U.S. patent application number 12/630936 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for twist lock system for storage systems.
Invention is credited to Adam Belogh, Jason C. Boutsayaphat, Michael J. Drobot.
Application Number | 20110132853 12/630936 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44080995 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110132853 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Drobot; Michael J. ; et
al. |
June 9, 2011 |
Twist Lock System for Storage Systems
Abstract
A new method of creating a shelving system is disclosed which
utilizes vertical supports in a flexible method of positioning
horizontal supports. The method of installing the supports is a
twisting "T" slot design which firmly locks the support in place in
a manner that provides a high support strength. The supports may be
installed in a variety of incremental positions rapidly, and is
useful for permanent storage or for displays of items which involve
rapid assembly and disassembly.
Inventors: |
Drobot; Michael J.;
(Calgary, CA) ; Boutsayaphat; Jason C.;
(Mississauga, CA) ; Belogh; Adam; (North York,
CA) |
Family ID: |
44080995 |
Appl. No.: |
12/630936 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/42 ; 211/183;
211/70.6; 211/74; 211/85.18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 81/007 20130101;
A47B 57/562 20130101; A47B 73/00 20130101; A47F 5/0853
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/42 ; 211/183;
211/74; 211/70.6; 211/85.18 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00; A47B 73/00 20060101 A47B073/00; A47F 7/00 20060101
A47F007/00; A47G 29/00 20060101 A47G029/00; A47B 65/00 20060101
A47B065/00 |
Claims
1. A storage or display system for attachment to a surface
comprising: a) at least one frame element for attachment to said
surface, b) at least one supporting element for connecting to each
said frame element, c) wherein said frame element is elongated and
incorporates a plurality of locator holes, d) wherein said frame
element incorporates a uniform slot for engagement with said
supporting element, e) wherein said supporting element incorporates
a cam that is designed to engage with said uniform slot, f) wherein
said cam firmly attaches said supporting element to said frame
element when rotated substantially one quarter turn, and g) wherein
said supporting element incorporates a pin that engages with a user
selected locator hole, whereby said supporting element is useful
for storing or displaying items.
2. The storage or display system according to claim 1, wherein said
supporting element incorporates a snap lock that additionally
engages said uniform slot.
3. The storage or display system according to claim 1, wherein said
supporting elements incorporate features for holding bottles or
rails.
4. The storage or display system according to claim 1, wherein said
supporting elements incorporate features for holding at least one
item selected from the group consisting of: wine bottles, glasses,
tools, cans, jars, books, kitchen items, small appliances, cleaning
supplies, and jugs.
5. The storage or display system according to claim 1, wherein said
locator holes are spaced at substantially regular intervals.
6. The storage or display system according to claim 1, wherein said
frame element is made from a metal and said supporting element is
made from a plastic.
7. The storage or display system according to claim 1, wherein any
fastener used to attach said frame element to said surface
incorporates a recessed hole to be used as a said locator hole.
8. The storage or display system according to claim 1, wherein said
cam incorporates a curved surface, and said curved surface defines
a tolerance dimension for a friction fit on said uniform slot.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] (1) Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention is directed to vertical wall type modular
storage systems where a flexible and relocatable storage shelving
system is desirable. Also, the present invention is directed to a
simplified method of adjusting horizontal shelving where shelves
are rapidly and simply relocated to a new height. Additionally, the
present invention provides for new types of shelving or item
holders to be rapidly installed in vertical holding supports
quickly and conveniently so that a display may be readily
assembled, disassembled, or changed.
[0006] (2) Description of Related Art
[0007] An important and desirable shelving display is in a
commercial setting where a display booth is quickly brought to a
location and then swiftly installed in a trade show to display
particular products. A highly customizable, yet relatively modular
system is very desirable for visual aesthetics, and to ensure that
the product booth is organized in a way that provides for an
opportunity for a sales discussion. It is often the case that the
products to be sold are of varying sizes.
[0008] Another desirable shelving display is a customizable wine
system where a person provides a display of individual wine bottles
and rotates them to allow the label on each bottle to be
prominently displayed. The bottles may be displayed level or off
level to ensure that the cork is kept in the wet state according to
the custom of how individual bottles are stored/displayed. A large
number of bottles may be desired to be displayed, or only a small
portion depending upon the business or personal owner of the
collection. It is desirable to have a shelving system that provides
small incremental height adjustments, does not require a particular
height on each end of the bottle, and allows for individual and
unique item holders (such as wine bottles). Also, it is helpful
that the storage system allow for rapid display changes as bottles
are consumed and the display may be varied according to how the
owner desires to feature newly purchased bottles.
[0009] It is highly desirable to have a storage system that
provides for a high weight loading, that is, a design that provides
confidence for the owner. Systems that provide storage need to be
able to hold items securely for a long time, and the owner needs to
have confidence that the items will not fall or break.
[0010] Others have looked into variable height storage shelving
systems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,401 describes a variable
height shelving system where the storage shelves are able to be
relocated via two vertical notched posts, and the storage shelves
are otherwise guided or stabilized by four vertical guide posts.
Unfortunately, this system does not provide for a wall type of
display, nor does it provide for a method of holding individual
items.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,937 describes a method of utilizing a
slotted hole and a slot on an angle. Although this may have some
advantage in strength over other designs at the time of filing, the
design is permanently attached to the wall and is not generally
considered re-locatable.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,238 describes a shelving system that is
useful for storing a variety of items. However, the system requires
vertical supports not attached to the wall, has many un-needed
parts, and is over complicated. Re-configuring the shelving system
is not convenient, nor can it be done rapidly.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,991,117 discloses a wine rack where rods
designed to hold horizontal wine bottles are bent in a way to
support each end of the bottle. The rods are designed to support
one or more wine bottles which provide flexibility in size.
However, the vertical supports lack in the ability to allow the
rods to be placed in vertical positions incrementally, which
provide important flexibility in actual use and personal
customization. Also, the horizontal rods need to be welded into the
vertical support for support strength, further restricting any
ability for customization or adapting the storage to a particular
need.
[0014] It is notable that the patents described generally do not
have any locking feature for the horizontal support when it is
relocatable. It is merely engaged by gravity, and therefore cannot
be installed at any angle or attached to a horizontal surface such
as a ceiling.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] A new method of creating a shelving system is disclosed
which utilizes vertical supports in a flexible method of
positioning horizontal supports. The method of installing the
supports is a twisting "T" slot design which firmly locks the
support in place in a manner that provides a high support strength.
The supports may be installed in a variety of incremental positions
rapidly, and is useful for permanent storage or for displays of
items which involve rapid assembly and disassembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a view of how the present invention is used in
one embodiment.
[0017] FIGS. 2A-2D shows an exploded view of the twist lock system
for the horizontal support with an additional lower snap lock.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows an alternate view of how the present invention
is used in another embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 4 shows how a single vertical column is used to support
bottles for storage.
[0020] FIG. 5 shows a detail of the cam and locator pin on the
horizontal support of FIG. 2.
[0021] FIG. 6 shows how the vertical support column may be
installed in a wall by a fastener that additional provides a
locator hole for the locator pin.
[0022] FIG. 7 shows how the invention is used to support glassware
racks, such as wine glasses.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a general embodiment of the present invention
where it is used for storage as a wine rack. Vertical support
columns 101 are mounted on a wall or other vertical surface that
can be used for storage. A triple neck arm 102a with triple base
arm 102b, a double neck arm 103a with a double neck base arm 103b,
and a single neck arm 104a with a single base arm 104b are shown.
All of the arms are re-locatable on the vertical support columns
101 as will be discussed in the next figure. An ID tag with a
swivel feature may be used to identify items being stored or
mounted on the vertical support columns 101. An angle arm 106 with
a different design to support items is shown. Soft elastomer pads
107a,b,c are optionally added to any of the arms to provide gentle
support and a security grip for items being displayed or stored,
and to prevent damage to delicate items such as glass which can
slip off of the support.
[0024] The vertical support columns are to be mounted to the wall
or other vertical surface in a manner that will support the desired
storage-display weight. Various fasteners, drywall anchor screws,
nails, screws, bolts, hooks, brackets, straps, and other hardware
commercially available may be utilized with success.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, a combination of a number of different
horizontal supporting elements are incorporated into a pair of
vertical columns, and a uniform horizontal support structure is not
required. As conceived in the present invention, at least one
support column is required, and at least one support member. The
method of attachment of the horizontal support is further detailed
in FIGS. 2A-2D.
[0026] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrates the method of how the horizontal
support locks into the vertical support column in a way that
provides flexibility for display items, high support strength,
convenient relocation to a new position on the vertical support
column, and rapid repositioning. The horizontal support shown is
not limited to only storage such as a shelf support or a flat item,
but may be used to hold oddly shaped items, such as wine bottles,
tools, cans, jars, books, kitchen items, small appliances, cleaning
supplies, jugs, and many other items that are stored on a shelf or
against a wall.
[0027] FIG. 2A shows a horizontal support 201 and vertical column
202 which comprise two elements of the storage system. Three
horizontal supports 201 are shown on the vertical column in various
stages of interlock. The top support is being located on the
vertical column by directing the locator pin 204 into the locator
hole 206 (see FIG. 2B for close up detail). The support is rotated
so that the cam 203 on the shaft 208 is vertical and passes into a
uniform "T" slot 205. The middle and bottom supports demonstrate
that after the locator pin 204 is inserted into the locator hole
206 (see FIG. 2C-plan view) it is rotated 1/4 of a complete turn so
that the snap lock 207 is rotated downward and it engages or snaps
into the "T" Slot 205 for a firm lock (FIG. 2D-profile view). The
support is designed so that the rotation may be clockwise or
counterclockwise depending upon the convenience of how the user
engages the support into the "T" slot 205. The cam 203 is designed
symmetrically so that the support may be engaged in either of two
positions 180 degrees apart.
[0028] The snap lock, however, in a preferred embodiment is
designed not to be permanent. The snap lock is only moderately
resistive to rotating away from the "T" Slot. This provides for
rapid relocation of the horizontal support 201 into any locator
hole on the vertical column 202 in a matter of seconds. No tooling
is required for relocation. The snap lock is designed to engage
with the vertical support column to provide a secure, but non
permanent locking. The snap lock 207 is one embodiment of the
present invention, but the attachment of some horizontal supports
are too small to allow for incorporation of a snap lock.
[0029] FIG. 2B shows that the cam 203 is designed so that it passes
through the "T" slot, and the cam is additionally designed so that
it has a friction grip upon the "T" slot around the shaft 208 due
to a tight tolerance fit. In combination with the lower bracing of
the horizontal support, this provides additional vertical support
strength of up to 150 lbs (or more) per support. The combination of
friction and locator pin, additionally with the lower snap lock,
provides important support strength. Also, the use of locator pins
provide for exact positioning of the horizontal support.
[0030] The locator holes 206 are preferably spaced at regular
intervals, but are optionally interrupted for a mounting
feature.
[0031] FIGS. 2A-2D demonstrates that the present invention is
therefore a multipurpose and highly efficient method of supporting
items that is very practical, and utilizes at least one support
column for linking, supporting, or hanging in applications like
displays and storage.
[0032] The vertical support columns are preferably made from a
metal such as steel or aluminum, or other suitably strong support
column material, such as an engineered plastic. The horizontal
support members with the rotating cam and locating pin are
typically made from plastic that is injection molded for best
overall cost. Other materials could be utilized with equal
success.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the present invention. A
vertical support column 301 is used to engage horizontal support
brackets 303 by the methods described in FIGS. 2A-2D. A rail 304 is
supported on the horizontal support brackets 303, and a cradle
shaped bottle stand 302 is attached to the rail 304. Additionally,
a cradle shaped bottle holder 306 is also attached to the rail 304.
Soft elastomers 305a, b, c, which cushion and grip, are used to
protect the bottles or other items to be stored from the holders
mounted on the rail. By adding additional bottle holders and bottle
stands, as well as additional rails, an entire storage system can
be developed for numerous bottles of various sizes and shapes. Any
number of vertical supports and horizontal support brackets can be
added to accommodate the needed shapes, sizes, and weights of a
storage system. The storage system can therefore be expanded to
include glass hangers, baskets, storage containers, shelves, hooks,
rails, books, wine bottles, glasses, tools, cans, jars, kitchen
items, small appliances, cleaning supplies, and jugs.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention. A
single vertical column 401 is used to support bottles for storage.
To compress space, the bottles are stored at various angles. An
outward projecting support ring 402, a wall hugging support ring
403, an outward projecting 45 degree angle support ring 405, and a
tilting support ring 406, are all used to support and hold glass
bottles. Soft elastomers 404a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h are used to
prevent bottle damage and to ensure that the support rings have a
long life as well.
[0035] Although the present invention will be most useful in
attaching to a wall, the methods disclosed are not meant to be
restrictive to only a vertical wall. The support column with the
"T" slot can be installed on a horizontal or inclined surface, such
as a ceiling or a cathedral ceiling, and the supporting element can
be used for storage of various items with suitable designs that
incorporate hooks, for example. Further, the support column, or
alternately described as a support frame or simply a frame, is
installed on such surfaces commonly found in display areas in
conventions and sales events, where it is desirable to promote
items for sale.
[0036] FIG. 5 shows a detail of the cam and locator pin on the
horizontal support of FIG. 2. The cam 504 is attached to the
support arm face 505 through a shaft 501. There is a curved surface
503 on the cam 504 which defines a tolerance between the cam and
the support arm face 505. This tolerance is designed to provide the
snug or friction fit between the support arm and the uniform T Slot
on the vertical column. A locator pin 502 additionally provides
vertical strength, and also provides a defined position on the
support column.
[0037] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment where the vertical support column
is installed on a wall by a fastener that additionally provides a
locator hole for the locator pin. A vertical support column with a
uniform slot 601 is to be attached to a vertical surface by a screw
604 as shown. The screw has a recessed hex, screw flat, or Phillips
machining and an oversized hole that allows locator pin 603 from
support arm 602 to be positioned based on the position of the screw
604. This method allows the attachment fasteners to maintain the
same incremental positioning in the support column. Generally, the
vertical support column will be slightly drilled larger on site in
order to provide room for the screw at the same spot as a locator
hole. Alternately, the vertical support column is be predrilled
with holes in a suitable pattern that are slightly larger to
accommodate screws such as shown in FIG. 6.
[0038] FIG. 7 shows how the invention is used to support glassware
racks, such as wine glasses. A plurality of vertical support
columns is used with horizontal supports to support a rail 703
which, in turn, supports an attached horizontal glassware holder
701. The glassware holder 701 is positioned anywhere along the rail
703. The glassware holder 701 holds wine type glasses upside down
by the stem. A shelf 702 is attached to the rail and provides
flexibility for other items to be stored. A alternate glassware
holder 704 is directly attached to the vertical support column by
use of a different design. It may be positioned vertically as
necessary, and the glasses may be positioned anywhere along the
support. Elastomer pads 706 are used to protect the glasses. A
storage container 705 of some kind, such as a waste or a washing
container, is directly attached to the vertical column. The system,
as shown, demonstrates elements that are useful in a wet bar for
example. It is helpful to have flexibility in storage for such a
system, when a large party takes place and the need for storage is
more demanding. When the party is over, the need for storage
diminishes and it is helpful to be able to dismantle it quickly and
place items in long term storage to avoid dust, or to return them
to the place where they were borrowed.
[0039] While various embodiments of the present invention have been
described, the invention may be modified and adapted to various
operational methods to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this
invention is not limited to the description and figure shown
herein, and includes all such embodiments, changes, and
modifications that are encompassed by the scope of the claims.
* * * * *