Systems and methods for mounting objects
Disclosed are systems and methods for mounting objects by capturing the object, or an intermediate mounting device attached to the object, between the head of a retention device and a surface of a track or the like into which the retention device is inserted. Also disclosed are methods for modifying or manufacturing an existing object to allow it to be directly captured between a track and a retention device. Further disclosed are a variety of capture aperture shapes for use with existing, commercially available track mounting system components. Specially configured retention devices are also disclosed for effective implementation of the systems and methods of the present invention. Stabilizing devices are also disclosed for stabilizing and/or preventing movement of a captured object in its captured state. Suspension devices are disclosed for suspending a captured object. Obstructers and similar devices for enlarging the head of commercially available retention devices are also disclosed.
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to systems and methods for mounting objects. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for mounting an object by capturing the object, or an intermediate mounting device attached to the object, between the head of a retention device and a surface of a track or the like into which the retention device is inserted.
Wall-based, floor-based, and free-standing storage and securement methods are well known in the art. Such units are either individually secured to a wall or cooperate with a dedicated rail, slot, or channel or are used with a pegboard or slat wall arrangement (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,318,486; 4,723,663; 4,982,922; 4,867,623; 4,852,747; 5,224,609; 5,265,992; 5,322,256; 5,740,927; 5,807,047; and 5,839,589).
Some such arrangements utilize horizontal bars or rails on which brackets or hooks are mounted in order to support various items. For example, storage units have been described having hooks permanently attached to specified points on a bar. Or, other storage systems have been described having sliding brackets captured on a rail. Additionally, other storage systems have been disclosed having a changeable, slidable bracket utilizing an open-ended fastener at the back of the bracket which is slipped over the top of the rail (See U.S. Pat. No. 3,260,489). Further systems employ brackets with fasteners which are trapped on a rail (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,291,966 and 2,546,720). Storage systems have also been described which provide wall systems capable of supporting heavy loads which are readily adjustable to differently shaped loads (See U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,486). Some such systems provide a mounting rail carrying brackets with U-shaped fastener sections which grip the rail but which can be slipped off at one or more grooves in the rail. Other disclosures have provided storage systems and fittings to be employed with a track member wherein the fitting has a positive pivotal retainer means that may be easily operated for locking and unlocking the fitting relative to the track. Such systems provide a secure fitting of cargo for transportation.
Anchor fittings have also been described. Such fittings provide for removably attaching objects to the floor or wall of a vehicle. Such fittings may operate in conjunction with a track attached to a vehicle floor with the track having alternate notch and neck proportions which matingly engage the fittings (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,688,504; 4,033,268; 4,230,432; 4,256,424; 4,708,549; and 5,265,992). Such devices are intended for use with a beam supported at both ends, a strap, or an anchor ring type device or opening which cooperates with common cargo control devices such as ratchet straps or load binders.
Also disclosed are fittings having a positive pivotal retainer means that may be easily operated for locking and unlocking the fitting relative to openings provided in conjunction with cargo control track. Such fittings provide for removably attaching objects to the floor or wall of a vehicle. Such fittings operate in conjunction with openings provided in cargo control track attached to the floor, walls, or ceiling of a vehicle, or other rigid support structure, such as a building, fence, or shed. Such fittings are intended for use with a beam supported at both ends and with insertion member ends attached pivotally, flexibly (e.g., sewn woven material), or rigidly and directly to an insertion member. Or, attachment of a secondary device is achieved via sewn-in, non-rigid fabric or woven material. The direct support of objects to be stored, as well as their resulting cantilever or tension loads, is described in Ehrgott U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,141 (the “'141 patent”).
Wheel chock mounting devices and motorcycle wheel chocks in particular are also described in the prior art (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,241,104; 4,437,597; 4,852,779; 5,301,817; and 5,988,402). Most such devices are bolted in place, and they require tools and extended periods of time to attach and remove them. In many cases, more than one person is required to accomplish such mounting.
Also known in the art is a keyhole and capture pin mounting and dismounting device and methods therefore. This device requires a bolt down mounting of the capture keyhole plates to a support surface. Mounting of the capture plates requires very accurate placement and alignment of two individual mounting plates. The wheel chock is held forward in the captured position through forward pressure of a motorcycle's tire when secured in a forward position by tie down straps.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONBriefly stated, in one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for coupling an article to a track mounting system is provided. This apparatus includes at least one body and at least one capture aperture passing through at least a portion of the at least one body, wherein a shape of the at least one capture aperture accepts passage of a base of at least one retention device through the at least one capture aperture, and the shape of the at least one capture aperture prevents passage through the at least one capture aperture of at least one of the group consisting of a head of the at least one retention device, a component coupled to a head of the at least one retention device, and combinations thereof, and wherein the at least one retention device mates with at least one track aperture of at least one first track of the track mounting system, and wherein passing the at least one retention device through the at least one capture aperture and mating the at least one retention device with the at least one track aperture captures the body between the at least one retention device and the at least one first track.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method for modifying or manufacturing an object to facilitate coupling of the object to at least one track mounting system is provided. This method includes the steps of selecting at least one track of the at least one track mounting system to be compatible with the object, selecting at least one retention device of the at least one track mounting system to be compatible with the object, selecting at least one aperture shape that allows passage of a base of the at least one retention device through the at least one aperture and prevents passage of at least one of the group consisting of a head of the at least one retention device, an object coupled to a head of the at least one retention device, and combinations thereof, and creating at least one aperture having the at least one aperture shape in a body of the object, wherein the at least one retention device mates with at least one aperture of at least one track of the track mounting system, and wherein passing the at least one retention device through the at least one aperture and mating the at least one retention device with the at least one track captures the body between the at least one retention device and the at least one track.
Further disclosed is a method for coupling an object to a track mounting system. This method includes the steps of passing at least one retention device through at least one aperture located in the object and inserting the at least one retention device into at least one track aperture located in at least one track of the track mounting system, wherein upon completion of the method, the object is captured between at least a portion of the retention device and at least a portion of the at least one track.
Also disclosed is an apparatus for enlarging a head of a retention device to prevent passage of the head through at least one capture aperture. The apparatus includes at least one body and at least one coupling mechanism for coupling the body to the head of the retention device.
An apparatus for insertion into a track aperture of a track for capturing at least one object between the apparatus and the track is also disclosed. This apparatus includes a base and a head coupled to the base, the head including at least one of the group consisting of a protrusion, a component, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one of the group consisting of a protrusion, a component, and combinations thereof prevents passage of the head through at least one capture aperture, and wherein at least a portion of a first perimeter of the head extends beyond a corresponding portion of a second perimeter of the base.
Also disclosed is an apparatus for insertion into a track aperture of a track for capturing at least one object between the apparatus and the track. The apparatus includes a base and a head coupled to the base, wherein at least a portion of the head overhangs at least a portion of the base, and wherein the at least a portion of the head prevents passage of the head through at least one capture aperture.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower”, “upper”, and “top” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
Where a term is provided in the singular, the inventors also contemplate aspects of the invention described by the plural of that term. As used in this specification and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, e.g., “an aperture” may include a plurality of apertures. Thus, for example, a reference to “a method” includes one or more methods and/or steps of the type described herein, which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods, constructs and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where there are discrepancies in terms and definitions used in references that are incorporated by reference, the terms used in this application shall have the definitions given herein.
Referring first to
Similarly, retention devices that are compatible with the present invention include, but are not limited to, retention device 164 (with or without positive engagement latch 176) as disclosed and discussed in greater detail in the '141 patent, retention device 164 (with or without second rigid mounting body 620) as disclosed and discussed in greater detail in the '485 patent, Series E or A Fittings with 2″ D Ring as manufactured by Kinedyne and having part no. FE8301-1, Series E or A Fittings with 1″ Ring having Kinedyne part no. FE8264-1, Series E or A Spring-Loaded Fitting having Kinedyne part no. FE8306-1, Series E or A Spring Loaded Fitting having Kinedyne part no. FE8029-1, Series E and A Articulated Track Fitting having Ancra part no. 47772-12, Ratchet and/or Cam Buckle Strap having Ancra part no. 47608-21, Series E and A Fitting with D Ring having Ancra part no. 49542-10, Single Stud Track Fitting having Ancra part no. 40340-27, Double Stud Track Fitting with Round Ring having Ancra part no. 47556-11, Single Stud Tie Down Rings having Macs part no. VT-1000, Double Stud Tie Down Rings having Macs part no. VT-2000, Double Stud Idler Fittings having Macs part no. VT-2000I, and Double Stud Fittings with Pear-Shaped Ring having Macs part no. VT-2003. The aforementioned track mounting systems, tracks, and retention devices are typically incorporated in trucks and trailers for the purpose of securing cargo or the like thereto. However, the systems and methods of the present invention may be used in conjunction with any track mounting system, or any system similar thereto, intended for any purpose. Also, these systems and components thereof may be manufactured by manufacturers other than those specifically disclosed above.
Retention devices 106 include base 112 and head 114. Base 112 includes the lower portion of retention device 106 including, inter alia, first and second fingers 118 and 120, respectively, which operate in the same or a similar manner to upper and lower fingers 166 and 170, respectively, as discussed in greater detail in the '141 patent. Head 114 includes the upper portion of retention device 106. When used in conjunction with the systems and methods of the present invention, at least a portion of head 114 includes at least one protrusion that extends beyond the perimeter of base 112 and/or capture aperture 100. Or, alternatively, head 114 includes an integral or coupled component (e.g., a ring, a second rigid mounting body 620 as disclosed in the '485 patent, an obstructor as discussed below with respect to
In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in
In one aspect of the present invention, one or more capture apertures 100 include one or more aperture stabilizing devices 134. Aperture stabilizing devices 134 may be tabs or the like that are designed to mate with at least a portion of a respective track aperture 110 in a manner that stabilizes the object within which capture aperture 100 is located (e.g., mounting plate 102) when it is coupled to track 108 while also allowing passage of one or more intended retention devices through capture aperture 100. For example, in the embodiment depicted in
Mounting apertures 104 allow an object to be coupled to mounting plate 102 via methods known in the art including, but not limited to, nut and bolt combinations such as fasteners 105, screws, welding, riveting, expansion anchors, tab captures, PEM fasteners, and adhesives. After an object is coupled to mounting plate 102, the object may be easily and quickly coupled to and uncoupled from track 108 by simply coupling and uncoupling mounting plate 102 to track 108 as described above. That is, the object may be uncoupled from track 108 by simply removing retention devices 106. When the systems and methods of the present invention are used in conjunction with trailer and/or truck track mounting systems, examples of the types of objects that may be coupled to mounting plate 102 include, but are not limited to, organizer cabinets including but not limited to those manufactured by Pit Pal Products, ladder racks, wheel chocks, single or multiple prong hooks, attachment brackets, shelf brackets, straps, strap ends (e.g., strap ends may be sewn such that straps remain coupled to mounting plate), tire racks, bicycle racks, motorcycle racks, winches, lights, and control devices for cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and the like. Furthermore, the systems and methods may be used to couple multiple tracks together.
Additionally, although mounting plate 102 is depicted as a rectangular, substantially planar plate, alternate embodiments for mounting plate are envisioned including, but not limited to, right angle adaptor 802 (
In one aspect of the present invention, one or more object stabilizing devices 122 are included. Object stabilizing devices 122 are tabs that are designed to mate with at least a portion of a respective track aperture 110 in a manner that stabilizes mounting plate 102 when it is coupled to track 108. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, object stabilizing devices 122 have a length approximately equal to the length of track aperture 110 and they are spaced relative to each other such that each object stabilizing device 122 fits within a respective track aperture 110. The approximately equal length of object stabilizing device 122 and track aperture 110 minimizes the latitudinal movement of mounting plate 102 when object stabilizing device 122 is inserted into track aperture 110 as object stabilizing device 122 acts to stop such movement whenever it comes into contact with an edge of a respective track aperture 110. In this manner, object stabilizing devices 122 allow mounting plate 102 to be fitted to track 108 in a stable manner prior to attachment of retention devices 106 thereto. In another embodiment of the present invention, object stabilizing devices 122 may be designed to mate to track aperture flanges 124. For example, the inwardly facing surface of a first object stabilizing device 122 may be designed to contact the outwardly facing surface of a first track aperture flange 124 and the inwardly facing surface of a second object stabilizing device 122 may be designed to contact the outwardly facing surface of a second track aperture flange 124. However, the present invention is not so limited. Also, although stabilizing device 122 is depicted along the latitudinal edge of mounting plate 102 for insertion into track aperture 110, stabilizing device 122 may also be located along the longitudinal edge of mounting plate 102 such that the inwardly facing surface of stabilizing device 122 engages an outwardly facing surface of the side of the raised surface in which track apertures 110 are located.
Once retention devices 106 have been coupled to track 108, object stabilizing devices 122 and/or aperture stabilizing devices 134 eliminate or minimize movement of mounting plate 102. Depending upon the type of object stabilizing device, the eliminated or minimized motion may include, but is not limited to, rotational, latitudinal, longitudinal, upward, and downward movement of the captured object (e.g., mounting plate 102). Although the embodiment of the present invention depicted in
Although capture apertures 100 are depicted in
Referring next to
The method of inserting retention device 106 into track aperture 110 varies with the type of retention device 106 incorporated. For example, if retention device is the same as or similar to retention device 164 without the positive engagement latch as discussed in greater detail in the '141 patent, then retention device 164 is inserted by: angling retention device 106 such that a first finger may be inserted under a first latitudinal edge of track aperture 110; inserting the first finger under the first latitudinal edge of track aperture 110; lowering base 112 into track aperture 110; and inserting the second finger under the second latitudinal edge of track aperture 110.
Once one or more retention devices 106 have been inserted into one or more track apertures 110 through capture apertures 100, mounting plate 102, or another object within which capture apertures 100 are located, is retained between heads 114 of retention devices 106 and the upwardly facing surface of track 108. In turn, any object coupled to mounting plate 102, such as object 116, is also coupled to track 108. Capture apertures 100 are designed or shaped such that head 114 is unable to pass therethrough, which prevents capture apertures 100 from passing around head 114 once retention devices 106 have been coupled to track aperture 110. Such shape of capture aperture 100 may be designed such that any portion of, or the entire area of, the material surrounding the aperture abuts a downwardly facing surface of head 114 when the material surrounding capture aperture 100 comes into contact therewith. Examples of varying types of capture apertures are discussed in greater detail below with respect to
Although mounting plate 102 is depicted in
Referring now to
Rounded latitudinal protrusions 330a allow a portion of ring 328a to pass through capture aperture 300a, which is necessary when capture apertures are used in conjunction with ring-equipped retention devices known in the art since such rings 328a typically pass through at least a portion of the base such as base 312a of such retention devices such as retention device 306a. Furthermore, when capture apertures such as capture aperture 300a are used in conjunction with retention devices such as retention devices 306a having a head capable of completely passing through the capture aperture, a ring such as ring 328a may be the sole portion of the head such as head 314a that prevents such passage. In such a case, the length of rounded latitudinal protrusion 330a may be calculated based upon the thickness of mounting plate 302a such that it allows only the portion of ring 328a located proximal to base 312a to pass therethrough. Since the portion of ring 328a located proximal to head 314a has a larger diameter than the portion of ring 328a located proximal to base 312a, this portion of the ring will not pass through capture aperture 300a and it will further act to retain object 302a in which capture apertures 300a are located between retention devices 306a and track 308a. However, embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which the head of the retention device retains the object within which the capture aperture is located between the retention device and the track without the assistance of a ring. In such embodiments, the latitudinal protrusion may allow the entire ring, or a portion thereof, to pass therethrough. Other embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which both the head of the retention device and the ring coupled thereto retain the object within which the capture aperture is located between the retention device and the track. Also, embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which the latitudinal protrusions are not rounded. That is, such protrusions may be designed with any rounded or non-rounded shape that allows at least the portion of the ring located proximal to the base of the retention device to pass therethrough.
Similarly, rounded longitudinal ends 332a allow levers such as levers 326a to pass through capture aperture 300a, which is necessary when capture apertures are used in conjunction with lever-equipped retention devices known in the art since such levers typically extend into an area located proximal to the base such as base 312a of such retention devices such as retention device 306a. The size of rounded longitudinal ends 332a may be any size capable of allowing lever 326a to pass therethrough in an open and/or closed state. However, other embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which the longitudinal ends are not rounded. That is, such ends may be designed with any rounded or non-rounded shape that allows the lever to pass therethrough in an open or closed state.
To couple object 302a to track 308a, bases 312a of retention devices 306a are passed through capture apertures 300a and are inserted into track apertures 310a. In the embodiment depicted in
Although capture aperture 300a is depicted having two rounded latitudinal protrusions 330a, such protrusions may be omitted if capture apertures 300a are located within objects that shall be retained using retention devices 306a that are not equipped with rings such as rings 328a or other objects that are affixed to, or protrude from, the midsection of the retention device. Similarly, although capture aperture 300a is depicted having two rounded longitudinal ends 332a, one end may be omitted since most lever-equipped retention devices include a single lever. However, inclusion of two rounded longitudinal ends 332a allows the retention device to be inserted in two different positions (i.e., with lever 326a located at a first rounded longitudinal end 332a or with lever 326a located at a second rounded longitudinal end 332a). Furthermore, although rounded latitudinal protrusions 330a are depicted as being centrally located relative to the length of capture aperture 300a, such protrusions may also be located off center as necessary to meet the requirements of the retention device(s) with which it will be used.
Turning now to
In some embodiments, disengagement of latching mechanism 340 or similar latching mechanisms requires a simple press of the finger. Therefore, retention devices 306b are sometimes mistakenly disengaged via an accidental application of pressure to latching mechanism 340. Capture apertures 300b and 300c are designed to prevent or minimize the potential for accidental disengagement of latch-equipped retention devices such as retention devices 306b. Capture apertures 300b and 300c include main aperture sections 334a and 334b, respectively, and slotted longitudinal ends 332b and circular longitudinal ends 332c, respectively. Main aperture sections 334a and 334b have a shorter length than the length of the retention devices used therewith such as retention devices 306b such that when retention devices 306b are inserted through capture apertures 300b and 300c into track apertures 310b, the longitudinal ends of retention devices 306b (e.g., first and second fingers 318b and 320b, respectively) rest below slotted longitudinal ends 332b and circular longitudinal ends 332c, respectively, as well as the surface of track 308b within which track apertures 310b are located. Once retention devices 306b have been inserted into track apertures 310b through capture apertures 330b and/or 330c, the shapes of slotted longitudinal ends 332b and circular longitudinal ends 332c are designed to create shoulders 336 that prevent or minimize the potential for the accidental disengagement of retention devices 306b. That is, when retention device 306b is latched into track aperture 310b, the at least partially narrow shapes of slotted longitudinal ends 332b and circular longitudinal ends 332c allow the latch to engage by passing therethrough. However, when latching mechanism 340 is engaged, the innermost surface of notch 338b is in contact with shoulder 336, which prevents or minimizes lateral movement of retention device 306b (with respect to track 308b), or longitudinal movement of retention device 306b, due to the contact of the innermost surfaces of notch 338b with shoulders 336. This movement is prevented or minimized when latching mechanism 340 is in either an engaged or disengaged state, which prevents or minimizes the potential for accidental disengagement of retention device 306b via the accidental application of pressure to latching mechanism 340.
Capture aperture 300b includes slotted longitudinal ends 332b, which have a width greater than the width of the latch of latching mechanism 340 but less than the width of base 312b of the retention device(s) with which capture aperture 300b will be used. That is, the narrow width of slotted longitudinal end 332b prevents the passage of the wider width of base 312b of the retention device(s) with which capture aperture 300b will be used while allowing the passage of the latch therethrough. Although slotted longitudinal ends 332b of
Similarly, capture aperture 300c includes slotted longitudinal ends 332c having a width between shoulders 336 that is greater than the width of the latch of latching mechanism 340 but less than the width of base 312b of the retention device(s) with which capture aperture 300c will be used. This narrow width prevents the passage of the wider width of base 312b of the retention device(s) with which capture aperture 300b will be used while allowing the passage of the latch therethrough. Furthermore, circular longitudinal ends 332c are rounded and enlarged, relative to slotted longitudinal ends 332b, to allow a user to pass a finger through such ends to facilitate removal and/or insertion of retention device 306b. Although circular longitudinal ends 332c are circular, embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which such ends are non-circular. That is, such longitudinal ends may be designed with any circular or non-circular shape that allows passage of a finger therethrough while creating an aperture between shoulders 336 that prevents passage of base 312b of the retention devices with which the capture apertures will be used while allowing passage of the latch therethrough.
To couple object 302b to track 308b, bases 312b of retention devices 306b are passed through capture apertures 300b or 300c and are inserted into track apertures 310b. In the embodiment depicted in
Although capture apertures 300b and 300c are depicted having two slotted longitudinal ends 332b and circular longitudinal ends 332c, respectively, embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which one longitudinal end may be omitted since accidental disengagement of the retention device latch and/or finger may be achieved for some retention devices via use of a single slotted longitudinal end 332b or circular longitudinal end 332c, respectively. However, inclusion of two slotted longitudinal ends 332b or circular longitudinal ends 332c allows the retention device to be inserted in two different positions (i.e., with finger 318b located at a first slotted longitudinal end 332b or circular longitudinal end 332c respectively, or with finger 318b located at a second slotted longitudinal end 332b or circular longitudinal end 332c, respectively). Furthermore, although slotted longitudinal end 332b and circular longitudinal end 332c are depicted as being located at the midpoint of the latitudinal width of main aperture section 334a and 334b, respectively, such longitudinal ends may also be located off center, or as required by the retention devices with which the capture apertures will be used, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Referring next to
In some aspects of the present invention, wheel chock 402 includes one or more object stabilizing/retention devices 442, which have similar features and perform similar functions as object stabilizing device 122 as discussed in greater detail above with respect to
Referring next to
In accordance with the present invention, strap apertures 536a and 536b provide a mechanism for coupling the obstructors of the present invention such as clip obstructor 538 and interference obstructor 540 to existing retention devices such as retention devices 506a and 506b, the latter of which are known in the art and are commercially available. This allows the systems and methods of the present invention to be easily integrated with existing track mounting systems and track mounting system equipment to reduce the cost of implementation of the present invention.
As depicted in
Similarly, as depicted in
Turning now to
In one aspect of the present invention, specially configured retention devices include retention device stabilizing devices 654. In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in
In another aspect of the present invention, mounting plate 602 includes object stabilizing devices 622 and aperture stabilizing devices 634, which are similar to and have the same utility as object stabilizing devices 122 and aperture stabilizing devices 134, respectively, as discussed in greater detail above with respect to
Furthermore, once retention devices 606 have been coupled to track 608 via track apertures 610, retention device stabilizing devices 654, object stabilizing devices 622, and/or aperture stabilizing devices 634 eliminate or minimize movement of mounting plate 602. Depending upon the type of stabilizing device, the eliminated or minimized motion may include, but is not limited to, rotational, latitudinal, longitudinal, upward, and downward movement of the captured object (e.g., mounting plate 602). Although the embodiment of the present invention depicted in
Turning next to
Track mounting apertures 764 allow track 708 to be mounted to a vertical surface by passing a fastener (e.g., a nail, screw, etc.) therethrough as is commercially known.
In one aspect of the present invention, mounting plate 702 includes one or more suspension devices 760 that key mounting plate 702 in the proper position such that suspension device 760 helps to support the retention load of mounting plate 702 and any objects coupled thereto. In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in
In one aspect of the present invention, capture aperture 700 includes one or more aperture stabilizing devices 734. Aperture stabilizing devices 734 may be tabs or the like that are designed to mate with at least a portion of a respective track aperture 710 in a manner that stabilizes the object within which capture aperture 700 is located (e.g., mounting plate 702) when it is coupled to track 708 while also allowing passage of one or more intended retention devices through capture aperture 700. Aperture stabilizing devices 734 may be similar to aperture stabilizing devices 134 as discussed above in greater detail with respect to
Mounting plate 702 also includes mounting apertures 704 and object stabilizing device 722, which are substantially the same as mounting apertures 104 and object stabilizing devices 122, respectively, as discussed in greater detail above with respect to
Additionally, although mounting plate 702 is depicted as a rectangular, substantially planar plate, alternate embodiments for mounting plate are envisioned. For example, mounting plate may include two rectangular plates oriented at ninety degrees to each other, wherein the mounting apertures may be located in either one or both of such plates. However, the invention is not so limited. Any mounting plate of any configuration capable of accepting capture apertures may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Although capture aperture 700 is depicted in
Turning now to
In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in
The use of an adaptor such as right angle adaptor 802 allows an object to be easily and quickly coupled to and uncoupled from a track at a right angle thereto by simply passing one or more retention devices through the desired capture apertures 800a or 800b and coupling the respective retention devices 806 to respective track apertures 810.
Turning now to
Mounting plate 902 and its integral mounting apertures 904 perform the same function as mounting plate 102 and mounting apertures 104, respectively, as discussed in greater detail above with respect to
In one aspect of the present invention, one or more object stabilizing devices 922 are included. In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in
In another aspect of the present invention, one or more object stabilizing devices 928 are included. Object stabilizing devices 928 are tabs that are designed to mate with at least a portion of a respective track aperture 910, at least a portion of an interconnecting aperture section 912, or an outwardly facing surface of track 908 in a manner that stabilizes mounting 26 plate 902 when it is coupled to track 908. For example, in the embodiment of the present invention depicted in
In one aspect of the present invention, assembly of mounting plate 902 to track 908 is performed by first inserting each object stabilizing device 922 into a respective track aperture 910. Thereafter, latch 914 of retention device 906 is indexed to an unlatched state as is commercially known and retention device 906 is passed through capture aperture 900 such that feet 916 of retention device 906 rest within respective track apertures 910. Next, retention device 906 and mounting plate 902 are slid longitudinally along track 908 until latch 914 is aligned with a respective track aperture 910. This sliding action causes both disk 924 of object stabilizing device 922 and feet 916 of retention device 906 to align with interconnecting aperture sections 912 rather than track apertures 910, which captures disk 924 below interconnecting aperture sections 912. Such positioning prevents or minimizes upward movement of mounting plate 902 and retention device 906 since the diameters of disk 924 and feet 916 are such that these items are not capable of passing through interconnecting aperture sections 912. This positioning also prevents or minimizes latitudinal movement of mounting plate 902 relative to track 908 since stem 926 will abut the inwardly facing surfaces of interconnecting aperture sections 912 upon such attempted movement. When the proper positioning of mounting plate 902 and retention device 906 has been achieved, latch 914 is indexed to a latched state to further couple retention device 906, and therefore mounting plate 902, to track 908.
The design of object stabilizing devices 922 minimizes the latitudinal movement of mounting plate 902 when object stabilizing devices 922 are coupled to track 908 as discussed above as object stabilizing device 922 acts to stop such movement whenever stem 926 comes into contact with an inwardly facing edge of the respective interconnecting aperture section 912. However, alternate embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which object stabilizing devices 922 are omitted.
The use of a mounting plate such as mounting plate 902 allows an object to be easily and quickly coupled to and uncoupled from an aircraft-style track by simply passing one or more retention devices through the desired capture aperture 900 and coupling retention device 906 to respective track aperture 910.
Referring now to
In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in
Capture apertures 1000a are similar to capture aperture 100 (
In one aspect of the present invention, capture aperture 1000a has a length and/or a width greater than the length and/or width, respectively, of the track aperture (e.g., track aperture 1010) of the track (e.g., track 1008) to which it will be coupled. Such a configuration accommodates, inaccuracies in the mounting of tracks 1008. For example, if track assembly 1070a is to be mounted on either end to two parallel tracks 1008 as depicted in
Track adaptors 1002a also include track adaptor mounting apertures 1004a that allow an object such as one or more tracks 1016a to be coupled to track adaptors 1002a via methods known in the art including, but not limited to, nut and bolt combinations such as fasteners 1005a, screws, welding, riveting, expansion anchors, tab captures, PEM fasteners, and adhesives. For example, as depicted in
Track adaptors 1002a may also include track adaptor stabilizing devices 1022a, which are substantially the same and operate in the same manner as object stabilizing devices 122 as discussed in greater detail above with respect to
Assembled views of the components depicted in the exploded view of
Turning now to
In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in
Capture apertures 1000b are similar to capture aperture 100 (
In one aspect of the present invention, capture aperture 1000b has a length and/or a width greater than the length and/or width, respectively, of the track aperture (e.g., track aperture 1010) of the track (e.g., track 1008) to which it will be coupled. Such a configuration accommodates inaccuracies in the mounting of tracks 1008. However, embodiments of the present invention are also envisioned in which the capture apertures are sized to have a length and/or width that is equal to the length and/or width, respectively, of the track aperture of the track to which they will be coupled.
Track adaptor plate 1002b also includes track adaptor plate mounting apertures 1004b that allow an object such as one or more tracks 116b to be coupled to track adaptor plate 1002b via methods known in the art including, but not limited to, nut and bolt combinations such as fasteners 1005b, screws, welding, riveting, expansion anchors, tab captures, PEM fasteners, and adhesives. For example, as depicted in
Track adaptor plate 1002b may include track adaptor plate stabilizing devices 1022b, which are substantially the same and operate in the same manner as object stabilizing devices 122 as discussed in greater detail above with respect to
When the components depicted in the exploded view of
Referring now to
In some aspects of the present invention, the capture aperture is oversized to facilitate lifting and pivoting of the retention device. However, the systems and methods of the present invention are not so limited.
Although the present invention has been discussed herein for use with conventional known track mounting systems such as those discussed herein, the present invention may also be incorporated with track mounting systems, tracks, and/or retention devices not yet known in the art or those yet to be invented without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may be utilized with non-track mounting systems that utilize retention devices that are compatible with the present invention such as retention devices 106.
Furthermore, although the capture apertures discussed herein are located in rigid materials, the present invention is not so limited. Capture apertures may be located in flexible materials as well. For example, capture apertures may be located in straps including, but not limited to, cloth straps, leather straps, nylon straps, and the like. Or, in yet other embodiments of the present invention, capture apertures are located in plates that are located at the end of a strap. For example, one or more capture apertures may be located in an end plate sewn to the end of a strap. This allows the strap to be removably affixed to the track mounting system for use in tying down cargo or other purposes.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus for coupling an article to a track mounting system comprising:
- at least one body; and
- at least one capture aperture passing through at least a portion of said at least one body, wherein a shape of said at least one capture aperture accepts passage of a base of at least one retention device through said at least one capture aperture, and said shape of said at least one capture aperture prevents passage through said at least one capture aperture of at least one of the group consisting of a head of said at least one retention device, a component coupled to a head of said at least one retention device, and combinations thereof;
- wherein said at least one retention device mates with at least one track aperture of at least one first track of said track mounting system; and
- wherein passing said at least one retention device through said at least one capture aperture and mating said at least one retention device with said at least one track aperture captures said body between said at least one retention device and said at least one first track.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is one of the group consisting of a mounting plate, an adaptor, a wheel chock, a track adaptor plate, and combinations thereof.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one first track is at least one of the group consisting of horizontal track, vertical track, E track, A track, L track, aircraft style seat/logistic track, Versatie track, and combinations thereof.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes at least one of the group consisting of a mounting aperture, an object stabilizing device, an aperture stabilizing device, a suspension device, and combinations thereof.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes at least one of the group consisting of a tab, a flange, and combinations thereof.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said capture aperture is a cutout.
7. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said cutout is at least one of the group consisting of rectangular, circular, semi-circular, and combinations thereof.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said article is coupled to said apparatus.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said coupling is performed via at least one mounting aperture.
10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said capture aperture includes at least one of the group consisting of a rounded latitudinal protrusion, a rounded longitudinal end, a non-rounded latitudinal protrusion, a non-rounded longitudinal end, a slotted longitudinal end, a circular longitudinal end, and combinations thereof.
11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said retention device includes at least one of the group consisting of a ring, a strap lap, a strap aperture, an obstructer, and combinations thereof.
12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said article is at least one second track.
13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said at least one second track is at least one of the group consisting of horizontal track, vertical track, E track, A track, L track, aircraft style seat/logistic track, Versatie track, and combinations thereof.
14. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one first track includes two parallel tracks.
15. A method of modifying or manufacturing an object to facilitate coupling of said object to at least one track mounting system comprising the steps of:
- selecting at least one track of said at least one track mounting system to be compatible with said object;
- selecting at least one retention device of said at least one track mounting system to be compatible with said object;
- selecting at least one aperture shape that allows passage of a base of said at least one retention device through said at least one aperture and prevents passage of at least one of the group consisting of a head of said at least one retention device, an object coupled to a head of said at least one retention device, and combinations thereof; and
- creating at least one aperture having said at least one aperture shape in a body of said object,
- wherein said at least one retention device mates with at least one aperture of at least one track of said track mounting system; and
- wherein passing said at least one retention device through said at least one aperture and mating said at least one retention device with said at least one track captures said body between said at least one retention device and said at least one track.
16. A method for coupling an object to a track mounting system comprising the steps of:
- passing at least one retention device through at least one aperture located in said object; and
- inserting said at least one retention device into at least one track aperture located in at least one track of said track mounting system;
- wherein upon completion of said method, said object is captured between at least a portion of said retention device and at least a portion of said at least one track.
17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising:
- aligning said at least one aperture located in said object with said at least one track aperture located in said at least one track of said track mounting system.
18. An apparatus for enlarging a head of a retention device to prevent passage of said head through at least one capture aperture comprising:
- at least one body; and
- at least one coupling mechanism for coupling said body to said head of said retention device.
19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said coupling mechanism is at least one of the group consisting of a clip, a nut and bolt combination, and combinations thereof.
20. An apparatus for insertion into a track aperture of a track for capturing at least one object between said apparatus and said track comprising:
- a base; and
- a head coupled to said base, said head including at least one of the group consisting of a protrusion, a component, and combinations thereof;
- wherein said at least one of the group consisting of a protrusion, a component, and combinations thereof prevents passage of said head through at least one capture aperture; and
- wherein at least a portion of a first perimeter of said head extends beyond a corresponding portion of a second perimeter of said base.
21. An apparatus according to claim 20 further comprising:
- at least one retention device stabilizing device.
22. An apparatus for insertion into a track aperture of a track for capturing at least one object between said apparatus and said track:
- a base; and
- a head coupled to said base;
- wherein at least a portion of said head overhangs at least a portion of said base; and
- wherein said at least a portion of said head prevents passage of said head through at least one capture aperture.
23. An apparatus according to claim 22 further comprising:
- at least one retention device stabilizing device.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 2, 2007
Publication Date: Aug 7, 2008
Inventor: Glenn Alan Ehrgott (Long Valley, NJ)
Application Number: 11/701,841
International Classification: A47B 96/00 (20060101);