US20070252496A1 - Track support system and method - Google Patents
Track support system and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070252496A1 US20070252496A1 US11/411,592 US41159206A US2007252496A1 US 20070252496 A1 US20070252496 A1 US 20070252496A1 US 41159206 A US41159206 A US 41159206A US 2007252496 A1 US2007252496 A1 US 2007252496A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- mirror image
- component
- housing
- storage unit
- providing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B57/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions
- A47B57/04—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting the inclination of the shelves
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B88/00—Drawers for tables, cabinets or like furniture; Guides for drawers
- A47B88/40—Sliding drawers; Slides or guides therefor
- A47B88/417—Profiled cabinet walls with grooves or protuberances for supporting drawers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F5/00—Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
- A47F5/0081—Show stands or display racks with movable parts
- A47F5/0093—Show stands or display racks with movable parts movable in a substantially horizontal direction
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B3/00—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor
- B62B3/006—Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor for stacking objects like trays, bobbins, chains
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the field of housings and storage systems for use therein.
- housings for example cabinets, locking cabinets, and carts that can support a shelf or shelves horizontally so that objects can be placed on the shelf.
- problems can exist with the introduction and/or removal of the shelves from the housing. For example, when shelves are introduced or removed from the housing, they can undesirably wedge or jam against the internal sides of the housing.
- there is no reliable way for the shelves to be supported in a housing at an angle because the shelves supported at an angle have the tendency to slide out of the housing due to gravity forces.
- the invention is a track support system for installation in a housing having opposed first and second side walls or opposed first and second panels.
- the housing includes a base wall and an opposed elevated wall, and a back wall, such that the first and second side walls extend between the base and elevated wall.
- Each of opposed first and second side walls has opposed first and second edges and opposed third and fourth edges. The first edges of the first and second side walls are proximal the opening in the housing and extend vertically, the second edges extend along the back wall, the third edges extend along the elevated wall, and the fourth edges extend along the base.
- the first side wall or first panel has a plurality of differently configured elements extending from it that are disposed in a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows of elements.
- the second side wall or second panel has a plurality of differently configured elements extending from it that are disposed in a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows of elements.
- the plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows of elements form a pattern on the first side wall or first panel, and the plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows of elements form a pattern on the second side wall or second panel.
- Each of the differently configured elements disposed on the first side wall and the second side wall are opposite one another and are mirror images of one another, and the vertically spaced horizontal rows of elements disposed on the first and second side walls are opposite one another and are mirror images of one another, and the patterns disposed on the first and second side walls are opposite one another and are mirror images of one another.
- storage units can be slidably received in the housing horizontally or at an angle supported on the mirror image horizontal rows.
- each of the horizontal rows of elements disposed on the first side wall or panel includes a first component for supporting weight and providing a stop when the storage unit is fully introduced into the housing horizontally or at an angle, and for providing an extraction safety stop when the storage unit is partially removed from the housing.
- Each horizontal row further includes a second component for supporting weight and providing an inclined sliding surface for providing lift when the storage unit is introduced into the housing at an angle.
- the horizontal row further includes a third component for providing lift when the storage unit is introduced into the housing at an angle and for supporting the weight of the storage unit.
- the first component is proximal the opening in the housing
- the third component is proximal the back wall of the housing
- the second component is positioned between the first and third components.
- the first component on the first side wall or first panel has a rectangular shape
- the second component has a telephone shape
- the third component has a tear drop shape.
- the second side wall has a mirror image first component has a mirror image rectangular shape
- the mirror image second component has a mirror image telephone shape
- the mirror image third component has a mirror image tear drop shape.
- FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a housing having panels.
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the housing.
- FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the housing taken along cut line A-A in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a molded panel.
- FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the molded panel.
- FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the molded panel sliced in half to form a first panel and a second panel that are mirror images of one another.
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged view, partly in broken lines, of element A shown in FIG. 6 , of the first panel showing a first component.
- FIG. 7A is an enlarged view, partly in broken lines, of element D shown in FIG. 6 , of the second panel showing a mirror image first component.
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged view, partly in broken lines, of element B shown in FIG. 6 , of the first panel showing a second component.
- FIG. 8A is an enlarged view, partly in broken lines, of element E shown in FIG. 6 , of the second panel showing a mirror image second component.
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged view, partly in broken lines, of element C shown in FIG. 6 , of the first panel showing a third component.
- FIG. 9A is an enlarged view, partly in broken lines, of element F shown in FIG. 6 , of the second panel showing a mirror image third component.
- FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the tub.
- FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the tub.
- FIG. 12 is right side elevational view of the tub.
- FIG. 13 is a sectional view, partly in broken lines, of the tub taken along cut line D-D shown in FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the tub, partly in broken lines, taken along cut line E-E shown in FIG. 10 .
- FIG. 14A is a is a perspective view of a tub partly withdrawn from the housing and tub blocking members preventing the tub from sliding out of the housing.
- FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the wire basket.
- FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the wire basket.
- FIG. 17 is a right side elevational view of the wire basket.
- FIG. 17A is a perspective view of the wire basket partly withdrawn from the housing and wire basket blocking members preventing the wire basket from sliding out of the housing.
- FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the shelf.
- FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the shelf.
- FIG. 20 is a right side elevational view of the shelf.
- FIG. 20A is a is a perspective view of a shelf partly withdrawn from the housing and the shelf blocking members preventing the shelf from being withdrawn from the housing.
- FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment wherein the housing has two cavities
- FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the second embodiment.
- FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the second embodiment.
- FIGS. 1-3 show a housing 22 , for example, a cabinet, that has opposed first and second side walls or first and second panels 24 , 26 , respectively. It is to be understood that the terms sidewalls and panels are used interchangeably throughout this description.
- the housing 22 also has a back wall 28 that extends between the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 26 .
- the housing 22 also has a base 30 and an opposed elevated wall 32 , with the base 30 and the opposed elevated wall 32 each extending between the first side wall 24 , the second side wall 26 and the back wall 28 .
- the housing 22 has an opening 27 opposite the back wall 28 and has a cavity 38 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the housing 22 can be mounted on casters or wheels 23 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 .
- the first and second side walls 24 , 26 are cut to size from a molded panel 42 , as shown in FIG. 4 , so that they can be used as the first and second side walls 24 , 26 , respectively of the housing 22 .
- the first and second side walls 24 , 26 are adapted to support storage units 119 horizontally and at angles in the housing 22 .
- the storage units 119 include tubs shelves 120 , tubs 122 and wire baskets 124 , as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 , 11 - 20 A. As shown in FIGS.
- the molded panel 42 is generally rectangular shaped and has a first edge 44 and an opposed second edge 46 , and a third edge 48 and an opposed fourth edge 50 , as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the molded panel 42 has a molded side 43 and an opposed joining side 45 .
- the molded panel 42 is vacuum formed from an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (hereinafter ABS) material, such that the molded panel 42 is a one piece construction. ABS material and vacuum forming ABS materials well known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the molded panel 42 could, in other embodiments, be made of different plastics and materials.
- the molded panel 42 has a longitudinal axis, designated L in FIG. 4 , and is sliced in half along its longitudinal axis L with a knife or blade(not shown) to thus form the first side wall or panel 24 and the second side wall or panel 26 .
- the first side wall or panel 24 has opposed first and second edges 35 a , 35 b , respectively, and opposed third and a fourth edges 37 a , 37 b .
- the second side wall or panel 26 has opposed first and second edges 39 a , 39 b , respectively, and opposed third and fourth edges 41 a , 41 b .
- FIG. 6 also shows that the first side wall 24 has a plurality of differently configured elements 49 extending from it that are disposed in a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows 51 .
- the second side wall 26 has a plurality of differently configured elements 49 a extending from it that are disposed in a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows 51 a.
- the plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows 51 form a pattern 53 on the first side wall 24
- the plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows 51 a form a pattern 53 a on the second side wall 26 .
- the second edge 35 b of the first side wall 24 , and the second edge 39 b of the second side wall 26 abut against the back wall 28 of the housing 22 , as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 .
- the first edges 35 a , 39 a , respectively, of the first and second side walls 24 , 26 , respectively are proximal to the opening 27 in the housing 22 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the fourth edges 37 b , 41 b respectively, abut against the base 30 .
- each of the differently configured elements 49 , 49 a are opposite one another, and the differently configured element 49 a is a mirror image of the differently configured elements 49 .
- the vertically spaced horizontal rows 51 , 51 a are opposite one, and the vertically spaced horizontal rows 51 a are a mirror image of the vertical spaced horizontal rows 51 .
- the patterns 53 , 53 a disposed on the first and second side walls 24 , 26 , respectively, are opposite one another, and the pattern 53 a disposed on the second side wall 26 is a mirror image of the pattern 53 disposed on the first side wall 24 .
- storage units 119 can be slidably received in the housing horizontally or at an angle, as will be described presently, supported on the opposed mirror image vertically spaced horizontal rows 51 , 51 a.
- the plurality of differently configured elements 49 that form each of the vertically spaced horizontal rows 51 on the first side wall 24 includes, moving from left to right as viewed in FIG. 6 , a first component or protrusion 60 that is located proximal to the first edge 35 a , a second component or protrusion 62 proximal the first component 60 , and third components or protrusions 64 proximal the second edge 35 b .
- the first component 60 is thus located at the opening 27 in the housing 22
- the third components 64 are located proximal the back wall 28 of the housing 22
- the second component 62 is positioned between the first and third components 60 , 64 , respectively.
- the plurality of mirror image differently configured elements 49 a that form each of the mirror image vertically spaced horizontal rows 51 a on the second side wall 26 include, moving from right to left as viewed in FIG. 6 , a mirror image first component or protrusion 60 a that is located adjacent the first edge 39 a of the second side wall 26 , a mirror image second component or protrusion 62 a proximal the first component 60 a , and mirror image third components or protrusions 64 a proximal the second edge 39 b .
- the mirror image first component 60 a is located at the opening 27 in the housing 22
- the mirror image third components 64 a are located next to the back wall 28 of the housing 22
- the mirror image second component 62 a is positioned between the first and third components 60 a , 64 a , respectively.
- the first component and mirror image first component 60 , 60 a respectively, the second component and mirror image second component 62 , 62 a , respectively, and the third component and mirror image third component 64 , 64 a , respectively, are disposed opposite one another and are mirror images of one another.
- the molded panel 42 can be embodied with more or fewer than three third components and mirror image third components 64 , 64 a , respectively, and the molded panel 42 can be cut to size for a particular application.
- the first component and mirror image first component 60 , 60 a together support the weight of the storage unit 119 and provide for safety stops 86 , 86 a , respectively, for storage units 119 fully received in the housing 22 horizontally or at an angle, and provide for extraction safety stops and have extraction safety stop surfaces 74 , 74 a , respectively, for stopping or blocking the complete removal of storage units 119 that are partly pulled out of the housing 22 horizontally or at an angle.
- the opposed first component and mirror image first component 60 , 60 a respectfully serve as a vertical insertion locator, because the storage unit 119 is introduced into the housing horizontally between the vertically disposed mirror image horizontal rows 51 , 51 a, and between the opposed first component and mirror image first component 60 , 60 a , respectively.
- the opposed second component and mirror image second component 62 , 62 a respectively, support the weight of storage units 119 installed horizontally or at an angle, and provide mirror image sliding surfaces 90 , 90 a , respectively, so that a storage unit 119 can be slidably introduced and removed from the housing 22 at an angle.
- the opposed second component 62 has a base stop surface 93 and the mirror image second component 62 a has a mirror image base stop surface 93 a that engage the storage unit 119 disposed vertically below and block the it from being withdrawn horizontally out of the housing 22 .
- the third component and mirror image third component 64 , 64 a respectively supporting the weight of the storage unit 119 and provide lifting surfaces 104 , 104 a , respectively, that lift and guide the storage units 119 when introduced into the housing 22 at an angle, and they provide mirror image third convex sliding surfaces 112 , 112 a , respectively, over which the storage unit 119 slides when moved horizontally in and out of the housing 22 .
- the first component and mirror image first component 60 , 60 a are molded such that the first component 60 has a rectangular shape 61 , and the mirror image first component 60 a has a mirror image rectangular shape 61 a , as shown in FIGS. 4, 7 and 7 A.
- FIGS. 7 and 7 A show enlarged views of portions of the first and second side walls or panels 24 , 26 , respectively, as indicated by arrows A and Al in FIG. 6 .
- the opposed mirror image rectangular shapes 61 , 61 a, respectively, formed in the first and second side walls 24 , 26 respectively have shapes that are mirror images of one another.
- the mirror image rectangular shapes 61 , 61 a have mirror image first surfaces 70 , 70 a , that extend to and makes a right angle bend with mirror image second surfaces 72 , 72 a , respectively, the mirror image second surfaces 72 , 72 a , respectively, extend to and makes a right angle bend with a mirror image extraction safety stop surfaces 74 , 74 a , respectively, and the mirror image extraction stop surfaces 74 , 74 a , respectively, extend to and makes a right angle bends with mirror image fourth surfaces 76 , 76 a , respectively, and the mirror image fourth surfaces 76 , 76 a , extend to and makes a right angle bends with mirror image fifth surfaces 78 , 78 a , respectively, and the mirror image fifth surface 78 , 78 a , extend to and make right angle bends with mirror image sixth surfaces 80 , 80 a , respectively, and the mirror image sixth surfaces 80 , 80 a , respectively, extend to and makes a right angle bends with the mirror image
- first component 60 has s first component sliding surface 79
- the mirror image first component 60 a has a mirror image first component sliding surface 79 a , and when storage units 119 are introduced into or slid out of the housing 22 , they slide over the first sliding surface 79 and mirror image sliding surface 79 a .
- the second component 62 is formed to have a telephone shape 63
- the mirror image second component 62 a is formed such it has a mirror image telephone shape 63 a, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 , 8 and 8 A.
- the second component and mirror image second component 62 , 62 a extend from the first and second side walls or panels 24 , 26 , respectively.
- FIGS. 8 and 8 A show enlarged views of a portion of the first and second side walls 24 , 26 , respectively, as indicated by arrows B and B 1 in FIG. 6 .
- the second component and mirror image second component 62 , 62 a have mirror image sliding surfaces 90 , 90 a , respectively, that meet with mirror image first convex curved surfaces 92 , 92 a , respectively, having mirror image radii designated R 1 .
- the mirror image first convex surfaces 92 , 92 a respectively, meet with mirror image first concave surfaces 94 , 94 a , having a radii designated R 2 .
- the first mirror image concave surfaces 94 , 94 a meet with mirror image straight surfaces 96 , 96 a , respectively, and the straight surfaces 96 , 96 a , respectively, extend to mirror image second concave surfaces 97 , 97 a , respectively, having radii R 2 .
- the mirror image second concave surfaces 97 , 97 a meet with mirror image second convex surfaces 98 , 98 a , respectively, and have a radii R 1 , and the second convex surfaces 98 , 98 a , respectively, meets with the mirror image sliding surfaces 90 , 90 a . All of the above described surface meet with mirror image telephone shaped flat surfaces 100 , 100 a , respectively.
- the second component and mirror image second component 62 , 62 a support weight and are at the location from which daily use will occur as storage units 119 are slid in and out of the housing 22 horizontally or at an angle.
- the second component and mirror image second component 62 , 62 a respectively, provide the guide track function for guiding the support units 119 when they are introduced into or removed from the housing 22 horizontally or at an angle. It is pointed out that when the storage unit 119 is introduced into the housing 22 and is slid past the mirror image first components 60 , 60 a , respectively, the user (not shown) has several options. The user can slide the storage unit 119 horizontally into the housing 22 over the mirror image second components 62 , 62 a , respectively.
- the user can slide the storage unit 119 into the housing 22 such that when the storage unit 119 reaches the mirror image second components 62 , 62 a , respectively, the user tilts the storage unit 119 toward the base 30 of the housing 22 and continues pushing the storage unit 119 into the housing 22 .
- the storage unit 119 is caused to slide over the mirror image sliding surfaces 90 , 90 , respectively, that are disposed in the mirror image horizontal rows 51 , 51 a, respectively, that disposed vertically above.
- the support unit 119 advantageously cannot be mis-fed when introduced into the housing 22 horizontally or at an angle.
- the mirror image sliding surfaces 90 , 90 a can be, for example, at a 30° angle, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 8 A, relative to the vertically spaced horizontal rows 51 , 51 a.
- the second component 62 has the base stop surface 93 and the mirror image base second component 62 a has a mirror image base stop surface 93 a, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 8 A.
- the base stop surface 93 and mirror image base stop surface 93 a provide for a working level stop when a storage unit 119 is horizontally positioned in the housing 22 .
- the base stop surface and mirror image base stop surface 93 a each engages the storage unit 119 disposed vertically below.
- the tub 122 has tub blocking members 150
- the wire basket 124 has wire basket blocking members 177
- the shelf 120 has shelf blocking members 199 that extend therefrom.
- the tub 122 When the tub 122 is horizontally slid out of the housing 22 in this manner, about 80% of the tub 122 is accessible to the user, and the tub hangs downwardly about 20 degree, which advantageously provides the user with easy access to the tub 122 .
- the user To remove the tub 122 , the user must lift the tub 122 about 20 degrees upwardly to move it under the base stop surface 93 on the second component 62 and the mirror image base stop surface 93 a on the mirror image second component 62 a that are disposed on the horizontal row 51 an mirror image horizontal row 51 a vertically above the tub 122 .
- the tub blocking members 150 contact the extraction safety surface 74 and the mirror image extraction safety stop 74 a , disposed on the first component 60 and mirror image first component 60 a disposed vertically above.
- This advantageously prevents or blocks the sliding movement of the tub 122 and thus prevents it from undesirably sliding out of the housing 22 .
- This thus advantageously allows the tub 122 to be partly withdrawn out of the housing so that the user can access items stored in the tub 122 , without the risk of the tub 122 sliding out of the housing 22 .
- the user lifts it over the first component 60 and mirror image first component 60 .
- the third component and mirror image third component 64 , 64 a are molded such that the third component 64 has a tear drop shape 65 , and the mirror image third component 65 a has a mirror image tear drop shape 65 a , as shown in FIGS. 4, 6 , 9 , 9 A.
- FIGS. 9 and 9 A show enlarged views of portions of the first side wall or panel 24 and second side wall or panel 26 indicated by arrows C and C 1 in FIG. 6 .
- There are three third components and mirror image third components 64 , 64 a respectively, but in other embodiments the number could be less or more.
- the tear drop shape 65 and mirror image tear drop shape 65 a have mirror image curved lifting surfaces, for example, curved or concave mirror image lifting surfaces 104 , 104 a , having radii designated R 3 .
- the mirror image concave lifting surfaces 104 , 104 a respectively, meet with mirror image first convex surfaces 106 , 106 a , respectively, having radii designated R 4 , and the mirror image first convex surfaces 106 , 106 a , respectively, meet with mirror image linear surfaces 108 , 108 a , respectively.
- the mirror image linear surfaces 108 , 108 a meet with mirror image second convex surface 110 , 110 a, respectfully, having radii designated R 5
- the mirror image second convex surfaces 110 , 110 a respectfully, meet with mirror image third convex sliding surfaces 112 , 112 a , respectively, having radii designated R 6
- the mirror image third convex sliding surfaces 112 , 112 a meet with the mirror image concave lifting surfaces 104 , 104 a , respectively.
- the above-described surfaces extend to tear drop shaped flat surfaces 114 , 114 a , respectively.
- the concave lifting surface 104 and mirror image concave lifting surface 104 a support and guide the support unit 119 when it is introduced into the housing 22 at an angle, for example, a 30° angle, as described above.
- the third convex sliding surface 112 and mirror image third convex sliding surface 112 a support the weight of the storage unit 119 when it is horizontally located in the housing 22 .
- the horizontal rows 51 , 51 a, respectively are spaced about 2.88 inches from one another, and the concave lifting surfaces 104 , 104 a , respectively, have about an 8 (eight) inch radius that provides the lift required to slide in and correct the angle as the storage units 119 are introduced into the housing 22 at an angle. In other embodiments, these dimensions can be changed.
- the storage units 119 include a shelf 120 and tub 122 and basket 124 .
- the tub 122 is generally shown in FIGS. 10-14A .
- the tub 122 has opposed first and second walls 130 , 132 , respectively, and opposed third and fourth walls 134 , 136 , respectively, each of which extends to a tub base 138 having elevated supports 140 .
- the tub 122 thus has a tub cavity 141 defined by the opposed first and second walls 130 , 132 , respectively, and opposed third and fourth walls 134 , 136 , respectively, and tub base 138 .
- a surrounding lip 142 having a first lip surface 144 and an opposed second lip surface 146 extends around the periphery of the tub 122 , and extends in a direction away from the tub cavity 141 .
- Tub blocking members 150 extends from the first lip surface 144 where straight portions 143 of the surrounding lip 142 meet proximal the corners of the tub 122 , as shown in FIG. 10-14A .
- the tub blocking members 150 are for blocking the movement of the tub 122 when it is partly withdrawn from the housing 22 . This advantageously prevents the tub 122 from uncontrollably sliding out of the housing 22 when it is pulled out of the housing 22 to retrieve an object stored therein.
- FIG. 10-14A A surrounding lip 142 having a first lip surface 144 and an opposed second lip surface 146 extends around the periphery of the tub 122 , and extends in a direction away from the tub cavity 141 .
- Tub blocking members 150 extends from the first lip surface 144 where straight portions 143 of the surrounding lip 142 meet
- the tub blocking members 150 contact the first component 60 and mirror image first component 60 a , respectively, disposed vertically above the tub 122 , and in particular contact the extraction stop surface 74 and the mirror image extraction safety stop 74 a , as shown. This advantageously prevents the entire tub 122 from undesirably sliding out of the housing 122 .
- each of the opposed first and second walls 130 , 132 , respectively, and opposed third and fourth walls 134 , 136 , respectively, advantageously has a taper 152 .
- the taper 152 extends in a direction toward the tub base 138 , and in one the preferred embodiments the taper 152 can be about 8°.
- the taper 152 advantageously allows for the tub 122 to be slid in out of the housing 22 without interference with vertically disposed horizontal rows 51 , 51 a, respectively.
- the surrounding support lip 142 of the tub 122 abuts against the stop 86 and mirror image stop 86 a , to thus advantageously prevent the tub 122 from sliding out of the housing 22 .
- the tub 122 can be removed from the housing 22 by lifting the tub 122 over the first component 60 and mirror image first component 60 a and sliding the tub 122 out of the housing 22 .
- the second component 62 and mirror image second component 62 a , and the third component 64 , and mirror image third component 64 a advantageously guide the tub 122 , and prevent the tub 122 from jamming or mis-feeding as the tub 122 is introduced or removed from the housing 22 .
- the tub 122 can comprise plastic, metal and other suitable materials.
- the wire basket 124 shown generally in FIGS. 15-17A , is formed from wires 125 .
- the wires 125 can be plastic, metal or other suitable material.
- the wire basket 124 has an opposed first and second wire walls 160 , 162 , respectively, and opposed third and fourth wire walls 164 , 166 , respectively, each of which extends to a wire base 168 .
- the wire basket 124 thus has a wire basket cavity 169 defined by the opposed first and second wire walls 160 , 162 , respectively, and opposed third and fourth wire walls 164 , 166 , respectively, and wire basket base 168 .
- a surrounding wire lip 170 having a first wire lip surface 172 and an opposed second wire lip surface 173 having a wire lip support surface 175 extends around the periphery of the wire basket 124 .
- the surrounding wire lip 170 extends in a direction away from the wire basket cavity 169 .
- Wire basket blocking members 177 extend from the surrounding wire lip 170 and is for preventing the complete withdrawal of the wire basket 124 from the housing 22 in the same manner as described above in connection with the tub 122 .
- the taper 180 extends in a direction toward the wire base 168 , and in one the preferred embodiments the taper 180 can be about 4°, as shown in FIG. 17 .
- the 180 taper advantageously allows for the wire basket 124 to be slid in out of the housing 122 without interference from vertically disposed horizontal rows 51 , 51 a, respectively.
- the surrounding wire support lip 170 abuts against the stops 86 , 86 a , formed in the first components 60 , 60 a , respectively, to thus advantageously prevent the wire basket 124 from sliding out of the housing 22 .
- the wire basket 124 can be removed from the housing 22 by lifting it over the first components 60 , 60 a , respectively, and sliding it out of the housing 22 .
- the shelf 120 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , 18 - 20 A can be similarly slid into the housing 22 horizontally or at an angle, for example, a 30° angle.
- the shelf 120 has a shelf support surface 194 and an opposed shelf object surface 196 .
- the shelf has a slotted wall 189 such that the dividers 199 can be removably repositioned on the shelf 120 .
- a shelf blocking member 199 extends from the shelf 120 corners and is for preventing the complete withdrawal of the shelf 120 from the housing 22 in the same manner as described above in connection with the tub 122 .
- the shelf blocking members 199 contact the first component 60 and mirror image first component 60 a , on the horizontal row 51 , 51 a, respectively, disposed vertically above the shelf 120 , and in particular contact the extraction stop surface 74 and mirror image extraction stop surface 74 a . This advantageously prevents the shelf 120 from inadvertently sliding out of the housing 22 when in the partly open position.
- the shelf 124 can be introduced and removed from the housing 122 horizontally or at an angle.
- the shelf 120 has a taper that can be about 4° which facilitates introduction and removal of the shelf 120 .
- the shelf 120 can be made without a taper 194 .
- the shelf 120 can be introduced into the housing 22 by lifting the shelf 120 over the first components 60 and mirror image first component 60 a , and sliding the shelf 120 into the housing 122 horizontally or at an angle of, for example, 30° angle, and can be supported horizontally and at angles in the same manner as describe above in connection with the tub 122 .
- the tub 122 In use, taking for example the tub 122 , the tub 122 is moved horizontally between opposed mirror image first components 60 , 60 a , respectively, and slid into the housing over the first component 60 and mirror image 60 a first component. As insertion continues, the tub blocking members 150 extending from the tub will contact the second component 62 and mirror image second component 62 disposed in the horizontal row 51 and mirror image horizontal row 51 a disposed vertically above. The user can push downwardly on the tub 122 such that the tub 122 slides up the second component 62 and the mirror image second component 62 a disposed vertically above, and the tub 122 is thus moved to the angled position.
- the tub 122 then moves upwardly upon contacting the third component 64 and concave lifting surface 104 and mirror image third component 64 a and mirror image concave lifting surface 104 a . Once fully inserted the tub 122 comes to rest, and abuts against the stop 86 and mirror image stop 86 a . If, on the other hand, during introduction the user lifts up on the tub 122 when it contacts the second component 62 and mirror image second component 62 a disposed vertically above, then the blocking members 150 will move under the base stop surface 93 and mirror image base stop surface 93 a disposed vertically above, such that the tub 122 can be moved into the housing 22 horizontally.
- the base stop surface 93 and mirror image base stop surface 93 a provide for a working level stop when a storage unit 119 is horizontally positioned in the housing 22 . It is to be understood that the wire basket 124 and shelf 120 are introduced into the housing horizontally or vertically in a like manner.
- the tub 122 has tub blocking members 150
- the wire basket 124 has wire basket blocking members 177
- the shelf 120 has shelf blocking members 199 .
- the tub blocking members 150 engage the base stop surface 93 on the second component 62 and the mirror image base stop surface 93 a on the mirror image second component 62 a that are disposed on the horizontal rows 51 and mirror image horizontal row 5 la spaced vertically above, such that the tub 122 cannot be slid out of the housing 22 without the user taking addition action.
- the tub 122 When the tub 122 is horizontally slid out of the housing 22 to this stopping location in this manner, about 80% of the tub 122 is accessible to the user, and the tub hangs downwardly at about a 20 degree angle, which advantageously provides the user with easy access to the tub 122 contents. This thus advantageously allows the tub 122 to be partly withdrawn out of the housing so that the user can access items stored in the tub 122 , without the risk of the tub 122 sliding out of the housing 22 . To further remove the tub 122 , the user must lift the tub 122 about 20 degrees upwardly to move the blocking members 150 under the base stop surface 93 and the mirror image base stop surface 93 a. Thereafter, the user can continue to pull the tub 122 out of the housing 22 .
- the blocking members 150 contact the first component 60 and mirror image first component 60 a , respectively, disposed vertically above the tub 122 , and in particular contact the extraction stop surface 74 and the mirror image extraction stop 74 a , which advantageously provides a safety stop such that the tub 22 is prevented from undesirably or uncontrollably sliding completely out of the housing 22 .
- the user need only lift the tub 122 upwardly such that it is horizontal and pull it outward from the housing 22 .
- the user lifts the tub out of the stop 86 and mirror image stop 86 a , until the blocking members 150 engage the first component 60 and mirror image first component 60 a disposed vertically above.
- the tub 122 can be removed from the housing 22 by lifting it such that it is horizontal and sliding it out of the housing 22 .
- the mirror image first and second components 60 , 60 a respectively, provide the working level stop in the 30 degree mode.
- the tub blocking members 150 engage the mirror image extraction stop surfaces 74 , 74 a , respectively, disposed on the mirror image first components disposed vertically above.
- the tub 150 thus pivots on the first component 60 and mirror image first component 60 a disposed vertically below.
- the user tilts the tub 122 until it is horizontal and slides it out of the housing 22 .
- shelf 120 and wire basket 124 can be introduced into the housing 22 horizontally and removed from the housing 22 horizontally in the same manner as described above in connection with the horizontal introduction and removal of the tub 122 from the housing 22 , and can be introduced into the housing 22 at an angle and removed from the housing 22 from an angle position in the same manner as described above in connection the angled introduction and removal of the tub 122 from the housing 22 .
- the third component 64 has a third convex sliding surface 112 and the mirror image third component 64 a has a third convex sliding surface 11 2 a each supports the weight of the storage units 119 in the horizontal mode and provides for mirror image convex sliding surfaces 112 , 112 a in the horizontal mode
- tubs 122 and wire baskets 124 are two dimensional shapes, and in one of the preferred embodiments, the tub 122 and basket 124 has a width of 400 millimeters and a depth of 600 millimeters.
- the system can advantageously can be used in combination with two dimensionally different shapes and their multiples.
- the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 26 can be sized accordingly.
- a method is of making a shelving system is also provided including forming a molded panel 42 from an ABS material, providing the molded panel with horizontal rows of elements and slicing the molded panel in a half along its longitudinal axis to make the first side wall 24 and the second side wall 26 that is a mirror image thereof, and using the first and second side walls 24 , 26 to form a housing 22 .
- FIGS. 21-23 in a second embodiment an internal divider panel 210 that divides the interior of the housing 22 in to a first cavity 212 and a second cavity 214 .
- first and second side walls 24 , 26 are mounted to opposed sides of the divider panel 210 . It is to be understood that the reference numbers used in FIGS. 21-23 that are the same as those used above in connection with the first embodiment are not described herein again.
- a standard housing (not shown) could be provided having a base, a back wall, an elevated wall and first and second opposed outer walls having interior surfaces, wherein the elevated wall is opposite the base, and wherein the back wall extends between the first and second opposed outer walls.
- the standard housing has a standard housing opening opposite the back wall.
- a standard housing having this basic structure is well known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the first side or panel 24 can be joined to the interior surface of the first outer wall with, for example, screws
- the second side or second panel 26 can be joined to the interior surface of the second outer wall with, for example, screws, such that the first second and third components, 60 , 62 , 64 , respectively, and mirror image first, second, and third components 60 a , 62 a , 64 a , are opposite one another and are otherwise arrange in the standard housing exactly the same as described above in connection with the first embodiment. That is, the first component and mirror image component 60 , 60 a , respectively, are proximal the standard housing opening.
- first and second side or panels 24 , 26 can be provide with mirror image dimples 85 , 85 a , respectively, through which the screw (not shown) can be passed, as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the present invention provides superior solution that ends the problem of drawers that wedge or jam. It also advantageously provides a way for storage units to be partly withdrawn from a housing, for example, at an angle, and eliminates the risk that they can inadvertently slide out of the housing.
- the present invention also provides for a superior way to support storage units at an angle, feed storage unit into a housing at an angle, and remove storage units from an angled position.
- the housing 22 can also be embodied as a locking cabinet with doors and a lock.
Abstract
A track support system for installation in a housing having opposed first and second side walls with the housing capable of receiving a storage unit therein, the track system comprising the first side wall having a first component, a second component and a third component arranged in horizontal row. The second side wall having a mirror image first component, a mirror image second component and a mirror image third component arranged in a mirror image horizontal row. The mirror image first components support weight and provide stops for horizontal and angled storage units, the mirror image second components have mirror image angled sliding surfaces for guiding the storage unit to an angled position, and provide stops when the storage unit is horizontal and partly withdrawn from the housing, and mirror image third components have curved surfaces for guiding the unit to the angled position and support weight.
Description
- The present invention relates to the field of housings and storage systems for use therein.
- There are housings, for example cabinets, locking cabinets, and carts that can support a shelf or shelves horizontally so that objects can be placed on the shelf. However, problems can exist with the introduction and/or removal of the shelves from the housing. For example, when shelves are introduced or removed from the housing, they can undesirably wedge or jam against the internal sides of the housing. In addition, there is no reliable way for the shelves to be supported in a housing at an angle, because the shelves supported at an angle have the tendency to slide out of the housing due to gravity forces.
- Thus, there is a need for a system that overcomes the above-described problems. It addition, it would be desirable if such a system were easy to make and use, and have a long working life.
- The invention is a track support system for installation in a housing having opposed first and second side walls or opposed first and second panels. The housing includes a base wall and an opposed elevated wall, and a back wall, such that the first and second side walls extend between the base and elevated wall. There is an opening in the housing opposite the back wall. Each of opposed first and second side walls has opposed first and second edges and opposed third and fourth edges. The first edges of the first and second side walls are proximal the opening in the housing and extend vertically, the second edges extend along the back wall, the third edges extend along the elevated wall, and the fourth edges extend along the base.
- The first side wall or first panel has a plurality of differently configured elements extending from it that are disposed in a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows of elements. The second side wall or second panel has a plurality of differently configured elements extending from it that are disposed in a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows of elements. The plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows of elements form a pattern on the first side wall or first panel, and the plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows of elements form a pattern on the second side wall or second panel.
- Each of the differently configured elements disposed on the first side wall and the second side wall are opposite one another and are mirror images of one another, and the vertically spaced horizontal rows of elements disposed on the first and second side walls are opposite one another and are mirror images of one another, and the patterns disposed on the first and second side walls are opposite one another and are mirror images of one another. In this arrangement, storage units can be slidably received in the housing horizontally or at an angle supported on the mirror image horizontal rows.
- In a preferred embodiment, each of the horizontal rows of elements disposed on the first side wall or panel includes a first component for supporting weight and providing a stop when the storage unit is fully introduced into the housing horizontally or at an angle, and for providing an extraction safety stop when the storage unit is partially removed from the housing. Each horizontal row further includes a second component for supporting weight and providing an inclined sliding surface for providing lift when the storage unit is introduced into the housing at an angle. The horizontal row further includes a third component for providing lift when the storage unit is introduced into the housing at an angle and for supporting the weight of the storage unit. In each horizontal row of elements, the first component is proximal the opening in the housing, the third component is proximal the back wall of the housing, and the second component is positioned between the first and third components. In one of the preferred embodiments, the first component on the first side wall or first panel has a rectangular shape, the second component has a telephone shape, and the third component has a tear drop shape. The second side wall has a mirror image first component has a mirror image rectangular shape, the mirror image second component has a mirror image telephone shape, and the mirror image third component has a mirror image tear drop shape.
-
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a housing having panels. -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the housing. -
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the housing taken along cut line A-A inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a molded panel. -
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the molded panel. -
FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the molded panel sliced in half to form a first panel and a second panel that are mirror images of one another. -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view, partly in broken lines, of element A shown inFIG. 6 , of the first panel showing a first component. -
FIG. 7A is an enlarged view, partly in broken lines, of element D shown inFIG. 6 , of the second panel showing a mirror image first component. -
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view, partly in broken lines, of element B shown inFIG. 6 , of the first panel showing a second component. -
FIG. 8A is an enlarged view, partly in broken lines, of element E shown inFIG. 6 , of the second panel showing a mirror image second component. -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view, partly in broken lines, of element C shown inFIG. 6 , of the first panel showing a third component. -
FIG. 9A is an enlarged view, partly in broken lines, of element F shown inFIG. 6 , of the second panel showing a mirror image third component. -
FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the tub. -
FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the tub. -
FIG. 12 is right side elevational view of the tub. -
FIG. 13 is a sectional view, partly in broken lines, of the tub taken along cut line D-D shown inFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the tub, partly in broken lines, taken along cut line E-E shown inFIG. 10 . -
FIG. 14A is a is a perspective view of a tub partly withdrawn from the housing and tub blocking members preventing the tub from sliding out of the housing. -
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the wire basket. -
FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the wire basket. -
FIG. 17 is a right side elevational view of the wire basket. -
FIG. 17A is a perspective view of the wire basket partly withdrawn from the housing and wire basket blocking members preventing the wire basket from sliding out of the housing. -
FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the shelf. -
FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the shelf. -
FIG. 20 is a right side elevational view of the shelf. -
FIG. 20A is a is a perspective view of a shelf partly withdrawn from the housing and the shelf blocking members preventing the shelf from being withdrawn from the housing. -
FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment wherein the housing has two cavities, -
FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the second embodiment. -
FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the second embodiment. - The present invention is a track support system 20 and is shown generally in
FIGS. 1-20A .FIGS. 1-3 show ahousing 22, for example, a cabinet, that has opposed first and second side walls or first andsecond panels housing 22 also has aback wall 28 that extends between thefirst side wall 24 and thesecond side wall 26. Thehousing 22 also has abase 30 and an opposedelevated wall 32, with thebase 30 and the opposedelevated wall 32 each extending between thefirst side wall 24, thesecond side wall 26 and theback wall 28. Thehousing 22 has anopening 27 opposite theback wall 28 and has acavity 38, as shown inFIG. 1 . Thehousing 22 can be mounted on casters orwheels 23, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 . - The first and
second side walls panel 42, as shown inFIG. 4 , so that they can be used as the first andsecond side walls housing 22. As will be described presently, the first andsecond side walls storage units 119 horizontally and at angles in thehousing 22. Thestorage units 119 includetubs shelves 120,tubs 122 andwire baskets 124, as shown inFIGS. 1, 2 , 11-20A. As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 , the moldedpanel 42 is generally rectangular shaped and has afirst edge 44 and an opposedsecond edge 46, and athird edge 48 and an opposedfourth edge 50, as shown inFIG. 4 . As shown inFIG. 5 , the moldedpanel 42 has a moldedside 43 and an opposed joiningside 45. In a preferred embodiment, the moldedpanel 42 is vacuum formed from an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (hereinafter ABS) material, such that the moldedpanel 42 is a one piece construction. ABS material and vacuum forming ABS materials well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. The moldedpanel 42 could, in other embodiments, be made of different plastics and materials. The moldedpanel 42 has a longitudinal axis, designated L inFIG. 4 , and is sliced in half along its longitudinal axis L with a knife or blade(not shown) to thus form the first side wall orpanel 24 and the second side wall orpanel 26. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , the first side wall orpanel 24 has opposed first andsecond edges panel 26 has opposed first andsecond edges fourth edges FIG. 6 also shows that thefirst side wall 24 has a plurality of differently configuredelements 49 extending from it that are disposed in a plurality of vertically spacedhorizontal rows 51. Thesecond side wall 26 has a plurality of differently configuredelements 49 a extending from it that are disposed in a plurality of vertically spacedhorizontal rows 51 a. The plurality of vertically spacedhorizontal rows 51 form apattern 53 on thefirst side wall 24, and the plurality of vertically spacedhorizontal rows 51 a form apattern 53 a on thesecond side wall 26. - When the
housing 22 is assembled or otherwise brought together, thesecond edge 35 b of thefirst side wall 24, and thesecond edge 39 b of thesecond side wall 26, abut against theback wall 28 of thehousing 22, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 . In addition, thefirst edges second side walls opening 27 in thehousing 22, as shown inFIG. 1 . In addition, thethird edges second side walls elevated wall 32, and thefourth edges base 30. Thus, forming thehousing 22, each of the differently configuredelements second side wall element 49 a is a mirror image of the differently configuredelements 49. Similarly, the vertically spacedhorizontal rows horizontal rows 51 a are a mirror image of the vertical spacedhorizontal rows 51. And, thepatterns second side walls pattern 53 a disposed on thesecond side wall 26 is a mirror image of thepattern 53 disposed on thefirst side wall 24. In this arrangement,storage units 119 can be slidably received in the housing horizontally or at an angle, as will be described presently, supported on the opposed mirror image vertically spacedhorizontal rows - As shown in
FIGS. 1, 3 and 6, in one of the preferred embodiments the plurality of differently configuredelements 49 that form each of the vertically spacedhorizontal rows 51 on thefirst side wall 24 includes, moving from left to right as viewed inFIG. 6 , a first component orprotrusion 60 that is located proximal to thefirst edge 35 a, a second component orprotrusion 62 proximal thefirst component 60, and third components orprotrusions 64 proximal thesecond edge 35 b. Thefirst component 60 is thus located at theopening 27 in thehousing 22, thethird components 64 are located proximal theback wall 28 of thehousing 22, and thesecond component 62 is positioned between the first andthird components elements 49 a that form each of the mirror image vertically spacedhorizontal rows 51 a on thesecond side wall 26 include, moving from right to left as viewed inFIG. 6 , a mirror image first component orprotrusion 60 a that is located adjacent thefirst edge 39 a of thesecond side wall 26, a mirror image second component orprotrusion 62 a proximal thefirst component 60 a, and mirror image third components orprotrusions 64 a proximal thesecond edge 39 b. The mirror imagefirst component 60 a is located at theopening 27 in thehousing 22, the mirror imagethird components 64 a are located next to theback wall 28 of thehousing 22, and the mirror imagesecond component 62 a is positioned between the first andthird components first component second component third component panel 42 can be embodied with more or fewer than three third components and mirror imagethird components panel 42 can be cut to size for a particular application. - As shown in
FIGS. 1, 3 , 14A, 17A and 20A, the first component and mirror imagefirst component storage unit 119 and provide for safety stops 86, 86 a, respectively, forstorage units 119 fully received in thehousing 22 horizontally or at an angle, and provide for extraction safety stops and have extraction safety stop surfaces 74, 74 a, respectively, for stopping or blocking the complete removal ofstorage units 119 that are partly pulled out of thehousing 22 horizontally or at an angle. In addition, the opposed first component and mirror imagefirst component storage unit 119 is introduced into the housing horizontally between the vertically disposed mirror imagehorizontal rows first component second component storage units 119 installed horizontally or at an angle, and provide mirrorimage sliding surfaces storage unit 119 can be slidably introduced and removed from thehousing 22 at an angle. In addition and as will be described in greater detail presently, the opposedsecond component 62 has a base stop surface 93 and the mirror imagesecond component 62 a has a mirror imagebase stop surface 93 a that engage thestorage unit 119 disposed vertically below and block the it from being withdrawn horizontally out of thehousing 22. The third component and mirror imagethird component storage unit 119 and provide liftingsurfaces storage units 119 when introduced into thehousing 22 at an angle, and they provide mirror image third convex slidingsurfaces storage unit 119 slides when moved horizontally in and out of thehousing 22. - In one of the preferred embodiments the first component and mirror image
first component first component 60 has arectangular shape 61, and the mirror imagefirst component 60 a has a mirror imagerectangular shape 61 a, as shown inFIGS. 4, 7 and 7A.FIGS. 7 and 7 A show enlarged views of portions of the first and second side walls orpanels FIG. 6 . It is to be understood that the opposed mirror imagerectangular shapes second side walls rectangular shapes fifth surface flat surfaces components image support corners first component 60 has s firstcomponent sliding surface 79, and the mirror imagefirst component 60 a has a mirror image firstcomponent sliding surface 79 a, and whenstorage units 119 are introduced into or slid out of thehousing 22, they slide over the first slidingsurface 79 and mirrorimage sliding surface 79 a. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , when thestorage unit 119 is supported in thehousing 22 in the horizontal position, a portion of its weight is supported on the opposed mirrorimage support corners housing 22, because the opposed mirror image fifth surfaces 78,78 a. When thestorage unit 119 is in the angled position, which can be, for example, about 30° angle and completely positioned inside thehousing 22, a portion of its weight is supported on the mirror image fifth surfaces 78,78 a, respectively, and the mirror image fourth surfaces 76,76 a, respectively, as shown inFIGS. 3 , as an advantage thestorage unit 119 cannot inadvertently slide out of the housing because mirror images stops 86,86 a, respectively, prevent such movement. - In one of the preferred embodiments the
second component 62 is formed to have a telephone shape 63, and the mirror imagesecond component 62 a is formed such it has a mirror image telephone shape 63 a, as shown inFIGS. 3, 4 , 8 and 8A. The second component and mirror imagesecond component panels FIGS. 8 and 8 A show enlarged views of a portion of the first andsecond side walls FIG. 6 . The second component and mirror imagesecond component image sliding surfaces curved surfaces 92,92 a, respectively, having mirror image radii designated R1. The mirror image firstconvex surfaces 92,92 a, respectively, meet with mirror image firstconcave surfaces 94,94 a, having a radii designated R2. The first mirror imageconcave surfaces 94,94 a, respectively, meet with mirror image straight surfaces 96, 96 a, respectively, and thestraight surfaces concave surfaces concave surfaces convex surfaces convex surfaces image sliding surfaces flat surfaces - The second component and mirror image
second component storage units 119 are slid in and out of thehousing 22 horizontally or at an angle. In addition, the second component and mirror imagesecond component support units 119 when they are introduced into or removed from thehousing 22 horizontally or at an angle. It is pointed out that when thestorage unit 119 is introduced into thehousing 22 and is slid past the mirror imagefirst components storage unit 119 horizontally into thehousing 22 over the mirror imagesecond components FIG. 3 , the user can slide thestorage unit 119 into thehousing 22 such that when thestorage unit 119 reaches the mirror imagesecond components storage unit 119 toward thebase 30 of thehousing 22 and continues pushing thestorage unit 119 into thehousing 22. Thestorage unit 119 is caused to slide over the mirrorimage sliding surfaces horizontal rows support unit 119 advantageously cannot be mis-fed when introduced into thehousing 22 horizontally or at an angle. Also, in one of the preferred embodiments, the mirrorimage sliding surfaces FIGS. 8 and 8 A, relative to the vertically spacedhorizontal rows - In addition, as previously mentioned, the
second component 62 has the base stop surface 93 and the mirror image basesecond component 62 a has a mirror imagebase stop surface 93 a, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 8 A. The base stop surface 93 and mirror imagebase stop surface 93 a provide for a working level stop when astorage unit 119 is horizontally positioned in thehousing 22. In particular, when thestorage unit 119 is fully received in thehousing 22 and then pulled out of thehousing 22, the base stop surface and mirror imagebase stop surface 93 a each engages thestorage unit 119 disposed vertically below. As will be described in greater detail presently, thetub 122 hastub blocking members 150, thewire basket 124 has wirebasket blocking members 177, and theshelf 120 hasshelf blocking members 199 that extend therefrom. When thetub 122 is pulled from thehousing 22, one of thetub blocking members 150 engages the base stop surface 93 on thesecond component 62 disposed in thehorizontal row 51 located vertically above, and one of thetub blocking members 150 engages the mirror imagebase stop surface 93 a on the mirror imagesecond component 62 a disposed in the mirror imagehorizontal row 51 located vertically above. Thus, thetub 122 cannot be slid out of thehousing 22 without the user taking addition action. When thetub 122 is horizontally slid out of thehousing 22 in this manner, about 80% of thetub 122 is accessible to the user, and the tub hangs downwardly about 20 degree, which advantageously provides the user with easy access to thetub 122. To remove thetub 122, the user must lift thetub 122 about 20 degrees upwardly to move it under the base stop surface 93 on thesecond component 62 and the mirror imagebase stop surface 93 a on the mirror imagesecond component 62 a that are disposed on thehorizontal row 51 an mirror imagehorizontal row 51 a vertically above thetub 122. Once thetub 122 is moved out of thehousing 22 past thesecond component 62 and mirror imagesecond component 62 a, thetub blocking members 150 contact theextraction safety surface 74 and the mirror imageextraction safety stop 74 a, disposed on thefirst component 60 and mirror imagefirst component 60 a disposed vertically above. This advantageously prevents or blocks the sliding movement of thetub 122 and thus prevents it from undesirably sliding out of thehousing 22. This thus advantageously allows thetub 122 to be partly withdrawn out of the housing so that the user can access items stored in thetub 122, without the risk of thetub 122 sliding out of thehousing 22. To remove the tub completely from thehousing 22, the user lifts it over thefirst component 60 and mirror imagefirst component 60. - In one of the preferred embodiments the third component and mirror image
third component third component 64 has a tear drop shape 65, and the mirror image third component 65 a has a mirror image tear drop shape 65 a, as shown inFIGS. 4, 6 , 9, 9A.FIGS. 9 and 9 A show enlarged views of portions of the first side wall orpanel 24 and second side wall orpanel 26 indicated by arrows C and C1 inFIG. 6 . There are three third components and mirror imagethird components image lifting surfaces convex surfaces convex surfaces linear surfaces linear surfaces convex surface convex surfaces surfaces surfaces flat surfaces - The
concave lifting surface 104 and mirror imageconcave lifting surface 104 a support and guide thesupport unit 119 when it is introduced into thehousing 22 at an angle, for example, a 30° angle, as described above. The third convex slidingsurface 112 and mirror image third convex slidingsurface 112 a support the weight of thestorage unit 119 when it is horizontally located in thehousing 22. - In one of the preferred embodiments the
horizontal rows storage units 119 are introduced into thehousing 22 at an angle. In other embodiments, these dimensions can be changed. - As shown in
FIGS. 1, 2 , and 11-20A, thestorage units 119 include ashelf 120 andtub 122 andbasket 124. Thetub 122 is generally shown inFIGS. 10-14A . Thetub 122 has opposed first andsecond walls fourth walls tub base 138 having elevated supports 140. Thetub 122 thus has atub cavity 141 defined by the opposed first andsecond walls fourth walls tub base 138. Asurrounding lip 142 having afirst lip surface 144 and an opposedsecond lip surface 146 extends around the periphery of thetub 122, and extends in a direction away from thetub cavity 141.Tub blocking members 150 extends from thefirst lip surface 144 wherestraight portions 143 of thesurrounding lip 142 meet proximal the corners of thetub 122, as shown inFIG. 10-14A . Thetub blocking members 150 are for blocking the movement of thetub 122 when it is partly withdrawn from thehousing 22. This advantageously prevents thetub 122 from uncontrollably sliding out of thehousing 22 when it is pulled out of thehousing 22 to retrieve an object stored therein. In particular, as shown inFIG. 14A , when thetub 122 is partly withdrawn from thehousing 22, thetub blocking members 150 contact thefirst component 60 and mirror imagefirst component 60 a, respectively, disposed vertically above thetub 122, and in particular contact theextraction stop surface 74 and the mirror imageextraction safety stop 74 a, as shown. This advantageously prevents theentire tub 122 from undesirably sliding out of thehousing 122. - In addition, each of the opposed first and
second walls fourth walls taper 152. Thetaper 152 extends in a direction toward thetub base 138, and in one the preferred embodiments thetaper 152 can be about 8°. Thetaper 152 advantageously allows for thetub 122 to be slid in out of thehousing 22 without interference with vertically disposedhorizontal rows - It is pointed out that when the
tub 122 is slid into thehousing 22 at an angle, as shown inFIGS. 1, 3 and 21, the surroundingsupport lip 142 of thetub 122 abuts against thestop 86 and mirror image stop 86 a, to thus advantageously prevent thetub 122 from sliding out of thehousing 22. Thetub 122 can be removed from thehousing 22 by lifting thetub 122 over thefirst component 60 and mirror imagefirst component 60 a and sliding thetub 122 out of thehousing 22. In addition, thesecond component 62 and mirror imagesecond component 62 a, and thethird component 64, and mirror imagethird component 64 a, respectively, advantageously guide thetub 122, and prevent thetub 122 from jamming or mis-feeding as thetub 122 is introduced or removed from thehousing 22. Thetub 122 can comprise plastic, metal and other suitable materials. - The
wire basket 124, shown generally inFIGS. 15-17A , is formed fromwires 125. Thewires 125 can be plastic, metal or other suitable material. Thewire basket 124 has an opposed first andsecond wire walls fourth wire walls wire base 168. Thewire basket 124 thus has awire basket cavity 169 defined by the opposed first andsecond wire walls fourth wire walls wire basket base 168. A surroundingwire lip 170 having a firstwire lip surface 172 and an opposed secondwire lip surface 173 having a wirelip support surface 175 extends around the periphery of thewire basket 124. The surroundingwire lip 170 extends in a direction away from thewire basket cavity 169. Wirebasket blocking members 177 extend from the surroundingwire lip 170 and is for preventing the complete withdrawal of thewire basket 124 from thehousing 22 in the same manner as described above in connection with thetub 122. In particular the wirebasket blocking members 177 contact thefirst component 60 and mirror imagefirst component 60 a, on thehorizontal row wire basket 124, and in particular contact the extraction stop surfaces 74, and the mirror imageextraction safety stop 74 a, as shown inFIG. 17A . This advantageously prevents thewire basket 124 from sliding out of thehousing 22 when in the partly open position. In addition, each of the opposed first andsecond wire walls fourth wire walls wire base 168, and in one the preferred embodiments the taper 180 can be about 4°, as shown inFIG. 17 . The 180 taper advantageously allows for thewire basket 124 to be slid in out of thehousing 122 without interference from vertically disposedhorizontal rows - It is pointed out that when the
wire basket 124 is slid into thehousing 22 at an angle as shown inFIG. 21 , the surroundingwire support lip 170 abuts against thestops first components wire basket 124 from sliding out of thehousing 22. Thewire basket 124 can be removed from thehousing 22 by lifting it over thefirst components housing 22. - The
shelf 120 shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 , 18-20A can be similarly slid into thehousing 22 horizontally or at an angle, for example, a 30° angle. As shown inFIGS. 18-20A , theshelf 120 has ashelf support surface 194 and an opposedshelf object surface 196. First and second opposed shelf sides 186,188, respectively, and third and fourth opposed shelf sides, 190, 192, respectively, extend between the supportshelf support surface 194 andshelf object surface 196. The shelf has a slottedwall 189 such that thedividers 199 can be removably repositioned on theshelf 120. Ashelf blocking member 199 extends from theshelf 120 corners and is for preventing the complete withdrawal of theshelf 120 from thehousing 22 in the same manner as described above in connection with thetub 122. In particular, as shown inFIG. 20A , theshelf blocking members 199 contact thefirst component 60 and mirror imagefirst component 60 a, on thehorizontal row shelf 120, and in particular contact theextraction stop surface 74 and mirror image extraction stop surface 74 a. This advantageously prevents theshelf 120 from inadvertently sliding out of thehousing 22 when in the partly open position. Theshelf 124 can be introduced and removed from thehousing 122 horizontally or at an angle. In addition, theshelf 120 has a taper that can be about 4° which facilitates introduction and removal of theshelf 120. In other embodiments theshelf 120 can be made without ataper 194. Theshelf 120 can be introduced into thehousing 22 by lifting theshelf 120 over thefirst components 60 and mirror imagefirst component 60 a, and sliding theshelf 120 into thehousing 122 horizontally or at an angle of, for example, 30° angle, and can be supported horizontally and at angles in the same manner as describe above in connection with thetub 122. As with thetub 122 andwire basket 124, the first component and mirror imagefirst component second component third component shelf 120 and advantageously prevent it from jamming or mis-feeding when introduced or removed from thehousing 22 horizontally or at an angle. - In use, taking for example the
tub 122, thetub 122 is moved horizontally between opposed mirror imagefirst components first component 60 andmirror image 60 a first component. As insertion continues, thetub blocking members 150 extending from the tub will contact thesecond component 62 and mirror imagesecond component 62 disposed in thehorizontal row 51 and mirror imagehorizontal row 51 a disposed vertically above. The user can push downwardly on thetub 122 such that thetub 122 slides up thesecond component 62 and the mirror imagesecond component 62 a disposed vertically above, and thetub 122 is thus moved to the angled position. Thetub 122 then moves upwardly upon contacting thethird component 64 andconcave lifting surface 104 and mirror imagethird component 64 a and mirror imageconcave lifting surface 104 a. Once fully inserted thetub 122 comes to rest, and abuts against thestop 86 and mirror image stop 86 a. If, on the other hand, during introduction the user lifts up on thetub 122 when it contacts thesecond component 62 and mirror imagesecond component 62 a disposed vertically above, then the blockingmembers 150 will move under the base stop surface 93 and mirror imagebase stop surface 93 a disposed vertically above, such that thetub 122 can be moved into thehousing 22 horizontally. Thus, the base stop surface 93 and mirror imagebase stop surface 93 a provide for a working level stop when astorage unit 119 is horizontally positioned in thehousing 22. It is to be understood that thewire basket 124 andshelf 120 are introduced into the housing horizontally or vertically in a like manner. - As described above, the
tub 122 hastub blocking members 150, thewire basket 124 has wirebasket blocking members 177, and theshelf 120 hasshelf blocking members 199. Taking thetub 122 as an example, when thetub 122 is horizontally located in thehousing 22 and pulled from thehousing 22, thetub blocking members 150 engage the base stop surface 93 on thesecond component 62 and the mirror imagebase stop surface 93 a on the mirror imagesecond component 62 a that are disposed on thehorizontal rows 51 and mirror image horizontal row 5la spaced vertically above, such that thetub 122 cannot be slid out of thehousing 22 without the user taking addition action. When thetub 122 is horizontally slid out of thehousing 22 to this stopping location in this manner, about 80% of thetub 122 is accessible to the user, and the tub hangs downwardly at about a 20 degree angle, which advantageously provides the user with easy access to thetub 122 contents. This thus advantageously allows thetub 122 to be partly withdrawn out of the housing so that the user can access items stored in thetub 122, without the risk of thetub 122 sliding out of thehousing 22. To further remove thetub 122, the user must lift thetub 122 about 20 degrees upwardly to move the blockingmembers 150 under the base stop surface 93 and the mirror imagebase stop surface 93 a. Thereafter, the user can continue to pull thetub 122 out of thehousing 22. In this connection, the blockingmembers 150 contact thefirst component 60 and mirror imagefirst component 60 a, respectively, disposed vertically above thetub 122, and in particular contact theextraction stop surface 74 and the mirror image extraction stop 74 a, which advantageously provides a safety stop such that thetub 22 is prevented from undesirably or uncontrollably sliding completely out of thehousing 22. To fully remove the tub, the user need only lift thetub 122 upwardly such that it is horizontal and pull it outward from thehousing 22. Similarly, to remove atub 122 that is at an angle in thehousing 22, the user lifts the tub out of thestop 86 and mirror image stop 86 a, until the blockingmembers 150 engage thefirst component 60 and mirror imagefirst component 60 a disposed vertically above. Thetub 122 can be removed from thehousing 22 by lifting it such that it is horizontal and sliding it out of thehousing 22. It is pointed out that the mirror image first andsecond components tub blocking members 150 engage the mirror image extraction stop surfaces 74,74 a, respectively, disposed on the mirror image first components disposed vertically above. Thetub 150 thus pivots on thefirst component 60 and mirror imagefirst component 60 a disposed vertically below. To remove thetub 122, the user then tilts thetub 122 until it is horizontal and slides it out of thehousing 22. - In addition, it is to be understood that the
shelf 120 andwire basket 124 can be introduced into thehousing 22 horizontally and removed from thehousing 22 horizontally in the same manner as described above in connection with the horizontal introduction and removal of thetub 122 from thehousing 22, and can be introduced into thehousing 22 at an angle and removed from thehousing 22 from an angle position in the same manner as described above in connection the angled introduction and removal of thetub 122 from thehousing 22. - It is pointed out that the
third component 64 has a third convex slidingsurface 112 and the mirror imagethird component 64 a has a third convex sliding surface 11 2 a each supports the weight of thestorage units 119 in the horizontal mode and provides for mirror image convex slidingsurfaces - In addition, the
tubs 122 andwire baskets 124 are two dimensional shapes, and in one of the preferred embodiments, thetub 122 andbasket 124 has a width of 400 millimeters and a depth of 600 millimeters. The system can advantageously can be used in combination with two dimensionally different shapes and their multiples. Thefirst side wall 24 and thesecond side wall 26 can be sized accordingly. - A method is of making a shelving system is also provided including forming a molded
panel 42 from an ABS material, providing the molded panel with horizontal rows of elements and slicing the molded panel in a half along its longitudinal axis to make thefirst side wall 24 and thesecond side wall 26 that is a mirror image thereof, and using the first andsecond side walls housing 22. - As shown in
FIGS. 21-23 in a second embodiment aninternal divider panel 210 that divides the interior of thehousing 22 in to afirst cavity 212 and asecond cavity 214. This requires the use of additional first andsecond panels second side walls divider panel 210. It is to be understood that the reference numbers used inFIGS. 21-23 that are the same as those used above in connection with the first embodiment are not described herein again. - In addition, in another embodiment a standard housing (not shown) could be provided having a base, a back wall, an elevated wall and first and second opposed outer walls having interior surfaces, wherein the elevated wall is opposite the base, and wherein the back wall extends between the first and second opposed outer walls.
- The standard housing has a standard housing opening opposite the back wall. Such a standard housing having this basic structure is well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. The first side or
panel 24 can be joined to the interior surface of the first outer wall with, for example, screws, and the second side orsecond panel 26 can be joined to the interior surface of the second outer wall with, for example, screws, such that the first second and third components, 60, 62, 64, respectively, and mirror image first, second, andthird components mirror image component panels FIG. 6 . Once the first and second side walls orpanels storage units 119 can introduced and removed from the housing in the same manner as described above. Thus, the scope of the present invention is great. - Thus, the present invention provides superior solution that ends the problem of drawers that wedge or jam. It also advantageously provides a way for storage units to be partly withdrawn from a housing, for example, at an angle, and eliminates the risk that they can inadvertently slide out of the housing. The present invention also provides for a superior way to support storage units at an angle, feed storage unit into a housing at an angle, and remove storage units from an angled position.
- In other embodiments, the
housing 22 can also be embodied as a locking cabinet with doors and a lock. - It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while a track support system and method has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and other embodiments, examples, uses, and modifications and departures from the described embodiments, examples, and uses may be made without departing from the track support system and method. All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present track support system and method.
Claims (20)
1. A track support system for installation in a housing having opposed first and second side walls with the housing capable of receiving a storage unit therein, the rack system comprising:
the first side wall and having a first component, a second component and a third component arranged in horizontal row,
the second side wall having a mirror image first component, a mirror image second component and a mirror image third component arranged in a mirror image horizontal row, and
wherein the first component provides a stop and the and mirror image first component provides a mirror image stop for preventing the storage unit from inadvertently sliding out of the housing when housed therein.
2. The track support system according to claim 1 wherein the first side has a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows of components and the second side has a mirror image plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows of components and wherein the storage unit is capable of being introduced into the housing between the mirror image vertically spaced horizontal rows of components.
3. The track support system according to claim 1 wherein the stop and the mirror image stop are for preventing the storage unit from sliding out of the housing when the storage unit is slidably received in the housing at an angle.
4. The track support system according to claim 2 wherein the vertically spaced horizontal rows disposed on the first side form a pattern and wherein the mirror image plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows disposed on the second side form a mirror image pattern.
5. The track support system according to claim 3 wherein the first component has an extraction safety stop surface and the mirror image first component has mirror image extraction safety stop surface for engaging the storage unit disposed vertically below to prevent the storage unit disposed vertically below from inadvertently sliding completely out of the housing when the storage unit disposed vertically below is partly withdrawn from the housing.
6. The track support system according to claim 5 wherein the storage unit disposed vertically below has blocking members for engaging the extraction safety stop surface and the mirror image extraction safety stop surface.
7. The track support system according to claim 1 wherein the second component has an angled sliding surface and the mirror image second component has a mirror image angled sliding surface and wherein the sliding surface and mirror image sliding surface are for supporting weight and for guiding the storage unit when the storage unit is introduced into the housing at an angle and wherein the second component has a base stop surface and mirror image second component has a mirror base stop surface and wherein the base stop surface and mirror image base stop surface are for stopping the horizontal movement of a storage unit disposed vertically below.
8. The track support system according to claim 1 wherein the third component has a concave surface and the mirror image third component has a mirror image concave surface and wherein the concave surface and mirror image concave surface are for allowing the lifting of the storage unit to an angled position when the storage unit is introduced into the housing at an angle and further wherein the third component has a convex sliding surface and a mirror image third component has a mirror image convex sliding surface for allowing the horizontal sliding movement of the storage unit.
9. The track support system according to claim 8 wherein the third component and the mirror image third component are for supporting weight when the storage unit is introduced into the housing horizontally and when the storage unit is introduced into the housing at an angle.
10. The track support system according the claim 8 wherein first component has an extraction safety stop surface and the mirror image first component has a mirror image extraction safety stop surface for preventing the inadvertent withdrawal of the storage unit disposed vertically below from the housing.
11. The track support system according to claim 10 wherein the storage unit includes a tub having tub blocking members, a shelf having shelf blocking members and a wire basket having wire basket blocking members, and wherein the tub blocking members, wire basket blocking members and shelf blocking members are for engaging the extraction safety stop surface and the mirror image extraction safety stop surface disposed vertically above such that the shelf, tub and wire basket can be partly withdrawn from the housing and maintained in the partly withdrawn position.
12. The track support system according to claim 1 wherein the first component has a rectangular shape formed with the stop and the mirror image first component has a mirror image rectangular shape formed with the mirror image stop, and the second component has a telephone shape having a sliding surface and the mirror image second component has a mirror image telephone shape having a mirror image sliding surface, and the third component has a tear drop shape having a concave lifting surface and the mirror image third component has a mirror image tear drop shape having a mirror image concave lifting surface.
13. The track support system according to claim 7 wherein the angled surface is at about a 30° angle.
14. A method of providing a track support system for installation in a housing having opposed first and second side walls with the housing capable of receiving a storage unit therein, the method comprising:
providing the first side wall with a first component, a second component and a third component and arranging the first component second component and third component in a horizontal row,
providing the second side wall with a mirror image first component, a mirror image second component and a mirror image third component and arranging the first component, the second component and the third component in a mirror image horizontal row, and
providing the first component with a stop and providing the mirror image first component with a stop for preventing the storage unit from inadvertently sliding out of the housing when housed therein.
15. The method according to claim 14 further comprising providing the first side with a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows of components and providing the second side with a mirror image plurality of vertically spaced horizontal rows of components and wherein the storage unit is capable of being introduced into the housing between the mirror image vertically spaced horizontal rows of components.
16. The method according to claim 15 further comprising providing the first component with an extraction safety stop surface and providing the mirror image first component with a mirror image extraction safety stop surface for engaging the storage unit disposed vertically below to prevent the storage unit disposed vertically below from inadvertently sliding completely out of the housing when the storage unit disposed vertically below is partly withdrawn from the housing and providing the storage unit disposed vertically below with blocking members for engaging the extraction safety stop surface and the mirror image extraction safety stop surface.
17. The method according to claim 16 further comprising providing the second component with an angled sliding surface and the mirror image second component with a mirror image angled sliding surface and wherein the sliding surface and mirror image sliding surface are for supporting weight and for guiding the storage unit when the storage unit is introduced into the housing at an angle and providing the second component with a base stop surface and providing the mirror image second component with a base stop surface and wherein the base stop surface and mirror image base stop surface are for engaging the storage unit disposed vertically below.
18. The method according to claim 17 further comprising providing the third component with a concave surface and the mirror image third component has a mirror image concave surface and wherein the concave surface and mirror image concave surface are for lifting the storage unit to an angled position when the storage unit is introduced into the housing at an angle and wherein the third component and the mirror image third component are for supporting weight when the storage unit is introduced into the housing horizontally and when the storage unit is introduced into the housing at an angle.
19. Method according to claim 14 comprising providing the first component with a rectangular shape and having the stop and providing the mirror image first component with a mirror image rectangular shape formed with the mirror image stop, and providing the second component with a telephone shape having a sliding surface and providing the mirror image second component has a mirror image telephone shape having a mirror image sliding surface, and providing the third component with a tear drop shape having a concave lifting surface and providing the mirror image third-component with a tear drop shape having a mirror image concave lifting surface.
20. A track support system for supporting a storage unit and for use in a standard housing having first and second outer walls having interior surfaces, a back wall, a base and an opposed elevated wall, the track system comprising:
a first panel joined to the interior surface of the outer wall and having a first component, a second component and a third component arranged in horizontal row,
a second panel joined to the interior surface of the second outer wall and having a mirror image first component, a mirror image second component and a mirror image third component arranged in a mirror image horizontal row, and
wherein the first component provides a stop and the and mirror image first component provides a mirror image stop for preventing the storage unit from inadvertently sliding out of the housing when housed therein, and further wherein the second component and mirror image second component each provide mirror image angled sliding surfaces that allow for angled sliding of a storage unit and having mirror image base stop surfaces for blocking horizontal movement of the support unit disposed vertically below and wherein the third component and mirror image third component have mirror image curved surfaces, such that the storage unit can be introduced into the standard housing horizontally and at an angle, and when introduced at an angle the storage unit is supported on the mirror image sliding surfaces, and wherein the first panel and the second pane comprise plastic.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/411,592 US20070252496A1 (en) | 2006-04-26 | 2006-04-26 | Track support system and method |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/411,592 US20070252496A1 (en) | 2006-04-26 | 2006-04-26 | Track support system and method |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070252496A1 true US20070252496A1 (en) | 2007-11-01 |
Family
ID=38647687
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/411,592 Abandoned US20070252496A1 (en) | 2006-04-26 | 2006-04-26 | Track support system and method |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070252496A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9925016B2 (en) * | 2015-10-20 | 2018-03-27 | Jonathan James Ross | Medical support structure |
GB2565163A (en) * | 2017-07-31 | 2019-02-06 | Zedis S L | Display cabinet |
US20210401167A1 (en) * | 2020-06-26 | 2021-12-30 | Pan Pantry Llc | Cabinet storage assembly |
US11246396B2 (en) | 2019-09-03 | 2022-02-15 | Joshua B. Boos | Modular cabinet shelf |
US11304546B1 (en) * | 2018-02-05 | 2022-04-19 | Joshua B. Boos | Modular cabinet that divides and subdivides product according to its dimensions |
US11439232B2 (en) * | 2018-02-02 | 2022-09-13 | Helmer, Inc. | Storage device with drawer retainer and stabilizer |
Citations (74)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1189371A (en) * | 1914-05-20 | 1916-07-04 | Herbert H Lyons | Display-fixture. |
US1745784A (en) * | 1926-05-10 | 1930-02-04 | Henry N Hulander | Stock carrier and delivery device |
US1862395A (en) * | 1929-02-02 | 1932-06-07 | Glascock Brothers Mfg Company | Bottle refrigerator |
US1876172A (en) * | 1930-07-07 | 1932-09-06 | Patrick A Ruddy | Display rack |
US1890076A (en) * | 1931-01-29 | 1932-12-06 | Hyde Park Lumber Company | Knockdown shelving |
US2101582A (en) * | 1936-02-17 | 1937-12-07 | Tappan Stove Co | Oven lining |
US2149603A (en) * | 1935-07-23 | 1939-03-07 | Servel Inc | Refrigerator shelf |
US2168172A (en) * | 1936-09-11 | 1939-08-01 | Edison General Elec Appliance | Cabinet rack |
US2225762A (en) * | 1937-11-30 | 1940-12-24 | Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co | Oven rack glide |
US2721632A (en) * | 1951-05-12 | 1955-10-25 | Surpierre Leon | Partition structure for articles of furniture |
US2769551A (en) * | 1953-01-26 | 1956-11-06 | Grand Union Company | Display and delivery stand |
US2860942A (en) * | 1957-06-17 | 1958-11-18 | Gen Electric | Adjustable support |
US2861300A (en) * | 1956-02-06 | 1958-11-25 | Stanley M Friedenreich | Concealable apparel rack for closets |
US2893749A (en) * | 1956-10-25 | 1959-07-07 | Simonsen Metal Products Compan | Tool cabinet |
US2953254A (en) * | 1955-09-05 | 1960-09-20 | Schnelle Klaus | Filing office frames |
US2995257A (en) * | 1958-12-10 | 1961-08-08 | Crescent Metal Products Inc | Tray support |
US3010585A (en) * | 1957-01-25 | 1961-11-28 | Bulman Corp | Adjustable shelving |
US3023910A (en) * | 1957-01-24 | 1962-03-06 | Shirley E Schless | Support for sliding shelves |
US3040904A (en) * | 1961-04-21 | 1962-06-26 | Kingston Mfg Co Inc | Frame construction for racks with adjustable shelves |
US3044631A (en) * | 1959-08-03 | 1962-07-17 | Bulman Corp | Store fixture |
US3087764A (en) * | 1957-01-24 | 1963-04-30 | Shirley E Schless | Modular storage facilities |
US3115254A (en) * | 1960-11-18 | 1963-12-24 | Change Wares Ltd | Adjustable shelving supports |
US3250234A (en) * | 1964-02-12 | 1966-05-10 | Brunswick Corp | Convertible display shelf |
US3295695A (en) * | 1966-03-24 | 1967-01-03 | Carmstrom Helge | Arrangement on shelves, preferably for book-cases |
US3393808A (en) * | 1965-10-07 | 1968-07-23 | Sam N. Chirchill | Apparatus for storing, displaying and dispensing articles |
US3481485A (en) * | 1968-03-18 | 1969-12-02 | Zero Max Ind Inc | Adjustable shelf support device |
US3489290A (en) * | 1967-11-20 | 1970-01-13 | Larson Co Charles O | Shelf support |
US3528558A (en) * | 1968-07-26 | 1970-09-15 | Paul V Williams | Display rack |
US3570679A (en) * | 1968-09-17 | 1971-03-16 | Howard Displays Inc | Display systems or devices for substantially flat articles |
US3782579A (en) * | 1970-10-01 | 1974-01-01 | W Zarges | Collapsible receptacle |
US3900112A (en) * | 1973-04-09 | 1975-08-19 | Kingston Warren Corp | Gravity storage system |
US3905484A (en) * | 1973-08-20 | 1975-09-16 | Wright Barry Corp | Flexible dividers for lateral shelf filing |
US3915097A (en) * | 1974-08-26 | 1975-10-28 | Jr Bruce Young | Multi-position wire display rack |
US3949683A (en) * | 1973-07-12 | 1976-04-13 | Walther Zarges | Collapsible shelf arrangement |
US4119207A (en) * | 1976-10-18 | 1978-10-10 | Fuller Robert T | Means for displaying articles in shingled relationship |
US4180258A (en) * | 1977-05-04 | 1979-12-25 | Zarges Leichtbau Gmbh | Apparatus for transporting and depositing panels |
US4216844A (en) * | 1977-07-20 | 1980-08-12 | Zarges Leichtbau Gmbh | Fitting for joints of ladder sections |
US4293075A (en) * | 1979-10-11 | 1981-10-06 | Kustom Kreations, Inc. | Cabinet for holding magnetic tape cartridges and cassettes |
US4299327A (en) * | 1979-12-10 | 1981-11-10 | General Housewares Corp. | Placemat rack |
US4314734A (en) * | 1980-05-07 | 1982-02-09 | Sybron Corporation | Cabinet drawer support |
US4372451A (en) * | 1980-06-26 | 1983-02-08 | Interlake, Inc. | Gravity-feed storage and delivery system |
US4383722A (en) * | 1979-11-27 | 1983-05-17 | Leo Weber | Show case, in particular for displaying shoes or the like |
US4478338A (en) * | 1982-12-09 | 1984-10-23 | Frank Mayer & Associates, Inc. | Display device of the type having racks arranged in shingled fashion |
US4508231A (en) * | 1981-03-04 | 1985-04-02 | Reuben Honickman | Wall unit |
US4540222A (en) * | 1983-02-28 | 1985-09-10 | Burrell Alfred A | Cabinet structure for storing, displaying and indexing |
US4567834A (en) * | 1983-05-23 | 1986-02-04 | Hallmark Cards, Inc. | Tilted shelf assembly |
US4589209A (en) * | 1983-03-08 | 1986-05-20 | Frank W. Zarges | Woodworking plane |
US4859010A (en) * | 1988-03-10 | 1989-08-22 | Camco Inc. | Refrigerator door tray assembly |
US4967879A (en) * | 1988-02-23 | 1990-11-06 | Zarges Leichtbau Gmbh | Ladder |
US5011240A (en) * | 1989-11-28 | 1991-04-30 | Milcare, Inc. | Segmented side wall cart |
US5048699A (en) * | 1989-03-23 | 1991-09-17 | Megaspace Pty. Ltd. | Display stand and/or frame |
US5088619A (en) * | 1990-09-26 | 1992-02-18 | Shank Robert A | Containers for compact discs and method of fabrication |
US5127340A (en) * | 1990-07-13 | 1992-07-07 | Viking Metal Cabinet Company Inc. | Adjustable shelving system |
US5306077A (en) * | 1991-10-04 | 1994-04-26 | Megaspace Pty Ltd. | Drawer unit for displaying and dispensing of merchandise |
US5346299A (en) * | 1993-07-15 | 1994-09-13 | General Electric Company | Refrigerator door module mounting assembly |
US5472270A (en) * | 1994-07-05 | 1995-12-05 | Midmark Corporation | Convertible cabinet |
US5642924A (en) * | 1996-02-29 | 1997-07-01 | White Consolidated Industries, Inc. | Shelf system for a refrigerator cabinet |
US5762213A (en) * | 1995-08-22 | 1998-06-09 | Windquest Companies, Inc. | Adjustable storage system |
US5785189A (en) * | 1997-01-31 | 1998-07-28 | The Mead Corporation | Display shelf device having a rigid structure |
US5806438A (en) * | 1995-08-17 | 1998-09-15 | Kwik-File, Inc. | Adjustable shelf system |
US5951131A (en) * | 1998-05-11 | 1999-09-14 | Stefan; Alexander | Enclosure assembly for the equipment of a gaming device or the like |
US5988410A (en) * | 1997-08-01 | 1999-11-23 | Warner-Lambert Company | Display rack |
US6238032B1 (en) * | 1999-05-21 | 2001-05-29 | Victory Refrigeration Company | Refrigerated cabinet with molded liner |
US6336564B1 (en) * | 1996-12-05 | 2002-01-08 | Parfums Christian Dior | Display device for articles such as cosmetic products or perfumes |
US6422673B1 (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2002-07-23 | Gemtron Corporation | Refrigerator compartment housing vertically adjustable shelves, each formed from a piece of tempered glass snapped-fastened to an injection molded frame |
US20020153341A1 (en) * | 2001-04-20 | 2002-10-24 | Trevor May | Lock for knock-down storage rack |
US6523818B1 (en) * | 2000-10-30 | 2003-02-25 | Le Mac Enterprises Ltd. | Apparatus and method for securing a work object |
US6626509B2 (en) * | 2001-03-12 | 2003-09-30 | Emerson Electric Co. | Drawer glide system |
US20030209504A1 (en) * | 2001-03-05 | 2003-11-13 | Cook Joseph L. | Transportable part rack |
US20050263474A1 (en) * | 2004-05-05 | 2005-12-01 | Smith Jimmy S | Adjustable shelving system |
US20060006774A1 (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2006-01-12 | Kendro Laboratory Products, Lp | Microplate storage apparatus and method |
US7131543B2 (en) * | 2003-01-22 | 2006-11-07 | New Dimensions Research Corporation | Display device |
US7350649B1 (en) * | 2004-01-02 | 2008-04-01 | Martens David A | Paper sales rack with adjustable modular shelving |
US7441663B2 (en) * | 2003-04-24 | 2008-10-28 | The United States Postal Service | Tray assembly having hinged dividers |
-
2006
- 2006-04-26 US US11/411,592 patent/US20070252496A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (75)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1189371A (en) * | 1914-05-20 | 1916-07-04 | Herbert H Lyons | Display-fixture. |
US1745784A (en) * | 1926-05-10 | 1930-02-04 | Henry N Hulander | Stock carrier and delivery device |
US1862395A (en) * | 1929-02-02 | 1932-06-07 | Glascock Brothers Mfg Company | Bottle refrigerator |
US1876172A (en) * | 1930-07-07 | 1932-09-06 | Patrick A Ruddy | Display rack |
US1890076A (en) * | 1931-01-29 | 1932-12-06 | Hyde Park Lumber Company | Knockdown shelving |
US2149603A (en) * | 1935-07-23 | 1939-03-07 | Servel Inc | Refrigerator shelf |
US2101582A (en) * | 1936-02-17 | 1937-12-07 | Tappan Stove Co | Oven lining |
US2168172A (en) * | 1936-09-11 | 1939-08-01 | Edison General Elec Appliance | Cabinet rack |
US2225762A (en) * | 1937-11-30 | 1940-12-24 | Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co | Oven rack glide |
US2721632A (en) * | 1951-05-12 | 1955-10-25 | Surpierre Leon | Partition structure for articles of furniture |
US2769551A (en) * | 1953-01-26 | 1956-11-06 | Grand Union Company | Display and delivery stand |
US2953254A (en) * | 1955-09-05 | 1960-09-20 | Schnelle Klaus | Filing office frames |
US2861300A (en) * | 1956-02-06 | 1958-11-25 | Stanley M Friedenreich | Concealable apparel rack for closets |
US2893749A (en) * | 1956-10-25 | 1959-07-07 | Simonsen Metal Products Compan | Tool cabinet |
US3023910A (en) * | 1957-01-24 | 1962-03-06 | Shirley E Schless | Support for sliding shelves |
US3087764A (en) * | 1957-01-24 | 1963-04-30 | Shirley E Schless | Modular storage facilities |
US3010585A (en) * | 1957-01-25 | 1961-11-28 | Bulman Corp | Adjustable shelving |
US2860942A (en) * | 1957-06-17 | 1958-11-18 | Gen Electric | Adjustable support |
US2995257A (en) * | 1958-12-10 | 1961-08-08 | Crescent Metal Products Inc | Tray support |
US3044631A (en) * | 1959-08-03 | 1962-07-17 | Bulman Corp | Store fixture |
US3115254A (en) * | 1960-11-18 | 1963-12-24 | Change Wares Ltd | Adjustable shelving supports |
US3040904A (en) * | 1961-04-21 | 1962-06-26 | Kingston Mfg Co Inc | Frame construction for racks with adjustable shelves |
US3250234A (en) * | 1964-02-12 | 1966-05-10 | Brunswick Corp | Convertible display shelf |
US3393808A (en) * | 1965-10-07 | 1968-07-23 | Sam N. Chirchill | Apparatus for storing, displaying and dispensing articles |
US3295695A (en) * | 1966-03-24 | 1967-01-03 | Carmstrom Helge | Arrangement on shelves, preferably for book-cases |
US3489290A (en) * | 1967-11-20 | 1970-01-13 | Larson Co Charles O | Shelf support |
US3481485A (en) * | 1968-03-18 | 1969-12-02 | Zero Max Ind Inc | Adjustable shelf support device |
US3528558A (en) * | 1968-07-26 | 1970-09-15 | Paul V Williams | Display rack |
US3570679A (en) * | 1968-09-17 | 1971-03-16 | Howard Displays Inc | Display systems or devices for substantially flat articles |
US3782579A (en) * | 1970-10-01 | 1974-01-01 | W Zarges | Collapsible receptacle |
US3900112A (en) * | 1973-04-09 | 1975-08-19 | Kingston Warren Corp | Gravity storage system |
US3949683A (en) * | 1973-07-12 | 1976-04-13 | Walther Zarges | Collapsible shelf arrangement |
US3905484A (en) * | 1973-08-20 | 1975-09-16 | Wright Barry Corp | Flexible dividers for lateral shelf filing |
US3915097A (en) * | 1974-08-26 | 1975-10-28 | Jr Bruce Young | Multi-position wire display rack |
US4119207A (en) * | 1976-10-18 | 1978-10-10 | Fuller Robert T | Means for displaying articles in shingled relationship |
US4180258A (en) * | 1977-05-04 | 1979-12-25 | Zarges Leichtbau Gmbh | Apparatus for transporting and depositing panels |
US4216844A (en) * | 1977-07-20 | 1980-08-12 | Zarges Leichtbau Gmbh | Fitting for joints of ladder sections |
US4293075A (en) * | 1979-10-11 | 1981-10-06 | Kustom Kreations, Inc. | Cabinet for holding magnetic tape cartridges and cassettes |
US4383722A (en) * | 1979-11-27 | 1983-05-17 | Leo Weber | Show case, in particular for displaying shoes or the like |
US4299327A (en) * | 1979-12-10 | 1981-11-10 | General Housewares Corp. | Placemat rack |
US4314734A (en) * | 1980-05-07 | 1982-02-09 | Sybron Corporation | Cabinet drawer support |
US4372451A (en) * | 1980-06-26 | 1983-02-08 | Interlake, Inc. | Gravity-feed storage and delivery system |
US4508231A (en) * | 1981-03-04 | 1985-04-02 | Reuben Honickman | Wall unit |
US4478338A (en) * | 1982-12-09 | 1984-10-23 | Frank Mayer & Associates, Inc. | Display device of the type having racks arranged in shingled fashion |
US4540222A (en) * | 1983-02-28 | 1985-09-10 | Burrell Alfred A | Cabinet structure for storing, displaying and indexing |
US4589209A (en) * | 1983-03-08 | 1986-05-20 | Frank W. Zarges | Woodworking plane |
US4567834A (en) * | 1983-05-23 | 1986-02-04 | Hallmark Cards, Inc. | Tilted shelf assembly |
US4967879A (en) * | 1988-02-23 | 1990-11-06 | Zarges Leichtbau Gmbh | Ladder |
US4859010A (en) * | 1988-03-10 | 1989-08-22 | Camco Inc. | Refrigerator door tray assembly |
US5048699A (en) * | 1989-03-23 | 1991-09-17 | Megaspace Pty. Ltd. | Display stand and/or frame |
US5011240A (en) * | 1989-11-28 | 1991-04-30 | Milcare, Inc. | Segmented side wall cart |
US5127340A (en) * | 1990-07-13 | 1992-07-07 | Viking Metal Cabinet Company Inc. | Adjustable shelving system |
US5088619A (en) * | 1990-09-26 | 1992-02-18 | Shank Robert A | Containers for compact discs and method of fabrication |
US5306077A (en) * | 1991-10-04 | 1994-04-26 | Megaspace Pty Ltd. | Drawer unit for displaying and dispensing of merchandise |
US5346299A (en) * | 1993-07-15 | 1994-09-13 | General Electric Company | Refrigerator door module mounting assembly |
US5472270A (en) * | 1994-07-05 | 1995-12-05 | Midmark Corporation | Convertible cabinet |
US5806438A (en) * | 1995-08-17 | 1998-09-15 | Kwik-File, Inc. | Adjustable shelf system |
US5762213A (en) * | 1995-08-22 | 1998-06-09 | Windquest Companies, Inc. | Adjustable storage system |
US5642924A (en) * | 1996-02-29 | 1997-07-01 | White Consolidated Industries, Inc. | Shelf system for a refrigerator cabinet |
US6336564B1 (en) * | 1996-12-05 | 2002-01-08 | Parfums Christian Dior | Display device for articles such as cosmetic products or perfumes |
US5785189A (en) * | 1997-01-31 | 1998-07-28 | The Mead Corporation | Display shelf device having a rigid structure |
US5988410A (en) * | 1997-08-01 | 1999-11-23 | Warner-Lambert Company | Display rack |
US5951131A (en) * | 1998-05-11 | 1999-09-14 | Stefan; Alexander | Enclosure assembly for the equipment of a gaming device or the like |
US6238032B1 (en) * | 1999-05-21 | 2001-05-29 | Victory Refrigeration Company | Refrigerated cabinet with molded liner |
US6523818B1 (en) * | 2000-10-30 | 2003-02-25 | Le Mac Enterprises Ltd. | Apparatus and method for securing a work object |
US20030209504A1 (en) * | 2001-03-05 | 2003-11-13 | Cook Joseph L. | Transportable part rack |
US6626509B2 (en) * | 2001-03-12 | 2003-09-30 | Emerson Electric Co. | Drawer glide system |
US6422673B1 (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2002-07-23 | Gemtron Corporation | Refrigerator compartment housing vertically adjustable shelves, each formed from a piece of tempered glass snapped-fastened to an injection molded frame |
US6679573B2 (en) * | 2001-04-16 | 2004-01-20 | Gemtron Corporation | Refrigerator shelf |
US20020153341A1 (en) * | 2001-04-20 | 2002-10-24 | Trevor May | Lock for knock-down storage rack |
US7131543B2 (en) * | 2003-01-22 | 2006-11-07 | New Dimensions Research Corporation | Display device |
US7441663B2 (en) * | 2003-04-24 | 2008-10-28 | The United States Postal Service | Tray assembly having hinged dividers |
US7350649B1 (en) * | 2004-01-02 | 2008-04-01 | Martens David A | Paper sales rack with adjustable modular shelving |
US20050263474A1 (en) * | 2004-05-05 | 2005-12-01 | Smith Jimmy S | Adjustable shelving system |
US20060006774A1 (en) * | 2004-07-09 | 2006-01-12 | Kendro Laboratory Products, Lp | Microplate storage apparatus and method |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9925016B2 (en) * | 2015-10-20 | 2018-03-27 | Jonathan James Ross | Medical support structure |
GB2565163A (en) * | 2017-07-31 | 2019-02-06 | Zedis S L | Display cabinet |
US11439232B2 (en) * | 2018-02-02 | 2022-09-13 | Helmer, Inc. | Storage device with drawer retainer and stabilizer |
US11812851B2 (en) | 2018-02-02 | 2023-11-14 | Helmer Scientific, Llc | Storage device with drawer retainer and stabilizer |
US11304546B1 (en) * | 2018-02-05 | 2022-04-19 | Joshua B. Boos | Modular cabinet that divides and subdivides product according to its dimensions |
US11246396B2 (en) | 2019-09-03 | 2022-02-15 | Joshua B. Boos | Modular cabinet shelf |
US20210401167A1 (en) * | 2020-06-26 | 2021-12-30 | Pan Pantry Llc | Cabinet storage assembly |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9247810B2 (en) | Device for storing utensils, especially tools | |
EP2240377B1 (en) | Multi-function storage bin | |
US20070252496A1 (en) | Track support system and method | |
US5044059A (en) | Method and apparatus for retrofitting a drawer with a multiple level cutlery tray or a cutlery tray and cutting board | |
CA1328903C (en) | Method and apparatus for retrofitting a drawer with a multiple level storage tray | |
US8881660B2 (en) | Shelf assembly | |
US10028584B2 (en) | Storage system | |
CN113251735B (en) | Shelf assembly with special bearing frame and household refrigerating appliance | |
US20120119043A1 (en) | Locking mechanism for trays | |
JP2009011396A (en) | Kitchen cabinet | |
US20200229599A1 (en) | Tiltable Cabinet Drawer | |
EP0512615B1 (en) | Anti-rack system for drawers | |
US5090579A (en) | Modular shelving system | |
EP2464933B1 (en) | Refrigerator having a linear guided extension plate, particularly a glass plate, and a mounting arrangement for at least one container | |
GB2242350A (en) | Cupboard and drawer arrangement | |
US4178049A (en) | Shelf box with dual pivoting stop mechanism | |
US20180049562A1 (en) | Cabinet with telescoping trays for fastener bins | |
JP5726455B2 (en) | drawer | |
EP3163233B1 (en) | Domestic refrigerator | |
KR20160003847U (en) | Moving Shelf Type Drawer | |
EP2630426B1 (en) | Refrigerator and stopping arrangement of refrigerator shelf | |
EP3742930B1 (en) | Support component for a storage system | |
KR100471105B1 (en) | refrigerator | |
JPH09154644A (en) | Small articles storage shelf | |
EP1119273B1 (en) | A piece of furniture with extractable elements and adjustable supports for orderly containing shoes, slippers and similar |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |