Patent Publication Number: US-2023147456-A1

Title: Retail merchandise shelving system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 17/231,501, filed Apr. 15, 2021, which is now pending, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/014,395, filed Apr. 23, 2020, the entire teachings and disclosure each of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to retail displays, and more particularly to retail shelving systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Retail shelving is a staple in the retail merchandise environment. While such shelving comes in many forms, it generally includes a vertical support structure which supports one or more shelves extending outwardly from the vertical structure. The vertical structure is typically a wall-like structure and contains integrated mounting rails, referred to in in the industry as uprights and more particularly gondola uprights, which the shelves mount to. A particular embodiment of such an arrangement is provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/222,722 filed on Dec. 17, 2018 and assigned to the owner of the instant application. 
     The shelves of these displays will typically include a frame that includes include outward extending brackets for each shelf with laterally extending support bars extending between the brackets. The brackets will have mounting features for adjustably mounting the shelves to the uprights. 
     Unfortunately, when the shelves are used to display items such as food, the shelves need to be cleaned. However, if the spacing between adjacent shelves is inadequate, e.g. less than 1 inch, it can be difficult to properly clean all relevant surfaces of the shelves without having to remove every other laterally adjacent shelf to provide access to the end surfaces of the shelves. 
     Further in some implementations, the laterally extending support bars may be affixed to the brackets in such a way that the ends of the support bars are exposed. Unfortunately, to reduce weight and material cost, these support bars are typically tubular, at least at their ends, such that food or other debris can get in the support bars and can be difficult to clean, again at least without removing them from the uprights. 
     Unfortunately, removing and then reinstalling the shelves from the uprights for cleaning purposes can take significant amounts of time, particularly if the cleaning activity is being done by a single person. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a retail shelving system which addresses the above drawbacks of existing shelving systems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Examples provide new and improved retail merchandise displays and particularly new and improved shelf systems. 
     In an example, a shelf arrangement including first and second uprights and first and second brackets is provided. The first upright includes a first column of slots formed in a front face thereof The second upright includes a second column of slots formed in a front face thereof. The second upright is positioned adjacent the first upright. The first and second brackets each includes a support section, a mounting section and a transition section. The bracket defines a first side and an opposed second side. The transition section laterally offsets the mounting section from the support section. The support section includes a vertical flange portion, a top flange portion, and a bottom flange portion. The top flange portion extends from the first side of vertical flange portion in a direction the transition section offsets the support section from the mounting section. The bottom flange portion extends from the first side of the vertical flange portion in the direction the transition section offsets the support section from the mounting section. The bottom flange portion is spaced apart from the top flange (e.g. vertically). The mounting section of the first bracket mounting the bracket to the first upright. The mounting section of the second bracket mounting the bracket to the second upright. The first side of the first bracket faces way from the second bracket. The first side of the second bracket face way from the first bracket. The first and second brackets forming a space between the second side of the first bracket and second side of the second bracket. 
     In one example, the mounting section of the first bracket is laterally spaced from the mounting section of the second bracket less than or equal to 0.75 inch and the support section of the first bracket is laterally spaced form the support section of the second bracket is at least 1 inch. 
     In one example, the first and second uprights are formed from a same piece of material. 
     In one example, the first upright and second upright are formed from separate components. A lateral spacing between the first and second uprights is no greater than 0.5 inches and optionally no greater than 0.25 inches. 
     In one example, for each of the first and second brackets: the top flange portion extends from a rear end proximate the transition section toward a front end proximate a distal end of the bracket. The bottom flange portion extends from a rear end proximate the transition section toward a front end proximate the distal end of the bracket. A first vertical spacing between the rear end of the top flange portion and the rear end of the bottom flange portion is greater than a second vertical spacing between the front end of the top flange portion and the front end of the bottom flange portion. 
     In one example, the top and bottom flange portions of the first bracket extend from the vertical flange portion in a direction that extends away from the second bracket. The top and bottom flange portions of the second bracket extend from the vertical flange portion in a direction that extends away from the first bracket. 
     In one example, the support section of the first bracket is free of any flange that extends past the vertical flange portion towards the second bracket. The support section of the second bracket is free of any flange that extends past the vertical flange portion towards the first bracket. 
     In one example, for each of the first and second brackets, the top flange portion is connected to the vertical flange portion by a first bend and the bottom flange portion is connected to the vertical flange portion by a second bend. 
     In one example, the first bracket has a first length defined between a first end defined by an end of the support section and a second end defined by the mounting section. The support section defines at least 75% of the first length. The second bracket has a second length defined between a first end defined by an end of the support section and a second end defined by the mounting section. The support section defines at least 75% of the second length. 
     In one example, for each of the first and second brackets, the support section, mounting section and transition section are all formed from a single unitary piece of material, with a first bend formed between and connecting the transition section and the support section, and with a second bend formed between and connecting the transition section and the mounting section. 
     In one example, a first end of the support bar is attached to the vertical flange portion of the first bracket vertically between the top flange portion and the bottom flange portion of the first bracket. A second opposed end of the support bar is attached to the vertical flange portion of the second bracket vertically between the top flange portion and the bottom flange portion of the second bracket. 
     In one example, the support bar includes first and second mounting stubs and a connection bar interconnected between the first and second mounting stubs. The first and second mounting stubs are tubular elements. An end of the first mounting stub is attached to the vertical flange portion of the first bracket such that the vertical flange portion closes off the end of the first mounting stub. An end of the second mounting stub is attached to the vertical flange portion of the second bracket such that the vertical flange portion closes off the end of the second mounting stub. 
     In one example, the first mounting stub is T-welded to the vertical flange portion of the first bracket and the second mounting stub is T-welded to the vertical flange portion of the second bracket. 
     In an example of cleaning a system as outlined herein is provided. The method includes cleaning within the gap formed between the first and second brackets without removing the first bracket from the first upright and without removing the second bracket from the second upright. 
     In an example, a bracket for a shelf for use in a shelf arrangement to be mounted to a vertical upright is provided. The bracket includes a support section, a mounting section and a transition section. The bracket defines a first side and an opposed second side. The transition section laterally offsets the mounting section from the support section at least one-half inch. The support section includes a vertical flange portion, a top flange portion, and a bottom flange portion. The top flange portion extends from the first side of vertical flange portion in a direction the transition section offsets the support section from the mounting section. The bottom flange portion extends from the first side of the vertical flange portion in the direction the transition section offsets the support section from the mounting section. The bottom flange portion is spaced apart from the top flange, vertically. 
     In one example, the support section is free of any flange portion that extends from the vertical flange portion laterally in a direction opposite the top and bottom flange portions. 
     In an example, a bracket for a shelf for use in a shelf arrangement to be mounted to a vertical upright is provided. The bracket includes a support section, a mounting section and a transition section. The bracket defines a first side and an opposed second side. The transition section laterally offsets the mounting section from the support section. The support section includes a vertical flange portion, a top flange portion and a bottom flange portion. The top flange portion extends from the first side of vertical flange portion in a direction the transition section offsets the support section from the mounting section. The bottom flange portion extends from the first side of the vertical flange portion in the direction the transition section offsets the support section from the mounting section. The bottom flange portion is spaced apart from the top flange, vertically. The support section is free of any flange portion that extends from the vertical flange portion laterally in a direction opposite the top and bottom flange portions. 
     In examples, the support section, mounting section and transition section are formed from a single continuous piece of material. 
     In examples, the support section is formed from a different component than the mounting section. The support section being pivotably attached to the mounting section to allow for changing the orientation of the support section relative to the mounting section. 
     In an example, a shelf system including first and second shelves is provided. The first shelf has a bracket at a first end of the first shelf. The bracket has a support section extending rearward from a front of the first shelf at least 85% of a depth of the first shelf from the front to a rear of the first shelf. The second shelf has a bracket at a first end of the second shelf. The bracket has a support section extending rearward from a front of the second shelf at least 85% of a depth of the second shelf from the front to a rear of the second shelf. The first end of the first shelf is adjacent the first end of the second shelf. A minimum spacing between the support sections of the first and second shelves being at least 1 inch and preferably at least 1.25 inches. The support sections defining the outer faces of the brackets that face the adjacent shelf 
     In one example, the bracket of the first shelf has a mounting section that is laterally offset towards the second shelf. The mounting section is rearward of the support section. The bracket of the second shelf has a mounting section that is laterally offset towards the first shelf. The mounting section is rearward of the support section. 
     In one example, the front of the first shelf is aligned with the front of the second shelf and the depth of the first shelf is the same as the depth of the second shelf 
     Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of an example of a retail merchandise display according to an example; 
         FIG.  2    is a front perspective view of a frame of a shelf of the retail merchandise display of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a bracket of the shelf frame of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a second bracket of the shelf frame of  FIG.  2    for the opposed end of the shelf frame; 
         FIG.  5    is a top view of adjacent shelf brackets of adjacent shelves of the retail merchandise display of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a partial rear bottom perspective view of the shelf frame of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a rear bottom perspective view of the shelf frame of  FIG.  2   ; and 
         FIG.  8    is an enlarged perspective view of two adjacent brackets of adjacent shelves of the retail merchandise display of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  9    is an exploded illustration of the shelf frame of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIGS.  10  and  11    illustrate the shelf of  FIG.  1    with deck panels attached thereto; 
         FIG.  12    is a front perspective view of an example of a retail merchandise display according to an example; 
         FIG.  13    is a front perspective view of a frame of a shelf of the retail merchandise display of  FIG.  12   ; 
         FIGS.  14  and  15    are perspective view of a bracket of the frame of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  16    is an exploded illustration of the bracket of  FIGS.  14  and  15   ; and 
         FIG.  17    is a top view of adjacent shelf brackets of adjacent shelves of the retail merchandise display of  FIG.  12   . 
     
    
    
     While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a retail merchandise display in the form of a shelf arrangement  100  in simplified form. 
     The shelf arrangement  100  includes a plurality of shelves  102 A and  102 B. The shelves  102 A,  102 B each include a frame  104 A,  104 B and a top deck that is not illustrated in  FIG.  1   , but is illustrated in  FIGS.  10  and  11   . The top deck is mounted to the top of the frame  104 A,  104 B. Merchandise to be displayed is located on the top deck. 
     The shelf arrangement includes four uprights  106 A-D. Shelf  102 A is mounted to uprights  106 A and  106 B while shelf  102 B is mounted to uprights  106 C,  106 D. 
     Each upright  106 A-D includes vertical column of slots  108  formed in a front face of the upright  106 A-D (see also  FIG.  8   ). In the illustrated embodiment, upright  106 B and upright  106 C are adjacent one another. Preferably, these two uprights  106 B,  106 C are touching or spaced no more than 0.25 inches apart. The slots  108  allow the vertical position of the shelves  102 A,  102 B to be adjusted by changing the slots  108  in which the frames  104 A,  104 B mount. 
     Shelves  102 A and  102 B are substantially identical so only a single shelf will be described but the features thereof will be universal between the two shelves  102 A,  102 B. Further, while two shelves  102 A,  102 B are illustrated, multiple shelves could be employed. Typically, there will be multiple vertically spaced shelves in the shelf arrangement  100 . 
     The shelves  102 A,  102 B, and particularly the frames  104 A,  104 B thereof are configured to promote easier cleaning of the frames  104 A,  104 B and particularly between the adjacent shelves  102 A,  102 B and more particularly without requiring removal of the components of frames  104 A,  104 B. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a frame  104  of a shelf  102  removed from the uprights  106 . The frame includes opposed brackets  110 ,  112  (also referred to as support arms) and a pair of support bars  114 ,  116 . The support bars  114 ,  116  extend laterally between and interconnect brackets  110 ,  112 . 
     The brackets  110 ,  112  extend longitudinally between a front end and a rear end. This longitudinal direction is generally perpendicular to the front face of the uprights  106  and perpendicular to the lateral directions along which the support bars  114 ,  116  extend between adjacent brackets  110 ,  112  of a corresponding shelf  102 . 
       FIGS.  3  and  4    illustrate the brackets  110 ,  112  with the support bars  114 ,  116  removed. Brackets  110 ,  112  are substantially mirror images of one another. Each bracket includes a body portion  120  that includes a support section  122 , a transition section  124  and a mounting section  126 . In this embodiment, the support section  122 , transition section  124  and the mounting section  126  are formed from a continuous piece of material. 
     The transition section  124  is interposed between the mounting section  126  and the support section  122 . The transition section  124  is angled relative to both of the support section  122  and the mounting section  126  to laterally offset the support section  122  from the mounting section  126 . More particularly bend  132  interconnects support section  122  and transition section  124  and bend  134  connects the opposed end of the transition section  122  to the mounting section  126 . In the illustrated example, bends  132 ,  134  bend in opposite directions relative to one another to provide the desire offset orientation. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the body portion  120  is a single piece of material that forms the entirety of the portions of bracket  110  or bracket  112 . Preferably, the brackets  110 ,  112  are formed from stamped plate metal. 
     Each support section  122  includes a vertical flange portion  136 , a top flange portion  138 , and a bottom flange portion  140 . The top flange portion  138  extends from an inner side  142  of the bracket  112  and from a top of the vertical flange portion  136 . The bottom flange  140  extend from an inner side  142  of the bracket  112  and from a bottom of the vertical flange portion  136  such that the top and bottom flange portions  138 ,  140  are vertically spaced from one another. 
     The top and bottom flange portions  138 ,  140  extend from the vertical portion  136  a same direction that the transition section  124  offsets the support section  122  from the mounting section  126 . For an individual shelf, the transition section  124  offsets the support section  122  inward of the mounting section  126 , e.g. toward the bracket on the other end of the shelf. Similarly, the top and bottom flange portions  138 ,  140  extend inward from the vertical flange portion  136 , e.g. toward the bracket on the other end of the shelf 
     The top flange portion extends from a rear end  150  that is proximate the transition section  124  toward a front end  152  that is proximate a distal end  154  of the body portion  120 . The bottom flange portion  140  extends from a rear end  156  proximate transition section  124  toward a front end  158  that is proximate distal end  154  of the body portion  120 . The support section  122  tapers from the transition section  124  to the distal end  154 . More particularly a vertical spacing between the rear ends  150 ,  156  is greater than a vertical spacing between the front ends  152 ,  158 . 
     It is noted that in the illustrated example, the support section  122  is free of any flange portions that extend outward, e.g. from outer side  160  of the body portion  120 , which is opposite inner side  142 . 
     The mounting section  126  includes mounting features for releasably securing the brackets  110 ,  112  to the uprights  106  and particularly for releasable mounting engagement with slots  108  such that the vertical position of the shelf relative to the uprights  106  can be adjusted. 
     In the illustrated example, the mounting features are in the form of hooks  162  that insert into slots  108  and engage the upright  106 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  5   , the brackets  110 ,  112  have a length L 1  from the rear end defined by the end of the hooks  162  to distal end  154 . The support section  122  has length L 2  from the rear end to the front end (e.g. distal end  154 ). The length L 2  is at least 75% of the length L 1  and in some examples at least 85% of the length L 1 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  6 ,  7  and  9   , in an example, the support bars  114 ,  116  are formed from multiple components. It is noted that in the illustrated example, support bars  114 ,  116  are identical so only support bar  116  will be described. Support bar  116  includes a connection bar  170  that is substantially U-shaped along 90% or more of its length. The support bar  116  includes mounting stubs  172 , at opposed ends. The mounting stubs  172  are received into ends of the connection bar  170 . In this example, the mounting stubs are formed from rectangular tubing. 
     The mounting stubs  172  may include a push button  174 . The connection bar  170  has tabs  176  to form openings in the ends of connection bar  170 . The push buttons  174  secure the stubs  172  within the connection bar  170 . Notably, the connection bar  170  and stubs  172  are generally allowed to float relative to one another (e.g. the push buttons  174  do not lock into the connection bar  170  to provide a fixed length. 
     The support bar extends between first and second ends  178 ,  180 . These ends  178 ,  180  are attached to the inner sides of the brackets  110 ,  112 . This is illustrated by end  178  of support bar  116  in  FIG.  6   . 
     In a preferred example, the ends  178  are T-welded to the inner side  142  and particularly to the vertical flange portion  136 . This arrangement closes the opening that would otherwise be formed by stub  172  being formed by tubing. This arrangement prevents food or other materials from getting into the tubing which can cause problems as well as difficulties cleaning when the shelves are used for food products, and particularly for food products such as meat or produce. 
     Further, with reference to  FIG.  6   , it is illustrated that the connection between the end  178  of the support bar  116  and the bracket  112  is formed vertically between the top and bottom flange portions  138 ,  140 . 
     In the illustrated example, the upper most surface of the mounting stubs  172  are mounted against a bottom most surface of the top flange portion  138 . 
     While uprights  106 B,  106 C are illustrated as separate components, they could be formed from a single component with at least a pair of vertical columns of slots  108 . 
     The configuration of the opposed brackets of a shelf  102  are such that when two similar shelves are mounted laterally adjacent one another, see e.g. shelves  102 A and  102 B in  FIGS.  1  and  5   , a gap  182  is formed between the support sections  122 A,  122 B. Preferably, this gap has a lateral spacing S that is at least 1 inch, preferably at least 1.25 inches when the corresponding uprights  106 B,  106 C contact one another and the shelves  102 A,  102 B are mounted to the corresponding pairs of uprights  106 A,  106 B and  106 C,  106 D. This spacing of at least  1  inch allows for easy access for cleaning of the outer sides  160 A,  160 B of the immediate adjacent brackets  112 A,  110 A. Further by having the top and bottom flange portions  138 ,  140  bent/extending inward, i.e. away from the immediate adjacent flange of an adjacent shelf or toward the other bracket of the same shelf, rather than outward, this spacing and ease of access for cleaning is maintained. This is a significant improvement over prior art brackets that had one or both of the top and bottom flanges extending outward. 
     In one embodiment, the transition section  124  offsets the support section  122  from the mounting section  126  at least one-half inch measured form the outer side of the support section to the outer side of the mounting section. Thus, when two brackets are positioned adjacent one another such as in the system described herein, the two adjacent brackets would provide at least the 1 inch spacing S between the adjacent shelves. 
     Further, by using the T-welded ends of the support brackets  114 ,  116  and particularly the mounting stubs  172  thereof, debris is not trapped inside the tubular mounting stubs  172  further improving the clean ability and cleanliness of the shelves. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a further embodiment of a shelf arrangement  200 . The shelf arrangement includes shelves  202 A and  202 B. The shelves  102 A,  102 B each include a frame  104 A,  104 B and a top deck that is not illustrated in  FIG.  12   , but is similar to that illustrated in  FIGS.  10  and  11    of the prior embodiment. 
     The uprights  106 A-D and slots  108  are the same in shelf arrangement  200  as in shelf arrangement  100  described previously. 
     Shelves  202 A and  202 B are substantially identical so only a single shelf will be described but the features thereof will be universal between the two shelves  202 A,  202 B. Further, while two shelves  202 A,  202 B are illustrated, multiple shelves could be employed. Typically, there will be multiple vertically spaced shelves in the shelf arrangement  200 . 
     Again, the shelves  202 A,  202 B, and particularly the frames  204 A,  204 B thereof are configured to promote easier cleaning of the frames  204 A,  204 B and particularly between the adjacent shelves  202 A,  202 B and more particularly without requiring removal of or limited removal of the components of frames  204 A,  204 B. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates a frame  204  of a shelf  202  removed from the uprights  106 . The frame  204  includes opposed brackets  210 ,  212  and a pair of support bars  114 ,  116 . The opposed brackets  210 ,  212  are different than brackets  110 ,  112  of the shelf  104  of the prior embodiment. The support bars  114 ,  116  extend laterally between and interconnect brackets  210 ,  212  and are substantially identical to the support bars in shelf  104 . 
     The brackets  210 ,  212  extend longitudinally between a front end and a rear end. This longitudinal direction is generally perpendicular to the front face of the uprights  106  and perpendicular to the lateral directions along which the support bars  114 ,  116  extend between adjacent brackets  210 ,  212  of a corresponding shelf  202 . 
     The principle difference is that the brackets  210 ,  212  are adjustable to allow for different angles of the top surface  215  of the shelf  202 . More particularly, each bracket  210 ,  212  includes a main body  220  and an adjustable mounting plate  222 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  14 - 16   , one bracket  210  is illustrated. However, bracket  212  is a mirror image of bracket  210  so only a single bracket need be described. Bracket arm  210  includes a main body  220  and an adjustable plate  222  mounted to main body  220 . Each mounting stub  172  is fixed to, and extends from, main body  220  as shown. Adjustable plate  222  attaches to main body  220  via a threaded fastener  224  as shown. Threaded fastener  224  extends through an aperture  226  of a bushing  228  of main body  220  and a thread knob  230  or the like may then be used to tighten main body  220  and adjustable plate  222  together. 
     Adjustable plate  222  also includes mounting structure  227  that includes mounting hooks  262  which are received in the apertures  108  of upright supports  106 A-D. These mounting structures  227 , however, can take any suitable form so as to facilitate the mounting of shelf  202  to any pre-existing structure. 
     Adjustable plate  222  also includes a pin  232  which is received in one of a plurality of apertures  234  formed in main body  220 . The angular presentation of each bracket  210  as it extends outwardly in a cantilevered manner from its associated upright support  106 A-D is governed by which of the apertures  234  pin  232  is received in. For example, when pin  232  is received in the upper most aperture  234 , main body  220  is essentially level, e.g. horizontal/orthogonal to gravity, compared to adjustable plate  222 . However, by removing any hardware securing fastener  230 , one may reposition adjustable plate  222  relative to main body  220  (or vice versa) and insert pin  232  into a different one of apertures  234 . 
     Here, the main body  220  pivots about axis  247  illustrated by arrow  249  in  FIG.  16   . 
     With brackets  110 ,  112 , the mounting structure  126  was integrally formed with the rest of the brackets  110 ,  112 . However, tilting can be accommodated depending on which of the notches of the hooks  162  that engages the uprights  106  A-D. 
     Like in the prior embodiment, the mounting stubs  172  do not extend through the vertical flange portion  236  of the main body  220 , again preventing debris from entering into the mounting stubs  172  from the external side of the main body  220 . The main body  220  generally includes a support section  233  similar to support section  122  of the prior embodiment. In addition to the vertical flange portion, the support section also includes a top flange portion  238  and a bottom flange portion  240 . The top flange portion  238  extends from an inner side  242  of the bracket  210  and from a top of the vertical flange portion  236 . The bottom flange  240  extends from the inner side  242  of the bracket  210  and from a bottom of the vertical flange portion  236  such that the top and bottom flange portions  238 ,  240  are vertically spaced from one another. 
     The top and bottom flange portions  238 ,  240  extend from the vertical portion  236  a same direction that the transition section  236  offsets the support section  233  from section  235  that includes adjustment apertures  234 . For an individual shelf, the transition section  236  offsets the support section  233  inward of offset section  235 , e.g. toward the bracket on the other end of the shelf. Similarly, the top and bottom flange portions  238 ,  240  extend inward from the vertical flange portion  236 , e.g. toward the bracket on the other end of the shelf. 
     Thus, as noted, the support section  233  is substantially the same as support section  122  of the prior embodiment, except for the pivoting ability relative to the adjustable plate  222 . 
     In this embodiment, the adjustable plate  222  is positioned laterally outward from the main body  220  to which it is pivotably connected. 
     The adjustable plate  222  is substantially planar and vertically oriented to limit the amount of debris that may be caught thereby. Further, the vertically oriented planar body makes it easier to clean. 
     With reference to  FIG.  17   , the brackets  110 ,  112  have a length L 3  from the rear end defined by the end of the hooks  262  to distal end  254 . The support section  233  has a section offset from the end of mounting plate  222  that has a length L 4  that is at least 60% of the length L 3  and in some examples at least 75% of the length L 3 . This again provides an extended length of area where a large gap  282  is formed between the support sections  233  of the adjacent brackets  210 ,  212 . 
     Further, the length of the flange  238  relative to the length from end  254  to the transition section  236  is preferably greater than 75%, even more preferably greater than 85% and even more preferably approximate at least 95% of the length from the transition section  236  to distal end  254 . 
     As used herein reference numbers that include letters are specifically identified examples of the generic recitation of the reference numbers without letters (e.g. the uprights/shelves, brackets, discussed above). 
     All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
     Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.