Patent Publication Number: US-2007119805-A1

Title: Overhead storage systems

Description:
FIELD  
      The present disclosure relates to overhead storage systems.  
     BACKGROUND  
      The statements in this background section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.  
      Efficient and organized use of space is desirable, particularly with respect to storage or utility space in workshops, garages, businesses, stores, homes, and apartments. With respect to overhead storage, particularly for residential use, different options are available. One common example is the use of ventilated shelving (e.g., wire or plastic, and associated components) to construct units that can be supported from overhead structure. Typical ventilated shelving varies in size (e.g., different lengths and widths, etc.) and configuration (e.g., different wire mesh spacing, different number and arrangement of lateral and transverse members, etc.).  
     SUMMARY  
      According to various aspects of the present disclosure, there are provided various exemplary embodiments of systems and apparatus that can, for example, be used to suspend storage devices from supporting structure. In one exemplary embodiment, a system generally includes one or more shelf members and a framework configured to be coupled to supporting structure for suspending the one or more shelf members from the supporting structure. The framework can include at least two spaced-apart hanger members, at least one spanner member, and at least two elbows each having a generally vertical portion engagable with a corresponding one of the hanger members, and a generally horizontal portion engagable with the spanner member.  
      In another exemplary embodiment, a system generally includes one or more shelf members having a plurality of wire members forming at least one shelf deck and at least one wire member having at least a portion disposed below the shelf deck. The system also includes a framework for suspending the one or more shelf members from the supporting structure. The framework has at least two spaced-apart hanger members coupled to supporting structure, at least one spanner member, and at least two elbows. Each elbow includes a channel with a generally vertical portion engaged with a corresponding channel of a hanger member, and a generally horizontal portion engaged with a corresponding portion of a channel of a spanner member. When the one or more shelf members are being supported by the framework suspended from the supporting structure, the wire member portion disposed below the shelf deck can cooperate with at least one other portion of the one or more shelf members for operatively trapping therebetween at least a portion of at least one of the spanner member and the elbows. This trapping can inhibit dislodging of the one or more shelf members from the framework.  
      Other aspects of the present disclosure include apparatus configured to be coupled to supporting structure for suspending one or more shelf members from the supporting structure. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus can generally include at least two spaced-apart hanger members including generally C-shaped channels and at least one spanner member including a generally C-shaped channel. The apparatus can further include at least two elbows including generally C-shaped channels having generally vertical portions configured for sliding engagement with the hanger member channels, and generally horizontal portions configured for sliding engagement with the spanner member channel. The apparatus can provide at least one support surface for supporting one or more shelf members thereon when the hanger members are coupled to supporting structure and the elbows are engaged with the hanger members and the spanner member.  
      Further aspects of the present disclosure include systems generally including one or more shelf members having a plurality of wire members forming a shelf deck, generally vertical wire segments extending downwardly relative to the shelf deck, and at least one generally horizontal rod member connected to the generally vertical wire segments. In one particular embodiment, the system can also include a framework configured to be coupled to supporting structure for suspending the one or more shelf members from the supporting structure. The framework can include at least two spaced-apart hanger members, at least one spanner member, and at least two elbows each having a generally vertical portion engagable with a corresponding one of the hanger members, and a generally horizontal portion engagable with the spanner member. When the one or more shelf members are supported by the framework suspended from the supporting structure, at least one of the generally vertical wire segments and generally horizontal rod member can be disposed relative to at least one of the spanner member and elbows for creating a snap-fit connection therewith. This snap-fit connection can inhibit dislodging of the one or more shelf members from the framework.  
      Further aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. In addition, any one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented individually or in any combination with any one or more of the other aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, 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 a framework shown supporting two shelves according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one of the two assemblies of the framework shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
       FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views of an end portion of a hanger member of the assembly shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  and also illustrating exemplary components that can be used for mounting the hanger member to supporting structure according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the hanger member end portion shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  with one of the bushings removed for clarity;  
       FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view illustrating the hanger member&#39;s end portion shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  but with the bushings, clevis pin, cotter pin, and eyebolt exploded away from the hanger member&#39;s end portion for clarity;  
       FIG. 7  is an elevation view of a hanger member of the assembly shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  and illustrating fastener holes that can provide providing multiple locations for selectively attaching the hanger member to another component;  
       FIG. 8  is another elevation view of the hanger member shown in  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing one of the elbows of the assembly shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ;  
       FIG. 10  is an elevation view of the elbow shown in  FIG. 9 ;  
       FIG. 11  is a view looking into the spanner member channel of the assembly shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ;  
       FIG. 12  is a view showing a generally C-shaped channel which may be defined by one or more framework components according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;  
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of one of the two exemplary shelves shown in  FIG. 1  according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;  
       FIG. 14  is an upper plan view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 15  is an elevation view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 15A  is an elevation view of a portion of the shelf shown in  FIG. 15 ;  
       FIG. 16  is an elevation view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 13 ;  
       FIG. 16A  is an elevation view of a portion of the shelf shown in  FIG. 16 ;  
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view showing an exemplary manner in which shelf portions may be engaged with a spanner member according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;  
       FIG. 17A  is a perspective view showing an exemplary manner in which shelf portions may be engaged with an elbow member according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;  
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another exemplary shelf that may be suspended from supporting structure by the framework shown in  FIG. 1  according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;  
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of another exemplary shelf that may be suspended from supporting structure by the framework shown in  FIG. 1  according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and  
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of another exemplary shelf that may be suspended from supporting structure by the framework shown in  FIG. 1  according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.  
      According to various aspects of the present disclosure, there are provided various exemplary embodiments of systems and apparatus that can, for example, be used to suspend storage devices from supporting structure. In one exemplary embodiment, a system generally includes one or more shelf members and a framework configured to be coupled to supporting structure for suspending the one or more shelf members from the supporting structure. The framework can include at least two spaced-apart hanger members, at least one spanner member, and at least two elbows each having a generally vertical portion engagable with a corresponding one of the hanger members, and a generally horizontal portion engagable with the spanner member.  
      In another exemplary embodiment, a system generally includes one or more shelf members having a plurality of wire members forming at least one shelf deck and at least one wire member having at least a portion disposed below the shelf deck. The system also includes a framework for suspending the one or more shelf members from the supporting structure. The framework has at least two spaced-apart hanger members coupled to supporting structure, at least one spanner member, and at least two elbows. Each elbow includes a channel with a generally vertical portion engaged with a corresponding channel of a hanger member, and a generally horizontal portion engaged with a corresponding portion of a channel of a spanner member. When the one or more shelf members are being supported by the framework suspended from the supporting structure, the wire member portion disposed below the shelf deck can cooperate with at least one other portion of the one or more shelf members for operatively trapping therebetween at least a portion of at least one of the spanner member and the elbows. This trapping can inhibit dislodging of the one or more shelf members from the framework.  
      Other aspects of the present disclosure include apparatus configured to be coupled to supporting structure for suspending one or more shelf members from the supporting structure. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus can generally include at least two spaced-apart hanger members including generally C-shaped channels and at least one spanner member including a generally C-shaped channel. The apparatus can further include at least two elbows including generally C-shaped channels having generally vertical portions configured for sliding engagement with the hanger member channels, and generally horizontal portions configured for sliding engagement with the spanner member channel. The apparatus can provide at least one support surface for supporting one or more shelf members thereon when the hanger members are coupled to supporting structure and the elbows are engaged with the hanger members and the spanner member.  
      Further aspects of the present disclosure include systems generally including one or more shelf members having a plurality of wire members forming a shelf deck, generally vertical wire segments extending downwardly relative to the shelf deck, and at least one generally horizontal rod member connected to the generally vertical wire segments. In one particular embodiment, the system can also include a framework configured to be coupled to supporting structure for suspending the one or more shelf members from the supporting structure. The framework can include at least two spaced-apart hanger members, at least one spanner member, and at least two elbows each having a generally vertical portion engagable with a corresponding one of the hanger members, and a generally horizontal portion engagable with the spanner member. When the one or more shelf members are supported by the framework suspended from the supporting structure, at least one of the generally vertical wire segments and generally horizontal rod member can be disposed relative to at least one of the spanner member and elbows for creating a snap-fit connection therewith. This snap-fit connection can inhibit dislodging of the one or more shelf members from the framework.  
      Additional aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods of suspending storage devices, such as racks, shelving, etc. from supporting structure. In one particular embodiment in which a framework includes one or more hanger members, elbows, and spanner members, a method generally includes slidingly engaging channels defined by the hanger members with channels defined by the generally vertical portions of the elbows. The method can also include slidingly engaging channels defined by the generally horizontal portions of the elbows with a channel defined by the spanner member. The method can further include coupling the hanger members to supporting structure, and supporting one or more storage devices along at least a portion of at least one of the spanner member and the generally horizontal elbow portions.  
      In various embodiments, the method can also include selectively adjusting the height or vertical location of the connection between the hanger members and elbows, to thereby raise or lower the shelf members. In various embodiments, the method can include selectively adjusting the horizontal positioning of the connection between the elbows and the spanner member, to thereby increase or decrease the overall shelf width that can be supported by the framework.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , there is shown one exemplary embodiment of an overhead storage system  100  embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the system  100  includes a framework  104  configured to be coupled to supporting structure (e.g., ceiling or overhead structural components, trusses, rafters, etc.) for suspending any of a wide range of storage devices from the supporting structure. Exemplary storage devices that can be suspended from supporting structure by the framework  104  generally include racks, baskets, bins, shelves, trays, buckets, among other containers and storage devices.  
      By way of example only,  FIG. 1  illustrates the framework  104  being used in combination with two wire shelves  108  (also shown in  FIGS. 13 through 16 ). In other embodiments, however, a framework (e.g.,  104 , etc.) can be used to support other shelving structures and storage devices, such as a basket, bin, and/or one or more of the shelves  208  ( FIG. 18 ),  308  ( FIG. 19 ),  408  ( FIG. 20 ), combinations thereof, etc.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates the framework  104  being used to support two shelves  108 . But other embodiments include frameworks (e.g.,  104 , etc.) that are used to support only one storage device or more than two storage devices. In embodiments in which a framework is supporting two or more storage devices, the framework may be used to support substantially identical or different storage devices.  
      With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the illustrated embodiment of the framework  104  includes two assemblies  112  disposed adjacent the shelf front and back edge portions  166  and  168 . As shown in FIGS.  2  and  3 , the assemblies  112  include hanger members  116 , elbows  120 , and spanner members  124 . In other embodiments, however, any of these framework components may be made integral with another component. For example, other embodiments include a hanger member and an elbow integrally or monolithically formed as a single component. Additionally, or alternatively, an elbow and a spanner member can be integrally or monolithically formed as a single component.  
      A wide range of materials and manufacturing processes can be used for the various framework components  116 ,  120 ,  124 . Exemplary materials include metals, alloys, plastics, composites, high density foam materials, combinations thereof, etc. Further, the same material or materials do not need to be used for each component.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, each hanger member  116 , elbow  120 , and spanner member  124  includes a channel.  FIG. 12  illustrates an exemplary C-shaped channel  127  that may be defined by one or more of these components  116 ,  120 , and  124 . In other embodiments, one or more of the hanger members  116 , elbows  120 , and spanner members  124  may include a channel having a configuration (e.g., size, shape, etc.) different than what is shown in the figures. Or, for example, one or more of the components  116 ,  120 ,  124  may not include any channel. In addition, the channel defined by a particular framework component need not have the same configuration, but may, for example, vary in size and/or shape along the length of the component. For example, one particular embodiment includes an elbow with a vertical portion having a channel with a different configuration (e.g., size, shape, etc.) than the channel defined by the elbow&#39;s horizontal portion.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the hanger member channels  128  are configured (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) to at least partially receive therein the channels  132  defined by the generally vertical portions  136  of the elbows  120 . Accordingly, the vertical portion  136  of an elbow  120  can slide or nest at least partially within the channel  128  of a corresponding hanger member  116 . In alternative embodiments, however, the sliding or nesting arrangement may be reversed such that the vertical portions of the elbows include channels configured (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) for at least partially receiving therein channels defined by the hanger members.  
      The nesting arrangement in combination with the fastener holes  140  ( FIG. 7 ) of the hanger members  116  and fastener hole  144  ( FIG. 9 ) of the vertical elbow portion  136  allow selective vertical adjustment to the locations at which the hanger members  116  are attached to the elbows  120 . The fastener holes  140  provide multiple vertical locations for selectively attaching the hanger members  116  to the elbows  120  with one or more fasteners  145  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The fasteners  145  may comprise any of a wide range of suitable fasteners, including nut-and-bolt assemblies, among other suitable mechanical fasteners.  
      Accordingly, various embodiments allow selective vertical adjustment to the height at which the one or more shelf members are suspended by the framework  104  relative to the supporting structure. By way of example, a user can decrease the distance that the shelves  108  are suspended away from the supporting structure by the framework  104  (and thus raise the height of the shelves  108  relative to the ground) by positioning more of the vertical elbow portions  136  within the hanger member channels  128 , and using higher holes  140  for the fasteners  145 . Conversely, a user may increase the distance that the shelves  108  are suspended away from the supporting structure by the framework  104  (and thus lower the shelf height relative to the ground) by positioning less of the vertical elbow portions  136  within the hanger member channels  128 , and using lower holes  140  for the fasteners  145 .  
       FIG. 7  shows the hanger member  116  having twelve holes  140 . In alternative embodiments, however, the hanger members can have more or less than twelve holes, can have differently configured (e.g., shaped, sized, arranged in different patterns, etc.) openings, and/or can be provided with other means for selectively engaging the hanger members and elbows at varying heights. By way of example, other embodiments can include hanger members having more holes than what are shown in the figures, for example, for increased adjustability and/or utility.  
       FIG. 9  shows the vertical elbow portion  136  having a single hole  144 . In alternative embodiments, however, the elbows can have more or less holes, can have differently configured (e.g., shaped, sized, arranged in different patterns, etc.) openings, and/or can be provided with other means for selectively engaging the elbows and hanger members at varying heights. By way of example, other embodiments include elbows having more holes than what are shown in the figures, which can provide increased adjustability and/or utility.  
      As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the spanner member channels  148  are configured (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) to at least partially receive therein the channels  152  defined by the generally horizontal portions  156  of the elbows  120 . Accordingly, the horizontal portion  156  of an elbow  120  can slide or nest at least partially within the channel  148  of a spanner member  124 . In alternative embodiments, however, the sliding or nesting arrangement may be reversed such that the horizontal elbow portions include channels configured (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) for at least partially receiving therein corresponding channels defined by a spanner member.  
      The nesting arrangement in combination with the fastener holes  160  ( FIG. 9 ) of the horizontal elbow portions  156  and fastener holes  164  ( FIG. 11 ) of the spanner members  124  allow selective horizontal adjustment to the locations at which the spanner members  124  are attached to the elbows  120 . The fastener holes  160  and  164  provide multiple horizontal locations for selectively attaching the spanner members  124  to the elbows  120  with one or more fasteners  165  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The fasteners  165  may comprise any of a wide range of suitable fasteners, which can provide including nut-and-bolt assemblies, among other suitable mechanical fasteners.  
      Accordingly, various embodiments allow selective horizontal adjustment to the spaced distance separating the hanger members  116 . For example, a user can decrease the distance separating the hanger members  116  (and thus decrease the overall shelf width that can be accommodated by the framework  104 ) by positioning more of the horizontal elbow portions  156  within the spanner member channel  148 , and then using the corresponding holes  160  and  164  for the fasteners  165 . Conversely, a user may increase the distance separating the hanger members  116  (and thus increase the overall shelf width that can be accommodated by the framework  104 ) by positioning less of the horizontal elbow portions  156  within the spanner member channels  148 , and using the corresponding holes  160  and  164  for the fasteners  165 . For example, the user may increase the distance separating the hanger members  116  in order to support one or more wider shelves, and/or to increase the number of shelves that can be supported by the framework  104 .  
       FIG. 9  shows the horizontal elbow portion  156  having two holes  160 . In alternative embodiments, however, the elbows can have more or less holes and/or have differently configured (e.g., shaped, sized, arranged in different patterns, etc.) openings and/or be provided with other means for selectively engaging the spanner member to the elbows at varying horizontal locations. By way of example, other embodiments can include elbows having more holes than what are shown in the figures, for example, for increased adjustability and/or utility.  
      Likewise,  FIG. 11  shows the spanner member  124  having two holes  164  along each end portion thereof. Alternative embodiments can include spanner members having more or less holes and/or having differently configured (e.g., shaped, sized, arranged in different patterns, etc.) openings and/or having other means for selectively engaging the elbows and spanner members at varying horizontal locations. By way of example, other embodiments can include spanner members having more holes than what are shown in the figures, for example, to increase adjustability and/or utility.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates the framework  104  with two assemblies  112  disposed to provide support along the front and back shelf edge portions  166  and  168 . Other embodiments include frameworks with more or less than two assemblies. Still further embodiments include frameworks configured (e.g., having other components, and/or spaced relative to the shelves  108 ) to provide support at one or more alternative or additional shelf locations, such as along a side edge and/or at an intermediate portion. Additional embodiments include frameworks having more than two assemblies  112 , for example, to provide additional support for substantially heavy shelf loads.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates the framework assemblies  112  positioned relative to the shelves  108  such that the spanner members  112  are generally parallel with the front and back shelf edge portions  166  and  168 . In other embodiments, however, one or more assemblies may be positioned relative to a shelf such that the spanner member is not generally parallel (e.g., generally transverse, diagonal, etc.) to a shelf&#39;s front or back edge portions.  
       FIG. 1  further illustrates the spaced-apart hanger members  116  and generally vertical elbow portions  136  positioned adjacent generally opposing edge portions of the shelf deck  170  formed by the grid of lateral and longitudinal wire members  172  of the shelves  108 . In other embodiments, however, the generally vertical elbow portions  136  and/or hanger members  116  may be positioned or inserted through the generally rectangular shaped openings defined between the wire members  172 . In such embodiments, portions of the shelf deck  170  would be disposed outside of the space defined between the hanger members  116 .  
       FIGS. 4 through 6  illustrate various exemplary components or hardware that may be used for coupling the hanger members  116  to supporting structures according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In the particular illustrated embodiment, the hanger members  116  can be coupled to supporting structure by eyebolts  174 . The eyebolts  174  can be attached to the hanger members  116  in various ways, and one exemplary way will now be described.  
      As shown in  FIG. 6 , the upper end portions  176  of the hanger members  116  can include openings  178 . An eyebolt  174  can be coupled to the upper end portion  176  of a hanger member  116  by a clevis pin  180  as follows. The end portion  181  of the clevis pin  180  is inserted into one of the openings  178 , through an opening  182  of a bushing component  183 , through the eye portion  184  of the eyebolt  174 , through an opening  182  of another bushing component  182 , and then through the other opening  178  of the hanger member  116 . A cotter pin  185  is inserted into the opening  186  of the clevis pin  180 , to thereby secure the clevis pin  180  within the openings  178  of the hanger member  116 , and, accordingly, also secure the eyebolt  174  and bushing components  183  to the hanger member  116 .  
      The eyebolts  174 , in turn, can be threaded (or otherwise attached) to supporting structure. In this exemplary manner, the hanger members  116  can thus be coupled to the supporting structure. Alternatively, other suitable components and methods may instead be used for coupling the hanger members  116  to supporting structure.  
      By using eyebolts (e.g.,  174 , etc.) for connecting a framework (e.g.,  104 , etc.) and its components (e.g., hanger members  116 ) to supporting structure, various embodiments can allow for good versatility in the installation process. Eyebolts can aid in the alignment of the hardware as well as accommodate for uneven or non-level mounting surfaces, such as uneven ceilings, vaulted ceilings, and cathedral ceilings. Eyebolts can also be relatively easily installed with layman&#39;s tools. Further, bushings can also be used in exemplary embodiments at the connections of the eyebolts to the hanger members, for example, to provide a relatively snug fit, to inhibit rattling, and/or to inhibit swaying of the system  100 .  
      When the various components  116 ,  120 , and  124  are assembled to form the framework  104  as shown in  FIG. 1 , the spanner member  124  and generally horizontal portions  156  of the elbows  120  can provide a generally horizontal support surface for supporting the one or more shelf members  108  thereon. Accordingly, the elbows  120  and spanner members  124  (when assembled between the elbows  120 ) can carry and distribute the shelf load to the eyebolts  174  (or other suitable means connecting the hanger members  116  to supporting structure). The eyebolts  174 , in turn, can then transfer that load to the supporting structure.  
      As noted herein,  FIGS. 13 through 20  illustrate exemplary shelves  108  ( FIGS. 13 through 16 ),  208  ( FIG. 18 ),  308  ( FIG. 19 ), and  408  ( FIG. 20 ). Any one or more of these shelves  108 ,  208 ,  308 ,  408  can be suspended (individually or in any combination with any one or more of the other shelves) from supporting structure by one or more embodiments of a framework (e.g.,  104 , etc.) of the present disclosure.  
      With further reference to  FIG. 13 , the shelf  108  includes wire or rod members  172  that form a deck or support surface  170  on which articles can be stored. The shelf  108  also includes generally vertical flanges or downwardly extending portions  187  along the front and back edge portions  166  and  168 . These shelf portions  187  can include a wire or rod member  188  disposed below the shelf deck  170 .  
      The rod member  188  can be connected (e.g., welded, glued, adhesively bonded, mechanically fastened, etc.) to generally vertical wire segments  189 . In the particular illustrated embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13 through 16 , wire members  172  extend generally between the shelf&#39;s front and back edge portions  166  and  168 . As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 16 A, these wire members  172  also extend and cascade downwardly to connect to the lower rod member  188 . Accordingly, in this particular embodiment, the generally vertical wire segments  189  comprise downwardly bent or formed portions of wire members  172 . Alternative embodiments, however, include generally vertical wire segments that comprise separate wire components, which are not integral with (but may be separately attached to) the wire members extending between the front and back edge portions of the shelf.  
      With continued reference to  FIGS. 13 through 16 , the shelf  108  also includes generally vertical flanges or downwardly extending portions  190  along the side edge portions  191  of the shelf  108 . These flange portions  190  can include upper, lower and intermediate wire or rod members  192 ,  193 ,  194  ( FIG. 15A ). In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 15A , the rod members  192 ,  193 ,  194  are shown in the same vertical plane. In other embodiments, however, one or more of the rod members  192 ,  193 ,  194  may be in a different vertical plane than one or more of the other rod members.  
      The upper, lower, and intermediate rod members  192 ,  193 ,  194  can be connected (e.g., welded, glued, adhesively bonded, mechanically fastened, etc.) to generally vertical wire segments  195 . In this particular embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13 through 16 , wire members  172  extend generally between the side edge portions  191  of the shelf  108 . As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 15 A, these wire members  172  also extend over the upper rod member  192  and cascade downwardly to connect to the intermediate and lower rod members  194  and  193 . Accordingly, in this particular embodiment, the generally vertical wire segments  195  comprise downwardly bent or formed portions of wire members  172 . Alternative embodiments, however, include generally vertical wire segments that comprise separate wire components, which are not integral with (but may be separately attached to) the wire members extending between the front and back edge portions of the shelf.  
       FIGS. 17 and 17 A illustrate an exemplary manner in which the shelf portions  187  and  190  can be engaged with one or more of the components of the framework  104 . In various embodiments, one or more of the wire members  188 ,  189 ,  192 ,  193 ,  194 ,  195  may be configured (e.g., sized, shaped, located, etc.) for clamping and creating a snap-fit with portions of the framework  104 , such as the spanner member  124  ( FIG. 17 ) or elbows  120  ( FIG. 17A ).  
      In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 17 , the lower wire members  188  and generally vertical wire segments  189  adjacent the shelf&#39;s front and rear edge portions  166  and  168  are configured (e.g., sized, shaped, located, etc.) to cam over and operatively trap the spanner channels  124  for creating a snap-fit connection or interference fit with the spanner channels  124 . With continued reference to  FIG. 17 , the flange portion  187  can cooperate with the flange portion  190  whereby the flange portion  187  cams over the spanner channel  124  for operatively trapping the spanner channel  124  generally between the flange portions  187  and  190 , which, in turn, may create a snap-fit connection therewith. As shown in  FIG. 17A , the wire members  188  and generally vertical wire segments  189  can also (or alternatively) create a snap-fit connection with the horizontal elbow portions  156 . These snap-fitting features can inhibit the shelf  108  from dislodging off the framework  104 , for example, when the shelf  108  is bumped, loaded, and/or unloaded.  
      In addition (or as an alternative) to forming snap-fitting connections, various embodiments include the flange portions  187  acting as stops for inhibiting movement of the shelf  108  relative to the framework  104 . For example, and as shown in  FIG. 1 , the flange portions  187  adjacent the shelf&#39;s front and back edge portions  166 ,  168  can cooperate for inhibiting respective forward and rearward movement of the shelf  108  relative to the framework  104 . When the shelf  108  is supported by the framework  104  as shown in  FIG. 1 , the flange portion  187  adjacent the shelf&#39;s forward edge portion  166  can function as a stop that inhibits forward movement of the shelf  108  relative to the framework  104 , while the flange portion  187  adjacent the shelf rearward edge portion  168  can function as a stop that inhibits rearward movement of the shelf  108  relative to the framework  104 .  
      With reference now to  FIG. 17A , wire members  188  and  189  of flange portion  187  can cooperate with the wire members  192 ,  193 ,  194 ,  195  of flange portion  190  for trapping the elbow  120  between flange portions  187  and  190 . For example, the wire members  189  and  190  can function as a stop that inhibits forward movement of the shelf  108  relative to the elbow  120 , while the wire members  192 ,  193 ,  194 ,  195  can function as a stop that inhibits rearward movement of the shelf  108  relative to the elbow  120 . Accordingly, this trapping can inhibit the shelf  108  from dislodging, for example, when the shelf  108  is bumped, loaded, and/or unloaded. This trapping in combination with gravity can help maintain the shelf positioning relative to the framework  104 .  
      In  FIGS. 1 and 17 , two shelves  108  are shown supported adjacent one another. In other embodiments, a framework (e.g.,  104 , etc.) can be used to support two or more shelf members with the shelf members abutting one another. Still further embodiments include frameworks (e.g.,  104 , etc.) that are used to support two or more shelf members that are spaced apart from one another. In addition,  FIGS. 1 and 17  show two shelves being supported by the framework  104  for purposes of illustration only, as other embodiments can include frameworks for supporting any suitable number of (i.e., one or more) storage devices depending, for example, on the particular application.  
      Various embodiments of the present disclosure can be mounted to a wide range of supporting structure, including ceiling trusses, rafters, etc. Accordingly, the specific references to supporting structure herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to mounting to any one specific form/type of structural components or location thereof.  
      Various aspects of the present disclosure can be used with a wide variety of storage devices. Accordingly, the specific references to shelves herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to use with only one specific form/type of storage device. For example, the figures show only particular examples of wire shelves  108  ( FIG. 13 ),  208  ( FIG. 18 ),  308  ( FIG. 19 ),  408  ( FIG. 20 ) that can be suspended by one or more of the frameworks of the present disclosure. Other embodiments include frameworks that can be used with a wide range of other storage devices besides what is shown in the figures, including shelves in different sizes (e.g., four foot, six foot, eight foot, ten foot, and/or cut to a custom size, etc.), having different depths and widths, without vertical flange portions, with different wire sizing, with different spacing between the wire members, combinations thereof, etc. Further embodiments of the present disclosure can also be used with shelves having wires or rods oriented generally longitudinally, transversely, diagonally, etc. relative to the shelf. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure should not be limited to use with any specific form/type of shelf. Indeed, aspects of the present disclosure should also not be limited to just shelving as embodiments of the present disclosure can also be used for suspending a wide range of other storage devices, including racks, wire baskets, wire bins, shelves, trays, buckets, among other containers and storage devices.  
      Further, the particular methods and geometries disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are not to be considered limiting. The 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 or performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. In addition, any one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented individually or in any combination with any one or more of the other aspects of the present disclosure.  
      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”, and “below” 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 of the present disclosure 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.  
      The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.