U.S. patent application number 10/766667 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-28 for multi-configurational sports organizer.
Invention is credited to Anderson, Torrence.
Application Number | 20050161416 10/766667 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34795712 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050161416 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson, Torrence |
July 28, 2005 |
Multi-configurational sports organizer
Abstract
The present invention relates to a multi-configurational sports
organizer capable of supporting sports equipment to encompass a
wide range of sports, including miscellaneous odd shaped sporting
items. The sports equipment organizer is adapted for easy
individual storage personalization. The sports organizer allows
access to the sporting goods from every direction around its
perimeter. The sports equipment organizer also provides adequate
ventilation to dry out sweaty or wet sporting goods. The sports
equipment organizer also includes portable storage/carrier bags to
allow a collection of sporting goods to be easily removed from the
organizer and transported.
Inventors: |
Anderson, Torrence;
(Connell, KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCHALE & SLAVIN, P.A.
2855 PGA BLVD
PALM BEACH GARDENS
FL
33410
US
|
Family ID: |
34795712 |
Appl. No.: |
10/766667 |
Filed: |
January 27, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/85.7 ;
211/189; 280/79.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 46/00 20130101;
A47B 81/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/085.7 ;
211/189; 280/079.3 |
International
Class: |
A47F 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A multi-configurational sports equipment organizer comprising:
at least two vertical side frames, each side frame including two
spaced-apart vertically extending corner posts, said corner posts
being interconnected at a top end by a transverse top horizontal
member, said corner posts being interconnected at a bottom end by a
transverse bottom horizontal member; a first cross-bar for securing
said vertical side frames in a spaced generally parallel
relationship, said first cross-bar extending between and secured to
a respective forward corner post of each said side frame; a second
cross-bar for securing said vertical side frames in a spaced
generally parallel relationship, said second cross-bar extending
between and secured to a respective rearward corner post of each
said side frame; a first transverse horizontal attachment tube
extending between and secured to said forward and said rearward
corner posts at an upper portion of each said side frame, said
first attachment tube adapted for attachment of an upper shelf; a
first pair of shelf support members for forming an upper shelf,
said first pair of shelf support members extending between and
secured to said first attachment tubes, said first pair of shelf
support members spaced apart and positioned in horizontal alignment
with respect to each other for supporting sports equipment; a
second transverse horizontal attachment tube extending between and
secured to said forward and said rearward corner posts at about a
mid portion of each said side frame, said second attachment tube
adapted for attachment of a drawer frame member; a drawer frame
member extending between and slidingly secured to said second
attachment tubes, said drawer frame member constructed and arranged
to support at least one flexible equipment carrier in an open
position, and at least one flexible equipment carrier removably
secured to said drawer frame member, said flexible carrier
including a first closable end and a second closed end, said first
end including a means for attaching said flexible equipment carrier
to said drawer frame in an open position, wherein sports equipment
may be placed in said flexible carrier.
2. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 1 including a
third transverse horizontal attachment tube extending between and
secured to said forward and said rearward corner posts of each said
side frame, said third attachment tube positioned between said
first horizontal attachment tube and said second horizontal
attachment tube, said third attachment tube adapted for attachment
of a lower shelf; a second pair of shelf support members for
forming a lower shelf, said second pair of shelf support members
positioned in horizontal alignment with each other and secured to
said third attachment tubes and extending between said side frames
at an upper portion thereof, wherein said second pair of shelf
support members are constructed and arranged for supporting sports
equipment.
3. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 1 wherein said
flexible equipment carrier is constructed of a breathable
material.
4. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 1 wherein said
flexible equipment carrier is constructed of a mesh material.
5. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 1 wherein said
drawer frame member includes a divider member extending between and
secured to about the midpoint of a front frame member and a back
frame member, wherein said drawer frame member is divided into two
substantially equally sized frames, wherein said drawer frame
member is constructed and arranged to hold a first end of two
flexible carriers in an open position.
6. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 5 including
two flexible equipment carriers removably secured to said drawer
frame member, said flexible carriers including a first closable end
and a second closed end, said first end including a means for
attaching said flexible equipment carriers to said drawer frame in
an open position, wherein sports equipment may be placed in said
flexible carriers.
7. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 1 wherein said
means for attaching said flexible equipment carriers to said drawer
frame in an open position includes a plurality of tie strings
constructed and arranged for tied securement around a portion of
said drawer frame, wherein said plurality of tie strings are
attached in a spaced arrangement around a perimeter of said first
end of said flexible carrier.
8. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 1 wherein said
means for attaching said flexible equipment carriers to said drawer
frame in an open position includes a plurality of straps
constructed and arranged for securement to said drawer frame, said
straps having a first end attached around a perimeter of said first
end of said flexible carrier, said straps having a second end,
wherein said second end extends around a portion of said drawer
frame and attaches to said first end of said flexible carrier via
hook and loop.
9. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 1 wherein said
means for attaching said flexible equipment carriers to said drawer
frame in an open position includes a plurality of straps
constructed and arranged for securement to said drawer frame, said
straps having a first end attached around a perimeter of said first
end of said flexible carrier, said straps having a second end,
wherein said second end extends around a portion of said drawer
frame and attaches to said first end of said flexible carrier via a
snap member.
10. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 1 wherein
said means for attaching said flexible equipment carriers to said
drawer frame in an open position includes at least one metal clip
constructed and arranged for securing said first end of said
flexible carrier to said drawer frame, wherein said at least one
metal clip extends partially around a portion of said drawer frame
and said first end of said flexible carrier thereby securing said
flexible carrier in an open position.
11. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 1 wherein
said vertically extending corner posts have a generally square
cross-section.
12. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 1 wherein
said vertically extending corner posts have a generally round
cross-section.
13. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 1 wherein
said transverse top horizontal member and said end posts are
integrally formed by a bent metal tube.
14. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 2 wherein
said first, said second, and said third attachment tubes are
provided with apertures integrally formed therein for attaching
equipment support accessories thereto, wherein said accessories may
be attached to said attachment tubes without separate
fasteners.
15. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 14 including
at least one wire rod basket, said basket having integrally formed
hooks for attachment to said apertures in said horizontal
attachment tubes, wherein said at least one wire basket is
removably securable to said first, said second, and said third
horizontal attachment tube, whereby a plurality of said wire rod
baskets may be attached to said sports equipment organizer in
multiple configurations.
16. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 14 including
at least one fixed peg support, said fixed peg support having
integrally formed hooks for attachment to said apertures in said
horizontal attachment tubes, wherein said at least one fixed peg
support is removably securable to said first, said second, and said
third horizontal attachment tube, whereby a plurality of said fixed
peg supports may be attached to said sports equipment organizer in
multiple configurations.
17. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 1 including a
caster secured to a bottom end of each of said vertically extending
corner posts.
18. The sports equipment organizer according to claim 1 wherein
said second cross-bar for securing said vertical side frames in a
spaced generally parallel relationship includes a pair of gusset
members, each said gusset member including a first end and a second
end, wherein said first ends of said gusset members are secured to
each distal end of said cross-bar and wherein said second end of
said gusset members are secured to a respective rearward corner
post of each said side frame.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to storage devices and more
particularly to a multi-configurational storage organizer utilizing
interchangeable baskets and equipment supports for consumer
preference storage of sporting equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Storage of sporting equipment presents a special problem to
the average consumer. The problem is the multitude of shapes that
sporting equipment entails. For instance, ball shaped items such as
basketballs, volleyballs, baseballs, tennis balls, and so forth
must all be stored in a manner to prevent them from rolling away.
However, the average consumer typically owns more than a single
sized ball, making a storage apparatus that is specifically
designed to accommodate a single sized sporting item
inappropriate.
[0003] Storage of such sporting goods on a conventional flat shelf
also presents apparent problems. One problem is the need to prevent
the aforementioned ball shaped items from rolling off the shelf.
Even if shelf space is modified to secure a ball shaped item, the
accompanying odd shaped items present additional problems. For
instance, hockey sticks and baseball bats take up an inordinate
amount of shelf space. Placing the items in a corner lends no form
of organization or protection for either the item or an individual
who may come in contact with a loose item. Improper storage of such
items also makes it difficult for cleaning, allowing accumulation
of spiders and dirt. Improperly stored items may also lead to early
degradation, and with the cost of sporting equipment, proper
storage is a necessity. All of these problems are compounded in a
home having more than one child, for each child may have their own
sporting equipment.
[0004] Sports organizers represented by the prior art typically are
constructed to incorporate at least one planar wall structure to
allow storage of a broad range of items.
[0005] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,462 teaches a sports
equipment rack having a ball holder constructed from a tubular rod
bent into U-shaped configurations providing support for ball shaped
items wherein a rod continuance leads to an arcuate shaped leg
providing a hook bracket for placement of a baseball bat in a
horizontal position.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,228 teaches a sports storage rack having
a slotted member for supporting a baseball bat and an indented
member providing for positioning of a baseball.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,467 teaches a sports equipment rack
which consists of two frame members spaced apart by telescoping
members. The rod members allow items to be placed against the wall
with hooks on the front of each frame to allow storage of gloves
and caps. Brackets bolted to the side of the frame provide storage
for baseball bats.
[0008] A disadvantage to this type of device is the use of the wall
as a partial support which results in soiling of the wall. For
instance, a basketball placed on the device is likely to impart
marks on the adjoining wall leading to an unsightly arrangement.
Should the basketball be wet, it may not only soil the wall it may
cause warpage of the wall.
[0009] In addition, many of these devices fail to provide a means
for holding small items, or non-conforming items which may
accompany a sporting activity, such as street hockey which employs
hockey sticks, in-line skates and a hockey ball. Nondescript items
are also difficult to store, such as frisbees and paddle
rackets.
[0010] Other prior art devices utilize portable enclosures for
storage of sports equipment. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,227,710
teaches a wheeled cart enclosure for carrying and storing baseball
equipment. The enclosure includes shelves attached to a back panel
with the shelves extending between side panel members extending at
right angles to the back panel. A foldable stand extends away from
the back panel to support the cart in an upright position for use
as a bat rack and is folded to a storage position during movement
of the cart.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,344,660 teaches a wheeled enclosure suitable
for transporting equipment to be used by a baseball team. The
cabinet includes an enclosure which is defined generally by a
closed back, sides and bottom, openable front storage doors and by
a top or upper hinged flap. The main compartment and front storage
doors are further defined to provide specific areas for storage of
baseball bats, catcher's equipment, baseballs, printed materials
and accessory equipment. The cabinet includes a pair of wheels, a
handle and hinged top and front doors to facilitate the movement of
the cabinet when closed and to permit access to the stored
materials.
[0012] This type of sports equipment organizer also has a number of
disadvantages. First, the planar walled enclosures are generally
heavy thereby reducing their portability. Second, the solid rear
panel and side walls only allow the stored sporting goods to be
accessed from the front area. Third, the enclosures are not
ventilated, thereby trapping moisture inside and increasing the
likelihood of bacteria and mold growth inside the enclosure.
[0013] In addition, the prior art fails to provide a sports
equipment organizer that organizes a broad array of sports
equipment, and provides a means of removing a collection of the
stored equipment for transportation.
[0014] Thus, what is lacking in the art is a multi-configurational
sports organizer capable of supporting sports equipment to
encompass a wide range of sports, including miscellaneous odd
shaped sporting items. The sports equipment organizer should be
adapted for easy individual storage personalization. The sports
organizer should allow access to the sporting goods from every
direction around its perimeter. The sports organizer should also
provide adequate ventilation to dry out sweaty or wet sporting
goods. The sports organizer should also include portable
storage/carrier bags to allow a collection of sporting goods to be
easily removed from the organizer and transported.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] It is an objective of the invention to provide a
multi-configurational sports equipment organizer.
[0016] It is another objective of the invention to provide a
multi-configurational sports equipment organizer that is easy to
modify and readily adapts to consumer needs.
[0017] It is still another objective of the invention to provide a
sports equipment organizer which provides excellent visibility of
the stored sporting equipment.
[0018] It is a further objective of the invention to provide a
sports equipment organizer which provides access to the sports
equipment from all four sides.
[0019] It is still a further objective of the invention to provide
a sports equipment organizer that provides easy and quick
reconfiguration using modular sports equipment supports that may be
secured to the organizer without fasteners.
[0020] In accordance with the above objectives, a
multi-configurational sports equipment organizer is provided. The
sports equipment organizer comprises at least two vertical side
frames each having two spaced apart vertically extending end posts
and a plurality of transverse horizontal attachment tubes immovably
secured between the end posts of the side frames. The vertical side
frames are interconnected together in spaced, parallel relationship
by a plurality of lower connecting cross-frames secured between
respective vertical end posts. A plurality of horizontal shelf
supports extend between the side frames for supporting various
sized sports balls and a variety of modular sports equipment
support accessories are removably supported along the attachment
tubes without the need for fasteners. A pair of flexible sports
equipment carriers are removably mounted within a drawer frame
member that extends between the vertical end frames. The drawer
frame member slides inwardly and outwardly to permit the flexible
carriers to be easily removed and reinserted within the drawer
frame.
[0021] As compared to the prior art, the sports equipment organizer
has many versatile features that allow the organizer to be
personally configured for numerous sports. The system is modular in
that all components work together to create a total sports
equipment organizer with several options. The sports equipment
organizer provides high visibility of the stored equipment and
allows access to the equipment from all directions. The horizontal
shelf supports are quick and easy to adjust for adaptation to
different sporting equipment. The sports carriers are constructed
of a flexible material that easily adapts to hold any variety of
sports equipment and are removably mounted within the outwardly
slidable drawer frame for easy removal and replacement. The
flexible material is breathable to reduce bacteria and mold growth
within moist or wet sporting equipment. The modular equipment
support accessories have a unique locking design feature which
allows attachment without fasteners and prevents the accessories
from disengaging upon an impact.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the
multi-configurational sports equipment organizer constructed in
accordance with the present invention and utilizing a variety of
removably mounted equipment support accessories;
[0023] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the
multi-configurational sports equipment organizer constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a further perspective view showing the
multi-configurational sports equipment organizer of the present
invention illustrating the slidingly mounted drawer frame
mechanism;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view along lines 1-1 of FIG.
1, illustrating one means of attaching the flexible sports carriers
within the drawer frame mechanism of the instant invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view along lines 1-1 of FIG.
1, illustrating one means of attaching the flexible sports carriers
within the drawer frame mechanism of the instant invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view along lines 1-1 of FIG.
1, illustrating one means of attaching the flexible sports carriers
within the drawer frame mechanism of the instant invention;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the construction of a
basket-type support accessory provided with integrally formed wire
hooks;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the construction of a
support accessory provided with integrally formed wire hooks;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 but showing
the sports equipment organizer supported on casters for
displacement thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] Although the invention will be described in terms of a
specific embodiment, it will be readily apparent to those skilled
in this art that various modifications, rearrangements, and
substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the
invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims
appended hereto.
[0032] Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS.
1 and 2, there is shown generally a multi-configurational sports
equipment organizer 10 constructed in accordance with the present
invention. The equipment organizer includes at least two vertical
side frames 11 and 11' each having two spaced apart vertically
extending corner posts 12 and 12'. The side frames 11 and 11' are
substantially identical with respect to each other and are mirror
images of each other. The corner posts 12 and 12' are
interconnected at a top end by transverse horizontal members 14 and
14', herein illustrated as an integrally formed transverse portion
of a rigid tube constituting one of the vertically extending corner
posts 12 and 12'. The corner posts 12 and 12' are interconnected at
a bottom end by a transverse horizontal member 22. Also
interconnecting the vertically extending corner posts are a
plurality of transverse horizontal attachment tubes 16 through 20
immovably secured in a spaced relationship between the rearward
corner post 12 and the forward corner post 12'. The attachment
tubes are provided with apertures 44 integrally formed therein for
removably attaching equipment support accessories. Each end post 12
and 12' also include an adjustable foot member 13. The foot members
13 are preferably threadedly secured within the lower end of the
corner posts to allow upward and downward adjustment thereof. The
adjustment of the foot members allows the sports organizer to be
easily stabilized on flat as well as irregular surfaces.
[0033] The vertical side frames 11 and 11' are interconnected
together in spaced generally parallel relationship by at least two
connecting cross-bars 15, 15' secured between a respective common
one of the corner posts 12 and 12' of the pair of vertical side
frames 11 and 11'. To add strength and rigidity to the assembly, a
pair of gusset members, illustrated as gusset plates 25 connect
between the lower connecting cross-bar 15 and the corner posts 12.
In a most preferred embodiment the side frames are interconnected
by three connecting cross-bars 15, 15' and 15" for additional
strength and rigidity.
[0034] A plurality of shelf supports 24 are secured between the
respective horizontal attachment tubes 16, 16' and 18, 18'
interconnecting the upper portion of the side frames 11 and 11'.
The shelf supports 24 may be adjustable along a horizontal plane to
hold and keep various sized balls or other sporting goods, the
adjustment maintaining the shelf supports in a parallel horizontal
plane. In the preferred embodiment the shelf supports extending
between horizontal attachment tubes 16 and 16' are adjusted to
support smaller sporting paraphernalia such as footballs, softballs
and so forth while the shelf supports extending between attachment
tubes 18 and 18' are adjusted to support larger sporting goods such
as basketballs, volleyballs and the like. The cross-bars 15 and
shelf supports 24 are attached to the side frames 11 and 11' with
fasteners such as screws 42 suitable for ease and rapidity of
installation and removal.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the slidingly mounted drawer
frame mechanism is illustrated. The rectangularly shaped drawer
frame 32 generally includes like constructed front and back members
34, like constructed left and right side members 36, 36' and a
divider member 38. The side, front, back and divider members are
preferably secured together by weldment to form the drawer frame
32. The divider is positioned generally at the midpoint of the back
member extending to the front member. It should be noted that other
fastening methods well known in the art suitable for attaching
tubular components together may also be used.
[0036] Horizontal attachment tubes 20 and 20' each include a drawer
slide track 26 and 26' secured thereto. The drawer slide tracks are
constructed and arranged to cooperate with drawer slide rails 28
and 28' mounted to the left and right side members 36 and 36' of
drawer frame 32 in a manner well known in the art. The slide rails
are suitably secured to drawer frame 32 to allow the frame to be
slid outwardly for easy removal and reinsertion of the flexible
equipment carriers 40 (FIG. 1). The drawer slide tracks 26, 26' and
drawer slide rails 28 and 28' each include a linear bearing 30 to
facilitate linear translation of the drawer without binding.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, several means of removably securing
flexible equipment carriers 40 (FIG. 1) within the drawer frame 32
are shown. The flexible carriers 40 each include a first closable
end 62 and a second closed end 64. The first end 62 generally
including a means for removably attaching the flexible equipment
carrier 40 to the drawer frame in an open position. In one
embodiment, the means for removably securing the flexible equipment
carrier within the drawer frame includes a plurality of tie strings
66 (FIG. 5) attached in a spaced arrangement around the perimeter
of the first end 62 of the flexible carrier 40. The tie strings 66
are constructed and arranged for tied securement around a portion
of the drawer frame 32. An alternative means for removably
attaching the flexible equipment carriers 40 to the drawer frame
includes flexible straps 68 (FIG. 4) having a suitable length to
extend around a portion of the drawer frame. The flexible straps 68
include a first end 70, attached in a spaced arrangement around the
perimeter of the first end 62 of the flexible carrier 40, and a
second end 72 which may include hook and loop, snaps or other
fasteners well known in the art. Yet another alternative means of
removably attaching the flexible equipment carriers 40 to the
drawer frame 32 includes a plurality of clips 74 (FIG. 6). The
clips 74 may be constructed of plastic or metal by methods well
known in the art. The clips 74 are constructed and arranged to
slide over a portion of the drawer frame 32 and a portion of the
flexible equipment carrier 40 to hold the equipment carrier in an
open position. The flexible equipment carriers 40 are preferably
constructed of a flexible or mesh type material. The flexible
material should also be constructed and arranged to allow air to
flow through the sporting equipment within the carriers.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a plurality of sports equipment
support accessories generally illustrated as a basket 46 and fixed
peg support 50 are illustrated. The support accessories are
constructed and arranged for removable attachment to the apertures
44 in the horizontal attachment tubes 16-20. These accessories are
preferably formed from wire rod 48 with cross-wires resistance
welded together at their intersections, as is well known in the
art. Further, all of these accessories include integrally formed
wire hook ends 52 which may vary in configuration depending on the
accessory and its interconnection with the sports organizer. The
construction of the wire hook ends 52 allow the accessories to be
attached to the attachment tube apertures 44 without fasteners by
merely inserting the hook into the aperture and sliding the
accessory downward. This construction permits end user to rearrange
the sports equipment organizer with a plurality of equipment
support accessories to suit a particular need. The wire basket 46
may include a flexible liner 54. The flexible liner is constructed
and arranged for removal from the wire basket 46 to allow small
sporting items to be transported in a group.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 9, the sports equipment organizer is
illustrated including casters 60 secured to the bottom of the
vertically extending posts 12 and 12' of each of the vertical side
frames 11 and 11'. The casters 60 permit the sports organizer to be
easily moved from one location to another. The casters may also be
provided with brakes (not shown) for securing the equipment
organizer in place.
[0040] A sports equipment organizer has been shown and described.
The wire and tubing construction of the sports organizer 10 allows
light to permeate through the entire organizer making all of the
organized equipment visible. The construction also allows air to
flow through the organizer allowing moist or wet equipment to dry.
The construction also has the added advantage of allowing access to
the sports equipment from all sides.
[0041] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification
are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which
the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein
incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual
publication was specifically and individually indicated to be
incorporated by reference.
[0042] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the
invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific
form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention
is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in
the specification.
[0043] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the
present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and
obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent
therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques
described herein are presently representative of the preferred
embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as
limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur
to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit
of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended
claims. Although the invention has been described in connection
with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such
specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the
described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to
those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *