Abstract:
A highly modular and adjustable shelving system, for household articles and other objects, supported by vibration isolating and noise suppressing, soft and non-slippery padding. The shelving system is comprised of at least one frame element and at least one removable support element or any combination of these components. The modular design provides for quick assembly, easy customization and disassembly.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/630,936 filed on Dec. 04, 2009. The entire application is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING 
       [0003]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    (1) Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    This invention is directed at modular storage systems, where there is flexibility of storage both in terms of the type of items to be stored, and in flexibility of how the storage system is erected. In particular, flexibility in how the elevation of the shelving horizontal supports are located on a vertical supporting structure, and additional flexibility in what types of horizontal shelving components are installable on the vertical supports. 
         [0006]    This type of shelving system provides important improvements over other storage and shelving methods. The flexible and modular system allows storage and display of all types of household articles such as boxes, containers, food items, reading materials, bottles, decorative items, pictures, food cans, plastic storage containers of various kinds, and irregular items. 
         [0007]    (2) Description of Related Art 
         [0008]    Shelving systems have been around for many years. 
         [0009]    Some have designed fixed shelving systems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,117 describes a rod based system at fixed locations on vertical supports. The rods are designed for a particular purpose and not designed to be flexible to accommodate a variety of types of shelving. 
         [0010]    Others have looked into variable height storage shelving systems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,401 describes a variable height shelving system where the storage shelves are relocate able via two vertical notched posts, and the storage shelves are otherwise guided or stabilized by four vertical guide posts. Unfortunately, this system does not provide for a wall type of display, nor does it provide for a method of holding individual items. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,394 describes a four post adjustable shelf system where notches in the vertical posts are used to adjust the shelf height to particular values. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,937 describes a method of utilizing a slotted hole and a slot on an angle. Although this may have some advantage in strength, the design is permanently attached to the wall and is not generally considered re-locatable. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,238 describes a shelving system that is useful for storing a variety of items. However, the system requires vertical supports when it is not attached to the wall, and is over complicated. Re-configuring the shelving system is not convenient, nor can it be done rapidly. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,770,135 describes cantilevered horizontal supports installed in vertical supports with spaced slots. This design provides for flexibility in choosing the shelf elevation, but is directed primarily at supporting horizontal shelving boards. 
         [0014]    The designs above generally do not conceive of a modular design where multiple types of shelving are installable in the vertical support columns. The designs generally conceive of systems where the shelving is incrementally elevated by slots, pin inserts, or other methods. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    A highly modular and adjustable shelving system is useful for storing or displaying items such as household articles and other objects, supported by Vibration isolating and noise suppressing, soft and non-slippery padding. The presented shelving system is comprised of at least one base frame element and at least one shelving support element, each of which may be selected from a number of components. The shelving support element is adjustable in elevation by a Twist Lock System where a T Slot and a Fitted Cam with a snap lock is used to set the shelving support element in place on the base frame element. The modular design provides for quick assembly, easy customization and disassembly. 
         [0016]    The presented modular System is modern looking, simple, decorative, light weight, designed for optional integrated lighting. The Installation of the modular storage System can be, but is not restricted to, wall mounting, free Standing, floor to ceiling attachment or any combination of the above. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0017]      FIG. 1A-1B  shows a horizontal support arm. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  shows how a horizontal support arm is interlocked with a vertical pole and holds cylindrical items for storage. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  shows details of the vertical pole, or vertical support frame. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  shows how the horizontal support members are twist locked into the vertical support members. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  shows details of another vertical support member. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  shows a new design for vertical support members which incorporates a wide stiffening flat panel. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  shows how a dual horizontal support arm is interlocked with a vertical pole and holds cylindrical items for storage where a different arm elevation is used. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  shows how the twist lock feature may be utilized to support a horizontal member. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  shows how multiple types of storage shelving units may be incorporated into the twist lock design at varying heights. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  shows details of a shelving unit insert piece. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  shows how shelving panels may be incorporated into the vertical poles. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  shows how supporting feet are incorporated into the vertical poles. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  shows and alternate version where two types of poles are screwed together rather than use the twist lock feature. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  shows how the shelving unit can be utilized in a wine glass holding and shelf unit. 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  shows additional details of a shelving unit insert piece. 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  shows a divider panel. 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  shows dovetail assembly system for a horizontal pole. 
           [0034]      FIG. 18  shows a shelving system for a vertical self standing system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    A general, modular storage, display or partition system based on the use of, but not limited to, one or more, or a combination of the following base components, and any of the other components of the system, allowing a shelving and storage system expansion as previously presented in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/630,936. 
         [0036]    The modular system of the present design is specifically for quick assembly and disassembly, and for ready customization. 
         [0037]    The presented modular system is modern looking, simple, decorative, and readily incorporates integrated lighting. 
         [0038]    The Installation of the modular storage system can be, but is not restricted to, wall mounting, free Standing, floor to ceiling attachment, or any combination of the three. 
         [0039]    The base components comprise a column with a single T Slot or a pole with multiple T Slots. In an embodiment of the present invention the T Slot is fitted with an incremental positioning insert that allows fast, exact positioning of horizontal load bearing supports. The use of a positioning insert is not required. If desired, positioning holes can be added to the T Slot by drilling or punching during manufacturing. 
         [0040]    Column: a single “T” slot member with sufficient strength that is used to support shelving elements. It is generally installed in the vertical orientation and is optionally fitted with an incremental positioning insert with positioning holes, which allows fast locating, exact positioning, and load bearing of the components attached to it. 
         [0041]    The columns are profiles, “T” slot shaped in the front, typically but not exclusively with locater holes, capable of receiving in any hole, a connecting member located at the rear part of the component to be attached. The connecting member has a matching T shape, typically but not exclusively provided with a double axial cam and a locator pin. 
         [0042]    Another embodiment of the column is a “T” profile of the same shape and size, without the locator holes, capable of receiving “T” shaped connecting members that slide in the profile. The T shaped sliding connecting members do slide regardless of the presence of locator holes. The locator holes can be used for exact positioning of the sliding connecting members. 
         [0043]    The columns are made of, but not restricted to extruded aluminum profile. The columns can be wall mounted, attached to poles of the claimed System or attached to any other structure. 
         [0044]    The pole is typically, but not necessary, a four sided profile usually with a “T” Slot shape on every side. It can be installed in the horizontal or vertical orientation. Every side of the pole with a T Slot can be optionally fitted with an incremental positioning insert incorporating positioning holes, which allows fast locating, exact positioning, and load bearing of the shelving components attached to it. 
         [0045]    A pole more broadly speaking is a supporting frame element, vertical or horizontal, with at least one T Slot, and an optional positioning insert. The pole commonly has a geometric cross sectional profile of a polygon, repeating the “T” Slot on each side of the polygon. Common polygons are 3, 4, 6, and 8. A special pole, also called a rail, has a rectangular profile and has two T Slots on each of the smaller lengths of the rectangular profile. 
         [0046]    The poles are typically made of, but not restricted to, extruded aluminum or extruded plastic, along with plastic or metallic inserts. 
         [0047]    The presence of locator holes in a pole is not mandatory. If they are present, they can be drilled, punched or they can be placed in the pole by the optional insert (or inserts). 
         [0048]    An optional locator insert is typically mounted inside a V shaped groove adjacent to the T Slot, and becomes part of the T Slot. The locator insert is also attachable by another method (e.g. riveted, screwed, glued), inside the T Slot which is then made slightly wider to accommodate the thickness of the locator insert. 
         [0049]    Poles can be used in vertical, horizontal or tilted positions. They are normally used in substantially vertical or horizontal positions. 
         [0050]    Columns and Poles can be stacked with the appropriate linking components to achieve different heights, can be cut to fit exact spacing or extended with telescopic mounts, assuring advanced modularity and customization. 
         [0051]      FIG. 1A-1B  shows a horizontal support arm or element  102  useful for a shelving unit. The support element has a structural shape for strength with a high strength to weight ratio. It incorporates a soft overlay  101  that is a rubber, soft elastomer, or similar vibration isolator. The overlay preferably has high coefficient of friction and is additionally includes noise suppressor characteristics. Also, an isometric view of the support arm  103  is shown. Stops  104  provide spacing of items that may roll or slide on the support arms  103 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 2  shows how a horizontal support arm  203  is interlocked with a vertical column  201  and holds cylindrical items or container examples  202  for storage. 
         [0053]      FIG. 3  shows details of the vertical column, or vertical support frame element. A replaceable frame insert  301  with indexing holes  302  is incorporated into the design of the vertical support frame, and is inserted into a v-groove adjacent the T Slot in the depicted embodiment. 
         [0054]      FIG. 4A  shows how the horizontal support members are twist locked into the vertical support members in three steps. A vertical support frame element  401  incorporating a T Slot and a Horizontal Support Arm  402  are interlocked together. In step  1 , the horizontal support arm is inserted in to the T Slot  405  as shown by being oriented so the cam  407  is parallel to the T Slot opening  405 . In Step  2 , the support arm is pushed all the way in so that the locator pin  406  is inserted into an indexing hole  404 . Depending upon which indexing hole is chosen; this establishes the elevation of the support arm. In step  3 , the support is rotated substantially 90 degrees (i.e. ¼ turn) so that the snap lock  403  aligns or clicks into the T Slot opening. This simple three step process assures the alignment and full supporting strength of the support arm. The cam and snap lock provides resistance to rotation when engaged with the T Slot in this manner.  FIG. 4B  shows a cross section detail of the cam in the T Slot at step  2 , and  FIG. 4C  shows a cross section of the support arm at step  3 . The locator pin  406  and indexing hole  404  combination serve as a rotation axis for the twist lock motion and have a load bearing function at the same time. 
         [0055]      FIG. 5A  shows details of another vertical support member or element, a pole with four T slots. A Replaceable Frame Insert (Optional on any side of the pole)  501  is insertable on any of the four sides of the vertical pole  503  and each side incorporates a T Slot  502 . Each of the sides also incorporates a V groove for replaceable frame insert  504  so that the T Slot may be used for a precise and repeatable location of a support frame element that includes a locator pin. 
         [0056]    In  FIG. 5B , alternate pole configurations incorporate 3, 4, 6, and 8 sided respectively  505 - 508 . Another version is a 4 sided pole with two T Slots as shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 6  shows a new design for vertical support members which incorporates a wide stiffening flat panel. As is seen in the figure, a Narrow panel  601  is installed on a vertical column  602 , and is part of the T Slot  603 . A wide panel  604  is incorporated between vertical columns. 
         [0058]    The presented embodiment is a one piece extruded panel with two T slot features. Another embodiment would be two or more columns embedded in a panel . 
         [0059]      FIG. 7  shows how a dual horizontal support arm is interlocked with dual vertical columns  702  with T Slots  701  and holds cylindrical items for storage where a different arm elevation is used. 
         [0060]      FIG. 8  (upper half) shows how the twist lock feature may be utilized to support a horizontal rail. A Vertical support column  801  is connected to a horizontal pole  802  (with two T Slots) by use of a specialized support arm  805  that incorporates a Cam  806  for the Twist/Lock system (previously described). The horizontal pole  802  (rail) is snap locked in the flexible jaw  803  of the support arm  805 . A hole  804  is used to locate a snap fit decorative rail end cap which will also act as a rail stopper. 
         [0061]      FIG. 8  (lower half) shows how the twist lock feature may be utilized to support a horizontal pole. A vertical support pole with a T Slot  811  is connected to a horizontal pole  807  (with two T Slots) by use of a specialized connector  809  with a flexible jaw  808  that incorporates a Cam  806  and Stop  810  for the Twist/Lock system (previously described). The flexible jaw  808  is capable of receiving a rail type horizontal pole. 
         [0062]      FIG. 8  shows a typical example of how the Twist Lock feature can be adapted to any type of horizontal supporting structure. The horizontal bracket  805  or arm should only be seen as an example of how a rail is supported. Other types of objects or shelving components could also be adapted for support using this system. A linking bracket that fitted with a “cam” profile at rear side, is easily able to match any sort of “T” slot of Columns or Poles, and a flexible jaw at the front is easily designable to accept a snap fit with other shelving components. In particular, this design is useful to accept and support items such as, but not limited to: shelves, baskets, display boards. 
         [0063]      FIG. 9  shows how multiple types of storage shelving units may be incorporated into the twist lock design at varying heights. As seen, the modular System is multifunctional, and can be configured and used in a large variety of applications such as, but not limited to, bottle storage, pantry storage Systems, display or general storage. 
         [0064]      FIG. 10  shows details of a particular male dovetail  1004  shelving unit insert piece. T Shaped tabs  1001  are used to fit into T Slots with a raceway  1002  for low voltage wires. A threaded hole for a set screw/locator  1003  is also provided. A locking device/tab is provided to attach other items to the dovetail. In general, the “Male dovetail” will interconnect with any “Female dovetail”. The male dovetail can be free sliding in any “T” slot or can be locked in the profile with a set screw. 
         [0065]      FIG. 11  shows how shelving panels may be incorporated into the vertical poles along with lighting. A Vertical Pole  1106  is connected to the male dovetail  1102  and a set screw (not shown) is used to firmly lock it in place. A raceway for low voltage wires in male dovetail  1103  provides room for low voltage wires  1105  for a Light (LED)  1104 . Ultimately, a Divider Panel  1107  is illuminated by the LED light to achieve a uniform, pleasant, light box effect shining within the Divider Panel. 
         [0066]    The above panels can be clear or decorated and can serve as partitions, display backgrounds, marketing displays, trade show booth walls or any other application where a light weight decorative or translucent panel is needed. 
         [0067]      FIG. 12  shows how supporting feet are incorporated into the vertical poles. At least two vertical poles  1202  are connected by a Linker connector  1203  and terminate in a cap  1201  at the top, and an axial pole support  1206  on the bottom. To steady the connected poles and keep them vertical, a Rear Leg  1204  and a Front Leg  1205  are attached at the bottom of the pole assembly. Convenient levelers are attached at the base of the pole  1207  and the legs  1208  to ensure the poles are steady. Though only two legs are shown, an assembly with divider panels would only need two per pole as the divider panels would provide additional stability. Not all components listed above have to be present to support the vertical poles. The linker connector is used to stack multiple poles in the modular system. The cap is a decorative finishing component. Additional legs can be installed, depending upon the pole used, to provide stability. 
         [0068]      FIG. 13  shows and alternate version where a horizontal pole and a vertical column are screwed together rather than use the twist lock feature by use of an insert nut. A horizontal pole  1301  with a T Slot  1302  incorporates a spacer/nut  1304 / 1303  insert. The spacer and nut are one flexible component (not a separate insert nut). It can be “squeezed” and inserted in any T slot of the system, and will slide until is spread locked by the screw  1306 . The screw  1306  is used to attach the horizontal pole to the vertical column  1307 . 
         [0069]    This component allows flexibility of design with columns and poles by using their T Slots, and can be inserted into any column or pole in the desired position. The front side of the insert nut will accept a self tapping screw. The screw will spread and lock the component in place and attach the -column or pole- to the -column or pole- at the desired position. 
         [0070]      FIG. 14  shows how the shelving unit can be utilized in a wine glass holding and shelf unit. The shelf assembly incorporates a flat shelf  1401 , a Sliding hanger attached to the rail  1402 , a waste Container attached to vertical support  1403 , a rail attached to horizontal support  1404 , a Glass hanger attached to a single vertical support  1405 , and on the glass hanger there is a soft elastomer on slotted v-groove  1406 . Arrows of motion highlight how the shelf assembly may be adjusted. 
         [0071]    The horizontal pole  1404  could also be called a “Rail” due to the “H” shaped profile, and is typically, but not limited to, extruded aluminum. It is designed to support sliding or fixed snap-on shelving units or installed for dedicated or general purpose holders. The rails are typically designed for the horizontal orientation. 
         [0072]      FIG. 15  shows additional details of a shelving unit insert piece. Similar to  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 15  shows details of a double tapered female dovetail  1502  with a locking feature  1501 . The female dovetail will link to any male dovetail. The rear side of the female dovetail can have several different configurations. It can be a mating part for a pole profile, at 90 degree, 45 degree or any other angle. A component with a “female dovetail” at each end can also act as a spacer, linker or anchor in-between two male dovetails. The inclusion of spacers with different lengths is part of the design of the system. 
         [0073]      FIG. 16  shows a divider panel installation. A vertical pole  1605  is connected to a horizontal pole  1602  by use of a male and female dovetail  1603  and a locking set screw  1604 . A divider panel is then inserted in a T Slot of the horizontal pole  1602 . 
         [0074]      FIG. 17  shows more clearly the dovetail assembly system for a horizontal pole onto a vertical pole using the double tapered male dovetail  1707  and the double tapered female dovetail  1704 . A vertical pole  1710  connects with a T shaped rear  1709 , of a male dovetail  1707  and 
         [0075]    a) a female dovetail at 45 degrees  1706   
         [0076]    b) a female dovetail short piece  1705 , or 
         [0077]    c) a female dovetail  1704  with a spacer  1703 . 
         [0078]    Finally, to connect these parts to a fixed structure (such as a wall), a screwed in anchor plate with a male dovetail  1701  and a locking tab  1702  is used. The male dovetail is designed to fit into any female dovetail. 
         [0079]    Alternately, a horizontal pole  1712  may be connected by use of a Female Dovetail  1711  at 90 degrees, a Set Screw  1713 , and a Male Dovetail  1714  screwed into the vertical pole. Ultimately the dovetail is screwed into the vertical pole (or column) and into the horizontal support. It is then assembled in place using the tapers and locking features of the spacers, male and female parts. 
         [0080]      FIG. 18  shows a shelving system for a vertical self standing system. An optional lid  1804  along with various basket configurations  1803  and a universal bracket  1802  are attached to universal poles  1801 . 
         [0081]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, the invention may be modified and adapted to various operational methods to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the description and figure shown herein, and includes all such embodiments, changes, and modifications that are encompassed by the scope of the claims.