BACKGROUND
A peg board or slat wall storage system refers to a storage system that includes a flat surface with openings formed therein. The openings typically receive hangers or hooks that are used to display/store items. The flat surface, which can be in the form of a pegboard, plywood, metal sheet, plastic sheet, etc., is generally mounted to a wall using fasteners. The hangers or hooks can then be mounted to various locations on the flat surface for the display/storage of items. For example, a common use of a panel rack system is residential garage tool organization and storage.
SUMMARY
An illustrative panel rack storage system includes a panel. The panel includes a first plurality of rows of horizontal slots that extend through the panel. Each row in the first plurality of rows includes a plurality of horizontal slots. The system also includes a first fin mounted to a first side of the panel and a second fin mounted to a second side of the panel. The system also includes a container mounted to the panel, where the panel attaches to the panel at one of more of the horizontal slots.
In one embodiment, each row in the first plurality of rows includes a different pattern of horizontal slots. In another embodiment, two or more rows in the first plurality of rows includes a same pattern of horizontal slots. Another embodiment includes a second plurality of rows of horizontal slots in the first fin. The second plurality of rows of horizontal slots in the first fin are vertically aligned with at least a portion of the first plurality of rows of horizontal slots in the panel.
In an illustrative embodiment, the panel includes flanges that extend from side edges of the panel beyond a rear face of the panel, and the first fin and the second fin mount to the flanges. In one embodiment, each edge of the panel includes a flange that extends therefrom, and the panel includes a gap in between each of the flanges such that the flanges do not contact one another. In one embodiment, the gap has a rounded end at a location where the gap meets a face of the panel.
In another embodiment, the system includes a first leg that mounts to the first fin and a second leg that mounts to the second fin, where the first leg and second leg are oriented to be parallel to the plurality of horizontal slots. In another embodiment, a plurality of feet are mounted to the first leg, and the plurality of feet are vertically adjustable to raise or lower a height of the system.
In one embodiment, the container includes one or more indicators that represent a length of the container. In such an embodiment, each indicator corresponds to a length increment of the container such that a number of the one or more indicators multiplied by the length increment results in an overall length of the container. In one embodiment, the one or more indicators are vertical slots positioned in a front face of the container. In another embodiment, the container includes one or more drain openings positioned at one or more bottom corners of the container. In another embodiment, a rear face of the container is greater in height than a front face of the container.
In an illustrative embodiment, a mounting flange extends from a top edge of a rear face of the container. The mounting flange comprises a first vertical portion, a horizontal portion that extends from the first vertical portion, and a second vertical portion that extends from the horizontal portion. The first vertical portion of the mounting flange rests upon a rear face of the panel and the second vertical portion of the mounting flange rests upon a front face of the panel when the container is mounted to the panel. The mounting flange includes a threaded opening sized to receive a fastener to secure the container to the panel. In another illustrative embodiment, the plurality of horizontal slots in each of the first plurality of rows are sized and spaced such that the container can move horizontally along a portion of the panel.
Other principal features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Illustrative embodiments will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1A depicts an assembled panel rack storage system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 1B depicts an exploded view of components of various sizes for a panel rack storage system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a panel for a panel rack storage system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of a panel for a panel rack storage system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 2C is a direct front view of a panel for a panel rack storage system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 2D is a partial view depicting a corner of a panel for a panel rack storage system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 2E is a partial view depicting a sign mounted to a top of the panel in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 3A depicts a pair of fins mounted to a pair of legs in a first orientation in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 3B depicts a pair of fins mounted to a pair of legs in a second orientation in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 3C is a partial close up view of a foot mounted to a leg in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 3D is a partial close up bottom view of a foot in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 3E depicts 2 fins mounted to a single leg in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 3F is a side view of a panel rack storage system that includes three containers in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 3G is a partial view depicting a plurality of panels mounted to a fin in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 3H depicts dividers of various sizes for use in partitioning containers in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 4A depicts a container in the form of a basket in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 4B is a partial view of an interior corner of the basket that depicts indicator slots in the front face in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 4C is a side view of the basket in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 4D is a partial close up view of a mounting flange attached to the basket in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 4E is a partial rear view of a panel showing a container with two mounting flanges mounted to the panel in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 4F depicts a fastener positioned in the opening of the first vertical portion of a mounting flange to secure a container to a panel in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 4G is a partial front view of a container mounted into two slots on a panel and located at a first position within the two slots in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 4H is a partial front view of a container mounted into two slots on a panel and located at a second position within the two slots in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 4I depicts a shelf clip (or L-bracket) that can be mounted to the panel in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 4J depicts a partitioned container mounted to a pair of shelf clips in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 5A depicts a floor or counter mounted panel rack storage system with a variety of different mounted containers in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 5B is a close up view of a container mounted to the fin in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 5C depicts a panel rack storage system with panels mounted to both sides of a central fin to create an extended storage solution in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
FIG. 5D depicts a plurality of different panel rack system configurations in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Traditional peg board or slat wall storage systems are designed to be wall mounted units and are generally intended for tool storage, display, and organization. For example, many traditional systems include a flat panel in the form of a peg board that mounts to a wall. As a result traditional peg board or slat wall storage systems are often limited to use in scenarios that have available wall space for mounting of the flat panel. Additionally, traditional storage systems typically provide limited mounting options for the hooks, hangers, etc. that are to be mounted to the flat panel and used for storage.
Described herein is a panel rack storage system that provides additional flexibility for the mounting of storage units to a panel, and that is not limited to wall mounted applications. The proposed system is an innovative modular organizing and storage system that includes panel(s), side fins, and legs, in combination with a wide range of containers, that allow for a countertop solution set. The system can also be used as a wall mounted system that does not include side fins or legs. When used in conjunction with the unique containers and hanging clips described herein, the system becomes a fully expandable modular organizational system. The system can be used in a variety of applications, both residential and commercial/retail, including a condiment dispensing station, a retail candy rack, a cell phone display, a health and beauty aid display, a beverage display, end cap shelving, a transaction counters, an island divider, etc.
FIG. 1A depicts an assembled panel rack storage system 100 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown, the system 100 includes a panel 105, which includes a flat surface to which containers, etc. can be mounted. Mounted to the side edges of the panel 105 are a pair of fins 110. The fins 110 allow the panel 105 to be mounted in virtually any location, including in an open space, along a wall, on a countertop, at the end of a shopping aisle, etc. In an alternative embodiment, the panel 105 can be directly mounted to a wall using fasteners or hooks, and in such an embodiment the fins 110 may not be used.
Each of the fins 110 is mounted to a leg 115 that is oriented horizontally (i.e., parallel to a ground surface upon which the system rests) relative to the fins 110. A pair of adjustable feet 120 are mounted to each of the legs 115 in the embodiment of FIG. 1A. In alternative embodiments, additional (e.g., 3, 4, etc.) or fewer (e.g., 0) feet may be mounted on each of the legs of the system. The system also includes containers 125 mounted to horizontal slots (i.e., slots that are generally oriented parallel to the ground surface upon which the system rests) formed in the panel 105. In alternative embodiments, fewer or additional containers 125 can be used.
In an illustrative embodiment, system components can come in a variety of different sizes and many of the components can be mixed and matched to form systems of varying size and shape. FIG. 1B depicts an exploded view of components of various sizes for a panel rack storage system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown, the components include various sizes of panels 105, fins 110 (mounted to legs 115 with feet 120), containers 125, etc. FIG. 1B also depicts dividers 130 that can be used to partition containers such that items can be separated from one another in the containers. As shown, in addition to various sizes of panels 105 and fins 110, the system also accommodates numerous different sizes and types of containers, such as storage baskets of various shapes/sizes, beverage holders, condiment dispensers, napkin dispensers, etc. In alternative embodiments, components other than containers can be mounted to the panels 105, such as shelves, hooks, pegs, etc.
FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a panel for a panel rack storage system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of a panel for a panel rack storage system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 2C is a direct front view of a panel for a panel rack storage system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 2D is a partial view depicting a corner of a panel for a panel rack storage system in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 2E is a partial view depicting a sign mounted to a top of the panel in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In an illustrative embodiment, the panel is non-welded and formed from a single piece of sheet metal, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. Alternatively, the panel can be made from plastic.
As shown, a top edge 205, a bottom edge 210, and side edges 215 of the panel each include a flange 220 that extends past a rear surface of the panel. The flanges 220 are used for mounting the panel to fins as described herein. The flanges also provide a gap between a wall and the panel in embodiments where the panel is mounted directly to the wall without the use of fins. This gap allows for easy attachment and detachment of containers and other components to the panel, without interference from the wall. The flanges further provide increased structural strength to the panel by reducing the flexibility of the panel. In one embodiment, the flanges can be 0.75 inches deep. Alternatively, the flanges can have a depth of 0.5″, 1″, 1.5″, etc. As shown, each of the flanges includes one or more openings that are sized to receive a fastener and that are used to mount the panel to fins and/or to attach other components to the system such as advertisements, signs, additional bracing, accessories, etc. FIG. 2E depicts a sign 250 mounted to the top flange 220 of a panel. The sign 250 can be a video display, an light-emitting diode (LED) display, a paper/cardboard display, etc.
The panel includes a plurality of rows 230 of slots 235, where each row includes a plurality of distinct slots. In an illustrative embodiment, the slots 235 are laser cut slots. Alternatively, the slots 235 may be formed by any other type of cutting, punching, etc. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the panel includes 8 rows 230 of slots 235. In alternative embodiments, additional or fewer rows of slots may be used on a panel, depending on panel size, slot size, container size, etc. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, each row 230 of slots 235 on the panel has a different slot pattern such that no two rows of slots on the entire panel has the same slot pattern. In other words, in the embodiment shown, the slots 235 in any given row on the panel do not align vertically with the slots in any other row on the panel. In an alternative embodiment, all rows can have the same pattern of slots such that each row is identical and the slots in each row are vertically aligned with one another. In another alternative embodiment, a portion of the rows can have slots that have the same pattern and are thus vertically aligned with one another. For example, in one embodiment, every other row (i.e., alternating rows) on the panel can have the same pattern.
As best shown in the close up view of FIG. 2D, each corner of the panel includes a gap 240 such that adjacent flanges of the panel do not contact one another. The gap 240 at each of the corners is sized to receive a portion of an L-bracket that can be used to connect multiple panels together and/or to attach other components to the panel. As shown, the gap 240 has a rounded end 245 at the location where the gap 240 meets the face of the panel. In an alternative embodiment, the gap 240 may have a straight end at the location where the gap meets the face of the panel. As also shown in FIG. 2D, each of the slots 235 has an oval shape. Alternatively, the slots 235 can have a different shape such as rectangular. In one embodiment, different slots 235 can have different shapes such that some slots are ovular and some slots are rectangular.
FIG. 3A depicts a pair of fins mounted to a pair of legs in a first orientation in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 3B depicts a pair of fins mounted to a pair of legs in a second orientation in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown, each of the fins includes a plurality of rows 305 of slots 310. In an illustrative embodiment, the slots 310 can be oval in shape. Alternatively, the slots 310 can have a rectangular shape. In one embodiment, each of the rows 305 of slots on the fins can have one slot or two slots. Alternatively, a row 305 can have additional slots such as three, four, etc. In another embodiment, not all of the rows 305 of slots 310 on the fin have the same slot pattern. In other words, in an illustrative embodiment, different rows 305 on the fin have different slot patterns such that the slots in all rows are not vertically aligned with one another. In an alternative embodiment, all of the rows 305 can have the same slot pattern.
A rear edge 315 of each fin includes a series of openings which are sized to receive fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) such that the fin can be mounted to a panel as shown in FIG. 1A. A bottom edge 320 of the fin includes openings which are sized to receive fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) such that the fin can be mounted to a leg 115. The bottom edge 320 and a top edge 325 of the fin are straight such that the rear edge 315 meets the bottom edge 320 at a 90° angle and the rear edge 315 meets the top edge 325 at a 90° angle. A front edge 330 of the fin is curved and extends from the bottom edge 320 to the top edge 325. As shown, the bottom edge 320 has a greater length than the top edge 325 such that the front edge 330 of the fin tapers down in size (i.e., narrows) as the front edge 330 extends from the bottom edge 320 to the top edge 325.
As shown, each of the legs 115 to which the fins mount is shaped as a rectangular tube that is hollow in the center. As such, each end of the leg 115 includes a cap 335 to cover the open ends of the rectangular tube that forms the leg 115. Alternatively, the rectangular tube may not be hollow and the caps 335 may not be used. In another embodiment, the leg can have a different shape such as cylindrical. Each leg 115 has a plurality of openings that are sized to receive fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) such that the fin can be mounted thereto. In the embodiment shown, each of the fins includes two spaced apart openings (on the bottom edge 320) and each of the legs 115 has four spaced apart openings in which spacing is the same as that of the fin. As a result, in the embodiment shown the fin can mount to 3 locations on the leg (front using the first and second openings, middle using the second and third openings, and rear using the third and fourth openings). In an alternative embodiment, the leg 115 and/or the fin can include additional or fewer openings for mounting to one another. In the embodiment shown, the openings in the fin are through holes and the openings in the legs are not through holes such that the openings in the legs appear in only one face of the rectangular tube that forms the leg. In an alternative embodiment, the openings in the legs can be through openings that extend through a pair of opposing faces of the rectangular tube.
FIG. 3C is a partial close up view of a foot 120 mounted to a leg 115 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 3D is a partial close up bottom view of a foot 120 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In one embodiment, the foot 120 can be rubber and can provide shock absorption and anti-skid benefits, in addition to protecting the counter or floor upon which the system is mounted and reducing system noise. The feet 120 also create a vertical rise to the entire unit to provide ease of cleaning underneath and running of power cords behind the system. In an illustrative embodiment, the foot 120 is adjustable such that each of the feet 120 can be independently raised or lowered to help ensure that the overall panel rack storage system is level. As shown, the foot 120 mounts to the leg 115 via a fastener 340 (e.g., a screw or bolt). Inserting the fastener 340 further into the leg 115 draws the foot 120 closer to the leg 115, thereby lowering the overall height of the system. Partially withdrawing the fastener 340 from the leg 115 moves the foot 120 further away from the leg 115, thereby raising the overall height of the system.
FIG. 3E depicts 2 fins 110 mounted to a single leg 115 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The fins 110 are mounted such that the rear edges 315 of the fins 110 are adjacent to one another. As a result, a two-sided panel rack storage system can readily be constructed. One example use of such a two-sided system can be to form display aisles in a store. FIG. 3F is a side view of a panel rack storage system that includes three containers in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In the side view of FIG. 3F, the panel to which the containers 125 are mounted is not visible. FIG. 3F also depicts a surface 135, which can be a ground surface, a floor of a building, a table, a countertop, etc. As shown, the slots 310 in the fin (and likewise the slots 235 in the panel) are oriented horizontally (i.e., parallel to the surface 135) and the fin is oriented vertically (i.e., perpendicular to the surface 135).
FIG. 3G is a partial view depicting a plurality of panels 105 mounted to a fin 110 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown, in this mounted configuration, each of the rows 305 of slots 310 on the fin 110 is aligned with a row 230 of slots 235 in the panel 105. As such, each row 305 on the fin 110 is the same height (relative to a ground surface upon which the system rests) as a corresponding row 230 on the panel 105. The plurality of panels 105 shown in FIG. 3G can be mounted to one another using fasteners, brackets, etc. FIG. 3H depicts dividers of various sizes for use in partitioning containers to one another in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The dividers can have a same depth as a container to allow for multiple demarcation of basket products. As shown, each of the dividers includes an opening to accommodate powder coating.
FIG. 4 depicts various containers 125 that can be mounted to panels and/or fins of the proposed system. FIG. 4A depicts a container in the form of a basket in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown, the basket 400 includes a front face 405, a rear face 410, sides 415, and a bottom 420. In an illustrative embodiment, the basket 400 is formed from a single sheet of metal and is non-welded. Alternatively, the basket 400 can be formed from plastic and/or the basket 400 can be formed using another technique such as welding, molding, etc.
In an illustrative embodiment, the front face 405 of the basket 400 includes indicators 425 that correlate to an overall length of the basket 400. In the depicted embodiment, the indicators 425 are in the form of ovular slots that are vertically oriented in the front face 405 and that extend entirely through the front face 405. FIG. 4B is a partial view of an interior corner of the basket that depicts indicator slots 425 in the front face in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Each indicator slot 425 corresponds to a known length. As such, multiplying the number of indicators 425 by the length that corresponds to a single indicator results in an overall length of the container. In the embodiment shown, each indicator 425 corresponds to 2 inches in length. As a result, multiplying the number of indicators (3) by the length that corresponds to a single indicator (2 inches) results in an overall basket length of 6 inches as shown in FIG. 4A. As such, a user can readily determine the basket size by looking at it and without having to use a measurement device. Additionally, the use of indicator slots 425 allows the basket length to be readily determined by tactile touch. In alternative embodiments, each indicator 425 may correspond to a different length, such as 1″, 3″, 6″, etc. In other alternative embodiments, the indicators 425 can have a different shape, size, and/or orientation.
In another illustrative embodiment, one or more bottom corners of the basket 400 includes a drain opening 430. The drain openings 430 allow liquid to exit through the bottom of the basket 400 in the event of rain or spillage to help protect any items displayed or stored in the basket 400. In one embodiment, each of the four bottom corners of the basket 400 can include a drain opening 430. Alternatively, only one, two, or three corners of the basket 400 may include the drain opening 430 depending on the implementation.
The rear face 410 includes a pair of mounting flanges 435 that extend from a top edge 440 thereof. In alternative embodiments, fewer (e.g., 1) or additional (e.g., 3, 4, etc.) mounting flanges 430 may be included on a given container. The mounting flanges 435 are used to attach the container to the slots formed in the panel. FIG. 4C is a side view of the basket 400 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 4D is a partial close up view of a mounting flange 435 attached to the basket 400 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown, each of the flanges 435 includes a first vertical portion 445 that is attached to the top edge 440 of the rear face 410 of the basket 400 and that extends vertically in an upward direction from the rear face 410. Connected to the first vertical portion 445 is a horizontal portion 450 that extends outward (i.e., past the rear face 410) from the rear face 410, and connected to the horizontal portion 450 is a second vertical portion 455 that extends vertically in an upward direction from the horizontal portion 450.
As shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D, an upper edge of the front face of the container is lower than an upper edge of the rear face of the container and the upper edges are connected by sloping sides of the container. This configuration creates better visibility of products in the container. In one embodiment, any of the containers described herein can be similarly configured to have a height of the rear face be larger than the height of the front face. Alternatively, the rear and front faces can be equal in height such that the sides are flat and do not slope downward from the rear to the front of the container.
In an illustrative embodiment, the shape of the mounting flanges 435 allows them to be inserted into a slot on a panel for hanging a basket, shelf, etc. to the panel. Similarly, the mounting flanges 435 can also be used to mount items to a fin of the system. FIG. 4E is a partial rear view of a panel showing a container with two mounting flanges mounted to the panel in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown, the first vertical portion 445 of the mounting flanges 435 is received by a slot 235 on the panel. To insert the first vertical portion 445 of the mounting flange, the first vertical portion 445 can be oriented perpendicular to the front side of the panel and placed into the slot until the horizontal portion 450 of the mounting flange 435 contacts the panel. The container (and mounting flange 435 connected to the container) is then rotated downward such that the first vertical portion 445 of the mounting flange rests on a rear side of the panel and the second vertical portion 455 rests on a front side of the panel. It is noted that the insertion angle of the first vertical portion 445 into the slot 235 does not have to perpendicular (i.e., at) 90°, but can instead be at any angle between 0° and 180° relative to the front side of the panel, depending on the width of the slot and the thickness of the panel and mounting flange.
In an illustrative embodiment, the first vertical portion 445 of each of the mounting flanges 435 includes an opening 460 sized to receive a fastener, such as a set screw, bolt, etc. FIG. 4F depicts a fastener 465 positioned in the opening of the first vertical portion 445 of a mounting flange 435 to secure a container to a panel in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In another illustrative embodiment, the slots 235 in the panel are sized and spaced to accommodate horizontal (i.e., sliding) movement of a mounted container (or other component) within the slots so that the user can control the exact placement of the container. The use of one or more fasteners 465 inserted through the opening 460 secures the container at a desired location and prevents unwanted movement (i.e. horizontal sliding) of the container. The fastener(s) 465 can also be used to help level the container if needed. As noted, the fastener 465 can be a threaded set screw (or bolt) that threads into the opening 460 such that an end of the fastener 465 contacts the rear surface of the panel, thereby preventing movement of the mounting flange 435 and the container to which it is mounted. The opening 460 also facilitates application of a powder coating on the container. In alternative embodiments, the mounting flanges 435 are not secured to the panel, but are instead left unsecured such that the container can be easily moved within the slot. In another alternative embodiment, a different type of securing mechanism can be used to secure the container to the panel, such as double-sided tape.
FIG. 4G is a partial front view of a container mounted into two slots 235 on a panel and located at a first position within the two slots in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 4H is a partial front view of a container mounted into two slots 235 on a panel and located at a second position within the two slots in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIGS. 4G and 4H therefore illustrate the flexibility of the system and the ability of a user to mount accessories at virtually any desired position onto a panel and/or fin of the system. As shown, container 125 of FIGS. 4G and 4H includes four indicator slots 425. The four indicator slots indicate that the overall length of the container 125 is 8″ (assuming the previously described scale of each indicator slot representing a 2″ length of container). In an illustrative embodiment, the system is designed such that dimensional baskets (multiple sizes) are designed to fit together with other basket multiples that all fit within the slot openings of all panels.
As discussed, any number of different components can be mounted to a panel of the proposed system using the above-described mounting flanges. FIG. 4I depicts a shelf clip (or L-bracket) 470 that can be mounted to the panel in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The shelf clip 470 includes a single mounting flange 435. A larger shelf clip that includes 2 or more mounting flanges 435 can also be used. The shelf clip 470 is designed to hold baskets, shelves, etc. made of alternative materials such as ABS plastic, acrylic, or other, which gets attached to the shelf clip with double sided tape, screws, etc. These alternative materials enable production of custom baskets or accessories, using faster and less expensive methods for custom client requests. FIG. 4J depicts a partitioned container 475 mounted to a pair of shelf clips in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In one embodiment, the partitioned container 475 is made from ABS plastic, and can only be attached to the panel using shelf clips 470. The partitioned container 475 includes 2 partitions, resulting in 3 storage areas. The partitioned container 475 also includes 6 indicator slots, indicating the overall length of the partitioned container 475 is 12″ (assuming the previously described scale of each indicator slot representing a 2″ length of container). FIG. 4J also depicts a label area 480 on a front face of the partitioned container 475. The label area 480 can include an image, product description, advertisement, pricing information, nutritional information, etc. In alternative embodiments, any of the containers described herein can include a label area, and the label area can be located anywhere on a front face of the container.
As discussed, the proposed system offers virtually unlimited flexibility in designing a storage/display system for any space. The system can be used to display or sell virtually any products imaginable. FIG. 5 depicts various assembly systems that demonstrate the overall modularity of the system. FIG. 5A depicts a floor or counter mounted panel rack storage system with a variety of different mounted containers in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown, one container is mounted to the fin of the system. FIG. 5B is a close up view of a container mounted to the fin in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. FIG. 5C depicts a panel rack storage system with panels mounted to both sides of a central fin to create an extended storage solution in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown, different sections of the panel rack storage system can be used to accommodate different types of containers. FIG. 5D depicts a plurality of different panel rack system configurations in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
Thus, described herein is an innovative modular organizing system that includes panels, side fins, and legs. The proposed system allows for a floor mounted setup, a countertop solution setup, or a wall mounted setup when used without fins and legs. The system utilizes unique containers with mounting flanges that engage panel slots to create a fully expandable modular storage and organizational system. The proposed system can be used in variety of merchandising applications. For example, the system can be used to store, display, and or sell condiments, candy, cell phone merchandise, health and beauty aides, beverages, impulse items, transaction counters, island dividers, store aisles, etc.
Additionally, the slats on the panel can accommodate many standard market devices (e.g., from a peg board or slat wall system) such as traditional slat wall or peg board system devices, hooks, shelves, different types of containers, etc. In another illustrative embodiment, panels of the system can be custom colored or printed with graphics (or woodgrains). In one embodiment, the entire system has no welds, and each element is cut from sheet metal (or plastics). Alternatively, welds may be used. In one embodiment, the system can be composed of durable steel and powder coated for easy cleaning. Alternatively other materials and/or coatings may be used, such as plastic. The proposed system can be sold as pre-assembled kit or as individual elements for onsite assembly.
The word “illustrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Further, for the purposes of this disclosure and unless otherwise specified, “a” or “an” means “one or more”.
The foregoing description of illustrative embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and as practical applications of the invention to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
Patent Application
20250176710
