Patent Publication Number: US-7900783-B2

Title: Standard and track shelving systems

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the use of tracks and standards for supporting shelving/shelf brackets and other components. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
     Standards may be used for supporting shelving or shelf brackets. A typical standard may include a relatively narrow strip of material with two columns of slots on the front surface thereof. The standard may be mounted vertically against a wall. Shelving brackets may be supported from the standard by inserting tabs of the shelving brackets into corresponding slots of the standard. The standard may be fixedly mounted to a wall using screws such that the standard is not generally adjustable, movable, or removable from its installed position. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, various embodiments of adjustable shelving systems are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a shelving system generally includes at least one track and at least one standard. The track includes a rearward portion and a forward portion. The forward portion includes a downwardly-extending retaining lip with an inwardly protruding portion, a generally upwardly-facing horizontal support surface, and an opening cooperatively defined by the retaining lip and support surface along at least a portion of the length of the track. The standard includes an end portion slidably receivable within the opening of the track, such that the position of the standard relative to the track is slidably adjustable along the track. The end portion of the standard includes an upper portion configured to contact the track&#39;s retaining lip, at least one opening for receiving the inwardly protruding portion of the track&#39;s retaining lip, and a generally downwardly-facing horizontal support surface that contacts the generally upwardly-facing horizontal support surface of the track when the standard is supported by the track with the standard&#39;s end portion slidably received within the track&#39;s opening. 
     Another exemplary embodiment provides an assembly for supporting a hang rod from a shelving bracket having a lower portion with openings. In this exemplary embodiment, the assembly generally includes a hang rod mounting bracket and a saddle. The hang rod mounting bracket includes a first end portion with tabs receivable within the openings of the shelving bracket to mount the hang rod mounting bracket to the shelving bracket. The hang rod mounting bracket also includes a second end portion generally opposite the first end portion. The hang rod mounting bracket further includes a curved portion extending generally between the first and second end portions such that the hang rod mounting bracket has a generally J-shaped profile configured to allow a clothes hanger to slide along the hang rod freely past the hang rod mounting bracket without interference therefrom. The saddle includes an upper saddle portion and a lower portion with an opening for receiving the second end portion of the hang rod mounting bracket to thereby mount the saddle to the hang rod mounting bracket. The upper saddle portion is configured for receiving at least a portion of the hang rod therein. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment, a shelving system generally includes at least one locking member and at least one shelving bracket having openings. The locking member is coupled to the shelving bracket for pivotal movement between at least an unlocked position and a locked position. When in the locked position, the locking member releasably locks in place a portion of a shelf at least partially supported by the shelving bracket. The locking member may include protruding portions on generally opposite sides of the locking member. The protruding portions are receivable within the corresponding openings of the shelving bracket to thereby pivotably couple the locking member to the shelving bracket. The locking member may also include a locking finger that defines an opening for receiving the portion of the shelf therein when the locking member is in the locked position. The locking member may also include a lever for causing pivotal movement of the locking member between the unlocked and locked positions. 
     An additional embodiment of a shelving system includes generally at least one track and at least one mounting screw. The track includes a forward portion and a rearward portion having a recessed slot extending at least partially along the length of the track and a downwardly extending lip. The mounting screw has a slotted head with an axial groove extending circumferentially along the slotted head. The slotted head is slidably receivable within the track&#39;s recessed slot. The track&#39;s downwardly extending lip is receivable within the axial groove. Accordingly, the position of the mounting screw relative to the track may be slidably adjustable along the track. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable shelving system; 
         FIG. 2  is an un-assembled partial perspective view of an upper portion of the adjustable shelving system shown in  FIG. 1 , and illustrating the standard&#39;s end portion aligned for slidable engagement with the track (as represented by an arrow) and also illustrating the shelf/shelving bracket&#39;s tabs aligned for insertion within slots of the standard (as represented by the arrow); 
         FIG. 3  is a partial back perspective view of the upper portion of the adjustable shelving system shown in  FIG. 1 , and illustrating exemplary hardware for mounting a track to a wall according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of an exemplary mounting screw that may be used with the adjustable shelving system shown in  FIG. 1  for attaching a track to a wall, and illustrating the mounting screw&#39;s self-drilling feature according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 5  is a back perspective view of the mounting screw shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the mounting screw shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a back view of the mounting screw shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 8 through 11  are side views of the mounting screw shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of an exemplary track of the adjustable shelving system shown in  FIG. 1 , where the track may be mounted to a wall and used for supporting a standard according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  is a back perspective view of the track shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a left side end view of the track shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a right side end view of the track shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a back view of the track shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of the track shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the track shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a top view of the track shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an exemplary standard of the adjustable shelving system shown in  FIG. 1 , where the standard may be supported from a track mounted to a wall according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 21  is a back perspective view of the standard shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a bottom view of the standard shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a top view of the standard shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a side view of the standard shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a front view of the standard shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a back view of the standard shown in  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a front lower perspective view of an exemplary shelf/shelving bracket of the adjustable shelving system shown in  FIG. 1 , where the bracket may be supported by a standard mounted against a wall such that a shelf may then supported atop the bracket according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 28  is a back upper perspective view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a side view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a top view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a bottom view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a front end view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a back end view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a front lower perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a shelf/shelving bracket that may be used with the adjustable shelving system shown in  FIG. 1 , where the bracket may be supported from a standard mounted against a wall such that a shelf may then be supported atop the bracket according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 35  is a back upper perspective view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a side view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective of an exemplary wire shelf of the adjustable shelving system shown in  FIG. 1 , where the wire shelf may be supported atop shelf/shelving brackets, which, in turn, are supported by standards supported from tracks mounted to a wall according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 38  is a lower perspective view of an exemplary locking member of the adjustable shelving system shown in  FIG. 1 , where the locking member may be pivotably coupled to a shelf/shelving bracket for releasably locking in place a portion of a shelf according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 39  is a back upper perspective view of the locking member shown in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a side view of the locking member shown in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a front view of the locking member shown in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a back view of the locking member shown in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a top view of the locking member shown in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 44  is a bottom view of the locking member shown in  FIG. 38 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of the locking member shown in  FIG. 38 , and illustrating the locking member pivotably coupled to a shelf/shelving bracket (with a portion of the bracket removed for clarity) where the locking member is releasably locking in place a portion of a wire shelf according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 46  is a partial perspective view of an upper forward portion of the adjustable shelving system in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 47  is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary hang rod assembly of the adjustable shelving system in  FIG. 1  according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 48  is an upper perspective view of an exemplary hang rod saddle or mounting base of the hang rod assembly shown in  FIG. 47 , where the hang rod saddle may be attached to a hang rod mounting bracket and then be used for helping support a hanger rod or hang rod according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 49  is a lower perspective view of the hang rod saddle shown in  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 50  is a side view of the hang rod saddle shown in  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 51  is a front view of the hang rod saddle shown in  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 52  is a back view of the hang rod saddle shown in  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 53  is a top view of the hang rod saddle shown in  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 54  is a bottom view of the hang rod saddle shown in  FIG. 48 ; 
         FIG. 55  is an upper perspective view of an exemplary hang rod mounting bracket of the hang rod assembly shown in  FIG. 47 , where the hang rod mounting bracket may be supported or suspended from a shelf/shelving bracket according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 56  is a lower perspective view of the hang rod mounting bracket shown in  FIG. 55 ; 
         FIG. 57  is a side view of the hang rod mounting bracket shown in  FIG. 55 ; 
         FIG. 58  is a front view of the hang rod mounting bracket shown in  FIG. 55 ; 
         FIG. 59  is a back view of the hang rod mounting bracket shown in  FIG. 55 ; 
         FIG. 60  is a top view of the hang rod mounting bracket shown in  FIG. 55 ; 
         FIG. 61  is a bottom view of the hang rod mounting bracket shown in  FIG. 55 ; 
         FIG. 62  is a perspective view of an exemplary end cap of the hang rod assembly shown in  FIG. 47 , where the end cap may be inserted into an open end of a hollow hang rod according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 63  is a back perspective view of the end cap shown in  FIG. 62 ; 
         FIG. 64  is a side view of the end cap shown in  FIG. 62 ; 
         FIG. 65  is a top or bottom view of the end cap shown in  FIG. 62 ; 
         FIG. 66  is an end view of the end cap shown in  FIG. 62 ; and 
         FIG. 67  is an opposite end view of the end cap shown in  FIG. 62 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. 
     According to aspects of the present disclosure, various exemplary embodiments of adjustable shelving systems are provided. One exemplary embodiment of an adjustable shelving system is indicated generally as  100  in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the adjustable shelving system  100  generally includes an adjustable track or rail assembly  102 , standards  104  that may be supported (e.g., positioned on and received, etc.) by the adjustable track assembly  102 , shelf/shelving brackets  106  that may be supported from the standards  104 , a ventilated or wire shelf  108  that may be supported atop by the brackets  106 , a hang/hanger rod assembly  109 , and a shelf  111  (e.g., laminate shelf, wooden shelf, etc.) that may also be supported by brackets  106 . The various components and assemblies  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  109 ,  111  of the shelving system  100  are described in more detail herein. In other embodiments, a shelving system may include any one or more (but not necessarily all) of the components and/or assemblies  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  109 ,  111 , as the components and/or assemblies  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  109 ,  111  may be implemented individually or in any combination with any one or more of the other components and/or assemblies  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  109 ,  111 . Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure also include the individual components themselves of the adjustable shelving systems and assemblies disclosed herein. In addition, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein include systems, and components thereof that may provide greater support and consumer flexibility to closet shelving arrangements. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the illustrated adjustable track assembly  102  includes at least two tracks or rails  110 . Each track  110  may be identical to the other track  110 , or they may be different. By way of example only  FIGS. 12 through 19  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a track  110  that may be used in the adjustable shelving system  100  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Other embodiments, however, may include differently configured tracks and/or more or less than two tracks or rails  110 . Additional embodiments may include one or more tracks or rails longer or shorter relative to the other components than what is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 2 , the adjustable track assembly  102  includes a member  112  (e.g., cylindrical connector rod, etc.) that may be configured to operate or function as a spacer and/or stabilizer between two tracks  110 . The member  112  may be various configured, sized, shaped and/or constructed of any suitable materials, such as metals, metal alloys, plastics, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the member  112  is made of a wire and is dimensionally sized with a length of about four inches and outer radius of one-fourth inch. In addition, the member  112  may have chamfered or tapered end portions to facilitate the insertion of the member&#39;s end portions into an opening. Alternative embodiments may include one or more members  112  having a different configuration (e.g., size, shape, material, etc.) than that just described. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a recess or channel  116  may extend along the back side  114  ( FIG. 12 ) of the track  110 . In this particular embodiment, the recess or channel  116  is generally cylindrically-shaped with a generally C-shaped profile. The recess  116  extends the length of the track  110 . The member, or more specifically in this embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the cylindrical rod  112  may be slidably received within the recess  116  such that the tracks  110  may be slidably positioned relative to the rod  112  to adjust the spacing between the tracks  110 , and thus adjust the overall or combined track length for the system  100 . In other embodiments, the recess  116  may have a different configuration (e.g., different shape, different profile, etc.) depending, for example, on the corresponding shape of the member  112 . 
     The front side  120  ( FIG. 12 ) of the track  110  has a downwardly extending retaining lip  122  and a support surface  124 . Collectively, the lip  122  and support surface  124  together define an opening or channel  126  in which an end portion  154  of a standard  104  may be engagingly received (as represented by the arrow in  FIG. 2 ). By way of example only,  FIGS. 20 through 26  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a standard  104  that may be suspended from or supported by the track  110  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and  12 - 19 . 
     Along the back side  114  of the track  110 , a recessed slot or channel  118  may extend along the length of the track  110 . The recessed slot or channel  118  may be configured (e.g., shaped, sized, located, etc.) for receiving the head  134  of a mounting screw  130 . The track  110  may also include a downwardly extending portion or lip  119 . This lip  119  may be configured to be engaged within an axial groove  132  of a mounting screw&#39;s slotted head  134 , when the mounting screw&#39;s head  134  is slidably received within the track&#39;s recessed slot  118 . This arrangement may thus allow the position of the mounting screw  130  relative to the track  110  to be slidably adjustable along the track  110 . Plus, the engagement of the track&#39;s lip  119  within the axial groove  132  of the mounting screw  130  may help inhibit disengagement or dislodgement of the track  110  from the mounting screw  130 . Exemplary hardware that may be used for mounting the track  110  to a wall or another surface is shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     By way of further example,  FIGS. 4 through 11  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a mounting screw  130  with a self-drilling feature that may be used when mounting the standard  110 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 through 11 , the mounting screw  130  has an axial groove or slot  132  extending circumferentially around the head  134  of the screw  130 , to define a slotted head  134  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The head of the screw  134  may also include a tool reception feature  135 , which is configured for a Phillips screwdriver in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 5 . Alternative embodiments may be configured differently, such as configurations for use with a regular screwdriver, hex key, Allen wrench, etc. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the screw  130  may also include a self-drilling feature or thread  136  on the end portion of the screw  130 . In some embodiments, the self-drilling feature  136  is configured to allow the screw  130  to be screwed into a surface (e.g., wooden stud, sheet rock, etc.) without requiring any pre-drilling of a hole for the screw  130 , as the self-drilling feature  136  would create the hole. Accordingly, providing the self-drilling feature  136  allow for a faster and easier installation, as the screw  130  may be used directly in a wood wall stud without pre-drilling and/or the screw may  130  may be used in conjunction with ¼″-20 sheet rock toggle type fasteners. With the screw  130  installed, the screw  130  allows a track (e.g., track  110 , etc.) to snap lock in place and allow the track to freely slide horizontally on the fastener such that additional tracks maybe installed without removal of the existing system. The fastener provides a snap lock mounting platform for additional accessories and cabinets. 
     In some embodiments, the mounting screw&#39;s threaded portion  137  may comprise a mechanical ¼″-20 thread, and the self-drilling feature  136  may comprise a #8 wood fastener screw thread for self-drilling into wood (no pre-drilling required). The major diameter of the self-drilling feature thread may be less than the minor diameter of ¼ inch-20 UNC. The mounting screw  130  may be formed from steel or other suitable material. Alternative embodiments may include screws or other fasteners with other configurations (e.g., shapes, sizes, threads, materials, etc.). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a mounting channel member  140  may be used in conjunction with the mounting screw  130  for mounting the track  110  to a wall or other surface. The mounting channel member  140  includes an opening or hole  142  for receiving therethrough a portion of the mounting screw  130 . In this particular embodiment, the mounting channel member  140  has a generally U-shaped cross-section with an upper lip  144  and a lower lip  146 . The mounting screw  130  and mounting channel member  140  may be mounted to a wall or other surface as shown in  FIG. 2 . When the mounting screw  130  and mounting channel member  140  are affixed or mounted onto a wall, they provide for alignment and mounting of the track  110 . The track&#39;s recessed slot  118  may also be configured to receive the slotted head  134  of the mounting screw  130 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . During an exemplary installation process of the track  110  to a wall, the mounting screw  130  may thus be slidably moved along the track  110  within the track&#39;s recessed slot  110 , for example, to align the mounting screw  130  with a stud behind a wall, etc. 
     Additionally, the track&#39;s recessed slot  118  and cylindrically-shaped recess  116  may be spaced apart so as to respectively receive the upper lip  144  and the lower lip  146  of the mounting channel member  140 , which may assist the installer with the horizontal aligning the track  110 . By mounting the track  110  using the screw  130  and mounting channel member  140  in this exemplary manner, the track  110  may be installed relatively easily, quickly, and securely as the track  110 , screw  130 , and mounting channel member  140  cooperatively prevent (or at least inhibit) the track  110  from being inadvertently dislodged, such as when inadvertently bumped by a person walking by, etc. 
     The track  110  may be constructed of any material suitable for tracks, depending, for example, on the method used for making the track  110 . By way of example, the track  110  may be formed from aluminum, steel, plastic, extrudable materials, metal alloys, etc. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 12 through 19 , the track or rail  110  has a profile suitable for an extrusion process such that the track  110  may be formed by extruding aluminum. Alternative embodiments may include a track formed by using other processes besides extrusion and/or from other materials besides aluminum. The track  110  may also be provided in various lengths. In some embodiments, the track  110  has a length that allows the standard  104  to slide horizontally along the length of the track  110 , thereby allowing for selective slidable adjustment of the standard&#39;s positioning relative to the track  110 . 
       FIGS. 20 through 26  illustrate an exemplary standard  104  that may be used in the adjustable shelving system  100  and be supported by or suspended from the track  100  ( FIG. 1 ). As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the standard  104  includes a forward surface  150  and opposing sides  152 , as well as a contoured end portion  154 . The standard  104  may be provided in various lengths and is of indeterminate length as indicated by the separation and bracket in  FIG. 20 . In other embodiments, the standard  104  may be dimensionally sized (shorter, longer, wider, etc.) relative to the fastener hole  155 , slots  156 , and/or other components of the adjustable shelving system  100 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 20 , the front surface  150  may include at least one fastener hole  155 . By way of example, a screw may be used for helping mount and/or stabilize the standard  104  relative to a wall or other surface. Other embodiments may include different means of mounting a standard to a wall. Still other embodiments may include differently configured fastener holes (e.g., shapes, sizes, locations, etc.) or no fastener holes. 
     The front surface  150  also includes slots or apertures  156 . As represented by the arrow shown in  FIG. 2 , the slots  156  may be configured to receive the tabs of a bracket (e.g., tabs  170  of bracket  106  shown in  FIG. 27 , tabs of bracket  206  shown in  FIGS. 34 through 36 , etc.). Alternative embodiments may include differently configured slots  156  (e.g., size, shape, location, number, single column of slots, etc.) than what is shown in the figures. Instead of slots, further embodiments may include other means of mounting a bracket (e.g., protrusions, etc.) may be used on front surface  150 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the standard  104  includes a generally downwardly-facing horizontal support surface  158  for helping support the standard  104  on the track  110 . The standard  104  also includes a surface  159  that may have a contour or shape complementary to or in correspondence with the lower portion  117  of the track  110 . When the end portion  154  of the standard  104  is slidably received within the opening  126  of the track  110 , the standard&#39;s generally downwardly-facing horizontal support surface  158  may thus contact the track&#39;s generally upwardly-facing horizontal support surface  124 , and the lower portion  117  of the track  110  may be engageably received (e.g., frictionally received, etc.) with the opening  157  cooperatively defined by the standard&#39;s surfaces  158 ,  159 . 
     In this illustrated embodiment, the sides  152  may be relieved or cut away to provide clearance below the support surface  158 . But the sides  152  may be alternatively shaped and configured to permit the standard  104  to fit onto the support  110 . When the end portion  154  of the standard  104  is slidably positioned within the track&#39;s opening  126  (as represented by the arrow shown in  FIG. 2 ), the standard&#39;s support surface  158  is generally horizontal in orientation. With the standard  104  supported by or suspended from the track  110 , the standard&#39;s generally downwardly-facing horizontal support surface  158  rests on and is supported by the opposing generally upwardly-facing horizontal support surface  124  of the track  110 . The standard&#39;s support surface  158  may be slidably moved along the track&#39;s support surface  124  to thereby adjustably position the location of the standard  104  relative to the track  110 . 
     The upper portion of the standard&#39;s front surface  150  may be configured to abut the downwardly extending lip  122  of the track  110  ( FIG. 2 ), to thereby help hold the end portion  154  of the standard  104  within the opening  126  of the track  110  ( FIG. 1 ). The track&#39;s lip  122  may extend some distance over the contoured end portion  154  of the standard  104 , and come into contact with the front surface  150  of the standard  104 . This, in turn, may help retain the standard  104  so that the standard  104  is not inadvertently released from the track  110 , for example, when the standard  104  is jarred or bumped into by a person walking by, etc. In alternative embodiments, other means (e.g., latch or other mechanism, etc.) may be used instead of the track&#39;s lip  122  for helping the standard  104  remain supported by the track  110 . 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the standard  104  also includes notch or opening  160 . The notch  160  may be configured to engage a protrusion or protruding portion  123  on the downwardly extending lip  122  of the track  110 . The engagement of the protrusion  123  within the notch  160  may help prevent (or inhibit) the standard  104  from being pushed upward and separated from the track  110 . The contoured end portion  154  may also be configured to allow the standard  104  to slide horizontally along the track  110 , as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 2 . With the standard  104  in a desired position along the track  110 , the hanging or lower portion of the standard  104  not engaged with the track  110  may thereafter be secured to a wall (via a screw, for example) to prevent or inhibit any further movement of the standard  104  from its desired position. 
     The standard  104  may be constructed of any suitable material, such as plastic, metal, metal alloys, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the standard  104  is formed from sheet metal. 
     Accordingly, various embodiments disclosed herein include standards and tracks that are configured with integrated locking features (e.g., standard&#39;s notch  160  and track&#39;s protruding portion  123 , standard&#39;s front surface  150  and track&#39;s lip  122 , standard&#39;s support surface  158  and track&#39;s support surface  124 , etc.) that allow an installer to adjustably position (e.g., slide, etc.) a standard relative to the track before the standard is fixedly mounting the standard to a wall or other surface (e.g., with screws, etc.). The standards and tracks in some embodiments are also configured with safety features (e.g., standard&#39;s notch  160  and track&#39;s protruding portion  123 , etc.) provides positive engagement while still allowing flexibility of component installation. 
       FIGS. 27 through 33  illustrate an exemplary shelf/shelving bracket  106  that may be used with the adjustable shelving system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . The bracket  106  may be supported by a standard (e.g., standard  104  shown in  FIGS. 20 through 26 , etc.) mounted against a wall such that a shelf (e.g., wire ventilated shelf  108  shown in  FIG. 37 , laminate shelf, etc.) may then supported atop the bracket  106 .  FIGS. 34 through 36  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a shelf/shelving bracket  206  that may be instead or also be used with the adjustable shelving system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The bracket  106  or  206  may be constructed of any suitable material. By way of example only, the brackets  106 ,  206  may be formed from sheet metal. In addition, the brackets  106 ,  206  may also be provided in various lengths depending, for example, on the width of the particular shelf to be supported by the brackets. For example, the bracket  106  may have an overall length of about sixteen inches (e.g., 16.34 inches, etc.) in some embodiments, and the bracket  206  may have an overall length of about twelve inches (e.g., 12.44 inches, etc.) in some embodiments. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 27 and 28 , the bracket  106  includes a main body portion  166  and tabs  170 ,  174 . The bracket  106  may be mounted to the standard  104  by inserting the tabs  170 ,  174  located on the rearward end portion of the bracket  106  into corresponding slots  156  of the standard  104 . The upper tabs  170  begin at about the point where the back portion of the bracket  106  extends outwardly and then in a downward direction, to thereby form or define a notch  172  ( FIGS. 28 and 29 ) between the main body portion  166  and the tab  170 . Each notch  172  may be configured relative to (e.g., about equal to, greater than, less than) a thickness of the front surface portion  150  of the standard  104 . This may allow the bracket  106  to be hooked onto the standard  104  by inserting the tabs  170  into slots  156  and then moving the bracket  106  downward relative to the standard  104  so as to receive a mounting portion of the standard  104  within the notch  172 . The notch  172  may have a full radius to prevent (or inhibit) tearing of material when placed in a loaded condition, and to assist in installation of the bracket tab  170  to the standard  104 . A mounting portion of the standard  104  is generally referred to as that portion of the standard  104  that is received within and fits into the notch  172 . 
     The bracket  106  further includes middle tabs  174  located at about the center of the back portion of the bracket  106 . The tabs  174  extend generally downwardly and form or define notches  176 . Tabs  174 , in conjunction with notches  176 , may generally inhibit the front end of the bracket  106  from being pushed up and becoming dislodged from the standard  104 , and may also provide increased load-bearing capacity to bracket  106 . The upper portions of the tabs  174  protrude slightly and may operate or act as a stop when the bracket  106  is installed to the standard  104 . During use, the tab upper portions may help inhibit the bracket  106  from being dislodged from the standard  104 , for example, when the bracket  106  is pushed in an upward direction. By way of example,  FIG. 1  illustrates the bracket  106  supported by the standard  104  where two brackets  106  are supporting the wire shelf  108 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , the bracket  106  further includes tab or projection  183  along the bottom of the bracket  106 . These tabs  183  may be configured (e.g., sized, shaped, located, etc.) to also be received in slots  156  of the standard  104  when the bracket  106  is installed to the standard  104 . Accordingly, installing the bracket  106  to the standard  104  may include all three sets of tabs  170 ,  174 , and  183  being respectively received in respective upper, middle, and lower pairs of slots  156  of the standard  104 . This engagement of the three different sets of tabs  170 ,  174 ,  183  with slots  156  of the standard  104  may thus provide a relatively secure installation of the bracket  106  to the standard  104 , which will resist or inhibit inadvertent dislodgement of the bracket  106  from the standard  104 , for example, when bumped by a person walking by, etc. Alternative embodiments may include differently configured tabs and/or more or less tabs  170 ,  174 ,  183 . For example,  FIGS. 34 through 36  illustrate an embodiment of a bracket  206  that does not include a lower or bottom set of tabs, such as tabs  183  of bracket  106 . 
     The bracket  106  also includes recesses or openings  177 , as shown in  FIGS. 27 and 29 . The recesses  177  may be configured (e.g., sized, shaped, located, etc.) to receive portions of a wire shelf&#39;s longitudinally support members (e.g., members  181  shown in  FIG. 37 , etc.). In the illustrated example, the recesses  177  comprise generally u-shaped indents or notches. The engagement of the shelf portions within the recesses  177  may help restrain or resist generally horizontal movement of the shelf relative to the bracket  106 . The particular configuration (e.g., shape, spacing, location, etc.) of the openings  177  may depend on the particular shelf configuration to be supported atop the bracket  106 . For example,  FIGS. 34 through 36  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a bracket  206  having a different arrangement of recesses or openings  277 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 27 , this particular embodiment of the bracket  106  includes generally rectangular openings  179  along a bottom surface of the bracket  106 . As shown in  FIG. 47 , the openings  179  may be configured (e.g., sized, shaped, located, etc.) so as to engagingly receive tabs of a hang rod support bracket (e.g., tabs  196  of bracket  192  shown in  FIGS. 55 through 61 , etc.), to thereby suspend or support the hang rod support bracket therefrom. The particular configuration (e.g., shape, spacing, location, etc.) of the openings  179  may depend, for example, on the particular configuration of the tabs of the hang rod support bracket to be supported or suspended from the bracket  106 . For example,  FIGS. 34 through 36  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a bracket  206  having openings  279  closer to the front of the bracket  206 . 
       FIG. 37  illustrates an exemplary wire shelf  108  that may be used with the adjustable shelving system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the wire shelf  108  may be supported atop the shelf/shelving brackets  106 , which, in turn, are supported by standards  104  supported from tracks  110  mounted to a wall. As shown in  FIG. 37 , the wire shelf  108  includes transversely extending wire members  180  (e.g., wire stringers, etc.) supported by longitudinally extending support members  181  to form a shelf deck. The transversely extending wire members  180  are typically spaced to provide a ventilated shelf deck construction, while preventing or inhibiting items from falling through the spaces between the transversely extending wire members  180 . 
     The wire shelf  108  may be constructed of any suitable material, such as metals, metal alloys, plastic, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the wire shelf  108  is formed from steel wires. In addition, the wire shelf  108  is but one example of a shelf that may be supported atop brackets of the adjustable shelving system  100 . The particular wire shelf  108  shown in  FIG. 37  is for purposes of illustration only as various aspects of the invention can be used with a wide range of other shelves and storage products, including wire ventilated shelves having different configurations than what is shown in  FIG. 37 , trays, laminate shelves, etc. Accordingly, the specific references to wire shelf herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to only one specific form/type of wire shelf. 
       FIG. 1  shows the forward end portion of the bracket  106  positioned generally between the forward vertically-spaced longitudinal rods or wires  181   a  and  181   b , which form a cascading forward portion of the wire shelf  108 . The upper forward longitudinal rod  181   a  of the wire shelf  108  rests in the forward notch  177  of the bracket  106 . Also,  FIGS. 1 and 47  show the rearward longitudinal rod or wire  181   c  of the wire shelf  108  resting in the rearward notch  177  on an upper portion of the bracket  106 .  FIGS. 45 and 46  also show an exemplary locking member  182  releasably locking in place the rearward longitudinal rod  181   c.    
       FIGS. 38 through 44  illustrate the exemplary locking member  182 , which may be used with the adjustable shelving system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  45 , and  46 , the locking member  182  may be pivotably coupled to a bracket  106  for releasably locking in place a portion of the wire shelf&#39;s rearward longitudinal wire  181   c.    
     With further reference to  FIG. 38 , the locking member  182  includes protruding portions or pivot members  184  (e.g., nubs having generally circular profile, etc.) that may be received within corresponding openings  178  of the bracket  106  ( FIG. 27 ), for pivotably coupling the locking member  182  to the bracket  106 . When the locking member  182  is coupled to the bracket  106  by way of the engagement of the protruding portions  184  with the bracket&#39;s openings  178 , the locking member  182  is pivotable relative to the bracket  106  (and shelf  108  supported thereby) between at least an unlocked position and a locked position ( FIG. 45 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 38 , the locking member  182  further includes a locking finger  186  that defines an opening  185  for receiving a portion of a shelf therein (e.g., rearward longitudinal wire  181   c  of wire shelf  108  ( FIG. 45 ), back edge portion of laminate shelf  111  ( FIG. 1 ), etc.). In use, the locking finger  186  is hooked or locked over the shelf portion when the locking member  182  is pivoted relative to the bracket  106  about pivotal members  184  into the locking position shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  45 , and  46 . The locking member  182  may also include a lever or arm  189  for helping a user in pivoting the locking member  182  between the unlocked and locked positions. 
     The wire shelf  108  is but one example of a shelf that may be releasably locked in place by a locking member  182 . For example, locking members  182  may also be used for releasably locking in place a portion of a laminate shelf, such as the back edge portion of the laminate shelf  111  shown in  FIG. 1 . For the laminate shelf  111 , the orientation of the locking member  182  is reversed from what is shown in  FIGS. 45 and 46  to allow the back edge portion of the laminate shelf  111  to be received in the opening  185  of the locking member  182 . 
     The locking member  182  may be constructed of any suitable material, such as plastics, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the locking member  182  may be formed from polypropylene. 
       FIG. 47  illustrates an exemplary hang/hanger rod assembly  109  of the adjustable shelving system  100  in  FIG. 1  according to exemplary embodiments. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 47 , the hang rod assembly  109  generally includes hang round mounting brackets  192  (which may be supported or suspended from brackets  106 ,  206 ), hang rod saddles or mounting bases  190  (which may be supported by the brackets  192 ), and a hang/hanger rod  188  (which may be supported atop the saddles  190 ). In other embodiments, however, an adjustable shelving system may not include any such hang rod assembly. 
       FIGS. 48 through 54  illustrate the exemplary hang rod saddle or mounting base  190 , which may be used with the adjustable shelving system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown by  FIGS. 1 and 47 , the hang rod saddle  190  may be attached to the hang rod mounting bracket  192  for supporting the hanger/hang rod  188 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 49 , the saddle  190  includes an opening  193  (e.g., a saddle portion, etc.) in which the hang/hanger rod  188  may rest when supported thereby. The opening  193  is generally shaped as a saddle with a generally C-shaped profile. The opening  193  extends the length of the saddle  190 . In other embodiments, the opening  193  may have a different configuration (e.g., different shape, different profile, different size, etc.) depending, for example, on the corresponding shape of the hang/hanger rod  188  to be supported by the saddle  190 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 49 , the saddle  190  also includes a slot  191  therein. The slot  191  is configured for receiving the end portion  199  of the bracket  192 . The slot  191  is generally rectangular in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the saddle may include a slot or opening having a different configuration (e.g., different shape, different size, different location, etc.) depending, for example, on the corresponding configuration of the end portion  199  of the bracket  192  to be received in the slot  191 . Alternative embodiments may include different means for attaching the saddle to the bracket. Still further embodiments may include the saddle and bracket being monolithically formed with a single component construction such that the saddle is not a separate component that must be attached to the bracket. 
     The saddle  190  may be constructed of any suitable material, such as plastics, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the saddle  190  may be formed from polypropylene. 
     The hanger/hang rod  188  may also be constructed of any suitable material, such as plastics, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the hanger/hang rod  188  may be hollow and formed from sheet metal. 
       FIGS. 55 through 61  illustrate the exemplary hang rod mounting bracket  192 , which may be used with the adjustable shelving system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown by  FIGS. 1 and 47 , the hang rod mounting bracket  192  may be supported by or suspended from brackets  106 ,  206 , and the saddle  190  may be positioned on the end portion  199  of the hang rod mounting bracket  192 . 
     With further reference to  FIG. 55 , the hang rod bracket  192  includes a main bracket portion  194  and tabs  196 . A notch  198  is defined generally between each tab  196  and the main bracket portion  194 . The tabs  196  may be configured to be inserted into openings along a lower surface of a shelf/shelving bracket (e.g., openings  179  of bracket  106  shown in  FIG. 27 , openings  279  of bracket  206  shown in  FIG. 34 , etc.), to thereby suspend or support the hang rod support bracket  192  from the shelf/shelving bracket. Each notch  198  may be configured relative to (e.g., about equal to, greater than, less than) a thickness of the material of the shelving/shelf bracket from which the hang rod mounting bracket  192  will be suspended. This may allow the bracket&#39;s tabs  196  to be hooked into the openings  179  of the shelving/shelf bracket  106  by inserting the tabs  196  into opening  179  and then moving the bracket  192  toward the standard  104  so as to receive a mounting portion of the shelving/shelf bracket  106  within the notches  198 . The notches  198  may have a full radius to prevent (or inhibit) tearing of material when placed in a loaded condition, and to assist in installation of the bracket tabs  196  into the openings  179  of shelf/shelving bracket  106 . A mounting portion of the shelving/shelf bracket  106  is generally referred to as that portion of the bracket  106  that is received within and fits into the notch  198 . 
     In other embodiments, the tabs  196  may be configured to be positioned generally over longitudinal wires of a wire shelf, such that the longitudinal wires are received within the notches  198 . The notches  198  may be configured such that a gap or spaced distance is defined generally between the main bracket portion  194  and the tabs  196  that is less than the outer diameter of the shelf&#39;s longitudinal wires received within notches  198 . This, in turn, provides a means for the wires to be “snapped” into the notches  198 . 
     The hang rod mounting bracket  192  includes an end portion  199 , which is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, located, etc.) to be inserted and received within the slot  191  of the hang rod saddle  190 , to thereby attach and secure the hang rod saddle  190  to the bracket  192 . In some embodiments, the bracket end portion  199  may include a hole or opening  161 , which may be configured for receiving a corresponding catch (e.g., projection, rib, protrusion, nub, etc.) within the slot  191 , for helping retain the saddle  190  to the protruding portion  199 . In addition, some embodiments have the bracket end portion  199  and saddle slot  190  configured such that a friction or interference fit is created therebetween for helping retain the saddle  190  on the bracket  192 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 47 , the hang rod  188  may be inserted or slid into the openings  193  of the hang rod saddles  190 . Additionally, the illustrated hang rod mounting bracket  192  is generally J-shaped with a lower curved portion that has a depth preferably greater than the terminating end of a hook of a clothes hanger. In such embodiments, the hang rod mounting brackets  192  and saddles  190  may thus support the hang/hanger rod  188  horizontally in an exemplary manner that allows continuous free sliding of clothes hangers along the hang/hanger rod  188  past and over the generally J-shaped brackets  192 . In other embodiments, the hang rod mounting bracket  192  may be configured differently, such as being shaped differently than generally J-shaped. 
     The hang rod mounting bracket  192  may be constructed of any suitable material, such as metals, metal alloys, plastics, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the hang rod mounting bracket  192  may be formed from sheet metal. As an example, the hang rod mounting bracket  192  may be stamped from steel. Alternative embodiments may include a hang rod mounting bracket formed by other processes and/or different materials. 
       FIGS. 62 through 67  illustrate an exemplary end cap  187  that may be inserted into an open end portion of a hollow hang rod (e.g., hang/hanger rod  188  shown in  FIG. 47 , etc.) according to an exemplary embodiment. By way of example, the end cap  187  may be configured as a self-adjusting press fit end cap, which may be used on a closet hang rod to prevent (or at least inhibit) hangers from sliding off the end of the hang rod. 
     As shown in  FIG. 62 , the end cap  187  includes forks or end portions  195  having protrusions  197  thereon in a sawtooth or jagged configuration. When the end cap  187  is inserted, the forks  195  may be compressed generally towards each other. 
     The end  187  also includes recesses or pockets  201 . The recessed pockets  201  can provide a degree of compression to the end cap  187 . The recessed pockets  201  may also allow the end cap  187  to be fabricated with less material. The recessed pockets  201  may also be configured (e.g., sized, shaped, located, etc.) to provide for some degree of compression while still maintaining sufficient structural stiffness for the particular application. 
     In some embodiments, the end cap  187  may be formed from one or more materials having sufficient resiliency to permit compression of the end cap&#39;s forks  195  towards each other for fitting into the open end portion of hollow rod, and having sufficient restorative force for urging the forks  195  outwardly to spread apart thereby creating a relatively good friction or interference fit between the end cap&#39;s forks  195  and interior sidewalls of the hollow rod. A wide range of materials may be used for the end cap  187 , such as polypropylene, etc. 
     An exemplary installation process is described for the adjustable shelving system  100  ( FIGS. 1 through 3 ) for purposes of illustration only. The mounting channel member  140  and mounting screw  130  may advantageously provide for horizontally aligning the track or rail  110 , and for mounting the track  110  to a wall or surface. The tracks  110  are configured to be positioned over the slotted head  134  of the mounting screw  130 , and over the mounting channel member  140 , and are further configured to be adjustably positioned relative to each other via member  112 . Mounting channels  140 , the member  112 , and tracks  110  thus enable the tracks  110  to be movable to an appropriate position as desired for accommodating a particular shelf, while maintaining horizontal alignment of the tracks  110 . With the tracks  110  being easily mounted and adjustable to an appropriate position, the standards  104  may then be engaged with the tracks  110  and slid to the appropriate spacing to accommodate a wire shelf, laminate shelf, etc. With the standards  104  installed and positioned accordingly, brackets  106 ,  206  may relatively easily be engaged to the standards  104  by inserting the bracket tabs into corresponding slots  156  of the standard  104 . The hang rod brackets  192  may also be suspended from the brackets  106 ,  206  by inserting the tabs  196  of the hang rod brackets  192  into the openings  179 ,  279  of brackets  106 ,  206 . The saddles  190  may be engaged to the hang rod brackets  192  by positioning the saddles  190  relative to the hang rod brackets  192  to insert the end portions  199  of the hang rod brackets  192  into the slots  191  of the saddles  190 . The hang/hanger rod  188  may then be positioned so as to rest and be supported within the openings  193  of the saddles  190 . In addition, an end cap  187  may be positioned within each open end portion of the hang rod  188  to inhibit clothes hangers from sliding off the end of the hang rod  188 , for example, when a person is sliding hangers along the hang rod  188  while searching for a particular garment to wear, etc. 
     While the above first embodiment includes mounting screws and mounting channels and a hang rod assembly, such features may be optional in other embodiments. Accordingly, it should be understood that some embodiments may be provided that omit one or more of the above features, such as the mounting elements, hang rod assembly, and/or the locking member. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of an adjustable shelving system is provided that includes a cylindrical rod, and at least two tracks having a cylindrically-shaped recess in which the cylinder rod is received. In this example, each track is configured to be slidably positioned over the cylindrical rod. Each track includes a downwardly extending retaining lip, and an upper support surface that together with the downwardly extending retaining lip defines an opening in which a contoured end of a standard may be inserted and received. Continuing with this example, the adjustable shelving system further includes at least two standards each having slots and an upper contoured end portion. The contoured end portion has a horizontal support surface that contacts the upper support surface of the track when the contoured end is received within the opening in the track. The standard is configured to slide within the opening of the track such that each standard may be adjustably positioned along the length of each track. The adjustable shelving system further includes at least two shelf/shelving brackets. Each shelf/shelving bracket has a main body portion and tabs. A notch is defined generally between each tab and the main body portion of the shelf/shelving bracket. The tabs are configured to be inserted and received in the slots in the standard in a manner such that the notches inhibit dislodging of the bracket from the standard. The adjustable shelving system also includes a wire ventilated shelf having longitudinal rods that are configured to be positioned on the top of the support bracket. 
     In this embodiment of an adjustable shelving system, there may also be provided a hang rod assembly. The hang rod assembly may include a hang/hanger rod, a hang rod saddle or mounting base, and a hang rod mounting bracket. The hang rod mounting bracket may include a main bracket portion and tabs. A notch may be defined generally between each tab and the main bracket portion. The tabs are configured to be inserted into openings of a shelf/shelving bracket and/or over longitudinal wires of a wire shelf, such that the longitudinal wires are received within the notches. The end portion of the hang rod mounting bracket may be configured to be inserted and received within a slot in the hang rod saddle, to thereby secure the hang rod saddle to the hang rod mounting bracket. A hang/hanger rod may be received or rest within an opening of the hang rod saddle. 
     Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, and “rearward” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “bottom” and “side”, describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent, but arbitrary, frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. 
     When introducing elements or features and the exemplary embodiments, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted. It is further to be understood that the method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.