Abstract:
A storage system having a releasably mounted mounting clip that can be connected to a wall stud or ceiling joist. A variety of storage components can be joined to the mounting clip. The mounting clip can also be used to join boards and panels to construct furniture and stand-alone storage units.

Description:
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of Provisional Application No. 60/402,466 filed Aug. 9, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     
         [0002]    This invention relates generally to storage systems and, more particularly, to a modular storage system having as its foundation a mounting clip that mounts to exposed wall studs or ceiling joists without the use of tools or additional fasteners. It provides a safe and secure connection that can be removed and reinstalled as desired.  
           [0003]    In garages, basements, shops, offices, and buildings under construction, there are collections of items that are stored for short and long term. With varying degrees of organization, there can be clothing, tools, office supplies, sporting equipment, bicycles, recreational toys, yard furniture, yard tools, paint cans, gas cans, gardening accessories, lawn chemicals and any other item that can be stored in such areas. The degree of organization depends in large part on the availability of suitable storage space that may or may not be dedicated to the particular item being stored.  
           [0004]    The notion of “a place for every thing and every thing in its place” has spurred home centers to stock large inventories of shelving and related items. Entire stores are now devoted to selling products for efficient storage of household and office items.  
           [0005]    Shelving can be mounted on a wall and provide ample space for small items that are not desirably stored on a floor. Shelves and specialized racks are mounted on walls or ceilings using nails, screws or other suitable connectors. Mounting these items can vary in the degree of difficulty and the success and safety of a storage unit will, in large part, depend upon the skill of the installer.  
           [0006]    To simplify installation, storage systems are known that use a single type of wall connection component on which various types of hangers can be mounted. A wall connection in one such system is a vertical standard having a series of vertical slots into which shelf brackets are inserted. The standards are screwed to a wall and are most secure when the screws are driven into the wooden studs supporting the wall.  
           [0007]    Shelves are then mounted on the brackets and a number of different hooks, racks, and hangers can then be attached to store clothing, linens, office supplies, kitchen sundries, shop and yard tools, bicycles, skis and other sporting equipment.  
           [0008]    These systems enable one to master the installation of a single type of component and realize the benefit of numerous different storage receptacles that are for general storage or dedicated receptacles. They typically provide a permanent installation of the standard, but are able to be rearranged with whatever storage receptacle is required for a given time. The systems are popular and efficient organizers, but they tend to be expensive and require numerous components for even basic installations.  
           [0009]    Different types of clips, hangers, and mounts have been devised to simplify storage and/or installation. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,852,802; 3,586,284; 4,286,444; 5,067,200; 5,172,529; 5,199,218; 5,842,581; and 6,315,134.  
           [0010]    Despite efforts in the prior storage systems, there is none that provides a truly secure connection that can be installed without the use of tools. There is no known system that permits easy relocation of a mounting standard to suit changing storage needs. Further, there is no known storage system that provides installers of any skill level the identical measure of safety and precision for the wall or ceiling connection. Finally, there is no known system having a connector that is versatile enough to be used as a connector for assembly of “knock-down” or temporary furniture that can be used on construction sites, for example.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    The present invention provides a mounting clip that can be installed on an exposed wall stud or ceiling joist without the use of tools. It provides a secure connection for a variety of hangers, receptacles, or other useful articles that can be supported on a wall or ceiling. The mounting clip of the invention can be installed, removed and reinstalled with consistent strength of the connection. The connection is so strong that it can be used to permanently secure plumbing, electrical and other building components in place. A mounting clip in accordance with the present invention can also be used to assemble temporary furniture and stand-alone storage units that require no connection to a wall.  
           [0012]    The present invention is adaptable for use with any number of storage components that may be shelving units, racks, receptacles, or other dedicated storage unit. The mounting clip includes a clamp and an accessory mount. The clamp secures a clip to a board, pipe, or panel and the accessory mount enables connection to a variety of storage components.  
           [0013]    One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a mounting clip that has a base plate, a clamping jaw, and a hand-operated lever that pivots to secure the clip to any exposed wooden building stud or joist component. The mounting clip&#39;s base plate and clamping jaw include opposing teeth that penetrate the wood when the lever is pivoted about its hinge.  
           [0014]    A hinge is used to join the base plate and clamping jaw and enable relative clamping movement of the two. Preferably, the hinge is an over-the-center type that provides a very secure clamping action that is safe and consistent every time the mounting clip is installed. When the lever has been operated to secure the mounting clip into place there is one or more tab or “ear” that extends up adjacent to the clamping jaw. The tab has a hole through it that can receive a pin only when the mounting clip is in a fully installed position to serve as a clip lock. The base plate and clamping jaw must pivot relative to one another to be disengaged from the stud. To pivot relative to one another requires the base plate to move relative to the ear. This arrangement enables the pin in the tab holes to prevent accidental or unintentional disengagement when in place.  
           [0015]    The clamping mechanism of the base plate and clamping jaw is activated by a lever that is hinged to the base plate at a location that is offset form the hinge that joins the base plate and clamping jaw. The optimum arrangement of hinges permits installation and removal by hand without the use of tools.  
           [0016]    The pin is inserted through the hole in the tab and can serve the additional function of supporting any kind of storage system component that can possibly be designed to be joined to the pin. Shelf brackets, hooks, racks, baskets, cabinets, and other storage components are easily joined to the mounting clip by the pin. The pin thus prevents the clip from being disengaged and can simultaneously provide a connection point to a wall or ceiling. The pin can also support a pivoting storage component that can move relative to the clip due to the hinge action provided by the pin.  
           [0017]    The clips are inexpensive to manufacture relative to the popular shelf standards used in modular storage systems today. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clip in accordance with the present invention, in an open position.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 1 in a partially closed position.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 1 is a partially closed position.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 1 in a closed position.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is the clip of FIG. 1 in a partially closed position being mounted on a wall stud.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6 is the clip of FIG. 1 in a closed position and mounted on a wall stud.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 7 is a set of eight clips mounted on wood boards to support shelves.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 8 is a set of four clips mounted on two wall studs to support shelves.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 9 is an adaptor for connection to a clip pin and a storage member.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 10 is another embodiment of an adaptor.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 11 is another embodiment of an adaptor.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 12 is another embodiment of an adaptor and having a pair of outwardly extending flanges to provide a pair of aligned holes through which a pivoting storage member can be secured.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 13 is the adaptor of FIG. 11 installed on a clip with two pivotable rack members extending outwardly for storage of items such as bicycles.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 14 is the installation of FIG. 11 with the two pivotable rack members pivoted to the side.  
         [0032]    FIGS.  15 A-D illustrates various dimensions of the embodiments described above.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting clip in an open position in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 17 is a side view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG. 16.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG. 16 in a closed position.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 19 is a side view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG. 16 in a closed position.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 20 is another perspective of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG. 16 in the closed position.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG. 16 with a latch pin inserted to prevent inadvertent opening of the mounting clip.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the mounting clip of FIG. 16 in a closed position.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 23 is a side view of the storage clip illustrated in FIG. 16 in a closed position.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 24 is another side view of the storage clip illustrated in FIG. 16 in a closed position.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 25 is another side view of the storage clip illustrated in FIG. 16 in a closed position.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG. 16 with an alternate embodiment of an adaptor in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG. 16 with an alternate embodiment of an adaptor in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG. 16 with an alternate embodiment of an adaptor in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG. 16 with an alternate embodiment of an adaptor in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a shelf system for use with the adaptor of FIG. 26.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a shelf system for use with the adaptor of FIG. 26.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a shelf for use with the adaptor and mounting clip in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a shelf for use with the adaptor and mounting clip in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a bar support system for use with the adaptor and mounting clip of the present invention.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0052]    In the following detailed description of drawings the same reference numeral will be used to identify the same or similar elements in each of the figures. FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate a mounting clip  20  in accordance with the present invention. The mounting clip  20  generally includes a clamp  22  and one or more accessory mount  24 . The clamp  22  in the illustrated embodiment includes a lever  26 , a base plate  28  joined to the lever  26  by a hinge  30 , and a clamping jaw  36  joined to the lever  26  by another hinge  38 . FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate the mounting clip  20  moving from an opened position (FIG. 1), through intermediate positions (FIGS. 2 and 3), to a closed position (FIG. 4).  
         [0053]    The illustrated lever  26  has triangular flanges  27 , which provide a location for connecting the base plate hinge.  30  and the clamping jaw hinge  38  to the lever. The two hinges  30  and  38  are spaced apart to provide sufficient leverage to secure the mounting clip  20  to a stud  56 .  
         [0054]    The base plate  28  is preferably bent into an L-shape as illustrated, and has inwardly extending teeth  32  at one end and outwardly extending flanges  34  on the other end. The teeth  32  are shaped and dimensioned to engage and penetrate a wood stud  56  (FIGS. 5 and 6), while the flanges  34  provide a place for joining the lever  26  via a hinge  30 .  
         [0055]    The clamping jaw  36  has inwardly extending teeth  40  that oppose the base plate teeth  32  to provide a solid stud connection. The clamping jaw  36  is sized to mate with the base plate  28  in the closed position (FIG. 4). In all other positions (FIGS.  1  to  3 ), the base plate  28  and clamping jaw  36  are at an angle to one another.  
         [0056]    The clamping jaw  36  in this illustrated embodiment includes a clip lock  48  that preferably includes upwardly extending flanges or ears  50 , between which the base plate  28  is disposed. The ears  50  have aligned holes  52  that receive a pin  54  (FIG. 4), which in turn is joined to any suitable bracket or storage member used in a modular and versatile storage system, as described in more detail below. When a pin  54  is in place, the mounting clip  20  cannot be opened because the base plate  28  must move outward from the clamping jaw  36  to be removed from the stud  56 . The displacement of the clamping jaw  36  from the base plate  28  occurs as soon as the mounting clip  20  lever  26  has been raised to release the mounting clip  20 . This relationship requires the clip lock to be arranged to prevent even a slight movement of the mounting clip toward the opened position. (See: FIG. 3.) The illustrated clamping jaw  36  is in a dimension sufficient to connect to a nominal 2″ wooden member (1½″ actual). Should the member be of another size, the clamping jaw  36  can be dimensioned accordingly. With the illustrated embodiment, the clamping jaw  36  is the only piece that would need to be changed for adapting to members of different widths. The lever  26  and the base plate  28  remain the same dimensions, thus saving considerable manufacturing costs.  
         [0057]    The mounting clip  20  is illustrated as having teeth  32  that penetrate wood studs as described above. The illustrated teeth are triangular, but they could be other shapes, sizes, and orientations. This design is perfectly acceptable where the resulting indented appearance of the stud is unimportant after the mounting clip  20  is removed. When appearance is important or the mounting clip  20  will be joined to materials that cannot be penetrated by the teeth  32 , the mounting clip  20  can be fitted with compressible or high friction materials. Teeth, compressible materials or friction materials are all generally comprised in a category of clamp enhancers, but these may not be necessary when the clamp is designed to exert adequate pressure on the surface to which the clamp is mounted. Friction pads, rubber boots, plastics, adhesives, etc. can be used as clamp enhancers to further secure the mounting clip  20  for added security, and other materials or shapes of teeth can be used as well.  
         [0058]    One category of clamp enhancers applies a highly localized pressure on the board or other member by effectively reducing the size of the clamp&#39;s interior space when in the closed positions. Without a clamp enhancer of this latter type, the mounting clip  20  defines an interior space dimension. These clamp enhancers effectively reduce the interior space dimension so that the clamping pressure is increased. Further, because the clamp enhancers preferably have a smaller surface area than the faces of the clamp  22 , the force exerted by the clamp enhancers is greater. Teeth are thus able to penetrate wood and resilient pads grip better. Clamp enhancers can be: formed integrally with; joined to; or simply disposed in the space that is surrounded by the clamp  22 .  
         [0059]    The mounting clip  20  is illustrated as being connectable to a substantially rectangular member, but it can be shaped to connect to other shapes as well. For example, pipes, bars, and other round objects can be considered for use with a mounting clip  20  that has an arcuate base plate  28  and clamping jaw  36 .  
         [0060]    In operation, the mounting clip  20  is placed with the lever  26  in the opened position, the base plate teeth  32  on the opposite side of a stud, and the clamping jaw  36  teeth  40  on the near side of the stud. (See: FIG. 1.) The ear holes are blocked in this position, so no pin  54  can be inserted and no brackets or other components can be added in this open position.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIGS. 2 and 3 show the lever  26  moving toward the closed position, which moves the base plate  28  down and over the clamping jaw  36 . The teeth  32  of the respective parts move toward one another to penetrate a wood stud. The spacing of the hinges  30  and  38  provides leverage so that manual force is enough to force the teeth  32  into the wood stud.  
         [0062]    In FIG. 4, the mounting clip  20  is in a closed position where the lever  26  is parallel to the long face of the stud, the base plate  28  and clamping jaw  36  are nested in a mating position, and the teeth  32  have penetrated the stud. In this position, and only in this position, it is possible to insert a pin  54  through the clip lock  48 , which in the illustrated example is a pair of ear holes in the clamp jaw ears  50 .  
         [0063]    [0063]FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a mounting clip  20  in the open and closed position, respectively, and in engagement with a stud of a nominal 2″×4″ dimension (1½″×3½″ actual). In the closed position, the mounting clip  20  is generally L-shaped in cross-section. This shape enables two mounting clips  20  to be joined to opposite sides of a single 2″×4″ board at the same point or elevation on the board so that storage or furniture components can extend at equal heights on opposite sides of the board. Of course, 2″ wide boards of deeper dimensions can be used, such as 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″, etc. The depth is preferably no less than 1½″ to provide adequate clamping surface for the mounting clip  20 .  
         [0064]    A pin  54  (generally referred to as an “accessory mount”) can secure brackets of many shapes and sizes to the secured mounting clip  20 . The remaining drawings in the packet illustrate brackets, hangers, hinges, and other storage components that mate with the ear holes  52  so that a pin  54  can be inserted to provide secure storage even for very heavy loads. The drawings should be self-explanatory in this regard.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 7 illustrates a set of eight mounting clips  20  being used to connect four extrusions  58  that have recesses  59  for receiving sheets of material  60  such as plywood, plastic, glass, steel, etc. to construct a self-supporting table and shelving unit. With this embodiment, it is seen that the illustrated mounting clip  20  can be used on any board whether or not the board is used to build a wall or ceiling.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 8 illustrates a set of four mounting clips  20  used to support a pair of extrusions  58  for a pegboard. The pegboard  62  can be mounted on the extrusions  58  and objects mounted on the pegboard  62 . The extrusions  58  in this embodiment can be identical to the extrusions  58  in the FIG. 7 embodiment to provide a generic panel connector.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 9 illustrates an adaptor  64  to be used with the mounting clip  20 . The adaptor  64  is preferably made of plastic and includes holes  65  at each end through which the pin  54  extends. Detents  67  adjacent to the holes  65  permit storage components to be joined to the pin  54  and rest in the detents  67  to resist unwanted movement. The detents  67  are rounded to permit desired movement of the shelving components from one detent  67  to another.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 10 illustrates a second style of adaptor  66  that is similar to the FIG. 9 adaptor  64  with an additional transverse bore  68 . A pin (not illustrated) can be inserted through the bore  68  to secure storage components.  
         [0069]    [0069]FIGS. 11, 12, and  13  illustrate another embodiment of an adaptor  70  having a central portion  71 , and two wing portions  72 . The central portion  71  has pin holder locations  73  that engage a pin  54  in a manner similar to the bushings described above.  
         [0070]    The wing portions  72  have retainer tabs  76  engage racks  80  (FIG. 13) that can be re-positioned as desired to give a user different storage configurations. To move a rack  80 , it is lifted above the retainer tab  76  and reset to a new position. Gravity will typically hold the rack  80  in place when the adaptor is oriented in a vertical position with the stops directed upward.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 14 is another adaptor  84  embodiment that provides transverse holes  88  for receipt of a transverse pin (not illustrated). The transverse pin can pivot to permit movement of a storage compartment connected thereto, and preferably this style of adaptor  84  can be used to mount a pulley used for hoisting heavier items.  
         [0072]    The illustrated mounting clip  20  is preferably made of stainless steel to withstand corrosive environments or cold-rolled steel and/or plated if desired. Other materials will work also. The parts can be stamped out of sheet stock and bent to shape with adequate precision. The pin  54  is also preferably made of cold-rolled or stainless steel and it can be plated as desired. The adaptors described above are preferably plastic and are more preferably molded polypropylene or glass-filled nylon, or they can be zinc.  
         [0073]    [0073]FIGS. 15A through 15D illustrate the preferred dimensions of a mount clip  20  for joining to a nominally sized two (one and one-half) inch board.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIGS. 16 through 25 illustrate another embodiment of a mounting clip  200  in accordance with the present invention. This clip  200  includes a clamp  222  and an accessory mount  224 , which is similar to the clamp  20  described above with a few exceptions. The clamp  222  includes a lever  226 , a base plate  228 , a first hinge  230 , a clamping jaw  236 , and a second hinge  238 .  
         [0075]    The lever  226  includes a cover  225  that provides added leverage due to its flared distal end  227 . The smooth edges and corners also are less likely to cause discomfort to a user while being installed and uninstalled due to the ergonometric shape of the cover  225 . Further, the cover  225  can provide a surface on which a corporate logo or other design  229  can be placed. Preferably, the cover  225  is made of a base  217  of relatively rigid material such as an olefin plastic, and a relatively soft grip  219  that is preferably a thermoplastic elastomer. The cover  225  includes tabs  205  which allow the cover to be snapped into the lever  226 . Other means can also be used to connect the two.  
         [0076]    The clamp  222  components are also somewhat modified in the mounting clip  200  as compared to the clamp  20  described above. The base plate  228  has inwardly extending teeth  232 , but these are a different shape than those described in relation to the embodiment in FIGS.  1  to  4 . In the mounting clip  200 , the teeth  232 ,  240  are formed around generally circular openings. In a preferred embodiment, the teeth  232  and  240  are formed by piercing the base plate  228  and clamping jaw  236  so that the teeth  232  and  240  are essentially irregular triangular shapes that do not penetrate the wood excessively, but provide adequate grip. This formation of teeth is preferred over continuous ring-shaped teeth because the teeth  232  and  240  will not have as severe an impact on the board on which the clip is mounted. This is particularly beneficial when the clips  200  are going to be moved along the length of a board from time-to-time. It is not as critical when the clips  200  are relocated less frequently.  
         [0077]    To further reduce the impact on the board, the teeth  232  and  240  are not all in a straight line vertically or horizontally (FIGS. 16 through 19). With such an arrangement, the mounting clip  200  can be relocated repeatedly up and down a board with minimal degradation of the board.  
         [0078]    Further, the teeth  232  and  240  do not need to penetrate the board very deeply due to their shape and size. The increased number, shape, and arrangement of teeth permit the use of shorter teeth that are not as likely to damage the associated board.  
         [0079]    The base plate  228  is also formed with integral ribs  231  to provide rigidity. The clamping jaw  236  includes mating ribs  233 , also for rigidity.  
         [0080]    The base plate  228  of the mounting clip  200  also includes a pair of holes  235  through which nails, screws, or other fasteners can be driven into a board on which the mounting clip  200  is mounted. This provides additional load bearing capability, as well as serving as a theft inhibitor, but it is not necessary for most storage loads. A mating pair of slots  237  in the clamping jaw  236  aligns with the holes  235  so that whatever type of fastener is used, it can be installed after the mounting clip  200  has been moved to a closed position. (See: FIG. 21).  
         [0081]    The mounting clip  200 , otherwise is very similar to the mounting clip  20  in design, materials, and operation. As viewed in FIG. 20, when the mounting clip is closed, a pin  241  can be inserted through holes  252 . When in this position, it is not possible to open the mounting clip  200  because the pin  241  prevents the over-center hinge effect of the mounting clip  200  by retaining clamping jaw  236  closely adjacent to the base plate  228 . Other clip locking arrangements are possible in accordance with the present invention, but this particular arrangement is preferred so that the pin  241  can be readily installed and used to support accessories. Further, the pin  241  could be replaced by a lock that would deter unauthorized removal of the clips.  
         [0082]    In alternate embodiments, the pin  241  is inserted through the holes  252  after an adaptor is placed over the mounting clip  200 . Various adaptors are illustrated in FIGS. 26, 27,  28 ,  29 ,  30  and  31 . Adaptors link the mounting clip  200  to a modular system of storage racks, shelves, cabinets, pulleys, straps, and others or they may serve as storage components themselves. Despite the variety of adaptors, they are all preferably shaped to be used on single shape of a mounting clip  200 , so that the mounting clips  200  can be used with any adaptor or storage type that a user desires. This reduces storage system manufacturing costs and simplifies installation and assembly.  
         [0083]    Referring to FIG. 26, there is an adaptor  300  joined to a mounting clip  200  via a pin  241 . The adaptor  300  includes a pair of aligned slots  302 , through which a strap, rope, chain, or preferably, a bar  306  (FIGS. 30, 31, and  34 ) is fed and other elements of a storage system are mounted thereon. For example, FIGS. 30, 31, and  34  illustrate an adaptor  300  with an elongated bar extending through the slots  302 . The bar  306  also extends through a similar adaptor  300  joined to a mounting clip  200  on another stud, joist, or free-standing member. The bar  306  also is inserted through a shelf  310  having a slot  312  that mates with the bar  306 . The shelf  310  of FIGS. 30 and 31 can be installed with either side facing up. In the FIG. 30 embodiment, the shelf  310  is simply flat for receiving any desired item to be stored.  
         [0084]    In the FIG. 31 arrangement, the shelf  310  is “upside down,” (with wall studs blocking the ends) the shelf defines a recess into which items can be stored that might otherwise be susceptible to falling or rolling of the shelf  310 . Various webs  313  can be joined to or formed integrally with a shelf  310  to stiffen the shelf  310  to support heavier loads.  
         [0085]    [0085]FIG. 27 illustrates another adaptor  350 , which is nearly identical to the adaptor  300 , except that adaptor  350  includes a pair of spaced apart flanges  352  that have aligned holes  354  through which a pulley axle can be inserted, for example. Other storage components can also be mounted on the flanges  352 .  
         [0086]    [0086]FIG. 28 illustrates an adaptor  370  that is similar in operation to the adaptor  70  illustrated in FIG. 12, except that adaptor  370  includes a recess  356  for securing the pin  241  and a pair of slots  302  for use as described above. This adaptor  370  also includes retention slots  276  for limiting movement of storage elements such as rack  80  illustrated in FIG. 12.  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 29 illustrates an adaptor  390  with a pair of reinforced flanges  392  that can be used as described above in relation to adaptor  350  in FIG. 27.  
         [0088]    [0088]FIG. 34 illustrates an embodiment wherein the components are joined to ceiling joists to support loads that can be placed on top of the shelf  310  or hung therefrom.  
         [0089]    Also, because the modular storage components are interchangeable and may be used in different storage situations, it is possible to use them without a mounting clip of the type described herein. Instead, a mounting plate without the clamp feature of the mounting clip, can be fastened to a flat surface, such as a wall, and used with adaptors and storage components such as those described herein.  
         [0090]    The bar  306  and shelf  310  are preferably extruded plastic or aluminum, but other shapes and materials can be used.  
         [0091]    The foregoing detailed description is intended for clearness of understanding the invention, and no unnecessary limitations therefrom should be read into the following claims.