US20050285001A1

US20050285001A1 - Storage container system

Info

Publication number: US20050285001A1
Application number: US11/099,428
Authority: US
Inventors: Joe Timmerman
Original assignee: HANGIT UP! SYSTEMS LLC
Current assignee: HANGIT UP! SYSTEMS LLC
Priority date: 2004-04-05
Filing date: 2005-04-05
Publication date: 2005-12-29

Abstract

A storage system includes a container and a cover. The container includes a floor, a plurality of sidewalls attached to the floor, a lip attached to the plurality of sidewalls, and a bracket attached to the lip and positioned near the sidewall. The lip includes a first integrated handle and a second integrated handle. The bracket includes a plurality of blades. The blades further include a surface proximate at least one of the plurality of sidewalls. The cover includes a portion engagable with the lip. The cover also includes an open portion proximate the bracket and blades that covers the lip near the bracket without engaging the bracket or blades.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/559,544 filed Apr. 5, 2004 under 35 USC119(e).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hanging storage system.

BACKGROUND

Adequate storage space is a common problem for many households. Often home owners and apartment dwellers utilize shelves and storage spaces to store infrequently used items. When a storage room is used many times the boxes and containers are stacked upon one another or in front of other boxes and containers. When shelves are used the containers are often again stacked upon one another or in front of other containers to maximize use of the space. When containers are stacked upon or in front of other containers, it becomes difficult to access the containers under or behind the front containers. There is also a limit to how many containers may be stacked due to the weight of the containers and the varying size of each container.
What is needed is a storage system allowing storage of multiple containers that maximizes the area available while still permitting easy access to each stored container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. However, a more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the figures, and:
FIG. 1 is a side view of the rail, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the rail, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of the bracket attached to a container, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a close-up side perspective view of the bracket in FIG. 3, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a side view of one embodiment of the hanging storage system, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional side view of the hanging storage system shown in FIG. 5, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the rail mounted on the vertical surface shown in FIG. 5 with the bracket removed from the U-shaped channel, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a side view of a second embodiment of the hanging storage system, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third hanging storage system, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a container, according to an example embodiment..
FIG. 11 is a perspective bottom view of a first container and a second container stacked in a nested relationship, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a container engaged in a channel and hanging on a wall, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of a recess area for receiving a standoff, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of a recess area for receiving a standoff, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a standoff, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a cover, according to an example embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another hanging storage system 1700 showing multiple, differently sized containers in use with multiple channels, according to an example embodiment.
The description set out herein illustrates the various embodiments of the invention, and such description is not intended to be construed as limiting in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of several example embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments can be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the scope of present inventions. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments of the invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
Definitions
As utilized herein, the term “snugly,” means having contact with both legs of the U-shaped channel.
Nomenclature
10 Hanging storage system
20 Container
21 Side of Container
22 Inner Chamber
23 Base
24 Lid
30 Bracket
31 Flange of Bracket
31 a Distal End of Flange of Bracket
32 Fastener
33 Height of Bracket
34 Width of Bracket
40 Rail
41 Flange of Rail
42 U-Shaped Channel
43 Fastener
100 Vertical Surface
x Longitudinal Direction
y Lateral Direction
z Transverse Direction
Construction
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the hanging storage system 10 comprises a container 20, a bracket 30, and a rail 40. The container 20 is arranged and configured so as to define an inner chamber 22 for storing items and comprises at least a base 23. The container 20 may also include a lid 24 that is attached by a hinge (not shown) or removably attached. The container 20 may be any shape with a side 21 arranged and configured to have a transversely z extending bracket 30 attached to the side 21, such as a cube, rectangular parallelepiped, cylinder, conical ring, sphere, spherical sector (one base), spherical sector (two bases) and frustum of right cone. The preferred shape is a rectangular parallelepiped.
The container 20 should be constructed of an appropriate and suitable material that allows the container 20 to hold the desired contents without any direct support along the bottom (not numbered) of the container 20. The preferred materials are plastic, wood, metal and rubber. The most preferable material is plastic. The container 20 may be made from an opaque material or a see through material. A clear material allows the user (not shown) to easily and quickly see the container 20 contents, while the opaque material may conveniently hide the container 20 contents from view.
The bracket 30 may be of any suitable size to allow proper support of the container 20 and its contents. The preferred size of the bracket 30 has an overall longitudinal x height 33 of between about 0.5 and 12 inches, an overall lateral y width 34 of between about 0.25 and 4.5 inches. The bracket 30 includes a longitudinally x extending flange 31. The flange 31 is configured and arranged to be laterally y offset from the side 21 of the container 20 when attached. Preferably the distal end 31 a of the flange 31 is angled or curved to allow easier insertion into the V-shaped channel 42. The preferred angle is about 45°. The longitudinal x length (not numbered) of the flange 31 is between about 50% and 90% of the longitudinal x height 33 of the bracket 30. The preferred length of the flange 31 is about 70% of the longitudinal x height 33 of the bracket 30.
The bracket 30 may be made from any suitable and appropriate material. The preferred materials are wood, metal, plastic and rubber. The most preferred material is wood when the bracket 30 is attached to the container 20 with a fastener 32 or adhesive. The most preferred material is plastic when the bracket 30 is integrally mold with the container 20.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the transversely z extending bracket 30 is attached to the side 21 of the container 20. As shown in FIG. 6, the bracket 30 may be attached by a fastener 32 such as a screw, staple, and nail. The bracket 30 may also be attached with adhesive or integrally molded into the side 21 of the container 20. The preferred method of attachment is to integrally mold the bracket 30 into the side 21 of the container 20.
As shown in FIG. 7, the rail 40 is configured and arranged for mounting upon a vertical surface 100. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rail 40 includes a flange 41. The flange 41 is configured and arranged so as to define a U-shaped channel 42 between the flange 41 and the vertical surface 100 when the rail 40 is mounted upon the vertical surface 100. The U-shaped channel 42 is arranged and configured to allow insertion of the bracket 30 flange 31. Upon insertion the flange 31 on the bracket 30 should fit snugly within the U-shaped channel 42.
The longitudinal x height of the rail 40 depends on the longitudinal x length of the bracket 30 flange 31 to be used with the rail 40. As shown in FIG. 6, the rail 40 flange 41 preferably has a longitudinal x length about the same as the longitudinal x length of the bracket 30 flange 31. This helps to secure a snug fit for the flange 31 on the bracket 30 within the U-shaped channel 42. The minimum transverse z length (not numbered) of the rail 40 may be about the same as the transverse z length of the bracket 30 attached to the container 20 to be inserted into the rail's 40 U-shaped channel 42. The transverse z length of the rail 40 may be as long as the user desires. A longer rail 40 may accommodate more than one container 20.
The rail 40 may be made from any suitable appropriate material such as wood, plastic, metal, and rubber. The preferred material is wood. A wood rail 40 may be painted or stained to complement the decor in the room (not shown) in which it is mounted.
Use
The hanging storage system 10 can be used to store items (not numbered) of varying size and weight in containers 20 mounted to a vertical surface 100.
As shown in FIG. 7, use of the hanging storage system 10 may be initiated by mounting the rail 40 upon a vertical surface 100. The vertical surface 100 may be any suitable vertical surface 100 configured and arranged to sustain the mounting of the rail 40 and support the hanging storage system 10 without damaging the vertical surface 100 or the hanging storage system 10. The preferred vertical surfaces 100 are the vertical walls in a building, house trailer, shed, garage, freight trailer, or camper. The most preferred vertical surfaces 100 are the vertical walls in a building, shed, or garage. The hanging storage system 10 may also utilize a mobile vertical surface 100.
The rail 40 may be mounted on the vertical surface 100 by any suitable adhesive or mechanical fasteners 43 such as screws, nails, and bolts. The appropriate method of mounting depends on the material the vertical surface 100 and rail 40 are composed and the amount of weight the rail 40 may need to support. The preferred method of mounting is by mechanical fastener 43. As shown in FIG. 7, the rail 40 should be mounted so as to define a U-shaped channel 42 between the flange 41 of the rail 40 and the vertical surface 100.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, once the rail 40 is mounted to the vertical surface 100, the longitudinally x extending flange 31 of the transversely z extending bracket 30 may be inserted into the U-shaped channel 42. The flange 31 of the bracket 30 should be inserted as far as possible into the U-shaped channel 42 to allow the hanging storage system 10 to support the most weight in the container 20 and provide the required snug fit of the bracket 30 flange 31 in the U-shaped channel 42. The container 20 may be filled with the items (not numbered) to be stored prior to hanging or after the container 20 is hung on the rail 40.
The container 20 may be removed from the rail 40 at any time by lifting the container 20 in the longitudinal x direction away from the rail 40 until the flange 31 of the bracket 30 is no longer within the U-shaped channel 42.
The hanging storage system 10 may also be used to mount other storage devices such as bike racks, shelves, garden tool poles, hooks, brackets, and clamps.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third hanging storage system 100, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a container 200, according to an example embodiment. Now referring to both FIGS. 9 and 10, the storage system 100 includes a container 101, a channel 200 and a cover 300. A channel 200 is affixed to a wall or other surface. The channel 200 has a length sufficient to engage a portion of at least one container 101. The container 101 of the storage system 100 includes a floor 120, a plurality of sidewalls 112, 114, 116, 118 attached to the floor 120, a lip 140 attached to the plurality of sidewalls 112, 114, 116, 118, and a bracket 210 attached to the lip 140 and positioned near the sidewall 118. In one example embodiment, the lip 140 includes a first integrated handle and a second integrated handle (not shown in FIGS. 9 and 10). The bracket 210 includes a plurality of blades 220, 222, 224, 226, 226, 228, 230. The blades 220, 222, 224, 226, 226, 228, 230 further include a surface, such as surface 240, proximate at least one of the plurality of sidewalls 118. As shown in FIG. 10, the blade has a wedge-shaped cross section, as can be seen by looking at an end 221 of the blade 220. The surface of the blade 240 forms an angle theta with respect to the exterior surface of the sidewall 118. The surface of the blade 240 near the exterior surface of the sidewall 118 angles away from the sidewall. The angle theta also allows sufficient draft for the container to be made using plastic molding techniques. Between each individual blade and an adjacent blade is a space. The bracket 210 and more specifically at least some of the plurality of the blades 220, 222, 224, 226, 226, 228, 230 engage a portion of the channel 200 to allow the container 101 to be hung with respect to the wall.
The cover 300 includes a portion engagable with the lip 140. The cover 300 also includes an open portion proximate the bracket 210 and blades 220, 222, 224, 226, 226, 228, 230 that covers the lip near the bracket 210 without engaging the bracket 210 or blades 220, 222, 224, 226, 226, 228, 230. The sidewall 118 has an exterior surface 119. The storage system also includes a standoff element 400 removably attached to the exterior surface 119 of the sidewall 118 between the floor 110 and the bracket 210. The exterior surface 119 of the sidewall 118 includes a first recess 150 and a second recess 152. Both of the first recess 150 and the second recess 152 adapted to receive the standoff element 400. As shown in this particular embodiment, the first recess 150 and the second recess 152 receive the same type of the standoff element 400. The recesses 150, 152 are positioned in the sidewall 118 between the floor 110 and the bracket 210. In some embodiments, the sidewall exterior surface 118 can includes a single recess or more than the two recesses that receive at least one standoff element 400. The number of recesses formed are sufficient to distribute a portion of the load carried by the container 100 across a wall. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the standoff element 400 is substantially round in shape or substantially shaped like a frusto-conical element. In other example embodiments, the standoff elements can be shaped differently.
FIG. 11 is a perspective bottom view of a first container 101 and a second container 101A stacked in a nested relationship, according to an example embodiment. The standoff elements 400 are insertable and removable from the recesses 152, 154 in the sidewall 118. In this way, a plurality of containers 100 can be stacked in a nested relationship when the standoff elements 400 are removed from the recesses 152, 154. As shown in FIG. 11, the depth of the blades, such as blade 220, determines, in part, the distance between the first container 101 and the second container 101A when stacked in the nested relationship. It should be noted, that the ability to stack the first container 100 and the second container 101A is key to the ability to store a multiplicity of containers, including containers 101, 101A, at a wholesale or retail site. At such a site, it is advantageous to have the ability to store a number of containers using a limited amount of shelf space. Stacking of the containers allows a multiplicity of containers to be stored with a limited amount of shelf space.
FIG. 11 also shows that the lip 140 is reinforced using reinforcing ribs such as 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, and 146. The numbered reinforcing ribs 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, and 146 are example reinforcing ribs. Also shown in FIG. 11 is an integrated handle 160 on the first container 100. The integrated handle can be integrated into the lip 140 as a widened section of the lip 140 to provide a hand hold for users of the storage system. In some embodiments, the integrated handle 160 is also devoid of reinforcing ribs, so as not to interfere with the digits of the user when using a hand hold, such as the hand hold 160. A hand hold similar to the handhold 160 is positioned near the bracket 210 on the other side or end of the container 101.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of a container 101 engaged in a channel 200 and hanging on a wall 1200, according to an example embodiment. The channel 200 is attached to the wall 1200 using a series of fasteners such as fastener 1202. The channel 200 includes a blade-engaging portion 202 that engages the blades, such as blade 220 of the bracket 210 of the container 101. The blade 220 fits within the blade-engagement slot 202 of the channel 200 with little, if any, clearance. The blade 220 is wedge shaped so that it is self guiding within the slot 202 of the channel 200. The container 101 includes a recess into which a removable standoff element 400 fits. The standoff element 400 spaces the container 101 away from the wall 1200 or flat surface to which the channel 200 is attached with the fastener 202. The standoff 400 prevents the container 101 from sagging. More specifically, the standoff 400 prevents excessive bending and possible wear in the area designated by the reference numeral 211. Without the standoff 400, the area 211 would be subjected to bending and may be prone to failure of the material in that area. Furthermore, the standoff 400 keeps the container 101 in an upright position so that the wedge-shaped blade 220 remains engaged with the correspondingly shaped slot or opening 202 in the bracket 200. Also shown in FIG. 12 is the cover 300 for the container 101. As shown in FIG. 12, the cover 300 includes a portion which rests on the lip 140 about the periphery of the container 101. As shown in FIG. 12, there are two portions, 310 and 312, which rest on the lip 140 about the periphery of the container 101. The portion 310 of the cover 300 is sized and shaped so as not to interfere with the engagement of the blades, such as blade 220 into the slot or correspondingly-shaped engagement portion 202 of the channel. The cover 310 also does not interfere with the spacing between the wall 1200 and the bracket 210.
It should be noted that the channel 200 and specifically the slot or element for engaging the blades, such as blade 220 of the container 101, can be provided with reinforcing elements that strengthen the slot 202 of the channel 200 and also limit the lateral position of a container 101 with respect to placement on the channel 200.
FIG. 13 illustrates a portion of the exterior surface 119 of sidewall 118 attached to the floor 110 of the container 101 and specifically illustrates a recess area 1400 for receiving a standoff 400, according to an example embodiment. FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of a recess area 1400 for receiving a standoff 400, according to an example embodiment. Now with reference to both FIGS. 13 and 14, the recess area 1400 will be further detailed. The recess area 1400 includes a back plane 1410 that extends into the container or, stated alternatively, is recessed within the exterior surface 119 of the sidewall 118 of the container 101. Also within the exterior surface or recessed within the exterior surface 119 of the container 101 is a wing element 1420 which captures a portion of the standoff 400. The standoff includes a shoulder having a thickness approximately equal to the distance between the wing or capture wing 1420 and the back sidewall 1410. The back wall 1410 of the recess 1400 is essentially annularly shaped as is the capture wing 1420. Thus, the annular shoulder of the standoff 400 can be captured within the recess 400 and specifically captured between the back wall 1410 and the capture wing 1420 of the recess 1400.
FIG. 15 further details the standoff 400. The standoff 400 includes a main body portion 420 having a first end 430 and a second end 440. The second end 440 includes a shoulder 442 which is substantially annularly shaped and dimensioned so as to fit within the recess 1400 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. More specifically, the shoulder 442 of the standoff 400 fits within the recess 1400 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. The standoff has a thickness so that it can be captured between the back wall 1410 and the capture wing 1420 of the recess 1400. The main body portion 420 near the shoulder 442 is dimensioned to fit within the annulus formed by the capture wing 1420 of the recess. As a result, the shoulder 442 is compressed between the capture wing 1420 and the back wall 1410 of the recess 1400. The standoff 400 can be shaped either as a solid piece or as a hollow cup. The example embodiment shown in FIG. 15 shows the standoff 400 as a hollow cup. The dimensions also allow the cups to be stacked which is advantageous in that shelf space in a retail setting will be conserved if the standoffs are stackable. It should be noted that the recesses or the recess 1400 is positioned between the floor 110 and the bracket 210 (as shown in FIG. 9). The cover 300 for the storage container 101 includes a main body portion 310. The cover is rectangularly shaped and adapted to fit the container 101 and more specifically the lip 140 of the container. The main body portion 310 includes a first side 312, a second side 314, a third side 316 and a fourth side 318. Each of the sides 312, 314, 316, 318 can also be referred to as a lip receiving portion. The sides are generally shaped so as to engage the lip 140 attached to the side walls 112, 114, 116, 118 of the container 101. At least two of the side walls 312, 316 include a lip engagement element 322 and 326. Lip engagement element 326 is more clearly shown in FIG. 15 and therefore will be described for the sake of simplicity. Lip engagement element 322 is substantially the same as lip engagement element 326. The lip engagement element 326 includes a portion which extends over the entire lip 140 of the container. In other words, the lip engagement portion 326 extends over the lip, not necessarily the entire length of the lip. The lip engagement element 326 also includes a catch 336 which catches an edge of the lip and maintains the cover 300 in place. The lip engagement element 326 has a length that allows it to extend between any reinforcing ribs (such as reinforcing ribs 141, 142 shown in FIG. 11). Thus, the catch 336 provides for engagement of the lip engagement 326 about the lip 140 in the area of the lip engagement element 336. The lid can then be held in place since the lip engagement element fits between the reinforcing ribs or is stopped by the reinforcing ribs in a lateral direction. In short, the lip engagement element 326, and specifically the catch 336, is stopped in one direction by reinforcing ribs attached to the lip 140 of the container 101. The catch 336 catches the bottom of the lip and can also act as a snap fit with respect to the lip 140. The cover 300 also includes an indentation 340. The indentation 340 also prevents movement of the cover across the top of the container. In other words, the wall 342, 344, 346, 348 formed by the indentation are closely spaced to the interior side walls 112, 114, 116, 118 of the container 101. The walls 342, 344, 346, 348 therefore also prevent movement of the lid with respect to the top of the container 101. The indentation 340 is also dimensioned so as to receive the bottom of a container 101. Thus, a container when either partially or fully filled can be rested on another container within the indentation 340. The cover has sufficient strength so as not to buckle under the load of another container.
In some embodiments, the cover is designed to withstand loads of approximately 1 pound to 130 pounds. The edges or sides or lip receiving areas 312, 314, 316, 318 rest on the lip 140 and, therefore, transfer the load through the cover and to the corresponding side walls of a container to which the cover is attached. It should be noted that the fourth side 318 is devoid of a lip engagement element. The lip receiving portion 318 of the fourth side is adapted to cover the portion of the lip near the bracket 210 (shown in FIG. 10) on the fourth side of the lip receiving portion 318 is dimensioned so as not to interfere with the engagement of the bracket 210 and the corresponding blade of the bracket with the channel 200. The cover is also dimensioned so that the fourth side or fourth lip receiving portion does not interfere with the spacing between the channel 200 and the bracket 210. In an example embodiment, the fourth side of the cover 318 is devoid of any lip engagement element and has a width that is less than the lip receiving portions that include a lip engagement element. It should be noted that the cover 300 is also dimensioned and includes an indentation so that a similar cover can be engaged in a nesting relationship with other covers. This is advantageous in a retail setting where it is many times necessary to conserve shelf space.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another hanging storage system 1700 showing multiple, differently sized, containers 1701, 1711, 1721, 1731 hung from multiple channels 1740 and 1742. It should be noted that the channels 1740, 1742 can be of sufficient length to hold more than one container or storage container. For example, channel 1740 holds storage containers 1701 and 1711. Also shown is channel 1742 holding containers 1721 and 1731. The standoff elements are not shown but would be substantially the same as those previously described. It should be noted that the channels 1740, 1742 can be placed on the same wall and that the containers can be of varying sizes. However, the blades associated with the containers must be uniformly sized so that they can fit within the blade receiving slots of the channels 1740, 1742.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a kit 1800, according to an example embodiment. The kit 1800 includes a standoff element 400, and a channel 200, a storage container 101, and a cover 300. The storage container 101 includes a channel engaging portion 210, and a standoff element receiving portion 1400 (shown in FIGS. 13 and 14). The cover 300 covers the container 101 without interfering with the channel engaging portion 210 (shown in FIG. 12) or the spacing element receiving portion 1400 (shown in FIGS. 13 and 14). In some embodiments, the channel 200 is capable of engaging more than one container. In other embodiments, the kit 1800 includes an instruction set 1810 including instructions regarding mounting the channel 200 to a surface 1200, or the placing between the channel 200 and other objects, or the placing the standoff element 400 into the standoff element receiving portion 1400 (shown in FIGS. 13 and 14). In some embodiments, the instructions of the instruction set 1810 relate mounting the channel to a surface, the spacing between the channel and other objects, and placing the standoff element 400 into the standoff element receiving portion 1400 (shown in FIGS. 13 and 14). The kit 1800 can include two or more of the above. In addition, a kit 1800 can include additional elements such as multiple storage containers 101 and multiple channels 200. In practice, the components for a kit 1800 are set in a retail outlet or the like. A hanging system is assembled into kit when a consumer or provider of such storage systems gathers the parts for the storage system.
FIG. 19 shows another example embodiment of the system. In this example embodiment, a standoff 1900 is provided to attach to the wall or vertical surface. The standoff 1900 can be one continuous piece that has substantially the same length as the channel 200 which also attaches to the wall. In some embodiments, the standoff 1900 can also be comprised of several other shorter lengths that are attached to a vertical surface, such as a wall 1200 (shown in FIG. 12). The standoff 1900, when mounted to the vertical surface, prevents the container from sagging or becoming disengaged from the channel 200 (shown in FIG. 12).
FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of a container 2000 and a cover 2010. The container 2000 includes a lip having a reinforced corner 2002. The cover 2010 also includes a reinforced handle cover portion 2012.
As mentioned above, many of the components, namely the containers 101, the covers 300 and the standoffs 400 are stackable in a nesting relationship. This helps to conserve shelf space when storing the storage container systems 100 or when the storage container system 100 is occupying shelf space in a retail outlet or the like. In addition, the containers 101 with covers 300 in place are also stackable when loaded or partially loaded. In other words a first container with cover thereon can be placed onto a second container with the cover thereon. The covers 300 include indentations 340 in which the bottom of a similarly designed container will fit. This allows a consumer to remove several containers from the channels 200, stack them one on top of another, either to transport to another locale or when reorganizing the storage containers 101 of the storage system 100.
A method for storing includes attaching a channel to a wall, removing a first container from a stack of containers that includes the first container and a second container, engaging a portion of the first container with the channel, and placing a cover on the first container. The cover fits over the first container without interfering with the portion of the first container engaging the channel. In some embodiments, the method for storing includes attaching a standoff to the first container. In still other embodiments, the method includes engaging a portion of the second container with the channel. The method may also include attaching a standoff to the second container and placing a cover on the second container.
The foregoing description of the specific example embodiments reveal the general nature of the invention sufficiently that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt it for various applications without departing from the generic concept, and therefore such adaptations and modifications are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.
It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A storage system comprising:

a container including:

a floor;

a plurality of sidewalls attached to the floor;

a lip attached to the plurality of sidewalls, the lip including a first integrated handle and a second integrated handle; and

a bracket attached to the lip and positioned near the sidewall, the bracket including a plurality of blades, the blades including a surface proximate at least one of the plurality of sidewalls; and

a cover including a portion engagable with the lip, the cover including an open portion proximate the bracket and blades that covers the lip near the bracket without engaging the bracket or blades.

2. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the sidewall has an exterior surface, the storage system further comprising a standoff element removably attached to the exterior surface of the sidewall between the floor and the bracket.

3. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the sidewall has an exterior surface, the exterior surface having a recess therein for receiving a standoff element, the recess positioned in the sidewall between the floor and the bracket.

4. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the sidewall has an exterior surface, the exterior surface having a plurality of recesses therein for receiving at least one standoff element, the recesses positioned in the sidewall between the floor and the bracket.

5. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the cover includes an indentation therein, the indentation sized to receive the floor and a bottom portion of a second container.

6. The storage system of claim 5 wherein the cover is sized to allow stacking of a second container onto the cover while remaining engaged with the lip of the container.

7. The storage system of claim 1 further comprising a channel for engaging the bracket of the container.

8. The storage system of claim 1 further comprising a channel for engaging one or more of the plurality of blades of the bracket of the container.

9. The storage system of claim 1 further comprising a channel having a length sufficient to engage one or more of the plurality of blades from the brackets of a plurality of containers.

10. The storage system of claim 1 further comprising a channel having a length sufficient to engage one or more of the plurality of blades from the brackets of a plurality of containers, the channel having a length greater than a length of a sidewall of a container.

11. The storage system of claim 1 further comprising:

a first channel for engaging one or more of the plurality of blades from one or more containers; and

a second channel for engaging one or more of the plurality of blades from one or more containers.

12. A cover for a storage container comprising:

a main body portion rectangularly shaped and adapted to fit a container, the main body portion of the cover including a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side; and

a lip receiving portion attached to the first side, the second side, the third side and the fourth side of the main body portion of the cover, the lip receiving portion further comprising a lip engagement element adapted to extend over a lip and engage a lip of a container, the lip engagement element attached to the first side, and the third side of the cover, the fourth side of the cover devoid of a lip engagement element, the lip receiving portion of the fourth side of the cover adapted to cover at least a portion of the lip.

13. The cover for a storage container of claim 12 wherein the main body portion has an indentation therein sized to receive a container bottom.

14. The cover for a storage container of claim 12 wherein the lip receiving portion attached to the fourth side and devoid of a lip engagement element has a width that is less than the width of the lip receiving portions that includes the lip engagement element.

15. The cover for a storage container of claim 12 wherein the lip engagement element includes a snap fit element adapted to engage the lip of a container.

16. The cover for a storage container of claim 12 wherein the cover nests with another cover having the same design.

17. A container including:

a floor;

a plurality of sidewalls attached to the floor;

a lip attached to the plurality of sidewalls; and

a bracket attached to the lip and positioned near at least one of the plurality of sidewalls, the bracket including a plurality of blades, the blades including a surface proximate at least one of the plurality of sidewalls.

18. The container of claim 17 wherein the blades are angled away from the at least one sidewall.

19. The container of claim 18 wherein the container nests with another container having the same configuration.

20. The container of claim 17 wherein the container has an exterior surface, the exterior surface of at least one of the sidewalls including a pocket therein positioned between the floor and the bracket.

21. The container of claim 20 wherein the pocket is adapted to hold a standoff element.

22. The container of claim 20 wherein the container nests with another container having the same design.

23. The container of claim 20 wherein the pocket includes at least one groove engaging element.

24. The container of claim 17 wherein the container has an exterior surface, the exterior surface of at least one of the sidewalls including a plurality of pockets therein positioned between the floor and the bracket.

25. The container of claim 24 wherein each of the plurality of pockets is adapted to hold a standoff element.

26. The container of claim 24 wherein the container nests with another container having the same design.

27. The container of claim 25 wherein each of the plurality of pockets includes at least one groove engaging element.

28. A kit comprising:

a spacing element; and

a channel;

a storage container that includes:

a channel engaging portion; and

a standoff element receiving portion; and

a cover that covers the container without interfering with the channel engaging portion or the spacing element receiving portion.

29. The kit of claim 28 wherein the channel is capable of engaging more than one container.

30. The kit of claim 28 further comprising an instruction set including instructions regarding mounting the channel to a surface.

31. The kit of claim 28 further comprising an instruction set including instructions regarding spacing between the channel and other objects.

32. The kit of claim 28 further comprising an instruction set including instructions regarding placing the standoff element into the standoff element receiving portion.

33. The kit of claim 28 further comprising an instruction set including instructions regarding mounting the channel to a surface, the spacing between the channel and other objects, and placing the standoff element into the standoff element receiving portion.

34. A method for storing comprising:

attaching a channel to a wall;

removing a first container from a stack of containers that includes the first container and a second container;

engaging a portion of the first container with the channel; and

placing a cover on the first container, the cover fitting over the first container without interfering with the portion of the first container engaging the channel.

35. The method for storing of claim 34 further comprising attaching a standoff to the first container.

36. The method for storing of claim 34 further comprising engaging a portion of the second container with the channel.

37. The method for storing of claim 36 further comprising attaching a standoff to the second container.

38. The method for storing of claim 37 further comprising placing a cover on the second container.

39. The method for storing of claim 37 further comprising:

disengaging the first container and cover;

disengaging the second container and cover;

stacking the second container and cover onto the first container and cover.