U.S. patent application number 14/207734 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-09 for device for storing sporting goods.
The applicant listed for this patent is WILLIAM DENNIS SCHWANKE. Invention is credited to WILLIAM DENNIS SCHWANKE.
Application Number | 20140299495 14/207734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51531798 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140299495 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SCHWANKE; WILLIAM DENNIS |
October 9, 2014 |
DEVICE FOR STORING SPORTING GOODS
Abstract
The general purpose of the disclosed device is to ergonomically
store athletic and sports equipment in a vertical, space-friendly
way. The device is adjustable, in that it can be raised and
lowered, allowing for people of all ages and sizes to be able to
access its various storage components. The main system includes a
base at the top allowing attachment to a ceiling. It then extends
vertically down with straps with enough tension to be used to
secure various sports balls. The straps come together at a bottom
base. The bottom base has slots allowing for items to be hung
there. Along the straps are various slots allowing different types
of sports items to hang.
Inventors: |
SCHWANKE; WILLIAM DENNIS;
(Glen Rock, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SCHWANKE; WILLIAM DENNIS |
Glen Rock |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51531798 |
Appl. No.: |
14/207734 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61785578 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/315.9 ;
220/476 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04886 20130101;
G06F 3/0237 20130101; G06F 40/12 20200101; G06F 40/274 20200101;
A45F 2200/0525 20130101; G06F 40/268 20200101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/315.9 ;
220/476 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A device for storing items: comprising: an upper base mounted to
a ceiling or other high point; a retracting device coupled on a
first end to said upper base and coupled on a second end to a first
end of plurality of straps; second ends of said straps are coupled
to a lower base; said straps include strap slots for holding hooks
for holding hookable devices; said lower base includes base slots
for holding stick devices and base hooks for holding hookable
devices and bags.
2. wherein said device may store round ball shapes within said
straps;
3. said straps include slots for holding hooks for holding hookable
devices and
4.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application is related to provisional application Ser.
No. 61/785,758 ('758) filed on Mar. 14, 2013 entitled "Device for
Storing Sporting Goods" and is hereby incorporated herein by
reference. The '021 application was filed under first to invent
rules since it was file prior to Mar. 16, 2013.
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0002] This application discloses a device for holding all sorts of
sports equipment from balls to sticks to helmets and bats, holding
them neatly while utilizing as small a space as possible.
Specifically the disclosure relates to a vertical hanging system
designed to keep balls (soccer balls, volleyballs, basketballs, and
baseballs), racquets, helmets and various sports gear in one
easy-to-use location and to keep clutter off the floor.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Because sports are becoming increasingly specialized, more
specialized gear is being used to play them. This is causing more
equipment to be purchased, driving a need for better space
utilization to store the gear. The purpose of instant device is to
help people keep all this equipment in a reasonably small,
well-organized area. With only limited space in basements and
garages, it is clear that such a device needs to be vertical in
nature. One of the few spaces left in garages and basements is the
ceiling. By hanging a device from the ceiling, the device helps
eliminate clutter on the ground and makes use of unused space.
[0004] In an effort to address this need for such sporting
equipment storage devices, there have been other devices to help
support some facet of sports equipment. Yet existing devices hold
only a few balls, or in some cases include only devices with pegs
that don't allow for the holding of balls. For example U.S. Pat.
No. 5,813,550 by Sheehan et al disclosed a peg board system. U.S.
Pat. No. 7,021,460 by Roebeck discloses an adjustable hanging
sports equipment holder and dispenser that only holds balls. U.S.
Pat. No. 7,398,888 by Nowak is a sports equipment rack that holds
various sports equipment, but is in rack configuration that does
meet the need for a device hanging from the ceiling that helps
eliminate clutter on the ground and makes use of unused space.
SUMMARY
[0005] The general purpose of the disclosed device is to
ergonomically store athletic and sports equipment in a vertical,
space-friendly way. The device is adjustable, in that it can be
raised and lowered, allowing for people of all ages and sizes to be
able to access its various storage components.
[0006] The device for storing sports items includes: an upper base
mounted to a ceiling or other high point; a retracting device
coupled on a first end to the upper base and coupled on a second
end to a plurality of straps; and the straps are coupled to a lower
base where the device may store round ball shapes within the
straps; the straps may have slots for holding hooks for holding
hookable devices and the lower base includes slots for holding
stick devices and hooks for holding hookable devices and bags.
[0007] The main system is comprised of a base at the top, allowing
attachment to a ceiling. It then extends vertically down with a
plurality of rubber/Bungee type material straps with enough tension
to be used to secure various sports balls. The straps come together
at a bottom base. The bottom base has slots allowing for racquets,
bats and sticks to be hung there, keeping these various items off
of the floor.
[0008] Along the plurality of straps are various slots where the
user can attach hooks, allowing different types of sports helmets,
football, baseball and bike to hang. The hooks are interchangeable,
allowing each user to space items according to his or her
needs.
[0009] Below the bottom base are a plurality of hanging bags or
sacks that allow the user to store various sports accessories, such
as baseballs, tennis balls, hockey pucks, golf balls, and more.
These bags are detachable, enabling the user to remove and
transport these bags to their various sports practices, driving
range or wherever necessary. The bags are made in such a way that
the user can simply insert the objects directly into the bag,
either from the top of the bag or right through the mesh side of
the bag. This should make it easier for both children and adults to
load the bag more easily as it hangs from the unit.
[0010] Another unique functionality of the device is that the top
of the unit features a retractable reel from which the user can
raise and lower the device from the ceiling. This allows it to hang
lower for younger or shorter children. Once loaded, a user can
raise the device to remove clutter from the lower floor area.
[0011] Further objects and advantages of the current device will be
clear from the following detailed description of the presently
preferred design, which is illustrated schematically in the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates the device in use;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates the device in its full view without
holding any equipment;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates the device holding the various types of
sports equipment that could be stored in it and/or on it;
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates the retractable nature of the device,
specifically the retractor itself;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates the straps that are used and the
interchangeable position of the hooks on a strap;
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates how the hooks can be placed up and down
each strap according to the user's preference;
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a view of a circular base and a plurality
of holding inserts; and
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates using a holding insert that allows for
the user to hang various types of racquets, bats or sticks and
[0020] FIG. 9 also illustrates the hanging capability for the
removable bags.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The general purpose of the disclosed device is to
ergonomically store athletic and sports equipment in a vertical,
space-friendly way. The device is adjustable, in that it can be
raised and lowered, allowing for people of all ages and sizes to be
able to access its various storage components.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a pictorial view of an embodiment of a
device 10 in use with various pieces of sports equipment installed.
The device is comprised of a base 12 at the top, allowing
attachment to a ceiling or other high point 14. It then extends
vertically down a plurality of straps 16 that are used to secure
various sports balls. The straps come together at a bottom base 18.
The bottom base 18 has a plurality of bottom base slots 20 allowing
for racquets, bats and sticks to be hung there, keeping these
various items off of the floor and an exemplary diameter of
approximately 12 inches.
[0023] Along each of the plurality of straps 16 are a plurality of
various strap slots 22 where the user can attach large hooks 26,
allowing different types of sports helmets, football, baseball and
bike to hang. The hooks are interchangeable, allowing each user to
space items according to his or her needs.
[0024] Attached to the bottom base are a plurality of small bottom
base hooks 24 and a plurality of large hooks 26 coupled to the
circumference of the bottom base 18.
[0025] Below the bottom base 18 are a plurality of hanging bags or
sacks 26 attached to the bottom base with the smaller hooks 30 that
allow for the user to store various sports accessories, such as
baseballs, tennis balls, hockey pucks, golf balls, and more. The
hanging bags or sacks 24 are detachable, enabling the user to
remove and transport these bags to their various sports practices,
driving range or wherever necessary. The bags are made in such a
way that the user can simply insert the objects directly into the
bag, either from the top of the bag or right through the mesh side
of the bag. This should make it easier for both children and adults
to load the bag more easily as it hangs from the unit.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates the device 10 in its full view without
holding any equipment. As discussed above, the device is comprised
of a top base 12 at the top, allowing attachment to a ceiling or
other high point 14. It then extends vertically down a plurality of
straps 16. The straps come together at a bottom base 18. The bottom
base 18 has a plurality of bottom base slots 30 around the
circumference of the bottom base 18. Along the plurality of straps
16 are a plurality of various strap slots 22.
[0027] Below the bottom base 18 are a plurality of hanging bags or
sacks 24. The hanging bags or sacks 24 are detachable.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates the device 10 holding the various types
of sports equipment that could be stored in it.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a unique functionality of the device 10.
The top of the device features a retractable reel 28 from which the
user can raise and lower the device 10 from the ceiling or other
high point. This allows the device 10 to hang lower for younger or
shorter children. Once loaded, one can raise the device 10 to
remove clutter from the lower floor area. The retractable device 28
can be positioned between a maximum height for the device and a
minimum height for the device. The retractable reel has an
exemplary adjustment range of approximately two or three feet. The
retractable reel mechanism is comparable to the size and structure
of the retractable reels found in vacuum cleaners. FIG. 4
illustrates the retractable nature of the device, specifically the
retractor itself, which is made of a metal/plastic material with a
nylon/metal cord that will raise and lower with a pull on the
device.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates the straps that will be used and the
interchangeable nature of the hooks. The strap hooks 26 are placed
into one or more strap slots 22 to provide a location for hookable
devices to be stored.
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates how a plurality of strap slots 22 are
placed up and down each strap 16 to be used according to a user's
preference.
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom base 18 with its bottom base
slots 20.
[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom base 18 with a pair of hanging
bags or sacks 24 hanging from a plurality of bottom base hooks 30
coupled to the bottom of bottom base. The coupling hooks 32 are
used to couple the straps 16 to the bottom base 18.
[0034] The plurality of straps 16 connecting the top base and the
bottom base and supporting balls is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and
5-8 with four straps for clarity, however, various embodiments of
the device may use different sizes and or a larger quantity of
stripes. The number may range from 4-12. The plurality
rubber/Bungee type material straps have enough tension to be used
to secure various sports balls as illustrated above.
[0035] FIG. 9 illustrates the bottom base hooked to the straps for
ball support 16 by the bottom base hooks 30. FIG. 9 also
illustrates a use for the bottom base slots. Here a bottom base
slot 30 is used to support a baseball bat.
[0036] The general purpose of the disclosed device is to
ergonomically store athletic and sports equipment in a vertical,
space-friendly way. The device is adjustable, in that it can be
raised and lowered, allowing for people of all ages and sizes to be
able to access its various storage components.
[0037] The main system is comprised of a base at the top 12,
allowing attachment to a ceiling. It then extends vertically down
with a plurality of rubber/Bungee type material straps 16 with
enough tension to be used to secure various sports balls. The
straps come together at a bottom base. The bottom base has slots
allowing for racquets, bats and sticks to be hung there, keeping
these various items off of the floor.
[0038] Along the straps 16 are various slots 22 where the user can
attach hooks, allowing different types of sports helmets, football,
baseball and bike to hang. The hooks are interchangeable, allowing
each user to space items according to his or her needs.
[0039] Below the bottom base are a plurality of hanging bags or
sacks that allow for the user to store various sports accessories,
such as baseballs, tennis balls, hockey pucks, golf balls, and
more. These bags are detachable, enabling the user to remove and
transport these bags to their various sports practices, driving
range or wherever necessary. The bags are made in such a way that
the user can simply insert the objects directly into the bag,
either from the top of the bag or right through the mesh side of
the bag. This should make it easier for both children and adults to
load the bag more easily as it hangs from the unit.
[0040] Another unique functionality of the device is that the top
of the unit features a retractable reel from which the user can
raise and lower the device from the ceiling. This allows it to hang
lower for younger or shorter children. Once loaded, you can raise
the device to remove clutter from the lower floor area.
[0041] The device is built from lightweight material and is
designed to be portable and reusable. It can be hung in the garage,
basement, closet or any other ceiling the user finds appropriate.
The device is designed for use in a home or outside of the home,
including the gym or office where there may also be a need to hold
sports gear.
[0042] It is also understood that while trying to explain the
various uses of this device, it is not limited solely to the
applications that are laid out in this brief description. The
device is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and
carried out in various ways. It is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology stated herein are for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limits to the device.
* * * * *