U.S. patent application number 14/682781 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-01 for rack system and bracket.
This patent application is currently assigned to SOLID RACKS PTY LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is Solid Racks Pty Limited. Invention is credited to Nicolle Drake, Trevor Drake.
Application Number | 20150272348 14/682781 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44562742 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150272348 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Drake; Trevor ; et
al. |
October 1, 2015 |
Rack System and Bracket
Abstract
The present invention relates to a bracket or support member
(119.771) including a body (119.770), at least one arm or hook
extending away from the body that can be inserted through an
aperture (104.704) in a support means (104.700), the at least one
arm or hook (119.722) including an end portion (119.720) which is
adapted to be received into a recess (104.702) on a rear surface of
the support means (104.700). A support system (FIG. 124) is also
disclosed which utilises the bracket or support member (119.771) in
combination with an apertured panel (124.700). The invention also
relates to bracket systems and brackets.
Inventors: |
Drake; Trevor; (Sydney,
AU) ; Drake; Nicolle; (Sydney, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Solid Racks Pty Limited |
Brookvale |
|
AU |
|
|
Assignee: |
SOLID RACKS PTY LIMITED
Brookvale
AU
|
Family ID: |
44562742 |
Appl. No.: |
14/682781 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13582764 |
Nov 15, 2012 |
9044090 |
|
|
PCT/AU2011/000268 |
Mar 10, 2011 |
|
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14682781 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/193 ;
248/220.31; 248/220.41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 57/34 20130101;
A47B 5/02 20130101; A47B 67/005 20130101; A47F 5/0884 20130101;
A47B 77/00 20130101; A47F 5/0006 20130101; E04F 11/022 20130101;
A47B 2096/1491 20130101; A47B 96/061 20130101; A47B 96/06 20130101;
A47B 57/485 20130101; A47F 5/0823 20130101; A47C 3/00 20130101;
E04F 11/104 20130101; A47B 95/008 20130101; A47F 5/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/08 20060101
A47F005/08; A47B 95/00 20060101 A47B095/00; A47B 67/00 20060101
A47B067/00; E04F 11/104 20060101 E04F011/104; A47B 96/06 20060101
A47B096/06; A47B 5/02 20060101 A47B005/02; A47C 3/00 20060101
A47C003/00; E04F 11/022 20060101 E04F011/022; A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00; A47B 77/00 20060101 A47B077/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 10, 2010 |
AU |
2010900999 |
Jun 15, 2010 |
AU |
2010902611 |
Nov 10, 2010 |
AU |
2010904997 |
Claims
1. A support member including a body, at least one arm or hook
extending away from said body that can be inserted through an
aperture in a support means, said at least one arm or hook
including an end portion which is adapted to be received into a
recess on a rear surface of said support means.
2. A support member as claimed in claim 1 wherein said member
includes a recess to receive a structural member.
3. A support member as claimed in claim 2, wherein said structural
member can have a formation which engages a portion of said recess
to prevent movement in a disassembling direction.
4. A support member as claimed in 1, wherein said support member
includes: two arms or hooks; two arms or hooks to respectively pass
into two separate apertures in said support means; one arm or hook
and a stabilising projection; one arm or hook and a stabilising
projection to respectively pass into two separate apertures in said
support means.
5. A support member as claimed in claim 1, wherein means are
provided to do one or more than one of the following: secure the
location of said structural member onto said support members;
secure the location of an article attached to the structural member
with respect to said panel; secure said support member to said
panel.
6. A support member as claimed in claim 2, wherein said structural
member is one of a beam; a bracket; a beam or bracket or other part
of or attached to one of the following: furniture; a cabinet; a
vanity cabinet; a cupboard; a shelf; a dressing table; a seat; a
chest of drawers; a chair; a work bench; a building element; a
stair tread; a beam; an art work or any appropriate article.
7. A support member as claimed in claim 1 wherein said support
member includes two arms or hooks which can move towards each other
so that said arms or hooks can pass through the aperture of said
support means.
8. A support member as claimed in claim 7, further including one or
more of the following: a securing member passing through said arms
or hooks to move said arms or hooks relative to each other; a first
arm or hook is provided on a first portion being insertable into a
second portion on which is provided a second arm or hook, and
wherein said first and second portions are adapted to move with
respect to each other; said support member includes two arms or
hooks, which are pivoted with respect to each other; a tubular
portion to receive a structural member such as a beam; a support to
receive a bracket; said at least one arm or hook include outwardly
radiused or curved regions.
9. A support member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support
member includes means to move or secure said structural member and
has one or more of the following: provides for movement or
securement in a horizontal direction; provides movement or
securement in a vertical direction; provides movement or securement
in both a vertical direction or a horizontal direction; is able to
be locked.
10. A support member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least
one arm or hook and or said end portion engages one or more walls
of said recess to thereby resist twisting forces applied to said
support member.
11. A support member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support
member includes a portion which will engage recess or channel on a
front surface of said panel.
12. A support member as claimed in claim 1, wherein said support
member is formed from one or more of the following: fabricated from
side plates; cast steel; composite materials; aluminium; in a
generally rectangular format; in a generally triangular format;
from sheet metals leaves forming said arms or hooks; open box
sections; closed box sections; extrusion.
13. A support system having a support member as claimed in claim 1,
in combination with support means being a panel with a front face
and a rear face and at least one aperture extending through said
panel between said front face and said rear face; said rear face
including a recess adjacent to said aperture, said recess having a
base surface which in side view is located between said front face
and said rear face.
14. A support system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said base
surface intersects with a wall of said aperture.
15. A support system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said recess is
located relative to said aperture in one of the following
locations: on one side of said aperture; on two sides of said
aperture; on opposed sides of said aperture; in a line on opposed
sides of said aperture; fully surrounds said aperture; in a circle
around said aperture.
16. A support system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said rebate is
formed as a channel formation having opposed side walls and a
base.
17. A support system as claimed in claim 13, wherein there are
provided multiple apertures in said panel.
18. A support system as claimed in claim 17, wherein said multiple
apertures are such that said recess is formed by a rebate which
extends between at least two apertures.
19. A support system as claimed in claim 13, wherein said front
face includes a recess associated with said at least one aperture
which does not intersect with a wall of said aperture or does
intersect with a wall of said aperture.
20. A support panel having a front face and a rear face and at
least one aperture extending through said panel between said front
face and said rear face; said rear face including a recess adjacent
to said aperture, said recess having a base surface which in side
view is located between said front face and said rear face.
21. A support panel as claimed in claim 20, wherein said base
surface intersects with a wall of said aperture.
22. A support panel as claimed in claim 20, wherein said recess is
located relative to said aperture in one of the following
locations: on one side of said aperture; on two sides of said
aperture; on opposed sides of said aperture; in a line on opposed
sides of said aperture; fully surrounds said aperture; in a circle
around said aperture.
23. A support panel as claimed in claim 20, wherein said recess is
in the form of a rebate and is formed as a channel formation having
opposed side walls and a base.
24. A support panel as claimed in claim 20, wherein there are
provided multiple apertures in said panel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
13/582,764, filed Nov. 15, 2012, which is the National Phase
application of International Application No. PCT/AU/2011/000268
filed on Mar. 10, 2011, and claims priority from Australian Patent
Appl. No. 2010900999 filed on Mar. 10, 2010, Australian Patent
Appl. No. 2010902611 filed on Jun. 15, 2010, and Australian Patent
Appl. No. 2010904997 filed on Nov. 10, 2010, all of which are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to racking systems that
involve the cantilevering of support brackets and brackets that can
be mounted to a wall or be free standing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There has been a long felt need for a racking system for use
with marine and other sporting equipment, in the hardware industry,
general building industry and in garden centres which provides
flexibility of application and rearrangement of the components to
suit a variety of items to be stored.
[0004] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the
contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such
prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which
the invention relates, at the priority date of this
application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a support member including a
body, at least one arm or hook extending away from the body that
can be inserted through an aperture in a support means, the at
least one arm or hook including an end portion which is adapted to
be received into a recess on a rear surface of the support
means.
[0006] The support member can include a recess to receive a
structural member.
[0007] The structural member can have a formation which engages a
portion of the recess to prevent movement in a disassembling
direction.
[0008] The support member can include: two arms or hooks; two arms
or hooks to respectively pass into two separate apertures in the
support means; one arm or hook and a stabilising projection; one
arm or hook and a stabilising projection to respectively pass into
two separate apertures in the support means.
[0009] Means can be provided to do one or more than one of the
following: secure the location of the structural member onto the
support members; secure the location of an article attached to the
structural member with respect to the panel; secure the support
member to the panel.
[0010] The structural member can be one of a beam; a bracket; a
beam or bracket or other part of or attached to one of the
following: furniture; a cabinet; a vanity cabinet; a cupboard; a
shelf; a dressing table; a seat; a chest of drawers; a chair; a
work bench; a building element; a stair tread; a beam; an art work;
electrical switch boards; electrical cabinets; television set;
computer racks or any appropriate article.
[0011] The support member can include two arms or hooks which can
move towards each other so that the arms or hooks can pass through
the aperture of the support means.
[0012] The support member can further include one or more of the
following: a securing member passing through the arms or hooks to
move the arms or hooks relative to each other; a first arm or hook
is provided on a first portion being insertable into a second
portion on which is provided a second arm or hook, and wherein the
first and second portions are adapted to move with respect to each
other; the support member includes two arms or hooks, which are
pivoted with respect to each other; a tubular portion to receive a
structural member such as a beam; a support to receive a bracket;
the at least one arm or hook include outwardly radiused or curved
regions.
[0013] The support member can include means to move or secure the
structural member and has one or more of the following: provides
for movement or securement in a horizontal direction; provides
movement or securement in a vertical direction; provides movement
or securement in both a vertical direction or a horizontal
direction; is able to be locked.
[0014] The at least one arm or hook and or the end portion can
engages one or more walls of the recess to thereby resist twisting
forces applied to the support member.
[0015] The support member can include a portion which will engage a
recess or channel on a front surface of the panel.
[0016] The support member can be formed from one or more of the
following: fabricated from side plates; cast steel; composite
materials; aluminium; in a generally rectangular format; in a
generally triangular format; from sheet metals leaves forming the
arms or hooks; open box sections; closed box sections;
extrusion.
[0017] The previously described support member and a support pane
can form a system whereby the panel includes a front face and a
rear face and at least one aperture extending through the panel
between the front face and the rear face; the rear face including a
recess adjacent to the aperture, the recess having a base surface
which in side view is located between the front face and the rear
face,
[0018] The base surface can intersect with a wall of the
aperture.
[0019] The recess can be located relative to the aperture in one of
the following locations: on one side of the aperture; on two sides
of the aperture; on opposed sides of the aperture; in a line on
opposed sides of the aperture; fully surrounds the aperture; in a
circle around the aperture.
[0020] The recess can be in the form of a rebate, formed as a
channel formation having opposed side walls and a base.
[0021] The panel can have one or more of the following features:
multiple apertures are provided; multiple apertures are provided in
an array; multiple apertures are provided such that the recess is
formed by a rebate which extends between at least two apertures;
the front face can include a recess associated with the at least
one aperture which does not intersect with a wall of the aperture
or does intersect with a wall of the aperture.
[0022] The present invention also provides a support panel having a
front face and a rear face and at least one aperture extending
through the panel between the front face and the rear face; the
rear face including a recess adjacent to the aperture, the recess
having a base surface which in side view is located between the
front face and the rear face,
[0023] The base surface can intersect with a wall of the
aperture.
[0024] The recess can be one or more of the following: located
relative to the aperture in one of the following locations: on one
side of the aperture; on two sides of the aperture; on opposed
sides of the aperture; in a line on opposed sides of the aperture;
fully surrounds the aperture; in a circle around the aperture;
recess is in the form of a rebate, formed as a channel formation
having opposed side walls and a base.
[0025] The panel can have one or more of the following features:
multiple apertures are provided; multiple apertures are provided in
an array; multiple apertures are provided such that the recess is
formed by a rebate which extends between at least two apertures;
the front face can include a recess associated with the at least
one aperture which does not intersect with a wall of the aperture
or does intersect with a wall of the aperture.
[0026] The present invention further provides a racking system for
supporting objects, the system including at least one support
flange having at least one slot adapted to receive a bracket
support and a bracket connected to or engageable with the bracket
support, whereby the bracket extends away from the support flange
and or the bracket support.
[0027] During assembly the bracket support can first engage at
least one support flange and then the bracket engages the bracket
support.
[0028] The bracket support can be a pin or rod means.
[0029] There can be at least two flanges at spaced locations on the
bracket support.
[0030] Between the at least two flanges the bracket support can
have a length equal to the width of the support flange.
[0031] The at least two flanges can be at the ends of the bracket
support.
[0032] The bracket can engage the bracket support between the at
least two flanges.
[0033] The bracket can have a bifurcated part or includes at least
two spaced bracket portions.
[0034] The width of space between the bifurcated parts of the
bracket, or between the at least two bracket portions, is
approximately the same as the width or thickness of the support
flange, so that the support flange can be received
therebetween.
[0035] The bracket can pivot around the bracket support and a
portion of the bracket engages a wall means or a support plate to
which the support flange is mounted and from which the support
flange extends.
[0036] The bracket and the support flange and or the bracket
support cooperate to provide resistance, or bearing capability of
the racking system, to forces applied laterally to the bracket.
[0037] The racking system can include two support flanges which are
one or more of the following features: extending from a common
support plate to form a set of support flanges; mounted to a wall
means to form a set of support flanges; one of the support flanges
of includes a slot, while the other does not include a slot; both
of the support flanges of the set includes a slot; the spacing
between support flanges of the set is approximately the same
dimension as the thickness or width of the bracket.
[0038] One or more than one of the following provides elasticity,
or suspension, or damping means, for the racking system: the
support flange, the bracket, the location of engagement of the
bracket support to the support flange and or the bracket; is
provided by the bracket and is achieved by means of the shape of
the bracket at a portion of the bracket which is remote from the
support flange; is achieved at or near to the location of the
mounting of the bracket to the bracket support; is achieved by a
spring or leaf spring formation formed with or as part of the
bracket.
[0039] The slot can include an entrance passage and a terminus to
limit the travel of the bracket and or the bracket support relative
to the support flange.
[0040] The entrance passage can be one of the following: inclined
so that the bracket support moves downwardly to the terminus; is
inclined so that the bracket support moves horizontally then
downwardly to the terminus; is inclined so that the bracket support
moves upwardly then downwardly to the terminus.
[0041] The racking system can be secured to a wall means through
the support flange or through the support plate.
[0042] The wall means can be one of the following: a stationary
wall; part of a frame or stand.
[0043] The bracket support can be one or more of the following:
formed separate from the bracket but is secured or is securable to
the bracket; is releasably secured to the bracket; is integrally
formed with the bracket; extends from one side of the bracket;
extends from both sides of the bracket; extends between two
portions of the bracket; a telescoping pin means; extendable and or
retractable with respect to the bracket.
[0044] There can be multiple slots spaced along the support
flange.
[0045] The racking system can further include at least two sets of
support flanges spaced apart on the wall means from each other.
[0046] The support flange can include a flexible wall section or a
wall section having sufficient elasticity, so that when engaged by
the bracket or the bracket support the application of load to the
wall section will be compressed allowing the brackets to flex upon
loading.
[0047] The support flanges can be held together at their upper and
lower extremities by respective mounting plates.
[0048] The present invention also provides a racking system for
supporting objects on a wall means, the system including at least
one support flange having at least one slot adapted to receive a
bracket support and a bracket connected to or engageable with the
bracket support to mount the bracket to the at least one support
flange characterised in that the racking system includes a means of
elasticity, or suspension or damping means so that load applied to
the bracket by an object to be supported on the bracket will be
such that the system will increase the time to bring the load to
rest as compared with the bracket and its mount to the support
flange being rigid.
[0049] The present invention further provides a racking system for
supporting objects on a wall means, the system including at least
one support flange having at least one slot and at least bracket
support located between the slot and a free end of the support
flange, a bracket connectable to or engageable with the bracket
support to mount the bracket to the at least one support flange
characterised in that the racking system includes a means of
elasticity, or suspension or damping means so that load applied to
the bracket by an object to be supported on the bracket will
increase the time to bring the load to rest as compared with the
bracket and its mount to the support flange being rigid.
[0050] The system can include one or more of the following: the
support flange has at least two bracket supports; the bracket
support is removable; the rear of the bracket makes contact with a
rear support plate or wall means to which the support flange is
attached; the at least one slot contributes to elasticity, or
suspension or damping means; the at least one slot can receive a
bracket support; a twin support flange arrangement, with the
bracket support extending between the twin support flanges; bracket
support is integrally formed or permanently attached to the support
flange or flanges.
[0051] The present invention also provides a racking system for
supporting objects on a wall or wall means, the system including at
least one support formation formed integrally with the wall or wall
means to which the rack system is to cooperate; or formed
separately from the wall or wall means and attachable thereto; the
at least one support formation has at least one support slot
through an external face and a space between a rear face of the
slot and a rear panel or the wall or the wall means.
[0052] The system can include at least one bracket having a bracket
slot formed therein which is able to enter the support slot and
having a rear portion which can enter into the space leaving a
portion of the bracket slot on the external side of the support
formation, the rear of the bracket engaging the rear panel or the
wall or the wall means thereby allowing the bracket to provide a
means of elasticity, or suspension or damping means so that load
applied to the bracket by an object to be supported on the bracket
so that the bracket will increase the time to bring the load to
rest as compared with the bracket being rigid.
[0053] The system can include a removable support means, the
removable support means including at least one support flange, a
support plate, a support hook able to be removably engaged with the
wall means and a slot in the removable support means which opens on
at least two faces, wherein two of the at least two faces are
perpendicular to each other.
[0054] The support hook can be removably engageable with the slot
in the support formation wherein at least a portion of the support
hook lies in the space between a rear face of the slot and a rear
panel or the wall or the wall means.
[0055] The removable support means can engage with a bracket.
[0056] A bracket for supporting watercraft for use in a system
described above wherein the bracket can include a back load bearing
edge, a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge and a bracket support
proximate the back edge; including at least a medial region where
the top edge includes a concave or recessed portion; wherein a
suspension means spans across the concave or recessed portion, the
suspension means being fixed to the bracket at the proximal and
distal ends of the concave or recessed portion along the top
edge.
[0057] The suspension means can be a strap and the bracket includes
one or more of the following: at least one slot at an entrance to
the concave or recessed portion; the slot extends into an aperture
larger than the slot; the concave or recessed portion includes at
least two slots, with at least one on both entrances to the concave
or recessed portion extending into the bracket ending in an
aperture larger than the slot; the strap is connected on at least
one end to a strap engaging pin; wherein the strap engaging pin
engages with the aperture and is restrained from movement in the
directions along the length of the bracket by the slot; and wherein
the strap lies in the slot; the strap wraps around a strap engaging
pin and exits the slot; wherein the strap engaging pin engages with
the aperture and is restrained from movement in the directions
along the length of the bracket by the slot; and wherein the strap
lies in the slot and is adjustable to vary its length across the
concave or recessed portion; the strap is of a fixed length; the
strap is of an adjustable length; the strap of bracket includes a
lock mechanism must first be released to adjust the length of the
strap; the bracket being angularly adjustable in relation to a
support member on which the bracket is to be mounted.
[0058] The suspension means can be the top edge of the bracket and
the bracket has one or more of the following features: the top edge
contours to the hull of a to be supported watercraft; the bracket
is angularly adjustable in relation to a support member on which
the bracket is to be mounted, by means of the use of a support
means engageable with the support member; the bracket is angularly
adjustable in relation to a support member on which the bracket is
to be mounted, by means of the use of a support means such as pins
engageable with apertures at varying lengths along the bracket.
[0059] The suspension means can be
[0060] an inflatable bladder and the bracket has one or more of the
following features: the bladder is fixed to the top edge of the
bracket along the entire length of the concave or recessed portion;
the bladder is fixed in at least one point at the entrance to the
concave or recessed portion; the bladder is connected by at least
one end to a strap engaging pin, wherein the strap engaging pin
engages with the aperture and is restrained from movement in the
directions along the length of the bracket by the slot, and wherein
the strap lies in the slot.
[0061] An embodiment or embodiments of the present invention will
now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a racking system
including two support flanges, a bracket support slot and a
bifurcated bracket;
[0063] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a racking system including
two support flanges, a bracket support slot and a bracket; and
[0064] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a racking system
including two support flanges wherein only one support flange
comprises of a slot and a bracket.
[0065] FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of a section of the support
flange of FIG. 3.
[0066] FIG. 4 illustrates a reverse perspective view of the racking
system from FIG. 3, including two support flanges wherein only one
support flange comprises of a slot, a bracket support slot and a
bracket;
[0067] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of a section of the support
flange of FIG. 4.
[0068] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a racking system
including a single support flange, a bracket support slot and a
bifurcated bracket;
[0069] FIG. 6 is a top down view of a rack system illustrating a
single support flange, a bifurcated bracket and the disc flanges of
a bracket support;
[0070] FIG. 7 is a top down view of a racking system illustrating
two support flanges, a bifurcated bracket and a bracket support
engaged with said bifurcated bracket and two support flanges;
[0071] FIG. 8a is a top down view of a racking system illustrating
a support flange, wherein one of said support flanges comprises of
a blind slot, a bracket and a bracket support engaged with said
bracket and two support flanges;
[0072] FIG. 8b is a bottom up view of the racking system of FIG.
8a;
[0073] FIG. 9 is a side on view of a variety of canter lever
brackets illustrating a variety of dimensions and engaging
means;
[0074] FIG. 10 illustrates in the top part of the figure a variety
of single bracket profiles for supporting a variety of different
loads, while it illustrates in the lower part a variety of multiple
bracket profiles for supporting loads;
[0075] FIG. 11 illustrates a side on view of a bracket illustrating
a bracket support disc flange and illustrating an extended aperture
in said bracket allowing for flex in said bracket upon loading;
[0076] FIG. 12 illustrates engaging means in a bracket wherein the
engaging means incorporates a damping means;
[0077] FIGS. 13 to 20 are plans views of brackets respectively
showing: a bracket support extending from one side of said bracket;
bracket supports extending from both sides of the bracket; bracket
support extending from one side of said bracket; bracket supports
extending from both sides of said bracket; bracket supports
extending from both sides of said bracket, wherein said bracket
supports have a disc flanged end; a bracket support extending from
one side of said bracket, wherein said bracket support is a disc
flanged end; bracket support being a spring-driven extendable pin;
bracket supports having an extendable pin with a spring lock
mechanism;
[0078] FIG. 21 illustrates a releasable bracket support;
[0079] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a bracket engaged with a
support flange through the use of a pin in a slot;
[0080] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a bracket engaged with a
support flange through the use of a pin, wherein said pin is disc
flanged;
[0081] FIGS. 24 to 28 are section view of a bracket respectively
showing: bracket support on one side and integrally formed; bracket
support on both sides and integrally formed; a bracket support
extending from two sides from said bracket, includes locking pin
means; a removable bracket support extends from two sides of said
bracket and includes thread; a bracket support extends from two
sides of said bracket and is integrally formed there within;
[0082] FIGS. 29, 29A and 30 illustrates respectively: a support
flange, with a plurality of slots are located for engaging means; a
support flange, wherein a plurality of slots are located for
engaging means; a support flange with a plurality of slots for
engaging means;
[0083] FIG. 31 is a front on view of a bracket support engaged with
a bracket;
[0084] FIG. 32 is a front on view illustrating a bracket support
engaged with the bracket whilst engaged with a support flange;
[0085] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a single support flange
engaged with a bracket support and bracket;
[0086] FIGS. 34 to 38 are side views of a bracket support
respectively showing: a horizontal then vertical slot; an angled
and vertical slot; a slot that is angled in two directions; a slot
that is angled up and vertical; a slot that is angled up, vertical
and horizontal;
[0087] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a racking system with a
support plate and support flange forming an L shape.
[0088] FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a bracket engaged with a
single support flange,
[0089] FIGS. 41, 42, 43 and 44 illustrate brackets in perspective
view;
[0090] FIGS. 45, 46 47 and 48 are respectively perspective views
of: a series of brackets in a stand mounted racking system; a
racking system where aligned brackets are connected by means of
struts; another racking system where aligned brackets are connected
by means of struts; a stand mounted racking system;
[0091] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a bracket with bracket
support attached;
[0092] FIG. 50 is a perspective view of bracket arrangements
particularly useful for carrying hangers;
[0093] FIG. 51 is side view of the cantilever bracket of FIG.
50.
[0094] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the brackets of FIG. 50 on
the rack system, with a forward support;
[0095] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the brackets of FIG. 50
with a different forward support;
[0096] FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the bracket in cantilever
mount to the rear support flanges;
[0097] FIG. 55 is a side view of the racking system of FIG. 52;
[0098] FIG. 56 is a side view of the racking system of FIG. 53;
[0099] FIGS. 57 and 58 are perspective view of two arm
brackets;
[0100] FIG. 59 Illustrates a rack embodying the improvements of
FIGS. 50 to 56;
[0101] FIG. 60 Illustrates a perspective view of part of an
alternative bracket to the bracket of FIG. 50;
[0102] FIG. 61 illustrates a perspective view of a single support
flange having slots and apertures to mount bracket supports onto
the support flange;
[0103] FIG. 62 illustrates a side view of the support flange of
FIG. 61;
[0104] FIG. 63 illustrates a perspective view of a dual support
flange similar to single support flange of FIGS. 61 and 62,
supporting an locking a surfboard to the bracket;
[0105] FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the support flange and the
brackets of FIGS. 61 and 62;
[0106] FIG. 65 illustrates a perspective view of a twin support
flange with bracket supports attached through apertures in the
support flanges;
[0107] FIG. 66 illustrates a left side elevation of a rack system
consisting of wall or wall plate and bracket having an elasticity,
suspension or damping features;
[0108] FIG. 67 is a cross section through a portion of FIG. 66;
[0109] FIG. 68 illustrates a right side perspective view of the
wall or wall plate and bracket system of FIG. 66;
[0110] FIG. 69 illustrates a left side elevation of the system of
FIG. 66 showing multiple brackets in position;
[0111] FIG. 70 illustrates a right side perspective view of a wall
or wall plate receiving several brackets across the width; and
[0112] FIG. 71 illustrates the system of FIGS. 66 to 69 where two
wall mounted plates are used to space brackets laterally with
respect to each other.
[0113] FIG. 72 illustrates a front perspective view of a removable
support means with bracket supports able to be removably engaged
with the support slots in FIGS. 68, 70 and 71.
[0114] FIG. 73 illustrates a rear perspective view of the removable
support means of FIG. 72.
[0115] FIG. 74 illustrates a front perspective view of an
alternative removable support means as in FIG. 72 with a vertical
slot able to engage with a removable bracket support.
[0116] FIG. 75 illustrates a rear perspective view of the removable
support means of FIG. 74.
[0117] FIG. 76 is a side view of a bracket for supporting
watercraft illustrating apertures for receiving support means, a
top edge with a U shaped medial section and additional supporting
aperture in the front edge;
[0118] FIG. 77 is a side view of a bracket for supporting
watercraft illustrating a strap member engaged with the top edge of
the bracket, a top edge with a U shaped medial section and
additional supporting aperture in the front edge;
[0119] FIG. 78 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 77 with
the addition of a support pin;
[0120] FIG. 79 is a perspective view of a bracket for supporting
watercraft illustrating a strap member engaged with pins in strap
supporting apertures, a top edge with a U shaped medial section and
additional supporting aperture in the front edge;
[0121] FIG. 80 is a perspective view of a bracket for supporting
watercraft as in FIG. 4 with a ladder lock on the strap and caps on
the pins in the strap supporting aperture;
[0122] FIG. 81 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 80
engaged with a support member;
[0123] FIG. 82 is a side view of a bracket for supporting
watercraft illustrating a strap, a toothed cam lock on the brackets
front edge, a T lock on the end of the strap, a top edge with a U
shaped medial section and additional supporting aperture in the
front edge;
[0124] FIG. 83 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 82 with
the addition of a support pin;
[0125] FIG. 84 is a side view of a bracket for supporting
watercraft illustrating a strap, a toothed cam lock on the brackets
top edge, a T lock on the end of the strap, a top edge with a U
shaped medial section and additional supporting aperture in the
front edge;
[0126] FIG. 85 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 84 with
the addition of a support pin;
[0127] FIG. 86 is a side on view of a bracket for supporting a
watercraft illustrating a strap, a guide stop on the front edge of
the bracket, a T lock on the end of the strap, a top edge with a U
shaped medial section and additional supporting aperture in the
front edge;
[0128] FIG. 87 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 86 with
the addition of a support pin;
[0129] FIG. 88 is a side on view of a bracket for supporting a
watercraft illustrating a strap, a guide on the front edge of the
bracket, a rotating cylinder attached to the strap for shortening,
toothed ends and a locking member for engaging the cogged ends and
additional supporting aperture in the front edge.
[0130] FIG. 89 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 88.
[0131] FIG. 90 is a side view of a bracket for supporting a
watercraft illustrating a wrap around adjustable strap.
[0132] FIG. 91 illustrates the bracket of FIG. 90 with a tapered
strap receiving slot.
[0133] FIG. 92 illustrates a bracket for supporting a watercraft
illustrating a bladder fixed to the bracket on one end, a top edge
with a U shaped medial section and additional supporting aperture
means in the front edge;
[0134] FIG. 93 illustrates a bracket for supporting a watercraft
illustrating a removable deflated bladder with a valve and
additional supporting aperture means in the front edge;
[0135] FIG. 94 illustrates a bracket for supporting a watercraft
illustrating a removable deflated bladder with a valve, webbed
siding and an additional supporting aperture in the front edge;
[0136] FIG. 95 illustrates a bracket for supporting a watercraft
illustrating a bladder fixed to a U shaped top edge medial section
and an additional supporting aperture in the front edge.
[0137] FIG. 96 illustrates a bracket for supporting a watercraft
including an inflated bladder and an additional supporting aperture
in the front edge.
[0138] FIG. 97 illustrates a bracket support for supporting a
watercraft including adjustable angular positioning and a top edge
for contouring to the hull of the watercraft;
[0139] FIG. 98 illustrates an angled bracket support for supporting
watercraft engaged with a supporting member with no angular
displacement;
[0140] FIG. 99 illustrates an angularly adjustable bracket fixed in
the position of greatest angular displacement.
[0141] FIG. 100 illustrates an angularly adjustable bracket fixed
in the position of minimal angular displacement using adjustment
pegs, but further angular change, as depicted in FIG. 98 being
possible.
[0142] FIG. 101 illustrates an angularly adjustable bracket fixed
in an intermediate position of angular displacement;
[0143] FIG. 102 illustrates a bracket support for supporting a
watercraft without angular adjustment and a top edge with a U
shaped or three sided recess medial region;
[0144] FIG. 103 illustrates a bracket support for supporting a
watercraft in a variety of angular positions.
[0145] FIG. 104 illustrates a perspective view of an apertured
support panel with rear channels and front recesses, and a variety
of blind recesses for illustrative purposes only.
[0146] FIG. 105 illustrates a partial perspective view of the rear
face of the support panel of FIG. 104.
[0147] FIGS. 106, 107 and 108 illustrate a perspective view
respectively: a rear face of a support panel showing a variety of
rear face recesses for illustrative purposes, one with front face
recesses, and one with rear channels and radiused aperture
walls.
[0148] FIG. 109 illustrates front view of an assembly of apertured
support panels located adjacent to each other where all apertures
are in the same alignment.
[0149] FIGS. 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 116A, 117, 118 and
125 illustrate respectively: a bracket with outwardly curved
hanging arm sections; the bracket of FIG. 110 with a bolt; the
bracket of FIG. 111 with hanging bar and ring attachment; the
bracket of FIG. 110 with a hanging bar and ring attachment; an
X-shaped or pivoting bracket; a sliding double capped box section
support member; a beam support member; another arrangement for a
beam support member; the bracket used in of FIG. 116; the bracket
used in FIG. 116A; a perspective view of an apertured panel secured
to a ceiling location with brackets such as those of FIGS. 110 to
118 attached.
[0150] FIGS. 119, 119A, 120, 120A, 123, 123A, 124, 126, and 126A
illustrate respectively: a side elevation of a bracket for use with
an apertured panel; front elevation of apparatus of FIG. 119; a
perspective view of apparatus of FIG. 119 in situ with a panel;
perspective view of FIG. 120 where the bracket is engaged with the
panel; a perspective view of an article partially assembled to the
bracket of FIG. 119; a fully assembled article and bracket as in
FIG. 123, a wire frame perspective view of an assembly a cabinet
attached to a panel with bracket of FIG. 119; a side views of FIG.
123; and aside view of FIG. 123A.
[0151] FIG. 121 illustrates a perspective view of the hanging
support similar to FIG. 120, but modified to provide better
interlocking and movement resistance.
[0152] FIGS. 122 and 122A illustrates a side view and end view of
an alternative profile of the hanging support of FIGS. 119 to
121.
[0153] FIGS. 127 to 131 illustrate respectively another bracket
system in front perspective, front perspective with beam; side view
with beam; and cross section view of assembly with a panel.
[0154] FIGS. 132 to 135 illustrate a perspective view of
respectively: a partially assembled art screen; a cantilevered
stair assembly; a stair assembly between two support panels; an
underneath perspective view of FIG. 134.
[0155] FIG. 136 illustrates a wire frame perspective view of a two
hooked support for attachment to a bracket, such as illustrated in
the previous figures.
[0156] The numbering convention used in the drawings is that the
digits in front of the full stop indicate the drawing number, and
the digits after the full stop are the element reference numbers.
Where possible, the same element reference number is used in
different drawings to indicate corresponding elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT OR EMBODIMENTS
[0157] FIGS. 1 and 7 illustrate a racking system including two
support flanges 1.001, with two different types of bracket support
1.004, 1.111 and three different types of bifurcated bracket 1.003,
1.095 and 1.096 each having a different engaging means 1.013, 1.014
and 1.004. The bifurcated brackets 1.003, 1.095 and 1.096 differ
from each other by the manner in which they engage the support
flanges 1.001, which will be further described below in the
description of FIG. 9. Illustrated in FIG. 57 is a perspective view
of the bracket 1.003, showing how the two arms of the bracket are
joined by means of struts or joining pieces 57.456.
[0158] In FIG. 1 the support flanges 1.001 extend generally
perpendicularly from a support plate 1.010, with the support
flanges being fixed to the support plate 1.010, to make a structure
which in cross section resembles a .pi. shape. The space 1.0020
between the outward surfaces of the two flanges 1.001 is
approximately the same as the space 1.0021 between the inward
surfaces of the arms on the bifurcated brackets 1.003, 1.095 and
1.096 so that each arm of a respective bracket sits on the outside
of the two flanges. This arrangement, in combination with the
bracket support used, assists in the ability of the bracket
assembly to resist lateral forces applied to the brackets.
[0159] The upper two brackets 1.003 and 1.095 in the illustration
of FIG. 1 are the same type of bracket support 1.111, which is also
illustrated in FIG. 21. The bracket supports 1.111 or 21.111
include a pin or rod sections 7.004, 21.004 which are provided at
their ends with flanges 1.011, in this instance a disc shaped. The
disc shaped flanges 1.011, 7.011, 21.011 are fixed to the pin
7.004, 21.004 (which will be further described at FIGS. 7, 8 and 9)
and may be removably connected by a thread system, integrally
formed therewith, permanently fixed to the pin by thread and glue,
simply glued or attached by any other appropriate means. As can be
seen from FIGS. 7 and 21, the perpendicular distance or space
21.022 between the inward surfaces of the discs 21.011 is
approximately the same as the perpendicular distance or space
1.0022 between the outward surface of the arms of the brackets
1.003 and 1.095. By this geometry the arms of the bifurcated
bracket can be removable from the bracket support 1.111 and the
disc flanges 1.011 act as additional reinforcement against lateral
forces placed on the brackets 1.003 and 1.095.
[0160] With respect to the bracket 1.096, the disc flange 1.011 is
absent and in this bracket arrangement the arms of the bracket
1.096 must be fixed, affixed or mounted to the bracket support
1.004 (in the illustrated case a pin), so that together with the
geometry of the space 1.0020 and 1.0021, lateral reinforcement is
provided for the bracket assembly.
[0161] Along the length or height of the support flanges 1.001 are
a plurality of slots 1.005 which are preferably equi-spaced there
along. Each slot 1.005 opens to three surfaces of the support
flange 1.001, namely the front and two side faces. Whereas in other
embodiments described below the slots open through two faces where
the slots do not extend through the flange but open to the front
face, and only one surface where the flange contains a blind slot
as in FIGS. 3, 4 and 8.
[0162] Each slot 1.005 is shaped or profiled so that from the front
face the slot angles downwardly from the horizontal and away from
the opening in the front face of the flange and continues so until
approximately the middle of the support flange 1.001. Then the slot
1.005 proceeds downwardly in a vertical direction to the terminus
of slot 1.005 which is preferably of a radiused or semi-circular
shape. This is described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 22,
23 and 34 to 38.
[0163] The slots 1.005 are dimensioned so that the width of the
slot 1.005 is apt to receive the pin portion 7.004, 1.004 which
comes to rest in the terminus of the slot as mentioned above, so
that once a bracket such as 1.003 or 1.095 or 1.096 is engaged with
a bracket support pin 7.004, 1.004 then the bracket 1.003 or 1.095
or 1.096 will be held in a cantilever fashion with respect to the
support flange 1.001, by the bracket being held by pin 7.004, 1.004
and the lower rear corner of the bracket 1.003 or 1.095 or 1.096
engaging the support plate 1.010.
[0164] The slots 1.005 can be formed by any known means such as
cutting, punching and moulding. When loaded, a bracket support pin
7.004, 1.004 will bear the force from the bracket 1.003 or 1.095 or
1.096 in a direction towards the mounting wall or support plat
1.010, as well as bearing the downwardly directed mass of any
object placed on the end of a bracket. Thus in the racking system,
both the bracket support in the slot and the wall and or the
support plate on which the racking system is mounted will bear the
loads.
[0165] The bracket 1.003, 1.095 or 1.096 will pivot or rotate when
loaded, until such time as the lower rear corner of the bracket
1.003, 1.095 or 1.096 engages the wall and or the support plate
1.010. This pivot results in the edge of the bracket lying in close
proximity to the wall, in cooperation with the bracket support pin
1.004 bearing the bending moment produced by the load. This support
mechanism will be described in more detail below with respect to
FIGS. 22 and 23.
[0166] In FIG. 1 the support flange 1.001 is shown as having two
support flanges and a support plate. The support flanges 1.001 and
the support plate 1.010 can be made of wood, metal, plastic, other
polymeric or composite materials. The support flanges 1.001 and the
support plate 1.010 can be formed as one piece using injection
moulding, extrusion, routing, milling or other methods. If joined
separately the support flanges 1.001 can be fixed to the support
plate 1.010 using welding (plastic or metal), routing and joinery,
screwing, bolting, riveting, gluing or a variety of other
appropriate methods. Once joined the support plate 1.010 can used
to fix or affix the rack system to a wall in a variety of ways
including welding, screwing, bolting, riveting, joinery and
others.
[0167] The wall to which the rack system is attached can be a
stationary wall such as found in a building. However if desired,
the wall can be part of a frame or stand upon which the racking
system is to be mounted, with such a frame or stand being free
standing or wheel mounted for easy movement and re-positioning.
[0168] In an alternative embodiment, a suitably wide support flange
or flanges 1.001 can be secured directly to a wall or frame or
stand support without the use of a support plate 1.010. In this
arrangement any appropriate fixing methods between a support plate
1.010 and supporting wall or frame can be used as described
above.
[0169] The brackets 1.003 or 1.095 or 1.096 can be made of any
appropriate material, and would most likely be made from the same
material as the support plate 1.010 or the support flanges 1.001,
and can be formed using any appropriate method or technique. As
illustrative dimensions for the system of FIG. 1, the base width A
is approximately 160 mm. while the height B is approx 2400 mm, with
the depth C of the support flanges 1.001 being of the order of 100
mm. The length D of the bracket 1.096 is of the order of 750 mm,
while the height E of the bracket end 1.096 is the order of 80 mm
while its thickness is of the order of 25 mm.
[0170] FIGS. 2 and 8 illustrates a modified racking system which is
similar to that described above. The racking system's two support
flanges 2.001 are spaced apart so as to receive a single or
non-bifurcated bracket 2.006 between the flanges. The inwards faces
of the flanges 2.001 are spaced apart at a distance 2.0023
approximately equivalent to the width or thickness 2.0024 of the
bracket 2.006 that sits between the flanges 2.001, ensuring a close
fit reinforcing the bracket with respect to lateral forces applied
to the bracket when being loaded or unloaded.
[0171] In the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 8, the support flanges
2.001 are mounted to a support plate 2.010, however, they can be
formed and or joined in the same manner as described above.
[0172] In FIG. 2, two types of bracket supports are shown, namely
bracket support 2.111, having disc flanges 2.011 on both sides and
2.004 without disc flanges. The disc flanges 2.011 are located
adjacent the outward face of each of the support flanges 2.001. The
bracket support 2.111 differs from the bracket support 1.111 in
that the distance 21.022 between the disc flanges 22.011 is less.
By the disc flanges 2.011 being adjacent the outwards face of each
support flange 2.001 the bracket 2.006 is reinforced against
lateral forces applied to the bracket 2.006.
[0173] As above the disc flanges 2.011 are fixed to the ends of a
pin 2.004 and can be removable or permanently fixed. The bracket
2.006 engages with the pin 2.004 between the disc flanges 2.011 and
can be removable from the pin or fixed in place.
[0174] The two lower brackets 2.0061 illustrated in FIG. 2 can be
of the same construction as the brackets 2.006, however the
brackets 2.0061 each have a single pin 2.004 to be the bracket
support, that is the pin 2.004 does not include disc flanges 2.011,
but still sits in the flange slots 2.005 and is fixed to the
respective bracket 2.0061.
[0175] The bracket assembly of FIG. 2 functions in a similar manner
as described above with respect to FIG. 1 to bear bending moments
and loads placed on the brackets 2.006, 2.0061. Illustrative of the
construction the length F of the bracket 2.006 is of the order of
750 mm, while the height E of the bracket end 2.006 is the order of
80 mm while its thickness is of the order of 25 mm.
[0176] Illustrated in FIGS. 3, 3A, 4, 4A, 8a and 8b is a racking
system including a support flange with two support flanges 3.001
and 3.002 wherein support flanges 3.001 is identical to the support
flanges 1.001. However, the second support flange 3.002 has either
a blind slot or no slot at all. The two support flanges 3.001 and
3.002 are spaced apart in the same manner as described for FIG. 2.
In the version which has a blind slot, such as slot 3A.098, the
blind slot opens through one surface of the support flange 3A.002
being the inwards face. The profile of the slot 3A.098 need only be
straight and vertical, with the terminus 3A.051 being at the bottom
of the slot 3A.098, and at the same location or aligned with the
terminus of the slot 3.005, which is of the same profile as those
in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0177] Where a blind slot 3A.098 is used with a single disc flanged
bracket support 8A.111, there are two possible methods of assembly.
A first method requires the bracket support pin 8A.004 which has a
single disc flange 8A.011 on at least one end of the bracket
support pin 8A.004 being pushed through the support flange 8A.001
and through the bracket 8A.006 so as to enter the blind slot 8A.098
so that the pin 8A.004 will rest in the termini of the slots on the
respective support flanges 8.002 and 8.001.
[0178] A second method requires that the bracket support 8A.111 be
pushed through the slot 3.005, then into the blind slot 3A.005 and
once there and in the termini of the slots on respective support
flanges 3.001 and 3.002, the bracket 3.006 can be positioned on the
bracket support pin 8A.004 between the inward surfaces of the
support flanges 3.001 and 3.002.
[0179] If desired, a bracket support without disc flanges can be
used in much the same manner as the bracket support 8A.111, so that
it will extend into the blind slot 8A.098 and thus into the support
flange 8A.002 through the support flange 8A.001. The assembly
method used can be either of the first and second methods described
above.
[0180] In the arrangement where the support flange 3.002 does not
contain a slot, the bracket support 3.111 can be fixed to the
bracket 3.006 and the bracket support pin 3.004 extends from only
one side of the bracket and through the slotted side of the support
flange 3.001. The face of the bracket 3.001 abuts the inward face
of the support flange 3.002 acting to reinforce against lateral
forces. The bracket 3.006 lies within the flanges as described
above.
[0181] The support flanges 3.001 and 3.002 and bracket 3.006 can be
manufactured as mentioned above with respect to the previously
described embodiments.
[0182] Illustrated in FIG. 4A is support flange 4A.002 which has
its slot 4A.005 part way through the support flange 4A.002, and the
slot 4A.005 only opens through two surfaces of the support flange
4A.002, namely the inward surface of the support flange 4A.002 and
the front face or surface. While one such support flange 4A.002 can
be used with a support flange 4.001, if desired two support flanges
4A.002, one the mirror image of the other, can be used with the
slots 4A.004 on the inward surfaces when assembled to a wall or to
a support plate 4.010. This will provide a racking system with a
neater appearance, as the slots will not be visible from the
outward directions, but the extra rigidity that is provided by the
slots 4A.005 passing through only two surfaces, may not provide a
sufficiently elastic suspension system of its own accord, but may
do so with a suitably constructed bracket as will be described
below. A similar comment can be made in respect of the blind slot
3A.005.
[0183] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a racking system, wherein a single
support flange 5.001 which receives in its slots 5.005 a flanged
bracket support 5.111 or a pin type bracket support 5.004, which
engages or is engaged by a bifurcated bracket 5.003. The single
support flange 5.001 is fixed to the support plate 5.010 in a T
shaped configuration.
[0184] The bracket 5.003 has an engagement slot 5.013 to receive
the pin portion 5.004 of the bracket support 5.111. The slot 5.013
has a second function which will be described in more detail below.
A dual disc flanged 5.011 bracket support 5.111 is used with the
gap between flanges 5.011 being approximately equal to the combined
thicknesses of the support flange 5.001, and the two arms of the
bracket 5.003. Further, the space between the two arms of the
bracket 5.003 is approximately the same as the thickness of the
single support flange 5.001.
[0185] The bracket supports 5.111 or 5.004 operate with the bracket
5.003 in a manner similar to that as described for other
embodiments and are numbered in the same way.
[0186] With the embodiments described above the bracket supports
1.111, and 1.004 for example are described as being separate to or
affixed to the respective brackets. However, if desired the
respective bracket supports can be integrally formed, say be
injection or other moulding, with the brackets, or for that matter,
integrally formed with the support flanges or each support
flange.
[0187] FIG. 8A shows a support flange 8A.001 and 8A.002, one being
a slotted flange and the other having an aligned blind slot in the
flange, with the blind slot 8.098 shown in partial cross section
for ease of illustration. The bracket support pin 8.004 has one
disc flange 8.011 at one end whilst the other end of the pin 8.004
sits within the blind slot 8.098. In this arrangement the bracket
support 8.111 is preferably fixed to the bracket, or the support
flanges to avoid the bracket support 8.111 from inadvertently
moving out of the slots upon the application of loads in use.
[0188] FIG. 8B shows two support flange 8B.001, and 8B.012 the
former being slotted flange and the latter being without slots. The
bracket support pin 8.004 is as described above for other
embodiments and is numbered accordingly. In this arrangement the
bracket support is preferably integrally formed with the bracket to
avoid the bracket support moving out of the slot by loading forces.
The bracket side without a pin 8.003 sits against the inward face
of the support flange 8B.002 which is without slots and is held in
place by the inward support flange walls and the pin 8B.004 of the
bracket support 8B.111.
[0189] FIG. 9 illustrates a series of cantilever brackets that may
be engaged with a bracket support. Row 9.074 illustrates a bracket
having an L-shaped aperture which extends first horizontally
inwards from the wall mounted face of the bracket and then
vertically upwards to a terminus. This engaging means holds the pin
portion of the bracket support in the terminus of the vertical
portion of the aperture. When the cantilever is loaded the pin in
the bracket support and the load bearing lowermost, rearmost edge
9.062 prevents any further rotation of the bracket around the pin
of the bracket support. As discussed above the application of load
in the form of bending moments on the cantilever brackets causes
the bracket to pivot putting a load bearing force on the rear edge
9.062 and on the pin in the bracket support.
[0190] The L shaped apertures in row 9.074 can also work together
with the shape of the slots in the support flange to damp movement,
and provide a source of elasticity. The length and thickness of the
bracket and the support flanges can assist in this role when a load
is placed on the cantilever. When a load is placed on the bracket
mounted on a support flange via the bracket support, the aperture
can close around the pin of the bracket support thereby absorbing
the force of loading and protecting the load from damage which will
be further discussed below at FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0191] Row 9.073 illustrates an engaging means for the cantilever
bracket with a bracket support which has a slot that extends
downwardly to the base of the bracket for an engaging with and
receiving the bracket support and to provide a spring and or motion
damping. The pin in the bracket support will sit in the terminus at
the top of the vertical slot in the rear of the bracket. In this
arrangement when engaged with a bracket support and loaded the
vertical slot can flex, closing around the pin, thereby allowing
the bracket to have elastic and damping properties, which will be
further discussed below at FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0192] Row 9.075 illustrates a cantilever bracket wherein three
apertures at different vertical locations on the bracket are
provided to receive the pin portions of the bracket support. Pins
in a bracket support will extend through at least one of the
apertures in the bracket. The brackets of row 9.075 can be used in
one of two methods. Firstly they can be used with a single pin of a
bracket support, in one of the three apertures. For more damping
the upper aperture can be used, while for less damping the lower
aperture could be used.
[0193] In a second method, two non disc flanged pins could be used
in adjacent aperture, or separated by being in the top and bottom
aperture, and then positioned in the slot on the support flange. In
this instance the two pins can work together to provide a degree of
elasticity. When more than one aperture in the bracket is used the
cantilever is fixed in place and the pivoting of the bracket
mentioned above does not occur. In this arrangement the force upon
loading is absorbed at the aperture points. If the load bearing
edge 9.062 of the cantilever is placed against the support plate or
support wall the rear wall absorbs some of the force but the
majority of the force is still absorbed by the bracket support pins
through the apertures.
[0194] Row 9.072 illustrates a bracket support extended through a
bracket. In this embodiment a single aperture is found in a bracket
in close proximity to the load bearing edge 9.062 of the bracket.
The cantilever will pivot around the aperture loaded engaged with a
bracket support pin and force will be absorbed by the pin and the
lower edge of the load bearing edge 9.062.
[0195] Columns 9.016 through to 9.019 illustrate a variety of
lengths of cantilever bracket that can be used with 9.016
illustrating a longer canter lever through to 9.019 illustrating a
shorter canter lever. These differing lengths provide a gradation
of elasticity whereby the longer brackets have more elasticity or
capability for elastic deformation under load, than the shorter
brackets.
[0196] FIG. 10 illustrates some of the variations possible in the
profile of the brackets to be engaged with bracket supports and
support flanges. Common to all cantilever brackets to be used in
this racking system is the load bearing edge 10.062. The load
bearing edge lies along either the support plate or wall from which
the support flanges project. The engaging slot or means of the
brackets shown in this FIG. 10 as a variety of slots or apertures
either circular, L-shaped, or vertical is to be in close proximity
to this load bearing edge to enable firm support between the
support plate or wall and bracket. The distance between the centre
of the terminus of the aperture and the distance between the
terminus of the slots in the flanges and the support plate or wall
are generally of similar magnitude to restrict the bracket from
pivoting upon loading. All of these examples can be fitted with all
of the racking system variations as discussed above and below. The
various shapes accommodate different equipment to be stored on the
racking system, such as surf boards, surf skis, catamaran hulls,
etc, with the upper brackets being single supports while the lower
brackets having two three or four supports with combinations of
hull supports at the top while below may be fishing rod or hanging
hooks, or straight support arms, angled or not.
[0197] 10.021 illustrates a straight cantilever bracket wherein
hooked profiles have been cut along the length of the bracket
allowing objects to be placed inside the hooks either individually
or between brackets, such as fishing rods, ski poles etc, when more
than one support flange is part of a racking system.
[0198] Bracket 10.030 illustrates a bracket that is angled down and
finishes in a hook with engaging means designed to allow flex upon
loading as will be described further below. By having a long
vertical load bearing wall creating a longer vertical aperture the
bending moment that is borne upon loading is increased meaning that
greater flex will result upon loading of a lesser weight.
[0199] Bracket 10.028 illustrates a similarly profiled angle down
hooked bracket as in 10.030 without the flexible engaging means for
damping upon loading with a circular aperture able to receive a pin
bracket support.
[0200] Bracket 10.029 is angled down and hooked as in that
preceding two Figures and is equipped with dampening means but to a
lesser extent than 10.030 with more force being required to engage
the flexing motion as the length of the vertical aperture is
shorter creating less torque than on 10.30 upon the same
loading.
[0201] Bracket 10.031 illustrates an angled up bracket with a
turned up end also with a vertical aperture damping means at the
engaging aperture with a long aperture creating large torque and
flexing from a lesser weight than for 10.29.
[0202] Bracket 10.026 illustrates at straight cantilever with a
curved face to engage loaded goods with a circular aperture for
receiving a pin bracket support near the load bearing edge. Bracket
10.027 is of a similar arrangement with a shorter length and
greater radius of curvature in proportion to diameter to support
loads in place.
[0203] Bracket 10.022 is a bracket angled slightly up with a
vertical aperture dampening means at the engaging aperture as for
10.29. While bracket 10.023 illustrates a slightly angled up
straight cantilever with a L-shaped aperture engaging means
providing elasticity and or allowing damping of force from a load.
In this example as the aperture extends to the load bearing edge,
as the force first exerts upon the bottom edge this dampening the
dampening effect of this arrangement will require more force and
weight to be used than in the other examples. Bracket 10.024 is a
angled up straight bracket with a circular aperture engaging means
leaving any damping properties to the properties inherent in the
material of the bracket itself. Whereas bracket 10.025 is a
straight bracket angled up more so than in 10.24 with a round
aperture giving limited dampening properties.
[0204] The examples of brackets in FIG. 10, particularly those with
the slots, can also have a circular aperture above the slot (as in
bracket 10.031) to receive the pin of a bracket support, so that a
user is able to use either means. This will allow the maximum
length of slot so as to provide elasticity and or damping of the
motion of an object placed or dropped onto the bracket when mounted
in a racking system as described previously.
[0205] FIG. 11 illustrates a side-on view of the engaging slot or
engaging means 11.013 of a bracket with damping or elastic
properties in the bracket. The generally vertically aligned slot
11.013 has a width that remains open when the bracket is unloaded.
Upon loading the bracket, with the pin 11.004 at the top of the
slot 11.013 and in the slot 1.005 in the support flange 1.001, as
has been described above, the supporting plate 1.010 or the
supporting wall to which the supporting flange 1.001 is mounted,
will be engaged or abutted by the lowermost rearward most portion
of the rear edge 11.0621 (in the vicinity of where lead line for
11.062 is pointing), in this case on the rear tongue 11.008. At
which point the bracket cannot rotate further and the corner or
edge 11.053 will approach the edge 11.052 on the opposite side of
the slot 11.013 thereby flexing around the pin 11.004 closing the
gap 11.013 due to the bending moment applied by and to the bracket.
For the elasticity and or damping to be generated the back face
11.062 of the bracket needs to be in close proximity to the support
plate 1.010 or mounting wall from which the support flanges 1.001
extend, so that the bottom edge 11.0621 of the load bearing rear
edge 11.062 can engage with the support plate or wall thereby
causing the closing of the gap. In this embodiment a separate
removable bracket support 11.111 with a pin 11.004 is shown. Where
a disc flanged end on the bracket support is used a support flange
having slots which open through three faces of the support flange
is preferred.
[0206] In the arrangement of FIG. 11, a pin receiving aperture
11.041 is provided above the upper termini of the slot 11.013 so
that a user has the option of changing the rest angle of the
bracket with respect to the support flange and simultaneously
increasing the elasticity or damping by not requiring the pin
11.004 to be located in the slot 11.013. If the rest angle of the
bracket with respect to the support flange needs to be different
the aperture 11.041 can be located at a different location on the
end of the bracket.
[0207] FIG. 12 illustrates a bracket end similar to that of FIG. 11
where pin 12.004 is used without a disc flange wherein the pin
extends into a slot either blind or through. Illustrative of the
dimensions used for the brackets of FIGS. 11 and 12, the length G
is of the order of 160 mm while the height H is of the order of 215
mm with the bracket height J being of the order of 100 mm. The
width of the slot 12.013 is of the order of 23 mm while the pin
12.004 is of a radius of the order of 11 mm.
[0208] FIG. 13 is a top down view of a bracket wherein a bracket
support 13.032 is integrally formed within the bracket extending
from one side of the bracket. A two flanged support flange will be
required with the bracket of FIG. 13, so as to fit between the
inward surfaces of the support flanges as described above for FIGS.
3, 4, 8A and 8B. The slot in which the bracket support engages need
not be square to the surface of the flange, the slot can be rounded
or irregularly shaped and still hold this bracket support. The
distance between the flanges will need to be approximately the same
as the width of the bracket.
[0209] FIG. 14 illustrates a top down view of a bracket wherein
bracket supports are integrally formed within the bracket and
extend from two opposite sides of the bracket. In this embodiment a
support flange with two slotted flanges is required with the
bracket sitting between the flanges. In this embodiment the slots
in the flanges need not be square as in FIG. 13.
[0210] The embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14 allow the use of blind
slots in the support flanges, wherein the flexibility between the
adjacent support flanges can allow them to be prised away form each
other to allow the tapered, hemispherical or conical bracket
supports 13.032 and 14.032 to make their passage into the blind
slots. These embodiments also allow the blind "slots" to be
discrete blind recesses which are not elongated, such as circular
recesses, to be used.
[0211] FIG. 15 is a plan view of a bracket wherein a square or
cylindrical bracket support 15.034 is integrally formed with the
bracket extending from one side. In this embodiment a support
flange with two flanges is required as for FIG. 13. The distance
between the support flanges will preferably be approximately the
same as the width of the bracket.
[0212] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a bracket wherein a pair of
opposed bracket supports 16.034 are integrally formed with the
bracket extending from two opposite faces of the bracket. The
bracket lies between the flanges and the bracket supports engage
with adjacent slots as for FIG. 14.
[0213] FIGS. 17 and 18 are plan views of brackets having integrally
formed bracket supports 17.036 and 18.036 which are integrally
formed as in FIGS. 15 and 16, except that disc flanges 17.011 and
18.011 are also integrally formed with the bracket.
[0214] FIG. 19 is a plan view of a bracket wherein bracket supports
are integrally formed with or separately formed and attached to the
bracket, with the bracket supports located on opposite sides of the
bracket. The bracket supports 19.038 are telescoping biased pins
19.039 where the external perimeter of the extendible portion of
the pin 19.039 sits inside the internal perimeter of the fixed
portion 19.0391 of the pin 19.038 where a compression spring 19.032
is situated to provide a bias forcing the moveable portion 19.039
in an outward direction. When in the rest position the pins are
extended due to springs 19.0392 expanding and pushing out the pins.
The bracket of FIG. 19 is usable with blind slots and with open
slots, as well as racks which have one of two or both support
flanges having slots. The extendable pins can be compressed in
order for the bracket supports to fit within the blind slots. When
in the compressed position the distance between the two extendible
pins will fit within the distance between the internal walls of the
two blind slots that are parallel with the side walls of the
brackets. When the distance between extendible pins extended is
greater than the distance between the surfaces through which the
blind slots open. The bracket otherwise sits within the support
flange as described above. This arrangement can also be used in a
support flange consisting of two flanges wherein the flanges
comprise slots open on three faces.
[0215] FIG. 20 is a plan view of a bracket including bracket
supports as in FIG. 19 with extension of the extendible pins 2.039
being controlled by an internal spring lock 20.051 which is in turn
controlled through the use of an external button 20.040 and
internal pin 20.049. When the button mechanism is pressed the
internal pin is extended into the extendible pin moving a leaf
spring which allows a major spring to extend the extendible pin.
The leaf spring and internal pin allow the extendible pin to be
locked in the extended and retracted position. For the bracket
supports to engage with a support flange the extendable pins must
be contracted to fit within blind slots as in FIG. 19.
[0216] FIG. 21 illustrates a bracket support system including a pin
21.004 and a disc flange 21.011. The pin is disc flanged with two
disc flanges leaving the space 21.022 between the two disc flanges
apt to receive a bracket and a support flange. The Figures
described above have illustrated instances where disc flanged
bracket supports are to be used. The disc flanges are fixed to the
pin in this arrangement but can be removable. Illustrative of the
dimensions of the pin 21.004, this has a radius of the order of 11
mm while the flanges 21.011 have a radius of the order of 35
mm.
[0217] FIG. 22 shows a detailed perspective view of portion of a
support flange with a bracket 22.006 engaged with a bracket support
22.111 including a pin between disc flanges 22.011 sitting in the
terminus of a slot 22.005 in the support flange 22.001. As
illustrated it is possible for the bracket 22.06 to be held by a
two support flanges 22.001 or a single support flange 22.001 with
the two disc flanges acting to restrict lateral movement. The pin
is inserted into the opening 22.057 of the slot 22.005 and is then
progresses along the angled slot section 22.058 (angled downwardly
from the horizontal) and then progresses down the vertical section
22.059 of the slot to sit in the radiused or semi-circular terminus
22.060 of the slot. The bracket is mounted and held in place as
described above for similar embodiments and is numbered
accordingly.
[0218] FIG. 23 illustrates a bracket 22.006 engaged with a non disc
flanged bracket support 23.004 which is in turn engaged with a slot
23.005 within a support flange. The non disc flanged bracket
support 23.004 operates in the same way as described in previous
similar embodiments and is numbered accordingly. Illustrative of
the dimensions of the system of FIG. 23 is that the slot 23.005 is
of the order of 23 mm wide while the pin 23.004 has a radius of
approximately 11 mm, while the thickness L of the support flange is
of the order of 18 mm.
[0219] FIG. 24 illustrates a bracket 24.006 including a disc
flanged pin bracket support 24.041 that is integrally formed within
the bracket 24.06. The bracket support extends only from one face
of the bracket. The bracket can be supported by a slot which opens
on three faces of a single flange support wherein the face of the
bracket on the side of the disc flanged end will be in close
proximity with the flange to restrict lateral movement.
Alternatively this bracket and bracket support can be used in a two
flange support flange in a manner as described above in similar
embodiments. When the bracket support is inserted in a single
flange support the bracket support can engage with the disc flange
sitting to one side of the flange whilst the bracket sits on the
other side of the flange.
[0220] FIG. 25 illustrates a bracket 25.006 and bracket support
means wherein one end of the bracket support 24.044 is disc flanged
and the other end of the bracket support is a pin as described
above in FIGS. 3, 4 and 8A. The bracket support 24.044 is
integrally formed within the bracket to restrict lateral movement
of the bracket support when engaged in a support flange. The
bracket support is able to engage with a support flange including a
single flange as in FIG. 5, two flanges wherein both flanges
comprise of slots as in FIGS. 1 and 2 or in a support flange
including a blind slot and an open slot as in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0221] FIG. 26 illustrates a bracket 26.006 and bracket support
26.042 as in FIG. 25 with a locking pin means 26.065 that is spring
driven. The bracket support is removable from the bracket through
the use of the sprung pins. The sprung pins are pins sitting on
extended springs in the rest position. The bracket support is able
to engage with a support flange including two flanges wherein one
flange has open slots and the other flange has blind slots with
openings in the walls perpendicular to the flange sides in contact
with the bracket apt to receive the sprung pins. The sprung pins
can be retracted through the application of force and then inserted
into the slots within the apertures which then extend when aligned
with the openings in the slots. In one instance the pins are
rounded in one direction and the application of force in that
direction causes the springs to compress allowing the bracket
support to be removed. In another arrangement the pins are released
through the use of a button that is connected to a leaf spring
within the bracket support pin.
[0222] FIG. 27 comprises a bracket 27.006 and bracket support
27.043 as in FIG. 26 where the bracket support contains a threaded
end 27.067 to fix the bracket support to a flange in a support
flange rather than sprung pins. The bracket support is removable
from the bracket and has a disc flanged end that extends past one
side of the bracket and a threaded screw end extending past the
other side of the bracket. In this embodiment the bracket support
can be engaged with a support flange including two flanges wherein
one flange has slots as described above to receive the disc flanged
end of disc flanged end side of the bracket support and the other
flange having threaded holes apt to receive the threaded screw end
of the bracket support.
[0223] FIG. 28 is a bracket 28.006 and bracket support 28.045
wherein the bracket support is a pin that extends from two opposite
sides of the bracket. The bracket support operates in a similar
manner to that described in other similar embodiments and is
numbered accordingly.
[0224] The support flanges of FIGS. 29, 29A and 30 includes a
multiple number of slots as described above in similar embodiments
and is numbered accordingly. By varying the number of slots, the
distance between the slots, the depth of the support flange and the
length of the slots, the elasticity of these cantilevering wall
sections 29/29A/30.071 can be established as required or
desired.
[0225] Illustrated in FIG. 31 is a bracket support pin 31.004 and
disc flanges 31.011, whereby the disc flanges are not located at
the ends of the pin 31.004. In FIG. 31 the bracket support is
engaged with a bifurcated bracket 31.003 as in the prior
embodiments. Adjacent the inward faces of the bifurcated brackets
are disc flanges 31.011 sitting around the diameter of the pin. The
pin 31.004 sits within slots either blind or open on three faces in
two flanges as described above and the internal disc flanges
restrict lateral movement by the brackets. The disc flanges are
fixed to the pin and the bifurcated arms are removable from the
bracket support. Alternatively the bracket support sits within a
single flanged support flange as described above with the disc
flanges acting as spacers between the flange sides and the bracket
sides.
[0226] FIG. 32 shows the bracket 32.003 and bracket support pin
32.004 and disc flanges 32.011 system from FIG. 31 engaged with a
support flange 32.002. The disc flanges 32.011 around the diameter
of the bracket support pins 32.004 create a space between the
support flange 32.002 and the bifurcated bracket arms 32.003
allowing clearance. Additionally a space 32.080 between the disc
flanges 32.011 and the flange 32.002 is present allowing for
expansion and contraction of the materials in the bracket, bracket
support and flange under environmental conditions. The bracket
support is inserted into a slot opening 32.057 and sits in the
terminus of the slot as described above.
[0227] FIG. 33 shows a bracket 33.003 and bracket support pin
33.004 system engaged with the flange in a support flange 33.002
from FIG. 32. The extension of the bracket support pins 33.004 is
beyond the outside face of the brackets. The brackets support
33.004 is engaged with a slot 33.005 in the support flange 33.002
as described above in previous embodiments. The bracket support is
fixed to the bracket and a space 33.077 is created between the
bracket and flange.
[0228] Illustrated in FIGS. 34 to 38 are a range of other slot
profiles that can be used with the embodiments described above. The
support flange 34.002 in FIG. 34 shows a slot in a support flange
where the slot extends in the horizontal 34.083 and then extends
down in the vertical 34.059 finishing in a terminus in which a
bracket support pin can sit. The support flange 35.002 in FIG. 35
has a slot extending down from the horizontal 35.059 which then
extend down in the vertical 35.059 to end in a terminus where a
bracket support pin will sit with a bracket and load.
[0229] The support flange 36.002 in FIG. 36 shows a slot 36.084
extending downwards at an angle 36.086 approximately 45 degrees
from the vertical. The slot then extends down with a vertical and
horizontal component towards the face in which the slot opened
originally at 36.085 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees
36.086.
[0230] The support flange in FIG. 37 shows a slot that extends from
the opening up from the horizontal 37.089 at an angle of
approximately 45 degrees to the vertical 37.8082 and then goes down
in the vertical 37.059 to stop at a terminus wherein a bracket
support can rest. The support flange in FIG. 38 shows a slot
extending up from the horizontal 38.090 at an angle of
approximately 45 degrees 38.093 then the slot goes down in the
vertical 38.059 to then move back in the horizontal 38.094 towards
the face in which the slot entered the support flange.
[0231] With the embodiments of FIGS. 37 and 38, sharp corners are
illustrated but in practice these would be radiused or rounded, so
as to minimise stress fracturing. Each of the embodiments of FIGS.
34 to 38 has a differently shaped cantilevering wall section, and
thus a differing amount of elasticity and or damping effect will
result. The profiles of FIGS. 34 to 38 are cut into the support
flange through cutting, punching, pre forming, extrusion or other
means.
[0232] FIG. 39 illustrates a rack system element where the support
flange 39.001 and the support plate 39.010 are connected in a L
shaped orientation. The support flange 39.001 and support plate
39.010 can be formed together or fixed later in the same way as
mentioned above for other support flanges or support plates and can
be made of the same materials. The slots are formed in the same way
as mentioned above and can interact with bracket supports and
brackets as mentioned above where the support flange contains one
flange.
[0233] FIG. 40 illustrates a rack system element where a support
flange 40.001 is provided with sufficient thickness that will
enable direct connection of the support flange 40.001 to a wall or
frame or stand, but otherwise interacts with bracket supports and
brackets in the same ways as described above. The support flange
40.001 can be joined to a wall in any appropriate manner, such as
welding, gluing, riveting, or screwed directly or via hanging
brackets etc. The amount of securing necessary will be to prevent
relative movement of the support flange 40.001 away from the
supporting wall when the brackets are "rotated" under a load.
[0234] FIG. 41 illustrates a cantilever straight bracket 41.027
where a radius of curvature is found in the loading section of the
bracket. The radius of curvature is large in relation to the length
of the bracket. The bracket has a pin 41.004 located near the load
bearing edge of the bracket that may be removably connected to the
bracket by a thread system, or integrally formed therewith or
permanently fixed to the pin by thread and glue, or simply glued or
attached by any other appropriate means. FIG. 41 shows the pin
extending from only one side of the bracket but where there is an
aperture open to two opposite sides of the bracket a pin can be
extended through both sides of the bracket as described previously.
A pin can also be mounted to both sides of the bracket.
[0235] FIG. 42 illustrates a straight cantilever bracket 42.094,
similar to the bracket 10.022, and functions in the same way In
this arrangement when engaged with a bracket support and load is
placed on the bracket the vertical slot can flex, as was described
above at FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0236] FIG. 43 illustrates a straight cantilever bracket 43.095,
which is similar to the bracket 10.023, with an L shaped aperture
43.014 which can work together with the shape of the slots in the
support flange to damp movement, and provide a source of elasticity
as described at FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0237] FIG. 44 illustrates a straight cantilever bracket where a
pin extends from the side of the bracket in the same way as for
FIG. 41. The pin is located further down the load bearing edge of
the bracket than in FIG. 41. This gives the bracket less support
from the load bearing edge as less bending moment can be borne by
the bracket and load bearing edge.
[0238] FIG. 45 illustrates a free standing racking system with the
same racking mechanisms as described previously. Two sets of two
flanges 45.001 are located back to back and are mounted to a
support frame 45.102. The support frame 45.102 is shaped in a T
profile with the top of the T supporting the racking system on the
ground. The side support frame lays on the outside of the support
flange and is fixed to the flange using welding (plastic or metal),
routing and joinery, screwing, bolting, riveting, gluing or a
variety of other appropriate methods. A side support frame is able
to join to two support flanges facing in opposite directions in
order to allow loading in multiple directions from the same side
support frame. When a support flange comprising of two flanges is
used as depicted in FIG. 45 two side support frames are to be
placed on opposite sides of the support flange which will give the
racking system support and balance on the ground. If a support
flange comprising of one flange as previously discussed a side
support frame can be used that additionally includes a wall that
extends along the ground underneath the support flange in order to
supply balance and lateral support.
[0239] FIG. 46 illustrates a racking system having two L shaped
support flanges as described above at FIG. 39 that uses a strut
46.198 that connects between brackets on the support flanges
providing a hanging means. The support flanges are shown as L
shaped but can any of the support flanges previously mentioned and
include bracket supports 46.011, engaging means 46.013, 46.014 and
slots 46.005. The flanges will attach to a wall or flange through
the same ways as discussed above. The support flanges are spaced
apart the same distance as the length of the strut 46.198. The
support brackets 46.120 are joined together through the use of a
strut 46.198 which is illustrated as a flat strut but can be of a
variety of profiles including cylindrical. In one arrangement the
brackets are formed with the strut initially setting a fixed
distance at which the support flanges are to be spaced. In another
arrangement the brackets are independent to the strut and the two
can be joined post installation. In this arrangement the length of
the strut can be suited to the desired distance between support
flanges, the strut will either be segmented allowing it to be
shortened or lengthened or it can be cut to suit. The strut and the
brackets can be joined using the previously mentioned methods.
[0240] FIG. 47 illustrates a racking system with at least two .pi.
shaped support flanges 47.001 as described above at FIG. 1 that
uses a bracket system that connects between support flanges
providing a hanging means. The support flanges are shown as .pi.
shaped but can any of the support flanges previously mentioned and
include bracket supports 47.011, engaging means and slots 47.005.
The flanges will attach to a wall or flange through any of the
previously mentioned methods. The support flanges are spaced apart
the same distance as the length of the strut 47.107. The support
brackets 47.028 are profiled as angled down pointed up hooks but
can be of any of the profiles mentioned above. They are joined
together through the use of a strut 46.098 which can be cylindrical
as shown but can be a strut of any cross sectional profile. In one
arrangement the brackets are formed with the strut initially
setting a fixed distance at which the support flanges are to be
spaced. In another arrangement the brackets are independent to the
strut and the two can be joined post installation. In this
arrangement the length of the strut can be adjusted in the manner
mentioned at FIG. 46.
[0241] FIG. 48 illustrates a free standing racking system that
includes at least two support flanges 48.001 which are connected by
a fixing wall 48.125 and base plate section. The fixing wall is
connected to the flanges 48.001 in the same way that the support
plate is as mentioned above. The base plate is connected to both
the fixing wall and the support flanges. The three components can
be formed using any of the previously mentioned methods. The
brackets 48.006 connect to a bracket support 48.111 in the same way
as previously described which in turn sits in a slot 48.005 in the
same manner as the previously mentioned racking arrangements. The
fixing wall and base plate act to reinforce the support flanges
from forces approaching in the lateral direction. Where there are
holes 48.101 in the fixing wall access is increased and
transportation of the fixing wall or racking system is simplified.
The holes can be cut, punched or moulded into the fixing wall.
Alternatively the fixing wall can be a solid piece fitted between
the support flanges or can be or a variety of profiles.
[0242] FIG. 49 illustrates a bracket 49.096 with two pins extending
from either side of the bracket with disc flanges for a bracket
support as mentioned above throughout the embodiments.
[0243] FIGS. 50 and 51 illustrates a bracket assembly having twin
brackets 50.122 that has extensions 50.106 extending downwardly and
away from the rear of the brackets. The extensions 50.106 are
joined by means of a strut 50.107. The extensions 50.106 each
contain a plurality of notches to receive the hooks of clothes
hangers. The rear of the brackets 50.122 contain two bracket
support receiving means which are meant as alternatives, one being
a slot extending downwards to as described above under FIGS. 11 and
12 and the other being circular aperture 50.062 enabling the use of
a pin as described above in other racking system arrangements. Two
brackets by being joined together at the ends of the downwards
extension means that as shoppers are taking clothes off storage
from extensions 50.106 they can place garments or wetsuits that
they like onto the strut 50.107. The brackets 50.122 are each to be
supported by respective support flanges, as is described above.
[0244] FIGS. 52 and 55 illustrate a racking system where the
bracket 52.106 as described at FIGS. 50 and 51 engages with
respective rear support flanges 52.002 and the strut 52.107 is held
by a notched vertical member 52.108. The strut 52.107 connected
between the two brackets at the end of the angled down bracket arms
52.110 is further supported at the front by a notched vertical
member 52.108. The strut sits in a notch along the length of the
vertical member between the ends of the bracket supports. To allow
this racking system to be free standing a connection plate is
required to connect the tops of the support flanges and the top of
the notched vertical member 52.108. While the lower ends may be
inserted in ground drilled apertures, the preference is that the
bottoms of the support flanges and notched vertical member are also
interconnected by a lower connection plate. This connection plate
can be in the form of a plate that lays across the top and
separately across the bottom of the support members and notched
vertical support. The bracket support is engaged with a slot 52.005
through one of the two engaging means described in FIGS. 50 and
51.
[0245] FIGS. 53 and 56 illustrate a racking system similar to that
as described with respect to FIGS. 52 and 55, where the notched
vertical member 52.108 is replaced with a single slotted support
flange 53.002 as described above in respect of FIG. 40. In this
arrangement the strut 53.107 sits within the slots in the flange
rather than in notches, thereby providing potentially more positive
support.
[0246] FIG. 54 illustrates a wall or frame mounted racking system
similar to that of FIGS. 52 and 53, except that the strut ends of
the brackets remain cantilevered, and are not supported
intermediately.
[0247] FIGS. 57 and 58 illustrate a bifurcated bracket as described
above where additional cross supports 57.456 and 58.456 are placed
between the bracket arms at the distal end for additional
support.
[0248] Illustrated in FIG. 59 is a rack system which includes the
features of FIGS. 52 and 55, showing another arrangement for
forming the racking system assembly of these Figures. The
embodiment of FIG. 59 functions in the same manner as that of FIGS.
52 and 55, except that the vertical members are integral with a
`flying buttress" frame which extends way from the wall to which
the racking system is mounted.
[0249] Illustrated in FIG. 60 is another bracket, similar in
construction to the brackets of FIGS. 50 to 56 and 59, except that
instead of notches on the bracket extension 60.107 are a series of
raised projections 60.457 of generally cylindrical shape, providing
means to prevent hooks of garment hangers form sliding down the
extensions, and spacing them at regular intervals.
[0250] Illustrated in FIGS. 61 to 64 is a single support flange
61.002 similar to the single support flanges 5.002 described above.
The difference being that a bracket support 61.004, in the form of
a dowel or pin is mounted in apertures 61.0045 on the support
flange 61.002 which are located between the slot 61.005 and a free
end 61.0051 of the support flange 61.002. The bracket 64.003, as
illustrated in FIG. 64 which engages the aperture mounted bracket
supports 61.004 will have a wider rear portion than the previously
described brackets, because the location of the pin is closer to
the free end of the support flange. This difference in dimension of
the rear portion of the bracket is visible in FIG. 64, where the
upper brackets have this wider feature, while the lower brackets,
as described in earlier Figures, engages bracket supports 64.111,
as described above, which are received in the slots 61.005.
[0251] A feature of the racking system of FIGS. 61 to 64 is that if
desired, by the positioning of two pins or dowels 61.004 in the two
apertures 61.0045 provided, will mean an increase in the rigidity
of the bracket 64.003, because the slot on the bracket will not be
able to function to contribute to the elasticity and or damping
means, however, this will not impact the elasticity, or suspension
or damping contribution provided by the land of the support flange
containing the bracket support.
[0252] Illustrated in FIG. 63 is a dual support flange 63.002 with
a multiple support bracket, such as illustrated in FIG. 10,
assembled thereto. One the bracket member is shown a surf board
being supported thereby, and illustrates how one or more dowels or
pin are mounted in the appropriate apertures 63.0045 on the support
flange 63.002 which are located between the slots 63.005 and free
ends 63.0051 of the support flanges 63.002. Further a second
aperture 63.0045 is utilised as part of a locking system whereby a
wire rope with looped ends is passed through the second aperture
63.0045 and locked to the surfboard by means of a fin box cleat and
a pad lock 63.00452.
[0253] Illustrated in FIG. 65 is a twin bracket version of the
support flange of FIGS. 61 to 64 with the bracket support pin or
dowel extending between the twin support flanges.
[0254] If desired more than two bracket support apertures can be
provided to the support flange.
[0255] As in previous embodiments, the rear of the bracket makes
contact with a rear support plate or wall means to which the
support flange or flanges are attached.
[0256] In the systems of FIGS. 61 to 65 the bracket support dowel
or pin is removable and re-usable, however if desired the dowels,
one or more can be integrally formed with the support flanges or
permanently attached thereto.
[0257] In the rack systems of FIGS. 61 to 65 the slot or slots in
the support flanges, whether or not they receive a bracket support
pin or dowel, will still contribute to the elasticity, or
suspension or damping system of the racking system.
[0258] Illustrated in FIGS. 66 to 71 is another racking system
which utilises brackets similar to those described above with the
vertical apertures discussed at FIGS. 11 and 12, with several
differences. The main difference is that the bracket supports and
pins or dowels are not utilised. Instead, as is illustrated in
FIGS. 68, 70 and 71, a front panel 66.932 which has an array of
rectangular shaped slots 68.933, which provides communicable
passage to a space 68.934 which is locate at the rear of the panel
66.932. The space 68.934 is formed between the rear of panel 69.932
and the wall plate 68.935 by means of the side members 68.936. In
this instance the wall plate 68.935, which in this instance is the
means to secure the support formation (comprising the front panel
68.932, side members 68.936 and wall plate 68.935) to a wall or
wall means such as a stand frame etc. The wall plate 68.935 can, if
desired, be absent in which case the front panel 68.932 and side
members 68.936 can be secured direct to a wall or wall means such
as a wall or frame of a stand.
[0259] As is illustrated best in FIG. 67 the bracket has its own
downwardly directed slot 67.013 which spaces the rear tongue 67.008
away from the rest of the bracket. The rear tongue 67.008 has a
width which is approximately equal to the width of the space
67.934, and this geometry together with the slot 67.013 having its
forward edge distanced from the external face of the panel 67.932
will ensure that the forward end of the bracket will provide some
elasticity, suspension or damping qualities, in order to decrease
the impulse (force divided by time) by increasing the time that it
takes to bring an object stored on the bracket to rest. This effect
like previous brackets depends upon the ability of the material of
the bracket on the outer side of the slot 6.013 being able to move
relative to the tongue 67.008.
[0260] As can be seen in FIGS. 68, 70 and 71 the support formations
are provided with an array of slots 68.933, 70.933 and 71.933, so
that a multiplicity of brackets and flexibility of their use can be
provided. In FIG. 70, a single support formation carries the panel
70.932 and is wide enough to have two brackets engaged in
respective slots, thereby allowing support of articles. Whereas in
FIGS. 68 and 71, there are provided only three columns in the
array, and if long objects need to be supported then tow support
formations, as depicted in FIG. 71 will need to be utilised.
[0261] Illustrated in FIGS. 72 and 73 is a removable support means
that is able to engage with slots 68.933, 70.933 and 71.933 in a
wall or attached to a wall. The removable support means is made up
of two support flanges 72.202, a support plate 72.201, a support
hook 72.200 and a bracket support 72.204. The support flanges
72.202 and the support plate 72.201 form a U shape with a channel
bounded by the support flanges 72.202 and the support plate 72.201.
The support hook 72.200 includes a horizontal member 72.231 and a
vertical member 72.232. The support hook 72.200 can be inserted
into the slots 68.933, 70.933 and 71.933 with the vertical member
72.232 entering the space 68.934 and the horizontal member 72.231
extending through a rear panel such as 69.932. The distance 72.220
is approximately equivalent to the thickness of the rear panel
through which it extends such as 69.932.
[0262] When the support hook 72.200 is engaged in a slot the
support plate 72.201 rests against the external face of the panel
67.932. The bracket support 72.204 is engaged between the two
support flanges 72.202 and is able to receive a bracket that
contains a slot such as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The bracket
support can be fixed or removable. Where a bifurcated bracket is
used two removable support means 72.199 will be required. The
distance 72.210 between the inside faces of the support flanges is
approximately equivalent to the thickness of a bracket support
2.024. The bracket engages with the removable support means 72.199
in the same way as been described above for other embodiments of
the racking system.
[0263] Illustrated in FIGS. 74 and 75 is a removable support means
74.198 similar to 72.199. The difference being that the bracket
support in the form of a pin is not used, instead an upwardly
directed slot 74.211 in the support flanges 74.202 is used. The
upwardly directed slot 74.211 is able to receive a bracket support
such as the one illustrated in FIG. 21. The bracket support is
inserted through the opening 74.207 and rests in the terminus
74.205. When resting in the terminus the bracket support can engage
a bracket in the same manner as has been described above. The
distance 74.206 is approximately equivalent to the width or
diameter of the bracket support. The upwardly directed slot as
shown can be replaced with a slot of different dimensions such as
those of slot 1.005.
[0264] The removable support means 72.199, 73.199, 74.198 and
75.198 illustrated between FIGS. 72 to 75 are illustrated with only
2 support flanges, however if desired they may include 1 support
flange or more than 2 support flanges.
[0265] FIGS. 76 to 94 illustrate a bracket 76.006 for supporting a
watercraft such as a kayak, surf ski, surfboard, canoe, sail board,
wind surfing board, small run about or other watercraft in a
cantilever manner with the use of straps. The brackets differ from
each other in the form of straps that they use, which will be
further described throughout the description. FIG. 95 illustrates a
possible support means. FIGS. 99 to 102 illustrate a bracket for
supporting a watercraft that is angularly adjustable.
[0266] In one embodiment the bracket as illustrated in FIGS. 76 to
101 can be used in the racking system as described above.
[0267] FIG. 76 illustrates a bracket 76.006 prior to being fitted
with a strap. The bracket includes a load bearing edge 76.062, a
top edge 76.153, a bottom edge 76.154 and a front edge 76.056. The
bracket extends from the load bearing edge 76.062 to the distal
front edge 76.056 to receive a watercraft on the top edge 76.153.
The top edge 76.153 includes at a medial region a depression or
recess 76.411 that has a somewhat U shaped profile to receive the
hull of a watercraft. In use generally at least two brackets are
used supporting a watercraft at, at least two points.
[0268] FIG. 81 illustrates the manner in which the bracket 81.006
is supported by engaging with a support member 81.035 through the
use of support means 81.004 held in a slot 81.005 in a support
flange 81.001 attached to a support plate 81.010. It is readily
envisaged that the support plate 81.010 can be either a plate or
the structure against which the support member 81.035 is attached.
FIG. 78 illustrates the support means 78.004 as being in the form
of a pin or rod. The apertures 76.116 receive and engage the
support means 78.004 and acts as the fixing point for the bracket
76.006 to the support member. FIG. 81 illustrates the bracket
81.006 being engaged with the racking system described above in
previous embodiments.
[0269] The bracket 76.006 include apertures 76.116 open on two
opposite faces of the bracket that are located proximate to the
load bearing edge 76.062 and the top edge 76.153. The apertures
76.116 are able to receive a support means in the form of a pin or
rod that extends in both directions laterally beyond the face
76.160 of the bracket.
[0270] A slot 76.013 extends from the bottom edge 76.154 proximate
to the load bearing edge 76.062 generally parallel to the load
bearing edge. As an alternative to one of the apertures 76.116 the
slot 76.013 is able to receive a support means as illustrated in
FIG. 21 in the form of a flanged pin to engage with a support
member as described above. When the bracket is loaded with a water
craft the slot 76.013 can flex to dampen the force from loading the
watercraft as described above for FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0271] The bracket 76.006 along its front edge 76.056 includes an
open faced aperture 76.117 able to receive additional materials
such as an oar, paddle or fishing rod. The aperture 76.117 includes
a restraining edge 76.118 that acts to hold the additional material
in place.
[0272] The top edge 76.153 at the entrances of the U shaped medial
region 76.011 includes at least one slot 76.119 ending in an
aperture 76.007. Illustrated in FIG. 76 there are two slots 76.119
and two apertures 76.007, one of each at the distal and proximal
ends of the U shaped medial regions entrance. The slot 76.119
receives a strap that extends over the medial region 76.011 with a
U shaped profile and the aperture 76.007 receives a strap engaging
pin that is fixed to the strap and is further described below.
[0273] FIGS. 77 and 78 illustrate a bracket for supporting a
watercraft 77.006 and 78.006 that includes a strap 78.113 across
the U shaped medial region 78.011. The strap 78.113 can be made of
rubber, cloth, webbing, synthetic fibres or a variety of other
materials readily understood by the skilled addressee. The strap
78.113 is fixed in two places to the top edge 78.153 of the bracket
78.001 proximate to the entrance to the U shaped medial region
78.011. The strap 78.113 is fixed at points 78.121. Points 78.121
can be screwed, pinned, glued, bonded or integrally formed with the
top edge 78.153. In this embodiment the strap 78.113 is of a fixed
length. When fixed in place and a water craft is loaded onto the
bracket 78.006 the strap 78.113 acts to dampen the force of the
hull of the watercraft contacting the bracket 78.001. Additionally
when loaded the straps help to absorb any external forces applied
to the watercraft or bracket. For example a force applied when the
bracket or watercraft is bumped, or when the watercraft is adjusted
or if the watercraft is being transported while being loaded on the
bracket 78.001. The front edge 78.056 includes a T section 78.219
on the top edge 78.153 that extends laterally beyond both faces
78.160 of the bracket 78.006.
[0274] In this embodiment the aperture 77.007 and 78.007 includes a
strap engaging pin 77.215 and 78.215 which is not engaged with the
strap 77.113 and 78.113.
[0275] FIGS. 79 and 80 illustrate a bracket 79.006 and 80.006 for
supporting a watercraft that includes an adjustable strap 79.114
and 80.114. The strap 79.114 and 80.114 includes an adjustment
means including a ladder lock or slide adjuster 79.129 and 80.129
to adjust the length of the strap 79.114 and 80.114. The strap
79.114 and 80.114 engages with bracket 79.006 and 80.006 through
the use of strap engaging pins 79.215 and 80.215. The ends of the
strap 79.114 and 80.114 can be fixed to a strap engaging pin 79.215
and 80.215 or can be removably engageable with the strap engaging
pin. The strap engaging pin 79.215 and 80.215 is inserted into an
aperture 79.007 and 80.007 proximate to the entrance to the U
shaped medial region 79.411 and 80.411 of the top edge 79.153 and
80.153. A slot 79.119 and 80.119 extends from the top edge near the
entrance to the U shaped medial region 79.411 and 80.411 which is
wide enough to hold the strap 79.114 and 80.114 but is not wide
enough to allow the strap engaging pin 79.215 and 80.215 to pass
through. When a hull is loaded onto the strap 79.114 and 80.114 the
resultant force pulls the strap engaging pin 79.215 and 80.215
towards the centre of the U shaped medial region 79.411 and 80.411
which are restrained by the width of the slot 79.119 and 80.119.
The length of the strap 79.114 and 80.114 can be adjusted using an
adjustment mechanism such as ladder lock or slide adjuster 79.129
and 80.129 allowing a loaded watercraft to sit lower in the U
shaped medial region 79.011 and 80.011 with a longer strap 79.114
and 80.114 length.
[0276] The strap engaging pins 79.215 and 80.215 can be locked
within the aperture 79.007 and 80.007 or can be removable. When
removable the strap engaging pins can optionally include locking
means such as a cap flange 79.158. The cap flange 80.158 can be may
be removably connected by a thread system, or clip system or
integrally formed therewith or permanently fixed to the pin by
thread and glue, or simply glued or attached by any other
appropriate means.
[0277] FIG. 81 illustrates a bracket 81.006 for supporting a
watercraft engaged in a support member 81.035 as described above
between FIGS. 1 and 60. The bracket engages the flange in the same
way as the bracket described between FIGS. 1 and 60 and is numbered
accordingly. The strap 81.114 includes a ladder lock or slide
adjuster 81.129 to allow the strap 81.114 to be lengthened and
shortened. The strap engaging pin located proximal to the load
bearing edge of the bracket does not need a cap flange 81.158 and
does not need to be fixed in the aperture for receiving it as the
receiving flanges 81.001 act to fix the strap receiving pin in
place.
[0278] The wall to which the rack system is attached can be a
stationary wall such as found in a building. However if desired,
the wall can be part of a frame or stand upon which the racking
system is to be mounted, with such a frame or stand being free
standing or wheel mounted for easy movement and re-positioning.
[0279] FIGS. 82 and 83 illustrate a bracket with an extended strap
82.076, 83.076 and a cam cleat 82.185, 83.185 locking mechanism on
the front edge 82.056 for locking the extended strap 82.076. The
cam cleat rotates around a point 83.189 to lock and unlock the
strap 82.076, 83.076. The top edge 82.153, 83.153 includes a T
section 82.219 at the front edge 82.056 that that extends laterally
from the face 82.160, 83.160 in both directions and is used to fix
the toothed cam cleat on the front face 82.056. The extended strap
82.076 on the front tope edge 82.153 lies over the T section 82.219
and passes through the cam cleat 82.185 which stops the strap
82.076 lengthening over the U shaped medial region 82.011 when
locked. A hanging section 82.081 of the strap 82.076 hangs past the
cam cleat 82.185 and terminates in a T bar 82.216. The T bar 82.216
acts as a grip and to set the maximum length to which the strap
82.076 can lengthen over the U shaped medial region 82.011.
[0280] Where the term capped flange has been used to describe the
flanges on the end of a bracket support it does not restrict the
shape of the flange to being circular as depicted in the drawings.
The disc flange can be of any profile that is larger than the
aperture in the bracket support and the width of the flange
slots.
[0281] FIGS. 84 and 85 illustrate a bracket similar to that in
FIGS. 82 and 83 with like parts being like numbered. In FIGS. 84
and 85, the cam cleat is fixed on top of the T section 84.219,
85.219.
[0282] FIGS. 86 and 87 illustrate a bracket as in FIGS. 82 to 85
with an apertured bracket 86.197, 87.197 instead of a cam cleat.
The strap 86.076, 87.076 cannot be locked in a variety of positions
in this embodiment. The strap 86.076, 87.076 passes through an
aperture 87.699 in the bracket 86.197. When a water craft is loaded
on the bracket the strap 86.076, 87.076 will lengthen in the U
shaped medial region 86.011, 87.011 and shorten in the hanging
section 86.081, 87.081. The T bar 86.216 is longer than the
aperture 87.699 in the apertured bracket 86.197, 87.197 so that
when the bracket 86.001, 87.001 is loaded with a watercraft the
apertured bracket 86.197, 87.197 will act to stop the T bar
186.216, 87.216 raising further, limiting the length of the strap
86.076 in the U shaped medial region 86.011.
[0283] FIGS. 88 and 89 illustrate a bracket as in FIGS. 86 to 87
with a tightening barrel 88.605. The end of the strap 89.076 is
fixed or engageable with the centre section 89.115 of the
tightening barrel 89.605. The tightening barrel includes end
flanges 89.109 that project partially over the side face 88.161,
89.161, that act as ratchet members. A pivoting locking member
88.610 is fixed to the side face 88.161, 89.161 at a pivot point
88.611, 89.611. The locking member 88.610, 89.610 engages with a
toothed edge 88.112 of the end flange and has handles 88.607,
89.607. When the strap 89.076 is engaged with the tightening barrel
88.605, 89.605 the end flange 88.109 can be rotated causing the
strap 188.076, 89.076 to roll up around the tightening barrel
88.605, 89.605, shortening the strap 88.076, 89.076 resulting in a
loaded water craft sitting higher in the U shaped medial region
88.011, 89.011. One or both end flanges 88.109, 89.109 can include
a toothed edge. And one or both side faces 88.161, 89.161 can
include a locking member 88.610, 89.105. When engaged with a
toothed edge 88.109, 89.109 of the tightening barrel the locking
member 88.610, 89.610 acts to lock the strap 88.076, 89.076 in the
rolled up position.
[0284] FIGS. 90 and 91 illustrate a bracket 90.006 and 91.006 for
supporting a watercraft as described above with a different strap
arrangement. FIG. 90 illustrates a single piece adjustable strap
90.777 that will fit into the aperture 90.007 and slot 90.119 as
described in the above embodiments such as in FIG. 79. The single
piece adjustable strap enters the slot 90.119 at the opening 90.222
and then wraps around the engaging pin 90.215 and then exits the
slot 90.119. The load bearing end 90.555 of the strap and the free
end 90.666 of the strap when the bracket is unloaded can be
lengthened or shortened to give the strap 90.777 different lengths
across the middle section 90.411. When a watercraft is loaded onto
the strap 90.777 the load bearing end 90.555 pushes down on the
free end 90.666, effectively locking both in place, stopping both
the load bearing end 90.555 and the free end 90.666 from being
shortened or lengthened.
[0285] FIG. 91 illustrates a bracket 91.006 similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 90. Instead of the generally straight slot
90.119 illustrated in FIG. 90 a tapered slot 91.333 extends into
the aperture 91.007. This results in the same operation as
described in FIG. 90 with the locking of the load bearing end
90.555 and the free end 90.666 being further localised at the
opening 90.222. Other arrangements of the slot and opening can be
used to aid in locking the strap in place when loaded.
[0286] FIG. 92 illustrates a bracket 92.006 for supporting a
watercraft with a U shaped medial region 92.011, supporting means
92.004 and an aperture 92.117 as described in the above
embodiments. An inflatable bladder 92.167 is used in the same way
as the strap described in the above embodiments. The bladder 92.167
is engaged with a strap engaging pin 92.215 in the same way as
described for the strap in the above embodiments. Illustrated is
the bladder 92.167 engaged with a strap engaging pin at only the
end proximal the load bearing edge 92.062 but the bladder can be
fixed to the top edge 92.153 in any of the manners described in the
above embodiments. The bladder 92.167 is illustrated as being
inflated allowing it to absorb more force than if it were
deflated.
[0287] FIG. 93 illustrates a bracket 93.001 as in FIG. 93 where the
bladder 93.167 is fixed at both ends of the U shaped medial region
93.011 with the use of strap engaging pins 93.215. The bladder
93.167 is illustrated as deflated and a valve 92.0173 can be used
to inflate the bladder 93.167 with inflating material.
[0288] FIG. 94 illustrates a bracket 94.006 as in FIG. 91 where the
bladder 94.167 overlies a webbing material 94.068, or includes it
along its lengthwise edges. The webbing allows the bladder to
support a larger surface area of the hull of the watercraft, better
distributing the force applied to the bladder 94.167.
[0289] FIG. 95 illustrates a bracket 95.006 as in FIGS. 92 and 93
where the bladder 95.167 is fixed to the top edge of the bracket
along the length of the U shaped medial region 95.011. In this
arrangement the watercraft is able to sit as low as possible
proximate to the top edge 95.062 along the length of the U shaped
medial region 95.011. When inflated the bladder absorbs forces
applied to the bracket from the watercraft.
[0290] FIG. 96 illustrates a bracket 96.006 as in FIGS. 92 and 93
where the bladder 96.167 is highly inflated.
[0291] The bladders described above can be inflated with air,
water, any other appropriate shock absorbing gas or any other
appropriate shock absorbing fluid.
[0292] FIGS. 97 to 101 illustrate a bracket 97.604 for supporting a
watercraft that is angularly adjustable in a support member. The
bracket 97.604 includes three support apertures, 97.193, 97.194 and
97.195 able to receive a support means like 97.691. Support
aperture 97.691 engages a slot 98.005 in a support member 98.035 as
in the above embodiments. The bracket 97.604 can be used without a
pin being placed in apertures 97.193, 97.194 and 97.195. If one of
the apertures 97.193, 97.194 and 97.195 receives a pin, the pin
sets the angle at which the bracket 97.004 will sit, with each
aperture 97.193, 97.194 and 97.195 providing a different angular
position, or a range of angular displacement in relation to the
back wall 98.064 of the support member 98.035. The end support
97.297 acts to restrain the watercraft when the bracket 97.004 is
in an angled position.
[0293] FIGS. 97 to 101 illustrate the top edge 97.153 of the
bracket 97.004 as being formed in the same shape as the hull 97.177
of the watercraft with which the bracket 97.004 can be used. For
other hull shapes other profiles of bracket would be used.
[0294] FIG. 98 illustrates when none of apertures 97.093, 97.094 or
97.195 are fitted with a support means 98.691. The load bearing
wall 98.062 of the bracket experiences no angular displacement and
acts as the load bearing point with support means 98.691. In this
position less space is taken up in the direction perpendicular to
the support member 98.035. The watercraft is held in place by the
top edge 98.153 being shaped in the profile of the hull 98.177 of
the watercraft and the end support 98.297.
[0295] FIG. 99 illustrates the bracket of FIGS. 97 and 98 where
aperture 99.193 receives a support pin giving the bracket the
maximum angular displacement 99.100 from the rear wall 99.064 of
the support member 99.035.
[0296] FIG. 100 illustrates the bracket of FIGS. 97 to 99 where
aperture 9100.195 receives a support pin giving the bracket minimum
angular displacement 100.100 from the rear wall 100.064 of the
support member 100.035.
[0297] FIG. 101 illustrates the bracket of FIGS. 97 to 100 where
aperture 101.194 receives a support pin giving the bracket an
intermediate angular displacement 101.100 from the rear wall
101.064 of the support member 101.035.
[0298] The apertures 101.193, 101.194 and 101.195 are separated so
as to give the different angular displacements discussed above.
This separation in one embodiment can lie on the circumference of a
circle.
[0299] FIG. 102 illustrates an arrangement similar to FIGS. 96 to
101 with a bracket 102.008 that does not have a top edge 102.153
that contours to the hull of the watercraft. It has a somewhat U
shaped medial region 102.011.
[0300] FIG. 103 illustrates the arrangement of FIGS. 96 to 102
where a bracket 103.102 has a flat top 103.153 and a hooked end
section 103.103.
[0301] The brackets shown in FIGS. 76 to 103 are shown being used
with the racking system of the previously described embodiments.
However, it will be readily understood the bracket improvements in
FIGS. 76 to 103 can be used with other bracket support systems, and
are not restricted to the racking systems described above.
[0302] FIGS. 104 to 109 illustrate a support panel 104.700 that can
be used as a wall or ceiling panel or floor panel. The panel
104.700 can be a substrate under a wall or ceiling panel or it can
be a stand alone panel as will be described below.
[0303] The rear face 104.706 of the support panel 104.700 can lie
against a wall or a ceiling or floor or it can be freestanding
between a ceiling and a floor to form a vertically arranged panel
or between two walls or two supports to form a hanging panel, or
can be mounted to a base so as to forma a free standing panel.
[0304] The support panel 104.700 includes an array of apertures
104.704 which pass entirely through the thickness 104.710 of the
panel 104.700 between the rear face 104.706 and the front face
104.708. The rear face 104.706 of the support panel 104.700 also
has rear channels such as rebates or rebated grooves 104.702. The
purpose of these rebated grooves will be discussed below.
[0305] The front face 104.708 might also include a groove or recess
104.718 (short and horizontal) and 104.720 (short and vertical) and
recesses 104.713 (full panel length or width vertical or
horizontal) and 104.716 (rectangular). In these grooves or recesses
on the front face, the apertures 104.704 also pass through the
reduced thickness 104.717 of the support panel 104.700 to the rear
channel 104.702. Alternatively, the front channels or recesses can
be formed by parallel ribs 104.799, in which case the thickness of
the panel need not be reduced, however this is not as aesthetically
pleasing or as easy to manufacture as channels or recesses formed
by removing material.
[0306] Where the rear face 104.706 includes a rear channel 104.702,
a bracket such as described below in FIGS. 110 to 131 can be
positioned through the apertures 104.704 so that a hooked portion
sits inside the channel or recess 104.702 as is described further
below. Brackets or other support members and support structures
when mounted in the apertures 104.704 in front face recesses
104.717, and of a width similar to the width of the recess 104.717,
will be restricted in lateral movement by the channel side walls
104.712. Whereas the front face recesses 104.716, 104.718 and
104.720 are illustrative only and the shape of the recesses can be
made to suit any attachment fitted to support panel 104.700. The
function of the recesses 104.716, 104.718 and 104.720 is that they
able to receive within them the periphery of a panel or an article
or cabinet which is to be mounted by a bracket (as explained below)
to the panel 104.700.
[0307] As an indication of the dimensions of the features on the
panel 104.700 the apertures 104.704 have a height of 50 mm and a
width of 25.5 mm, which has been selected so as to allow the
portions 74.232 or 119.720 to readily pass through the aperture
104.704 while the portions 74.232 or 119.720 are generally parallel
to the front surface of the panel 104.700. The rear channels or
rebates 104.702 have a width of 26 mm while the walls of the
channel or rebate are approx 4 mm in depth. The panel 104.700 is of
the order of 2400 mm.times.1200 mm and of the order of 25 mm thick
before the rear recess, channel or rebate is formed.
[0308] As illustrated in FIG. 105, the rear channels or rebate
105.702 can run the entire length of the support panel 105.700. The
rear channel or rebate 105.702 has a base surface 105.225 which
extends between apertures 105.704 and thereby provides a recess
which intersects with the wall of the aperture at two opposed sides
of the aperture. Further, when the support panel 105.700 is used as
a wall the rear channel base surface 105.225 includes a region
above and adjacent 105.714 the aperture and a region below and
adjacent 105.723 the aperture 105.704. The reduced thickness
through wall 105.729 abuts a support member's hanging arm as
described below. The rear channels or rebate 105.702 can be limited
to a region surrounding the apertures 105.704 as shown in FIG. 106
at 106.701, 106.703 and 106.705. If the panel is made with a
predetermined directionality the recesses can be located on one
side only of the apertures. The profile of the rear face 104.706
recesses will depend on the type and orientation of the support
member used.
[0309] The recesses 104.718 and 104.720 are offset or spaced from
the apertures 104.704. A top or side member of an article, such as
a cabinet, or shelf or other article of furniture or building
element, can be inserted into the recess 104.718 or 104.720 which
restricts lateral movement of the article. The top or side member
of the article extends further than the other members of the
support structure in the direction of the support panel
104.700.
[0310] FIG. 106 illustrates the rear face 106.706 of the support
panel 106.700 with a variety of different rear recess profiles
106.702, 106.703, 106.701, 106.705 and 106.899 adjacent the
respective apertures 106.704. It will be understood that during
manufacture only one of these recess types would be selected, but
if desired more than one could be used.
[0311] Rear channel 106.702 and recess 106.701 are used when the
support member has a locking member in the direction of the channel
106.702 or recess 106.701. Recess 106.703 can be used when the foot
print of the support member to be used is at right angles to rear
channel 106.702 and recess 106.701. Recess 106.705 allows use of a
support member that has a lock member that can be in any direction
or more than one direction. The channel contains a rear channel
base surface 106.725 and the rear recesses have rear recess base
surfaces 106.743. If desired the rear channels or recesses can be
formed by parallel ribs 106.899, in which case the thickness of the
panel need not be reduced, however this is not as aesthetically
pleasing or as easy to manufacture as channels or recesses formed
by removing material.
[0312] FIG. 107 illustrates a support panel 107.700 with both front
channels 107.713 and rear recesses 107.796, 107.702, 107.755 and
107.775. The front recesses 107.713 are channel shaped with a base
and two side, to receive shaped hanging units and will be such that
they are restricted from lateral movement, or held more rigidly to
the panel, by the regions 107.712. The thickness 107.717 of the
support panel 107.700 is reduced between the front base surface
107.711 and the rear channel base surface 106.725, which will
require a decrease in the length of arm of a bracket such as arm
119.722. While the panel 107.700 shows a rear face and the front
face on the other side, it will be readily understood that the
panel 107.700 could be used in reverse, that is the rear side used
as the front side and the front side as the rear side. It will also
be understood that in FIGS. 106 and 107 the variety of shapes an
orientations of apertures are provided for illustrative purposes
only, and generally one would be provided with one type and or
orientation, or more if desired depending upon a customers
requirements.
[0313] FIG. 108 illustrates a support panel 108.700 where the
aperture 108.704 in the rear channel 108.702 includes a radiused
edge 108.719 along its walls with reduced thickness 108.543. The
rear of the panel illustrated in FIG. 108 is best used with a
support member such as that illustrated in FIG. 114, where there
are hook elements which require a degree of rotation. The radiused
edge 108.719 curves from the reduced thickness wall 107.729 into
the rear base surface 107.725. The radiused edges are located at
opposed areas which lead into the aperture 108.704. When the
support panel is placed against a wall the radiused edge allows an
inserted support member to rotate, the arc of rotation moving
towards the wall and still being able to be inserted into the
channel 108.702.
[0314] FIG. 109 illustrates how a variety of different sized panels
109.790, 109.791, 109.793, 109.794, 109.785, 109.783 and 109.797
can be assembled and secured near to each other so as to form an
array of apertures. The arrangements of apertures 109.704 shown in
these Figures are only illustrative and a variety of different
arrangements can be used to suit the desired location of a
supported unit as would be readily understood by a skilled
addressee. It will be noted that the horizontal spacing between the
vertical edges of the panels and the apertures on respective panels
are such that the resultant spacing between adjacent columns of
apertures on adjacent panels is at the same spacing as adjacent
columns on the same panel. Similarly with spacing between the
horizontal edges of the panels and the apertures on respective
panels are such that the resultant vertical spacing between
adjacent rows of apertures on adjacent panels is at the same
spacing as adjacent rows on the same panel.
[0315] The support panels can be made from any suitable material to
carry the load and weight of articles which will be transmitted to
the panel. For example if polymer panel, such as an expanded PVC
sheet marketed under the name of NEMA is used, as this can be
purchased in a variety of densities and grades, with different
thicknesses and strengths, an appropriate grade, density and
strength of sheet is selected depending upon whether the panel is
to carry furniture such as cabinets or shelving, or whether it is
to support a building elements such as stair treads or beams.
[0316] FIG. 110 illustrates a spring support member or bracket
110.721 for use with a support panel 104.700. The bracket 110.721
includes a base 110.730 having an aperture 110.728 that can
optionally be threaded, radiused regions 110.726 that extend from
the base 110.730, hanging arms 110.722 extending from the radiused
regions distal to the base 110.730 and locking members 110.720
extending perpendicularly from the distal end of said hanging arms
110.722.
[0317] When engaging a support panel such as 104.700 the locking
members 110.720 are brought closer together, against the bias
provided by the radiused regions 110.726, thereby reducing the
distance 110.389 between the outer extremities of hanging arms
110.722. When the distance 10.389 is less that the length of the
aperture 104.410 the locking members 110.720 are inserted through
the aperture 104.700. Once inserted through the aperture 104.704,
the radiused regions 110.726 are released leaving the locking
members 110.720 to rotate into engagement with the base of the rear
channel 106.711 or base of the rear recess 106.725, so that the
locking members 110.720 are positioned in the channel or recess and
the arms 110.722 rest against or near to the opposed ends of the
aperture 104.704, whereby the distance between the arms 110.722 is
the same as the aperture length 104.410.
[0318] FIG. 111 illustrates a bracket similar to FIG. 110, with a
spring support member 111.731 as illustrated in FIG. 110 however it
differs in that a bolt 111.740 is fitted between the radiused
regions 111.726. The bolt can be tightened and loosened with a nut
111.733 to alter the distance 111.747 between the hanging arms.
[0319] FIG. 112 illustrates the bracket of FIG. 111 with a bar
112.735 attached to the base 112.730 of the bracket 112.741. The
bar 112.735 is fixed to the aperture 112.728 in the base 112.730
and can be screwed, clipped, pinned, riveted, or integrally formed
with the aperture 112.728. The distal end of the bar 112.735 has a
ring 112.936 with a ring aperture 112.737 to which other things can
be attached.
[0320] FIG. 113 illustrates a spring support member 113.739 similar
to that of FIG. 110, which includes a bar or shaft 113.735.
[0321] FIG. 114 illustrates an opposed U or X shaped bracket
114.751 with the profile of an inverted bowler hat on top of a
bowler hat profile. The bowler hat profiles are attached along the
crown of each bowler hat. The band regions 114.752 of each bowler
hat terminates in the brim 114.720 regions. The brim region 114.720
of the inverted bowler hat profile operates in the same way as the
locking member 110.720 as described above. Illustrated is a hinge
114.750 in the middle of the crown section that allows the distance
114.749 to be altered so that when reduced the brim or locking
member 114.720 can pass through the aperture and abut the rear
channel base surface 106.725 or rear recess base surface 106.743 in
the same manner as discussed above in FIGS. 110 to 113. The support
member 114.751 as being split at the hinge 114.750 so as to provide
a hinge action whereby forces which draw the lower ends together
will force the upper ends apart. Thus as load on the bracket
produces this effect, the greater the load the greater will be the
brackets engagement force with the panel.
[0322] FIG. 115 illustrates an box shaped support member or bracket
115.769 made up of two box sections 115.762 and 115.760 capped on
one end 115.425 and which telescope with respect to each other.
Attached to one of the sections 115.762 or 115760 is a hook member
115.756 which can be used to suspend articles to be stored. The
hanging arms 115.722 and locking members 115.720 operate in the
same manner in respect to the support panel 104.700 as for the
previously mentioned support members.
[0323] The smaller open box member 115.760 can slide within the
larger open box section 115.762 to alter the distance 115.747
between the hanging arms. The slot 115.758 passes through two
opposite faces of both open box sections 115.762 and 115.760 and
are alignable. When the slots align the distance between the
hanging arms 115.747 leaves the hanging arms abutting the walls of
the aperture in the support panel with the distance equal to the
length of the aperture 104.410 and the locking member abutting the
rear channel base surface 16.725 or rear recess base surface
16.743. When in this position a pin, clip, bolt or other lock can
be placed through the slots, preventing the distance 115.747 from
altering. The hanging arms are illustrated as extending from the
capped end 115.425 of the box section, but can be fixed at any
point along the base of the box section with the slots 115.758
being placed at a appropriate position to allow the hanging arms
115.747 to be the correct distance apart. If desired, within the
box sections 115.762 and 115.760 there can be located a compression
spring so that the arms 115.722 are forced apart, and that an
operator must compress the box sections against this bias.
[0324] FIGS. 116 and 116A illustrate two beam support members
116.759 and 116.779. In FIGS. 116A and 117 is illustrated a beam
support member 116.759 where the beam 116.780 is inserted into two
tube sections 116.761 at either end of the beam 116.780. The tube
sections include a hanging arm 116.722 that can be inserted through
an aperture in a support panel 106.704, and a locking member
116.720 to abut the rear channel base surface 106.725 or the rear
recess base surface 106.743. The two tube sections 116.720 can be
slide along the length of the beam until the desired position is
located and then inserted and fixed in the apertures 106.704. the
tube sections 116.761 can be open tubes in which cased the beam
116.780 can be any appropriate length, or they can be closed at
their outside ends, in which case the length of the beam 116.780
will need to be set for the spacing of the tube sections 116.761.
To lock the tube sections 116.761 in position along the length of
the beam, locking aperture 116.764 can be used to insert a screw or
bolt, screwing onto the beam locking the tube section 116.761 in
place. The beam 116.780 can optionally have apertures along the
length of it through which a screw or bolt can pass or a screw or
bolt can friction lock against the face of the beam 116.780.
[0325] FIGS. 116A and 118 illustrate an member 116.779 similar to
the member 116.759 of FIG. 116, where a two plate section 116.763
is used instead of a tube section 116.761. The two plate section
116.763 uses a plate 116.766 on two opposite sides of the beam
116.780 connected by a angled hanging plate 116.768. The beam
116.780 can slide and be secured between the two plate sections
116.763 in the same way as in 116.759.
[0326] FIG. 125 illustrates the support panel of FIG. 104 and shows
how the brackets of FIGS. 113, 116, 117, 116A and 118 are mounted
thereto via apertures 125.704.
[0327] FIGS. 119, 119A, 120, 120A, 123, 123A, 126, 126A and 124 is
a hanging system 119.771 for supporting a variety of articles or
support structures that are fixed to a beam 119.780. The articles
can be a cabinets, shelves, drawers, cupboards, chairs, stools,
vanities, wall units, stereo units or other furniture, or building
elements such as beams or stair treads, or other articles such as
art works to be mounted to a panel. A generally triangular shaped
bracket supporting plate 119.770 includes a back surface 119.744 if
made as a solid bracket or is two edges if fabricated from sheet
material. The back surface 119.744 abuts the support panel 106.700
and transfers the load from the attached article. The upper surface
of the bracket 119.770 includes a three sided cut-out or recess
119.322, with the middle side serving as a bearing surface to
receive the load transferred by the beam 119.780, which can be
received therein. This middle side also allows the beam 119.780 to
translate along it as discussed below. The hanging arms 119.722 and
locking member 119.720 operate in the same manner as described
above. A lateral reinforcement or projection 119.786 is provided in
the case where there is no front recess on the panels. This
projection will sit in an aperture 106.704 below the aperture
106.704 in which the hanging arm 119.722 and locking member 119.720
engage with. The projection 119.786 prevents the lower end of the
bracket moving laterally after assembly. If desired the projection
119.786 can be replaced by a second hanging arm and lock member
similar to 119.722 and 119.720.
[0328] A machine screw or bolt 119.772 is used to alter the
distance 119.784 which positions the support beam 119.780 relative
to the bracket and the panel, allowing the article, which is
attached to the support beam and held on the supporting plate
119.770, to be pushed with a compressive force against the support
panel 120.700 and thus held tightly.
[0329] In FIGS. 120 and 120A, the support panel 120.700 is shown in
cross section. In FIG. 120 is a partially assembled system, with
the hanging arm 120.722 passing through the aperture 120.704 and
abutting a wall of the aperture. The locking member 120.720 has
also passed through the aperture 120.704 and is shown near to the
rear channel base surface 120.725 and prior to engaging with the
rear channel base surface 120.725. The projection 120.786 is shown
in the upper portion of an adjacent. FIG. 120A a fully assembled
system with the hanging system 120A.771 engaged with the rear
channel base surface 120A.725.
[0330] The width and length of member 119.720 and of the hanging
arm 119.722 is such that they fit reasonably snugly into the width
of the rear rebate or recess 104.702 and the aperture 104.704. As
the rebate 104.702 has side walls, the length of the member 119.720
will resist twisting of the bracket 119.771 relative to the panel
104.700 around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the panel
104.700, which is in addition to the resistance to such movement
provided by the projection 119.786. Whereas the width of the arm
119.722 will assist in resisting twisting of the bracket 119.771
about a vertical axis. Further the distance 119.943 between the
back edge/surface 119.744 and the inner face 119.724 of member
119.720, as illustrated in FIG. 119, is selected so that the arm
119.722 can enter the aperture 104.704 (as discussed below) and
when the back edge/surface 119.744 is adjacent the front face of
panel 104.700, then the inner face 119.724 of member 119.720 is
clear of the base surface 105.725 of the recess/rebate 104.702.
[0331] In FIGS. 123, 123A, 126 and 126A there is illustrated a
shelf or portion of an article of furniture, or a building element
123.853 to which beam 123.780 is attached. FIGS. 123 and 126
illustrate the system before full assembly, in that the screw
123.772, 126.772 has not yet been tightened, that is gap 123.884,
126.884 is smaller than the gap 123A.885, 126A.885 respectively. By
tightening the screw 123.772, the beam 123A.780 is moved toward the
support panel and by this means the screw will apply a clamping
force to keep the article 123A.853 secured to the panel 123A.700.
If a front rebate, such as 104.718 is provided the edge of the
member 123A.853 will be inserted into the rebate 104.718, and
clamped therein by tightening the screw 123A.772. The action of
tightening the screw also has 126A.772 also has the effect of
applying an equal and opposite clamping force between the panel
126A.700 and the lock member 126A.720. These clamping forces and
friction which results there from assists to prevent relative
movement between the brackets 126A.771, the article 126A.853 and
the panel 126A.700.
[0332] FIG. 124 illustrates the fully assembled system of FIGS.
119, 119A, 120, 120A, 123, 123A, in a wire frame view so that
internal components can be viewed. In FIG. 124 the article is a
bathroom vanity cabinet or unit or a cupboard which has the beam
124.780 built in or attached internally thereto to so as to be
engaged with the brackets 124.771, with one each side of the
cabinet. In a bathroom situation the panel 124.700 can make up
whole wall surface to which tiles or other wall finishing material
can be attached. Alternatively the panel 124.700 can be of a size
more closely approximating the size of the cabinet and this is then
secured to the wall members and the cabinet mounted thereon. A
particular advantage of the system illustrated in FIG. 124, is that
the brackets 124.771 do allow for considerable lateral adjustment
of the cabinet 124.853 with respect to the brackets 124.771 and the
panel 124.700.
[0333] Some typical dimensions, for illustrative purposes only, of
the support of FIGS. 119 and 119A is that the height V is of the
order of 185 mm, while length T of member 119.720 is of the order
of 40 mm and the length S of the arm 119.722 is approx 24 mm. The
width of the arm 119.722, into the peag of FIG. 119 is approx 25.5
mm. The width R of gap 119.943 is approx 21 mm, while the square
beam 119.780 has a side length of approx 30 mm with the recess
119.322 has a width M of approx 45 mm and a height of approx 30 mm.
As seen in FIG. 119A the overall width X of the bracket is 29.5 mm
while the internal width W is approx 25.5 mm.
[0334] FIG. 121 illustrates a system similar to that of FIGS. 119,
120 and 120A but differs there from by an additional laterally
extending slot 121.795 in the support plate 121.770 for receiving a
bottom protrusion 121.793 on a shaped or rebated beam 121.791. The
additional slot 121.795, once a portion of the protrusion 121.793
has entered the slot 121.795, assists to prevent movement of the
beam 121.791 out of the opening 121.787 or the bracket 121.770.
[0335] FIGS. 122 and 122A, illustrate a system where a bracket
similar to that of FIGS. 119 to 121 is provided but has with a
reduced length of back wall 122.877 and differently shallower
support plate 122.873, which is of a rectangular shape, whereas
previously a triangular shape was utilised. The system 123A.771
includes a grub screw 122A.977 and support plate 122.873.
[0336] FIGS. 127 to 130 illustrate a wire frame representation of a
hanging support or bracket 127.873 which is similar to that
illustrated in FIGS. 122 and 122A with a recess 127.322 for
receiving a beam on an article to be supported. A threaded hole
127.923 is located through the front edge and one side of the
recess 127.322. Another threaded hole 127.922 is provided through
the middle or base side of the recess 127.322. The holes 127.922
and 127.923 are threaded so that a bolt 127.222 can be inserted
into hole 127.923 and another bolt 127.224, whose axis of rotation
is at 90 degrees to bolt 127.772, can be inserted through the hole
127.224. In use the bolts 127.772 and 127.224 will be generally
horizontal and vertical respectively. The bolt 127.224, in the
example of the assembly of FIG. 125, can be used to provide
levelling or a specified angle where required. The bolt 127.224
however will need to have its adjustment performed before the bolt
127.772 is tightened for the final securing of the assembly and the
components.
[0337] The bolts 129.224 and 129.772 can act as adjustment screws
for both the vertical and horizontal position of the beam 129.780.
These adjustment screws use their distal ends 129.999 and 129.998,
which as illustrated in FIG. 130 can include pads 130.266 to create
a greater surface area of contact between the beam 130.780 and the
bolts 130.772 and 130.224. If needed they can be covered with
cushioning material. The bolts can maintain their vertical or
horizontal positions through resistance or clamping forces, or
alternatively a locking lug nut or any other suitable means such as
a chemical lock can be used. The bolts or threaded screw adjustment
means can be replaced with a piston or other means to allow
vertical and horizontal adjustment of the beam.
[0338] FIG. 131 illustrates a perspective view of a cabinet being
mounted to a panel 131.700 (of FIGS. 104 to 109) by two hanging
supports 131.873 of FIGS. 127 to 130 with vertical and horizontal
beam adjustment. The hanging supports or brackets are mounted to
the support panel as described above.
[0339] In FIG. 132 is an art screen 132.530 screen in a partially
assembled state. The screen 132.530 is made up of two panels like
132.700 positioned back to back so that the rear vertical recesses
are aligned. If desired they can be misaligned thereby preventing
the ability to see through the screen 132.530. A two mounting
flanges 132.531 are formed on the ends of each panel 132.700, so as
to allow them to be easily assembled into slots on vertical
supports 132.532. They will stay locked together by the effect of
gravity on the panels. This allows for easy disassembly when
needed. Art work can then be mounted as needed onto the art screen
132.530 at any desired location using the brackets described above.
Alternatively or additionally shelves can be also mounted thereto
for the display of sculptures, statues, pottery and other
freestanding art work and the like.
[0340] Illustrated in FIG. 133 is a stair case 133.550 made from a
single side support panel 133.700 and stair treads 133.551 hung off
the panel 133.700 by means of the brackets described above. While
in FIGS. 134 and 135 is two side supported stair case formed from
two panels 134.700 and stair treads 134.551 attached to both panels
134.700 by brackets 135.873 as described above. In this instance
the stair treads 134.551 are in tension when assembled by the
opposing brackets as illustrated in FIG. 135. By the use of front
surface rebates (such as 104.712) the ends of the stair treads can
be captured therein.
[0341] Illustrated in FIG. 136 is a dual hooked member 136.933 for
screw or other attachment to a bracket, such as brackets of FIGS.
9, 11, 12, 41 to 44 for example. The member 136.933 provides two
hanging arms 136.722 and two member 136.720, so that the member
136.933 can be passed into and secure a bracket into two adjacent
apertures 104.704 on a sheet 104.700.
[0342] An advantage of the panel 104.700 having an array of
apertures and rear located vertical channels or recesses is that
the multiple array of apertures allows rearrangement of furniture
or articles in a relatively simple manner, and if electrical
equipment is involved the rear vertically extending channels allow
cable to be passed from the top or bottom or entry or exit at some
intermediate point to be readily performed.
[0343] The brackets described above with respect to FIGS. 104 to
135 can be manufactured by casting, or a combination of casting and
fabrication from sheet material, or just by fabrication of sheet
material, with such joining methods as welding or bolting being
used if not integrally formed, or from steel or appropriate
composite materials.
[0344] Where the term disc flange has been used to describe the
flanges on the end of a bracket support flange it does not restrict
the shape of the flange to being circular as depicted in the
drawings. The disc flange can be of any profile that is larger than
the aperture in the bracket support and the width of the flange
slots.
[0345] The pin that is part of the bracket support is depicted as
being cylindrical throughout the drawings but this does not limit
the profile of the pin to being circular. The pin can be of a
variety of profiles from polygonal struts to irregular shape
profiles. Similarly with respect to the disc flanges which are
shown circular or cylindrical, other shape could also be used such
as square or square prism, rectangular or rectangular prism,
regular and irregular polygons or polygonal prism.
[0346] The above racking systems, support panels and hanging
systems can be manufactured from any appropriate material such as:
Plywood in any sheet form inclusive of custom veneering and
Laminates of any thickness; Melamines of all kinds that come in
sheet form and various thicknesses; Particle boards; Medium density
fibreboard or CRAFTWOOD (registered trade mark); NEMA (registered
trade mark) expanded PVC panels; Aluminium both in sheet or custom
box sections; Steel; Galvanized Steel; Stainless steel; Solid
timber; Plastics and polymers; composite materials; Decorative
Laminates as per LAMINEX (Registered trade mark) catalogues;
Acrylic; Fibreglass; Glass; Kevlar; Polymers; Masonite; Metal of
any kind; Recycled material; ABS; PVC; Blown PVC polymer; expanded
PVC panels; Masonry sheeting; Acoustic sheeting; Concrete; or
Dibond materials.
[0347] The elasticity and damping created by the construction of
the support flange and the slots, the shape and length of the
bracket, the provision of a slot in the rear of the bracket, and
the construction and physical properties of the bracket support and
its pin, together provide a form of "suspension" system which can
assist in the protection of equipment to be stored on such a
racking system. It will be readily understood that the dimensions
and material properties of the materials used can be adjusted as
required to deliver a desired level of elasticity and damping.
TABLE-US-00001 Mate- Tongue Starting 5.4 End Deflec- 13.8 End rial
Product size Length Width Height Height KG Height tion KG Height
MDF Long 200 1065 25 100 1161 1154 1161 7 1134 1161 Straight
Bracket M 200 950 25 100 1150 1147 1150 3 1136 1150 Straight
Bracket Large 200 755 25 615 659 686 689 3 677 689 Kayak Bracket
Surf Ski 60 700 26 300 910 908 910 2 901 910 Bracket Fishing 203
812 26 166 936 920 935 16 902 936 Bracket S 73 900 26 80 1336 1330
1335 5 1316 1335 Straight Bracket Straight 203 900 25 80 1367
1359.5 1367 7.6 13456.6 1367 w Dowel Name Fishing 86 890 25 155 967
943 967 24 927 967 Bracket Straight 120 900 25 100 1019 1010 1019 9
972 1019 Bracket Large 120 730-840 25 100 561 551 561 10 533 561
Kayak Bracket CD Long 200 1065 25 100 764 753 764 11 741 763 Ply-
Straight wood Bracket Straight 200 950 25 100 752 743 752 9 730 751
Bracket Large 200 755 25 615 780 773 780 7 756 780 Kayak Bracket
Mate- Deflec- 18 End Deflec- 25 End rial Product tion KG Height
tion KG Height Deflection MDF Long 27 1118 1161 43 1107 1161 54
Straight M 14 1122 1150 26 1114 1150 35 Straight Bracket Large 12
675 689 14 662 689 27 Kayak Bracket Surf Ski 9 906 910 4 904.6 910
8.8 Bracket Fishing 33 902 936 33 891 835 44 Bracket S 19 1304 1336
31 1292 1336 43 Straight Bracket Straight 22 1336 1367 31 1322 1367
45 w Dowel Name Fishing 40 919 967 48 891 967 76 Bracket Straight
47 965 1019 54 949 1019 70 Bracket Large 28 527 561 34 519 561 42
Kayak Bracket CD Long 23 724 761 40 703 760 61 Ply- Straight wood
Bracket Straight 22 729 751 23 700 748 52 Bracket Large 24 748 778
32 734 775 46 Kayak Bracket
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Mate- Tongue Starting 5.4 End Deflec- 13.8
End rial Product Size Length Width Height Height KG Height tion KG
Height MDF Long 200 1065 25 100 1062 1052 1062 10 1045 1062
Straight Bracket Straight 200 950 25 100 1052 1046 1052 6 1041 1052
Bracket Large 200 755 25 615 1015 1012 1015 3 1008 1015 Kayak
Bracket Surf 60 700 26 300 689 686 689 3 684 680 Ski Bracket
Fishing 203 812 26 156 1089 1026 1089 64 1082 1089 Bracket Straight
73 910 26 80 1340 1333 1340 7 1326 1340 Bracket Straight 203 910 26
80 1360 1356.5 1360 3.5 1348 1360 w Dowel Name Fishing 86 890 25
155 967 951 967 16 937 967 Bracket Straight 120 900 25 100 1019
1009 1019 10 992 1019 Bracket Large 120 730-840 25 100 561 552 561
9 540 561 Kayak Bracket CD Long 200 1065 25 100 1064 1059 1064 5
1051 1064 Ply- Straight wood Bracket Straight 200 950 25 100 1054
1049 1054 5 1045 1054 Bracket Large 200 755 25 615 799 796 799 3
793 799 Kayak Bracket Mate- Deflec- 18 End Deflec- 25 End rial
Product tion KG Height tion KG Height Deflection MDF Long 17 1039
1062 23 1032 1062 90 Straight Bracket Straight 11 1035 1052 16 1031
1052 21 Bracket Large 7 1006 1015 9 1002 1015 13 Kayak Bracket Surf
6 683 689 8 681 689 8 Ski Bracket Fishing 7 1080 1089 9 1077 1089
12 Bracket Straight 14 1322 1340 18 1316 1340 24 Bracket Straight
12 1344 1360 16 1337 1360 23 w Dowel Name Fishing 30 927 967 40 901
967 66 Bracket Straight 27 977 1019 42 955 1019 64 Bracket Large 21
533 561 28 518 561 43 Kayak Bracket CD Long 13 1046 1064 18 1040
1064 24 Ply- Straight wood Bracket Straight 9 1040 1054 14 1037
1054 17 Bracket Large 6 790 799 9 784 799 15 Kayak Bracket
[0348] Table one represents the data produced from a 100 mm drop
test of a masses 5.4 kg, 13.8 kg, 18 kg and 25 kg onto the end of a
bracket similar to that of FIG. 42, in twin support flanges of
approximately 19 mm thick with a slot shape as illustrated in FIG.
1, with a measurement of the elasticity and damping being the
amount of deflection the racking system generated.
[0349] Whereas in table two there is represented the data from
static tests using the same masses and measuring deflection by
applying the masses for a period of three minutes.
[0350] Each of the brackets yielded sufficient elasticity,
suspension or damping qualities.
[0351] The above described rack systems, bracket systems and panel
systems can be used with and to support, in addition to the items
mentioned above, a variety of other things in commercial,
industrial and domestic environments, for example: surf & sport
storage such as SUPS, short boards, long boards, snowboards,
skateboards, skis, stocks, water-skis, wakeboards, body boards,
surf life saving rescue boards, canoes/kayaks, boats, dinghies,
rubber-zodiacs, catamarans, outriggers, fishing/crab nets, fishing
rods, fishing basket, paddles, oars, bikes, scooters, scuba tanks,
beach umbrellas, gym equipment, footballs, baseball bats,
basketball/ring hoop, roller blades, roller skates, helmets,
goggles/face mask/snorkel, flippers, wetsuits, toys and marine
equipment; or in building applications such as cabinets of all
sorts, vanities, electrical switch boards, school work shops,
office joinery, bench tops, hospital furniture, kit homes, project
homes, demountable buildings, mining, tool sheds, garages, general
hosing, hotels, pubs and clubs, flood prone areas, surf clubs,
sporting clubs, lockers; or in the home or commercial premises for
storing: linen, rugs, curtain rods, curtains, rolls of fabric,
canvas, laundry basket, clothes lines, pegs, window frames,
pc/hard-drive/monitor, flat screen TVs, lap tops, luggage,
suitcases/briefcases, suit bags, handbags; or hardware, garden
tools, equipment & automotive: power tools, electrical cords,
ropes, two ropes, cables, soil (bags), potting mix, timber, nails,
vice, tool kits, block & tackle, shovels/spades, paint cans,
paint brushes, building materials, wub, garden hose, hose reel,
inner tubes, tyres, lawn mower, whipper snipper, chain saw,
barbecues, gas cylinder, garbage bins, step ladder, locks, outboard
motors, car seats/mats/head rests, wind screens, roof racks, bike
racks, packaging equipment, tents; or kitchen equipment: kitchen
equipment such as kitchen appliances, saucepans, glass ware, wine
racks, crockery, cutlery, fruit & veg, picnic baskets, esky; or
other-electronics, clothing, medical items such as speakers,
records, camera equipment, DVDs, books, magazines, jewellery, make
up, hangers, parkers, gumboots, shoes, stationary, artwork,
sculpture, craft supplies, candles, mannequins, scales, birdcages,
pet supplies, golf bags/clubs, hospital sundries, surgical
equipment, medical supplies, optical supplies, keys.
[0352] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be
understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of
"including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is
the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be
attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and
"comprises" where they appear.
[0353] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and
defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or
more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text.
All of these different combinations constitute various alternative
aspects of the invention.
[0354] While particular embodiments of this invention have been
described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the
present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present
embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications
which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore
intended to be embraced therein.
* * * * *