Abstract:
The support clip for industrial bins includes at least one support on the clip and can be used to increase the hanging load of an industrial bin when hung. The supports may be in the form of ledges or cleats. The multi-support clip provides additional hanging strength for existing bins or allows flexibility to use bins manufactured of more economical or recycled polymers that tend to be softer or less rigid. The additional supports on the clip may also allow the bin to be hung in a sloped forward configuration. The use of multi-support clips allow for improved bin strength when hung and flexibility for placement and use of bins already in service. The support clip is manufactured by a process of metal extrusion, metal stamping, or metal die casting or polymer extrusion, thermoforming, injection molding, blow molding, and rotocasting.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to support systems for industrial bins that are commonly used in storage and transport bin systems for use in industrial assembly. The support clip for industrial bins includes at least one supports on the clip and can be used to increase the hanging load of an industrial bin when hung. The supports may be in the form of ledges or cleats. The support clip provides additional hanging strength for existing bins or allows flexibility to use bins manufactured of more economical or recycled polymers that tend to be softer or less rigid. The additional supports on the clip may also allow the bin to be hung in a sloped forward configuration. The use of multi-support clips allow for improved bin strength when hung and flexibility for placement and use of bins already in service. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Bin systems are often used in industrial sites to aid in storing and sorting a number of small parts. Typically, the bins are open topped and hung horizontally from a single clip formed on the back wall of the bin when the bin is formed. Generally, the bins either hang from a single clip or do not include a support and are placed on a shelf. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a multi-support, such as a multi-cleat or multi-ledge, support clips for industrial bins are disclosed having a rear wall, a rail formed at the upper edge of the rear wall having a support formed thereon and a lower step at the lower edge of the rear wall, having a clip or ledge. One or more clips or ledges may be included in the central portion of the clip. The clip may include an inverted L-arm sized to fit over the rear wall of an industrial bin or an angled arm that fits into notches formed in the sidewalls of the bin. The support clip may be formed of metal by extrusion, stamping, or may be die cast or formed by polymer by extrusion, thermoforming, injection molding, blow molding, and rotocasting. Also disclosed is a hanging bin having a base, a front wall, two opposing side walls and a substantially vertical rear wall having an upper rim, a midsection and a lower rim with a first support proximate the upper rim of the rear wall and one or more ledges formed in the rear wall beneath the first support. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    A more complete appreciation of the invention and the many embodiments thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0005]      FIG. 1A  illustrates an isometric view of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins with four cleats in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0006]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a rear plan view of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins with four cleats in accordance with the present invention 
           [0007]      FIG. 1C  a side plan view of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins with four cleats in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 1D  a side plan view of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins with four cleats in accordance with the present invention installed on a standard industrial bin; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an isometric view of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins with three cleats in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a rear plan view of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins with three cleats in accordance with the present invention 
           [0011]      FIG. 2C  a side plan view of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins with three cleats in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2D  a side plan view of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins with three cleats in accordance with the present invention installed on a standard industrial bin; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2E  illustrates an isometric view of a multi-ledge support clip for industrial bins with two ledges in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2F  illustrates a side plan view of a multi-ledge support clip for industrial bins with  2  ledges in accordance with the present invention and mounted on a louvered panel; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2G  illustrates an isometric view of a multi-cleat support clip for standard shelf bin in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3A  illustrates an isometric view of a multi-support clip for industrial bins with two cleats in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a rear plan view of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins with two cleats in accordance with the present invention 
           [0018]      FIG. 3C  a side plan view of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins with two cleats in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3D  a side plan view of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins with two cleats in accordance with the present invention installed on a standard industrial bin; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4A  illustrates an isometric view of a single-cleat support shelf for industrial bins in accordance with the present invention; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a side plan view of a single-cleat support shelf for industrial bins in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    The present invention will now be described with occasional reference to the specific embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
         [0023]    Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
         [0024]    Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth as used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in their respective measurements. 
         [0025]    A multi-cleat support clip  10  for industrial bins in accordance with the present invention, is shown in  FIG. 1A . Clip  10  includes a top rail  12  that fits into a cleat on a standard commercial bin and lower step  14  that supports the rear lower edge of the bin. Top rail  12  includes a cleat  12   a  that runs substantially the width of clip  10 . The lower step also includes a cleat  14   a  that runs substantially the width of the clip. Top rail  12  includes upright  12   b  and cleat  12   a . Beneath top rail  12  is a wall  20  with a lower cleat  20   a  and an upper surface  20   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall. Beneath wall  20  is wall  18  includes lower cleat  18   a , an upper surface  18   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall, and a rail  18   c . Beneath wall  18  is wall  16  includes lower cleat  16   a , an upper surface  16   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall, and a rail  16   c . Beneath wall  16  is lower step  14  includes an upright wall  14   a  and a curved upper surface  14   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall. In use, at least one rail  12 ,  18   c ,  16   c  fit into a cleat on a bin while lower step  14  supports base of the bin. The clip  10  is placed on a louvered panel with at least one of cleats  12   a ,  20   a ,  18   a ,  16   a  on a louver of a louvered panel or other wall mount system. Cleats  12   a ,  20   a ,  18   a ,  16   a  carry the weight of a bin and distribute the load across the back wall of the bin so that a higher load may be placed in the bin when hung on as a part of a mounting system. 
         [0026]    The rear of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins of the present invention, is shown in  FIG. 1B . Clip  10  includes a top rail  12  that fits into a cleat on a standard commercial bin and lower step  14  that supports the rear lower edge of the bin. Top rail  12  includes upright  12   b  and cleat  12   a . Intermediate wall  20  includes a lower cleat  20   a . A second intermediate wall  18  includes lower cleat  18   a . A third intermediate wall  16  includes lower cleat  16   a , Cleats  12   a ,  20   a ,  18   a ,  16   a  attach to louvers or other mounts on a rack system. 
         [0027]    The side view of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1C . Clip  10  includes a top rail  12  that fits into a cleat on a standard commercial bin and lower step  14  that supports the rear lower edge of the bin. Top rail  12  includes a cleat  12   a  that runs substantially the width of clip  10 . The lower step also includes a cleat  14   a  that runs substantially the width of the clip. Top rail  12  includes upright  12   b  and cleat  12   a . Beneath top rail  12  is a wall  20  with a lower cleat  20   a  and an upper surface  20   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall. Beneath wall  20  is wall  18  includes lower cleat  18   a , an upper surface  18   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall, and a rail  18   c . Beneath wall  18  is wall  16  includes lower cleat  16   a , an upper surface  16   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall, and a rail  16   c . Beneath wall  16  is lower step  14  includes an upright wall  14   a  and a curved upper surface  14   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall. In use, at least one rail  12 ,  18   c ,  16   c  fit into a cleat on a bin while lower step  14  supports base of the bin. 
         [0028]    The side view of a multi-cleat support clip of the present invention on an industrial bin is shown in  FIG. 1D . Clip  10  includes a top rail  12  that fits into a cleat on a standard commercial bin and lower step  14  that supports the rear lower edge of the bin. Top rail  12  includes a cleat  12   a  that runs substantially the width of clip  10 . The lower step also includes a cleat  14   a  that runs substantially the width of the clip. Top rail  12  includes upright  12   b  and cleat  12   a . Beneath top rail  12  is a wall  20  with a lower cleat  20   a  and an upper surface  20   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall. Beneath wall  20  is wall  18  includes lower cleat  18   a , and an upper surface  18   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall. Beneath wall  18  is wall  16  includes lower cleat  16   a , and an upper surface  16   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall. Beneath wall  16  is lower step  14  includes an upright wall  14   a  and a curved upper surface  14   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall. In use, at least one rail  12 ,  18   c ,  16   c  fit into a cleat on a bin while lower step  14  supports base of the bin. As shown,  12  top rail of clip  10  fits into cleat  54  at top rail  52  of bin  50 . Lower step  14  supports base  58  of bin  50  and to distribute the load across the back wall of the bin so that a higher load may be placed in the bin when hung on mounting system. 
         [0029]    An alternate embodiment of the multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins of the present invention, having three cleats and for use with a standard bin without a top rail cleat is shown in  FIG. 2A . Clip  110  includes an internal cleat  118   c  formed on extension  118   d  that fits over the rear of a standard commercial bin and lower step  114  that supports the rear lower edge of the bin. Top rail  112  includes a cleat  112   a  that runs substantially the width of clip  110 . The lower step also includes a cleat  114   a  with curved upper surface  114   b  that runs substantially the width of the clip. Beneath top rail  112  is a wall  118  with a lower cleat  118   a  and an upper surface  118   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall. Extension  118   d  supports internal cleat  118   c . Beneath wall  118  is wall  116  includes lower cleat  116   a , an upper surface  116   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall, and an internal support  116   c . Beneath wall  116  is lower step  114  including upright wall  114   a  and a curved upper surface  114   b  that is curved to receive a mount. In use, the upper rim of an industrial bin fits under internal cleat  118   c  so that the rear of the bin rests against internal support  116   c  and the base of the bin rests on lower step  114 . External cleats  120   a ,  118   a ,  116   a  carry the weight of the bin and distribute the load across the back wall of the bin so that a higher load may be placed in the bin when hung on as a part of a mounting system. 
         [0030]    The rear of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins of the present invention, is shown in  FIG. 2B . Clip  110  includes top rail  112  and cleat  112   a  that runs substantially the width of clip  110 . Beneath top rail  112  is a wall  118  with a lower cleat  118   a . Beneath wall  118  is wall  116  includes lower cleat  116   a , and lower step  114 . 
         [0031]    The side view of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 2C . Clip  110  includes an internal cleat  118   c  formed on extension  118   d  that fits over the rear of a standard commercial bin and lower step  114  that supports the rear lower edge of the bin. Top rail  112  includes a cleat  112   a  that runs substantially the width of clip  110 . The lower step also includes a cleat  114   a  with curved upper surface  114   b  that runs substantially the width of the clip. Beneath top rail  112  is a wall  118  with a lower cleat  118   a  and an upper surface  118   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall. Extension  118   d  supports internal cleat  118   c . Beneath wall  118  is wall  116  includes lower cleat  116   a , an upper surface  116   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall, and an internal support  116   c . Beneath wall  116  is lower step  114  including upright wall  114   a  and a curved upper surface  114   b  that is curved to receive a mount. In use, the upper rim of an industrial bin fits under internal cleat  118   c  so that the rear of the bin rests against internal support  116   c  and the base of the bin rests on lower step  114 . External cleats  120   a ,  118   a ,  116   a  carry the weight of the bin and distribute the load across the back wall of the bin so that a higher load may be placed in the bin when hung on as a part of a mounting system. 
         [0032]    The side view of a multi-cleat support clip of the present invention on an industrial bin is shown in  FIG. 2D . Clip  110  includes an internal cleat  118   c  formed on extension  118   d  that fits over the top rear edge  154  of a standard commercial bin  150  and lower step  114  that supports the rear lower edge  158  of bin  150 . Top rail  112  includes a cleat  112   a  that runs substantially the width of clip  110 . The lower step also includes a cleat  114   a  with curved upper surface  114   b  that runs substantially the width of the clip. Beneath top rail  112  is a wall  118  with a lower cleat  118   a  and an upper surface  118   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall. Extension  118   d  supports internal cleat  118   c . Cleat  118   c  retains the top rear edge  154  of bin  150 . Beneath wall  118  is wall  116  includes lower cleat  116   a , an upper surface  116   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall, and an internal support  116   c . Internal support  116   c  rests against the rear wall  156  of bin  150 . Beneath wall  116  is lower step  114  including upright wall  114   a  and a curved upper surface  114   b  that is curved to receive a mount. Lower step  114  supports bin base  158  such the weight of bin  150  is supported. In use, the upper rim of an industrial bin  152  is connected to the top rear bin edge  154  that fits under internal cleat  118   c  so that the rear of the bin rests against internal support  116   c  and the base of the bin rests on lower step  114 . External cleats  120   a ,  118   a ,  116   a  carry the weight of the bin and distribute the load across the back wall  156  so that a higher load may be placed in the bin when hung on as a part of a mounting system. 
         [0033]    The side view of a multi-ledge support clip for industrial bins of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 2E . Clip  110 ′ includes an internal cleat  118   c  formed on extension  118   d  that fits over the rear of a standard commercial bin and lower step  114  that supports the rear lower edge of the bin. Top rail  112  includes a cleat  112   a  that runs substantially the width of clip  110 ′. The lower step also includes upright  114   a ′ with upper ledge  114   b ′ that runs substantially the width of the clip. Beneath top rail  112  is a wall  118  with an upper surface  118   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall. Extension  118   d  supports internal cleat  118   c . Beneath wall  118  is wall  116  includes an upper ledge  116   b ′ that rests on mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall, and an internal support  116   c . Beneath wall  116  is lower step  114  including upright wall  114   a ′ and ledge  114   b ′ that rests on a mount. In use, the upper rim of an industrial bin fits under internal cleat  118   c  so that the rear of the bin rests against internal support  116   c  and the base of the bin rests on lower step  114 . External cleats  118   a , ledges  116   b ′ and  114   b ′ carry the weight of the bin and distribute the load across the back wall of the bin so that a higher load may be placed in the bin when hung on as a part of a mounting system. 
         [0034]    The side view of a multi-ledge support clip of the present invention on an industrial bin is shown in  FIG. 2F . Clip  110 ′ includes an internal cleat  118   c  formed on extension  118   d  that fits over the rear of a standard commercial bin and lower step  114  that supports the rear lower edge of the bin on a panel  70  with multiple louvers  72 . Top rail  112  includes a cleat  112   a  that runs substantially the width of clip  110 ′. The lower step also includes upright  114   a ′ with upper ledge  114   b ′ that runs substantially the width of the clip. Beneath top rail  112  is a wall  118  with an upper surface  118   b  that is curved to receive a mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall. Extension  118   d  supports internal cleat  118   c . Beneath wall  118  is wall  116  includes an upper ledge  116   b ′ that rests on mount, such as a louver on a louvered wall, and an internal support  116   c . Beneath wall  116  is lower step  114  including upright wall  114   a ′ and ledge  114   b ′ that rests on a mount. In use, the upper rim of an industrial bin fits under internal cleat  118   c  so that the rear of the bin rests against internal support  116   c  and the base of the bin rests on lower step  114 . External cleats  118   a , ledges  116   b ′ and  114   b ′ rest on louvers  72  to distribute the load in a bin across the back wall of the bin so that a higher load may be placed in the bin when hung on as a part of a mounting system. 
         [0035]    An alternate embodiment of the multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins of the present invention, having three cleats and for use with a standard bin without a top rail cleat is shown in  FIG. 2G . Clip  110 ″ includes an internal cleat  118   c  formed on extension  118   d  that fits over the rear of a standard commercial bin and lower step  114  that supports the rear lower edge of the bin. Top surface  118   d  includes an external cleat  112   a  and an internal cleat  118   c  that run substantially the width of clip  110 ″. The lower step also includes an upright wall  114   a  with curved upper surface  114   b  and a stop  114   c  that run substantially the width of the clip. Beneath top rail surface  118   d  is a wall  118  with a lower cleat  118   a . Beneath wall  118  is wall  116  includes lower cleat  116   a , an upper surface  116   b ′ that that may receive a mount on the exterior of clip  110 ″ and extends inwardly to contact the back wall of an industrial bin. Beneath wall  116  is lower step  114  including upright wall  114   a  and a curved upper surface  114   b  to receive a mount and stop  114   c  to contact the base of an industrial bin. In use, the upper rim of an industrial bin fits under internal cleat  118   c  so that the rear of the bin rests against the interior end of upper wall  116   b ″ and the base of the bin rests on lower step  114 . External cleats  120   a ,  118   a ,  116   a  carry the weight of the bin and distribute the load across the back wall of the bin so that a higher load may be placed in the bin when hung on as a part of a mounting system. 
         [0036]    An alternate embodiment of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins of the present invention, having two cleats and for use with an industrial bin is shown in  FIG. 3A . Clip  210  includes top rail  118  includes a cleat  118   a  that runs substantially the width of clip  210 . The lower step  214  includes cleat  214   a  with curved upper surface  214   b  that runs substantially the width of the clip. Beneath top rail  212  is a wall  218  with a lower cleat  116   a . In use, the base of a bin rests on lower step  214 . External cleats  218   a ,  216   a  carry the weight of the bin and distribute the load across the base of the back wall of a bin so that a higher load may be placed in the bin when hung on as a part of a mounting system. 
         [0037]    The rear of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins of the present invention, is shown in  FIG. 3B . Clip  210  includes top rail  218  and cleat  218   a  that runs substantially the width of clip  210 . Beneath top rail  218  is a wall  116  with a lower cleat  116   a . Beneath wall  216  is lower step  214 . 
         [0038]    The side view of a multi-cleat support clip for industrial bins of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 3C . Clip  210  includes top rail  118  includes a cleat  118   a  that runs substantially the width of clip  210 . The lower step  214  includes cleat  214   a  with curved upper surface  214   b  that runs substantially the width of the clip. Beneath top rail  212  is a wall  218  with a lower cleat  116   a . In use, the base of a bin rests on lower step  214 . External cleats  218   a ,  216   a  carry the weight of the bin and distribute the load across the base of the back wall of a bin so that a higher load may be placed in the bin when hung on as a part of a mounting system. 
         [0039]    The side view of a multi-cleat support clip of the present invention on an industrial bin is shown in  FIG. 3D . Clip  210  includes top rail  118  includes a cleat  118   a  that runs substantially the width of clip  210 . The lower step  214  includes cleat  214   a  with curved upper surface  214   b  that runs substantially the width of the clip. Beneath top rail  212  is a wall  218  with a lower cleat  116   a . In use, bin  250  with top rim  252 , rear cleat  254 , back wall  256  with base  258  supported on lower step  214 . External cleats  218   a ,  216   a  support the weight of the bin and distribute the load across the base of the back wall of a bin so that a higher load may be placed in the bin when hung on as a part of a mounting system. 
         [0040]    Yet another support is shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , which illustrates a single-cleat support shelf  300  for industrial bins in accordance with the present invention. The shelf  300  includes a single cleat between walls  316   a ,  316   b  formed on rear wall  316  that engages a louver of a louvered panel or a rail in a rail support system. Buttress support  314   a  may be included between shelf surface  314  and rear wall  316 . In use, the support shelf is positioned on a louver or rail support and the shelf supports an industrial bin. 
         [0041]    The multi-cleat support clip and multi-ledge support clip of the present invention may be formed by any suitable method including extrusion, stamping, or may be die cast (if metal) or extrusion, thermoforming, injection molding, blow molding, and rotocasting (if formed of polymer). The clip may be formed of any suitable material, such as: metal, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, SMMA (styrene methyl methacrylate, acrylic blend), or HIPS high impact polystyrene or other such materials commonly used in the manufacturing of polymeric parts and/or parts made by common forming techniques. 
         [0042]    The present invention should not be considered limited to the specific examples described herein, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures and devices to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, which is not to be considered limited to what is described in the specification.