Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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System and Apparatus for Holding an Item in Storage
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of co-pending
U.S. Application Serial No. 10/054,835, filed on January 23, 2002.
Field Of The Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to storage and organizational
systems and devices, and more particularly to storage and organizational
systems and devices for storing home and garden tools or the like.
Background Of The Invention
[0003] In modern American suburbia, the garage has become the storage
receptacle for a myriad of items that are necessary for work and recreation.
The
need for this storage space has become so acute that many suburban dwellings
contain a 3-car garage even though the occupants own only two vehicles.
Although, in many instances a recreational vehicle or boat occupies the third
bay; in most cases, that extra space is utilized for storage and as a work
area.
Items such as sports equipment, gardening implements, and work shop related
items, e.g., screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, hand and power tools, and other
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implements for home, vehicle, or garden repair and maintenance are generally
stored in the garage.
[0004] There are a number of systems for storing relatively small and
lightweight articles known in the art. For example, pegboard or perforated
panel
systems are known for hanging articles in a vertical or horizontal orientation
using pegboard hooks that are removably attached to a perforated panel.
Shelving may also be provided on pegboards using the same or similar
structures for securing and supporting the shelf to the pegboard. Prior art
perforated panel systems (known as "pegboards") typically comprise a pressed
1o composite board material with regularly spaced circular perforations into
which
hooks may be inserted for the storage or display of tools, instruments, and
other
articles. Changing the locations of the stored articles requires that the
hooks or
shelf-supports be removed completely from their respective supporting holes in
the pegboard, and then reinserted into other holes. After a period of use, the
holes tend to become wom and enlarged, and eventually become unable to
retain the hooks. Also, the hooks are easily misplaced or lost. These pegboard
systems are also aesthetically unattractive, especially after many years of
use.
[0005] A wide variety of useful fasteners for holding items to walls are
also well known in the art. When attaching items to a perforated wall or
pegboard, however, the available fasteners are much fewer in number, and
those that are available have many severe drawbacks. Those who use
pegboards are also familiar with the frustration and irritation associated
with an
insecure hook. Such fasteners often pull off the pegboard and get lost or
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damaged, especially when only one or two items are held. The typical
pegboard fastener is a straight single or double bar, usually extending from
about two inches to about six inches from the pegboard. A pegboard fastener
of this type usually has a pair of bent rod-like offset hooked portions at its
top.
These offset hooked portions are inserted into horizontally adjacent holes, by
a
pivoting action, to situate the top tip of the hooked portions behind the
wallboard
while allowing the lower part of the fastener to rest against the front
surface of
the wallboard.
[0006] While the use of a pair of hooked portions may inhibit rotation of
the pegboard fastener, it does not avoid the frustration experienced when the
pegboard fastener itself is pulled off the pegboard along with the item being
removed. Those who encounter such fasteners or holders for hanging items
experience frustration and irritation when attempting to remove the item from
the
fastener, since the bottom portion of the fastener is easily pulled away from
the
wall surface, i.e., there is no provision for fixing it to the pegboard.
[0007] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a storage system
which allowed ease of accessibility to tools, such as gardening implements,
while maximizing the use of garage space, in an aesthetically satisfying
manner.
It would also be advantageous to have a storage system that could be mounted
directly to the walls of a typical garage or tool shed, thereby allowing
effective
use of available space whiie removing sports equipment, gardening implements,
and work shop related items from the floor space of the garage or a tool shed.
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Summary Of The Invention
[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, an item holder for use with a
perforated panel is provided comprising a shank having a support arm
extending outwardly from a first end and a catch located at a second end. The
catch comprises a curved cantilevered strap projecting from the second end and
having a stop tab located at a strap end positioned above, but spaced away
from the second end.
[0009] In another embodiment, a system for supporting an item on a
vertically oriented structure is provided including a substantially planar
board
lo having a front surface, a rear surface, and a plurality of spaced
perforations,
where each perforation is defined by at least an intemai top edge and an
internal bottom edge of the board. An item holder is provided that comprises a
shank having a support arm extending outwardly from a first end and a catch
located at a second end. The catch comprises a curved cantilevered strap
projecting from the second end and having a stop tab located at a strap end
positioned above, but spaced away from the second end. A slot is defined
through the underside of the cantilevered strap between a top portion of the
shank and the second end of the cantilevered strap so that when the item
holder is located within one of the plurality of perforations, the slot
engages the
internal bottom edge of the board.
In a further embodiment of the invention, a tool holder is provided that
includes at least one disk-shaped flexible member having an aperture. The
flexible member comprises a plurality of fingers capable of resiliently
deflecting
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to grip a portion of the tool when axially inserted therethrough in one
direction
so that the tool is held in an upright position by the flexible member.
Brief Description Of The Drawings
[0010] These and other features and advantages of the present invention
will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by, the following
detailed
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which are to be
considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers
refer to like parts and further wherein:
[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a storage system formed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0012] Fig. 2 is a further embodiment of the storage system shown in Fig.
[0013] Fig. 3 is another variation of the storage system shown in Figs. 1
and 2;
[0014] Fig. 4 is a broken-away, perspective view of a perforated panel
and item holder formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0015] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a novel item holder formed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0016] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a shelf-bracket system formed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0017] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a shelf used in connection with the
shelf-bracket of Fig. 6;
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[0018] Fig. 8 is an end view of the shelf shown in Fig. 7;
[0019] Fig. 9 is an end view of the shelf and bracket shown in Fig. 5, as
assembled.to a perforated panel of the present invention;
[0020] Fig. 10 is a novel hook adapted for mounting on a perforated panel
or to a portion of a shelf in accordance with the present invention;
[0021] Fig. 11 is a perspective, partially exploded view of two hooks being
inserted into a portion of a perforated panel in accordance with the present
invention;
[0022] Fig. 12 is a partially broken-away, perspective view of a shelf and
1o shelf-bracket system assembled in accordance with the present invention,
and
having a hook and container assembled to an interior structure;
[0023] Fig. 13 is an end view of the shelf, bracket, and hook assembly
shown in Fig. 12;
[0024] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the item holder shown in Fig. 4,
having a plurality of containers assembled to its underside;
[0025] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of one of the containers shown in Fig.
14;
[0026] Fig. 16 is an end view of the shelf, self-bracket and container
assembly shown in Fig. 14;
[0027] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the item holder shown in Fig. 4,
having a roll of material supported under the shelf and by the two shelf-
brackets;
[0028] Fig. 18 is a support rod used to support a roll of material as shown
in Fig. 17;
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[0029] Fig. 19 is a perspective view, partially in phantom, of the rod and
roll shown in Fig. 17, with the shelf and brackets removed for clarity of
illustration;
[0030] Fig. 20 shows another embodiment of the item holder shown in
Fig. 4, and having a tool holder formed within the shelf;
[0031] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a tool holder of the type shown in
Fig. 20; '
[0032] Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder, as taken along
lines 22-22 in Fig. 21;
[0033] Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder similar to Fig.
22, having a tool mounted within the tool holder;
[0034] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of an altemative tool holder formed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0035] Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a receptacle and hook system
formed in accordance with the present invention;
[0036] Fig. 26 is a side elevational view of the receptacle and hook
system shown in Fig. 25;
[0037] Fig. 27 is a post bracket that may be mounted to a perforated
panel formed in accordance with the present invention by use of the lock
button
shown in Fig. 29;
[0038] Fig. 28 is a receptacle support bracket;
[0039] Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a lock-button used in accordance
with the present invention;
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[0040] Fig. 30 is a perspective view of a receptacle support bracket as
shown in Fig. 28, supporting a plurality of open faced receptacles;
[0041] Fig. 31 is an angle shelf formed in accordance with the present
invention;
[0042] Fig. 32 and Fig. 33 are an item support and item receptacle,
respectively, both formed so as to be mounted to the face of a perforated
panel,
as shown in Figs. 1-4.
Detailed Description Of The Preferred Embodiment
[0043] This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be read
in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part
of the entire written description of this invention. The drawing figures are
not
necessarily to scale and certain features of the invention may be shown
exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity
and conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as "horizontal,"
"vertical," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof
(e.g.,
"horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer
to the
orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under
discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and
normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including
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"inwardly" versus "outwardly," "longitudinal" versus "latera!" and the like
are to
be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation,
or an
axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms conceming attachments,
coupling and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a
relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either
directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable
or
rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The
term "operatively connected" is such an attachment, coupling or connection
that
allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that
relationship. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover
the structures described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written
description or drawings for perForming the recited function, including not
only
structural equivalents but also equivalent structures.
[0044] Referring to Figs. 1-3, a new and improved storage and
organization system 5 is provided comprising a perforated panel 8, storage
cabinets 10, bench 12, drawers 13, and shelves 15. Storage system 5 is
modular in construction such that various combinations of shelves, drawers,
and
cabinets may be arranged as needed or dictated by its position within a
building,,
e.g., a residential garage, tool shed, or basement area. Storage cabinets 10,
bench 12, drawers 13, and shelves 15 are typically formed of common furniture
construction materials, e.g., various metals, woods, or polymers. Perforated
panel 8 comprises a planer sheet of material, preferably formed of a polymer
or
metal, and having a plurality of regularly shaped perforations 9, disposed in
a
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regular pattern throughout the panel. Perforations 9 are each preferably
formed
in perforated panel 8 so as to be defined by a circumferential edge, often
forming a rectangular or square opening in panel 8. Perforated panel 8 is
typically about one quarter to one half of an inch thick, and in modules about
two to three feet wide. Of course, it will be understood that perforated panel
8
may have various lengths and widths, depending upon the size of storage
system 5. Fixtures (not shown) for providing electric, gas, or pneumatic
outlets
may also be positioned anywhere within storage system 5, as well as
appliances, e.g., refrigerators or the like.
[0045] Referring to Figs. 1-4, perforated panel 8 is arranged above bench
12 so that a plurality of item holders 20 may be positioned on the front
surface
of perforated panel B. For convenience in this specification, the term "item
holder" will be used to represent a type of fixture that is attachable to
perforated
panel 8 by insertion of an element into at least one of perforations 9 and
used to
hold various implements, i.e., hand tools, garden tools, instruments, wires,
cables, display objects (such as packages, blister display packs, vacuum
display packs, loose hardware or household items, grocery items, department or
variety store items, and shelves, pictures, wire frames, and the like. In one
preferred embodiment, item holder 20 comprises a shelf 26 held to perforated
panel 8, via shelf-brackets 30.
[0046] Refening to Figs. 5 and 6, shelf-brackets 30 comprise a
circumferential flange 31 having a top surface 32, an outward face 36, a
bottom
34, and an inner wall 35. A lower web 38 is positioned between outward face
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36, bottom 34, and inner wall 35. Shelf-brackets 30 are preferably formed from
an injection moldable polymer, but may also be formed from metal or other
materials as desired. A plurality of openings 39 are defined through lower web
38, often having varying diameters. An upper web 40 is positioned between top
surface 32 and lower web 38. A ledge 44 projects outwardly in circumferential
surrounding relation to upper web 40, thereby separating upper web 40 from
lower web 38 and forming a receptacle portion for receiving an end edge of
shelf 26. A plurality of holes 46 are defined through upper web 40. An upper
panel-catch 48 and a lower panel-catch 49 project outwardly from the outer
lo surface of inner wall 35. Each of upper panel-catch 48 and lower panel-
catch
49 comprise a substantially "hook" shape having a lock-tab 52 projecting
toward
the outer surface of inner wall 35.
[0047] Adjacent to lower panel-catch 49 is a lock-release latch 50,
including a lock-release cantilever 54 that projects from an end of inner wall
35.
A lock-release tab 56 is positioned at the free end of lock-release cantilever
54.
A recessed wall 58 is positioned in spaced relation to lock-release cantilever
54,
so as to provide a recess within shelf-bracket 30 into which lock-release
cantilever 54 may deflect.
[0048] Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, shelf 26 comprises end edges 60, a top
support surface 63, a nose 65, a panel flange 67, and a semi-tubular
receptacle
68. More particularly, shelf 26 comprises a substantially channel shape, and
may be formed by extrusion of a suitable metal or polymer, e.g., aluminum or
polyvinyl chloride. Top support surface 63 separates nose 65 from panel flange
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67 such that each forms a longitudinal edge of shelf 26. Nose 65 and panel
flange 67 are arranged in spaced parallel relation to one another. Receptacle
68
projects downwardly from the underside of top support surface 63 in spaced
relation to the inner surfaces of nose 65 and panel flange 67. A slot 69 is
-5 defined between an upper flange 70 that projects outwardly from the
underside
of shelf 26, and a lower flange 71 that projects upwardly from an end of a
wall
72 that is arranged in spaced relation to upper flange 70 so as to define
receptacle 68. Slot 69 extends longitudinally along the length of receptacle
68,
with upper flange 70 and lower flange 71 typically arranged in coplanar spaced
relation to one another.
[0049] Referring to Fig. 9, item holder 20 is assembled to perforated
panel 8 in the following manner. A shelf-bracket 30 is positioned on each end
of
shelf 26 so that upper web 40 is disposed in aligned confronting relation to
an
end edge 60 of shelf 26. In this position, face 36 of each shelf-bracket 30
extends downwardly from nose 65 of shelf 26. Each sheif-bracket 30 is then
moved toward its respective end edge 60, until shelf 26 engages upper web 40.
Once assembled, screws (not shown) may be inserted through holes 46 in
upper web 40 and into semi-circular receptacles 73 so as to retain shelf-
brackets 30 to shelf 26.
[0050] Once item holder 20 is fully assembled, it may be positioned
anywhere on perforated panel 8 in the following manner. Each panel-catch 48,
49 of each shelf-bracket 30 is positioned in coaxial aligned relation with a
corresponding set of four perforations 9 in perforated panel 8. In this
position,
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lock-release tab 56 is positioned in confronting relation to the front surface
of
perforated panel 8, directly above the perforation 9 with which its
corresponding
lower panel-catch 49 is aligned. Once in this position, item holder 20 is
moved
toward perforated panel 8 until upper panel-catches 48 enter, pass through,
and
occupy their respective perforation 9. As this occurs, lower panel-catches 49
enter, pass through, and occupy their respective perforations 9. At the same
time, lock-release tab 56 engages the front surface of perforated panel 8
directly
adjacent to the perforation 9 that is occupied by lower panel-catch 49.
[0051] Once in this position, item holder 20 is moved toward perforated
1o panel 8 until the outer surface of inner wall 35 engages the outer surface
of
perforated panel 8. In this position, panel-catches 48 and 49 are fully
inserted
within perforations 9, and lock-release latch 50 is deflected inwardly, toward
recessed wall 58 of shelf-bracket 30. Item holder 20 is then moved downwardly,
so that lock-tabs 52 move across the edge of perforated panel 8 that defines
perforation 9, and into engagement with the rear surface of perforated panel 8
(as shown in Fig. 9). As this occurs, lock-release tab 56 of lock-release
latch 50
slides along the front surface of perforated panel 8, and across the
peripheral
edge of perforation 9 into which lower panel-catch 49 has been previously
inserted. As this occurs, lock-release cantilever 54 is released so as to move
outwardly, away from recessed wall 58, such that lock-release tab 56 slides
along the edge of perforated panel 8 that defines perforation 9, so as to
secure
shelf-bracket 30 in locked engagement with perforated panel 8. In order to
remove item holder 20, it is necessary only to deflect lock-release cantilever
54
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inwardly, toward recessed wall 58 and move item holder 20 upwardly relative to
perforated panel 8. In this way, when lock-release tabs 56 disengage from
their
respective perforations 9, both shelf-brackets 30 may be slid outwardly,
disengaging lock tabs 52, so that item holder 20 may be pulled from its
position
on perforated panel 8.
[0052] Item holder 20 may be used as a conventional shelf with various
items being placed on top support surface 63. However, items may also be held
beneath shelf 26, or on hooks 80 that are directly supported by perforated
panel
8, so as to advantageously store additional items. Referring to Figs. 10 and
11,
1o hook 80 comprises a shank 82, a support arm 84, and a catch 86. More
particularly, shank 82 and support arm 84 form a conventional hook of the type
known for hanging tools and other items. Hook 80 may be formed from any of
the well known polymer or metal materials that are known to exhibit good
spring
characteristics.
[0053] Catch 86 comprises a stop tab 88 and a cantilevered strap 92 that
are located adjacent to a top portion 87 of shank 82. Stop 88 includes a nose
93, a pair of inclined surfaces forming a ramp 94, and a shoulder surface 95
so
as to form a wedge-shaped tab. A first end 96 of cantilevered strap 92
projects
outwardly from shoulder surface 95 and a second end 97 of cantilevered strap
92 projects outwardly from top portion 87 of shank 82, so that cantilevered
strap
92 comprises a curved profile. Cantilevered strap 92 may have a variety of
cross-sectional shapes, e.g., rectangular, circular, elliptical, etc., so long
as a
fully elastic spring is created by the structure of the strap. A transverse
slot 98
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is defined through the underside of cantilevered strap 92 between top portion
87
of shank 82 and second end 97 of cantilevered strap 92. Slot 98 is sized and
shaped to accept a portion of lower flange 71 of receptacle 68.
[0054] Hook 80 may be assembled to any perforation 9 within perforated
panel 8, as shown in Fig. 11. More particularly, hook 80 is arranged adjacent
to
perforated panel 8, such that support arm 84 is directed away from the outer
surface of perforated panel 8 and cantilevered strap 92 is arranged in
coaxially
aligned, confronting relation to a perforation 9 (Fig. 11). Ramp 94 of stop 88
is
then depressed, deflecting cantilevered strap 92 such that the underside of
stop
88 moves toward top portion 87 of shank 82. Once in this position, hook 80 is
moved toward perforation 9 until shoulder surface 95 engages the front surface
of perforated panel 8 that surrounds perforation 9, and the edge of perforated
panel 8 that defines a portion of perforation 9 engages slot 98 of catch 86.
Pressure is then released from ramp 94 so as to allow cantilevered strap 92 to
spring back towards its original, undeflected position, and thereby engage the
internal edges of perforated panel 8 that define perforation 9. In order to
remove catch 86 from perforated panel 8, it is only necessary to grip shank 82
and move it toward stop 88, once again deflecting cantilevered strap 92, and
thereby disengaging the edge of perforated panel 8 from slot 98. Once
cantilevered strap 92 is deflected, hook 80 may be withdrawn from perforated
panel 8.
[0055] Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, hook 80 may also be assembled to
receptacle 68 of shelf 26 in the following manner. Hook 80 is arranged
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to receptacle 68 such that support arm 84 is directed away from the outer
surface of perforated panel 8 and cantilevered strap 92 is arranged in
coaxially
aligned, confronting relation to slot 69. Ramp 94 of stop 88 is then
depressed,
deflecting cantilevered strap 92 such that the underside of stop 88 moves
toward the top portion of shank 82. Once in this position, hook 80 is moved
toward slot 69 until shoulder surface 95 engages the front surface of upper
flange 70 and the upper edge of lower flange 71 engages slot 98. Once in this
position, pressure is released from ramp 94 so as to allow cantilevered strap
92
to spring back towards its original, undeflected position, and thereby engage
the
edges of upper flange 70 and lower flange 71 that define slot 69. In order to
remove hook 80 from receptacle 68, it is only necessary to grip shank 82 and
move it toward stop 88, once again deflecting cantilevered strap 92, and
disengaging the edge of lower flange 71 from slot 98. Once cantilevered strap
92 is deflected, hook 80 may be withdrawn from slot 69.
10056] Referring to Figs. 12, 14, 15, and 16, a container 100 may also be
positioned on the underside of item holder 20. More particularly, container
100
comprises an open-ended receptacle having a front cantilevered latch 105a and
a rear cantilevered latch 105b. Each cantilevered latch 105a, 105b comprises a
shoulder 106, and a pair of spaced apart cam ears 107. Each cam ear 107 also
includes a front ramp 108. Adjacent to each cam ear 107, on container 100 are
upwardly projecting stops 109. Container 100 may assembled to the underside
of shelf 26 through the interaction of cantilevered latches 105a, 105b with
portions of shelf 26.
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[0057a Referring to Figs. 17, 18, and 19, a roll of material, e.g., paper
towels, wrapping paper, plastic wrap, etc., may be suspended between shelf-
brackets 30 and below shelf 26 for convenient access. More particularly, a rod
118 comprises a pair of supports 120 positioned at each end. Rod 118 is
inserted through the roll of material, and supports 120 are inserted into
support
openings 39 within lower web 38 of each shelf-bracket 30.
[0058] Item holder 20 may also comprise a shelf 126 including a hand
tool holder 130 that supports hand tools, e.g., screwdrivers, nut drivers,
awls,
pliers, hand socket wrenches, etc., in an upright, vertical orientation, so as
to
improve the esthetics and accessibility of the tools (Figs. 20-24).
[0059] More particularly, tool holder 130 is positioned within shelf 126,
and comprises a top 132, a bottom 134, and a plurality of tubes 138 that are
positioned between top 132 and bottom 134. A pair of disk-shaped flexible tobl
support members 140 are positioned in top 132 and bottom 134, and within
each tube 138. Each disk-shaped flexible tool support member 140 comprises
a pluraiity of resilient fingers 141, with each finger often comprising a
triangular
shape having a tip 142 and a base 143. Each finger 141 is oriented so that its
tip 142 is directed radially inwardly toward the central axis of tube 138.
Fingers
141 are normally arranged in coplanar relation to one another. A radially
extending space or gap 144 is defined between each finger 141, along their
respective lengths, with tips 142 positioned in spaced relation to one another
and in coaxial relation to a longitudinal axis of each tube 138. A central
aperture 145 is defined by tips 142.
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[0060] When a tool, e.g., screwdriver 129 in Figs. 4 and 23, is inserted
through tool holder 130, its shaft enters central opening 145 and engages tips
142 of fingers 141. Fingers 141, in turn, deflect downwardly while at the same
time exerting a force against the shaft sufficient to hold the tool between
fingers
141 so that the tool does not wobble or flop over, and is therefore in an
upright
position, readily accessible. It will be understood that fingers 141 do not
necessarily have to be arranged in a circular pattern, but may also comprise,
e.g., an oval 146, as shown in Fig. 24. Also, numerous holders 130 may be
positioned within shelf 126, as needed. Moreover, shelf 126 is assembled to
1o shelf-brackets 130 and perforated panel 8 in the same way that shelf 26 is
assembled to shelf-brackets 30 and perforated panel 8.
[0061] . Referring to Figs. 25 - 33, altemative item holders may be used in
connection with storage system 5. For example, a bracket receptacle 147 that
is substantially identical to receptacle 68 may be formed as a stand-alone
device and appended from perforated panel 8 (Figs. 25 and 26). Bracket
receptacle 147 includes a slot 69 that is defined between an upper flange 70
and a lower flange 71 that each project outwardly from a base plate 151. Base
plate 151 may be supported upon perforated panel 8 by fasteners that engage
perforations 9, e.g., by catch 86. Slot 69 extends longitudinally along the
length
of bracket receptacle 147, with upper flange 70 and lower flange 71 typically
arranged in coplanar spaced relation to one another.
[0062] Hook 80 may also be assembled to receptacle 147 in the following
manner. Hook 80 is arranged adjacent to bracket receptacle 147 such that
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support arm 84 is directed away from the outer surface of perforated panel 8
and cantilevered strap 92 is arranged in coaxially aligned, confronting
relation to
slot 69. Ramp 94 of stop 88 is then depressed, deflecting cantilevered strap
92
such that the underside of stop 88 moves toward the top portion of shank 82.
Once in this position, hook 80 is moved toward slot 69 until shoulder surface
95
engages the front surface of upper flange 70 and the upper edge of lower
flange
71 engages slot 98. Once in this position, pressure is released from ramp 94
so
as to allow cantilevered strap 92 to spring back towards its original,
undeflected
position and thereby engage the edges of upper flange 70 and lower flange 71
1o that define slot 69. In order to remove hook 80 from bracket receptacle
147, it is
only necessary to grip shank 82 and move it toward stop 88, once again
deflecting cantilevered strap 92, and disengaging the edge of lower flange 71
from slot 98. Once cantilevered strap 92 is deflected, hook 80 may be
withdrawn from slot 69.
[0063] Referring to Fig. 27, a post bracket 148 or receptacle bracket 149
may be held in place on perforated panel 8 by lock buttons 150 (Fig. 26). More
particularly, lock buttons 150 comprise a rectilinear cam 154, a face plate
156,
and a tool receptacle 158. Lock buttons 150 are sized, shaped, and arranged
so that cam 154 may be slidingly received within a perforation 9. More
particulariy, cam 54 is first positioned in coaxial-aligned relation with a
correspondingly shaped perforation 19, positioned within post bracket 148 or
receptacle bracket 149. Both lock button 150, post bracket 148 or receptacle
bracket 149 are then positioned in engaged relation with perforated panel 8,
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such that perforations 9 and 19 are coaxially aligned. Once in this position,
lock
button 150 is inserted through perforations 9 and 19, with rectilinear cam 154
oriented so as to correspond with the profile of perforations 9 and 19 . Once
inserted through perforations 9 and 19, face plate 156 is rotated, clockwise
or
counter-clockwise, by a tool inserted within tool mount 158, such that cam 154
rotates out of alignment with the internal edges of perforated panel 8 that
define
perforations 9 and 19.
[0064] Post bracket 148 may have a plurality of outwardly projecting
posts, hooks, clamps, or a magnetic strip 160 (shown in Fig. 4 in connection
1o with shelf 26) for hanging various tools or materials, as needed. Likewise,
such
means for hanging tools may also be combined with shelves 26 or 126, as
desired. Receptacle bracket 149 includes a hook 162 that is adapted to engage
a corresponding hook on an open faced receptacle 168, that may be hung from
receptacle bracket 148. Likewise, an angled shelf 170 may be assembled to
perforated panel 8 via lock buttons 150 in a similar manner (Fig. 28).
[0065] Referring to Figs. 29 and 30, other item holders can be used in
connection with storage system 5, such as dual hook support 180, or basket
182. More particularly, dual hook support 180 comprises a pair of hooks 184
that project outwardly from a back plate 186. A tab latch 187 projects
downwardly from a bottom portion of back plate 186, and a latch cantilever 188
projects from a top of back plate 186. Dual hook 180 is assembled to
perforated
panel 8 by first inserting tab latch 187 into a perforation 9 of perforated
panel 8.
Back plate 186 is then pivoted about tab latch 187 until cantilever latch 188
is
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deflected into engagement with a corresponding perforation 9 in perforated
panel 8.
[0066] Basket 182 is formed from a resilient polymer, and comprises a
curved shell 183 having lower support tabs 190 projecting downwardly from a
bottom surface and latch ears 192 projecting outwardly from the upper corner
portions. To assemble basket 182 to perforated panel 8, latch ears 192 are
deflected inwardly by pressing on the side walls of basket 182, while tabs 190
are inserted into respective holes 9. Basket 182 is then pivoted on tabs 190
until latch ears 192 are received within corresponding perforations 9. Once
latch ears 192 are inserted within perforations 9, basket 182 is released,
allowing latch ears 192 to spring outwardly into engagement with perforated
panel 8.
[0067] It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means
limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed and shown in the
drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope
of the claims.
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