U.S. patent application number 11/915205 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-19 for storage container docking system.
Invention is credited to James R. Kunz.
Application Number | 20090045237 11/915205 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37452657 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090045237 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kunz; James R. |
February 19, 2009 |
STORAGE CONTAINER DOCKING SYSTEM
Abstract
A storage docking system especially adapted for recreational
vehicles has containers fixed to rails by couplers and can have one
set of rails fixed to the vehicle and another set of rails fixed to
a stationary storage space.
Inventors: |
Kunz; James R.; (Eugene,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUARLES & BRADY LLP
411 E. WISCONSIN AVENUE, SUITE 2040
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202-4497
US
|
Family ID: |
37452657 |
Appl. No.: |
11/915205 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
May 19, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2006/019586 |
371 Date: |
May 20, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60684645 |
May 26, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/581 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 11/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/581 |
International
Class: |
A45F 4/00 20060101
A45F004/00 |
Claims
1. A storage docking system, comprising: at least one container;
couplers fixed to the container, each said coupler having an
opening; a first set of rails fixed to a mounting surface of the
vehicle in a storage space of the vehicle; wherein the openings of
the couplers are sized to receive the first set of rails so as to
support the container by the first set of rails in the storage
space of the vehicle.
2. A storage docking system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
couplers are lockable to the first set of rails.
3. A storage docking system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
couplers each define a channel, each said coupler having a locking
member that can be moved from a released position in which the
opening to the channel of the coupler is open or to a locked
position in which the opening to the channels is blocked, the first
set of rails being spaced above a mounting surface of the vehicle
to which the rails are mounted and being sized to be received
within the channels, wherein in the released position of the
locking member the rails can be received within the channels and in
the locked position of the locking member, the locking member
extends into the space between the rail to which it is engaged and
the mounting surface to secure the container to the vehicle.
4. The storage docking system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1,
further comprising a second set of rails fixed in a storage space
in a building, and wherein the openings of the couplers are sized
to receive either the first or the second set of rails so as to
support the container by either the first or the second set of
rails, so that the container can be stored in either the vehicle or
the building.
5. A storage docking system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the
couplers are lockable to at least the first set of rails.
6. The storage docking system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the first set of rails is mounted to the vehicle so as to
extend laterally relative to the direction of normal straight line
travel of the vehicle.
7. The storage docking system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the first set of rails runs parallel to the direction of
normal straight line travel of the vehicle.
8. The storage docking system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the container can be slid laterally relative to the rails
when the container is coupled to the rails by the couplers.
9. The storage docking system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the couplers are connected to the container so that the
channels open downwardly relative to a bottom wall of the
container.
10. The storage docking system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 9,
wherein the couplers extend below the bottom wall of the
container.
11. The storage docking system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the couplers are connected to the container such that the
channels of the couplers open outwardly away from a side of the
container.
12. The storage docking system for a vehicle as claimed in claim
11, wherein the couplers are connected to sidewalls of the
container.
13. The storage docking system for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the container is a wire basket.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/684,645 filed May 26, 2005.
STATEMENT CONCERNING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR
DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to storage systems that are
particularly adapted for recreational vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Recreational vehicles have become very popular for
individuals to own. Oftentimes the individuals who own such
vehicles store them away from their residence and may bring them to
their residence a few days prior to a planned trip to prepare the
vehicle for the trip. For example, if a family outing is planned to
the beach, the vehicle will have to be loaded with items that are
appropriate for that outing, such as beach toys, towels, swimsuits,
folding chairs, umbrellas and the like. If, on the other hand, the
vehicle is to be used for a hunting trip, it will have to be loaded
with a completely different set of equipment. When the outing is
over, the vehicle is typically unloaded and the paraphernalia
cleaned and stored at the owner's residence or otherwise prepared
for the next use. The vehicle will also typically be cleaned out in
preparation for its storage and next use.
[0005] Recreational vehicles are typically provided with interior
cabinet storage, storage under the seats and any other place where
it can be fit in, and also has "basement" storage which is
accessible through doors on the outside of the vehicle. The present
invention is mainly, although not exclusively, addressed to the
type of storage which would be accessible from outside of the
vehicle, through the outside doors in the side of the vehicle.
[0006] It is known to provide this basement storage with sliding
drawers or trays which make it easier to access the contents of the
space in the basement. However, room still exists for a system that
makes loading and unloading an RV easier, and also facilitates
storage in the vehicle and storage at the residence of the
owner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The invention provides a storage docking system that is
particularly adapted for RV use. The system includes at least one
container and couplers fixed to the container. Each coupler has an
opening that is sized to receive a first set of rails fixed to a
mounting surface of the vehicle in a storage space of the vehicle
so as to support the container by the first set of rails in the
storage space of the vehicle.
[0008] In a preferred form, the couplers are lockable to the rails
to keep the containers fixed to the rails, for example in transit.
The couplers each define a channel, each coupler having a locking
member that can be moved from a released position in which the
opening to the channel of the coupler is open or to a locked
position in which the opening to the channel is blocked. The rails
are spaced above a mounting surface of the vehicle to which the
rails are mounted and are sized to be received within the channels.
In the released position of the locking member, the rails can be
received within the channels and in the locked position of the
locking member, the locking member extends into the space between
the rail to which it is engaged and the mounting surface to secure
the container to the vehicle.
[0009] In an especially useful form, the system includes a second
set of rails fixed in a storage space in a building, and the
openings of the couplers are sized to receive either the first or
the second set of rails so as to support the container by either
the first or the second set of rails, so that the container can be
stored in either the vehicle or the building.
[0010] In another preferred form, the containers are wire baskets,
which are preferred in this application since they are relatively
lightweight, strong, do not accumulate debris and moisture, provide
good aeration and can be used to stow many different articles.
[0011] Other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the
detailed description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the side of an RV with its
storage compartment doors open and showing applications of a
storage docking system of the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the storage docking system
shown in FIG. 1 that is assembled to the slide-out tray;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a close-up view of parts of the system of FIG.
2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the couplers used in
FIGS. 1-3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a view of the coupler in the locked position;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the coupler in the
open position;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the coupler from the
inner side;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of one piece (the
retainer member) of the coupler;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of another piece (the
channel member) of the coupler;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another piece (the locking
member) of the coupler;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the locking member and the
channel member together;
[0023] FIG. 12 is a view like FIG. 11 but from the top;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the retainer member and the
channel member together;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective view into one of the storage
compartments of the RV illustrating a container hung on a side wall
of the storage compartment;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a view like FIG. 6, from a different angle and
with the sliding tray removed;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the container hanging from
its side without showing the RV;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another application of the
storage system of the invention in the RV, also shown in FIG.
1;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a view with one of the baskets of the system of
FIG. 9 removed;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a view of a storage docking system of the
invention provided in a stationary storage space in a building, for
example in a garage of the owner of the RV;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a close-up view of a portion of the system of
FIG. 11, illustrating a bracket for hanging the rails of the
storage system from a wall of the building;
[0032] FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the stationary
storage docking system of FIGS. 19 and 20; and
[0033] FIGS. 22-25 are perspective (FIGS. 22-24) and top plan (FIG.
25) views of an alternate mount for the storage system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a recreational vehicle (RV) 10 with its
side compartment doors 12 open illustrating storage compartments
14, 15 and 16. Compartment 14 includes a slide-out tray 18 as is
conventional, but what is unconventional is the inclusion of a
storage docking system 20 mounted to the slide-out tray 18. A
storage docking system 22 of the system is also mounted in
compartment 16, with compartment 15 being empty.
[0035] Referring also to FIGS. 2-5, the system 20 includes
containers 26 and 30 of different sizes with the containers 26
being generally square or rectangular and taller than the
containers 30, about twice the height of the containers 30 for the
containers 26 illustrated in FIGS. 2-5. The containers 30 are
stackable so that the top one nests inside the bottom one, and also
of a height such that even when stacked they will fit in the
compartment 14. The containers 26 and 30 are preferably welded wire
baskets and have handles 32. Each of the containers 26 and 30 is
provided with four couplers 36, one at each corner on the bottom of
each of the containers 26 and 30, that can be easily coupled to a
rail 38 that is a cylindrical hollow tube. Each rail 38 is fixed to
the bottom wall of the tray 18 that is the mounting surface 39 in
this application by mounts 40 which receive the ends of the rails
38 and are shaped like pillow block bearings, defining a hole
between two mounting flanges that are fastened, for example with
bolts or screws, to the floor 91 of compartment 16, to the bottom
39 of tray 18, or to another mounting surface. The mounts 40 could
be closed on one side as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, or,
alternatively could be open at both sides as illustrated by the
mount 40' in FIGS. 22-25 so a rail could be inserted from either
side. If open at both sides, fastener holes 41 are provided as
illustrated in FIGS. 22-25 so that a screw, rivet or other fastener
can be used through the hole to fix the rail to the mount.
[0036] The mounts 40 space the rails above the mounting surface 39
or 91 so that the locking member of the couplers described below
can extend into the space between the rails 38 and the mounting
surface 39 or 91 to secure the container to the rails. Also, the
rails 38, which may be steel, aluminum or another rigid material,
are supported by supports 44 that are provided every few feet or
so, so that the rails 38 do not sag or flex excessively under the
weight of the loaded containers 26 and 30. Fasteners extend through
holes 43 in the flanges of the mounts 40 and supports 44 to secure
them to the surface of the vehicle to which they are secured, the
lower wall 39 of the tray 18 in the case of compartment 14 or to
the floor 91 of the compartment as in the case of compartment 16.
The mounts 40 and supports 44 may be made of molded plastic.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 4-13, each coupler 36 is riveted or
otherwise fastened by fasteners 48 to a stamped or otherwise formed
bracket 50 that resides on the interior side of the container 26 or
30 so that the walls of the container 26 or 30 are pinched between
the flange 52 of the coupler 36 and the bracket 50 to securely hold
the coupler 36 to the container 26 or 30. The coupler 36 has a
channel 86 therein, that may extend for the length of the coupler
36 and is generally cylindrically shaped at one side and opening
straight out at the opposite side to receive the rail 38. A locking
member 60 having an arcuate section 62 that is slidable angularly
relative to fixed part 64 of the coupler 36 is slidable in a track
of the fixed part 64 so as to either open the bottom side of the
channel 86 or to close it, the open position being shown in FIG. 4
and the closed position being shown in FIG. 5. When open as in FIG.
4, when the container 26 or 30 is placed down on top of the rails
38, the rails 38 enter the channel 86 through the mouth opening or
lower side of the channel 86 that faces the rails 38. Once received
in the channel 86, the locking lever 60 can be slid in its track so
as to close off the opening into the channel 86 that traps the rail
38 in the channel 6 and therefore in the coupler 36, to hold the
containers 26 and 30 longitudinally on the rails 38.
[0038] In the locked position of FIG. 5, the locking lever member
60, and particularly portion 62 thereof, may apply a clamping load
on the rail 38, or not. If not, the container 30 would be
relatively slidable in a direction parallel to the rails 38, which
is usually acceptable in an RV application.
[0039] Referring particularly to FIGS. 4-13, the coupler 36 is
molded plastic and made of three pieces. FIGS. 6-14 illustrate the
coupler without the bracket 50 or fasteners 48. As has already been
stated, one of the pieces of the coupler 36 is the lever member 60.
The lever member 60 has a handle portion 66 which is operable by
the user to rotate the lever member 60 in its track, and an
approximately half-circular arc portion 62 that closes off the
bottom of the opening 56 when the lever member 60 is rotated into
that position. The arc portion 62 has an outstanding rib 68 that
fits into groove 70 of U-shaped portion 72 of retainer member 74.
Retainer 74 also includes the flange 52 in which the holes 76 are
formed for the fasteners 48. Member 74 also has a flange 78 at a
right angle to the flange 52 having holes 80 formed in it into
which additional fasteners 48 can be inserted for fastening the
bracket 50, which is also a right-angle type bracket.
[0040] Two holes 82 are formed in retainer member 74 for fastening
to the retainer member by an adhesive, ultrasonic welding or other
suitable process the channel member 84 having pins 88 received in
the holes 82 and an open bottomed channel 86 that defines the major
portion of the channel opening 86. The bottom part of member 74
that touches member 84 may also be adhered, welded or otherwise
attached to the member 84, for example at the lower edges of the
flange 52 and in the surfaces of the arc portion 72 where they
interface with the surfaces of the member 84, such that the members
74 and 84 form a structurally rigid unit such as is shown in FIG.
13, without the lever 60 installed. Also, member 84 has a lip 90
that interferes with the arcuate portion 62 of the lever member 60
to inhibit rotating the lever member 60 out of the track formed by
the two members 74 and 84. When the lever member 60 is rotated to
the closed position, it is stopped flat against flange 92 of member
74, which has a hole 94 in it that registers with hole 96 in lever
member 60 so that a lock can be placed through the two holes 94 and
96 to lock the lever member 60 in the locked position.
[0041] Arcuate portion 62 of lever member 60 has track portion 63
that is captured in the track formed by the members 74 and 84 (FIG.
13) and has locking portion 65 that has an inside surface of
approximately the same radius as the curved portion of channel 86
so that together with the curved portion of channel 86 the inside
surface of portion 65 forms a circle of approximately the same
diameter or a little larger as the rails 38.
[0042] FIGS. 14-16 illustrate the invention applied to a hanging
container which is a welded wire basket on the side of the RV
compartment. In this application, the flanges of the mounts 40 are
in a vertical plane, mounted to mounting surface 87, and the
couplers 36 are mounted in the corners of the container 33 so that
the channels 86 open out horizontally. When the locking member 60
is rotated from the open to the closed position, the arcuate
portion 65 of the locking member 60 is moved to the position behind
the rail 38 so as to prevent removal of the couplers 36 from the
rail 38 until the lever members 60 are moved to their open
positions. Note that in the case of container 33, the wall that
faces in the same direction that the channels 86 open out is formed
so as to take advantage of the space between the wall to which the
mounts 40 are attached and the far side of the rail 38. The
containers 20 could also be formed in the same manner to take
advantage of the open space that is between the two rails 48 that
support the containers.
[0043] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an application of the invention
in which the rails 38 are fixed to the floor or mounting surface 91
of the storage compartment extending in the direction of normal
vehicle straight line travel. In the case of the rails fixed to the
slide out tray 18, the rails are perpendicular to the direction of
normal vehicle straight line travel. The couplers in the
arrangement of the containers 20 can be released and engaged with
the rails 38 because the tray 18 can be slid out. In the case of
the containers 22, in which the rails 38 are parallel to the
direction of travel, a person can reach the couplers even at the
inside end of the container because the couplers are accessible
from the sides of the container. Thus, a slide out tray is not
necessary if all four corners can be locked to the rails 38, or at
least a sufficient number to hold the container secure. It may not
always be necessary to lock all four corners to the rails 38 and it
may be acceptable to only lock two or one of them, for example
those that are nearest to the outside of the vehicle, or none of
them if the travel is smooth.
[0044] FIGS. 19-21 illustrate the containers 20, 22 and 33 stored
at the residence or other stationary storage area of the owner of
the RV, for example the garage at the owner's place of residence.
The rails 38 that are parallel to one another should be spaced
apart the same distance so that any of the containers that have
four mounting points can be assembled to any of the sets of rails.
The couplers 36 also permit the containers to be stacked one on top
of another and the containers there to be rested on a floor
surface. L brackets 96, which may be plastic, metal or another
suitably strong material, are mounted to the walls and extend
therefrom to mounts 40 and supports 44 so as to support the rails
38. Braces 98 may be provided at the ends of the assemblies to
laterally stabilize them.
[0045] It should also be noted that the rails 38 in the compartment
16 should be spaced the same distance from one another as the rails
38 in the slide out tray 18 so that the containers 20 and 26 may be
interchanged in position. Also, if the containers 20 and 26 are
similar in width, then the spacing between the mounts 40 and the
supports 44 can be made uniformly the same to accommodate all
containers.
[0046] It is noted that the configuration of the couplers permits
the user to either lock the locking levers 60 or not. In stationary
storage, as in FIGS. 19-21, locking the levers may not be
necessary. It may be necessary to lock or partially lock the levers
of the wall-hung containers 33 to hold them on the rails. In the
RV, locking may also be optional. Having the option however better
secures the containers to the rails, and permits locking the
containers to the rails with a theft deterrent connection.
[0047] Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described
in considerable detail. Many modifications and variations to the
embodiments described will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Therefore, the invention should not be limited but to the
embodiments described, but should be defined by the claims that
follow.
* * * * *