U.S. patent application number 11/479480 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-11 for modular overhead storage.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Parallax Group International, LLC. Invention is credited to John Grimm, Bruce Thrush.
Application Number | 20070007223 11/479480 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37617340 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070007223 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thrush; Bruce ; et
al. |
January 11, 2007 |
Modular overhead storage
Abstract
A storage system comprises a rack of multiple platforms
connectable to one another in a first direction, where each of the
platforms has segments that connect to one another along a
direction other than the first direction, via a user-operable
coupling. The platforms are preferably rectangular, and are
connected at their long ends. The segments of each platform are
also preferably rectangular, but they are connected along their
long sides. In such embodiments, the connection between platforms
is perpendicular to the length of the rack, while the connection
between segments is parallel to the length of the rack. The
segments of individual platforms are preferably coupled together
with snap fit connections, and supported from their undersides by
transverse supports, and the transverse supports are supported from
their undersides by longitudinal supports. The transverse supports
are preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal supports.
Inventors: |
Thrush; Bruce; (Laguna
Niguel, CA) ; Grimm; John; (Santee, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT D. FISH;RUTAN & TUCKER LLP
611 ANTON BLVD 14TH FLOOR
COSTA MESA
CA
92626-1931
US
|
Assignee: |
The Parallax Group International,
LLC
|
Family ID: |
37617340 |
Appl. No.: |
11/479480 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60697468 |
Jul 7, 2005 |
|
|
|
60726746 |
Oct 14, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/118 ;
211/189 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 96/14 20130101;
A47B 96/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/118 ;
211/189 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/08 20060101
A47F005/08 |
Claims
1. A storage system comprising: first and second platforms
connectable to one another in a first direction; each of the
platforms comprising first and second segments that connect to one
another along a direction other than the first direction, via a
user-operable coupling; and first and second legs that suspends the
first platform.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second
platforms has a long end, and the first direction is longitudinal,
coupling the platforms at their long ends.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the first platform comprises a
molded plastic.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the first platform has a length
and a width, and none of the segments of the first platform
comprises more than 40% of the width.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the first platform has a length
and a width, and none of the segments of the first platform
comprises more than 30% of the width.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second legs are
disposed between the first and second platforms.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the first and second legs are
disposed on opposite sides of the first platform, and coupled using
a first support beam that supports the first platform.
8. The system of claim 7 further comprising a second support beam
that supports the second platform, and a user operable coupling
that couples the first and second support beams.
9. The system of claim 7 wherein the first support beam is
longitudinally oriented with respect to the first platform.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the first leg has telescoping
components.
11. The system of claim 10 further comprising a finger operable
detent that cooperates with a catch to fix a length of the
telescoping components.
12. The system of claim 10 further comprising a polymeric ring at
an end of one of the telescoping components.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the platforms
comprises a plurality of metal containing slats.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of our U.S. provisional
patent application with the Ser. No. 60/697468, which was filed
Jul. 7, 2005 and U.S. provisional patent application with the Ser.
No. 60/726746, which was filed Oct. 14, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention is overhead suspension storage
racks.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many different types of overhead storage racks are known.
Overhead storage racks are typically hung from the ceiling to
provide storage space where space is at a premium, such as a
garage.
[0004] One problem with known storage racks, whether overhead or
floor supported, is that the width is limited to that of a single
plank, platform, or other member. This causes wholesalers and
retailers to stock several different widths to accommodate
different user demands, which in turn consumes valuable floor and
storage space, and requires higher inventory costs.
[0005] Thus, there is still a need for modular overhead storage
racks that are relatively compact, allowing desirable retail
packing, and assembles easily.
[0006] This and all other referenced patents and applications are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore,
where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is
incorporated by reference herein is inconsistent or contrary to the
definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that
term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the
reference does not apply.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides apparatus, systems and
methods in which a storage system comprises a rack of multiple
platforms connectable to one another in a first direction, where
each of the platforms has segments that connect to one another
along a direction other than the first direction, via a
user-operable coupling.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the platforms are rectangular,
and are connected at their long ends. The segments of each platform
are also rectangular, but they are connected along their long
sides. In such embodiments, the connection between platforms is
perpendicular to the length of the rack, while the connection
between segments is parallel to the length of the rack.
[0009] The segments of individual platforms are preferably coupled
together with snap fit connections, and supported from their
undersides by transverse supports, and the transverse supports are
supported from their undersides by longitudinal supports. The
transverse supports are preferably perpendicular to the
longitudinal supports.
[0010] Adjacent platforms can be coupled in any suitable manner,
including at the ends of the longitudinal supports. Adjacent
platforms may, but need not touch one another.
[0011] Each of the platforms in the rack can advantageously be
supported from above by one, two, or more pairs of legs. Legs can
alternatively or additionally be disposed between the platforms.
Preferred legs are telescoping, allowing easy adjustment of their
lengths. It is further contemplated that the telescoping mechanism
can have a finger operable detent that cooperates with a catch to
fix the length until the user can insert a secure pin.
[0012] In another aspect, a polymeric ring can be advantageously
positioned at an end of one of the telescoping components of a leg
to reduce noise and vibration. Similarly, polymeric rings can be
placed at the ends of the longitudinal supports.
[0013] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent from the following
detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention,
along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals
represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage rack having three
platforms.
[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view a platform of FIG.
1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is non-exploded view of the platform of FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a pair of
longitudinal supports, and corresponding pairs of legs.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a non-exploded perspective view of the pair of
longitudinal supports, and corresponding pairs of legs of FIG.
4.
[0019] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a telescoping
member of a leg showing a detent and a polymeric ring.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a exploded perspective view of a leg
[0021] FIG. 8 is a non-exploded perspective view of the leg of FIG.
7.
[0022] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view an embodiment of the
platform of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a non-exploded view of the platform of FIG.
9.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
using aluminum slats instead of plastic platforms.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] In FIG. 1, a storage rack 1 generally includes platforms
10A, 10B, and 10C, and legs 20. Each of the platforms 10A, 10B, and
10C comprises three segments 12A1-12A3 for platform 10A, 12B1-12B3
for platform 10B, 12C1-12C3 for platform 10C. There is a pair of
transverse supports 30A-30C underneath each of the platforms, and
two longitudinally oriented supports 40A-40C beneath each of the
pairs of transverse supports 30A-30C, respectively. The platforms
10A, 10B, and 10C are coupled together at the ends of the
longitudinally oriented supports 40A-40C, and held from above using
legs 20.
[0026] It should be apparent from FIG. 1 that the various platforms
are connected to one another in a first direction 50, whereas each
of the platforms has segments that connect to one another along a
second direction 60, which is not only different from the first
direction 50 but perpendicular to the first direction 50.
[0027] Those skilled in the art will immediately appreciate that
rack 1 can be extended or reduced in length by adding ore removing
platforms. Rack 1 can also be extended or reduced in width by
adding or reducing the number of segments in the different
platforms. It should even be possible to have a rack with platforms
having different lengths and different widths. For adjacent
segments having different widths, the longitudinal supports may
have be coupled using a zigzag connector. It should also be
appreciated that the legs on the racks disclosed herein could stand
on the floor, or that a side-connecting mechanism could be used to
hang a rack on a wall.
[0028] Platforms can comprise any suitable material or materials,
including, for example, metal, polymers, and so forth. In a
preferred embodiment the segments of the platforms are made of
lightweight plastic, wire mesh, wood, or any other suitable
material. Further, the platforms can have suitable size and
configuration, including especially configurations that are sized
and dimensioned to accommodate standard cardboard banker's
boxes.
[0029] In FIGS. 2 and 3 platform 10A comprises three segments
12A1-12A3. These segments are shown as being substantially
rectangular, but can alternatively have any suitable shape,
including for example, square, triangular, or having straight ends
and curved or waved sides. Each segment can have any suitable
width, but preferably none of the segments is more than 40% of the
broadest width of the platform, and more preferably none is more
than 30% of the broadest width of the platform. From a marketing
standpoint it is desirable for the various segments to be sized and
dimensioned for convenient packaging, storage, and
transportation.
[0030] Segments 12A1-12A3 are shown as having a lattice structure,
which is relatively lightweight and is suitable for holding boxes,
bags, and so forth. Other structures are also contemplated,
including for example, structures with a solid top such as can be
constructed using blow-molded plastic with internal baffles. Such
structures can be advantageous in that they would prevent a spilled
or leaked liquid from flowing down from the platform.
[0031] The segments 12A1-12A3 can be coupled in any suitable
manner, including simple juxtaposition, snap-fits, tongue and
groove, and so forth. In FIGS. 1-3 the various segments are coupled
using a snap-fit mechanism, in which the sides of one of an
adjacent segments has a mating and interlocking male extension 17A,
and the other one of an adjacent segment has a corresponding
receiving area 18A. Another embodiment of coupler is shown in FIGS.
9-10. Regardless of the mechanism(s) used, it is preferred that the
inter-segment couplings are user operable, meaning that a typical
end-user can connect and disconnect adjacent segments with a
minimum of effort, and most preferably without any tools.
[0032] To provide added stability, the segments 12A1-12A3 are
preferably molded or otherwise constructed to include collinear
channels on their undersides, which are sized and dimensioned to
receive corresponding ones of the transverse supports 30A-30C.
Segments had advantageously have fingers 15 that cooperate to help
hold the transverse supports to the corresponding segments.
[0033] From a marketing standpoint, one or more of the segments can
have a logo 18. Also, while these Figures illustrate a platform
having three segments, it should be appreciated that other
quantities of segments can be combined to create a platform.
Preferably, a platform is made by combining six segments.
[0034] FIGS. 4-8 show a pair of longitudinally oriented supports
40A and four legs 20. Adjacent supports can be coupled in any
suitable manner, but are here shown as being coupled using an
intervening pin 42. Alternatively, the ends of adjacent supports
could be coupled using a sleeve (not shown). To reduce noise and
vibration one can also include a polymeric ring 44 about an end of
one or more of the supports.
[0035] Each of legs 30 generally includes two telescoping members
32A, 32B. To reduce noise and vibration one can include another
polymeric ring 36 about an end of one or more of the members 32A,
32B. Distal ends of legs 30 preferably have corner mount structures
34 facilitate mounting of the legs to a ceiling, either by
horizontally-driven or vertically-driven fastening means, including
nails and screws. The legs 30 can advantageously include a finger
operable detent 38 that cooperates with a catch 39 to fix a length
of the leg 30. A security pin 37 can be used to lock the
telescoping members 32A, 32B at a fixed length.
[0036] Legs 30 can be coupled to the platforms in any suitable
manner. To provide significant strength and stability, legs 30
preferably include a channel through which extends the intervening
pin 42, or one or both of adjacent longitudinally oriented supports
(not shown). A cap 46 can be used at the terminal end of a
longitudinally oriented support or the intervening pin 42.
[0037] FIGS. 9-10 show an embodiment of the coupler where the
segments 112B-112B3 are coupled by snap-fit connectors, the
snap-fit connector comprises male member 117B, and female member
118B. the male members 117B has user operable fingers 117C that can
be biased by an user to disconnect the segments. In operation, a
user would bias the fingers 117C towards each other, thereby
enabling the exiting of male member 117B from female member
18B.
[0038] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the transverse support.
Here, as oppose to a solid flat metal strip as shown in FIG. 2,
transverse support 130B is made of sheet metal and has a
cross-sectional configuration that enhances structural integrity.
FIG. 9 shows a cross-section configuration similar to a "C." Other
suitable shapes and configuration are also possible and is readily
appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to provide
structural integrity. The use of sheet metal is also advantageous
in that sheet metal transverse support is lighter and easier to
manufacture than a solid piece of metal strip.
[0039] In FIG. 10, transverse support 130B is secured in place by
stop tab 116. Stop tab 116 is disposed on segments that receives
the two ends of the transverse support. Here, the two ends of
transverse support 130B is received by segments 112B1 and 112B3.
Stop tab 116 is a protrusion preferably formed from the segments to
keep the transverse support. The function of stop tab 116 is
similar to that of finger 15 in FIG. 3.
[0040] In FIG. 11, an alternative design of a storage rack 101,
generally includes platforms 110A, 110B, and 110C, and legs 120.
Each of the platforms 110A, 110B, and 110C comprises five slats
112A1-112A5 for platform 110A, 112B1-112B5 for platform 110B,
112C1-112C5 for platform 110C. There is a pair of longitudinally
oriented supports 1140A-140B running beneath all of the slats. The
longitudinally oriented supports 140A-140B are held from above
using legs 120.
[0041] The slats can comprise any suitable material, including
especially aluminum or other metal, alloy, or composite. Although
five appears experimentally to be an optimum number of slats, it is
contemplated that one could have platforms with a greater of lesser
number of slats than five, and indeed different platforms could
have different numbers of slats. Where the slats contain metal, it
is considered to be advantageous from weight and cost bases for the
slats to be hollow, or to have "I", "C", "E", "H" or other
cross-sections.
[0042] Thus, specific embodiments and applications of modular
overhead storage have been disclosed. It should be apparent,
however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications
besides those already described are possible without departing from
the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter,
therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the
appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification
and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest
possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the
terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as
referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive
manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or
steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements,
components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the
specification claims refers to at least one of something selected
from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should
be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A
plus N, or B plus N, etc.
* * * * *