Mounting hook for standards

Abstract

A hook and method for supporting at least one of a storage and organization device from a standard using a hook are provided. The hook includes at least one engagement member configured to extend through an opening of a mounting component and configured to be removably engaged with the mounting component. The hook further includes at least one support member configured to support in a hanging configuration at least one of a storage and organization device.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to storage and organization systems, and more particularly, to a hook for standards that supports different storage and organization devices.

Storage and organization systems are used in a variety of applications for storing and organizing items, which may include storing items on, under and within different devices that are supported or mounted on various support structures. For example, storage and organization systems may be designed for home or retail applications. For home applications, these systems may be configured for installation within a closet for storing clothing or within a garage for storing outdoor equipment. For retail applications, these systems may be configured to display and organize products for sale. Accordingly, these systems may need to accommodate for storage and organization different sizes, shapes and types of items.

These storage and organization systems typically include mounting hardware for installing the system. For example, these systems may include wall supports, often referred to as wall-mounted standards that are mounted to a wall or other support structure and that include openings for receiving therein a portion of a bracket, hook or other support member. These known support members are configured for use in connection with a particular type of storage or organization unit that is designed for a specific application. In other known systems, the storage or organization unit may be mounted directly to the wall-mounted standard. Accordingly, these known systems lack flexibility in design and use. Further, when changing the configuration of the installed system, entire units must be moved and/or new units installed. This adds time and cost to the system including time and cost to the assembly and components needed for assembly.

Thus, known storage and organization systems lack flexibility in use and often are designed for use in a particular application or for use with a particular storage or organization unit. Additionally, these systems may be more expensive and time consuming to install and maintain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment, a hook for supporting storage and organization devices is provided that includes at least one engagement member configured to extend through an opening of a mounting component and configured to be removably engaged with the mounting component. The hook further includes at least one support member configured to support in a hanging configuration at least one of a storage and organization device.

In another exemplary embodiment, a hanging hook for standards is provided that includes at least one engagement member configured to extend through a slot of a standard and to be removably engaged with the standard. The at least one engagement member engages the standard when rotated from a position perpendicular to the standard to a position parallel to the standard. The hanging hook further includes at least one support member configured to support in a hanging configuration at least one of a storage and organization device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method for supporting at least one of a storage and organization device from a standard is provided. The method includes configuring a hook to extend through a slot of the standard and to be removably engaged with the standard. The at least one engagement member engages the standard when rotated from a position perpendicular to the standard to a position parallel to the standard. The method further includes configuring at least one support member of the hook to support in a hanging configuration at least one of a storage and organization device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hook constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the hook of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the hook of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the hook of FIG. 1 engaged with a wall-mounted standard and supporting a basket.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of two hooks of FIG. 1 engaged with a wall-mounted standard and supporting a basket.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a hook constructed in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a back perspective view of the hook of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is another back perspective view of the hook of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of the hook of FIGS. 6 through 8 engaged with a wall-mounted standard.

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a hook constructed in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a back perspective view of the hook of FIG. 10.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are perspective views of the hook of FIGS. 10 and 11 engaged with a wall-mounted standard.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a hook constructed in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are perspective views of the hook of FIG. 13 engaged with a wall-mounted standard.

FIG. 15 is a back perspective view of a hook constructed in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of the hook of FIG. 15.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are perspective views of the hook of FIGS. 15 and 16 engaged with a wall-mounted standard.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a hook constructed in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a back perspective view of the hook of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the hook of FIG. 18.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are perspective views of the hook of FIGS. 18 through 20 engaged with a wall-mounted standard.

FIG. 22 is a back elevation view of a basket constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 is an elevation view of an engagement portion of the basket of FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the invention provide a support member, and more particularly, a hook for supporting and maintaining different storage and organization devices to a mounting component, such as a wall-mounted standard. It should be noted that although the various embodiments may be described in connection with supporting a particular storage or organization device or unit, such as hanging different baskets from wall-mounted standards, other configurations and uses are contemplated. For example, when reference is made herein to a storage or organization device, this refers generally to any device for storing and/or organizing items or products and/or any components related thereto, including, but not limited to, baskets, storage bins, tool rails, shelves, product displays, message boards, clothing organizers, electronics organizers (for home or office), different hooks and brackets, etc.

In general, various embodiments of the invention include a support member for mounting to different mounting components and for supporting thereon different storage and organization devices or units. The various embodiments generally include different configurations of hooks for mounting to, for example, wall-mounted standards. In one exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, a hook 20 generally includes an upper portion 22 for engagement with a mounting component (e.g., a wall-mounted standard) and a lower portion for supporting a storage and/or organization device or unit (not shown), such as, for hanging a basket therefrom.

Specifically, the hook 20 includes at the upper portion 22 a first engagement member 26 and a second engagement member 28 each configured as tabs extending from a rear portion 30 of the hook 20. The first engagement member 26 and the second engagement member 28 are spaced apart a distance, for example, based on the dimensions of the wall-mounted standard to which the hook 20 is to be attached. The first engagement member 26 and the second engagement member 28 are each configured at one end (e.g., a top end) to provide a generally L-shaped portion 32 and at the other end (e.g., a bottom end) to define a notch 34.

The lower portion 24 of the hook 20 includes a pair of support members 35 configured as generally U-shaped members and which may include an outwardly curved portion 36 at one end. The pair of support members 35 are separated by a distance to form a gap 38 therebetween, the size of which may be based on the configuration of the storage and/or organization device or unit to be supported by the hook 20. It should be noted that the length of the pair of support members 35 may be modified as desired or needed, for example, based on the configuration of the storage and/or organization device or unit to be supported by the hook 20. Further, additional support members 35 may be provided.

In operation, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the hook 20 is configured to support, for example, a wire basket 50 from a wall-mounted standard 52. In particular, the first engagement member 26 and the second engagement member 28 are configured to be interested within a first slot 54 and a second slot 56 of the wall-mounted standard 52, with the first and second slots 54 and 56 generally defining openings in the wall-mounted standard 52 as is known. Specifically, the upper portion 28 of the hook 20 is first inserted into the wall-mounted standard 52 and then rotated downwardly toward the wall-mounted standard such that the notches 34 extend into the first and second slots 54 and 56. Thereafter, the hook 20 slides downward until the notches 34 engage over lower portions 58 of the first and second slots 54 and 56. In this engaged position, the generally L-shaped portions 32 abut against an inner surface (not shown) of the wall-mounted standard 52. The generally L- shaped portions 32 generally prevent the hook 20 from disengaging and passing back through the first and second slots 54 and 56 and the notches 34 generally prevent the hook 20 from rotating and sliding down the wall-mounted standard 52. In the engaged position, a substantially flat face 59 of the hook 20 abuts against an outside surface of the wall-mounted standard 52 between the first and second slots 54 and 56.

It should be noted that the support members 35, and more particularly, the ends of the support members 35 may be configured to allow bending or crimping around one or more wires 60 of the wire basket 50 to resist or prevent the wire basket 50 from disengaging with the hook 20. Additionally, more than one hook 20 may be used in connection with each wall-mounted standard 52 to support a wire basket 50, for example, based on the size of the wire basket 50 and/or the weight of the items to be supported in the wire basket 50 by the hooks 20. Accordingly, and for illustrative purposes only, the wire basket 50 shown in FIG. 4 is shown supported by a single hook 20 on the wall-mounted standard 52 and the wire basket 50 shown in FIG. 5 is shown supported by two hooks 20 on the wall-mounted standard 52. Also, it should be noted that the gap 38 is configured to receive therebetween a wire 51 of the wire basket 50.

Additionally, although the various embodiments described herein may be described for use in connection with a particular mounting component, such as a wall-mounted standard, other mounting components may be used. For example, the standard may not be wall-mounted, for example, and hang from a support structure. Further, the mounting component may be shaped different, such as for example, similar to a peg board or other structure having rounded holes instead of slots and positioned in a grid type pattern.

Other embodiments of hooks also may be provided. It should be noted that use of the same reference numerals in the various embodiments designates like parts. Specifically, shown in FIGS. 6 through 8 is a hook 70 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The hook 70 includes a similar lower portion 22, but has a modified upper portion 22. In particular, the upper portion includes lips defining engagement members, which may be configured as a first clip 72 and a second clip 74, which in this embodiment, extend generally horizontally from a back surface 76 of the hook 70 in opposite directions. In particular, each of the first and second clips 72 and 74 initially extend generally outwardly from the back surface 76 and then curve to extend horizontally and parallel to the back surface 76. The first and second clips 72 and 74 may be sized, for example, based on the particular application and configuration of wall-mounted standard to which the hook 70 is to be mounted. Further, the first and second clips 72 and 74 may be constructed to be bendable and/or resilient.

In operation, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the hook 70 is initially inserted into the first and second slots 54 and 56 of the wall-mounted standard 52 in a generally horizontal orientation (e.g., the longitudinal axis of the hook 70 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wall-mounted standard 52) such that the first and second clips 72 and 74 are oriented generally vertically or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wall-mounted standard 52. Essentially, the first and second clips 72 and 74 extend through the first and second slots 54 and 56. Thereafter, the hook 70 is rotated, in this example, in a clockwise direction until the hook 70 is oriented generally vertical or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wall-mounted standard 52. In this engaged position, the first and second clips 72 and 74 are oriented generally horizontally and engage a back surface (not shown) of a middle portion 80 of the wall-mounted standard 52 between the first and second slots 54 and 56. In the engaged position, the hook 70 is essentially locked into place against the wall-mounted standard 70 with the first and second clips 72 and 74 maintaining the position of the hook 70 and resisting or preventing the hook 70 from passing back through the first and second slots 54 and 56. Additionally, in the engaged position, the second clip 74 may abut against the lower portion 58 of at least one of the first and second slots 54 and 56 for further supporting and maintaining a storage and/or organization device connected to (e.g., hanging from) the hook 70.

Another hook 90 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The hook 90 is the same as the hook 70 with the addition of first and second protrusions 92 and 94 extending generally vertically or longitudinally along the hook 90 below the first and second clips 72 and 74. The first and second protrusions 92 and 94 are formed from indentations on the hook 90. Essentially, the first and second protrusions 92 and 94 protrude from back portions 96 of each of the pair of support members 35 as shown in FIG. 11.

In operation, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the hook 90 is initially inserted into the first and second slots 54 and 56 of the wall-mounted standard 52 in a generally horizontal orientation such that the first and second clips 72 and 74 are oriented generally vertically or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wall-mounted standard 52. Essentially, the first and second clips 72 and 74 extend through the first and second slots 54 and 56. Thereafter, the hook 90 is rotated, in this example, in a clockwise direction until the hook 90 is oriented generally vertical or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wall-mounted standard 52. It should be noted that the wall-mounted standard 52 may includes a groove 96 extending generally longitudinally along each of the rows of first and second slots 54 and 56.

In the engaged position, the first and second clips 72 and 74 are oriented generally horizontally and engage a back surface (not shown) of the middle portion 80 of the wall-mounted standard 52 between the first and second slots 54 and 56. In this engaged position, the hook 70 is essentially locked into place against the wall-mounted standard 70 with the first and second clips 72 and 74 maintaining the position of the hook 70 and resisting or preventing the hook 70 from passing back through the first and second slots 54 and 56. Additionally, in the engaged position, the first and second protrusions 92 and 94 engage within the groove 96 along each of the rows of the first and second slots 54 and 56 to maintain the position of the hook 90 relative to the wall-mounted standard 52. Further, the second clip 74 again may abut against at least one of the lower portions 58 of the first and second slots 54 and 56 for further supporting and maintaining a storage and/or organization device connected to (e.g., hanging from) the hook 70.

The various embodiments may be implemented for use in connection with mounting components, and in particular, wall-mounted standards having different configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a hook 100 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, is configured to engage a wall-mounted standard with only one row of slots. In particular, the lower portion 24 is the same as the hooks 20 and 70, but the upper portion 22 is modified such that a locking member 102 extends from an upper edge 104 of the hook 100. Specifically, the locking member 102 generally includes a tab 106 extending perpendicularly from the upper edge 104 and having a generally T-shaped configuration. An arm portion 108 of the locking member 102 provides that the tab 106 is generally offset from the upper edge 104. A front edge 109 of the tab 106 is configured to engage a wall-mounted standard as described below.

In operation, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the hook 100 is initially inserted in a generally horizontal orientation into a slot 110 of a single slot row wall-mounted standard 112 such that the locking member 102 extends into the slot 110. More particularly, the tab 106 extends into the slot 110. Thereafter, the hook 100 is rotated, in this example, in a clockwise direction until the hook 100 is oriented generally vertical or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wall-mounted standard 112. In this engaged position, the front edge 109 of the tab 106 engages an inner surface of the wall-mounted standard 112. Specifically, in the engaged position, the tab 106 is oriented generally horizontally or transverse to the opening of the slot 110, thereby engaging and locking the hook 100 to the wall-mounted standard 112. In this engaged position, the tab 106 resists or prevents the hook 100 from passing back through the slot 110. A flat face 116 engages and abuts against a front surface 118 of the wall-mounted standard 112 to support the engagement when a storage and/or organization device is connected to (e.g., hanging from) the hook 100.

A hook 120, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, is constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention and is similar to the hook 100 with the addition of a clip 122 extending from a back surface 124 of the hook 120 between the support members 35. In particular, the clip 122 initially extends outwardly from the back surface 124 and the curves downwardly to extend vertically or longitudinally and parallel to the back surface 124.

In operation, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the hook 120 is initially inserted into the slot 110 of the wall-mounted standard 112 in a generally horizontal orientation. More particularly, the tab 106 extends into the slot 110. Thereafter, the hook 100 is rotated, in this example, in a clockwise direction until the hook 120 is oriented generally vertical or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wall-mounted standard 112. In this position, the front edge 109 of the tab 106 engages an inner surface of the wall-mounted standard 112.

Specifically, in this position, the tab 106 is oriented generally horizontally or transverse to the opening of the slot 110, thereby engaging and locking the hook 120 to the wall-mounted standard 112. In this position the tab 106 resists or prevents the hook 120 from passing back through the slot 110. The flat face 116 engages and abuts against the front surface 118 of the wall-mounted standard 112 to support the engagement when a storage and/or organization device is connected to (e.g., hanging from) the hook 120. In this position, the clip 122 extends into a slot 110 adjacent the slot 110 through which the tab 106 is extended. The slots 110 may be immediately adjacent or separated by one or more slots 110. Thereafter, the hook 120 is moved or slid downwardly or longitudinally such that the clip 122 engages over a lower portion 126 of the slot 110 to resist or prevent rotation and/or lifting of the hook 120.

A hook 130, as shown in FIGS. 18 through 20, constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is also configured for use in connection with a single slot row wall-mounted standard 112. The hook 130 includes a protrusion 132 extending generally vertically or longitudinally along the hook 130 above and between the support members 35. The protrusion 132 is formed from an indentation on a substantially flat face 59 of the hook 130. The protrusion 132 has a generally rounded upper portion and a generally straight lower portion defining an edge 133 (shown in FIG. 19). The hook 130 also includes a pair of fingers 134 extending from each side of an upper edge 136 of the hook 130. Between the fingers 134 and extending perpendicularly from the upper edge 136 is a locking member 138. The locking member 138 includes a tab 140 connected to the upper edge 136 with an arm 142, which provides the tab 140 offset from the upper edge 136. The tab 140 includes a pair of extensions 144, configured as fingers or posts, in this embodiment, square posts, extending or projecting downwardly from a lower surface 146 of the tab 140. The pair of extensions 144 are formed on corners of the tab 140 closest to a back surface 150 of the hook 130.

It should be noted, and as shown in FIG. 20, the distance D between a top of the tab 140 and a bottom of the protrusion 132 is configured to fit within one slot of a wall-mounted standard as shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B. In particular, in operation, the hook 130 is initially inserted into the slot 110 of the wall-mounted standard 112 in a generally horizontal orientation. More particularly, the tab 140 extends into the slot 110. Thereafter, the hook 130 is rotated, in this example, in a clockwise direction until the hook 130 is oriented generally vertical or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wall-mounted standard 112. In this position, the pair of extensions 144 engage an inner surface of the wall-mounted standard 112 and the pair of fingers 134 engage and abut against the front surface 118 of the wall-mounted standard 112. The pair of extensions 144 and the pair of fingers 134 resist or prevent the hook 130 from swinging away from the wall-mounted standard 112. Additionally, in this engaged position, the protrusion 132 also extends into the slot 110 (e.g., snaps into the slot 110). The protrusion 132 resists or prevents rotation of the hook 130 and the edge 133 of the protrusion 132 resists or prevents downward or sliding movement of the hook 130.

It should be noted that the configurations of the various embodiments of the invention may be modified as desired or needed. For example, the number, shape, size, positioning and orientation of the various components and members may be modified. For example, the size and shape of the protrusions may be changed and positioned in different locations. Additionally, although the various embodiments may be used in connection with any type of storage and/or organization device or unit, the storage or organization device also may be modified for connection to one of the various embodiments of the hooks. For example, a basket 160 as shown in FIG. 22, which is a wire basket, may include engagement portions 162 provided on an upper back edge 164 of the basket 160. As shown more clearly in FIG. 23, the engagement portion 162 may be configured in a generally loop-shaped configuration for receiving therethrough the support member 35 of the various embodiments of hooks.

Thus, various embodiments of the invention provide a hook for engagement to a mounting component, and more particularly a standard, for supporting one or more different storage and/or organization devices or units.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hook for supporting storage and organization devices, the hook comprising:

at least one engagement member configured to extend through an opening of a mounting component and configured to be removably engaged with the mounting component; and

at least one support member configured to support in a hanging configuration at least one of a storage and organization device.

2. A hook in accordance with claim 1 wherein the mounting component comprises a wall-mounted standard having at least one row of slots.

3. A hook in accordance with claim 1 wherein the support member comprises a generally U-shaped portion for supporting a portion of the at least one storage and organization device.

4. A hook in accordance with claim 1 wherein the engagement member comprises at least one notch for engaging a portion of an edge of the opening.

5. A hook in accordance with claim 1 wherein the least one storage and organization device comprises at least one wire basket and further comprising two support members separated by a gap with the gap configured to receive therebetween at least one wire of the wire basket.

6. A hook in accordance with claim 1 wherein the at least one engagement member comprises at least one clip configured to engage the mounting component.

7. A hook in accordance with claim 6 wherein the at least one clip is configured to engage the mounting component when the hook is rotated from a generally horizontal orientation to a generally vertical orientation.

8. A hook in accordance with claim 6 further comprising a back surface and two clips and wherein the two clips extend in opposite directions from the back surface.

9. A hook in accordance with claim 6 further comprising at least one protrusion on a back portion of the at least one support member.

10. A hook in accordance with claim 9 wherein the mounting component is a wall-mounted standard having at least one row of slots with a groove extending longitudinally along the row of slots, and wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to engage the groove.

11. A hook in accordance with claim 10 wherein the at least one protrusion engages the groove when the hook is rotated from a generally horizontal orientation to a generally vertical orientation.

12. A hook in accordance with claim 1 further comprising an upper edge and a locking member extending from the upper edge.

13. A hook in accordance with claim 12 wherein the locking member comprises a perpendicularly extending tab and wherein the locking member engages within the slot when the hook is rotated from a generally horizontal orientation to a generally vertical orientation.

14. A hook in accordance with claim 12 further comprising at least one longitudinally extending clip configured to engage an edge of the opening.

15. A hook in accordance with claim 12 wherein the locking member comprises a perpendicularly extending tab having downwardly projecting posts.

16. A hook in accordance with claim 15 further comprising a pair of fingers extending longitudinally from the upper edge with the locking member positioned between the pair of fingers.

17. A hook in accordance with claim 16 further comprising at least one protrusion and wherein the locking member and the at least one protrusion are configured to engage within a single opening of the mounting component.

18. A hanging hook for standards, the hanging hook comprising:

at least one engagement member configured to extend through a slot of a standard and to be removably engaged with the standard, the at least one engagement member engaging the standard when rotated from a position perpendicular to the standard to a position parallel to the standard; and

at least one support member configured to support in a hanging configuration at least one of a storage and organization device.

19. A hanging hook in accordance with claim 18 further comprising at least one clip configured to engage within the slot of the standard.

20. A hanging hook in accordance with claim 18 further comprising at least one protrusion configured to engage at least one of (i) the slot of the standard and (ii) a groove extending longitudinally along the standard.

21. A hanging hook in accordance with claim 18 wherein the at least one engagement member comprises a tab configured to extend within the slot and engage the standard.

22. A method for supporting at least one of a storage and organization device from a standard, the method comprising:

configuring a hook to extend through a slot of the standard and to be removably engaged with the standard, the at least one engagement member engaging the standard when rotated from a position perpendicular to the standard to a position parallel to the standard; and

configuring at least one support member of the hook to support in a hanging configuration at least one of a storage and organization device.