Patent ID: 12232616

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

Also, as used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

FIGS.1A-1Edepict various views of a track100for mounting devices. Track100comprises a support surface112, a first rear-facing hook102, and a second rear-facing hook104(seeFIG.1A). Support surface112is flat and is disposed at a rear side of track100(seeFIG.1B). Track100further comprises a cavity108that is defined by at least a portion of support surface112, the first rear-facing hook102and the second rear-facing hook104. It is contemplated that a cover can removably couple with track100to cover a portion of track100. For example, a cover114as shown inFIG.1Dcomprises protrusions that engage recesses or channels106within the cavity108of track100.

Track100can be mounted onto a vertical and/or horizontal structure. For example, track100can be mounted onto a vertical wall or a ceiling. It is contemplated that track100is mounted onto the structure via support surface112. In one embodiment, support surface112comprises one or more openings/apertures606adapted to receive one or more fasteners (e.g., a screw, a bolt, a nail, etc.). In another embodiment, support surface112can comprise multiple types of openings adapted to receive different types of fasteners (e.g., a first opening606afor a screw and a second opening606bfor a bolt) (seeFIG.1C). For example, a first type of opening can be sized and dimensioned to receive ¼ inch screw diameters, and a second type of opening can be sized and dimensioned to receive ⅛ inch screw diameters.

Although fasteners are described above, it is contemplated that track100can be mounted onto a structure using other devices with or without fasteners (e.g., a screw, a bolt, a nail, etc.). For example, support surface112can be directly welded onto a metal structure to mount track100onto the structure. In another example, an adhesive can be applied to support surface112to mount track100onto a structure. Adhesives can include any non-metallic or partially metallic substance that binds surfaces together and resist separation. In some embodiments, an adhesive can be applied to support surface112followed by use of fasteners via openings in a support surface to create a mechanical bond between track100and the structure. For example, glue can be applied to a support surface and the glue can be allowed to seep through one or more openings that then receive fasteners to further assist in preventing separation of track100from the structure. In another example, glue can be applied to a support surface in a manner that it does not seep through opening on support surface112, and then fasteners are driven through the openings and into a structure to mount track100. It should be appreciated adhesive is applied to the side of support surface112that contacts the structure. Additionally, or alternatively, adhesive could be applied on the structure at a location where track100is to be mounted. In yet another example, the fastener could comprise magnetic couplings or mechanical engagements (e.g., male-female connectors, snap-fit connectors, hook and loop fasteners, etc.).

Cover114is configured to cover the openings in support surface112and any fasteners or devices that couple track100to the structure (seeFIG.1E). As shown inFIG.1A, track100includes two recesses106or channels that are adapted to receive a corresponding protrusion on cover114. It is contemplated that cover114can be pressed into a cavity108of track100defined by at least a portion of support surface112, the first rear-facing hook102and the second rear-facing hook104. Once cover114is pressed into the support structure with sufficient pressure, cover114can snap into place when the protrusions enter the recesses106of track100. As shown inFIG.1E, it is contemplated that cover114is the same length as track100.

The first and second rear-facing hook are configured to couple with one or more track attachments, which will be discussed in further detail below. As shown inFIG.1D, the first rear-facing hook102has a first portion that is substantially orthogonal relative to support surface112. The first portion comprises a first recess106that is sized and dimensioned to receive a first cover protrusion. It is contemplated that other coupling members can be used (e.g., opening) to receive the first cover protrusion. Although cover114is disclosed as having a protrusion, it is contemplated that track100can comprise the protrusion and cover114can comprise a recess106, opening or other coupling member that receives the protrusion. The first rear-facing hook102further comprises a second portion that runs substantially parallel to support surface112. The first rear-facing hook102further comprises a third portion that runs substantially parallel to the first portion. It is contemplated that the first portion and second portion are substantially orthogonal and/or the second portion and third portion are substantially orthogonal. As used herein, “substantially orthogonal” means between 80°-100°. A first parallel portion is disposed between the first and third portions.

Similar to the first rear-facing hook102, the second rear-facing hook104has a first portion that is substantially orthogonal relative to support surface112. The first portion comprises a second recess106that is sized and dimensioned to receive a second cover protrusion. The second rear-facing hook104further comprises a second portion that runs substantially parallel to support surface112. The second rear-facing hook104further comprises a third portion that runs substantially parallel to the first portion. It is contemplated that the first portion and second portion are substantially orthogonal and/or the second portion and third portion are substantially orthogonal. A second parallel portion is disposed between the first and third portions.

FIGS.2A-2Cdepict various views of another embodiment of track200for mounting devices. Track200comprises a support surface202, a first rear-facing hook204, and a second rear-facing hook206.

Support surface202partially defines a rear side of track200. In the depicted embodiment, support surface202is configured to removably couple with a structure using one or more fasteners and one or more openings. The openings can comprise any shape or form including, for example, circular openings, ovular openings, and rectangular openings.

In one embodiment, support surface202comprises one or more openings adapted to receive one or more fastening devices. In another embodiment, support surface202can comprise multiple types of openings adapted to receive different types of fastening devices. In embodiments where support surface202comprises one or more openings, it is contemplated that the fastening devices can include screws, nails, and any other fastener known in the art.

As shown inFIG.2A, support surface202is not flat. Support surface202includes a raised portion relative to two adjacent flat portions (i.e., the portions of the support structure that are closest to the wall when the support structure is attached). In this embodiment, the raised portion can include openings that accommodate one or more fasteners, and the flat portions can separately include openings that accommodate one or more fasteners of the same or different type.

In some embodiments, the raised portion can include multiple types of openings to accommodate different types of hardware fasteners. For example, the raised portion can comprise a first type of opening sized and dimensioned to receive ¼ inch screw diameters and a second type of opening sized and dimensioned to receive ⅛ inch screw diameters. The flat portions can similarly include different types of openings to accommodate different screw diameters.

Similar to the embodiment depicted inFIGS.1A-1E, support surface202can be mounted onto a structure using other devices with or without fasteners (e.g., a screw, a bolt, a nail, etc.). For example, support surface202can be welded on to a metal structure to create a substantially permanent fixture. In another example, support surface202can use an adhesive to fix support surface202to a structure.

In yet another embodiment, support surface202and the structure can be coupled to a structure using a mixture of chemical adhesive agents and fasteners (e.g., a screw, a bolt, a nail, etc.). For example, support surface202can be coupled to a wall by applying glue between support surface202and the wall, and additionally fastening one or more screws from a first side of support surface202through to a second side of support surface202and finally into the wall.

FIG.3depicts a cross-sectional view of track200shown inFIGS.2A-2C. As shown, track200is capable of receiving different type of fasteners, such as wood screws on the flat portions and a lag bolt on the raised portion of support surface202. In other embodiments, the hardware-based fastening devices can be of the same type. Furthermore, as shown inFIG.3, track200comprises a cavity208adapted to receive a cover114via a snap-fit mechanism between cover protrusions and recesses on track200. Cover114can alternatively be coupled to track200using a friction fit. The first and second rear-facing hooks204and206are configured to couple with corresponding structures on track attachments, which will be discussed in further detail below.

Track200can be installed on wall214. Wall214can represent any solid surface that track200can be secured onto with fasteners or alternative attachment mechanisms as discussed above inFIG.1.

FIGS.4A-4Ddepict various perspective views of a vertical rail that mounts to track100and track200. Vertical rail400comprises a coupling unit comprising a first hook and a second hook configured to removably couple with a track, first wall412coupled to coupling unit402, second wall414coupled to coupling unit402, support units coupled to first and second walls412and414, and one or more slots406disposed between the first support unit and coupling unit402and between any two adjacent support units.

First wall412and second wall414are attached to coupling unit402and one or more support units. In one embodiment, first wall412, second wall414, and coupling unit402can be made of metal. In this embodiment, first and second walls412and414can each be welded to one or more coupling units402and support units408and410. In other embodiments, first and second walls412and414can be coupled to the one or more coupling units and support units408and410using any one or more of adhesives, hardware based fasteners (e.g., a screw, a bolt, a nail, etc.), locking pin fasteners, and magnetic fasteners.

In other embodiments, first and second walls412and414, the one or more coupling units402, and support units408and410can be one continuous structure. For example, vertical rail400can be formed by a molding process or other manufacturing process that produces one continuous plastic structure or one continuous metal structure. In yet other embodiments, first and second walls412and414, the one or more coupling units402, and support units408and410can comprise a mixture of different materials. For example, first and second walls412and414can be made from a first metal or metal alloy, support units408and410can be made of one or more types of plastics, and coupling unit402can be made of a second metal or metal alloy. It is contemplated that the structures disclosed herein can comprise a variety of materials including, for example, metals, metal alloys, moldable polymeric materials, woods, glass, and composite materials.

It is contemplated that the bottom support unit can be thinner than the remaining support units to allow a second vertical rail to attach to a first vertical rail. For example, a first hook of a coupling unit402of a second vertical rail can be slid through the slot above a bottom support unit of a first vertical rail, and a second hook of coupling unit402of the second vertical rail can engage a bottom portion of the bottom support unit of the first vertical rail to thereby couple a second vertical rail onto a first vertical rail. It should be appreciated that the ability to couple two or more vertical rails allows additional accessories to be mounted along a vertical length.

It is also contemplated that coupling unit402comprises track couplers416. Track couplers416allowing coupling unit402to removably couple with a horizontal track or one or more support units408and410of vertical rail400.

However, it is also contemplated that track couplers416do not exist in some embodiments, such as inFIG.4D. In these embodiments, coupling unit402hangs off track100or track200and stays coupled to track by force of gravity.

In the depicted embodiment, anchor holes418are configured and distributed in any manner. For example, anchor holes418and their corresponding diameters can be each be substantially the same. In another example, anchor holes418and their corresponding diameters can be a mixture of different diameters.

FIG.4Dfurther depicts a cross sectional view of vertical rail400along line A-A (seeFIG.4A) showing a first lip420and a second lip422. In the depicted embodiment, first lip420and second lip422extend towards the posterior surface of vertical rail400. The depicted embodiment further shows first lip420being shorter than second lip422.

In alternative embodiment, first lip420and second lip422can be in any length and direction. For example, first lip420can extend towards the anterior surface of vertical rail400and second lip422can extend towards a posterior surface of vertical rail400. In another example, first lip420can extend in either direction and second lip420can extend in a posterior direction. In yet another example, first lip420and second lip422can extend at non-orthogonal angles relative to the anterior and/or posterior surfaces of vertical rail400.

FIGS.5A-5Fdepict various devices/accessories that can be attached to vertical rail400and/or track200.FIG.5Adepicts a utility hook that couples to slot406between a coupling unit and a first support unit of a vertical rail. It is contemplated, however, that utility hook502can couple to any slot along vertical rail400, such as slots406formed by any two adjacent support units. Additionally, or alternatively, utility hook502can directly attach to track200. Suitable utility hooks are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,800,212 and 9,173,507, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In one embodiment, utility hook502comprises two hooking members that are removably attached to two attachment mechanisms504on the anterior face of utility hook502. The two hooking members can be attached to the two attachment mechanisms504using a magnetic coupling mechanism, a screw-based coupling mechanism, a snap-fit coupling mechanism, and/or a friction-fit coupling mechanism. It is contemplated that two attachment mechanisms504do not have to be the same type. For example, a first attachment mechanism of the two attachment mechanisms504can be magnetic, and a second attachment mechanism of the two attachment mechanisms504can be a screw-based coupling mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, the two attachment mechanisms504can be permanently fixed to the anterior face of utility hook502.

In yet another embodiment, the two attachment mechanisms504can be configured to attach to alternative tools. In one example, the two attachment mechanisms504can be configured to attach to a reinforced hook made for supporting weights up to 100 pounds. In another example, the two attachment mechanisms504can be configured to attach to a longer retail hook configured to allow multiple inventory items to be stored and displayed in a retail environment.

Though the depicted embodiment inFIG.5Ashows a utility hook comprising two attachment mechanisms504and two hooking members, utility hook502can comprise any number of attachment mechanisms504and hooking members.

FIG.5Bdepicts a bracket and shelf system whereby bracket600(discussed in further detail in the detailed description ofFIG.6) has hooks that are inserted into slots on vertical rail400. It is contemplated that bracket and shelf system can couple to any slot, such as slots406formed by any two adjacent support units.

Bracket and shelf system further comprises a flat platform604on the top side of bracket600, and a first and second cavity disposed on opposite lateral sides of bracket600. Additionally, the flat platform604on the top side of bracket600can comprises openings to receive one or more fasteners. It is contemplated that a shelf can be coupled onto bracket600using the one or more fasteners. For example, a screw, a bolt, or a nail can be driven through the shelf and into the opening of bracket600to secure the shelf.

FIG.5Cdepicts a basket assembly506that couples to slot406between a first and second support unit of a first vertical rail, and a second slot between a first and second support unit of a second vertical rail. It is contemplated, however, that basket assembly508is not limited to the depicted embodiment and can be coupled to only one slot between a first and second support unit.

FIG.5Ddepicts bracket and container514, wherein bracket512has hooks that are inserted into a first and a second slot formed by support units of a vertical rail. As shown inFIG.5D, a first support ridge on a flat platform on the top side of bracket600can be inserted into a corresponding cavity formed by a handle on container514to thereby attach container514onto bracket600. It is contemplated that at least two brackets work cooperatively to engage two corresponding cavities on opposite sides of container514and thereby mount container514. It is further contemplated that a second support ridge of bracket600shown inFIG.5Dcan be inserted into a cavity formed by a handle of a different container. Thus, rows of containers can be mounted at various heights relative to the floor using a combination of tracks, vertical rails, and brackets. For example, three brackets, each having a pair of support ridges512can couple to two containers with the middle bracket engaging a cavity of a first container and a cavity of a second container, and the two other brackets each engaging an opposite cavity of the first or second container.

FIG.5Edepicts a tire rack system516. Four connecting members518of the tire rack system each having hooks that are inserted into slots formed by the support units on a first and second vertical rail. In the depicted embodiment, first and second connecting members518of the tire rack system pair to the first vertical rail and third and fourth connecting members of the tire rack system pair to the second vertical rail. In preferred embodiments, the first and second connecting members are in a parallel arrangement relative to the third and fourth connecting members.

The connecting members attach to secure a platform formed by two support bars disposed between two platform arms520connected to a first set of connecting members. A second set of connecting members are coupled to two superior support arms which couple to a substantially anterior portion of the two platform arms520, respectively. In one embodiment, the platform comprises two bars disposed between the two platform arms that can receive a tire.

FIG.5Fdepicts a lumber rack system522comprising a connecting member, a hinge attachment524, a restriction mechanism526, and a telescoping arm comprising first arm528and second arm530, and restriction platform532. The telescoping arm comprises first arm528and second arm530in a slidable relationship, such that first arm528substantially encapsulates second arm530when the telescoping arm is in a contracted configuration. In an extended configuration, an inner surface area of the first arm528and an outer surface area of the second arm partially overlap. In a preferred embodiment, the first arm528comprises a restricting mechanism to restrict the first and second arms528and530from sliding relative to each other. For example, the restriction mechanism526can comprise a screw that is coupled to a screw hole on first arm528, which causes friction-based restriction of movement when engaged by exerting pressure on second arm530.

The hinge attachment524allows first and second arms528and530to connect to the connecting member in a hinged configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge attachment524attaches to second arm530using a pin lock mechanism. However, it is contemplated that any mechanism allowing a hinged relationship between the connecting member and second arm530can be used. The hinged configuration allows first and second arms528and530to move relative to the connecting member.

The restricting platform532limits rotation of first and second arms528and530from a vertical configuration to a horizontal configuration to a range of up to 90°. However, it is contemplated that the restricting platform532can be disposed at a different angle to allow greater or less degree of rotation for first and second arms528and530.

FIGS.6A-6Cdepicts various views of a bracket that removably couples to vertical rail400, track100, or track200for mounting devices (see, e.g.,FIG.5B). Additionally, or alternatively, bracket600can removably couple with a slatwall mounting system and/or an overhead storage system. Suitable slatwall mounting systems are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,746,472, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Suitable overhead storage systems are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,657,130, 8,985,350, and 9,433,285, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

As shown inFIGS.6A-6C, bracket600comprises a flat platform604at the top side of bracket600, first and second cavities608disposed on lateral sides of bracket600, a first and second accessory rails602that extend along the body of bracket600, and top hook610for partial mounting of bracket600to a track and/or vertical rail. An adapter612can be coupled onto bracket600as shown inFIG.6to provide enhanced coupling with track100or track200.

In some embodiments, the accessory rails602can comprise one or more protrusions to releasably engage with corresponding recesses on various accessories. For example, a container handle can comprise four recesses that mate with four corresponding protrusions in a first accessory rail602in order to restrict posterior-anterior movement (i.e., sliding) of the container.

It is contemplated that the flat platform604can comprises one or more attachment mechanisms504. For example, the flat platform604can have one or more apertures606adapted to receive a fastener (e.g., a screw, a bolt, a nail, etc.) to fix a shelf to bracket600. Additionally, or alternatively, the flat platform604can comprise one or more support ridges512adapted to engage slots of an accessory. For example, the support ridges512can releasably engage a shelf with corresponding slots to prevent substantial movement of the shelf relative to bracket600.

FIG.6Ddepicts a slatwall634configured to removably couple with any one or more accessories638, such as the embodiments depicted and described inFIGS.5A-5F. It is contemplated that slatwall634comprises alternative rows of cavities636and support surfaces638. It is contemplated that cavities636can be shaped in any manner to receive and secure any one or more accessories described above. It is further contemplated that cavities636can be through-holes that extend through both an anterior surface and posterior surface of slatwall634.

In some embodiments, slatwall634has one or more anchor holes, such as the anchor holes418. As with anchor holes418, slatwall634can have any combination of anchor holes.

FIG.7Adepicts an exploded view of bracket600shown inFIG.6. As shown, bracket600comprises hooks702that are configured to engage slots in adapter612in a slidable relationship. After hooks of bracket600are inserted into slots406of adapter612, it is contemplated that a top hook of bracket600can be placed on top of a top rear-facing hook of track100, and adapter612can be slid relative to bracket600to thereby position a ridge of adapter612at an end of a bottom rear-facing hook of a track to restrict tilting of bracket600and further secure bracket600on track100as shown inFIG.7B. From the locked configuration, adapter612can be slid down to alter the position of the ridge away from the bottom rear-facing hook to allow bracket600to tilt for removal from track100as shown inFIG.7B. In alternative embodiments, adapter612can engage bracket600using a magnetic mechanism, a screw-based mechanism, a friction fit mechanism, and a snap fit mechanism.

FIG.7Afurther depicts protrusions704located in one or more locations within first and/or second cavities608. It is contemplated that protrusions704releasably mate with corresponding cavities in one or more accessories to secure the accessory to bracket600.

FIGS.8A-Ddepict various views of adapter612that removably couples to bracket600. As depicted, adapter612comprises adapter ridge614disposed at the top side of adapter612, a first slot, a second slot, a third slot, and a fourth slot (see slots610inFIG.8B). It is contemplated that adapter612further comprises cavity sized and dimensioned to receive a finger of a user to slide adapter612relative to bracket600between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration as discussed above. Although adapter ridge614of adapter612is discussed restricting tilt in a locked configuration when coupled to a track, it is contemplated that adapter ridge614can be slid into a second slot of a vertical rail after top hook610of bracket600is inserted into a first slot of vertical rail400to further secure bracket600onto vertical rail400. Additionally, or alternatively, bracket600can be mounted onto vertical rail400without use of the adapted by inserting at least one hook of bracket600into slot406of vertical rail400.

In some embodiments, adapter612can be locked in a particular configuration using an engagement member. It is contemplated that an engagement member can comprise any one or more means of causing the adapter to change configurations and/or allow a user to change the configuration of the adapter. For example, changes in configurations can include, but are not limited to, locking and unlocking adapter612such that adapter612can mounted or dismounted from bracket600. Some examples of engagement members include, but are not limited to, buttons, sliders, and dials.

In some embodiments, adapter612includes both engagement and disengagement members. For example, adapter612can have an engagement button and a disengagement button that fixes or releases adapter612from bracket600. Similar to engagement buttons, disengagement buttons can include any mechanisms configured to change the physical configuration of the adapter, such as, for example, buttons, sliders, and dials.

In yet other embodiments, adapter612only has a disengagement member. For example, adapter612can use a mechanism to automatically lock the adapter into place when adapter612is moved into a first position. When adapter612is to be removed, a disengagement member can be actuated by a user to unlock adapter612from the bracket.

In yet another embodiment, adapter612lacks any engagement member and is instead secured through alternative mechanical means. For example, adapter612can be fixed onto bracket600using a friction fit. In another example, adapter612can be fixed onto bracket600using an adhesive. In yet another example, adapter612can be fixed onto bracket600using a screw fastener-based mechanism.

FIGS.9A-9Bdepict a bracket and shelf system900comprising bracket902, bracket904, and a track200used cooperatively to store containers908. As shown inFIG.9A, first bracket902and second bracket904are spaced apart such that the handles of container908can slide into an accessory rail on first bracket902and an accessory rail on second bracket904.FIG.9Aalso depicted a wire shelf906that is removable attached to a flat platform604on the top side of first bracket902and a flat platform604on the top side of the second bracket904.

FIG.9Bshows a third bracket910that can be used to mount a second container. It is contemplated that additional bracket and shelf assemblies can be used to mount additional containers. Furthermore, it is contemplated that a container can be placed on top of the shelf.

As discussed above, a track can also be mounted onto a ceiling to provide overhead storage.FIGS.10A-10Bdepict two accessories that can be attached to track200used for overhead storage.FIG.10Adepicts an overhead hook comprising a hook and a coupling unit. Coupling unit402comprises a first superior hook and a second superior hook adapted to removably couple to an overhead track. In one embodiment, the overhead hook is removably attached to coupling unit402. For example, the overhead hook can be coupled using a magnetic coupler, a friction fit coupler, a screw-based coupler, and a snap fit coupler. In another embodiment, the overhead hook can be permanently fixed to coupling unit402. For example, the overhead hook can be welded to coupling unit402, where both coupling unit402and overhead hook are made of metal. In another example, the overhead hook can be joined to coupling unit402, where both coupling unit402and the overhead hook comprise one or more plastics.

FIG.10Bshows an overhead track system1000comprising a coupling unit having hooks1004adapted to removably couple to track200. A locking pin mechanism can be used to couple other items to coupling unit402. For example,FIG.11depicts perspective views of a pin lock1006used in an overhead shelf system.

As shown inFIG.11, track system200comprises a first coupling unit, a second coupling unit, a third coupling unit, and a fourth coupling unit (collectively “coupling unit(s)402”) which are coupled on a superior side to an overhead track and coupled on an inferior side to first, second, third, and fourth telescoping arms, respectively (respectively telescoping arms1102a-d). It should be noted thatFIG.11does not explicitly show the fourth coupling unit and the fourth telescoping arm, but their presence is implied by the perspective view of the overhead shelf system.

Coupling units402can be removably attached to telescoping arms1102. For example, coupling units402can be connected to telescoping arms1102using a pin lock1008as depicted inFIG.11. Telescoping arms1102each comprise a primary arm and a secondary arm in a slidable relationship, such that the primary arm substantially encapsulates the secondary arm when telescoping arm1102is in a contracted configuration. In an extended configuration, an inner surface area of the primary arm and an outer surface area of the secondary arm partially overlap. It is contemplated that the primary arm comprises a locking mechanism to restrict the primary and secondary arms from sliding relative to each other. For example, the locking mechanism can comprise a fastener that is inserted into aperture110on the primary arm to thereby exert pressure on the secondary arm and provide friction-based restriction of movement. In another example, the locking mechanism can be a detent mechanism which catches corresponding cavities108in the primary and/or secondary arms. In yet another example, the locking mechanism can comprise a pin lock mechanism whereby a pin is inserted into aperture110of both of the primary and secondary arms.

The bottom-most ends of telescoping arms1102a-1102dcan be removably coupled to lateral support bars1104. For example, two lateral support bars1104can be removably coupled to the first and third telescoping arms1102aand1102c, and the second and fourth telescoping arms1102band1102d, respectively. As shown inFIG.11, a shelf can be placed on top of lateral bars1104. It is contemplated that the shelf can be attached to the lateral arms using a magnetic coupler, a friction fit coupler, a screw-based coupler, and a snap fit coupler. In alternative embodiments, the shelf can be permanently fixed to the lateral support bars1104. For example, the shelf and lateral support bars1104could be welded together. In yet other embodiments, the shelf and lateral support bars1104can be formed as a single piece using a molding process.

FIG.12depicts a perspective view of an overhead storage system1200that uses a ceiling track and a vertical wall track. Overhead storage system1200comprises four telescoping arms, an overhead track, a support mechanism, and a vertical wall track. As shown inFIG.12, the four telescoping arms are each connected to the overhead track on one end and a lateral bar on an opposite end. The lateral support bars1104support two wire shelf units. Furthermore, two of the lateral support bars1104are coupled to the vertical wall track. The lateral support bars1104can be coupled to the vertical wall track using a separate coupling mechanism or an internal coupling mechanism to engage the rear facing hooks of the vertical wall track. For example, the lateral support bars1104can comprise a hook mechanism that engages hooks404of the vertical wall track (e.g., hooks of coupling unit of vertical rail, hooks of coupling unit shown inFIG.10B). Thus, it is contemplated that the lateral support bars1104can couple overhead tracks and/or vertical tracks to provide support for overhead storage.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, and unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to the elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps can be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.