U.S. patent application number 11/081863 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-08 for mounting clip and related modular storage system.
Invention is credited to Boda, James C..
Application Number | 20050193530 11/081863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34910624 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050193530 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boda, James C. |
September 8, 2005 |
Mounting clip and related modular storage system
Abstract
A storage system having a releasably mounted mounting clip that
can be connected to a wall stud or ceiling joist. A variety of
storage components can be joined to the mounting clip. The mounting
clip can also be used to join boards and panels to construct
furniture and stand-alone storage units.
Inventors: |
Boda, James C.; (Merrimac,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SMITH LAW OFFICE
440 SCIENCE DR.
SUITE 302
MADISON
WI
53711
US
|
Family ID: |
34910624 |
Appl. No.: |
11/081863 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11081863 |
Mar 16, 2005 |
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10412623 |
Apr 11, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
24/513 ;
211/113 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 57/54 20130101;
Y10T 24/44496 20150115; F16B 12/32 20130101; B25H 3/04 20130101;
F16B 5/0685 20130101; F16B 2/185 20130101; A47B 96/06 20130101;
A47F 5/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
024/513 ;
211/113 |
International
Class: |
A44B 021/00; A47F
005/08 |
Claims
1. A releasable mounting clip, comprising: a clamp having a pair of
jaws adapted to move relative to one another to clamp onto a
supporting structure; and an accessory mount joined to the clamp,
and adapted to be secured to a plurality of modular storage
components.
2. The releasable mounting clip of claim 1, and further comprising:
a clip lock joined to the clamp for preventing unintentional
movement of the mounting clip from the closed position to the
opened position; and a resilient locking handle for preventing the
clip lock from inadvertent release.
3. The releasable mounting clip of claim 2, wherein the accessory
mount is constructed in combination with the clip lock and
comprises: an ear defining a hole; and a pin for insertion through
the hole when the mounting clip is in the closed position.
4. The mounting clip of claim 1, and further comprising: a bicycle
rack for connection to the accessory mount.
5. The mounting clip of claim 1, and further comprising: a shelf
defining flange; and a tool hook defining a channel for mating with
the shelf flange to releasably engage the tool hook to the shelf.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 10/412,623 filed Apr. 11, 2003, the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to storage systems and,
more particularly, to a modular storage system having as its
foundation a mounting clip that mounts to exposed wall studs or
ceiling joists without the use of tools or additional fasteners. It
provides a safe and secure connection that can be removed and
reinstalled as desired.
[0003] In garages, basements, shops, offices, and buildings under
construction, there are collections of items that are stored for
short and long term. With varying degrees of organization, there
can be clothing, tools, office supplies, sporting equipment,
bicycles, recreational toys, yard furniture, yard tools, paint
cans, gas cans, gardening accessories, lawn chemicals and any other
item that can be stored in such areas. The degree of organization
depends in large part on the availability of suitable storage space
that may or may not be dedicated to the particular item being
stored.
[0004] The notion of "a place for every thing and every thing in
its place" has spurred home centers to stock large inventories of
shelving and related items. Entire stores are now devoted to
selling products for efficient storage of household and office
items.
[0005] Shelving can be mounted on a wall and provide ample space
for small items that are not desirably stored on a floor. Shelves
and specialized racks are mounted on walls or ceilings using nails,
screws or other suitable connectors. Mounting these items can vary
in the degree of difficulty and the success and safety of a storage
unit will, in large part, depend upon the skill of the
installer.
[0006] To simplify installation, storage systems are known that use
a single type of wall connection component on which various types
of hangers can be mounted. A wall connection in one such system is
a vertical standard having a series of vertical slots into which
shelf brackets are inserted. The standards are screwed to a wall
and are most secure when the screws are driven into the wooden
studs supporting the wall.
[0007] Shelves are then mounted on the brackets and a number of
different hooks, racks, and hangers can then be attached to store
clothing, linens, office supplies, kitchen sundries, shop and yard
tools, bicycles, skis and other sporting equipment.
[0008] These systems enable one to master the installation of a
single type of component and realize the benefit of numerous
different storage receptacles that are for general storage or
dedicated receptacles. They typically provide a permanent
installation of the standard, but are able to be rearranged with
whatever storage receptacle is required for a given time. The
systems are popular and efficient organizers, but they tend to be
expensive and require numerous components for even basic
installations.
[0009] Different types of clips, hangers, and mounts have been
devised to simplify storage and/or installation. See for example,
U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,852,802; 3,586,284; 4,286,444; 5,067,200;
5,172,529; 5,199,218; 5,842,581; and 6,315,134.
[0010] Despite efforts in the prior storage systems, there is none
that provides a truly secure connection that can be installed
without the use of tools. There is no known system that permits
easy relocation of a mounting standard to suit changing storage
needs. Further, there is no known storage system that provides
installers of any skill level the identical measure of safety and
precision for the wall or ceiling connection. Finally, there is no
known system having a connector that is versatile enough to be used
as a connector for assembly of "knock-down" or temporary furniture
that can be used on construction sites, for example.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention provides a mounting clip that can be
installed on an exposed wall stud or ceiling joist without the use
of tools. It provides a secure connection for a variety of hangers,
receptacles, or other useful articles that can be supported on a
wall or ceiling. The mounting clip of the invention can be
installed, removed and reinstalled with consistent strength of the
connection. The connection is so strong that it can be used to
permanently secure plumbing, electrical and other building
components in place. A mounting clip in accordance with the present
invention can also be used to assemble temporary furniture and
stand-alone storage units that require no connection to a wall.
[0012] The present invention is adaptable for use with any number
of storage components that may be shelving units, racks,
receptacles, or other dedicated storage unit. The mounting clip
includes a clamp and an accessory mount. The clamp secures a clip
to a board, pipe, or panel and the accessory mount enables
connection to a variety of storage components.
[0013] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
mounting clip that has a base plate, a clamping jaw, and a
hand-operated lever that pivots to secure the clip to any exposed
wooden building stud or joist component. The mounting clip's base
plate and clamping jaw include opposing teeth that penetrate the
wood when the lever is pivoted about its hinge.
[0014] A hinge is used to join the base plate and clamping jaw and
enable relative clamping movement of the two. Preferably, the hinge
is an over-the-center type that provides a very secure clamping
action that is safe and consistent every time the mounting clip is
installed. When the lever has been operated to secure the mounting
clip into place there is one or more tab or "ear" that extends up
adjacent to the clamping jaw. The tab has a hole through it that
can receive a pin only when the mounting clip is in a fully
installed position to serve as a clip lock. The base plate and
clamping jaw must pivot relative to one another to be disengaged
from the stud. To pivot relative to one another requires the base
plate to move relative to the ear. This arrangement enables the pin
in the tab holes to prevent accidental or unintentional
disengagement when in place.
[0015] The clamping mechanism of the base plate and clamping jaw is
activated by a lever that is hinged to the base plate at a location
that is offset form the hinge that joins the base plate and
clamping jaw. The optimum arrangement of hinges permits
installation and removal by hand without the use of tools.
[0016] The pin is inserted through the hole in the tab and can
serve the additional function of supporting any kind of storage
system component that can possibly be designed to be joined to the
pin. Shelf brackets, hooks, racks, baskets, cabinets, and other
storage components are easily joined to the mounting clip by the
pin. The pin thus prevents the clip from being disengaged and can
simultaneously provide a connection point to a wall or ceiling. The
pin can also support a pivoting storage component that can move
relative to the clip due to the hinge action provided by the
pin.
[0017] The clips are inexpensive to manufacture relative to the
popular shelf standards used in modular storage systems today.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clip in accordance with
the present invention, in an open position.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 1 in a
partially closed position.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 1 is a
partially closed position.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 1 in a
closed position.
[0022] FIG. 5 is the clip of FIG. 1 in a partially closed position
being mounted on a wall stud.
[0023] FIG. 6 is the clip of FIG. 1 in a closed position and
mounted on a wall stud.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a set of eight clips mounted on wood boards to
support shelves.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a set of four clips mounted on two wall studs to
support shelves.
[0026] FIG. 9 is an adaptor for connection to a clip pin and a
storage member.
[0027] FIG. 10 is another embodiment of an adaptor.
[0028] FIG. 11 is another embodiment of an adaptor.
[0029] FIG. 12 is another embodiment of an adaptor and having a
pair of outwardly extending flanges to provide a pair of aligned
holes through which a pivoting storage member can be secured.
[0030] FIG. 13 is the adaptor of FIG. 11 installed on a clip with
two pivotable rack members extending outwardly for storage of items
such as bicycles.
[0031] FIG. 14 is the installation of FIG. 11 with the two
pivotable rack members pivoted to the side.
[0032] FIG. 15A-D illustrates various dimensions of the embodiments
described above.
[0033] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
mounting clip in an open position in accordance with the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 17 is a side view of the mounting clip illustrated in
FIG. 16.
[0035] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the mounting clip
illustrated in FIG. 16 in a closed position.
[0036] FIG. 19 is a side view of the mounting clip illustrated in
FIG. 16 in a closed position.
[0037] FIG. 20 is another perspective of the mounting clip
illustrated in FIG. 16 in the closed position.
[0038] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the mounting clip
illustrated in FIG. 16 with a latch pin inserted to prevent
inadvertent opening of the mounting clip.
[0039] FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the mounting clip of
FIG. 16 in a closed position.
[0040] FIG. 23 is a side view of the storage clip illustrated in
FIG. 16 in a closed position.
[0041] FIG. 24 is another side view of the storage clip illustrated
in FIG. 16 in a closed position.
[0042] FIG. 25 is another side view of the storage clip illustrated
in FIG. 16 in a closed position.
[0043] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the mounting clip
illustrated in FIG. 16 with an alternate embodiment of an adaptor
in accordance with the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the mounting clip
illustrated in FIG. 16 with an alternate embodiment of an adaptor
in accordance with the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the mounting clip
illustrated in FIG. 16 with an alternate embodiment of an adaptor
in accordance with the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the mounting clip
illustrated in FIG. 16 with an alternate embodiment of an adaptor
in accordance with the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a shelf system for use with
the adaptor of FIG. 26.
[0048] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a shelf system for use with
the adaptor of FIG. 26.
[0049] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a shelf for use with the
adaptor and mounting clip in accordance with the present
invention.
[0050] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a shelf for use with the
adaptor and mounting clip in accordance with the present
invention.
[0051] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a bar support system for
use with the adaptor and mounting clip of the present
invention.
[0052] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a modular storage clip and
safety pin with a resilient locking handle in accordance with the
present invention;
[0053] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in
accordance with the present invention incorporating a general
purpose rack;
[0054] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in
accordance with the present invention incorporating a general
purpose rack of FIG. 36;
[0055] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in
accordance with the present invention incorporating bicycle and
helmet hooks, with an accessories storage basket;
[0056] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in
accordance with the present invention incorporating a tool hook,
shelf, and the bicycle hook of FIG. 38;
[0057] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in
accordance with the present invention incorporating a garden hose
hook;
[0058] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in
accordance with the present invention incorporating a tool hook, a
shelf, and the garden hose hook of FIG. 40;
[0059] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in
accordance with the present invention incorporating a bar with
removable tool hooks;
[0060] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a shelf in accordance with
the present invention incorporating a shelf with removable tool
hooks;
[0061] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a shelf in accordance with
the present invention incorporating a transverse bar with overhead
tool hooks;
[0062] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in
accordance with the present invention incorporating a tool hook,
and shelf with small-part cups and resilient slotted lids;
[0063] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in
accordance with the present invention incorporating a cinch strap;
and
[0064] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in
accordance with the present invention incorporating a bicycle
pulley and suspension system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0065] In the following detailed description of drawings the same
reference numeral will be used to identify the same or similar
elements in each of the figures. FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate a
mounting clip 20 in accordance with the present invention. The
mounting clip 20 generally includes a clamp 22 and one or more
accessory mount 24. The clamp 22 in the illustrated embodiment
includes a lever 26, a base plate 28 joined to the lever 26 by a
hinge 30, and a clamping jaw 36 joined to the lever 26 by another
hinge 38. FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate the mounting clip 20 moving
from an opened position (FIG. 1), through intermediate positions
(FIGS. 2 and 3), to a closed position (FIG. 4).
[0066] The illustrated lever 26 has triangular flanges 27, which
provide a location for connecting the base plate hinge 30 and the
clamping jaw hinge 38 to the lever. The two hinges 30 and 38 are
spaced apart to provide sufficient leverage to secure the mounting
clip 20 to a stud 56.
[0067] The base plate 28 is preferably bent into an L-shape as
illustrated, and has inwardly extending teeth 32 at one end and
outwardly extending flanges 34 on the other end. The teeth 32 are
shaped and dimensioned to engage and penetrate a wood stud 56
(FIGS. 5 and 6), while the flanges 34 provide a place for joining
the lever 26 via a hinge 30.
[0068] The clamping jaw 36 has inwardly extending teeth 40 that
oppose the base plate teeth 32 to provide a solid stud connection.
The clamping jaw 36 is sized to mate with the base plate 28 in the
closed position (FIG. 4). In all other positions (FIGS. 1 to 3),
the base plate 28 and clamping jaw 36 are at an angle to one
another.
[0069] The clamping jaw 36 in this illustrated embodiment includes
a clip lock 48 that preferably includes upwardly extending flanges
or ears 50, between which the base plate 28 is disposed. The ears
50 have aligned holes 52 that receive a pin 54 (FIG. 4), which in
turn is joined to any suitable bracket or storage member used in a
modular and versatile storage system, as described in more detail
below. When a pin 54 is in place, the mounting clip 20 cannot be
opened because the base plate 28 must move outward from the
clamping jaw 36 to be removed from the stud 56. The displacement of
the clamping jaw 36 from the base plate 28 occurs as soon as the
mounting clip 20 lever 26 has been raised to release the mounting
clip 20. This relationship requires the clip lock to be arranged to
prevent even a slight movement of the mounting clip toward the
opened position. (See: FIG. 3.) The illustrated clamping jaw 36 is
in a dimension sufficient to connect to a nominal 2" wooden member
(11/2" actual). Should the member be of another size, the clamping
jaw 36 can be dimensioned accordingly. With the illustrated
embodiment, the clamping jaw 36 is the only piece that would need
to be changed for adapting to members of different widths. The
lever 26 and the base plate 28 remain the same dimensions, thus
saving considerable manufacturing costs.
[0070] The mounting clip 20 is illustrated as having teeth 32 that
penetrate wood studs as described above. The illustrated teeth are
triangular, but they could be other shapes, sizes, and
orientations. This design is perfectly acceptable where the
resulting indented appearance of the stud is unimportant after the
mounting clip 20 is removed. When appearance is important or the
mounting clip 20 will be joined to materials that cannot be
penetrated by the teeth 32, the mounting clip 20 can be fitted with
compressible or high friction materials. Teeth, compressible
materials or friction materials are all generally comprised in a
category of clamp enhancers, but these may not be necessary when
the clamp is designed to exert adequate pressure on the surface to
which the clamp is mounted. Friction pads, rubber boots, plastics,
adhesives, etc. can be used as clamp enhancers to further secure
the mounting clip 20 for added security, and other materials or
shapes of teeth can be used as well.
[0071] One category of clamp enhancers applies a highly localized
pressure on the board or other member by effectively reducing the
size of the clamp's interior space when in the closed positions.
Without a clamp enhancer of this latter type, the mounting clip 20
defines an interior space dimension. These clamp enhancers
effectively reduce the interior space dimension so that the
clamping pressure is increased. Further, because the clamp
enhancers preferably have a smaller surface area than the faces of
the clamp 22, the force exerted by the clamp enhancers is greater.
Teeth are thus able to penetrate wood and resilient pads grip
better. Clamp enhancers can be: formed integrally with; joined to;
or simply disposed in the space that is surrounded by the clamp
22.
[0072] The mounting clip 20 is illustrated as being connectable to
a substantially rectangular member, but it can be shaped to connect
to other shapes as well. For example, pipes, bars, and other round
objects can be considered for use with a mounting clip 20 that has
an arcuate base plate 28 and clamping jaw 36.
[0073] In operation, the mounting clip 20 is placed with the lever
26 in the opened position, the base plate teeth 32 on the opposite
side of a stud, and the clamping jaw 36 teeth 40 on the near side
of the stud. (See: FIG. 1.) The ear holes are blocked in this
position, so no pin 54 can be inserted and no brackets or other
components can be added in this open position.
[0074] FIGS. 2 and 3 show the lever 26 moving toward the closed
position, which moves the base plate 28 down and over the clamping
jaw 36. The teeth 32 of the respective parts move toward one
another to penetrate a wood stud. The spacing of the hinges 30 and
38 provides leverage so that manual force is enough to force the
teeth 32 into the wood stud.
[0075] In FIG. 4, the mounting clip 20 is in a closed position
where the lever 26 is parallel to the long face of the stud, the
base plate 28 and clamping jaw 36 are nested in a mating position,
and the teeth 32 have penetrated the stud. In this position, and
only in this position, it is possible to insert a pin 54 through
the clip lock 48, which in the illustrated example is a pair of ear
holes in the clamp jaw ears 50.
[0076] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a mounting clip 20 in the open and
closed position, respectively, and in engagement with a stud of a
nominal 2".times.4" dimension (11/2".times.31/2" actual). In the
closed position, the mounting clip 20 is generally L-shaped in
cross-section. This shape enables two mounting clips 20 to be
joined to opposite sides of a single 2".times.4" board at the same
point or elevation on the board so that storage or furniture
components can extend at equal heights on opposite sides of the
board. Of course, 2" wide boards of deeper dimensions can be used,
such as 6", 8", 10", 12", etc. The depth is preferably no less than
11/2" to provide adequate clamping surface for the mounting clip
20.
[0077] A pin 54 (generally referred to as an "accessory mount") can
secure brackets of many shapes and sizes to the secured mounting
clip 20. The remaining drawings in the packet illustrate brackets,
hangers, hinges, and other storage components that mate with the
ear holes 52 so that a pin 54 can be inserted to provide secure
storage even for very heavy loads. The drawings should be
self-explanatory in this regard.
[0078] FIG. 7 illustrates a set of eight mounting clips 20 being
used to connect four extrusions 58 that have recesses 59 for
receiving sheets of material 60 such as plywood, plastic, glass,
steel, etc. to construct a self-supporting table and shelving unit.
With this embodiment, it is seen that the illustrated mounting clip
20 can be used on any board whether or not the board is used to
build a wall or ceiling.
[0079] FIG. 8 illustrates a set of four mounting clips 20 used to
support a pair of extrusions 58 for a pegboard. The pegboard 62 can
be mounted on the extrusions 58 and objects mounted on the pegboard
62. The extrusions 58 in this embodiment can be identical to the
extrusions 58 in the FIG. 7 embodiment to provide a generic panel
connector.
[0080] FIG. 9 illustrates an adaptor 64 to be used with the
mounting clip 20. The adaptor 64 is preferably made of plastic and
includes holes 65 at each end through which the pin 54 extends.
Detents 67 adjacent to the holes 65 permit storage components to be
joined to the pin 54 and rest in the detents 67 to resist unwanted
movement. The detents 67 are rounded to permit desired movement of
the shelving components from one detent 67 to another.
[0081] FIG. 10 illustrates a second style of adaptor 66 that is
similar to the FIG. 9 adaptor 64 with an additional transverse bore
68. A pin (not illustrated) can be inserted through the bore 68 to
secure storage components.
[0082] FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 illustrate another embodiment of an
adaptor 70 having a central portion 71, and two wing portions 72.
The central portion 71 has pin holder locations 73 that engage a
pin 54 in a manner similar to the bushings described above.
[0083] The wing portions 72 have retainer tabs 76 engage racks 80
(FIG. 13) that can be re-positioned as desired to give a user
different storage configurations. To move a rack 80, it is lifted
above the retainer tab 76 and reset to a new position. Gravity will
typically hold the rack 80 in place when the adaptor is oriented in
a vertical position with the stops directed upward.
[0084] FIG. 14 is another adaptor 84 embodiment that provides
transverse holes 88 for receipt of a transverse pin (not
illustrated). The transverse pin can pivot to permit movement of a
storage compartment connected thereto, and preferably this style of
adaptor 84 can be used to mount a pulley used for hoisting heavier
items.
[0085] The illustrated mounting clip 20 is preferably made of
stainless steel to withstand corrosive environments or cold-rolled
steel and/or plated if desired. Other materials will work also. The
parts can be stamped out of sheet stock and bent to shape with
adequate precision. The pin 54 is also preferably made of
cold-rolled or stainless steel and it can be plated as desired. The
adaptors described above are preferably plastic and are more
preferably molded polypropylene or glass-filled nylon, or they can
be zinc.
[0086] FIGS. 15A through 15D illustrate the preferred dimensions of
a mount clip 20 for joining to a nominally sized two (one and
one-half) inch board.
[0087] FIGS. 16 through 25 illustrate another embodiment of a
mounting clip 200 in accordance with the present invention. This
clip 200 includes a clamp 222 and an accessory mount 224, which is
similar to the clamp 20 described above with a few exceptions. The
clamp 222 includes a lever 226, a base plate 228, a first hinge
230, a clamping jaw 236, and a second hinge 238.
[0088] The lever 226 includes a cover 225 that provides added
leverage due to its flared distal end 227. The smooth edges and
corners also are less likely to cause discomfort to a user while
being installed and uninstalled due to the ergonometric shape of
the cover 225. Further, the cover 225 can provide a surface on
which a corporate logo or other design 229 can be placed.
Preferably, the cover 225 is made of a base 217 of relatively rigid
material such as an olefin plastic, and a relatively soft grip 219
that is preferably a thermoplastic elastomer. The cover 225
includes tabs 205 which allow the cover to be snapped into the
lever 226. Other means can also be used to connect the two.
[0089] The clamp 222 components are also somewhat modified in the
mounting clip 200 as compared to the clamp 20 described above. The
base plate 228 has inwardly extending teeth 232, but these are a
different shape than those described in relation to the embodiment
in FIGS. 1 to 4. In the mounting clip 200, the teeth 232, 240 are
formed around generally circular openings. In a preferred
embodiment, the teeth 232 and 240 are formed by piercing the base
plate 228 and clamping jaw 236 so that the teeth 232 and 240 are
essentially irregular triangular shapes that do not penetrate the
wood excessively, but provide adequate grip. This formation of
teeth is preferred over continuous ring-shaped teeth because the
teeth 232 and 240 will not have as severe an impact on the board on
which the clip is mounted. This is particularly beneficial when the
clips 200 are going to be moved along the length of a board from
time-to-time. It is not as critical when the clips 200 are
relocated less frequently.
[0090] To further reduce the impact on the board, the teeth 232 and
240 are not all in a straight line vertically or horizontally
(FIGS. 16 through 19). With such an arrangement, the mounting clip
200 can be relocated repeatedly up and down a board with minimal
degradation of the board.
[0091] Further, the teeth 232 and 240 do not need to penetrate the
board very deeply due to their shape and size. The increased
number, shape, and arrangement of teeth permit the use of shorter
teeth that are not as likely to damage the associated board.
[0092] The base plate 228 is also formed with integral ribs 231 to
provide rigidity. The clamping jaw 236 includes mating ribs 233,
also for rigidity.
[0093] The base plate 228 of the mounting clip 200 also includes a
pair of holes 235 through which nails, screws, or other fasteners
can be driven into a board on which the mounting clip 200 is
mounted. This provides additional load bearing capability, as well
as serving as a theft inhibitor, but it is not necessary for most
storage loads. A mating pair of slots 237 in the clamping jaw 236
aligns with the holes 235 so that whatever type of fastener is
used, it can be installed after the mounting clip 200 has been
moved to a closed position. (See: FIG. 21).
[0094] The mounting clip 200, otherwise is very similar to the
mounting clip 20 in design, materials, and operation. As viewed in
FIG. 20, when the mounting clip is closed, a pin 241 can be
inserted through holes 252. When in this position, it is not
possible to open the mounting clip 200 because the pin 241 prevents
the over-center hinge effect of the mounting clip 200 by retaining
clamping jaw 236 closely adjacent to the base plate 228. Other clip
locking arrangements are possible in accordance with the present
invention, but this particular arrangement is preferred so that the
pin 241 can be readily installed and used to support accessories.
Further, the pin 241 could be replaced by a lock that would deter
unauthorized removal of the clips.
[0095] In alternate embodiments, the pin 241 is inserted through
the holes 252 after an adaptor is placed over the mounting clip
200. Various adaptors are illustrated in FIGS. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
and 31. Adaptors link the mounting clip 200 to a modular system of
storage racks, shelves, cabinets, pulleys, straps, and others or
they may serve as storage components themselves. Despite the
variety of adaptors, they are all preferably shaped to be used on
single shape of a mounting clip 200, so that the mounting clips 200
can be used with any adaptor or storage type that a user desires.
This reduces storage system manufacturing costs and simplifies
installation and assembly.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 26, there is an adaptor 300 joined to a
mounting clip 200 via a pin 241. The adaptor 300 includes a pair of
aligned slots 302, through which a strap, rope, chain, or
preferably, a bar 306 (FIGS. 30, 31, and 34) is fed and other
elements of a storage system are mounted thereon. For example,
FIGS. 30, 31, and 34 illustrate an adaptor 300 with an elongated
bar extending through the slots 302. The bar 306 also extends
through a similar adaptor 300 joined to a mounting clip 200 on
another stud, joist, or free-standing member. The bar 306 also is
inserted through a shelf 310 having a slot 312 that mates with the
bar 306. The shelf 310 of FIGS. 30 and 31 can be installed with
either side facing up. In the FIG. 30 embodiment, the shelf 310 is
simply flat for receiving any desired item to be stored.
[0097] In the FIG. 31 arrangement, the shelf 310 is "upside down,"
(with wall studs blocking the ends) the shelf defines a recess into
which items can be stored that might otherwise be susceptible to
falling or rolling of the shelf 310. Various webs 313 can be joined
to or formed integrally with a shelf 310 to stiffen the shelf 310
to support heavier loads.
[0098] FIG. 27 illustrates another adaptor 350, which is nearly
identical to the adaptor 300, except that adaptor 350 includes a
pair of spaced apart flanges 352 that have aligned holes 354
through which a pulley axle can be inserted, for example. Other
storage components can also be mounted on the flanges 352.
[0099] FIG. 28 illustrates an adaptor 370 that is similar in
operation to the adaptor 70 illustrated in FIG. 12, except that
adaptor 370 includes a recess 356 for securing the pin 241 and a
pair of slots 302 for use as described above. This adaptor 370 also
includes retention slots 276 for limiting movement of storage
elements such as rack 80 illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0100] FIG. 29 illustrates an adaptor 390 with a pair of reinforced
flanges 392 that can be used as described above in relation to
adaptor 350 in FIG. 27.
[0101] FIG. 34 illustrates an embodiment wherein the components are
joined to ceiling joists to support loads that can be placed on top
of the shelf 310 or hung therefrom.
[0102] Also, because the modular storage components are
interchangeable and may be used in different storage situations, it
is possible to use them without a mounting clip of the type
described herein. Instead, a mounting plate without the clamp
feature of the mounting clip, can be fastened to a flat surface,
such as a wall, and used with adaptors and storage components such
as those described herein.
[0103] The bar 306 and shelf 310 are preferably extruded plastic or
aluminum, but other shapes and materials can be used.
[0104] FIG. 35 illustrates the modular mounting clip 200 as
described above except that the pin 241 includes a resilient
locking handle 400 to prevent inadvertent removal of the pin 241
from the clip holes 252. Such a lock was generally described above
in relation to FIG. 27. This is particularly advantageous in
overhead storage situations when gravity is not as significant in
aiding the pin 241 to stay in the holes 252.
[0105] The resilient locking handle 400 includes a relatively rigid
thumb grip 402 and a relatively resilient finger grip 404. On the
lower side of the finger grip 404, a hook 406 is formed to engage
the accessory mount 224 when installed. The locking handle 400 is
easily operated by squeezing the thumb grip 402 and the finger grip
404 together to pivot the hook 406 into and out of engagement with
the accessory mount 224. Further when installing this embodiment of
the pin 241 with locking handle 400, a cam surface 408 is provided
on the lower side of the hook 406 to engage the accessory mount 224
and snap the hook 406 into place simply by pushing the pin 241 and
locking handle 400 into the holes 252 without squeezing (or with
reduced squeezing effort) of the thumb grip 402 and finger grip
404.
[0106] FIG. 36 illustrates the modular clip 200 with pin 241 and
resilient locking handle 400 being used to secure a general purpose
rack 420 to the clip 200. This embodiment of a general purpose rack
420 includes an upper hook 422 and lower hook 424. A base plate 426
and a stabilizer bar 428 secure bar 430 of the hooks 424 and 426
together. The bar 430 forms an essentially endless loop to provide
strength, stability, and aesthetically pleasing curves.
[0107] On the base plate 426 is a channel 432 that is disposed
between the accessory mount 224 of the mounting clip 200. The
channel 432 includes holes 434 aligned with the holes 252 in the
accessory mount 224 to accept the pin 241 and secure the bicycle
rack 420 to the mounting clip 200. The hooks 422 and 424 could be
used to hang things such as bicycles, hoses, and ladders, and they
are not exclusively designed to store any one type of product.
[0108] FIG. 37 is the general purpose rack 420 of FIG. 36 mounted
on a clip 200 and secured by a pin 241 with resilient locking
handle 400 essentially as described above, except that a second
clip 200 and pin 241 are used on a nearby stud (not illustrated). A
tool hook 431 is also illustrated on the left side for hanging
long-handled garden tools.
[0109] A shelf 440 is also illustrated, which is joined to the
mounting clips 200 via a transverse extruded bar 444 that extends
through the channels 432 on the bicycle rack 420. The transverse
bar 444 extends through a slot 446 on the underside of the shelf
440. The shelf 440 is preferably extruded plastic, but can be any
suitable material.
[0110] The shelf 440 includes stabilizer brackets 448 that bear on
studs (not illustrated) to provide torsional stability for the
shelf 440. For additional stability, the stabilizer brackets 448
are fitted with leaf springs 450 that are compressed against the
wall studs on installation and ensure a snug fit for the shelf.
With this increased stability, heavier loads can be placed on or
hung from the shelf 440 without risk of tipping and spilling the
contents of the shelf 440.
[0111] FIG. 38 is an embodiment of a bicycle rack 460 joined to a
modular clip 200 and secured with a pin 241 and resilient locking
handle 400. A base plate 426 and channel 432 are provided, as
described above in relation to the FIG. 36 embodiment.
[0112] The bicycle rack 460 includes an upper helmet hook 462 and a
lower bicycle hook 464. A basket 466 is suspended from the bicycle
hook 464. This embodiment of the bicycle rack 460 can be folded
down when not in use because the hooks 462 and 464 are hinged.
Hinges 470 are formed between the bicycle hook 464 and a pair of
vertical rods 472 that are joined to the base plate 426. The
vertical rods 472 are bent into loops 474 that restrain the bicycle
hook 464 into a pivoting movement relative to the rods 472. The
upper ends of the vertical rods 472 include hooks 476 for receiving
and suspending the helmet hook 462. Finally, a pivot plate 478 and
tension rod 479 joins the helmet hook 462 to the bicycle hook 464
to suspend the bicycle hook 464 from the vertical rod hooks
472.
[0113] In this configuration, it can be seen that the bicycle rack
460 is placed in its illustrated configuration and that the bicycle
hook 464 is essentially suspended away from the wall by hanging in
the helmet hook 462 in the rod hooks 476. To place the bicycle rack
460 in a storage (or folded) position, the helmet hook 462 is
lifted up and removed from the rod hooks 476 to allow the bicycle
hook 464 and the helmet hook 478 to pivot downward and adjacent to
the wall. The opposite procedure would be used to replace the
bicycle rack 460 to the use position illustrated in FIG. 38. The
weight of a bicycle maintains the helmet hook 462 in the rod hooks
476.
[0114] The basket 466 is preferably made of a flexible fabric or
netting to accommodate the folding and unfolding of the bicycle
rack 460. A reinforcing rod 480 is preferably sewn into the basket
466 to provide stability. Buttons 482 reinforce the fabric seams to
allow heavier loads to be placed in the basket 466.
[0115] Finally, resilient or other non-abrasive material 484 can be
used on the hooks 462 and 464 to reduce the risk of scratching
bicycle paint, helmets, or other accessories stored on the bicycle
rack 460.
[0116] FIG. 39 illustrates the bicycle rack of FIG. 38 except that
it is now accompanied by other modular components in a manner
essentially described above in relation to FIG. 37.
[0117] FIG. 40 is a hose rack 500 secured to a base plate 426 in a
manner similar to the bicycle racks described above. The hose rack
500 includes a lower hose support portion 502 and an upper hose
support portion 504 with shapes that accommodate hoses, ropes,
chains, and anything coiled.
[0118] FIG. 41 is the hose rack 500 of FIG. 40 used in conjunction
with the other modular components described above in relation to
FIG. 37.
[0119] FIG. 42 is a modular tool hanging system 510 including a
pair of clips 200 with pins 241 and resilient locking handles 400
that lock corresponding slotted brackets 514. Fit through the
brackets 514, is a bar 516 that includes reinforcing ribs 515 and
flanges 520. Preferably, the bar 516 is extruded plastic, but it
could be made from any suitable material.
[0120] Disposed on the bar 516 are a number of tool hooks 522. The
tool hooks 522 include a central slotted portion 524, a lower hook
526, and an upper channel 528. The channels 528 are for receiving a
flange on a shelf, bar, or overhead storage system, such as
depicted in FIGS. 43 and 44. The hooks 522 can slide along the bar
516 and be made of any suitable material.
[0121] FIG. 43 is a modular shelf system essentially as described
above in relation to FIG. 37, but in the illustrated embodiment,
the shelf 440 has hanging from it a number of double-pronged hooks
530. The hooks 530 have a c-shaped channel 532 that mates with a
shelf flange 534 for being secured to the shelf 440.
[0122] Under the shelf 440, is a bar 516 fitted with another
embodiment of tool hooks 540 that have channels 542 that slidably
engage a lower flange 544 on the bar 516.
[0123] FIG. 44 is an embodiment of a tool hook system 550 that is
designed to be suspended from overhead ceiling joists (not
illustrated). This system 550 includes a pair of clips 200 with
pins 241 and locking handles 400 such as described above. The hooks
540 engage a flange 544 on the transverse bar 516.
[0124] FIG. 45 illustrates a shelf system 560 similar to that
described above except that the shelf 562 includes lower flanges
564 for slidably receiving the rims 566 of cups 568 that can be
used to hold small parts such as nails, screws, nuts and bolts,
etc. The cups 568 are accessible through openings 570 in the shelf
562. The cups 568 may include a resilient and slotted cover 572
that permits small parts to be pushed through slots 574 for storage
in the cup 568 while keeping debris out of the cup 568.
[0125] FIG. 46 is a strap system 580 used in conjunction with a
pair of clips 200 as described above. This system 580 includes a
strap 582 and a buckle 584 for hanging ladders, bicycles, canoes,
and such from a ceiling.
[0126] FIG. 47 illustrates an overhead bicycle kit 600 having three
clips 200, three stationary pulleys 602, two moving pulleys 604, a
rope 606, a pair of straps 608, and an optional storage bag 610.
The system 600 works to lift heavy loads with reduced user effort.
The rope 606 is fixed at one end 612 to a stationary pulley 602 and
it is fed through the pulleys as illustrated and secured to a cleat
614 at its other end 616. The storage bag 610 may have Velcro
closures and the straps 608 may be adjustable in length to
accommodate different ceiling heights and bike sizes. Of course,
other products can be suspended from this system 600, but it is
particularly well-suited for bicycles.
[0127] It should be understood, that due to the modularity of the
storage systems described herein, there are other anchoring pieces
that could be used in place of the clips 20 and 200. Other anchors
that may be joined to a wall or ceiling by other means, such as
screws or nails, can take advantage of the modular storage systems
described herein so long as they include any accessory mount that
is compatible with these systems.
[0128] The foregoing detailed description is intended for clearness
of understanding the invention, and no unnecessary limitations
therefrom should be read into the following claims.
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