U.S. patent application number 11/767000 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-19 for storage rack with shock dampener.
This patent application is currently assigned to Daniel Kelly. Invention is credited to Emerson B. Donnell, Daniel Kelly.
Application Number | 20080142459 11/767000 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39525871 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080142459 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Donnell; Emerson B. ; et
al. |
June 19, 2008 |
STORAGE RACK WITH SHOCK DAMPENER
Abstract
A storage rack comprising a storage unit housing defining at
least one aperture extending longitudinally between a forward end
and a rearward end. A shock dampener is positioned along an inner
surface of the at least one aperture. A puller assembly may also be
positioned in the aperture and includes a longitudinal puller body
that supports an engagement member adjacent a rear end thereof.
Inventors: |
Donnell; Emerson B.;
(Basking Ridge, NJ) ; Kelly; Daniel; (Medford,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RATNERPRESTIA
P O BOX 980
VALLEY FORGE
PA
19482-0980
US
|
Assignee: |
Kelly; Daniel
Medford
NJ
|
Family ID: |
39525871 |
Appl. No.: |
11/767000 |
Filed: |
June 22, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11640562 |
Dec 18, 2006 |
|
|
|
11767000 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/74 ; 248/560;
248/562 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 81/007
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/74 ; 248/560;
248/562 |
International
Class: |
A47B 73/00 20060101
A47B073/00 |
Claims
1. A storage rack comprising: a storage unit housing defining at
least one longitudinally extending aperture adapted to receive at
least one storable member; and a shock dampener positioned along an
inner surface of the at least one aperture.
2. The storage rack according to claim 1 wherein the shock dampener
extends longitudinally within the at least one aperture.
3. The storage rack according to claim 2 wherein at least two
storable member positions are defined longitudinally along the at
least on aperture and at least a portion of the shock dampener is
longitudinally aligned with each storable member position.
4. The storage rack according to claim 3 wherein a single shock
dampener defines each of the portions of the shock dampener aligned
with each storable member.
5. The storage rack according to claim 3 wherein separate,
longitudinally spaced shock dampener members define each of the
portions of the shock dampener aligned with each storable
member.
6. The storage rack according to claim 1 wherein the at least one
aperture defines an upper inner surface and the at least one shock
dampener is positioned along the upper inner surface.
7. The storage rack according to claim 1 wherein the at least one
aperture defines an upper inner surface, a lower inner surface and
at least one side inner surface therebetween and wherein the at
least one shock dampener is positioned along the side inner
surface.
8. The storage rack according to claim 1 wherein the shock dampener
is manufactured from a soft solid, low durometer material.
9. The storage rack according to claim 1 wherein the shock dampener
is manufactured from a hard solid, high durometer material.
10. The storage rack according to claim 1 wherein the shock
dampener includes a fluid filled member.
11. The storage rack according to claim 10 wherein the fluid filled
member is a permanently sealed member.
12. The storage rack according to claim 10 wherein the fluid filled
member is refillable.
13. The storage rack according to claim 10 wherein the fluid filled
member is filled with a gas.
14. The storage rack according to claim 10 wherein the fluid filled
member is filled with air.
15. The storage rack according to claim 10 wherein the fluid filled
member is filled with a liquid.
16. The storage rack according to claim 1 wherein the at least one
shock dampener is configured such that a radial gap exists between
the at least one shock dampener and a storable member positioned
within the at least one aperture.
17. The storage rack according to claim 16 wherein the radial gap
defines a minimal clearance such that the storable member is
longitudinally moveable relative to the shock dampener with minimal
friction.
18. The storage rack according to claim 1 wherein the storage unit
housing defines at least two longitudinally extending apertures and
a shock dampener is positioned along an inner surface of each
aperture.
19. The storage rack according to claim 1 wherein the shock
dampener is formed integrally with the storage unit housing.
20. The storage rack according to claim 19 wherein the storage
housing unit and the shock dampener are formed using a multi-shot
injection mold.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to a rack for storing
storable members, such as water bottles, and more specifically to
storage units having a shock dampener within the storage unit.
[0002] One example of a storable member typically stored and
transported in racks is a generally cylindrical water bottle. These
water bottles are typically handled, transported, and stored in
varying quantities. For easier handling, transport, and storage,
the water bottles may be loaded in carriers designed to accommodate
multiple bottles. Each carrier defines one or more apertures
configured to receive and support the bottles in a horizontal
position. To accommodate a larger number of bottles, each aperture
is typically configured to receive two bottles, one behind the
other. To further accommodate the varying quantities of bottles,
aluminum and plastic modular racks are available comprising
carriers designed to be vertically stackable. These modular racks
are formed by stacking bottle storage units or carriers to define a
rack approximately six feet or more in height.
[0003] Once a rack is assembled in a delivery truck, the storable
members or bottles are supported for transportation. Rough road
surfaces and the like may cause bouncing or bumping of the storable
members or bottles within the storage units which may result in
damage or breakage of the storable members or bottles.
[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of existing modular racks, a
need exists for a storage rack that provides dampening for the
storable members stored within the rack apertures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] To meet these and other needs, and in view of its purposes,
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a storage
rack comprising a storage unit housing defining at least one
aperture extending longitudinally between a forward end and a
rearward end. The aperture is adapted to receive at least one
storable member. A shock dampener is positioned along an inner
surface of the at least one aperture.
[0006] In another aspect of the invention, a puller assembly may be
positioned in the aperture. The puller assembly includes a
longitudinal puller body that supports an engagement member
adjacent a rear end thereof. The puller assembly is moveable
between a first position in which the engagement member is adjacent
the aperture rearward end and a second position in which the
engagement member is moved toward the aperture forward end. The
storage unit housing and the puller assembly are configured such
that the engagement member is supported during movement between the
first and second positions such that the chance of disengagement of
the engagement member from the storable member during movement is
reduced.
[0007] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary,
but are not restrictive, of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The invention is best understood from the following detailed
description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various
features of the drawings are not to scale. On the contrary, the
dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or
reduced for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following
figures:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of a storage unit according
to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of the storage unit of FIG.
1 with an upper half of the storage unit housing removed;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a rear isometric view of the storage unit of FIG.
1 with an upper half of the storage unit housing removed;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an expanded view, as indicated in FIG. 3, of a
portion of the storage unit of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a rear isometric view of a puller assembly
utilized in the storage unit of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a partial elevational view of an alternate puller
assembly and guide slot of the storage unit of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front isometric view of a storage unit according
to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention with an
upper half of the storage unit housing removed;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of a puller assembly
utilized in the storage unit of FIG. 7;
[0017] FIG. 9 is an expanded view, as indicated in FIG. 8, of a
portion of the puller assembly of FIG. 8;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a bottom isometric view of a portion of the
storage unit of FIG. 7 showing a puller return assembly;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a front isometric view of a storage unit
according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front isometric view of the storage unit of
FIG. 11 with an upper half of the storage unit housing removed;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a rear isometric view of the storage unit of FIG.
11 with an upper half of the storage unit housing removed;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a front isometric view of a puller assembly
utilized in the storage unit of FIG. 11;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a front isometric view of a storage unit
according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a rear isometric view of the storage unit of FIG.
15;
[0025] FIG. 17 is a rear, bottom isometric view of a puller
assembly utilized in the storage unit of FIG. 15;
[0026] FIG. 18 is a rear, top isometric view of a puller assembly
utilized in the storage unit of FIG. 15;
[0027] FIG. 19 is a front isometric view of a storage unit
according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention
with an upper half of the storage unit housing removed;
[0028] FIG. 20 is an expanded view, as indicated in FIG. 19, of a
portion of the storage unit of FIG. 19;
[0029] FIG. 21 is a bottom isometric view of a portion of the
storage unit of FIG. 19 showing passage of the puller assembly
therethrough;
[0030] FIG. 22 is a front, top isometric view of a storage unit
according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a shock dampener utilized in
the storage unit of FIG. 22;
[0032] FIG. 24 is a front, bottom isometric view of the storage
unit of FIG. 22;
[0033] FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of the storage unit of
FIG. 22.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference
numbers refer to like elements throughout, FIG. 1 shows a stackable
storage unit 1, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. Each storage unit 1 holds a plurality of water
bottles 8 or other storable members, and is configured to be
interlocked with an underlying storage unit or with a frame. While
the present invention is described with respect to modular,
stackable storage units 1, the puller assemblies and shock
dampeners of the present invention may also be utilized with
unitized storage racks having multiple storage apertures defined
within a single frame structure or housing. The storage units 1 of
the present invention enhance the accessibility to storable members
8 within the storage apertures 5. The storage units 1 of the
present invention also enhance the stability of the bottles within
the storage apertures 5 to reduce bottle damage and undesired
movement or shifting of the bottles during transport.
[0035] When used herein, the following words and phrases have the
meaning provided. Front shall indicate the storage unit front
surface 4 and rear shall indicate the storage unit rear surface 6.
Forward shall indicate toward the front surface 4 and rearward
shall indicate toward the rear surface 6. Left and right shall
indicate the directions when looking at the storage unit front
surface 4. Up, upper, upward, above, down, lower, downward, below,
underlying, and the like indicate the directions relative to the
front surface 4 as shown in FIG. 1. Longitudinal indicates the axis
extending from the front surface 4 to the rear surface 6, being
oriented generally parallel to the axis of generally cylindrical
storable members (e.g., bottles) stored in a storage unit. Lateral
and latitudinal indicates the direction between the left and right
sides of the storage unit 1.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, storage unit 1 will be described in
greater detail. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 1
includes a housing defined by lower and upper housing halves 2a and
2b, respectively. The housing defines a plurality of apertures 5
configured to receive generally cylindrical storable members 8,
such as water bottles. Each aperture 5 is bounded by two or more
rails 10 extending along the lower half and two or more rails 10
extending along the upper half 2b. The rails 10 are supported
between end walls 30. An intermediate wall 20 extends between
adjacent apertures 5. Each pair of rails 10 is connected together
and interconnected to the end and intermediate walls 30, 20 by a
rib structure 25. Rib structure 25 is disposed under rails 10 such
that rib structure 25 does not contact a storable member supported
by rails 10. Rib structure 25 comprises an interconnected network
of generally vertical ribs providing vertical support to rails 10
as well as maintaining the position and alignment of rails 10,
intermediate wall 20, and end walls 30 relative to each other. As
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, rib structure 25 may have openings between
the vertical ribs, reducing material, weight, and cost of storage
unit 1. To further reduce weight and provide access, access
openings 22 may be provided in end walls 30, intermediate wall 20
and rib structure 25. As shown in FIG. 1, the rib structure 25 of
the upper half 2b may include upwardly extending projections 27
configured to engage corresponding openings (not shown) in the
lower half 2a of another storage unit 1 to facilitate stacking of
the storage units 1. Other stacking structures may also be
utilized.
[0037] To support the storable members 8, each of the rails 10 has
a generally cylindrical surface contoured to complement the surface
of the storable member 8 (e.g., water bottle). Preferably, a lower
pair of axially extending rails 10 and an upper pair of axially
extending rails 10, oriented essentially parallel to the axis of
aperture 5, define each aperture 5. Two 5-gallon water bottles or
three 3-gallon water bottles can be stored within each aperture 5.
Because the rails 10 are contoured, they contact a greater surface
area of the water bottles resting on them, reducing any stress in
the water bottles. Also, each pair of contoured rails 10 provide
lateral support to the water bottles, reducing damage that may be
caused by lateral shifting of water bottles during transport and
handling. While the exemplary storage unit 1 illustrated in FIGS.
1-3 comprises two apertures 5, each bounded by a pair of
longitudinally extending rails 10, embodiments having a larger or
smaller number of apertures are contemplated. Although rails 10 are
described and illustrated with reference to generally cylindrical
storable members 8, rails configured to support the longitudinal
surfaces of a generally rectangular storable unit are also
contemplated in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, rear
wall surfaces 32 extend perpendicularly from each rail 10 along the
rear end thereof to provide a stop for storable members 8
positioned rearwardly within the aperture 5.
[0038] To enhance access to storable members 8 positioned
rearwardly within an aperture 5, the storage unit 1 includes a
puller assembly 50 within each aperture 5. Referring to FIG. 5, the
puller assembly 50 of the present embodiment includes a
longitudinal body 52 extending between a rear engagement member 54
and a forward handle 56. The body 52 is configured to be positioned
in and moved along a guide slot 40 formed in the surface of one of
the rails 10. In the present embodiment, each slot 40 is preferably
positioned along one of the laterally outward rails in the lower
half 2a of the storage unit 1 and extends from the front surface 4
to the rear surface 6. A portion of the rear wall 32 may be omitted
to facilitate the slot 40. As illustrated in FIG. 2, portions of
the guide slot 40 may traverse one or more of the access openings
22, however, it is preferred that the rearward portion of the guide
slot 40 does not traverse any of the access openings 22 such that
the engagement member 54 area of the puller 50 assembly is
supported along its entire length of travel in moving one of the
storable members 8 from a rearward position to a forward position,
as will be described in detail hereinafter. Smaller drainage holes
42 may be provided intermittently spaced along each guide slot 40
to permit drainage of debris and the like that may become
positioned in the guide slots 40 while the slot 40 still supports
the puller assembly engagement member 54.
[0039] Each guide slot 40 has a configuration that complements the
cross-section of the puller body 52. As shown in FIG. 5, the puller
body 52 of the present embodiment has a dovetail cross-section with
an upper surface width w that is narrower than the width W of the
lower surface thereof. Accordingly, the guide slot 40 of the
present embodiment also has a dovetail configuration with the width
x along the rail surface being narrower than the width X at the
bottom of the slot 40. A slight clearance is preferably provided
between the puller body 52 and the guide slot 40 such that the
puller assembly 50 is longitudinally moveable along the guide slot
40. FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate embodiment wherein the puller
assembly 50' is manufactured from t-stock such that the puller body
52' has an upside down "T" cross-section. The guide slot 40' has a
corresponding upside down "T" cross-section. The engagement member
54' extends above the slot 40' with the stem of the t-stock
defining a support rib 55'. The puller body 52 and the guide slot
40 may have other complementary configurations, including
configurations wherein the puller body 52 is not locked within the
slot 40, for example, a rectangular cross-section.
[0040] The puller body 52 has a longitudinal length approximately
equal to the longitudinal length of the aperture 5 such that when
the puller 50 is fully inserted, see the right side aperture 5 in
FIGS. 2 and 3, the handle 56 is adjacent to the storage unit front
surface 4 and the engagement member 54 is adjacent to the rear wall
32 at the storage unit rear surface 6. The handle 56 of the present
embodiment has a generally planar configuration that lies along the
plane of the storage unit front surface 54, but may have various
other configurations. Additionally, the storage unit front surface
4 may be provided with a recess to receive the handle 56, but such
is not necessary.
[0041] The engagement member 54 extends from the rear end of the
puller body 52 substantially perpendicular thereto such that the
engagement member 54 is positioned to engage a rearward surface 9
of the storable member 8. The engagement member 54 preferably has a
height h such that the engagement member 54 extends sufficiently to
engage the flat portion of the rearward surface 9 in the case of a
water bottle. However, the engagement member 54 may engage the
rounded edge of a water bottle or the like and still effectively
move the water bottle forward. In the present embodiment, the
engagement member 54 is strengthened with a rear rib 55 and a
forward gusset 53 extending between the body 52 and the engagement
member 54. The gusset 53 may have a curved profile that complements
the rounded edge of a water bottle. In applications wherein the
storable member 8 is other than a water bottle, the gusset 53 may
be configured accordingly.
[0042] In operation, to access a rearwardly positioned storable
member 8, the handle 56 is pulled forward such that the engagement
member 54 engages a rearward surface 9 of the storable member 8 and
moves the storable member 8 with the puller assembly 50. The
engagement member 54 portion of the puller assembly 50 is supported
within the guide slot 40 along the length of travel of the storable
member 8 from the rearward position to the forward position. The
guide slot 40 supports the engagement member and prevents
disengagement from the storable member 8. The storage unit rails 10
are preferably manufactured from or coated with a material with a
coefficient of friction sufficiently low such that the storable
members 8 move relatively easily within the aperture 5. For
example, the lower and upper halves 2a and 2b of the storage unit 1
are preferably molded from a polymer material, for example,
polycarbonate, with the guide slots 40 molded integrally therein.
Since the puller body 52 is recessed within the guide slot 40, the
puller assembly 50 does not interfere with movement of the storable
member 8.
[0043] The puller assembly 50 is preferably manufactured from a
polymeric material, for example, polypropylene, but may be
manufactured from other natural or synthetic materials including
plastics and metals. The puller body 52 preferably has a thickness
t such that the selected material has a vertical elasticity at at
least the forward end of the puller body 52. Such elasticity allows
the puller body 52 to bend and return to its original configuration
in the event the puller body 52 receives a significant vertical
force. For example, if the puller assembly 50 is inadvertently left
in an extended position, see the left side aperture 5 in FIGS. 1
and 2, and an operator closes the truck door, the puller body 52
bends vertically without breaking. Upon opening of the truck door,
the puller body 52 returns to the extended position and continues
to be useable.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 7-10, a storage unit 1' that is a second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The storage
unit 1' is similar to the storage unit 1 of the first embodiment
and includes a housing defined by a lower half 2a' and an upper
half 2b. The upper half 2b is identical to the upper half 2b of the
first embodiment. The lower half 2a' is similar to the lower half
2a, and includes guide slots 40 extending along the laterally
outward rails 10. The lower half 2a' of the present embodiment
differs from the lower half 2a of the first embodiment in that the
lower half 2a' includes a return mechanism slot 43 as will be
described hereinafter.
[0045] As in the previous embodiment, a puller assembly 60 is
positioned in each aperture 5. Puller assembly 60 is similar to
puller assembly 50 and includes a longitudinal body 62 extending
between a handle 66 and an engagement member 64. As in the previous
embodiment, each guide slot 40 has a cross-sectional configuration
that complements the cross-sectional configuration of the puller
body 62. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, puller body 62 has a dovetail
cross-section. Accordingly guide slot 40 also has a dovetail
cross-sectional configuration. Other complementary configurations
may also be utilized.
[0046] Engagement member 64 includes a longitudinally extending
contact portion 63 and a radially extending contact portion 65. The
longitudinally extending contact portion 63 extends along and above
the top surface of the puller body 62. The longitudinally extending
contact portion 63 has a configuration that complements the inner
surface of the aperture 5. The longitudinally extending contact
portion 63 fits in the clearance between the storable member 8 and
the inner surface of the aperture 5 and reduces such clearance,
thereby reducing potential impact between the storable member 8 and
the storage unit 1'. The radially extending contact portion 65
extends radially inward from the longitudinally extending contact
portion 63 and is configured to contact a rearward portion of the
storable member 8. The junction between the radially extending
contact portion 65 and the longitudinally extending contact portion
63 is preferably configured to complement the shape of the rearward
portion of the storable member 8. In the illustrated example in
which the storable member 8 is a water bottle, the junction has a
curve consistent with the curve along the bottom edge of the water
bottle.
[0047] Operation of the puller assembly 60 is similar to the
previous embodiment such that the handle 66 is pulled forward to
move the engagement member 64 forward. The storable member 8 is
supported on the longitudinally extending contact portion 63 and
the radially extending contact portion 65 engages a rearward
portion of the storable member 8 to urge the storable member 8
forward. While the longitudinally extending contact portion 63
takes up some of the clearance between the storable member 8 and
the inside of the aperture 5, minimal clearance is maintained such
that a significant additional friction force is not created between
the storable member 8 and the top inner surface of the aperture 5.
The longitudinally extending contact portion 63 has a width wider
than the slot 40 and also preferably wider than any access openings
22 that may be provided along the rail 10. As such, the rail 10
supports the longitudinally extending contact portion 63, and
thereby the radially extending contact portion 65, along the length
of travel to minimize the chance of disengagement between the
radially extending contact portion 65 and the storable member
8.
[0048] Since the longitudinally extending contact portion 63
supports at least a portion of the weight of the storable member 8,
it is preferable that the engagement member 64 and/or the rail 10
are manufactured from or coated with a material that minimizes
friction between the engagement member 64 and the rail 10.
Similarly, since a portion of such weight may be translated through
the engagement member 64 to the puller body 62, it is preferable
that the puller body 62 and/or the guide slot 40 are manufactured
from or coated with a material that minimizes friction between the
puller body 62 and the guide slot 40.
[0049] After the storable member 8 has been pulled to a forward
position, it is desirable to return the puller assembly 60 to the
retracted position where it is ready for the next rearwardly
positioned storable member 8. The puller assembly 60 includes a
return assembly 65 configured to automatically return the puller
assembly 60 to the retracted position. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10,
the return assembly 65 includes a hook 67 or the like extending
from the underside of the puller body 62 and a retainer 29 provided
on the underside of the storage unit lower half 2a' toward the rear
end thereof. An elastic member 68, for example, an elastic band or
cord or any of various springs, extends between the hook 67 and the
retainer 29. A large return force is not required. A sufficient
return force can be achieved by, for example, a 3/8 inch diameter
stainless coil tension spring. A through track 43 is provided in at
least a portion of the guide slot 40 to facilitate forward movement
of the hook 67. As the user pulls the handle 66 forward, the hook
67 moves forward and away from the retainer 29 such that the
elastic member 68 is loaded. Upon release of the handle 66, the
stored energy in the elastic member 68 pulls the hook 67 rearward,
thereby returning the puller assembly 60 to the retracted
position.
[0050] The puller assembly 60 is preferably manufactured as a
unitary component, for example, through injection molding. However,
one or more of the body 62, engagement member 64, handle 66 or hook
67 may be manufactured separately and attached to the puller
assembly 60. Similarly, the retainer 29 may be manufactured as a
unitary component of the storage unit lower half 2a' or may be a
separate component that is attached thereto.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 11-14, a storage unit 1'' that is a third
exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The storage
unit 1'' is similar to the storage unit 1 of the first embodiment
and includes a housing defined by a lower half 2a'' and an upper
half 2b. The upper half 2b is identical to the upper half 2b of the
first embodiment. The lower half 2a'' is similar to the lower half
2a, but includes guide slots 40'' extending along the laterally
inward rails 10 such that the guide slots 40'' in adjacent
apertures 5 are separated by the intermediate wall 20. The
proximity of the guide slots 40'' facilitates a dual puller
assembly 70.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 14, the dual puller assembly 70 includes a
pair of spaced apart longitudinal bodies 72 joined at their forward
ends by a handle 76. The rear end of each longitudinal body 72
includes an engagement member 74 extending perpendicularly
therefrom. As in the first embodiment, each guide slot 40'' has a
cross-sectional configuration that complements the cross-sectional
configuration of the corresponding body 72. Similar to the first
embodiment, each longitudinal body 72 has a dovetail cross-section
and each guide slot 40'' has a dovetail cross-sectional
configuration. Other complementary configurations may also be
utilized. Each engagement member 74 is provided with a double
gusset 73 and a support rib 75 to strengthen the engagement
member.
[0053] In operation, the handle 76 is moved into engagement with
the storage unit front surface 4, thereby positioning each
engagement member 74 in the rear of a respective aperture 5.
Storable members 8 are positioned in the apertures 5 with the
engagement members 74 engaging rearward surfaces 9 of the storable
members 8. Forward movement of the handle 76 causes both engagement
members 74 to move forward, thereby moving the storable members 8
forward. If only one of the apertures 5 contains a rearwardly
positioned storable member 8, then only that one storable member 8
will be moved forward. As in the first embodiment, the guide slots
40'' support the respective engagement members 74 and prevent
disengagement from the storable members 8. Again, since the puller
bodies 72 are recessed within respective guide slots 40'', the
puller assembly 70 does not interfere with movement of the storable
members 8.
[0054] The puller assembly 70 is preferably manufactured from a
polymeric material, for example, polypropylene, but may be
manufactured from other natural or synthetic materials including
plastics and metals. The puller bodies 72 preferably have
respective thicknesses such that the selected material has a
vertical elasticity at at least the forward end of the puller
bodies 72, as in the first embodiment.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 15-18, a storage unit 1''' that is a
fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The
storage unit 1''' is similar to the storage unit 1 of the first
embodiment and includes a housing defined by a lower half 2a''' and
an upper half 2b. The upper half 2b is identical to the upper half
2b of the first embodiment. The lower half 2a''' of the present
embodiment differs from the lower half 2a of the first embodiment
in that the lower half 2a''' does not include any guide slots. As
will be described hereinafter, a puller assembly 80 is positioned
in each aperture 5, however, the puller assemblies 80 are not
confined by a guide slot, but instead are freely moveable within
the apertures 5.
[0056] Each puller assembly 80 includes a longitudinal body 82
extending between a handle 86 and an engagement member 84. As in
the second embodiment, engagement member 84 includes a
longitudinally extending contact portion 83 and a radially
extending contact portion 85. The longitudinally extending contact
portion 83 does not sit upon the puller body 82, but instead is
formed co-planar therewith such that the puller assembly 80 has a
smooth lower surface 87, as best seen in FIG. 17. The puller
assembly 80 does not include a dovetail or the like configured to
engage a slot, but instead the smooth lower surface 87 is
configured to be positioned on and move along the inside surface of
the aperture 5. In the present embodiment, the puller body 82 has a
wider, arcuate configuration such that the puller body 82 engages a
larger arc of the aperture 5 inner surface. Additionally, the
longitudinally extending contact portion 83 has a wide, arcuate
configuration that complements the inner surface of the aperture 5.
Orientation of the puller assembly 80 within the aperture 5 is not
critical, but the wider, arcuate configurations of the puller body
82 and the longitudinally extending contact portion 83 provide some
control over the positioning of the puller assembly 80 and maintain
the longitudinal alignment of the puller assembly 80 parallel to
the axis of the aperture 5.
[0057] The longitudinally extending contact portion 83 supports the
storable member 8 and fits in the clearance between the storable
member 8 and the inner surface of the aperture 5. The
longitudinally extending contact portion 83 reduces the clearance
and thereby reduces the potential impact between the storable
member 8 and the storage unit 1'''. The radially extending contact
portion 85 extends radially inward from the longitudinally
extending contact portion 83 and is configured to contact a
rearward portion of the storable member 8. The junction between the
radially extending contact portion 85 and the longitudinally
extending contact portion 83 is preferably configured to complement
the shape of the rearward portion of the storable member 8. In the
illustrated example in which the storable member 8 is a water
bottle, the junction has a curve consistent with the curve along
the bottom edge of the water bottle.
[0058] Operation of the puller assembly 80 is similar to the first
embodiment such that the handle 86 is pulled forward to move the
engagement member 84 forward. The storable member 8 is supported on
the longitudinally extending contact portion 83 and the radially
extending contact portion 85 engages a rearward portion of the
storable member 8 to urge the storable member 8 forward. While the
longitudinally extending contact portion 83 takes up some of the
clearance between the storable member 8 and the inside of the
aperture 5, minimal clearance is maintained such that a significant
additional friction force is not created between the storable
member 8 and the top inner surface of the aperture 5. Since the
longitudinally extending contact portion 83 supports the weight of
the storable member 8, it is preferable that the longitudinally
extending contact portion 83 and/or the rail 10 are manufactured
from or coated with a material that minimizes friction between the
longitudinally extending contact portion 83 and the rail 10.
[0059] As in the first embodiment, the puller body 82 preferably
has a configuration such that the puller body 82 has a vertical
elasticity at at least the forward end thereof. Such elasticity
allows the puller body 82 to bend and return to its original
configuration in the event the puller body 82 receives a
significant vertical force. For example, if the puller assembly 80
is inadvertently left in an extended position, see the left side
aperture 5 in FIG. 15, and an operator closes the truck door, the
puller body 82 bends vertically without breaking. Upon opening of
the truck door, the puller body 82 returns to the extended position
and continues to be useable.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 19-21, a storage unit 1'''' that is a
fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The
storage unit 1'''' is similar to the storage unit 1 of the first
embodiment and includes a housing defined by a lower half 2a''''
and an upper half 2b. The upper half 2b is identical to the upper
half 2b of the first embodiment. The lower half 2a'''' is similar
to the lower half 2a, but does not include guide slots. In place of
the guide slots, the lower half 2a'''' includes guide holes 28 as
will be described below.
[0061] In the present embodiment, each aperture 5 of the storage
unit is provided with a puller assembly 90. Each puller assembly 90
includes a continuous loop strap 92 configured to move an
associated engagement member 94. The strap 92 is preferably
manufactured from polypropylene, but may be manufactured from other
natural and synthetic materials including plastics and metals. The
strap 92 extends along the surface of a respective rail 10. The
ends of the strap 92 are passed through respective access openings
22, passed through the guide holes 28 passing through the rib
structure 25, and joined at 93 via crimping, bonding, welding,
adhesive, rivets, bolts or the like. Handle 96 is attached to a
portion of the strap 92 extending along the rail surface and is
configured to move the continuous loop strap 92 over a portion of
the loop.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 20, an extension member 95 extends between
the strap 92 and the engagement member 94. The extension member 95
is connected to the strap 92 via rivets 97. Other connection
methods, including but not limited to bolts, adhesive, bonding,
welding or the like may also be utilized. Interconnection between
the extension member 95 and the strap 92 causes the engagement
member 94 to move in conjunction with movement of the strap 92.
[0063] In operation, the puller assembly 90 is in the initial
position shown in the left aperture 5 of FIG. 19. A rearward
surface of a storable member 8 (not shown) positioned in a rearward
position of the aperture 5 is engaged by the engagement member 94.
To move the storable member 8 forward, the handle 96 is moved from
the illustrated position to a position proximate to the forward
most guide hole 28. Movement of the handle 96 causes movement of
the loop strap 92 and thereby the engagement member 94 via the
extension member 95. The strap 92 preferably has a thickness that
is less than the clearance between the storable member 8 and the
inside surface of the aperture 5 such that the strap 92 does not
interfere with movement of the storable member 8. During movement
from the rearward position toward the forward position, the
engagement member 94 is supported by the looped strap 92, which is
in turn confined by the guide holes 28. As such, the engagement
member 94 is supported during travel and the chance of
disengagement from the storable member 8 is reduced.
[0064] When the handle 96 is in the forward position adjacent the
forward most guide hole 28, the handle 96 is within the aperture 5
and, therefore, does not provide any interference to the operator
nor is the handle 96 at risk of being contacted by a closed truck
door or the like. The handle 96 does not have to be moved to the
initial position, but can instead be left in the forward position.
Upon loading of a new storable member 8 in the aperture 5, the
storable member 8 contacts the engagement member 94 and moves the
engagement member 94 rearward. The rearward movement of the
engagement member 94 moves the strap 92 which in turn moves the
handle 96 to the initial position, thereby automatically resetting
the puller assembly 90 for use.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 22-25, a storage unit 1.sup.v
incorporating a shock dampener 100 is illustrated. A puller
assembly is not illustrated in these figures as the shock dampener
100 can be utilized with each of the embodiments described above.
While some of the embodiments described above include a puller
assembly in which a portion of the puller assembly is positioned in
the clearance between the storable member 8 and the inside surface
of the aperture 5, and thereby acts as a shock dampener, the shock
dampener 100 can be utilized with those embodiments to provide
additional shock dampening. The shock dampener 100 described herein
can be utilized with each of the above described embodiments, but
does not have to be utilized.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 23, the shock dampener 100 includes a
longitudinally extending body 102 having an inner surface 104. The
inner surface 104 preferably has an arcuate configuration which
complements the shape of the storable members 8, however, the inner
surface 104 may have various configurations, including a planar
configuration. The shock dampener 100 of the present embodiment
includes a plurality of outer projections 106 configured to engage
holes 12 provided in the storage unit upper half 2b'. The
projections 106 include slots 108 to facilitate passage of the
projections 106 through the holes 12 and to accommodate variations
in expansion of the projections 106 and the storage unit upper half
2b'. Various other means may be utilized to connect the shock
dampeners 100 to the storage unit 1.sup.v. For example, the shock
dampeners 100 may be attached using bolts, screws, rivets, clips or
other fasteners, adhesives or bonding methods, or may be molded
with the storage unit 1.sup.v, for example, using a two-shot
injection mold.
[0067] The shock dampeners 100 may extend the full longitudinal
length of the aperture 5 or may be provided at spaced intervals as
illustrated. The shock dampeners 100 are preferably provided along
the upper inner surfaces of the apertures 5, but may alternatively
or additionally be provided along the side or bottom surfaces
thereof. The shock dampeners 100 may be manufactured from various
materials including materials that are very soft, low durometer
materials or harder, higher durometer materials. For example, the
shock dampeners 100 may include a solid material or alternatively,
a fluid filled member which provides the shock absorption. In the
fluid filled embodiment, the member may be, for example, a sealed
or refillable polymer sack. The fluid may include air, some other
gas or a liquid.
[0068] The materials and configuration of the dampener body 102 are
selected to maximize the amount of shock dampening while
maintaining minimal friction exerted on the storable members 8. In
this regard, the dampener body 102 may be chosen to provide minimal
clearance with respect to the storable members 8, to minimize
movement or vibration thereof during transit, while still allowing
removal of the storable members 8 with minimum friction.
[0069] Although illustrated and described above with reference to
certain specific embodiments, the present invention is nevertheless
not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various
modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range
of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the
invention.
* * * * *