Abstract:
A storage system is provided with a support panel, having a plurality of sockets, and one or more support members, having mounting posts for engagement within the sockets. Nodules extend from the sides of the mounting posts that are received within recesses formed in the inner walls of the sockets to secure the mounting posts within the sockets. A modular design permits a plurality of support panels to be joined at their edges, to form a larger support panel, or to engage the edge of one panel with the face of another panel to provide a storage shelf. In one embodiment, a horizontal platform and vertical handle both provide surfaces for receiving support members while permitting the device to be mobile.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to storage systems, and more particularly to modular storage systems that are easily adaptable for the vertical and horizontal storage of a wide range of articles having various shapes and sizes. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   Organization and storage of tools and other small articles at home and in the work place can be challenging. This is especially true when the articles must be stored in a manner that provides quick and easy access. Such storage systems should provide neat organization and the flexibility of short or long-term storage. Moreover, such storage systems are often times used in a garage or workshop, which necessitates a heightened level of durability in order to provide a long useful life. 
   The ubiquitous storage system, commonly found in garages and workshops, includes one or more sheets of perforated board or “pegboard” that is secured to a wall. A plurality of small wire hangers are used to support tools and various articles from the pegboard. Small diameter hooks at the rearward ends of the hangers are shaped so that they may be passed through the openings in the pegboard and then rest against the backside of the pegboard when the forward end portion of the hanger is in place, closely adjacent the front surface of the pegboard. Unfortunately, such systems are not very durable due to the pressed composite board material used to fabricate the pegboards. Over time, the diameter of the pegboard openings begin to expand and create an ill-fitting connection for the hangers. Moreover, the apparatures of standard pegboard are round, which permit rotation of the hanger within the openings, creating a fairly unstable platform for the storage of heavy or unbalanced articles. 
   Another serious disadvantage to the use of pegboard, and similar storage systems, is the fact that the pegboard itself must be secured in a spaced relationship with a mounting surface in order for the hangers to be secured with the pegboard. Most such systems pass the mounting end of the hangers completely through the pegboard and then utilize the rearward surface of the pegboard as a bracing surface for the mounting end of the hanger. Accordingly, this requires that spacers be used when mounting the pegboard to an operating surface, such as a garage wall. The spacers are typically positioned behind the pegboard, along the peripheral edge and sporadically throughout the middle portions of the pegboard, depending upon the size of the pegboard. Unfortunately, wherever a spacer is used, an apparature is filled with a fastener that passes through the spacer on the opposite side of the pegboard. The use of such small spacers creates instability in the pegboard material, causing it to wobble when articles are coupled with or removed from the pegboard. Where spacers are used that are too short, an insufficient space between the backside of the pegboard and the mounting surface is provided to accommodate the mounting end of the hanger. Accordingly, the system must be disassembled and each of the short spacers must be replaced with taller spacers. 
   Another disadvantage of using prior art storage systems, such as pegboard, is the inflexibility of their use. These prior art systems are designed to hang vertically, in a spaced relationship with a wall or other mounting surface. Due to the mechanical nature in which most hangers are passed through the pegboard apparatures and brace themselves against the rearward surface of the pegboard, prior art storage systems cannot be positioned horizontally to support and store a wide range of articles. Accordingly, such storage systems are inappropriate for use in designing portable storage systems. This, combined with the typically flimsy nature of pegboard, further contributes to the fact that the pegboard materials are not used as horizontal shelves that can be, in turn, secured to vertically mounted sections of pegboard. 
   Accordingly, what is needed is a new storage system for articles that is modular and flexible in design, durable enough to withstand repeated, long-term use, and simple enough to use for a wide range of different applications. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The storage system of the present invention is generally provided with a support panel having first and second surfaces, a peripheral edge portion, and a plurality of evenly spaced sockets. At least one support member is also provided, having at least one mounting post that extends outwardly from one end of the support member. The mounting post is shaped and sized to be at least partially received within at least one of the plurality of sockets in the support panel. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting post is provided with at least one nodule that extends outwardly from a side portion of the mounting post. The nodule is shaped and sized so that it may be releasably receivable within a recess formed within an interior sidewall of the support panel socket. In this manner, the support member snaps in place, adjacent the first surface of the support panel. The support member may be easily removed by pulling the support member until the mounting post is extracted from the socket. The support member may then be repositioned to any other socket in the support panel. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting post and socket are shaped to have a polygonal cross-section so that rotation of the mounting post within the socket is limited. 
   In one preferred embodiment, the storage system is provided to be modular in construction, providing at least one side socket that extends into the peripheral edge portion of the support panel. A second support panel is provided in a similar construction to the first support panel and includes at least one mounting post that extends from the peripheral edge portion of the second support panel. The side socket and the side mounting post are shaped and sized to be releasably engageable with one another, permitting the support panels to be securely coupled to one another in an edge-to-edge fashion when secured to an operating surface. Openings may be formed transversely through the side socket and the side mounting post in such a manner that the openings align with one another when the post is disposed within the socket. In this manner, a mounting apparature is provided to receive a fastener that will secure the two panels to the operating surface. 
   In another embodiment, a second support panel that is constructed in a manner similar to the first support panel may be provided in a narrow but elongated shape. One or more side mounting posts may be provided to extend outwardly from the peripheral edge portion of the second support panel. This arrangement permits the second support panel to be releasably secured to the first support panel in a generally perpendicular orientation. This arrangement provides for a modular shelf to support various articles. In still another embodiment, the support member is provided with an upper mounting post that extends from an upper edge portion of the support member and is sized and shaped to be at least partially received within at least one socket formed in the second support panel, such that the support member extends in a generally perpendicular fashion from the support panel. A mounting post extending from the rearward edge of the support member may be coupled within a socket in the first support panel when the second support panel is secured to the first face of the first support panel, serving as a brace for the shelf that is formed by the second support panel. Sockets may be formed in the support member for receiving the mounting posts of other support members, which will be utilized to individually support various articles. 
   In another preferred embodiment, a first elongated sleeve is coupled to one end of the support member and is provided with an inner cavity that is in open communication with an open upper end portion of the sleeve. Accordingly, the support member may be coupled with the support panel in a manner that permits the sleeve to hold various articles, including the handle portion of a fishing rod. Additional sleeves may be coupled in a generally parallel fashion with the sides of the first sleeve to receive additional articles for storage. In a different embodiment, the mounting post may extend outwardly from a lower end portion of the first elongated sleeve so that the sleeve may be secured to a horizontally disposed platform, having one or more sockets that are positioned to receive the mounting post. The support panel may also be provided in an elongated, slender shape, having a mounting post that extends outwardly from a first end of the peripheral edge portion of the support panel. The mounting post may be releasably received within a handle socket formed in the platform, permitting the support panel to be used as a handle to move and reposition the platform. A base may also be provided with an upper bearing surface that is rotatably received within a recess formed in the lower surface of the platform. In this arrangement, a “lazy susan” is provided. 
   It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide a modular system capable of storing a wide range of articles. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a storage system wherein support members are releasably secured within one or more sockets in a support panel. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a storage system that may be secured in vertical or horizontal positions. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a storage system having a support panel and one or more support members that are releasably engageable with the support panel, while the support panel is positioned flush with a mounting surface. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a storage system that is sufficiently durable for repeated, long-term use. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a storage system having a plurality of support panels that may be joined at their peripheral edges, using posts and sockets along the peripheral edges of the support panels, to create a large support panel. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a storage system having a horizontal base platform and a generally vertical handle, wherein either or both of the base platform or the handle may releasably receive support members for the storage of articles. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a “pegboard-style” storage system that is easily moved from one location to another while storing a plurality of articles. 
   These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those having skill in the art. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the storage system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a front isometric view of one embodiment of a support panel utilized by the storage system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the support panel depicted in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the support panel depicted in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 5A  is a partial cutaway view of one embodiment of the storage system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5B  is a partial cutaway view of an alternate embodiment of the storage system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is another partial, cutaway view of one embodiment of the storage system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded isometric view of a further embodiment of the storage system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is an isometric view of one embodiment of the storage system of the present invention that joins support panels to one another in a manner that provides a large, vertically-positioned, support panel, and a horizontally disposed support panel that serves as a shelf within the storage system; 
       FIG. 9  is a partial, side elevation view of still another embodiment of the storage system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a support panel that may be used within the storage system of the present invention as a shelf; 
       FIG. 11  is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a support member that is configured to be used as a brace for the shelf depicted in  FIG. 10 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a front elevation view of the support member depicted in  FIG. 11 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a support member that may be used with the storage system of the present invention for storing articles such as a collapsible fishing pole; 
       FIG. 14  is a side elevation view of the support member depicted in  FIG. 13 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a bottom plan view of the support member depicted in  FIG. 13 ; 
       FIG. 16  is an exploded, partially cutaway view of an alternate embodiment of the storage system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 17  is a partial, cutaway view of the storage system depicted in  FIG. 16 , as the same may be assembled; 
       FIG. 18  is a front elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the storage system depicted in  FIG. 16 ; and 
       FIG. 19  is a partially exploded, isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the storage system depicted in  FIG. 18 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, reference is made to accompanying  FIGS. 1-19 , which form a part hereof and show by way of illustration exemplary embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, however, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims. 
   The storage system  10  of the present invention is generally provided with a support panel  12 , having a first surface  14 , a second surface  16  and a peripheral edge portion  18 . A plurality of sockets  20  extend into the support panel  12  from a plurality of openings formed the first surface  14 . The sockets  20  are preferably oriented in an evenly spaced relationship with one another. The sockets  20  are each provided with at least one interior sidewall  22  having a recess  24  that extends in a generally transverse direction into the support panel  12 . The sockets  20  are each provided with a depth that preferably terminates prior to the socket  20  extending through the second surface  16  support panel  12 . However, as discussed in greater detail herein, certain applications may make it desirable to extend one or more of the sockets  20  completely through the support panel  12 . 
   At least one support member  26  is also provided, having at least one mounting post  28  that extends outwardly from a first end portion  30  of the support member  26 . The mounting post  28  is preferably shaped and sized to be at least partially received within at least one of the plurality of sockets  20  in the support panel  12 . In a preferred embodiment, the mounting post  28  is provided with at least one nodule  32  that extends outwardly from a side portion of the mounting post  28 . The nodule  32  is shaped and sized so that it may be releasably snapped into place within the recess  24  in the interior sidewall  22  of the socket  20 . In this manner, the support member  26  is placed in a secure position adjacent the first surface  14  of the support panel  12 , as depicted in  FIG. 5A . The support member  26  may be easily removed by pulling the support member  26  until the nodule  32  and the mounting post  28  are extracted from the recess  24  and the socket  20 . The support member may then be repositioned to any other socket  20  in the support panel  12 . In a preferred embodiment, the mounting post  28  and socket  20  are each shaped to have a polygonal cross-section, such as a triangle, square, rectangle, etc., so that rotation of the mounting post  28  within the socket  20  is limited. However, round or curved cross-sections are contemplated. 
   It is contemplated that the combined diameters of the mounting post  28  and the nodule  32  will exceed the diameter of the socket  20  (excluding the diameter of the recess  24 ), so that the nodule  32  extends into the recess  24  to resist the unintentional withdrawal of the mounting post  28  from within the socket  20 . A greater or lesser degree of tolerances are contemplated in order to provide a stronger or weaker structural bond between the nodule  32  and the recess  24 . In order to accommodate the passage of the nodule  32  through the socket  20 , until it reaches the recess  24 , it is contemplated that at least the nodule  32  could be formed from a resiliently deformable material, many of which are known and may include various polymers, and other synthetic and natural materials. It is further contemplated that a plurality of nodules  32  and recesses  24  could be provided in order to secure the mounting post  28  within the socket  20 . For example, a preferred shape may be a ridge-shaped nodule  32  that extends substantially around the perimeter of the mounting post  28 . In another embodiment, a plurality of rounded nodules  32  could be provided opposite one another (or along other select locations) on the mounting post  28 . 
   In an alternate embodiment, depicted in  FIG. 5B , a support member  26 ′ is provided with at least one mounting post  28 ′ that extends outwardly from a first end portion  30 ′ of the support member  26 ′. The mounting post  28  is preferably shaped and sized to be at least partially received within at least one of the plurality of sockets  20 ′ in the support panel  12 ′. As depicted, the mounting post  28 ′ lacks the previously described nodule  32  and the socket  20 ′ is not provided with a recess  24 . Rather the mounting post  28 ′ extends from the first end portion  30 ′ at an angle, so that the support member  26  is secured in place adjacent the first surface  14 ′ of the support panel  12 ′. In this manner, the support member  26 ′ may be easily removed by pulling the support member  26 ′ upwardly and way from the support panel  12 ′. As described previously, the mounting post  28 ′ and socket  20 ′ are each preferably shaped to have a polygonal cross-section, such as a triangle, square, rectangle, etc., so that rotation of the mounting post  28 ′ within the socket  20 ′ is limited. However, round or curved cross-sections are contemplated. 
   In a preferred embodiment, at least one end of the support member  26  is provided with a structure, such as one or more hooks, pegs, rings, sleeves, cups, clamps, and the like, to support one or more articles. Some examples of these structures are illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Many of these will be known in the prior art and have been used with pegboard systems to store and organize tools and other articles. It is contemplated, however, that the structures provided in the present system  10  are such that a greater number, size and range of articles can be supported and organized than previously realized in the art. It is further contemplated that one embodiment will simply use a layer of adhesive, disposed on a second end portion of the support member  26 . Articles, such as storage bins, tackle boxes, tool holders, and the like, could then be disposed against the layer of adhesive. It is contemplated that the strength of the adhesive chosen will be at least strong enough to permit the support members  26  to be inserted into and removed from the support panels  12  without separating such articles from the support member  26 . The strength of the adhesive layer may also depend on the weight of the articles and their contents and will vary from one application to another. Similarly, adhesive could be used on one or more of the support panels  12  to secure them to an operating surface, such as a wall  42 . 
   It will be preferred that the storage system  10  be modular in construction. Accordingly, in one embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 6 ,  8  and  9 , at least one side socket  34  extends into the peripheral edge portion  18  of the support panel  12 . A second support panel  36  is provided in a similar construction to the first support panel and includes at least one side mounting post  38  that extends from the peripheral edge portion  40  of the second support panel  36 . The side socket  34  and the side mounting post  38  are shaped and sized to be releasably engageable with one another, permitting the support panels  12  and  36  to be securely coupled to one another in an edge-to-edge fashion when secured to an operating surface, such as a wall  42 . When desirable, a nodule and recess system could be used with the side socket  34  and side mounting post  38 , such as described previously hereinabove. Openings  44  and  46  may be formed transversely through the side socket  34  and the side mounting post  38 , respectively, in such a manner that the openings  44  and  46  align with one another when the side mounting post  38  is disposed within the side socket  34 . In this manner, a mounting apparature is provided to receive a fastener  48  that will secure the two panels to the operating surface, such as the wall  42  and stud  50  shown in  FIG. 6 . One or more open grooves  52  are formed in the peripheral edge portions  18  and  40  of the support panels  12  and  36 . The grooves  52  are shaped and positioned so that, when the support panels  12  and  36  secured to one another, at their respective peripheral edge portions  18  and  40 , the grooves  52  form small gaps between the support panels  12  and  36 , which are shaped and sized to enable a user to dispose the tip of a screwdriver, or other slender tool or object, into the gap and easily pry the support panels  12  and  36  apart from one another. 
   In another embodiment, depicted in  FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9 , a third support panel  54  may be provided that is generally similar in construction to the support panel  12 . However, in a preferred embodiment, the third support panel  54  is provided in a generally narrow and elongated shape. One or more side mounting posts  56  may be provided to extend outwardly from a peripheral edge portion  58  of the third support panel  54 . This arrangement permits the peripheral edge portion  58  of the third support panel  54  to be releasably secured adjacent the first surface  14  of the support panel  12 , so that the third support panel  54  extends from the first face  14  of the support panel  12  in a generally perpendicular orientation. This arrangement provides for a modular shelf to support various articles. In still another embodiment, a support member  60  is provided with an upper mounting post  62  that extends from an upper edge portion  64  of the support member  60  and is sized and shaped to be at least partially received within at least one socket  66  in the third support panel  54 , such that the support member  60  extends in a generally perpendicular fashion from the third support panel  54 . A rear mounting post  68  extending from a rearward edge  70  of the support member  60  may be coupled within a socket  20  in the support panel  12  when the third support panel  54  is secured to the first face  14  of the first support panel  12 , serving as a brace for the shelf that is formed by the third support panel  54 . A plurality of support members  60  may be used in this same fashion and in conjunction with one another in order to provide a desirable level of support. Sockets  72  may be formed in the support member  60  for receiving the mounting posts of other support members  26 , which will be utilized to individually support various articles, such as tools and the like. The sockets  72  may be formed to extend completely through the support members  60  to provide a user with mounting access from either side of the support member  60 . It is contemplated that the same will be true with any of the sockets and support panels described herein, when the circumstances deem desirable, such as the sockets  73  depicted in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . In either of the aforementioned embodiments, a nodule and recess system may be used in conjunction with mounting posts and sockets to achieve a secure connection between structures. 
   In still another preferred embodiment, depicted in  FIGS. 13-19 , a first elongated sleeve  74  is coupled to a second end portion  76  the support member  26  and is provided with an inner cavity  78  that is in open communication with an open upper end portion  80  of the sleeve  74 . Accordingly, the support member  26  may be coupled with the support panel  12  in a manner that permits the sleeve to hold various articles, including the handle portion of a fishing pole, mop, hammer, screw driver, etc. Additional sleeves, such as the second and third sleeves  82  and  84 , may be coupled with a side portion of the first sleeve  74  in a generally parallel fashion to receive additional articles for storage, including the upper sections of a fishing pole. In a different embodiment, the mounting post  28  may extend outwardly from a lower end portion  86  of the first elongated sleeve  74  so that the sleeve may be secured to a horizontally disposed platform  88 , having one or more platform sockets  90  that are positioned to receive the mounting post  28 . A system of nodules and recesses may be employed with the mounting posts and sockets of either embodiment for a secure connection between structures. 
     FIGS. 16-19  depict a further embodiment of the storage system  10 , wherein a support panel  92  is provided in an elongated slender shape and having a mounting post  94  that extends outwardly from a first end  96  of the peripheral edge portion of the support panel  92 . The mounting post  94  may be releasably received within a handle socket  98  formed in the platform  88 , permitting the support panel  92  to be used as a handle to move and reposition the platform  88 . It is contemplated that the mounting post  94  and the handle socket  98  could be threadably engaged with one another or a nodule and recess system could be used as described hereinabove with respect to the socket  20  and the mounting post  28 . Likewise, it is contemplated that a plurality of support panels  92  could be provided to be releasably engaged with one another in an end-to-end fashion, as depicted in  FIG. 19  in order to provide a support panel of a desired length. A handle  108  may be releasably or integrally formed with one end of a support panel  92  to provide a user with an easy way of moving the storage system. Furthermore, a base  100  may also be provided, having an upper bearing surface  102  that is rotatably received within a cavity  104  formed in the lower surface  106  of the platform  88 . In this arrangement, a selectively rotatable “lazy susan” is provided to store and display articles. A nodule  110  may be provided to extend outwardly from a portion of the base  100  and be selectively engageable within a recess  112  formed within a sidewall of the cavity  104 . Preferably, the nodule  110  and recess  112  will snap together much like the nodule  32  and recess  28  described previously. 
   An elongated finishing cap  114  may be provided to lend a “finished” look to an otherwise exposed edge portion of a support panel  12 , having side sockets  34  or side mounting posts  38  along an exposed peripheral edge portion  18 . Accordingly, the finishing cap  114  will need to be provided with the appropriate mating sockets  116 , or posts, to engage the respective side mounting posts  38 , or side sockets  34 , as the circumstances necessitate. It is contemplated that the finishing cap  114  could be provided in a wide range of different materials, shapes and colors. 
   In the drawings and in the specification, there have been set forth preferred embodiments of the invention and although specific items are employed, these are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Changes in the form and proportion of parts, as well as a substitution of equivalents, are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as further defined in the following claims. 
   Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.