US20060124811A1

US20060124811A1 - Universal hook systems

Info

Publication number: US20060124811A1
Application number: US11/301,684
Authority: US
Inventors: Gil Tatarsky; Gregory Lalier; Mark Primavera
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-12-14
Filing date: 2005-12-13
Publication date: 2006-06-15

Abstract

Universal mounting products and systems are provided that may be advantageously mounted with respect to an item and, once mounted to such item, may be used to position the item in a desirable manner for subsequent use and/or access. The present systems advantageously include complementary mounting structures that are configured and dimensioned to interact therewith in positioning the item for subsequent use and/or access. In exemplary embodiments, the mounting system includes a hook member that is generally designed to interact with a mounting track that may be adhered to a desired structure, e.g., a wall, cabinet, door or the like. An auxiliary attachment hook may be provided which cooperates with the hook member. The hook member may define a substantially planar region to which may be adhered an adhesive member. The adhesive member may be secured to a container, vessel, box or other structure, which may then be mounted with respect to a mounting track.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of a co-pending, commonly assigned provisional patent application entitled “Universal Hook Systems,” which was filed on Dec. 14, 2004 and assigned Ser. No. 60/636,075. The present application also claims the benefit of, and is a continuation-in-part application based upon, a co-pending, commonly assigned non-provisional patent application entitled “Universal Mounting System,” which was filed on Nov. 5, 2004 and assigned Ser. No. 10/983,211. The foregoing non-provisional patent application claimed the benefit of a commonly assigned, provisional patent application entitled “Universal Mounting System,” which was filed on Jan. 15, 2004 and assigned Ser. No. 60/536,659. The contents of each of the foregoing provisional and non-provisional patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure is directed to universal mounting products and systems. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to products and system components that may be advantageously mounted with respect to an item, e.g., a package, container and/or product, and once mounted with respect to such item, may be used to position the item in a desirable manner for subsequent use, storage and/or access. The disclosed system is particularly advantageous in that virtually unlimited interchangeability is provided to system users, allowing rearrangement and/or replacement of system components on an as-needed/as-desired basis. System components of different dimensions, geometries and/or configurations may be provided/utilized to meet a wide variety of storage needs and requirements.
2. Background Art
For years, people have been organizing and securing containers/packages by using conventional means, such as cabinets, shelves, wall units, windowsills, etc. Also, items are often hung on a door, wall or wall hook, i.e., a structure that defines a “male feature” that functions as a receiver for the item. The complementary “female feature” is already at a predetermined location and is generally permanently affixed to or defined by the container, package or other hangable item. This existing male/female combination of features makes organization generally ineffective and inefficient by limiting use of space, e.g., to a predetermined fixed design and location, and negatively impacts upon the quality and ease-of-use of that space.
Thus, storage systems and techniques are of continuing interest to individuals and businesses. Countless types of items and/or products are routinely in need of storage for subsequent use and/or access. For example, toiletry items, hardware/workshop items, automotive items, cooking items, cleaning items, stationery items and the like are routinely acquired, carried/transported, and stored for subsequent use, e.g., at periodic intervals.
Prior art systems have been disclosed for use in storing items. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,190,500 to Miles discloses a hook system that may be adhered to a collapsible tube container (e.g., a toothpaste dispenser) for interaction with a cooperative wall-mounted structure. Similarly, Canadian Patent No. 2,138,633 to Proulx discloses hooking structures that are integrally formed as part of a container, such hooking structures being adapted to cooperate with a wall-mounted member. Additional prior art disclosures of background relevance include U.S. Pat. No. 1,828,154 to Siqveland, U.S. Pat. No. 2,140,231 to Jefferis, U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,450 to Carter, U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,343 to Ferris, and WO 03/059754 to Pimpinella.
Despite efforts to date, a need remains for universal mounting devices/systems that permit convenient and reliable storage of items for subsequent use and/or access. Moreover, a need remains for mounting devices/systems that are readily interchangeable and that permit variable positioning of an item. In addition, mounting devices/systems are needed that accommodate items of differing size, geometry, and material composition. Still further, mounting devices/systems are needed that may be used in conjunction with surfaces/structures of various sizes, shapes and material composition.
These and other needs/objectives are satisfied by the disclosed universal mounting devices and systems. Additional advantageous features and functionalities of the disclosed mounting devices/systems will be apparent from the disclosure which follows, particularly when reviewed in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, universal mounting devices/systems are provided that permit convenient and reliable storage of items for subsequent use and/or access. The disclosed mounting devices/systems are readily attachable and detachable from any item, permit variable positioning around the periphery and/or circumference of an item, accommodate items of differing size, geometry, and/or material composite (e.g., low surface energy and high surface energy), and facilitate storing/mounting to surfaces/structures of various sizes and shapes, and material composition, e.g., the same device can be secured/mounted to a wire rack, an oven handle and/or a towel rack. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosed system, a complementary mounting structure may be provided for interaction with a male/female structure to facilitate mounting and/or storage of items according to the present disclosure.
In a presently preferred exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-component system is provided that facilitates mounting and/or storage of a wide variety of items. The multi-component system generally includes at least one hook member and a mounting track. The hook member is adapted to be mounted with respect to the mounting track. To facilitate such mounting, the hook member generally includes an extension arm that extends from a plate member. The extension arm is advantageously configured and dimensioned to engage an upstanding wall formed on the front face of a mounting track. A variety of geometric configurations are contemplated for the hook member, e.g., the hook member may include a substantially transverse hook extension arm or an upstanding hook arm. A nub or other surface feature (or series of features) may be formed on the hook arm to facilitate engagement/retention of items draped, hung or otherwise positioned in juxtaposition therewith.
Additional exemplary features and functions that may be advantageously associated with the disclosed system and mounted with respect to the disclosed mounting track include:

- A shelf;
- A cup, glass or other drinking or eating accessory;
- A magnetic strip (e.g., for mounting/storing knives, tools, etc.);
- An alligator clip or mail holder (e.g., for mounting/storing rubber gloves, snacks, letters, envelopes and the like);
- A wire basket (e.g., for storing garlic, herbs, knickknacks and the like);
- A plastic shopping bag dispenser;
- A kitchen wrap caddy;
- A canister for food storage;
- A pot lid organizer;
- A plastic jewelry organizer;
- Ceiling or cabinet drop down panel;
- Fogless mirror;
- Soap dish;
- Sponge or soap cradle;
- Shoe caddy (e.g., canvas or plastic);
- Canvas or mesh shelf;
- Bucket, with or without handle.

In further exemplary embodiments, the hook member defines a substantially planar surface that is oriented away from the hook extension. The planar surface is adapted to receive/support an adhesive surface. For example, a two-sided adhesive pad may be mounted to the planar surface, with the opposed adhesive surface being outwardly directed. The opposed adhesive surface may then be adhered to an item or structure that is to be mounted with respect to the mounting track, e.g., a household item such as a jar, tube, container, tool or the like. Thus, the hook member is adhered to the item, thereby permitting efficient, reliable and convenient storage through detachable mounting with respect to the mounting track.
The mounting track generally defines a track that is configured and dimensioned to cooperate with the hook member and, in a preferred embodiment, permits sliding engagement of the hook member with respect to the track. The mounting track may be advantageously provided with an adhering surface to facilitate mounting of the track with respect to a wall, cabinet or other surface. Alternative mechanisms for mounting of the mounting track may be employed, e.g., mounting hooks, mounting screws/bolts, etc.
Exemplary mounting tracks for use with the multi-component system described herein include elongated members that define a track for cooperation with hook member(s). The mounting track generally defines a substantially U-shaped region for receipt of the extension arm of the hook member. An adhesive region may be defined on a back face of the mounting track to facilitate mounting of the mounting track with respect to a wall, cabinet or other surface. Alternative mounting features, e.g., mounting apertures for receipt of a mounting screw or rear mounted hooks/hanging wires, are contemplated.
In still further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, accessory structures/elements may be provided for use with the disclosed hook members. For example, an attachment hook may be configured and dimensioned for detachable mounting with respect to the disclosed hook member. The attachment hook may define a central opening that is sized and configured to receive the extension arm of the hook member, thereby providing an effective “extension” from the disclosed hook member, e.g., to permit an alternative storage arrangement. Indeed, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the attachment hook defines an arcuate extension that is adapted to cooperate with a conventional closet rod, thereby permitting broader utility of the disclosed mounting system.
The devices and systems of the present disclosure thus better utilize potential storage, create a multitude of configurations in which to store items, enable mobility of items (e.g., packages/containers), and provide the ability to secure and store the same item (e.g., package/container) in many locations. The present disclosure further prevents loss and misuse of items (e.g., packages/containers) through enhanced inventory control, reduced breakage, and more reliable storage in view of potential safety issues. The disclosed universal mounting device(s)/system(s) advantageously span many industry specific products with various shapes, sizes, weights and material compositions. The disclosed mounting devices may be attached and detached relative to an item (e.g., container/package) and have the ability to then be redeployed to a similar item (e.g., container/package), e.g., after the contents of the current item (e.g., container/package) are exhausted.
As will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, the disclosed devices and systems are susceptible to many advantageous implementations, several of which are disclosed in applicants' commonly assigned patent application entitled “Universal Mounting System” (Ser. No. 10/983,211), the contents of which were previously incorporated herein by reference. For example, the hook adjustment features of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 in the referenced application may be advantageously incorporated into the presently disclosed devices/systems. Indeed, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, all disclosed features and functionalities that support flexibility, versatility and universal applicability in the referenced, commonly assigned non-provisional patent application may be incorporated into the presently disclosed devices/systems. In sum, the versatility, convenience and reliability of the disclosed mounting devices and systems offer significant advantages in a variety of storage contexts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed mounting products/systems, reference is made to the accompanying figures wherein:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary mounting track according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIGS. 2A and 2B are plan views of exemplary hook members for use according to the disclosed mounting systems;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the back side of an exemplary mounting track with a detachable adhesive cover being removed therefrom;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the exemplary mounting track of FIG. 3 being adhered to a planar surface;
FIG. 5 is a front view of an exemplary mounting system according to the present disclosure with a hook member detachably mounted with respect to a mounting track;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the exemplary mounting system of FIG. 5, showing interaction between the hook member and the mounting track;
FIG. 7 is a plan view of the exemplary mounting system of FIGS. 5 and 6, showing the hook member being brought into engagement with the mounting track;
FIG. 8 is a front view of an alternative exemplary mounting system that includes an alternative hook member detachably mounted with respect to a mounting track;
FIG. 9 is a side view of the exemplary mounting system of FIG. 8, showing interaction between the hook member and the mounting track;
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the alternative mounting system of FIGS. 8 and 9, showing the hook member being brought into engagement with the mounting track;
FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a further alternative hook member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 12 is a plan view of a web structure that includes a plurality of hook members of the type schematically depicted in FIG. 11, with a single hook member being detached from the web structure;
FIG. 13 is a front plan view of the alternative hook member of FIGS. 11 and 12, with a two-sided adhesive member being secured to a planar face thereof;
FIG. 14 is schematic view of the alternative hook member of FIGS. 11-13 being adhered to a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
FIG. 15 is a side view of the hook member and container subassembly of FIG. 14 being mounted with respect to an exemplary mounting track according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an accessory attachment hook for use with a hook member of the present disclosure;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the accessory attachment hook of FIG. 16 detachably secured to a hook member and container subassembly of the type depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15;
FIG. 18 is a plan view of a plurality of hook members of different design/geometry being mounted with respect to an exemplary mounting track according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 19 is perspective side view of an exemplary mounting track with two accessory items for mounting with respect thereto according to the present disclosure;
FIG. 20 is a perspective side view of the exemplary mounting track of FIG. 19 with the two accessory items mounted with respect thereto;
FIG. 21 is a front view of the mounting track and accessory items of FIG. 20; and
FIG. 22 is a top view of the mounting track and accessory items of FIGS. 20 and 21.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Universal mounting device(s)/system(s) are disclosed herein that permit convenient and reliable storage of items for subsequent use and/or access. The disclosed mounting device(s)/system(s) facilitate storing/mounting to surfaces/structures of various sizes and shapes, and material composite. Each of the hook members disclosed herein may be packaged or otherwise incorporated with a product-specific receiving system, such as a mounting rack or wall bracket. In exemplary embodiments hereof, the receiving system may define a track or other structural feature that permits the mounting structure to slide or otherwise travel with respect thereto. Thus, for example, the mounting structure may comprise a hook member that is adapted to slide along the x-axis relative to a complementary slot, ridge, rim or other structural feature associated with the receiving system, thereby effecting significant versatility and ease of use. In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the hook member is configured and dimensioned to effect a “snap fit” with respect to the receiving system, e.g., a mounting track. Thus, the hook member may advantageously snap onto the mounting track, thereby providing enhanced security and stability to the disclosed storage system.
The devices and systems of the present disclosure create usable space, make efficient use of existing space, enable mobility of items, e.g., packages/containers, and provide the ability to secure and store the same item in many locations. The present disclosure further prevents loss and misuse of items (e.g., packages/containers) through enhanced inventory control, reduced breakage, and more reliable storage in view of potential safety issues. Moreover, the disclosed universal mounting device(s)/system(s) allow customized usage by a system user, such that the system user may: (i) store items for display/access in a desired manner, (ii) mix and match the storage and access for diverse and/or similar items, (iii) store and access items at the user's fingertips, (iv) achieve easy and inexpensive system installation and use, and (v) place/position the system in an unobtrusive and/or out-of-the-way location. The disclosed universal mounting device(s)/system(s) advantageously span many industry specific products with various shapes, sizes, weights and material composite. In a particularly preferred application of the disclosed mounting systems, closet items (e.g., shirts, ties, belts and the like) may be advantageously stored using the disclosed mounting system.
With initial reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary mounting track 104 is schematically depicted. The exemplary mounting track 104 of FIG. 1 is further schematically depicted in, inter alia, FIGS. 3-10. Thus, with reference to the foregoing schematic depictions, an exemplary mounting system 100 includes a hook member 102 and the noted mounting track 104. The hook member 102 may take a variety of forms. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hook member 102 may include extension arms of varying geometry and/or dimension, e.g., the curvilinear geometry of hook member 102 a in FIG. 2 and the substantially linear, elongated geometry of hook member 102 b in FIG. 3. As will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art, the extension arm associated with hook member 102 may take various forms, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.
With particular reference to FIG. 6, exemplary hook member 102 includes a base member 106 that defines a substantially planar front face. The base member 106 is substantially rectangular in geometry, although other geometric configurations may be employed without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. An extension arm 108 extends from base member 106 and defines a hooking region 110 between the rear face of base member 106 and extension arm 108. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, extension arm 108 is formed integrally with base member 106 (e.g., by molding and/or machining), but it is further contemplated that base member 106 and extension arm 108 may be fabricated as distinct components and subsequently joined to each other, e.g., through a tongue and groove arrangement, welding or the like.
A hook arm 112 extends from the front face of base member 106. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, hook arm 112 extends in a substantially transverse orientation relative to base member 106, although a slight upward trajectory (e.g., 2-5°) may be desirable to further stabilize an item that is positioned in juxtaposition to hook arm 112 (e.g., a shirt, belt, tie, etc.). Hook arm 112 may advantageously include one or more nubs or protuberances 114, e.g., at or near a distal end thereof, to further stabilize/grip an item positioned in juxtaposition thereto. The region of hook arm 112 in closer proximity to base member 106 may be fabricated from a greater amount of material to allow cantilevered hook arm 112 to support a greater amount/weight of material. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 a-1 c, hook arm 112 is of greater vertical dimension in the region closer to base member 106.
Mounting track 104 includes a back wall 120 and an upwardly extending mounting face 122 that extends from a lower edge thereof A substantially U-shaped cavity 124 is defined between back wall 120 and mounting face 122. The depth of U-shaped cavity 124 is generally selected to fully accommodate the length of extension arm 108, e.g., with a slight clearance space between the base of U-shaped cavity 124 and the end of extension arm 108 when hook member 102 is mounted with respect to mounting track 104. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, mounting track 104 further includes a transverse rail 126 and an arcuate tail member 128 that enhance the aesthetic appearance of mounting track 104 and may facilitate sliding movement of a hook member 102 relative to mounting track 104, e.g., by reducing the frictional contact between hook member 102 and mounting track 104 (without sacrificing support/stability).
Of note, one or more transverse channels 127 are generally defined adjacent transverse rail 126. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, one or more pins/pegs (not pictured) may be formed in the back face of base member 106. The pin(s)/peg(s) are generally configured and dimensioned to slide within channels 127, thereby enhancing stability and providing enhanced lateral guidance. In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the pin(s)/peg(s) are sized to frictionally engage transverse channel 127 such that the hook member is fixedly secured relative to mounting track 104, e.g., by “popping” into engagement therewith. When the pin/peg is sized to fixedly engage channel 127, in it is generally necessary to disengage the pin/peg therefrom before repositioning hook member 102 relative to mounting track 104, e.g., by pivoting hook member 102 upwardly relative to mounting track 104.
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, an adhesive strip 109 or other mounting feature is generally provided on the rear face of back wall 120 to facilitate mounting of the mounting track 104, e.g., relative to a wall, cabinet, door or the like. The adhesive strip 109 generally includes a detachable or removable backing 111, which may be peeled away to expose the adhesive strip for adherence to a wall or other structure/surface. The adhesive strip 109 may be positioned within a cavity of minimal depth formed in the back wall 120 of mounting track 104 to facilitate substantially flush mounting of mounting track 104. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, the exemplary mounting track 104 may be mounted to a wall “W” by pressing the adhesive strip 109 into firm contact with the wall “W” (as illustrated by the force arrow appearing in FIG. 4). Alternative mounting mechanisms may be employed, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art, e.g., mounting screws/bolts, hanging hooks, picture-hanging wire, etc.
As shown by arrow “A” in FIG. 7, hook member 102 is adapted to be mounted with respect to mounting track 104 by positioning extension arm 108 within U-shaped channel 124. A lip 107 may be formed in the rear face of base member 106 to enhance stabilization of hook member 102 relative to mounting track 104. When mounted with respect to exemplary mounting track 104, hook member 102 is advantageously stabilized through contact with rail 126 and the outwardly extending portion of tail 128. Of note, to facilitate mounting interaction between hook member 102 and mounting track 104, the upper portion of hooking region 11 (defined by extension arm 108 and base member 106) may be radiused or chamfered, and a substantially corresponding radius/chamfer may be defined on the leading edge 130 of mounting face 122.
In use, one or more hook members 102 may be secured to mounting track 104 in the manner shown, e.g., in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6. As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, different hook member geometries may be incorporated into the various hook members that are secured to mounting track 104, thus readily accommodating storage of a variety of items. Users of the disclosed system are thus able to rearrange hook members 102 relative to mounting track 104, e.g., to group ties or belts, or to position specific items in close proximity, e.g., items that form a set. With reference to the appended patent application, hook members that include “male” and “female” hooking features may be mixed and/or combined to allow efficacious storage of various items, e.g., containers, ties, belts, towels and the like, as desired by a system user. Individual hook members 102 may be slid horizontally (or disengaged and repositioned) along mounting track 104, as needed, to position the individual hook members 102 in desired locations. The disclosed system thus provides virtually unlimited interchangeability of hook members of the type disclosed herein and in the appended patent application.
Turning to FIGS. 8-10, a further exemplary mounting system 200 is schematically depicted. The principal features and functionalities of hook member 202 and mounting track 204 are unchanged relative to the preceding exemplary system 100. However, the geometry of hook arm 212 differs in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 8-10. In particular, hook arm 212 defines an upstanding extension region 212 a that is particularly suited to hanging towels, shirts, trousers and the like, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. As with the preceding embodiment, one or more hook members 202 may be mounted or secured with respect mounting track 204. Additionally, hook members of the types disclosed in the appended patent application may be interchanged and/or combined with hook members 202, thereby further enhancing the flexibility and versatility of the disclosed systems.
In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the hook arms 112, 212 may be interchangeable, e.g., by screwing into and out of a base member, e.g., base member 106. In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, hook arms 112, 212 may be adjustable and/or repositionable, e.g., by pivoting relative to one or more joints or through inherent flexibility (e.g., shape memory materials), to facilitate reorientation of the hook member, as desired. Indeed, exemplary adjustment features/functionalities are disclosed in a prior patent application (Ser. No. 10/983,211), the contents of which were previously incorporated herein by reference (see, e.g., FIG. 7 thereof), and each of the disclosed adjustment features/functionalities may be incorporated into the presently disclosed devices/systems, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art.
Turning to FIGS. 11-15, a further exemplary hook member 302 is depicted according to the present disclosure. Hook member 300 includes a base member 306 and an extension arm 308 extending from the base member 306 and defining a hook region 310 therebetween. The base member 306 defines a substantially planar front face. However, unlike the previously disclosed hook members 102, 202, the exemplary hook member 302 of FIGS. 11-15 is adapted to receive a two-sided adhesive member/pad 320 (see FIG. 13) on its substantially planar front face. The adhesive pad 320 is typically protected by detachable/removable facings which may be fabricated from a suitably detachable material. Suitable adhesive pads are commercially available, e.g., 3M VHB™ products (St. Paul, Minn.). According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, an adhesive pad 320 may be adhered to hook member 302 prior to commercial distribution, or the individual components may be supplied to a purchaser and assembly may be undertaken by the purchaser, e.g., at the time of use.
With reference to FIG. 14, an exemplary subassembly of a hook member 302 and adhesive pad 320 may be advantageously employed in combination with a desired accessory item, e.g., the depicted container “C”. As schematically depicted in FIG. 14, the container “C” includes a substantially planar region (depicted in a darkened manner) which is adapted to interact with the adhesive pad 320 adhered to hook member 302. Alternatively, a user of the disclosed system may find it desirable to first adhere the adhesive pad 320 to the container “C” in the substantially planar darkened region, and then to secure the hook member 302 with respect to the outwardly facing, exposed adhesive of the adhesive pad 320. In either case and as schematically depicted in FIG. 15, hook member 302 may be advantageously and securely mounted with respect to container “C” and such assembly may be mounted with respect to mounting track 304 which is adhered to wall “W”.
As will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art, the disclosed hook member 302 and adhesive pad 320 may be mounted with respect to a wide variety of items in a wide variety of applications. Thus, for example, hook member 302 and adhesive pad 320 may be employed with boxes, vessels, tools, implements, and accessories of all types and sizes. Exemplary residential and commercial applications include hardware/work bench applications, kitchen applications (e.g., adjacent counter-tops or in pantries), bathroom applications (e.g., adjacent vanities, in closets, and in/adjacent bath tubs/showers), mud room applications, garage applications, office applications, retail applications (e.g., adjacent or in conjunction with check out counters, fitting rooms, and lunch rooms), office applications (e.g., adjacent or in conjunction with desks, copy stations, print stations, and supply stations), and school applications (e.g., in lockers, classrooms, locker rooms and administrative offices). Still further, the disclosed hook members may be adhered to empty vessels and supplied to users/purchasers for subsequent filling, e.g., a spray dispenser for use in applying cleaning fluids and the like. In like manner, the disclosed hook members may be adhered to a full container that is subsequently refilled, e.g., a spray dispenser, food container, stationery item container, or the like. In either case (i.e., empty or filled vessels), it is further contemplated that the hook member may be mounted with respect to the vessel without an adhesive member, e.g., by molding or sonic welding the hook member with respect to the vessel. As is readily apparent, applications of the disclosed mounting systems are essentially limitless.
Turning to FIG. 12, an exemplary fabrication and distribution technique for the disclosed hook members, e.g., hook member 302, is schematically depicted. More particularly, FIG. 12 illustrates a molded web that includes a plurality of hook members 302 appended to or extending from a central tree 330. Each hook member 302 is detachable from the tree 330, e.g., on an as-needed basis, and when all hook members 302 have been separated, the tree 330 may be discarded. Time and expense may be saved by fabricating the hook members 302 in a molding process, and by delivering the molded hook members to a purchaser on the tree 330 for subsequent detachment and use.
Turning to FIGS. 16 and 17, a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically depicted. As shown in FIG. 16, an attachment hook 400 is provided that includes a body portion 402 that defines a central opening 404. An arcuate extension 406 extends from the body portion 402, e.g., through a necking region 408 that transitions from the substantially rectangular body portion 402 to the arcuate geometry of arcuate extension 406. Of note, the necking region 408 may include a swivel joint or other motion-enabling junction, e.g., so as to facilitate 360° relative motion between arcuate extension 406 and body portion 402. In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, arcuate extension 406 is configured and dimensioned to cooperate with conventional structures, e.g., a closet rod, shower rod, towel rack or the like.
Turning to FIG. 17, attachment hook 400 is depicted in conjunction with a hook member 302 that is adhered to a container “C” (e.g., as discussed with reference to FIGS. 11-15. The extension arm 308 associated with hook member 302 extends into the central opening 404 defined in body portion 402 of attachment hook 400. Of note, the lower portion of body portion 402 generally defines a base 412 that is adapted to fit within the hook region 310 defined by base member 306 and extension arm 308, thereby securing the hook member 302 (and, by extension, the container “C”) with respect to attachment hook 400. In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, base 412 may be substantially cylindrical so as to facilitate rotational engagement with hook member 302. As shown in FIG. 17, base 412 is brought into engagement with hook region 310 by relative movement of the container C and attachment hook 400 such that the container C moves (in a relative sense) in the direction of arrow “B”.
The combination of attachment hook 400 and hook member 302 further expands the versatility and flexibility of the disclosed mounting system. Thus, a container (or other vessel/structure) that is mounted or adhered to a hook member (e.g., hook member 302, as described herein), may be mounted with respect to a mounting track (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15) or another structure/surface, e.g., a closet rod, shower rod, towel rack or the like. Potential applications and advantages associated with the modular nature of the disclosed mounting systems will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art.
Turning to FIG. 18, an exemplary mounting track 500 is shown in cooperation with hook members 502 a and 502 b. As is apparent from the schematic depiction of FIG. 18 and from the detailed description provided herein, the disclosed mounting tracks are adapted to cooperate with a wide variety of hook members, e.g., hook members of differing geometries as shown in FIG. 18.
With reference to FIGS. 19-22, a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. As shown therein, mounting track 600 receives a drainage basket 610 and a open-topped container 620. The two accessory items are positioned substantially side-by-side along mounting track 604, and feature different geometries and utilities. Of note, open-topped container 620 includes a single hook member 622, whereas the drainage basket 610 includes a pair of spaced hook members 612 a, 612 b. The single hook member 622 is of greater width than the individual hook members 612 a, 612 b, as is apparent from the top view of FIG. 22. As will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art, variations in the physical parameters associated with hook members (e.g., size, number, spacing, etc.) may be adopted based on the characteristics and/or applications/environment associated with the items to be mounted, e.g., size, weight, asymmetry and the like. Thus, the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 19-22 provides a further example of the flexibility and versatility of the disclosed mounting systems.
Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to schematic illustrations herein, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, an outwardly extending tie rack may be substituted for a hooking arm in exemplary hook devices of the present disclosure, thereby further increasing the utility and versatility of the disclosed devices and systems. Various hook geometries may be employed (beyond those specifically described herein above), e.g., loops, double hooks, triple hooks and the like. The disclosed devices and systems may be employed to store virtually any product or item, e.g., towels, clothes, containers, belts, etc. Indeed, in exemplary embodiments, it is contemplated that the hook member may support a vertically-extending storage structure, e.g., a tie rack, pants rack or the like. Thus, the mounting devices and systems disclosed herein are susceptible to modification and/or variation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A mounting system, comprising;

(a) a hook member that includes a base member and an extension arm; and

(b) a mounting track defining a slot or channel that is adapted to cooperate with the extension arm of the hook member.

2. A mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said cooperation includes slidable engagement between said extension arm of said hook member and said mounting track.

3. A mounting system according to claim 1, wherein said mounting track includes adhesive on a first side thereof, said adhesive facilitating mounting of said mounting track relative to a surface.

4. A mounting system according to claim 1, wherein the hook member further includes a hook arm outwardly extending from said base member.

5. A mounting system according to claim 4, wherein the hook arm defines a geometry selected from the group consisting of a substantially linear geometry, a curvilinear geometry and an arcuate geometry.

6. A mounting system according to claim 1, wherein the hook member further includes an adhesive member mounted with respect to the base member.

7. A mounting system according to claim 6, wherein the adhesive member is adhered to a structure selected from the group consisting of a container, a vessel, and an accessory item.

8. A mounting system according to claim 1, further comprising an attachment hook that includes an opening that is configured and dimensioned to cooperate with the hook member.

9. A mounting system according to claim 8, wherein the attachment hook defines an arcuate extension that is configured and dimensioned to cooperate with a rod structure.

10. A mounting system according to claim 1, wherein the hook member is associated with and detachable from a tree.

11. A mounting system according to claim 1, wherein the hook member is in frictional engagement with the mounting track.

12. A hook member, comprising:

(a) a base member that defines a substantially planar region;

(b) an extension arm extending from the base member, wherein the base member and the extension arm define a hook region; and

(c) an adhesive member that is configured and dimensioned to be adhered to the substantially planar region of the base member.

13. A hook member according to claim 12, wherein the adhesive member is adhered to the base member, and further wherein the adhesive member is adhered to an accessory item.

14. A hook member according to claim 12, wherein the adhesive member is a two-sided adhesive element.

15. A hook member according to claim 12, wherein the extension arm is configured and dimensioned to engage a mounting track that defines a slot or channel.

16. A hook member according to claim 12, wherein the extension arm is configured and dimensioned to engage a base of an attachment hook.

17. A mounting system subassembly, comprising:

(a) a hook member that includes (i) a base member that defines a substantially planar region, (ii) an extension arm extending from the base member, wherein the base member and the extension arm define a hook region; and (iii) a two-sided adhesive member that is adhered to the substantially planar region of the base member; and

(b) an accessory item that includes a substantially planar region to which the two-sided adhesive member of the hook member is adhered.

18. A mounting system subassembly according to claim 17, wherein the accessory item is selected from the group consisting of a container, vessel, magnetic strip, basket, dispenser, canister, box, mirror, dish, cradle, shelf, and bucket.

19. A mounting system subassembly according to claim 17, further comprising an attachment hook that includes (i) a body portion that defines a central opening and a base, and (ii) an arcuate extension; wherein the extension arm of the hook member is configured and dimensioned to fit through the central opening and engage the base of the attachment hook.

20. A mounting system subassembly according to claim 17, wherein a plurality of hook members are adhered to spaced, substantially planar regions of the accessory item.