US20190387878A1

US20190387878A1 - Wall mounted item retention system and method therefor

Info

Publication number: US20190387878A1
Application number: US16/018,655
Authority: US
Inventors: Maria Clara Gaviria
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-06-26
Filing date: 2018-06-26
Publication date: 2019-12-26

Abstract

A wall-mounted item retention system include at least two bracket members, each having a plurality of hooks or retainers for retaining an end of an elastic band. A plurality of elastic bands are provided, with each elastic band being stretch from a hook or retainer on one bracket member to a hook or retainer on another bracket member, forming a region covered by stretched elastic bands in proximity to, and parallel with, the wall or surface on which the bracket members are mounted. Items can be retained by pulling the elastic bands away from the wall and placing the items between the elastic bands and the wall, wherein the force of the elastic band against the items will retain the items against the wall or surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to storage systems and method for holding items when not in use, and, more particularly, relates to a retention system for retaining items on a wall using a plurality of elastic bands stretched between two or more bracket members.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is always a demand for ways to organize and store items. The design of a given storage system takes into account the type of items that may be stored in it and, how long they may be stored, as well as the location of the storage system. As a result, there are a variety of storage systems on the market that vary in utility and appearance. For example, a storage chest for storing clothes in a residential bedroom is designed and looks differently than a tool chest for a garage. Thus, storage systems balance utility, access, organization, ease of use, and aesthetics against their intended use.
There are a number of vertical storage systems where items are stored and retained on or against a wall. Vertical storage systems can include, for example, magnets to hold object, and/or hooks on which items can be hung, and are especially desirable in places where a person needs quick access to an item without having to search through drawers or open cabinet doors. By placing items in a vertical storage system a user can quickly see where a given item is, retrieve it, and use it. An example of a location where vertical storage system is useful would be a kitchen, where items may be used and placed back on the vertical storage system several times while cooking, especially in a commercial kitchen.
While magnetic-based vertical storage system are good for holding items with ferrous-based alloys (e.g. knives, utensils), they are not useful for non-metal items. Hook systems are also very useful, but require that items have a hook hole or equivalent structure on they can be hung on a hook. Thus, prior art vertical storage systems fail to provide an ability to store and hold a great many items that cannot be stored in conventional vertical storage systems.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a wall mounted item retention system and method therefore that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that allows a user to easily store or move items out of the way, while also providing quick access to the items as needed.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a retention system for holding items on a wall that includes a first bracket member and a second bracket member. Each of the first and second bracket members have an elongated body defining an axis and having a plurality of raised hook members. Each of the raised hook members is oriented perpendicular to the axis. The first bracket member and second bracket member are arranged on the wall parallel to each other such that their respective raised hook members are facing outward from each other. The retention system further includes a plurality of closed loop elastic bands, wherein each one of the plurality of closed loop elastic bands is stretched between, and retained by a raised hook member of the first bracket member and a raised hook member of the second bracket member.
In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the first and second bracket members including a back surface that faces the wall, wherein the back surface of each of the first and second bracket members has a width of at least 0.5 inches.
In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the first and second bracket members having a planar body with a width of at least 0.5 inches.
In accordance with another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the raised hook members having a clearance of less than 0.5 inches.
In accordance with another feature the raised hook members are provided along an outer edge of the first and second bracket members.
In accordance with another feature the first and second bracket members are each formed of a respective first and second pieces of sheet metal, and wherein the raised hook members are formed by pressing rectangular sections along one edge of each piece of sheet metal to be raised above a surface of the respective piece of sheet metal at a proximal end of each rectangular section, wherein each raised hook member comprises a hook body that is coplanar to the surface of the respective piece of sheet metal.
In accordance with another feature the first and second bracket members are arranged vertically on the wall, and at least some of the plurality of closed loop elastic bands are stretched horizontally between corresponding raised hook members of the first and second bracket members.
In accordance with another feature, the retention system further includes mounting holes at opposing ends of each of the first and second bracket members.
In accordance with the inventive disclosure, some embodiments include a method of arranging a retention system for holding items on a wall that includes providing a first bracket member and a second bracket member. Each of the first and second bracket members having an elongated body defining an axis. The method further includes providing a plurality of raised hook members on each of the first and second bracket members, wherein each of the raised hook members is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the respective one of the first and second bracket members. The method further includes arranging the first bracket member and second bracket member on the wall parallel to each other such that their respective raised hook members are facing outward. The method further includes providing a plurality of closed loop elastic bands, wherein each of the plurality of closed loop elastic bands are stretched between, and retained by, a raised hook member of the first bracket member and a raised hook member of the second bracket member.
In accordance with other features, the method can also include providing the first and second bracket members comprises providing the first and second bracket members with each having a back surface that faces the wall, wherein the back surface of each of the first and second bracket members has a width of at least 0.5 inches.
In accordance with other features, the method can also include providing the first and second bracket members comprises providing the first and second bracket members each having a planar body having a width of at least 0.5 inches.
In accordance with other features, the method can also include providing the raised hook members comprises providing the raised hook members to have a clearance of less than 0.5 inches.
In accordance with other features, the method can also include providing the raised hook members comprises providing the raised hook members along an outer edge of the first and second bracket members.
In accordance with other features, the method can also include providing the first and second bracket members comprises providing the first and second bracket member to each be formed of respective first and second pieces of sheet metal, and wherein providing the raised hook members are provided by pressing rectangular sections along one edge of each piece of sheet metal to be raised above a surface of the respective piece of sheet metal at a proximal end of each rectangular section, wherein each raised hook member comprises a hook body that is coplanar to the surface of the respective piece of sheet metal.
In accordance with other features, the method can also include providing the first and second bracket members comprises providing the first and second bracket members vertically on the wall, and wherein providing the plurality of closed loop elastic bands comprises providing at least some of the plurality of closed loop elastic bands being stretched horizontally between corresponding raised hook members of the first and second bracket members.
providing the first and second bracket members comprises providing the first and second bracket members with mounting holes formed at opposing ends of each of the first and second bracket members.
In accordance with the inventive disclosure, some embodiments can include a wall-mounted item retention system that includes a first bracket member and a second bracket member, where each of the first and second bracket members have a plurality of retainers. Each of the retainers includes a shank portion that couples to the respective bracket and a head at the top of the shank portion. The system further includes a plurality of elastic bands, wherein each one of the plurality of elastic bands is stretched between, and retained by a retainer of the first bracket member and a retainer of the second bracket member.
In accordance with another feature, each of the plurality of retainers has a height of not more than 0.5″.
In accordance with another feature, the head on each retainer is flat.
In accordance with another feature, the retainers integrally formed on the first and second brackets.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a wall mounted item retention system and method therefor, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.
Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time.
“In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, azimuth or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “up”, “down”, “left”, “right”, “inside”, “outside”, “front”, “back”, “head”, “tail” and so on, are azimuth or positional relationships based on the drawings, which are only to facilitate description of the embodiments of the present invention and simplify the description, but not to indicate or imply that the devices or components must have a specific azimuth, or be constructed or operated in the specific azimuth, which thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, terms such as “installed”, “coupled”, “connected” should be broadly interpreted, for example, it may be fixedly connected, or may be detachably connected, or integrally connected; it may be mechanically connected, or may be electrically connected; it may be directly connected, or may be indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the bracket members, for example, along an the length of the bracket member. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above-mentioned terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the specific circumstances

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a pair of opposing bracket members arranged to form a wall-mounted item retention system, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2A is an end view of a bracket member having raised hook members, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 2B is a cut-away end view of a bracket member having raised hook members, cutting through one of the raised hook members, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an assembled wall-mounted item retention system, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a wall-mounted item retention system in which several items are held, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 5 shows a vertical cut-away view of a mounted bracket member for use in a wall-mounted item retention system, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 6 shows a vertical view of a wall mounted item retention system, in accordance with some embodiments;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a system represented in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a “V” arrangement of brackets in accordance with some embodiments; and

FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a box arrangement of brackets in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.
The present invention provides a novel and efficient storage system for retaining items against a wall or other surface. Embodiments of the invention provide at least two bracket members that each support a plurality of hooks or retainers over which an end of an elastic band is placed and retained. The other end of the elastic band is then placed over a hook/retainer on a different bracket member such that the elastic band is under tension. A plurality of elastic bands are so arranged, each disposed over different pairs of hooks/retainers to form a region between the bracket members covered by elastic bands. Items can then be placed between the elastic bands and the wall, whereby the tension of the elastic bands holds the items in place.
Referring now to FIG. 1, which shows a plan view of a pair of opposing bracket members 102, 104 arranged to form a wall-mounted item retention system 100, in accordance with some embodiments. Bracket member 102 includes a plurality of raised hook members 106 that can be formed at an outward facing edge of the bracket member. Likewise, bracket member 104 includes a plurality of raised hook members 108 at its outward facing edge that each correspond with one of the raised hook members 106 of bracket member 102. As used herein, the term “bracket member” refers to a generally elongated member on which a plurality of raised hook members are disposed. The raised hook members are generally aligned to face the same direction, and are configured to hold and retain one end of an elastic band. The raised hook members 106, 108 can be formed in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they are configured to capture and retain one end of an elastic band by having hook body that extends away from the direction of tension in the elastic band so as to prevent the elastic band from coming off. The bracket members 102, 104 are arranged parallel to each other, creating a distance 119 between raised hook members 106 of bracket member 102 and raised hook members 108 of bracket 104. The distance 119 determines the amount of force that will be acting on each bracket member by the tension of the elastic band members when the elastic band members are mounted between the bracket members 102, 104.
The bracket members 102, 104 can have a planar body 110, 112, respectively, that has a width 118 formed from pieces or sections of sheet metal. Further, bracket member 102 can include mounting holes 114, and bracket member 104 can likewise have mounting holes 116. The mounting holes 114, 116 can be disposed at each end of the respective bracket member, and are sized to allow the shank of a standard mounting screw or other attachment member to pass through the mounting holes 114, 116 and retain the respective bracket member against a wall or other surface, with the screw or other attachment member passing into the wall for retention.
The width 118 of each bracket member 102, 104 can be at least one half inch to two inches, depending on the length (i.e. from top to bottom as drawn) and the location of the mounting holes with respect to the forward edge 120 of the bracket member. In particular, an axis 121 is defined along a line between the mounting holes (e.g. 114) at the top and bottom of each bracket member. Other mounting holes may be provided as well (e.g. in the middle, between the top and bottom). As a result of the force imparted to the raised hook members 106, 108, a torque is produced that urges the bracket members to roll about the axis 121 between the mounting holes since the mounting screws act as fulcrums. By having a portion of the bracket member between the axis 121 and the forward edge 120, the forward edge 120 being spaced a distance 122 from the axis 121, the portion of the bracket between the axis 121 and the forward edge 120 resists the torque produced by the elastic bands upon being mounted on the bracket members (i.e. between raised hook members on each bracket member) by bearing against the wall or other surface on which the bracket members 102, 104 are mounted. Thus, the width 122 from the front edge to the axis 121 can be on the order of one quarter to one inch, or more, according to some embodiments. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the bracket members 102, 104, being independent pieces, can be arranged parallel to each other, or at other angles.
FIG. 2A is an end view along line 124 of FIG. 1 of bracket member 102 having raised hook member 106, in accordance with some embodiments. The raised hook member 106 rises above the body of the bracket member 102 at a riser portion 206, which extends upwards from the body of the bracket member 102. The riser 206 could capture the end of an elastic band by being angled away from the forward edge of the bracket member, however that would leave a narrow profile of the riser 206 exposed and protruding from the body of the bracket member, which could present a safety issue. Thus, each raised hook member 106 can have a hook body 202 that is substantially parallel to the body of the bracket member, and which extends from the top of the hook riser 206 toward the rearward or outward facing edge of the bracket member 102. The hook body 202 greatly reduces the risk of injury due to cut or puncture injuries should a person's body come into contact with the bracket member with any significant force. The clearance 200 between the top surface of the bracket member 102 and the bottom of the hook body 202 can be on the order of one eighth to one half of an inch. The lower the clearance 200, the less torque is imparted to the bracket member by the elastic bands. FIG. 2B is a cut-away end view of a bracket member 102, cutting through one of the raised hook members 106 showing the hook body 202 as being formed from the planar body 110 of the bracket member 102. The elastic band(s) produce a force in the direction of arrow 204. An equal and opposite force will therefore be acting on the corresponding bracket member (e.g. 104). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first and second bracket members can be formed of respective and separate first and second pieces of sheet metal (e.g. the body 110, 112), wherein the raised hook members 106, 108 are formed by stamping rectangular sections along one edge of each piece of sheet metal to be raised above a surface of the respective piece of sheet metal at a proximal end of each rectangular section (e.g. at riser 206), wherein each raised hook member comprises a hook body (e.g. 202) that is parallel to the surface of the respective piece of sheet metal.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of an assembled wall-mounted item retention system, in accordance with some embodiments. The system can use opposing bracket members 102, 104 as shown in FIGS. 1-2B. Accordingly, bracket member 102 has raised hook members 106, and bracket member 104 has raised hook members 108. As shown, bracket members 102, 104 are attached to a wall such that they are parallel, and arranged such that their respective hook members 106, 108 are facing outward, meaning away from the other bracket member. With the hook members 106, 108 facing away from each other on their respective bracket members 102, 104, a plurality of elastic bands 300-306 can be placed over, and retained by, a raised hook member 106 at one end, and one raised hook member 108 at another end, resulting in the majority of the elastic band being stretched between the bracket members 102, 104 in front of the wall or other surface on which the bracket members 102, 104 are mounted. Elastic band 310 shows an example of a band prior to being mounted between the bracket members, and can be, for example, a closed loop elastic band, such as a rubber band. The band 308 can be arranged to form a first end 310 that can be placed over one of the raised hook members 108 of bracket 104, and a second end 312, opposite the first end 310, and be placed over one of the raised hook members 106 of bracket member 102. The distance between the bracket members 102, 104 should be sufficient to cause the elastic bands 300-308 to be under tension when mounted, but not so much that the bands 300-308 are likely to break when an item is inserted behind them for retention.
In implementing the system shown in FIG. 3, a method of arranging a retention system for holding items on a wall, can be followed. The method can include providing a first bracket member and a second bracket member, where each of the first and second bracket members have an elongated body defining an axis. The method can further include providing a plurality of raised hook members on each of the first and second bracket members. Each of the raised hook members can be oriented perpendicular to the axis of the respective one of the first and second bracket members. The method can further include arranging the first bracket member and second bracket member on the wall parallel to each other such that their respective raised hook members are facing outward. The method can further include providing a plurality of closed loop elastic bands. Each of the plurality of closed loop elastic bands can be stretched between, and retained by, a raised hook member of the first bracket member and a raised hook member of the second bracket member.
In some embodiments, the bracket members do not need to be parallel, and can form, for example, a “V” shape, with successively longer closed loop elastic band between corresponding hook members in the upwards direction. In some embodiments there can be three or more bracket members arranged in a box configuration, with bands stretched between anti-parallel and/or parallel brackets in various patterns.
FIG. 4 shows a plan view of a wall-mounted item retention system 400 in which several items are held, in accordance with some embodiments. The system 400 is comprised of a first bracket member 402 and a second bracket member 404 that can be mounted parallel to each other on a wall or other surface 401. A plurality of elastic bands are each stretched between a respective corresponding pair raised hook members 406, 408. Since the elastic bands 410 are stretched, and being comprised of an elastic material, when they are pushed away from the wall, they create a force towards the wall 401. Accordingly, when items such as pot covers 412, 414 (i.e. for cooking pots/pans) are placed behind the bands 410, they hold the pot covers 412, 414 in place against the wall 401, preventing the pot covers 412, 414 from falling. Numerous different items can be retained by the retention system 400, and the system 400 can be especially useful in situations where the items are used often, and it is convenient to have them in sight and in easy reach.
FIG. 5 is a vertical cut-away view of a mounted bracket member 506 for use in a wall-mounted item retention system 500, in accordance with some embodiments. The bracket member 506 is attached to a wall 502 or other substrate on a surface 504 of the wall, such as by a bolt or screw 510 or other similar attachment device. A hook or raised hook member 508 retains one end of an elastic band 512. The hook 508 is attached to, or formed integrally with the body of the bracket member 506, and is formed at an outward edge or side of the bracket member 506, opposite the screw 510 from the forward edge 514 of the bracket member 506. In some embodiments the hooks or raised hook members can be located on the forward edge 514.
FIG. 6 shows a vertical view of a wall mounted item retention system 600, in accordance with some embodiments. A bracket or bracket member 604 is mounted on a wall surface 602, and has a plurality of band retainers 606 that include a shank with a head 608 that is larger than the shank. Only one retainer 606 is shown here since, in this view, retainer 606 would obscure any other similar retainers from view. The head 608 acts to prevent an elastic band 610 from moving off the shank of the retainer 606. The retainers 606 can be similar to a standard carpentry nail having a flat head 608. In the embodiments represented by FIG. 6, The retainers 608 can be attached or connected to the bracket 604, rather than being integrally formed in the bracket 604. By providing the retainers as separate elements, a user can configure the wall mounted item retention system to suit their needs by adding as many retainers as needed. The retainers can, for example, have a threaded shank that can be threaded into corresponding threaded holes in the bracket 604. Thus, the retainers 606 act as raised hook members as shown in FIGS. 1-5 and are, because the head 608 is larger in diameter than that the shank of the retaining member 606, capable of retaining bands oriented in any direction. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a system represented in FIG. 6, wherein a bracket or similar carrier 604 includes a generally elongated body that has a plurality of retainer receiving spots 700. A retainer 606 can be placed into a retainer receiving spot 700 as indicated by arrow 704. In some embodiments the retainer receiving spots 700 can be threaded holes that engage a threaded portion 702 of the shank of a retainer 606. Accordingly, can select the number and positions of retainers 606 on two or more brackets/carriers and arrange the retainers as desired, placing elastic bands over the retainers at each end of the elastic bands, so as to retain items against the wall or surface on which the brackets/carriers are mounted, using the force of the elastic bands resulting from the elastic bands being deflected by the item.
A wall-mounted item retention system and method has been disclosed that provides a plurality of opposing retainer or hook members disposed on corresponding bracket members that mount to a wall or other surface. The system and method allow for retention of items against a wall using the action of a plurality of elastic bands that are stretched and deflected away from the wall when an item is placed between the elastic bands and the wall, resulting in a force from the elastic bands against the item, into the wall. The system and method provide the benefit of being able to hold metallic and non-metallic items alike, unlike magnetic systems, while still providing quick visual location of items. The system and method are especially useful in retaining items to keep them out of the way when not in use, while allowing quick and easy access to the items.
FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a “V” arrangement 800 of brackets in accordance with some embodiments. A first bracket 802 and a second bracket 804 are arranged with their bottom ends closer to each other than their top ends, forming the “V” shape. The brackets each have a plurality of retaining members 812, 814 which can be raised hook members. Furthermore, the brackets 802, 804 may formed as a unit, integrally formed with a base 810 that joins the brackets 802, 804 together as portions of the unit. In some embodiments the bracket 802, 804 can be broken off of the base 810 to singulate them so they can be arrange in parallel or other arrangements. A plurality of bands, such as closed loop elastic bands 806, 808 can be stretched between retaining members of the different brackets 802, 804. The bands 806, 808 can be different sizes to correspond with their position, vertically, between the brackets. That is, band 806, being at the top of the arrangement, can be longer than band 808, intended to be at the bottom of the arrangement. Thus, rather than being formed as identical, independent members, in some embodiments the brackets (e.g. 802, 804) can be formed as portions of a unit that is mounted on a wall or similar surface. Furthermore, different arrangements other than parallel opposing brackets can be used. The “V” arrangement can be used to further prevent items held behind the bands 806, 808 from falling down between the brackets 802, 804.
FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a box arrangement 900 of brackets in accordance with some embodiments. The box arrangement 900 is intended to show another arrangement in which more than two brackets are used, include first, second, third, and fourth brackets 902, 904, 906, 908. These brackets 902, 904, 906, 908 can be independent, or they can be integrally joined by connecting portions 910, 912, 914, 916. In some embodiments bracket 902, at the top of the arrangement, can be omitted, leaving brackets 904, 906, 908. Bands can be stretched between opposing brackets (e.g. 902 to 906, or 904 to 908), or to adjacent bracket (e.g. 904 to 906), or both. The user can design patterns as desired with the bands.
Accordingly, the inventive disclosure provides the benefit of creating a simple and convenient item storage/retention system that can be mounted on a wall. The system avoids requiring volume in front of the wall, such as is required for shelving, and allows easy placement into, and removal from the retention system. The retention system is particularly useful for items that are regularly used in a work or play space, and which need to be placed out of the way when not in use.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A retention system for holding items on a wall, comprising:

a first bracket member and a second bracket member, each of the first and second bracket members having an elongated body defining an axis and having a plurality of raised hook members, wherein each of the raised hook members is oriented perpendicular to the axis, and wherein the first bracket member and second bracket member are arranged on the wall parallel to each other such that their respective raised hook members are facing outward; and

a plurality of closed loop elastic bands, wherein each one of the plurality of closed loop elastic bands is stretched between, and retained by a raised hook member of the first bracket member and a raised hook member of the second bracket member.

2. The retention system of claim 1, wherein the first and second bracket members comprise a back surface that faces the wall, wherein the back surface of each of the first and second bracket members has a width of at least 0.5 inches.

3. The retention system of claim 1, wherein the first and second bracket members have a planar body having a width of at least 0.5 inches.

4. The retention system of claim 1, wherein the raised hook members have a clearance of less than 0.5 inches.

5. The retention system of claim 1, wherein the raised hook members are provided along an outer edge of the first and second bracket members.

6. The retention system of claim 1, wherein the first and second bracket members are each formed of a respective first and second pieces of sheet metal, and wherein the raised hook members are formed by pressing rectangular sections along one edge of each piece of sheet metal to be raised above a surface of the respective piece of sheet metal at a proximal end of each rectangular section, wherein each raised hook member comprises a hook body that is coplanar to the surface of the respective piece of sheet metal.

7. The retention system of claim 1, wherein the first and second bracket members are arranged vertically on the wall, and at least some of the plurality of closed loop elastic bands are stretched horizontally between corresponding raised hook members of the first and second bracket members.

8. The retention system of claim 1, further comprising mounting holes at opposing ends of each of the first and second bracket members.

9. A method of arranging a retention system for holding items on a wall, comprising:

providing a first bracket member and a second bracket member, each of the first and second bracket members having an elongated body defining an axis;

providing a plurality of raised hook members on each of the first and second bracket members, wherein each of the raised hook members is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the respective one of the first and second bracket members;

arranging the first bracket member and second bracket member on the wall parallel to each other such that their respective raised hook members are facing outward; and

providing a plurality of closed loop elastic bands, wherein each of the plurality of closed loop elastic bands are stretched between, and retained by, a raised hook member of the first bracket member and a raised hook member of the second bracket member.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein providing the first and second bracket members comprises providing the first and second bracket members with each having a back surface that faces the wall, wherein the back surface of each of the first and second bracket members has a width of at least 0.5 inches.

11. The method claim 9, wherein providing the first and second bracket members comprises providing the first and second bracket members each having a planar body having a width of at least 0.5 inches.

12. The method claim 9, wherein providing the raised hook members comprises providing the raised hook members to have a clearance of less than 0.5 inches.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein providing the raised hook members comprises providing the raised hook members along an outer edge of the first and second bracket members.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein providing the first and second bracket members comprises providing the first and second bracket member to each be formed of respective first and second pieces of sheet metal, and wherein providing the raised hook members are provided by pressing rectangular sections along one edge of each piece of sheet metal to be raised above a surface of the respective piece of sheet metal at a proximal end of each rectangular section, wherein each raised hook member comprises a hook body that is coplanar to the surface of the respective piece of sheet metal.

15. The method claim 9, wherein providing the first and second bracket members comprises providing the first and second bracket members vertically on the wall, and wherein providing the plurality of closed loop elastic bands comprises providing at least some of the plurality of closed loop elastic bands being stretched horizontally between corresponding raised hook members of the first and second bracket members.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein providing the first and second bracket members comprises providing the first and second bracket members with mounting holes formed at opposing ends of each of the first and second bracket members.

17. A wall-mounted item retention system, comprising:

a first bracket member and a second bracket member, each of the first and second bracket members having a plurality of retainers, wherein each of the retainers includes a shank portion that couples to the respective bracket and a head at the top of the shank portion; and

a plurality of elastic bands, wherein each one of the plurality of elastic bands is stretched between, and retained by a retainer of the first bracket member and a retainer of the second bracket member.

18. The wall-mounted item retention system of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of retainers has a height of not more than 0.5″.

19. The wall-mounted item retention system of claim 17, wherein each retainer comprises a head.

20. The wall-mounted item retention system of claim 17, wherein the retainers integrally formed on the first and second brackets.