Attachment device for shelving and organizer systems

An attachment device and method of providing the same includes opposing flaps or tabs for securing around different portions of shelving, particularly ventilated shelving. The flaps or tabs are generally flexible and sets of the flaps or tabs are generally provided in perpendicular relation to each other. Each flap or tab includes a securing member for securing to each other around a portion of shelving. The attachment device is removably fastenable to shelving and associated components.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to storage systems, and more particularly to an attachment device for use with shelving and organizer systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Efficient and organized use of building space is very desirable, particularly with respect to storage or utility space in businesses, residential homes and apartments. From appliances having space saving designs (e.g., washer and dryer stacked on top of one another) to closet organizers (e.g., wire shelving closet kits), manufacturers continue to develop new designs to maximize the use of space, while maintaining ease in access and user convenience.

With respect to closet organization and the design of closet storage units, because of the many different sizes and shapes of closets, (e.g., from walk-in closets to ones having sliding or pivoting doors), most closet storage designs require a determination of the specific dimensions of the closet in order to provide the best closet options (i.e., to maximize available space). Further, closet storage design and installation typically also factors in the needs or requirements of a user, and is typically not capable of easy modification after installation. The finished closet space must be visualized before installation. This is very difficult and often problems arise because the completed closet unit is not the same as the proposed pre-installation design and/or the user determines that changes are needed (e.g., need for more shoe storage space instead of space for hanging clothes).

It is common today to use ventilated shelving (e.g., wire, plastic, laminate or wood shelving) and associated components to construct storage units within closets. Typical ventilated shelving not only varies in size (e.g., different lengths and widths) and configuration (e.g., different wire mesh spacing), but also may include many after-installation options and hardware components (“add-ons”) such as, for example, attachments and connectable members, to facilitate storage and maximize the use of space. Thus, these add-ons are provided in an attempt to increase the flexibility for modification of the closet system after initial installation. These add-ons may include shoe storage systems (e.g., expandable hanging or stackable shelves or compartments), hang rod attachments for supporting hanging rods, and stackable drawers, to name a few.

The problem with the installed shelving units is that modification is difficult after installation. For example, oftentimes when adding drawers or shelves after the initial installation, substantial cutting and other modifications (e.g., using adapters, brackets, etc.) are required to ensure proper attachment. Not only is this time consuming, but it is also frequently costly (e.g., if an entire shelf has to be removed and replaced).

In order to reduce the possibility of having to physically cut the shelves or make other permanent modifications, known devices, including add-ons, are used that attach to the existing shelving. With respect to mesh or ventilated shelving, extra shelves or racks (e.g., shoe racks) may have compressible connection members that are attached between the wires of the shelving to thereby secure them in place. Other devices may be provided to hang from the ventilated shelving or a hang rod may be attached thereto. However, known devices still lack flexibility and are limited to installation to specific portions of the shelving unit. It may be desirable to move an attached storage unit (e.g., an add-on) from the shelving to a hanging-rod and then back again. This may be needed when alternating between summer and winter clothes, which requires moving of items within the shelving unit.

Thus, known shelving devices for use after installation (e.g., add-ons), fail to provide needed design flexibility and frequently require permanent modifications for installation. Thus, not only is modification after installation difficult, but home fix solutions that are aesthetically unappealing may result (e.g., using duct tape to hang items).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an attachment device and method of providing the same for attaching a storage unit or other similar add-on device to shelving. Generally, the present invention provides at least two sets of opposing connection members for attaching to different portions or components of typical shelving. The present invention provides an attachment device for use with, for example, a hanging storage unit, and allows attachment to different support structures (e.g., a hang-rod or the wire members of ventilated shelving) using fastenable opposing flaps or tabs.

Specifically, an opposing flapped attachment device, having at least two sets or pairs of opposing flaps or tabs is provided. The opposing flaps or tabs are preferably flexible with fastenable members on each of the flaps or tabs for attaching to an opposing flap or tab, and to secure the attachment device to a portion of the shelving (i.e., opposing flaps or tabs surround a portion of the shelving). The opposing sets of flaps or tabs are preferably configured in perpendicular relation to each other, such that a storage unit provided therewith may be attached to portions of the shelving oriented in different directions. For example, the first set of flaps may be provided for securing a storage unit (e.g., an expandable shoe storage system) to the wire shelving and the second set of flaps may be used to secure a storage unit to a hang rod extending perpendicular to the wires of the shelving. Using an attachment device of the present invention, a storage unit may be attached (e.g., hung) to different portions of a shelving system, while allowing access to the contents of the storage unit in each position (i.e., the orientation of the storage unit opening is maintained in a position outward from the shelving for access by a user).

Thus, an attachment device that is easily installed and readily moveable within the shelving system is provided by the present invention. The ease of attachment and various options for connection results in a flexible and convenient design that reduces the cost of after-installation modifications. Costs are further reduced as a result of only requiring a single connector (i.e., reduce manufacturing costs), which also reduces inventory requirements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. Thus, although the application of the attachment device of the present invention as disclosed herein is generally discussed in relation to particular storage units (e.g., a shoe storage system), it is not so limited and any type of storage unit, or other device, may be provided in connection therewith according to the principles of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 1, a closet20(e.g., a walk-in closet) having a shelving system installed therein is typically provided with a plurality of shelves22(e.g., ventilated shelves). The shelves22may be of different sizes (e.g., 4, 6, 8 or 10 foot and/or cut to a custom size) and are typically mounted to walls24of the closet20using end brackets26and support brackets28. The depth of the shelves22and the spacing of the wires21may also be different as shown in FIGS.2(a)-(e). Further, the wires21may be oriented longitudinally or transversely relative to the shelves22.

Additional components may be needed for installation of a shelving system, such as, for example, shelf support poles30. Separate free-standing add-ons32(e.g., free-standing drawers) may also be provided. These free-standing add-ons32are preferably provided with support members34(e.g., drawer frame). Attachable add-ons36, such as storage devices, may also be connected to the shelving22to provide additional storage. These attachable add-ons36include, for example, hang-bars or rods38, a sliding/hanging basket39, a hanging shoe storage unit40, or a tie/belt rack41.

Referring again toFIG. 1, the attachable add-ons36are adapted for attachment in a specific orientation to the shelving22(e.g., around the wires21of the shelves22or around a hang-bar or rod38). Further, as shown therein, the attachable add-ons36are adapted for installation only to certain portions of the shelving system. For example, the hanging shoe storage unit40is adapted to hang only from a hang-bar or rod38or other member oriented in the same direction relative to the shelves22. The sliding/hanging basket39is adapted for installation only under the shelves22and attached to the wires21of the shelves22in a specific manner.

With respect specifically to an attachment device50of the present invention as shown inFIG. 3, that may be used with, for example, a shelving system, the attachment device50preferably includes means for removable connection to a first portion of shelving, and means for removable connection to a second portion of shelving. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment device50includes a first connection member52having a first set of opposing flaps or tabs54and a second connection member56having a second set of opposing flaps or tabs58. As shown therein, the axis of the first set of flaps or tabs54is preferably generally perpendicular to the axis of the second set of flaps or tabs58.

The first connection member52and the second connection member56are preferably constructed as a single unit60having the generally flexible flaps or tabs54and58integrated therein. The unit60is preferably permanently attached to a storage unit, which may include, for example, a shoe storage unit40. The attachment of the single unit60to a storage unit may be provided using any type of securing member, including, for example, a locking fastener, grommet or rivets62.

The flexible flaps or tabs54and58are configured for fastening around different portions of shelves22, or attachments thereto, using complementary fastening members64(e.g. snaps). Specifically, and for example, as shown in FIGS.4(a) and4(b), the first set of flaps or tabs54are preferably adapted for fastening around a first portion of the shelves22(e.g., around the wires21of a shelf22using the complementary fastening members64). It should be noted that depending upon the size of the wires21and the spacing between wires21, the flexible flaps or tabs54may be fastened around one or more wires21. The second set of flaps or tabs58are preferably adapted for fastening around a second portion of the shelves22(e.g., around a hang bar38or horizontal wire66perpendicular to the first portion) as shown in FIGS.5(a) and5(b). It should be noted that the flexible flaps or tabs54,58may be constructed of any suitable material, including for example, canvas or other similar fabric.

In operation, the attachment device50of the present invention is adapted for removable fastening or attachment to various portions of shelving22, as is needed or required depending upon the shelving configuration or set-up. Specifically, and referring again to FIGS.4(a)-(b) and5(a)-(b), the attachment device50as shown therein is adapted for removable fastening to shelving either axially or transversely in relation to the wires21of the shelves22(e.g., ventilated shelves), with the storage unit opening remaining accessible (i.e., facing outward away from the shelving). However, it should be noted that the attachment device50may be implemented with different flap or tab54,58alignment configurations relative to the shelving22depending upon the specific requirements and type of shelving (e.g., the attachment device50may be secured to a storage unit such that the connection members52and56are adapted for connection to opposing corners of the shelving22with the storage unit opening remaining accessible).

It should also be noted that the attachment device may be provided with any type of storage device or attachable add-on36and is not limited to a hanging shoe storage unit40. Further, the flaps or tabs54and58may be provided in different sizes and shapes, or as any suitable connection member, which may include, for example, a semi-rigid plastic connector. The connection members52and56may be provided as separate members that are attached separately, either permanently or removably, to a storage unit. More than two connection members may also be provided. The fastening members64may be snaps or any other suitable fastening means, such as, for example, a Velcro® fastener. Further, an additional fastening member may be provided on each flap or tab to secure it to the storage device when not in use. Also, more that one attachment device50may be provided in connection with a single storage unit. Further, additional flaps or tabs may be provided (e.g., 3 or 4 sets of flaps or tabs).