US20080185489A1

US20080185489A1 - Systems and methods for mounting objects

Info

Publication number: US20080185489A1
Application number: US11/701,841
Authority: US
Inventors: Glenn Alan Ehrgott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-02-02
Filing date: 2007-02-02
Publication date: 2008-08-07
Also published as: CA2593601A1

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and methods for mounting objects by capturing the object, or an intermediate mounting device attached to the object, between the head of a retention device and a surface of a track or the like into which the retention device is inserted. Also disclosed are methods for modifying or manufacturing an existing object to allow it to be directly captured between a track and a retention device. Further disclosed are a variety of capture aperture shapes for use with existing, commercially available track mounting system components. Specially configured retention devices are also disclosed for effective implementation of the systems and methods of the present invention. Stabilizing devices are also disclosed for stabilizing and/or preventing movement of a captured object in its captured state. Suspension devices are disclosed for suspending a captured object. Obstructers and similar devices for enlarging the head of commercially available retention devices are also disclosed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to systems and methods for mounting objects. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for mounting an object by capturing the object, or an intermediate mounting device attached to the object, between the head of a retention device and a surface of a track or the like into which the retention device is inserted.
Wall-based, floor-based, and free-standing storage and securement methods are well known in the art. Such units are either individually secured to a wall or cooperate with a dedicated rail, slot, or channel or are used with a pegboard or slat wall arrangement (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,318,486; 4,723,663; 4,982,922; 4,867,623; 4,852,747; 5,224,609; 5,265,992; 5,322,256; 5,740,927; 5,807,047; and 5,839,589).
Some such arrangements utilize horizontal bars or rails on which brackets or hooks are mounted in order to support various items. For example, storage units have been described having hooks permanently attached to specified points on a bar. Or, other storage systems have been described having sliding brackets captured on a rail. Additionally, other storage systems have been disclosed having a changeable, slidable bracket utilizing an open-ended fastener at the back of the bracket which is slipped over the top of the rail (See U.S. Pat. No. 3,260,489). Further systems employ brackets with fasteners which are trapped on a rail (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,291,966 and 2,546,720). Storage systems have also been described which provide wall systems capable of supporting heavy loads which are readily adjustable to differently shaped loads (See U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,486). Some such systems provide a mounting rail carrying brackets with U-shaped fastener sections which grip the rail but which can be slipped off at one or more grooves in the rail. Other disclosures have provided storage systems and fittings to be employed with a track member wherein the fitting has a positive pivotal retainer means that may be easily operated for locking and unlocking the fitting relative to the track. Such systems provide a secure fitting of cargo for transportation.
Anchor fittings have also been described. Such fittings provide for removably attaching objects to the floor or wall of a vehicle. Such fittings may operate in conjunction with a track attached to a vehicle floor with the track having alternate notch and neck proportions which matingly engage the fittings (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,688,504; 4,033,268; 4,230,432; 4,256,424; 4,708,549; and 5,265,992). Such devices are intended for use with a beam supported at both ends, a strap, or an anchor ring type device or opening which cooperates with common cargo control devices such as ratchet straps or load binders.
Also disclosed are fittings having a positive pivotal retainer means that may be easily operated for locking and unlocking the fitting relative to openings provided in conjunction with cargo control track. Such fittings provide for removably attaching objects to the floor or wall of a vehicle. Such fittings operate in conjunction with openings provided in cargo control track attached to the floor, walls, or ceiling of a vehicle, or other rigid support structure, such as a building, fence, or shed. Such fittings are intended for use with a beam supported at both ends and with insertion member ends attached pivotally, flexibly (e.g., sewn woven material), or rigidly and directly to an insertion member. Or, attachment of a secondary device is achieved via sewn-in, non-rigid fabric or woven material. The direct support of objects to be stored, as well as their resulting cantilever or tension loads, is described in Ehrgott U.S. Pat. No. 6,364,141 (the “'141 patent”).
Wheel chock mounting devices and motorcycle wheel chocks in particular are also described in the prior art (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,241,104; 4,437,597; 4,852,779; 5,301,817; and 5,988,402). Most such devices are bolted in place, and they require tools and extended periods of time to attach and remove them. In many cases, more than one person is required to accomplish such mounting.
Also known in the art is a keyhole and capture pin mounting and dismounting device and methods therefore. This device requires a bolt down mounting of the capture keyhole plates to a support surface. Mounting of the capture plates requires very accurate placement and alignment of two individual mounting plates. The wheel chock is held forward in the captured position through forward pressure of a motorcycle's tire when secured in a forward position by tie down straps.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, in one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for coupling an article to a track mounting system is provided. This apparatus includes at least one body and at least one capture aperture passing through at least a portion of the at least one body, wherein a shape of the at least one capture aperture accepts passage of a base of at least one retention device through the at least one capture aperture, and the shape of the at least one capture aperture prevents passage through the at least one capture aperture of at least one of the group consisting of a head of the at least one retention device, a component coupled to a head of the at least one retention device, and combinations thereof, and wherein the at least one retention device mates with at least one track aperture of at least one first track of the track mounting system, and wherein passing the at least one retention device through the at least one capture aperture and mating the at least one retention device with the at least one track aperture captures the body between the at least one retention device and the at least one first track.
In another aspect of the present invention, a method for modifying or manufacturing an object to facilitate coupling of the object to at least one track mounting system is provided. This method includes the steps of selecting at least one track of the at least one track mounting system to be compatible with the object, selecting at least one retention device of the at least one track mounting system to be compatible with the object, selecting at least one aperture shape that allows passage of a base of the at least one retention device through the at least one aperture and prevents passage of at least one of the group consisting of a head of the at least one retention device, an object coupled to a head of the at least one retention device, and combinations thereof, and creating at least one aperture having the at least one aperture shape in a body of the object, wherein the at least one retention device mates with at least one aperture of at least one track of the track mounting system, and wherein passing the at least one retention device through the at least one aperture and mating the at least one retention device with the at least one track captures the body between the at least one retention device and the at least one track.
Further disclosed is a method for coupling an object to a track mounting system. This method includes the steps of passing at least one retention device through at least one aperture located in the object and inserting the at least one retention device into at least one track aperture located in at least one track of the track mounting system, wherein upon completion of the method, the object is captured between at least a portion of the retention device and at least a portion of the at least one track.
Also disclosed is an apparatus for enlarging a head of a retention device to prevent passage of the head through at least one capture aperture. The apparatus includes at least one body and at least one coupling mechanism for coupling the body to the head of the retention device.
An apparatus for insertion into a track aperture of a track for capturing at least one object between the apparatus and the track is also disclosed. This apparatus includes a base and a head coupled to the base, the head including at least one of the group consisting of a protrusion, a component, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one of the group consisting of a protrusion, a component, and combinations thereof prevents passage of the head through at least one capture aperture, and wherein at least a portion of a first perimeter of the head extends beyond a corresponding portion of a second perimeter of the base.
Also disclosed is an apparatus for insertion into a track aperture of a track for capturing at least one object between the apparatus and the track. The apparatus includes a base and a head coupled to the base, wherein at least a portion of the head overhangs at least a portion of the base, and wherein the at least a portion of the head prevents passage of the head through at least one capture aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the coupling of a mounting plate having rectangular capture apertures to a track via a plurality of retention devices;

FIG. 2A is an elevational view of the assembly of the components included in the exploded view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a top view of the assembly of the components included in the exploded view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the coupling of an object having an alternate form of capture apertures to a track via a plurality of retention devices equipped with rings;

FIG. 3B is a top view of the assembly of the components included in the exploded view of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is an exploded view of the coupling of an object having two alternate forms of capture apertures to a track via a plurality of retention devices;

FIG. 3D is a top view of the assembly of the components included in the exploded view of FIG. 3C;

FIG. 4A is an exploded view of the coupling of a wheel chock having an integral capture aperture to a track via a retention device;

FIG. 4B is an elevational view of the assembly of the components included in the exploded view of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is an exploded view of the coupling of a clip obstructor to a retention device having a strap aperture;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the assembly of the components in the exploded view of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is an exploded view of the coupling of an interference obstructor to a retention device having a strap aperture;

FIG. 5D is a perspective view of the assembly of the components in the exploded view of FIG. 5C;

FIG. 6A is an exploded view of the coupling of a mounting plate to a track via a plurality of specially configured retention devices;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the assembly of the components included in the exploded view of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of the coupling of a mounting plate to a vertical track via a retention device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the assembly of the components included in the exploded view of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is an exploded view of the coupling of a right angle adaptor having integral capture apertures to a track via a plurality of retention devices;

FIG. 8B is an elevational view of the assembly of the components included in the exploded view of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is an exploded view of the coupling of a mounting plate having an integral capture aperture to an airline-style track via a plurality of retention devices;

FIG. 9B is an elevational view of the assembly of the components included in the exploded view of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is an exploded view of the coupling of a first pair of tracks to each other via a pair of track adaptors;

FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the coupling of a first pair of tracks to each other via a track adaptor plate;

FIG. 10C is an exploded view of the perpendicular coupling of the assembled components included in the exploded view of FIG. 10A to a second pair of tracks via a pair of retention devices; and

FIG. 10D is a perspective view of the assembly of the components included in the exploded view of FIG. 1C.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower”, “upper”, and “top” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
Where a term is provided in the singular, the inventors also contemplate aspects of the invention described by the plural of that term. As used in this specification and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, e.g., “an aperture” may include a plurality of apertures. Thus, for example, a reference to “a method” includes one or more methods and/or steps of the type described herein, which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods, constructs and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where there are discrepancies in terms and definitions used in references that are incorporated by reference, the terms used in this application shall have the definitions given herein.
Referring first to FIG. 1, depicted is an exploded view of the coupling of mounting plate 102 to track 108 via a plurality of retention devices 106. In one aspect of the present invention, track 108 and retention devices 106 are conventional track mounting systems as are known in the art. Some examples of conventional track mounting systems are disclosed in the '141 patent, Ehrgott U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,729,485 B2 (the “'485 patent”) and 6,675,980 B2, and Loyd U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,623, which are all incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. Some examples of tracks that are compatible with the present invention include, but are not limited to: horizontal E-track 154, vertical E-track 156, horizontal A-track 158, vertical A-track 160, and series A-track 162 as disclosed and discussed in greater detail in the '141 patent; Aircraft Style Seat/Logistic Track as manufactured by Ancra International LLC (“Ancra”) and having part no. 40467-33-144; and Versatie track as manufactured by Macs Custom Tie Downs (“Macs”).
Similarly, retention devices that are compatible with the present invention include, but are not limited to, retention device 164 (with or without positive engagement latch 176) as disclosed and discussed in greater detail in the '141 patent, retention device 164 (with or without second rigid mounting body 620) as disclosed and discussed in greater detail in the '485 patent, Series E or A Fittings with 2″ D Ring as manufactured by Kinedyne and having part no. FE8301-1, Series E or A Fittings with 1″ Ring having Kinedyne part no. FE8264-1, Series E or A Spring-Loaded Fitting having Kinedyne part no. FE8306-1, Series E or A Spring Loaded Fitting having Kinedyne part no. FE8029-1, Series E and A Articulated Track Fitting having Ancra part no. 47772-12, Ratchet and/or Cam Buckle Strap having Ancra part no. 47608-21, Series E and A Fitting with D Ring having Ancra part no. 49542-10, Single Stud Track Fitting having Ancra part no. 40340-27, Double Stud Track Fitting with Round Ring having Ancra part no. 47556-11, Single Stud Tie Down Rings having Macs part no. VT-1000, Double Stud Tie Down Rings having Macs part no. VT-2000, Double Stud Idler Fittings having Macs part no. VT-2000I, and Double Stud Fittings with Pear-Shaped Ring having Macs part no. VT-2003. The aforementioned track mounting systems, tracks, and retention devices are typically incorporated in trucks and trailers for the purpose of securing cargo or the like thereto. However, the systems and methods of the present invention may be used in conjunction with any track mounting system, or any system similar thereto, intended for any purpose. Also, these systems and components thereof may be manufactured by manufacturers other than those specifically disclosed above.
Retention devices 106 include base 112 and head 114. Base 112 includes the lower portion of retention device 106 including, inter alia, first and second fingers 118 and 120, respectively, which operate in the same or a similar manner to upper and lower fingers 166 and 170, respectively, as discussed in greater detail in the '141 patent. Head 114 includes the upper portion of retention device 106. When used in conjunction with the systems and methods of the present invention, at least a portion of head 114 includes at least one protrusion that extends beyond the perimeter of base 112 and/or capture aperture 100. Or, alternatively, head 114 includes an integral or coupled component (e.g., a ring, a second rigid mounting body 620 as disclosed in the '485 patent, an obstructor as discussed below with respect to FIGS. 5A-5D, etc.) having at least one portion that extends beyond the perimeter of base 112 and/or capture aperture 100. Such protrusion and/or component captures and retains an object between head 114 and track 108 as discussed in greater detail below, thereby coupling the object to track 108.
In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1, mounting plate 102 includes, inter alia, capture apertures 100, mounting apertures 104, object stabilizing devices 122, and aperture stabilizing devices 134. Capture apertures 100 are located in the body of mounting plate 102 and are designed in a form and/or shape that allows base 112 of one or more retention devices 106, such as those discussed above, to pass through capture aperture 100 and to be inserted and/or latched into track aperture 110. Capture aperture 100 is further designed or shaped to prevent head 114 of one or more retention devices 106 from passing therethrough. Consequently, capture apertures 100 allow mounting plate 102 to be captured, and retained, between track 108 and retention devices 106 as depicted in the elevational and top views of FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively, which are discussed in greater detail below. The use of capture apertures 100 allows an object, such as mounting plate 102, to be easily and quickly coupled to and uncoupled from track 108 by simply passing one or more retention devices 106 through a respective capture aperture 100 and coupling the respective retention device 106 to a corresponding track aperture 110. Although capture aperture 100 is depicted as a rectangular cutout from mounting plate 102, varying shapes may be substituted for the capture aperture without departing from the scope of the present invention including, but not limited to, circular capture apertures, semi-circular capture apertures, and those discussed below with respect to FIGS. 3A-3D. In embodiments of the present invention in which circular apertures are incorporated, the captured object may be rotated. Similarly, in embodiments of the present invention in which semi-circular apertures are incorporated, the captured object is allowed limited rotation. However, if such rotation is not desirable, tabs or stops may be incorporated to prevent such rotation.
In one aspect of the present invention, one or more capture apertures 100 include one or more aperture stabilizing devices 134. Aperture stabilizing devices 134 may be tabs or the like that are designed to mate with at least a portion of a respective track aperture 110 in a manner that stabilizes the object within which capture aperture 100 is located (e.g., mounting plate 102) when it is coupled to track 108 while also allowing passage of one or more intended retention devices through capture aperture 100. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, track apertures 110 include track aperture flanges 124 along the longitudinal edges of each track aperture 110 and aperture stabilizing devices 134 are designed to mate thereto. That is, aperture stabilizing devices 134 are spaced relative to each other such that each stabilizing device 134 may be inserted between the latitudinal edge of track aperture 110 and the corresponding latitudinal edge of track aperture flange 124. In one such embodiment, the outwardly facing surface of at least one first aperture stabilizing device 134 contacts the inwardly facing surface of a first track aperture 110 while avoiding a respective first track aperture flange 124 and the outwardly facing surface of at least one second aperture stabilizing device 134 contacts the inwardly facing surface of a second track aperture 110 while avoiding a respective second track aperture flange 124. For the purposes of this patent application, “outwardly facing surface” is intended to indicate a surface that is perpendicular to a track and faces away from the location of an object mounted to the track (e.g., mounting plate 102) and “inwardly facing surface” is intended to indicate a surface that is perpendicular to a track and faces toward the location of an object mounted to the track (e.g., mounting plate 102). In this manner, aperture stabilizing devices 134 allow mounting plate 102 to be fitted to track 108 in a stable manner prior to attachment of retention devices 106 thereto. Furthermore, once retention devices 106 have been coupled to track 108, aperture stabilizing devices 134 and/or object stabilizing devices 122 eliminate or minimize movement of mounting plate 102. Depending upon the type of aperture stabilizing device, the eliminated or minimized motion may include, but is not limited to, rotational, latitudinal, longitudinal, upward, and downward movement of the captured object (e.g., mounting plate 102). Although the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 includes aperture stabilizing devices 134 that are in the form of tabs, other forms of aperture stabilizing devices may be substituted including, but not limited to, bendable tabs, straight tabs, angled tabs, tabs that contact the entire perimeter of track aperture 110, solid square tabs, solid rectangular tabs, fingers (e.g., fingers such as first and second fingers 118 and 120, respectively), and U-shaped claws without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizing devices are designed to mate with track aperture flanges 124 such that the outwardly facing surface of at least one first aperture stabilizing device contacts the inwardly facing surface of a first track aperture flange and the outwardly facing surface of at least one second aperture stabilizing device contacts the inwardly facing surface of a second track aperture flange. Or, alternatively, such aperture stabilizing devices may be omitted without departing from the scope hereof.
Mounting apertures 104 allow an object to be coupled to mounting plate 102 via methods known in the art including, but not limited to, nut and bolt combinations such as fasteners 105, screws, welding, riveting, expansion anchors, tab captures, PEM fasteners, and adhesives. After an object is coupled to mounting plate 102, the object may be easily and quickly coupled to and uncoupled from track 108 by simply coupling and uncoupling mounting plate 102 to track 108 as described above. That is, the object may be uncoupled from track 108 by simply removing retention devices 106. When the systems and methods of the present invention are used in conjunction with trailer and/or truck track mounting systems, examples of the types of objects that may be coupled to mounting plate 102 include, but are not limited to, organizer cabinets including but not limited to those manufactured by Pit Pal Products, ladder racks, wheel chocks, single or multiple prong hooks, attachment brackets, shelf brackets, straps, strap ends (e.g., strap ends may be sewn such that straps remain coupled to mounting plate), tire racks, bicycle racks, motorcycle racks, winches, lights, and control devices for cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and the like. Furthermore, the systems and methods may be used to couple multiple tracks together.
Additionally, although mounting plate 102 is depicted as a rectangular, substantially planar plate, alternate embodiments for mounting plate are envisioned including, but not limited to, right angle adaptor 802 (FIGS. 8A and 8B) and mounting plate 902 (FIGS. 9A and 9B). Any mounting plate of any configuration capable of accepting capture apertures may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In one aspect of the present invention, one or more object stabilizing devices 122 are included. Object stabilizing devices 122 are tabs that are designed to mate with at least a portion of a respective track aperture 110 in a manner that stabilizes mounting plate 102 when it is coupled to track 108. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, object stabilizing devices 122 have a length approximately equal to the length of track aperture 110 and they are spaced relative to each other such that each object stabilizing device 122 fits within a respective track aperture 110. The approximately equal length of object stabilizing device 122 and track aperture 110 minimizes the latitudinal movement of mounting plate 102 when object stabilizing device 122 is inserted into track aperture 110 as object stabilizing device 122 acts to stop such movement whenever it comes into contact with an edge of a respective track aperture 110. In this manner, object stabilizing devices 122 allow mounting plate 102 to be fitted to track 108 in a stable manner prior to attachment of retention devices 106 thereto. In another embodiment of the present invention, object stabilizing devices 122 may be designed to mate to track aperture flanges 124. For example, the inwardly facing surface of a first object stabilizing device 122 may be designed to contact the outwardly facing surface of a first track aperture flange 124 and the inwardly facing surface of a second object stabilizing device 122 may be designed to contact the outwardly facing surface of a second track aperture flange 124. However, the present invention is not so limited. Also, although stabilizing device 122 is depicted along the latitudinal edge of mounting plate 102 for insertion into track aperture 110, stabilizing device 122 may also be located along the longitudinal edge of mounting plate 102 such that the inwardly facing surface of stabilizing device 122 engages an outwardly facing surface of the side of the raised surface in which track apertures 110 are located.
Once retention devices 106 have been coupled to track 108, object stabilizing devices 122 and/or aperture stabilizing devices 134 eliminate or minimize movement of mounting plate 102. Depending upon the type of object stabilizing device, the eliminated or minimized motion may include, but is not limited to, rotational, latitudinal, longitudinal, upward, and downward movement of the captured object (e.g., mounting plate 102). Although the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1 includes object stabilizing devices 122 that are in the form of flanges, other forms of object stabilizing devices may be substituted including, but not limited to, bendable tabs, straight tabs, angled tabs (e.g., tabs that extend from a first corner of track aperture 110 to the corner of track aperture 110 located at the farthest distance from the first corner), V-shaped tabs (e.g., tabs that contact an entire first longitudinal edge of track aperture 110 and a midpoint of the second longitudinal edge of track aperture 110), rectangular tabs that contact the entire perimeter of track aperture 110, solid square tabs, solid rectangular tabs, fingers (e.g., fingers such as first and second fingers 118 and 120, respectively), and clips (e.g., U-shaped clips) without departing from the scope of the present invention. Or, alternatively, such object stabilizing devices may be omitted without departing from the scope hereof.
Although capture apertures 100 are depicted in FIG. 1 such that mounting plate 102 is mounted parallel to track 108, the present invention is not so limited. Capture apertures 100 may be rotated to allow mounting plate 102 to be mounted perpendicular to track 108 or at any other intermediate angular rotation without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Referring next to FIGS. 2A and 2B, depicted are a front elevational view and a top view, respectively, of mounting plate 102 coupled to track 108 via two retention devices 106. As depicted, capture apertures 100 are located and spaced within mounting plate 102 such that they may be substantially aligned with track apertures 110. Prior to coupling mounting plate 102 to track 108, mounting plate 102 is positioned in the desired location adjacent track 108 such that at least one capture aperture 100 substantially aligns with at least one track aperture 110. However, alternatively, a plurality of capture apertures 100 may be substantially aligned with a plurality of track apertures 110 as depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B to allow mounting plate 102 to be more securely coupled to track 108. After the desired capture apertures 100 have been substantially aligned with the desired track apertures 110, bases 112 of retention devices 106 are passed through respective capture apertures 100 and are inserted into the respective track aperture 110.
The method of inserting retention device 106 into track aperture 110 varies with the type of retention device 106 incorporated. For example, if retention device is the same as or similar to retention device 164 without the positive engagement latch as discussed in greater detail in the '141 patent, then retention device 164 is inserted by: angling retention device 106 such that a first finger may be inserted under a first latitudinal edge of track aperture 110; inserting the first finger under the first latitudinal edge of track aperture 110; lowering base 112 into track aperture 110; and inserting the second finger under the second latitudinal edge of track aperture 110.
Once one or more retention devices 106 have been inserted into one or more track apertures 110 through capture apertures 100, mounting plate 102, or another object within which capture apertures 100 are located, is retained between heads 114 of retention devices 106 and the upwardly facing surface of track 108. In turn, any object coupled to mounting plate 102, such as object 116, is also coupled to track 108. Capture apertures 100 are designed or shaped such that head 114 is unable to pass therethrough, which prevents capture apertures 100 from passing around head 114 once retention devices 106 have been coupled to track aperture 110. Such shape of capture aperture 100 may be designed such that any portion of, or the entire area of, the material surrounding the aperture abuts a downwardly facing surface of head 114 when the material surrounding capture aperture 100 comes into contact therewith. Examples of varying types of capture apertures are discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 3A-3D. Varying the shape of the capture aperture allows it to be designed for use with existing retention devices as known in the art such as those discussed above. Or, alternatively, the capture apertures may be designed for use with specially designed retention devices not known in the art such as those discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B.
Although mounting plate 102 is depicted in FIG. 1 in a position that is parallel to a horizontal track 108, alternate embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which mounting plates or the like are mounted perpendicular to a vertical track (i.e., a track in which the track apertures are rotated ninety degrees relative to the track apertures in the horizontal track). In such embodiments, the two ends of the mounting plate may be coupled to distinct tracks positioned parallel to each other such that the mounting plate forms a bridge therebetween as depicted in FIGS. 10A-10D. Or, alternatively, mounting plate 102 may include capture apertures rotated ninety degrees such that they may be mounted perpendicular to a horizontal track. The present invention envisions any orientation for capture aperture that allows the object in which such capture aperture is located to be mounted in the desired position (e.g., parallel, perpendicular, or any other angle) relative to the desired track (e.g., horizontal, vertical, etc.).
Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3D, depicted are a plurality of exemplary capture apertures designed for use with existing retention devices that are known in the art. Referring first to FIGS. 3A and 3B, capture apertures 300 a are an example of one alternate capture aperture shape for use with retention devices equipped with levers and rings such as retention device 306 a, which are equipped with levers 326 a and rings 328 a. As depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, capture apertures 300 a are located in the body of object 302 a and they include rounded latitudinal protrusions 330 a and rounded longitudinal ends 332 a.
Rounded latitudinal protrusions 330 a allow a portion of ring 328 a to pass through capture aperture 300 a, which is necessary when capture apertures are used in conjunction with ring-equipped retention devices known in the art since such rings 328 a typically pass through at least a portion of the base such as base 312 a of such retention devices such as retention device 306 a. Furthermore, when capture apertures such as capture aperture 300 a are used in conjunction with retention devices such as retention devices 306 a having a head capable of completely passing through the capture aperture, a ring such as ring 328 a may be the sole portion of the head such as head 314 a that prevents such passage. In such a case, the length of rounded latitudinal protrusion 330 a may be calculated based upon the thickness of mounting plate 302 a such that it allows only the portion of ring 328 a located proximal to base 312 a to pass therethrough. Since the portion of ring 328 a located proximal to head 314 a has a larger diameter than the portion of ring 328 a located proximal to base 312 a, this portion of the ring will not pass through capture aperture 300 a and it will further act to retain object 302 a in which capture apertures 300 a are located between retention devices 306 a and track 308 a. However, embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which the head of the retention device retains the object within which the capture aperture is located between the retention device and the track without the assistance of a ring. In such embodiments, the latitudinal protrusion may allow the entire ring, or a portion thereof, to pass therethrough. Other embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which both the head of the retention device and the ring coupled thereto retain the object within which the capture aperture is located between the retention device and the track. Also, embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which the latitudinal protrusions are not rounded. That is, such protrusions may be designed with any rounded or non-rounded shape that allows at least the portion of the ring located proximal to the base of the retention device to pass therethrough.
Similarly, rounded longitudinal ends 332 a allow levers such as levers 326 a to pass through capture aperture 300 a, which is necessary when capture apertures are used in conjunction with lever-equipped retention devices known in the art since such levers typically extend into an area located proximal to the base such as base 312 a of such retention devices such as retention device 306 a. The size of rounded longitudinal ends 332 a may be any size capable of allowing lever 326 a to pass therethrough in an open and/or closed state. However, other embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which the longitudinal ends are not rounded. That is, such ends may be designed with any rounded or non-rounded shape that allows the lever to pass therethrough in an open or closed state.
To couple object 302 a to track 308 a, bases 312 a of retention devices 306 a are passed through capture apertures 300 a and are inserted into track apertures 310 a. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, retention devices 306 a are inserted by: depressing lever 326 a, angling retention device 306 a such that first finger 318 a may be inserted under a first latitudinal edge of track aperture 310 a; inserting first finger 318 a under a first latitudinal edge of a first track aperture 310 a; lowering base 312 a into track aperture 310 a; inserting second finger 320 a under the second latitudinal edge of track aperture 310 a; and releasing lever 326 a. Upon such coupling, a portion of rings 328 a pass through rounded latitudinal protrusions 330 a and a portion of lever 326 a passes through rounded longitudinal end 332 a. However, rounded latitudinal protrusion 330 a is sized such that the portion of rings 328 a located proximal to head 314 a having a larger diameter than the portion of rings 328 a located proximal to base 312 a does not pass therethrough. Consequently, the portion of rings 328 a having such larger diameters act to retain object 302 a between retention devices 306 a and track 308 a.
Although capture aperture 300 a is depicted having two rounded latitudinal protrusions 330 a, such protrusions may be omitted if capture apertures 300 a are located within objects that shall be retained using retention devices 306 a that are not equipped with rings such as rings 328 a or other objects that are affixed to, or protrude from, the midsection of the retention device. Similarly, although capture aperture 300 a is depicted having two rounded longitudinal ends 332 a, one end may be omitted since most lever-equipped retention devices include a single lever. However, inclusion of two rounded longitudinal ends 332 a allows the retention device to be inserted in two different positions (i.e., with lever 326 a located at a first rounded longitudinal end 332 a or with lever 326 a located at a second rounded longitudinal end 332 a). Furthermore, although rounded latitudinal protrusions 330 a are depicted as being centrally located relative to the length of capture aperture 300 a, such protrusions may also be located off center as necessary to meet the requirements of the retention device(s) with which it will be used. FIG. 3B depicts a top view of the assembly of the components depicted in the exploded view of FIG. 3A.
Turning now to FIGS. 3C and 3D, capture apertures 300 b and 300 c are examples of alternate capture aperture shapes for use with latch-equipped retention devices such as retention device 306 b. In one aspect of the present invention, retention device 306 b includes, inter alia, first and second fingers 318 b and 320 b, respectively, first and second notches 338 b and 340 b, respectively, and latching mechanism 340. To insert a latch-equipped retention device such as retention device 306 b into a track aperture such as track aperture 310 b, latching mechanism 340 is disengaged to allow retention device 306 b to be pivoted such that first finger 318 b may pass under a latitudinal edge of track aperture 310 b to a sufficient length to allow second finger 320 b to pass under the opposing latitudinal edge of track aperture 310 b. At this point, retention device 306 b is positioned within track aperture 310 b and latching mechanism 340 is engaged to latch retention device 306 b into the respective track aperture 310 b. That is, retention device 306 b may not be removed from track aperture 310 b until latching mechanism 340 is again disengaged.
In some embodiments, disengagement of latching mechanism 340 or similar latching mechanisms requires a simple press of the finger. Therefore, retention devices 306 b are sometimes mistakenly disengaged via an accidental application of pressure to latching mechanism 340. Capture apertures 300 b and 300 c are designed to prevent or minimize the potential for accidental disengagement of latch-equipped retention devices such as retention devices 306 b. Capture apertures 300 b and 300 c include main aperture sections 334 a and 334 b, respectively, and slotted longitudinal ends 332 b and circular longitudinal ends 332 c, respectively. Main aperture sections 334 a and 334 b have a shorter length than the length of the retention devices used therewith such as retention devices 306 b such that when retention devices 306 b are inserted through capture apertures 300 b and 300 c into track apertures 310 b, the longitudinal ends of retention devices 306 b (e.g., first and second fingers 318 b and 320 b, respectively) rest below slotted longitudinal ends 332 b and circular longitudinal ends 332 c, respectively, as well as the surface of track 308 b within which track apertures 310 b are located. Once retention devices 306 b have been inserted into track apertures 310 b through capture apertures 330 b and/or 330 c, the shapes of slotted longitudinal ends 332 b and circular longitudinal ends 332 c are designed to create shoulders 336 that prevent or minimize the potential for the accidental disengagement of retention devices 306 b. That is, when retention device 306 b is latched into track aperture 310 b, the at least partially narrow shapes of slotted longitudinal ends 332 b and circular longitudinal ends 332 c allow the latch to engage by passing therethrough. However, when latching mechanism 340 is engaged, the innermost surface of notch 338 b is in contact with shoulder 336, which prevents or minimizes lateral movement of retention device 306 b (with respect to track 308 b), or longitudinal movement of retention device 306 b, due to the contact of the innermost surfaces of notch 338 b with shoulders 336. This movement is prevented or minimized when latching mechanism 340 is in either an engaged or disengaged state, which prevents or minimizes the potential for accidental disengagement of retention device 306 b via the accidental application of pressure to latching mechanism 340.
Capture aperture 300 b includes slotted longitudinal ends 332 b, which have a width greater than the width of the latch of latching mechanism 340 but less than the width of base 312 b of the retention device(s) with which capture aperture 300 b will be used. That is, the narrow width of slotted longitudinal end 332 b prevents the passage of the wider width of base 312 b of the retention device(s) with which capture aperture 300 b will be used while allowing the passage of the latch therethrough. Although slotted longitudinal ends 332 b of FIG. 3C are rectangular, embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which such ends are non-rectangular. That is, such longitudinal ends may be designed with any rectangular or non-rectangular shape that prevents passage of base 312 b of the retention devices with which the capture apertures will be used while allowing passage of the latch therethrough.
Similarly, capture aperture 300 c includes slotted longitudinal ends 332 c having a width between shoulders 336 that is greater than the width of the latch of latching mechanism 340 but less than the width of base 312 b of the retention device(s) with which capture aperture 300 c will be used. This narrow width prevents the passage of the wider width of base 312 b of the retention device(s) with which capture aperture 300 b will be used while allowing the passage of the latch therethrough. Furthermore, circular longitudinal ends 332 c are rounded and enlarged, relative to slotted longitudinal ends 332 b, to allow a user to pass a finger through such ends to facilitate removal and/or insertion of retention device 306 b. Although circular longitudinal ends 332 c are circular, embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which such ends are non-circular. That is, such longitudinal ends may be designed with any circular or non-circular shape that allows passage of a finger therethrough while creating an aperture between shoulders 336 that prevents passage of base 312 b of the retention devices with which the capture apertures will be used while allowing passage of the latch therethrough.
To couple object 302 b to track 308 b, bases 312 b of retention devices 306 b are passed through capture apertures 300 b or 300 c and are inserted into track apertures 310 b. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3C and 3D, retention devices 306 b are inserted by: disengaging latching mechanism 340; angling retention device 306 b such that a first finger (e.g., first finger 318 b) may be inserted under a first latitudinal edge of track aperture 310 b and under a first slotted longitudinal end 332 b or circular longitudinal end 332 c; inserting the first finger (e.g., first finger 318 b) under the first latitudinal edge of track aperture 310 b and under a first slotted longitudinal end 332 b or circular longitudinal end 332 c, respectively; lowering base 312 b into track aperture 310 b; inserting the second finger under the second latitudinal edge of track aperture 310 b and under a second slotted longitudinal end 332 b or circular longitudinal end 332 c, respectively; and engaging latching mechanism 340. Upon such coupling, retention devices 306 b retain object 302 b between retention devices 306 b and track 308 b in a similar manner to that discussed above with respect to object 102, retention devices 106, and track 108 of FIG. 1. However, capture apertures 300 b and 300 c also provide protection against the accidental disengagement of retention device 306 b from track aperture 310 b via the accidental application of pressure to latching mechanism 340.
Although capture apertures 300 b and 300 c are depicted having two slotted longitudinal ends 332 b and circular longitudinal ends 332 c, respectively, embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which one longitudinal end may be omitted since accidental disengagement of the retention device latch and/or finger may be achieved for some retention devices via use of a single slotted longitudinal end 332 b or circular longitudinal end 332 c, respectively. However, inclusion of two slotted longitudinal ends 332 b or circular longitudinal ends 332 c allows the retention device to be inserted in two different positions (i.e., with finger 318 b located at a first slotted longitudinal end 332 b or circular longitudinal end 332 c respectively, or with finger 318 b located at a second slotted longitudinal end 332 b or circular longitudinal end 332 c, respectively). Furthermore, although slotted longitudinal end 332 b and circular longitudinal end 332 c are depicted as being located at the midpoint of the latitudinal width of main aperture section 334 a and 334 b, respectively, such longitudinal ends may also be located off center, or as required by the retention devices with which the capture apertures will be used, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Referring next to FIG. 4A, depicted is an exploded view of the attachment of wheel chock 402 to track 408 via retention device 406 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Wheel chock 402 includes, inter alia, integral capture aperture 400 and object stabilizing/retention devices 442. Capture aperture 400 is similar to capture aperture 100 (FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B) and is used in a similar manner as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIG. 1. That is, capture aperture 400 allows wheel chock 402 to be captured, and retained, between track 408 and one or more retention devices 406. However, incorporation of a capture aperture directly into the object to be coupled to a track (e.g., wheel chock 402) eliminates the step of mounting the object to a mounting plate such as mounting plate 102 (FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B). Therefore, the direct incorporation of capture aperture 400 into wheel chock 402 allows it to be easily and quickly coupled to and uncoupled from a track by simply passing one or more retention devices through a respective capture aperture 400 and coupling the respective retention device 406 to a track aperture 410.
In some aspects of the present invention, wheel chock 402 includes one or more object stabilizing/retention devices 442, which have similar features and perform similar functions as object stabilizing device 122 as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIG. 1. However, as depicted in FIG. 4A, object stabilizing/retention devices 442 are U-shaped claws. This form allows a first end of an object such as wheel chock 402 to at least partially encircle, or to be clipped to, an edge of a track aperture such as the longitudinal edge of track aperture 410. Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, object stabilizing/retention devices 442 are sized to have a width capable of passing through the area located between the latitudinal edge of track aperture 410 and the latitudinal edge of track aperture flange 424. Object stabilizing/retention devices 442 are also spaced apart from each other to allow each object stabilizing/retention device 442 to pass through the area located between the opposite latitudinal edges of track aperture 410 and the corresponding latitudinal edges of track aperture flange 424. This configuration provides a more secure coupling of wheel chock 402 to track 408 by preventing or minimizing latitudinal movement of wheel chock 402 relative to track 408. In addition, the encircling nature of object stabilizing/retention devices 442 acts to further prevent upward motion of the object to which it is attached (e.g., wheel chock 402) relative to track 408. However, alternate embodiments of object stabilizing/retention devices may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, object stabilizing/retention devices 442 are not required to implement the systems and methods of the present invention. In addition, although the object stabilizing/retention devices are shown in conjunction with wheel chock 402, they may be used with other objects, mounting plates, etc. without departing from the scope hereof. Furthermore, although the depicted object stabilizing/retention devices 442 both stabilize and retain, similar devices may be substituted that perform only one of these two functions without departing from the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 4B depicts wheel chock 402 after it has been coupled to track 408 via retention device 406. Although capture aperture 400 is depicted in FIG. 4A as a rectangular aperture, other capture apertures may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention including, but not limited to, those depicted in FIGS. 3A-3D. Although FIGS. 4A and 4B depict a wheel chock having an integral capture aperture, capture apertures may be incorporated in virtually any other type of object capable of accepting such apertures including, but not limited to, organizer racks, single or multiple prong hooks, attachment brackets, shelf brackets, tire racks, bicycle racks, motorcycle racks, winches, lights, winch mounts, light mounts, saddle holder mounts, and bridle holder mounts.
Referring next to FIGS. 5A-5D, depicted are retention devices 506 a and 506 b as are known in the art. As depicted, retention devices 506 a and 506 b include, inter alia, strap apertures 536 a and 536 b, respectively. Such apertures are currently used in the art for attachment of a strap or the like to such retention devices by passing the strap through the strap aperture. Also, such apertures are used in the art with interference obstructors such as interference obstructors 540. Such interference obstructors are referred to in the '458 patent as second rigid mounting bodies 620 and other uses of such interference obstructors are discussed in greater detail therein.
In accordance with the present invention, strap apertures 536 a and 536 b provide a mechanism for coupling the obstructors of the present invention such as clip obstructor 538 and interference obstructor 540 to existing retention devices such as retention devices 506 a and 506 b, the latter of which are known in the art and are commercially available. This allows the systems and methods of the present invention to be easily integrated with existing track mounting systems and track mounting system equipment to reduce the cost of implementation of the present invention.
As depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B, clip obstructor 538 includes a body having a substantially planar prong 542 and upper curved prong 546. Clip obstructor 538 is coupled to strap aperture 536 a by simply sliding substantially planar prong 542 through strap aperture 536 a. As substantially planar prong 542 is passed through strap aperture 536 a, curved end 544 of upper curved prong 546 facilitates upward movement of upper curved prong 546 to enlarge the distance between curved end 544 and the distal end of substantially planar prong 542 such that the portion of retention device 506 a located above strap aperture 536 a may pass through the two ends. After such portion has passed therethrough, upper curved prong 546 returns to its original state, thereby decreasing the distance between curved end 544 and the distal end of substantially planar prong 542 such that the portion of retention device 506 a located above strap aperture 536 a may no longer pass through the two ends. Such action couples clip obstructor 538 to retention device 506 a as depicted in FIG. 5B. Clip obstructor 538 will then remain in this coupled state until clip obstructor 538 is removed from strap aperture 536 a via the application of force (i.e., clip obstructor 538 is pulled away from retention device 506 a with a level of force capable of causing sufficient upward movement of upper curved prong 546 to allow the portion of retention device 506 a located above strap aperture 536 a to pass therethrough). The attachment of clip obstructor 538 to retention device 506 a enlarges the head of retention device 506 a to prevent such head from passing through a capture aperture as discussed in greater detail above with respect to retention device 106 of FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B.
Similarly, as depicted in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the body of interference obstructor 540 is interference plate 552. Interference obstructor 540 is coupled to strap aperture 536 b by simply sliding interference plate 552 through strap aperture 536 b, passing fasteners 550 a and 550 b (e.g., bolts) through fastener apertures 548 a and 548 b, respectively, and coupling fasteners 550 a and 550 b to interference plate 552 (e.g., screwing a nut onto the end of a bolt). Interference obstructor 540 will then remain in this, coupled state, as depicted in FIG. 5D, until fasteners 550 are removed therefrom and interference plate 552 is removed from strap aperture 536 b. The attachment of interference obstructor 540 to retention device 506 b enlarges the head of retention device 506 b to prevent such head from passing through a capture aperture as discussed in greater detail above with respect to retention device 106 of FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. Although two examples of obstructors are depicted in FIGS. 5A-5D, virtually any object may be coupled to the head of a retention device to prevent it from passing through a capture aperture without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Turning now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, depicted are an exploded view and an assembled top view, respectively, of the coupling of mounting plate 602 to track 608 via retention devices 606, the latter being created in accordance with the systems and methods of the present invention. Retention device 606 includes a body having latching mechanism 656 as is known in the art. However, the head of retention device 606 is specially configured with head protrusions 652 a and 652 b. Such protrusions are designed to rest atop the surface of an object that surrounds a capture aperture such as capture aperture 600 located within such object when the body of retention device 606 is passed through the capture aperture. Head protrusions 652 a and 652 b are designed with sufficient shape and length to prevent passage of the head of retention device 606 through the respective capture aperture. Although a “winged” example of a head protrusion is depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, virtually any type of head protrusion that prevents a respective retention device from passing through a respective capture aperture may be formed integral to the head of the retention device without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In one aspect of the present invention, specially configured retention devices include retention device stabilizing devices 654. In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B, such devices may be tabs or the like that are designed to mate with retention device stabilizing device apertures 658 in a manner that stabilizes the retention device when it is coupled to a track. That is, insertion of retention device stabilizing devices 654 into retention device stabilizing device apertures 658 prevents or minimizes latitudinal and longitudinal movement of retention devices 606.
In another aspect of the present invention, mounting plate 602 includes object stabilizing devices 622 and aperture stabilizing devices 634, which are similar to and have the same utility as object stabilizing devices 122 and aperture stabilizing devices 134, respectively, as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. Mounting plate 602 may also include mounting apertures 604, which are similar to and have the same utility as mounting apertures 104 as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B.
Furthermore, once retention devices 606 have been coupled to track 608 via track apertures 610, retention device stabilizing devices 654, object stabilizing devices 622, and/or aperture stabilizing devices 634 eliminate or minimize movement of mounting plate 602. Depending upon the type of stabilizing device, the eliminated or minimized motion may include, but is not limited to, rotational, latitudinal, longitudinal, upward, and downward movement of the captured object (e.g., mounting plate 602). Although the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B includes retention device stabilizing devices 654, object stabilizing devices 622, and aperture stabilizing devices 634 that are in the form of tabs, other forms of stabilizing devices, may be substituted including, but not limited to, slugs, bendable tabs, straight tabs, angled tabs, and clips without departing from the scope of the present invention. Or, alternatively, one or more stabilizing devices may be omitted without departing from the scope hereof.
Turning next to FIG. 7A, depicted is an exploded view of the coupling of mounting plate 702 to vertical track 708 via retention device 706 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 7A, mounting plate 702 includes, inter alia, capture aperture 700, mounting apertures 704, object stabilizing device 722, aperture stabilizing devices 734, suspension device 760, and track mounting apertures 764. Capture aperture 700 is located in the body of mounting plate 702 and is designed in a form and/or shape that allows base 712 of one or more retention devices 706, such as those discussed above, to pass through capture aperture 700 and to be inserted and/or latched into track aperture 710. Capture aperture 700 is further designed or shaped to prevent head 714 of one or more retention devices 706 from passing therethrough. Consequently, capture aperture 700 allows mounting plate 702 to be captured, and retained, between track 708 and retention devices 706 as depicted in the assembled view of FIG. 7B. The use of one or more capture apertures 700 allow an object, such as mounting plate 702, to be easily and quickly coupled to and uncoupled from track 708 by simply passing one or more retention devices 706 through a respective capture aperture 700 and coupling the respective retention device 706 to a corresponding track aperture 710. Although capture aperture 700 is depicted as a rectangular cutout from mounting plate 702, varying shapes may be substituted for the capture aperture without departing from the scope of the present invention including, but not limited to, those discussed above with respect to FIGS. 3A-3D.
Track mounting apertures 764 allow track 708 to be mounted to a vertical surface by passing a fastener (e.g., a nail, screw, etc.) therethrough as is commercially known.
In one aspect of the present invention, mounting plate 702 includes one or more suspension devices 760 that key mounting plate 702 in the proper position such that suspension device 760 helps to support the retention load of mounting plate 702 and any objects coupled thereto. In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in FIG. 7A, suspension device 760 is an L-shaped section of metal attached to mounting plate 702 such that a U-shaped channel is formed. Suspension device 760 allows mounting plate 702 to hang on vertical track 708 by passing suspension device 760 through track aperture 710 and thereafter lowering mounting plate 702 until the downwardly facing surface of suspension device upper section 762 rests atop the lower latitudinal edge of track aperture 710. Although FIG. 7A depicts suspension device 760 as an L-shaped section, other forms of suspension devices (e.g., a U-shaped or otherwise curved section) may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a portion of the inwardly facing surface of the suspension device (e.g., the portion of suspension device located at the distal end of the suspension device) engages the inwardly facing surface of the track to which it is coupled to add strength to the coupling.
In one aspect of the present invention, capture aperture 700 includes one or more aperture stabilizing devices 734. Aperture stabilizing devices 734 may be tabs or the like that are designed to mate with at least a portion of a respective track aperture 710 in a manner that stabilizes the object within which capture aperture 700 is located (e.g., mounting plate 702) when it is coupled to track 708 while also allowing passage of one or more intended retention devices through capture aperture 700. Aperture stabilizing devices 734 may be similar to aperture stabilizing devices 134 as discussed above in greater detail with respect to FIG. 1. In one embodiment of the present invention such as that depicted in FIG. 7A, aperture mating devices 734 are sized and located such that they pass through the area located between the latitudinal edge of track aperture 710 and the latitudinal edge of track aperture flange 724 to prevent or minimize longitudinal movement of retention device 706. However, aperture stabilizing devices are not required to implement the vertical track embodiments of the present invention.
Mounting plate 702 also includes mounting apertures 704 and object stabilizing device 722, which are substantially the same as mounting apertures 104 and object stabilizing devices 122, respectively, as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIG. 1. However, neither device is required to implement the vertical track embodiments of the present invention.
Additionally, although mounting plate 702 is depicted as a rectangular, substantially planar plate, alternate embodiments for mounting plate are envisioned. For example, mounting plate may include two rectangular plates oriented at ninety degrees to each other, wherein the mounting apertures may be located in either one or both of such plates. However, the invention is not so limited. Any mounting plate of any configuration capable of accepting capture apertures may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Although capture aperture 700 is depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B such that mounting plate 702 is mounted parallel to track 708, the present invention is not so limited. Capture aperture 700 may be rotated to allow mounting plate 702 to be mounted perpendicular to track 708 or at any other intermediate angular rotation without departing from the scope of the present invention. In such embodiments, the orientation of the suspension devices, if any, may be modified as necessary to accommodate the intended orientation of mounting plate 702 relative to vertical track 708.
Turning now to FIG. 8A, depicted, is an exploded view of the attachment of right angle adaptor 802 to track 808 via retention devices 806 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Right angle adaptor 802 includes, inter alia, first and second right angle adaptor sections 804 a and 804 b, respectively, each having integral capture apertures 800 a and 800 b, respectively. Capture apertures 800 are similar to capture apertures 100 (FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B) and are used in a similar manner as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIG. 1. That is, capture apertures 800 a or 800 b allow right angle adaptor sections 804 a or 804 b, respectively, to be captured, and retained, between track 808 and two or more retention devices 806.
In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B, first right angle adaptor section 804 a is positioned at a right angle relative to second right angle adaptor section 804 b. This allows an object coupled to first or second right angle adaptor sections 804 a or 804 b, respectively, to be easily coupled to track 808 at a right angle thereto. In some embodiments of the present invention, both right angle adaptor sections include capture apertures such that these apertures are used for both coupling right angle adaptor 804 to track 808 and for coupling an object to right angle adaptor 804. However, the present invention is not so limited. Right angle adaptor 804 may include capture apertures in only one right angle adaptor section only. In such embodiments, the right angle adaptor section that does not have capture apertures may include any other type of mechanism for coupling the object to the right angle adaptor (e.g., mounting holes such as mounting holes 104 as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIG. 1).
The use of an adaptor such as right angle adaptor 802 allows an object to be easily and quickly coupled to and uncoupled from a track at a right angle thereto by simply passing one or more retention devices through the desired capture apertures 800 a or 800 b and coupling the respective retention devices 806 to respective track apertures 810. FIG. 8B depicts right angle adaptor 802 after it has been coupled to track 808 via retention devices 806. Although capture apertures 800 are depicted in FIG. 8A as rectangular apertures, other capture apertures may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention including, but not limited to, those depicted in FIGS. 3A-3D. Although FIGS. 8A and 8B depicts a right angle adaptor having two sections oriented at a right angle relative to each other and including integral capture apertures, integral capture apertures may be incorporated in virtually any other type of adaptor capable of accepting such apertures including adaptors having sections oriented at different angles relative to each other (e.g., forty-five degrees) and/or adaptors having sections with varying configurations.
Turning now to FIG. 9A, depicted is an exploded view of the attachment of mounting plate 902 to track 908 via retention devices 906 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Track 908 is an aircraft style logistic track, or L track, as is known in the art (e.g., Ancra Aircraft Style Seat/Logistic Track having part no. 40467-33-144) and retention devices 906 are fittings or the like that are compatible therewith (e.g., Ancra double stud track fittings with round ring having part no. 47556-11).
Mounting plate 902 and its integral mounting apertures 904 perform the same function as mounting plate 102 and mounting apertures 104, respectively, as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIG. 1. In one aspect of the invention, mounting plate 902 includes, inter alia, integral capture aperture 900, object stabilizing device 922, and object stabilizing devices 928. Capture aperture 900 is similar to capture aperture 100 (FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B) and is used in a similar manner as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIG. 1. That is, capture aperture 900 allows mounting plate 902 to be captured, and retained, between track 908 and one or more retention devices 906. Although FIGS. 9A and 9B depict a mounting plate with a single capture aperture 900, multiple capture apertures may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, capture aperture 900 may be sized to be substantially equal to the length of retention device 906 or it may be sized to have a length longer than retention device 906. The latter may accommodate longitudinal movement of retention device 906 within capture aperture 900 for alignment or the like.
In one aspect of the present invention, one or more object stabilizing devices 922 are included. In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B, object stabilizing device 922 includes disk 924 and stem 926 that are designed to mate with track 908 in a manner that stabilizes mounting plate 902 when it is coupled thereto. In the depicted embodiment, each disk 924 has a diameter slightly less than the diameter of circular track apertures 910 but greater than the latitudinal width of interconnecting aperture sections 912. The benefits of such a configuration of object stabilizing device 922 will be made apparent by the assembly example discussed below. Additionally, object stabilizing device 922 is designed to support the load of mounting plate 902 and any items attached thereto.
In another aspect of the present invention, one or more object stabilizing devices 928 are included. Object stabilizing devices 928 are tabs that are designed to mate with at least a portion of a respective track aperture 910, at least a portion of an interconnecting aperture section 912, or an outwardly facing surface of track 908 in a manner that stabilizes mounting 26 plate 902 when it is coupled to track 908. For example, in the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B, object stabilizing device 928 located along the latitudinal edge of mounting plate 902 is configured for insertion into track aperture 910 such that object stabilizing device 928 contacts, or nearly contacts, portions of the inwardly facing surface of track aperture 910. Similarly, object stabilizing device 928 located along the longitudinal edge of mounting plate 902 is configured to contact, or nearly contact, portions of the outwardly facing surface of the longitudinal sides of track 908. In this manner, object stabilizing devices 928 minimize the latitudinal movement of mounting plate 902 as object stabilizing devices 928 act to stop such movement whenever they come into contact with a surface of track aperture 910, interconnecting aperture section 912, and/or an outwardly facing surface of track 908. Furthermore, object stabilizing devices 928 allow mounting plate 902 to be fitted to track 908 in a stable manner prior to attachment of retention device 906 thereto. However, object stabilizing devices 928 are not required to implement the present invention. Also, although object stabilizing devices 928 are depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B as being located within track aperture 910 and/or adjacent an outwardly facing surface of track 908, object stabilizing devices may also be designed for insertion into and/or engagement with apertures in the surface to which track 908 is attached. Also, although object stabilizing devices 928 are depicted in a location that allows them to engage an inwardly facing surface of one or more track apertures 910 and an outwardly facing surface of a longitudinal side of track 908, one or more object stabilizing devices 928 may also be located such that it may engage an interconnecting aperture section 912 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
In one aspect of the present invention, assembly of mounting plate 902 to track 908 is performed by first inserting each object stabilizing device 922 into a respective track aperture 910. Thereafter, latch 914 of retention device 906 is indexed to an unlatched state as is commercially known and retention device 906 is passed through capture aperture 900 such that feet 916 of retention device 906 rest within respective track apertures 910. Next, retention device 906 and mounting plate 902 are slid longitudinally along track 908 until latch 914 is aligned with a respective track aperture 910. This sliding action causes both disk 924 of object stabilizing device 922 and feet 916 of retention device 906 to align with interconnecting aperture sections 912 rather than track apertures 910, which captures disk 924 below interconnecting aperture sections 912. Such positioning prevents or minimizes upward movement of mounting plate 902 and retention device 906 since the diameters of disk 924 and feet 916 are such that these items are not capable of passing through interconnecting aperture sections 912. This positioning also prevents or minimizes latitudinal movement of mounting plate 902 relative to track 908 since stem 926 will abut the inwardly facing surfaces of interconnecting aperture sections 912 upon such attempted movement. When the proper positioning of mounting plate 902 and retention device 906 has been achieved, latch 914 is indexed to a latched state to further couple retention device 906, and therefore mounting plate 902, to track 908.
The design of object stabilizing devices 922 minimizes the latitudinal movement of mounting plate 902 when object stabilizing devices 922 are coupled to track 908 as discussed above as object stabilizing device 922 acts to stop such movement whenever stem 926 comes into contact with an inwardly facing edge of the respective interconnecting aperture section 912. However, alternate embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which object stabilizing devices 922 are omitted.
The use of a mounting plate such as mounting plate 902 allows an object to be easily and quickly coupled to and uncoupled from an aircraft-style track by simply passing one or more retention devices through the desired capture aperture 900 and coupling retention device 906 to respective track aperture 910. FIG. 9B depicts mounting plate 902 after it has been coupled to track 908 via retention devices 906. Although capture aperture 900 is depicted in FIG. 9A as an oblong aperture, other capture apertures may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 10A, depicted is an exploded view of track assembly 1070 a. Track assembly 1070 a includes the coupling of a first pair of tracks 1016 a to each other via a pair of track adaptors 1002 a, wherein track adaptors 1002 a include integral capture apertures 1000 a to facilitate coupling of tracks 1016 a to a pair of tracks such as tracks 1008 (FIGS. 10C and 10D) to form a grid or other cross track configuration.
In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in FIG. 10A, track adaptors 1002 a include, inter alia, capture apertures 1000 a, track adaptor mounting apertures 1004 a, and track adaptor stabilizing devices 1022 a.
Capture apertures 1000 a are similar to capture aperture 100 (FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B) and are used in a similar manner as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIG. 1. That is, capture apertures 1000 a allow track adaptors 1002 a, as well as any object coupled thereto (e.g., tracks 1016 a), to be captured, and retained, between one or more tracks such as tracks 1008 (FIGS. 10C and 10D) and one or more retention devices such as retention devices 1006 (FIGS. 10C and 10D). When used in a track assembly such as track assembly 1070 a, capture apertures 1000 a allow track assembly 1070 a to be easily and quickly coupled to and uncoupled from a pair of parallel tracks (e.g., tracks 1008) in a perpendicular manner by simply passing one or more retention devices through a respective capture aperture 1000 a and coupling the respective retention devices 1006 to respective track apertures 1010 as depicted in FIGS. 10C and 10D. That is, track assembly 1070 a allows tracks to be coupled to each other to form a grid or other cross track configuration. The ease of coupling and uncoupling track assembly 1070 a from tracks 1008 allows track assembly 1070 a to be easily moved longitudinally along tracks 1008.
In one aspect of the present invention, capture aperture 1000 a has a length and/or a width greater than the length and/or width, respectively, of the track aperture (e.g., track aperture 1010) of the track (e.g., track 1008) to which it will be coupled. Such a configuration accommodates, inaccuracies in the mounting of tracks 1008. For example, if track assembly 1070 a is to be mounted on either end to two parallel tracks 1008 as depicted in FIGS. 10C and 10D, the elongated and/or widened capture aperture 1000 a allows the retention devices (e.g., retention devices 1006) to engage track apertures (e.g., track apertures 1010) even if tracks 1008 are not exactly parallel. However, embodiments of the present invention are also envisioned in which the capture apertures are sized to have a length and/or width that is equal to the length and/or width, respectively, of the track aperture of the track to which they will be coupled.
Track adaptors 1002 a also include track adaptor mounting apertures 1004 a that allow an object such as one or more tracks 1016 a to be coupled to track adaptors 1002 a via methods known in the art including, but not limited to, nut and bolt combinations such as fasteners 1005 a, screws, welding, riveting, expansion anchors, tab captures, PEM fasteners, and adhesives. For example, as depicted in FIG. 10A, a plurality of nut and bolt fasteners 1005 a couple tracks 1016 a to track adaptors 1002 a by passing the stem of the bolt through track apertures 1068 a and track adaptor mounting apertures 1004 a and then tightening the nut to the end of the stem of the bolt. In some aspects of the present invention, each end of a track such as track 1016 a is coupled to a respective track adaptor 1002 a to allow the track to be easily and quickly coupled to and uncoupled from two parallel tracks such as tracks 1008 (FIGS. 10C and 10D).
Track adaptors 1002 a may also include track adaptor stabilizing devices 1022 a, which are substantially the same and operate in the same manner as object stabilizing devices 122 as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIG. 1. Track adaptor stabilizing devices 1022 a eliminate or minimize movement of track adaptor 1002 a relative to the track into which they are inserted (e.g., track 1008 of FIGS. 10C and 10D). However, such devices are not required to implement the track adaptor embodiments of the present invention.
Assembled views of the components depicted in the exploded view of FIG. 10A are depicted in FIGS. 10C and 10D as track assembly 1070 a. Although FIG. 10A depicts the coupling of two tracks 1016 a to two track adaptors 1000 a, track adaptors 1000 a may be coupled to a single track 1016 a. However, coupling of two tracks 1016 a in an inverted manner to two track adaptors 1002 a as depicted in FIG. 10A provides additional strength for support of any objects mounted to tracks 1016 a. Also, although FIG. 90A depicts the coupling of two tracks 1016 a to two track adaptors 1000 a, one or more tracks 1016 a may be coupled to a single track adaptor 1000 a without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Turning now to FIG. 10B, depicted is an alternate embodiment for creating a track assembly capable of mounting to a pair of tracks to form a grid or other cross track configuration. Track assembly 1070 b includes, inter alia, track adaptor plate 1002 b and a pair of tracks 1016 b.
In some embodiments of the present invention such as that depicted in FIG. 10B, track adaptor plate 1002 b includes, inter alia, one or more capture apertures 1000 b, one or more track adaptor plate mounting apertures 1004 b, and one or more track adaptor plate stabilizing devices 1022 b.
Capture apertures 1000 b are similar to capture aperture 100 (FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B) and are used in a similar manner as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIG. 1. That is, capture apertures 1000 b allow track adaptor plate 1002 b, as well as any object coupled thereto (e.g., tracks 1016 b), to be captured, and retained, between one or more tracks such as tracks 1008 (FIGS. 10C and 10D) and one or more retention devices such as retention devices 1006 (FIGS. 10C and 10D). When used in a track assembly such as track assembly 1070 b, capture apertures 1000 b allow track assembly 1070 b to be easily and quickly coupled to and uncoupled from a pair of parallel tracks (e.g., tracks 1008) in a perpendicular manner by simply passing one or more retention devices through a respective capture aperture 1000 b and coupling the respective retention devices 1006 to respective track apertures 1010 as depicted in FIGS. 10C and 10D. That is, track assembly 1070 b allows tracks to be coupled to each other to form a grid or other cross track configuration. The ease of coupling and uncoupling track assembly 1070 b from tracks 1008 allows track assembly 1070 b to be easily moved longitudinally along tracks 1008.
In one aspect of the present invention, capture aperture 1000 b has a length and/or a width greater than the length and/or width, respectively, of the track aperture (e.g., track aperture 1010) of the track (e.g., track 1008) to which it will be coupled. Such a configuration accommodates inaccuracies in the mounting of tracks 1008. However, embodiments of the present invention are also envisioned in which the capture apertures are sized to have a length and/or width that is equal to the length and/or width, respectively, of the track aperture of the track to which they will be coupled.
Track adaptor plate 1002 b also includes track adaptor plate mounting apertures 1004 b that allow an object such as one or more tracks 116 b to be coupled to track adaptor plate 1002 b via methods known in the art including, but not limited to, nut and bolt combinations such as fasteners 1005 b, screws, welding, riveting, expansion anchors, tab captures, PEM fasteners, and adhesives. For example, as depicted in FIG. 10B, a plurality of nut and bolt fasteners 1005 b couple tracks 1016 b to track adaptor plate 1002 b by passing the stem of the bolt through track apertures 1068 b and track adaptor plate mounting apertures 1004 b and then tightening the nut to the end of the stem of the bolt. Such attachment allows track assembly 1070 b to be easily and quickly coupled to and uncoupled from two parallel tracks such as tracks 1008 (FIGS. 10C and 10D).
Track adaptor plate 1002 b may include track adaptor plate stabilizing devices 1022 b, which are substantially the same and operate in the same manner as object stabilizing devices 122 as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIG. 1. Track adaptor plate stabilizing devices 1022 b eliminate or minimize movement of track adaptor plate 1002 b relative to the track into which they are inserted (e.g., track 1008 of FIGS. 10C and 10D). However, such devices are not required to implement the track adaptor plate embodiments of the present invention.
When the components depicted in the exploded view of FIG. 10B are assembled, the resulting track assembly 1070 b looks virtually identical to track assembly 1070 a as depicted in FIGS. 10C and 10D. However, the use of a single, continuous track adaptor plate 1002 b versus two individual, shorter track adaptors 1002 a provides greater strength to the tracks coupled thereto (e.g., tracks 1016 b). Although FIG. 10B depicts the coupling of two tracks 1016 b to track adaptor plate 1002 b, track adaptor plate 1002 b may be coupled to a single track 1016 b. However, coupling of two tracks 1016 b in an inverted manner to track adaptor plate 1002 b as depicted in FIG. 10B provides additional strength to support any objects mounted to track assembly 1070 b. Also, although FIG. 10B depicts the coupling of two tracks 1016 b to track adaptor plate 1002 b, track adaptor plate 1002 b may be used alone (i.e., without tracks 1016 b) without departing from the scope of the present invention. That is, track adaptor plate 1002 b may be coupled to two parallel tracks (e.g., tracks 1008) to form a grid or other cross track configuration for the purpose of coupling objects other than tracks thereto.
Referring now to FIG. 10C, depicted is an exploded view of the perpendicular coupling of track assembly 1070 a of FIG. 10A to a second pair of parallel tracks 1008 via a pair of retention devices 1006. Prior to such coupling, tracks 1008 are typically mounted to a floor, wall, or ceiling via known methods in a parallel fashion and separated by a distance that allows capture apertures 1000 a of track assembly 1070 a to align with track apertures 1010 of tracks 1008. Thereafter, track assembly 1070 a is vertically aligned such that the upper capture aperture 1000 a aligns with a track aperture 1010 of the upper track 1008 and the lower capture aperture 1000 a aligns with a corresponding track aperture 1010 of the lower track 1008. Next, retention devices 1006 are passed through their respective capture apertures 1000 a and are inserted into their respective track apertures 1010 as discussed in greater detail herein and as depicted in FIG. 10C. With these simple steps, a track grid or other cross track configuration is formed. Furthermore, track assembly 1070 a is easily moveable along the length of tracks 1008 by simply removing retention devices 1006 from their respective track apertures 1010, moving track assembly 1070 a to the desired location, and re-coupling retention devices 1006 to the desired track apertures 1010. FIG. 10D depicts an assembled view of the components in the exploded view of FIG. 10C.
In some aspects of the present invention, the capture aperture is oversized to facilitate lifting and pivoting of the retention device. However, the systems and methods of the present invention are not so limited.
Although the present invention has been discussed herein for use with conventional known track mounting systems such as those discussed herein, the present invention may also be incorporated with track mounting systems, tracks, and/or retention devices not yet known in the art or those yet to be invented without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may be utilized with non-track mounting systems that utilize retention devices that are compatible with the present invention such as retention devices 106.
Furthermore, although the capture apertures discussed herein are located in rigid materials, the present invention is not so limited. Capture apertures may be located in flexible materials as well. For example, capture apertures may be located in straps including, but not limited to, cloth straps, leather straps, nylon straps, and the like. Or, in yet other embodiments of the present invention, capture apertures are located in plates that are located at the end of a strap. For example, one or more capture apertures may be located in an end plate sewn to the end of a strap. This allows the strap to be removably affixed to the track mounting system for use in tying down cargo or other purposes.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for coupling an article to a track mounting system comprising:

at least one body; and

at least one capture aperture passing through at least a portion of said at least one body, wherein a shape of said at least one capture aperture accepts passage of a base of at least one retention device through said at least one capture aperture, and said shape of said at least one capture aperture prevents passage through said at least one capture aperture of at least one of the group consisting of a head of said at least one retention device, a component coupled to a head of said at least one retention device, and combinations thereof;

wherein said at least one retention device mates with at least one track aperture of at least one first track of said track mounting system; and

wherein passing said at least one retention device through said at least one capture aperture and mating said at least one retention device with said at least one track aperture captures said body between said at least one retention device and said at least one first track.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is one of the group consisting of a mounting plate, an adaptor, a wheel chock, a track adaptor plate, and combinations thereof.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one first track is at least one of the group consisting of horizontal track, vertical track, E track, A track, L track, aircraft style seat/logistic track, Versatie track, and combinations thereof.

4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes at least one of the group consisting of a mounting aperture, an object stabilizing device, an aperture stabilizing device, a suspension device, and combinations thereof.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus includes at least one of the group consisting of a tab, a flange, and combinations thereof.

6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said capture aperture is a cutout.

7. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said cutout is at least one of the group consisting of rectangular, circular, semi-circular, and combinations thereof.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said article is coupled to said apparatus.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said coupling is performed via at least one mounting aperture.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said capture aperture includes at least one of the group consisting of a rounded latitudinal protrusion, a rounded longitudinal end, a non-rounded latitudinal protrusion, a non-rounded longitudinal end, a slotted longitudinal end, a circular longitudinal end, and combinations thereof.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said retention device includes at least one of the group consisting of a ring, a strap lap, a strap aperture, an obstructer, and combinations thereof.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said article is at least one second track.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said at least one second track is at least one of the group consisting of horizontal track, vertical track, E track, A track, L track, aircraft style seat/logistic track, Versatie track, and combinations thereof.

14. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one first track includes two parallel tracks.

15. A method of modifying or manufacturing an object to facilitate coupling of said object to at least one track mounting system comprising the steps of:

selecting at least one track of said at least one track mounting system to be compatible with said object;

selecting at least one retention device of said at least one track mounting system to be compatible with said object;

selecting at least one aperture shape that allows passage of a base of said at least one retention device through said at least one aperture and prevents passage of at least one of the group consisting of a head of said at least one retention device, an object coupled to a head of said at least one retention device, and combinations thereof; and

creating at least one aperture having said at least one aperture shape in a body of said object,

wherein said at least one retention device mates with at least one aperture of at least one track of said track mounting system; and

wherein passing said at least one retention device through said at least one aperture and mating said at least one retention device with said at least one track captures said body between said at least one retention device and said at least one track.

16. A method for coupling an object to a track mounting system comprising the steps of:

passing at least one retention device through at least one aperture located in said object; and

inserting said at least one retention device into at least one track aperture located in at least one track of said track mounting system;

wherein upon completion of said method, said object is captured between at least a portion of said retention device and at least a portion of said at least one track.

17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising:

aligning said at least one aperture located in said object with said at least one track aperture located in said at least one track of said track mounting system.

18. An apparatus for enlarging a head of a retention device to prevent passage of said head through at least one capture aperture comprising:

at least one body; and

at least one coupling mechanism for coupling said body to said head of said retention device.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said coupling mechanism is at least one of the group consisting of a clip, a nut and bolt combination, and combinations thereof.

20. An apparatus for insertion into a track aperture of a track for capturing at least one object between said apparatus and said track comprising:

a base; and

a head coupled to said base, said head including at least one of the group consisting of a protrusion, a component, and combinations thereof;

wherein said at least one of the group consisting of a protrusion, a component, and combinations thereof prevents passage of said head through at least one capture aperture; and

wherein at least a portion of a first perimeter of said head extends beyond a corresponding portion of a second perimeter of said base.

21. An apparatus according to claim 20 further comprising:

at least one retention device stabilizing device.

22. An apparatus for insertion into a track aperture of a track for capturing at least one object between said apparatus and said track:

a base; and

a head coupled to said base;

wherein at least a portion of said head overhangs at least a portion of said base; and

wherein said at least a portion of said head prevents passage of said head through at least one capture aperture.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22 further comprising:

at least one retention device stabilizing device.