U.S. patent application number 10/727895 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-10 for storage system.
Invention is credited to Eldon, James, Winig, Alan, Winig, Richard.
Application Number | 20040108287 10/727895 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21993825 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040108287 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Winig, Alan ; et
al. |
June 10, 2004 |
Storage system
Abstract
A storage system including a novel shelf and bracket item holder
is provided where the item holder is supported upon a planar panel.
The shelf has two end edges and two shelf-brackets which include a
substantially circumferential flange, a receptacle portion for
receiving one of the end edges of the shelf, and an upper panel
catch and a lower panel catch projecting outwardly from a same side
of the circumferential flange in aligned spaced relation to one
another. A cantilevered lock-release latch is positioned adjacent
to the lower panel-catch so as to project from an end of the
circumferential flange toward the lower panel-catch. When each of
the upper and lower panel-catches are inserted through and occupy a
corresponding one of the perforations in the panel such that each
of the lock-release tabs of the lock-release latches engages the
outer surface of the perforated panel thereby deflecting the
lock-release latches away from the perforated panel, the shelf and
brackets are moved relative to the perforated panel. This movement
causes the lock-tabs to engage the rear surface of the perforated
panel and the lock-release tabs of the lock-release latches to
slide along the front surface and slip into the respective
perforations occupied by the lower panel catches. This, in turn,
allows the lock-release latches to spring-back and the lock-release
tabs to enter the perforations occupied by their respective lower
panel catches so as to secure the bracket in locked engagement with
the perforated panel.
Inventors: |
Winig, Alan; (Wynnewood,
PA) ; Winig, Richard; (Villanova, PA) ; Eldon,
James; (Barto, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAMUEL W. APICELLI
DUANE MORRIS LLP
305 N. FRONT STREET
P.O. BOX 1003
HARRISBURG
PA
17108-1003
US
|
Family ID: |
21993825 |
Appl. No.: |
10/727895 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10727895 |
Dec 4, 2003 |
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10449333 |
May 30, 2003 |
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6702128 |
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10449333 |
May 30, 2003 |
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10054835 |
Jan 23, 2002 |
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6581788 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/90.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 96/067 20130101;
A47B 96/027 20130101; F16B 12/26 20130101; B25H 1/02 20130101; A47F
5/0807 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/090.01 |
International
Class: |
A47F 005/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A shelf and bracket assembly to be supported upon a panel having
a plurality of regularly shaped and spaced perforations comprising:
a shelf having two end edges; and two shelf-brackets each
including; a substantially circumferential flange, a receptacle
portion for receiving one of said end edges of said shelf, an upper
panel-catch and a lower panel-catch projecting outwardly from a
same side of said circumferential flange in aligned spaced relation
to one another, each of said upper panel-catch and said lower
panel-catch (i) having a lock-tab projecting toward an outer
surface of said circumferential flange, and (ii) being sized so as
to be received within one of said plurality of regularly shaped and
spaced perforations; and a lock-release latch comprising a
cantilevered beam including a lock-release tab positioned at a free
end, and being positioned adjacent to said lower panel-catch so as
to project from an end of said circumferential flange toward said
lower panel-catch.
2. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 1 wherein said
bracket includes a first web that is bounded by said
circumferential flange and a second web that is bounded by said
circumferential flange such that a ledge projects outwardly in
circumferential surrounding relation to said second web thereby
separating said second web from said first web and thereby forming
said receptacle portion.
3. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 1 wherein said
upper panel-catch and said lower panel catch project outwardly from
an outer surface substantially circumferential flange and comprise
a substantially hook shape having said lock-tab projecting from a
free end toward said substantially circumferential flange.
4. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 1 wherein said
lock-release latch is disposed adjacent to said lower panel-catch
and said substantially circumferential flange comprises a recessed
wall that is positioned in spaced relation to said lock-release
latch so as to provide a recess within said substantially
circumferential flange into which said lock-release latch
deflects.
5. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 1 wherein said
shelf comprises a substantially channel shape including a top
support surface, a nose positioned along one longitudinal edge, a
panel flange positioned along another longitudinal edge in spaced
parallel relation to said nose, and a pair of semi-tubular
receptacles supported with said nose and said panel flange.
6. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 5 wherein said
receptacles comprise an inwardly directed slot and are positioned
in spaced relation to the inner surfaces of said nose and said
panel flange, and project inwardly, toward one another.
7. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 5 wherein a
first ledge is formed at a lower extremity of said panel flange and
disposed in spaced relation to said top surface and a second ledge
is formed at a lower extremity of said nose and is arranged in
end-on, confronting relation to said first ledge.
8. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 5 further
comprising a shelf hook having a shank, a support arm, and a catch
including an upper cantilevered latch, a lower cantilevered latch,
and a stabilizer tab positioned therebetween wherein said
stabilizer tab, said upper cantilevered latch and said lower
cantilevered latch project outwardly from an upper portion of said
shank.
9. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 8 wherein each
of said upper cantilevered latch and said lower cantilevered latch
include a ramp surface and a shoulder and have a slightly curved
profile defining opposed inner curved surfaces with said stabilizer
tab projecting outwardly from said shank and positioned between
said inner curved surfaces.
10. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 8 wherein said
shelf hook is assembled to a perforation in said panel by engaging
said shoulders with an edge of said panel that defines said
perforation.
11. A shelf and bracket assembly to be supported upon a planar
panel having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of
regularly shaped and spaced perforations comprising: a shelf having
two end edges; and two shelf-brackets each including; a
substantially circumferential flange, a receptacle portion for
receiving one of said end edges of said shelf, an upper panel catch
and a lower panel catch projecting outwardly from a same side of
said circumferential flange in aligned spaced relation to one
another, each of said upper panel-catch and said lower panel-catch
having (i) a lock-tab projecting toward an outer surface of said
circumferential flange and (ii) being sized so as to be received
within one of said plurality of regularly shaped and spaced
perforations; and a lock-release latch comprising a cantilevered
beam including a lock-release tab positioned at a free end, and
being positioned adjacent to said lower panel-catch so as to
project from an end of said circumferential flange toward said
lower panel-catch; whereby when each of said upper and lower
panel-catches are inserted through and occupy a corresponding one
of said perforations such that each of said lock-release tabs of
said lock-release latches engages said outer surface of said
perforated panel thereby deflecting said lock-release latches away
from said perforated panel, said shelf and brackets are moved
relative to said perforated panel causing said lock-tabs to engage
said rear surface of said perforated panel and said lock-release
tabs of said lock-release latches to slide along said front surface
and slip into the respective perforations occupied by said lower
panel catches thereby allowing said lock-release latches to
spring-back and said lock-release tabs to enter the perforations
occupied by their respective lower panel catches so as to secure
said bracket in locked engagement with said perforated panel.
12. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 11 wherein said
shelf comprises a substantially channel shape including a top
support surface, a nose positioned along one longitudinal edge, a
panel flange positioned along another longitudinal edge in spaced
parallel relation to said nose, a first ledge formed at a lower
extremity of said panel flange and disposed in spaced relation to
said top support surface and a second ledge formed at a lower
extremity of said nose and arranged in end-on, confronting relation
to said first ledge; and an open-ended receptacle releasably
engaged with said shelf, said open-ended receptacle having a front
cantilevered latch and a rear cantilevered latch formed adjacent to
an open end wherein each cantilevered latch comprises a
shoulder-catch and a pair of spaced apart cam ears each including a
front ramp, whereby said open-ended receptacle is releasably
assembled to said shelf by engagement of said shoulder-catches with
said first and second ledges of said shelf.
13. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 11 wherein said
shelf-brackets comprise at least one web positioned within said
circumferential flange and defining at least one through-hole; and
a roll of material suspended between said shelf-brackets and below
said shelf from a rod having two ends, wherein each end is
positioned within said at least one through-hole in said web and
thereby supported by each shelf-bracket.
14. A shelf and bracket assembly according to claim 11 wherein said
shelf includes a hand tool holder that is positioned within said
shelf, and comprises a top, a bottom, and a plurality of tubes that
are positioned between said top and said bottom, wherein each of
said tubes further includes a pair of tool support finger flanges
having a plurality of resilient fingers directed radially inwardly
toward a cental axis of said tube and adapted to receive and
support a shaft of a hand tool.
15. In a storage system of the type including a planar panel having
a plurality of regularly spaced perforations that are adapted to
receive fasteners for holding items on said panel, the improvement
comprising: a shelf having two end edges and being supported upon
said perforated panel by two shelf-brackets wherein each of said
shelf-brackets comprises; (i) a substantially circumferential
flange forming an outer surface, (ii) a receptacle portion for
receiving one of said end edges of said shelf, (iii) an upper panel
catch and a lower panel catch projecting outwardly from a same side
of said circumferential flange in aligned spaced relation to one
another, each of said upper panel-catch and said lower panel-catch
having a lock-tab projecting toward said outer surface; and (iv) a
lock-release latch comprising a cantilevered beam including a
lock-release tab positioned at a free end, and being positioned
adjacent to at least one of said upper panel-catch and said lower
panel-catch so as to project from an end of said substantially
circumferential flange toward at least one of said upper
panel-catch and said lower panel-catch.
16. A storage system according to claim 14 wherein said storage
system further comprises a bracket having at least one rectilinear
through-hole and that is releasably held in place on said panel by
at least one lock button wherein said lock button comprises a
rectilinear cam and a face plate so that said lock button may be
arranged such that said rectilinear cam is positioned through said
through-hole in said bracket and a corresponding perforation in
said panel in aligned relation, with said face plate positioned on
a first side of said bracket and said rectilinear cam positioned on
a rear side of said panel such that when said lock button is
rotated relative to said bracket, said rectilinear cam is moved out
of alignment with said perforation thereby releasably locking said
bracket to said panel.
17. A storage system according to claim 14 further including a dual
hook support comprising a pair of hooks that project outwardly from
a back plate and having a tab latch that projects downwardly from a
bottom portion of said back plate and a latch cantilever that
projects from a top portion of said back plate such that said dual
hook is assembled to said panel by first inserting said tab latch
into a perforation then pivoting said back plate about said tab
latch until said cantilever latch is deflected into engagement with
a corresponding perforation in said panel.
18. A storage system according to claim 14 further including a
basket formed from a resilient polymer and comprising a curved
shell having at least two lower support tabs projecting downwardly
from a bottom surface and at least two latch ears projecting
outwardly from the upper corner portions of said shell so that said
basket is assembled to said panel by deflecting said latch ears
inwardly while said at least two lower support tabs are inserted
into respective perforations in said panel such that said basket
may be pivoted on said tabs until said latch ears are received
within corresponding perforations.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to storage and organizational
systems and devices, and more particularly to storage and
organizational systems and devices for storing home and garden
tools or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In modern American suburbia, the garage has become the
storage receptacle for a myriad of items that are necessary for
work and recreation. The need for this storage space has become so
acute that many suburban dwellings contain a 3-car garage even
though the occupants own only two vehicles. Although, in many
instances a recreational vehicle or boat occupies the third bay; in
most cases, that extra space is utilized for storage and as a work
area. Items such as sports equipment, gardening implements, and
work shop related items, e.g., screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches,
hand and power tools, and other implements for home, vehicle, or
garden repair and maintenance are generally stored in the
garage.
[0003] There are a number of systems for storing relatively small
and lightweight articles known in the art. For example, pegboard or
perforated panel systems are known for hanging articles in a
vertical or horizontal orientation using pegboard hooks that are
removably attached to a perforated panel. Shelving may also be
provided on pegboards using the same or similar structures for
securing and supporting the shelf to the pegboard. Prior art
perforated panel systems (known as "pegboards") typically comprise
a pressed composite board material with regularly spaced circular
perforations into which hooks may be inserted for the storage or
display of tools, instruments, and other articles. Changing the
locations of the stored articles requires that the hooks or
shelf-supports be removed completely from their respective
supporting holes in the pegboard, and then reinserted into other
holes. After a period of use, the holes tend to become worn and
enlarged, and eventually become unable to retain the hooks. Also,
the hooks are easily misplaced or lost. These pegboard systems are
also aesthetically unattractive, especially after many years of
use.
[0004] A wide variety of useful fasteners for holding items to
walls are also well known in the art. When attaching items to a
perforated wall or pegboard, however, the available fasteners are
much fewer in number, and those that are available have many severe
drawbacks. Those who use pegboards are also familiar with the
frustration and irritation associated with an insecure hook. Such
fasteners often pull off the pegboard and get lost or damaged,
especially when only one or two items are held. The typical
pegboard fastener is a straight single or double bar, usually
extending from about two inches to about six inches from the
pegboard. A pegboard fastener of this type usually has a pair of
bent rod-like offset hooked portions at its top. These offset
hooked portions are inserted into horizontally adjacent holes, by a
pivoting action, to situate the top tip of the hooked portions
behind the wallboard while allowing the lower part of the fastener
to rest against the front surface of the wallboard.
[0005] While the use of a pair of hooked portions may inhibit
rotation of the pegboard fastener, it does not avoid the
frustration experienced when the pegboard fastener itself is pulled
off the pegboard along with the item being removed. Those who
encounter such fasteners or holders for hanging items experience
frustration and irritation when attempting to remove the item from
the fastener, since the bottom portion of the fastener is easily
pulled away from the wall surface, i.e., there is no provision for
fixing it to the pegboard.
[0006] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a storage system
which allowed ease of accessibility to tools, such as gardening
implements, while maximizing the use of garage space, in an
aesthetically satisfying manner. It would also be advantageous to
have a storage system that could be mounted directly to the walls
of a typical garage or tool shed, thereby allowing effective use of
available space while removing sports equipment, gardening
implements, and work shop related items from the floor space of the
garage or a tool shed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one embodiment of the invention, a shelf and bracket
assembly is provided that is to be supported upon a planar panel
having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of
regularly shaped and spaced perforations. The shelf has two end
edges and the two shelf-brackets each include a substantially
circumferential flange, a receptacle portion for receiving one of
the end edges of the shelf, and an upper panel catch and a lower
panel catch that project outwardly from a same side of the
circumferential flange in aligned spaced relation to one another.
Each of the upper panel-catch and the lower panel-catch: (i) have a
lock-tab projecting toward an outer surface of the circumferential
flange, and (ii) are sized so as to be received within one of the
plurality of regularly shaped and spaced perforations. A
lock-release latch is positioned adjacent to the lower panel-catch
so as to project from an end of the circumferential flange toward
the lower panel-catch. Each lock-release latch comprises a
cantilevered beam including a lock-release tab positioned at a free
end. When each of the upper and lower panel-catches are inserted
through and occupy a corresponding one of the perforations in the
panel, such that each of the lock-release tabs of the lock-release
latches engages the outer surface of the perforated panel thereby
deflecting the lock-release latches away from the perforated panel,
the shelf and brackets are moved relative to the perforated panel.
This movement causes the lock-tabs to engage the rear surface of
the perforated panel and the lock-release tabs of the lock-release
latches to slide along the front surface and slip into the
respective perforations occupied by the lower panel catches. This,
in turn, allows the lock-release latches to spring-back and the
lock-release tabs to enter the perforations occupied by their
respective lower panel catches so as to secure the bracket in
locked engagement with the perforated panel.
[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, a storage system is
provided of the type including a planar panel having a plurality of
regularly spaced perforations that are adapted to receive fasteners
for holding items on the panel. A shelf having two end edges and
being supported upon the perforated panel by two shelf-brackets is
provided wherein each of the shelf-brackets comprises a
substantially circumferential flange forming an outer surface, a
receptacle portion for receiving one of the end edges of the shelf,
and an upper panel catch and a lower panel catch projecting
outwardly from a same side of the circumferential flange in aligned
spaced relation to one another. Each of the upper panel-catch and
the lower panel-catch have a lock-tab projecting toward the outer
surface. A lock-release latch is also included that comprises a
cantilevered beam including a lock-release tab positioned at a free
end. The lock-release latch is positioned adjacent to at least one
of the upper panel-catch and the lower panel-catch so as to project
from an end of the substantially circumferential flange toward at
least one of the upper panel-catch and the lower panel-catch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by,
the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of
the invention, which are to be considered together with the
accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and
further wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage system formed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a further embodiment of the storage system shown
in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is another variation of the storage system shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a broken-away, perspective view of a perforated
panel and item holder formed in accordance with the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a novel item holder formed
in accordance with the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a shelf-bracket system
formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a shelf used in connection
with the shelf-bracket of FIG. 6;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an end view of the shelf shown in FIG. 7;
[0018] FIG. 9 is an end view of the shelf and bracket shown in FIG.
5, as assembled to a perforated panel of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a novel hook adapted for mounting on a perforated
panel in accordance with the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of two hooks being inserted
into a portion of a perforated panel in accordance with the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a partially broken-away, perspective view of a
shelf and shelf-bracket system assembled in accordance with the
present invention, and having a hook and container assembled to an
interior structure;
[0022] FIG. 13 is an end view of the shelf, bracket, and hook
assembly shown in FIG. 12;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the item holder shown in
FIG. 4, having a plurality of containers assembled to its
underside;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one of the containers shown
in FIG. 14;
[0025] FIG. 16 is an end view of the shelf, self-bracket and
container assembly shown in FIG. 14;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the item holder shown in
FIG. 4, having a roll of material supported under the shelf and by
the two shelf-brackets;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a support rod used to support a roll of material
as shown in FIG. 17;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a perspective view, partially in phantom, of the
rod and roll shown in FIG. 17, with the shelf and brackets removed
for clarity of illustration;
[0029] FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of the item holder shown in
FIG. 4, and having a tool holder formed within the shelf;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a tool holder of the type
shown in FIG. 20;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder, as
taken along lines 22-22 in FIG. 21;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder similar
to FIG. 22, having a tool mounted within the tool holder;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a post bracket that may be mounted to a
perforated panel formed in accordance with the present invention by
use of the lock button shown in FIG. 24;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a receptacle support bracket;
[0035] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a lock-button used in
accordance with the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a receptacle support
bracket as shown in FIG. 25, supporting a plurality of open faced
receptacles;
[0037] FIG. 28 is an angle shelf formed in accordance with the
present invention;
[0038] FIG. 29 and FIG. 30 are an item support and item receptacle,
respectively, both formed so as to be mounted to the face of a
perforated panel, as shown in FIGS. 1-4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0039] This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be
read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be
considered part of the entire written description of this
invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and
certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale
or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and
conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as
"horizontal," "vertical," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well
as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly,"
"upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation
as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under
discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description
and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation.
Terms including "inwardly" versus "outwardly," "longitudinal"
versus "lateral" and the like are to be interpreted relative to one
another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center
of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling
and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a
relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one
another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or
relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term
"operatively connected" is such an attachment, coupling or
connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as
intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims,
means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures
described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written
description or drawings for performing the recited function,
including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent
structures.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a new and improved storage and
organization system 5 is provided comprising a perforated panel 8,
storage cabinets 10, bench 12, drawers 13, and shelves 15. Storage
system 5 is modular in construction such that various combinations
of shelves, drawers, and cabinets may be arranged as needed or
dictated by its position within a building, e.g., a residential
garage, tool shed, or basement area. Storage cabinets 10, bench 12,
drawers 13, and shelves 15 are typically formed of common furniture
construction materials, e.g., various metals, woods, or polymers.
Perforated panel 8 comprises a planer sheet of material, preferably
formed of metal, and having a plurality of regularly shaped
perforations 9, disposed in a regular pattern throughout the panel.
Perforations 9 are each preferably formed in perforated panel 8 so
as to be defined by a circumferential edge, often forming a
rectangular or square opening in panel 8. Perforated panel 8 is
typically about one quarter to one half of an inch thick, and in
modules about two to three feet wide. Of course, it will be
understood that perforated panel 8 may have various lengths and
widths, depending upon the size of storage system 5. Fixtures (not
shown) for providing electric, gas, or pneumatic outlets may also
be positioned anywhere within storage system 5.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, perforated panel 8 is arranged above
bench 12 so that a plurality of item holders 20 may be positioned
on the front surface of perforated panel 8. For convenience, in
this specification, the term "item holder" will be used to
represent a type of fixture that is attachable to perforated panel
8 by insertion of an element into at least one of perforations 9
and used to hold various implements, i.e., hand tools, garden
tools, instruments, wires, cables, display objects (such as
packages, blister display packs, vacuum display packs, loose
hardware or household items, grocery items, department or variety
store items, and shelves, pictures, wire frames, and the like. In
one preferred embodiment, item holder 20 comprises a shelf 26 held
to perforated panel 8, via shelf-brackets 30.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, shelf-brackets 30 comprise a
circumferential flange 31 having a top surface 32, an outward face
36, a bottom 34, and an inner wall 35. A lower web 38 is positioned
between outward face 36, bottom 34, and inner wall 35.
Shelf-brackets 30 are preferably formed from an injection moldable
polymer, but may also be formed from metal or other materials as
desired. A plurality of openings 39 are defined through lower web
38, often having varying diameters. An upper web 40 is positioned
between top surface 32 and lower web 38. A ledge 44 projects
outwardly in circumferential surrounding relation to upper web 40,
thereby separating upper web 40 from lower web 38 and forming a
receptacle portion for receiving an end edge of shelf 26. A
plurality of holes 46 are defined through upper web 40. An upper
panel-catch 48 and a lower panel-catch 49 project outwardly from
the outer surface of inner wall 35. Each of upper panel-catch 48
and lower panel-catch 49 comprise a substantially "hook" shape
having a lock-tab 52 projecting toward the outer surface of inner
wall 35.
[0043] Adjacent to lower panel-catch 49 is a lock-release latch 50,
including a lock-release cantilever 54 that projects from an end of
inner wall 35. A lock-release tab 56 is positioned at the free end
of lock-release cantilever 54. A recessed wall 58 is positioned in
spaced relation to lock-release cantilever 54, so as to provide a
recess within shelf-bracket 30 into which lock-release cantilever
54 may deflect.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, shelf 26 comprises end edges 60,
a top support surface 63, a nose 65, a panel flange 67, and a pair
of semi-tubular receptacles 68. More particularly, shelf 26
comprises a substantially channel shape, and may be formed by
extrusion of a suitable metal or polymer, e.g., aluminum or
polyvinyl chloride. Top support surface 63 separates nose 65 from
panel flange 67 such that each forms a longitudinal edge of shelf
26. Nose 65 and panel flange 67 are arranged in spaced parallel
relation to one another. Receptacles 68 are positioned in spaced
relation to the inner surfaces of nose 65 and panel flange 67, and
are supported atop stems 70 so as to project inwardly. Each
receptacle 68 comprises a semi-tubular cross-section defining a
longitudinally extending slot 69. A rear ledge 72 is formed at the
lower extremity of panel flange 67, in spaced relation to top
support surface 63. A front ledge 74 is formed at the lower
extremity of nose 65, and is arranged in end-on, confronting
relation to ledge 72.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 9, item holder 20 is assembled to
perforated panel 8 in the following manner. A shelf-bracket 30 is
positioned on each end of shelf 26 so that upper web 40 is disposed
in aligned confronting relation to an end edge 60 of shelf 26. In
this position, face 36 of each shelf-bracket 30 extends downwardly
from nose 65 of shelf 26. Each shelf-bracket 30 is then moved
toward its respective end edge 60, until shelf 26 engages upper web
40. In this position, panel ledge 72 and front ledge 74 are
positioned in supporting and engaged relation to ledge 44 of
shelf-bracket 30. Once assembled, screws (not shown) may be
inserted through holes 46 in upper web 40 and into receptacle 68 so
as to retain shelf-brackets 30 to shelf 26.
[0046] Once item holder 20 is fully assembled, it may be positioned
anywhere on perforated panel 8 in the following manner. Each
panel-catch 48, 49 of each shelf-bracket 30 is positioned in
coaxial aligned relation with a corresponding set of four
perforations 9 in perforated panel 8. In this position,
lock-release tab 56 is positioned in confronting relation to the
front surface of perforated panel 8, directly above the perforation
9 with which its corresponding lower panel-catch 49 is aligned.
Once in this position, item holder 20 is moved toward perforated
panel 8 until upper panel-catches 48 enter, pass through, and
occupy their respective perforation 9. As this occurs, lower
panel-catches 49 enter, pass through, and occupy their respective
perforations 9. At the same time, lock-release tab 56 engages the
front surface of perforated panel 8 directly adjacent to the
perforation 9 that is occupied by lower panel-catch 49.
[0047] Once in this position, item holder 20 is moved toward
perforated panel 8 until the outer surface of inner wall 35 engages
the outer surface of perforated panel 8. In this position,
panel-catches 48 and 49 are fully inserted within perforations 9,
and lock-release latch 50 is deflected inwardly, toward recessed
wall 58 of shelf-bracket 30. Item holder 20 is then moved
downwardly, so that lock-tabs 52 move across the edge of perforated
panel 8 that defines perforation 9, and into engagement with the
rear surface of perforated panel 8 (as shown in FIG. 9). As this
occurs, lock-release tab 56 of lock-release latch 50 slides along
the front surface of perforated panel 8, and across the peripheral
edge of perforation 9 into which lower panel-catch 49 has been
previously inserted. As this occurs, lock-release cantilever 54 is
released so as to move outwardly, away from recessed wall 58, such
that lock-release tab 56 slides along the edge of perforated panel
8 that defines perforation 9, so as to secure shelf-bracket 30 in
locked engagement with perforated panel 8. In order to remove item
holder 20, it is necessary only to deflect lock-release cantilever
54 inwardly, toward recessed wall 58 and move item holder 20
upwardly relative to perforated panel 8. In this way, when
lock-release tabs 56 disengage from their respective perforations
9, both shelf-brackets 30 may be slid outwardly, disengaging lock
tabs 52, so that item holder 20 may be pulled from its position on
perforated panel 8.
[0048] Item holder 20 may be used as a conventional shelf with
various items being placed on top support surface 63. However,
items may also be held beneath shelf 26, so as to advantageously
store additional items. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a shelf hook
80 comprises a shank 82, a support arm 84, and a catch 86. More
particularly, shank 82 and support arm 84 form a conventional hook
of the type known for hanging tools and other items. Catch 86
comprises an upper cantilevered latch 88, a stabilizer tab 90, and
a lower cantilevered latch 92. Upper cantilevered latch 88 and
lower cantilevered latch 92 project outwardly from an upper portion
of shank 82 and comprise a nose 93, a ramp 94, and a shoulder 95.
Upper cantilevered latch 88 and lower cantilevered latch 92 have a
slightly curved profile defining opposed inner curved surfaces 96a
and 96b, with stabilizer tab 90 projecting outwardly from shank 82
and positioned between inner surfaces 96a and 96b.
[0049] Hook 80 may be assembled to any perforation 9 within
perforated panel 8, as shown in FIG. 11. More particularly, hook 80
is arranged adjacent to perforated panel 8, such that support arm
84 is directed away from the outer surface of perforated panel 8.
In this position, catch 86 is arranged in coaxial aligned relation
to a perforation 9. Hook 80 is then pivoted such that support arm
84 moves away from perforated panel 8, thereby sliding ramp 94
along the upper edge of its respective perforation 9, until
shoulder 95 slips behind that upper edge. Once in this position,
hook 80 is reversely pivoted such that support arm 84 and shank 82
move toward perforated panel 8. As this occurs, the lower edge of
perforated panel 8 that defines perforation 9 engages ramp 94 of
lower cantilevered latch 92 and deflects lower cantilevered latch
92 toward upper cantilevered latch 88. As support arm 84 and shank
82 of hook 80 continue their movement toward perforated panel 8,
shoulder 95 of lower cantilevered latch 92 slips past the lower
edge of perforated panel 8 that defines perforation 9, thus
releasing lower cantilevered latch 92 to spring back to its
original position, and thereby locking hook 80 to perforated panel
8. In order to remove hook 80 from perforated panel 8, it is only
necessary to pivot hook 80 outwardly about catch 86 until shoulder
95 of lower cantilevered latch 92 slips past the lower edge of
perforated panel 8 that defines perforation 9, so as to deflect
lower cantilevered latch 92 and thereby release hook 80.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, hook 80 may also be assembled
to receptacle 68 within nose 65 or panel flange 67 in the following
manner. Catch 86 is positioned so that stabilizer tab 90 is
positioned in confronting relation to slot 69 of receptacle 68.
Once in this position, hook 80 is moved toward receptacle 68 so
that each nose 93 of upper and lower cantilevered latches 88,92
engage receptacle 68. As this occurs, upper and lower cantilevered
latches 88,92 deflect away from one another such that receptacle 68
slips between them and into engagement with inner curved surfaces
96a,96b. In this position, stabilizer tab 90 is positioned within
slot 69 of receptacle 68. Hook 80 is then free to slide along
receptacle 68 to any desired position.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 12, 14, 15, and 16, a container 100 may
also be positioned on the underside of item holder 20. More
particularly, container 100 comprises an open-ended receptacle
having a front cantilevered latch 105a and a rear cantilevered
latch 105b. Each cantilevered latch 105 comprises a shoulder 106,
and a pair of spaced apart cam ears 107. Each cam ear 107 also
includes a front ramp 108. Adjacent to each cam ear 107, on
container 100 are upwardly projecting stops 109. In order to
assemble container 100 to item holder 20, container 100 is
positioned below shelf 26 such that cantilevered latches 105a, 105b
are disposed in confronting relation to panel ledge 72 and front
ledge 74 of shelf 26. Once in this position, container 100 is moved
toward the underside of shelf 26, until each front ramp 108 of each
cam ear 107 engages and slides along the edge of its respective
panel ledge 72 and front ledge 74. As this occurs, cantilevered
latches 105a,105b deflect inwardly until cam ear 107 clears its
respective panel ledge 72 or front ledge 74. Once in this position,
cantilevered latches 105a, 105b spring outwardly, such that
shoulders 106 slip over panel ledge 72 and front ledge 74,
respectively, to latch container 100 in place under shelf 26. Stops
109 are positioned on container 100 so as to slip between top edge
110 of the container and panel ledge 72 and front ledge 74 to help
stabilize container 100 when it is attached to shelf 26. In order
to remove container 100, one of cantilevered latches 105a,105b is
depressed inwardly so as to release shoulders 106 from engagement
with front ledge 74, thereby releasing container 100.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 17, 18, and 19, a roll of material, e.g.,
paper towels, wrapping paper, plastic wrap, etc., may be suspended
between shelf-brackets 30 and below shelf 26 for convenient access.
More particularly, a rod 118 comprises a pair of supports 120
positioned at each end. Rod 118 is inserted through the roll of
material, and supports 120 are inserted into support openings 39
within lower web 38 of each shelf-bracket 30.
[0053] Item holder 20 may also comprise a shelf 126 including a
hand tool holder 130 that supports hand tools, e.g., screwdrivers,
nutdrivers, awls, pliers, hand socket wrenches, etc., in an
upright, vertical orientation, so as to improve the esthetics and
accessability of the tools (FIGS. 20-23). More particularly, tool
holder 130 is positioned within shelf 126, and comprises a top 132,
a bottom 134, and a plurality of tubes 138 that are positioned
between top 132 and bottom 134. A pair of tool support finger
flanges 140 are positioned in top 132 and bottom 134, and within
each tube 138. Each finger flange 140 comprises a plurality of
resilient fingers 141 directed radially inwardly toward the cental
axis of tube 138. In this way, when a tool, e.g., screwdriver 129
in FIGS. 4 and 23, is inserted through tool holder 130, its shaft
is held between fingers 141 so that it does not wobble or flop
over, and is readily accessible. Numerous holders 130 may be
positioned within shelf 126, as needed. Moreover, shelf 126 is
assembled to shelf-brackets 130 and perforated panel 8 in the same
way that shelf 26 is assembled to shelf-brackets 30 and perforated
panel 8.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 24-30, alternative item holders may be
used in connection with storage system 5. For example, post bracket
148 or receptacle bracket 149 may be held in place on perforated
panel 8 by lock buttons 150 (FIG. 26). More particularly, lock
buttons 150 comprise a rectilinear cam 154, a face plate 156, and a
tool receptacle 158. Lock buttons 150 are sized, shaped, and
arranged so that cam 154 may be slidingly received within a
perforation 9. More particularly, cam 54 is first positioned in
coaxial-aligned relation with a correspondingly shaped perforation
19, positioned within post bracket 148 or receptacle bracket 149.
Both lock button 150, post bracket 148 or receptacle bracket 149
are then positioned in engaged relation with perforated panel 8,
such that perforations 9 and 19 are coaxially aligned. Once in this
position, lock button 150 is inserted through perforations 9 and
19, with rectilinear cam 154 oriented so as to correspond with the
profile of perforations 9 and 19. Once inserted through
perforations 9 and 19, face plate 156 is rotated, clockwise or
counter-clockwise, by a tool inserted within tool mount 158, such
that cam 154 rotates out of alignment with the edges of perforated
panel 8 that define perforations 9 and 19.
[0055] Post bracket 148 may have a plurality of outwardly
projecting posts, hooks, clamps, or a magnetic strip 160 (shown in
FIG. 4 in connection with shelf 26) for hanging various tools or
materials, as needed. Likewise, such means for hanging tools may
also be combined with shelves 26 or 126, as desired. Receptacle
bracket 149 includes a hook 162 that is adapted to engage a
corresponding hook on an open faced receptacle 168, that may be
hung from receptacle bracket 148. Likewise, an angled shelf 170 may
be assembled to perforated panel 8 via lock buttons 150 in a
similar manner (FIG. 28).
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 29 and 30, other item holders can be used
in connection with storage system 5, such as dual hook support 180,
or basket 182. More particularly, dual hook support 180 comprises a
pair of hooks 184 that project outwardly from a back plate 186. A
tab latch 187 projects downwardly from a bottom portion of back
plate 186, and a latch cantilever 188 projects from a top of back
plate 186. Dual hook 180 is assembled to perforated panel 8 by
first inserting tab latch 187 into a perforation 9 of perforated
panel 8. Back plate 186 is then pivoted about tab latch 187 until
cantilever latch 188 is deflected into engagement with a
corresponding perforation 9 in perforated panel 8.
[0057] Basket 182 is formed from a resilient polymer, and comprises
a curved shell 183 having lower support tabs 190 projecting
downwardly from a bottom surface and latch ears 192 projecting
outwardly from the upper corner portions. To assemble basket 182 to
perforated panel 8, latch ears 192 are deflected inwardly by
pressing on the side walls of basket 182, while tabs 190 are
inserted into respective holes 9. Basket 182 is then pivoted on
tabs 190 until latch ears 192 are received within corresponding
perforations 9. Once latch ears 192 are inserted within
perforations 9, basket 182 is released, allowing latch ears 192 to
spring outwardly into engagement with perforated panel 8.
[0058] It is to be understood that the present invention is by no
means limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed
and shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or
equivalents within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *