GB2131284A - Improvements relating to storage systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A rack has horizontal bars (1) standing proud of the a support surface (not shown in Figure 4) by virtue of vertical or transverse bars (not shown in Figure 4) therebetween. Removable suspension elements have recesses (6,7) at top and bottom, with the upper one deeper than the lower one, which is of 'V' section. Each such element is worked into position by moving it up to embrace one of the bars by the upper recess (6), bringing it vertical and then lowering it so that the V-shaped recess (7) jams over the next lower horizontal bar. These elements can have various article engaging projections, such as pegs, rings, spring clips and hooks. The rack may be simply rectangular or contoured to interesting shapes. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements relating to storage systems This invention relates to storage systems.

It is often useful to have a storage system where any number of pegs or other suspension or holding devices can be placed at almost any desired position over an area of wall or on the back of a cupboard door, for example. Various such systems are known, perhaps the commonest being a peg-board. However, this is not able to support substantial weights, and usually the hooks which enter the holes are loose, and tend to be displaced when an article is removed. Also, although the holes are closely spaced, they are in set positions and therefore fine adjustment is not possible.

It is the aim of this invention to provide a storage system of more robust character, capable of finer adjustment.

According to the present invention there is provided a storage system comprising a rack with a plurality of evenly spaced, generally horizontal parallel bars, and suspension elements mountable in any position on the rack, each element having recessed upper and lower edge portions which can partially embrace any one of the bars, and the spacing between the recesses and their depth being such that the upper recess can receive an upper bar section while the lower recess is moved over a lower bar section, and the element can then be lowered for the lower recess to receive the lower bar section while the upper bar section remains captive in the upper recess.

Preferably, the suspension element is a generally rectangular or square plate with the recesses in opposite edge portions and a projection for hanging or attaching articles extending from the centre of one face. This may be a hook, an eye, a simple peg or a spring clip, for example. The element is preferably integrally moulded in plastics material but it could be metal or plastics coated metal. Alternatively, the element may be made in two parts, the plate being one and the projection the other. This may be screwed or press fitted into the plate.

The upper recess may be of elongated U-section, while the lower recess is preferably of V-section.

This will wedge over the lower bar and help keep the suspension element firm. With plastics, it may be of spring clip form, to snap onto the lower bar.

Preferably, the rack will be made of wire rod with a plastics coating. The horizontal rods may be attached at well spaced points to vertical ortrans verse ones, so allowing the suspension elements to be adjusted freely over quite substantial horizontal sections. Instead of a generally rectangular rack, its periphery can be made into a variety of decorative shapes, a few examples being shown in the drawing.

The horizontal rods will conveniently be in front of the vertical or transverse rods, thus standing away from the will or other support surface. This enables the suspension elements to be mounted without lifting the rack away from the backing.

For a better understanding of the invention, some embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a front elevation of the storage rack, Figure 2 shows similar views of other racks, Figure 3 is a detail of Figure 1 to a larger scale, Figure 4 is a section on line IV-IV of Figure 3, and Figure 5 shows plan views of various suspension elements.

The rack of Figure 1 is generally rectangular and has a number of horizontal bars 1 spanning a central vertical bar 2 to end vertical bars 3. The latter are bent over into eyes by which the rack can be secured to a wall or other vertical backing surface. The top ad bottom pairs of horizontal bars 1 are close together to strengthen the outside of the frame, but the remaining horizontal bars are all evenly spaced at a somewhat greater pitch. As seem in Figure 1, the horizontal bars 1 are on top of the vertical bars 2 and 3 so that they will stand slightly away from the backing surface. Generally, all the bars will be made of the same gauge wire rod, welded together, and then plastics coated.

Figure 2 illustrates various other frame shapes which are possible, all having an array of horizontal bars spanning a contoured frame.

Any of these racks can receive any of the suspension elements shown in the remaining Figures. All such elements have a generally square or rectangular plate-like body 4 and in Figures 3 and 4 there is a projecting hook 5. The upper edge of the plate 4 has a deep recess 6 of U-section, the width being just sufficient to embrace any of the horizontal bars 1, as best seen in Figure 4. The bottom edge of the plate 4 has a V-section recess 7, and this will wedge over any of the horizontal bars 1. The vertical spacing "V" between the bottom of the recess 6 and the lowermost edge of the plate is slightly less than the spacing between horizontal bars 1. This means that the plate can be hooked on by being moved up at a slight angle so that a section of bar 1 is received at the base of the recess 6.The plate can then be moved to the vertical position and shifted downwardly so that the next lowermost bar wedges in the recess 7. The upper bar is then still captive in the recess 6, and so the element is secured. It can be moved laterally to any desired position except where the vertical rod 2 interferes, and is easily removed and put between another pair of bars if desired.

The hook 5 may be integrally moulded with the plate 4. Alternatively, the plate and hook may be made as separate items, and the hook 5 may be screwed into the plate 4, conveniently having a self tapping thread at its end. Alternatively, there may be a press fit or adhesive may be used.

The hook can take many form, and various alternatives are shown in Figure 5. At (a) there is shown a bifurcated hook and at (b) a ring. Figure 5(c) shows a spring clip, while Figure 5(d) shows an array of simple pegs on an elongated plate 4. It should be understood that these are examples only.

It should also be understood that the upper recess may not be essential. The front limb defining it may be dispensed with, since it is the rear limb only that exerts the restraint keeping the element from falling forwards. It cannot fall backwards to any appreciable degree if the rack is close against a wall or other complete vertical surface. Indeed, even the front limb of the lower recess may be discarded provided the thickness of the rear limb will ensure that the plate cannot be pressed back sufficiently to slip down when released.

The recesses need not be continuous along each edge. Fingers at each end of the horizontal edges of the plate may suffice.

CLAIMS (filed on 5112/83) 1. A storage system comprising a rack of generally flat grid form designed to be set against a vertical surface, and having a plurality of evenly spaced horizontal bars proud of bars transverse thereto, whereby the horizontal bars stand away from said surface while the transverse bars cooperate with it, and suspension elements mountable on the rack, each element having a recessed lower edge portion which can partially embrace any one of the horizontal bars while the opposite upper edge has a portion which engages behind the next horizontal bar above, this portion being insertable between the vertical surface and the bar as the element is moved upwards and towards said surface before being straightened and lowered for the lower edge recess to engage the horizontal bar below.

2. A system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the lower edge recess is V-shaped.

3. A system as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower edge recess is continuous along the lower edge portion.

4. A system as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower edge recess comprises two V-shaped formations spaced apart along the lower edge portion.

5. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper edge is recessed partially to embrace the associated bar.

6. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper edge has a reduced thickness portion for engaging behind the associated bar.

7. A storage system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (7)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. degree if the rack is close against a wall or other complete vertical surface. Indeed, even the front limb of the lower recess may be discarded provided the thickness of the rear limb will ensure that the plate cannot be pressed back sufficiently to slip down when released. The recesses need not be continuous along each edge. Fingers at each end of the horizontal edges of the plate may suffice. CLAIMS (filed on 5112/83)

1. A storage system comprising a rack of generally flat grid form designed to be set against a vertical surface, and having a plurality of evenly spaced horizontal bars proud of bars transverse thereto, whereby the horizontal bars stand away from said surface while the transverse bars cooperate with it, and suspension elements mountable on the rack, each element having a recessed lower edge portion which can partially embrace any one of the horizontal bars while the opposite upper edge has a portion which engages behind the next horizontal bar above, this portion being insertable between the vertical surface and the bar as the element is moved upwards and towards said surface before being straightened and lowered for the lower edge recess to engage the horizontal bar below.

2. A system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the lower edge recess is V-shaped.

3. A system as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower edge recess is continuous along the lower edge portion.

4. A system as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the lower edge recess comprises two V-shaped formations spaced apart along the lower edge portion.

5. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper edge is recessed partially to embrace the associated bar.

6. A system as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper edge has a reduced thickness portion for engaging behind the associated bar.

7. A storage system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.