FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a storage system for collections of items.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
This invention offers a way to configure the arrangement of objects to be stored/displayed in a highly modular manner, with a tool-less method of making immobile the mounting accessories, which are themselves configured to protect the surface finish of objects to be stored/displayed.
This tool-less method also allows for rapid reconfiguration of mounting accessories.
The above disadvantage is addressed by a rack comprising: a main panel defining an array of vertical slits; at least a movable support element having a first face panel, an second face panel, and an intervening spacer block; each of the first and second face panels having a panel engagement hook configured to be received in a respective slit of the panel; a lock element having a protrusion configured to be received in a panel slit proximate to a movable support element to prevent unwanted extraction of the movable support element.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows the basis of the display system as a panel of a flat, rigid material such as metal, carbon fiber composite, or similar, with specific-sized slots, which in this configuration measures 0.1″×1″ arranged in regular, specific intervals of 0.33″ on center (A), in a horizontal row. Multiple rows of these slots are arranged a specific vertical distance of 1″ apart (B), so that the entire panel, regardless of size, is occupied by slots. The panel itself has small 90-degree bends on each side to position it far enough from the surface it is being mounted upon to allow only adequate clearance of the accessory tabs and locking plugs, typically 0.125″
FIG. 2 shows an isometric detail view of a corner of a slotted panel.
FIG. 3 shows a slotted panel with a pair of representative accessories which can be attached to the slotted panel by way of tabs, which are arranged in the same configuration as the slots with respect to width and distance apart.
FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of the relationship between the tabs of the representative accessory to the slots on the panel.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a panel (A) showing the slots and an accessory (B) being fitted through the slots for securement. The series of three views illustrates how the tabs are pushed through the slots, then moved downward to secure them to the panel.
FIG. 6 shows how a plug or clip (C) made from a rigid, but slightly flexible material, is placed in the slot or slots that are visible when the accessory is fully seated in the slot, thus preventing the accessory from moving upward and coming out of the slot. This plug or clip can be pushed into the slot and pulled out from the slot with the fingers.
FIGS. 7A through 7E are a series of isometric views of the placement of the accessory and the insertion of the plug or clip into the slotted panel. To remove the clip and accessory, these steps would be performed in reverse order.
FIG. 8 is a series of illustrations that breaks down the unique construction of a typical accessory. Two outer parts (E) of a flat, rigid material such as metal, carbon fiber, or similar, of a thickness which corresponds to fit inside the width of the slot in the slotted panel, is placed on either side of a rigid, non-marring material (D) such as acetal or nylon, of a thickness corresponding to the distance between the slot openings in the panel. These layers are bound together by whichever method suits the materials being used, which may be bonding with adhesives, or as shown in the illustration, assembly by means of mechanical fasteners (F) through holes in each layer.
Patent Application
20240341474
