Retrofit Shelf

Abstract

A retrofit shelf and method are disclosed for converting an existing towel bar, commonly found in a bathroom, into a storage platform. Versions of the retrofit shelf are configured to be universally useful with a plurality of support bar configurations in an unobtrusive and cost effective manner without the use of an adhesive. The retrofit shelf is configured to load the support bar with directional forces for which the support bar is designed to support.

1 . A retrofit shelf comprising:
 a. a substantially planar tray having a front edge and a rearward edge, wherein the tray is configured to support and retain articles;   b. a front support member, the front support member associated with the tray at about the front edge thereof, wherein the front support member is configured to engage a support bar; and   c. a rear support member, the rear support member associated with the tray at about the rearward edge thereof, wherein the rear support member is configured to engage a wall.   
   
   
       2 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 1 , wherein the first support member comprises a flange depending downward from the tray and an upper portion. 
   
   
       3 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 2 , wherein the first flange and the upper portion define a channel configured to accept the support bar. 
   
   
       4 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 3 , wherein the support member substantially encircles the support bar when engaged therewith such that the support member is resistant to frontward, rearward, and downward directional forces. 
   
   
       5 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 1 , wherein the cooperation between the front support member and the rear support member provides load support for articles placed upon the tray in a direction for which the support bar was substantially designed. 
   
   
       6 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 1 , wherein the direction is substantially downward. 
   
   
       7 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 1 , wherein the front support member is rotatable about the support bar. 
   
   
       8 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 7 , wherein the rear support member includes an upper flange portion configured to limit rotation of the tray about the support bar. 
   
   
       9 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 1 , wherein the shelf is substantially universal for use with a plurality of support bars having a plurality of configurations. 
   
   
       10 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 1 , wherein the shelf is a unitary construction. 
   
   
       11 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 1 , wherein the shelf is extruded. 
   
   
       12 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 1 , wherein the shelf is shorter than the length of the support bar such that the support bar is configured to retain an article. 
   
   
       13 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 1 , wherein the shelf is a wire frame. 
   
   
       14 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the front support member is flexible and is configured to accept a plurality of support bars having varying configurations. 
   
   
       15 . A method of retrofitting a support bar comprising the steps of:
 a. providing a retrofit shelf, the retrofit shelf comprising;
 i. a substantially planar tray having a front edge and a rearward edge, wherein the tray is configured to support and retain articles; 
 ii. a front support member, the front support member associated with the tray at about the front edge thereof, wherein the front support member is configured to engage a support bar; and 
 iii. a rear support member, the rear support member associated with the tray at about the rearward edge thereof, wherein the rear support member is configured to engage a wall; 
   b. engaging the front support member with the support bar;   c. rotating the tray about the support bar;   d. engaging the rear support member with the wall; and   e. placing at least one article upon the tray.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the first support member is detachably coupled with the support bar. 
   
   
       17 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of the front support member is flexible and is configured to accept a plurality of support bars having varying configurations. 
   
   
       18 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 14 , wherein the shelf is a wire frame. 
   
   
       19 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 14 , wherein the shelf is configured for use with a plurality of support bars having varying configurations. 
   
   
       20 . The retrofit shelf of  claim 14 , wherein the support bar is a towel bar located in a shower.