U.S. patent application number 10/963237 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for system and apparatus for holding an item in storage.
Invention is credited to Eldon, James, Winig, Alan, Winig, Richard.
Application Number | 20050045573 10/963237 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33450914 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050045573 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Winig, Alan ; et
al. |
March 3, 2005 |
System and apparatus for holding an item in storage
Abstract
An item holder is provided for use with a perforated panel
having a shank with a support arm extending outwardly from a first
end and a catch located at a second end. The catch comprises a
curved cantilevered strap projecting from the second end and having
a stop tab located at a strap end positioned above, but spaced away
from the second end. In another embodiment, a system for supporting
an item on a vertically oriented structure is provided including a
substantially planar board having a plurality of spaced
perforations, where each perforation is defined by at least an
internal top edge and an internal bottom edge of the board. An item
holder is with a slot defined through the underside of the
cantilevered strap between a top portion of the shank and the
second end of the cantilevered strap so that when the item holder
is located within one of the plurality of perforations, the slot
engages the internal bottom edge of the board. A tool holder is
also provided that includes at least one disk-shaped flexible
member having an aperture. The flexible member comprises a
plurality of fingers capable of resiliently deflecting to grip a
portion of the tool when axially inserted therethrough in one
direction so that the tool is held in an upright position by the
flexible member.
Inventors: |
Winig, Alan; (Wynnewood,
PA) ; Winig, Richard; (Villanova, PA) ; Eldon,
James; (Barto, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUANE MORRIS LLP
P. O. BOX 1003
305 NORTH FRONT STREET, 5TH FLOOR
HARRISBURG
PA
17108-1003
US
|
Family ID: |
33450914 |
Appl. No.: |
10/963237 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10963237 |
Oct 12, 2004 |
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10445699 |
May 27, 2003 |
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10445699 |
May 27, 2003 |
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10054835 |
Jan 23, 2002 |
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6581788 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/90.02 ;
211/87.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 12/26 20130101;
B25H 1/02 20130101; A47F 7/0028 20130101; A47B 96/067 20130101;
A47F 5/0815 20130101; A47F 5/0823 20130101; A47F 5/0807 20130101;
B25H 3/04 20130101; A47B 96/027 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/090.02 ;
211/087.01 |
International
Class: |
A47F 005/08 |
Claims
1-7. (Cancelled).
8. A system for supporting an item on a vertically oriented
structure comprising, in combination: a substantially planar board
having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of spaced
perforations wherein each perforation is defined by at least an
internal top edge and an internal bottom edge of said board; a
shelf including a support surface, a nose positioned along one
longitudinal edge, a flange positioned along another longitudinal
edge in spaced parallel relation to said nose, and a receptacle
projects downwardly from said support surface between said nose and
said flange comprising a slot defined between an upper flange that
projects downwardly from said support surface and a lower flange
that projects upwardly from an end of a channel-shaped wall that is
arranged in spaced relation to said upper flange; and an item
holder comprising a shank having a support arm extending outwardly
from a first end and a catch located at a second end wherein said
catch comprises a curved cantilevered strap projecting from said
second end and having a stop tab located at a strap end positioned
above, but spaced away from said second end wherein a slot is
defined through the underside of said cantilevered strap between a
top portion of said shank and said second end of said cantilevered
strap so that when said item holder is located between said upper
flange and said lower flange of said receptacle, said slot engages
said lower flange.
9. A system holder according to claim 8 wherein said slot extends
longitudinally along the length of said receptacle, with said upper
flange and said lower flange arranged in coplanar spaced relation
to one another.
10. A system according to claim 8 wherein said stop includes
inclined surfaces that form a nose at a front end and a shoulder
surface at a rear end so as to form a wedge-shaped tab.
11. A system holder according to claim 10 wherein said first end of
said cantilevered strap projects outwardly from said shoulder
surface and a second end of said cantilevered strap projects
outwardly from a top portion of said shank.
12. A system for supporting an item on a vertically oriented
structure comprising, in combination: a substantially planar board
having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of spaced
perforations wherein each perforation is defined by at least an
internal top edge and an internal bottom edge of said board; a
bracket receptacle comprising a base having an upper flange
projecting downwardly from a top portion and a lower flange
projecting upwardly from a bottom portion so as to define a slot
therebetween; and an item holder comprising a shank having a
support arm extending outwardly from a first end and a catch
located at a second end wherein said catch comprises a curved
cantilevered strap projecting from said second end and having a
stop tab located at a strap end positioned above, but spaced away
from said second end wherein a slot is defined through the
underside of said cantilevered strap between a top portion of said
shank and said second end of said cantilevered strap so that when
said item holder is located within said slot, and between said
upper flange and said lower flange of said bracket receptacle, said
slot engages said lower flange.
13. A system according to claim 12 wherein said slot extends
longitudinally along the length of said bracket receptacle, with
said upper flange and said lower flange arranged in coplanar spaced
relation to one another.
14. A system according to claim 12 wherein said stop includes
inclined surfaces that form a nose at a front end and a shoulder
surface at a rear end so as to form a wedge-shaped tab.
15. A system according to claim 14 wherein said first end of said
cantilevered strap projects outwardly from said shoulder surface
and a second end of said cantilevered strap projects outwardly from
a top portion of said shank.
16. A tool holder comprising at least one disk-shaped flexible
member having an aperture, said flexible member comprising a
plurality of fingers capable of resiliently deflecting to grip a
portion of said tool when axially inserted therethrough in one
direction so that said tool is held in an upright position by said
flexible member.
17. A tool holder according to claim 16 comprising two disk-shaped
flexible members arranged in coaxial spaced apart relation to one
another.
18. A tool holder according to claim 17 wherein said tool holder is
positioned within a shelf, and comprises a top, a bottom, and a
plurality of tubes that are positioned between top and bottom.
19. A tool holder according to claim 18 wherein each of said
disk-shaped flexible members are positioned in top and bottom, and
within each tube.
20. A tool holder according to claim 19 wherein each of said
plurality of resilient fingers comprising a triangular shape having
a tip and a base.
21. A tool holder according to claim 19 wherein each finger is
oriented its tip is directed radially inwardly toward a central
axis said tube.
22. A tool holder according to claim 19 wherein said plurality of
fingers are arranged in coplanar relation to one another.
23. A tool holder according to claim 19 wherein said plurality of
fingers define a plurality of radially extending gaps therebetween,
with said tips positioned in spaced relation to one another and in
coaxial relation to a longitudinal axis of said tube.
24. A tool holder according to claim 20 wherein said aperture is
defined by said tips.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/054,835, filed on Jan. 23,
2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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
[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, an item holder for use
with a perforated panel is provided comprising a shank having a
support arm extending outwardly from a first end and a catch
located at a second end. The catch comprises a curved cantilevered
strap projecting from the second end and having a stop tab located
at a strap end positioned above, but spaced away from the second
end.
[0009] In another embodiment, a system for supporting an item on a
vertically oriented structure is provided including a substantially
planar board having a front surface, a rear surface, and a
plurality of spaced perforations, where each perforation is defined
by at least an internal top edge and an internal bottom edge of the
board. An item holder is provided that comprises a shank having a
support arm extending outwardly from a first end and a catch
located at a second end. The catch comprises a curved cantilevered
strap projecting from the second end and having a stop tab located
at a strap end positioned above, but spaced away from the second
end. A slot is defined through the underside of the cantilevered
strap between a top portion of the shank and the second end of the
cantilevered strap so that when the item holder is located within
one of the plurality of perforations, the slot engages the internal
bottom edge of the board. In a further embodiment of the invention,
a tool holder is provided that includes at least one disk-shaped
flexible member having an aperture. The flexible member comprises a
plurality of fingers capable of resiliently deflecting to grip a
portion of the tool when axially inserted therethrough in one
direction so that the
[0010] tool is held in an upright position by the flexible
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] 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:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage system formed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a further embodiment of the storage system shown
in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is another variation of the storage system shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a broken-away, perspective view of a perforated
panel and item holder formed in accordance with the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a novel item holder formed
in accordance with the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a shelf-bracket system
formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a shelf used in connection
with the shelf-bracket of FIG. 6;
[0019] FIG. 8 is an end view of the shelf shown in FIG. 7;
[0020] 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;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a novel hook adapted for mounting on a perforated
panel or to a portion of a shelf in accordance with the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective, partially exploded view of two
hooks being inserted into a portion of a perforated panel in
accordance with the present invention;
[0023] 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;
[0024] FIG. 13 is an end view of the shelf, bracket, and hook
assembly shown in FIG. 12;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the item holder shown in
FIG. 4, having a plurality of containers assembled to its
underside;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of one of the containers shown
in FIG. 14;
[0027] FIG. 16 is an end view of the shelf, self-bracket and
container assembly shown in FIG. 14;
[0028] 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;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a support rod used to support a roll of material
as shown in FIG. 17;
[0030] 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;
[0031] FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of the item holder shown in
FIG. 4, and having a tool holder formed within the shelf;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a tool holder of the type
shown in FIG. 20;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder, as
taken along lines 22-22 in FIG. 21;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder similar
to FIG. 22, having a tool mounted within the tool holder;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an alternative tool holder
formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a receptacle and hook
system formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the receptacle and
hook system shown in FIG. 25;
[0038] FIG. 27 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. 29;
[0039] FIG. 28 is a receptacle support bracket;
[0040] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a lock-button used in
accordance with the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a receptacle support
bracket as shown in FIG. 28, supporting a plurality of open faced
receptacles;
[0042] FIG. 31 is an angle shelf formed in accordance with the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 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
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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 a polymer or 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, as well as
appliances, e.g., refrigerators or the like.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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
semi-tubular receptacle 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.
Receptacle 68 projects downwardly from the underside of top support
surface 63 in spaced relation to the inner surfaces of nose 65 and
panel flange 67. A slot 69 is defined between an upper flange 70
that projects outwardly from the underside of shelf 26, and a lower
flange 71 that projects upwardly from an end of a wall 72 that is
arranged in spaced relation to upper flange 70 so as to define
receptacle 68. Slot 69 extends longitudinally along the length of
receptacle 68, with upper flange 70 and lower flange 71 typically
arranged in coplanar spaced relation to one another.
[0050] 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. Once assembled, screws (not shown) may be inserted through
holes 46 in upper web 40 and into semi-circular receptacles 73 so
as to retain shelf-brackets 30 to shelf 26.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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, or on hooks 80 that are
directly supported by perforated panel 8, so as to advantageously
store additional items. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, 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. Hook 80 may be
formed from any of the well known polymer or metal materials that
are known to exhibit good spring characteristics.
[0054] Catch 86 comprises a stop tab 88 and a cantilevered strap 92
that are located adjacent to a top portion 87 of shank 82. Stop 88
includes a nose 93, a pair of inclined surfaces forming a ramp 94,
and a shoulder surface 95 so as to form a wedge-shaped tab. A first
end 96 of cantilevered strap 92 projects outwardly from shoulder
surface 95 and a second end 97 of cantilevered strap 92 projects
outwardly from top portion 87 of shank 82, so that cantilevered
strap 92 comprises a curved profile. Cantilevered strap 92 may have
a variety of cross-sectional shapes, e.g., rectangular, circular,
elliptical, etc., so long as a fully elastic spring is created by
the structure of the strap. A transverse slot 98 is defined through
the underside of cantilevered strap 92 between top portion 87 of
shank 82 and second end 97 of cantilevered strap 92. Slot 98 is
sized and shaped to accept a portion of lower flange 71 of
receptacle 68.
[0055] 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
and cantilevered strap 92 is arranged in coaxially aligned,
confronting relation to a perforation 9 (FIG. 11). Ramp 94 of stop
88 is then depressed, deflecting cantilevered strap 92 such that
the underside of stop 88 moves toward top portion 87 of shank 82.
Once in this position, hook 80 is moved toward perforation 9 until
shoulder surface 95 engages the front surface of perforated panel 8
that surrounds perforation 9, and the edge of perforated panel 8
that defines a portion of perforation 9 engages slot 98 of catch
86. Pressure is then released from ramp 94 so as to allow
cantilevered strap 92 to spring back towards its original,
undeflected position, and thereby engage the internal edges of
perforated panel 8 that define perforation 9. In order to remove
catch 86 from perforated panel 8, it is only necessary to grip
shank 82 and move it toward stop 88, once again deflecting
cantilevered strap 92, and thereby disengaging the edge of
perforated panel 8 from slot 98. Once cantilevered strap 92 is
deflected, hook 80 may be withdrawn from perforated panel 8.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, hook 80 may also be assembled
to receptacle 0.68 of shelf 26 in the following manner. Hook 80 is
arranged adjacent to receptacle 68 such that support arm 84 is
directed away from the outer surface of perforated panel 8 and
cantilevered strap 92 is arranged in coaxially aligned, confronting
relation to slot 69. Ramp 94 of stop 88 is then depressed,
deflecting cantilevered strap 92 such that the underside of stop 88
moves toward the top portion of shank 82. Once in this position,
hook 80 is moved toward slot 69 until shoulder surface 95 engages
the front surface of upper flange 70 and the upper edge of lower
flange 71 engages slot 98. Once in this position, pressure is
released from ramp 94 so as to allow cantilevered strap 92 to
spring back towards its original, undeflected position, and thereby
engage the edges of upper flange 70 and lower flange 71 that define
slot 69. In order to remove hook 80 from receptacle 68, it is only
necessary to grip shank 82 and move it toward stop 88, once again
deflecting cantilevered strap 92, and disengaging the edge of lower
flange 71 from slot 98. Once cantilevered strap 92 is deflected,
hook 80 may be withdrawn from slot 69.
[0057] 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 105a, 105b 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. Container 100 may
assembled to the underside of shelf 26 through the interaction of
cantilevered latches 105a, 105b with portions of shelf 26.
[0058] 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.
[0059] Item holder 20 may also comprise a shelf 126 including a
hand tool holder 130 that supports hand tools, e.g., screwdrivers,
nut drivers, awls, pliers, hand socket wrenches, etc., in an
upright, vertical orientation, so as to improve the esthetics and
accessibility of the tools (FIGS. 20-24).
[0060] 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 disk-shaped flexible tool support members 140 are
positioned in top 132 and bottom 134, and within each tube 138.
Each disk-shaped flexible tool support member 140 comprises a
plurality of resilient fingers 141, with each finger often
comprising a triangular shape having a tip 142 and a base 143. Each
finger 141 is oriented so that its tip 142 is directed radially
inwardly toward the central axis of tube 138. Fingers 141 are
normally arranged in coplanar relation to one another. A radially
extending space or gap 144 is defined between each finger 141,
along their respective lengths, with tips 142 positioned in spaced
relation to one another and in coaxial relation to a longitudinal
axis of each tube 138. A central aperture 145 is defined by tips
142.
[0061] When a tool, e.g., screwdriver 129 in FIGS. 4 and 23, is
inserted through tool holder 130, its shaft enters central opening
145 and engages tips 142 of fingers 141. Fingers 141, in turn,
deflect downwardly while at the same time exerting a force against
the shaft sufficient to hold the tool between fingers 141 so that
the tool does not wobble or flop over, and is therefore in an
upright position, readily accessible. It will be understood that
fingers 141 do not necessarily have to be arranged in a circular
pattern, but may also comprise, e.g., an oval 146, as shown in FIG.
24. Also, 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.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 25-33, alternative item holders may be
used in connection with storage system 5. For example, a bracket
receptacle 147 that is substantially identical to receptacle 68 may
be formed as a stand-alone device and appended from perforated
panel 8 (FIGS. 25 and 26). Bracket receptacle 147 includes a slot
69 that is defined between an upper flange 70 and a lower flange 71
that each project outwardly from a base plate 151. Base plate 151
may be supported upon perforated panel 8 by fasteners that engage
perforations 9, e.g., by catch 86. Slot 69 extends longitudinally
along the length of bracket receptacle 147, with upper flange 70
and lower flange 71 typically arranged in coplanar spaced relation
to one another.
[0063] Hook 80 may also be assembled to receptacle 147 in the
following manner. Hook 80 is arranged adjacent to bracket
receptacle 147 such that support arm 84 is directed away from the
outer surface of perforated panel 8 and cantilevered strap 92 is
arranged in coaxially aligned, confronting relation to slot 69.
Ramp 94 of stop 88 is then depressed, deflecting cantilevered strap
92 such that the underside of stop 88 moves toward the top portion
of shank 82. Once in this position, hook 80 is moved toward slot 69
until shoulder surface 95 engages the front surface of upper flange
70 and the upper edge of lower flange 71 engages slot 98. Once in
this position, pressure is released from ramp 94 so as to allow
cantilevered strap 92 to spring back towards its original,
undeflected position and thereby engage the edges of upper flange
70 and lower flange 71 that define slot 69. In order to remove hook
80 from bracket receptacle 147, it is only necessary to grip shank
82 and move it toward stop 88, once again deflecting cantilevered
strap 92, and disengaging the edge of lower flange 71 from slot 98.
Once cantilevered strap 92 is deflected, hook 80 may be withdrawn
from slot 69.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 27, a 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 internal edges of perforated panel 8 that define
perforations 9 and 19.
[0065] 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).
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
* * * * *