Shelf assembly particularly suitable for wire grid rack systems having racks at fixed vertical spacings

A modular wire grid rack system is provided that includes a pair of storage racks, each storage rack having a plurality of intersecting wire rods, and a plurality of posts connected to the storage racks and separating the storage racks. An intermediate storage assembly is locatable between the pair of storage racks and includes a retaining element configured to be seated on one of the posts and a shelf arm, in the installed disposition of the intermediate storage assembly, a load imposed on the shelf arm by a supported object urges the angular ends of the channel engaging protrusion of the retaining element to move toward one another, thereby reinforcing the strength and stability of the seating of the retaining element on the respective post.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wire grid rack systems are a type of storage arrangement that includes a number of vertical posts collectively supporting wire grid racks. One type of configuration of wire grid rack systems involves modular “knock-down” storage arrangements and these have seen extensive use in both retail and residential environments. Such modular “knock-down” storage arrangements are typically comprised of generally four-sided shelves made up of intersecting wire rods, with each shelf separated and supported by a post at each corner above and below the respective shelf. The user assembles the shelving system by engaging a set of four posts to each of the four corners of a shelf, placing a second shelf on top of the posts, engaging another set of posts to the second shelf, and so on until the shelving system has the desired number of shelves. The shelving system can be disassembled (i.e., “knocked down”) merely by disengaging the posts from the shelves, and the posts and shelves can then be stored in a compact manner (e.g., in a box) for storage or transportation.

These modular “knock-down” storage arrangements have become popular because they are typically easy to assemble into an initial storage configuration. However, it is desirable that users can re-configure such modular “knock-down” storage arrangements to more suitably store a different mix of items at a later time after the initial set up. Additionally, it is desirable that users can more fully utilize the available space occupied by the storage arrangement via, for example, providing opportunities to store items in unoccupied areas within the confines or “footprint” of the storage arrangement.

One drawback in re-configuring modular “knock-down” storage arrangements from their initial storage configuration to another configuration is that it is often necessary to at least partially disassemble the storage arrangement and this can involve substantial effort and/or careful use of tools, U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,139 to Chen notes that some conventionally known sectional racks of this type require fastening tools to erect or disassemble the racks. However, according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,139 to Chen, improvements have been made to such sectional racks and fastening means and tools are no longer needed in the erection and disassembling thereof. Reference is had toFIG. 1which is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a portion of a prior art wire grid rack system that, according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,139 to Chen, includes vertical posts10having a plurality of horizontally spaced annular grooves13provided on their outer surfaces, and shelves12connected to the vertical posts10through two-part connecting members11. The two parts of the connecting member11may be opened or closed relative to each other. A radially inward projected rib14is annularly provided along an inner surface of the connecting member11at the proper position, such that, when the two parts of the connecting member11are in a closed position, it may be put around the vertical post10at a predetermined position by engaging the rib14with one of the grooves13. The connecting member11in the closed position has a downward and outward inclined outer surface, making it look like a truncated cone. The shelf12has short sleeves15provided at four corners thereof (only one corner is shown inFIG. 1). Each sleeve15has a downward and outward inclined inner surface corresponding to the inclined outer surface of the connecting member11. The sleeves15are separately put around the connecting members11mounted on the vertical posts10to, on the one hand, force the connecting members11toward the vertical posts10and, on the other hand, connect the shelves12to the vertical posts10. In the above-described sectional rack, each shelf12is connected to the vertical posts10by putting four sleeves15thereof around four connecting members11mounted on the posts10. If it is intended to increase or decrease the number of shelves12of the rack, it is necessary to temporarily remove the top shelf12from the rack before other layers of shelves12could be adjusted. According to U.S. Pat. No. 6,564,139 to Chen, it is inconvenient for the user to temporarily remove the top shelf12from the rack before other layers of shelves12are adjusted.

Thus, storage arrangements have been proposed that ease the transition from their initial storage configuration to another configuration. Still more flexibility has been sought, however, so that the variety of items that can be stored, and the accessibility of such stored items, can be increased. To this end, U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,697 to Lim et al notes that storage bins can be used to hold articles and objects, with the storage bins placed on the shelves of a modular “knock-down” storage arrangement in an organized manner. However, according to U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,697 to Lim et al, the use of conventional storage bins has certain disadvantages including, for example, the disadvantage that conventional storage bins are not secured to the shelves, so that a storage bin might slide about the shelf on which it is supported, especially if it is advertently pushed or tipped by a user or another object. This pushed or tipped storage bin may fall off a shelf, causing damage to the contents and possible injury to a person. U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,697 to Lim et al discloses a storage bin that can be engaged to the shelves of a modular “knock-down” storage arrangement in a manner which allows for safe and convenient access to the contents stored in the storage bin.

Despite the continued improvements to the above-described storage arrangements, a need exists for a shelf assembly that can be easily assembled and that can be easily installed at different heights without the need for any tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by providing a shelf assembly for conveniently storing items on a storage arrangement such as, for example, a wire rack grid system.

It is one object of the present invention to provide a new and improved shelf assembly for conveniently storing items on a storage arrangement which may be easily and efficiently manufactured.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved shelf assembly for conveniently storing items on a storage arrangement which permits the items to be readily stored at convenient access locations such as, for example, at or generally near the eye level of a user.

It is an additional object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved shelf assembly that permits stored items while still retained by the shelf assembly, to be temporarily re-positioned to another location on a storage arrangement so that a user can readily view, and readily have access to, the stored items.

The present invention provides a fixed location assembly whereby an item can be supported at a desired fixed location on a support post. The supported items can be any desired item such as, for example, a shelf, a pivoting shelf door, or a support hook. One configuration of the fixed location assembly of the present invention is a shelf assembly that advantageously provides a structure for conveniently storing items on a storage arrangement such as, for example, a wire rack grid system.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shelf assembly disposable on a support post, the support post being of the type having an outer surface and a plurality of channels located at spacings along the outer surface. The shelf assembly includes a shelf arm and a first retaining element, the first retaining element having a pole axis and including a channel engaging protrusion, the channel engaging protrusion having a radial extent extending perpendicularly to the pole axis and being compatibly configured with respect to a channel of the support post such that the channel engaging protrusion extends radially inward into a respective channel of the support post in an installed disposition of the shelf assembly. The shelf assembly also includes a first gap sleeve, the first gap sleeve being connected to the channel engaging protrusion, and the channel engaging protrusion has a first angular end, a second angular end, and an angular body portion between the first and second angular ends, whereupon the angular body portion of the channel engaging protrusion delimits a partial circumference angular perimeter and the first and second angular ends of the channel engaging protrusion delimiting an angular gap. In further connection with the shelf assembly, the first gap sleeve has a first angular end, a second angular end and an angular body portion between the first and second angular ends, whereupon the angular body portion of the first gap sleeve delimits a partial circumference angular perimeter and the first and second angular ends of the first gap sleeve delimit an angular gap. The angular gaps of the channel engaging protrusion and the first gap-sleeve are at least partially angularly co-incident with one another and the shelf arm and the first retaining element are securable to one another in an assembled condition of the shelf assembly. The shelf arm is configured to provide a selected one of a shelf surface on which an object can be placed that is to be supported by the shelf assembly or a structure to be associated with a shelf surface on which an object can be placed that is to be supported by the shelf assembly. The shelf arm is securable to the first retaining element in the installed disposition of the shelf assembly and the shelf arm and the first retaining element are operatively associated with one another in the installed disposition of the shelf assembly such that a load imposed on the shelf arm by a supported object urges the angular ends of the channel engaging protrusion of the first retaining element to move toward one another.

According to one feature of the one aspect of the present invention, the shelf assembly also includes a second retaining element.

The shelf assembly of the present invention advantageously provides a structure for conveniently storing items on a storage arrangement such as for example, a wire rack grid system. The shelf assembly of the present invention permits convenient storage of items in that, for example, the shelf assembly of the present invention permits items to be readily stored at convenient access locations such as, for example, at or generally near the eye level of a user. Also, the shelf assembly of the present invention can be configured to permit the stored items, while still retained by the shelf assembly, to be temporarily re-positioned to another location on a storage arrangement so that a user can readily view, and readily have access to, the stored items. For example, the shelf assembly of the present invention can be configured as a swing out drawer that can be pivotally mounted on a vertical post of a storage arrangement, whereupon the swing out drawer can be pivoted to an item display position at which the stored items, while still being retained by the swing out drawer, can be readily viewed and accessed by a user. Moreover, many versions of the shelf assembly of the present invention can be easily installed on a storage arrangement such as, for example, a wire rack grid system, without the need for tools. Additionally, with particularly reference to installing the shelf assembly of the present invention on a wire rack grid system, there will often be no need to disassemble or remove any of the already-installed wire grid racks in order to install the shelf assembly of the present invention on a support post.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a fixed location assembly whereby an item can be supported at a desired fixed location on a support post. The supported items can be any desired item such as, for example, a shelf, a pivoting shelf door, or a support hook. One configuration of the fixed location assembly of the present invention is a shelf assembly that advantageously provides a structure for conveniently storing items on a storage arrangement such as for example, a wire rack grid system. As seen inFIG. 2, which is a perspective view of a wire grid rack rack system having the shelf assembly of the present invention installed thereon, a rack110has a plurality of vertical posts—specifically, a total of four (4) posts112—and a plurality of racks114connected to the posts112. Each rack114includes a corner assembly116secured to the rack via, for example, welds118. As seen inFIG. 3, which is a perspective view of an individual rack114, each of the racks114is formed with an open wire grid delimited by two parallel wires120and122in the front and a pair of side wires124and126. Each of the wires120,122,124and126are welded as indicated to a respective corner support member128comprised in a respective corner assembly116. Each corner assembly116also includes an insert member130integrally molded from a suitable material, such as, for example, nylon, or another hard, moldable plastic material. Each post112has a plurality of radially inwardly extending grooves134disposed at uniform axial spacings from one another.

As seen inFIG. 4, which is an enlarged front elevational view of a post112and the respective corner assembly116, in an assembled condition of a corner support member128and an insert130member, the corner support member128is fully seated over the insert member130. The insert member130has a rib (not shown) formed along its inside circumference that is compatibly configured with respect to the grooves134of the posts112such that the rib of the insert member130seats in a respective groove134of the post112in the assembled condition of the corner support member and the insert member130. As seen inFIG. 5which is an enlarged front elevational view of a post112and the respective corner assembly116, the corner support member128is shown as raised vertically along the post112so that the insert member130is shown fully exposed in its position on that post. It should be noted in the assembled condition inFIG. 4, a portion of insert130extends above a top edge132of the corner support member128so that the area between the post and the corner support member128is effectively sealed and so that the insert can be firmly and positively engaged by the upper end of corner support member128.

The shelf assembly of the present invention advantageously provides a structure for conveniently storing items on a storage arrangement such as, for example, a wire rack grid system. The shelf assembly of the present invention permits convenient storage of items in that, for example, the shelf assembly of the present invention permits items to be readily stored at convenient access locations such as, for example, at or generally near the eye level of a user. Also, the shelf assembly of the present invention can be configured to permit the stored items, while still retained by the shelf assembly, to be temporarily re-positioned to another location on a storage arrangement so that a user can readily view, and readily have access to, the stored items. For example, the shelf assembly of the present invention can be configured as a swing out drawer that can be pivotally mounted on a vertical post of a storage arrangement, whereupon the swing out drawer can be pivoted to an item display position at which the stored items, while still being retained by the swing out drawer, can be readily viewed and accessed by a user. Moreover, many versions of the shelf assembly of the present invention can be easily installed on a storage arrangement such as, for example, a wire rack grid system, without the need for tools. Additionally, with particularly reference to installing the shelf assembly of the present invention on a wire rack grid system, there will often be no heed to disassemble or remove any of the already-installed wire grid racks in order to install the shelf assembly of the present invention on a support post.

An exemplary version of the shelf assembly of the present invention will now be described and, solely for the purpose of illustration, this exemplary version of the shelf assembly of the present invention will be described with respect to a representative wire rack grid system, it being understood that the shelf assembly of the present invention is also equally suitable for installation on another type of storage arrangement. As seen inFIG. 6, which is an enlarged front elevational view of the shelf assembly of the present invention, the shelf assembly is generally designated as a shelf assembly210and the shelf assembly210is disposable on a support post. The support post is of the type having an outer surface and a plurality of channels located at spacings along the outer surface. In this connection, the shelf assembly210is operable to support a shelved object on a post112of the shelf rack110, as the posts112of the shelf rack110are of the type having an outer surface and a plurality of channels located at spacings along the outer surface (i.e., the grooves134). The shelf assembly210includes a pair of shelf arms212A,212B and a retaining element214. The retaining element214has a pole axis PO-AX and includes a first channel engaging protrusion216, the first channel engaging protrusion216having a radial extent extending perpendicularly to the pole axis PO-AX and being compatibly configured with respect to a channel of the support post (e.g., a groove134of a post112) such that the first channel engaging protrusion216extends radially inward into a respective channel of the support post in an installed disposition of the shelf assembly210. The shelf assembly210also includes a gap sleeve218, the gap sleeve218being connected to the first channel engaging protrusion216. In connection with the description of the shelf assembly herein, the terms “axial”, “axially”, “radial”, “radially”, “angular” and “angularly” shall be understood to have reference to, respectively, a longitudinal axis of a support post or the pole axis PO-AX of a gap sleeve of the shelf assembly, in accordance with the context in which the term appears.

The first channel engaging protrusion216has a first angular end, a second angular end, and an angular body portion between the first and second angular ends, whereupon the angular body portion of the first channel engaging protrusion216delimits a partial circumference angular perimeter and the first and second angular ends of the first channel engaging protrusion216delimiting an angular gap CH-GAP.

The gap sleeve218has a first angular end220, a second angular end222, and an angular body portion224between the first and second angular ends, whereupon the angular body portion224of the gap sleeve218delimits a partial circumference angular perimeter and the first and second angular ends220,222of the gap sleeve218delimits an angular gap SL-GAP. The angular gap CH-GAP of the first channel engaging protrusion216and the angular gap SL-GAP of the gap sleeve218are at least partially angularly co-incident with one another. The gap sleeve218is connected to the first channel engaging protrusion216in an assembled condition of the shelf assembly210and any manner of connection is suitable to the extent that the gap sleeve218and the first channel engaging protrusion216are so connected that selected forces applied to the gap sleeve218enhance the stability and retention strength of the first channel engaging protrusion216with respect to a support post112, as will be described in more detail herein. For example, the gap sleeve218and the first channel engaging protrusion216can be integrally formed as a single unit via any suitable forming process such as, for example, casting, extrusion, molding, or stamping, and can be integrally formed of any suitable material such as, for example, a metal, alloy, plastic, or polymer material.

Each of the shelf arms212A,212B is securable to the retaining element214in the assembled condition of the shelf assembly210. The pair of shelf arms212A,212B together form a shelf on which an object can be placed that is to be supported by the shelf assembly. Each of the shelf arms212A,212B is securable to the retaining element214in the installed disposition of the shelf assembly210such that a load imposed on the shelf arms212A,212B by a thereon supported object urges the angular ends of the first channel engaging protrusion216to move toward one another, in the assembled condition of the shelf assembly210, the shelf arms212A is secured to the gap sleeve218at an attachment location226and the shelf arm212B is secured to the gap sleeve218at an attachment location228.

The shelf assembly210may optionally include a second retaining element314. The retaining element314has a pole axis PO-AX and includes a channel engaging protrusion316, the channel engaging protrusion316having a radial extent extending perpendicularly to the pole axis PO-AX and being compatibly configured with respect to a channel of the support post (e.g. a groove134of a post112) such that the channel engaging protrusion316extends radially inward into a respective channel of the support post in an installed disposition of the shelf assembly310. The shelf assembly310also includes a gap sleeve318, the gap sleeve318being connected to the channel engaging protrusion316.

The channel engaging protrusion316has a first angular end, a second angular end and an angular body portion between the first and second angular ends, whereupon the angular body portion of the channel engaging protrusion316delimits a partial circumference angular perimeter and the first and second angular ends of the channel engaging protrusion316delimiting an angular gap CH-GAP.

The gap sleeve318has a first angular end320, a second angular end322, and an angular body portion324between the first and second angular ends, whereupon the angular body portion324of the gap sleeve316delimits a partial circumference angular perimeter and the first and second angular ends320,322of the of the gap sleeve318delimits an angular gap SL-GAP. The angular gap CH-GAP of the channel engaging protrusion316and the angular gap SL-GAP of the gap sleeve318are at least partially angularly co-incident with one another.

The shelf arms312A,312B and the retaining element314are securable to one another in an assembled condition of the shelf assembly310. Each, of the shelf arms312A.312B is securable to the retaining element314in the installed disposition of the shelf assembly310such that a load imposed on the shelf arms312A,312B by a thereon supported object urges the angular ends of the channel engaging protrusion316of the second retaining element314to move toward one another.

As seen inFIG. 7, which is an enlarged perspective view of the gap sleeve shown inFIG. 6, the angular gap SL-GAP of the gap sleeve218is angularly bisected by a bisecting plane BI-PL and this bisecting plane BI-PL is parallel to, and intersects the pole axis PO-AX. As noted, in the assembled condition of the shelf assembly210the she arms212A is secured to the gap sleeve218at the attachment location226and the shelf arm212B is secured to the gap sleeve218at the attachment location228. It is contemplated that the attachment locations226,228may be located on the gap sleeve218at locations selected to reinforce, improve, or add a desirable feature of the shelf assembly210. For example, the locations of the attachment locations226,228may be selected to reinforce the strength and stability of the seating of the first channel engaging protrusion216in a respective groove134of a post112. To this end, the locations of the attachment locations226,228may be selected such that a loading of the shelf arms212A,212B imposes forces on the gap sleeve218that further reinforce the capability of the gap sleeve to maintain the seating of the first channel engaging protrusion216in a respective groove134of a post112. This reinforcement of the capability of the gap sleeve to maintain the seating of the first channel engaging protrusion216in a respective groove134of a post112can be achieved, for example, via locating the attachment locations226,228such that each of the shelf arms212A,212B, when supporting an object, urges the first angular end220and the second angular end222of the gap sleeve218to move angularly toward one another, whereupon the seating of the first channel engaging protrusion216in a respective groove134of a post112is maintained in a stable manner. As seen inFIG. 7, the angular location along the periphery of the gap sleeve218of the respective attachment location226,228at which each respective shelf arm212A,212B is secured can be selected to ensure that a loading force on the shelf arm urges the respective first angular end220or the second angular end222of the gap sleeve218to move angularly toward the other angular end of the gap sleeve. This can be accomplished, for example, by arranging each of the attachment locations226,228to be at an angle from the bisecting plane BI-PL that is less than ninety degrees (90°). Thus, each of the attachment locations226,228may be at an angle from the bisecting plane BI-PL in the range of between ten to twenty degrees (10°-20°), in the range of between ten to forty-five degrees (10°-45°), in the range of between ten to seventy degrees (10°-70°), or in the range of between ten to ninety degrees (10°-90°).

Reference is had toFIG. 8,FIG. 9, andFIG. 10in connection with a description of one available version of the shelf assembly of the present invention. As seen inFIG. 8, which is an enlarged front elevational view of a support post having the one available version of the shelf assembly secured thereon, the shelf assembly210includes the gap sleeve218, the gap sleeve318, and the shelf arm212A. The shelf assembly210also includes the shelf arm212B (not shown inFIG. 8,FIG. 9, andFIG. 10) and it is to be understood that the shelf arm212B is secured to the gap sleeve218and the gap sleeve318in a manner similar to the manner in which the shelf arm212A is secured to the gap sleeve218and the gap sleeve318. As seen inFIG. 9, which is a top plan view of the shelf assembly shown inFIG. 8, the shelf arm212A includes a yoke330having a semi-cylindrical body extending between a radially inwardly extending vertical rib332and radially inwardly extending vertical rib334. The shelf arm212A includes a beam336rigidly secured to the yoke330at the mid-angular location of the semi-cylindrical body of the yoke and extending radially outwardly therefrom. With reference again toFIG. 3the shelf arm212A includes an upper slotted tab336and a lower slotted tab338. Each of the attachment locations226,228is formed as a longitudinal slot on the gap sleeve218. As seen inFIG. 9, in the installed disposition of the shelf assembly210, the vertical rib332of the yoke330is received in the longitudinal slot on the gap sleeve218that forms the attachment location226and this attachment location226is at an angular spacing SA-R from the bisecting plane BI-PL equal to ninety degrees (90°). The vertical rib334of the yoke330is received in the longitudinal slot on the gap sleeve218that forms the attachment location228and this attachment location228is at an angular spacing SA-L from the bisecting plane BI-PL equal to ninety degrees (90°).

As seen inFIG. 10, which is a sectional top plan view of the shelf assembly shown inFIG. 8taken at section line X-X shown inFIG. 8, the shelf arm212A includes a lower yoke340that is secured to the gap sleeve318. It can be seen that the angular gap SL-GAP of the gap sleeve218is diametrically oppositely oriented relative to the angular gap SL-GAP of the gap sleeve318in the version of the shelf assembly210shown inFIG. 8,FIG. 9, andFIG. 10.

As seen inFIG. 8andFIG. 9, when an object is supported on the shelf arms212A,212B. this creates a vertical loading force LD-FE on the shelf arms and a radial component TEN-C of this loading force LD-FE acts on the vertical ribs332,334of the yoke330of the gap sleeve218to urge these vertical ribs to move in a direction parallel to the bisecting plane BI-PL toward the shelf arms212A,212B. In turn, the vertical ribs332,334of the yoke330of the gap sleeve218exert forces on the attachment locations226,228that urge the angular ends220,222of the gap sleeve angularly toward one another, whereupon the seating of the first channel engaging protrusion216in a respective groove134of a post112is maintained in a stable manner. A radial component COM-C of the loading force LO-FE on the shelf arms212A,212B also urges the lower yoke340of the gap sleeve318to move in a direction parallel to the bisecting plane BI-PL away from the shelf arms212A,212B.

As seen inFIG. 11, which is a perspective view of an additional version of the shelf assembly of the present invention, the shelf assembly can be configured to retain items in a manner that ensures that the items are retained in a confined area while nonetheless allowing convenient access to the confined areas for the purposes of placing items therein or removing items therefrom. To this end, one possible configuration of the shelf assembly includes the deployment of walled retainers configured as a plurality of swing drawers550.

As seen inFIG. 12, which is a sectional top plan view of the swing drawer version of the shelf assembly of the present invention shown inFIG. 11, the shelf arms212A,212B can serve as a carry frame for a molded plastic walled retainer in connection with the configuration of the shelf assembly210as comprising a plurality of swing drawers. The plastic wailed retainer, when supporting an object imposes a load on the shelf arms212A,212B which, in turn, urge the first angular end and the second angular end of the gap sleeve318to move angularly toward one another, whereupon the seating of the channel engaging protrusion316in a respective groove134of a post112is maintained in a stable manner. A radial inward force member552is provided that is securable to the retaining element for applying a radially inward force on the gap sleeve318of the retaining element to urge the angular ends of the channel engaging protrusion of the retaining element to move toward one another and this radial inward force member552can be a metal spring clip, for example.

As seen inFIG. 13andFIG. 14, each of which is an enlarged perspective view of a pair of gap sleeves that movably secure a respective one of the swing drawers550to a support post112, each of the gap sleeves218,318is configured to rotate about the axis of the support post through a predetermined angular range of rotation.FIG. 13shows the respective swing drawer550at a given instantaneous location during its rotation andFIG. 14shows the swing drawer at another given instantaneous location during a rotational movement subsequent to the presence of the swing drawer at its given instantaneous location shown inFIG. 13. Each swing drawer550can be formed with contiguous walls all connected to a floor, whereupon the swing drawer provides a retention in which items can be retained. Any suitable material and construction can be used to form the swing drawers—for example, each swing drawer can be formed of a polymer or plastic material that is subjected to a thermo-forming process. Each swing drawer550is rotatable about a respective support post112between a recessed position in which the swing drawer is located between, and within the perimeter projections of, a respective adjacent pair of individual racks114and a ready access position in which a portion of the swing drawer or the entire swing drawer has been swung outwardly. Depending upon the drawer storage requirements and the configuration of the swing drawers, the swing drawers550are particularly suitable for storing smaller items that would otherwise slip or fall through apertures in the individual racks114.

Reference is now had toFIG. 15, which is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of an alternative gap sleeve configuration. A gap sleeve418has a first angular end420, a second angular end422, and an angular body portion424between the first and second angular ends, whereupon the angular body portion424of the gap sleeve418delimits a partial circumference angular perimeter and the first and second angular ends420,422of the gap sleeve418delimits an angular gap SL-GAP. Only a partial extent of the angular body portion424is shown inFIG. 15for the sake of clarity. An insert element460is provided to ensure the stable securement of the gap sleeve418on a support post of a she assembly and this insert element450includes a band component462and a cross tension component464. The band component462has an arcuate overall geometry and has a hook grab end466and an opposite end468. As seen inFIG. 16, which is a top plan view of the gap sleeve shown inFIG. 15with its band component in an open disposition, the gap sleeve418can be inserted in a radial direction onto a support post with the support post passing through the annular gap SL-GAP.

The gap sleeve418is operatively connected in an assembled condition of the respective fixed location assembly to a suitable channel engaging protrusion, such as, for example, the first channel engaging protrusion416, and any manner of connection is suitable to the extent that the gap sleeve418and the channel engaging protrusion are so connected that selected forces applied to the gap sleeve418enhance the stability and retention strength of the first channel engaging protrusion416with respect to a support post112, as will be described in more detail herein. For example, the gap sleeve418and the channel engaging protrusion can be integrally formed as a single unit via any suitable forming process such as, for example, casting, extrusion, molding or stamping, and can be integrally formed of any suitable material such as, for example, a metal, alloy, plastic, or polymer material.

As seen inFIG. 17, which is a top plan view of the gap sleeve shown inFIG. 15with its band component in a closed disposition, once the gap sleeve418has been inserted in a radial direction onto a support post, with the support post passing through the annular gap SL-GAP, the band component462can be pivoted to a closed disposition and this band component462in its closed disposition continuously exerts a force that urges the first and second angular ends420,422of the gap sleeve418angularly toward one another, whereupon a stable securement of the gap sleeve418on the support post is ensured. The insert element460is configured as a separate piece than the gap sleeve418and is designed to be installed by a user on the gap sleeve418once the gap sleeve418has been inserted in a radial direction onto a support post. With reference again toFIG. 15, at the first angular end420of the gap sleeve418, there is a hollow volume delimited by the upper axial surface and the lower axial surface of the first angular end420of the gap sleeve418. A grab rod470extends axially and is secured at its top end to the upper axial surface of the first angular end420of the gap sleeve418and at its bottom end to the lower axial surface of the first angular end420of the gap sleeve418. A catch groove472extends axially and is located at the second angular end422of the gap sleeve418.

The cross tension component464has a longitudinal extent and is configured to increase in its longitudinal dimension when an elongation force is applied thereto and is biased to return to its non-elongated longitudinal dimension when an elongation force is no longer applied. In this regard, the cross tension component464can be configured of a shape memory material such as, for example, a spring steel wire, and/or can be configured with a geometry such as, for example, a curved section474that can be drawn into a reduced curvature when an elongation force is applied to the cross tension component464and which resiliently returns to its curved geometry when an elongation force is no longer applied. The cross tension component464is hingedly connected to the Insert element460adjacent the hook grab end466thereof and the cross tension component464has an opposite end configured with an engagement rod476that is compatibly configured with respect to the catch groove472located at the second angular end422of the gap sleeve418so that this engagement rod476can be engaged by the catch groove472in a manner to be described in more detail herein. The second angular end422of the gap sleeve418has a radially inner opening in the vicinity of the catch groove472.

To use the insert element460and the cross tension component464, a user places the insert element460into a predetermined initial engagement with the gap. sleeve418once the gap sleeve418has been inserted in a radial direction onto the support post112, with the support post passing through the annular gap SL-GAP and this predetermined initial engagement of the insert element $60with the gap sleeve418is illustrated inFIG. 16. Specifically, the user inserts the engagement rod476of the cross tension component464into the radially inner opening in the vicinity of the catch groove472of the second angular end422of the gap sleeve418and disposes the hook grab end466of the crass tension component464in engagement with the grab rod470of the first angular end420of the gap sleeve418. The user then pivots the band component462in a clockwise direction with the grab rod470of the first angular end420of the gap sleeve418acting as a fulcrum about which the hook grab end466of the band component462pivots. This pivoting of the band component462eventually leads to a movement of the engagement rod476of the cross tension component464into engagement with the catch groove472of the second angular end422of the gap sleeve418. As a result, once the band component462has been pivoted such that the opposite end468of the band component is adjacent the second angular end422of the gap sleeve418the engagement rod476of the cross tension component464has moved into engagement with the catch groove472of the second angular end422of the gap sleeve418and, as seen inFIG. 17, the insert element460is subjected to an elongation force in its longitudinal direction. As the insert element460is resiliently biased to return to its non-elongated longitudinal extent, the insert element460continuously urges the first and second angular ends420,422of the gap sleeve418angularly toward one another, whereupon a stable securement of the gap sleeve418on the support post is ensured. To release the gap sleeve418from the support post, the user pivots the band component462in a counter-clockwise direction with the grab rod470of the first angular end420of the gap sleeve418acting as a fulcrum about which the hook grab end466of the band component462pivots, whereupon the engagement rod476of the cross tension component464moves out of engagement with the catch groove472of the second angular end422of the gap sleeve418, and the cross tension component464can then be separated from its engagement with the gap sleeve418. With the cross tension component464separated from its engagement with the gap sleeve418, the user moves the gap sleeve418radially outwardly relative to the support post until the gap sleeve418is dear of the support post.

Reference is now had toFIGS. 18 and 19in connection with the description of a further variation of the gap sleeve configuration. As seen inFIG. 18, which is a top plan view of this further variation of this gap sleeve configuration with its band component in a non-secured or open disposition, an insert element560is provided to ensure the stable securement of the gap sleeve418on a support post of a shelf assembly and this insert element560includes a band component562and an over-center tension component564. The band component562has an arcuate overall geometry and has a hook grab566projecting from one arcuate end of the band component. The over-center tension component564Includes a pivot handle568that is pivotally mounted to the band component562adjacent its other arcuate end and a hook grab570pivotally mounted to the pivot handle568.

To install the insert element560a user engages the hook grab end566on the catch groove472that extends axially and is located at the second angular end422of the gap sleeve418. Thereafter, the band component562is disposed such that its curved longitudinal side follows along the arcuate trace of the gap sleeve418as the gap sleeve418surrounds the post112. Then, the over-center tension component564is maneuvered via pivoting of the pivot handle568relative to the band component562such that the hook grab570pivotally mounted to the pivot handle568engages a catch groove592that extends axially and is secured to the first angular end420of the gap sleeve418. Thereafter, as seen inFIG. 19which is a top plan view of the gap sleeve shown inFIG. 18with its band component in its closed disposition, the pivot handle568is pivoted toward the band component562to dispose the long extent of the pivot handle along the arcuate trace of the band component562and this action subjects the hook grab570of the over-center tension component564to an elongation force in its longitudinal direction. The over-center tension component564thereafter continuously urges the first and second angular ends420,422of the gap sleeve418angularly toward one another, whereupon a stable securement of the gap sleeve418on the support post112is ensured.

The shelf assembly of the present invention can be used in various types of storage arrangements, such as, for example, cabinets or closets. Moreover, the shelf assembly can be used in conjunction with many storage arrangements that do not include a wire grid rack.

The exemplary shapes, dimensions, wire sizes, number of shelves, and materials, described herein are provided by way of example only. Wire grid rack systems fabricated in shapes, dimensions and using different wire sizes and materials and having a different number of shelves other than those discussed and illustrated herein also are contemplated.

Although this invention has been disclosed and described in its preferred forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art. Additionally, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred forms is only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of operation and in the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.