Supports: racks – Specially mounted – Wall or window
Reexamination Certificate
2002-12-30
2004-11-02
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Specially mounted
Wall or window
Reexamination Certificate
active
06811043
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Slotwall panels and corresponding brackets are well known systems for mounting objects on walls or other surfaces. Typically, the slotwall panels comprise a plurality of horizontal mounting slats with slots between each slat, and the brackets are hung on the slats. The brackets are adapted to support a variety of objects ranging from tools in a workroom to products that are on display in a retail store. Because the brackets can usually be mounted anywhere on the slats, slotwall panel systems are versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. There is a continuing need for improved slotwall panels and brackets that are aesthetically appealing, easy to use and install, and able to securely support large, heavy objects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the invention relates to a slotwall panel storage system comprising a slotwall panel having a plurality of generally “T” shaped slots forming a plurality of generally “T” shaped slats having edges defined by said “T” shaped slots, said “T” shaped slots having a bottom wall generally parallel to and spaced inwardly from a face of said “T” shaped slats; and at least one bracket for removably mounting a device on said slotwall panel. The bracket comprises a support portion for attaching the device to said bracket; a first “J” shaped hook on one edge of said support portion opening in a first direction to hook over an edge of a slat; a second “J” shaped hook on an opposite edge of said support portion opening in said first direction to hook behind an adjacent slat; and a spring arm extending from said first “J” shaped hook generally in a direction opposite to said first direction to engage an adjacent “T” shaped slat.
The spring arm extends at an acute angle toward said support portion to bias said bracket away from said slat when said bracket is mounted on said slotwall panel with said spring arm engaged behind the adjacent slat. Said second “J” shaped hook holds said bracket adjacent said slat under tension of said spring arm whereby said spring arm provides a friction lock to hold said bracket and the device on said slotwall panel against inadvertent removal.
Said second “J” shaped hook engages the bottom wall of the “T” shaped slot when a load is placed on said bracket by said device whereby said bracket is maintained generally parallel to and spaced from the face of the slat over which said bracket is installed causing the load placed on said bracket by said device to be carried by the upper edge of the slat on which said first “J” shaped hook is installed and the bottom wall of the “T” shaped slot in which said second “J” shaped hook is installed. Said second “J” shaped hook engages the upper edge of the slat adjacent said second “
3
” shaped hook when the load placed on said bracket by said device causes the edge of the slat on which said bracket is installed to deform whereby the load placed on said bracket by said device is carried by the upper edge of the adjoining slat in addition to the slat on which said bracket is installed and the bottom wall of the “T” shaped slot.
The bracket can be formed from sheet material and said first and second “J” shaped hooks have a first leg extending in a direction generally perpendicular from an edge of said support portion and a second leg extending from the distal end of said first leg in first direction generally parallel to said support portion.
The first “J” shaped hook has a first leg and a second leg. In one configuration, the first “J” shaped hook can comprise two distinct sections separated by the spring arm, which has a first arm generally co-planar with the first legs of said first “J” shaped hooks and a second arm extending at an acute angle from the distal end of said first arm in a direction opposite to said first direction toward said support portion. The distal end of said second arm of said spring arm is bent to extend generally parallel to said support portion for contacting an adjacent “T” shaped slat.
The second leg of said second “J” shaped hook is shorter than the second leg of said first “J” shaped hook whereby said second “J” shaped hook is free to move in the “T” shaped slot adjacent the “T” shaped slat on which said bracket is installed thereby allowing said second leg of said second “J” shaped hook to engage said adjacent “T” shaped slat when said bracket is not loaded by said device, and allowing said second leg of said second “J” shaped hook to engage the bottom wall of the “T” shaped slot when a load is placed on said bracket by said device.
The bracket can be formed of sheet steel and the device can be welded to the support portion of said bracket. The support portion has a pattern of raised surfaces for engaging said device and defining discrete weld points.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a slotwall panel storage system according to the invention comprising a slotwall panel comprising a plurality of spaced, horizontally-oriented “T” shaped slats, with each adjacent pair of “T” shaped slats forming an inverted “T” shaped slot therebetween, the “T” shaped slats having a face terminating in opposing upper and lower edges, the “T” shaped slots having a bottom wall partially underlying the lower edge and upper edge of adjacent “T” shaped slats such that the space between the lower and upper edges of the adjacent “T” shaped slats defining an opening to the slot and the slot undercuts the lower and upper edges of the adjacent “T” shaped slats, and at least one bracket for removably mounting a device on the slotwall panel. The bracket comprises a support portion for attaching the device to the bracket; a first “J” shaped hook extending from the support portion in a first direction to hook over an upper edge of a first slat; a second “J” shaped hook extending from the support portion to hook over an upper edge of a second slat located beneath the first slat; and a spring arm extending from the support portion in a direction opposite to the first direction to engage a lower edge of a third slat located above the first slat.
Each of the first and second adjoining “T” shaped slots comprises an opening that is larger than said first and second “J” shaped hooks so that said at least one bracket can be mounted to said slotwall panel by inserting said first and second “J” shaped hooks into the first and second adjoining “T” shaped slots.
Each of said first and second “J” shaped hooks have a first leg extending in a direction generally perpendicular from the edge of said support portion and a second leg extending from said first leg in the first direction generally parallel to said support portion. The second leg of said second “J” shaped hook is shorter than the second leg of said first “J” shaped hook whereby said first “J” shaped hook rests on the edge of the slat, and said second “J” shaped hook rests on the adjacent slat when said bracket is loaded to cause the edge of the slat under said first “J” shaped hook to deform.
In one configuration, a plurality of brackets are used to support the device on said slotwall panel and at least two of said plurality of brackets are horizontally spaced on said device for engaging the same slats.
In another configuration, a plurality of brackets are used to support the device on said slotwall panel and at least two of said plurality of brackets are vertically spaced on said device. Said device includes a housing, said plurality of brackets are attached to said housing with bolts, and said plurality of brackets extend a substantial portion of the width of said housing. At least one of the plurality of brackets is attached to the housing in a fixed position on said housing. Another of the plurality of brackets is adjustably attached to said housing such that the first “J” shaped hook of said another of the plurality of brackets can be adjusted relative to the housing to thereby rest on the slat. Said housing comprises holes sized for receiving said bolts for attaching said at least one of the plurality of brackets in a fixed position, and elongated slots for receiving said bolts for
Arent Thomas Wesley
Junge Brent A.
Perkins Travis Michael
Rasche Kenneth J.
Sampson Tyree Edward
Colligan John F.
Cuomo Peter M.
Harris Erica B.
Krefman Stephen
Rice Robert O.
LandOfFree
Slotwall panel storage system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Slotwall panel storage system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Slotwall panel storage system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3349752