Universal mount for shelving system

A universal mounting hook attaches to a variety of industrial and commercial adjustable shelving systems to provide interchangeability between the shelving systems. The universal mounting hook comprises a generally vertical leg and a generally horizontal leg. The vertical leg includes an "L"-shaped hook positioned at the top of the vertical leg and an abutting portion positioned at the base of the vertical leg. The abutting portion protrudes from the general line of extension of the vertical leg, in a direction opposite from the horizontal leg. The base of the abutting portion connects to an inverted "L"-shaped indentation which interconnects the vertical leg and the horizontal leg. A spring clip extends from the horizontal leg adjacent the indentation so that the spring clip and the indentation form an enclosure which receives a supporting wire. The entire mounting hook may be securely fastened to one of a plurality of different shelving systems so as to support shelving or merchandise baskets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to shelving systems, and more particularly to 
adjustable, modular shelving systems. 
2. Brief Description of Related Art 
Retail stores, such as, for example, convenience stores, music stores, 
supermarkets, department stores, video rental stores, electronic stores, 
and the like, commonly use adjustable modular shelving systems to display 
merchandise. Industry also uses such adjustable shelving systems for 
storage. Presently, the majority of such shelving systems comprise either 
slatwall, pegboard, or gridwall shelving systems, and such retail stores 
often use two or more of these shelving systems. 
Slatwall shelving systems typically comprise a wallboard having a plurality 
of horizontal grooves which extend along the length of the wallboard. 
These grooves generally have an "L"-shape in cross section with the 
vertical leg extending parallel to and inside of the wallboard, and 
cooperate with mounting hooks or brackets which support shelves, baskets, 
display units and the like. The grooves may alternatively have a "T"-shape 
in cross-section with the upper leg of the "T"-shape extending parallel to 
and inside of the wallboard. For examples of slatwall shelving systems, 
see Amstutz, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,591,058; Amstutz, et al. U. S. Pat. 
No. 4,629,076; Gieske, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,147; Solheim, U.S. Pat. 
No. 4,805,784; Tierno, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,809,479; and Kosch, et al., 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,245. 
The mounting hooks commonly have a generally vertical leg, a portion of 
which abuts the wallboard, and a generally horizontal leg which extends 
outward from the wallboard. At the top of the vertical leg, a small 
"L"-shaped hook is typically formed. The "L"-shaped hook is inserted into 
a groove to hang the mounting hook against the wall and to support the 
combined weight of the shelf and merchandise. 
Pegboard shelving systems are also common in the shelving industry. 
Pegboard systems usually comprise a rigid wall panel having a plurality of 
round or square holes typically arranged in horizontal rows and vertical 
columns. Mounting hooks similar to those employed in slatwall systems may 
also be used with pegboard shelving systems. The "L"-shaped hook at the 
top of the mounting hook vertical leg is inserted into a peg hole to 
secure the mounting hook against the panel as described above. For 
examples of pegboard display systems, see Giambalvo, U.S. Pat. No. 
3,896,718; Lang, U.S. Pat. No. 3,921,948; and White, U.S. Pat. No. 
4,248,352. 
Gridwall, another common shelving system, comprises a wire grid panel which 
forms a supporting structure. The wire grid panel may be mounted against a 
wall, extended away from a wall to form "finger walls," or configured as a 
stand-alone floor fixture or island display. The gridwall panel forms a 
frame onto which shelving may be mounted. 
The configuration of the wire grid panel prevents the use of the mounting 
hooks conventionally used with slatwall and pegboard shelving systems with 
the gridwall system. Instead, a differently configured mounting hook is 
typically employed with gridwall shelving systems. 
The mounting hooks of the gridwall systems generally include a vertical leg 
and a horizontal leg similar to those of the mounting hooks used in the 
slatwall and pegboard shelving systems. However, the mounting hooks of the 
gridwall system typically have an inverted "U"-shaped catch formed at the 
top of the vertical leg, in lieu of the "L"-shaped hook of the slatwall 
and pegboard mounting hooks. The catch hangs on a horizontal wire of the 
grid to secure the mounting hook onto the gridwall panel. The vertical leg 
of the mounting hook has an abutting portion, similar to the slatwall and 
pegboard mounting hook, which rests against the gridwall panel with the 
horizontal leg extending outward from the gridwall panel and supporting a 
shelf or basket. 
Certain disadvantages are associated with these prior mounting hooks. Most 
notably, these hooks do not universally attach to the three aforementioned 
shelving systems. That is, prior mounting hooks are not interchangeable 
between the shelving systems. Moreover, the mounting hooks usually are 
permanently attached (e.g., welded) to the shelves, and, therefore, cannot 
be interchanged among the shelves. Thus, if a store includes, for example, 
a gridwall shelving system as an island unit and a slatwall shelving 
system on the walls, the store must purchase and store shelves and baskets 
for both types of shelving systems. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In view of the aforementioned disadvantages associated with conventional 
mounting hooks for use with adjustable shelving systems, a need exists for 
a universal mounting hook which may be used with any one of the three 
conventional shelving systems discussed above. 
One aspect of the present invention involves a universal mounting hook 
which can engage shelf supporting structures of multiple adjustable 
shelving systems to support a shelf, basket or merchandise display on such 
systems. A store using multiple styles of adjustable shelving systems 
(e.g., slatwall, gridwall and pegboard) can move a shelve, basket or 
merchandise display from one system to another without modifying or 
exchanging the mounting hooks used to support the shelf, basket or display 
unit. Thus, the universal mounting hook of the present invention provides 
interchangeability between multiple shelving systems. 
In a preferred embodiment, the universal mounting hook comprises a 
generally vertical leg and a generally horizontal leg connected to the 
vertical leg. The vertical leg and the horizontal leg desirably are 
integrally formed. 
The vertical leg includes an attachment hook and an abutting member. The 
attachment hook is configured to engage the supporting structure of the 
shelving system and is distanced from the abutting member. The universal 
mounting hook further includes a support member which is configured to 
interact with the supporting structure to support the mounting hook with 
said attachment hook interacting with the supporting structure to limit 
rotation of the mounting hook about said support member. 
The supporting member preferably forms a portion of a clasp configured to 
receive a portion of the supporting structure to support the mounting hook 
on the supporting structure with the attachment hook interacting with the 
supporting structure to prevent the mounting hook from rotating about the 
clasp. The clasp is positioned distal of the abutting member such that 
with the attachment hook supporting the overall mounting hook on the 
supporting structure, the abutting member interacts with the supporting 
structure to prevent the mounting hook from rotation about the attachment 
hook. As used herein, "distal" and "proximal" are in reference to 
proximity of the supporting structure (e.g., the wallboard, pegboard panel 
or gridwall panel) to which the universal mounting hook is attached. 
The attachment hook is preferably positioned at the top of the vertical leg 
and is configured to insert into and engage with a groove of a slatwall 
shelving system. It is also preferred that attachment hook is sized and 
shaped to insert into a peg hole of a pegboard panel and engage with the 
pegboard panel to support the mounting hook when used with a pegboard 
shelving system. 
The clasp is preferably configured to releasably receive a grid wire of a 
gridwall shelving system and the abutting member is desirably sized and 
positioned to pass through the grid spacing of the gridwall panel with the 
clasp releasably receiving the grid wire. 
The clasp desirably comprises an indentation and a spring clip. The 
indentation interconnects the base of the vertical leg and a proximal end 
of the horizontal leg. The spring clip extends from the proximal end of 
the horizontal leg. The spring clip and the indentation form an enclosure 
or pocket sized to receive a portion of the shelf supporting structure. 
In another preferred embodiment, the universal mounting hook comprises a 
generally vertical leg and a generally horizontal leg. The horizontal leg 
connects to the vertical leg and extends outward from the supporting 
structure in a cantilever fashion. The horizontal leg bears a downward 
force (i.e., weight) which produces a downward translational force and a 
rotational force on the universal mounting hook. 
The universal mounting hook also comprises an attachment hook positioned at 
the top of the vertical leg and configured to interact with the supporting 
structure so as to counteract at least the rotational force. The mounting 
hook further includes a clasp positioned at the base of the vertical leg 
and configured to releasably receive a portion of the supporting structure 
so that the clasp engages the supporting structure to counteract both the 
translational and rotational forces. 
In a further preferred embodiment, the universal mounting hook additionally 
comprises an abutting member. The abutting member is positioned from the 
attachment hook so as to counter the rotational force by interacting with 
the supporting structure, and the attachment hook is configured to engage 
the supporting structure so as to counteract both the translational and 
rotational forces. 
Another aspect of the present invention involves a universal mounting hook 
for interchangeable use between shelving systems having dissimilar 
supporting structures. The mounting hooks are attached to merchandise 
support elements. The merchandise support elements preferably comprise 
merchandise shelves, straight shelves, display shelves, compartmental 
shelves, hardware shelves, baskets or display units. In a preferred 
embodiment, each universal mounting hook is configured to engage the shelf 
supporting structures of a slatwall shelving system, a gridwall shelving 
system and a pegboard shelving systems. 
In accordance with a preferred method of selective attaching a shelf to a 
supporting structure of a slatwall shelving system, a gridwall shelving 
system and a pegboard shelving system, a shelf connected to a plurality of 
universal mounting hooks is provided and removed from the slatwall 
shelving system. That is, the attachment hook of the mounting hook is 
removed from the groove in the wallboard of the slatwall shelving system. 
The attachment hook is then positioned behind a first grid wire of a 
gridwall panel of the gridwall shelving system. To secure the shelf on the 
gridwall panel, the clasp is releasably engaged with a second grid wire. 
The clasp is preferably positioned below the attachment hook when attached 
to the gridwall panel. 
The method may also include the step of removing the shelf from the 
gridwall panel and attaching it to a pegboard panel of the pegboard 
shelving system. The second grid wire is first released from the clasp and 
the attachment hook is removed from behind the first grid wire. The 
attachment hook is subsequently inserted into a peg hole of the pegboard 
panel to support the shelf on the pegboard panel. Finally, the abutting 
member is positioned against the pegboard panel with the mounting hook 
hanging from the attachment hook inserted through the peg hole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
FIGS. 1a-1c illustrate embodiments of conventional shelving systems. The 
basic understanding of these shelving systems is essential to an 
appreciation of the present invention. Although the present invention may 
have equal applicability to other adjustable shelving systems, FIGS. 1a-1c 
represent the most prevalent commercial shelving systems in use today: a 
slatwall shelving system, a pegboard shelving system and a gridwall 
shelving system, respectively. 
Slatwall Shelving System 
FIG. 1a shows a slatwall shelving system 100 comprising a slatwall panel or 
wallboard 110 having "L"-shaped or "T"-shaped horizontal grooves 115 
formed therein. A mounting hook 120, having a generally vertical leg 125 
and a generally horizontal leg 130, is secured to the panel. At the top of 
the vertical leg 125, an "L"-shaped hook 135 is integrally formed with the 
vertical leg 125. The vertical leg 125 also includes an abutting portion 
140 located proximate to the base 142 of the vertical leg 125 (i.e., the 
junction between the vertical leg 125 and the horizontal leg 130). As 
illustrated in FIG. 1a, the abutting portion 140 may be offset from or 
protrude from the vertical leg 125, towards the wallboard 110. 
A merchandise shelf or basket 150 rests against the mounting hook 120 so 
that the back of the shelf 150 is substantially contiguous with the 
vertical leg 125 and the bottom of the shelf 150 is substantially 
contiguous with the horizontal leg 130. The mounting hook 120 is typically 
welded to the shelf or basket 150 in this position. 
As FIG. 1a illustrates, in order to secure the mounting hook 120 and 
attached shelf 150 to the panel 110, the "L"-shaped hook 135 is inserted 
into the "L"-shaped or "T"-shaped groove 115 of the wallboard 110. The 
mounting hook 120 rests against the wallboard 110 with the abutting 
portion 140 contiguous with the wallboard 110. When merchandise is placed 
onto the shelf 150, the combined weight of the merchandise and shelf 150 
apply a downward load F1 acting on the horizontal leg 130 of the mounting 
hook 120. The cantilevered horizontal leg 130 acts as a moment arm about 
the base 142 of the vertical leg 125 so that the force F1 produces a 
moment about the base 142 of the mounting hook 120, in addition to the 
generally downward translational force. 
FIG. 1a illustrates the horizontal and vertical forces Fa, Fb and Fc 
generated by the applied load F1. These forces Fa, Fb and Fc represent the 
direction in which the mounting hook 120 would naturally move in response 
to the applied load F1 if not restrained by the wallboard 110. The force 
Fa represents the general downward translational force due to the applied 
load F1, while the forces Fb and Fc represent the resultant rotational 
forces about the base 142 of the mounting hook 120 caused by the moment 
imparted by the applied load F1. Thus, in order for the slatwall shelving 
system 100 to remain stable and at rest, the interaction between the 
mounting hook 120 and the wallboard 110 must provide equal and opposite 
counteracting forces. 
As seen in FIG. 1a, the bottom surface of the groove 115 counteracts the 
force Fa at the base of the "L"-shaped hook 135 so that the wallboard 110 
supports the weight of the shelf and merchandise. The inside surface of 
the groove 115 counteracts the rotational force Fb at the tip of the 
"L"-shaped hook 135, while the outside surface of the wallboard 110 
counteracts the rotational force Fc at the abutting portion 140. Thus, the 
wallboard 110 supports the mounting hook 120 and the attached shelf 150. 
Pegboard Shelving System 
FIG. 1b illustrates a conventional pegboard shelving system 165. The 
pegboard shelving system 165 comprises the mounting hook 120 and shelf 150 
assembly having substantially the same components as the mounting hook and 
shelf assembly described in FIG. 1a. Where appropriate, like components of 
the described shelving systems have been designated by the like reference 
numerals. The pegboard shelving system 165 also includes a pegboard panel 
170 having peg holes 175 formed therein. 
The mounting hook 120 is secured to the pegboard panel 170 in a manner 
similar to that employed in the slatwall shelving system 100 (FIG. 1a). As 
illustrated in FIG. 1b, the "L"-shaped hook 135 is inserted into one of 
the peg holes 175 with the abutting portion 140 of the mounting hook 120 
resting against the outside surface of the pegboard panel 170. 
The pegboard panel 170 supports the mounting hook 120 in a similar manner 
to that described above. FIG. 1b also illustrates the load F1 applied to 
the mounting hook 120 by the weight of the shelf and merchandise, and the 
resulting forces Fa, Fb, Fc produced by the applied load. The pegboard 
panel 170 counteracts these forces in a manner similar to PG,11 that 
described above in connection with the slatwall shelving system 100. 
Gridwall Shelving System 
FIG. 1c illustrates a conventional gridwall shelving system 180 in cross 
section. The gridwall shelving system 180 comprises a sturdy wire panel 
181 formed by a grid of crisscrossing wires 182. In the embodiment shown 
in FIG. 1c, a plurality of horizontal and vertical wires 182 form the 
gridwall panel 181. The gridwall shelving system 180 further comprises a 
mounting hook 185 having a generally vertical leg 188 and a generally 
horizontal leg 190. An inverted "U"-shaped catch 192 is integrally formed 
at the top of the vertical leg 188. The vertical leg 188 also includes an 
abutting portion 195 positioned proximate to the base 197 of the vertical 
leg 188 (i.e., the junction between the vertical leg 188 and the 
horizontal leg 190). The mounting hook 185 is welded to the shelf 150 in a 
manner positioning the back of the shelf 150 substantially contiguous with 
the vertical leg 188 and positioning the bottom of the shelf 150 
substantially contiguous with the horizontal leg 190. 
To secure the mounting hook 185 onto the gridwall frame 181, the catch 192 
is hooked over one of the wires 182 to hang the mounting hook 185 from the 
wire 182 with the abutting portion 195 resting against one or more of the 
wires 182. Thus, the abutting portion 195 must have a sufficient length 
(i.e., greater than the distance between adjacent wire rows) to insure 
that the abutting portion 195 rests against one or more of the wires 182 
when attached to the gridwall panel 181. 
When merchandise is placed into the basket 150, the combined weight of the 
merchandise and shelf 150 applies a load F1 on the horizontal leg 190 of 
the mounting hook 185. As with the pegboard and slatwall systems, the 
applied load F1 produces a downward translational force Fa as well as 
rotational forces Fb and Fc about the base 197 of the mounting hook 185. 
These forces must therefore be countered by the wires 182 in order for the 
system to remain at rest. As seen in FIG. 1c, the wire 182 about which the 
catch 192 curves counteracts the downward translational force Fa and 
prevents the mounting hook from falling downward. This wire 182 also 
counteracts the rotational force Fb. A lower wire 182 abutting the 
abutting portion 195 counteracts the rotational force Fc. Thus, the 
counter forces applied by the wires 182 prevent the mounting hook 185 from 
rotating, and hold the mounting hook 185 and shelf 150 on the gridwall 
panel 181. 
The foregoing discussion of the conventional shelving systems makes clear 
that the mounting hooks used with the systems are not interchangeable. 
That is, the mounting hook 120 of slatwall shelving system 100 cannot be 
used with the gridwall shelving system 180, and vice versa. The forces 
required to support the shelves and merchandise are different from the 
gridwall shelving system to the slatwall or pegboard shelving systems, 
and, thus, the means previously used to attach the mounting hooks to the 
supporting structure of the shelving systems are not similar, and cannot 
be interchanged. 
Specifically, the "L"-shaped hook 135 at the top of the vertical leg 125 
(FIG. 1a) is not adapted to contact the wire 182 in such a manner as to 
simultaneously counter both the downward translational force Fa and the 
rotational force Fb. For instance, if the mounting hook 120 (FIG. 1a) is 
positioned on the gridwall panel 181 (FIG. 1c) so that the inside tip 196 
(FIG. 1a) of the "L"-shaped hook 135 contacts the wire 182, then the wire 
182 would only counter the rotational force Fb. The grid wire 182 would 
not counter the downward translational force Fa and consequently the 
mounting hook 120 would fall. If, on the other hand, the mounting hook 120 
is positioned on the gridwall panel 181 so that the bottom of the 
"L"-shaped hook 135 rests on top the wire 182, then the wire 182 would 
only counter the downward translational force Fa and the rotational force 
Fb would cause the mounting hook 120 to rotate off the wire 182. Although 
it may be possible to sufficiently extend the length of the vertical 
member of the "L"-shaped hook 135 so that it would catch a wire 182 above 
the first wire 182 supporting the "L"-shaped hook 135, the extended 
vertical member of the hook 135 would preclude the hook's use with 
conventional slatwall shelving systems because the grooves 115 (FIG. 1a) 
could not receive such an extended "L"-shaped hook. Thus, the mounting 
hooks 120 of the slatwall shelving system 100 and the pegboard shelving 
system 165 cannot be used in gridwall shelving systems 180. 
It is also understood that the mounting hook 185 of the gridwall shelving 
system 110 cannot be used with the slatwall or pegboard shelving systems 
100, 165. The grooves 115 of the slatwall system 100 cannot receive the 
catch 192 of the mounting hook 185. The catch 192 also poses a problem in 
the case of the pegboard system 165 because inserting the catch 192 into 
conventionally sized peg holes may be difficult or impossible. 
Thus, the mounting hook 185 of the gridwall system 180 cannot be used in 
conjunction with conventional slatwall wallboards 110 or conventional 
pegboard panels 170. Likewise, the mounting hook 120 of the slatwall and 
pegboard systems 100, 165 cannot be used in conjunction with conventional 
gridwall panels 181. Hence, there exists a need for a universal mounting 
hook which may be used in conjunction with conventional slatwall, 
pegboard, and gridwall shelving systems. 
Universal Mounting Hook 
FIG. 2 illustrates a pair of universal mounting hooks 200 configured in 
accordance with the present invention and coupled to the sides of a 
straight wire shelf 150. FIG. 2 also illustrates a central universal 
mounting hook 201 disposed between the pair of side universal mounting 
hooks 200. It is contemplated that the structure of the side universal 
mounting hooks 200 and of the central universal mounting hook 201 will be 
substantially identical, and the description herein of one will be 
understood as applying equally to both, except where specified to the 
contrary. 
Each mounting hook 200 is configured for use with slatwall, gridwall, 
pegboard and like adjustable shelving systems, to mount the shelf 150 onto 
the shelf supporting structure (e.g., a wallboard 110 or gridwall panel 
181), as discussed in detail below. Although FIG. 2 illustrates the 
universal mounting hook 200 in connection with a straight wire shelf 150, 
it is understood that the universal mounting hook 200 could be used with 
other types of shelves, such as, for example, display shelves, 
compartmental shelves, hardware shelves and the like, as well as with 
baskets, display units and similar merchandisers. 
FIG. 3a illustrates the universal mounting hook 200 used in connection with 
a gridwall panel 181 of the gridwall shelving system 180. The universal 
mounting hook 200 has a substantially "L"-shape formed by a generally 
vertical leg 215 and a generally horizontal leg 220. It should be noted 
that, although the segments of the mounting hook 200 are referenced as 
discrete sections, the segments are preferably integrally formed and 
continuous with one another, unless described otherwise. 
The vertical leg 215 comprises an attachment hook 225 desirably positioned 
at the top of the vertical leg 215. The attachment hook 225 generally is 
formed by a generally vertical anchoring member 226 and a transition 
member 227. The attachment hook 225 further is sized and shaped to insert 
into and engage with conventional slatwall grooves 115 and pegboard holes 
175 and to engage with conventional grid wires 182. In a preferred 
embodiment, the attachment hook 225 generally has an "L"-shape, with the 
anchoring member 226 having a length generally of 0.5 inch (1.3 cm) and 
the transition member 227 having a length generally of 0.37 inch (0.95 
cm). The transition member 227 is preferably positioned generally 
perpendicular to the anchoring member 226, which defines a vertical axis 
228 of the mounting hook 200. It is understood, however, that dimensions 
and bend angles of the attachment hook 200 can readily be customized to 
suit dimensional and configuration requirements specific to a particular 
shelving system. 
The attachment hook 225 connects to a central member 229 of the vertical 
leg 215 at the distal end of the transition member 227. Again, as used 
herein, "proximal" and "distal" are used in reference to proximity of the 
supporting structure (e.g., gridwall panel 181) to which the universal 
mounting hook 200 is attached. The central member 229 preferably has a 
sufficient length to distance the horizontal leg 220 from the attachment 
hook 225 by a length greater that the height of the rear vertical panel 
231 of the shelf 150. In an exemplary embodiment, the central member 229 
has a length generally of 4.06 inches (10.3 cm). The central member 229 
advantageously is skewed from the vertical axis 228 such that the rear 
panel 231 of the shelf 150 tilts back towards the supporting structure 
(e.g., the grid panel 181) to prevent merchandise on the shelf 150 from 
accidentally falling off the shelf 150. The central member 229 is 
preferably oblique to the vertical axis 228 by at least 5.degree., and 
more preferably by about 15.degree.. 
The lower portion of the vertical leg 215 is formed by a lower transition 
member 232, an abutting member 230 and an indentation 235. The lower 
transition member 232 interconnects the central member 229 with the 
abutting member 230, and protrudes proximally away from the central member 
229. As illustrated in FIG. 3a, the lower transition member 232 preferably 
angles from the vertical axis 228 and has a length selected to position 
the abutting member 230 between the horizontal grid wires 182 of the grid 
panel 181. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower transition member 232 has 
a length approximately equal to 1.87 inches (4.75 cm) and angles from the 
vertical axis 228 by about 60.degree.. 
At least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the abutting member 230 
desirably is positioned co-axially with the vertical axis 228 to 
facilitate the proper positioning of the clasp 233, as discussed in detail 
below. As illustrated in FIG. 3a, the abutting member 230 advantageously 
has a length less that the spacing between the horizontal wires 182 of the 
grid panel 181 to allow the abutting member 230 to pass between the grid 
wire 182 when used with a gridwall shelving system 180. In an exemplary 
embodiment, the abutting member 230 has a length of about 1.5 inches (3.8 
cm) for use with grid panel 181 having greater than a 2.0-inch (5.1-cm) on 
center grid pattern. 
The indentation 235 interconnects the base of the abutting portion 230 with 
the proximal end of the horizontal leg 220. The indentation 235 generally 
is formed by a support member 236 and a bottom transition member 237, and 
is sized and shaped to receive a wire 182 of the grid panel 181. In a 
preferred embodiment, the indentation 235 generally has an inverted 
"L"-shape, with the support member 236 having a length generally of 0.44 
inch (1.1 cm) and the bottom transition member 237 having a length 
generally of 0.5 inch (1.3 cm). The support member 236 is preferably 
positioned generally perpendicular to the abutting member 230 and to the 
bottom transition member 237. Again, it is understood that those skilled 
in the art could readily customize the dimensions and bend angles of the 
mounting hook 200 to suit dimensional and configuration requirements 
specific to a particular shelving system. 
As illustrated in FIG. 3a, the horizontal leg 220 extends distally from the 
base of the indentation 235, and is formed by a proximal member 240 and a 
distal member 245. The proximal member 240 preferably extends 
perpendicular to the bottom transition member 237 of the indentation 235 
for a length desirably greater than the length of the lower transition 
member 232 of the vertical leg 215. As FIG. 3a illustrates, the length of 
the proximal member 240 more preferably extends to a junction 250 with 
lies substantially collinear with the longitudinal axis of the central 
member 229 of the vertical leg 215. 
The distal member 245 extends from the junction 250 in the distal direction 
for a length sufficient to support the bottom panel 255 of the shelf 150, 
but preferably does not extend beyond the shelf bottom panel 255. In an 
exemplary embodiment, the distal member 245 has a length generally of 6.13 
inches (16.5 cm). The distal member 245 also is skewed upwardly from the 
horizontal proximal member 240 in order to tilt the shelf bottom panel 255 
in the proximal direction. In this manner, merchandise supported by the 
shelf cannot easily or accidentally fall off the shelf 150. The distal 
member 245 preferably forms at least a 5.degree. angle with a horizontal 
axis defined by the proximal member 240, and more preferably forms a 
15.degree. angle with the horizontal axis. 
FIG. 3a further illustrates that the universal mounting hook 200 includes 
the clasp 233 configured to engage a portion of the shelf supporting 
structure for use in some applications, and positioned non-functionally 
(i.e., in a unobtrusive position) for use in other applications. For 
instance, when the universal mounting hook 200 is used with a gridwall 
shelving system 180, the clasp 233 releasably receives in a snap fit 
fashion a horizontal wire 182 of the grid panel 181; when the universal 
mounting hook 200 is used with a slatwall shelving system 100, the clasp 
233 is positioned distally of the abutting section 230 which abuts the 
wallboard 110, as discussed in detail below. The central mounting hook 
201, however, desirably does not include a clasp 233. 
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3a, the clasp 233 is formed by the 
indentation 235 of the vertical leg 215 and a spring clip 260 (i.e., a 
leaf spring) attached to the proximal member 240 of the horizontal leg 
220. The clasp 233 is preferably positioned directly below the attachment 
hook 224 such that the clasp 233 and the attachment hook are substantially 
collinear. 
The spring clip 260 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a straight 
attachment section 265 and a crimp 270. The attachment section 265 is 
rigidly attached to the horizontal leg 220 by welding, brazing, affixing 
by an adhesive, or other means known in the art. Alternatively, the spring 
clip 260 could be integrally formed with the horizontal leg 220. The 
attachment section 265 in the illustrated embodiment is positioned to lie 
generally parallel to the proximal member 240 of the horizontal leg 220, 
and is further positioned such that the spring clip 260 extends proximally 
to a point proximate to the vertical axis 228. 
The crimp 270 is positioned on the proximal end of the spring clip 260 and 
preferably has an inverted "V"-shape. The crimp 270 and the indentation 
235 of the vertical leg 215 form an enclosure or pocket 275 having a 
sufficient size to receive a portion of the supporting structure. For use 
with a gridwall shelving system 180, as illustrated in FIG. 3a, the pocket 
275 is preferably sized to receive the diameter of a horizontal grid wire 
182. In an exemplary embodiment, the pocket 275 is sized to receive a 0.25 
inch (0.63 cm) diameter wire 182. 
It is also preferred that the clasp 233 receives the wire 182 in a snap fit 
fashion. That is, a distance D between the support member 236 of the 
indentation 235 and an apex 280 of the crimp 270 is normally less than the 
diameter of the grid wire 182. In an exemplary embodiment, the distance D 
approximately equals 0.19 inch (0.48 cm) for use with a grid wire 182 
having a diameter of 0.25 inch (0.63 cm). 
It is contemplated, however, that the spring clip 260 could be omitted or 
that the clasp 233 could take other forms so long as the clasp 233 is 
configured to engage a portion of the supporting structure (e.g., the 
gridwall panel 181). It is understood that the clasp 233 could simply 
comprise the support member 236 which would rest upon a grid wire 182 or 
like structural support of the shelving system to support the shelf 150. 
In a more preferred embodiment, the clasp 233 could also include a 
retainer to secure the support member 236 on the grid wire 182. Although 
FIG. 3a illustrates the retainer as the spring clip 260, it is 
contemplated that the retainer could comprise a protuberance or an 
extension of the abutting member 230 which extends below the support 
member 236, or could comprise a notch formed on the support member 236 
which cooperates with the grid wire 182. 
The merchandise shelf or basket 150 may be permanently attached to the 
universal mounting hook 200 by welding or like means as the mounting hook 
is interchangeable between shelving systems. That is, because there is no 
need to substitute different styles of mounting hooks in order to move the 
shelf from one type of shelving system (e.g., slatwall) to another type of 
shelving system (e.g., gridwall), the shelf can be permanently attached 
and still be used with all shelving systems. 
The mounting hook 200 is preferably made from a lightweight and sturdy 
material such as, for example, aluminum or steel, or from a durable 
plastic, such as, for example, polycarbonate. It should be noted, however, 
that other materials could comprise the mounting hook 200, depending upon 
the specific application. 
The vertical and horizontal legs 215, 220 of the mounting hook 200 are 
preferably integrally formed from a generally constant diameter wire bent 
into the mounting hook shape described above. In an exemplary embodiment, 
the diameter of wire generally equals 0.19 inch (0.48 cm). However, as 
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, mounting hooks 
incorporating the present invention can be manufactured in any of a wide 
variety of sizes in addition to those described herein. 
Method of Using Universal Mounting Hooks With Conventional Shelving Systems 
FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate the unique advantage of the universal 
mounting hook 200 over prior mounting hooks by depicting the use of the 
universal mounting hook in conjunction with a gridwall shelving system 
180, a slatwall shelving system 100, and a pegboard shelving system 165, 
respectively. The following discussion describes the universal mounting 
hook 200 used in connect with each of these common shelving systems. It is 
contemplated, however, that the present mounting hook could be adapted in 
accordance with the present invention for use with other shelving systems. 
FIG. 3a illustrates the universal mounting hook 200 coupled to a grid panel 
181 of the gridwall shelving system 180 to support the shelf 150 on the 
grid panel 181. The "L"-shaped attachment hook 225 is slipped behind a 
first horizontal grid wires 300 so that the inside corner of the hook 225 
contacts the wire 300. A second horizontal grid wire 305 is releasably 
snapped into place between the spring clip 260 and the indentation 235, 
desirably below the first grid wire 300. That is, the second grid wire 305 
deflects the spring clip 260 downward to widen the dimension D defining 
the opening to the clasp 233 as the grid wire 305 is slipped into the 
clasp 233. Once the second grid wire 305 is inserted into the pocket 275 
of the clasp 233, the spring clip 260 springs back to its undeflected 
state to secure the grid wire 305 in place. The inverted "V"-shape of the 
crimp 270 aids in the deflection of the spring clip 260 when engaging and 
disengaging the clasp 233 from the grid wire 305. The abutting portion 230 
of the universal mounting hook 200 passes between adjacent horizontal grid 
wires 182 with the clasp 233 snapped over the second grid wire 305. 
As FIG. 3a illustrates, the combined weight of the shelf 150 and 
merchandise applies a downward load F1 on the horizontal leg 220 of the 
mounting hook 200. The load F1 produces a downward translational force Fa 
as well as a moment about the second grid wire 305 grasped by the clasp 
233. The moment in turn produces a rotational force Fb acting tangentially 
to a moment arm defined between the second grid wire 305 and the first 
grid wire 300. In addition, the slope of the shelf 150 in the downward, 
proximal direction produces a force component Fc acting in the proximal 
direction against the second grid wire 305. In order to stably support the 
shelf 150, the mounting hook 200 must engage and cooperate with the grid 
wires 300, 305 to counter the translational and rotational forces produced 
by the combined weight of the shelf and supported merchandise. 
As shown in FIG. 3a, the first grid wire 300 contacting the inside corner 
of the attachment hook 225 counteracts the rotational force Fb to prevent 
the mounting hook 200 and, thus, the shelf 150, from rotating about the 
second grid wire 305. Likewise, the second grid wire 305 counteracts the 
horizontal translational force Fc to prevent mounting hook 200 and shelf 
150 from moving in the proximal direction. The support member 236 of the 
vertical leg 215, which rests on the second horizontal grid wire 305, 
counteracts the downward translational force Fa to support the mounting 
hook 200 and the shelf 150 on the grid panel 181. Merchandise may 
therefore safely and securely be positioned on the shelf 150. 
FIG. 3b illustrates the universal mounting hook 200 coupled to a wallboard 
110 of the slatwall shelving system 100 to support the shelf 150 on the 
wallboard 110. The attachment hook 225 is inserted into one of the grooves 
115 of the wallboard 110, in the conventional manner described above, in 
order to secure the universal mounting hook 200 to the wallboard 110. The 
universal mounting hook 200 hangs from the attachment hook 225 adjacent to 
the wallboard 110 with the abutting section 230 generally contiguous with 
the wallboard 110. As illustrated in FIG. 3b, because the spring clip 260 
does not extend substantially beyond the proximal edge of the abutting 
portion 230, the spring clip 240 does not contact the wallboard 110. In 
this manner, only the smooth edge of the abutting section 230 contacts the 
wallboard 110, thereby preventing the spring clip 260 from scratching the 
wallboard 110. 
As FIG. 3b further illustrates, the combined weight of the shelf 150 and 
merchandise applies a downward force F1 on the horizontal leg 220 of the 
mounting hook 200. The force F1 produces a downward translational force Fa 
as well as a moment about the center of gravity of the mounting hook and 
shelf assembly. The moment results in tangential forces Fb and Fc acting 
against the wallboard 110. In addition, the slope of the shelf 150 in the 
downward, proximal direction increases the force Fc acting in the proximal 
direction against the wallboard 110 at the abutting section 230. In order 
to stably support the shelf 150, the mounting hook 200 must engage the 
wallboard 110 to counter the translational and rotational forces produced 
by the combined weight of the shelf 150 and merchandise. 
The bottom surface of the groove 115 contacting the transition member 227 
of the attachment hook 225 counteracts the force Fa such that the 
wallboard 110 supports the weight of the shelf 150 and merchandise. The 
inside surface of the groove 115 counteracts the tangential force Fb at 
the tip of the attachment hook 225, while the outside surface of the 
wallboard 110 counteracts the translational force Fc at the abutting 
section 230. Thus, the universal mounting hook 200 coupled to the 
wallboard 110 stably supports the shelf 150. In this fashion, merchandise 
of considerable weight may be supported and displayed by means of the 
slatwall shelving system 100. 
Referring to FIG. 3c, a similar account can be given of the pegboard 
shelving system 165 wherein the universal mounting hook 200 is secured to 
the pegboard panel 170 by means of the peg holes 175. The attachment hook 
225 is inserted into one of the peg holes 175, and the abutting portion 
230 rests against the pegboard panel 170 without interference from the 
spring clip 240. 
The mounting hook 200 thus supports the attached shelf 150 on the pegboard 
panel 170 in a manner similar to that described above in connection with 
the wallboard 110 of a slatwall system 100. Consequently, the pegboard 
panel 170 counteracts the translational and rotational forces applied by 
the weight of the shelf 150 and supported merchandise in a manner similar 
to that described above in connection with the slatwall system 100. 
From the foregoing description of the use of the universal mounting hook 
200 in connection with common adjustable shelving systems, it is apparent 
that the universal mounting hook 200 is readily employed with each 
shelving system. That is, the universal mounting hook 200 is 
interchangeable between slatwall, pegboard and gridwall systems. In use 
with each shelving system, the structure of the universal mounting hook 
200 engages the supporting structure to simultaneously counter both the 
translational downward force and the rotational forces; prior mounting 
hooks could not counter such resultant forces present in each shelving 
system and, thus, prior mounting hooks are limited (i.e., dedicated) to a 
particular shelving systems. The ability to counter such resultant forces 
in each shelving system enables the universal mounting hook 200 to be 
readily used with multiple adjustable shelving systems. 
Although this invention has been described in terms of a certain preferred 
embodiment, other embodiments that will be apparent to those of ordinary 
skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, 
the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claims 
which follow.