U.S. patent application number 11/741695 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-30 for lally column sotage device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Stafford Manufacturing Corp. Invention is credited to Daniel Richard Armstrong, John Dazin Fiegener, Arthur Stafford, Nicholas Starno, Michael David Tinstman.
Application Number | 20080264883 11/741695 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39885721 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080264883 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stafford; Arthur ; et
al. |
October 30, 2008 |
Lally Column Sotage Device
Abstract
The present invention is a clamp storage device which attaches
to a lally Column. The invention consists of a Lally Column Clamp
which attaches to the Lally Column. Different storage mechanisms
can be attached to the lally Column clamp. These storage mechanisms
are interchangeable and can include such storage devices as a wire
basket retainer, hooks for a bicycle, plastics bins such as those
used for recycling and others. The interchangeability of the
storages mechanisms is a very unique feature and allows a user
great flexibility when using the clamp storage device.
Inventors: |
Stafford; Arthur; (Reading,
MA) ; Fiegener; John Dazin; (Marblehead, MA) ;
Tinstman; Michael David; (Revere, MA) ; Armstrong;
Daniel Richard; (Marblehead, MA) ; Starno;
Nicholas; (Boston, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FURR LAW FIRM
2622 DEBOLT ROAD
UTICA
OH
43080
US
|
Assignee: |
Stafford Manufacturing Corp
North Reading
MA
|
Family ID: |
39885721 |
Appl. No.: |
11/741695 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/107 ;
211/181.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/107 ;
211/181.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A device comprising: a plurality of clamps attached to each
other around a fixed object through an attaching means with a
storage device attached to said clamps.
2. The device as in claim 1, wherein said fixed object is a
tree.
3. The device as in claim 1, wherein a plurality of spacers are
used between the clamps.
4. The device as in claim 1, wherein said attaching means is a bolt
and nut.
5. The device as in claim 1, wherein said storage device is a wire
basket.
6. The device as in claim 1, wherein said storage device is a
bin.
7. The device as in claim 1, wherein said storage device is a
plurality of hooks.
8. The device as in claim 1, wherein said stationary object is a
lally Column.
9. The device as in claim 1, wherein said clamp has a plurality of
grip inserts used to attach to said stationary object.
10. The device as in claim 9, wherein said grip inserts have a
rubber tip.
11. A device comprising: a plurality of clamps attached to each
other around a fixed object through an attaching means with
interchangeable storage devices being able to be attached to said
clamps.
12. The device as in claim 11, wherein said fixed object is a
tree.
13. The device as in claim 11, wherein a plurality of spacers are
used between the clamps.
14. The device as in claim 11, wherein said attaching means is a
bolt and nut.
15. The device as in claim 11, wherein said storage device is a
wire basket.
16. The device as in claim 11, wherein said storage device is a
bin.
17. The device as in claim 11, wherein said storage device is a
plurality of hooks.
18. The device as in claim 11, wherein said stationary object is a
lally Column.
19. The device as in claim 11, wherein said clamp has a plurality
of grip inserts used to attach to said stationary object.
20. The device as in claim 19, wherein said grip inserts have a
rubber tip.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS (IF ANY)
[0001] None
STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY-SPONSORED
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (IF ANY)
[0002] None
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention is directed to a clamp storage device,
more particular to one that attaches to a lally Column.
[0005] 2. Background
[0006] People are always running out of storage space and are
looking for convenient locations to store things, especially in
areas that are currently wasted spaces. People need devices that
can help them organize and use their space wisely.
[0007] Lally Columns are used in homes with basements and other
structures as structural support. These are usually metal poles
that are three, three and one-half or four inches in diameter that
go from the foundation to a support beam. There can be one or more
of these lally Columns in a structure. These Columns are usually in
the middle of an area and create a lot of dead unusable space.
[0008] 3. Prior Art
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,832 by Hannon and issued on Mar. 23,
2004, is for a Device for hanging objects on a vertical support. It
discloses a hanging device for hanging an object on a vertical
support. The hanging device includes a girding member having first
and second sides. The first side of the girding member has a pair
of spaced nubs projecting out which defines gaps. A first support
member includes a first end having a portion pivotably receivable
in the gap and a second end. A second support member extends
between the first support member and the vertical support.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,421 by Hilbert and issued on Feb. 2,
1988, is for a Strap for stabilizing platform to upright member. It
discloses a support platform that includes a notch for engaging an
upright member, such as a tree or utility pole, and further
includes a flexible steel band that encircles the upright member
and supports the platform.
[0011] United States Patent Application 20050211742 by Mapes, et
al. and published on Sep. 29, 2005, is for a Post-mounted storage
caddy. It discloses a post-mounted storage caddy that comprises a
caddy body adapted to be mounted to a post, and especially a seat
post in a boat. A storage tray with compartments is pivotally
mounted to the caddy body, whereby the caddy body functions as a
lid for the storage caddy. The storage caddy can also include a cup
holder and other holding means.
[0012] There is still room for improvement in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is a clamp storage device which
attaches to a lally Column. The invention consists of a Lally
Column Clamp which attaches to lally Columns of three different
diameters (3'', 31/2'' and 4''). Regardless of the column size,
different storage mechanisms can be attached to the Lally Column
Clamp. These storage mechanisms are interchangeable and can include
such storage devices as a wire basket retainer, hooks for a
bicycle, plastics bins such as those used for recycling and others.
The interchangeability of the storage mechanisms is a very unique
feature and allows a user great flexibility when using the clamp
storage device.
LALLY CLAMP PATENT DRAWING REFERENCES
[0014] 1. Lally Column [0015] 2. Wire Basket [0016] 3. Wire Basket
Clip [0017] 4. Wire Basket Retainer [0018] 5. Retainer Screw [0019]
6. Lally Column Clamp [0020] 7. Lally Column Clamp Grip Insert
[0021] 8. Lally Column Clamp Bolt [0022] 9. Lally Column Clamp
Spacer [0023] 10. Lally Column Clamp Washer [0024] 11. Lally Column
Clamp Nut [0025] 12. Bicycle Hook with Sleeve [0026] 13. Bike
Trough
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Without restricting the full scope of this invention, the
preferred form of this invention is illustrated in the following
drawings:
[0028] FIG. 1 displays the wire basket pole device;
[0029] FIG. 2 displays a bottom view of the wire basket pole
device;
[0030] FIG. 3 displays an exploded view of the wire basket pole
device;
[0031] FIG. 4 displays the recycle basket;
[0032] FIG. 5 displays an exploded view of the recycle basket;
[0033] FIG. 6 displays the bicycle hook;
[0034] FIG. 7 displays a bottom view of the bicycle hook;
[0035] FIG. 8 displays an exploded view of the bicycle hook;
and
[0036] FIG. 9 displays an alternate embodiment of a bicycle storage
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] There are a number of significant design features and
improvements incorporated within the invention.
[0038] The current invention is a clamp storage device which
attaches to lally Columns of three different diameters (3'', 31/2''
or 4''). The invention consists of a Lally Column Clamp which
attaches to the Lally Column as shown in FIGS. 1-9.
[0039] Different storage mechanisms can be attached to the Lally
Column Clamp. These storage mechanisms are interchangeable and can
include such storage devices as a wire basket retainer 4, hooks 12
for items like a bicycle, bins 13 such as those used for recycling
and others. The interchangeability of the storages mechanisms is a
very unique feature and allows a user great flexibility when using
the clamp storage device.
[0040] Lally Columns 1 are used in homes with basements and other
structures as structural support. These are usually metal poles
that are three, three and one-half or four inches in diameter that
go from the foundation to a support beam. There can be one or more
of these lally Columns 1 in a structure. The current invention
discusses being used with a lally Column 1 that is 4 inches in
diameter but can be used with any diameter from 3 inches to 4
inches Column.
[0041] The lally Column Clamp 6 attaches to the lally Column 1. The
lally Column Clamp 6 is comprised of two halves, each semi-circular
in shape. These two halves are placed on opposite sides of the
Lally Column as shown in FIG. 3. The two sides are attached with
bolts 8 that go through bolt holes in the Lally Column Clamp 6 with
one bolt 8 going through each Lally Column Clamp 6. With both
bolts, a washer 10 is attached to the screw end of the bolt 8 as it
sticks out of the Lally Column Clamp 6 with a nut 11 being screwed
around the screwed portion of the bolt 8.
[0042] There are a plurality of clamp grip inserts 7 attached to
the interior of the Lally Column Clamp 6. The clamp grip inserts 7
are used to grip the lally Column 1. These clamp grip inserts 7
have a gripping means which in the preferred embodiment are rubber
tips that use tension and friction to attach to the Lally Column 1.
The clamp grip inserts 7 can also use plastic or a serrated edge or
any other gripping means to grip to the Lally Column 1.
[0043] In the preferred embodiment, there are two clamp spacers 9
which fit between the two Lally Column Clamp 6 halves one at each
the meeting points of the halves. The clamp spacers 9 provide for
spacing between the two Lally Column Clamp 6 halves. This allows
for variability in the spacing and the diameter of the Lally Column
1. The clamp spacers 9 are cylinder in shape. The bolts 8 will run
through the clamp spacers 9.
[0044] The nuts 11 are tightened on the bolts 8 and compress the
clamp grip inserts 7 against the pole 1 for a tight and secure grip
against the pole 1. The lally Column clamp 6 can be attached at any
height on the lally Column 1 that a user may want.
[0045] The lally Column clamps 6 have fixed openings to which
different attachments can be attached to.
[0046] FIG. 1 displays the wire basket pole device with FIG. 2
displaying a bottom view and FIG. 3 an exploded view. There are two
wire basket retainers 4 attached to the top of the lally Column
clamp 6 through an attachment means such as the retainer screws 5.
The wire basket retainers 4 will have a rim on their edge. The wire
basket 2 will have two halves with an edge that fits into the rim
of the wire basket retainers 4. This will supply support for the
wire basket. Two wire basket clips 3 are attached connecting the
wire basket halves 2 together where they meet. These wire basket
clips 3 are attached at the top of the wire basket halves 2. This
design allows a structurally sound storage device such as a wire
basket to be attached to a fixed pole such as a lally Column 1. A
solid basket can also be attached using this same design.
[0047] FIG. 4 displays a recycle basket 13 attached to the Lally
Column clamp 6 while FIG. 5 displays an exploded view of the
recycle basket 13. The recycle basket 13 is in the design of a
semicircle with a smaller semicircle on the flat edge. The smaller
semicircle is approximately the circumference of the Lally Column
1. The recycle basket 13 will have a rim with the rim fitting over
the top of the Lally Column clamp 6. The rim will secure the
recycle basket 13 onto to Lally Column clamp 6. The recycle basket
13 will also rest against the lally Column 1 in the smaller
semicircle. This will provide support and stability to the recycle
basket 13.
[0048] FIG. 6 displays two bicycle hooks 12, while FIG. 7 displays
a bottom view and FIG. 8 displays an exploded view. These hooks 12
are used to store a bicycle or any other similar item that can be
stored on hooks. The hooks 12 fit into holes in the Lally Column
clamp 6. The hooks 12 have rubber sleeve covering the hook ends in
the preferred embodiment. The end of the hooks 12 that attaches to
the lally Column clamp 6 have a 90 degree bend (as shown in FIG. 8)
in them which goes into the holes in the lally Column clamp 6. This
gives a secure fit and hold. The Lally Column clamp 6 in the
preferred embodiment will have a channel the dimension of the hooks
12 that runs from the hole to the edge of the lally Column clamp 6
adding further stability. A bike would be stored by having its
wheel placed in the two hooks 12. The hooks 12 can also be used to
store other items as well as only a single hook being used.
[0049] An alternative to the hooks is shown in FIG. 9. It is a bike
trough 14. It is attached to the Lally Column clamp 6 with retainer
screws 5. It has a solid trough 14 on which the tire of a bicycle
can be set for storage.
[0050] The lally Column clamp 6 can also be used on other fixed
stationary objects such as trees, poles, telephone poles and other
similar items. The dimensions of the lally Column clamps 6 would be
changed to fit the object.
Advantages
[0051] The current invention solves the problem of how to create
storages space around a lally Column which is difficult since lally
Column are set and are usually dead space. The current device is
very flexible and allows a number of different types of storage and
storage devices to be used. It has a unique two piece design that
allows a secure attachment to lally Columns of three different
diameters (3'', 31/2'' and 4''). It is something that is unique and
greatly needed.
[0052] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and
operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent
from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion
relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
[0053] With respect to the above description, it is to be realized
that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the
invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,
function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed
readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all
equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by
the present invention.
[0054] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *