Flat pack shelf and bracket system

The present disclosure provides a shelf and bracket system that comprises a shelf and a bracket assembly. In various embodiments, the bracket assembly comprises a main bracket bar, a plurality of support arms, and hardware for attaching each of the plurality of support arms to the main bracket bar. In addition, in various embodiments, each support arm is disposed adjacent a respective end of the main bracket bar and the respective first hardware for the support arm is configured such that, when disengaged, the support arm is configured to rotate between a shelf support position and a folded storage position so that when each of the plurality of support arms are in the folded storage position, the bracket assembly is substantially flat.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is generally related to a shelf and bracket system, as well as processes for installing the shelf and bracket system.

BACKGROUND

A traditional process for hanging a shelf involves: (1) acquiring two separate support arms and a shelf; (2) mounting the arms on a wall so that the arms are horizontally offset from one another, and so that the upper surfaces of the arms are at the same height on the wall; and (3) installing the shelf so that it is in a horizontal position and supported by the upper support surfaces of the respective offset support arms. One problem with this process is that it can be difficult for users to install the support arms so that the support arms are at least approximately the same height (which is generally required for the shelf to lay horizontally level across the support arms).

SUMMARY

A shelf and bracket system, in various embodiments, comprises: (1) a shelf; and (2) a bracket assembly. In some aspects, the bracket assembly comprises: (1) a main bracket bar, (2) a plurality of support arms, (3) first hardware for attaching each of the plurality of support arms to the main bracket bar, (4) second hardware for attaching the shelf to each of the plurality of support arms, and (5) third hardware for attaching the main bracket bar to a vertical support surface, wherein each support arm is disposed adjacent a respective end of the main bracket bar and the respective first hardware for the support arm is configured such that, when disengaged, the support arm is configured to rotate between a shelf support position and a folded storage position so that when each of the plurality of support arms are in the folded storage position, the bracket assembly is substantially flat. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of support arms is configured to direct at least a portion of a weight of the shelf into the vertical support surface when the plurality of support arms are in the shelf support position.

In various embodiments, each of the plurality of support arms is configured to put weight onto the main bracket bar while minimizing shear force on the first hardware when the plurality of support arms are in the shelf support position. In particular embodiments, the first hardware is substantially spool-shaped. In various embodiments, the main bracket bar comprises an elongated cutout for each of the plurality of support arms to allow for an adjustment of spacing between the plurality of support arms by sliding a respective support arm laterally closer or farther away from at least one other of the plurality of support arms. In particular embodiments, each of the plurality of support arms comprises a recess at the respective end of the support arm to maintain the support arm in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the main bracket bar when the first hardware is engaged with one or more outside surfaces of the main bracket bar to attach the support arm to the main bracket bar.

In some embodiments, the first hardware for the support arm is configured such that, when engaged, the support arm is coupled to the main bracket bar, and the first hardware is slidably disposed in an elongated coupling mechanism support cutout disposed laterally along a width of the main bracket bar. In particular embodiments, the support arm is configured to slide laterally along a length of the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout. In some embodiments, the main bracket bar defines a routed cutout disposed adjacent an outer end of the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout. In particular embodiments, the first hardware is configured to disengage when the first hardware is disposed within the routed cutout such that the support arm can rotate with respect to the main bracket bar about the first hardware.

In various embodiments, the routed cutout is defined by a curved line that extends between a first point adjacent an end of the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout and a second point that is centrally disposed between a main bracket bar top surface and a main bracket bar bottom surface. In some aspects, the routed cutout defines a ledge configured to engage a flange of the first hardware when the first hardware is disposed in the routed cutout.

A shelf and bracket system, in particular embodiments comprises a shelf; and a bracket assembly that comprises: (1) a main bracket bar, (2) a plurality of support arms, and (2) hardware for attaching each of the plurality of support arms to the main bracket bar, wherein each support arm is disposed adjacent a respective end of the main bracket bar and the respective first hardware for the support arm is configured such that, when disengaged, the support arm is configured to rotate between a shelf support position and a folded storage position so that when each of the plurality of support arms are in the folded storage position, the bracket assembly is substantially flat. In some aspects, each respective first hardware comprises a cylinder having a first flange disposed on a first end of the cylinder and a second flange disposed on a second end of the cylinder. In particular aspects, the first flange is configured to engage the main bracket bar and the second flange is configured to engage a particular support arm of the plurality of support arms to maintain the main bracket bar adjacent the particular support arm. In some embodiments, each respective first hardware is slidably disposed within a coupling mechanism cutout. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of support arms comprises a recess at the respective end of the support arm to maintain the support arm in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the main bracket bar when the hardware is engaged with one or more outside surfaces of the main bracket bar to attach the support arm to the main bracket bar.

In particular embodiments, the main bracket bar comprises one or more recesses along a length of the main bracket bar, and the shelf comprises one or more slide-ins configured for sliding into the one or more recesses to attach the shelf to the main bracket bar without use of hardware.

A method, in various embodiments, comprises: (1) providing the shelf and bracket system comprising: (A) a shelf, and (B) a bracket assembly that comprises a main bracket bar, a plurality of support arms, and hardware for attaching each of the plurality of support arms to the main bracket bar, wherein each support arm is disposed adjacent a respective end of the main bracket bar and the hardware for the support arm comprises a cylinder having a first flange disposed on a first end of the cylinder and a second flange disposed on a second end of the cylinder and is configured such that, when disengaged, the support arm is configured to rotate between a shelf support position and a folded storage position so that when each of the plurality of support arms are in the folded storage position, the bracket assembly is substantially flat. In some embodiments, the method further comprises: (1) assembling the shelf and bracket system by rotating each support arm of the plurality of support arms to the shelf support position; (2) engaging the hardware to attach each of the plurality of support arms to the main bracket bar, and (3) attaching each of the plurality of support arms to the shelf.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this disclosure is illustrative of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, example embodiments of the disclosure with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of the principles of the disclosure, but is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated. In the following description of various example structures according to the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various example devices, systems, and environments in which aspects of the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements of parts, example devices, systems, and environments may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, the use of a singular term, such as, “a” is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Also the use of relational terms, such as but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” “down,” “up,” “side,” are used in the description for clarity and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Further, it should be understood that any one of the features can be used separately or in combination with other features. Other systems, methods, aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, aspects, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

Various embodiments described herein provide an improved shelf and bracket system in which the system includes: (1) a bracket assembly110; and (2) a shelf500. Referring toFIG.1, an example of a bracket assembly110is shown with a shelf500coupled to the bracket assembly110. In various aspects, the shelf bracket120(e.g., support arm) includes an angled shelf support122to support the weight of the shelf500and a shelf support113(not pictured) to provide a support surface for the shelf500. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the bracket assembly110comprises: (1) a main bracket bar111; (2) at least one shelf bracket120(e.g., two support arms); and (3) one or more coupling mechanisms (e.g., at least one main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200) for coupling the main bracket bar111to each of the shelf bracket120. Accordingly, the different components of the bracket assembly can be made of various types of materials such as metals, polymers, composites, woods, and/or the like, and/or any combination thereof. Likewise, the shelf can be made of various types of materials such as metals, polymers, composites, woods, and/or the like, and/or any combination thereof. In still other embodiments, the bracket assembly110may utilize any other suitable fasteners (e.g., hardware) for at least temporarily coupling one or more components of the bracket assembly110to one another (e.g., for attaching each of the shelf bracket120to the shelf500, for attaching the main bracket bar111to a vertical support surface, etc.).

As may be understood fromFIG.1, the shelf500may define a rear shelf recess510that is sufficiently deep to accommodate the main bracket bar111and at least a portion of each shelf bracket120when each shelf bracket120is coupled to the main bracket bar111and supporting the shelf500. In this way, the shelf and bracket system may be configured such that, when the shelf500is disposed on the bracket assembly110, the back of the shelf500is substantially flush (e.g., flush) with a support surface (e.g., wall) on which it is mounted.

Turning toFIG.2, as noted above, the bracket assembly110comprises a main bracket bar111.FIG.2depicts a main bracket bar111shown from a front perspective view. As may be understood fromFIG.2, the main bracket bar111is substantially rectangular (e.g., rectangular), extends between a first end and a second end, and defines at least one elongated mounting cutout119distributed colinearly along a length of the main bracket bar111. In particular embodiments, each elongated mounting cutout119is disposed adjacent an upper portion of the main bracket bar111. In other embodiments, each elongated mounting cutout119may be disposed in any other suitable location along the length of the main bracket bar111. In particular embodiments, each elongated mounting cutout119is substantially rectangular and has rounded ends. In particular embodiments, each elongated mounting cutout119has a beveled edge (e.g., that extends around a perimeter of the elongated mounting cutout119). In this way, each elongated mounting cutout119may be dimensioned to accommodate a fastener (e.g., with a round head) to support the main bracket bar111adjacent a support surface. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, each elongated mounting cutout119is configured to enable a user to secure the main bracket bar111to a support surface (e.g., wall) by using a suitable fastener (e.g., by inserting each fastener into the support surface through each at least one elongated mounting cutout119). In various aspects, the orientation and position of each elongated mounting cutout119may provide access, by a fastener though at least one elongated mounting cutout119, to the support surface for securing. For example, a studded wall may have vertical studs that are substantially evenly spaced (e.g., about 16 inches apart). By positioning and dimensioning each elongated mounting cutout119along the length (e.g., width) of the main bracket bar111, the shelf and bracket system may enable a user to install the bracket assembly110(e.g., the main bracket bar111) in any desired position on a wall, while still being able to secure the main bracket bar111to at least one stud (e.g., at least two studs). This may, for example, provide greater support for a shelf500mounted using the bracket assembly110than would be provided when mounting the bracket assembly110directly to drywall (e.g., or provide a more straightforward installation that requiring the use of drywall anchors or other anchoring fasteners). In particular embodiments, the main bracket bar111is sufficiently rigid to support at least one shelf bracket120such that the at least one shelf bracket120can support a shelf500.

As further illustrated inFIG.2, the main bracket bar111defines at least one coupling mechanism cutout300. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the main bracket bar111defines a respective coupling mechanism cutout300on each end of the main bracket bar111. In the embodiment shown in this figure, the coupling mechanism cutout300is substantially parallel to each of the elongated mounting cutout119. In particular embodiments, each coupling mechanism cutout300is disposed on an opposing end of the main bracket bar111and arranged in an opposite orientation (e.g., mirror one another). In the embodiment shown in this figure each coupling mechanism cutout300is colinear and spaced apart from a centerline of each colinear elongated mounting cutout119.

Turning toFIG.3, a rear perspective view of the main bracket bar111is shown. As may be further understood from the rear perspective view shown inFIG.3, the coupling mechanism cutout300includes a elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319that extends from a first end321to a second end322. In various embodiments, the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319has a substantially uniform width along the length of the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319from the first end321to the second end322. On an outer portion of each coupling mechanism cutout300, is a routed cutout330. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the routed cutout330is configured to engage and/or at least partially mate with a main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200when the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200is coupling a shelf bracket120to the main bracket bar111.

FIG.4depicts a front view of a main bracket bar111. A shown in this figure, the main bracket bar111is substantially rectangular (e.g., rectangular) and defines at least one elongated mounting cutout119distributed colinearly along a length of the main bracket bar111. In particular embodiments, each elongated mounting cutout119is disposed adjacent an upper portion of the main bracket bar111. In other embodiments, each elongated mounting cutout119may be disposed in any other suitable location along the length of the main bracket bar111. In particular embodiments, each elongated mounting cutout119is substantially rectangular and has rounded ends. In the embodiment shown in this figure, it should be understood that any particular elongated mounting cutout119may have any suitable length, and each elongated mounting cutout119along the length of the main bracket bar111may have a different length. For example, inFIG.4, each elongated mounting cutout119on the outer portion of the main bracket bar111(e.g., disposed above each respective coupling mechanism cutout300) as a first length, while each central elongated mounting cutout119(e.g., each of the central three) has a second length. In particular embodiments, the elongated mounting cutout119disposed adjacent (e.g., directly above) the coupling mechanism cutout300has a length that corresponds to a length of the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319(e.g., extending between the first end321and the second end322).

Turning toFIG.5, a rear view of the main bracket bar111is shown. As may be further understood from the rear view shown inFIG.5, the coupling mechanism cutout300includes a elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319that extends from a first end321to a second end322. In various embodiments, the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319has a substantially uniform width along the length of the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319from the first end321to the second end322. In this embodiment, each elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319has a length that substantially corresponds to a length of an adjacent elongated mounting cutout119(e.g., a elongated mounting cutout119disposed above the coupling mechanism cutout300on the main bracket bar111). On an outer portion of each coupling mechanism cutout300, is a routed cutout330. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, the routed cutout330is configured to engage and/or at least partially mate with a main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200when the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200is coupling a shelf bracket120to the main bracket bar111. As may be further understood fromFIG.5, the routed cutout330extends from an end of the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319adjacent the second end322, curving at least partially upward toward the upper side of the main bracket bar111.

FIG.6depicts a front detail view of a first end of the main bracket bar111. As may be understood from this figure, in various embodiments, the elongated mounting cutout119is defined on the main bracket bar111such that the elongated mounting cutout119is parallel to a length of the main bracket bar111. The elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319is similarly defined on the main bracket bar111such that the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319is parallel to both the length of the main bracket bar111and the elongated mounting cutout119. In various embodiments, the inner edge of the elongated mounting cutout119is adjacent the first end321of the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319(e.g., is oriented at substantially the same lateral position as the first end321of the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319). In particular embodiments, each elongated mounting cutout119has a beveled edge, as is shown inFIG.6's detailed view (e.g., that extends around a perimeter of the elongated mounting cutout119). In this way, each elongated mounting cutout119may be dimensioned to accommodate a fastener (e.g., with a round head) to support the main bracket bar111adjacent a support surface. As may be understood in light of this disclosure, each elongated mounting cutout119is configured to enable a user to secure the main bracket bar111to a support surface (e.g., wall) by using a suitable fastener (e.g., by inserting each fastener into the support surface through each at least one elongated mounting cutout119, such that the beveled edge supports a head of the fastener). In various aspects, the orientation and position of each elongated mounting cutout119may provide access, by a fastener though at least one elongated mounting cutout119, to the support surface for securing. For example, a studded wall may have vertical studs that are substantially evenly spaced (e.g., about 16 inches apart). By positioning and dimensioning each elongated mounting cutout119along the length (e.g., width) of the main bracket bar111, the shelf and bracket system may enable a user to install the bracket assembly110(e.g., the main bracket bar111) in any desired position on a wall, while still being able to secure the main bracket bar111to at least one stud (e.g., at least two studs).

FIG.7depicts a front detail view of a second end of the main bracket bar111. As shown in this figure, the elongated mounting cutout119adjacent the second end of the main bracket bar111is disposed adjacent the main bracket bar top surface112of the main bracket bar111. The elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319is parallel to and spaced apart from the elongated mounting cutout119adjacent the second end of the main bracket bar111, and displayed adjacent the main bracket bar bottom surface114of the main bracket bar111.FIG.7provides greater detail of the routed cutout330disposed adjacent and extending from the second end322of the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319. As may be understood fromFIG.7, the routed cutout330has an outer edge defined by a substantially circular router having a diameter the width of the routed cutout330that has been run from the first point333to the second point334along a curved line335(e.g., substantially j-shaped line). In various aspects the second point334is disposes substantially evenly between the main bracket bar top surface112and the main bracket bar bottom surface114. As may be understood from this and the other figures, the routed cutout330has a depth that does not extend fully through the main bracket bar111, resulting in a lip332having a thickness that is less than a thickness of the main bracket bar111. The routed cutout330further defines an inner cutout331that also follows the line335and has a spacing that substantially corresponds to a spacing of the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319.

FIG.8is a rear perspective view of a shelf and bracket system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure with a first shelf bracket120in a support position160and a second shelf bracket120in a folded position150. As shown in this figure, the shelf bracket120in the support position160adjacent the first end of the main bracket bar111is coupled to the main bracket bar111via a main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200that extends through a hole in the first shelf bracket120and the coupling mechanism cutout300, with an outer portion of the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200engaging both a rear face of the main bracket bar111and a front face of the shelf bracket120. In this way, the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200may maintain the shelf bracket120adjacent the main bracket bar111. Similarly, the second shelf bracket120in the folded position150disposed adjacent the second end of the main bracket bar111is coupled to the main bracket bar111via a main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200disposed in the routed cutout330. As may be understood from this figure, the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200is configured to slide within the coupling mechanism cutout300(e.g., and the routed cutout330) and each shelf bracket120is configured to rotate about the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200between the support position160and the folded position150. As shown in this figure, the second shelf bracket120in the folded position150is disposed such that each outer edge of the second shelf bracket120is respectively adjacent the main bracket bar top surface112and the main bracket bar bottom surface114of the main bracket bar111. In this way, then each shelf bracket120is in the folded position150, the main bracket bar111and each shelf bracket120form a substantially flat shelf and bracket system.

FIG.9is a rear view of the main bracket bar111with a shelf bracket coupled to the main bracket bar111via a main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200engaging the routed cutout330of the coupling mechanism cutout300. As may be understood from this figure, each outer edge of the shelf bracket is respectively parallel to the main bracket bar top surface112and the main bracket bar bottom surface114of the main bracket bar111. The shelf bracket120may, for example, have a width that corresponds to a height of the main bracket bar111. In this way, the bracket assembly110(e.g., the main bracket bar111and each shelf bracket120) may be configured to lay flat during transportation, display, etc. Such a packing arrangement may reduce shipping volume requirements, which can reduce costs related to distribution and transport of the shelf and bracket system.

FIG.10,FIG.11, andFIG.12provide detail views of the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200. As shown in these figures, the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200comprises a first flanged component220and second flanged component280. In particular embodiments, the first flanged component220comprises a first cylindrical portion222having a first flange224disposed on one end of the first cylindrical portion222. In some aspects, the first cylindrical portion222is substantially round (e.g., round) and cylindrical (e.g., a right, circular cylinder). In particular embodiments, the first flange224is substantially circular and has a radius greater than a radius of the first cylindrical portion2222. In other embodiments, the first flange224and/or first cylindrical portion222may have any other suitable shape. In particular embodiments, the first flange224defines a first flange inner face225configured to engage with, for example, an outer face of the shelf bracket120(e.g., when the shelf bracket120is coupled to the main bracket bar111), a rear face of the main bracket bar111, at least a portion of the lip332, etc.). In particular aspects, the first cylindrical portion222defines a second flanged component receiving recess226that extends through the first cylindrical portion222and is capped by the first flange224.

In particular embodiments, the second flanged component280comprises a second cylindrical portion282raving a radius that substantially corresponds to a radius of the second flanged component receiving recess226. The second flanged component280further comprises a second flange284(e.g., a substantially circular second flange284) disposed on an end of the second cylindrical portion282. In particular embodiments, a radius of the second flange284corresponds to the radius of the first flange224. As shown inFIG.10, the second flange284defines a second flange inner face285that is configured to engage, for example, an outer face of the shelf bracket120(e.g., when the shelf bracket120is coupled to the main bracket bar111), a rear face of the main bracket bar111, at least a portion of the lip332, etc.).

As may be understood fromFIG.11, when assembling the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200, the first flanged component220may be coupled to the second flanged component280by inserting the second cylindrical portion282into the second flanged component receiving recess226. In various embodiments, the second cylindrical portion282may be inserted into the second flanged component receiving recess226through the coupling mechanism cutout300and a hole defined in the shelf bracket120. In various embodiments, the first flanged component220may then be at least temporarily coupled to the second flanged component280(e.g., using a suitable adhesive, welding, etc.). In other aspects, the second cylindrical portion282and second flanged component receiving recess226may be threaded such that the second flanged component280may be screwed into the first flanged component220. In other aspects, the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200may comprise any suitable number of components or pieces assembled in any suitable manner to result in the form of the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200shown (e.g., or in a suitable alternative form to achieve the coupling function described herein).

As shown inFIG.12, the resulting main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200is substantially spool-shaped (e.g., as in a sewing spool) and has a cylindrical inner portion with opposing end cap flanges. In various embodiments, these end cap flanges (and the inner portion) may have any suitable shape for coupling a main bracket bar111to a shelf bracket120via a suitable cutout in the shelf bracket120and the coupling mechanism cutout300. In particular embodiments, the assembled main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200is substantially fixed (e.g., substantially permanently attached). This may occur, for example, during the assembly process such that each shelf bracket120is at least temporarily coupled (e.g., permanently coupled) to the main bracket bar111during shipping and sale. A purchaser/user may then unpack the bracket and shelf system for installation (discussed in more detail below).

FIG.13is a front and rear detail view of a shelf bracket120coupled to a main bracket bar111according to various embodiments. As shown in this figure, when the main bracket bar111is coupled to the shelf bracket120using a main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200and an outer flange of the first cylindrical portion222(e.g., the first flange224or the second flange284) is disposed within the routed cutout330(e.g., resting against the lip332) the main bracket bar111is spaced apart from the main bracket bar coupling extension128of the shelf bracket120(e.g., by a distance that corresponds to a width of the main bracket bar support lip129). The first cylindrical portion222is further disposed in the inner cutout331and has a diameter that substantially corresponds toa. diameter of the inner cutout331such that the first cylindrical portion222(e.g., and the shelf bracket120) can slide along the inner cutout331(e.g., along the line335shown inFIG.7between the first point333and second point334. In various embodiments, the length of the first cylindrical portion222enables the spacing apart of the main bracket bar111from the main bracket bar coupling extension128. As may be understood fromFIG.13, the first cylindrical portion222is disposed in a coupling mechanism cutout127on the main bracket bar coupling extension128, extending through the coupling mechanism cutout127such that the second outer flange of the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200(e.g., the first flange224or the second flange284) is disposed adjacent and engaging a front face of the main bracket bar coupling extension128. In this way, the first flange224and second flange284cooperate to maintain the main bracket bar111adjacent the main bracket bar coupling extension128, with room for the two components to space apart up to the depth of the routed cutout330. As may be understood fromFIG.13, in this position, the shelf bracket120may rotate (e.g., about the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200/coupling mechanism cutout127) as the wall support117has sufficient clearance to slide along the front face of the main bracket bar111until the shelf bracket120is in the folded position150.

FIG.14is a front and rear detail view of a shelf bracket120coupled to a main bracket bar111according to a particular embodiment. As shown in this figure, the main bracket bar111has been pressed against the main bracket bar coupling extension128such that the main bracket bar111is in line with the main bracket bar support lip129. As such, the first flange224is no longer disposed in the routed cutout330and is spaced apart from the lip332(e.g., because the second flange284is still pressed against the front face of the main bracket bar coupling extension128). As may be understood from this figure, the first flange224is sufficiently clear of the main bracket bar111that the first cylindrical portion222is free to slide along the coupling mechanism cutout300via the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319. In this way, the shelf bracket120can slide laterally along the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319such that the main bracket bar support lip129and the main bracket bar coupling extension128slide along a length of the main bracket bar111.

FIG.15depicts a process for rotating the shelf bracket120relative to the main bracket bar111from the folded position150to the support position160. As shown in this series of figures, in Position A, the main bracket bar111and the shelf bracket120are in the flat pack position (e.g., the shelf bracket120is in the folded position150). In position A, the shelf bracket120is couples to the main bracket bar111using a main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200that is disposed in the routed cutout330, with the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200engaging the lip332. The main bracket bar coupling extension128is spaced apart from the main bracket bar111by a distance that corresponds to the main bracket bar support lip129. The main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200is centered about the second point334in the routed cutout330. In Position B, the shelf bracket120has been rotated (e.g., about the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200) to the support position160. The main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200is still resting against the lip332in the routed cutout330and the main bracket bar coupling extension128is still spaced apart from the main bracket bar111(e.g., about the distance of the width of the main bracket bar support lip129). Continuing to Position C, the shelf bracket120(e.g., and the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200) are slid along the line335from the second point334to the first point333(e.g., such that the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200(e.g., a center point of the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200) traverses the line335until the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200is centered on the first point333). As the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200reaches the first point333, the main bracket bar111clears the wall support117and slides along the main bracket bar support lip129until the main bracket bar top surface112is aligned with a top of the main bracket bar coupling extension128and the main bracket bar bottom surface114is aligned with the main bracket bar support lip129. In position D, the main bracket bar111is pressed against the main bracket bar coupling extension128such that the main bracket bar bottom surface114slides against the main bracket bar support lip129(e.g., engages the main bracket bar support lip129) and the front of the main bracket bar111engages the rear face of the main bracket bar coupling extension128. In this position, the flange of the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200is spaced apart from the lip332, and clear of the rear face of the main bracket bar111such that the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200(e.g., and the shelf bracket120to which it is coupled via the coupling mechanism cutout127) can slide within the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319, with the flange of the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200engaging the main bracket bar111adjacent the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319. In Position E, the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200can then slide laterally within the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319. In various aspects, a length of the first cylindrical portion222and a thickness of the main bracket bar coupling extension128and main bracket bar111are coordinated such that the flanges of the main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200provide sufficient squeezing force between the main bracket bar coupling extension128and main bracket bar111(e.g., in position E or another desired position along the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319) such that the shelf bracket120is sufficiently laterally secure during installation, while providing enough give to enable straightforward force application to slide the shelf bracket120to the desired lateral position.

FIG.16depicts a front perspective view of the main bracket bar111with a first shelf bracket120and a second shelf bracket120coupled to the main bracket bar111. As shown in this Figure, the first shelf bracket120is in the folded position150, while the second shelf bracket120is in the support position160. As may be understood from this disclosure, this positioning represents a transition between a packed position and a mounting position.

FIG.17is a front view of the main bracket bar111coupled to a first and second410(e.g., via a respective405). As shown in this Figure, the main bracket bar111can be positioned with each405in any position along a length of a respective elongated mounting cutout119. In this way, the main bracket bar111can be mounted (e.g., to a support surface) in any desired lateral position along a wall. Although this figure does not depict any shelf bracket120, it should be understood that in application, each shelf bracket120will be at least temporarily (e.g., permanently) coupled to the shelf bracket120for straightforward packing and shipping as well as unfolding for installation. Each shelf bracket120is merely omitted to better illustrate how the main bracket bar111is mounted to each410. In application, a user could simply slide each shelf bracket120to a suitable position such that neither shelf bracket120would interfere with mounting the main bracket bar111to each410at the desired position (e.g., using at least one405).FIG.18shows a first shelf bracket120and a second shelf bracket120coupled to the main bracket bar111. As may be understood from this figure, each shelf bracket120may be positioned in any lateral position within the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319for mounting purposes. In this way, a final shelf placement may be selected, and each component may be positioned in any desired location for achieving the final shelf placement (e.g., as shown inFIG.18with the shelf500mounted on each shelf bracket120). In various embodiments, each shelf bracket120may be slidably coupled to the main bracket bar, such that the respective main bracket bar/shelf bracket coupling mechanism200can slide within the elongated coupling mechanism support cutout319(e.g., even when the main bracket bar111is mounted to one or more studs410or other support surface.FIG.19shows a front view with a first and second shelf bracket supporting a shelf500. In some embodiments, the system may further utilize one or more fasteners to maintain a lower portion of each shelf bracket120adjacent the support surface (e.g., such as screws through holes adjacent a lower portion of the shelf bracket120or in any other suitable location.FIG.20shows a perspective front view of the bracket and shelf system with a first and second shelf bracket120both in the support position160.FIG.21shows the perspective view of the shelf500mounted on the bracket assembly110.

In various embodiments, the shelf500can vary in size and shape. For example, the shelf500can be in the shape of a square, a rectangle, a circle, an oval, and/or the like. Accordingly, the bracket assembly110may comprise various number of shelf bracket120(e.g., support arms) as may be required to accommodate different sizes and/or shapes of the shelf500. In addition, the bracket assembly110may comprise a plurality of shelf bracket120having varying lengths to accommodate different sizes and/or shapes of the shelf500. Likewise, the main bracket bar111can vary in length to accommodate different sizes and/or shapes of the shelf500. Furthermore, the interchangeability of each shelf bracket120can allow the support arms to be changed to accommodate different sizes and/or shapes of the shelf500.

CONCLUSION

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the described examples are not limited to any particular size. Further, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the shelf500bracket assembly110(i.e., any components thereof) are not limited to any type of material. One of ordinary skilled in the art will recognize that a number of designs, types, and/or thicknesses of materials can be utilized when taking into consideration aesthetic, safety, and stability consideration. Similarly, a number of suitable fasteners and other coupling mechanisms may be employed for at least temporarily coupling and/or fastening one component to another (e.g., or one component to a support surface). A number of manufacturing techniques can be used in manufacturing the shelf and bracket system.

It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skilled in the art that changes can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the disclosure provided herein is not limited to the particular embodiments described, and is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. One of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. One of ordinary skill in the art can further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein.