Universal mounting system
Universal mounting products and systems are provided that may be advantageously mounted with respect to an item, e.g., a package, container and/or product, and once mounted to such item, may be used to position the item in a desirable manner for subsequent use and/or access. The present systems advantageously include complementary mounting structures that are configured and dimensioned to interact therewith in positioning the item for subsequent use and/or access. In exemplary embodiments, the mounting system includes a hook member, an adhesive mounting member and an extension hook. The hook member is generally designed to interact with a mounting track that may be adhered to a desired structure, e.g., a wall, cabinet, door or the like.
The present application claims the benefit of a commonly assigned, provisional patent application entitled “Universal Mounting System,” which was filed on Jan. 15, 2004 and assigned Ser. No. 60/536,659. The entire contents of the foregoing provisional patent application are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE1. Technical Field
The present disclosure is directed to universal mounting products and systems. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to device(s) that may be advantageously mounted with respect to an item, e.g., a package, container and/or product, and once mounted to such item, may be used to position the item in a desirable manner for subsequent use and/or access. The present disclosure is further directed to system(s) that include the foregoing device(s) and a complementary mounting unit that is configured and dimensioned to interact therewith in positioning the item for subsequent use and/or access.
2. Background Art
For years, people have been organizing and securing containers/packages by using conventional means, such as cabinets, shelves, wall units, windowsills, etc. Also, items are often hung on a door, wall or wall hook, i.e., a structure that defines a “male feature” that functions as a receiver for the item. The complementary “female feature” is already at a predetermined location and is generally permanently affixed to the container, package or other hangable item. This existing male/female combination of features makes organization generally ineffective and inefficient by limiting use of space, e.g., to a predetermined fixed design and location, and the quality and ease-of-use of that space.
Thus, storage systems and techniques are of continuing interest to individuals and businesses. Countless types of items and/or products are routinely in need of storage for subsequent use and/or access. For example, toiletry items, hardware/workshop items, automotive items, cooking items, cleaning items, stationery items and the like are routinely acquired, carried/transported, and stored for subsequent use, e.g., at periodic intervals.
Prior art systems have been disclosed for use in storing items. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,190,500 to Miles discloses a hook system that may be adhered to a collapsible tube container (e.g., a toothpaste dispenser) for interaction with a cooperative wall-mounted structure. Similarly, Canadian Patent No. 2,138,633 to Proulx discloses hooking structures that are integrally formed as part of a container, such hooking structures being adapted to cooperate with a wall-mounted member. Additional prior art disclosures of background relevance include U.S. Pat. No. 1,828,154 to Siqveland, U.S. Pat. No. 2,140,231 to Jefferis, U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,450 to Carter, U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,343 to Ferris, and WO 03/059754 to Pimpinella.
Despite efforts to date, a need remains for a universal mounting device/system that permits convenient and reliable storage and transportation/mobility of items for subsequent use and/or access. Moreover, a need remains for a mounting device/system that is readily attachable and detachable from an item, that permits variable positioning around the periphery and/or circumference of an item, that accommodates items of differing size, and/or geometry, and material composite and that may be stored/mounted to surfaces/structures of various sizes, shapes and material composite, e.g., the same device can be secured/mounted to a wire rack, an oven handle and/or a towel rack through an attachable/detachable hooking mechanism. The hectic lifestyles of people today further increase the need for efficient use of space and time in accessing desired items, as well as creative use of under-utilized space.
These and other needs/objectives are satisfied by the disclosed universal mounting device and system. Additional advantageous features and functionalities of the disclosed mounting device/system will be apparent from the disclosure which follows, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSUREAccording to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, universal mounting device(s)/system(s) are provided that permit convenient and reliable storage of items for subsequent use and/or access. The disclosed mounting device(s)/system(s) are readily attachable and detachable from any item, permit variable positioning around the periphery and/or circumference of an item, accommodate items of differing size, geometry, and/or material composite (e.g., low surface energy and high surface energy), and facilitate storing/mounting to surfaces/structures of various sizes and shapes, and material composite, e.g., the same device can be secured/mounted to a wire rack, an oven handle and/or a towel rack. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosed system, a complementary mounting structure may be provided for interaction with a male/female structure to facilitate mounting and/or storage of items according to the present disclosure.
In a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-component system is provided that facilitates mounting and/or storage of a wide variety of items. The multi-component system generally includes a hook member, an adhesive mounting member, an extension hook, and a mounting track. The hook member is adapted to be adhered with respect to the adhesive mounting member, and the adhesive mounting member in turn is adapted to be mounted/adhered with respect to an item to be mounted/stored. The extension hook is dimensioned and configured to detachably cooperate with the hook member and advantageously facilitates mounting of an item with respect to alternative structures, e.g., a rod or other elongated member. The mounting rack generally defines a track that is configured and dimensioned to cooperate with the hook member and, in a preferred embodiment, permits sliding engagement of the hook member with respect to the track. The mounting rack may be advantageously provided with an adhering surface to facilitate mounting of the rack with respect to a wall, cabinet or other surface.
With further reference to the interplay between the hook member and adhesive mounting member described herein above, the hook member is adapted to be adhered or otherwise attached to the mounting structure. The mounting structure is typically a two-sided adhesive member (e.g., a double-sided foam tape) that is adapted for mounting on or with respect to an item, e.g., a jar, container or the like. The adhesive member is typically provided with a detachable adhesive covering on a first side (the side to be mounted to an item) that is peeled away (in whole or in part) to permit mounting of the adhesive member with respect to the item. The adhesive mounting member is typically defined with a geometry that advantageously conforms to any shape and size item based on its flexibility. In a presently preferred embodiment, the adhesive mounting member is substantially triangular in geometry.
A die cut is advantageously formed in the detachable adhesive covering on the opposite side of the adhesive member (the side to be mounted to the hook member) to facilitate mounting of the hook member with respect to the adhesive member. The geometry and dimensional parameters of the die cut are generally selected to cooperate with the geometry/dimensions of a mounting leg associated with the hook member. In an exemplary embodiment, the hook member is substantially U-shaped and the mounting leg has a substantially rectangular geometry (e.g., about ⅝″ wide and 1″ long). The die cut formed in the face of the adhesive member is typically of a size to accommodate the mounting leg of the hook member. In use, the covering is peeled away from the mounting structure in the region of the die cut to expose the adhesive positioned thereunder, and the mounting leg of the hook member is adhered to the exposed adhesive. In illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, indicia (e.g., verbiage, logo's and the like) may be printed on the adhesive covering, e.g., to provide instructive information concerning system use and/or advertising/promotional information.
The hook extension of the disclosed multi-component system generally includes a mounting bar at a first end that is configured to cooperate with the hook member, and an arcuate hook at the opposite end thereof. A central open region is generally defined between the mounting bar and the arcuate hook. The central open region facilitates rotational movement of the hook extension relative to the hook member, thereby accommodating a multiplicity of angular orientations between the hook extension and the hook member/item.
Exemplary mounting tracks for use with the multi-component system described herein include elongated members that define a track for cooperation with hook member(s). The mounting track generally defines a substantially U-shaped region for receipt of the hook portion of the hook member. An adhesive region may be defined on a back face of the mounting track to facilitate mounting of the mounting track with respect to a wall, cabinet or other surface.
In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a universal belt is provided that includes a self-contained locking device that cinches to itself in a locked position. In an additional exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a locking device is provided that has an extension that creates or defines a mounting/hooking structure, e.g., a hook or outwardly directed peg. The disclosed mounting/hooking structure may be advantageously adjustable relative to an item, e.g., a container, to which it is mounted, thereby further enhancing the flexibility and versatility associated with the present disclosure.
In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting device is of two-part construction. A first part is adapted to be mounted with respect to an item, e.g., a package, container or the like, e.g., with an adhesive surface, a band/strap or the like. A second part is adapted for telescoping movement relative to the first component and generally defines a mounting feature, e.g., a hook or peg, for mounting with respect to a desired surface or structure. In an exemplary embodiment, the first part may be disposable whereas the second part may be reused. Structural features may be incorporated into the first and/or second part to define predetermined relative positions when the two parts are telescoped relative to each other.
Thus, in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a device is provided that includes a belt and a locking device or locking mechanism to clamp around a wide variety of items such as packages/containers (e.g., bottles, cans, tubes, tins, etc.) of substantially any shape/size/weight. Once mounted with respect to an item (e.g., a package and/or container), the disclosed device advantageously fastens with respect to a receiver surface such that the item (e.g., package/container) is available for subsequent use and/or access. In each of the disclosed embodiments, a gasket may be provided for positioning intermediate the disclosed belt/strap and the item (e.g., package/container).
In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting/hooking/male structure, e.g., a hook, clip or peg, has a variable adjusting arm to enable the object (universal mounting/hooking structure and item, e.g., package/container) to be secured to receiving surfaces/bars of many different shapes and sizes. Adjustment of the variable adjusting arm may be advantageously implemented such that the mounting structure, e.g., the hook or clip, is positioned closer or further away relative to the item (e.g., container/package). Moreover, the adjustment may be undertaken with the disclosed hook or clip in the standard “down” hook position (i.e., vertical) or in the open “upward” hook position (i.e., horizontal). According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the mounting/hooking structure, e.g., the hook or clip, can be aligned at essentially any location on the item (e.g., container/package).
In still a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a mounting device has a main, substantially planar portion and a connecting element projecting outwardly therefrom. The connecting element is suitable to operatively connect with a complementary connecting element associated with a mountable structure. The mounting device and the mountable structure slidably cooperate via the respective connecting elements. The mountable structure, in one aspect, has panel elements pivotally associated therewith via one or more hinge elements. The panel elements, in turn, can have fastening elements to facilitate different mounting arrangements.
In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a connecting device has one or more connecting elements operatively connectable to various complementary connecting elements associated with different mounting devices. The connecting device also has a hook structure pivotally connected to the connecting device via a hinge element so that the hook structure may selectively fold over the connecting device for compact storage during non-use.
Each of the disclosed universal mounting devices of the present disclosure may be advantageously packaged or otherwise incorporated with a product-specific receiving system, such as a rack or wall bracket, with respect to which the mounting structure may be advantageously mounted anywhere. In exemplary embodiments hereof, the receiving system may define a track or other structural feature that permits the mounting structure to slide or otherwise travel with respect thereto. Thus, for example, the mounting structure may comprise a hook that is adapted to slide along the x-axis relative to a complementary slot, ridge, rim or other structural feature associated with the receiving system. By accommodating such axial repositioning of the mounting structure relative to the receiving system, significant versatility and ease of use is achieved according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
The devices and systems of the present disclosure thus create usable space, make efficient use of existing space, enable mobility of items (e.g., packages/containers), and provide the ability to secure and store the same item (e.g., package/container) in many locations. The present disclosure further prevents loss and misuse of items (e.g., packages/containers) through enhanced inventory control, reduced breakage, and more reliable storage in view of potential safety issues. The disclosed universal mounting device(s)/system(s) advantageously span many industry specific products with various shapes, sizes, weights and material composites. The disclosed mounting devices may be attached and detached relative to an item (e.g., container/package) and have the ability to then be redeployed to a similar item (e.g., container/package), e.g., after the contents of the current item (e.g., container/package) is empty.
This present disclosure transcends conventional organization systems by placing the male side of the mounting system on any item (e.g., container/package), rather than on the wall, rack system, etc. The mounting device of the present disclosure can be clamped around or otherwise mounted with respect to an item (e.g., container/package), travel with the item, be hung on receivers of various widths, diameters and weights, and then removed from that item and placed on a new item of similar or different shape/size/weight. As will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the storage field, the versatility, convenience and reliability of the disclosed mounting device(s)/system(s) offer significant advantages in a variety of storage contexts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESTo assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed mounting products/systems, reference is made to the accompanying figures wherein:
Universal mounting device(s)/system(s) are disclosed herein that permit convenient and reliable storage of items for subsequent use and/or access. The disclosed mounting device(s)/system(s) are readily attachable and detachable from any item, permit variable positioning around the periphery and/or circumference of an item, accommodate items of differing size, geometry, weight and/or material composite (e.g., low surface energy and high surface energy), and facilitate storing/mounting to surfaces/structures of various sizes and shapes, and material composite. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosed system, a complementary mounting structure may be provided for interaction with a male/female structure to facilitate mounting and/or storage of items according to the present disclosure.
Each of the universal mounting devices disclosed herein may be packaged or otherwise incorporated with a product-specific receiving system, such as a rack or wall bracket. The receiving system is typically configured and dimensioned to interact with the disclosed mounting structure so as to be advantageously mounted anywhere. In exemplary embodiments hereof, the receiving system may define a track or other structural feature that permits the mounting structure to slide or otherwise travel with respect thereto. Thus, for example, the mounting structure may comprise a hook that is adapted to slide along the x-axis relative to a complementary slot, ridge, rim or other structural feature associated with the receiving system, thereby effecting significant versatility and ease of use.
The devices and systems of the present disclosure create usable space, make efficient use of existing space, enable mobility of items, e.g., packages/containers, and provide the ability to secure and store the same item in many locations. The present disclosure further prevents loss and misuse of items (e.g., packages/containers) through enhanced inventory control, reduced breakage, and more reliable storage in view of potential safety issues. The disclosed universal mounting device(s)/system(s) advantageously span many industry specific products with various shapes, sizes, weights and material composite. The disclosed mounting devices may be attached and detached relative to an item (e.g., a container/package) and have the ability to then be redeployed to a similar item such as a container/package, e.g., after the contents of the current item (e.g., container/package) is empty.
Indeed, exemplary embodiments of the mounting system of the present disclosure transcend conventional organization systems by placing the male side of the mounting system on any item (e.g., container/package), rather than on the wall, rack system, etc. The mounting device of the present disclosure can be clamped around or otherwise mounted with respect to an item (e.g., container/package), travel with the item, be hung on receivers of various widths and diameters, and then removed from that item and placed on a new item of similar or different shape/size/weight. As will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the storage field, the versatility, convenience and reliability of the disclosed mounting device(s)/system(s) offer significant advantages in a variety of storage contexts.
In short, each of the disclosed mounting devices and systems advantageously permit convenient and reliable storage of items for subsequent use and/or access. The device(s)/system(s) are readily attachable and detachable from an item, permit variable positioning around the periphery and/or circumference of an item, and accommodate items of differing size, weight and/or geometry and material composite. A series of exemplary mounting systems are described herein below. However, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments, but is susceptible to changes, modifications and/or enhancements without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.
With reference to the views of
With reference to the views of
With reference to the views of
With reference to the views of
With reference to the views of
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
Of note, the exemplary mounting mechanism 806 includes a yoke 808 that is fixed relative to band 802. Arms/fingers 804a, 804 are advantageously repositionable relative to yoke 808 such that arms/fingers 804a, 804b may be repositioned relative to band 802. As shown in
With reference to
Turning to
Clip member 1004 may include an adhesive to permit mounting device 1000 to be mounted with respect to an item, e.g., a package, container or the like. As with mounting device 900, through the telescoping relationship of hook member 1002 relative to clip member 1004, the positioning of the downward extension associated with hook member 1002 may be varied relative to clip member 1004.
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The mounting device 1300 may, in still other aspects of the present disclosure, be securely connected to different surfaces (e.g., a wall or the like) by any of a variety of techniques for accomplishing such a task. For example, the mounting device 1300 can have one or more apertures (not shown) allowing one or more connectors (e.g., bolts, screws, nails, tacks, etc.) to effectively traverse the mounting device 1300 so as to fasten or secure such to any of a variety of surfaces. In yet other aspects of the present invention, the mounting device 1300 can have alternative fastening or securing means, such as, for example, an adhering surface (e.g., a glue, a pressure-sensitive adhesive or other adhesive, or a fabric hook/loop arrangement) suitable to securely fasten the mounting device 1300 to any of a variety of surfaces.
With reference to
The dimensional characteristics of the structures associated with the mounting systems disclosed herein may be adjusted/varied based, inter alia, on the intended application. Factors such as the size, geometry and weight of the items, e.g., containers/packages, to be stored and the environment in which such storage is to occur may influence such dimensional considerations.
With reference to
The hook member 1502 is adapted to be adhered with respect to the adhesive mounting member 1504, and the adhesive mounting member 1504 in turn is adapted to be mounted/adhered with respect to an item to be mounted/stored, e.g., container 1550 schematically depicted in
The extension hook 1506 is dimensioned and configured to detachably cooperate with the hook member 1502 and advantageously facilitates mounting of an item with respect to alternative structures, e.g., a rod or other elongated member. As noted above, the mounting rack generally defines a track that is configured and dimensioned to cooperate with the hook member 1502 and, in a preferred embodiment, permits sliding engagement of the hook member 1502 with respect to the track (e.g., as shown in
With further reference to the interplay between the hook member 1502 and adhesive mounting member 1504 described herein above, the hook member 1502 is generally adapted to be adhered or otherwise attached to the adhesive mounting member 1504. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the adhesive mounting member 1504 is a two-sided adhesive member (e.g., a double-sided foam tape) that is adapted for mounting on or with respect to an item 1550, e.g., ajar, container, package or the like. Exemplary double sided foam tapes for use according to the present disclosure are available from 3M Corporation (St. Paul, Minn.), e.g., VHB foam tape, and FLEXcon (Spencer, Mass.). The adhesive mounting member 1504 is typically provided with a detachable adhesive covering on a first side (the side to be mounted to an item, e.g., container 1550) that is peeled away (in whole or in part) to permit mounting of the adhesive mounting member 1504 with respect to the item. The adhesive mounting member 1504 is typically defined with a geometry that advantageously conforms to any shape and size item based on its flexibility. In a presently preferred embodiment and as shown in
A die cut (not pictured) is advantageously formed in the detachable adhesive covering on the opposite side of the adhesive mounting member 1504 (i.e., the side to be adhered with respect to hook member 1502) to facilitate mounting of the hook member 1502 with respect to the adhesive mounting member 1504. The geometry and dimensional parameters of the die cut are generally selected to cooperate with the geometry/dimensions of a mounting leg 1510 associated with the hook member 1502. In an exemplary embodiment, the hook member 1502 is substantially U-shaped, i.e., defines a U-shaped transition 1512 from the mounting leg 1510 to the hook portion 1514, and the mounting leg 1510 has a substantially rectangular geometry (e.g., about ⅝″ wide and 1″ long). The die cut formed in the face of the detachable covering on adhesive mounting member 1504 is typically of a size to accommodate the mounting leg 1510 of the hook member 1502. In use, the covering is peeled away from the mounting structure in the region of the die cut to expose the adhesive positioned thereunder, and the mounting leg 1510 of the hook member 1502 is adhered to the exposed adhesive. In illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, indicia 1514 (e.g., verbiage, logo's and the like as depicted in
The hook extension 1506 of the disclosed multi-component system 1500 generally includes a mounting bar 1520 at a first end that is configured to cooperate with the hook member 1502, and an arcuate hook 1522 at the opposite end thereof. A central open region 1524 is generally defined between the mounting bar 1520 and the arcuate hook 1522. The central open region 1524 facilitates rotational movement of the hook extension 1506 relative to the hook member 1502, as shown in the sequence of
As noted above, exemplary mounting tracks for use with the multi-component system 1500 include elongated members that define a track for cooperation with hook member(s) 1502. The mounting track generally defines a substantially U-shaped region for receipt of the hook portion 1514 of the hook member 1502. An adhesive region may be defined on a back face of the mounting track to facilitate mounting of the mounting track with respect to a wall, cabinet or other surface.
Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to schematic illustrations herein, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Rather, the mounting devices and systems disclosed herein are susceptible to modification and/or variation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A mounting system, comprising;
- (a) a hook member that includes a mounting leg, a transitional region and a hook portion;
- (b) an adhesive mounting member that includes adhesive on first and second sides thereof, said adhesive being covered by detachable covering material and adapted to interact with said mounting leg of said hook member for adherence thereto; and
- (c) an extension hook that is configured and dimensioned for rotational interaction with said hook portion of said hook member.
2. A mounting system according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting track that is configured and dimensioned for interaction with said hook member.
3. A mounting system according to claim 2, wherein said interaction includes slidable engagement between said hook member and said mounting track.
4. A mounting system according to claim 2, wherein said mounting track includes adhesive on a first side thereof, said adhesive facilitating mounting of said mounting track relative to a surface.
5. A mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said transitional region of said hook member is substantially U-shaped.
6. A mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said adhesive mounting member is substantially triangular in geometry.
7. A mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said detachable covering material includes a die cut region to permit partial removal of said covering material.
8. A mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said die cut region is configured and dimensioned to accommodate adherence of said mounting leg of said hook member therein.
9. A mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said extension hook includes a mounting bar, an arcuate hook and a central open region.
10. A mounting system according to claim 9, wherein said mounting bar is configured and dimensioned to be received by said hook member and to rotate relative thereto.
11. A mounting system according to claim 10, wherein said central open region facilitates rotation of said extension hook relative to said hook member.
12. A mounting system according to claim 1, further comprising indicia printed on said adhesive mounting member.
13. A mounting system according to claim 1, further comprising a container to which said adhesive mounting member is adhered.
14. A mounting system that includes:
- (a) a mounting member;
- (b) interacting means configured and dimensioned to interact with a container, said mounting member being mounted with respect to interacting means; and
- (c) means for detachably positioning said mounting member relative to interacting means.
15. A mounting system according to claim 14, wherein said interacting means includes at least one of a strap, a clip member, a band and a patch.
16. A mounting system according to claim 14, wherein said mounting member is adjustable in depth relative to said interacting means.
17. A mounting system according to claim 14, wherein said mounting member telescopes relative to said interacting means.
18. A mounting system according to claim 14, wherein said interacting means includes mounting features formed thereon.
19. A mounting system according to claim 14, wherein said interacting means includes a plurality of slots or die-cuts to facilitate positioning said interacting means with respect to an arcuate item.
20. A mounting system according to claim 14, wherein said means for detachably positioning includes teeth and at least one deflectable member.
21. A mounting system according to claim 14, wherein said means for detachably positioning includes a spring member.
22. A mounting system according to claim 14, further comprising a track member that is configured and dimensioned to facilitate mounting of said hook member.
23. A mounting system according to claim 22, wherein said hook member is repositionable along an x-axis of said track member.
24. A mounting device comprising:
- (a) a substantially planar portion; and
- (b) a first connecting element,
- wherein said first connecting element projects from said planar portion so as to be operatively connectable with a second connecting element associated with a mountable structure.
25. A mounting device according to claim 24, wherein said mountable structure has one or more panel elements.
26. A mounting device according to claim 25, wherein said panel elements are pivotally associated with said mountable structure.
27. A mounting device according to claim 25, wherein said panel elements have one or more fastening elements associated therewith.
28. A connecting device comprising:
- one or more connecting elements for operatively connecting to various complementary connecting elements associated with different mounting devices; and
- a hook structure operatively and pivotally connected to the connecting device via at least one hinge element,
- wherein said hook structure may be selectively folded over the connecting device.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 5, 2004
Publication Date: Jul 21, 2005
Inventors: Gil Tatarsky (Kingston, NY), Arthur Greene (Stamford, CT), Steven Virkus (Wingdale, NY), Dennis Durvett (Horseheads, NY), Timothy Virkus (Painted Post, NY), Mark Primavera (Newtown, CT), Gregory Lalier (Brookfield, CT)
Application Number: 10/983,211