PATENT ABSTRACT
An exercise equipment storage apparatus having a number of shelves, each having a support surface. A support structure in the form of a spine is arranged to support the shelves. A plurality of stop members are mounted on the support surface. The stop members define at least one storage zone for receiving the exercise equipment. The plurality of stop members are reconfigurable to selectively vary the position, size and/or orientation of the at least one storage zone. As such, the storage unit may be reconfigured to house an almost limitless range of exercise equipment.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of UK Patent Application No. 1504057.9, filed 10 Mar. 2015, the entire contents and substance of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to an exercise equipment storage apparatus, and in particular a reconfigurable shelving unit for weighted exercise equipment. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    An ever increasing range of exercise equipment is available to gym owners for use by gym users in fitness and strength training. A wider range of exercise equipment enables a gym to provide a wider range of training facilities and to cater for a greater range of customers. Exercise equipment in a gym environment must be stored in an accessible manner such that it is freely yet safely accessible to the gym users. Given the finite space within a gym facility and the requirement to maintain as much free floor space as possible, the amount of exercise equipment a gym may provide is limited by the floor space available and efficiency with which the storage apparatus holds the equipment. 
         [0006]    Given the diversity in the shape and size of modern exercise equipment, storage is typically individually tailored to specific equipment, with dedicated storage being required for each range of equipment. Typically storage is in the form of shelving racks. In order to maintain equipment safely in position on the shelves a retaining element is required to hold, cradle or otherwise restrain the equipment, which differ in size and orientation from equipment to equipment. It is therefore not generally possible to safely store more than one type of equipment on a given storage apparatus. As a result, the requirement to provide a wide range of different storage solutions results in storage inefficiency and limits the variety of equipment that may be provided. 
         [0007]    In addition, should a gym owner decide to replace a range of equipment with an alternative, they must purchase a new rack to hold the alternative range of equipment, adding  significantly to the cost of updating their equipment. A further disadvantage, particularly for smaller gyms that require equipment in more limited numbers, is that the number of units of each type of equipment may be significantly less than the number of units which the dedicated storage unit is configured to store. Therefore, the storage unit represents an inefficient use of space and Cost. 
         [0008]    It is therefore desirable to provide an improved exercise storage apparatus which addresses the above described problems and/or which offers improvements generally. 
         [0009]    According to the present invention there is provided an exercise equipment storage apparatus as described in the accompanying claims. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In an embodiment of the invention there is provided an exercise equipment storage apparatus comprising at least one shelf having a support surface; a support structure arranged to support the at least one shelf; and a plurality of stop members mounted on the support surface defining at least one storage zone for receiving said exercise equipment. The plurality of stop members are reconfigurable to selectively vary the position, size and/or orientation of the at least one storage zone. As such, the storage unit may be reconfigured to house an almost limitless range of exercise equipment. The entire storage unit may be configured to hold a specific range of equipment or configured, and may be reconfigured if that range is replaced with an alternative. The storage unit may alternatively be configured to hold a variety of different equipment on the same unit. This is advantageous for smaller gyms that hold smaller volumes of equipment. It also enables larger gyms to create storage pods with a variety of equipment provided on each pod, enabling the equipment to be distributed at multiple stations around the gym rather than the entire set of each range of equipment being located at a single location. 
         [0011]    The plurality of stop members are retaining elements and preferably cooperate in pairs to form a channel defining the at least one storage zone. A single stop member may cooperate with more than other stop member simultaneously in a paired arrangement. For example a stop member may have stop formations on two sides, with each side pairing with a different stop member. Typically a holding channel is sufficient to retain a piece of exercise equipment, and the channels may cooperate with retaining walls, lips or the like at the front and or rear edges of the shelves to retain the equipment.  
         [0012]    The stop members may comprise an elongate body having a stop surface extending along the length of the body. The shelves are preferably substantially square and the length of the stop members is preferably substantially equal to the length if the sides of the shelves such that in either the lengthwise or transverse orientation the stop members extend substantially across the entire depth or width of the shelf. 
         [0013]    Preferably the stop surface is inclined transversely to the length of the body to define a wedge formation. The wedge formation advantageously enables the stops members to cradle equipment having a rounded lower surface with the wedging action preventing rolling of the equipment in at least the transverse direction. 
         [0014]    The stop members preferably have a vertical rear wall extending along the length of the body on the opposing side to inclined wedge surface. This enables the stop members to be 
         [0015]    The pairs of stop members are preferably arranged parallel to each other with the inclined surfaces facing towards each other such that the storage zones have a substantially convex configuration in the transverse direction relative to the length of the stop members, thereby defining a substantially convex configuration. 
         [0016]    Each shelf preferably includes a plurality of connection points for securing the stop members to the shelf, the connection points being arranged to define a plurality of connection locations with the stop members being reconfigurable by selective securement to different connection locations selected from the plurality of connection locations. 
         [0017]    Each shelf preferably includes a front edge and an orthogonal array of connection points configured to enable the stop members to be secured to the shelf in a parallel arrangement to each other in which the stop members arranged parallel or transverse to the front edge of the shelf. The orthogonal array ensures that the stop members are only able to be secured to the shelf one of a transverse or longitudinal arrangement. Longitudinal is used here to refer to the axis defined front to back of the shelf. 
         [0018]    The plurality of connection points may comprise apertures extending through the shelf for receiving a corresponding connection member. The corresponding connection members may be spigots or lugs extending from the stop members, snap fit connections or threaded connectors provided through the shelf from the underside.  
         [0019]    The corresponding connection member is preferably a threaded fastener, and the stop members may include a plurality of threaded bores having a spacing corresponding to the spacing of the apertures of the shelf such that the threaded bores may be aligned with a selected plurality of connection apertures to receive a corresponding plurality of fasteners extending therethrough. This means of securing the stop members provides a secure connection which is essential where weighted equipment is being stowed, while also enabling the stop members to be removed from reconfiguration using a tool. 
         [0020]    The support structure preferably comprises an upright spine member and a base member, and wherein a plurality of shelves is secured to the spine. The use of a spine enables the shelves to be supported using only a single support member thereby reducing material, parts and cost, as well as maximizing access to the shelves with the spine being located at the rear of the shelves with full access to the front and sides, and providing an aesthetically pleasing design with the shelves having a floating appearance. 
         [0021]    A plurality of connection points are preferably provided along the height of the spine and the plurality of shelves are removably connectable to the plurality of the connection points to enable the height and/or relative spacing of the shelves to be selectively varied. As such equipment of varying heights may be accommodated. 
         [0022]    The spine preferably includes a front face and side walls, with the connection points being formed in the side walls, and wherein each shelf comprises a pair of spaced connection brackets extending from the lower surface configured to locate either side of the spine adjacent the side walls to connect the shelf to the spine. The shelf also preferably includes a retaining wall, lip or ridge at the front and/or rear edges. 
         [0023]    The connection brackets preferably each include a transversely facing connection plate extending downwardly from the lower surface of the shelf having a vertical rear edge and an angled forward edge with the connection plate tapering upwardly in the forward direction towards the lower surface of the shelf. The brackets are secured via connectors inserted through the brackets transversely into the side walls of the spine. 
         [0024]    The connection brackets may each include a flange plate extending downwardly from the rear edge of the shelf, a forwardly extending angular reinforcement plate connecting the base of the flange plate to the lower surface of the shelf, with the transversely facing connection plate  being secured to the flange plate and the angular reinforcement member. This arrangement maximizes support of the shelves while minimizing material usage. 
         [0025]    The upper surface of the base is preferably provided with a plurality of connection points corresponding to the connection points of the shelves to enable the stop members to be secured to the base to provide one or more additional storage zones, thereby maximizing the storage efficiency of the apparatus. 
         [0026]    The spine preferably includes a forwardly angled lower section that secures to the base forwardly of the upper section and the base is arranged such that the rear edge of the base is aligned with the rear face of the spine. This ensures that there is a part of the base that extends rearwardly of the connection with the spine for maximum stability, while also ensuring that the apparatus may be placed in flush abutment with a wall with the spine flush with said wall, thereby optimizing the use of space. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    Various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  shows a shelving assembly for weighted exercise equipment according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  shows a shelf of the shelving assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  shows a view from below of the shelf of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  shows a stop member of the shelving assembly of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a view from below of the stop member of  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the various embodiments of the invention, various illustrative embodiments are explained below. Although exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following  description or examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. 
         [0034]    It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a component is intended also to include composition of a plurality of components. References to a composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named. 
         [0035]    Also, in describing the exemplary embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
         [0036]    Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, other exemplary embodiments include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. 
         [0037]    Similarly, as used herein, “substantially free” of something, or “substantially pure”, and like characterizations, can include both being “at least substantially free” of something, or “at least substantially pure”, and being “completely free” of something, or “completely pure”. 
         [0038]    By “comprising” or “containing” or “including” is meant that at least the named compound, element, particle, or method step is present in the composition or article or method, but does not exclude the presence of other compounds, materials, particles, method steps, even if the other such compounds, material, particles, method steps have the same function as what is named. 
         [0039]    It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Similarly, it is also to be understood that the mention of one or more components in a composition does not preclude the presence of additional components than those expressly identified.  
         [0040]    The materials described as making up the various elements of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that would perform the same or a similar function as the materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. Such other materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, for example, materials that are developed after the time of the development of the invention. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is provided a reconfigurable shelving assembly  1  for weighted exercise equipment. The shelving assembly  1  comprises a plurality of shelves  2  supported on a support frame  4  having a base  6 . The support frame  4  comprises a vertical spine member  8  that is preferably formed from rectangular hollow section steel or aluminum. The spine  8  includes an upright and preferably substantially vertical main support section  10  and a lower section  12  that is inclined forwardly. 
         [0042]    The spine  8  includes a front facing wall  14 , side walls  16  and a rear facing wall  18 . In use the front wall  14  is forwardly facing towards the user, and towards the front leading edge of the shelves  2 . The terms ‘forwardly’ and ‘rearwardly’ are relative and are used to refer to a direction towards or away from the leading edge of the shelves and the term ‘sideways’ refers to a direction transverse to the forward and rearward direction. The term ‘upwardly’ and ‘vertically’ are relative to the base  6  and refer to a vertical axis perpendicular to the planar upper face of the base  6 . 
         [0043]    The lower end  12  of the spine  8  is angled forwardly at an elbow  20  located approximately a fifth of the way along the height of the spine  8 . The lower section  12  secures to the base  6  at a connection point  24  which has a forward location relative to the main support section  10 . The base  6  forms a foot for supporting the spine  8  and shelves  2  such that the support assembly  1  is free standing. The forwardly inclined arrangement of the lower section  12  of the spine  8  allows a rear portion  22  of the base  6  to extend rearwardly of the connection point  24  with the lower section  12  such that the rear edge  26  of the base  6  is aligned with the rear face  18  of the spine  8 . This enables the support assembly  1  to be located flush against a wall with the spine  8  substantially abutting the wall without interference from the base  6 . The base  6  comprises a planar support plate which preferably extends forwardly at its front edge  28  a greater distance than the front edge of the shelves  2  to maximize stability.  
         [0044]    The shelves  2  are preferably formed from folded sheet metal such as steel or aluminum. As shown in  FIG. 2  each shelf  2  includes a ridge  30  along the front edge  32  defining a forward retaining wall. The ridge  30  is formed by a v-shaped fold including an inclined surface  34  forming a wedge arrangement on the inner side of the ridge  30  and a vertical flange section  36  defining a flat front facing wall to the shelf. At the rear edge  40  a rearwardly inclined wall  42  is also formed to provide a wedge arrangement at the rear edge. The front wedge  34  and rear wedge  42  combine to define a concave profile across the shelf  2  along the longitudinal axis defined front to back of the shelf  2 . A flat section  44  is provided rearwardly of the wedge  42 , and a vertical flange section  46  extends vertically downwards at the rear edge of the shelf  2 . 
         [0045]    An array of apertures  43  is formed through the main planar section  45  of the shelf  2 . The apertures  43  are arranged in an orthogonal array with rows extending transversely and longitudinally across the plate. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , four transversely extending rows are provided that are evenly spaced in the longitudinal direction. The apertures  43  along these rows also form longitudinally extending rows. Nine apertures are provided across the shelf  2  in the transverse direction such that nine longitudinal rows are defined. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , a channel  48  is defined midway along the rear flange plate  46 , with a corresponding cut away  50  being formed in the flat section  44 . The channel  48  has a width corresponding to the width of the spine  8  with the spine  8  being received in the channel  48  to secure the shelf  2  to the spine  8 . Either side of the channel  48  are provide longitudinally extending connection plates  52  having a plurality of apertures  54  arranged vertically adjacent the rear edge of the plates  52 . The size and spacing of the apertures  42  corresponds to a plurality of connection apertures  56  formed along the side walls of the spine  8 . The apertures  54  of the shelf  2  are aligned with the apertures  56  of the spine  8  and threaded fasteners or any other suitable connection means are passed through the aligned apertures to secure the shelf  2  to the spine  8  at a selected and variable height. The apertures  56  of the spine may include an inner thread formed by any suitable means to enable a threaded fastener to be screwed directly into the spine  8 . The connection plates  52  taper upwardly in the forward direction and provide bracing for the shelf in connection with rear flange plate  46 . Forwardly extending upwardly inclined plates  58  extend from the flange plate to the shelf  2  to provide further support, with the inclined plates being connected to the connection plates  52 .  
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , a stop member  60  comprises an elongate body  62  having an inclined stop surface  64  extending along its length. The stop member  60  includes a substantially vertical rear wall  66 , an upper edge  68 , a front edge  70  and end walls  72 . The stop surface  64  is inclined downwardly from the upper edge  68  to the front edge  70  in the transverse direction relative to the length of the body  62 , such that when viewed from the end the stop member  60  has a substantially right angled triangular cross sectional shape providing the stop member  60  with a wedged configuration. The stop surface  64  includes a textured grip surface having an integrally molded raised waveform pattern which increases the friction coefficient of the surface, thereby improving grip. Other surface texturing may be utilized to improve grip and/or the surface may be provided with a resilient coating or covering such as rubber to improve grip. A plurality of scalloped sections  74  are formed along the upper edge  68  having a substantially semi-circular shape to allow these sections to cradle a cylindrical bar such as a weight bar or a cylindrical handle or other component of an exercise device when supported on the upper edge  68  of two or more stop members  60 . A recess  76  is formed centrally along the stop surface  64  and front edge  70  that enables the wedged stop member  60  to more effectively cradle a spherical exercise apparatus such as a medicine ball. The recess  76  includes inwardly inclined front edge sections  78  and a section of the stop surface that is inclined downwardly at a greater angle than the rest of the surface. 
         [0048]    Longitudinal stops  79  are provided proximate either end of the stop surface  64 . The longitudinal stops  79  are preferably rubber or plastic blocks arranged to prevent apparatus rolling longitudinally past the ends of the stop member  60 . The blocks  79  are preferably removable and include spigots  81  extending from their lower surface that are inserted into corresponding recesses in the stop surface  64  to removably secure them thereto. 
         [0049]    A shown in  FIG. 5 , the lower surface  82  of the stop member  60  includes a pair of attachment elements  84  for securing the stop member to a shelf  2 . The attachment members comprise cylindrical elements or bosses each having a threaded inner bore for receiving a corresponding treaded fastener. The body  62  of the wedged stop member  60  is preferably hollow as shown, with a plurality of reinforcing walls  86  supporting the threaded bosses  84 , and the stop surface  64 .  
         [0050]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the stop members  60  are securable to the support surface  45  of the shelves  2  in a multitude of different configurations by aligning the attachment elements  84  with two correspondingly spaced apertures  43 . The array of apertures  43  is arranged such that the spacing of the apertures  43  corresponds to the spacing of the attachment elements  84 , with the spacing of the attachment elements  84  being a multiple of the spacing of the apertures  43 . In the shelf shown in  FIG. 2  the spacing of the front and rear transverse rows of aperture  43  are spaced apart equal to the spacing of the attachment elements  84 . The stop members are therefore only locatable lengthwise in a single lengthwise position when oriented lengthwise, front to back, but are locatable in this longitudinal position at multiple transverse locations width wise by connection to corresponding pairs of apertures  43  along the front and rear rows of apertures  43 . The spacing of the apertures along the transverse rows is such the outermost apertures  43  at the ends of the rows are spaced apart equal to the spacing of the attachment elements  84 , such that when oriented transversely, the stop members  60  are only locatable width wise in a single width wise position but are locatable in this orientation at multiple locations lengthwise by connection to corresponding pairs of apertures  43  the longitudinal rows of apertures  43 . 
         [0051]    The stop members  60  may also be oriented transversely and secured in position in a similar manner by alignment of the attachment elements  84  with a correspondingly spaced pair of connection apertures  43  at the required location. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the vertical back walls  62  of the stop members  60  allows them to be abutted back to back. To enable this the attachment elements  84  are located centrally in the transverse direction and the apertures  43  are spaced apart a distance equal to the width of the stop elements  60 , with the distance between the attachment elements of two stop elements back to back being equal to the spacing of the aperture  43  and equal to the width of one stop member  60 . 
         [0052]    Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.