Patent Publication Number: US-2022235902-A1

Title: Ceiling mounted plastic storage bin holder

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority provisional 63/141,043, filed Jan. 25, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated in full by this reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to storage solutions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a set of ceiling mounted hooks that removably capture a variety of plastic storage bins in the marketplace. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Lack of storage is a problem for many people in the United States and worldwide. It is common to see large metal frames installed hanging from the ceilings of garages such that infrequently used items can be stored thereon freeing up floor space within the house. However, these metal frames are hard to install as they usually require two people for installation and must be screwed into the studs for support. At the same time, many consumers have plastic storage/container bins that are used to store such infrequently used items. (The use of the terms “plastic storage bin” and “plastic container bin” are synonymous). Thus, it is common to store the plastic storage bins on the metal frames. Yet, the metal frames cannot hold a large number of plastic bins as space is quickly utilized within the metal framing. Furthermore, each plastic storage bin is not overly heavy even when filled, as one does not want to be lifting an overly heavy object above one&#39;s head. Taking all of these factors into consideration, there exists a need for another storage solution that attaches directly to the drywall which can easily secure these plastic storage bins in a large number for improved storage capacity. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     As previously taught in provisional 63/141,043, filed Jan. 25, 2021, FIGS. 13-18 of the &#39;043 provisional depict another invention called by the inventor as HoverHooks, which was previously called SkyHooks. Each SkyHook is made of up two parts. First, a bracket is shown in  FIGS. 14-15 . The bracket is configured to attach to the ceiling drywall with drywall screws. The bracket has a curved middle portion which is configured to pivotably accept the hook as shown in  FIGS. 16-17 . The hooks are loosely held in the brackets such that the hooks can swing back and forth. 
     Each bracket is small enough such that it can slip within the rectangular-shaped aperture of the hook. The hook itself has a cylindrically-shaped pivot adjacent to the aperture. The bracket slips through the aperture such that the cylindrically-shaped pivots rests within the middle portion of the bracket. This then creates the pivotable connection once the bracket is installed onto the ceiling. 
     The upward extending ends near the bottom of the hooks have an upward shaped extension that is configured to attach/capture the bottom of a container lip. Most plastic bins and containers have lips that the SkyHook can hold onto. This is best seen in  FIG. 18  where multiple SkyHooks are shown holding a multitude of clear plastic bins. The upward extension fits nicely within a range of the lips of these plastic bins, such that almost every plastic bin manufactured today can utilize the SkyHooks. 
     To install a plastic bin, at least two, but usually four sets of SkyHooks are used to capture the bin in place. The center of gravity of each hook is configured to rotate the hook towards the bin, such that each hook has a tendency to always close onto the bin. This helps securing a bin and also helps keeps the hooks in place even when the bin is bumped or moved. During bin attachment, it is easy to push the hooks to pivot outwardly and then allow the hook to naturally pivot back to capture the bin under the lip. A bin can be secured and removed within seconds. 
     Another embodiment of the ceiling mounted device ( 10 ) configured for removably storing a plastic storage bin ( 11 ) is disclosed herein. The ceiling mounted device comprises a bracket ( 12 ) and a hook ( 20 ). The bracket comprises a first end ( 13 ) opposite a second end ( 14 ) having a channel ( 15 ) disposed therebetween, wherein the first end and the second end mutually define a top plane ( 16 ) configured to abut against an underside ( 17 ) of a ceiling ( 18 ). The channel is disposed below the top plane. The channel is open towards the top plane. The channel defines a pivot axis ( 19 ). The hook comprises an axle ( 21 ) defining a longitudinal axis ( 22 ), the axle extending between a first arm ( 23 ) disposed opposite to a second arm ( 24 ), the first arm connecting to the second arm at a spine ( 25 ), wherein the first arm, the second arm, the spine and the axle delimit an aperture ( 26 ). At least the first end and/or the second end of the bracket is configured to pass through the aperture of the hook, wherein the axle of the hook is configured to be disposed within the channel aligning the pivot axis and the longitudinal axis. The hook is pivotably attached to the bracket when the axle is disposed within the channel when the bracket is mounted to the underside of the ceiling. At least one prong ( 27 ) extends from and is connected to the spine and/or the first and second arms, wherein the at least one prong extends upwards when the hook is pivotably hanging from the bracket when the bracket is attached to the underside of the ceiling. The at least one prong is configured to removably capture a rim ( 28 ) of the plastic storage bin. 
     In other exemplary embodiments the first end, the channel and the second end may be integrally formed as one part comprising the bracket, and wherein the axle, the first arm, the second arm, the spine and the at least one prong are integrally formed as one part comprising the hook, wherein the bracket and the hook are separate parts configured to cooperatively work together to form the ceiling mounted device. 
     The bracket and hook may be both injection molded plastic parts. 
     The bracket may comprise a first bracket and a second bracket and the hook may comprise a first hook and a second hook, wherein the first hook is pivotably attached to the first bracket and the second hook is pivotably attached to the second hook, wherein the first and second hooks and brackets are configured to cooperatively work for removably storing the plastic storage bin to the underside of the ceiling. 
     The first end and the second end of the bracket may each have at least one hole or slot ( 29 ) disposed therethrough configured to receive a fastener ( 30 ). 
     The at least one prong may extends towards the axle. 
     The at least one prong may comprise at least two prongs ( 27   a ,  27   b ) spaced a distance ( 51 ) apart from one another. 
     A center ( 28 ) of a top surface ( 29 ) of the at least one prong may be vertically aligned with the longitudinal axis of the axle defining a vertical plane ( 30 ). 
     At least a portion of the spine may be disposed a first distance ( 31 ) from the vertical plane, wherein a center of gravity ( 32 ) of the hook may be disposed a second distance ( 33 ) from the vertical plane, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance. 
     A fastener marking tool ( 34 ) may be associated with the ceiling mounted device, the fastener marking tool comprising at least one template tool ( 35 ) having a first elongated slotted extension ( 36 ) and at least one transverse tool ( 37 ) being a second elongated slotted extension ( 38 ), wherein the at least one template tool is configured to be mounted perpendicular to the at least one transverse tool with a fastener ( 39 ) being disposed through the first and second elongated extensions. 
     The at least one template tool may have at least one hole or slot ( 40 ) that matches a spacing of the at least one hole or slot of the bracket. 
     The at least one template tool may have a plurality of first locks ( 41 ) disposed on an upper surface ( 42 ) of the first elongated slotted extension, wherein the at least one transverse tool has a plurality of second locks ( 43 ) disposed on an upper surface ( 44 ) of the second elongated slotted extension, wherein the plurality of first locks and second locks are configured to engage with one another when brought into engagement preventing movement of the at least one template tool relative to the at least one transverse tool while keeping the at least one template tool perpendicular to the at least one transverse tool. 
     The at least one hole or slot of the at least one template tool may define a centerline ( 45 ) extending parallel to the first elongated slotted extension, wherein the first elongated slotted extension is disposed on one side of the centerline and does not reside on the other side of the centerline. 
     The at least one template tool may have a window aperture ( 46 ) disposed therethrough that corresponds to the pivot axis of the bracket when the at least one hole or slot of the at least one template tool matches to the at least one hole or slot of the bracket. 
     The at least one template tool may include a nail hole ( 47 ) configured to receive a nail ( 50 ), and wherein the at least one template tool includes a hook feature ( 48 ) configured to enable a rubber band ( 49 ) to engage it while also engaging the nail when disposed within the nail hole. A plurality of nails and a plurality of rubber bands may be included. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of one embodiment of a ceiling mounted device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is another isometric view of the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is another isometric view of the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is another isometric view of the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a left-side view of the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a right-side view of the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the structure of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is another isometric view of the structure of  FIG. 1  now in an exploded state; 
         FIG. 12  is an isometric view of another embodiment of a ceiling mounted device of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is another isometric view of the structure of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is another isometric view of the structure of  FIG. 12  now in an exploded state; 
         FIG. 15  is another isometric view of just the hook structure of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 16  is another isometric view of just the hook structure of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 17  is another isometric view of just the bracket structure of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 18  is another isometric view of just the bracket structure of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 19  is another isometric view of just the rubber tip structure of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 20  is another isometric view of just the rubber tip structure of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 21  is an isometric view of a fastener marking tool of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a top view of just a template tool of the structure of the  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a side view of the structure of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is an enlarged isometric view of the structure of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 25  is another enlarged isometric view of the structure of  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a top view of just a transverse tool of the structure of the  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a side view of the structure of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 28  is an isometric view of the structure of  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a partial sectional side view of a ceiling showing the template tool of  FIG. 22  in action; 
         FIG. 30  is a partial sectional side view of a ceiling and plastic storage bin showing the ceiling mounted device of the present invention in action; 
         FIG. 31  is a view similar to  FIG. 30  now showing how the hook naturally biases towards to the plastic storage bin when not attached to the plastic storage bin due to its center of gravity; and 
         FIG. 32  is a view similar to  31  now showing that the hook and bracket can be manufactured as one integrally formed part through the use of a living hinge. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-11  a first embodiment of a ceiling mounted device  10  is depicted. The ceiling mounted device  10  is configured for removably storing a plastic storage bin  11  as best shown in  FIG. 30 .  FIGS. 12-20  show another embodiment of the ceiling mounted device  10  that is more refined, in that the shapes have been optimized for plastic injection molding to remove material while retaining structural strength.  FIGS. 21-28  show a fastener marking tool  34  that is used to help install the ceiling mounted device.  FIG. 29  shows the fastener marking tool in action, and as previously referenced,  FIG. 30  shows how the ceiling mounted device is mounted to an underside  17  of a ceiling  18  and how it captures the rim  28  of a plastic storage bin  11  thereby enabling storage of the bin in a location that is out of the way thus becoming a beneficial storage solution.  FIG. 31  shows how the hook is naturally biased towards the plastic storage/container bin due to its center of gravity.  FIG. 32  shows another embodiment of the present invention as a single injection molded part utilizing a living hinge. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-20 , a bracket  12  defines a first end  13  opposite a second end  14  having a channel  15  disposed therebetween. The first end and the second end mutually define a top plane  16  configured to abut against an underside  17  of a ceiling  18  as shown in  FIG. 30 . As shown, the channel is disposed below the top plane. The channel in this embodiment has a V-shape, as this shape is optimal for nesting a multitude of brackets together for shipping if necessary. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many other shapes of channels could have been used such as a circular, an oval, a triangular shape and many others. The channel is open towards the top plane, as this becomes helpful when assembling the channel into the hook  20 . Being open means there is no material blocking access to inside the channel from the top plane. Also, the channel defines a pivot axis  19  for the axle  21  of the hook  20 . 
     A hook  20  comprises an axle  21  which defines a longitudinal axis  22 . The axle is simply a cylindrical extension that enables it to freely pivot within the channel of the bracket. It is understood by those skilled in the art that many axle shapes could have been used as the cylindrical extension is just one type of axle shape that would create a pivotable connection. The axle extends between a first arm  23  disposed opposite to a second arm  24 . The first arm connects to the second arm at a spine  25 . The first arm, the second arm, the spine and the axle delimit (i.e., define the boundaries of) an aperture  26 . 
     To place the bracket within the aperture, at least the first end and/or the second end of the bracket is configured to pass through the aperture of the hook. (In the embodiments shown herein, both the first and second ends can pass through the aperture  26  but it is understood that only one end may be needed to pass through the aperture as the other end may be configured wider if needed.) This enables the axle of the hook being configured to be disposed within the channel aligning the pivot axis  19  and the longitudinal axis  22 . It is understood with this teaching that the inside curvature of radius of the channel is equal to or slightly larger in comparison to the outside curvature of radius of the axle, such that the axle does not bind up within the channel when in use. In other words, the axle of the hook is to pivot freely within when it is captured in the channel of the bracket. Accordingly, the hook is (freely) pivotably attached to the bracket when the axle is disposed within the channel when the bracket is mounted to the underside of the ceiling as shown in  FIG. 30 . 
     At least one prong  27  extends from and is connected to the spine and/or the first and second arms. The at least one prong extends upwards when the hook is pivotably hanging from the bracket when the bracket is attached to the underside of the ceiling. The at least one prong is configured to removably capture a rim  28  of the plastic storage bin as best shown in  FIG. 30 , so it needs to point upwards or back towards the bracket that is capturing it. Said differently, the at least one prong  27  extends generally towards the axle  21 . 
     In all the embodiments shown herein, the at least one prong comprises at least two prongs  27   a  and  27   b  spaced a distance  51  apart from one another. This was done to improve the stability of the hook when holding a plastic storage/container bin. Furthermore, this was done to allow the hook part to be injection molded in a simple two-part mold that required no pulls. This was accomplished by placing the two prongs outside the spine so that plastic injection molding could be simplified. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one, two, three or any “n” number of prongs could have been used. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a center  28  of a top surface  29  of the at least one prong  27  is vertically aligned with the longitudinal axis of the axle defining a vertical plane  30 . This structural shape of the hook aligns the load path through the hook when the top surface  29  of the at least one prong is loaded with the weight of the plastic storage/container bin. As one can see, the load path passes through the axle  21  and the top surface  29 . This means at least a portion  53  of the spine is disposed a first distance  31  from the vertical plane  30 . Furthermore, a center of gravity  32  of the hook is disposed a second distance  33  from the vertical plane. Thus, the second distance  33  is less than the first distance  31 . 
     The unique structural configuration of the hook is important when looking at  FIG. 31  where the plastic container bin is not engaged with the prongs of the hook. As can be seen, the hook is free to pivot within the channel of the bracket, so it naturally wants to move towards to the plastic container bin. This results in a structure that is biased towards closing onto the plastic container bins. This helps when one is trying to engage the prongs of the hook. This also helps if one was to bump or inadvertently move the plastic container bin. Furthermore, this also helps with earthquakes as the hooks are always naturally biased into capturing the plastic container bins. Of course, a highly violent earthquake could knock a plastic container bin loose from the hook, but an event of such magnitude rarely occurs such that is not a significant concern which needs further addressing. 
     The bracket and the hook could be made of a whole range of materials, including but not limited to, plastics, metals, composites, fiberglass, carbon fiber and the like. However, for a mass production process, the likely material of choice is plastic, i.e., polymers such as ABS or polycarbonate to name a couple. Thus, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the shapes shown and taught herein for the bracket and the hook are integrally formed as one part for the injection molding process. In other words, the first end, the channel and the second end are integrally formed as one part comprising the bracket and wherein the axle, the first arm, the second arm, the spine and the at least one prong are integrally formed as another single part comprising the hook. Thus, the bracket and hook may be both be injection molded plastic parts. 
     It is understood that the bracket and the hook are separate parts configured to cooperatively work together to form the ceiling mounted device. However, the separate parts could have been made as one part through the use of a living hinge  54 . For example, when referring to  FIG. 32  the bracket  12  and the hook  20  could be molded as one part where the bracket is connected to the hook through the living hinge  54 , which is a thin piece of plastic large/strong enough to create a hinge but thin enough such that the hinge can bend upon itself without breaking. The bracket no longer needs the channel such that the bracket can be flat and the hook no longer needs the aperture. The inventor of this application felt that the overall ceiling mounted device worked better for use when the bracket and hook were separate parts, as the living hinge would not allow the hook to freely rotate due to the inherent rigidity of the living hinge feature itself. However, the embodiment of  FIG. 32  would work such that it could be a viable product in the marketplace. 
     It is understood from reading this disclosure that to actually capture a plastic container bin, at least two ceiling mounted devices are needed to capture both (opposite) ends of the plastic container bin. Thus, the bracket comprises a first and a second bracket and the hook comprises a first hook and a second hook, wherein the first hook is pivotably attached to the first bracket and the second hook is pivotably attached to the second hook, wherein the first and second hooks and brackets are configured to cooperatively work for removably storing the plastic storage bin to the underside of the ceiling. For larger plastic container bins, it is recommended that two ceiling mounted devices spaced apart are used on each side, such that the plastic container bin is captured with four devices in total. 
     The first end and the second end of the bracket each have at least one hole or slot  29  disposed therethrough configured to receive a fastener  30 . As shown in these embodiments, there are four holes  29  through each bracket. It is understood that any number of holes or slots could be used from one, two, three, four or any “n” number of fastener receiving/engaging features. 
     While an installer of the present invention could screw the ceiling mounted device into the wooden studs of the ceiling, the present invention is configured to attach directly into the drywall of the ceiling. In this manner, it allows an increased area for placement as an installer no longer needs to use a stud finder and no longer needs to attach directly into studs. Furthermore, the installer can install the present invention by himself or herself with no special training or outside (secondary) assistance. 
     The first step in the installation process is to first mark the locations for the drywall fasteners such that they can be predrilled with a power drill and drill bit. Then, using a hand screwdriver and not a power drill so not to destroy the drywall, hand screw the fasteners into the drywall until it is snug. Again, it is recommended to tighten until it is snug and then stop, as overtightening will pull the drywall apart and destroy its holding capacity. Use of a power drill to screw in the drywall fasteners is highly discouraged, as the power generated is too much and will destroy the drywall in the process. 
     The hardest part of the installation process is simply marking onto the ceiling the exact locations for predrilling. For example, if one was to install a large plastic container bin using four devices, this means that 16 holes need to be marked and their location must be accurate with respect to one another such that the present invention functions as designed. Marking 16 holes accurately is a toughest part of the installation process. Thus, the inventor has also created a tool to dramatically simplify this most difficult step of marking the holes onto the ceiling. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 21-29 , a fastener marking tool  34  is associated with the ceiling mounted device. The fastener marking tool comprises at least one template tool  35  having a first elongated slotted extension  36  and at least one transverse tool  37  being a second elongated slotted extension  38 . As shown in  FIG. 21 , the at least one template  35  tool is configured to be mounted perpendicularly to the at least one transverse tool  37  configured for a fastener  39  being disposed through the first and second elongated extensions. The fastener can be a screw  39   a  that then attaches to a nut  39   b  on the other side, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of fasteners may be utilized. 
     Through the use of the two slotted extensions  36  and  38 , the parts can translate with respect to one another. Therefore, the parts can move relative to another along arrow (direction of movement)  55  and along arrow (direction of movement)  56 . This assembly  34  then allows the installer to match it to the dimensions of the plastic container bin they want to secure to the ceiling. The at least one template tool has a window aperture  46  disposed therethrough that corresponds to the pivot axis of the bracket when the at least one hole or slot of the at least one template tool matches to the at least one hole or slot of the bracket. In other words, the window aperture  46  can be used very easily to match the sizing of the rim of the plastic container bin. For example, an installer would simply lay the tool  34  onto the rim of the plastic container bin to verify that the correct spacing has been achieved before using the tool against the ceiling to mark the holes. 
     When looking at  FIGS. 24 and 25 , the at least one template tool has at least one hole or slot  40  that matches a spacing of the at least one hole or slot  29  of the bracket. These holes  40  are then used for an installer to mark the ceiling with a pencil or marker thus indicating the correct location to predrill the drywall screws. 
     To keep the tools aligned perpendicular to one another and to ease the use of the tooling, the at least one template tool has a plurality of first locks  41  disposed on an upper surface  42  of the first elongated slotted extension. Here, the locks  41  are recesses but could take on other shapes. Then, oppositely formed, the at least one transverse tool has a plurality of second locks  43  disposed on an upper surface  44  of the second elongated slotted extension. Here, the locks  43  are teeth that are configured to fit within the recesses  41 . The plurality of first locks and second locks are configured to engage with one another when brought into engagement preventing movement of the at least one template tool relative to the at least one transverse tool. This then locks movement in the directions  55  and  56  and keeps the parts perpendicular to one another. Again, a plurality of fasteners  39  are used to secure the fastener marking tool  34  into a single rigid assembly that can then be placed up against the ceiling for marking the hole locations. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of designs for the first and second locks could be utilized as this teaching is not to be limited to the precise form disclosed herein. 
     The at least one hole or slot of the at least one template tool defines a centerline  45  extending parallel to the first elongated slotted extension. In other words, the centerline  45  is centered through the plurality of holes  40 . As can be best seen in  FIG. 22 , the first elongated slotted extension is disposed on one side of the centerline and does not reside on the other side of the centerline. This then allows a second template tool to be abutted against the first template tool while keeping their respective holes  40  aligned in an opposing fashion as seen in  FIG. 21 . Furthermore, in this manner, it means that one mold using two different cavities can be utilized to create the six template tools shown in  FIG. 21 . For extra stability a second pair of transverse tools can be used to secure the fastener marking tool  34 . 
     Likewise, the transverse tool can be attached to a second transverse tool with the use of the fasteners  39  and by utilizing the holes  57  disposed on each end. Now, both the template tool and the transverse tool can be made with a single two-part mold utilizing a single cavity for each. As can be appreciated, an installer can use or not use the various tools to create the right sizing for their particular plastic container bin, whether that bin is very small or very large. 
     The transverse tool also has an extension  58  that stops at an upper surface  59 . When the fastener marking tool  34  is assembled, the upper surface  59  is on a similar plane to a bottommost surface  60  of the template tool best seen in  FIG. 23 . This simply aids in the overall assembly  34  retaining its shape when pressed against the underside of the ceiling. Referring now to  FIG. 23  it is noted that a second surface  67  is spaced apart from the bottommost surface  60 . This is done to create a gap such that the head of the fastener  39  as shown in  FIG. 21  may reside. 
     To make marking of the holes on the ceiling even easier, the at least one template tool includes a nail hole  47  configured to receive a nail  50  and includes a hook feature  48  configured to enable a rubber band  49  to engage it while also engaging a nail  50  disposed within the nail hole, as best shown in  FIG. 29 . Once a nail is placed into the nail hole  47 , the rubber band holds it in place. The installer can then hold the entire fastener marking tool  34  up against the underside of the ceiling and simply tap in the nails  50  with a hammer. This then temporarily holds the entire fastener marking tool up against the ceiling such that the installer can then mark all 16 holes while not worrying about holding it up or having it slide out of position inadvertently. Once all the holes are marked, the entire tool  34  can be simply pulled from the ceiling, or the recesses  62  can be used with the back end of the hammer to pry it off the ceiling. 
     Referring back to the hooks  20 , the hooks also have an optional downward extension which is a push pad  66 . In normal use, the simple lifting and manipulation of the plastic container bin is enough to remove it from the ceiling mounted device  10 . In the remote chance the hook is not pivoting freely, one can reach up and press against the push pad  66  to release the hook  20  from the plastic container bin. The push pad is also a good location for branding (i.e., HoverHooks) to be molded into each product. 
     Referring now to the brackets  12 , if an installer wanted to install the brackets to a stud and wanted to center a fastener within the bracket, the bracket also has a predrill recess  64  formed therein on one side such that all the installer needs to do is to use a drill to drill out their own sized hole. The predrill recess is a blind hole and is not visible from the other side of the bracket. This is just a nice feature to have in case it is needed by the installer. 
       FIGS. 12-20  show a second embodiment of the present invention that is best suited for mass manufacturing. The plastic parts have been optimized for plastic injection molding to remove material while retaining structural strength. The overall shape of the bracket is generally the same as those shown in  FIGS. 1-11 . 
     Another difference is that now rubber tip structures  52  are placed upon the ends of the prongs  27 . The rubber tip structures help grip the underside of the rim of the plastic container bins such that bin movement is prevented. The rubber tip structures  52  are optional but are an improvement to prevent slipping of the plastic container bins once the present invention has captured them. The rubber tip structures  52  simply have a blind recess  68  that is matched in size to the end of the prongs for a tight interference fit without the need for a secondary gluing/adhesive operation. Yet, for additional fitment, a secondary gluing/adhesive operation could be performed. 
     As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention taught herein can be utilized in garages, basements, storage rooms, offices, closets and the like. Plastic container bins can be easily secured and removed by simply lifting and rotating slightly the plastic container bins such that the hooks engage and disengage. 
     While the present invention has been optimized for securing plastic container bins, it is understood that it could be used to store other items such as bags, clubs, backpacks and the like. 
     Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made to each without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims. 
     NUMERALS 
     
         
         
           
               10  ceiling mounted device 
               11  plastic storage bin 
               12  bracket 
               13  first end, bracket 
               14  second end, bracket 
               15  channel, bracket 
               16  top plane, bracket 
               17  underside, ceiling 
               18  ceiling 
               19  pivot axis 
               20  hook 
               21  axle 
               22  longitudinal axis 
               23  first arm 
               24  second arm 
               25  spine 
               26  aperture 
               27  at least one prong 
               27   a  first prong 
               27   b  second prong 
               28  rim 
               29  at least one hole or slot 
               30  fastener 
               31  first distance 
               32  center of gravity 
               33  second distance 
               34  fastener marking tool 
               35  at least one template tool 
               36  first elongated slotted extension 
               37  at least one transverse tool 
               38  second elongated slotted extension 
               39  fastener 
               40  at least one hole or slot, template tool 
               41  plurality of locks 
               42  upper surface 
               43  plurality of second locks 
               44  upper surface 
               45  centerline 
               46  window aperture 
               47  nail hole 
               48  hook feature 
               49  rubber band 
               50  nail 
               51  distance, between prongs 
               52  rubber tip structure 
               53  portion of the spine 
               54  living hinge 
               55  arrow, direction of movement 
               56  arrow, direction of movement 
               57  holes, transverse tool 
               58  extension, transverse tool 
               59  upper surface, extension, transverse tool 
               60  bottommost surface, template tool 
               62  recesses, template tool 
               64  predrill recess, bracket 
               66  push pad, hook 
               67  second surface, template tool 
               68  blind recess, rubber tip structure