Patent Publication Number: US-2006011568-A1

Title: Track-mounted shelving systems and components

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/194,849 filed Aug. 1, 2005, which, in turn, is a divisional of presently allowed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/657,855 filed Sep. 9, 2003, which, in turn, claimed priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/436,363 filed Nov. 9, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,154, issued Dec. 30, 2003. The disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION  
      The present invention relates generally to the use of tracks for mounting shelves and other storage devices.  
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
      Support standards for the purpose of supporting shelving brackets are well known in the art. These support standards are often comprised of narrow strips that may be mounted vertically against a wall and contain a plurality of slots such that tabs of shelving brackets can be inserted and supported by such standards. Vertical shelving standards are typically mounted to a wall through screws or other means such that the standard is not generally mobile or removable from its position if desired by the consumer after installation. Additional improvements thus in the manner of flexibility in positioning such standards combined with added strength and load-bearing capacity thus remains warranted.  
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
      According to one aspect of the invention, an exemplary shelving system generally includes a track and at least one shelving component, such as a bracket. In one particular embodiment, the track includes a support portion and a retaining lip. The support portion has an upper generally horizontal planar support surface and a lower generally horizontal planar surface. The upper generally horizontal planar support surface is vertically spaced from the lower generally horizontal planar surface. The bracket includes first and second end portions. The bracket also includes an arm extending generally between the first and second end portions for supporting a storage structure. The bracket&#39;s first end portion includes forward and rearward surfaces. The bracket&#39;s rearward surface includes an opening having an upper surface that contacts the upper generally horizontal planar support surface of the track when the bracket&#39;s first end portion is engaged with the track. The bracket&#39;s front surface includes an upper portion that contacts the track&#39;s retaining lip when the track&#39;s support portion is within the opening of the bracket&#39;s rearward surface.  
      In another aspect of the invention, a shelving system generally includes a track and at least one shelving component. In one particular embodiment, the track includes a web extending generally between an upper flange portion having a retaining lip and a lower flange portion having a generally horizontal planar support surface. The shelving component includes at least one end portion having a rearward side and an upper portion. The rearward side has a load-bearing surface configured to be positioned on the track&#39;s support surface. The shelving component&#39;s upper portion is configured to contact the track&#39;s retaining lip when the load-bearing surface is positioned on the track&#39;s support surface. Accordingly, the shelving component may be slidably positioned along and be supported by said track.  
      In a further aspect, the invention provides shelving components. The shelving components can be used with or without a track having an upper flange portion including a retaining lip and a lower flange portion including a generally horizontal planar support surface. In one embodiment, the shelving component includes at least one end portion configured to be engagingly received by the track. The end portion has a rearward side and an upper portion. The rearward side includes a load-bearing surface configured to be positioned on the track&#39;s support surface. The shelving component&#39;s upper portion includes a forward surface configured to contact the track&#39;s retaining lip when the shelving component&#39;s load-bearing surface is positioned on the track&#39;s support surface. Accordingly, the shelving component may be supported by engaging the shelving component&#39;s end portion with the track.  
      In still another aspect, the invention provides tracks for supporting at least one shelving component having an end portion with a load-bearing rearward surface and an upper forward portion. In one embodiment, the track includes a web extending between an upper flange portion having a retaining lip and a lower flange portion having at least an upper generally horizontal planar support surface. The track is configured to support the shelving component therefrom with the shelving component&#39;s load-bearing surface positioned on the track&#39;s support surface, and with the shelving component&#39;s upper portion contacting the track&#39;s retaining lip.  
      In yet another aspect, the invention provides shelving brackets. In one embodiment, the shelving bracket includes first and second end portions and a leg extending generally between the first and second end portions for supporting a storage structure. Each bracket end portion of the bracket includes an upper portion. Each bracket end portion also includes at least one protuberance that defines a load-bearing surface. Accordingly, the first and second end portions allow the bracket to be reversibly mountable to a track having a retaining lip and a support surface with either one of the end portion&#39;s load-bearing surface positioned on the track&#39;s support surface and upper portion contacting the track&#39;s retaining lip.  
      Further aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The following drawings form part of the specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description presented herein.  
       FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of a shelving apparatus.  
       FIG. 2  shows a side view of an embodiment of a shelving apparatus, with a standard having a bracket and a shelf mounted thereon.  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shelving apparatus, with a bracket and a shelf mounted to the standard.  
       FIG. 4  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a shelving apparatus.  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a shelving apparatus including a track and brackets mounted to track for supporting a shelf from the track.  
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the shelving apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 .  
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one of the retaining clips shown in  FIG. 5  and illustrating engagement of the retaining clip to the bracket and the wire shelf.  
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of one of the retaining clips shown in  FIG. 5  according one exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 9  is a perspective of one of the brackets shown in  FIG. 5 .  
       FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of the bracket shown in  FIGS. 14 and 18 .  
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a shelving apparatus including a track having a different cross-sectional profile than the track shown in  FIG. 5 .  
       FIG. 12  is a side view of the shelving apparatus shown in  FIG. 11 .  
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a shelving apparatus including a track and brackets mounted to track for supporting a shelf from the track.  
       FIG. 14  is a partial perspective view of the shelving apparatus shown in  FIG. 18 .  
       FIG. 15  is a side view of the shelving apparatus shown in  FIG. 13 .  
       FIG. 16  is an upper view of the shelving apparatus shown in  FIG. 13  with the end portions of the brackets slidably engaged within the track.  
       FIG. 17  is a frontal view of the brackets and shelf shown in  FIG. 16 .  
       FIG. 18  is a back perspective view of the shelving apparatus shown in  FIG. 16 .  
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view showing a retaining clip engaged to the wire shelf and bracket shown in  FIG. 13 .  
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a bracket having two retaining clips engaged to the bracket but without a shelf according to one embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view showing an end portion of the bracket and the two retaining clips shown in  FIG. 20 .  
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of one of the retaining clips shown in  FIGS. 13 through 21 .  
       FIG. 23  is a front view of the retaining clip shown in  FIG. 22 .  
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the wire shelf shown in  FIG. 13 .  
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a shelving apparatus including a track and a shelf including brackets mounted to the track for supporting the shelf from the track.  
       FIG. 26  is a side view of the shelf having integral brackets shown in  FIG. 25 .  
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a bracket according to another embodiment in which the shelving bracket includes fastener slots for mounting the bracket directly to a wall.  
       FIG. 28  is a back view of the bracket shown in  FIG. 27 .  
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a shelving apparatus including two of the brackets shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28  mounted to a track.  
       FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a shelving apparatus including two of the brackets shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28  mounted to a wall using the fastener slots without a track. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
      The following descriptions of various embodiments are merely exemplary in nature and are in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
      Various aspects of the present invention generally relate to a vertical support standard and track system for supporting shelving brackets, such that the standard is able to receive greater loading capacity and can be moved prior to final positioning, if desired, to various positions across a wall through use of a track. In various embodiments, the horizontally mounted track provides added support to increase the loading that can be placed on the standard and also provides the ability for such standard to be moved to various positions along the track&#39;s length. Illustratively, one embodiment of the invention generally includes a shelving apparatus containing a vertical support standard and a track. Embodiments of the invention can also include a shelf and shelving bracket mounted to the standard. The standard may be constructed like a typical wall mounted standard having front and back sides. The front side of the standard may contain a plurality of slots so as to be able to receive tabs or other mounting means of a shelving bracket. The standard can contain one or more columns of slots so as to accept one or more shelving brackets or multi-sided shelving brackets. The back side of the standard, preferably near a top portion, defines an opening having upper and lower surfaces. This opening should preferably be constructed in such a way that it can receive a support portion of a track. The standard may also be able to be moved horizontally along a wall mounted track without becoming detached from the track.  
      Another component in embodiments of the invention is a track which can be mounted to a wall by any typical mounting means. The track comprises a body which is able to accept a standard. In order to keep such a standard mounted to the track, various embodiments include a track having a lip that extends downwardly and overlaps a front surface of the top portion of the standard so as to prevent the standard from disengaging from the track. The track can also include a support portion having upper and lower surfaces that is adapted to be inserted into the opening on the back of the standard. The opening on the standard and the support portion of the track are preferably aligned so that the front lip of the track is able to engage a front portion of the standard.  
      The top portion of the standard that engages the lip of the track, and the upper surface of the opening that engages the upper surface of the support portion of the track, provide support for downward loading placed on the standard and keep the standard locked into the track. The lower surface of the opening prevents the standard from being pushed up and disjointed from the track by engaging the lower surface of the support portion of the track. When mounted on the track, the standard is preferably able to move horizontally along the support portion so as to be placed in a desired position by the consumer prior to first mounting of the standard to a wall. In this way, a shelf bracket and shelving system can be mounted to the standard in a location preferable to the consumer while providing maximum support and accepting greater amount of loading such as by an attached bracket and shelf.  
      According to another aspect of the invention, an exemplary shelving apparatus generally includes a track and a standard. The track includes a support portion having an upper support surface and an extension extending generally outwardly from the support portion. The standard includes a back surface having an opening. When the support portion is within the opening, an upper surface of the opening contacts the upper support surface of the support portion, and the extension is engagingly received within a portion of the opening. This engagement of the extension within the portion of the opening can inhibit disengagement of the standard from the track.  
      According to another aspect, the present invention provides methods of supporting standards with a track. In one particular implementation, the track includes a support portion having an upper support surface and an extension extending generally outwardly from the upper support surface. The standard includes a back surface having an opening configured to engagingly receive the support portion. The method generally includes positioning the standard relative to the track such that a portion of the opening engages the extension, the opening engages the support portion of the track, and the upper support surface of the support portion contacts an upper surface of the opening.  
      According to another aspect, an exemplary shelving apparatus includes a standard and a track. The standard includes a back surface having an opening. The track includes means for supporting the standard. The track also includes means for retaining the standard within the track. When the standard is engaged with the track, an upper surface of the opening contacts the means for supporting, and the means for retaining contacts a portion of the opening.  
      According to another aspect, various embodiments of a shelving system are also provided that include a track for supporting at least one shelving component. In some embodiments, the shelving component may comprise a bracket having an end portion and an arm generally extending therefrom for supporting or connection a shelf or rack thereon. In other embodiments, the shelving component may comprise a support structure having integral thereto at least two spaced apart end portions.  
      According to other aspects of the invention, a shelving system includes at least one shelving component, such as a bracket configured to engage the track. In various embodiments, the track includes a support portion and a retaining lip. The track&#39;s support portion has an upper generally horizontal planar support surface and a lower generally horizontal planar surface. The upper generally horizontal planar support surface is vertically spaced from the lower generally horizontal planar surface. The bracket includes first and second end portions. The bracket also includes an arm extending generally between the first and second end portions for supporting a storage structure. The bracket&#39;s first end portion includes forward and rearward surfaces. The bracket&#39;s rearward surface includes an opening having an upper surface that contacts the upper generally horizontal planar support surface of the track when the bracket&#39;s first end portion is engaged with the track. The bracket&#39;s front surface includes an upper portion that contacts the track&#39;s retaining lip when the track&#39;s support portion is within the opening of the bracket&#39;s rearward surface. In this exemplary manner, the bracket can thus be retained in a supported manner by the track.  
      In one particular embodiment, a shelving system is provided that includes a track having a generally vertical web extending between an upper flange portion and a lower flange portion. The upper flange portion of the track has a retaining lip, and the lower flange portion has at least a support surface. The lower flange portion includes a support surface that is a generally horizontal surface extending along the length (or at least a portion thereof) of the elongate track. The lower portion may further include a bottom surface that prevents (or at least inhibits) a shelving component engagingly received in the track from being disengaged from the track if the shelving component is pushed or jarred in a generally upward direction. The shelving system further includes at least one shelving component having at least one end portion engageable with the track. The end portion of the shelving component has a rearward side and an upper portion. The rearward side includes an opening having a load-bearing surface that is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, positioned, etc.) to be positioned on and in contact with the support surface of the track. The shelving component also has a top portion that includes a frontwardly-facing surface configured to contact the retaining lip of the track when the upper load-bearing surface is positioned on the support surface of the track. In this position, the at least one shelving component may be slidably positioned along the track, which provides support for the shelving component. The shelving component may be a bracket that includes an end portion, a leg extending generally downwardly from the end portion, and an arm extending generally outward from the leg. The leg may be used for supporting and/or connecting to a support or storage structure such as a wire shelf, wire basket, or wire bin, etc. For example, various embodiments include a wire shelf, which may be secured to a bracket by means of a clip member and/or by positioning end portions of the wire members forming the shelf into openings/holes in the bracket. In other embodiments, the shelving component may also be a storage structure such as a wire shelf, which is disposed between at least two spaced apart end portions of brackets integrally connected to the wire shelf.  
      Other aspects of the present invention include tracks, standards, brackets, storage structures (e.g., wire shelves, wire bins, wire baskets, etc.), shelving systems, and methods of making and/or using one or more of the same. Any of the aspects of the present invention can be used individually or in combination with any one or more of the other aspects of the present invention.  
      In  FIG. 1 , there is shown a cross-sectional side view of a shelving apparatus according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown, the shelving apparatus comprises a standard  10  and a track  100 . The embodiment of the standard  10  shown comprises a front surface  50 , a back surface  55 , and a top portion  60 . The front surface  50  defines slots  70  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ), which in other embodiments can be of any size and shape such that a shelving bracket may be mounted thereto. Alternatively, instead of slots, any other means of mounting a bracket, such as protrusions, may be used on front surface  50 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 1 , the back portion  55  of the standard  10  defines an opening  20  for supporting the standard  10  on the track  100 . The opening  20  defines an upper surface  30  and a lower surface  40 . The opening  20  is preferably shaped such that the upper and lower surfaces  30  and  40  are generally horizontal in orientation. The opening  20 , however, can be of any shape such that it can receive and be supported by an opposing supporting member and is preferably slidable along that member. The opening  20  can be located on any portion of the standard such that it is supported by engaging with a track.  
      Also shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3  is a track  100 , which can be mounted on a wall or other surface, preferably horizontally. Track  100  may be constructed of any material suitable for standards or brackets, such as steel or aluminum. Track  100  also has a length such that standard  10  can preferably slide horizontally along the length of the track  100 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 1 , the cross-section of an embodiment of track  100  is preferably generally shaped like a backward S. The track  100  also defines a front lip  110  that is designed to abut the front surface  50  of the standard  10  such that the standard  10  is held within track  100 . Lip  110  preferably extends some distance over the top portion  60  of standard  10  and comes into contact with the front surface  50  such that when jarred or otherwise moved, the standard  10  is not released from the track  100 . Any means, however, such as a latch or other mechanism can also be used in place of the lip  110 , as long as the standard  10  remains held within track  100 .  
      Track  100  also defines a support portion  120  that, when engaged with the opening  20 , supports the standard  10  and prevents (or at least inhibits) the standard  10  from being pushed upward and separated from track  100 . In one embodiment of track  100 , support portion  120  (as shown in cross section in  FIG. 1 ) is generally U-shaped and is adapted to extend into opening  20  on standard  10 .  
      With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , support portion  120  includes upper surface  140  and bottom surface  150 . Upper surface  140  supports standard  10 , such as when a shelf and shelving bracket and the contents of the shelf are connected to the standard  10 . Bottom surface  150  prevents (or at least inhibits) standard  10  from being disengaged from track  100  if the standard  10  is pushed or jarred in an upward direction by engaging with lower surface  40  of opening  20 .  
      Support portion  120  may also be designed to allow standard  10  to slide horizontally along the track if desired, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Once in a desired position, the portion of the standard  10  not engaged with the track  100  may thereafter be secured to a wall to prevent (or at least inhibit) any further movement of the standard  10  from its desired position.  
      Alternative embodiments of support portion  120  may also be used. In such alternative configurations, the support portion need only provide an upper and bottom surface adapted to engage opening  20 , or other means to support the standard  10  while preferably allowing the standard to slide if desired. Additionally, support portion  120  is not required to be at the bottom of track  100 , but can be located at any place on the track  100  such that the support portion  120  can engage with an opening on the back surface of a wall standard and preferably provide one or more of the benefits as described herein. Preferably, however, support portion  120  is located in a position that when inserted into opening  20 , lip  110  will be engaged with front surface  50  of standard  10 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 1 , distance y (the distance between the top  60  of the standard and bottom of the lip  110 ) is preferably greater than distance x (the spaced distance between the lower surface  40  and bottom surface  150  when the upper surface  140  of the track  100  is in contact with the upper surface  30  of the standard&#39;s opening  20 ). Also, track  100  may be of any cross-sectional design, and such alternative cross-sectional design can provide one or more of the benefits described herein.  
      In an alternate embodiment as shown in  FIG. 4 , lip  110  may be eliminated altogether by support portion  120  both providing support and keeping the standard  10  connected to the track. For example, support portion  120  can comprise not only upper and bottom surfaces  140  and  150 , but can comprise extension  160  that provides the same function as did the lip  110 . In one such embodiment (as shown in  FIG. 4 ), extension  160  prevents the standard  10  from disengaging from the track  100  by engaging a notch or hole  72  in opening  20 . The notch  72  and extension  160  may be located on the opening  20  and support member  120  respectively (or vice versa) in any position such that they can engage each other and prevent the standard  10  from disengaging from track  100 . The standard  10  is also preferably slidable along the track  100  in this embodiment.  
      A method of mounting the standard  10  to track  100  is also disclosed herein. Track  100  is first secured to a wall or other surface, preferably in a substantially horizontal manner. A top portion of the standard  10  is then inserted under lip  110  and standard  10  rotated such that the opening  20  on the back  55  of the standard  10  engages the support portion  120  of the track  100 . The standard  10  may then be slid along track  100  until it is in a desired position and then attached to the wall to prevent further movement along the track  100 .  
      As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , standard  10  and track  100  may be used in combination with a shelf  200  and/or shelving bracket  250 . Such bracket and shelf can be of any type ordinarily used with vertical wall standards. As described above, standard  10  in combination with track  100  not only preferably allows standard  10  to be horizontally moved so that bracket  250  and shelf  200  can be supported in a position desired by the consumer, but also provides additional support and increased loading capacity for the shelf and bracket.  
      In  FIG. 5 , there is shown a shelving system according to one exemplary embodiment. The shelving system comprises a track  100  and at least one shelving component  260  configured to engage and be supported by the track  100 . While the track  100  in some embodiments may be shaped such that the track  100  includes a generally backward S-shaped transverse profile, the track  100  may include other shapes as well without departing from the spirit of the invention.  
      Referring to  FIG. 6 , various embodiments of a shelving system include a track  100  having a web  102  extending between an upper flange portion  104  and at least a lower flange portion  106 . The upper flange portion  104  has a retaining lip  110 , and the lower flange portion  106  has at least a support surface  120  extending along a substantial portion of the track  100 .  
      The lower flange portion  106  may further comprise a downwardly extending portion  108  that forms a generally U-shaped configuration. The lower flange portion  106  may further include a bottom surface  150  that prevents (or at least inhibits) a shelving component received in the track  100  from being disengaged from the track  100  if pushed or jarred in an upward direction. The track  100  is adapted to engagingly receive an end portion  262  of the shelving component  260  within the space generally between the retaining lip  110  and the support surface  120 . The shelving component  260  may be used to support a support structure  290 , such as a wire shelf, wire basket, wire bin, solid shelf member, etc. The support structure  290  may be secured to the shelving component by one or more clip members  300 . Alternatively, or additionally, other suitable means can also be used to secure support structure  290  to the shelving components  260 .  
      As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the shelving component  260  generally comprises a bracket  264  having an end portion  262  configured to be received generally within the space between the track&#39;s retaining lip  110  and support surface  120 . The bracket  264  may be used to support any of a wide range of support structures, such as wire rack, wire baskets, wire bins, non-wire shelving structures, etc.  
      The bracket  264  includes a leg  266  extending downwardly from the end portion  262 . The bracket  264  also includes an arm  268  generally extending from the leg  266  for locating a support structure  290  thereon. The shelving component  260  is configured to be engagingly received by the track  100  in a manner such that the shelving component  260  may be slidably positioned along the length of the track  100 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 6 , the end portion  262  of the shelving component  260  has an opening  270  on the rearward side that includes a load-bearing surface  272  configured to be positioned on the support surface  120 . The end portion  262  also includes a top portion  274  configured to contact the track&#39;s retaining lip  110  when the load-bearing surface  272  is positioned on the support surface  120 , such that the shelving component  260  may be supported by the track  100 . The shelving component  260 , when engagingly received by the space between the retaining lip  110  and the support surface  120 , may be slidably moved along the support surface  120  of the track  100 . This, in turn, allows the shelving component  260  to be slidably positioned as needed to position a shelf of the shelving system.  
      With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , the shelving component  260  further comprises a second end portion  280 . The shelving component  260  includes a rib  282  spanning across at least the second end portion  280 . The second end portion  280  further includes at least one opening  284  therein for receiving at least one wire end portion of a wire support structure  290 . The arm portion  268  of the shelving component  260  may also include one or more openings  284  for receiving at least one wire end portion of a wire support structure  290 . The one or more openings  284  in the shelving component  260  may comprise a hole in which a wire end may be inserted, or alternatively may comprise a slot or other contour adapted to receive a wire end.  
      The wire support structure  290  may be a wire shelf, wire basket, wire bin etc., which may have one or more wire ends adapted to be received in the openings  284  of the shelving component  260 . The one or more openings  284  are oriented such that the one or more openings  284  may slide over the wire end of a wire support structure  290  as the shelving component  260  is moved along the support surface  120  of the track  100 . In this exemplary manner, the shelving component  260  may be positioned on the track  100  and slid relatively towards the wire support structure  290  to such that the wire ends are received within the openings  284  in the shelving component  260 , to provide for assembly of the shelving system without requiring the use of tools or screw-type fasteners.  
      The wire support structure  290  may further be secured to the shelving component  260  by one or more clip members  300 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the clip members  300  include spaced apart ends  302  and  304 . These ends  302  and  304  are configured to be positioned over the rib  282  (or other portion of the shelving component  260 ) and a portion of the wire support structure  290  to help retain the wire support structure  290  to the shelving component  260 .  
      In the particular embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the second end portion  280  may include at least two spaced apart protuberances  286  having generally rounded or arcuate transverse profiles. As shown, each protuberance  286  has a generally semi-circular or hemispherical transverse profile. Alternatively, other shapes and configurations can be used for the protuberances  286 , such as circular, ovular, triangular, rectangular, etc.  
      Each protuberance  286  may include an opening  284  for receiving a wire end of a wire support structure  290  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The two spaced apart protuberances  286  define a space  288  for receiving and retaining a clip member  300  positioned over the shelving component  260 , such that the protuberances  286  inhibit the clip member  300  from sliding out of position on the shelving component  260 .  
      As generally shown in  FIG. 8 , the first end  302  of the clip member  300  includes a retaining flange  306 , and the second end  304  includes a retaining flange  308 . These flanges  306  and  308  are configured to be positioned over a portion of the shelving component  260 , whereby the retaining flanges  306  and  308  cooperate to retain the clip member  300  to the shelving component  260 . The retaining flanges  306  and  308  are further configured to be positioned over a portion of the wire support structure  290 , such as a length of wire that is positioned adjacent to the shelving component  260 . The clip member  300  accordingly is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, etc.) to be positioned over a portion of a wire support structure  290  and a portion of the shelving component  260 . At which point, the clip member  300  is retained over the wire support structure  290  and shelving component  260  so as to help secure the wire support structure  290  to shelving component  260 .  
       FIG. 7  shows a clip member  300  engaged to the second end portion  280  of the shelving component  260  and a portion of a wire rack  290 . The clip member&#39;s retaining flanges  306  and  308  extend generally inwardly from the respective end portions  302  and  304  of the clip member  300 , to thereby define a space therebetween for receiving a portion of the wire support structure  290  and the shelving component  260 . This space is such that a slight interference may exist as the clip member  300  is slid over the shelving component  260 . The retaining flanges  306  and  308  can be configured to allow the flanges  306  and  308  to be flexed away from each other to permit the clip member  300  to fit over the shelving component  260 .  
      In some embodiments of a shelving system, the shelving bracket component  260  may comprise a first end portion  262 , a second end portion  280 , and an arm  268  extending generally therebetween. The shelving component  260  may be reversibly mountable to the track  100  in either a first orientation or a second orientation. That is, the shelving component  260  can be mounted to the track  100  in a first orientation in which the shelving component&#39;s first end portion  262  is engaged with the track  100 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . But the shelving component  260  can also be mounted to the track  100  in a second orientation in which the shelving component&#39;s second end portion  280  is engaged with the track  100  (instead of the shelving component&#39;s first end portion  262  which is shown engaged to the track  100  in  FIG. 5 ).  
      The second end portion  280  includes generally oppositely facing surfaces  288  and  289 . The second end portion  280  includes protuberances  286 . The lower protuberance  286  includes a load-bearing surface  294  that contacts the upper support surface  120  of the track  100 . The second end portion  280  also has a top portion  295  that contacts the retaining lip  110  when the second end portion  280  is engaged with the track  100 , and when the load-bearing surface  294  is in contact with the track&#39;s support surface  120 .  
      In some of the exemplary embodiments of a shelving system, the track  100  may further comprise a lower surface  150  configured to limit the upward movement of the shelving component  260  relative to the track  100  when the portion  274  of the shelving component  260  is contacting the retaining lip  110  on the track  100 . This lower surface  150  can at least inhibit the shelving component  260  from lifting and sliding out of the track  100  when the shelving component  260  is subject to an upward jarring force. Such an upward movement of the shelving component  260  could occur, for example, by a person accidentally bumping against the underside of the shelving component  260  or a shelf (e.g., wire ventilated shelf, etc.) supported by the shelving component  260 . The lower surface  150  can thus help ensure that the shelf and all its contents are not dropped by minor upward movement of the shelf and/or shelving component.  
      As shown in  FIG. 10 , the shelving component  260  comprises a bracket  264  that includes an end portion  262  having an opening  270 . As shown in this particular embodiment, the opening  270  is defined generally between a rib  278  and the lower protuberance  286 . The upper surface  272  of the opening  2780  (or in this particular embodiment, the lower surface  272  of the protuberance  286 ) contacts the upper support surface  120  of the track  100  such that the surface  272  serves as a load-bearing surface for the shelving component  260 , which the support surface  120  of the track  100  bears against to permit the bracket  264  to be supported by the track  100 .  
      The top portion  274  contacts the track&#39;s retaining lip  110  when the support portion  120  is within the opening  270 . The load-bearing surface  272  of the shelving component  260  is suitably supported by the support surface  120  of the track  100 , particularly when the shelving component  260  is under load such as when a wire shelf  290  is being supported.  
      With continued reference to  FIG. 10 , some embodiments include a shelving component  260  having an end portion  262  and a leg portion  266  extending from the end portion  262 . The leg portion  266  further comprises a generally vertical support surface  296  for contacting a wall. The vertical support surface  296 , when contacting a wall or vertical support, provides additional support that reduces the bending moment about the end portion  262  received within the track  100  when the shelving component  260  is under a load. When the wall is in contact with the vertical support surface  296  of the shelving component  260 , the wall provides a force against the vertical support surface  296  acting about the end portion  262  received in the track  100 , which force counters the cantilever load on the shelving component acting about the end portion  262 . Accordingly, the track  100  can support a greater shelf load with a shelving component  260  having a vertical support surface  296  on its rearward side. Accordingly, this particular shelving component  260  with a vertical support surface  296  can be slidably positioned on a track  100  and connected to a wire structure to allow for assembling a shelf without requiring the use of tools or screw-type fasteners, and can also support a greater shelf loads.  
       FIGS. 19 through 23  illustrate another embodiment of a clip member  300 ′, which can be assembled over a wire rack  290  and the shelving bracket component  260 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the clip member  300 ′ is assembled over the second end portion  280  generally between two spaced apart protuberances  286 . As shown, each protuberance  286  has a generally semi-circular or hemispherical transverse profile. Alternatively, other shapes and configurations can be used for the protuberances  286 , such as circular, ovular, triangular, rectangular, etc. The spaced apart protuberances  286  define a space  288  sized to receive and help retain a clip member  300 ′ positioned over the shelving component  260 , such that the protuberances  286  inhibit the clip member  300  from sliding out of position on the shelving component  260 .  
      In this particular embodiment, the clip member  300 ′ includes first and second end portions  302 ′ and  304 ′, each of which includes a tapered retaining tab  306 ′ and  308 ′ respectively. The tapered tabs  306 ′ and  308 ′ generally extend inwardly from the ends  302 ′ and  304 ′ of the clip member  300 ′, to define a space there between for receiving a portion of the wire support structure  290  and the shelving component  260 . This space is such that a slight interference exists as the clip member  300 ′ is slid over the shelving component  260 , where the taper on the retaining tabs  306 ′ and  308 ′ aid in the clip member&#39;s end portions  302  and  304  flexing apart from each other to permit the clip member  300 ′ to fit over the shelving component  260 .  
       FIGS. 25 and 26  illustrate another embodiment of a shelving system. As shown, the shelving system includes shelving component  260  having two end portions  262  each received within the space between the track&#39;s retaining lip  110  and the support surface  120 . The shelving component  260  may be used to support a storage structure  290 , such as a wire rack, wire shelf, wire bin, etc. The shelving component  260  further include a leg  266  extending generally downwardly from each end portion  262 , and an arm  268  extending generally outwardly from each leg  266 . The shelving component  260  is adapted to be received in the track  100 , such that the shelving component  260  may be slidably positioned along the length of (or at least a portion of the length of) the track  100 . As shown in  FIG. 26 , each end portion  262  of the shelving component  260  has a load-bearing surface  272  configured to be positioned on the tracks&#39; support surface  120 . Each end portion  262  also includes a top portion  274  configured to contact the track&#39;s retaining lip  110  when the load-bearing surface  272  is positioned on the support surface  120 , such that the shelving component  260  may be supported by the track  100 . Each end portion  262  in this particular embodiment has a generally curved portion  298 .  
       FIGS. 27 and 28  illustrate another embodiment of a bracket  360 . As shown, the bracket  360  includes fastener slots  361 . As shown in  FIG. 28 , the two of the brackets  360  can used to support a storage structure  290  (e.g., wire shelf, wire basket, wire bin, plank-type shelf, etc.) from the track  100 . In this particular embodiment, the fastener slots  361  can be used with fasteners (e.g., bolts, nails, screws, etc.) to further secure the brackets  360  to a wall or other vertical support surface. Alternatively, the fastener slots  361  and fasteners can be used to mount the brackets  360  directly to a wall or other vertical support surface without using the track  100 . For example,  FIG. 30  illustrates two brackets  360  mounted to a wall using fasteners that are engagingly received within the fastener slots  361 . In this particular embodiment, the brackets  360  are supporting the storage structure  290  without using a track  100 .  
      In alternative embodiments, a shelving system includes a track having a generally vertical web extending between upper and lower generally horizontal flange portions. In these embodiments, the lower flange portion does not necessarily comprise a downwardly extending portion that forms a generally U-shaped configuration, or a bottom surface. The track may still include a retaining lip and the support surface such that a shelving component can be engagingly received by the track with a load-bearing surface of the shelving component positioned on the track&#39;s support surface and with a top portion of the shelving component contact the track&#39;s retaining lip. In such alternate embodiments, the track may not have the lower surface feature that inhibits the generally upward movement of the shelving component relative to the track.  
      In the figures, there are shown exemplary ventilated wire shelves for which can be used one or more of the devices of the present invention. Ventilated shelves may be of different sizes (e.g., four foot, six foot, eight foot, ten foot, and/or cut to a custom size, etc.) and may be mounted to walls of a closet (or at other locations, such as a bathroom, grocery store, department store, etc.) using brackets and/or other suitable means. The depth of the shelves and the spacing of the wires or rod members may also be different than what is shown in the figures. Further, the wires may be oriented generally longitudinally, transversely, diagonally, etc. relative to the shelf. In addition, non-wire type (e.g., wooden, etc.) shelving structure can also be used in other aspects of the invention. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention should not be limited to implementation into any specific form/type of shelf. In addition, any of the aspects of the present invention can be used in combination with any one or more of the other aspects of the present invention.  
      The examples described and shown herein are provided to demonstrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the examples represent techniques discovered by the inventor(s) to function well in the practice of the invention, and thus can be considered to constitute preferred modes for its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.  
      Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, and thus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “bottom” and “side”, describe the orientation of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second” and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.  
      When introducing elements or features of the present invention and the exemplary embodiments, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of such elements or features. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements or features other than those specifically noted. It is further to be understood that the method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order or performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.  
      The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.