Abstract:
A wall mounted shelf system is disclosed. The system includes a wall bracket, a plurality of orifices in the wall bracket, each orifice for accepting a fastener, and a shelf removably coupled to the wall bracket. The shelf comprises: a) a planar surface sloped downwards towards the distal end, b) a first planar strip that extends downwards for attachment to the wall bracket; c) a protruding portion of the planar surface that protrudes upwards, d) a second planar strip located below the planar surface, wherein the second planar strip is oriented vertically for placement coplanar with the wall, and e) wherein the planar surface, the first and second planar strips and the protruding portion are integrally formed from a single piece of a material.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
       [0003]    Not Applicable. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    This invention relates to field of organizers for storage, and more particularly relates to the field of configurable storage shelves for closets and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Storage organizers, shelving units, and other storage systems are known in the art. Some are adjustable and can be arranged and configured in various ways prior to or during installation, within a storage space such as a closet. Shelf storage units can be installed in variety of locations, including closets, bedrooms, pantries, garages and living rooms. Further, shelf storage units can be used to store a variety of goods, including food, clothing, dry materials and tools. 
         [0006]    One of the problems associated with conventional shelf storage units is the cost of manufacturing. A conventional shelf storage unit usually consists of one or more shelf elements, sidewall elements and top and bottom elements. Additionally, fasteners must be provided to attach the shelving unit to a wall or other permanent fixture. The high number of parts necessary to build a conventional shelving unit increases the cost of materials, increases manufacturing costs, increases the complexity of the system and decreases the user-friendliness of the product as a consumer good. 
         [0007]    Another problem associated with conventional shelf storage units is the method in which the shelf storage unit attached to the wall or other permanent fixture. A conventional shelf storage unit is typically attached to a wall using fasteners such as screws that are drilled into a wall. Since drywall is the most common type of wall material in the United States, screws must be accompanied by sleeves or anchors that are first inserted into the wall and provide a base or foundation for the screws. Thus, installation usually consists of a consumer (or another person helping the consumer) holding the shelf storage unit against the wall in the desired location, while multiple screws are drilled into the wall to secure the shelf storage unit to the wall. This can be tedious and time consuming for the consumer. 
         [0008]    Lastly, conventional shelf storage units offer very little variety in the type of shelf provided. Conventional shelf storage units typically only provide flat horizontal surfaces in a rectangular shape for storing goods. While this standard arrangement may suffice for most goods, this arrangement is not optional for other goods, such as irregularly shaped goods that a consumer desires to store for later use. 
         [0009]    From the foregoing, it is apparent that there exists a definite need for a shelf storage unit that can be manufactured in a more efficient manner and in such a way as to allow for simpler installation by a consumer. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a wall mounted shelf system is disclosed. The system includes a wall bracket comprising a first elongated strip for placement coplanar with a wall and a second elongated strip connected to the first elongated strip, wherein the second elongated strip is parallel to the wall; a plurality of orifices in the wall bracket, each orifice for accepting a fastener for fastening the wall bracket to the wall; and a shelf removably coupled to the wall bracket, wherein the shelf comprises: a) a planar surface having a proximal end adjacent to the wall and a distal end, wherein the planar surface is sloped downwards towards the distal end, and wherein the planar surface accepts placement of items on its top surface for storage; b) a first planar strip located proximally to the planar surface, wherein the first planar strip extends downwards for placement behind the second elongated strip of the wall bracket; c) a protruding portion of the planar surface that protrudes upwards, wherein the protruding portion is located distally to, and co-extensive with, the planar surface, so as to provide a barrier to items placed on the top surface of the planar surface; d) a second planar strip located below, proximally to the planar surface, wherein the second planar strip is oriented vertically for placement coplanar with the wall, so as to provide support for the shelf; and e) wherein the planar surface, the first and second planar strips and the protruding portion are integrally formed from a single piece of a material. 
         [0011]    The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and also the advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Additionally, the left-most digit of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a perspective view of a shelf storage system, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of side views of shelves for use with the shelf storage system of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of cross-sectional side views of shelves for use with the shelf storage system of  FIG. 1 , shown in juxtaposition to a wall, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of perspective views of shelves and side walls for use with the shelf storage system of  FIG. 1 , shown in juxtaposition to a wall, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of a side wall for use with the shelf storage system of  FIG. 1 , shown in juxtaposition to a wall, in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of a perspective view of a wall bracket for use with the shelf storage system of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    The present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, overcomes problems with the prior art by providing a simple and user-friendly shelf storage system that provides for easy installation, optimal shoe storage, and a low manufacturing cost. The present invention further solves problems with the prior art by providing a manufacturing method—i.e., sheet metal bending—that decreases the costs, materials and time associated with manufacturing a shelf storage system. Further, the present invention solves problems with the prior art by providing a unique shelf shape and arrangement that optimizes the storage of irregularly or oddly shaped items, such as shoes. This allows for a higher level of product use and consumer satisfaction. 
         [0020]    It should be understood that these embodiments are only examples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachings herein. In general, statements made in the specification of the present application do not necessarily limit any of the various claimed inventions. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventive features but not to others. In general, unless otherwise indicated, singular elements may be in the plural and vice versa with no loss of generality. In the drawing like numerals refer to like parts through several views. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a perspective view of a shelf storage system  100 , in accordance with one embodiment.  FIG. 1  shows that the shelf storage system  100  includes a first horizontally arranged shelf  102  used to store a pair of shoes  110  on its top surface.  FIG. 1  also shows that the shelf storage system  100  includes a second horizontally arranged shelf  104  used to store a pair of shoes  112  on its top surface. Both shelves  102 ,  104  may be coupled to a wall at their rear. 
         [0022]    The shelves  102 ,  104  are shaped so as to be optimal to store the shoes  110 ,  112 , since the shelves  102 ,  104  provide a top surface that allows for the easy placement of the shoes on the shelves but also provide a top surface that is angled towards the consumer (i.e., sloped downwards from back to front) so that the consumer may more easily view and grasp the shoes when choosing a pair of shoes to wear. Furthermore, the shelves  102 ,  104  provide a top surface that, although sloped towards the consumer, prevents the shoes  110 ,  112  from sliding off the shelves, due to the presence of a protruding surface on the mid-portion of each shelf (so as to catch the heel of each shoe) and due to the presence of a protruding barrier on the distal part of each shelf (so as to catch the front of each shoe), as explained more fully below. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  further shows that the shelves  102 ,  104  include sidewalls  105  located on the ends of the shelves  102 ,  104 , wherein the sidewalls are positioned perpendicularly to the shelves  102 ,  104  so as to abut the shelves  102 ,  104 , and wherein the sidewall  105  may also be coupled to the wall. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of cross-sectional side views of shelves  202 ,  232 ,  252  for use with the shelf storage system  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment. A woman&#39;s heel  220  is shown resting on a top surface of the first shelf  202 .  FIG. 2  shows the first shelf  202  comprises a planar bottom element  204 , which may be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf  202 . The element  204  may be arranged horizontally such that the proximal end is perpendicular to, and rests against, the wall  302 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  also shows a planar element  214 , which may also be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf  202 . The element  214  may be arranged substantially horizontally or may exhibit a slope downwards from the proximal end of the shelf  202  to the distal end.  FIG. 2  further shows a planar element  210 , which may also be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf  202 . The element  210  may be arranged substantially horizontally or may exhibit a slope downwards from the proximal end of the shelf  202  to the distal end. 
         [0026]      FIG. 2  further shows that the planar elements  210 ,  214  may be interrupted by protrusions  212  and  218 . The protrusion  212  is located substantially in the mid-portion of the shelf (i.e., substantially midway between the proximal end and the distal end of the shelf  202 ), so as to catch the indentation in the shoe  220  provided by the heel of the shoe  220 . Thus, the protrusion  212  prevents the shoe  220  from sliding off the shelf  202 . The protrusion  218  is located at the distal end of the shelf  202 , and therefore it catches the front portion, or toe, of the shoe  220 . Specifically, the rear-facing surface  216  rests against the toe of the shoe  220 . Thus, the protrusion  218  also prevents the shoe  220  from sliding off the shelf  202 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  also shows a hook  208  at the proximal end of the shelf  202 , wherein the hook is used to attach the shelf  202  to a wall bracket disclosed in more detail below. Further,  FIG. 2  shows that the shelf  202  includes a planar element  206 , which may be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf  202 . The element  206  may be arranged vertically such that it rests co-planar with the wall  302 , so as to provide support for the shelf  202 . Further,  FIG. 2  shows that the shelf  202  includes a cavity  226  formed by the plethora of bends in a single piece of sheet metal that comprise the shelf  202 . 
         [0028]    A sandal  222  is shown resting on a top surface of the second shelf  232 .  FIG. 2  shows the second shelf  232  comprises a planar bottom element  234 , which may be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf  232 .  FIG. 2  also shows a planar element  242 , which may also be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf  232 . The element  242  may exhibit a slope downwards from the proximal end of the shelf  232  to the distal end. 
         [0029]      FIG. 2  further shows that the planar element  242  be connected to protrusion  236  located at the distal end of the shelf  232 , and therefore it catches the front portion, or toe, of the sandal  222 . Specifically, the rear-facing surface  238  rests against the toe of the sandal  222 . Thus, the protrusion  236  prevents the sandal  222  from sliding off the shelf  232 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  also shows a hook  244  at the proximal end of the shelf  232 , wherein the hook is used to attach the shelf  232  to a wall bracket. Further,  FIG. 2  shows that the shelf  232  includes a planar element  230 , which may be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf  232 . Further,  FIG. 2  shows that the shelf  232  includes a cavity  245  formed by the plethora of bends in a single piece of sheet metal that comprise the shelf  232 . 
         [0031]    A men&#39;s dress shoe  224  is shown resting on a top surface of the third shelf  252 .  FIG. 2  shows the third shelf  252  comprises a planar bottom element  254 , which may be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf  252 .  FIG. 2  also shows a planar element  260 , which may also be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf  252 . The element  260  may be arranged substantially horizontally or may exhibit a slope downwards from the proximal end of the shelf  252  to the distal end.  FIG. 2  further shows a planar element  264 , which may also be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf  252 . The element  264  may be arranged substantially horizontally or may exhibit a slope downwards from the proximal end of the shelf  252  to the distal end. 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  further shows that the planar elements  260 ,  264  may be interrupted by protrusions  262  and  261 . The protrusion  262  is located substantially in the mid-portion of the shelf, so as to catch the indentation in the shoe  224  provided by the heel of the shoe  224 . Thus, the protrusion  262  prevents the shoe  224  from sliding off the shelf  252 . The protrusion  261  is located at the distal end of the shelf  252 , and therefore it catches the front portion, or toe, of the shoe  224 . Specifically, the rear-facing surface  256  of protrusion  261  rests against the toe of the shoe  224 . Thus, the protrusion  261  also prevents the shoe  224  from sliding off the shelf  252 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  also shows a hook  266  at the proximal end of the shelf  252 , wherein the hook is used to attach the shelf  252  to a wall bracket. Further,  FIG. 2  shows that the shelf  252  includes a planar element  250 , which may be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf  252 . Further,  FIG. 2  shows that the shelf  252  includes a cavity  258  formed by the plethora of bends in a single piece of sheet metal that comprise the shelf  252 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of cross-sectional side views of shelves  202  for use with the shelf storage system  100  of  FIG. 1 , shown in juxtaposition to a wall  302 , in accordance with one embodiment. At the top of  FIG. 3 , the shelf  202  is shown in a dissembled state, along with the wall bracket  304 , which may comprise a rectangular strip  309  for placement coplanar with the wall  302  and a rectangular strip  312  connected to the rectangular strip  309 , wherein the rectangular strip  312  is parallel to the wall  302 . The wall bracket  304  may further comprise a rigid flat strip  308  that connects the rectangular strip  312  with the rectangular strip  309  of the wall bracket  304 . Since the rectangular strip  312  is in a different plane than the rectangular strip  309 , a gap  310  is produced between the strip  312  and the wall  302 . 
         [0035]    Orifice  306  is located in the rectangular strip  309 . The orifice  306  is configured to accept the fastener or screw  320  to attach the wall bracket  304  to the wall  302 . Note that the rectangular strip  309  is the widest strip, while the rectangular strip  312  has a more narrow width than the rectangular strip  309 , and the rigid flat strip  308  has the narrowest width. The width of the rectangular strip  312  may be manufactured to correspond to the length or width of the strip  330  defining the hook  208  of the shelf  202 , such that the two elements match when mated (as shown at the bottom of  FIG. 3 ). The width of the rectangular strip  312  may be from about 0.5 inch to about 1.5 inches. 
         [0036]    Shelf  202  is shown as having a planar bottom surface  204 , a vertical planar surface  206  and a hook  208 . The hook  208  may comprise a planar element  330 , which may be a rectangular planar strip or band that extends along the main longitudinal axis of the shelf  202 . The element  330  may be arranged vertically such that it rests co-planar or parallel to the wall  302 . The hook  330  also includes a gap  332 , into which the strip  312  of the wall bracket  304  is inserted. Again, the rectangular strip  312  may be manufactured to correspond to the gap  332  of hook  208  of the shelf  202 , such that the two elements match when mated. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of perspective views of shelves  202 ,  252  and side walls  105  for use with the shelf storage system  100  of  FIG. 1 , shown in juxtaposition to a wall  302 , in accordance with one embodiment.  FIG. 4  further shows a sidewall assembly comprised of a larger U-shaped bracket  412  and a smaller U-shaped bracket  410 .  FIG. 4  shows either the larger U-shaped bracket  412  or the smaller U-shaped bracket  410  may be attached to the wall  302  using a fastener  420 , while the other U-shaped bracket is coupled to said bracket attached to the wall. This arrangement of the sidewall assembly is explained in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0038]    The shelves  202 ,  252  of  FIG. 4  may be provided in standard sizes and custom sizing may be provided to the end-consumer via the use of a circular saw, for example, or any other standard cutting machine for cutting the length of the shelves  202 ,  252  to accommodate the length desired by the consumer. Further, the consumer may choose how far apart to space the shelves  202 ,  252  when constructing the final shelf storage system  100 , as seen in  FIG. 1 . Finally, the end-consumer may choose whether to place the sidewalls  105  onto the sides of the system  100 , or whether to place the sides of the shelves  202 ,  252  to abut a wall, so as to eliminate the need for sidewalls  105 . In this manner, the system  100  is configurable, since it allows a consumer to customize the system  100  configure its structure to fit the use desired by the consumer. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view of a side wall assembly for use with the shelf storage system  100  of  FIG. 1 , shown in juxtaposition to a wall  302 , in accordance with one embodiment. The cross-section of  FIG. 5  is a transverse cross-sectional view.  FIG. 5  shows that smaller U-shaped bracket  410  may be attached to the wall  302  using a fastener  420  that is inserted into an orifice  502  in the bracket  410  and the wall  302 . This allows for easy installation of the side wall assembly of the shelf storage system  100 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  also shows that larger U-shaped bracket  412  contains S-shaped ends  430  on each of the terminating ends of the bracket  412 . Each S-shaped end  430  includes a pocket  432  that is created via the S-shape. The width of the pocket  432  corresponds to the thickness, or slightly smaller than the thickness, of the flat sheet material from which smaller U-shaped bracket  410  is manufactured. This arrangement allows for the creation of a friction fit between the terminating ends of the smaller U-shaped bracket  410  and the pockets  432  of the S-shaped ends  430  of larger U-shaped bracket  412 . Thus, the terminating ends of the smaller U-shaped bracket  410  may be inserted into the pockets  432  of the S-shaped ends  430  of larger U-shaped bracket  412 , so as to create a friction fit between the larger U-shaped bracket  412  and the smaller U-shaped bracket  410 . This allows for the easy construction of the side wall assembly of the shelf storage system  100 , since no tools are required to engage the friction fit. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of a perspective view of a wall bracket  304  for use with the shelf storage system  100  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with one embodiment.  FIG. 6  shows that the wall bracket  304  may comprise a rectangular strip  309  for placement coplanar with a wall  302  and a rectangular strip  312  connected to the rectangular strip  309 , wherein the rectangular strip  312  is parallel to the wall  302 . The wall bracket  304  may further comprise a rigid flat strip  308  that connects the rectangular strip  309  with the rectangular strip  312  of the wall bracket  304 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  further shows that orifices  306 , which may be counter sunk, may be distributed evenly along the length of the main longitudinal axis of the rectangular strip  309 . The orifices  306  are configured to accept the fasteners or screws  320  to attach the wall bracket  304  to the wall  302 . Note that the rectangular strip  309  is the widest strip, while the rectangular strip  312  has a more narrow width than the rectangular strip  309 , and the rigid flat strip  308  has the narrowest width. The width of the rectangular strip  312  may be manufactured to correspond to the gap  332  of hook  330  of the shelf  202  in  FIG. 3 , such that there the two elements match when mated (as shown at the bottom of  FIG. 3 ). The width of the rectangular strip  312  may be from about 0.5 inch to about 1.5 inches. 
         [0043]    In one embodiment of the present invention, an alternative to the use of fasteners  320  to attach the bracket  304  to the wall is the use of an adhesive. In this alternative, an adhesive is disposed on the back side of the strip  309 , which provides a secure adhesive bond between the bracket  304  and the wall. In one embodiment, the adhesive provides a secure enough bond to secure the bracket  304  to the wall, even when the shelves are weighted, but still allows the bracket  304  to be removed with a predefined amount and direction of force, so as to allow the bracket  304  to removed and placed in a different location. 
         [0044]    The wall bracket  304  may be manufactured from a single, rectangular piece of sheet metal. Note that the rigid flat strip  308  may be produced via two bends along the length of the main longitudinal axis of aforesaid single, rectangular piece of sheet metal, wherein the distance between the two bends define the width of the rigid flat strip  308 . 
         [0045]    It should be noted that although the present invention discloses shelves  202 ,  232 ,  252  shown in a particular shape (mainly horizontally arranged shelves with flat surfaces), the present invention supports shelves of any shape that adhere to the spirit of the invention, including rectangular, triangular, semi-circular, any parallelogram, irregular, or any combination of the above. Further, although the shelves  202 ,  232 ,  252  are shown to store shoes  110 ,  112 ,  220 ,  222 ,  224 , the present invention supports the storage of any irregularly shaped items that may benefit from the advantages provided by the present invention. 
         [0046]    Further, in a preferred embodiment, each individual shelf  202 ,  232 ,  252 , as well as each individual sidewall assembly element  410 ,  412 , may be manufactured from a single, rectangular piece of sheet metal composed of at least one of at least one of aluminum, brass, copper, steel, tin, nickel, titanium, silver, gold, platinum, any alloys of the materials above or any combination of the materials above. In one embodiment, each individual shelf  202 ,  232 ,  252 , as well as each individual sidewall assembly element  410 ,  412 , or a portion thereof, may be comprise a layer of paint, such as a powder coat of paint, on at least one side. The powder coating may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset polymer. The most common polymers used for powder coating are polyester, polyurethane, polyester-epoxy (known as hybrid), straight epoxy (fusion bonded epoxy) and acrylics. In another embodiment, each individual shelf  202 ,  232 ,  252 , as well as each individual sidewall assembly element  410 ,  412 , or a portion thereof, may comprise a layer that is ink-printable, i.e., a surface that allows for ink printing. In another embodiment, each individual shelf  202 ,  232 ,  252 , as well as each individual sidewall assembly element  410 ,  412 , or a portion thereof, may be opaque, transparent, semi-transparent, or translucent. 
         [0047]    Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, each individual shelf  202 ,  232 ,  252 , as well as each individual sidewall assembly element  410 ,  412 , may be manufactured from a single, rectangular piece of sheet metal using forming machine tools known in the art for bending sheet and plate materials, such as a brake press, a bending machine, or the like. In press brake forming, a work piece is positioned over a die block and the die block presses the sheet metal to form a shape. The present invention supports the manufacturing of each individual shelf  202 ,  232 ,  252 , as well as each individual sidewall assembly element  410 ,  412 , from a single, rectangular piece of sheet metal using various types of bending on a press brake, such as air bending, bottoming, coining, three point bending, folding, wiping, rotary bending, roll bending, elastomer bending, an joggling. 
         [0048]    In another embodiment, each individual shelf  202 ,  232 ,  252 , as well as each individual sidewall assembly element  410 ,  412 , may be manufactured from a single piece of an extruded material, such as a metal, plastic or PVC. Lastly, each individual shelf  202 ,  232 ,  252 , as well as each individual sidewall assembly element  410 ,  412 , may be manufactured from a single piece of a molded material, such as a plastic. 
         [0049]    Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments. Furthermore, it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.