Abstract:
A modular shelving system including a number of separate, selectively inter-connectable pieces, and methods of assembling such a shelving system. The selectively inter-connectable pieces of the shelving system include vertical supports columns, cap shelves for attachment thereto, hanging rods, and adjustable shelves and drawers and selectively placeable support elements for supporting same.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention relates to a shelving system and, more particularly, to an easily assembled and installed modular shelving system that may be customized by the user to suit the user&#39;s particular needs. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   It is often desirable or even necessary to provide shelving for storage of items in various places such as a closet, a storage room, a workroom, a utility room, an office or a garage. Many different types of shelving systems are known in the art, including various metal, wood or plastic systems that may be shipped and/or sold to the user in an unassembled state and subsequently assembled and installed by the user in a desired location. 
   For example, one prior art metal shelving unit consists of a number of metal shelves and four elongated, vertical corner pieces. Such units are sold in pieces, and require the user to attach the corners of the metal shelves to the corner pieces by a nut and bolt assembly or the like. This type of shelving system requires a large number of individual pieces and various tools for assembly. Also, assembly configurations are limited in this type of a system, and thus there is limited opportunity for the user to customize the system to meet his or her needs. 
   Other prior art shelving systems include modular shelving systems constructed in a number of pieces from a material such as wood and/or metal. The separate pieces of the system are designed to be mounted together using hardware such as screws, latches and/or nut and bolt assemblies. Again, this type of shelving system requires a large number of pieces and various tools for assembly. In addition, such systems are often difficult, time consuming and confusing to assemble, leading to frustration and wasted time on the part of the user. Further, once assembled, such systems are difficult and time consuming to disassemble and modify, which may be required as the needs of the user change. 
   Still another type of prior art shelving system often utilized in closets consists of a number of shelves made of a plurality of welded, coated wires. The shelves are typically mounted to a wall by the user using screws and the like, often making installation difficult and time consuming, particularly to a user who may not be particularly handy. Such systems, while lightweight, do not present a sturdy appearance due to the gaps that exist between the wire supports. In addition, items that are smaller than the gaps between the small, one-eighth inch diameter wire supports may not be stored with this type of system as those items will fall through the gaps. 
   There is therefore a need for a modular shelving system that is quick and easy to assemble and disassemble with very limited or no use of separate tools. There is further a need for such a modular shelving system that may be customized by a user to meet certain needs, and that may be easily and readily reconfigured and adjusted as needs change. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a customizable modular shelving system including a number of separate pieces that is easy to assemble and disassemble with very limited or no use of separate tools. As a result, the shelving system may be easily and readily reconfigured and adjusted as the needs of the user change. 
   One aspect of the present invention relates to a shelving system, and a method of assembling same, including a vertical support column having one or more slots provided in the upper portion thereof, and a shelf having one or more connectors protruding from a first end thereof. The slots in the vertical support column have a first shape and the connectors each have an enlarged portion having a second shape, wherein the first shape and the second shape are generally complementary to one another. The enlarged portion of each of the connectors is disposed in a respective one of the slots. The shelving system may further include a second vertical support column having slots having the same first shape provided in the upper portion thereof, wherein the shelf has connectors having an enlarged portion having the same second shape protruding from a second end thereof. The connectors on the second end of the shelf are, in this embodiment, disposed in the slots provided in the second vertical support column. The slots and connectors may be generally T-shaped. 
   The upper portion of the vertical support column may also have one or more detents, and the first end of the shelf may have one or more protruding tabs, wherein the one or more protruding tabs are received and held in place by the one or more detents. In addition, the upper portion of the vertical support column may also have a recess, and the first end of the shelf may have a protruding member, wherein the protruding member is received by and supported on a bottom edge of the recess. Further, the upper portion of the vertical support column may have a horizontal support ledge extending therefrom, and the bottom edge of the first end of the shelf may rest on and be supported by the support ledge. 
   The shelf in this aspect of the invention may have a generally planar top surface and one or more valances extending downwardly from and generally perpendicular to the top surface. In addition, the lower portion of the vertical support column may have a plurality of feet extending therefrom. Preferably, the plurality of feet may include a front foot and a back foot, with the front foot being slightly longer than the back foot to cause the vertical support column to be angled backwardly against a wall in the location where the shelving system is placed. 
   In another embodiment, the shelving system further includes a second vertical support column having one or more tabs extending from the upper portion thereof, and the upper portion of the first vertical support column has one or more recesses provided therein. The first vertical support column is a bottom vertical support column and the second vertical support column is a top vertical support column. In this embodiment, each of the tabs is disposed in a respective one of the recesses to hold the second vertical support column in place. The lower portion of the vertical support column may also include a recessed portion that provides clearance for a baseboard affixed to a wall in a location where the shelving system is placed. Similarly, the vertical support column may include a recessed portion located between the upper portion and the lower portion thereof that provides clearance for a chair rail affixed to a wall in a location where the shelving system is placed. In addition, the lower portion of the vertical support column may have one or more recessed portions adapted to receive a fastening element for fastening the vertical support column in place. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to a shelving system including a vertical support column having a slot provided in the first side thereof and an elongated rod having an enlarged end that is disposed in the slot. Preferably, the enlarged end of the rod is flared, and the rod is elongated and tubular. Also, the slot is preferably angled rearwardly and downwardly. In one particular embodiment, the slot is angled downwardly at an angle of between approximately 15 degrees and approximately 45 degrees from the horizontal axis of the vertical support column. The shelving system according to this aspect of the invention may further include a second vertical support column having a second slot provided therein, wherein the rod has a second enlarged end opposite the first enlarged end that is disposed in the second slot. In addition, a wall plate having another slot may be mounted on a wall adjacent to the shelving system, and an enlarged end of the rod may be received in the slot provided on the wall plate. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a shelving system including a vertical support column having a plurality of mounting openings, and a support element removeably attached to the vertical support column through one of the mounting openings. The support element includes a receiving portion that fits over and receives a portion of the vertical support column that defines a bottom outer edge of the mounting opening. The support element preferably includes either one or two elongated tongues adjacent to the receiving portion. Also, the receiving portion may have one or more barbs extending from an inner surface thereof that are adapted to be disposed in an indentation provided in the vertical support column below the mounting opening. In one particular embodiment, the shelving system further includes a shelf having an elongated groove along a first side thereof, wherein the elongated tongue is disposed in the elongated groove such that the shelf is supported by the support element. In another particular embodiment, the shelving system further includes a drawer having an elongated groove along a first side thereof, wherein the elongated tongue is disposed in the elongated groove such that the drawer is slideably supported by the support element. 
   The shelving system according to this aspect of the invention may further include a second vertical support column having a plurality of second mounting openings and a second support element removeably attached to the second vertical support column through one of the second mounting openings that is generally aligned with the mounting opening of the first vertical support column to which the first support element is attached. The second support element includes a second receiving portion that fits over and receives a portion of the second vertical support column that defines a bottom outer edge of the second mounting opening. The second support element preferably includes a second elongated tongue adjacent to the second receiving portion for supporting a shelf or a drawer. 
   Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to a shelving system including a first vertical support column having an upper portion having a first configuration, a lower portion, and a plurality of first openings therethrough, and a second vertical support column attached to the first vertical support column having an upper portion having a second configuration, a lower portion, and a plurality of second openings therethrough. The first configuration and said second configuration are generally complementary to one another such that the upper portion of the first vertical support column mates with the lower portion of the second vertical support column. The first configuration may comprise one or more recesses provided in the upper portion of the first vertical support column and the second configuration may comprise one or more tabs extending from the lower portion of the second vertical support column, wherein each of the tabs is disposed in a respective one of the recesses. 
   It is an object of this invention to provide a shelving system that is easily and quickly assembled and disassembled, offering time saving advantages not found in similar products. 
   It is a further object of this invention to provide a shelving system that may be assembled with limited or no use of separate tools. 
   It is a further object of this invention to provide a shelving system that is made of an attractive material such as molded plastic. 
   It is a further object of this invention to provide a shelving system that is economical. 
   It is a further object of this invention to provide a method of assembling a shelving system that enables the pieces of the shelving system to be packed and shipped in simple and compact manner. 
   It is a further object of this invention to provide a shelving system that may be easily and readily reconfigured and adjusted as the needs of the user change. 
   It is a further object of this invention to provide a shelving system that is usable in a wide variety of residential, commercial and industrial locations. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and attached drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exemplary configuration of a shelving system according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2A  is a left side view of a lower column forming a part of a shelving system according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of the lower column shown in  FIG. 2A  taken along lines  2 B- 2 B in  FIG. 2A ; 
       FIG. 2C  is a top plan view of the lower column shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
       FIG. 3A  is a left side view of an upper column forming a part of a shelving system according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 3B  is a top plan view of the upper column shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
       FIG. 3C  is a bottom plan view of the upper column shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a cap shelf forming a part of a shelving system according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  are top plan and front elevational views, respectively, of the cap shelf shown in  FIG. 4  in the state in which it is packaged and shipped to a user; 
       FIG. 7  is a partial isometric view showing the cap shelf shown in  FIG. 4  being attached to the lower column shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
       FIG. 8  is a partial isometric view showing the upper column shown in  FIG. 3A  being mounted on top of the lower column shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
       FIG. 9  is an isometric view of a corner cap shelf forming a part of a shelving system according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C are isometric, end and side views, respectively, of a rod forming a part of a shelving system according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 11A  is a partial isometric view showing the rod shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C  inserted into the rod pocket of the upper column shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
       FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  11 B- 11 B shown in  FIG. 11A ; 
       FIG. 12  is an isometric view of an adjustable shelf forming a part of a shelving system according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  is an isometric view of a corner adjustable shelf forming a part of a shelving system according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 14  is an isometric view of a drawer forming a part of a shelving system according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  are isometric views of double and single adjustable supports, respectively, forming a part of a shelving system according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 17  is a partial isometric view showing the double and single adjustable supports shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  mounted on the lower column shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
       FIG. 18A  is a cross sectional view of a portion of a shelving system according to the present invention showing a lower column of  FIG. 2A  or an upper column of  FIG. 3A  having a drawer and an adjustable shelf mounted thereon; 
       FIG. 18B  is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-section shown in  FIG. 18A ; and 
       FIG. 19  is a front elevational view of a wall plate forming a part of a shelving system according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The present invention relates to a modular shelving system consisting of a number of separate pieces that may be selectively assembled together in a number of different configurations depending on the particular wants and needs of the user.  FIG. 1  is an isometric view of one possible configuration of a shelving system  10  according to the present invention which includes a number of shelves, drawers and rods for holding and storing items such as clothing and the like in an area such as a closet. It should be appreciated that the configuration shown in  FIG. 1  is exemplary only, and, as will be understood from the following description, many other configurations of shelving system  10  may be created depending on the particular wants and needs of the user. 
   As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , shelving system  10  consists of a number of different modular pieces that may be quickly and easily fit together by a user. Each of the pieces of shelving system  10  is described in detail herein, as is the manner in which the pieces may be selectively fit together in a customizable fashion by the user. 
     FIGS. 2A and 2C  are left side and top plan views, respectively, of a lower column  12  that forms one piece of shelving system  10 .  FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of lower column  12  taken along lines  2 B- 2 B shown in  FIG. 2A . Each lower column  12  used in shelving system  10  is an elongated piece that is intended to act as a base for shelving system  10 . The length of lower column  12  is preferably in the range of about 36 inches to 48 inches (to allow the shelving system to fit with standard eight inch ceilings), and most preferably in the range of about 40 inches to 46 inches. In one particular embodiment, lower column  12  is approximately 42 inches long. Lower column  12  includes a plurality of mounting openings  14  disposed along the length thereof. As seen in  FIG. 1 , mounting openings  14  extend entirely through the body of lower column  12 . Indentations  16 , the purpose of which will be described herein, are provided beneath each mounting hole  14 . Lower column  12  includes feet  18 A and  18 B at its lower portion for contacting the floor in the location where shelving system  10  is to be placed. Preferably, foot  18 B is made slightly longer than foot  18 A so that lower column  12  will angle slightly backward against a wall in the location where shelving system  10  is assembled. In addition, the lower portion of lower column  12  has a recessed portion  20  that is offset from the remainder of lower column  12 . Recessed portion  20  provides a clearance for a baseboard or the like that may be in place at the location where shelving system  10  is placed. As seen in  FIG. 1 , a spacer  23  may be used when a baseboard is not present. Also, one particular embodiment of lower column  12 , shown as lower column  12 A in  FIG. 1 , includes recessed portion  21  which provides clearance for a chair rail or the like that may be present in the location where shelving system  10  is placed. An elongated vertical recess  22 A is defined within the lower portion of lower column  12  adjacent to recessed portion  20 . Recess  22 A is adapted to receive a screw or the like to facilitate the anchoring of lower column  12  to a wall or baseboard. Similarly, an elongated horizontal recess  22 B is provided within the lower portion of lower column  12  between feet  18 A and  18 B. Recess  22 B is adapted to receive a screw or the like to facilitate mounting of lower column  12  to, for example, wood floors. Recess  22 A and  22 B can be seen in cross-section in  FIG. 2B . 
   As seen in  FIGS. 2A and 2C , the upper portion of lower column  12  includes four generally T-shaped slots  24 ,  25 ,  27  and  29 , two of which are provided on the left side of lower column  12  and two of which are provided on the right side of lower column  12 . Also provided at the upper portion of lower column  12  on each side thereof are recesses  26  and  31 , recesses  28  and  33 , detents  30  and  35 , and support ledges  32 A and  32 B, all of which are used in the assembly of shelving system  10 . The specific purpose of each of these elements will be described in more detail herein. 
   A rod pocket  34 A is provided on the left (shown in  FIG. 2A ) side of lower column  12  near the upper portion thereof. A corresponding rod pocket  34 B (see  FIG. 1 ) is provided on the right (not shown in  FIG. 2A ) side of lower column  12 . As seen more easily in  FIG. 1 , each rod pocket  34 A and  34 B consists of a recess or slot provided in lower column  12  for receiving a flared end  36  of a rod  38  shown in  FIGS. 10A-10C  and described in greater detail herein. Preferably, the recess or slot extends generally downwardly and rearwardly at an angle of between 15 degrees and 45 degrees, most preferably at 30 degrees. As seen in  FIG. 2A , inner edge  40 A surrounding recess  34 A is provided deeper inside lower column  12  than outer edge  42 A. This difference forms the pocket or slot that receives and holds in place the flared end  36  of a rod  38 . 
     FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C show left side, top plan and bottom plan views, respectively, of an upper column  44  that forms another piece of shelving system  10 . Upper column  44  is similar to lower column  12 , and includes generally T-shaped slots  37 ,  39 ,  41  and  43 , recesses  45  and  47 , detents  49 ,  51 ,  53  and  55 , and support ledges  32 C and  32 D. Upper column  44  also includes rod pockets  34 C and  34 D (not shown in  FIG. 3A ) for receiving the flared end of a rod  38 . Another view of rod pockets  34 C and  34 D (which are similar in shape to rod pockets  34 A and  34 B) is provided in  FIG. 11B , which is a cross-sectional view of rod pockets  34 A and  34 B taken along lines  11 A- 11 B in  FIG. 11A . One significant difference between the two is that upper column  44  includes tabs  46  and  59  extending from the lower portion thereof which are, as seen in  FIG. 8 , adapted to be received in recesses  28  and  33 , respectively, of lower column  12  during the assembly of shelving system  10 . Also, as seen in  FIG. 3B , unlike lower column  12 , upper column  44  does not include recesses similar to recesses  28  and  33 , and includes four detents  49 ,  51 ,  53  and  55  rather than two detents  30  and  35 . 
     FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a cap shelf  48  that forms another piece of shelving system  10 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , cap shelves  48  are intended to be attached to the ends of two lower columns  12  or upper columns  44  to provide a surface on which to place and store items. Cap shelf  48  includes a base  50  having a generally planar top surface and front and back valences  52  and  73 , respectively. The base  50  is generally perpendicular to the valences  52  and  73 , and, as a result, the valences  52  and  73  strengthen cap shelf  48  for load support. Cap shelf  48  may be provided with integral ribs which act as a stiffener. As seen in  FIG. 4 , each end of cap shelf  48  includes a protruding member  54  and  75 , respectively, a pair of protruding generally T-shaped connectors  56  and  61  and  63  and  65 , respectively, (see  FIG. 5 ), and a pair of protruding tabs  58  and  67  and  69  and  71 , respectively (see  FIG. 5 ). 
   During assembly of shelving system  10 , each end of cap shelf  48  is adapted to be attached to a respective lower column  12  or upper column  44  in the manner shown in  FIG. 7 . In particular, each T-shaped connector  56 ,  61 ,  63 ,  65  is adapted to be received and disposed in a corresponding T-shaped slot  24 ,  25 ,  27 ,  29  (lower column  12 ) or  37 ,  39 ,  41 ,  43  (upper column  44 ), as the case may be. In addition, each protruding member  54 ,  75  is adapted to be received in a corresponding recess  26 ,  31  (lower column  12 ) or  45 ,  47  (upper column  44 ) and supported on a bottom edge thereof, and two or more of tabs  58 ,  67 ,  69 ,  71  are adapted to be received and held by corresponding detents  30 ,  35  (lower column  12 ), or  49 ,  51 ,  53 ,  55  (upper column  44 ), preferably producing an audible snapping sound when located in place. Further, a bottom edge  60  of each end of cap shelf  48  is adapted to rest on and be supported by a corresponding support ledge  32 A,  32 B,  32 C,  32 D. 
   As will be appreciated, when a cap shelf  48  is attached at each end to a lower column  12 , the three pieces together, as can bee seen in  FIG. 1 , will be able to stand on their own. Preferably, cap shelf  48  is provided in two or more sizes, ranging from 12 inches to 48 inches to provide flexibility in the manner in which shelving system  10  is assembled. In one specific embodiment of the present invention, a 21 inch long and a 42 inch long cap shelf  48  are provided. 
   As will also be appreciated, alternatively shaped connectors and complimentary shaped slots may be substituted for T-shaped connectors  56 ,  61 ,  63  and  65  and T-shaped slots  24 ,  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  37 ,  39 ,  41  and  43  without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, connectors having an enlarged portion having a generally triangular, cylindrical, spherical, or other shape may be provided on cap shelf  48  and/or corner cap shelf  64  ( FIG. 9 ), with complimentary shaped slots for receipt thereof being provided on lower column  12  and upper column  44 . 
   According to one aspect of the invention, cap shelves  48  are blow-molded from a plastic material such as HDPE (high density polyethylene) generally planar configuration as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The wall thickness of a cap shelf  48  that is manufactured in this manner may preferably range from about one-sixteenth of an inch to one-eighth of an inch, and most preferably range from about 0.075 inches to 0.100 inches. This planar configuration, in which the top surface of base  50  and the top surfaces of valences  52  and  73  are generally parallel to one another, allows cap shelves  48  to take up less space, which makes the packing and shipping of cap shelves  48  easier and more compact. In this embodiment, each valence  52 ,  73  is connected to base  50  by a living hinge  62 ,  77 . As is known in the art, a “living hinge” refers to a hinge in a plastics material article formed from the plastics material itself. When it is time to assemble shelving system  10 , each cap shelf  48  is folded at living hinges  62  and  77 , causing the top surface of base  50  to be generally perpendicular to the top surface of each valence  52 ,  73 . Valences  52  and  73  may be held in this folded down position when attached to a lower column  12  or an upper column  44  as shown in  FIG. 7 , after which time they will be held down as a result of T-shaped connectors  56 ,  61 ,  63  and  65  being inserted into corresponding T-shaped slots  24 ,  25 ,  27 ,  29 ,  37 ,  39 ,  41  or  43 , as the case may be. Alternatively, cap shelf  48  may be provided with a known snap connection mechanism, such as a protruding member on each of valences  52  and  73  and corresponding detents on base  50 , that will hold valences  52  and  73  in the folded down position. As will be appreciated, any of the parts of shelving system  10  described herein may also be made from a plastic material as described above using a technique such as blow-molding. In addition, other parts, such as the separate pieces used to make drawer  80  described herein ( FIG. 14 ) may be manufactured in a generally planar configuration with one or more “living hinges” for subsequent assembly by a user. 
   Once a cap shelf  48  is attached to a lower column  12 , upper column  44  may be attached to lower column  12  in the manner shown in  FIG. 8 . Specifically, tabs  46  and  59  of upper column  44  may be inserted into corresponding recesses  28  and  33 , which, in some situations, will be bounded on one end or both ends by a cap shelf  48 . As will be appreciated, this step will result in upper column  44  being stacked on top of lower column  12 , as can be seen in several places in  FIG. 1 . Once a number of upper columns  44  have been so stacked on top of respective lower columns  12  in a desired configuration, cap shelves  48  may be attached to upper columns  44  as desired. 
     FIG. 9  shows an isometric view of corner cap shelf  64  that forms yet another piece of shelving system  10 . Corner cap shelf  64  is similar to cap shelf  48  in that it is adapted to be attached to and to be located between respective lower columns  12  or upper columns  44 . As such, it includes protruding members  89 ,  91  and  93 , T-shaped connectors  81 ,  83 ,  85  and  87  and tabs  96 ,  97 ,  99  and  101 . Corner cap shelf  64  has a six-sided shape that is adapted to fit into a corner of a room or other space such that the respective lower columns  12  or upper columns  44  to which it is attached are generally perpendicular to one another, as can be seen in  FIG. 1 . 
     FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  10 C are isometric, end and side views, respectively, of rod  38  that forms another piece of shelving system  10 . Rod  38  includes flared end  36  at each end thereof. Preferably, to reduce weight and expense, rod  38  is hollow and tubular. Rod  38  may be made of a plated or painted metal, such as CRS (cold rolled steel), a plastic material such as TPR, or any other suitable material. One or more rods  38  may be selectively inserted into rod pockets  34 A and  34 B provided in lower columns  12  or rod pockets  34 C and  34 D provided in upper columns  44  in the manner shown in  FIG. 11A  as desired.  FIG. 11B  is a cross-sectional view of upper column  44  taken along lines  11 B- 11 B in  FIG. 11A  which depicts rod pockets  34 C and  34 D. As seen in  FIG. 11B , rod pockets  34 C and  34 D are separated by a portion  120  of upper column  44 . As will be appreciated, rod pockets  34 A and  34 B of lower column  12  have a similar configuration. As will also be appreciated, items such as clothing may be hung on rods  38 . 
     FIG. 12  is an isometric view of adjustable shelf  66  that forms yet another piece of shelving system  10 . Adjustable shelf  66  includes a generally flat surface  121  onto which items may be placed for storage. Preferably, adjustable shelf  66  is provided in two or more sizes, ranging from 12 inches to 48 inches to provide flexibility in the manner in which shelving system  10  is assembled. In one specific embodiment of the invention, a 21 inch and a 42 inch width adjustable shelf  66  are provided. Adjustable shelf  66  also includes an outer lip  68 ,  105  and a groove  70 ,  107  on each lateral end thereof, the purpose of which is described herein. Adjustable shelf  66  may be selectively placed between any two lower columns  12  or upper columns  44  as shown in  FIG. 1  in a manner to be described herein. 
     FIG. 13  is an isometric view of corner adjustable shelf  72  that forms another piece of shelving system  10 . Corner adjustable shelf  72  is similar to adjustable shelf  66 , except that it is intended to be selectively placed between two lower columns  12  or two upper columns  44  as shown in  FIG. 1  in a corner of a room or other space. As such, corner adjustable shelf  72  has a six-sided shape similar to corner cap shelf  64 . Like adjustable shelf  66 , corner adjustable shelf  72  includes generally flat surface  74 , lips  76  and  109  and grooves  78  and  111 . 
     FIG. 14  is an isometric view of a drawer  80  that forms still another piece of shelving system  10 . Drawer  80  may be used for receiving items for storage. Like adjustable shelf  66 , drawer  80  may be selectively placed between any two lower columns  12  or upper columns  44 . Drawer  80  is preferably provided in two or more sizes ranging from 12 inches to 48 inches wide and 5 inches to 10 inches deep (any depth may, however, be used as needed) to provide flexibility in the manner of assembly of shelving system  10 . In one specific embodiment of the present invention, 21 inch and 42 inch width drawers  80  are provided. Drawer  80  includes a lip  82  and a groove  84  (see  FIG. 18A ) on each end thereof. Drawer  80  may be shipped to a user in a number of separate pieces (e.g., front, back. And bottom with attached (by a living hinge) right and left sides) for subsequent assembly by the user. 
     FIG. 15  is a perspective view of double adjustable support  86 , and  FIG. 16  is an isometric view of single adjustable support  88 . Double adjustable support  86  and single adjustable support  88  are “adjustable” in that, as described below, they may be selectively placed between two mounting openings  14  of opposing lower columns  12  or upper columns  44 . Double adjustable support  86  and single adjustable support  88  are preferably made of metal, such as stamped or roll formed steel, and are utilized to selectively attach adjustable shelf  66 , corner adjustable shelf  72 , and drawer  80  to lower columns  12  and upper columns  44 . Specifically, double adjustable support  86  and single adjustable support  88  each include a central, generally concave receiving portion  90 ,  113  and either two longitudinally extending tongues  92  and  115  in the case of double adjustable support  86  or one longitudinally extending tongue  117  in the case of single adjustable support  86 . As seen in  FIG. 17 , which is a partial isometric view of lower column  12 , double adjustable support  86  and single adjustable support  88  may be selectively inserted through any of the mounting openings  14  of a lower column  12  or an upper column  44 , with receiving portion  90  or  113  fitting over and receiving therein the portion of lower column  12  or upper column  44 , as the case may be, that defines the bottom edge of the mounting opening  14 . 
     FIG. 18A  is a cross sectional view of either a lower column  12  or an upper column  44  on which a double adjustable support  86  and a single adjustable support  88  have been attached, along with an adjustable shelf  66  and a drawer  80 . As seen in  FIG. 18A , adjustable shelf  66  and drawer  80  may be removeably attached to either a double adjustable support  86  or a single adjustable support  88  by inserting the tongues  92 ,  115  or  117  thereof into a respective groove  70  or  107  of adjustable shelf  66  or groove  84  of drawer  80 . In the case of a drawer  80 , once so attached, the tongues  92 ,  115  or  117  are free to slide within grooves  84  such that drawer  80  may be slid in and out of place in order to place items in and remove items from drawer  80 . As seen in  FIG. 18A  and in an enlarged fashion in  FIG. 18B , double adjustable support  86  and single adjustable support  88  each include one or more outwardly extending barbs  94  and  119  (preferably forming by stamping) that are adapted to be received in indentations  16  provided in lower columns  12  and upper columns  44  to both hold double adjustable support  86  and single adjustable support  88  in place and, preferably, to provide an audible snapping sound to the user to indicate that they have been correctly and securely attached. 
   Finally,  FIG. 19  is a front elevational view of wall plate  96 . Wall plate  96  may be mounted on a building wall at a location that is adjacent to a last lower column  12  or upper column  44  forming a part of shelving assembly  10 . As will be appreciated, one side of such a last lower column  12  or upper column  44  will not have an opposing lower column  12  or upper column  44 , and wall plate  96  may be utilized when it is desired to have a rod  38  extend from such a side of a last lower column  12  or upper column  44 . For example, such a last lower column  12  may be lower column  12 A shown in  FIG. 1 . Wall plate  96  is provided to receive and hold one end of a rod  38  with the other end being held in the rod pocket  34 A,  34 B,  34 C or  34 D of the last lower column  12  or upper column  44 . Wall plate  96  includes a plurality of apertures  98  for receiving therethrough a screw or the like for mounting wall plate  96  to a building wall, and rod slot  100  for receiving and holding the flared end  36  of a rod  38 . In addition, wall plate  96  is provided in a number of sections that may be selectively broken off and detached by a user at lines  102  in order to allow a user to customize the size of wall plate  96 . 
   Thus, as will be appreciated from the above description, the various pieces forming shelving system  10  may be selectively chosen and assembled in multiple configurations that may be customized to suit the particular needs of the user. In addition, shelving system  10  may be easily assembled using almost no tools (screws or the like may be used to anchor lower column  12  to a wall or baseboard and wall plate  96  to a wall, if desired) in a short time. Furthermore, shelving system  10  may be quickly and easily disassembled and reassembled in a different configuration as the needs of the user change. 
   While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.