Patent Publication Number: US-2011068022-A1

Title: Storage / Display Unit

Description:
This application claims priority from provisional application 61/126,807, filed on 7 May 2008, and PCT application PCT/US2009/43005, filed on 6 May 2009. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to storage devices that are constructed at least partially of pegboard or slatboard. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Storage and display space is highly valued, both in commercial ventures and in homes. Over the years, pegboard, slatboard or slotboard, and slatwall or slotwall have proven to be very versatile storage means and a wide variety of item-mount devices for securing articles to the pegboard or slatboard have been devised, to be used in conjunction with pegboard or slatboard for storing or displaying articles for sale, tools, etc. Pegboard has rows and columns of evenly spaced through-holes into which conventional item-mount devices, such as, for example, pegs, hooks, S-hooks, J-bolts, U-bolts, prongs, holders, and other accessories are inserted. The pegboard is typically mounted on a flat wall, spaced a certain distance from the wall to allow the conventional item-mount device to be inserted into a hole so as to be braced against the back side of the pegboard, without interference from the wall. Being mounted on a wall, only one surface of the pegboard is available to serve as a storage surface. 
     Pegboard was initially constructed as a flat rigid board of plywood or fiberboard, but today may be made of wood, wood fiber, plastic materials, hard rubber, metal, or any other material that has the necessary strength and rigidity to support tools or goods suspended from the conventional item-mount devices that are inserted into the through-holes. For this reason, pegboard is not suitable for mounting on surfaces that are curved, such as on support columns or similar structural elements. 
     Conventional slatboard or slatwall, also referred to as “slotboard” or “slotwall”, is a rigid panel having evenly spaced horizontal grooves that receive conventional support devices, such as hooks, prongs, or other devices. Slatwall is commonly used in stores, to display goods for sale suspended on the conventional slatboard or slatwall item-mount devices. As with pegboard, slatwall is unsuitable for mounting on curved surfaces, because of its rigidity. 
     Support columns, such as lally columns, posts, I-beams, etc., are very common structural elements in commercial and residential areas. Generally, such columns provide no utility other than the structural support function. Such columns are typically installed at regular intervals in large open spaces, such as are found in stores, warehouses, garages, and basements of residential structures, yet are unusable for display or storage purposes. Basements and garages in residential buildings frequently have support columns, known as lally columns. “Big box” stores have large support columns. These columns not only break up what would otherwise be useful space for display or storage racks or cabinets, but they are also often unsightly. Often, such support columns are cylindrical in shape and are, therefore, unsuited for supporting conventional storage and display units. As a result, premium display area remains underutilized. 
     What is needed is a storage unit that provides a storage or display surface that accepts conventional pegboard and slatwall item-mount devices and that is mountable on a wall or a support column, including a cylindrical support column. What is further needed is such a storage unit that provides an enclosed storage space. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is a storage/display unit comprising walls or panels to form an interior and enclosed storage space. At least one of the walls or a portion of one of the walls includes an apertured wall, which has apertures that allow items to be displayed or stored on the wall, either on the outside or inside surfaces, by means of conventional pegboard or slatboard item mounts, such has pegs, hooks, prongs, etc. The apertured wall or panel may be constructed of conventional pegboard, slatboard, slotboard, slatwall, or slotwall panels and the term “apertured wall” used hereinafter in the following description shall encompass pegboard, slatboard, slotboard, slatwall, and slotwall. The term “item-mount device” shall refer to devices for mounting tools or displaying items, etc. on conventional pegboard, slatboard, etc. Such item-mount devices include, but are not limited to, pegs, hooks, prongs, clamps, bins, trays, straps, loops, etc. Each of the walls may be constructed as an apertured wall, or, depending on the particular intended use of the storage/display unit, only selected walls or portions of walls may be apertured. For example, the side walls may be constructed of pegboard and the top and bottom walls constructed of a solid material, to allow the top and/or bottom wall to serve as a shelf or a base. Alternatively, the top and bottom walls may also be apertured, so as to receive and support item-mount devices. A portion of one or more of the apertured walls may also include grooves for receiving slatwall hooks or other slatwall accessories. 
     The storage/display unit has an access means for gaining access to the enclosed space, i.e., to the interior space of the unit. The access means may be an opening in one of the walls, or may be a drawer, a door, or a movable panel mounted on one of the walls. The enclosed space may serve as a cabinet. In other words, the enclosed space may be used to store items by suspending them from the internal surfaces of the apertured walls, thereby increasing the storage capability of the storage/display unit. Items may be suspended from the top, bottom, or side walls by means of conventional item-mount devices, or simply placed for storage on the bottom wall that serves as a base. 
     The storage/display unit according to the invention may be mounted on a building wall or on a support column, either as a unit that surrounds the support column or a unit that has a curved wall to mount against an area of the support column that encompasses only a partial circumference. If the unit surrounds the support column, an appropriately dimensioned opening is provided in the top and bottom walls. A friction collar may be provided on the mounting surface of the unit for gripping the support column to prevent slippage. Clamping or tensioning means may be used to securely mount the unit on the column. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The drawings are not drawn to scale. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the storage/display unit according to the invention, mounted on a support column. 
         FIG. 2A  is a plan view of a side wall. 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view of the side wall of  FIG. 2A , showing the male snap connectors for insertion into corresponding female receivers in the top and bottom walls. 
         FIG. 2C  is a cross-sectional view of the side wall of  FIG. 2A , showing the snap connections for the side walls. 
         FIG. 3A  is a plan view of a top or bottom wall of the storage/display unit of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3B  is a plan view of a shelf. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the storage/display unit, assembled about a support column, illustrating insertion of the slide lock in the top wall. 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the slide lock assembled in a top wall. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates slide grooves in a top or bottom wall for receiving the slide lock. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the storage/display unit according to the invention, the unit having two half units that are mated together to form a complete enclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the storage/display unit according to the invention, mounted on a support column. 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of the walls of the storage/display unit of  FIG. 8 , prior to assembly. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the storage/display unit according to the invention, using snap-fit buttons to connect the various walls. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates the snap-fit button connection. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a storage/display unit comprising four wedge-shaped components. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a storage/display unit that is elliptical in shape. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates the storage/display unit according to the invention mounted to a stud wall. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a plug inserted into a column opening to provide a solid surface. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the storage/display unit according to the invention, showing serrated gripping edges on the attachment collar and embossed knockouts for accommodating various post diameters and shapes. 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan view of the storage/display unit of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is an elevation view in section of the storage/display unit of  FIG. 16 , showing the enclosed storage space. 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of the storage/display unit according to the invention, showing a non-circular shape and attachment to a non-circular column. 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view of the storage/display unit according to the invention, showing an base immovably and a platform rotatably mounted on the column. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the storage/display unit of  FIG. 20 , with the rotatable platform inverted to position the compartmented side upwardly. 
         FIG. 22  is an elevation view in section of the storage/display unit of  FIGS. 20 and 21 , showing a mating interlocking means. 
         FIG. 23  is a top plan view of the storage/display unit according to the invention, showing a hinge at one side and a pinch bolt at the opposite side for mounting the storage/display unit to the column. 
         FIG. 24  is an elevation view in section of another alternative embodiment of a column attachment according to the present invention comprising unitary portions of a platform that attaches directly to the column using circumferential clamps or frictional ties. 
         FIG. 25  is an elevation view of the storage/display unit according to the invention, showing a platform with various attachment passages in the outer wall and a series of raised protrusions along the upper edge of the wall. 
         FIG. 26  is a top plan view of the storage/display unit according to the invention, showing telescoping sidewalls. 
         FIG. 27  is a top plan view of the storage/display unit, showing a rear wall with a column adapter and ways of mounting the unit on round columns of various diameters. 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the rear wall of the storage/display unit shown in  FIG. 27 , showing compression means and mounting means. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the rear wall of the storage/display unit shown in  FIG. 27 , showing compression means and mounting means with a bracket. 
         FIG. 30  is a top plan view of the storage/display unit of  FIG. 27 , showing the unit attached to a column with the mounting means. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention should not, however, be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
     The present invention relates to various embodiments of a storage/display unit for providing external and internal storage and display space for tools, articles of manufacture, etc. The storage/display unit according to the invention is constructed to be mounted on a support column, such as a lally column or other column that is conventionally used in the residential and commercial buildings, or on a flat wall, or be used as a stand-alone unit resting on a support surface. Preferred embodiments of the storage/display unit include one or more wall constructed of an apertured material, such as pegboard or slatboard, although it is understood that the walls may be constructed of solid panels. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a first embodiment of a storage/display unit  1 - 100  according to the invention, which comprises a storage enclosure  1 - 10  having an interior storage area  1 - 12 , mounting means  1 - 20 , and access means  1 - 30  for providing access to the interior storage area  1 - 12 . Not shown in this illustration are various conventional item-mount devices, such as pegs, hooks, bolts, prongs, bins, straps, tool holders, etc., which may be used to support various items, such as tools or articles of manufacture, on the storage/display unit  1 - 100 . 
     The storage enclosure  1 - 10  comprises a plurality of walls  1 - 14 , which, in this embodiment, include side walls  1 - 14 S, a top wall  1 - 14 T, and a bottom wall  1 - 14 B. At least a portion of one or more of the walls  1 - 14  may be an apertured wall  1 - 16 , i.e., a wall with apertures for receiving conventional pegboard or slatboard item-mount devices. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the bottom wall  1 - 14 B and the top wall  1 - 14 T are constructed of a solid material, although, depending on the intended application, these walls, too, may be constructed as an apertured wall. Materials that may be used to construct the apertured wall  1 - 16  include pegboard or slatboard and variations thereof. 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate one embodiment of a connector  1 - 18  that is suitable for easily and securely fastening the walls  1 - 14  to each other. Numerous devices and configurations may serve as the wall connector  1 - 18 , such as, but not limited to, a snap or pawl connector, a connector based on a friction or interference fit, a locking connector, a threaded connector, acorn or button fasteners, etc. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D , the wall connector  1 - 18  is a snap-fit connector that includes mating ribbed or ridged male and female connectors  1 - 18 B and  1 - 18 A, respectively. The wall connector  1 - 18  on the upper and lower edges of the side walls  1 - 14 S is a ribbed male connector  1 - 18 B for insertion into mating ribbed female connectors on the top wall  1 - 14 T and the bottom wall  1 - 14 B, respectively. The vertical edges of the side walls  1 - 14 S have male and female connectors  1 - 18 B and  1 - 18 A that form a corner connection with an adjacent side wall.  FIG. 2C  is an exploded sectional view, showing the mating connections between one side wall and two adjacent side walls.  FIG. 2D  shows a top wall  1 - 14 T, constructed similarly to the lid of a conventional shoe box, having female connectors  1 - 18 A for receiving the male connectors  1 - 18 B of the vertical side walls  1 - 14 S. The bottom wall  1 - 14 B is constructed similar to the top wall  1 - 14 T. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , reinforcing ribs  1 - 15  are provided on at least one face of the wall  1 - 14 S, because it is an apertured wall  1 - 16 . The reinforcing ribs  1 - 15  may not be necessary and may be eliminated, in which case the faces of the walls  1 - 14 S are constructed with a uniform thickness. This, of course, depends on the material used to construct the apertured wall  1 - 14  or on the intended use of the storage/display unit  1 - 100 . 
     The access means  1 - 30  in the embodiment shown is a door  1 - 32  and a hinge  1 - 34 . The hinge  1 - 34  may be a pintle hinge or a live hinge. The access means  1 - 30  may, however, be a some other suitable type of access means, such as, a flap, a sliding panel, or a simple opening provided in one of the walls  1 - 14 . 
       FIGS. 3A-6  illustrate one embodiment of the mounting means  1 - 20  for the particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , which is intended to be mounted on support column C.  FIG. 3A  illustrates a plan view of the top or bottom wall  1 - 14 T,  1 - 14 B respectively. The mounting means  1 - 20  includes an opening  1 - 22  that allows the top and bottom walls  1 - 14 T,  1 - 14 B to fit around the support column C. The opening  1 - 22  includes,a column opening  1 - 22 A, which is dimensioned to fit snugly against the perimeter of the support column C, and an assembly opening  1 - 22 B, which allows the top wall, bottom wall  1 - 14 T,  1 - 44 B, to be assembled onto the side walls  1 - 14 S, which have been assembled around the support column C.  FIG. 6  illustrates grooves in the edges  1 - 22 C of the assembly opening  1 - 22 B for receiving a slide lock  1 - 24 . The slide lock  1 - 24  has a friction lip  1 - 28  that fits-against the contour of the support column C. The friction lip  1 - 28  may be integrally formed with or affixed to the slide lock  1 - 24 . Examples of suitable materials for the friction lip  1 - 28  include silicone, rubber, and neoprene. The column opening  1 - 22 A may also have a friction lip  1 - 28 . This list of materials is merely illustrative of the types of materials that may be used and is not intended to be limiting. In this particular embodiment, the slide lock  1 - 24  has tensioners  1 - 24 A and  1 - 24 B. When mounting the storage/display unit  1 - 10  on the support column C, the unit  1 - 100  is brought into the desired position and the slide lock  1 - 24  inserted and pushed against the support column. The friction lip  1 - 28  prevents the storage/display unit  1 - 100  from slipping on the support column C. The tensioners  1 - 24 A and  1 - 24 B provide a sideward thrust on the top or bottom wall, which increases the friction against the wall and prevents the slide lock  1 - 24  from inadvertently slipping out of the assembly opening  1 - 22 B. As shown in  FIG. 6 , mating locking ridges  1 - 25 A and  1 - 25 B, respectively, may be provided on the wall  1 - 14  that receives the slide lock  1 - 24  and on the slide lock  1 - 24 . The slide lock  1 - 24  is inserted into the receiving grooves on the top wall  1 - 14 T or on the bottom wall  1 - 14 B, as the case may be. The tensioners are released, and the locking ridges  1 - 25 B on the slide lock  1 - 24  snap into the mating locking ridges  1 - 25 A. 
       FIG. 3A  is also illustrative of a shelf  1 - 17  that is insertable into the interior storage area  1 - 12 . This is particularly advantageous, when a tall storage/display unit is intended to be installed on a support column. The shelf  1 - 17  is narrower than the top and bottoms walls, so that it fits easily within the interior storage area  1 - 12 . The mounting means  1 - 20  that is provided in the top and bottom walls of the particular storage/display unit is also provided in the shelf  1 - 17 . In this embodiment, the support column opening  1 - 22 A and the assembly opening  1 - 22 B are provided in the shelf  1 - 17 , which is then assembled in the interior storage area  1 - 12 . The shelf  1 - 17  provides additional support surface for storage within the interior storage space and also provides additional means of securing the storage/display unit to the support column. For example, it may be beneficial to provide such shelves  1 - 17  at intervals, to more securely mount the tall storage/display unit on the support column C. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a second embodiment of a storage/display unit  2 - 100  according to the invention. This embodiment is very similar to the first embodiment, providing the same inner storage area  1 - 12  and being mounted on the support column C. The storage/display unit  2 - 100  is a storage enclosure  2 - 10  constructed of two half units  2 - 20  that are fastened to each other by a fastening means  2 - 40 . In this embodiment, the two half-units  2 - 20  have mating male/female edges, such that the open perimeter of a male half-unit  2 - 20 A fits within the open perimeter of a female half-unit  2 - 20 B. The material for the walls  1 - 14 S, or at least the open edges of the walls, may be selected to be slightly flexible to provide a friction fit between the two half units  1 - 20 . To secure the two half-units  2 - 20  to each other, conventional pegboard clamps CL are inserted into pegboard holes  2 - 16 A on either side of the mating edges, as shown in  FIG. 7 . For purposes of illustration, conventional item-mount devices H are shown inserted into a pegboard hole  2 - 16 A on the outside face and on the inside face of the side walls  2 - 14 S. The hooks are representative of any of the many conventional item-mount devices and supports that may be mounted on the apertured wall  2 - 16 . Top walls  2 - 14 T each have a column opening  2 - 22  that is dimensioned to fit snugly against the perimeter of the support column C. A friction lip  2 - 28  may also be provided on the edge of the column opening  2 - 22  to prevent the storage/display unit  2 - 100  from slipping on the support column C. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate a third embodiment  3 - 100  of the storage/display unit according to the invention. In this embodiment, walls  3 - 14  are formed on a unitary sheet  3 - 10  of a flexible material. An overlap  3 - 18  at a first end  3 - 10 A of the unitary sheet  3 - 10  overlaps with a second end  3 - 10 B. Pegboard holes  3 - 16 A in the overlap  3 - 18  can thus be brought into a position congruent with pegboard holes  3 - 16 A at the second end  3 - 10 B. Insertion of pegs or other conventional item-mount devices  3 - 40  serves to hold the unitary sheet  3 - 10  in a wrapped configuration that forms the storage enclosure  3 - 10 . In the embodiment shown here, the item-mount device is simply a button with a ridged post. As with the first embodiment, access means  3 - 30  into the enclosure  3 - 10  may simply be an opening in one of the walls  3 - 14 , or a sliding panel, but may also include a door  1 - 32  and a hinge  1 - 34 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The unitary sheet  3 - 10  shown in  FIG. 9  also includes flaps  3 - 16  that fold together to form mounting means  3 - 20 . In the embodiment shown, a series of four flaps  3 - 16 A- 3 - 16 D are integrally connected to the walls by means of a living hinge  3 - 22  that extends along the top and bottom edges and that allows the flaps  3 - 16  to bend relative to the plane of the walls  3 - 14 . Each of the flaps  3 - 16  has a sectional cutout  3 - 20 A- 3 - 20 D. To assemble the storage/display unit  3 - 100 , the flaps  3 - 20  are folded inward at a 90-degree bend. The series of cutouts  3 - 20 A- 3 - 20 D forms the column opening  3 - 22  that is dimensioned to fit up against the perimeter of the support column C. Here, too, each of the section cutouts may have a friction lip  3 - 28 , to secure attachment of the storage/display unit  3 - 100  to the support column C. 
     The unitary sheet  3 - 10  shows grooves  3 - 17  that may be provided on one or more of the walls  3 - 14  for receiving slatwall hooks. The grooves  3 - 17  are evenly spaced and extend in the horizontal direction. This representation illustrates that grooves  3 - 17  as well as pegboard  3 - 16  may be used for the walls  1 - 14 ,  2 - 14  or  3 - 14  shown in these first three embodiments or for any walls in the subsequent embodiments. The number of side walls for this unitary-sheet construction is not limited to four, as shown in  FIG. 9 , but instead, may be any suitable number, for example, three, five, six, etc. The section cutout  3 - 20  on the flap  3 - 16  must, of course, be correspondingly adjusted to the total number of flaps  3 - 20  to form a contour that fits properly around the support column C. 
     It is possible to construct the unitary sheet  3 - 10  as a sheet having varying rigidity characteristics. For example, the sheet  3 - 10  may have a uniform rigidity overall. The sheet  3 - 10  may, however, be constructed such, that the pegboard section of the walls  3 - 16  has a greater rigidity than the rest of the sheet  3 - 10 . The reinforcing ribs  3 - 15  shown in  FIG. 2  may also be used with this second embodiment. The ribs  3 - 15  extend in the vertical direction only and do not prevent the unitary sheet  3 - 10  from being flexed about a vertical axis to form the enclosure  3 - 10 . Thus, the ribs  3 - 15  may be used with a unit that will have an outer contour that is circular, elliptical, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. Breakout grooves  3 - 50  may be provided in the top and bottom flaps  3 - 16  so as to adapt the dimension and geometry of the column opening  3 - 22  to the dimensions and geometry of various standard support columns C. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate a storage/display unit  4 - 100  according to the invention, which is a variation of the first embodiment. The connector  4 - 18  is a simple button fastener. The vertical edges of the side walls  4 - 14 S have an overlap  4 - 15 . Pre-formed through-holes are provided in the overlaps. The through-holes align congruently when the sides are brought together for assembly and an acorn button is inserted through the holes to secure the walls to each other. The top and bottom walls  4 - 14 T and  4 - 14 B are dimensioned so as to fit over the perimeter of the assembled side walls  4 - 14 S. These walls are then also fastened to the side walls  4 - 14 S with acorn buttons. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment  5 - 100  of a storage/display unit according to the invention, comprising multiple sectional components  5 - 14 , although any suitable number of sectional components may be used. In the embodiment shown, the sectional component  5 - 14  is a cylindrical section that includes a side wall  5 - 15 S, a top wall  5 - 15 T and a bottom wall  5 - 15 B. Each sectional component  5 - 15  has a male and a female vertical edge, such that the edges of adjacent sections overlap each other. A conventional item-mount device, such as a clamp CL, is used to secure the sectional components  5 - 14 S to a cylindrical unit, as shown. As described in conjunction with other embodiments, an opening  5 - 30  may be provided in order to access an inner storage space  5 - 10 . In this illustration, the access opening  5 - 30  is merely an opening in one of the sectional components  5 - 15 S. A item-mounting device H is shown suspended in the interior storage space S- 10 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an elliptical shaped storage/display unit  6 - 100 , as an illustration that the shape of the storage/display units according to the invention are not limited to any one particular shape, but can be circular, rectangular, elliptical, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc. The term “rectangular” includes square and the term “circular” includes cylindrical constructions. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a method of mounting the storage/display unit according to the invention to a structural wall. The storage/display units are not limited to being mounted on the support column C, but may be mounted on a wall or on wall studs of a structure. For units that are intended to be mounted on the wall or studs of a structure, the mounting means  1 - 20  or  2 - 20  on the top and bottom walls  1 - 14 T,  1 - 14 B,  2 - 14 T, and  2 - 14 B, respectively, may be eliminated. The storage/display unit  1 - 100  is shown in front plan view, mounted to a flat wall W 1  or W 2 . Storage/display unit  1 - 100  is representative of any of the embodiments described herein, that have at least one flat side wall. The storage/display units may be mounted with fasteners F through apertures  16 A in the apertured wall  1 - 16  directly onto the wall or studs W 2  or also through apertures in an existing pegboard wall W 1 . Item-mounting devices H are shown suspended from the top and bottoms walls  1 - 14 T,  1 - 14 B, to illustrate that these surfaces may also be constructed of the apertured wall  1 - 16  and serve to support item-mounting devices. 
       FIG. 15  is a top plan view of storage/display unit  1 - 100 , showing a plug  1 - 60  inserted into the column opening  1 - 22 . When mounted to a wall in this manner, the column opening  1 - 22  is unnecessary, in which case, the column openings in the upper and bottom surfaces of the units, shown in the first four embodiments, may be eliminated or the plugs  1 - 60  be used to close them. 
     Additional components, such as pockets, protrusions may be provided on the apertured walls  1 - 16 . Storage/display units may be stacked on top of each other. Examples of suitable materials for the storage/display units  1 - 100 - 6 - 100  include high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene, etc. These materials are given as suggestions only and it is not intended that this information be limiting. 
       FIGS. 16-26  below illustrate various additional variations or embodiments of the storage/display unit according to the invention. 
       FIG. 16  is an illustration of a yet another embodiment of a storage/display unit  100  according to the invention. The storage/display unit  100  comprises opposite semicircular first and second clamp portions  102 A and  102 B that secure to one another and grip the column C tightly therebetween to prevent movement of the storage/display unit  100  relative to the column C. The two clamp portions  102 A,  102 B are preferably at least generally equal to one another in size, and preferably join to one another along a generally diametric line, although some variation in their configuration is possible, particularly in the case of non-circular columns to which the device attaches. 
     Each clamp portion  102 A,  102 B includes a generally horizontal upper flange, respectively  104 A and  104 B, and a generally horizontal lower flange, respectively  106 A and  106 B, substantially parallel to the upper flange. Each upper flange  104 A,  104 B has an inwardly disposed column gripping edge, respectively  108 A,  108 B, and an opposite outer periphery  110 A,  110 B. Each lower flange  106 A,  106 B includes a corresponding column gripping edge, respectively  112 A and  112 B, and outer periphery  114 A,  114 B. The column gripping edges  108 A,  108 B of the upper flange portions  104 A and  104 B and column gripping edges  112 A,  112 B of the lower flange portions  106 A,  106 B may include a series of column gripping teeth  116  formed therealong, to provide a better grip of the column C captured therein. A generally vertical wall, respectively  118 A,  118 B, joins each respective upper and lower flange to one another along their outer peripheries, i.e., the first wall  118 A connects the outer peripheries  110 A and  114 A of the upper and lower flanges  104 A and  106 A, with the second wall  118 B connecting the outer peripheries  110 B and  114 B of the upper and lower flanges  104 B and  106 B. 
     Each of the walls  118 A,  118 B has a first end, respectively  120 A and  120 B, and an opposite second end, respectively  122 A and  122 B. A first fastener  124 A, e.g., a threaded bolt, etc., connects the first ends  120 A,  120 B of the two walls  118 A and  118 B to one another, with a second fastener  124 B connecting the opposite second ends  122 A,  122 B of the two walls to one another. In the storage/display unit embodiment  100  of  FIG. 16 , each of the ends  120 A through  122 B of the two walls  118 A,  118 B includes a fastener recess  126  to allow the heads of the fasteners  124 A,  124 B and mating nuts  128  to lie below the cylindrical outer surface of the two wall portions  118 A,  118 B. This precludes the snagging or catching of some article (clothing, etc.) upon an externally protruding fastener component. The fasteners  124 A and  124 B and mating nuts  128  may be removed from their respective components. Alternatively, the fastener passages of one of the clamp portions, e.g., second clamp portion  102 B, may be threaded, thereby precluding need for separate nuts for assembly. 
     The two outer wall portions  118 A and  118 B each include a series of accessory attachment passages  130  formed therethrough. These accessory attachment passages provide for the removable installation of various attachments A therein, e.g., pegboard hooks for hanging extension cords, storage bins, items with straps, rope, etc. thereon, tool hangers for hanging various tools, e.g., a hammer, etc. thereon, as desired. The accessory attachment passages  130  may be in the form of small circular holes similar to those formed in pegboard, as shown in  FIG. 16 , or one or more horizontal slots as formed in slatboard, or a series of rectangular or square openings as formed in gridwall panels, as desired, as shown in other FIGS. The spacing of the outer walls  118 A,  118 B away from the inner column C to which the storage/display unit  100  is secured provides space between the walls  118 A,  118 B and the column C for the manipulation of the retaining ends of the pegboard hooks or other devices as required for attaching them to the outer walls  118 A and  118 B. This is shown most clearly in the elevation view in section of  FIG. 18 , and discussed further below. Embossed or stamped knockouts B for various size, shape, and diameter posts or columns C. An interior void concealing flange C is also depicted. 
       FIG. 17  provides a top plan view of a slightly different storage/display unit embodiment  200 . The storage/display unit embodiment  200  differs from the embodiment  100  of  FIG. 16  due to the externally protruding clamping screws or pinch bolts, as opposed to the recessed bolts of the device of  FIG. 16 . Otherwise, the storage/display unit  200  is essentially the same as the storage/display unit  100  of  FIG. 16  and includes opposite semicircular first and second clamp portions  202 A and  202 B each having an upper flange, respectively  204 A and  204 B, with a column gripping edge, respectively  208 A,  2088 , and an opposite outer periphery  210 A,  210 B. Each lower flange, not shown in  FIG. 17 , but essentially the same as the lower flange portions  106 A,  106 B of the embodiment  100  of  FIG. 16 , includes a corresponding column gripping edge and outer periphery. The column gripping edges  208 A,  208 B of the upper flange portions  204 A and  204 B and column gripping edges of the lower flange portions may include a series of column gripping teeth  216  formed therealong. 
     A generally vertical wall, respectively  218 A,  218 B, joins each respective upper and lower flange to one another along their outer peripheries. Each of the walls  218 A,  218 B has a first end, respectively  220 A and  220 B, and an opposite second end, respectively  222 A and  222 B. A first fastener  224 A passes through first and second external lugs  226  extending outwardly from the first and second walls adjacent their first ends  220 A and  220 B, with a second fastener  224 B passing through corresponding first and second external lugs  226  extending from the walls adjacent their second ends  222 A,  222 B. One of each pair of lugs, e.g., the second lugs, may have an internally threaded passage to engage the corresponding fastener  224 A or  224 B. Otherwise, mating nuts  228  may be installed upon the threaded ends of the fasteners  224 A,  224 B, as in the embodiment of  FIG. 16 . 
     The top plan view of  FIG. 17  clearly shows the adjustability of the storage/display unit  200 . A relatively larger diameter column C 2  is shown in broken lines in  FIG. 17 , with the inner diameter of the column gripping edges  208 A,  208 B being too small to grip the column C 2  except at the ends of the column gripping edges  208 A,  208 B where they meet the respective first and second ends  220 A through  222 B. When longer first and second fasteners  224 A and  224 B are provided to correspond to the more widely spread fastener lugs  226 , such a storage/display unit  200  may be installed upon a relatively larger diameter column C 2 . However, when a smaller column C 3  is provided having a diameter substantially the same as the internal diameter defined by the column gripping edges  208 A,  208 B when the two clamp portions  202 A and  202 B are close together, as shown in solid lines in  FIG. 17 , more continuous contact is made between the column gripping edges  208 A and  208 B. So long as there is some separation between the ends  220 A,  220 B and  222 A,  222 B of the two clamp portions  202 A and  202 B, the column gripping edges will contact the column captured therein with at least some portions of their extent to secure the storage/display unit  200  (and related embodiments) to the column C 2  or C 3 . Embossed or stamped knockouts B are depicted. 
       FIG. 18  provides an elevation view in section of the storage/display unit  200  of  FIG. 17 , secured about the smaller diameter column C 3 . This drawing clearly shows the interior volume provided by the column clamp  200  for the manipulation of the attachment ends of e.g., pegboard hooks attached thereto. The two upper flanges  204 A,  204 B, the opposite lower flanges  206 A,  206 B, and the two walls  218 A,  218 B, along with the central column C 3  captured therein, define a toroidal accessory attachment end manipulating volume  232  therein. This volume  232  provides sufficient distance between the walls  218 A,  218 B and the inner column C 3  to allow the attachment ends E of various accessories A, e.g., pegboard hooks as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 18 , etc., to be inserted through the corresponding attachment holes or passages  230  as desired without the attachment ends E being blocked by contact with the side of the column C captured therein. This theme may be extended to various shapes and configurations of pegboard storage units, different column shapes and configurations, different attachment passage configurations, etc., as shown in subsequent drawings and described further below. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates one such embodiment, wherein a storage/display unit  400  having a square or rectangular planform is secured to a square or rectangular post or column C 4 . The storage/display unit  400  of  FIG. 20  is similar to the attachments  100  and  200  of  FIGS. 16 through 18 , with the exception of its shape and the shape of the column C 4  to which it attaches. The storage/display unit  400  also includes some alternative accessory attachment passages, as described further below. The storage/display unit  400  includes opposite first and second clamp portions  402 A and  402 B each having an upper flange, respectively  404 A and  404 B, with a column gripping edge, respectively  408 A,  408 B, and an opposite outer periphery  410 A,  410 B. Each lower flange  406 A,  406 B has a similar configuration to the corresponding upper flange, including a corresponding column gripping edge  412 A,  412 B and outer periphery  414 A,  414 B. The column gripping edges  408 A,  408 B of the upper flange portions  404 A and  404 B and column gripping edges  412 A,  412 B of the lower flange portions  406 A,  406 B may include a series of column gripping teeth  416  formed therealong. 
     A generally vertical wall, respectively  418 A,  418 B, joins each respective upper and lower flange to one another along their outer peripheries. Each of the walls  418 A,  418 B has a first end, respectively  420 A and  420 B, and an opposite second end, respectively  422 A and  422 B. A first fastener  424 A passes through first and second external lugs  426  extending outwardly from the first and second walls adjacent their first ends  420 A and  420 B, with a second fastener  424 B passing through corresponding first and second external lugs  426  extending from the walls adjacent their second ends  422 A,  422 B. One of each pair of lugs, e.g., the second lugs, may have an internally threaded passage to engage the corresponding fastener  424 A or  424 B. Otherwise, mating nuts  428  may be installed upon the threaded ends of the fasteners  424 A,  4246 , as in the embodiments of  FIGS. 16 through 18 . 
     The square or rectangular configuration of the storage/display unit  400  of  FIG. 19  may be installed upon various sizes of columns, as in the cases of the other attachments discussed further above. It will be seen that in the case of a larger central column, that the lengths of the column gripping edges  408 A,  408 B,  412 A, and  412 B do not extend along the complete span or width of each side of the column. Nonetheless, the entire length of each of the column gripping edges makes contact with such a larger column to provide secure attachment, with the facing edges of the upper and lower flange portions  404 A,  404 B,  406 A, and  406 B having gaps therebetween and necessitating longer bolts or fasteners  424 A and  424 B for assembling the two portions  402 A and  402 B to the column. 
     The square or rectangular embodiment  400  of  FIG. 19  also includes alternative accessory attachment passages, not shown in other embodiments discussed to this point. In addition to the pegboard hook attachment holes or passages  430  shown through the second wall  418 B, one portion of the first wall  418 A includes a slatwall configuration having a series of horizontal slats or slots  434  formed therein while a second portion of the first wall includes a series of square or rectangular passages  436  to provide a gridwall configuration. It will be seen that these various pegboard, slatwall, and/or gridwall configurations or patterns may be provided along any portion(s) of any of the outer walls of any of the various embodiments, as desired. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates another embodiment of the pegboard storage unit, wherein a square or rectangular attachment  500  is secured about a round column C 5 . The attachment  500  is similar to the attachment  400  of  FIG. 21 , having upper flange portions  504 A and  504 B, opposite lower flange portions (not shown in  FIG. 20 ), and walls  518 A and  518 B extending between the outer edges of the upper and lower flanges. The walls  518 A,  518 B may include a series of accessory attachment passages  530  formed therethrough, or alternative slats or gridwall receptacles, as shown in the storage/display unit embodiment  400  of  FIG. 19 . However, rather than having column gripping edges configured for attaching to a square or rectangular column, the storage/display unit  500  has semicircular column gripping edges  508 A and  508 B along the inner edges of the two respective upper flanges  504 A,  504 B. It will be understood that the lower flange portions are configured similarly in the embodiment of  FIG. 20 . Fasteners  524  are used to secure the two portions  502 A and  502 B together about the column C 5 . Rather than installing the fasteners through external lugs, as in the case of the storage/display unit  400  of  FIG. 19 , recesses are provided for the fasteners, similarly to the recessed fastener configuration of the first storage/display unit  100  of  FIG. 16 . Embossed or stamped knockouts B are depicted. 
       FIG. 20  also illustrates a platform  600  that may be removably installed about the column C 5  to rest at least generally horizontally atop the horizontally disposed first or upper flange portions  504 A and  504 B of the attachment  500  immovably affixed to the column. The platform  600  comprises two separate and at least generally equal platform portions  602 A and  602 B that join together along their mutual diametric separation line about the column C 5 . Each of the portions  602 A,  602 B comprises a relatively thin and flat semicircular sheet or plate and includes a first surface, respectively  604 A and  604 B, and an opposite second surface, respectively  606 A,  606 B. Each of the portions  602 A,  602 B further includes a column gripping edge, respectively  608 A and  608 B, and an opposite outer periphery, respectively  610 A and  610 B. It should be understood that since the platform  600  is structured to rotate about the column C 5 , the “column gripping edges”  608 A and  608 B are not so tight about the column as to provide any appreciable degree of frictional resistance to such rotation, but rather retain the platform  600  about the column to limit any substantial lateral movement of the platform relative to the column. Thus, the inner edges  608 A,  608 B are devoid of teeth or other means of frictionally engaging the surface of the column C 5 . 
     Each of the outer peripheries  610 A,  610 B of the two platform portions  602 A,  602 B has a peripheral wall, respectively  618 A and  618 B, extending therefrom and at least generally normal to the plane of the platform portions. The raised periphery  618 A,  618 B preferably extends in only one direction from the platform, e.g., downwardly from the first surface  602 A,  602 B when that first surface is oriented upwardly, as shown in.  FIG. 20 . This provides an unbroken upper or first surface  602 A,  602 B for use e.g., as a writing surface, laundry ironing or folding table, etc., when the platform  600  is oriented as shown in  FIG. 20 . The raised peripheral wall further includes a series of accessory attachment passages  630  formed therethrough, e.g., small circular holes for the installation of pegboard hooks and the like, as shown. Alternatively, at least a portion of the periphery could be provided with slatwall slots or gridwall passages if desired, similarly to the slots  434  and gridwall passages  436  shown in the storage/display unit  400  of  FIG. 19 . 
     Various means may be used to secure the two platform portions  602 A,  602 B to one another. Peripheral screws or fasteners attaching through recessed or protruding lugs or passages have been illustrated for the embodiments of  FIGS. 16 through 19  and discussed further above, and such attachment means may be provided for the platform of  FIGS. 20 and 21 , if so desired. Additional alternatives are shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , with a fastener  624  passing through a pair of lugs  626  that protrude from the second surfaces  606 A,  606 B of the two platform portions  602 A and  602 B. Another alternative is shown to the opposite side of the platform, wherein a peg or pin  638  extending from the diametric edge of the platform portion  602 B mates with a receptacle  640  formed in the diametric edge of the opposite platform portion  602 A. Preferably, only a single type or principle of attaching the two platform panels or portions  602 A,  602 B to one another would be provided with any given platform assembly. 
     A series of partitions  642  extend from the second surfaces  606 A,  606 B of the two platform portions  602 A,  602 B in the same direction or orientation as the peripheral walls  618 A,  618 B, as shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . The partitions are illustrated in various orientations, i.e., radially, as secant portions, etc., to show exemplary configurations. The various partitions  642  may be provided and oriented in any practicable number and manner desired. These partitions serve to stiffen the structure of the two platform portions  602 A,  602 B, but do not impede access to the opposite first surfaces  604 A,  604 B, as in the case of the peripheral wall portions  618 A and  618 B. However, if the platform portions  602 A and  602 B are disassembled from their orientation as shown in  FIG. 20  and inverted and reassembled as shown in  FIG. 20 , the peripheral walls  618 A,  618 B and partitions  642  are oriented upwardly to define a series of compartments  644 . In this configuration, the upwardly oriented compartments or bins  644  may be used to store various articles, e.g., hardware, fasteners, sewing accessories, etc., as desired. The accessory attachment passages  630  of the outer walls  618 A,  618 B and the corresponding passages  530  of the underlying storage/display unit device  500  may be used for the installation of various pegboard hooks, etc. for the suspension of various articles therefrom, e.g., extension cords, tools, rope and cord, etc., as desired, in addition to the storage provided by the compartments  644  of the platform assembly when it is oriented as shown in  FIG. 21 . In this configuration, when the interior void D of the attachment is sufficiently large, a viable and practical interior storage space is created. An integral hinged door E or drawer assembly provides access to the interior utility storage space. Optional integral top bins F on upper surface of column or post attachment are depicted. 
       FIG. 22  is an elevation view in section of another alternative embodiment of the pegboard storage unit, comprising an assembly designated as storage/display unit  700  installed upon a column C 7 . In this case, rather than designating the two diametrically opposed portions of the components with the letters “A” and “B,” the components of the lower, immovably affixed structure are designated with the suffix letter “A” while the components of the upper, rotating structure are designated with the suffix letter “B” since only half of the assembly  700  is shown. 
     The lower, immovably affixed portion  700 A comprises an immovably attached column clamp assembly having an upper flange  704 A, an opposite lower flange  706 A, and an outer peripheral wall  718 A joining the outer edges of the two flanges. The upper and lower flanges attach to the column C 7  captured therein by means of their inwardly disposed column gripping edges, respectively  708 A and  712 A. The lower portion  700 A is thus configured much like the embodiments of  FIGS. 16 through 18 , but with various details omitted, such as attachment fasteners, accessory attachment passages, etc., for reasons of clarity. The upper, rotating portion  700 B includes a generally horizontal platform  702 B having an outer peripheral wall  718 B extending therefrom and normal thereto. 
     The upper flange  704 A of the lower component  700 A includes a circumferential platform support edge  746  extending upwardly therefrom, adjacent to the column gripping edge  708 A of the upper flange. The opposed first and second surfaces of the platform  702 B respectively include circumferential first and second support edge engagement channels  748  and  750  formed therein, adjacent to the column gripping edge  708 B of the platform. Either the first or the second channel  748  or  750  rides upon the underlying platform support edge  746  depending upon the orientation of the upper rotating component  700 B, i.e., whether the wall  718 B is oriented upwardly or downwardly. This provision of a platform support edge and support edge engagement channel(s) provides better alignment of the rotating component  700 B during rotation, and may assist in reducing friction as the component  700 B is rotated atop the underlying fixed component  700 A. 
       FIG. 23  is a top plan view of another embodiment incorporating a different clamping mechanism than the attachments shown in  FIGS. 16 through 22  and described above. The storage/display unit  800  of  FIG. 23  includes first and second clamp portions  802 A and  802 B each having an upper flange, respectively  804 A and  804 B, an opposite lower flange, not shown in  FIG. 23 , and outer peripheral walls  818 A,  818 B connecting the upper and lower flanges. The interior space defined by the upper and lower flanges and the wall portions  818 A,  818 B joining them together, along with the column captured therein, provides an accessory attachment end manipulating volume  832  as in the case of the other embodiments disclosed herein. 
     Each of the walls has a first end and an opposite second end, respectively  820 A,  820 B and  822 A,  822 B. Each of the second ends  822 A and  822 B includes a clamping boss or lug  826  extending therefrom, with a pinch bolt  824  adjustably secured therethrough. However, the opposite first ends  820 A and  820 B are secured to one another by a hinge assembly  852 . The hinge assembly  852  may comprise a pintle hinge, as shown, or alternatively a live hinge formed integrally with the two wall portions  818 A and  818 B where they are formed of suitably flexible materials. Thus, the bolt or fastener  624  may be removed to allow the two components  802 A and  802 B to be swung open relative to one another about the hinge  852 , as shown by the open position of the second component  802 B in broken lines in  FIG. 23 . This allows the device to be placed about a column, e.g., column C 8  of  FIG. 23 , and the bolt  824  to be secured through the two lugs  826  to secure the assembly about the column C 8 . 
     The storage/display unit embodiment  800  of  FIG. 23  illustrates some additional features, as well. It will be seen that the planform of the storage/display unit  800  is generally octagonal, rather than the circular, rectangular, or square embodiments shown in previous drawing FIGS. It will be appreciated that any of the previously discussed embodiments  100  through  700 , and others, may incorporate such an octagonal form, and/or the octagonal form of the embodiment  800  may be revised as a circular, square, or other shape as desired. Also, the storage/display unit  800  includes permanently attached accessory hangers or attachments in addition to the removable accessory attachments A. An article hanger or attachment and screw assembly  854  is attached to the wall of the first component  802 A, with an integrally formed article attachment hanger  856  extending from the wall of the second component  802 B. It will be seen that other hanger or attachment shapes may be provided in addition to or in lieu of those shown in  FIG. 23  and/or such mechanically attached or integrally formed hangers or attachments may be provided with any of the other embodiments of the pegboard storage unit, as desired. 
       FIG. 24  is an elevation view in section of another embodiment of the pegboard storage unit, wherein each diametric half of the device is formed as a single, unitary, monolithic component comprising a walled platform, somewhat similar to the device of  FIG. 21 , but including an inner wall as well. The storage/display unit or platform  900  of  FIG. 24  is shown somewhat like the attachment embodiment  200  of  FIG. 18 , i.e., one half of each portion of the device is shown. 
     The platform  900  comprises two separate and at least generally equal clamp or platform portions  902 A and  902 B that join together along their mutual diametric separation line about the column C 9 . Each of the portions  902 A,  902 B comprises a relatively thin and flat semicircular sheet or plate and includes a first surface, respectively  904 A and  904 B, and an opposite second surface, respectively  906 A,  906 B. Each of the portions  902 A,  902 B further includes a column gripping edge, respectively  908 A and  908 B, and an opposite outer periphery, respectively  910 A and  910 B. An outer peripheral wall  918 A,  918 B extends from the outer periphery  910 A,  910 B of each of the platform portions  902 A,  902 B, and generally normal thereto. The outer wall portions preferably include a plurality of accessory attachment passages therein or therethrough, e.g., pegboard hook holes  930 , slatwall slots  934 , etc., as desired, into which various attachments may be removably secured, e.g., the pegboard accessory attachment hooks A as shown. 
     A first storage/display unit sleeve portion  952 A,  952 B extends from the first surface  902 A,  902 B of the respective clamp portions or platforms adjacent to the column gripping edges thereof, with a second storage/display unit sleeve portion  954 A,  954 B extending from the second surfaces  904 A,  904 B of the respective clamp portions or platforms, directly opposite the first sleeve portions. The sleeve portions  952 A through  954 B are at least generally normal to the plane of the platform portions  902 A and  902 B. The two platform portions  902 A,  902 B with their outer walls  918 A,  918 B and first storage/display unit sleeve portions  952 A,  952 B define an accessory attachment end manipulating volume  932  therein when the two portions  900 A,  900 B are secured to a column C 9  or the like, similar to that of all of the other embodiments of the storage/display unit disclosed herein. 
     Rather than using screws or fasteners disposed at the outer periphery of the device to secure it to the column captured therein, the embodiment of  FIG. 24  uses circumferential clamps, frictional ties (such as nylon), or fasteners for pegboard storage unit. In the case of the frictional ties, no tools are required to affix storage/display unit to post or column. A conventional worm drive hose clamp  956  is secured about the lower or second storage/display unit sleeve portions  954 A and  954 B, with an alternative over-center clamp  958  of conventional construction being used to secure about the upper or first storage/display unit sleeve portions  952 A,  952 B. It will be seen that the same type of clamp, e.g., hose clamp  956 , etc., may be used about both the first and second sleeve portions, and/or other types of circumferential clamps or fasteners may be applied as desired. The clamps or fasteners  956 ,  958  draw the sleeve portions  952 A through  954 B tightly up against the encircled column C 9 , with the ends of the platform portions, sleeve portions, and outer walls, e.g., first ends  920 A and  920 B, shown in broken lines in  FIG. 24 , being drawn closely together to form a generally continuously surrounding structure for the storage/display unit  900 . It will be seen that the inner surfaces of the sleeve portions  952 A through  954 B may be provided with gripping teeth or otherwise roughened, generally as shown along the gripping edges  108 A,  1086 ,  112 A and  112 B of the device of  FIG. 16 , to enhance the grip of the device to the underlying surface of the column. Periphery storage bins F, are created in this iteration of the invention. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates an elevation view of another embodiment of the pegboard storage unit, designated as storage/display unit  1000 . The storage/display unit  1000  may be formed similarly to the storage/display unit embodiments of  FIGS. 16 through 19  and  FIG. 23 , i.e., having upper and lower flanges extending outwardly from the column C 10  with an outer wall extending between the two flanges, or similarly to the embodiments of  FIG. 20 through 19  and  FIG. 24 , i.e., having a platform with an outer wall extending therefrom. The device may utilize the peripheral fastener attachments of the pegboard storage units of  FIGS. 16 through 19  and  FIG. 23 , or alternatively the circumferential clamp or fastener attachments of  FIG. 24 , as desired. 
     In either case, the storage/display unit  1000  includes an outer raised periphery or wall  1018 , with the peripheral wall having at least one type of accessory attachment passage formed therein or therethrough, e.g., pegboard hook holes  1030 , slatwall slots  1034 , gridwall passages  1036 , etc. as desired. The wall  1018  further includes a series of raised projections  1060  disposed along the raised peripheral wall  1018 . The raised projections  1060  provide additional temporary attachment means for articles such as extension cords, rope and cord, etc., as desired. Accessory attachments such as the pegboard attachment A may be suspended from the upper edge of the raised peripheral wall  1018 , if so desired, in addition to using the pegboard passages  1030 . Moreover, other means of attaching the attachments or hooks may be used, e.g., a screw or mechanical fastener attached hook  1054  or integrally formed hook or accessory attachment, similar to the devices  854  and  856  shown with the embodiment  800  of  FIG. 23 . Peripheral storage bins F are also created between the outer and inner edges of the post attachment. 
       FIG. 26  provides a perspective view of another embodiment of the pegboard storage unit, similar to the assemblies illustrated in  FIGS. 21 and 22 . In this case, the components of the lower, immovably affixed assembly are designated with the numerals between  1100  and  1150 , while the components of the upper assembly are designated by numerals from  1150  up to but not including  1200 . 
     The lower, immovably affixed assembly  1100  comprises separable first and second portions  1102 A and  1102 B, each of which includes an upper flange, respectively  1104 A and  1104 B, an opposite lower flange (not shown in  FIG. 26 , but similar to the lower flange components shown in other drawings for other embodiments), and an outer peripheral wall, respectively  1118 A and  1118 B, joining the outer edges of the two flanges. The upper and lower flanges attach to the column C 11  captured therein by means of their inwardly disposed column gripping edges, e.g., lower edges  1108 A and  1108 B. 
     The assembly comprising the lower portions  1102 A and  1102 B is thus configured much like the embodiments of  FIG. 16 through 19 , but with various details, such as attachment fasteners, etc., omitted for clarity. Also, while the lower assembly  1100  is shown as having a hexagonal configuration, it will be seen that the external shape may be configured to any practicable shape as desired, just as in the cases of the other embodiments described herein. The upper flange portions  1104 A,  1104 B of the lower components  1102 A,  1102 B include a circumferential platform support edge  1146  extending upwardly therefrom, adjacent to the column gripping edges  1108 A,  1108 B of the upper flanges. The upper, rotating portion  1150  rests upon this support edge, as explained below. 
     The upper, rotating portion  1150  includes generally horizontal first and second platform components  1152 A and  1152 B each having an outer peripheral wall, respectively  1158 A and  1158 B, extending therefrom and normal thereto. The opposed first and second surfaces  1154 A through  1156 B of the platform assembly  1150  respectively include circumferential first and second support edge engagement channels formed therein, adjacent to the column gripping edges  1158 A,  1158 B of the platform. While only the first support edge engagement channel  1198  is shown in  FIG. 26 , it will be understood that the configuration incorporating two opposed support edge engagement channels is quite similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 22  and discussed further above. Either the first or the second channel rides upon the underlying platform support edge  1146  depending upon the orientation of the upper rotating component  1150 , i.e., whether the walls  1158 A,  1158 B are oriented upwardly or downwardly. This provision of a platform support edge and support edge engagement channel(s) provides better alignment of the rotating component  1150  during rotation, and may assist in reducing friction as the component  1150  is rotated atop the underlying fixed component  1100 . 
     The storage/display unit assembly  1100 ,  1150  of  FIG. 26  includes various additional features as well. It will be noted that the lower, immovably affixed attachment  1100  may include various accessory attachment passages, e.g., pegboard attachment holes  1130 , slatwall slots  1134 , or a rectilinear series of gridwall passages  1136 , as desired. The pattern illustrated in  FIG. 26  is exemplary, and may be revised as desired. In addition, the upper rotary platform assembly  1150  includes various features, e.g., one or more partitions  1192  dividing the interior space between the walls into a series of separate compartments  1194 , and/or one or more tool receptacles  1195  for holding various tools, e.g., hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, etc., therein. Moreover, the underlying second surfaces  1156 A,  1156 B may include lights  1199  attached thereto, e.g., battery powered “puck” lights having a relatively compact and low, circular configuration, or other type(s) of lighting as desired. The provision of tool receptacles and lighting, as well as other features shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 26 , may be incorporated with other embodiments described herein as well. Tool receptacles  1195 , as well as other features may be incorporated into post attachment should secondary attachment not be utilized. 
       FIG. 26  is a top plan view in section of another embodiment of the pegboard storage unit, designated as storage/display unit  1200 . The storage/display unit  1200  includes generally opposed, first and second portions  1202 A and  1202 B each having three sides forming a rectilinear shape. The two portions  1202 A,  1202 B each include an upper flange, not shown in  FIG. 26 , but similar to e.g., the upper flange portions  404 A,  404 B of the embodiment of  FIGS. 19 and 504A ,  504 B of the embodiment of  FIG. 20 , and opposite lower flange, respectively  1206 A and  1206 B, with the flange components being connected at their outer edges by a rectilinear wall structure comprising wall portions  1218 A and  1218 B. Each of the wall portions includes a straight central portion with first end portions, respectively  1220 A and  1220 B, and opposite second end portions, respectively  1222 A and  1222 B, extending therefrom. The walls  1218 A,  1218 B are provided with a series of accessory attachment passages  1230 , and/or other configuration, therethrough, in the manner of the other embodiments disclosed herein. The interior space defined by the upper and lower flanges and the wall portions  1218 A,  1218 B joining them together, along with the column captured therein, provides an accessory attachment end manipulating volume  1232  as in the case of the other embodiments disclosed herein. 
     The first and second end portions  1220 A through  1222 B of the walls include corresponding first and second external lugs  1226  extending therefrom. Corresponding first and second fasteners  1224  pass through these lugs, with retaining nuts  1228  installed at one end of each of the fasteners. Alternatively, one lug on each side may be internally threaded to allow the threaded fastener to secure directly therein. Tightening the fasteners  1224  draws the inwardly disposed first wall end portions  1220 A and  1222 A to slide or telescope within the outwardly disposed second wall end portions  120 B and  1222 B, thereby drawing the two parallel mid-portions of the walls up against the sides of the column captured therein. Additional security may be provided by gripping teeth, not shown in  FIG. 26 , but similar to the teeth  116  shown in  FIG. 16 , etc., disposed along the column gripping edges  1212 A and  1212 B of the lower flange portions  1206 A,  1206 B and corresponding upper flange portions. It will be seen that the storage/display unit  1200  is capable of being installed upon a wide variety of different column configurations, e.g., the square column C 12 A, larger diameter round column C 12 B, or smaller diameter round column C 12 C, as well as others. 
     A number of different features and attachments may be included with the storage/display unit  1200  of  FIG. 26 , as desired. For example, a platform may be installed thereon, such as the platforms  600  of  FIGS. 20 and 21  and  700 B of  FIG. 22 . Such a platform may include a raised periphery with various accessory attachment passages therein, permanently fastened accessory attachments extending therefrom, raised projections extending from the edge of the periphery, one or more partitions extending within or across the raised periphery to define a series of compartments therein, one or more tool storage receptacles and/or lighting as in the platform  1150  of  FIG. 26 , etc., as desired. 
       FIGS. 27-30  illustrate another embodiment  1300  of a storage/display unit according to the invention, one that mounts only on a portion of the circumference of a support column C. The storage/display unit  1300  may be similar in construction to any of the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-13 , with regard to features of the construction relating to the side walls  1 - 14 , the wall connectors  1 - 18 , the access means  1 - 30  and the interior storage area  1 - 12 . The storage/display unit  1300 , however, has a rear panel  1314  with a column adapter  1316  that is adaptable to the various curvatures of support columns C. Details of the rear panel  1314  are shown in  FIG. 29 . The rear panel  1314  is preferably molded as a single piece from a thermoplastic material. Compression means  1318  provided on the column adapter  1316  allow the storage/display unit  1300  to be mounted on a column with a smaller diameter than the curvature of the column adapter  1316 . Strap-mounting means  1320  are provided to secure the storage/display unit  1300  to the column C. The strap mounting means  1320  includes apertures in the rear panel  1314  that are adapted to receive and hold some strap or bracket means  1320 , as shown in  FIGS. 28-30 . 
       FIG. 27  illustrates how the storage/display unit  1300  may be mounted on a column three and one-half inches in diameter, C 3 , a column four inches in diameter, C 4 , a column six inches in diameter, C 6 , and a column eight inches in diameter, C 8 . In the embodiment shown, the column adapter  1316  is constructed to fit snugly against the four-inch column C 4 . When mounted on the three-and-one-half inch column C 3 , the adapter tabs  1318  spring forward and serves as a compression means to provide a force against the column C 3 . When mounted on the six-inch or the eight-inch column, C 6 ,C 8 , only an inner edge  1315  of the rear panel  1314  has contact with the respective column. In all four cases, the mounting means  1320  serves to selectively secure the storage/display unit  1300  to the columns C 3 , C 4 , C 6 , and C 8 .  FIG. 30  shows the storage/display unit  1300  secured against a four-inch column C 4 . 
       FIG. 28  illustrates a first configuration of the mounting means  1320 , which includes a catch  1322  in the rear panel  1314  and a belt or strap  1332  with a series of holes or recesses in it. The catch  1322  shown in this embodiment is an aperture a finger or hook projecting into the aperture. One catch  1322  is provided on each side of the column adapter  1316 . Ideally, the belt is a rubber or plastic belt with some stretch to it. The belt  1332  is pulled through the two apertures  1322  and pulled tight, whereby the finger in the aperture  1322  snaps into the hole in the belt  1332 . 
       FIG. 29  illustrates a second configuration of the mounting means  1320 , which includes one or more apertures  1324  on each side of the column adapter  1316 , and a toothed bracket  1334  that snaps into the apertures  1324 . In the embodiment shown, a hook  1337  or a series of ridges or teeth  1333  may be provided on a second end  1336  of the bracket  1334  and a series of ridges or teeth  1336  on a first end  1335 . The second end is secured in the an aperture  1324  on one side of the column adapter  1316  and the first end  1335  pushed into one of the apertures  1324  on the other side of the adapter  1316 , until the storage/display unit  1300  is held securely against the respective column C 3 , C 4 , C 6 , or C 8 . The ridges teeth  1336  and/or hook  1337  prevent the bracket  1334  from inadvertently slipping out of the aperture  1324 . The bracket  1334  may be removed from the storage/display unit  1300  simply by pushing the distal end of the first end  1336  in toward the respective column, which allows the first end to slip out of the aperture  1324 . The second end may then also be removed from the structure. 
     The above described mounting means  1320  are merely examples of suitable means for securing the storage/display unit  1300  against the column C. It is understood that many different means may be used in conjunction with the storage/display unit  1300  that has the rear panel  1314  with the column adapter  1316 . 
       FIGS. 27-29  also illustrate compression means  1316  that may be provided on the rear wall  1314 , to further enhance the adaptability of the storage/display unit  1300  to various sizes of support columns C. One possible compression means  1318  may comprise ears or tabs, that are stamped out of the molded plastic material of the column adapter  1316 . Because of the molded curvature of this material, the ears  1318  will automatically tend to curve into the curve more so than the surrounding material, thereby providing a compression force against the column C, when the storage/display unit is secured in place. These ears may be provided with a live hinge, allowing the tabs to be folded back into the curved contour of the column adapter  1316 . In this case, when the storage/display unit  1300  is mounted on the support column C, the ears or tabs  1316  are first folded back into the curved contour of the rear wall. The live hinge  1316 H also serves as a biasing spring, so that the ears  1316  apply pressure to the support column C. Another possible embodiment of the compression means  1316  may be compressible pads that are affixed to the outer surface of the column adapter  1316 . Ideally, these compressible pads are constructed of a material that has some anti-slip properties. 
     An alternative embodiment of the storage/display unit  1300  has a partial rear wall  1314 , without the column adapter  1316 . With this embodiment, the rear wall  1314  is fitted up against the column C, similarly to how the storage/display unit  1300  is shown in  FIG. 27  as fitted against columns C 6  and C 8 . The inner edge  1315  is pressed up against the column C and the storage/display unit secured by the various embodiments of the strap mounting means  1320  described above. 
     Collapsible plastic crates have become very popular in recent years. Such crates have an open top, four sides, and a bottom. Crates, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,811,968 and 4,824,137, typically have two opposing sides constructed as hinged panels that fold in the manner of an accordion pleat, and the other two opposing sides constructed as swing panels that swing from a top edge into the center space of the crate. By swinging in the two swing panels, the other two side panels may be folded down, thereby achieving a collapsed, flat package. Other collapsible plastic crates, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,717,283 B2 and 7,478,726 B2, have two opposing side panels that removably snap into the bottom panel and the two other side panels that fold down over the bottom panel. The two side panels may be unsnapped from the bottom wall and the two other side panels folded down over the bottom wall, with the two unsnapped panels placed on top, to achieve a flat package. These four patents are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. These constructions allow the crate to be folded and/or disassembled, so as to provide a compact, relatively flat package for stowing away when not in use or for shipping purposes. A person of skill in the art will understand that the storage/display unit  1300  of the present application may be constructed in the manner of these collapsible crates. In such an embodiment, the rear wall  1314  with column adapter  1316  may be attached to the side-wall edges that bound the open face of the collapsible crate. The conventional bottom wall of the collapsible crate may be adapted as a side wall  1 - 14 S with access means  1 - 30 , all as described above. All of the side walls of the collapsible crates may be apertured walls  1 - 16  as described above. The storage/display unit  1300  is then a collapsible structure that may be folded and/or disassembled to become a flat package for stowing away or shipping. 
     It is understood that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention. Variations in the construction of the storage/display unit may be contemplated by one skilled in the art without limiting the intended scope of the invention herein disclosed and as defined by the following claims.