Patent Publication Number: US-2015060383-A1

Title: Shelving system and components

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/590,716, filed Aug. 21, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/204,279, filed Aug. 5, 2011, the contents of which both of are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The system disclosed herein relates generally to the field of shelving, and particularly may relate to support of a structure hanging from shelving. 
     Installation of shelving generally requires tools, time, and some degree of skill by an installer. Such installation may also require changing existing shelving systems, which may be undesirable or not allowed in certain situations. 
     Conventional hanging organizers may be used as a solution for additional storage with shelving in a closet or other places where there is a rod for hanging articles, independent of mounting the shelving directly to a wall. Many hanging organizers attach to a hanger rod with hooks or one or more straps that may be attached with hook and loop fasteners. The organizers are often soft sided, being a three sided fabric enclosure with shelves in it accessible from the open side or a side that may be opened with a zipper. Because the organizers are generally centered from front to back on the hanger rod, there is a significant amount of unused space behind the organizer and in front of the wall, and the front of the organizer extends out into the room, which may impede traffic in front of the shelf. The shelving may be suspended from only two straps, which can lend to instability of the shelves. The shelves of soft sided organizers often deflect with just a small amount of weight on them, and may lack the ability to adjust the height of the shelves. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one embodiment described herein, a bracket for hanging a structure supported by one or more straps from a solid surface shelf is provided. The solid shelf may include front edge and a deck having a top and a bottom, and the bracket includes elongated first and second legs and a connecting portion. The elongated first leg and the elongated second leg each have a proximal end and a distal free end. The proximal end of the first leg and the proximal end of the second leg are both connected to the connecting portion. The first leg and second leg are substantially parallel and extend from the connecting portion in substantially the same direction to define an elongated opening. The opening is adapted to receive the front edge and a portion of the deck of the shelf. 
     In accordance with another embodiment described herein, a bracket for hanging a structure supported by one or more straps from a wire shelf deck is provided. The bracket includes a plate having a body and first edge parallel to and spaced from a second edge. The first and second edges are bent in the same direction relative to the body, and the body defines first and second substantially parallel slots adapted to receive a strap. The slots are substantially parallel to the first and second edges. 
     In accordance with another embodiment described herein, a shelf for hanging from a plurality of straps is provided. The shelf comprises a deck and a first clamp. The deck has a first end and a second end, and defines a plurality of slots adapted to allow the straps to pass through. The first clamp is mounted to the deck, and has a first position for engaging at least one strap at an associated slot, and a second position for allowing the strap to slide in the associated slot. 
     In accordance with another embodiment described herein, a shelving system for mounting to a fixed shelf that is in a substantially fixed position is provided. The shelving system includes a bracket that engages the fixed shelf, at least one strap extending from the bracket, and a shelf releasably attached to any applicable straps. 
     In accordance with another embodiment described herein, a shelving system is provided. The shelving system includes two frames that include wire. The frames are for forming ends of the shelving system, and each frame includes a shelf supporting element including a first shelf rod receiving element and a second shelf rod receiving element. A shelf is provided that includes a first rod and a second rod spaced from the first rod. The first shelf rod receiving elements are configured to receive and support the first rod, and the second shelf rod receiving elements are configured to receive and support the second rod. 
     In accordance with another embodiment described herein, a shelving system is provided for mounting to a fixed shelf that is in a substantially fixed position. The shelving system includes at least two brackets that are configured to engage the fixed shelf, and at least one rigid strap depending from each bracket. Two frames are each associated with and releasably attached to one of the rigid straps and include a shelf supporting element including a shelf retaining portion. A shelf is supported by the shelf supporting element and is retained in place with the shelf retaining portion. 
     In accordance with another embodiment described herein, a method is provided for assembling a shelving system for mounting to a fixed shelf that is in a substantially fixed position. The method includes mounting at least two brackets to the shelf and hanging at least one rigid strap to each bracket. A frame is hung from each rigid strap, with each frame including a shelf supporting element including a shelf rod receiving element, biasing means, and a shelf retaining portion. A shelf includes shelf rods and is positioned above the shelf supporting element. The shelf retaining portion is deflected to allow the shelf to pass thereby. The shelf is seated on each shelf supporting element such that the rods are received in the shelf rod receiving elements, and the shelf rod retaining element is allowed to be positioned above the shelf to retain the shelf in position with the rods seated in the shelf rod receiving elements. 
     Other aspects and features of the present disclosure, as defined solely by the claims, will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following non-limiting detailed description of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the shelving system and components described herein, reference should now be had to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view from above of an embodiment of a shelving system with attachment brackets and a solid surface support shelf mounted to a wall. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view from below of the support shelf and a first embodiment of the attachment brackets shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a right side elevation view of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 1  with the attachment brackets shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed perspective view of the support shelf and the attachment bracket shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 7  is a right side elevation view of the attachment bracket shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8  is a left perspective view from the back of the attachment bracket shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view from below of the support shelf and a second embodiment of the attachment brackets shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a right side elevation view of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 1  with the attachment brackets shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a right side elevation view of the attachment bracket shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the attachment bracket shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a rear elevation view of the attachment bracket shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of the attachment bracket shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 15  is a section view taken along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view from above of an embodiment of a shelving system with attachment brackets on a wire support shelf mounted to a wall. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view from below of the support shelf and an embodiment of the attachment brackets shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 18  is a front elevation view of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is a left side view elevation of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 20  is a top plan view of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 16 , with the straps omitted. 
         FIG. 21  is a detailed perspective view of the support shelf and the attachment bracket shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 22  is a top plan view of the bracket as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 23  is a top perspective view of the bracket as shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a bottom perspective view of the bracket as shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 25  is a section view of the bracket taken along line  25 - 25  of  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 26  is a section view taken along line  26 - 26  of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 27  is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a shelf shown in the shelving systems of  FIGS. 1 and 16 . 
         FIG. 28  is an exploded bottom perspective view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 27 , including a first embodiment of a clamp. 
         FIG. 29  is a bottom perspective view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 30  is a bottom perspective view of the clamp shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 31  is a top perspective view of the clamp shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 32  is a bottom plan view of the clamp shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 33  is a front elevation view of the clamp shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 34  is a rear elevation view of the clamp shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 35  is a section view taken along line  35 - 35  of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 36  is a section view taken along line  36 - 36  of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 37  is a section view taken along line  37 - 37  of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 38  is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a shelf shown in the shelving systems of  FIGS. 1 and 16 . 
         FIG. 39  is an exploded bottom perspective view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 38 , including a second embodiment of a clamp. 
         FIG. 40  is a bottom plan view of the shelf shown in  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 41  is a bottom perspective view of the clamp shown in  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 42  is a top perspective view of the clamp shown in  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 43  is a bottom plan view of the clamp shown in  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 44  is a front elevation view of the clamp shown in  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 45  is a rear elevation view of the clamp shown in  FIG. 39 . 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of a shelving system including attachment brackets for a solid surface support shelf 
         FIG. 47  is a front elevation of view of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 46 . 
         FIG. 48  is a right side elevation view of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 46 . 
         FIG. 49  is a right side elevation view of an embodiment of an attachment bracket of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 46 . 
         FIG. 50  is a rear elevation view of the attachment bracket shown in  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 51  is a front elevation view of the attachment bracket shown in  FIG. 49 . 
         FIG. 52  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a rigid strap of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 46 . 
         FIGS. 53 ,  54 , and  55  are a front elevation view, a side elevation view, and a rear elevation view of the rigid strap shown in  FIG. 52 , respectively. 
         FIG. 56  is a connection detail of the attachment bracket of  FIG. 49  and the rigid strap shown in  FIG. 52 . 
         FIG. 57  is a perspective view from above of another embodiment of a shelving system including attachment brackets for a wire support shelf 
         FIG. 58  is a front elevation view of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 57 . 
         FIG. 59  is a right side elevation view of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 57 . 
         FIG. 60  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of an attachment bracket of the shelving system shown in  FIG. 57 . 
         FIG. 61  is a bottom perspective view of the attachment bracket shown in  FIG. 60 . 
         FIG. 62  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the attachment bracket shown in 
         FIG. 60 . 
         FIG. 63  is a front elevation view of the attachment bracket shown in  FIG. 60   
         FIG. 64  is a cross-section view of the attachment bracket shown in  FIG. 60  taken along line  64 - 64  of  FIG. 60 . 
         FIG. 65  is a cross-section view of the attachment bracket shown in  FIG. 60  taken along line  65 - 65  of  FIG. 60 . 
         FIG. 66  is a perspective view of the installation of the attachment bracket of  FIG. 60 . 
         FIG. 67  is a lateral center cross-section of the installed attachment bracket of  FIG. 66 . 
         FIG. 68  is a lateral cross-section detail of the attachment bracket of  FIG. 60  with the rigid strap of  FIG. 52  installed. 
         FIG. 69  is a right side elevation view of an embodiment of a frame of the shelving systems shown in  FIGS. 46 and 57 . 
         FIG. 70  is a section view of the frame shown in  FIG. 69  taken along line  70 - 70  of  FIG. 69 . 
         FIG. 71  is a front elevation view of the frame shown in  FIG. 69 . 
         FIGS. 72 and 73  are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of the shelf shown in  FIGS. 46 and 57 . 
         FIGS. 74 and 75  are detailed perspective views of the frame shown in  FIG. 69  and the shelf shown in  FIGS. 72 and 73 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the embodiments described. For example, words such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upward,” and “downward” merely describe the configuration shown in the figures. Indeed, the referenced components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise. 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, an embodiment of a shelving system is shown in  FIG. 1 , and is generally designated as  60 . The system  60  is shown with a solid surface support shelf  62  mounted to a wall  64 , though other mounting configurations, such as to posts or poles, are possible. The solid surface support shelf  62  may be, for example, wood, laminate, or plastic, but generally may be any material with substantially flat top and bottom surfaces as selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. The system  60  may further include means of mounting the shelf  62  to the wall  64  that is not shown, such as mounting strips fastened to the wall  64 , with support brackets (not shown) mounted to the mounting strips at one end of the support bracket and supporting the free edge of the shelf  62  with the other end of the support bracket. The support brackets can be placed at various positions in the mounting strips to vary the height of the shelf  62 . The shelf  62  includes a deck  66  and a front edge  68 . 
     Two solid shelf attachment brackets  80  are mounted to the support shelf  62 , and hanging shelves  82  are suspended from the attachment brackets  80  with straps  84  passing through slots  86 . The attachment brackets  80  are substantially U-shaped, having a top leg  88 , a front portion  90 , and a bottom leg (not shown in  FIG. 1 ).  FIG. 2  shows the bottom leg  92  of the attachment bracket  80  in position on the shelf  62 .  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5  show front elevation view, side view, and top plan view of the system  60 , respectively. A front strap  84  passing through a slot  94  in the attachment bracket  80  is shown in  FIG. 6 . The strap  84  forms a loop through the slot  94  and may be fastened to itself with a snap  96 , rivet, or other fastening means. 
     The attachment bracket  80  is further detailed in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The top leg  88  of the attachment bracket  80  is substantially parallel to and opposes the bottom leg  92  to form an opening  100 , and the front portion  92  connects the two legs  88 ,  92 . This configuration permits sliding of the attachment bracket  80  around the shelf  62  for mounting of the attachment bracket  80  on the shelf  62 , with the top leg  88  resting on the shelf deck  66 , the front portion  90  in contact with or proximate to the front edge  68  of the shelf  62 , and the bottom leg  92  in contact with or proximate to the bottom of the deck  66 . In this embodiment, there are two slots  94  through the bottom leg  92 . The slots  94  may be at substantially the same position with respect to the height of the bottom leg  92 , in this case centered on the height of the bottom leg  92 , or could be positioned at different heights than shown. The slots  94  may be spaced from front to back of the bottom leg  92 , which spaces the straps  84  to provide, with two attachment brackets  80  with two slots  94 , four points of support for each hanging shelf  82 . The top leg  88  and bottom leg  92  may be different lengths; in the embodiment shown the bottom leg  92  is longer than the top leg  88 . 
     The attachment bracket  80  may be made of a variety of materials; in the embodiment shown, the attachment bracket  80  is made of metal tubing that is substantially square in cross-section, cut in two places, and folded and welded at the corners or otherwise secured in the desired shape. In one embodiment, the metal tubing is approximately 0.75 inches on each side in cross section, and the wall thickness is approximately 0.4 inches, or at least approximately 0.039 inches. The attachment bracket  80  may also be other closed cross-sectional shapes, and although the embodiment shown has open ends, the ends could be closed with, for example, plastic plugs or metal. The slots  94  may be punched as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Possible materials for the attachment bracket  80  include plastic, wood, or composite in addition to metal. 
       FIGS. 9-15  show a second embodiment of an attachment bracket  110  for mounting to a solid shelf  62 . This attachment bracket  110  appears the same as the previous embodiment of an attachment bracket  80  as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  5 . This attachment bracket  110  likewise is configured to be substantially U-shaped, having a top leg  112 , a bottom leg  114 , and a front portion  116  connecting the legs  112 ,  114 , all defining an opening  118 .  FIG. 9  shows the bottom leg  114  of the attachment bracket  110  in position on the shelf  62 , and  FIG. 10  shows a side elevation view of the system  120 , with the straps  84  looping around the bottom leg  114  of the attachment bracket  110 . The straps  84  engage the top surface  122  of the bottom leg  114  at recessed areas  124  along the top surface  122  ( FIG. 11 ). In this embodiment of the attachment bracket  110 , the strap  84  may be pre-fastened to make a loop in the strap  84  before reaching a user because the recessed areas  124  can be accessed from the free end of the bottom leg  114 , as opposed to requiring threading of the strap  84  through slots  94  as in the first embodiment of an attachment bracket  80 . 
       FIGS. 11-15  show the second embodiment of the attachment bracket  110  in detail, which in general has the same configuration and method of mounting to the support shelf  62  as the first embodiment  80 . In the second embodiment, however, the top leg  112 , front portion  116 , and bottom leg  114  are each open channels. The recessed areas  124  may be spaced from front to back of the bottom leg, which again spaces the straps  84  to provide, with two attachment brackets  110  with two recessed areas  124 , four points of support for each hanging shelf  82 . The attachment bracket  110  may be made of a variety of materials; in the embodiment shown, the attachment bracket  110  may be made of metal and may be formed from a flat, stamped plate and welded or otherwise secured in the desired shape. Materials for this embodiment also may include plastic, or as selected by one of ordinary skill in art. 
     Another embodiment of a shelving system is shown in  FIGS. 16-20 , and is generally designated as  140 . The system  140  is shown with a wire support shelf  142  mounted to a wall  64 , though other mounting configurations, such as to posts or poles, are possible. The system  140  may further includes means of mounting the wire support shelf  140  to the wall  64  that is not shown, such as clips, with support brackets (not shown) mounted to the wall at one end of the support bracket and supporting the free edge of the shelf  142  with the other end of the support bracket. The shelf  142  includes a deck  144  and a front edge  146 . 
     Four wire shelf attachment brackets  150  are positioned on the deck  144  in a substantially rectangular configuration, and hanging shelves  82  are suspended from the attachment brackets  150  with straps  84 . The four attachment brackets  150  provide four points of support for the hanging shelves  82  for stability and strength. An attachment bracket  150  is shown in detail in  FIGS. 21-24 . This embodiment of an attachment bracket  150  shown is substantially a plate with a body  152  having downturned curved edges  154  along two sides and two elongated substantially parallel openings or slots  156  that are substantially parallel to the curved edges  154 . The slots  156  are on either side of a center portion  158  of the body  152  and each has on its side proximate to the center of the body  152  downwardly curved lips  160 . 
     The straps  84  weave through openings in the attachment brackets  150  as shown in detail in  FIGS. 25 and 26 . The embodiment of the attachment bracket  150  shown spans three wires  162 ,  164 ,  166  of the wire shelf deck  144 , where preferably the attachment bracket  150  is centered on the center wire  164 . The distance between the curved edges  154  may be set such that the curved edges  154  engage the outside wires  162 ,  166  and prevent lateral movement of the attachment bracket  150 . The attachment bracket  150  could have an offset structure such that the strap  84  is not aligned with the center wire  164 . Spanning a plurality of wires increases the stability and strength of the deck support of the straps  84 . The separate attachment bracket design permits adjustment from front to back of a support shelf  62 , for example, to reduce the distance between the back of a hanging shelf  82  and the wall  64 , or to accommodate wider shelves with wider spacing between slots  86 . 
     The lips  160  are shaped to engage the straps  84  with their curved surface, and are threaded through the wire shelf deck  144  and the openings  156  in the attachment bracket  150 . Although the center portion  158  of the attachment bracket  150  is shown spanning one wire  164 , the center portion could span a plurality of wires. Because the strap  84  has to be threaded through the attachment brackets  150  and wires  162 ,  164 ,  166 , in this embodiment a user needs to be able to fasten the strap  84  to itself, for example, with a snap  96  or other fastener when assembling the system. Preferably the fastener is releasable to allow relocation or adjustment of the position of the attachment brackets  150  and system  140 . 
     The material of the attachment brackets  80 ,  110 ,  150  may generally be expected to be metal, such as a low carbon steel or other steel alloy, or alternatively may be a plastic, and may be high strength polymer and/or include carbon reinforcing, but may be other metals or materials as selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. Methods of manufacture may include, but not be limited to, injection molding, die casting, sand casting, or extrusion. If metal, a surface treatment may be applied for corrosion protection, for example, a zinc coating by a barrel plating process, galvanizing, or a powder based epoxy or paint coating, or as otherwise selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
       FIGS. 27-37  show a first embodiment and components of a hanging shelf  82   a  that may be used as the shelf  82  in the shelving systems  60 ,  120 ,  140  described above, or in other shelving systems that employ straps to hang the shelves. The hanging shelf  82   a  has a deck  180  that is substantially rectangular in plan view, but may be other shapes, and has an optional lip  182  at the rear edge to help keep articles on the top surface  184 . Four or another plurality of slots  86  may be provided for receiving straps  84  from which the shelf  82  is suspended.  FIG. 28  shows the bottom surface  186  of the deck  180  with stiffener ribs  188 , a clamp  190 , and a spring  192  for biasing the clamp  190  to the closed, engaged position. The clamp  190  is received in openings  194  in the deck  180 , and has round pivot protrusions or pivot bosses  196  that are received in openings  198  in the ribs  188 . The spring  192  is received in a cylindrical opening  200  in the deck. Another clamp  190  will be placed at the opposite end of the deck  180 , as shown in  FIG. 29 . The straps  84  pass through the slots  86  to allow hanging of one shelf  82   a  beneath another shelf  82   a , as shown in, for example,  FIGS. 1 and 16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 29 , several ribs  202  extend across the deck  180  between other ribs  188 , but are not in contact with the bottom surface  186  of the deck  180 . As such, these ribs  202 , which may be formed by a slide in an injection mold, provide a location for storage of the straps  84  in transit or excess strap length in usage, which may be folded and tucked in these areas  204  between the ribs  202  and the bottom surface  186  of the deck  180 . 
       FIGS. 30-34  show this first embodiment of a clamp  190  in detail. The view of  FIG. 30  shows the bottom and front of the clamp  190 , while  FIG. 31  shows the top and front of the clamp  190 . The bottom of the clamp  190  is the side that will be facing downward when received in the deck  180 . The clamp  190  includes a handle portion  210  and two gripping portions  212 . The pivot bosses  196  are provided on each side of the gripping portions  212  and secure the clamp  190  into the deck  180 . The handle portion  210  includes a sloped section with an angled interaction surface  214  as an ergonomic design for hand placement. A round spring protrusion  216  is provided for receiving the spring  192  towards the back of the handle portion  210 . The gripping portions  212  each include a toothed section  220  that will engage a strap  84  that passes through the adjacent slot  86 . By placing the interaction surface  214  of the clamp  190  at least under the clamp&#39;s pivot point (the pivot bosses  196 ) or inside the pivot point toward the center of the shelf  82   a , a user&#39;s application of force to the interaction surface  214  results in a torque being applied to open the mechanism and release the straps  84 . If the interaction surface  214  were far away from the pivot point, such that the clamp  190  was biased away from the deck  180 , a user would generate a torque opposite to the closing direction of the clamp  190 . To allow the clamp  190  to close on the strap  84 , the user would have to temporarily have to let go of the shelf  82   a , causing the shelf  82   a  to fall slightly and result in an unsettling feeling for the user. 
       FIG. 35  shows a section of the clamp through the handle portion  210  at the center where the spring  192  is located. As discussed above, the spring  192  is received in a cylindrical opening  200  in the deck  180 , and around a round spring protrusion  216  of the handle portion  210  proximate to the back of the handle portion  210 . The position of the spring  192  causes the clamp  190  to be biased to the engaged position, as shown in  FIG. 35 .  FIG. 36  shows a section of the clamp  190  through the gripping portion  212 , with the clamp  190  in both the closed, engaged position  190   a  and the open, disengaged position  190   b . An engagement surface  222  is provided on the deck  180  that opposes the toothed section  220  when the clamp  190  is in the engaged position  190   a . When in the engaged position  190   a , the toothed section  220  engages the strap  84 , and the downward force of the weight of the shelf  82   a  and the articles on the shelf  82  causes the toothed section  220  of the clamp  190  to rotate upward, tightening the mechanism and increasing the “bite” into the strap  84 . The strap  84  is clamped, or pinned, between the engagement surface  222  and the toothed section  220  of the clamp  190 . 
     In one embodiment, dimensions and angles may be as follows. The clearance X between the teeth  230  and the engagement surface  222  may be approximately at least 0.02 inches, or preferably 0.023 inches, and may be adjusted based on the thickness and material of the strap  84 . The angle of rotation θ of the bottom of the gripping portion  212  from horizontal may be approximately 20 degrees. The angle μ which is the angle from the axis of rotation of the clamp  190  to the vertical center of the toothed portion  220  may be approximately 34 degrees, or preferably 34.1 degrees. The angles α and β of the main contact teeth, which may be considered to be the bottom two teeth, from horizontal may be respectively approximately 10 and 20 degrees. 
       FIG. 37  shows the mounting of the clamp  190 , and specifically a gripping portion  212  in the deck  180 . Ribs  232  on each side of the gripping portion  212  define openings  198  that receive the pivot bosses  196  of the gripping portion  212 , where the pivot bosses  196  snap into place by slight deflection of the ribs  232 . At their free edges, the ribs  232  are configured to have a progressive ramp design  234  to facilitate entry of the pivot bosses  196  between the ribs  232 . A shelf feature  236  on each side is provided for extra engagement of the openings  198  with the clamp′ pivot bosses  196 . This three-dimensional geometry may be molded by using slides in an injection mold, which allows the ribs to be thickened locally. Rib thickening allows a longer ramp  234  to be used on the shelf rib  232  to guide the clamp  190  into place. Resulting from the thicker wall, the engagement can be increased between the ribs  232  of the shelf and the pivot bosses  196 , which prevents issues that can result from tight tolerance. 
       FIGS. 38-45  show a second embodiment and components of a hanging shelf  82   b  that may also be used as a shelf  82  in the shelving systems  60 ,  120 ,  140  described above, or in other shelving systems that employ straps to hang the shelves. The hanging shelf  82   b  has a deck  240  that is substantially rectangular in plan view, but may be other shapes, and has an optional lip  242  at the rear edge to help keep articles on the top surface  244 . Four or another plurality of slots  86  may be provided for receiving straps  84  from which the shelf  82   b  is suspended.  FIG. 39  shows the bottom surface  246  of the deck  240  with stiffener ribs  248 , a clamp  250 , and two springs  252  for biasing the clamp  250  to the closed, engaged position. The clamp  250  is received in openings  254  in the deck  240 , and has round pivot protrusions or pivot bosses  256  that are received in openings  258  in the ribs  248 . The springs  252  are received in cylindrical openings  260  in the deck (similar openings are visible and labeled at the opposite end of the deck). Increasing the number of springs  252  to two per clamp  250  helps to provide additional consistency in the retention of straps  84  from one side to the other. Another clamp  250  will be placed at the opposite end of the deck  240 . The straps  84  pass through the slots  86  to allow hanging of one shelf  82   b  beneath another shelf  82   b , as shown in, for example,  FIGS. 1 and 16 . 
     Elongated strip  262  is provided on the longitudinal axis of the shelf  82   b . The strip  262  may be, for example, galvanized metal, such as steel. The strip  262  is oriented with its width substantially perpendicular to the top surface  244  of the deck  240  to provide the greatest stiffening effect in the direction of weight bearing on the shelf  82   b , as well as resistance to creep over time. The strip extends between the clamps  250  in slots  264  in the ribs  248 . Cylindrical openings  266  are provided in the middle and at the ends of the strip  262  to receive screws  268 . Washers  270  go around the screws and overlap the bottom (top in  FIG. 39  orientation) of the strip  262  to secure the strip  262  in the slots  264 . Additional strips could be added in various directions to increase the stiffening effect, and the placement of the strips may vary from the central longitudinal axis position shown. A composite shelf with one or more metal strips that act as a beam and that may thereby increase the stiffness of the shelf may provide support for articles with reduced vertical deflection as compared to, for example, an entirely plastic shelf.  FIG. 40  further shows the layout of the deck  240 , clamp  250  (only one shown), stiffener ribs  248 , and strip  262 . 
       FIGS. 41-45  show the second embodiment of a clamp  250  in detail. The view of  FIG. 41  shows the bottom and rear of the clamp  250 , while  FIG. 42  shows the top and rear of the clamp  250 . The bottom of the clamp  250  is the side that will be facing downward when received in the deck  240 . The clamp  250  includes a handle portion  280  and two gripping portions  282 . The pivot bosses  256  are provided on each side of the gripping portions  282  and secure the clamp  250  into the deck  240 . The handle portion  280  includes a sloped section with an angled interaction surface  284  as an ergonomic design for hand placement. Round spring protrusions  286  are provided for receiving the springs  252  towards the back of the handle portion  280 . The gripping portions  282  each include a toothed section  290  that will engage a strap  84  that passes through the adjacent slot  86 . As with the first embodiment of a clamp  190 , by placing the interaction surface  284  of the clamp  250  at least under the clamp&#39;s pivot point (the pivot bosses  256 ) or inside the pivot point toward the center of the shelf  82   b , a user&#39;s application of force to the interaction surface  284  results in a torque being applied to open the mechanism and release the straps  84 . 
     The construction and positioning of the clamp  250  may be substantially similar to that of the first embodiment of the clamp  190  as shown in  FIGS. 35-37 , with one difference being the number and locations of the springs  192 ,  252 . 
     The decks  180 ,  240  and clamps  190 ,  250  may be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to metal and plastic, but in the embodiment shown are contemplated to be molded plastic, including but not limited to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polypropylene, talc filled polypropylene (PP talc), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyoxmethylene (POM), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), or other polymer. Methods of making the clamp  190 ,  250  may include injection molding for plastic, and die casting for metal, or formed metal. The springs  192 ,  252  which could include but not be limited to torsional or tension springs, are shown as metal, in particular steel alloy, but could be another metal, a composite, or plastic. Additional materials and manufacturing methods for these parts may also be as selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. The straps  84  may be made of polyester, nylon, cotton webbing, or any other material that permits engagement with the teeth of the clamp, also as selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In the embodiments shown, the shelf  82  provides four points of support to receive four straps  84  spaced for stability and strength in hanging the shelf  82 . The height of each shelf  82  may be easily adjusted, with the clamp  190  at each end of the shelf  82  allowing for gripping and release of two straps  82 . Only one hand is required to simultaneously release the two straps  84  on each end of a shelf  82 . When a user presses on the angled interaction surface  214  of the handle portion  210 , the toothed portion  220  of the gripping portion  212  rotates away from the engagement surface  222  of the deck  180  and the strap  84 , freeing the strap  84  to slide within the slot  86 . The shelves  82  may be adjusted such that the top surface  184  of the deck  180  is horizontal, or alternatively, the straps  84  may be secured to provide an angled surface, as may be desirable for shoe storage. The systems  60 ,  120 ,  140  may be applied to a new support shelf installation or retro-fit to an existing installation. 
       FIGS. 46-48  show another embodiment of a shelving system  300 . The shelving system  300  may include left and right attachment brackets  302 ,  304  that are configured to be supported by a solid surface shelf  62  (not shown), such as wood, plastic, or composite, similarly to the attachment brackets  80  shown in  FIG. 1 , and hanging shelving  301 . The hanging shelving  301  may include pairs of left and right rigid straps  306 ,  308  that depend from the attachment brackets  302 ,  304 , left and right frames  310 ,  312  that depend from the rigid straps  306 ,  308 , shelves  314  that are supported by the frames  310 ,  312 , and a hang rod  316 , also supported by the frames  310 ,  312 . 
     A left attachment bracket  302  is further detailed in  FIGS. 49-51 . The top leg  320  of the attachment bracket  302  may be substantially parallel to and opposes the bottom leg  322  to form an opening  324 , and the front portion  326  connects the two legs  320 ,  322 . This configuration permits sliding of the attachment bracket  302  around the shelf  62  (shelf  62 , shelf deck  66 , and front edge  68  of shelf  62  are as shown in  FIG. 1 ) for mounting of the attachment bracket  302  on the shelf  62 , with the top leg  320  resting on the shelf deck  66 , the front portion  326  in contact with or proximate to the front edge  68  of the shelf  62 , and the bottom leg  322  in contact with or proximate to the bottom of the deck  66 . In this embodiment, the attachment bracket  302  is made of a rectangular tubular member having a left wall  330  and a right wall  332 . There are two slots  334  through the bottom leg  322 . The slots  334  may be at substantially the same position with respect to the height of the bottom leg  322 . The slots  334  are defined by an elongated opening  336 ,  338  defined by each wall  330 ,  332 . The left attachment bracket  302  that is shown, the openings  336 ,  338  have bottom edges that are at the same height, but the opening  336  in the left wall  330  is narrower than the opening  338  in the right wall  332 . As will be discussed further below, this provides an appropriate fit to receive the rigid straps  306 . The slots  334  may be spaced from front to back of the bottom leg  322 , which spaces the rigid straps  306  to provide, with two attachment brackets  302 ,  304  with two slots  334  each, two points of support for each frame  310 ,  312 . The top leg  320  and bottom leg  322  may be different lengths; in the embodiment shown the bottom leg  322  is longer than the top leg  320 . The right attachment bracket  304  may be the same as the left attachment bracket  302 , except the location of the narrow openings  336  and the wider openings  338  are reversed. 
       FIGS. 52-55  show an embodiment of a left rigid strap  306 . The rigid straps  306 ,  308  may not be fully rigid, but are referred to as rigid because they are relatively rigid as compared to the straps  84  previously shown and described, which may be made of, for example, polyester, nylon, cotton webbing, or the like. Therefore, for the purposes of this disclosure, the term “rigid strap” may be considered to mean that the strap is substantially rigid, and that the rigidity of the rigid straps is sufficient to hold the weight that they support. A rigid strap  306  may include a flat, elongated central portion  348  with an upper hook  350  and a lower hook  352 , where open ends of the upper hook  350  and the lower hook  352  oppose each other. Where a rigid strap  306 ,  308  is disclosed to apply pressure or provide a snap-fit, snug fit, or firm fit, it is understood that the strap has at least a slight resiliency that allows it to deflect even a small amount and apply a force to the part it engages. 
     The upper hook  350  in end view ( FIG. 54 ) may circumscribe a portion of a rectangle, with a lower lateral portion  354  at a right angle to the elongated central portion  348 , a left vertical portion  356  at a right angle to the lower lateral portion  354 , an upper lateral portion  358  at a right angle to the left vertical portion  356 , and a right vertical portion  360  extending downward at a right angle to the upper lateral portion  358  to form an opening  361  for receiving a portion of the lower leg  322  of the left attachment bracket  302 . The upper hook  350  may have a portion  362  that extends forward of the elongated central portion  348 . The right vertical portion  360  may have a crimp  364  along its length. The lower hook  352  may have a radius  366  and may be curved at the bottom and turns upward to form an opening  368  for receiving the top of the frame  310 , with the hook  352  flared outward  370  at the top. The lower hook  352  also may have a portion  372  that extends forward of the elongated central portion  348 . Both portions  364 ,  372  that extend forward of the elongated central portion  348  help to resist front to back torsion from the frame  310 . 
       FIG. 56  shows the upper hook  350  inserted into the lower leg  322  of the left attachment bracket  302 . To assemble these parts, the right vertical portion  360  may first be inserted into the opening  336  through the left wall  330  of the lower leg  322 . Then the upper hook  350  is rotated to allow the upper lateral portion  358  to pass through that opening  336 , and the opening  338  through the right wall  332  is large enough to allow the right vertical portion  360  to pass through. The attachment bracket  302  is then rotated such that the crimp  364  applies pressure to the lower right corner of the upper hook  350  to releaseably secure the upper hook  350  in position. Each of the right attachment brackets  304 , the right rigid straps  308 , and the attachment of the right rigid straps  308  to the right attachment brackets  304  are mirror images of the views of the left attachment bracket  302 , the left rigid straps  306 , and the attachment of the left rigid straps  306  to the left attachment brackets  302 , respectively, shown in  FIGS. 49-56 . 
       FIGS. 57-59  show another shelving system  380  in which the hanging shelving  301  is incorporated. Instead of the left and right attachment brackets  302 ,  304  that are configured to be supported by a solid surface shelf  62 , a second embodiment of four attachment brackets  382  are configured to be supported by a wire shelf  142  (not shown). The four wire shelf attachment brackets  382  are positioned on the deck  144  (not shown) in a substantially rectangular configuration similarly to the previously described wire shelf attachment bracket  150  embodiment, and hanging shelves  301  are suspended from the attachment brackets  382  with rigid straps  306 ,  308 . The four attachment brackets  382  provide four points of support for the hanging shelves  301  for stability and strength.  FIGS. 57-59  show the modularity of the hanging shelving  301  between a solid surface shelf application and a wire shelf application, as solid surface shelving attachment brackets  302 ,  304  and wire shelving attachment brackets  382  may be used interchangeably with the hanging shelving  301 . 
       FIGS. 61-65  show this embodiment of a wire shelf attachment bracket  382  in detail. The bracket  382  may include a rectangular, substantially planar top portion or plate referred to as a body  386  and other features that are configured substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal axis X-X of the bracket  382 . Such features may include curved downturned edges  388  and elongated substantially parallel openings or slots  390 , with both the downturned edges  388  and the slots  390  oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis. The edges  388  may include returns  392 , in which the downturned edges  388  curve toward the longitudinal axis X-X and then outward. The slots  390  are on either side of a center portion  394  of the body  386  and each has on its side proximate to the center of the body  386  downwardly curved lips  396 . Two ridges  398  transverse to the longitudinal axis X-X are provided adjacent to the transverse edges for strength. 
       FIGS. 66-68  show the installation of a wire attachment bracket  382  and an associated rigid strap  308 . First, in  FIG. 66  (ridges  398  not shown) the attachment bracket  382  is tilted to allow insertion of one edge  388  through the wires  162 ,  164 . As shown, in this embodiment an adhesive-backed resilient pad  400  is added on the bottom surface of the center portion  394  of the body  386 . The pad  400  may be, for example, a resilient material such as rubber or other elastomeric material. The attachment bracket  382  is positioned with the return  392  such that the left wire  162  is caught in the inside radius of the left downturned edge  388 . Next, in  FIG. 67  the attachment bracket  382  is rotated downward to place the right downturned edge  388  in contact with the right wire  166   a , requiring the wire  166  to deflect and depressing the wire into position  166   a . The wire  166  will then flex to snap into the final position shown in the inside radius of the right downturned edge  388 . Concurrently, the pad  400  is placed in contact with the middle wire  164 , and depresses that wire  164  downward such that that wire  164  in the final position exerts a force upward on the attachment bracket  382 . As a result, the attachment bracket  382  is secured in a firm relationship with the shelf  144 . 
       FIG. 68  shows the installed attachment bracket  382  with a right rigid strap  308  inserted through it. To install the right rigid strap  308 , the rigid strap  308  is tilted, and the left vertical portion  360  of the upper hook  350  is inserted into the right slot  390 . The upper lateral portion  358  is inserted through the right slot  390  as the strap  308  is rotated counterclockwise until the left vertical portion  360  is in position over the left lip  396  of the attachment bracket  382  and the upper lateral portion  358  is positioned over the central portion  394  of the attachment bracket  382 . The crimp  362  applies pressure to the left lip  396  to secure the rigid strap  308  in a firm relationship with the attachment bracket  382 . 
     This embodiment of the attachment bracket  382  shown spans three wires  162 ,  164 ,  166  of the wire shelf deck  144 , where preferably the attachment bracket  150  is centered on the center wire  164  such that the pad  400  applies pressure to the center wire  164 . The distance between the curved edges  388  is preferably set such that the curved edges  388  engage the outside wires  162 ,  166  and prevent lateral movement of the attachment bracket  150 . The attachment bracket  382  could have an offset structure such that the rigid strap  308  is not aligned with the center wire  164 . Spanning a plurality of wires increases the stability and strength of the deck support of the rigid straps  306 ,  308 . The fastener is releasable to allow relocation or adjustment of the position of the attachment brackets  382  and system  380 . 
     The material of the attachment brackets  302 ,  304 ,  382  and rigid straps  306 ,  308  may generally be expected to be metal, such as a low carbon steel or other steel alloy, or alternatively may be a plastic, and may be high strength polymer and/or include carbon reinforcing, but may be other metals or materials as selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. Methods of manufacture may include, but not be limited to, injection molding, die casting, sand casting, or extrusion. If metal, a surface treatment may be applied for corrosion protection, for example, a zinc coating by a barrel plating process, galvanizing, or a powder based epoxy or paint coating, or as otherwise selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Left and right frames  310 ,  312  are provided that are a mirror view of each other, with the left frame  312  shown in  FIGS. 69-71 . The frames  310 ,  312  are made, in this embodiment, entirely of relatively thin rod that may be referred to as wire. The left frame  312  may include a perimeter member  420  that may have sections designated as a first or front stanchion  422 , a second or rear stanchion  424 , a top transverse member  426 , and a bottom transverse member  428 , which are substantially at right angles to each other around the perimeter member  420 . Proximate to the top transverse member  426  is a structural transverse member  430  connected to each stanchion  422 ,  424 , and connecting to and extending upward from the structural transverse member  430  is a structural vertical member  432  that is connected to the top transverse member  426 . The structural transverse member  430  and the structural vertical member  432  may be in any variety of configurations that provide overall structural support to the frame  312 . 
     The bottom transverse member  428  defines a U-shape proximate to but spaced from the front stanchion  422 , with the open end of the “U” facing upward to form a hanging rod receiving element  436 . The wire in the area between the hanging rod receiving element  436  and the front stanchion  422  is moderately sloped downward from the front stanchion  422  to the hanging rod receiving element  436  to provide a bend that is less severe than a right angle, and may be an aesthetic and functional improvement over a right angle. 
     The frames  310 ,  312  may include two shelf supporting elements  440 ; more or less could be provided. The shelf supporting elements  440  may be transverse members connected and substantially perpendicular to the front stanchion  422  and the rear stanchion  424 . Connections may be made by, for example, welding. Adjacent to the front stanchion  422  and the rear stanchion  424 , each shelf supporting element  440  defines a substantial U-shape, although other shapes that provide the needed functionality may be used, with the open end of the “U” facing upward to form a shelf rod receiving element  442 . Inward from and adjacent to the shelf rod receiving element  442  the shelf supporting element  440  is bent upward and then downward to form a substantial V-shape, although other shapes that provide the needed functionality may be used, with the open end of the “V” facing downward to form a biasing means  444 . In between the biasing means  444 , the shelf supporting element  440  forms an arc shape that may be designated as a shelf retaining portion  446 . 
     Top and bottom views of a shelf  314  are shown in  FIGS. 72 and 73 , respectively. The shelf  450  is substantially rectangular. At the front of the shelf  314  is a front shelf rod  452  and at the rear of the shelf is a rear shelf rod  454 . The rods  452 ,  454  may include knobs  456  at the left and right ends. There are three transverse members  460 ,  462 ,  464 , two of which  460 ,  462  define the left and right sides of the shelf  450 , with the third member  464  providing structural stability and support at the midpoint of the shelf  314 . At each corner is a curved member  466  that connects the rods  452 ,  454  to adjacent side members  460 ,  462  and provides structural stability. A thin film  470  is wrapped around the rods  452 ,  454  and side members  460 ,  462  and secured to itself. The film may be a plastic, such as polyethylene, in which case the film may be secured to itself with a weld, or the film could be other materials, such as a fabric, for example, canvas or polyester, in which case the film could be sewn to itself. 
       FIGS. 74 and 75  show the installation of a shelf  314  in the right frame  312 . In  FIG. 74 , the shelf  314  is placed such that the front shelf rod  452  and the rear shelf rod  454  are in the opening to the shelf rod receiving element  442 . Concurrently, the shelf  314  and the side member  462  are resting on the shelf supporting element  440 , and in particular on the shelf retaining portion  446 , which protrudes inward toward the center of the shelf  314 . In  FIG. 75 , the shelf  314  is pushed downward, and the shelf retaining portion  446  deflected out of the way, or may be directly retracted out of the way by an installer, and the front shelf rod  452  and the rear shelf rod  454  are seated in their respective shelf rod receiving elements  442 , which supports the shelf rods  452 ,  454  and, in turn, the shelf  314 , in the assembled position. When the shelf  314  is in the assembled position, the shelf retaining portion  446  may block upward movement of the shelf  314  and may apply downward pressure to secure the shelf  314  to the frame  312 , and to establish a firm relationship between shelf  314  and the frame  312 . Such pressure may be generated by the biasing means  444 , which may have a spring-like characteristic. The biasing means  444  may also bear against the side of the shelf  314  to prevent lateral movement of the shelf  314 . Knobs  456  on the end of each shelf rod  452 ,  454  and knobs  472  on the end of the hanging rod  316  retain the rods  316 ,  452 ,  454  in the frames  310 ,  312 , and prevent the frames  310 ,  312  from moving off of the rods  316 ,  452 ,  454 . 
     The material of the frames  310 ,  312 , rods  316 ,  452 ,  454 , and other members of the shelves may include, but not be limited to, for example, steel with an epoxy coating, and in one example may be 3 or 4 mm diameter. Alternatively, such parts could be plastic. 
     The embodiments of shelving systems  300 ,  380  disclosed in  FIGS. 46-75  provide modular systems that may be used with solid surface shelving and wire shelving. The systems  300 ,  380  may be assembled and disassembled relatively easily, without the use of tools or fasteners, and may be relatively light weight. The frames  310 ,  312  and shelves  314  may fit together to provide a firm fit that is structurally stable. The components may be made to assemble with a snap-fit type configuration. 
     Although the present invention has been shown and described in considerable detail with respect to only a few exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiments since various modifications, omissions, and additions may be made to the disclosed embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. For example, some of the novel features of the shelving system and components could be applied to other types of sup ort apparatus, whether related to shelving or otherwise. Accordingly, it is intended to cover all such modifications, omission, additions, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.