Abstract:
A system for holding an item on a hook-arm that has a polygonal cross-section and is mounted within a yoke assembly. The yoke assembly includes a front plate with a rear face and a plurality of open-ended channels that each have a polygonal cross-section that is complementary to the polygonal cross-section of the hook-arm. At least two of the plurality of channels share a common open end. A rear plate mates with the front plate, and has a front face and including a first flange and a second flange that are arranged in spaced apart, parallel relation to one another and in off-set relation to the front face. The front plate is mountable to the rear plate with the at least one hook-arm positioned within one of the plurality of open-ended channels. The whole assembly is then mounted upon a frame having spaced apart openings that are sized and oriented so that one of the spaced apart openings receives the first flange and one of the spaced apart openings receives the second flange.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority from co-pending Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/793,563, filed on Apr. 19, 2006. 
     
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to storage and organizational systems and devices, and more particularly to storage and organizational systems and devices for storing home and garden tools or the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In modern American suburbia, the garage has become the storage receptacle for a myriad of items that are necessary for work and recreation. The need for this storage space has become so acute that many suburban dwellings contain a 3-car garage even though the occupants own only two vehicles. Although, in many instances a recreational vehicle or boat occupies the third bay; in most cases, that extra space is utilized for storage and as a work area. Items such as sports equipment, gardening implements, and work shop related items, e.g., screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, hand and power tools, and other implements for home, vehicle, or garden repair and maintenance are generally stored in the garage. 
         [0004]    There are a number of systems for storing relatively small and lightweight articles known in the art. For example, pegboard or perforated panel systems are known for hanging articles in a vertical or horizontal orientation using pegboard hooks that are removably attached to a perforated panel. Shelving may also be provided on pegboards using the same or similar structures for securing and supporting the shelf to the pegboard. Prior art perforated panel systems (known as “pegboards”) typically comprise a pressed composite board material with regularly spaced circular perforations into which hooks may be inserted for the storage or display of tools, instruments, and other articles. Changing the locations of the stored articles requires that the hooks or shelf-supports be removed completely from their respective supporting holes in the pegboard, and then reinserted into other holes. After a period of use, the holes tend to become worn and enlarged, and eventually become unable to retain the hooks. Also, the hooks are easily misplaced or lost. These pegboard systems are also aesthetically unattractive, especially after many years of use. 
         [0005]    Those who use pegboards are also familiar with the frustration and irritation associated with an insecure hook. Such fasteners often pull off the pegboard and get lost or damaged, especially when only one or two items are held. 
         [0006]    It would be advantageous to have a storage system which allowed ease of accessibility to tools, such as gardening implements, while maximizing the use of garage space, in an aesthetically satisfying manner. It would also be advantageous to have a storage system that could be mounted directly to the walls of a typical garage or tool shed, thereby allowing effective use of available space while removing sports equipment, gardening implements, and work shop related items from the floor space of the garage or a tool shed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention provides a system for holding an item including at least one hook-arm having a polygonal cross-section that is mounted within a yoke assembly. The yoke assembly includes a front plate with a rear face and a plurality of open-ended channels that each have a polygonal cross-section that is complementary to the polygonal cross-section of the hook-arm. At least two of the plurality of channels share a common open end. A rear plate mates with the front plate, and has a front face and including a first flange and a second flange that are arranged in spaced apart, parallel relation to one another and in off-set relation to the front face. The front plate is mountable to the rear plate with the at least one hook-arm positioned within one of the plurality of open-ended channels. The wholly assembly is then mounted upon a frame having spaced apart openings that are sized and oriented so that one of the spaced apart openings receives the first flange and one of the spaced apart openings receives the second flange. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, a system for holding an item is provided that includes at least one arm and a plate having a front face to which the at least one arm is welded. The plate includes a first flange, a second flange, and a central flange that are arranged in spaced apart, parallel relation to one another and in off- set relation to thefront face. A locking-wheel is provided having a threaded shaft threadingly passing through the plate and located adjacent to the central flange. A frame that is mountable on a vertical surface has a plurality of parallel spaced apart openings that are sized and oriented so that one of the spaced apart openings receives the first flange, one of the spaced apart openings receives the second flange, and one of the spaced apart openings receives the central flange. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered obvious by, the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, which are to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective, broken-away view of a storage system formed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a yoke assembly formed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a yoke assembly formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the yoke assembly shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an arm; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the arm shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a partially cross-section partially broken-away portion of the arms shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an arm end cap; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the end cap shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the end cap shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a transverse cross-sectional view of the end caps shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a front plate; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of the front plate shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a rear surface view of the front plate shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of the front plate shown in  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of front plate formed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a rear plate formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a rear plate formed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is a front elevational view of the rear plate shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is an end view of the rear plates shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of a yoke assembly formed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a top view of a front plate formed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 23  is a bottom view of the front plate shown in  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 24  is an end view of the front plates shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a frame formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 26  is a broken-away end view of the frame shown in  FIG. 25 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the frame shown in  FIGS. 25 and 26 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 28  is a side elevational view, partially in cross-section, showing a yoke assembly assembled to a frame; 
           [0038]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a fully-assembled yoke assembly; 
           [0039]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a yoke assembly; 
           [0040]      FIGS. 31 and 32  are perspective views of yet further embodiments of a yoke assembly formed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 33  is a perspective view of a further alternative embodiment of a yoke assembly formed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view of a container supported by two yoke assemblies formed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 35  is a perspective view of a shelf supported by two yoke assemblies formed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 36  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a yoke assembly formed in accordance with the present invention that includes welded hook-arms; 
           [0045]      FIG. 37  is a side elevational view of the yoke assembly shown in  FIG. 36 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of rear plate formed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 39  front elevational view of the rear plate shown in  FIG. 38 , with a threaded nut assembled to a centrally disposed through-hole; 
           [0048]      FIG. 40  is a side elevational view of the rear plate shown in  FIG. 39 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 41  is a perspective view of the rear plate shown in  FIG. 39 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 42  is a perspective view of a locking-wheel formed in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 43  is a side elevational view of the locking-wheel shown in  FIG. 42 ; and 
           [0052]      FIG. 44  is a perspective view of a shelf supported by a yoke assembly formed in accordance with the present invention that includes welded hook-arms. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0053]    This description of preferred embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description of this invention. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses, if used, are intended to cover the structures described, suggested, or rendered obvious by the written description or drawings for performing the recited function, including not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a storage system  2  formed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes one or more arms  4 , a yoke assembly  6 , and a frame  8 . More particularly, hook-arm  4  is often formed from a rod or the like having a polygonal cross-sectional profile, and comprises a first hook-end  12 , a first shank  14 , an elbow  16 , a second shank  18  and a second hook-end  20 . In one preferred embodiment, hook-arm  4  comprises a hexagonal cross-sectional profile ( FIG. 6 ). A sleeve  24  is disposed over first hook-end  12  and second hook-end  20  that is often formed from a soft and resilient material, such as, an elastomeric polymer or rubber, but may also comprise a harder and stiffer plastic material ( FIGS. 7-10 ). 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , yoke assembly  6  includes a front plate  30  and a rear plate  32 . In one preferred embodiment, front plate  30  and rear plate  32  may be releasably fastened together with a locking-wheel  34  ( FIG. 3 ). Turning first to  FIGS. 11-20 , front plate  30  has a front face  36 , a rear face  38 , and a rearwardly projecting, annular flange  40 . Often, a plurality of through-holes  42  communicate between front face  36  and rear face  38 . In one embodiment, through-holes  42  are sized and arranged so as to accept threaded fasteners  44  within complementarily threaded bushings  45 . In another embodiment, a central through-hole  46  is located within a central recess  49  on front face  36   a  of a front plate  30   a  that is sized and shaped to accept locking-wheel  34 . Referring once again to front plate  30  and now to  FIGS. 14-15 , a plurality of channels are defined within rear face  38 , including one or more channels  50  that are arranged transversely, one or more channels  52  that are arranged at an angle relative to channels  50 , and at least one channel  54  that is arranged longitudinally. Each channel  50 , 52 , 54  is defined by a faceted portion of rear face  38  ( FIGS. 14 and 17 ). Transverse channel  50  defines opening  56  and longitudinal channel  54  defines openings  58  within annular flange  40 . In one embodiment, each of transverse channels  50  share a common opening  60  with an angled channel  52  defined within annular flange  40 . Each of channels  50 ,  52 , and  54  have a cross-sectional profile that closely matches the cross-sectional profile of hook-arm  4 . In one preferred embodiment, each of channels  50 ,  52 , and  54  have a partially or semi-hexagonal cross-sectional profile. 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 18-20 , rear plate  32  has a front face  65 , an upper off-set flange  67 , and a lower off-set flange  69 . A plurality of through-holes  72  are defined in rear plate  32  in a pattern that is complementary to the pattern of through-holes  42  in front plate  30 . Often, through-holes  72  are defined within upper off-set flange  67  and lower off-set flange  69 . Through-holes  72  are sized and arranged so as to accept threaded fasteners  44 . In some embodiments, front face  65  of rear plate  32  is substantially planer and smooth, with upper and lower off-set flanges  67 , 69  arranged in recessed parallel relation to the surface of front face  65 . In other embodiments, a plurality of channels are defined within front face  65   a.    
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 17 , in one embodiment central through-hole  76  is defined through front face  65   a  that is sized and shaped to accept a threaded fastener  44   a  that passes through a central through-bore  71  defined in locking-wheel  34  and central through-hole  46  located within a central recess  49  of front plate  30   a . The plurality of channels defined in front face  65   a  often include one or more channels  80  that are arranged transversely, one or more channels  82  that are arranged at an angle relative to channels  80 , and at least one channel  84  that is arranged longitudinally. Transverse channels  80  define openings  86  and longitudinal channel  84  define openings  88 . In one embodiment, two transverse channels  80  share a common opening  90  with angled channels  82  ( FIGS. 22-24 ). Each of channels  80 ,  82 , and  84  have a cross-sectional profile that closely matches the cross-sectional profile of hook-arm  4 . In one preferred embodiment, each of channels  80 ,  82 , and  84  have a partially or semi-hexagonal cross-sectional profile. 
         [0058]    Referring to FIGS.  1  and  25 - 28 , frame  8  is typically formed as an elongate, often extruded panel having a rear wall  100  with spaced apart, parallel side walls  102 , 104  that project outwardly from spaced-apart longitudinal edges  106 , 108 . Face walls  110 , 112 , 114 , and  116  are disposed in spaced relation to rear wall  100  and in co-planar spaced relation to one another so as to define at least three slots  120 , 122 , and  124 . More particularly, face walls  110  and  112  project inwardly from the respective ends of parallel side walls  102 , 104  while face walls  114  and  116  sit a top parallel beams  126 , 128  and  130 , 132 . In this way, slots  120 , 122 , and  124  form three parallel passageways that run the length of frame  8 . 
         [0059]    A storage system  2  formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is assembled in the following manner. One or more arms  4  are arranged and positioned so that either shank  18  or shank  14  is located between a front plate  30  and a rear plate  32 . In this position, each arm  4  is aligned in parallel, coaxial relation with one of channels  50  for vertical assembly ( FIGS. 28-31  and  34 - 35 ), channels  52  for an angled assembly ( FIG. 33 ), or channel  54  for a horizontal assembly ( FIG. 32 ). Likewise, when front plate  30   a  and rear plate  32   a  are used, each arm  4  is aligned in parallel, coaxial relation with one of channels  80  for vertical assembly ( FIG. 3 ), channels  82  for an angled assembly, or channel  84  for a horizontal assembly. Once in this position, front plate  30 , 30   a  is moved toward rear plate  32 , 32   a  until rear face  36  of front plate  30  engages front face  65  of rear plate  32 . Once in this position, fasteners  44  may be inserted through openings  42  or  46  so as to complete yoke assembly  6 . If arms  4  are positioned within angled channels  52  or transverse channels  50 , one end of arm  4  will exit yoke assembly  6  via common openings  60 . 
         [0060]    A fully-assembled yoke assembly  6  may be positioned upon a frame  8  in the following manner. With arms  4  positioned within yoke assembly  6 , yoke assembly  6  is moved toward frame  8  until upper offset flange  67  enters slot  120 . In this position, upper recessed flange  67  is cammed into position against the inner surface of face wall  110 . Once in this position, lower recessed flange  69  may be inserted in slot  122  such that it is captured behind face wall  112  and adjacent to beam  126 . Yoke assembly  6  assembled to frame  8  is free to slide longitudinally along slots  120 , 122  so that yoke assembly  6  and arms  8  may be positioned at any location along the length of frame  8 . Once in position, one or more yoke assemblies  6  may be grouped to form a support for one or more items directly ( FIG. 1 ) or as an intermediate support structure for a container ( FIG. 34 ) or a shelf ( FIG. 35 ). 
         [0061]    The present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments although optional modifications may be carried out by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in one embodiment a rear plate  125  has a front face  126 , an upper off-set flange  129 , and a lower off-set flange  131  ( FIGS. 36-44 ). A through-hole  134  is centrally defined in rear plate  125  adjacent to an off-set, cantilevered tab  138  that projects outwardly from a rear face  139  of rear plate  125 . Through-hole  134  is sized and arranged so as to accept a threaded nut  140 . In some embodiments, front face  126  of rear plate  125  includes weld islands  142 , with upper and lower off-set flanges  129 , 131 , arranged in recessed parallel relation to the surface of front face  126 . Upper off-set flange  129  also includes a downwardly projecting cantilevered tab  145 , that is formed as a punched-out portion of front face  126 . A locking-wheel  150  includes a threaded stem  153  that projects outwardly from the rear face of a pressure-plate  156  ( FIGS. 36-37  and  42 - 43 ). Pressure-plate  156  may include finger-grips  159  to aid in rotating locking-wheel  150  into and out of threaded engagement with threaded nut  140 . Hook-arms  160  may have a variety of shapes and configurations, and are often permanently fastened to front face  126 , via spot welds or the like on weld islands  142 . 
         [0062]    Referring to  FIGS. 25-27  and  43 , rear plate  125  is assmbled to frame  8  by positioning upper off-set flange  129  so that downwardly projecting cantilevered tab  145  is cammed into position against the inner surface of face wall  110 . As this occurs, cantilevered tab  138  is cammed into position against the inner surface of face wall  114  and downwardly projecting lower off-set flange 131  is cammed into position against the inner surface of face wall  116 . From this arrangement, and without locking-wheel  150  fully engaged with frame  8 , rear plate  125  may be slid along frame  8  to a preferred or desired position. Once in position, threaded stem  153  of locking-wheel  150  is threaded into nut  140 , and tightened by rotating finger-grips  159  so that the rear surface of pressure-plate  156  engages frame the front face of frame  8  so as to cause at least cantilevered tab  138  to elastically deform and thereby grip frame  8 . 
         [0063]    It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed and shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the claims.