Patent Description:
As is well known in the art, shelves, cabinets, racks, and an untold number of other furniture pieces or structures have been used to accommodate and/or store goods and items of nearly any variety or type. Many of these units not only contain a number selves which are arranged in a vertical configuration, but also wherein each shelf includes a partition or other structural component which physically sub-divides or breaks the shelf into multiple compartments.

For example, <CIT> discloses a cabinet assembly comprising a number of shelves, each shelf itself comprising a number of shelf dividers. Each divider comprises one or more tabs which are slotted into the shelves in order to split up the storage space of each shelf.

Another example of a shelf divider can be found in <CIT> which discloses a rack which is used to display a plurality of items while also sub-dividing a shelf. Specifically, each divider includes a track and a movable pusher which pushes an item from a rear portion of the divider to the front when a previous item is removed from the display.

Yet another prior art solution for sub-dividing a shelf can be found in <CIT> which discloses a plurality of wire frame storage dividers for reels. After each storage divider is located on its corresponding shelf, a reel is dropped in or inserted therein so that the reel remains in the vertical position, thereby allowing the user store a large number of reels on a single shelf.

<CIT> discloses a paper management support rack for supporting a plurality of shelves, trays and the like within a larger storage cavity which includes an upper shelf having internally directed flanges on the underside thereof. The support rack includes a planar guide panel supported between a pair of hanger bars which have wedge clips at their upper end which rigidly lock the support rack to the upper shelf of the cavity between the shelf underside and the internally directed flanges.

European patent application <CIT> discloses a clamping system for modular furniture comprising a support beam <NUM> and a clamp for mounting to the support beam <NUM>. The support beam <NUM> is generally of light gauge metal and may for example be an extruded aluminium tube with a hollow interior <NUM>. The beam I is of generally square shape in transverse cross section and has four projecting lobes <NUM>, one at each corner. Concave portions <NUM> extend between each lobe <NUM>. The clamp may comprise one, two, three or four identical clamping elements <NUM> for mounting to the beam <NUM>. Each clamping element <NUM> has a single recess <NUM> of complementary shape to the lobe <NUM> so that the clamping element <NUM> can engage with and slidably move along the beam by engagement of the beam lobe <NUM> in the clamp recess <NUM>. Each clamping element <NUM> comprises a single piece having a recess <NUM> of complementary shape to that of the lobe <NUM>. In use, the clamping element recess <NUM> fully embraces the lobe <NUM> for securely mounting the clamp to the beam <NUM>. The clamping element <NUM> fully embraces the lobe <NUM> so that accessories can be locked firmly to the support rail <NUM> without rotating, for example to hold accessories in a vertical or horizontal position relative to the support rail <NUM>.

Further prior art is disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>.

However while each prior art solution including those listed above allow a user to sub-divide a shelf by inserting or attaching any number of dividers or partitions thereon, each shelf divider fails to hold or accommodate items or goods directly in a suspended and stacked configuration. Instead, each divider may allow a user to lean or prop up an item against the divider, but in each instance the item is still principally in contact with a surface of the shelf, thereby requiring a horizontally disposed shelf surface or shelf plate. This can create a problem in some instances however where a large cabinet or shelving system may contain multiple shelves which in turn dramatically increases the overall weight of the shelving, thereby making the shelving system more difficult to move or adjust. In addition to increasing the overall weight of the cabinet or shelving system, shelf plates or other material used to form each shelf surface can also make the cabinet or shelving system more expensive to manufacture which is typically passed on the consumer. Furthermore, because the prior art dividers fail to hold or accommodate the items being stored directly, this can lead to some of the items shifting or moving within each shelf, thus increasing the possibility that items can become damaged.

What is needed therefore is an apparatus and method for sub-dividing and organizing a shelf unit which does not dramatically increase the overall weight of the shelving unit while also providing additional structural support to any items being stored by directly accommodating the items themselves. The apparatus should be easy and quick to use and not require any additional tools or parts beyond the frame of the shelving unit itself.

As is well understood, it can be very difficult to easily access items from a stack of items that are disposed on a shelf. If the item at the bottom of the stack is needed, then the whole stack needs to be removed from the shelf. This is not only inefficient, but it also means that items being stored must be placed on possibly unsafe or undesired surfaces.

The modular design of the adjustable shelving racks of the current invention solves this problem by permitting a user to add shelving racks to a shelf ad infinitum and completely customize a shelf or shelving unit to hold different sizes of items between each set of shelving racks in a highly efficient and convenient manner. Each adjustable shelving rack maximizes vertical food storage and offers "slide in and out" access to each item from top to bottom within each formed "stack. " The adjustable shelving racks allow for side loading and end loading and can each be adjusted along the length of a single shelf to hold many different storage devices or containers such as but not limited to food pans, market trays, and food boxes.

The current invention provides an adjustable shelving rack according to claim <NUM> for maintaining a plurality of containers in a suspended stacked configuration within a shelf of a shelving unit. The adjustable shelving rack includes a panel comprising a plurality of horizontal supports and a plurality of removeable vice assemblies coupled to the panel. Each of the plurality of horizontal supports extend perpendicularly outward from a vertical plane that is defined by the panel while each of the plurality of removable vice assemblies is configured to selectively grip or squeeze at least one traverse forming the shelf.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of removeable vice assemblies includes a fixed clamp, a moveable clamp, and means for selectively adjusting the position of the moveable clamp relative to the fixed clamp. Specifically, the panel comprises a plurality of recesses which are each configured to accommodate the fixed clamp therein. Even more specifically, the fixed clamp of each of the plurality of vice assemblies includes a dual-prong clip while each of the plurality of recesses has a window defined therein to accommodate the dual-prong clip.

In a related embodiment, the means for selectively adjusting the position of the moveable clamp relative to the fixed clamp include a coupling portion disposed on the fixed clamp, an aperture defined through the moveable clamp, and a thumb screw disposed through the aperture and inserted into the coupling portion. In a further embodiment, the coupling portion includes an internal thread that is configured to engage a threaded portion of the thumb screw.

In yet another embodiment, a tab is coupled to each of the plurality of recesses. Here, the moveable clamp has a bracket which extends from a bottom surface of the moveable clamp, the bracket itself being configured to accommodate the tab.

In another embodiment, the fixed clamp of each of the plurality of vice assemblies has a first jaw disposed on a top surface of the fixed clamp while the moveable clamp of each of the plurality of vice assemblies has a second jaw disposed on a top surface of the moveable clamp.

In yet another embodiment, the panel includes a plurality of vertical non-linear supports that are disposed perpendicular relative to the plurality of horizontal supports. In a related embodiment, the plurality of horizontal supports of the panel each include a plurality of heat dispersing bumps disposed along a length of each of the plurality of horizontal supports and a pair of tray stoppers disposed on each longitudinal end of each of the plurality of horizontal supports.

In a separate embodiment, each of the plurality of coupling means includes a stationary wall, a moveable wall, and a bolt that is inserted through the moveable wall and the stationary wall. A cam lever is further disposed on the bolt so as to actuate the moveable wall relative to the stationary wall.

In a related embodiment, each of the plurality of coupling means instead includes an arm that is connected to a hinge that is disposed on the panel. A distal end of the arm in one particular embodiment includes a flexible hook. In a different embodiment, the distal end of the arm includes a flange perpendicularly orientated relative to the arm and a flange bolt that is inserted through the flange. A pad is connected to a distal end of the flange bolt and a wing nut disposed near a proximal end of the flange bolt.

The invention further provides a system for maintaining a plurality of containers in a suspended stacked configuration. The system includes a shelving unit comprising a plurality of traverses, a plurality of item containers, and a plurality of adjustable shelving racks according to claim <NUM> that are selectively coupled to at least one of the plurality of traverses. Each of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks specifically includes a plurality of horizontal supports which extend perpendicularly from either side of a vertical plane as defined by a panel of each of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks. Additionally, each of the plurality of horizontal supports are configured to accommodate a side or edge of at least one of the plurality of item containers.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks includes a plurality of coupling means, each of the plurality of coupling means being located on the adjustable shelving rack in order to couple to a different one of the plurality of horizontal traverses.

Relatedly, each of the plurality of coupling means specifically include a fixed clamp, a moveable clamp, and means for adjusting the linear position of the moveable clamp relative to the fixed clamp. Specifically, a removable thumb screw may be disposed through the moveable clamp and inserted into the fixe clamp.

In another embodiment, each of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks includes a means for selectively adjusting the longitudinal position of the adjustable shelving rack relative to the at least one of the plurality of traverses it is selectively coupled to.

In yet another embodiment, the plurality of item containers include at least two item containers comprising different sizes.

In a further embodiment, the plurality of traverses are located within the shelving unit in order to form a plurality of different shelves. More specifically, at least one of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks is selectively coupled to at least two of the plurality of shelves.

In another embodiment, the plurality of adjustable shelving racks are selectively connected to the same one of the plurality of traverses.

In yet another embodiment, each of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks are comprised of injected molded plastic while the plurality of traverses are comprised of pultruded molded plastic.

The invention further provides a method for suspending a plurality of item containers in a shelving unit. The method includes placing a plurality of adjustable shelving racks according to claim <NUM> within the shelving unit, selectively connecting the plurality of adjustable shelving racks to a plurality of traverses forming the shelving unit, and inserting the plurality of item containers in between at least two of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks. Next, each of the plurality of item containers are placed on a corresponding horizontal support within each of the at least two of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks.

In one embodiment, the method also includes adjusting a longitudinal position of at least one of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks relative to at least one of the plurality of traverses.

In another embodiment, the step of placing the plurality of adjustable shelving racks within the shelving unit involves simultaneously disposing a first plurality of vice assemblies located on each of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks over a corresponding first parallel pair of the plurality of traverses and then rotating the plurality of adjustable shelving racks relative to the first parallel pair of the plurality of traverses. Next, a second plurality of vice assemblies are simultaneously disposed over a corresponding second parallel pair of the plurality of traverses.

In one particular embodiment, the plurality of adjustable shelving racks are selectively connected to the plurality of traverses forming the shelving unit by first opening a vice assembly located on each of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks, accommodating a width of at least one of the plurality of traverses within the open vice assembly, and then closing the vice assembly. Specifically, closing the vice assembly applies a squeezing force to the at least one of the plurality of traverses by the vice assembly. Relatedly, closing the vice assembly also includes actuating a thumb screw that is disposed through the vice assembly.

In another embodiment, the step of inserting the plurality of item containers in between at least two of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks specifically includes inserting the plurality of item containers in a stacked vertical configuration between the at least two of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks.

In a further embodiment, placing each of the plurality of item containers on a corresponding horizontal support within each of the at least two of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks is accomplished by placing an edge of each of the plurality of item containers on the corresponding horizontal support and then sliding each of the plurality of item containers into the shelving unit.

In an alternative embodiment, placing the plurality of adjustable shelving racks within the shelving unit specifically includes placing the plurality of adjustable shelving racks across a plurality of shelves that are located within the shelving unit.

In yet another embodiment, placing each of the plurality of item containers on a corresponding horizontal support within each of the at least two of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks also includes placing at least two of the plurality of item containers on opposing sides of the same adjustable shelving rack.

In a related embodiment, the step of inserting the plurality of item containers in between at least two of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks specifically includes inserting a plurality of item containers of different sizes in between the at least two of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks.

In one embodiment, the step of selectively connecting the plurality of adjustable shelving racks to the plurality of traverses forming the shelving unit includes opening a cam lever assembly disposed on each of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks and accommodating a width of at least one of the plurality of traverses within the cam lever assembly. Next, the cam lever assembly is actuated to close the cam lever assembly onto the at least one of the plurality of traverses by specifically applying a squeezing force to the at least one of the plurality of traverses by the cam lever assembly.

In a separate but related embodiment, the method step of selectively connecting the plurality of adjustable shelving racks to the plurality of traverses forming the shelving unit includes accommodating a width of at least one of the plurality of traverses within a corner portion defined in each of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks and then rotating an arm connected to each of the plurality of adjustable shelving racks over the width of the at least one of the plurality of traverses. Next a distal end of the arm is connected to a lip disposed on the at least one of the plurality of traverses. Specifically, in one embodiment, the distal end of the arm is connected to the lip by fitting a hook that is disposed on the distal end of the arm around the lip. In an alternative embodiment, the distal end of the arm is connected to the lip by first disposing a pad over an outward surface of the lip and then advancing the pad until it contacts the outward surface of the lip.

The disclosure can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals.

The disclosure and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are presented as illustrated examples of the embodiments defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the embodiments as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below.

The current invention solves the problems of the prior art and more by providing an adjustable shelving rack which is denoted generally by reference numeral <NUM> in <FIG>. The shelving rack <NUM> is comprised of a substantially rectangular panel <NUM> which itself is comprised of a lattice work or grid of horizontal supports <NUM> and vertical supports <NUM>. Each horizontal support <NUM> extends from either side of the surface of a geometric plane defined by the panel <NUM>. Disposed in each corner of the panel <NUM> is a vice assembly <NUM> for coupling the shelving rack <NUM> to at least one traverse of a shelving unit <NUM> as detailed further below and in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The vertical supports <NUM>, the horizontal supports <NUM>, and the vice assemblies <NUM> of the shelving rack <NUM> are each preferably comprised of injection molded plastic or plastic composites. Specifically, the panel <NUM> of the shelving rack <NUM> is comprised of a single or integrated piece of injection molded plastic so as to provide maximum structural integrity and strength for the shelving rack <NUM>.

In the magnified view of a vice assembly <NUM> seen in <FIG>, each vice assembly <NUM> is comprised of a fixed clamp <NUM> coupled to a recess <NUM> defined within each one of the four corner portions of the panel <NUM>. A moveable clamp <NUM> is in turn coupled to the panel <NUM> and is adjustable relative to the fixed clamp <NUM> via a coupling means, for example a threaded bolt <NUM> in one preferred embodiment.

Greater detail of the fixed clamp <NUM> may be seen in <FIG>. Each fixed clamp <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> with a substantially cylindrical coupling portion <NUM> which extends outwardly from one surface of the body <NUM>. The coupling portion <NUM> in turn comprises a female aperture or thread <NUM> disposed throughout the internal longitudinal length of the coupling portion <NUM>. The body <NUM> further comprises a first jaw <NUM> disposed on or integrally formed on a top surface or top portion of the body <NUM>. Additionally, disposed on one lateral side of the body <NUM> is a dual-prong clip <NUM> used to couple the fixed clamp <NUM> to the panel <NUM> as is discussed further below. As seen in the bottom view of the fixed clamp <NUM> of <FIG>, the dual-prong clip <NUM> comprising two flexible prongs with a pair of substantially hook-shaped or barbed tips that are symmetrically disposed in a substantially mirror-image configuration.

More detail related to the panel <NUM> may be had by turning to <FIG>. Each panel <NUM> comprises a recess <NUM> formed in each of the four corners of the panel <NUM>. Each recess <NUM> in turn comprises a window <NUM> defined therein. Each vertical support <NUM> comprises a substantially "zig zag" or non-linear shape which increases the stiffness or rigidity of the panel <NUM> which in turn increases the overall structural strength of the shelving rack <NUM>. Additionally, each horizontal support <NUM> comprises a plurality of heat dispersing bumps <NUM> symmetrically disposed across the length of each respective horizontal support <NUM>. Disposed at either end of each of the horizontal supports <NUM> is a pair symmetrical tray stoppers <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the longitudinal length of each of the plurality of horizontal supports <NUM> extend beyond the respective lateral positions of the each of the recess <NUM>. In <FIG>, it can be seen how each horizontal support <NUM> extends outward in a perpendicular direction relative to the vertical supports <NUM> on either side of the panel <NUM>. It can also be seen that each recess <NUM> comprises a substantially "C" shaped cross section for accommodating the body <NUM> of the fixed clamp <NUM> therein without enlarging the profile of the shelving rack <NUM>.

As seen in greater detail in the partially exploded views of <FIG> and <FIG>, each fixed clamp <NUM> is coupled to a recess portion <NUM> by inserting the dual-prong clip <NUM> into the window <NUM>. As the dual-prong clip <NUM> is inserted into the window <NUM>, each prong is pushed towards each other in order to fit through the narrower window <NUM>. Once inserted, the natural spring force or resiliency of the dual-prong clip <NUM> pushes each prong away from each other into its natural or resting position. The hook-shaped tips of each prong then ensure that the fixed clamp <NUM> cannot decouple unintentionally from the recess <NUM> of the panel <NUM>.

The movable clamp <NUM> is coupled to the fixed clamp <NUM> by sliding a hollow interior <NUM> defined in the center of the movable clamp <NUM> as seen in <FIG> over the coupling portion <NUM> and then inserting the threaded bolt <NUM> through an aperture <NUM> and then into the female thread <NUM> of the coupling portion <NUM>. The threaded bolt <NUM> is then rotated or actuated in the clockwise direction within the female thread <NUM> of the coupling portion <NUM> which pushes or slides the moveable clamp <NUM> towards the fixed clamp <NUM>, thereby bringing a second jaw <NUM> of the movable clamp <NUM> closer and closer to the first jaw <NUM> of the fixed clamp <NUM>. When the threaded bolt <NUM> is rotated in the opposing or counterclockwise direction, the movable clamp <NUM> is backed off or separated from the fixed clamp <NUM> which in turn widens the gap between the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM>. As the movable clamp <NUM> is being adjusted via the threaded bolt <NUM>, a bracket <NUM> extending vertically downward from the movable clamp <NUM> as best seen in <FIG> is simultaneously moved back and forth over a tab <NUM> extending outward from beneath the recess <NUM>. Specifically, as the movable clamp <NUM> is moving towards the fixed clamp <NUM>, the tab <NUM> is also inserted into the bracket <NUM>. The interlocking fit created between the tab <NUM> and the bracket <NUM> ensures that any rotational movement between the panel <NUM> and the movable clamp <NUM> is prevented while the threaded bolt <NUM> is rotated.

It should also be noted that in alternative embodiments that the threaded bolt <NUM> may further comprise a wing nut or another type of flange which extends outward from the longitudinal length of the threaded bolt <NUM> so as to provide a user with the ability to apply a greater amount of torque and thus make rotation of the threaded bolt <NUM> easier.

The adjustable shelving rack <NUM> is coupled to or disposed within a shelving unit <NUM> comprised of a plurality of vertical posts <NUM> and a plurality of horizontal traverses <NUM>. Greater understanding of the traverses <NUM> of the shelving unit <NUM> can be had by turning to <FIG>. Each traverse <NUM> is substantially shaped in a hollow double I-beam configuration as seen in the cross section of <FIG>. The double I-beam configuration comprises a top surface <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM>, and two side walls <NUM> with a hollow cavity <NUM> defined there between and throughout the length of the traverse <NUM>. Each traverse <NUM> also comprises a downturned lip <NUM> adjacent to the top surface <NUM> and an extended segment <NUM> adjacent to the bottom surface <NUM> throughout its length. Preferably, the lip <NUM> faces "outward" or to the "outside" of the shelving unit <NUM>, namely on the opposite side of the traverse <NUM>.

The vertical posts <NUM> and horizontal traverses <NUM> of the shelving unit <NUM> are made by a pultrusion process comprising the following steps of providing a supply of fiberglass rovings, guiding fibers from the fiberglass rovings through a resin impregnator, saturating the fibers with resin from the resin impregnator, pulling the saturated fibers through a forming die, forming the fibers to a predetermined shape to form a pultruded component, and cutting the formed pultruded traverse or post to a predetermined length. Specifically, both the primary horizontal traverses <NUM> and the primary vertical posts <NUM> are comprised of plastic or plastic composites and are fabricated by the known process of pultrusion.

The process of pultrusion in general includes a plurality of strands of fiberglass or other suitable material being extruded from a plurality of rovings disposed on a rack by a plurality of pulleys or other suitable means. The strands of fiberglass are brought together with other materials such as mats and are placed in a resin bath or are otherwise impregnated with resin and other substances that bind the roving strands together in a resin impregnator. The resin may either be liquid or powder based depending on the type of fiberglass material being supplied by the rovings, and may include a mixture of one or more thermosetting or thermoplastic resins. Various types of filament winding may be added if desired to the resin infused strands by an in-line winder. Adding a filament winding increases the bi-axial strength of the pultruded component. The resin infused strands are then mechanically pulled by a set of roving pullers through a set of performers which help the fiberglass rovings obtain an initial rough shape before being pulled through a curring die which forms the fiberglass to a permanent predetermined shape. After being pulled, heated, or cured, a saw then cuts the pultruded component down to a desired length or plurality of lengths.

In the preferred embodiment of the current invention, the horizontal traverses <NUM> and vertical posts <NUM> are comprised of a mixture of <NUM>% to <NUM>% glass and <NUM>% to <NUM>% resin. The fiberglass being fed from the rovings is a continuous filament of <NUM> Fiver glass. As the fiberglass enters the resin impregnator <NUM>, a resin comprising <NUM>% BAYDUR PUL2500 (Polymeric Diphenyimethane Diisocyanate (pMDI)), <NUM>% BAYDURE PUL2500 (Polyol System), <NUM>% mold release (AXEL INT-1948MCH), and. <NUM>% color load (REBUS Code <NUM>) is impregnated onto the fiberglass. After each of the components have been properly cured, molded, and cut, the resulting product is an extremely strong and durable structural element for the shelving system <NUM> that is still lightweight enough to be easily carried or otherwise manipulated. It is to be expressly understood however that other similar types of fiberglass or resins may be used in differing proportions from what is listed here without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In the embodiment best seen in <FIG>, the horizontal traverses <NUM> are paired up in parallel groups of two and are coupled to vertical posts <NUM> at either end of each traverse <NUM>. Each parallel pair of traverses <NUM> forms a support structure or a frame for a shelf or level within the larger shelving unit <NUM>. Each parallel pair of traverses <NUM> may accommodate a plurality of adjustable shelving racks <NUM>. It should also be noted that fewer or additional traverses <NUM> other than what is explicitly shown in <FIG> may be used without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, <FIG> shows two pairs of parallel traverses <NUM> thereby providing at least one frame or support for at least one shelving space, however additional pairs of traverses <NUM> may be present thereby providing more options for the user to dispose adjustable shelving racks <NUM> at different levels or heights within the shelving unit <NUM>.

To incorporate an adjustable shelving rack <NUM> into the shelving unit <NUM>, the user inserts the adjustable shelving rack <NUM> in between two vertical pairs of traverses <NUM> as seen in <FIG> by first disposing the vice assemblies <NUM> on one longitudinal edge of the shelving rack <NUM> over the width of a corresponding parallel pair of traverses <NUM>. Specifically, each vice assembly <NUM> is initially disposed in an open configuration with the movable clamp <NUM> backed off or separated from the fixed clamp <NUM> so that the top surface <NUM> of the lower traverses <NUM> may be fitted or inserted therein. The shelving rack <NUM> is then rotated or pivoted in the direction shown by arrow <NUM> which brings the vice assemblies <NUM> on the opposing longitudinal edge of the shelving rack <NUM> into close proximity with the bottom surface <NUM> of the upper pair of traverses <NUM>. Next the user actuates the thumb screw <NUM> of each vice assembly <NUM> together or in succession to bring each corresponding movable clamp <NUM> and fixed clamp <NUM> together as discussed above. As the movable clamp <NUM> moves toward the fixed clamp <NUM>, the first jaw <NUM> is pressed against an inside edge of each traverse <NUM> while the second jaw <NUM> is simultaneously pressed against the corresponding outside edge of each traverse <NUM> as each vice assembly <NUM> is actuated. In other words, actuating each vice assembly <NUM> of the shelving rack <NUM> forces the fixed clamp <NUM> and the movable clamp <NUM> to pinch, grip, or otherwise squeeze the traverse <NUM> it is disposed on. When all four vice assemblies <NUM> have been tightened, the adjustable shelving rack <NUM> is firmly held in place between the two adjacent pairs of parallel traverses <NUM> thus sub dividing the storage space or volume defined by the frame of the shelving unit <NUM>, namely the horizontal traverses <NUM> and the vertical posts <NUM>. For example, by placing two adjustable shelving racks <NUM> within a single shelving area of a shelving unit <NUM> as seen in <FIG>, the user may divide a single storage area into three separate storage sub-areas, namely sub-area A, sub-area B, and sub-area C. By repeating the process and installing a plurality of adjustable shelving racks <NUM> on all the pairs of traverses <NUM> which may be present within the shelving unit <NUM>, the user can sub divide the shelving unit <NUM> into as many compartments or sub-areas as they desire or is needed.

To adjust the relative position of any adjustable shelving rack <NUM> within the shelving unit <NUM>, the user loosens or adjusts each of the thumb screws <NUM> in each corresponding vice assembly <NUM> so that the first and second jaws <NUM>, <NUM> are backed off of the inside and outside edges of each traverse <NUM>, respectively. With both the top surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> of each traverse <NUM> still disposed between but not firmly contacting either the first jaw <NUM> and the second jaw <NUM> of each corresponding vice assembly <NUM>, the user may slide, push, or otherwise move the adjustable shelving rack <NUM> in either lateral direction shown by arrows <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>. By keeping each vice assembly <NUM> disposed around but not firmly gripping the edges of the traverses <NUM>, the user does not need to fully remove or extract the adjustable shelving rack <NUM> from the shelving unit <NUM> in order to adjust its relative position therein. Instead, the user simply loosens each vice assembly <NUM>, slides the shelving rack <NUM> laterally down the length of the traverses <NUM> to a new desired position, and then retightens or reengages each vice assembly <NUM> to once again fix the adjustable shelving rack <NUM> to a stationary position within the shelving unit <NUM>. To remove the adjustable shelving rack <NUM> completely, the user loosens or expands each vice assembly <NUM> and then rotates or pivots the adjustable shelving rack <NUM> in the opposing direction from the direction indicated by arrow <NUM>. The shelving rack <NUM> may then be lifted from the shelving system <NUM> and cleaned or otherwise reinserted if needed.

Alternatively, in a separate embodiment seen in <FIG>, a cam lever or cam lock system may be used to couple each of the four corners of the panel <NUM> to a corresponding traverse <NUM>. In this embodiment each of the recesses <NUM> is replaced entirely with a stationary wall <NUM> which is disposed perpendicular relative to the substantially horizontal tab <NUM>. A bolt <NUM> inserted through a moveable wall <NUM> is also inserted through the stationary wall <NUM> and held in place via a knob <NUM>. Disposed on the opposing end of the bolt <NUM> is a cam lever <NUM> that, when actuated, changes the position of the movable wall <NUM> relative to the stationary wall <NUM>. Specifically, when the cam lever <NUM> is in the "open" position, the movable wall <NUM> is pushed away from the stationary wall <NUM> thereby increasing the distance between the two. The panel <NUM> is then disposed on the shelving unit <NUM> so that a traverse <NUM> is placed in the space created between the moveable wall <NUM> and the stationary wall <NUM>. The cam lever <NUM> is then actuated into the "closed" position which pushes the moveable wall <NUM> closer to the stationary wall <NUM> while simultaneously drawing the proximal end of the bolt <NUM> through the cam lever <NUM> as is known in the art. Actuating the cam lever <NUM> effectively applies a squeezing or gripping force to the traverse <NUM> disposed there between and locks the corresponding corner or edge of the panel <NUM> to that respective position along the longitudinal length of the traverse <NUM>. To remove the panel <NUM> from the traverse <NUM> or simply readjust its longitudinal position along the traverse <NUM>, the cam lever <NUM> is moved back into the open position which releases the grip applied to the traverse <NUM>. The position of the panel <NUM> is then adjusted as needed and then locked back into position by again closing or re-actuating the cam lever <NUM>.

Another embodiment of how the panel <NUM> may be selectively coupled or locked to a traverse <NUM> is seen in <FIG>. Here, an arm <NUM> is coupled to a portion of the panel <NUM> through a pivot or hinge <NUM>. The arm <NUM> is rotatable or is otherwise able to pivot about the hinge <NUM>.

As discussed above, a traverse <NUM> is placed or disposed within a cut out or aperture defined in each corner of the panel <NUM>, preferably with a surface of the traverse <NUM> in contact with the tab <NUM>. The arm <NUM> is then swung or pivoted over the top surface <NUM> of the traverse <NUM>. As the arm <NUM> is placed over the traverse, a snap button or hook <NUM> disposed on a distal end of the arm <NUM> is placed in close proximity to the lip <NUM> that is disposed along the longitudinal length of the traverse <NUM>. Pressure is applied to the hook <NUM> which causes the hook <NUM> which is comprised of a flexible yet resilient material to accommodate the lip <NUM> therein in a substantially friction or snap type fit. An audible "snap" or "click" sound may be emitted as the hook <NUM> fits around or accommodates the lip <NUM>. The rounded or substantial "U" shape of the hook <NUM> ensures that the lip <NUM> remains within the hook <NUM> for as long as the panel <NUM> remains coupled to the traverse <NUM>. To remove the panel <NUM> from the traverse <NUM> or simply readjust its longitudinal position along the traverse <NUM>, the distal end of the hook <NUM> is manipulated so as to move the hook <NUM> off of the lip <NUM> of the traverse <NUM>. The arm <NUM> may then be swung or moved back off of the top surface <NUM> of the traverse <NUM>, thereby clearing the way for the panel <NUM> to be removed from the traverse <NUM>. The position of the panel <NUM> is then adjusted as needed and then locked into a new position by again snapping the hook <NUM> over the lip <NUM> after rotating or swinging the arm <NUM> back over the traverse <NUM> via the hinge <NUM>.

In a related but separate embodiment of how the panel <NUM> may be selectively coupled or locked to a traverse <NUM> may be seen in <FIG>. Here, an arm <NUM> is coupled to a portion of the panel <NUM> through a pivot or hinge <NUM>. The arm <NUM> is rotatable or is otherwise able to pivot about the hinge <NUM>. Disposed at a distal end of the arm <NUM> is a flange <NUM> which is orientated to be substantially perpendicular or orthogonal relative to the arm <NUM>. Inserted through the flange <NUM> is a threaded flange bolt <NUM> which in turn comprises a pad <NUM> disposed on one side of the flange <NUM> and a wing nut <NUM> disposed on the opposing side of the flange <NUM>. The wing nut <NUM> is engaged with the threaded flange bolt <NUM> allowing it to be rotated about the flange bolt <NUM> while the pad <NUM> is coupled to the flange bolt <NUM> at a fixed position at the distal end of the flange bolt <NUM>.

As discussed above, a traverse <NUM> is placed or disposed within a cut out or aperture defined in each corner of the panel <NUM>, preferably with a surface of the traverse <NUM> in contact with the tab <NUM>. The arm <NUM> is then swung or pivoted over the top surface <NUM> of the traverse <NUM>. As the arm <NUM> is placed over the traverse, the flange <NUM> portion of the arm <NUM> is naturally disposed or placed in close proximity to the lip <NUM> disposed along the longitudinal length of the traverse <NUM>. The wing nut <NUM> is actuated in a first direction which causes the flange bolt <NUM> to advance through the flange <NUM> which in turn advances the pad <NUM> toward the outward facing surface of the lip <NUM>. The wing nut <NUM> is actuated until the pad <NUM> makes firm contact with the outward facing surface of the lip <NUM>, thereby locking that particular corner of the panel <NUM> to that specific position along the length of the traverse. To remove the panel <NUM> from the traverse <NUM> or simply readjust its longitudinal position along the traverse <NUM>, the wing nut <NUM> is actuated in an opposing second direction so as to retract or move the pad <NUM> off of the lip <NUM> of the traverse <NUM>. The arm <NUM> may then be swung or moved back off of the top surface <NUM> of the traverse <NUM>, thereby clearing the way for the panel <NUM> to be removed from the traverse <NUM>. The position of the panel <NUM> is then adjusted as needed and then locked into a new position by once again tightening the pad <NUM> against the lip <NUM> after rotating or swinging the arm <NUM> back over the traverse <NUM> via the hinge <NUM>. While <FIG> illustrate how the flange <NUM> places the pad <NUM> in a position to be tightened or pressed against the outward facing surface <NUM>, in a related embodiment it is expressly understood that the flange <NUM> may comprise a longer length than is currently seen, thereby positioning the flange bolt <NUM> and pad <NUM> to be advanced towards and pressed against a side wall <NUM> of the traverse <NUM> instead of the lip <NUM>.

In addition to separating a shelf within a shelving unit <NUM> into one or more sub-compartments or sub-areas for storage, the shelving rack <NUM> further provides structural support for the goods to be stored within the shelving unit <NUM> in a suspended stacked configuration. An alternative embodiment of the shelving unit <NUM>' can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG> comprising three separate shelves or levels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, each level comprising a plurality of adjustable shelving racks <NUM> coupled to a corresponding plurality of traverses <NUM> which form each of the shelves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Each adjustable shelving rack <NUM> as disclosed above in turn comprises a plurality of horizontal supports <NUM> which, as seen in the frontal view of <FIG>, project or extend perpendicularly in the lateral direction from either side of the panel <NUM>. The user may then dispose a plurality of food or item containers on each level <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the shelving system by aligning the container between the matching or parallel horizontal supports <NUM> of two adjacent adjustable shelving racks <NUM>.

Specifically, the food or item container may be a food pan <NUM> which comprises an elevated lip or rim around the perimeter of the food pan <NUM> as is known in the art. The user selects at which height relative to the shelving rack <NUM> they wish to place the food pan <NUM> and then places the lip or rim of the food pan <NUM> on the horizontal support <NUM> of each adjacent shelving rack <NUM> which corresponds to that height. Once each side or edge of the food pan <NUM> is in contact with a corresponding horizontal support <NUM>, the user then slides or pushes the food pan <NUM> distally away from themselves and deeper into the shelf or level <NUM> until the entire length of the food pan <NUM> is supported by each corresponding horizontal support <NUM>. The food pan <NUM> may then be released by the user, thereby leaving the food pan suspended and supported by shelving racks <NUM>. The food pan <NUM> specifically rests on the plurality of heat dispersing bumps <NUM> disposed on each of the corresponding horizontal supports <NUM> so as to prevent the transfer of heat between the food pan <NUM> and the shelving racks <NUM>. The pair of tray stoppers <NUM> disposed on either end of the horizontal supports <NUM> help ensure that the food pan <NUM> is not inadvertently slid off of the horizontal supports <NUM>. To remove the food pan <NUM> from the shelving system <NUM>, the user simply lifts the food pan <NUM> off of the horizontal supports <NUM> and pulls the food pan <NUM> out of the shelving unit <NUM>, or slides or pulls the food pan <NUM> in the proximal direction toward themselves until the lip or rim of the food pan <NUM> slides off the edge of each horizontal support <NUM>.

The user may then repeat the process by inserting another food pan <NUM> between the same two adjacent shelving racks <NUM> by sliding the second food pan <NUM> on any pair of free or available horizontal supports <NUM>, thereby creating a substantially stacked configuration of stored food pans <NUM> and maximizing the storage space of the shelf <NUM>. It should be noted that because the food pans <NUM> are held in a suspended stacked configuration by the adjacent adjustment shelving racks <NUM>, the food pans <NUM> do not directly rest on or contact one another. Therefore the user may place comestible goods or other items within each of the food pans <NUM> without having the food pan <NUM> stacked above it crush or otherwise maybe ruin the goods contained within the food pan <NUM> beneath it. Additionally, because each food pan <NUM> is stored in a suspended state, the user may add or remove a food pan <NUM> from the very bottom of the adjacent shelving racks <NUM> without having to first move or adjust any of the food pans <NUM> which are disposed directly above it.

While it has been described above that each food pan <NUM> is inserted longitudinally into the shelving system <NUM>, it should be expressly noted that the food pan <NUM> may be inserted laterally by altering or changing one or both of the adjacently disposed shelving racks <NUM> so as to match the overall length of the food pan <NUM>. For example, as discussed above, the relative position of each adjustment shelving rack <NUM> may be changed by loosening each vice assembly <NUM> and then sliding the adjustment shelving rack <NUM> to the new desired position. Each food pan <NUM> may then be supported in a suspended stacked configuration in the same manner disclosed above, namely be placing each lateral end or edge of the food pan <NUM> on the corresponding horizontal supports <NUM>.

Relatedly, as seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the plurality of shelving racks <NUM> can be used to accommodate a plurality of different types of food or item containers that are different sizes or shapes, specifically with one type or size of container disposed within each sub area as defined by the adjustable shelving racks <NUM>. For example, the top most level or shelf <NUM> of the shelving unit <NUM> comprises four adjustable shelving racks <NUM> disposed along the longitudinal lengths of each respective traverse <NUM> at the appropriate positions which correspond to accommodating three different types of containers, namely a plurality of sheet pans <NUM> in sub-area A, a plurality of compartment trays <NUM> in sub-area B, and a plurality of market trays <NUM> in sub-area C. As is clearly seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sheet pans <NUM> comprise a different height and width relative to the compartment trays <NUM> which in turn comprise a different height and width relative to the market trays <NUM>, however no matter the specific dimensions of the containers, each adjustment shelving rack <NUM> is capable of accommodating multiple different types of containers in a suspended stacked configuration. In a preferred embodiment the horizontal supports <NUM> of each adjustment shelving rack <NUM> are spaced <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM> inches) apart from each other so that a maximum number of containers may be accommodated, however even containers with a larger relative height such as the plurality of pizza dough boxes <NUM> disposed on the middle level or shelf <NUM> or the large food box <NUM> disposed on the lower level or shelf <NUM> may be accommodated by the adjustment shelving racks <NUM> if desired. It should be made explicit that where two different containers comprise at least one dimension which is the same or substantially similar, both containers may be accommodated in a suspended stacked configuration between the same two adjacently disposed adjustable shelving racks <NUM>. For example, a food pan <NUM> and a plurality of small food boxes <NUM> may be disposed on the same two adjacent adjustment shelving racks <NUM> as seen in the middle level or shelf <NUM> of the shelving unit <NUM> since both the food pan <NUM> and the small food box <NUM> comprise the same overall width, for example.

In a related embodiment, a user may be place a plurality of shelving units <NUM> side by side to create a shelving system with extended or elongated levels or shelves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The user may then dispose a plurality of shelving racks <NUM> across the horizontal traverses <NUM> so that a variety of containers could be stored in a suspended stacked configuration in between different adjacent shelving units <NUM>, <NUM>'. For example, a user may couple a shelving rack <NUM> to the traverses <NUM> of two adjacent shelving units <NUM>, <NUM>' and then store a plurality of long containers such as the pizza dough boxes <NUM> between the shelving racks <NUM>. The user may then access the containers from either shelving unit <NUM>, <NUM>', specifically either longitudinal or lateral side of either shelving unit <NUM>, <NUM>'.

Claim 1:
An adjustable shelving rack (<NUM>) for maintaining a plurality of containers in a suspended stacked configuration within a shelf of a shelving unit (<NUM>), the adjustable shelving rack comprising:
a substantially rectangular panel (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of horizontal supports (<NUM>); wherein the substantially rectangular panel (<NUM>) is comprised of a lattice work or grid of horizontal supports (<NUM>) and vertical supports (<NUM>) and wherein each of the plurality of horizontal supports (<NUM>) extend perpendicularly from a vertical plane defined by the panel (<NUM>),
characterized in that it further comprises
a removable vice assembly (<NUM>) disposed in each corner of the panel (<NUM>), wherein each removable vice assembly (<NUM>) is configured to selectively squeeze at least one traverse (<NUM>) forming the shelf.