U.S. patent application number 10/090700 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-04 for flexible lightweight overhead storage rack.
Invention is credited to Bouvier, Robert A. JR..
Application Number | 20030164347 10/090700 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27804064 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030164347 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bouvier, Robert A. JR. |
September 4, 2003 |
Flexible lightweight overhead storage rack
Abstract
Pairs of elongated rigid rollers are spaced apart and supported
by flexible webbing hung from rafters or a ceiling or interior roof
of a vehicle. The rollers have a rubberized coating to secure
surfboards, kayaks, ladders, or other long objects while loading,
unloading, and storing the objects. A more or less vertical pair of
webbing supports hang by rings on hooks from rafters or a ceiling.
Other strips of webbing are attached horizontally and in a
criss-crossed pattern between spaced apart pairs of vertical
webbing supports. The webbing may be adjustable in length.
Inventors: |
Bouvier, Robert A. JR.;
(Huntington Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Donald W. Meeker
924 East Ocean Front
#E
Newport Beach
CA
92661
US
|
Family ID: |
27804064 |
Appl. No.: |
10/090700 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/117 ;
211/118; 211/187 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 15/00 20130101;
A47B 43/006 20130101; B63B 32/83 20200201; A63C 11/028
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/117 ;
211/118; 211/187 |
International
Class: |
A47F 005/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A hanging storage device comprising: at least one pair of rigid
horizontal support members spaced apart to accommodate at least one
elongated external object supported therebetween; a pair of
flexible hanging support elements attached to and supporting each
member of the at least one pair of horizontal support members at,
each of the pair of flexible hanging support elements having a top
attaching means.
2. The hanging storage device of claim 1 wherein each of the at
least one pair of rigid horizontal support members comprises a
roller being capable of receiving an external object rolled onto
the roller and supported by the roller.
3. The hanging storage device of claim 2 wherein the flexible
hanging support elements further comprise a series of grommets
installed therein and the roller comprises a hollow rigid cylinder,
which cylinder receives at each end a solid cylindrical block
inserted within the cylinder with a tight friction fit, and a
shoulder bolt having a smooth portion at each end screwed into the
cylindrical block, the smooth portion of the shoulder bolt capable
of being supported rotatably within the metal grommets in the
flexible hanging support elements and the roller is capable of
rotating within the flexible hanging support elements.
4. The hanging storage device of claim 3 wherein the exterior of
the roller comprises a rubberized high friction surface to assist
in retaining external objects thereon during loading, unloading,
and storing.
5. The hanging storage device of claim 3 wherein the flexible
hanging support elements comprise nylon webbing.
6. The hanging storage device of claim 1 further comprising at
least one flexible stabilizing element connected between the two
pair of flexible hanging support elements to maintain a tension
force therebetween for stabilization.
7. The hanging storage device of claim 1 further comprising an
array of flexible stabilizing elements connected between the two
pair of flexible hanging support elements to maintain a tension
force therebetween for stabilization.
8. The hanging storage device of claim 7 where in the array of
flexible stabilizing elements comprises a number of elongated
webbing means angularly intersecting and interconnected by
pivotable means to create triangulated stabilization means.
9. The hanging storage device of claim 1 wherein the flexible
hanging support elements further comprise a means to adjust the
length of the flexible hanging support elements.
10. The hanging storage device of claim 9 wherein the flexible
hanging support elements further comprise a means for attachment a
roof structure of a vehicle and the hanging supports are capable of
being adjusted to secure the at least one elongated external object
for transporting.
11. The hanging device of claim 1 wherein the rigid horizontal
support members are capable of being aligned together and the
flexible hanging support elements folded up and further comprising
an elongated storage container capable of receiving the aligned
horizontal support members and folded hanging support elements
therein for transportation and storage.
12. The hanging device of claim 1 further comprising elongated
rigid flat elements positioned between and supported by the at
least one pair of rigid horizontal support members, the flat
elements being capable of receiving and supporting external objects
thereon.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to storage racks, and in
particular to a flexible lightweight overhead storage wrack
suitable for use in garages, attics, regular rooms, vehicles, such
as vans, or any facility with an overhead support for storing
surfboards, kayaks, skis, ladders, and other long items, as well as
long shelving for storing small items, such as books, wherein the
storage rack uses lightweight webbing for hanging support and is
easily assembled and installed and easily collapsible and fits
within a small roll which is easily carried or stored.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Storage is a problem that everyone faces with so many things
and so little space. Finding and utilizing large unused spaces for
storage is a great luxury. The overhead space above your parked
vehicles in your garage is one example of a great "found" storage
space. Attic space hanging from the rafters is another example of
"found" stroage space.
[0005] Ceiling space in regular rooms, especially rooms with high
ceilings, presents storage and display opportunities if an
attractive display system is used. This is especially useful when
floor space is limited. The stored or displayed items can be
elevated off the floor.
[0006] Having an attractive suspended display system would also
present added product display opportunities to any commercial
spaces, which typically have high ceilings.
[0007] Storage for large or odd-shaped items is a particular
problem. Surfboards, kayaks, skis, ladders, and other long items
are a particular problem, since the average ceiling height does not
accommodate these long items, so that closets and other usual
storage locations in the average room will not allow storage of
these items. Again, the overhead spaces in a garage or an attic are
great storage solutions since the garage and attic spaces are very
long and can accommodate any items that are as long as a car.
[0008] While other attempts have been made at providing storage
racks for long items, they are often permanent or heavy structures
and do not lend themselves to easy fast assembly and disassembly
and often present a problem if the storage racks themselves need to
be stored.
[0009] A couple of surfboard racks have been the subjects of
patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,844, issued Sep. 14, 1999 to Taylor,
provides a pair of wall hung looped ropes to support a number of
surfboards. U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,079, issued Nov. 10, 1998 to
Roberts shows a series of paired pegs angled out from the wall.
These might work if you don't mind having your surfboard hanging on
the wall in a room. Exceptionally long surfboards or other longer
items would not work with Taylor's invention, and heavy or thick
items wouldn't work with Roberts pegs.
[0010] Several rafter hanging storage devices for the garage
overhead space or the ceiling have been patented. U.S. Pat. No.
3,556,320, issued Jan. 19, 1971 to Henderson, claims a pair of
large overhead web loops supporting a boat in a garage. U.S. Pat.
No. 6,286,691, issued Sep. 11, 2001 to Oberhaus, describes a series
of shelves hung on four rods from garage rafters. U.S. Pat. No.
6,145,678, issued Nov. 14, 2000 to Morrison, discloses paired hooks
with cross members hung in a series on rafters to support long
items. U.S. Pat. No. 3,945,462, issued Mar. 23, 1976 to Griswold,
indicates paired hanger brackets hung from overhead beams or
rafters for supporting objects. U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,440, issued
Dec. 5, 2000 to Arce, illustrates a series of ceiling-mounted
storage brackets with a horizontal rod support. Loading and
unloading long items into these inventions could be a problem,
particularly with the Henderson patent. Oberhaus is not intended
for large or heavy items. Morrison, Griswold, and Arce use rigid
metal support members which must be installed or hung on metal
I-beams in the case of Griswold, and they lack flexibility.
[0011] A couple of patents show shelving supports hung by rope or
webbing. U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,530, issued Aug. 6, 1996 to
Freelander, puts forth adjustable shelves hung on pairs of hanging
ropes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,295,432, issued Oct. 20, 1981 to Hulke,
concerns shelves hung from four strips of webbing. These patents
are not appropriate for long or heavy items.
[0012] Several patents were found to use rubberized rollers. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,332,715, issued Dec. 25, 2001 to Kuzuu, is for a rubber
roller bearing device. U.S. Pat. No. 3,999,673, issued Dec. 28,
1976 to Anderson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,387,727, issued Jun. 11, 1968 to
Micheel, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,128,893, issued Apr. 14, 1964 to Jones
are all for boat loading racks using rubber rollers. None of these
are intended for overhead garage storage.
[0013] There is a need for an attractive easily mountable and
dismountable, easily stored rack using flexible elements for
support and bracing and rollers for paired horizontal supports for
ease of loading and unloading.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
flexible lightweight overhead storage rack using webbing or straps
for hanging vertical support and triangulation stabilization and
lightweight rigid plastic rollers for horizontal support.
[0015] A related object of the present invention is to provide a
ceiling or rafter mounting storage rack which is easy to install
and uninstall by simply hanging four rings on hooks preinstalled on
the ceiling or rafters.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
overhead storage rack which utilizes rollers as support members to
make it easy to use the rack to store and remove long items, such
as surfboards, kayaks, ladders, and other long objects.
[0017] One more object of the present invention is to provide a
flexible overhead storage rack which flexes and moves when
accidently bumped by a vehicle or carried item, or even bumped by
someone's head, thereby preventing injury to anything stored on the
rack as well as preventing injury to whatever or whoever bumps the
rack.
[0018] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a flexible overhead storage rack with flexible hanging members
which can be adjusted in length to accommodate different storage
and space needs.
[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
overhead storage system which can be used in found spaces, such as
an overhead space in a garage above the vehicle or vehicles parked
in the garage and can be easily adjusted, installed and uninstalled
to accommodate other uses of the garage space, especially parking
vehicles. Other found spaces include rafters in attics, ceiling
space in regular rooms, and hanging displays from ceilings in
commercial spaces.
[0020] A related object of the present invention is to provide a
hanging storage system which can be adjusted to tighten up on the
stored items so that the invention may be used to hang items in
moving vehicles.
[0021] An added object of the present invention is to provide a
storage rack that is light weight and uses only a few rigid
horizontal support members and all flexible webbing or straps for
vertical hanging members, which rack can be disassembled and stored
in a small duffle bag, sack, box or other small storage means and
easily transported or stored.
[0022] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
hanging storage system which can accommodate long items or be used
with boards or shelving placed on the horizontal supports of the
rack to store small items or be used as shelving, such as book
shelves.
[0023] In brief, the present invention provides an easily mountable
and dismountable, easily stored rack using webbing for support and
bracing and rubberized rollers for paired horizontal supports hung
by rings on hooks on garage ceiling rafters for any applications as
a hanging support for surfboards, ladders or anything else. The
webbing may be adjusted in length by tieing an untieing the strips
of webbing or by providing adjustable buckles or clamps in the
webbing.
[0024] The only rigid components are the rollers which, after
disassembly may be aligned together and the webbing folded to fit
the entire rack in a small duffle bag or box or other storage
container for easy transportation and storage.
[0025] Boards or shelves may be placed on the rollers for storing
smaller items or for using the invention as shelving, such as book
shelves.
[0026] An advantage of the present invention is that it is
lightweight and easy to install, uninstall, store, and
transport.
[0027] Another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides "found" storage space in space that normally goes
unused.
[0028] An additional advantage of the present invention is that it
can store very long items normally difficult to store or display
and allows for easy storage and removal of the items on
rollers.
[0029] One more advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a flexible resilient storage rack which moves upon being
impacted and helps to prevent damage to stored items or anyone or
anything bumping the rack.
[0030] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
may also be used in moving vehicles because the hanging supports
can be adjustably cinched up to secure the items being
transported.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] These and other details of my invention will be described in
connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only
by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and
in which drawings:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention showing a
double layer unit hung from rafters, the unit storing a surfboard
and a ladder;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention showing the
horizontal rigid roller supports aligned together and the webbing
folded up for storage in a small duffle bag;
[0034] FIG. 3 is an exploded partial perspective view of the roller
components of the invention aligned for assembly;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention showing a
double layer unit hung from rafters, the unit having shelves and
storing books and boxes;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention attached to
the roof structure of a vehicle showing the hanging supports
adjusted tightly to secure the transported items (surfboards in
this case) for transporting.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0037] In FIG. 1 a hanging storage device comprises at least one
pair of rigid horizontal support members 20 spaced apart to
accommodate an elongated external object, such as a surfboard 40 or
ladder 50 (shown dashed) supported therebetween. A pair of flexible
hanging support elements 31 attached to and supporting each member
of the at least one pair of horizontal support members 20. Each of
the pair of flexibly hanging support elements 20 has a top
attaching means, such as a ring 30 which is hung on an external
overhead support, such a hook 61 on a rafter 60 or ceiling.
[0038] The hanging storage device preferably further comprises at
least one flexible horizontal stabilizing element 34 connected
between the two pair of flexible hanging support elements 31 to
maintain a tension force therebetween for stabilization.
[0039] For even greater stabilization, the hanging storage device
preferably comprises an array of flexible stabilizing elements
connected between the two pair of flexible hanging support elements
31 to maintain a tension force therebetween for stabilization, such
as crossed flexible stabilizing elements 32 creating a system of
triangulation which stabilizes the hanging storage rack
longitudinally.
[0040] The flexible hanging support elements 31 and crossed
flexible stabilizing elements 32, and horizontal flexible
stabilizing elements 34 are preferably fabricated of webbing or
straps, such as nylon webbing. The overlapping webbing or straps
are preferably interconnected by a pivotably means such as rivets
36 to permit variation of the angle between straps as the straps
are adjusted in length. Alternately the overlaping straps may be
sewn together, and may use a triangulated strip of fabric 35 (shown
dashed in FIG. 1) sewn to the straps.
[0041] Triangulation of the flexible straps 31, 32 and 34 creates a
stability in the lateral direction that helps to maintain the
stored items securely on the rollers if there is contact with the
hanging suspension system, earthquakes, or if used in a vehicle in
motion. The triangulation also stabilizes the hanging suspension
system while loading and unloading.
[0042] The webbing may be adjustable in length by tieing or
untieing portions of the webbing with knots 39 or further comprise
a means to adjust the length of each of the flexible elements with
overlapping lengths of the webbing and adjustment devices 38, such
as buckles or clamps.
[0043] In FIGS. 1 and 3, each of the rigid horizontal support
members 20 preferably comprises a roller capable of receiving an
external object rolled onto the roller and supported by the roller.
The roller comprises an elongated rigid element, preferably a
hollow rigid cylinder 22 (light weight) of aluminum or steel
tubing, which cylinder receives at each end a solid cylindrical
block 24, preferably a nylon plug, inserted within the cylinder
with a tight friction fit, and a shoulder bolt 25 at each end
screwed into the cylindrical block. The smooth portion of the
shoulder bolt is supported rotatably within metal grommets 26 in
the flexible straps 31 and 32 and the roller 20 is capable of
rotating within the supporting flexible straps. The exterior of the
roller 20 comprises a rubberized high friction surface 21 which
could be foam or rubber cylinders used in cushioning or insulation
or a sprayed on rubberized coating or other high friction surfaces
to assist in retaining external objects thereon during loading,
unloading, and storing.
[0044] Alternately any other rotatable rollers may be used such as
a rigid shaft of metal or plastic housed in a hollow cylinder, such
as PVC or other plastic pipes, and the rigid shaft supported at
each end by one of the pair of flexible hanging support elements
with the hollow cylinder rotating freely around the rigid shaft.
This assembly would also have a high friction external covering
similar to that mentioned in the previous paragraph.
[0045] The entire hanging storage rack is preferably made
lightweight and flexiible by using nylon or other fabric webbing or
strapping for hanging vertial supports 31, 32, and 34 and
lightweight rigid tubing for horizontal support members 20, making
the entire hanging storage rack easy to work with to install,
uninstall, and transport.
[0046] In FIG. 2 the rigid horizontal support members 20 are
aligned together and the flexible hanging support elements 31, 32,
and 34 folded up and stored within an elongated storage container,
such as a small duffle bag 60 capable of receiving the horizontal
support members 20 and hanging support elements 31, 32, and 34
therein for transportation and storage.
[0047] In FIG. 4 the hanging storage device may further comprise
elongated rigid flat elements, such as boards or shelves 70
positioned between and supported by the at least one pair of rigid
horizontal support members 20, the flat elements being capable of
receiving and supporting external objects thereon, such as shelves
for books 71 or boxes 72 or other smaller items that would not
normally fit between the horizontal support members 20.
[0048] In FIG. 5 the hanging storage device is attached to the roof
structure 60A of a vehicle by hooks 61 receiving the rings 30 of
the hanging support straps 31 and the hanging supports 31 are
adjusted tightly with overlapping straps and adjusting means 38 or
tieing the straps in knots 39 to secure the transported items
(surfboards 40 in this case) for transporting.
[0049] In use, in FIGS. 1 and 4, the rings 30 of the four flexible
hanging support elements 31 are hung on hooks 61 installed on
rafters 60 or a ceiling (vehicle roof structure 60A in FIG. 5). The
webbing or straps 31, 32, and 34 may be adjusted by adjusting means
38 or by tieing knots 39 to the desired lengths to fit the space,
such as making sure the system leaves enough room for a car, van or
SUV to be parked underneath if the system is used in a garage.
[0050] The long items such as the surfboard 40 and ladder 50 and
the shelves 70 are first positioned on one of the rigid horizontal
support members 20, then rolled along the first support member with
the far end of the long item or shelf then contacting the second
horizontal support member and then roll on both horizontal support
members until the long item or shelf is equally supported between
the two rigid horizontal support members 20. If it is a shelf 70,
then the smaller items, such as books 71 or boxes 72 may be stored
on the shelves.
[0051] In FIG. 2, to store the hanging storage system, all items
are removed from the rigid horizontal support members 20, the rings
30 are released from the hooks 61. Then the rigid horizontal
members or rollers 20 are aligned and positioned together and the
webbing or straps 31, 32 and 34 are folded up or wrapped around the
rollers and then the whole storage system is stored in a small
duffle bag 60 or other container means for storing or
transporting.
[0052] It is understood that the preceding description is given
merely by way of illustration and not in limitation of the
invention and that various modifications may be made thereto
without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.
* * * * *