Patent Publication Number: US-7896177-B1

Title: Versatile support system and methods thereof

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to framing systems, and more specifically, to a versatile support system with enhanced loading capabilities and methods for assembling various components of the support system. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various manufacturers have provided frame assemblies and equipment enclosures for storing demanding electronic equipment. Furthermore, many manufacturers have also provided frame assemblies for lighter duty applications, directed to different market segments. 
     In the past, with respect to equipment enclosures (commonly termed rack systems or rack assemblies), most such enclosures and frame assemblies were supplied by manufacturers in a fully assembled state and therefore required customization to comply with the needs of consumers. Consequently, costs for such enclosures increased significantly, and in an after-market sense, modification of such enclosures by consumers was difficult to achieve. Additionally the cost of shipping such finished enclosures was high because of their size. 
     Subsequently, certain knock-down components were offered in the market, which required tedious construction and specialized hardware and tools for constructing the knock-down components into a full enclosure. Amongst limitations that existed for such knock-down components were: size standardization, custom ordering for non-standard sized enclosures, assortment of parts needed for construction of the enclosure, time to construct the enclosure and strength considerations of the components and final enclosure. 
     Previously, the present inventor recognized the need for an improved system for constructing enclosures (otherwise termed frame assemblies, rack assemblies or rack systems in this application), and disclosed improved corner connectors for knock-down racks (see Toma, U.S. Pat. No. 6,968,962). Subsequently, the present inventor disclosed (see Toma, U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,262) improved corner connectors in combination with rail members and fasteners in a kit form which may be easily transported and provides all elements necessary for simple construction of a frame assembly, as well as other similar assemblies that make use of the improved corner connectors, rail members and fasteners as base elements of structures. 
     In many prior art electronic cabinets, racks and enclosures there are only vertical rack rails unlike the rack kit frame disclosed by the current inventor (see citations above). The rack kit frame disclosed by the current inventor also has horizontal front to back and left to right rail sets having one or more mounting holes. Additionally, most prior art electronic cabinets, racks and enclosures can only accommodate fastening of vertical rack rails to fully enclosed steel frames. Even open frame rack assemblies generally offer mounting holes only on vertical rack rails. In this respect, the current inventor&#39;s rack kit frame is unique because all three sets of rack rails have mounting holes along both legs of every rail making up the rack system. 
     However, while the current inventor&#39;s above described U.S. patents provided great flexibility in construction of rack systems wherein other substructures such as shelves could be integrated in the rack systems, it became evident that extensions in construction were highly desirable. However, such extensions should be highly durable, provide a suitably rigid final structural assembly and be easily installed in an existing rack system or rack assembly. 
     A number of disclosures show extension elements for various assemblies (see for example, Haworth, U.S. Pat. No. 6,269,959; Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 6,353,542; Mayer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,939; Hegrenes et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,783; Williams et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,534; Haney, U.S. Pat. No. 6,974,037; and Gray, U.S. Patent Application 2003/00198424). However, none of these extensions provide the desired rigidity and ease of installation. 
     Thus, improved and versatile support systems with enhanced loading capabilities and methods for assembling various components of the support systems is highly desirable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An improved versatile support system with enhanced loading capabilities and methods for assembling various components of the support system is disclosed. The improved versatile support system may be available in kit form. Furthermore, the improved versatile support system may be economical and easy to install while providing great flexibility for modifying any existing frame assembly or rack system of the type disclosed previously by the current inventor. The components of such a versatile support system may be easily distributable and lead to economic benefits for both suppliers and consumers according to the distribution network used. 
     According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a versatile support system is disclosed. The system comprises in combination, one or more rail members having an end and an opposite end. Each of the one or more rail members have at least one channel extending along an elongated portion of the one or more rail members. Further, the system comprises one or more corner members having a first face, a second face and a third face. Each of the faces comprises a pair of arms projecting from a portion of each of the faces. Each of the pair of arms is configured to selectively couple to an inner portion of the one or more rail members. Further, the system comprises one or more shelf brackets. Each of the shelf brackets comprises a support member having a face and an opposite face, a first wall member and a second wall member adjacent to the support member. Furthermore, each of the wall members has an opening configured to selectively receive a fastener to couple a back portion of at least one of the wall members to a surface of an outer portion of at least one of the one or more rail members. 
     In another aspect of the disclosure, the at least one channel is configured to receive an edge portion of a sheet member. The at least one channel is defined by a portion of an outer surface of the one or more rail members and a portion of an outer surface of a substantially L-shaped projection substantially perpendicular to a portion of the outer surface of the one or more rail members. 
     In yet another aspect, the system further comprises a portion of an inner surface of each of the one or more rail members have a plurality of protrusion guides. Furthermore, each of the one or more rail members have an inner open region configured to selectively receive each of a pair of arms of each of the one or more corner members. Moreover, each of the one or more rail members have a second inner open region configured to receive a portion of an end of a brace member. 
     In a further aspect, the system comprises an extension of a portion of an outer surface of one or more of the rail members and a portion of the rail members have one or more openings to receive one or more fasteners. Further, a portion of each of the pair of arms is substantially perpendicular to a portion of a surface of a face corresponding to the pair of arms. Also, a first arm of the pair of arms is substantially perpendicular to a second arm of the pair of arms. 
     In another aspect, each of the first, second and third faces have a substantially L-shaped profile. Additionally, a portion of the surface of each of the one or more pair of arms has a plurality of guide grooves corresponding to one or more protrusions of an inner portion of each of the one or more rail members to align and securely couple a portion of the pair of arms to the one or more rail members. Further, each arm of the pair of arms has an opening configured to receive a fastener to secure the arm to a portion of the one or more rail members. 
     In yet another aspect, the system further comprises a lip extending inwardly from a portion of each of the wall members. Additionally, an edge of the first wall member is adjacent to an edge of the support member while, an edge of the second wall member is adjacent to an edge of the support member. Thus, the edges of the support member, the wall members and an edge of each lip define an opening of the shelf bracket configured to receive an end of a brace member. Moreover, the system comprises one or more threaded openings of the wall members configured to selectively receive one or more threaded fasteners. 
     In yet another aspect, a versatile support system kit is disclosed and has at least one of the following components: one or more rail members, one or more corner members, one or more shelf brackets as described above, and at least one set of instructions all being enclosed by a packaging material. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a front perspective view a support system configured as an assembly of various separated components in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a front perspective view of a rail member in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 2A  depicts a plan view of an end of the rail member of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 3  depicts a front perspective view of a rail member in accordance with another embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a plan view of an end of the rail member of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 4  depicts a front perspective view of a corner member in accordance with an embodiment of this invention. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a side perspective view of the corner member of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts a plan view of a pair of arms of the corner member of  FIG. 4  enclosed within a portion of an end of the rail member of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 6  depicts a plan view of a portion of each arm of four corner members enclosed within a portion of an end of each of four rail members as described above with respect to  FIG. 5 , and a portion of each of the ends each having a channel coupled to an end and opposite end of each of four sheet members. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a back perspective view of a shelf bracket according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7A  depicts a front perspective view of the shelf bracket of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 7B  depicts a front perspective view of an embodiment of a fastener adapted to couple a portion of the shelf bracket of  FIG. 7  to a portion of the rail member of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 7C  depicts a front perspective view of an embodiment of another fastener configured as a screw and bolt. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a front perspective view of the shelf bracket with a back portion of the shelf bracket adjacent to an inner portion of a rail member having one or more threaded openings. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a top plan view of an embodiment of a shelf bracket with a back portion of the shelf bracket adjacent to an inner portion of the rail member of  FIG. 2A  and with a portion of a side of a shelf member supported by a top portion of the shelf bracket. 
         FIG. 9A  depicts a top plan view of the shelf bracket illustrated in  FIG. 9   
         FIG. 10  depicts a top plan view of the shelf bracket of  FIG. 7  with a back portion of the shelf bracket adjacent to an inner portion of the rail member of  FIG. 2A  and with a portion of a side of a shelf member supported by a top portion of the shelf bracket. 
         FIG. 10A  depicts a top plan view of the shelf bracket of  FIG. 7  with a back portion of the shelf bracket adjacent to an inner portion of the rail member of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 10B  depicts a top plan view of the shelf bracket illustrated in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11  depicts a front perspective view of the shelf bracket of  FIG. 7  and a portion of a brace member located between a portion of the shelf bracket having an opening. 
         FIG. 11A  depicts a front perspective view of the shelf bracket of  FIG. 7  and a portion of the brace member located between a portion of the shelf bracket having an opening, with the orientation of the shelf bracket being rotated compared to  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 11B  depicts a top plan view of the shelf bracket of  FIG. 7  with a back portion of the shelf bracket adjacent to an inner portion of the rail member of  FIG. 2A  together with the brace member of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12  depicts a kit comprising several aspects of a versatile support system and an instruction sheet enclosed by a packaging material according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. 
     In the Summary and Preferred Embodiments above, the Description of the Invention, and the Claims and Abstract below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference may be made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that this disclosure includes most possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature may also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally. 
     The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”) components A, B and C can consist of (i.e. contain only) components A, B and C, or can contain not only components A, B and C but also one or more other components. 
     Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility. 
     The term “at least” followed by a number or the word “a” is used herein to denote the start of a range beginning with that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upper limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example “at least one” means one or more than one and “at least a” means one or more. 
     The term “or” is used herein as a conjunction used to link one or more alternatives in a series of alternatives. The term “and/or” is used herein as a conjunction meaning that either or both of two options may be valid. 
     The terms “invention” and “disclosure” as used herein may be synonymous. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates some aspects of a versatile support system  100  (hereinafter, “support system”) according to an embodiment of the current disclosure. The support system (or assembly)  100  may comprise an assembly of various components (see the discussion below for a more detailed description of the various components). Without limiting the disclosure, as depicted in  FIG. 1  the support system  100  comprises a top frame assembly  110   a , a bottom frame assembly  110   b  and a second set of rail (or extrusion) members  30  (four shown in  FIG. 1 ), with each of the rail members having a plurality of openings  34  (better seen in  FIG. 3 , and further described below). Further, the top frame assembly  110   a  and the bottom frame assembly  110   b  comprise a first set of rail (or extrusion) members  20 . Naturally, a first rail member  20  could be exchanged with a second rail member  30  having a plurality of openings  34  in any support system  100 . Furthermore, without limiting the disclosure, the plurality of openings  34  may have any suitable shape (such as one or more elongated openings and the like configured to receive a fastener). 
     Referring further to  FIG. 1 , both the top and the bottom frame members  110   a ,  110   b  may comprise a plurality of corner members  40 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , each corner member may comprise a first arm  42   a  and a second arm  42   b  extending from a portion of a first face surface  46   a  of each corner member  40  (not shown in  FIG. 1 , but see below for fuller description with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 4A ). As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the first arm  42   a  may be substantially perpendicular to the second arm  42   b . Further each arm  42   a ,  42   b  may be coupled to a portion of an end  22   a  or an opposite end  22   b  each of the ends having an inner open region channel  24  configured to securely receive each of the arms (not clearly seen in  FIG. 1 , but see below for fuller description with reference to  FIGS. 2 ,  2 A and  FIGS. 3 ,  3 A,  4  and  4 A). 
     Now, turning to  FIG. 2 , in a front perspective view of an embodiment of a first rail member  20  of the first set of rail (or extrusion) members, the first rail member comprises a substantially elongated element having an end  22   a  and an opposite end  22   b . Further, the elongated element has a first channel  28   a  and a second channel  28   b  extending along the elongated element. Both the channels  28   a ,  28   b  are depicted in  FIG. 2  (and see also  FIG. 2A ) as having a substantially U-shape. With respect to the first channel  28   a , as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the channel is defined by a portion of an outer surface  20   a  of the rail member  20 , and a portion of an outer surface of a substantially L-shaped projection (protrusion or sheet)  20   b  adjacent (or substantially perpendicular) to a portion of the outer surface of the rail member  20 . In the same manner, the second channel  28   b  is defined by a portion of an outer surface  20   a  of the rail member  20  and a portion of an outer surface of another substantially L-shaped projection (protrusion or sheet)  20   c  adjacent (or substantially perpendicular) to a portion of the rail member  20 . Of course, the number of channels  28  may be varied as desired (see for example the description of  FIG. 3  below). Furthermore, naturally, the projections  20   b  and  20   c  may be shortened or elongated as desired, and may comprise a multiplicity of projections (not shown) having a gap between each of the projections. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , in a plan view of the end  22   a  of the rail member  20 , the end has the substantially U-shaped channels  28   a ,  28   b  as discussed above. Each channel  28   a ,  28   b  is defined by a portion of an outer surface  20   a  of the rail member  20  and a portion of an outer surface of the L-shaped projections  20   b ,  20   c  respectively as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2 . Moreover, a portion of an inner surface  20   d  of the rail member  20  comprises a plurality of protrusions  27 . Besides providing enhanced rigidity to the rail member  20 , these protrusions may serve as guides when receiving a portion of a corner member  40  (see description below with respect to  FIGS. 4 ,  4 A). Further, as depicted in  FIG. 2A , the rail member  20  has the inner open region  24  configured to receive each of a pair of arms  44   a ,  44   b  (or  44   c ,  44   d  respectively depending on orientation) of the corner member  40  (see description below with reference to  FIGS. 4 ,  4 A). Additionally, the rail member  20  has another open region  26  located substantially on an opposite side of a curved portion of the outer surface  20   a  of the rail member. The open region  26  may have any shape, but as illustrated in  FIG. 2A  (and also in  FIG. 3A ) the shape resembles a head of a bolt (or a fastener that may be placed in the open region. Alternatively, the open region  26  may be configured to receive a reinforcing rod (not shown) having substantially a mirror image shape to the open region. Naturally, such a reinforcing rod may have a number of uses as well as acting as a reinforcement of the rail member  20 . 
     According to  FIG. 3 , in a front perspective view of another embodiment of a rail member  30  of the second set of rail (or extrusion) members, the rail member comprises a substantially elongated element having an end  32   a  and opposite end  32   b . Further, the elongated element has a channel  28  extending along the elongated element. The channel  28  is depicted in  FIG. 3  (and see also  FIG. 3A ) as having a substantially U-shape. With respect to the channel  28 , as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the channel is defined by a portion of an outer surface  30   a  of the rail member  30 , and a portion of an outer surface of a substantially L-shaped projection (protrusion or sheet)  36   b  adjacent (or substantially perpendicular) to a portion of the outer surface of the rail member  30 . However, in contrast to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 2A , according to  FIG. 3  (and also  FIG. 3A ) a portion of the outer surface  30   a  of the rail member  30  has an extension  36   b . The extension  36   b  and a portion of the outer surface  30   a , as well as a portion of the inner surface  30   b  define a substantially L-shape. In one aspect, when the rail member  30  comprises a formable metal (such as aluminum or steel and the like) the extension may be manufactured by simple bending of the outer surface  30   a  and inner surface  30   b . However, as expected such shaping for a thermoset plastic material or a thermoplastic material may require a different manufacturing process (such as thermoforming or molding) as understood in the art of forming plastics and composites (such as polyester and glass or epoxy and carbon fibers or combinations thereof and the like). The L-shaped extension may have a plurality of openings  34  as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 1 . These openings  34  may receive one or more fasteners as desired and may be further coupled to any corresponding parts as desired (see  FIGS. 7 ,  7 A,  7 B and  7 C and the description below). Further, a portion of an inner surface  30   c  of the rail member  30  is depicted to be adjacent (or substantially perpendicular) to a portion of an outer surface of a projection (protrusion or sheet)  36   a  of the rail member  30 . Thus, the projection  36   a  and the inner surface  30   c  may have a substantially T-shape. Naturally, the extension  36   b  and the projection  36   a  may be shortened or elongated as desired, and may comprise a multiplicity of projections (not shown) having a gap between each of the projections. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3A , in a plan view of the end  32   a  of the rail member  30 , the end has the substantially U-shaped channel  28  as discussed above (see  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 2A ). The channel  28  is defined by a portion of an outer surface  30   a  of the rail member  30  and a portion of an outer surface of the L-shaped projection  30   b  as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3 . Moreover, as depicted in  FIG. 3A , a portion of an inner surface  30   c  (and the projection  36   a ) of the rail member  30  comprises a plurality of protrusions  27  as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2A . Further, as depicted in  FIG. 3A , the rail member  30  has the inner open region  24  configured to receive each of a pair of arms  44   a ,  44   b  (or  44   c ,  44   d  respectively depending on orientation) of the corner member  40  (see description below with reference to  FIGS. 4 ,  4 A). Additionally, the rail member  30  has another open region  26  located substantially on an opposite side of a curved portion of the outer surface  30   a  of the rail member as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2A . Alternatively, the open region  26  may be configured to receive a reinforcing rod (not shown) as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2A . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , without limiting the disclosure, an embodiment front perspective view of a corner member  40  is depicted. Furthermore, with reference to  FIG. 4A  a side perspective view of the corner member  40  is depicted to more easily describe various aspects of the corner member. Initially, as illustrated, the corner member  40  has a substantially planar first face surface  46   a , a substantially planar second face surface  46   b  and a third contoured surface  48  (but having character numbers  48   a ,  48   b ,  48   c  for ease of description). Of course, the third contoured surface  48  may have any shape as desired and therefore is not critical to the functioning of the corner member  40 . 
     With respect to the first face surface  46   a , the corner member  40  has a first arm  42   a  and a second arm  42   b . The first arm  42   a  and the second arm  42   b  extend (or project) substantially perpendicular to (from) the first face surface  46   a . Furthermore, the first arm  42   a  is located on a portion of the first face surface  46   a  and is substantially perpendicular to the second arm  42   b  located adjacent to another portion of the first surface. Thus, the first face surface  46   a  (or first face of the corner member  40 ) has a substantially L-shaped profile. Naturally, without limiting the disclosure in other configurations (not shown), the angle between the first arm  42   a  and the second arm  42   b  could be larger (more obtuse) or smaller (more acute) than a right angle as desired. Advantageously, as explained earlier with reference to  FIG. 1  (and also further discussed with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , below), an outer portion of each of the arms  42   a ,  42   b  may be coupled to an inner portion of either one of the rail members  20  or  30  (see description above with respect to  FIGS. 2 ,  2 A,  3  and  3 A). 
     In another aspect of the arms  42   a ,  42   b , as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 4   a , a portion of the surface of each of the arms has a plurality of channels (or grooves)  50 . The channels (or grooves)  50  have a shape substantially corresponding to the protrusions  27  (see description above with respect to  FIGS. 2 ,  2 A,  3 ,  3 A) to align and securely couple the arms  42   a ,  42   b  to a portion of the inner region  24  of the rail members  20  (or  30 ) as desired. Furthermore, each of the arms  42   a ,  42   b  has an opening  52  configured to receive a fastener  84   a ,  84   b  (see the description below with reference to  FIGS. 7B and 7C ). As expected the opening  52  may have threading to receive a screw type fastener (such as  84   a  in  FIG. 7B ) or a bolt type fastener (such as  84   b  in  FIG. 7C ). However, without limiting the disclosure any suitable fastening means may be used. Thus, in an aspect, the fastening means may be accomplished with spring loaded pins (not shown) and corresponding indentations (not shown) configured to receive a portion of the spring loaded pins. Naturally, the spring loaded pins might correspond to the protrusions  27  of a portion of the inner surface  22   d  of the rail members  20 ,  30  as described above, while the indentations may correspond to the openings  52  of the arms  42   a ,  42   b.    
     In the same manner, with respect to the second face surface  46   b , the corner member  40  has a first arm  44   a  and a second arm  44   b . The first arm  44   a  and the second arm  44   b  extend (or project) substantially perpendicular to (from) the second face surface  46   b . Furthermore, the first arm  44   a  is located on a portion of the second face surface  46   b  and is substantially perpendicular to the second arm  44   b  located adjacent to another portion of the second face surface. Thus, the second surface  46   b  (or second face of the corner member  40 ) has a substantially L-shaped profile. Naturally, without limiting the disclosure in other configurations (not shown), the angle between the first arm  44   a  and the second arm  44   b  could be larger (more obtuse) or smaller (more acute) than a right angle as desired. Advantageously, again, as explained, an outer portion of each of the arms  44   a ,  44   b  may be coupled to an inner portion of either one of the rail members  20  or  30  (see description above with respect to  FIGS. 2 ,  2 A,  3  and  3 A). In the same manner, the description of all remaining aspects of the arms  44   a ,  44   b  is substantially the same as the descriptions above for the arms  42   a ,  42   b.    
     Without laboring the discussion any further, with respect to the third face surface  46   c , the corner member  40  has a first arm  44   c  and a second arm  44   d  extending (or projecting) substantially perpendicular to (from) the third surface. Moreover, the first arm  44   c  is located on a portion of the third face surface  46   c  and is substantially perpendicular to the second arm  44   d  located adjacent to another portion of the third surface (or third face of the corner member  40 ) having a substantially L-shaped profile. Once again, an outer portion of each of the arms  44   c ,  44   d  may be coupled to an inner portion of either one of the rail members  20  or  30  (see description above with respect to  FIGS. 2 ,  2 A,  3  and  3 A). In the same manner, the description of all remaining aspects of the arms  44   c ,  44   d  is substantially the same as the descriptions above for the arms  42   a ,  42   b ,  44   a ,  44   b.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a plan view of two arm members such as  42   a ,  42   b  of the corner member  40  enclosed within a portion of an end  22   a  of the rail member  20  is illustrated (see also  FIG. 2A  and  FIGS. 4 ,  4 A for reference). Naturally, all features of the end  22   a  are substantially identical to those described above with respect to  FIG. 2A . However, by way of example,  FIG. 5  further clarifies the relationship of the arms  42   a ,  42   b  enclosed within a portion of the end of an embodiment of the rail member  20  (see also  FIG. 2A ). As described above, with respect to the arms  42   a ,  42   b , a portion of the surface of each of the arms has a plurality of channels (or grooves)  50  having a shape substantially corresponding to the projections (or inner protrusions)  27  to align and securely couple the arms to a portion of the inner region  24  of the rail member  20  as desired. Furthermore, each of the arms  42   a ,  42   b  has an opening  52  (shown in dotted lines). Furthermore, as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the first U-shaped channel  28   a  is defined by a portion of an outer surface  20   a  of the rail member  20 , and a portion of an outer surface of a substantially L-shaped projection (protrusion or sheet)  20   b  adjacent (or substantially perpendicular) to a portion of the outer surface of the rail member  20 . In the same manner, the second U-shaped channel  28   b  is defined by a portion of an outer surface  20   a  of the rail member  20  and a portion of an outer surface of another substantially L-shaped projection (protrusion or sheet)  20   c  adjacent (or substantially perpendicular) to a portion of the rail member  20 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a plan view of a portion of each arm (such as, for example,  44   a ,  44   b  or  44   c ,  44   d ) of four corner members  40  enclosed within a portion of an end  22   a  of each of four rail members as described above with respect to  FIG. 5 . Furthermore, a portion of each of the U-shaped channels  28   a ,  28   b  of the four rail members  20  defined by the L-shaped projections  20   b ,  20   c  may be selectively coupled to an end and opposite end of a sheet (or panel) member  60 . As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the four corner members  40  configured with four sheet members  60  form a prismatic (rectangular or square) shaped structure such as the one shown and described with respect to  FIG. 1  (see above) having walls (the sheet members) rather than being open. In an aspect, the sheet member  60  may comprise a substantially opaque material such as wood, a filled plastic or composite plastic, a metal or an alloyed metal and the like. In another aspect, the sheet member  60  may comprise a substantially translucent material, such as a clear or smoked plastic or glass and the like. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a back perspective view of a shelf bracket  70 , while  FIG. 7A  depicts a front perspective view of the shelf bracket. In an exemplary embodiment of the shelf bracket  70 , the shelf bracket comprises a support member  72  having a face  72   a  and an opposite face  72   b . Furthermore, the shelf bracket  70  comprises a pair of wall members  74   a ,  74   b  adjacent to the support member  72 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 7A , each of the wall members  74   a ,  74   b  may be substantially perpendicular to the support member  72 . Additionally, each wall member  74   a ,  74   b  has an opening  82  configured to receive a fastener (see  FIGS. 7B and 7C  and the description below). In an aspect, the openings  82  may have threads to receive the fastener  84   a  (see  FIG. 7B ). 
     Referring further to  FIGS. 7 and 7A , a portion of the first wall member  74   a  may further comprise a first lip  78   a  extending inwardly from the first wall member  74   a . Similarly, a portion of the second wall member  74   b  may further comprise a second lip  78   b  extending inwardly from the second wall member  74   b . As illustrated in both  FIGS. 7 and 7A , the ends of each lip  78   a ,  78   b  may be separated, so that a portion of the ends of each lip defines a gap  80  located between the ends of the lips. Moreover, an edge of the first wall member  74   a  is adjacent to an edge of the support member  72 . Further, the edge of the second wall member  74   b  is also adjacent to an edge of the support member  72 . Consequently, the edge of the support member adjacent to the edges of the wall members  74   a ,  74   b  and an edge of each lip  78   a ,  78   b  define an opening  76  (see also the description and  FIGS. 8 ,  11 ,  11 A below). 
       FIG. 7B  depicts a front perspective view of an embodiment of a fastener  84   a  having threads. The fastener  84   a  may couple a portion of the shelf bracket  70  to a portion of the rail member  30 . Alternatively, the fastener  84   a  may also couple other members to one another. 
       FIG. 7C  depicts a front perspective view of an embodiment of another fastener  84   b  configured as a nut and bolt. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a front perspective view of the shelf bracket  70  with a back portion of the wall members  74   a ,  74   b  of the shelf bracket adjacent to a relevant portion of outer surface  20   a  of a rail member  20  or a relevant portion of outer surface  30   a  and projection  36   a  of a rail member  30 . In  FIG. 8 , there has been no attempt made to show all details of the rail members  20 ,  30 . However, as may be seen, the rail members  20 ,  30  may have one or more openings  88 . As depicted in  FIG. 8 , these openings  88  may be threaded and configured to receive one or more fasteners  84   a  as illustrated in  FIG. 7B . It will be further appreciated that because of the opening  76  of the shelf bracket  70 , a brace member  120  may be locked into the open region  26  of the rail member  20  or the rail member  30  (see  FIGS. 4 ,  4 A,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  9 ,  10 ,  10 A,  11 ,  11 A,  11 B and the description both above and below). 
       FIG. 9  depicts a top plan view of an embodiment of a shelf bracket  92  with a back portion of the shelf bracket adjacent to a portion of an outer surface  20   a  of the rail member  20 . Further, a portion of an opposite side of a shelf member  90  (not shown, but the side  90   a  is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ) is supported by a face  92   a  of the support member  92  of the shelf bracket. 
       FIG. 9A  depicts a top plan view of the shelf bracket  92  described above with respect to  FIG. 9  and illustrated in clearer detail. 
     In the same manner as for  FIG. 9  above,  FIG. 10  depicts a top plan view of an embodiment of a shelf bracket  70  with a back portion of the shelf bracket adjacent to a portion of an outer surface  20   a  of the rail member  20 . Further, a portion of an opposite side of the shelf member  90  with the side  90   a  shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  is supported by a face  72   a  of the support member  70  of the shelf bracket.  FIG. 10A  depicts a top plan view of the shelf bracket  70  with a back portion of the shelf bracket adjacent to a portion of an outer surface  20   a  of the rail member  20 . For clarity, the shelf member  90  has been omitted.  FIG. 10B  depicts a top plan view of the shelf bracket  70  described above with respect to  FIG. 10  and illustrated in clearer detail (see also  FIGS. 7 and 7A ). 
       FIG. 11  depicts a front perspective view of the shelf bracket  92  and a portion of a brace member  120  located between a portion of the shelf bracket having an opening  76 . In the same manner,  FIG. 11A  depicts a front perspective view of the shelf bracket  92  and a portion of the brace member  120  located between a portion of the shelf bracket having an opening  76 , with the orientation of the shelf bracket being rotated compared to the view shown in  FIG. 11  since a user might install the shelf bracket upside down as shown in  FIG. 11 . Thus, naturally, the arrangement for bracing a support system  100  such as shown in  FIG. 1  could be accomplished in a variety of ways. 
       FIG. 11B  depicts a top plan view of the shelf bracket  70  with a back portion of the shelf bracket adjacent to an inner portion of the rail member  20  together with the brace member of  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 12  depicts a kit  200  comprising several components of a versatile support system and an instruction sheet  210  enclosed by a packaging material  230  according to an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, but without limiting the disclosure, the kit  200  may comprise one or more rail members,  20 ,  30 , one or more corner members  40 , one or more shelf brackets  70 , a container  220  having one or more fasteners, the instructions  210  enclosed by the packaging material  230 . Naturally, the kit  200  may further comprise one or more brace members  120  as described above. The container  220  may comprise a box, plastic housing, plastic film and the like as is known in the art. Of course, the kit  200  may be configured to also comprise one more accessory members such as leveling feet, casters, shelves, drawers, panels and the like as desired (not shown), which could be attached to any versatile support system that may be constructed. 
     Since it is clear that the currently disclosed versatile support system has certain features that are similar to the current inventor&#39;s previously disclosed patent applications U.S. Pat. No. 6,968,962 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,262, a better understanding of the versatility inherent herein may be gleaned by inspection of those patents. Additionally, the current inventor has yet another U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/532,561 dated Sep. 18, 2006 entitled “SUPPORT DEVICES, KITS AND METHODS THEREOF” on file, which shows yet other features that could be used in combination with the currently described disclosed features. 
     It is understood that the thickness of the sheet member  60  and the brace member  120  may be sized as needed. Furthermore, the materials of construction for any of the features described herein may comprise any metal, nonmetal and combinations thereof including (but not limited to) plastics, glass fibers, carbon fibers, alloys of metals, ceramics and the like as is understood in the art. Naturally, the components of any versatile support system structure may comprise rigid materials. 
     Exemplary Method of a Versatile Support System 
     In operation, a first portion of a kit  200  may comprise a pair of frames  110   a ,  110   b  including all components as described above by referring to  FIG. 1  and may further include necessary fasteners  84   a  such as in the box  220  of  FIG. 12 . Without limiting the disclosure, the first portion of the kit  200  may include a preassembled four-sided bottom frame assembly  110   b  and a preassembled four-sided top frame assembly  110   a . Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each frame  110   a ,  110   b  has four connecting members  40 . The bottom preassembled frame assembly may have additional (for example, 5/16″) threaded holes (not shown) located in either of the rail members  30  or the corner members  40  to selectively accommodate leveling feet, casters, anchors, other accessories and the like. Further, a second portion of the kit  200  may comprise the four rail members  30  having openings  34  (for example, 10-32 tapped holes). 
     It is understood that according to the method described herein, a specific order of assembly of the versatile support assembly (or apparatus)  100  is not necessarily required. 
     In a first step S 1  of the method, all components of the first portion and the second portion of the kit  200  may be unpacked in preparation for assembling the versatile support assembly  100 . In a second step S 2 , the bottom frame assembly  110   b  may be placed on a flat work surface so that, for example, the 5/16″ threaded holes or openings as described above may rest against a substantially flat work surface. In this manner leveling feet and the like as described above, may be easily coupled to the bottom support frame assembly  110   b  (see below for further description). 
     In a step S 3 , an opposite end  32   b  of each of the rail members  30  may be aligned (as described with reference to  FIGS. 4 ,  4 A and  5 ) above and coupled to a pair of arms  42   a ,  42   b  (or  44   a ,  44   b  or  44   c ,  44   d ) of a corresponding corner member  40  as described and shown in  FIG. 5  (see above). In a following step S 4 , each of the pair of arms  42   a ,  42   b  may be coupled (or screwed) to each corresponding rail member  30  with, for example, one or more of the fasteners  84   a . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the arms  42   a ,  42   b  may be coupled to the opposite end  32   b  of each of the corresponding rail members  30 . 
     In an optional aspect S 5  of the method, decreased tightening of the fasteners (screws)  84   a  may be desired prior to complete tightening of the screws  84   a  in step S 4  to facilitate alignment of the top frame assembly  110   a  to the end  32   a  of each of the rail members  30 . 
     In a step S 6  of the method, the top frame assembly  110   a  may be aligned with each end  32   a  of a corresponding rail member  30  and coupled to a corresponding pair of arms  42   a ,  42   b  (as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ). In a step S 7 , just as described above with respect to the opposite end  32   b , after alignment of openings (not shown) of the ends  32   a  to the openings  52  of the arms  42   a ,  42   b , each of the pair of arms of the top frame assembly  110   a  may be coupled (or screwed) to each end  32   a  of each corresponding rail member  30  and secured tightly as desired. 
     In an optional step S 8  of the method (see above), leveling feet and the like may be mounted into or coupled to (for example, four 5/16″ threaded holes) of each corresponding corner member  40  of the bottom frame assembly  110   b  thereby providing the support assembly  100 . In yet another optional step S 9 , the support assembly&#39;s  100  leveling feet may be raised or lowered as desired according to the amount of clearance desired from a floor surface and to the flatness of the floor surface. In yet another optional step S 10  of the method, as described above and shown in  FIG. 6 , one or more sheet members (panels)  60  may be coupled to the grooves  20   b  and  20   c  of adjacent corner members  40 . In yet a further step S 11 , as described above and shown in  FIGS. 11 ,  11 A,  11 B, one or more brace members  120  may be coupled to opposing shelf brackets  72  or  92  pre-coupled to a portion of the rail members  20  or  30 . Of course another optional step S 12  of the method comprises coupling one or more of the shelf brackets  72  or  92  to a portion of the rail members  20  or  30  as described and illustrated in  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 , while in a step  13  one or more shelf members  90  may be supported by one or more corresponding shelf brackets  70  or  92 . 
     Without limiting the disclosure, some examples of structures that may be built using the disclosed versatile support system include: a plasma or LCD TV stand, a rack, a table or cocktail table, a desk, a rack with drawers, and the like, thereby demonstrating the versatility of the support system  100 . Thus, it may be seen that such a versatile support system has multiple benefits and advantages. In particular it should be noted that such versatile support assemblies may support enhanced loads in excessive of 2800 pounds and clearly may be readily assembled by even the most novice consumer. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited by the specific examples set out herein, but rather is to be interpreted according to the following claims.