STORAGE SYSTEM

• US 20090166307A1
• Filed: 07/23/2008
• Published: 07/02/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/26/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated (Newell Brands Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Rubbermaid Incorporated (Newell Brands Inc.)
• Inventors: Starr, David, Rake, Lance, Gregory, Michael, Yankello, Joseph J., Baine, Tim, Warner, Robert J. JR.
• Granted Patent: US 7,900,781 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 211/183
• CPC Class Codes: A47F 5/0838 Rails or bars; Article supports therefor, e.g. brackets being slidably attached on the outside thereof
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A storage system comprises a rail having a protrusion including a first flange and a second flange. An accessory mount for mounting to the rail includes a top hook for engaging the first flange and a resilient bottom hook for engaging the second flange. The rail comprises a back rail portion comprising a substantially planar member and a front rail portion substantially coextensive with the back rail portion and secured to the back rail portion. The protrusion may be symmetrical about the longitudinal axis. The first flange and the second flange define first and second recesses. A method of assembling a support is also provided where a first hook is inserted the first flange and a second hook deforms to engage the second flange.

Claims

1. A storage system comprising:

a rail;

said rail having a protrusion comprising a first flange and a second flange;

an accessory mount for mounting to the rail including a top hook for engaging the first flange and a resilient bottom hook for engaging the second flange.

2. The storage system of claim 1 wherein said top hook is rigid.

3. The storage system of claim 1 further including a second bottom hook.

4. The storage system of claim 1 wherein said rail includes a first planar back portion and a second front portion engageable by said top hook and said bottom hook.

5. The storage system of claim 1 wherein said protrusion that extends for substantially the length of the rail.

6. The storage system of claim 1 wherein said first flange defines a recess between the flange and the back portion such that said top hook extends into said recess.

7. The storage system of claim 2 further including a resilient sleeve in said top hook.

8. The storage system of claim 1 wherein said bottom hook comprises a different material than said top hook.

9. The storage system of claim 1 wherein said top hook is formed on a hook support and said bottom hook is secured to said hook support.

10. The storage system of claim 9 wherein said bottom hook includes a portion that extends to the front of said hook support opposite to said rail.

11. The storage system of claim 10 wherein said portion is a decorative fascia.

12. The storage system of claim 11 wherein indicia is formed on said portion.

13. The storage system of claim 9 wherein a flange extends from said hook support that fits under the second flange.

14. The storage system of claim 13 wherein said flange is rigid.

15. A method of assembling a support comprising:

providing a rail having a protrusion comprising a first flange and a second flange, said protrusion extending for substantially the length of the rail and wherein said first flange defines a first recess and said second flange defines a second recess;

mounting the rail to a surface;

providing an accessory mount having a first hook and a second hook;

inserting said first hook on said first flange such that said first hook extends into the first recess;

pushing the bottom of the accessory mount towards the rail forcing the second hook into engagement with the second flange to deform the second hook;

passing the second hook transversely under the second flange; and

allowing the second hook to snap back toward its original shape to engage the second flange.

16. A rail for supporting an accessory mount comprising:

a back rail portion comprising a substantially planar member;

a front rail portion substantially coextensive with the back rail portion and secured to the back rail portion;

a protrusion formed on said front rail portion and extending along a longitudinal axis of the rail, said protrusion comprising a first flange and a second flange extending along said longitudinal axis, said protrusion being symmetrical about said longitudinal axis, said first flange and said second flange formed with rounded outer peripheries and defining a first recess located behind and extending along said first flange and a second recess located behind and extending along said second flange.

17. The rail of claim 16 wherein said rail has a box cross-section.