Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02844376 2014-02-28
MODULAR HANGING STORAGE TRACKS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The invention generally relates to mountable supports used to
support
storage containers.
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Many people use plastic containers to store items when the items
are not in
use. Storage containers may contain holiday decorations, winter clothes,
sports equipment, or
other items that are not used on a daily basis. Storage containers are often
stacked on top of
each other making it difficult to access the lower containers. When stacked,
they tend to
physically deform due to the excessive weight placed on top of them. Most
storage
containers are not designed to bear significant weight and withstand a
sustained vertical load.
Stacked storage containers can also be an unstable safety hazard when children
play on or
around the containers. Shelves and shelving units may be used to house storage
containers.
Shelves allow the containers to be raised off the ground and reduce the
vertical load applied
to each container. However, there are significant drawbacks to placing storage
containers on
shelves and shelving units. Even if most of the containers are raised off the
ground, the
shelves still take up valuable floor space. The shelves are also prone to
collecting dust and
dirt. Similar to the stacked containers, shelves are susceptible to being
knocked over possibly
injuring playing children. Keeping precariously positioned objects out of
reach of small
children is a significant concern of parents.
[0003] Some Do It Yourself ("DIY") projects do exist that allow
containers to be
mounted to the ceiling of a garage. These projects are typically made of wood
and are
assembled by the user. Completing these projects requires the user to have the
proper power
tools on hand, be familiar engineering principles, and have the proper
knowledge and skill to
safely assemble the wooden components. Even if these projects are safely
completed, many
are unsightly and some downright ugly. Furthermore, the fact that they are
made from wood
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reduces their performance due to the increased friction created by the wood
surfaces when a
container is slid across them.
[0004] Other
inventions have sought to solve the problem of how to create storage
space on or adjacent the ceiling of a room. For instance, the system described
in the US
2008/0036341 application uses mounting rails attached to a ceiling. However,
the shape of
the mounting rails is inferior for many reasons and does not sufficiently
solve the problem of
how to safely and efficiently create storage space on the ceiling of a room.
For example, the
system in the '341 application uses an "L"-shaped mounting rail that can be
twisted or
torqued when it is engaged with a storage container potentially spilling the
container to the
ground.
[0005] In
addition, the lateral thickness of the unit precludes the ability to serially
mount units directly onto standard spaced ceiling joists on the ceiling of a
home or garage
and still use common storage containers. More
specifically, storage containers are
manufactured by a wide variety of companies including Rubbermaid, Hefty, and
CONTICO
and come in generally standard sizes. A common sized plastic storage container
or tub has
typical dimensions of 16.5 inches tall, by 23.9 inches long by 15.9 inches
wide. If the
mounting structures are secured to standard 16 inch ceiling joists in standard
construction,
and the mounting structures are too thick, the container cannot be positioned
between the
mounting structures.
[0006] The
system described in US Patent 7,597,203 suffers from similar
fallbacks. In the '203 patent, the invention is a "rail-like storage unit"
that uses joined metal
rods. Since the head of the screw used to mount this system is so close to the
ceiling, the
screw adds no torsional support to the unit to resist torqueing of the
structure when under
load by the container. Instead, the system relies solely on the metal rods to
prevent the unit
from becoming dangerously displaced during application of a storage container.
In addition,
the mounting elements are also wide which preclude these elements from being
mounted on
standard spaced joist and accommodating the commonly available and dimensioned
storage
containers currently on the market. Finally, if the mounting screw is not
perfectly tight, the
unit will have a tendency to wobble, increasing the risk of a storage
container falling.
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[0007] The public would benefit from a system that utilizes otherwise
wasted
space in their homes that is economical, easily installed, prefabricated, and
versatile. This
application seeks to address these concerns and desires by presenting an
invention that is
ready to install out of the box, is may be used in multiple formats, and
integrates well with
common home structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The storage system described herein is unique because it solves
the
problem of where to safely store storage containers, and does so using a safe
and easy to use
mountable track. The track is designed to be mounted on the ceiling of a room,
such as in a
garage or basement, and may be used with standard storage containers found in
local supply
stores.
[0009] In one embodiment for a hanger track assembly for storage
containers, the
storage containers include walls that define an interior space accessed by an
opening and a
flange having a height and a bottom surface. The flange is formed about the
opening in such
a way that the outer dimensions of the walls are less than the outer
dimensions of the flange.
The assembly comprises a first and second pre-formed hanger track that are
each integrally
formed. The first and second hanger tracks each include a planar surface that
extends in a
lengthwise direction and is contoured to be mounted to and to extend
substantially parallel to
a ceiling in a lengthwise direction. Each hanger track also comprises a
vertical support that
extends outward from the planar surface a distance that is greater than or
equal to the height
of the flange, and at least one retention surface that extends laterally
outward from the
vertical support a selected distance so that the bottom surface of the flange
is retained on the
retention surface when the first and second hanger tracks are mounted
horizontally.
[0010] The first and second pre-formed hanger tracks may be formed of
extruded
plastic. The vertical supports may comprise two wall members that define an
opening in the
vertical support. If the hanging tracks comprise an opening, the opening may
be sized so as
to receive a member such as a mounting bracket extending horizontally from a
wall in such a
manner so as to retain the first or second vertical support in a substantially
horizontal
position.
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[0011.] An embodiment of the hanger track may have a vertical support
that is of
such a width so as to be mounted on standard joists positioned approximately
16 inches apart
on center, and still be able to retain a standard size container between the
two hanger tracks.
In some embodiments the vertical support may be less than 1/2 inches. The
length of some
embodiments of the hanger tracks may be between 25 and 27 inches and the
vertical supports
of some embodiments may extend between 1.5 and 2.5 inches from the planar
surface.
[0012] In some embodiments a securing surface is formed adjacent the
retention
surfaces, with the securing surface, the vertical support, and the planar
surface being
dimensioned so as to receive fasteners. The hanger tracks can be mounted to a
ceiling by
attaching fasteners through the securing surface, the vertical support, and
the planar surface,
and into part of the ceiling.
[0013] The hanger tracks may be mounted to joists such that the hanger
tracks are
substantially parallel to the joists. Alternatively, the hanger tracks may be
mounted to joists
such that the hanger tracks are parallel to each other, but at a different
angle with respect to
the joists. The joists may be 16 inches or 24 inches on center, or may be
separated by another
distance was well.
[0014] In another embodiment, two or more boards are mounted to joists
of a
ceiling, with the boards being substantially parallel to each other. In
addition, two or more
hanging tracks are mounted to the boards. In some embodiments the boards are
mounted at
right angles to the joist or the hanging brackets are mounted at right angles
to the boards.
[0015] The hanger track assembly may further comprise a first and
second vertical
mounting surface supporting a first and second mounting bracket respectively.
The first
mounting bracket may engage the first hanger track and the second mounting
bracket may
engage the second hanger track, such that the hanger tracks are substantially
parallel to each
other and positioned substantially horizontal.
[0016] Some embodiments of the hanger track may include a rail with a
trapezoidal cross-section that comprises at least one retention surface that
is positioned to
retain at least a portion of the flange. In addition, some embodiments may
comprise a planar
surface that is only present on one side of the vertical support.
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[0017] In one method of storing storage container, the containers
include walls
that define an interior space accessed by an opening as well as a flange that
has a height and a
bottom surface. The flange is formed about the opening such that the outer
dimensions of the
walls are less than the outer dimensions of the flange. The method comprises
the steps of:
mounting a first hanger track extending substantially horizontal; mounting a
second hanger
track substantially horizontal, wherein the distance between an edge of the
retention surface
of the first hanger track is at a selected distance from an edge of the
retention surface of the
second hanger track, and the selected distance is greater than the distance
between the walls
of the container but less than the outer dimensions of the flange; positioning
the container
adjacent the end of the first and second hanger tracks; and sliding the
container so that the
bottom surface of the flange of the container is positioned on the retention
surfaces of the
first and second hanger tracks so that the container is suspended from the
first and second
hanger tracks.
[0018] The method may further comprise the steps of: mounting the
first hanger
track to a first joist; and mounting the second hanger track to a second
joist, wherein the
second hanger track is substantially parallel to the first hanger track.
[0019] The method may further comprise the steps of: mounting the
first hanger
track to a first and second joist; mounting the second hanger track to the
first and second
joist, such that the second hanger track is substantially parallel to the
first hanger track.
[0020] The method may further comprise the steps of: mounting a first
board to a
first and second joist; mounting a second board to the first and second joist;
mounting the
first hanger track to the first and second board; and mounting the second
hanger track to the
first and second board, wherein the second hanger track is substantially
parallel to the first
hanger track.
[0021] The method may further comprise the steps of: mounting the
first and
second boards at substantially right angles to the first and second joists;
and mounting the
first and second pre-formed hanger tracks at substantially right angles to the
first and second
boards.
[0022] Finally, the method may further comprise the steps of: coupling
a first
mounting bracket to a first vertical mounting surface; coupling a second
mounting bracket to
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a second vertical mounting surface; coupling the first pre-formed hanger track
with the first
mounting bracket; and coupling the second pre-formed hanger track with the
second
mounting bracket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Fig. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a first embodiment of a
storage
assembly installed on joists on the ceiling of a room, with storage containers
loaded thereon.
[0024] Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of a storage assembly and
storage of Fig. 1.
[0025] Figs. 3A-3C are a top exploded and assembled perspective view
of another
embodiment of a storage assembly that is mounted on a wall and extends
horizontally
outward from the wall.
[0026] Fig. 3B is a top perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 3A
after it is
engaged with a wall bracket.
[0027] Figs. 4A ¨ 4F are a top, bottom, side, end and cross sectional
views of an
embodiment of a storage member of the storage assembly of Figs. I and 3A.
[0028] Figs. 5A ¨ 5G are top, bottom, side, end and cross sectional
views of
another embodiment of a storage member of the storage assembly of Figs. 1 and
3A.
[0029] Fig. 6A is a bottom perspective view of the member of storage
member
shown in Figs. 4A-4F.
[0030] Fig. 6B is a bottom perspective view of the storage member of
Figs. 5A-
5G.
[0031] Figs. 7A ¨ 7C are bottom views of an end of a storage member
illustrating
that the end can be contoured in different fashions.
[0032] Fig. 8 is a bottom view of how storage members can be attached
in parallel
to spaced ceiling joists.
[0033] Fig. 9 is a bottom view of how storage members can be attached
perpendicular to a collection of spaced ceiling joists.
[0034] Fig. 10 is a bottom view of how storage members can be attached
perpendicular to a collection of narrowly-spaced joists.
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[0035] Fig. 11 is a bottom view of how storage members can be attached
perpendicular to several straps that are attached perpendicular to a
collection of widely-
spaced joists.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] In Fig. 1, an embodiment of the track 100 is shown mounted to or
adjacent
the underside of a flat surface such as a ceiling of a building. The flat
surface may be part of
a garage, basement, storage room, or other part of a home, office, or storage
structure where
the user desires to increase storage space. The room may be finished (with
plywood,
sheetrock, or other board-like surface installed), unfinished (with exposed
joists, beams,
studs, or other structural components), or partially finished. Different
embodiments of the
invention allow the user to install the track 100 onto different portions of a
structure. It is
most desirable that the track 100 be installed onto a structural member that
can adequately
support the weight of the track 100, a container 82 supported by the track
100, and any cargo
included in, on, or as part of the container 82. In one embodiment (as
depicted in Fig. 1 as an
illustrative example), a plurality of tracks 100 are installed on a plurality
of joists 80 of a
garage. Containers 82 may be positioned and then suspended between the tracks
100 and
serve as storage space.
[0037] Fig. 2 shows a top perspective of a storage container 92
suspended
between two tracks 100. As discussed above, the storage container 92 is a
typical storage
container such as those available from Lowe's, Home Depot, or Wal-Mart and
have typical
dimensions of approximately 16.5 inches tall, by 23.9 inches long by 15.9
inches wide. In
one embodiment, the container 82 is a Rubbermaid 18-Gallon Roughneck Storage
Box
available at the above listed stores. It will, however, be appreciated that
the configuration
and dimensions of the system can be varied by those skilled in the art without
departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0038] By mounting the tracks 100 on or adjacent the ceiling or even
just in an
elevated fashion, storage containers 82 may be elevated and supported away
from the floor.
This location has many advantages. First, it allows the storage containers 82
to be removed
from the ground where dust and debris settle, in addition to water from an
occurrence such as
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a flood or broken pipe. Second, it allows the storage containers 82 to not be
stacked on top
of each other, thus preserving their structural integrity and allowing them to
be individually
accessed without disturbing other containers 82. Third, elevating the storage
containers 82
up off the ground keeps them out of reach of small children who can climb on
and get into
them, risking frustration, disorganization, and safety. Finally, locating the
storage containers
82 in an elevated fashion frees up valuable floor and wall space that may then
be used for a
multitude of other purposes.
[0039] In another application shown in Figs. 3A ¨ 3C, the track 100
may be
mounted on a wall 84, or another vertically extending structure so as to
extend horizontally
outward therefrom. In one embodiment. a wall 84 comprises a vertical strip 86
configured to
support a shelf bracket 90 in a well-known manner. The shelf bracket 90
attaches to the
vertical strip 86 and extends horizontally. One embodiment of the track 100
comprises a
vertical support 106 with an opening 112 that will be described in greater
detail herein below.
The track 100 may be able to horizontally slide over the shelf bracket 90,
towards the wall
84, with the shelf bracket 90 being inserted into the opening 112 within the
track 100. If the
shelf bracket 90 is long enough, it may emerge from the opposite end of the
track 100.
Repeating this with another track 100 on another shelf bracket 90 attached to
another vertical
strip 86 in the manner shown in Fig. 3C may create two tracks 100 being
horizontally level
and parallel and create a system to support a storage container 82 in an
elevated fashion off of
the floor so that the storage container 82 extends outward from the wall 84 in
a cantilevered
fashion. This may be repeated vertically utilizing the same vertical strips 86
to maximize the
space savings. The track 100 is designed to work in conjunction with readily
available shelf
brackets 90, which are available at most home improvement stores, making
implementation
of the track 100 simple.
[0040] Referring now to Figs. 4A ¨ 4F and 6A, one embodiment of a
track 100
will now be described. The track 100 comprises a base 102, a rail 104, and a
vertical support
106. In one embodiment, the base 102 is relatively flat and thin and extends
laterally from
the center of the base 102. When this embodiment is mounted to a portion of a
ceiling or
joist 80 or other structural support member in the manner shown in Fig. 1, the
width of the
base 102 provides stability and resistance to torque when a container 82 is
inserted in
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between two tracks 100. More specifically, the weight of the storage container
82 exerts a
downward force against the rail 104 inducing a rotational force against the
rail 104.
However, the base 102 extends laterally outward from the centerline of the
track 100 and the
engagement of the laterally extending portions of the base member 102 against
the joist
resists the rotational forces induced by the weight of the storage container
82.
[0041] As shown in Figs. 4A ¨ 4F and 6A, the rail 104 has two
generally flat
retention surfaces 105a, 105b that may accommodate a flange 107 (See, Figs. 1
and 2) of the
container 82, but other profiles may suffice. A flat surface, however, allows
for the storage
containers 82 to be easily slid along the rail 104. The bottom surface 109 of
the rail 104 may
comprise many shapes. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the rail 104 has
angled sides
and a generally flat bottom, forming a trapezoidal shape. This profile allows
for structural
stability but with minimal material used. If the rail 104 was a single flat
piece with the no
difference in height between the middle and the edges, the strength of the
rail 104 would be
decreased and there would be a greater probability of failure of the rail 104,
resulting in the
suspended container 82 becoming dislodged and possibly injuring the user. By
forming the
rail 104 in a trapezoid or similar shape, a second piece of material is added
to help support
the suspended container 82. Moreover, the edge 113 of the rail is then
reinforced with more
material which makes the edge less susceptible to bending due to the weight of
the storage
container 82 over time. The rail 104 may be solid or may contain an opening
110 depending
on the application or other criteria. If the rail 104 contains an opening 110,
another
component may be inserted into this area to provide for greater structural
integrity. A rail
104 comprising an opening 110 may also comprise a gap 116. Such a gap 116 may
be
located on the upper surface 119 of the opening 110 and continue along at
least part of the
length of the rail 104.
[0042] The vertical support 106 connects the base 102 to the rail 104
and may
comprise an opening 112 through at least part of the vertical support 106. In
some
embodiments the opening 112 may be used to mount the track 100 close to a wall
84 or other
structure that contains a horizontally extended support member in the manner
described
above in conjunction with Fig.'s 3A ¨ 3C. In other embodiments, the vertical
support 106
may be solid or may be comprise a second material. The vertical support 106 is
relatively
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thin in width in order to allow adjacent containers 82 to be stored as closely
as possible to
each other. This system works well with common storage containers and common
home
structures as will be described later on. However, the thickness of the
vertical support 106
may be increased depending on the size of the containers 82 used. The smaller
the containers
82, the thicker the vertical support 106 can be. However, to facilitate
mounting a standard
storage container 82 having the dimensions discussed above on joists that are
spaced on 16
inch centers, the thickness of the vertical supports 106 should preferably be
less than 1/2" and
may be 1/4" or less. If the vertical support 106 is too thick, it cannot
accommodate the
commonly available storage containers while the rails 100 are mounted to
standard 16 inch
spaced joists which would necessitate the addition of additional mounting
structures in the
manner that will be described in greater detail below.
[0043] Figs. 4A-F and 6A depict one embodiment where the base 102 and
rail
104 are on both lateral sides of the vertical support 106 and can thus
accommodate storage
containers 82 on each of the retention surfaces 105a and 105b in the manner
shown in Fig. 1.
Figs. 5A-G and 68 depict an embodiment 100 where the base 102 and rail 104 are
only on
one lateral side of the vertical support 106 and have only a single mounting
surface 105a.
The first embodiment of the track 100 is useful for when a storage container
82 will be placed
on both sides of the track 100 since the rail 104 can accommodate two separate
containers 82.
The second embodiment of the track 100 is useful for when only one storage
container 82
will be suspended thereon. The second embodiment may be useful for when a
storage
container is to be positioned adjacent a wall. The second embodiment may also
be used to
support the last container 82 in a row of containers 82 when the user prefers
a more finished
look in the manner shown in Fig. 1. By omitting part of the base 102 and rail
104, the
exposed side is clean-looking and does not have extraneous parts exposed. In
yet another
embodiment, the base 102 is on both lateral sides of the vertical support 106,
but the rail 104
is only on one side of the vertical support 106.
[0044] Figs. 4A and B show the top and bottom of one embodiment with
the base
102 having a generally rectangular shape. Pre-formed holes 114 are disposed
towards the
middle of the base 102. In the depicted embodiment the ends of the rail 104
are rounded to
reduce sharp edges and to help guide a storage container 82 into the correct
position during
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use. Fig. 4C shows the side of one embodiment with the vertical support 106
connecting the
rail 104 to the base 102. The vertical support 106 may have holes or other
openings that
communicate one side of the embodiment to the other side (not shown).
[0045] Fig. 4D shows an end of the track 100. As depicted and as
discussed
above, this embodiment comprises an opening 110 in the rail 104 and an opening
112 the
vertical support 106. Other embodiments may lack either or both of these
openings.
Viewing the track 100 from the opposite end may look substantially similar to
the end view
shown. Fig. 4E shows a cross-section of an embodiment that comprises an
opening 110 in
the rail 104, an opening 112 in the vertical support 106, and a fastener 94
disposed vertically
in the track 100. Fig. 4F shows a cross-section of an embodiment that lacks
openings in both
the rail 104 and the vertical support 106.
[0046] In one embodiment the cross-section of the track 100 is
substantially
uniform throughout its length. In another embodiment, the cross-section of the
track 100 is
not uniform throughout its length. One difference in cross-section may be due
to pre-formed
holes 114 disposed vertically in the track 100, extending from the rail 104
through the
vertical support 106 and through the base 102. The pre-formed holes 114 may be
created
during the initial manufacturing process, or may be created at a later stage.
In one
embodiment, the pre-formed holes 114 are drilled after the track has been
initially formed.
[0047] The pre-formed holes 114 that extend from the rail 104 through
the base
102 accommodate a fastener 94 that adds torsional rigidity to the track 100.
Some other
systems are mounted to the ceiling of a room using a screw that only contacts
the very top of
the unit. In those systems, the minimal contact of the screw with the mounted
unit means
that if the screw is not tightened securely, the mounted unit will wobble from
side to side.
Even if the unit is securely attached to the ceiling, the only material
between where the screw
attaches to where the container rests is the mounting unit itself. However,
referring to Fig.
4D, a screw is inserted through a bottom most surface 117 of the rail 104, a
surface 119 that
is interposed between the rail 104 and the vertical member 106 and the base
member 102.
Thus, a screw in the instant embodiment reinforces the interconnection between
the various
components of the track 100. Such a fastener 94, which contacts the rail 104,
and may
contact the vertical support 106 or the base 102, adds rigidity to the track
100. Since the
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fastener 94 contacts the track 100 in multiple locations, the track 100 is
prevented from
rotating independently of the fastener 94.
[0048] Figs. SA and B show the top and bottom of the embodiment of the
track
100 discussed above suitable for mounting adjacent a wall or as an end member
where part of
the base 102 and rail 104 are omitted. Here, pre-formed holes 114 are located
towards the
edge of the base 102 and the holes 114 extend through the vertical support 106
and rail 104.
Fig. SC shows a first side of this embodiment of the track or support member
100. As shown
from this viewpoint, the track 100 may be indistinguishable from an embodiment
that does
not omit portions of the base 102 and rail 104 (e.g.. Fig. 4C). Fig. SD shows
a second side of
an embodiment where part of the support member 100 has been omitted. As shown
from this
viewpoint, the base 102 and rail 104 are on the far side and are not visible.
This embodiment
is most beneficial when used at the end of a row of containers 82, such as up
against a wall.
Alternatively, the user may prefer to have the track 100 at the end of a row
to have a cleaner
more finished look. By omitting portions of the base 102 and rail 104,
unnecessary parts of
the track 100 are removed resulting in a more professional appearance.
[0049] Fig. SE is an end view of an embodiment of the track 100. As
depicted,
this embodiment comprises an opening 110 in the rail 104 and an opening 112 in
the vertical
support 106. Other embodiments may lack either or both of these openings.
Viewing the
track 100 from the opposite end may look substantially similar to a mirror
image of the end
view shown. Fig. SF shows a cross-section of an embodiment with part of the
base 102 and
rail 104 omitted that comprises an opening 110 in the rail 104, an opening 112
in the vertical
support 106, and a fastener 94 disposed vertically in the track 100. The cross-
section of the
track 100 is generally uniform throughout the length of the track 100, but
deviations from the
depicted cross-section may be present without the utility of the track 100
being affected. Fig.
5G shows a cross-section of an embodiment that lacks the openings in both the
rail 104 and
the vertical support 106. The track 100 mounts with fasteners 94 in the same
fashion as
described above with the track 100.
[0050] Fig. 7A shows the bottom of an embodiment where an end of the
rail 104
has been rounded at the corners. The corners of the rail 104 may be rounded to
save material,
reduce sharp edges, or to help guide the container 82 into the track 100
during use. Fig. 7B
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shows the bottom of an embodiment where the end of the rail 104 has not been
rounded at the
corners (similar to embodiment in Fig. 6A). Fig. 7C shows the bottom of an
embodiment
where an end of the rail 104 has mitered or angled corners. These embodiments
are only
included as illustrative examples of how an end of the rail 104 can be
modified to better suit
various applications and criteria. Other embodiments may be possible.
[0051] The tracks 100 may be made in various lengths. In one
embodiment the
track 100 is between 6 inches and 6 feet long. In another embodiment, the
track 100 is
between 18 inches and 30 inches long. Similarly, the base 102 may be made in
various
widths. In one embodiment the base 102 is between 0.75 inches and 6 inches
wide. In
another embodiment the base 102 is between 2 inches and 3.5 inches wide. Next,
the vertical
support 106 may be made in various widths (as measured from one side of the
vertical
support to the other side of the vertical support). In one embodiment the
vertical support 106
is between 1/8 inches and 1/2 inches thick. Finally, the track 100 may be made
in various
heights (as measured from the top of the base 102 to the bottom of the rail
104). In one
embodiment the track 100 is between 1 inch and 8 inches high. In another
embodiment the
track 100 is between 1.5 and 3 inches high.
[0052] The track 100 may be made from a variety of materials, which
may
include plastics, metals, or wood. Additionally, the track 100 may be
comprised of more than
one type of material depending on the application. In one embodiment, the
track 100 is
comprised of plastic. An embodiment comprising a plastic rail 104 may have two
generally
flat retention surfaces 105a, 105b that are relatively friction-resistant,
making it easier for a
user to slide part of a container 82 across the surfaces 105a, 105b of the
rail 104. In another
embodiment, the track 100 is made from a first material and part of the rail
104 comprises a
second material such that the rail 104 has reduced friction even through the
rest of the track
100 may be comprised of a different material.
[0053] The track 100 may be made by standard manufacturing techniques.
If the
track 100 comprises plastic, it may be extruded and then cut to the desired
length or may be
made by injection molding to the finished size. In one embodiment the track
100 is created
by extruding plastic to create an integrally formed unit. After the track has
been initially
formed, pre-formed holes 114 may be added in various locations. Other
manufacturing
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CA 02844376 2014-02-28
techniques may be added, substituted, or combined and still produce the same
results. If the
track 100 comprises metal, it may be extruded and then cut to the desired
length, cast as a
single piece, or may be assembled using separate parts.
[0054] The track 100 may be installed in any manner that adequately
affixes the
track 100 to a stable structural member. Structural members may include
boards, straps,
joists, beams, rafters, studs, plywood, or any other object that adequately
prevent the track
100 from moving. If the structural member is not immediately visible, a
location device,
such as a stud finder, may aid in locating an appropriate structural member.
In one
embodiment, the track 100 comprises holes 114 that allow for a fastener 94 to
securely
attach, directly or indirectly, a portion of the track 100 to a structural
member. It will be
understood that the holes 114 can be pre-drilled at specific locations or can
be drilled or
formed as needed by the installer to accommodate the different spacing of
structural members
to which the tracks 100 are to be attached. A fastener 94 may include a screw,
nail, bolt, or
other similar object. A second fastener 94 may be used to attach another
portion of the same
track 100 to the same or different structural member. A second track 100 may
then be
attached to one or more structural members, such that the second track 100 is
substantially
parallel to the first track 100. If the tracks 100 are attached to a linear
structural member,
such as a joist 80, the tracks 100 may be parallel to the joists 80,
perpendicular to the joists
80, or at a different angle.
[0055] In one embodiment, shown in Fig. 8, a first track 100 is
attached to a first
joist 80 and parallel to the first joist 80, with at least one fastener 94. A
second track 100 is
then attached to a second joist 80, parallel to the second joist 80 with at
least one fastener 94.
A container 82 (not shown in Fig.8) may then be placed in the space between
the first and
second tracks 100. The distance between the first and second tracks 100 is
largely dictated by
the distance between the joists 80. Since many homes and garages use joists 80
that are
spaced either 16 inches or 24 inches on center, the distance between the two
tracks 100 would
also be 16 inches, 24 inches, or some multiple of either one. The distance
between the joists
80 and of the tracks 100 may have some influence on the size of containers 82
that can be
supported by the tracks 100. In an embodiment, the joists 80 are spaced at a
distance of 16
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CA 02844376 2014-02-28
inches on center and the container is a Rubbermaid 18-Gallon Roughneck Storage
Box,
available at most home improvement stores.
[0056] In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 9, a first track 100 is
attached
perpendicularly to a first joist 80, and then attached perpendicularly to a
second joist 80. This
is repeated with a plurality of tracks 100. When the tracks 100 are positioned
as depicted in
Fig. 9, a space between two tracks 100 is created that can house a storage
container 80. The
holes 114 in the track 100 may be pre-formed so as to be spaced at a set
interval. In one
embodiment, the distance between pre-formed holes 114 is 8 inches. In another
embodiment,
the distance is 16 inches. In yet another embodiment the distance is 24
inches. In another
embodiment, the holes may be drilled or formed in locations as needed for the
particular
installation. The embodiment shown in Fig. 9 comprises pre-formed holes 114 at
a spacing
that can accommodate joists 80 that are 24 inches on center. The embodiment in
F12. 10
comprises pre-formed holes 114 at a spacing that can accommodate joists 80
that are 16
inches on center. Other spacing intervals may be more advantageous depending
on the
specific application.
[0057] Straps 92a, 92b, including boards and other structural members,
may be
attached to the joists 80 and the tracks 100 may be attached to the straps
92a. 92b. This may
be done when the distance between the joists 80 is different from the desired
distance
between the tracks 100, when the distance between the joists 80 is too great,
or when other
circumstances demand it. Fig. 11 shows straps 92a, 92b attached
perpendicularly to the joists
80. However, the straps 92a, 92b may be attached to the joists 80 at various
angles. The
straps 92a, 92b may be positioned substantially parallel to each other
separated by a set
distance (although depending on the configuration this may not be necessary).
The first pair
of straps 92a in Fig.11 may be separated from each other by a spacing of
around 16 inches,
while the second pair of straps 92b may be separated from each other by a
spacing of around
24 inches. Since 16 inches and 24 inches are common distances in house
building, there may
be advantages to separating the straps 92a, 92b by one of these spacings.
However, other
distances may be used without a decrease in the track's 100 performance.
[0058] Once the straps 92a, 92b are attached to the joists 80, the
tracks 100 may
be attached to the straps 92a, 92b. Fig. 11 shows tracks 100 attached
perpendicularly to the
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CA 02844376 2014-02-28
straps 92a, 92b. However, the tracks 100 may be attached to the joists 80 at
many different
angles. The tracks 100 may be positioned substantially parallel to each other
such that a
container 82 with a fixed width would be able to slide between two tracks 100.
Part of the
container 82 may be supported by part of the track 100. In one embodiment, the
rail 104 of
the track 100 supports a flange on the container 82.
[0059] In another embodiment (not shown), a first and second track 100
are
connected before they are attached to a structural member such as a joist 80
or other portion
of a ceiling. In this embodiment, the distance between the pair of tracks may
be set so that
the size of container 82 used would not be variable. This embodiment may have
certain
advantages, such as when the structural support cannot accommodate a first and
second track
100 being installed separately. Instead, a first and second track 100 could be
installed or
attached as a unit.
[0060] The above description is merely illustrative. Having thus
described several
aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention including the preferred
embodiments, it
is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements
will readily
occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and
improvements are,
intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the
spirit and scope of the
invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of
example only.
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