise.

The shelves 300 and 600 may include a locking device in the holes that cooperates with the pins to hold or lock the shelf on the pins. One example is a cam clamp nut having a cam surface that engages a shoulder formed on the tapered portion of the pin. When rotated, the cam acts on the shoulder, pulling the shelf down the pin and locking it. This blocking increases the rigidity of the connection between the shelf and the bracket.

In alternative embodiments, pins 130 may be omitted. However, they provide this benefit and are especially preferred when used with brackets such as the 100 and 200, which connect to the upright with a single hook. A cantilever bracket with a single connection point tends to wobble sideways, especially when connected to an embodiment of a vertical column in which the slots are wide enough to accommodate the hooks of two adjacent brackets. Traditional approaches to wobble, such as the use of two hooks and a double row of slots on a vertical strut, flange, or other stabilizing structure to resist wobble, usually result in a wider and less visually appealing bracket. Connecting the shelf to the bracket with pins 130 helps to prevent or reduce the rocking of brackets 100 and 200.

If it is required to arrange the shelves in a row at the same level, a third vertical column can be used, while a cantilever bracket with platforms 114 on each side can be installed on the middle column, which allows one thin profile bracket to be used to support the ends of two shelves. Cantilever bracket 200 is an example of such a horizontal shelf bracket. However, as an alternative, the single-deck cantilever brackets, due to their thin profile, can also be inserted into the same set of slots on the same upright, abutting each other with their respective non-deck side surfaces 112.

The design of the cantilever brackets, and the way and means by which they support the shelves, allows for a thinner profile and an aesthetically more attractive shape that better fits the shelf. This improves appearance and increases rigidity, which reduces component movement and wobble compared to traditional systems, while maintaining ease of installation. The result is a highly configurable storage system that is similar in appearance and feel to furniture, in particular custom or built-in shelving. Instead of a horizontal shelf, other storage components can be used with a flat element that can be supported by two brackets.

FIG. 4A-D show an optional component that can be used in conjunction with the shelf and brackets described with reference to FIG. 3A-3D: wardrobe rod located under shelf 300. Installing the wardrobe rod does not require additional fasteners or tools and is carried out during the assembly of the shelf. A pair of hanging brackets 402 are used to support the wardrobe bar 400. Each hanging bracket includes a wardrobe bar holder 404, which in this example is U-shaped, i.e., open at the top and one side to accommodate one end of the wardrobe bar 400 The sides of the holder can only be connected to the bottom wall of the holder, which extends at right angles from the bar 406 and slopes slightly inwards. This allows the sides to lean outward slightly when one end of the wardrobe rod is inserted, and then compress around the end of the rod after it is inserted. To make it easier to insert the wardrobe rod between the sides, the upper edges of the sides are curved outwards. The wardrobe rod may have a non-circular cross section with one or more flattened surfaces. In the example shown, the cross section of the rod has a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

The holder 404 is suspended from the platform 114 of the cantilever brackets 100 and 200 by means of a strap 406 and a tongue 408 which is located at a right angle on the upper side of the strap. Each suspension bracket is installed by passing the tongue 408 through the slot 134 made between the platform and the side surface 112 to which it is attached, and then rotating the suspension bracket 402 so that the tongue 408 moves into the recess 136 made on the top surface 115 of the platform, and the bar 406 rested against the side surface 112 of the cantilever bracket. The tab is placed in a recess, so it does not engage with the shelf when it is installed on the bracket pads. The bar 406 and tongue 408 act like a hook to transfer the load of the wardrobe rod to the platform 114 and therefore also to the cantilever arm. First, two hanging brackets are installed, one for each of the pair of cantilever brackets that support the shelf, under which the wardrobe rod is located. After installing a pair of hanging brackets, the wardrobe rod is inserted into the holders as shown in FIG. 4C and 4D. The bar actually locks the hanger brackets so they can't move or turn. The shelf is then installed as shown in FIG. 3C and 3D.

In one embodiment, the holder 404 and tab 408 are made of a rigid material that does not tend to deform under expected loads, while the bar 406 connecting each holder 404 and tab 408 is also rigid in order to maintain right angles with the side surface 112 after installation of a wardrobe rod. The plank may also be made of a rigid material or may allow for some bending. Rigid materials may be metals or polymeric materials. In one embodiment, the rod is made in one piece from a polymeric material by injection molding.

FIG. 6 shows an illustrative non-limiting example of how multiple shelves can be mounted on a single pair of uprights 310. This example includes a horizontal shelf 300 and an inclined shoe shelf 600 with a front toe stop 604 on the front side of the shelf and a back stop 606 for the backs of the shoes. Examples of other types of structures include two or more horizontal shelves 300, two or more shoe shelves 600, or any combination of these and any other components. In addition, other types of storage components can be used instead of shelves 300 and 600, containing a structural component similar to a shelf, and can be supported by a cantilever bracket similar to cantilever brackets 100, 200 and 500.

Shelves can be made of wood, wood-laminated plastics, metals, polymeric materials, composite materials and their combinations.

FIG. 7A-7C show two illustrative examples of installation of panel brackets to support the rear panel 314, which is shown in several views in the previous drawings. The uprights 310 are connected or mounted to the wall 312, for example by at least one, and in these examples two or three, horizontal uprights or planks 700. The horizontal bars, for example, are screwed to the wall, although they can be another way. The studs are then connected or hung from one or more horizontal battens 700. To support the panel 314 between the studs, C-panel braces 702 and 714 are suspended from a horizontal flange 704 provided on top of each batten and protruding forward from the panel 314, or flange 708 clip 706, which is attached to the panel by means of a fastener, in particular a screw, while maintaining the distance between the flange 708 and the surface of the panel 314. includes a pair of legs 702a with support portions 702b that can abut against panel 314. Each support portion extends between flange 704 and 708 and wall 312 and serves as a hook to hold bracket 702 or 714 on a horizontal bar. Similarly, each of the panel brackets 714 has, in this example, a pair of legs 714a with support portions 714b. In this case, in an alternative embodiment, only one leg has a support part, and other structural elements can be replaced to hang the panel bracket on the flange with a horizontal bar or clamp.

The legs 702a and 714a of each of the panel brackets 702 and 714 position the bracket and its connecting portion 702c and 714c, respectively, at a predetermined distance from the wall, while being in predetermined alignment with the uprights 310. In this example, the front surface of the panel after attaching the panel to panel brackets are flush with the front of the uprights. The support portions also orient the connecting portion 702c and 714c of each bracket so that the flat area of the surface of the connecting portions 702 and 714c to which the back side of the panel 314, i.e., the connection surface, is attached, is parallel to the wall surface. An adhesive agent 710 can be applied to the connection surface of the connecting part 702c and 714c, for example, by which the back side of the panel 314 is glued to the bracket after a sufficient number of staples have been installed and the panel 314 has been pressed against the brackets. Non-limiting illustrative examples of adhesives include double-sided tape, adhesive, and any other adhesive that bonds the back of the panel to the staple. Fasteners, in particular Velcro fasteners, can also be used to connect the panel to the brackets.

The panel braces 714 also include a narrow platform 714d which is located under the connecting part 714c and on which the underside or lower edge of the panel may rest. In the case of panel brace 714, adhesive 710 is not applied to the entire length of the joint surface of joint 714c to allow the lower edge of the rear panel to rest on pad 714d without being attached to the brace and to obtain proper positioning of the panel before it is pressed against the brackets. In the case of a panel clip 702, the adhesive may extend the entire length of the surface of the connecting portion 702c, although in alternative embodiments it does not necessarily extend the entire length. One or more brackets 714 are used in place of the brackets 702 or clips on the bottom horizontal bar where the bottom edge of the panel is located. The use of staples 714 is optional.

In an alternative embodiment, the rear panel may be held in place by inserting its ends into slots provided on the side of the upright 310. An example is shown in PCT Application No. PCT/US 2018/050781.

FIG. 8A-8E and 9A-9B, as another example of a storage component for a storage system, drawer 800 is shown, which, as described above, is also mounted on thin profile cantilever brackets connected to uprights. The drawings show an exemplary installation of a drawer 800 with two uprights 310 attached to a wall (not shown). The spacing between them is a standard storage system spacing that allows multiple 800 drawers and 300 and 600 shelves to be installed vertically on the same set of uprights, and horizontally by adding a third upright, with the uprights mounted at a standard spacing, and adjacent storage components mounted in a horizontal row are supported by thin profile cantilever brackets having a common post and occupying in at least one embodiment the same holes or slots to ensure a snug fit.

The drawer in this example is provided with a box casing. The drawer is installed in the casing with the possibility of sliding in and out. The casing consists of two side panels 802a and 802b, each of which is connected to the top panel 804 and the bottom panel. The drawer front 808 overlaps the ends of the side panels 802a and 802 with its end surfaces flush with the surfaces of the side panels to hide the ends of the side panels when the drawer is closed. The bottom of the front side 808 of the drawer also overlaps the bottom panel 806 to hide the end of the bottom panel when the drawer is closed. Only the front face edge of the top panel 804 remains open, with the top edge of the drawer front panel 808 firmly under the top panel and the drawer front surface flush with the front edge of the top panel 804.

A pair of cantilever brackets 900a and 900b (which are mirror images of each other) are used to hang the casing from the uprights 310. Each side panel 802a and 802b is fastened to a support member 902 that protrudes from the bracket. In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 902 includes holes 904 for screws (not shown) for connecting the post to the inner surface of each side panel 802a and 802b. The bottom tongue 906 may also be used to connect the side panel to the bracket in the down position to prevent or reduce torsional forces on the fasteners connecting the side panels to the support member 906. in this case, the support protrusion is curved inwardly relative to the central plane defined by the mating part 908 and its rear protrusions 914, and while the central plane is parallel to the central axis of the support protrusion and passes through a series of slots that are made on the front side of the vertical column and into which these rear ledges. The curvature of the support projection at least partially accommodates the thickness of the panel. If desired, this allows the outer surface 810 of each side panel to be aligned with or within the plane of the mating portion 908. In one preferred embodiment, the amount of flex is equal to or greater than the thickness of the side panel, although in alternative embodiments it may be less than this thickness. In this case, the curved part starts near the upright and allows at least the outer part of the side panels to come close to the upright.

The curved portion 910 includes a step 911, whereby the curved portion 910 has a stepped cross section. When connected to the brace 912, the step 911 forms a box structure that reinforces and stiffens the bracket, helping to prevent the bracket from bending in the curved portion under the load of the drawer 800.

With the exception of the brace 912, the bracket comprising the support boss 902, the bend 910, the mating portion 908, and the back bosses 914 is, in one embodiment, made from a single piece of material, particularly a billet of steel, by cutting and bending. Thus, the bracket can maintain a thin profile.

The bottom and top panel 804 and 806 are connected to the side panels by fasteners or other means of attachment to form a rigid box-like casing that supports the drawer. In this example, pins 810, which are screwed into the bottom and top panels, are inserted into holes 811 made in the top and bottom edges of the side panels, and then locked with cam lock nuts 812, which are inserted before the pins are inserted and rotated from inside the casing. Holes 814 are provided in the support members 902 to allow access to the cam lock nuts. Additional pins 816 may also be used to help hold the panels together. The entire cover can be mounted with a screwdriver.

The mating portion 908 includes rear projections 914, each of which is inserted into a separate slot located in a row of slots (invisible due to raised parts extending from the front wall, which obscures from the side angle said row of slots) on the front side of the uprights. Each of the rear lugs 914 has a slot 912 cut or molded therein that encloses the lower transverse edge of one of the slots in the row of slots provided on the upright 310. Thus, the rear lugs 914 form hooks by which the bracket is hung from the upright. The mating portion also includes another rearward protrusion in the form of a tongue 918 which engages in the slot when the rear lugs are inserted and pushed to the bottom edges of the slots as described above, thus facilitating installation and retention of the hooks in proper position.

In this example, the drawer frame, in addition to the front side 808, includes a bottom 818, a back 820, and sides 822. The drawer is supported inside the casing, for example, by means of rails, extensions, or a similar device 824, which is installed between the drawer frame and the bottom panel 806. However, many types of drawer slides, extensions, push open and soft close mechanisms can be replaced.

The design of the bracket allows the side panels to hide most of the bracket while also centering the outer surface of the casing sides on the upright, allowing one common upright to support two side-by-side drawers. In addition, due to the thin mating portion 908 and the relatively wide slots, the brackets 900a and 900b of adjacent drawers can be inserted into the same slots on the upright. In this way, two drawers can be hung on vertical posts very close to each other, with the side panels of the two drawers adjacent to each other. This tight fit gives the storage system the look of custom drawers and allows for a more attractive appearance.

The above description relates to the drawer, however, in alternative embodiments, the drawer may be omitted or another type of arranging or storage component may be used in place of the drawer without substantially changing the casing, its design, and being supported by cantilever brackets.

Non-limiting illustrative examples of uprights that can be used with the components described above are disclosed or described in PCT Application No. PCT/US 2018/050781. However, these studs may be adapted to be connected or otherwise supported by the wall using fasteners, clips, brackets, and other means. In addition, the uprights may further comprise raised portions that extend from the front of the upright and visually obscure one or more rows of slots from the side corners to which the cantilever brackets are connected.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, the above description of illustrative and preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings should be understood as illustrative non-limiting examples of the claimed invention, which may describe many inventions other than those set forth in the claims. Therefore, the invention defined by the appended claims is not limited to the details of the described examples and embodiments or to any preferred embodiment. Furthermore, the subject matter of the claims is not intended to be limited to statements made regarding aspects of any embodiments or examples other than those specific aspects that are expressly expressed in the claims. On the contrary, the claimed invention is intended to cover the equivalents of the examples and embodiments, as well as changes and modifications thereof, which correspond to the ordinary and customary meaning of the terms of the claims, unless these terms are unambiguously defined in this description or are not to be defined otherwise, in particular , pursuant to 35 USC § 112(f) as required by law.

Claims (22)

1. Cantilever storage bracket, comprising: an extended support element with proximal and distal ends, wherein said extended support element also comprises a top edge and two parallel side surfaces extending at least along a portion of its length; a mating portion which is located at the proximal end of the elongated support member and which comprises a rearward protruding member capable of being inserted into a hole provided in the upright to hold the cantilever bracket to the upright; a platform that protrudes outward from one of the two side surfaces along at least part of the length of the extended support element, while the upper surface of the platform is located below the upper edge, wherein said platform contains at least one pin protruding from its upper surface. 2. Cantilever bracket according to claim 1, in which the upper surface of the platform extends at right angles from the side surface of the extended support element. 3. Cantilever bracket according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance between the top surface of the platform and the top edge is constant along the length of the platform. 4. Cantilever bracket according to one of paragraphs. 1-3, in which the platform extends continuously from nearly the mating portion to nearly the distal end of the bracket. 5. Cantilever bracket according to one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the extended support member and the rearwardly projecting member of the mating portion have a constant thickness. 6. Cantilever bracket according to one of paragraphs. 1-5, in which the rearward protruding member comprises a slot configured to engage with the edge of an opening provided in the upright. 7. Cantilever bracket according to one of paragraphs. 1-6, in which the extended support member and the rearward projecting member are cut from the same sheet of material. 8. A storage system comprising: first and second console brackets; a shelf configured to be supported between the first and second cantilever brackets; wherein the first and second cantilever brackets contain an extended, vertically oriented flat support element with an upper edge, side surfaces and a platform that protrudes outward from one of the side surfaces to support the shelf between the brackets, moreover, the system further comprises at least one pin extending from the upper surface of the platform of the first and second cantilever brackets, while the shelf contains an opening for entering said pin. 9. The storage system of claim. 8, in which the upper surface of the platform extends at right angles from the side surface of the extended support element. 10. The storage system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the distance between the top surface of the deck and the top edge is constant along the length of the deck. 11. The storage system according to one of paragraphs. 8-10, in which the platform extends continuously from nearly the mating portion to nearly the distal end of the bracket. 12. The storage system according to one of paragraphs. 8-11, in which the shelf has a top surface aligned with the top edge of the first and second cantilever brackets. 13. The storage system according to one of paragraphs. 8-12, in which the shelf has a leading edge aligned with the leading edge of the first and second cantilever brackets. 14. The storage system according to any one of paragraphs. 8-13, in which the shelf further comprises means for blocking the pin in the hole.

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