Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of and claims the benefit of non-provisional application Ser. No. 10/462,461, filed on Jun. 16, 2003. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Generally, the invention relates to a workroom storage system for organizing the tools and supplies found in workrooms, especially garages. More specifically, the invention relates to a space-efficient workroom storage system providing both wall mounted storage and cabinet storage, with a combination of slotwall panels, slot tracks, cabinets removably mounted to the slotwall panel and/or slot tracks, and a workbench in combination with mobile storage cabinets that are stowable beneath the workbench.  
         DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART  
         [0003]    There has long been a need for organized storage in workrooms, whether the workroom is a dedicated workshop, a garage, or any other room, since workrooms by their very nature tend to house many types of tools and equipment, along with general supplies and supplies for the tools and equipment. Past solutions to providing organized storage in workrooms were based on the operator selecting unrelated organization systems and combining them as operator saw fit, without an integrated system. The organization systems often reflected a hodgepodge of non-integrated solutions, such as fixed wall cabinets, pegboards, and workbenches with internal storage, which collectively did not provide a space-efficient solution. That is, the resulting combination of components comprising the operator-selected organization system, often consumed more space in the workroom than what was necessary, which limited the amount of storage and/or work area in the workroom. Therefore, there is still a need for a space-efficient, integrated workroom organization system that helps the operator maximize both the storage of tools and supplies and the useful area of the workroom.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The invention provides a unique solution to the need for space-efficient, organized storage for a workroom via a workroom organization system comprising at least one slot track. The slot track has a plurality of slots with at least one undercut sidewall with adjoining slots forming a slat having edges defined by the slots. The slots further have a bottom wall generally parallel to and spaced inwardly from the face of the at least one slat. The organization system includes one or more removable mounting brackets having a support portion for attaching a device to the bracket. The mounting brackets include a first “J” shaped hook on one edge of the support portion opening in a first direction to hook over an edge of a slat into the undercut sidewall. The mounting brackets include a second “J” shaped hook on an opposite edge of the support portion opening in the first direction to hook over an edge of the adjoining slot into the undercut sidewall.  
           [0005]    Another aspect of the invention provides a unique solution to the need for space-efficient, organized storage for a workroom via a workroom organization system comprising at least one slotwall panel and at least one slot track. The slotwall panel has a plurality of slots with at least one undercut sidewall forming a plurality of slats having edges defined by the slots. The slots in the slotwall panel have a bottom wall generally parallel to and spaced inwardly from the face of the slats. The slot track has two slots with at least one undercut sidewall forming a slat having edges defined by the slots. The slots in the slot track have a bottom wall generally parallel to and spaced inwardly from the face of the slat. The organization system includes one or more removable mounting brackets usable on the slotwall panel and on the slot track. The mounting brackets include a support portion for attaching a device to the mounting bracket and a first “J” shaped hook on one edge of the support portion opening in a first direction to hook over an edge of a slat into the undercut sidewall. The mounting brackets also include a second “J” shaped hook on an opposite edge of the support portion opening in the first direction to hook over an edge of the adjoining slot into the undercut sidewall.  
           [0006]    Another aspect of the invention provides a unique solution to the need for space-efficient, organized storage for a workroom via a workroom organization system comprising one or more slot tracks in combination with a wall-mounted cabinet and a floor supported workbench with at least one nesting mobile storage cabinet. The organization system provides for space-efficient, organized storage of workroom items, such as tools and supplies used in a workroom. The slot tracks are mountable on a wall of the workroom and have at least two slots defining at least one slat. The organization system further includes one or more removable mounting brackets having a first “J” shaped hook on one edge opening in a first direction to hook over an edge of the at least one slat. The mounting brackets include a second “J” shaped hook opening in the first direction to hook over an edge of a slot adjoining the slat engaging the first “J” shaped hook. The wall-mounted storage cabinets have at least one mounting bracket to engage at least one slot track. The workbench has a work surface and multiple legs extending from the work surface to support the work surface above a floor and defines a workbench recess beneath the work surface. A mobile storage cabinet having a top surface located at a height such that the at least one mobile storage cabinet can be received within the workbench recess with the top surface underlying the work surface. The mobile storage cabinet has wheels extending from the mobile storage cabinet to support the mobile storage cabinet on the floor to ease the movement of the mobile storage cabinet into and out of the workbench recess.  
           [0007]    The workroom organization system enables a user to mount workroom items on mounting brackets mounted on the plurality of slot tracks and to arrange the at least one wall-mounted storage cabinet, workbench and at least one mobile storage cabinet within the workroom in a manner most space-efficient for a particular workroom. The workroom organization system permits the easy relocation of the workroom items and rearrangement of the at least one wall-mounted storage cabinet, workbench, and at least one mobile storage cabinet as needed over time as the quantity and mix of workroom items changes.  
           [0008]    Another aspect of the invention provides a unique solution to the need for space-efficient, organized storage for a workroom via a workroom organization system comprising one or more slotwall panels and one or more slot tracks in combination with other elements of the organization system. The organization system further includes one or more wall-mounted cabinets and a floor supported workbench with at least one nesting mobile storage cabinet for space-efficient, organized storage of workroom items, such as tools and supplies used in a workroom. Slotwall panels are mountable on a wall of the workroom and have multiple slots defining a plurality of slats. Slot tracks are mountable on a wall of the workroom and have two slots defining a slat. The organization system includes a plurality of removable mounting brackets having a first “J” shaped hook on one edge opening in a first direction to hook over an edge of a slat on a slotwall panel or a slot track. The mounting brackets also include a second “J” shaped hook opening in the first direction to hook over an edge of a slot adjoining the slat engaging the first “J” shaped hook. The wall-mounted storage cabinets have at least one mounting bracket having a “J” shaped hook to hook over the edge of a slat on a slotwall panel or a slot track. The workbench includes a work surface and multiple legs extending from the work surface to support the work surface above a floor and defines a workbench recess beneath the work surface. The organization system includes at least one mobile storage cabinet having a top surface located at a height such that the at least one mobile storage cabinet can be received within the workbench recess with the top surface underlying the work surface. The mobile storage cabinet has wheels extending from the mobile storage cabinet to support the mobile storage cabinet on the floor to ease the movement of the mobile storage cabinet into and out of the workbench recess.  
           [0009]    The workroom organization system enables a user to mount workroom items on removable mounting brackets on slotwall panels or slot tracks and arrange one or more wall-mounted storage cabinets, workbench and at least one mobile storage cabinet within the workroom in a manner most space-efficient for a particular workroom. The organization system permits the easy relocation of the workroom items and rearrangement of the wall-mounted storage cabinet, workbench, and at least one mobile storage cabinet as needed over time as the quantity and mix of workroom items changes. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]    In the drawings:  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the slotwall storage system suitable for use in a space-efficient workroom storage system according to the invention, and illustrating a mounting device and hanger bracket mounted on a slotwall panel.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the slotwall panel with a hanger bracket mounted on the slotwall panel in an unloaded position.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the slotwall panel with a hanger bracket mounted on the slotwall panel in a loaded position.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is an end view of a slotwall panel showing the spacing of the generally “T” shaped slots.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4A is an enlarged end view of a portion of a slotwall panel showing the configuration of a generally “T” shaped slot.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4B is an enlarged end view of a portion of a slotwall panel showing the configuration of a connecting rib on the edge of a slotwall panel.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4C is an enlarged end view of a portion of a slotwall panel showing the configuration of a connecting groove on the edge of a slotwall panel.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 4D is an enlarged end view of a portion of a slotwall panel showing the location of a connecting rib on the edge of a slotwall panel.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 4E is an enlarged end view of a portion of a slotwall panel showing the location of a connecting groove on the edge of a slotwall panel.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 5 is an end view of a hanger bracket showing the configuration of the generally “J” shaped hooks.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 6A is a top view of a hanger bracket showing the configuration of the spring arm and the generally “J” shaped hook adjacent the spring arm.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6B is an end view of an enlarged end view of a portion of a hanger bracket showing the spring arm configuration.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is a partial front perspective view of a cabinet having plural cabinet brackets mounted on a slotwall panel.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a cabinet bracket showing two generally “J” shaped hooks and the configuration of the cabinet bracket.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 8A is a partial front view of a cabinet bracket showing mounting holes.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of an unloaded cabinet bracket mounted on a slotwall panel.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a loaded cabinet bracket mounted on a slotwall panel.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 11 is a partial rear perspective view showing a cabinet bracket mounted on a cabinet.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 11A is an end view showing a wall cabinet mounted on a slotwall panel.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view of a cabinet showing mounting holes for cabinet brackets.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a multiple hook device mounted on a slotwall panel wall with plural hanger brackets and examples of tools carried on a multiple hook device.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a shelf mounted on a slotwall panel with a cabinet bracket.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 15 is a front view of another embodiment of slotwall panel having ruler markings in the generally “T” shaped slots.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 16 is a front view of another embodiment of a slotwall panel having a different arrangement of ruler markings in the generally “T” shaped slots.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a slotwall panel.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 18 is a partial end view of another embodiment of a slotwall panel having the connecting rib and connecting groove in a different position on the edge of the slotwall panel.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 18A is a partial end view of another embodiment of a slotwall panel having the connecting rib and connecting groove in a different position on the edge of the slotwall panel.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the modular workbench system providing space-efficient storage and work surface for the workroom organization system of the invention.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the modular workbench system with one module moved out from under the workbench and positioned as an auxiliary work surface.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 21 is an exploded rear perspective view of the modular workbench.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 22 is a schematic rear perspective view showing a power strip mounted on the modular workbench top.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 22A is a schematic front view of the power strip.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 22B is a schematic perspective view of a T-bracket for mounting a power strip to a modular workbench top.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view of a workbench leg showing the leveling mechanism.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of a drawer module.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a drawer module without the optional wood work surface.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of a cabinet module.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator module.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a slot track suitable for use in a space-efficient workroom storage system according to the invention.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 29 is a partial perspective view of a slot track of FIG. 28 with a hanger bracket mounted on the slot track.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 30 is an end view of a slot track of FIG. 28 showing the spacing of the generally “T” shaped slots.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 31 is an enlarged partial end view of a slot track of FIG. 30 showing the configuration of the edge of a slot track.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 32 is a partial end view of another embodiment of a slot track suitable for use in a space-efficient workroom storage system according to the invention configured to be the finishing the edge of a slotwall panel and positioned on a slotwall panel.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a space-efficient workroom storage system having plural slot tracks positioned on a wall supporting wall cabinets and tool hanger brackets for a modular workbench system.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a space-efficient workroom storage system having plural slot tracks and slotwall panels mounted on a wall supporting wall cabinets and tool hanger brackets for a modular workbench system. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0056]    In accordance with the present invention a slotwall and slot track storage system incorporating a slotwall panel  10  having a plurality of generally “T” shaped slots  11  forming a plurality of generally “T” shaped slats  12  and/or a slot track  210  having a plurality of generally “T” shaped slots  211  forming at least one generally “T” shaped slat  212  are provided with a hanger bracket for mounting a device on the slotwall panel or slot track. The slotwall panel and/or slot track can be formed of extruded polyvinyl chloride material. Co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10/747421, discloses one such material, which patent application is incorporated by reference. The slotwall and/or slot track storage system according to the present invention can be used in a residential garage to provide storage for outdoor tools and equipment. A variety of storage options can be provided as will be described below. The slotwall and/or slot track storage system can also be used in a workroom or workshop, or in commercial and industrial locations. The slotwall and/or slot track storage system can be used in conjunction with a Modular Workbench System as disclosed in co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10/334,078, which application is incorporated by reference, and the disclosure of which is copied into this application as FIGS. 19-27 and the corresponding description. Slotwall panels  10  with suitable hanger brackets can be used alone or in combination with slot tracks  210 , and slot tracks  210  with suitable hanger brackets can be used alone or in combination with slotwall panels  10  and/or in combination with a Modular Workbench System mentioned above to form a flexible, space-efficient workroom storage system.  
         [0057]    Referring to FIG. 1, a slotwall panel  10  is shown. It should be understood that the slotwall panel  10  shown in FIG. 1 is only a portion of the panel that can extend longitudinally for any desired length. Typically, slotwall panels can be extruded in  8  feet long lengths to facilitate handling and installation. However, it should be understood that panels longer or shorter that  8  feet can fabricated and used. Further, a single panel can be used or an entire wall can be covered with panels as shown in FIG. 13. One embodiment of a hanger bracket  20  is shown mounted on the panel  10  and is shown with one example of a hook device  40  attached to the hanger bracket  20 . Other well known and available hooks and hanging devices can be attached to one or more hanger brackets  20  as will be understood by one skilled in the art. While a few examples of types of hook and other storage devices that can be attached to one or more hanger brackets are disclosed in this application, one skilled in the art will understand that there are many available hooks and storage devices available on the market that could be used with the brackets and slotwall panels according to this invention.  
         [0058]    Mounting of hanger bracket  20  to a slotwall panel  10  can be understood by referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 a device  40  has been omitted from hanger bracket  20  to more clearly show hanger bracket  20  on the slotwall panel  10 . Those skilled in the art will understand that in use a hook device or other storage device would be attached to hanger bracket  20 . Hanger bracket  20  includes a central support portion  21 , a generally “J” shaped hook  22  extending from one edge of support portion  21 , and a generally “J” shaped hook  23  extending from an opposite edge of support portion  21 . Generally “J” shaped hook  22  includes a first leg  24  extending generally perpendicular from the edge of support portion  21  and a second leg  25  extending from the distal end of first leg  24  generally parallel to support portion  21 . Generally “J” shaped hook  23  has a first leg  26  extending generally perpendicular from the edge of support portion  21  and a second leg  27  extending from the distal end of first leg  26  generally parallel to support portion  21  in the same direction as leg  25 . Thus, hanger bracket  20  has two downward opening “J” shaped hooks on opposite edges of support portion  21 . Hanger bracket  20  also has a spring arm  28  extending from the edge of support portion  21  that divides generally “J” shaped hook  22  into two portions. Spring arm  28  extends in an opposite direction from leg  25 . Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 generally “J” shaped hook  22  hooks over an edge  13  of a generally “T” shaped slat  12 . Generally “J” shaped hook  23  hooks behind the lower adjacent half slat  16  in undercut  14 . Spring arm  28  is positioned behind the upper adjacent slat  12  in undercut  14 .  
         [0059]    As shown in FIG. 2, leg  27  bears against the underside of the lower adjacent half slat  16  in undercut  14  biased against the underside of the slat by the spring arm  28 . The force of spring arm  28  holds support portion  21  out of contact with the face of slat  12 . Thus, hanger bracket  20  transfers the load on a device  40  through hanger bracket  20  to slotwall panel  10  by contact of leg  24  on edge  13  of slat  12 , the contact of leg  25  against the inside edge of slat  12  and the force of spring arm  28  against the inside of the upper adjacent slat  12  in undercut 14 . Leg  26  of “J” shaped hook  23  does not normally contact edge  13  of lower adjacent slat  12 . Referring to FIG. 3, when a load is placed on device  40  that generates a moment sufficient to overcome the bias of spring arm  28 , hanger bracket  20  pivots on “J” shaped hook  22  so that leg  27  engages the bottom wall  15  of “T” shaped slot  11 . When hanger bracket  20  is loaded, hanger bracket  20  transfers the load on a device  40  through hanger bracket  20  to slotwall panel  10  by contact of leg  24  on edge  13  of slat  12 , the contact of leg  25  against the inside edge of slat  12 , the force of spring arm  28  against the inside of upper adjacent slat  12  in undercut  14  and by contact of leg  27  against bottom wall  15  of generally “T” shaped slot  11 . The length of leg  26  holds hanger bracket  20  spaced from the face of slat  12  when hanger bracket  20  is loaded by items carried on device  40  so that leg  27  rests against the bottom wall  15  of slot  11 . In the event hanger bracket  20  is overloaded by items placed on device  40 , the pressure on leg  24  may be sufficient to deform the edge  13  of slat  12  allowing hanger bracket  20  to move down until leg  26  engages edge  13  of lower adjacent slat  12 . In an overload condition, the load is spread over two adjacent slats  12  by generally “J” shaped hooks  22  and  23  in addition to the load spread by spring arm  28  to upper adjacent slat  12  and leg  27  to the bottom wall  15 . Thus, hanger bracket  20  is locked in position on slotwall panel  10  by friction due to spring arm  28  whether loaded or unloaded. Accordingly, hanger bracket  20  and its attached device, whether loaded or unloaded, can not inadvertently be knocked off or dislodged from a slotwall panel  10 .  
         [0060]    Hanger bracket  20 , together with any attached device such as device  40 , can be mounted to a slotwall panel  10  by inserting spring arm  28  into the undercut  14  in a slot  11  far enough under the upper adjacent slat  12  for leg  25  to clear edge  13  of slat  12 . Hanger bracket  20  can then be pivoted down against the moment of spring arm  28  until leg  27  clears the lower adjacent slat edge  13 . Hanger bracket  20  can then be slid down over slat  12  until leg  25  rests on edge  13  with leg  27  bearing against the underside of the lower adjacent slat  12  in undercut  14 . As mentioned above, hanger bracket  20  will be held in place by friction resulting from the moment of spring arm  28  bearing against the inside surface of the upper adjacent slat  12 .  
         [0061]    Turning to FIG. 4, a slotwall panel  10  can include four generally “T” shaped slots  11  that form three generally “T” shaped slats  12  and two half slats  16 , one on each edge of panel  10 . One edge of slotwall panel  10  can include a projecting connecting rib  17  and the other edge can include a mating connecting groove  18 . As shown in FIG. 1, rib  17  and connecting groove  18  connect adjacent panels and, when so joined, the half width slats  16  of the adjacent panels form a full width slat.  
         [0062]    As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the bottom wall  15  of the generally “T” shaped slots  11  includes a longitudinal alignment groove  19  in the center of bottom wall  15 . Alignment groove  19  can facilitate mounting of slotwall panels on a wall. Alignment groove  19  can provide a locating function to allow screws or other mounting devices to be aligned along slotwall panel sections. In a wall installation, screws  29  (see FIG. 13) can be driven through the slotwall panel along groove  19  into studs supporting the wall to mount the slotwall panel or panels to the wall as is well known to those skilled in the art. Mounting of plural slotwall panels is facilitated by connecting rib  17  and connecting groove  18  since another slotwall panel can be placed on a slotwall panel already attached to a wall and the slotwall panel will remain in place until fastened to the wall by screws or other suitable fasteners. Normally slotwall panels  10  can be mounted to a wall with connecting rib  17  directed up and connecting groove  18  directed down over rib  17  of an adjacent panel  10  if an adjacent panel is already mounted. Those skilled in the art will recognize that slotwall panels  10  can be mounted to a wall in the opposite direction if so desired, i.e. with rib  17  directed down and connecting groove  18  directed up. Applicants have found that locating the joint between adjacent slotwall panels in the center of a slat provides a stronger slotwall structure since torsional loads are minimal in the center of a slat as compared to joint locations in a slot or at an edge of a slat.  
         [0063]    Referring to FIG. 4 through FIG. 4E, the dimensions of one embodiment of a slotwall panel  10  can be as provided in the following table. It should be understood that the following dimensions are approximate and that slotwall panels having different dimensions can be provided in accordance with the invention as desired.  
                                                     Description   Reference   Dimension (mm)                                Width of slotwall panel 10   w   305       Center to center of “T” shaped slots 11   a   76.2       Width of “T” shaped slot opening   b   17       Center of slot to end of undercut 14   c   18.5       Depth of undercut 14   d   5       Thickness of slat 12   e   7       Length of rib 17   f   5       Depth of groove 18   g   10       Center of slot 11 to edge of panel 10   h   38.1       Width of rib 17   j   5.75       Width of groove 18   k   6       Rib 17 to face of panel 10   m   9       Groove 18 to face of panel 10   n   9                  
 
         [0064]    Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6A, the dimensions of one embodiment of a hanger bracket  20  adapted for use with a slotwall panel as shown in FIG. 4 through FIG. 4E can be as provided in the following table. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the following dimensions are approximate and that a hanger bracket having different dimensions can be provided in accordance with the invention as desired for use with slotwall panels having different dimensions.  
                                                     Description   Reference   Dimension (mm)                                Distance from “J” hook 22 to “J” hook 23   A   75.2       Inside length of leg 24   B   8.5       Inside length of leg 25   C   6       Outside length of leg 26   D   12.1       Offset of spring arm 28 from face   E   6.6       of bracket       Distance to top of spring arm 28 from leg   F   19       24       Overall length of bracket 20   G   99       Overall width of bracket 20   H   80       Width of spring arm 28   J   26       Width of leg 24   K   26                  
 
         [0065]    Hanger bracket  20  can be formed of metal such as steel. When hanger bracket  20  is formed with steel, hanger bracket  20  can be stamped from sheet steel. When hanger brackets  20  are formed of steel, raised surfaces or bosses  44  as shown in FIG. 5 can be stamped in support portion  21  to provide attachment points for hook devices to be welded to the hanger bracket. After a hook device is attached to hanger bracket  20 , the hanger bracket can be finished as desired such as by painting the entire hanger bracket and hook.  
         [0066]    Referring to FIG. 6B, spring arm  28  can extend up from first leg  24  at an acute angle of approximately 65°. As also shown in FIG. 6B the distal end  28 ′ of spring arm  28  can be bent to extend generally parallel to support portion  21  and leg  25 . Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 through FIG. 4E, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6B the function of spring arm  28  can be seen. The thickness e of a generally “T” shaped slat can be 7.0 mm and the offset E of spring arm  28  can be 6.6 mm. When a hanger bracket  20  is installed on a slotwall panel  10  with spring arm  28  positioned behind an adjacent generally “T” shaped slat in undercut  14  and generally “J” shaped hook  22  is hooked over an edge  13  of a generally “T” shaped slat, interference of the distal end of the spring arm  28  with the inside of the adjacent “T” shaped slat will tend to rotate hanger bracket  20  away from the face of slotwall panel  10 . When generally “J” shaped hook  22  is hooked over and engages an edge  13  of a generally “T” shaped slat  12 , hook  23  will be positioned adjacent edge  13  of a lower adjacent generally “T” shaped slat  12 . Leg  27  will be positioned behind the lower adjacent generally “T” shaped slat  12  in undercut  14 . The moment produced by spring arm  28  pressing against the inside of upper adjacent “T” shaped slat  12  will drive leg  27  into contact with the inner surface of lower adjacent generally “T” shaped slat  12  thus friction locking hanger bracket  20  in place. When a device such as a hook device  40  is attached to support portion and a load is placed on the hook device, the downward force on the hook device will drive hanger bracket  20  toward slotwall panel  10  until leg  27  engages the bottom wall  15  of the generally “T” shaped slot  11 . The length D of leg  27  can be 12.1 mm and can be slightly greater than the width d of undercut  14  which can be 5.0 mm plus the thickness e of slat  12  which can be 7.0 mm. Thus, hanger bracket  20  can be held out of contact with the face of slat  12  over which it is installed, whether loaded or unloaded. The distance A from the inside of first leg  24  of “J” shaped hook  22  to the inside of first let  26  of “J” shaped hook  23  can be 75.2 mm compared to the center to center spacing a of slots and slats which can be 76.2 mm. When hanger bracket  20  is installed on a generally “T” shaped slat  12  with leg  24  of “J” shaped hook  22  engaging an edge  13 , leg  26  of “J” shaped hook  23  will not engage edge  13  of adjacent slat  12 . Thus, hanger bracket  20  can pivot between the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 3 as a load is applied to hanger bracket  20  by an attached hook device such as  40 .  
         [0067]    Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 8A, a cabinet  50  is shown mounted on a slotwall panel  10 . Cabinet  50  can be provided with another embodiment of hanger brackets mounted to one wall of cabinet  50 . Cabinet brackets  30  can extend generally the full width of cabinet  50 . Alternately, cabinet brackets  30  can extend less than the full width of cabinet  50  and multiple cabinet brackets  30  can be installed across the width of cabinet  50 . Cabinet bracket  30  can include a support portion  31  for mounting the cabinet bracket  30  to a cabinet  50 . A generally “J” shaped hook  32  can be provided on one edge of support portion  31 . Another generally “J” shaped hook  33  can be provided on an opposite edge of support portion  31 . Generally “J” shaped hook  32  can include a first leg  34  extending generally perpendicular to support portion  31  and a second leg  35  extending from the distal end of first leg  34  generally parallel to support portion  31 . Generally “J” shaped hook  33  can include a first leg  36  extending generally perpendicular to support portion  31  and a second leg extending from the distal end of first leg  36  generally parallel to support  31  and in the same direction as second leg  35 . Cabinet brackets  30  can be dimensioned so that a cabinet bracket can be mounted to a slotwall panel without tipping the cabinet bracket  30 . In order to mount a cabinet bracket without tipping the cabinet bracket  30 , the length of second legs  35  and  37  should be less than width b the opening of “T” slots  11  in FIG. 4B. Similarly, the spacing of generally “J” shaped hooks  32  and  33  should correspond to center to center dimension a of the generally “T” shaped slots in FIG. 4.  
         [0068]    Referring to FIG. 8, the dimensions of one embodiment of a cabinet hanger bracket  30  adapted for use with a slotwall panel as shown in FIG. 4 through FIG. 4F can be as provided in the following table. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the following dimensions are approximate and that cabinet brackets having different dimensions can be provided in accordance with the invention as desired for use with slotwall panels having different dimensions.  
                                                     Description   Reference   Dimension (mm)                                Distance from “J” hook 32 to “J” hook 33   A′   75.2       Inside length of leg 34 and 36   B′   8.5       Inside length of leg 35 and 37   C′   6                  
 
         [0069]    Cabinet brackets  30  can be formed of metal. Cabinet bracket  30  as shown in FIG. 8 can be formed of extruded aluminum cut to lengths corresponding to the width of the cabinet or device to which the particular cabinet bracket will be attached.  
         [0070]    As with the case of hanger bracket  20 , cabinet bracket  30  can have a dimension A′ from the inside of generally “J” shaped hook  32  to the inside of generally “J” shaped hook  33  that is slightly less than the center to center dimension a of the slotwall panel in FIG. 4. When dimension A′ is slightly less than the center to center dimension a of slotwall panel, the load on cabinet bracket  30  produced by cabinet  50  will be on generally “J” shaped hook  32  and first leg  34  engaging edge  13  of generally “T” shaped slat  12 . Because generally “J” shaped hook  32  engages an edge  13  of a generally “T” shaped slat  12  before generally “J” shaped hook  33 , cabinet bracket  30  is held parallel to slotwall panel  10  and does not tip out at the top.  
         [0071]    Referring to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the operation of cabinet brackets  30  can be seen. As the load on cabinet bracket  30  is increased by the load placed in cabinet  50 , the edge  13  of slat  12  under generally “J” shaped hook  32  deforms allowing generally “J” shaped hook  33  to engage edge  13  of adjacent slat  12  thus increasing support for the cabinet bracket. Thus, cabinet brackets  30  initially transfer the load of cabinet  50  through generally “J” shaped hook  32  to the slotwall panel  10  by engagement of leg  34  with edge  13  of a generally “T” shaped slat  12 . Generally “J” shaped hook  33  only engages the lower adjacent generally “T” shaped slat  12  when the load in cabinet  50  is sufficient to deform edge  13  of slat  12  on which leg  34  is resting.  
         [0072]    Referring again to FIG. 8A, FIG. 11, FIG. 11A and FIG. 12 a plurality of square holes  39  can be provided in cabinet bracket  30  for mounting cabinet bracket  30  to cabinet  50 . Cabinet  50  can be provided with a plurality of mounting holes  51  adjacent the top of cabinet  50  for a top cabinet bracket spaced to correspond to the spacing of mounting holes  39  in cabinet bracket  30 . Mounting holes  51  can be round to permit mounting of a top cabinet bracket  30  in a fixed position adjacent the top of cabinet  50 . One or more additional rows of mounting holes  52  can be provided below mounting holes  51  to allow mounting of one or more lower cabinet brackets  30 . Mounting holes  52  can be vertically elongated slots to permit vertical adjustment of the lower cabinet brackets to insure that each cabinet bracket upper generally “J” shaped hook  32  engages a slat edge  13 .  
         [0073]    In order to install a cabinet  50  on a slotwall panel, a top cabinet bracket can be attached to cabinet  50  utilizing a plurality of mounting bolts  55  inserted with the head in cabinet bracket  30  and the threaded portion projecting through mounting holes  51  into cabinet  50 . Mounting bolts can be a carriage bolt or similar fastening device that can be tightened without access to the head. Suitable fasteners, not shown, can be threaded on mounting bolts  55  and tightened to secure top cabinet bracket  30  to cabinet  50 . Next, one or more lower cabinet brackets can be attached to cabinet  50  utilizing a plurality of mounting bolts  55  inserted with the head in cabinet bracket  30  and the threaded portion projecting through vertical slot mounting holes  52  into cabinet  50 . Suitable fasteners, not shown can be threaded on mounting bolts  55  and left loose to permit adjustment of the position of the one or more cabinet brackets  30  on cabinet  50  relative to the slotwall panel  10 . Cabinet  50  can then be mounted on slotwall panels that have mounted or attached to a wall structure. The top cabinet bracket  30  is first hooked on a selected slotwall panel slat  12  with leg  34  engaging a slat edge  13 . Next, the lower cabinet bracket or brackets  30  are vertically adjusted so that each generally “J” shaped hook  32  engages a slotwall panel slat  12  with leg  34  engaging a slat edge  13 . After the one or more lower cabinet brackets  30  are all positioned hooked over a slotwall panel slat  12  with leg  34  engaging a slat edge  13  the fasteners can be tightened securing the one or more cabinet brackets to the cabinet  50 . As mentioned above, the vertically elongated mounting holes provide sufficient vertical adjustment to allow multiple cabinet brackets to be employed for mounting a cabinet to a plurality of slotwall panels  10  with each cabinet bracket transferring load from the cabinet  50  to the slotwall panel to spread the load in cabinet  50  across multiple slotwall panels  10  and slats  12 .  
         [0074]    Referring to FIG. 13, hanger brackets  20  can be combined to support plural mounting hooks  40 ′. FIG. 13 also illustrates yard tools carried on the mounting hooks on a slotwall storage system occupying a section of a wall. As shown in FIG. 13, slotwall panels  10  can be fastened to a wall using a plurality of fasteners such as screws  29 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 a plurality of screws  29  are fastened through the slotwall panels  10  in each slot  11  spaced apart by the distance between underlying studs or wall support structures. Those skilled in the art will understand that fasteners  29  can be used in alternate generally “T” shaped slots  11 , or other patterns as desired depending on the anticipated loading on the slotwall panels  10 . Likewise, fasteners  29  could be driven into alternate studs or wall supports. The specific mounting hooks shown and the yard tools carried are only examples to show how the slotwall storage system can be used. Those skilled in the art will understand that many other hooks or storage devices could be attached to one or more hanger brackets to store any desired objects. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, two hanger brackets can be connected with a pair of connecting rods  41  to which three mounting hooks  40 ′ are attached. The connecting rods can be welded to hanger brackets  20  and mounting hooks  40 ′ can be welded to connecting rods  41 . The combined mounting hook device can be mounted on a slotwall panel  10  in the same manner as a single hanger bracket as described above. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the combined mounting hook device shown in the embodiment of FIG. 13 is only one possible arrangement of multiple mounting hooks and that more or less than three mounting hooks could be attached to two or more connected hanger brackets.  
         [0075]    Referring to FIG. 14, a cabinet bracket  30  can be attached to a shelf  42  to support shelf  42  on slotwall panels  10 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, a cabinet bracket  30  can be attached to shelf  42  using threaded fasteners as used in connection with the cabinet as described above, or permanently attached to shelf  42  by welding. Shelf  42  can be mounted on slotwall panel  10  by inserting “J” shaped hooks  32  and  33  into adjoining slots  11  and sliding shelf  42  and cabinet bracket  30  down over adjoining slat edges  13 .  
         [0076]    As one of skill in the art should recognize, hanger brackets  20  can be combined to support a basket (not shown) on slotwall panels  10 . In the embodiment two hanger brackets  20  can be attached to a basket by welding or by any other known connection means. The basket can be mounted on a slotwall panel in the same manner as a single hanger bracket as described above in detail.  
         [0077]    Referring to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, another embodiment of a slotwall panel  10 ′ is shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 repeating ruler markings  45  and  46  can be provided on the bottom wall  15  of generally “T” shaped slot  11  on either side of groove  19 ′. Ruler markings  45  can be repeating 1-16 inch marks while ruler markings  46  can be repeating 1-24 inch marks. Repeating ruler markings can facilitate mounting of slotwall panels on conventional stud wall construction. Once a stud is located for a mounting screw  29 , adjacent screws can be inserted at the same number in the repeating sequence as the first screw since most stud walls are built on  16  inch or  24  inch centers. The provision of the repeating markings eliminates the need to measure and mark the location of subsequent studs for mounting screws once the first mounting screw  29  is driven into a stud. As shown if FIG. 16, the repeating markings can be provided in alternate generally “T” shaped slots  11 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that other patterns of repeating markings could be used such as in one generally “T” shaped slot per slotwall panel  10 .  
         [0078]    Referring to FIG. 17 another embodiment of slotwall panel is shown. The slotwall panel  10 ″ can be fabricated of metal such as extruded aluminum. The slotwall panel  10 ″ of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 can have dimensions a″, b″ and d″ corresponding to the same dimensions in slotwall panel  10  as shown in FIG. 4. The slotwall panel  10 ″ can support hanger brackets  20  and cabinet brackets  30  in the same manner as described above even though the thickness e″ of slat  12 ″ is less than the thickness e of slat  12 . As shown in FIG. 17 a groove  49  can be provided in the center of slat  12 ″. The provision of a slat groove  49  will make the appearance of slats  12 ″ the same as a joint between adjoining slotwall panels  10 ″ where adjoining half slats  16 ″ meet. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a groove  49  can be provided in slat  12  of the embodiment of the slotwall panel  10  shown in FIG. 4-FIG. 4E to provide the same function as in the embodiment of FIG. 17.  
         [0079]    Referring to FIG. 18 and FIG. 18A, other embodiments of the slotwall panel are shown. In FIG. 18 slotwall panel  10 ′″ can have a connecting rib  17 ′ and connecting groove  18 ′ that are offset toward half slat  16 ′″ instead of offset toward the opposite surface of the slotwall panel as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4-FIG. 4E. In FIG. 18A, slotwall panel  10 ″″ can have a connecting rib  17 ″ and connecting groove  18 ″ that are centered in slotwall panel  10 ″″. Those skilled in the art will understand that the connecting rib and connecting groove can have a configuration other than as shown in FIG. 4-FIG. 4E and FIG. 18 and FIG. 18A. Such other rib and connecting groove configurations could include semicircular, triangular, trapezoidal or other shapes. The rib and connecting groove configuration could also be interlocking with one panel hooking into and interlocking with an adjacent panel.  
         [0080]    The material used to form slotwall panels  10  can be extruded foamed CPVC/PVC material as disclosed in co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10/747,421 mentioned above. Alternately, slotwall panels can be extruded of foamed PVC material as is known in the art. Slotwall panels can also be formed of wood panels by removing material to form the generally “T” shaped slots which in turn form the generally “T” shaped slats. Particleboard material could be used to form the slotwall panels instead of wood or extruded foamed PVC material. Particleboard slotwall panels could be formed by removing material to form generally “T” shaped slots. Alternately, particleboard slotwall panels could be formed by attaching generally “T” shaped slats to a particleboard. Plywood slotwall panels could be formed by removing material to form generally “T” shaped slots or by attaching generally “T” shaped slats as in the case of particleboard.  
         [0081]    [0081]FIGS. 19-27 illustrate a modular workbench storage system according to the invention that provides a heavy duty workbench and storage space for one or more modules that can dock underneath the workbench to minimize the area of the consumed in the room and thereby maximize the useful area of the workroom. When combined with the slotwall storage system and wall-mounted storage cabinet previously described, the workbench storage system provides the operator of a workroom with a highly flexible and very space-efficient storage system.  
         [0082]    Referring to FIG. 19, a modular workbench system according to the invention is shown. Workbench  110  can include a leg assembly  111  at each end of the workbench and a top  130 . Top  130  can be laminated hard wood or other sturdy, durable material as is well known in the art. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, top  130  can be 1¾ inches thick laminated hard wood maple strips that run lengthwise in top  130  to provide a strong heavy-duty work surface. The workbench  110  shown in FIG. 19 can be 8 feet long, 38 inches high and 25 inches deep to provide ample work surface and storage area for up to three modules. Those skilled in the art will understand that the length of the workbench can be longer or shorter as desired to provide space for docking two modules or more than the three modules as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 19. For example, the workbench could be made 6 feet long and provide storage space for two modules. Likewise the height and width of the workbench can be adjusted as desired. The modules can include a drawer module  140 , a storage cabinet module  150  and a refrigerator module  160 . Refrigerator module  160  can be a low ambient temperature refrigerator as disclosed in co-pending non-provisional patent application docket number US20020323 incorporated by reference. Those skilled in the art will understand that other modules can be provided as desired. In addition, less than three modules can be provided for use with workbench  110  and more than one of a particular module can be used with workbench  110  as desired by the user.  
         [0083]    The modules can be provided with heavy duty casters, as described in detail below, to facilitate movement for docking underneath the workbench  110 , rearrangement of the modules underneath the workbench, or to facilitate positioning away from the workbench for cleaning under the workbench or for use as a mobile work surface. Referring FIG. 20, one of the modules, storage cabinet module  150 , is shown withdrawn from under the workbench for use as a mobile work surface. While storage cabinet module  150  is shown withdrawn those skilled in the art will recognize that any or all of the modules can be so withdrawn for use as a mobile work surface or positioned elsewhere as a remote storage module.  
         [0084]    Referring to FIG. 21, the workbench  110  is shown with top  130  removed and spaced from the leg assemblies  111  and stringer  115 . Each leg assembly  111  can include two legs  112 , a bottom spacer  113  and a top plate  114 . Leg assembly  111  can be fabricated of metal such as steel, and welded together. Each of the legs  112  and bottom spacer  113  can be square tubes that can be approximately 3 inches square. Top plate  114  can be wider than legs  112  to provide a mounting flange on each side of leg assembly  112 . Each top plate  114  can have a plurality of elongated mounting holes  126  provided in two rows on either side of legs  112 . As shown in FIG. 21, there can be 8 elongated mounting holes  126  in top plate  114 , four being adjacent each leg  112 . As those skilled in the art will understand, less than 8 elongated mounting holes  126  can be provided in top plate  114 , and plate  114  could be substantially the same width as legs  112  with elongated holes  126  positioned between legs  112 . Mounting holes  126  can be eliminated altogether and stringer  115  can be used to attach workbench top  130  to the leg and stringer assembly  128  as described below. If mounting holes  126  are eliminated from plates  114 , some alternate fastener can be used in the vicinity of the front leg  112  of each leg assembly  111  to prevent top  130  from lifting off the leg assemblies during use as will be understood by those skilled in the art.  
         [0085]    Leg assemblies  111  can be connected with stringer  115  that can be a metal plate extending from one rear leg to the opposite rear leg. Stringer  115  can include a vertical plate  116  that can be attached to legs  112  to form a leg and stringer assembly  128  including a pair of leg assemblies  111  and a stringer  115 . Stringer  115  can also include a mounting flange  117  that can be formed on the top edge of stringer  115 . In the embodiment of FIG. 19 vertical plate  116  can be 6 inches wide and mounting flange  117  can be 1 inch wide. Stringer  115  can be attached to leg assemblies  111  with a plurality of mounting bolts  118  and washers  118 ′ to the rear surface of rear legs  112  as is well known to those skilled in the art. While flat washers  118 ′ are shown, those skilled in the art will understand that lock washers could be used instead of, or in addition to flat washers  118 ′. Mounting bolts  118  can be threadably attached to legs  112  by weld nuts  124  attached to rear legs  112 . Stringer  115  can have a plurality of vents  127  formed in vertical plate  116  to prevent build up of heat under workbench  110  as discussed in more detail below. Vent  127  can comprise a plurality of vertical slots  129  adjacent the upper edge of vertical plate  116 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, there can be 3 vents spaced across stringer  115  each having a plurality of slots  129 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 21 there can be  25  slots  129  in each vent  127  and the slots  129  can be 2 inches long and ¼ inch wide with alternate slots  129  offset by ½ inch. While stringer  115  is shown in this embodiment as a separate component from leg assemblies  111  to facilitate shipping, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the stringer  115  could be permanently attached to leg assemblies  111  as by welding. Stringer  115  can be fabricated of metal such as steel. Leg assemblies  111  and stringer  115  can be finished as desired such as by painting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the dimensions of the stringer and vents can be adjusted as desired.  
         [0086]    Referring to FIG. 21 and FIG. 23, each leg  112  can have a bottom wall  120  that can be welded into the bottom end of leg  112 . Bottom wall  120  can have a threaded fastener such as a tee nut  121  welded in the center of bottom wall  120 . A leveling foot  119  can be provided for each leg  112  that can include a threaded portion  122  fastened to foot  119  and adapted to be threaded into tee nut  121  in bottom wall  120 . The top portion  122 ′ of threaded portion  122  can be provided without threads to prevent threaded portion  122  from backing all the way out of tee nut  121  such as when workbench  110  is being moved across the floor. Providing the top portion  122 ′ without threads can also facilitate assembly, in that one corner of the workbench can be lifted and a leveling foot  119  inserted into tee nut  121  without having to start the threads on threaded portion  122  upon insertion of threaded portion  122  into tee nut  121 . Leveling foot  119  can have a pad  123  on the bottom surface to provide a non-slip surface on leveling foot  119 . Pad  123  can be nylon or rubber or other material as will is well known to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art will understand that another form of leveling mechanism for some or all of the legs  112  could be provided as desired, or that a leveling mechanism could be omitted.  
         [0087]    Elongated mounting holes  126  in top plate  114  and mounting holes  125  in mounting flange  117  can receive a plurality of fasteners  131  for attaching top  130  to the leg and stringer assembly  128 . Fasteners  131  can be lag screws and pilot holes (not shown) can be pre-drilled in top  130  to facilitate locating and attaching top  130  to leg and stringer assembly  128 . Mounting holes  126  are elongated in the plane of leg assembly  111  to allow for expansion and contraction of top  130  over the range of humidity conditions likely to be encountered in a non-climate controlled environment such as a basement, a garage or other outdoor work area. Thus, elongated mounting holes  126  are positioned to allow the width of the laminated hard wood maple top to expand and contract with changes in humidity. Mounting holes  125  in mounting flange  117  can be circular since laminated hard wood maple top  130  is unlikely to expand and contract along the direction of the laminated wood strips. In addition, use of round mounting holes  125  in mounting flange  117  can provide a sturdy workbench since the leg and stringer assembly can not shift under top  130  as the fasteners  131  can lock top  130  to the leg and stringer assembly  128 . Those skilled in the art will understand that if top  130  is formed of strips of hard wood that run from front to back instead of side to side that mounting holes  126  could be round and mounting holes  125  elongated along the length of stringer  115  to allow for expansion and contraction in that direction.  
         [0088]    Referring to FIG. 22, FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B, a schematic power strip  170  is shown mounted to a workbench top  130 . A plurality of T-brackets  133  can be provided to lock power strip  170  in position on workbench  110 . Each T-bracket  133  can be attached to the rear edge  132  of top  130  by fasteners such as conventional lag screws, not shown. T-bracket  133  can include a mounting portion  134  having a mounting hole  135  through which a mounting screw can be driven into rear edge  132  of top  130 . Above mounting portion  134  there is an enlarged support portion  136  that can overlie rear panels  176  and  178  to hold power strip firmly on workbench top  130 . Rear panels  176  and  178  can have slots  171  formed in the lower end of the rear panels to slide down over mounting portions  134  of T-brackets  133 . Mounting portion  134  is thicker than support portion  136  by offset  137  which provides sufficient space for rear panels  176  and  178  of power strip sections  172  and  174  to be slid down between the rear edge  132  of workbench top  130  and support portions  136 . The slots  171  in rear panels  176  and  178  can be dimensioned to snuggly fit over mounting portions  134  to hold the power strip  170  in place when installed on a workbench top  130 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that power strip sections  172  and  174  could be mounted to workbench top  130  in other ways than as disclosed in FIG. 22-FIG. 22B.  
         [0089]    Power strip  170  can be provided in two sections  172  and  174  that extend approximately the full width of top  130 . While the embodiment of FIG. 22 and FIG. 22A shows has power strip  170  in two sections, those skilled in the art will recognize that the power strip could be provided in a single piece, and that power strip  170  could extend less than the full width of top  130 . Power strip sections  172  and  174  can be joined by a connecting plate  173  attached to the rear panels  176  and  178  of power strip sections  172  and  174 . A suitable electrical connector can be provided to electrically connect power strip sections  172  and  174  at the respective ends of power strip sections  172  and  174 , not shown, and covered by connecting plate  173 . A suitable power cord  175  can be provided at the rear panel  176  of section  172  to connect the power strip  170  to a power source, not shown. A suitable strain relief can be provided to mount power cord  175  to rear panel  176  as is well known to those skilled in the art. Power cord  175  can be provided in any desired length to readily connect power strip  170  to a power source. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, power cord  175  can be twenty feet long. A plurality of electrical outlets  184  can be provided on the front panels  180  and  182  of power strip sections  172  and  174 . Electrical outlets  185  can be provided on rear panels  176  and  178  to provide a power source for a refrigerator module  160 , a light fixture for workbench  110 , not shown, or other electrically operated device that is not used on the workbench top  130 . The electrical outlets  184 ,  185 , can be commercially available panel outlets consisting of a terminal block and a cover that can be snapped into cutouts in the front and rear panels. In addition, a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet  186  can be provided on front panel  180  through which the other outlets  184  and  185  can be connected. GFCI outlet  186  can be provided with an on/off switch  187  and test and reset buttons as is well known in the art. After electrical outlets  184 ,  185  and GFCI outlet  186  are installed in the front and rear panels, the outlets can be connected by electrical wire to a power cord  175  as is well known to those skilled in the art. While a GFCI outlet is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 22 and FIG. 22A, GFCI outlet  187  could be replaced with an on/off switch, an overload protector or a surge protector or any combination thereof as is well known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0090]    The power strip housing including front panels  180  and  182  and rear panels  176  and  178  can be can be formed of metal and painted as other metal parts of the modular workbench  110 , although those skilled in the art will understand that a plastic housing could be used. After installation of the electrical outlets and connecting the electrical outlets and power cord, the power strip housing can be assembled using threaded fasteners as is well known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0091]    Referring to FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, a drawer module  140  is shown. Drawer module  140  can have a plurality of drawers  141  each mounted on tracks for easy access as are well known to those skilled in the art. The face of each drawer  141  can have an ornamental treadplate pattern surface that is the subject of co-pending U.S. Des. patent application Ser. No. 29/173,442. Drawer module  140  can have a cabinet  142  having a raised top edge  143  that forms a work surface  144  and also can form a frame for an optional hardwood work surface  145  that can be sized to fit tightly inside raised top edge  143 . Drawer module  140  can have a pair of fixed casters  147  mounted at the front of module  140  that are aligned with the sides of cabinet  142  to facilitate rolling drawer module  140  under and out from underneath workbench  110 . Drawer module  140  can also have a pair of swivel casters  148  mounted at the rear of drawer module  140  to facilitate movement of drawer module  140  to any desired location. Casters  147  and  148  are large heavy-duty casters to provide a sturdy, stable module that can be used as a portable work surface. Casters  147  and  148  are also sized so that the height of drawer module  140  with casters installed is approximately the same height as the other modules (even though the cabinet height of other modules may differ) and so that drawer module  140  fits easily under workbench  110 . Drawer module  140  can have side handles  146  in the side walls of cabinet  142  to facilitate moving drawer module  140 . Side handles  146  allow a user to grasp both sides of cabinet  142  to position drawer module  140  as desired on casters  147  and  148 . Drawer module  140  can also have a bumper  149  on the lower sidewalls of cabinet  142  that wraps around the front and rear corners of cabinet  142 . Bumper  149  prevents adjoining modules from striking one another when being moved into and out of docking underneath workbench  110 , or from striking other objects and damaging or scratching the cabinet walls. Bumper  149  can be fabricated of vinyl, other plastic material, or a mixture of plastic and rubber material, or other suitable bumper material as is well known to those skilled in the art. Bumper  149  can be attached to drawer module  140  using screws or other suitable fasteners. Fixed casters  147  can be locking casters as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 to facilitate use as a mobile work surface or to maintain drawer module  140  in position under workbench  110 .  
         [0092]    Referring to FIG. 26, a storage cabinet module  150  is shown. Storage cabinet module  150  can have a pair of doors  151  hinged to the front edge of cabinet  152 . Doors  151  can have an ornamental treadplate pattern surface that is the subject of co-pending U.S. Des. patent application Ser. No. 29/173,444. Storage cabinet module  150  can have a cabinet  152  having a raised top edge  153  that forms a work surface, not shown covered by hard wood work surface  155 , and also can form a frame for an optional hardwood work surface  155  that can be sized to fit tightly inside raised top edge  153 . Storage cabinet module  150  can have a pair of fixed casters  157  mounted at the front of storage cabinet module  150  that are aligned with the sides of cabinet  152  to facilitate rolling storage cabinet module  150  under and out from underneath workbench  110 . Storage cabinet module  150  can also have a pair of swivel casters  158  mounted at the rear of storage cabinet module  150  to facilitate movement of storage cabinet module  150  to any desired location. Casters  157  and  158  are large heavy-duty casters to provide a sturdy stable module that can be used as a portable work surface. Casters  157  and  158  are also sized so that the height of storage cabinet module  150  with casters installed is approximately the same height as the other modules (even though the cabinet height of other modules may differ) and so that module  150  fits easily under workbench  110 . Storage cabinet module  150  can have side handles  156  in the side walls of cabinet  152  to facilitate moving storage cabinet module  150 . Side handles  156  allow a user to grasp both sides of cabinet  152  to position storage cabinet module  150  as desired on casters  157  and  158 . Storage cabinet module  150  can also have a bumper  159  on the lower sidewalls of cabinet  152  that wraps around the front and rear corners of cabinet  152 . Bumper  159  prevents adjoining modules from striking one another when being moved into and out of docking underneath workbench  110 , or from striking other objects and damaging or scratching the cabinet walls. Bumper  159  can be fabricated of vinyl, other plastic material, or a mixture of plastic and rubber material, or other suitable bumper material as is well known to those skilled in the art. Bumper  159  can be mounted to module  150  using screws or other fasteners as desired. Fixed casters  157  can be locking casters as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 26 to facilitate use as a mobile work surface or to maintain storage cabinet module  150  in position under workbench  110 .  
         [0093]    Referring to FIG. 27, a refrigerator module  160  is shown. As mentioned above, refrigerator module  160  can be a low ambient temperature refrigerator as disclosed in co-pending non-provisional patent application docket number US20020323, which is incorporated by reference. Refrigerator module  160  can have a cabinet  162  having a hinged door  161  mounted on the front of cabinet  162 . Door  161  can have an ornamental treadplate pattern surface that is the subject matter of co-pending U.S. Des. patent application Ser. No. 29/173,543. Refrigerator module  160  can have a top tray  163  and a bottom tray  164  that are attached to the top and bottom of cabinet  162 . Top tray  163  can form a work surface  164  and also a frame for an option hardwood work surface, not shown, that can be sized to fit tightly inside top tray  163 . Top tray  163  can have a vent, not shown, in the rear edge of tray  163  to facilitate cooling of a condenser, not shown, mounted on the rear wall of cabinet  162  as disclosed in the above identified co-pending non-provisional patent application docket number US20020323, and incorporated by reference. The optional hardwood work surface can be sized to assure that the vent is not covered when a hardwood work surface is installed. Top tray  163  and bottom tray  164  can extend beyond the rear surface of cabinet  162  to protect the static condenser. Refrigerator module  160  can have a pair of fixed casters  167  mounted at the front of refrigerator module  160  that are aligned with the sides of cabinet  162  to facilitate rolling refrigerator module  160  under and out from underneath workbench  110 . Refrigerator module  160  can also have a pair of swivel casters  168  mounted at the rear of refrigerator module  160  to facilitate movement of refrigerator module  160  to any desired location. Casters  167  and  168  are heavy-duty casters to provide a sturdy stable module that can be used as a portable work surface. Casters  167  and  168  are also sized so that the height of refrigerator module  160  with casters installed is approximately the same height as the other modules (even though the cabinet height of other modules may differ) and so that refrigerator module  160  fits easily under workbench  110 . Module  160  can also have a bumper  169  on the lower sidewalls of cabinet  162 . Bumper  169  prevents adjoining modules from striking one another when being moved into and out of docking underneath workbench  110 , or from striking other objects and damaging or scratching the cabinet walls. Bumper  169  can be fabricated of vinyl, other plastic material, or a mixture of plastic and rubber material, or other suitable bumper material as is well known to those skilled in the art. Bumper  169  can be mounted to module  160  using screws or other fasteners as desired. Fixed casters  167  can be locking casters as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 27 to facilitate use as a mobile work surface or to maintain refrigerator module  160  in position under workbench  110 .  
         [0094]    Each of modules  140 ,  150  and  160  can be sized and provided with casters such that each of the modules fits easily under workbench  110 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, there can be approximately 1 and ½ inches clearance between the top of the modules with an optional hardwood work surface in place and the underneath side of top  130 . While the modules disclosed in the embodiment of FIG. 19, FIG. 24, FIG. 25, FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 are approximately the same height when provided with casters as discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize that the height of modules, with casters installed, could be substantially identical, or could be designed to differ in height as desired. The clearance space between the tops of modules  140 ,  150  and  160  coupled with vents  127  in stringer  115  provides adequate ventilation under workbench  110  when a refrigerator module  160  is in use and the condenser (not shown) is releasing heat under workbench  110 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that vents  127  and/or the clearance space above modules  140 ,  150  and  160  can be changed as desired to provide more or less ventilation under workbench  110 . Vents  127  can be located on stringer  115  to be centered with respect to each module, in embodiment of FIG. 19 and FIG. 21 three modules. Those skilled in the art will understand that if workbench  110  is modified to provide for docking of two or more that three modules the number of vents  127  in stringer  115  can be modified to correspond to the number of modules that can be docked under workbench  110 .  
         [0095]    In accordance with the present invention a slot track storage system can incorporate a slot track  210  having a plurality of generally “T” shaped slots  211  forming at least one generally “T” shaped slats  212  that can be provided with a hanger bracket for mounting a device on the slot track. A variety of storage options can be provided as described above in conjunction with slotwall panels. Referring to FIG. 28, a slot track  210  is shown. It should be understood that the slot track  210  shown in FIG. 28 can extend longitudinally for any desired length. Typically, slot tracks can be extruded in 8 feet long lengths to facilitate handling and installation. However, it should be understood that slot tracks longer or shorter that 8 feet can fabricated and used. Further, a single slot track can be used or multiple slot tracks can be mounted on one or more walls as shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34. While the slot tracks  210  shown in FIG. 28 through FIG. 32 include two slots  211  forming a slat  212 , those skilled in the art will recognize that more than two slots  211  forming more than one slat  212  can be provided if desired. Slot track  210  can include upper and lower slots  211  having undercuts  214  in the sidewalls of the slots  211 . Undercuts  214  form edges  213  in the slots  211 . On the sides of slots  211  opposite slat  212  the edges  216  of slot track  210  extend away from the slots  211  and then taper toward the rear surface  209  of the slot track  210 .  
         [0096]    Slot tracks  210  can be mounted on a wall in a manner similar to slotwall panels  10 . In a wall installation, screws (not shown) can be driven through the slot track along groove  219  into studs supporting the wall to mount the slot track or tracks  210  to the wall as is well known to those skilled in the art. Mounting screws (not shown) can be driven in one or both slots  211  through groove  219  every 16 or 24 inches into studs supporting the wall. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the spacing of mounting screws can be modified to align with studs supporting the wall on which the slot track(s) is mounted. Similarly, those skilled in the art will recognize that slot tracks  210  can be mounted to a concrete or concrete block wall using screws (not shown) and suitable anchors well known in the art.  
         [0097]    Turning to FIG. 29, one embodiment of a hanger bracket  20  is shown mounted on the panel  210  and is shown with one example of a hook device  40  attached to the hanger bracket  20 . Another embodiment of a hook device  40 ′ is shown in FIG. 13. Other well known and available hooks and hanging devices can be attached to one or more hanger brackets  20  as will be understood by one skilled in the art. While a few examples of types of hook and other storage devices that can be attached to one or more hanger brackets are disclosed in this application, one skilled in the art will understand that there are many available hooks and storage devices available on the market that could be used with the brackets and slot tracks according to this invention.  
         [0098]    Mounting of hanger bracket  20  to a slot track  210  can be understood by referring to FIG. 29. The slot track  210  as shown in FIG. 28 through FIG. 32 can include the same slot and slat geometry as a slotwall panel  10  as described conjunction in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, and can be used in conjunction with the same hanger brackets  20  that can be used with slotwall panels  10 . Referring to FIG. 29 generally “J” shaped hook  22  hooks over an edge  213  of a generally “T” shaped slat  212 . Generally “J” shaped hook  23  hooks behind lower edge  216  in undercut  214 . Spring arm  28  is positioned behind upper edge  216  in undercut  214 . Hanger bracket  20  interacts with slot track  210  in the same way as with a slotwall panel  10  as described above in connection with FIG. 1 through FIG. 4. Thus, hanger bracket  20  is locked in position on slot track  210  by friction due to spring arm  28  whether loaded or unloaded. Accordingly, hanger bracket  20  and its attached device, whether loaded or unloaded, can not inadvertently be knocked off or dislodged from a slot track  210 .  
         [0099]    Hanger bracket  20 , together with any attached device such as device  40 , can be mounted to a slot track  210  by inserting spring arm  28  into the undercut  214  in a slot  211  far enough under the upper edge  216  for leg  25  to clear edge  213  of slat  212 . Hanger bracket  20  can then be pivoted down against the moment of spring arm  28  until leg  27  clears the edge  213  of lower edge  216 . Hanger bracket  20  can then be slid down over slat  212  until leg  25  rests on edge  213  with leg  27  bearing against the underside of the lower edge  216  in undercut  214 . Thus, hanger bracket  20  can mount on slot track  210  the same as hanger bracket  20  mounts on a slotwall panel  10 , see FIG. 2. As mentioned above, hanger bracket  20  will be held in place by friction resulting from the moment of spring arm  28  bearing against the inside surface of the upper edge  216  in undercut  214 . For convenience in describing attaching of a bracket  20  to a slot track  210 , edges  216  have been described as upper and lower edges  216 . Slot track  210  as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 28 through FIG. 32 can be symmetrical so that “upper” and “lower” has no significance other than a reference to understand the description since slot tracks  210  can be mounted on a wall with either edge “up”.  
         [0100]    Referring to FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, the dimensions of one embodiment of a slot track  210  can be as provided in the following table. It should be understood that the following dimensions are approximate and that slotwall panels having different dimensions can be provided in accordance with the invention as desired.  
                                                     Description   Reference   Dimension (mm)                                Width of slot track 210   w′   165       Center to center of “T” shaped slots 211   a′   76.2       Width of “T” shaped slot opening   b′   17       Center of slot to end of undercut 214   c′   18.5       Depth of undercut 214   d′   5       Thickness of slat 212   e′   7       Center of slot 211 to edge of slot track 210   h′   44.5                  
 
         [0101]    Hanger brackets  20  as described above in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6A including the dimensions of the embodiment of a hanger bracket  20  described in conjunction with those figures can be used with a slot track as shown in FIG. 28 through FIG. 32. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the dimensions referenced above are approximate and that a hanger bracket having different dimensions can be provided in accordance with the invention as desired for use with slot tracks having different dimensions.  
         [0102]    Turning to FIG. 32, another embodiment of slot track  310  is mounted on an edge of a slotwall panel  10 . When slotwall panels  10  are used to cover less than a full wall of a workroom, the upper or lower edge of a slotwall panel  10  can present a connecting rib  17  or a connecting groove  18  on the exposed edge(s) of the slotwall panel(s)  10 . In order to provide a finished edge, a slot track  310  having a half slat  316 ′ on one edge can be provided. Slot track  310  can include a connecting groove  318  on one edge adjacent half slat  316 ′ in order to mate with the connecting rib  17  of a slotwall panel  10 . The dimensions of the half slat  316 ′ and connecting groove  318  can be the same as the corresponding components of a slotwall panel  10  described above. While slot track  310  is shown with a connecting groove  318  on one edge, those skilled in the art will appreciate that slot track  310  can be provided with a connecting rib, not shown, on one edge in lieu of connecting groove  318  in order for the slot track  310  to mate with an exposed connecting groove  18 . Should a connecting rib, not shown, be provided it can have the same dimensions as the connecting rib  17  included in slotwall panels  10 . Those skilled in the art will understand that slot tracks  310  having a connecting rib and other slot tracks having a connecting groove can be provided for use with slotwall panels having both edges exposed to form a finished storage system.  
         [0103]    [0103]FIG. 33 illustrates a modular workbench storage system  110  in combination with a slot track storage system in a workroom. The modular workbench storage system  110  can include a heavy duty workbench and storage space for one or more modules that can dock underneath the workbench to minimize the area of the consumed in the room and thereby maximize the useful area of the workroom all as described above in connection with FIG. 19 through FIG. 27. When combined with the slot track storage system and wall-mounted storage cabinet previously described, the workbench storage system provides the operator of a workroom with a highly flexible and very space-efficient storage system. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 33, a plurality of slot tracks  210  are shown mounted on a wall of the workroom. Some of the slot tracks  210  have one or more hangers  40  installed on the slot tracks. Three wall cabinets  50  are shown mounted on a pair of slot tracks  210  mounted on the workroom wall over the workbench system  110 . Slot tracks  210  can be mounted on the workroom wall spaced so that wall cabinets can be mounted in the same manner as wall cabinets are mounted on slotwall panels as described above in connection with FIG. 7 through FIG. 12. Wire form shelves  42 ′ having brackets  20  can be mounted on the workroom wall for storing items off the floor of the workroom.  
         [0104]    [0104]FIG. 34 illustrates another embodiment of workroom having a modular workbench storage system  110  in combination with a slotwall and slot track storage system in a workroom. The workroom in this embodiment has a plurality of slot tracks  210  mounted on a wall of the workroom, and also has a plurality of slotwall panels  10  covering a portion of one section of a wall of the workroom. A pair of the slot tracks  210 ′ and  210 ″ are shown mounted to align with slots in a slotwall panel  10 . In addition, a slot track  310  is shown positioned at the top of series of slotwall panels to provide a finished top edge. When one or more slot tracks  210  are mounted adjacent one or more slotwall panels with slots in the slot tracks aligned with slots in the slotwall panel, devices such as a wall cabinet  50  can be installed partially on a slotwall panel and partially on a slot track. Slot tracks  210  can be dimensioned so that they can be mounted on a wall spaced apart an even number of slot track widths apart with the slots  211  lined up with slots  11  of a slotwall panel  10 . Then, if desired, additional slot tracks  210  can be added between slot tracks already mounted on a wall, in each case with slots  211  aligned with the slots  11  of a slotwall panel  10 . Those skilled in the art will also recognize that one or more slot tracks  210  can be mounted at any convenient height on a wall of a workroom to support hanger brackets for storing tools and equipment in the workroom, or for supporting shelves, baskets or other storage devices.  
         [0105]    While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.

Technology Category: 7