U.S. patent application number 15/446068 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-07 for police and military equipment rack.
The applicant listed for this patent is Title Ten Manufacturing. Invention is credited to Robert Moore.
Application Number | 20170251854 15/446068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59722463 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170251854 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moore; Robert |
September 7, 2017 |
POLICE AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT RACK
Abstract
An equipment stand for storing police and/or military clothing
and equipment may include a base; at least one upright extending
upward from the base; a belt hanger supported by the upright and
effective for holding an equipment belt; a vest hanger supported by
the upright and effective for holding an equipment vest; a tray
supported by the upright and effective for holding miscellaneous
objects that do not need to be secured; and a lock box supported by
the upright and effective for holding miscellaneous objects that
may need to be secured. The stand may include an upright extension
for holding one or more clothing hangers. The stand may be
freestanding, or may be used without the base when mounted to a
wall.
Inventors: |
Moore; Robert; (New Castle,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Title Ten Manufacturing |
New Castle |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59722463 |
Appl. No.: |
15/446068 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62301794 |
Mar 1, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 61/003 20130101;
A47B 81/005 20130101; F16M 2200/08 20130101; F16M 11/22 20130101;
F16M 13/02 20130101; A47G 25/0671 20130101; E05G 1/005
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 25/06 20060101
A47G025/06; A47B 61/00 20060101 A47B061/00; E05G 1/00 20060101
E05G001/00; A47G 25/74 20060101 A47G025/74; F16M 13/02 20060101
F16M013/02; F16M 11/22 20060101 F16M011/22; A47G 29/08 20060101
A47G029/08 |
Claims
1. An equipment stand comprising: a base; at least one upright
extending upward from the base and having a lower end portion, a
central portion, and an upper end portion; a belt hanger supported
by at least one of said uprights and effective for holding an
equipment belt; a vest hanger supported by at least one of said
uprights and effective for holding an equipment vest; a tray
supported by at least one of said uprights and effective for
holding miscellaneous objects that do not need to be secured; and a
lock box supported by at least one of said uprights and effective
for holding miscellaneous objects that may need to be secured.
2. The equipment of claim 1 wherein said upright includes a lower
portion extending between the base and the tray, and an upper
portion extending upward beyond the tray and having a lateral
portion effective for holding one or more clothing hangers.
3. The equipment rack of claim 1 wherein said belt hanger comprises
a rod extending laterally from said upright in a first direction,
and a belt-supporting member supported by said rod.
4. The equipment rack of claim 3 wherein said belt-supporting
member comprises a convex surface with a length of at least four
inches and a width of at least four inches, and a sidewall member
extending outward from at least one side of the convex surface.
5. The equipment rack of claim 1 wherein said vest hanger comprises
a T-shaped rod extending laterally from said upright in a second
direction, and a pair of vest-supporting members supported by said
T-shaped rod.
6. The equipment rack of claim 5 wherein each of said pair of
vest-supporting members comprises a convex surface with a length of
at least four inches and a width of at least six inches.
7. An equipment rack comprising: a first equipment storage level
comprising a belt hanger and a vest hanger; a second equipment
storage level comprising a tray effective for holding miscellaneous
objects that do not need to be secured and a lock box effective for
holding miscellaneous objects that may need to be secured; and at
least one upright extending between said first equipment storage
level and said second equipment storage level; wherein said at
least one upright includes mounting means adapted to facilitate
mounting the equipment rack to a wall.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to valet stands for
clothing, and more particularly to a stand for organizing and
storing the clothing, equipment, and accessory items used by
military and/or law enforcement personnel.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Law enforcement and military personnel typically have
multiple uniform and equipment pieces that must be kept organized
for quick access. Some of the equipment may need to be kept
securely.
[0003] A variety of clothing valet stands and equipment storage
racks are known. These prior art stands are not effective for
providing sturdy, secure, and efficient storage of the various
uniform and equipment pieces that police and military personnel
commonly use.
[0004] A need therefore exists for an improved uniform and
equipment stand for police and military personnel. The present
invention addresses that need.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 shows an equipment rack according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 shows an equipment rack according to one embodiment
of present invention.
[0007] FIG. 3 shows a portion of an equipment rack according to one
embodiment of present invention.
[0008] FIG. 4 shows an equipment rack according to one embodiment
of present invention.
[0009] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of certain portions of an
equipment rack according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 6 shows a partially-exploded view of an equipment rack
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 7 shows an equipment rack according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 8 shows a lockbox effective for holding miscellaneous
objects that may need to be secured, according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 9 shows an equipment rack according to another
embodiment of the present invention, showing a belt, vest, and
other equipment being stored on the rack.
[0014] FIG. 10 shows an equipment rack according to another
embodiment of the present invention, showing a belt, vest, and
other equipment being stored on the rack.
[0015] FIG. 11A shows an equipment rack according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIGS. 11B and 11C show the equipment rack of FIG. 11A, with
a belt, vest, and other equipment being stored on the rack.
[0017] FIG. 12 shows an upright extension, or shepherd's hook, used
in another embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIGS. 13A and 13B show an equipment rack according to
another embodiment of the present invention, showing an upright
extension, or shepherd's hook, positioned to support a clothing
hanger and clothing.
[0019] FIG. 14 shows an equipment rack according to another
embodiment of the present invention, with the rack being mounted to
a wall.
[0020] FIG. 15 shows an equipment rack according to one embodiment
of present invention, showing the layout and certain dimensions of
that embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 16 shows an equipment rack according to one embodiment
of present invention, showing the layout and certain dimensions of
that embodiment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In one aspect of the present invention there is provided an
equipment stand for storing police and/or military clothing and
equipment. One embodiment of the stand comprises: a base; at least
one upright extending upward from the base and having a lower end
portion, a central portion, and an upper end portion; a belt hanger
supported by at least one of said uprights and effective for
holding an equipment belt; a vest hanger supported by at least one
of said uprights and effective for holding an equipment vest; a
tray supported by at least one of said uprights and effective for
holding miscellaneous objects that do not need to be secured; and a
lock box supported by at least one of said uprights and effective
for holding miscellaneous objects that may need to be secured.
[0023] The upright may include a lower portion extending between
the base and the tray, and an upper portion extending upward beyond
the tray and having a lateral portion effective for holding one or
more clothing hangers.
[0024] The belt hanger may comprise a rod extending laterally from
said upright in a first direction, and a belt-supporting member
supported by said rod.
[0025] The belt-supporting member may comprise a convex surface
with a length of at least four inches and a width of at least four
inches, and a sidewall member extending outward from at least one
side of the convex surface.
[0026] The vest hanger may comprise a T-shaped rod extending
laterally from said upright in a second direction, and a pair of
vest-supporting members supported by said T-shaped rod.
[0027] Each of the pair of vest-supporting members may comprise
comprises a convex surface with a length of at least four inches
and a width of at least six inches.
[0028] In another embodiment the equipment rack comprises: a first
equipment storage level comprising a belt hanger and a vest hanger;
a second equipment storage level comprising a tray effective for
holding miscellaneous objects that do not need to be secured and a
lock box effective for holding miscellaneous objects that may need
to be secured; and at least one upright extending between said
first equipment storage level and said second equipment storage
level; wherein said at least one upright includes mounting means
adapted to facilitate mounting the equipment rack to a wall.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles of the invention, reference will now be made to certain
embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the
same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the
scope of the invention is thereby intended, with such alterations
and modifications to the illustrated device being contemplated as
would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the
invention relates.
[0030] The present invention relates to an equipment rack for
organizing and storing clothing, equipment, and accessory items,
and more particularly to a rack for organizing and storing the
clothing, equipment, and accessory items used by military and/or
law enforcement personnel. The rack stores the clothing, equipment,
and accessories in a manner consistent with the manner in which the
items are usually donned and/or removed.
[0031] One preferred embodiment the equipment rack of the present
invention comprises a base, an upright, a vest hanger for holding
an equipment vest, a belt hanger for holding an equipment belt, a
tray for holding miscellaneous objects that do not need to be
secured, and a lock box for holding miscellaneous objects that may
need to be secured. A hat or helmet holder may also be
included.
[0032] 1. The Belt Hanger.
[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present invention include a
belt hanger. As shown in the drawings, the belt hanger may be
connected to one or more uprights.
[0034] The belt hanger may comprise a rod extending laterally from
an upright, and a belt-supporting member. The belt-supporting
member may comprise a convex surface with a length and a width. The
convex surface has two edges that are linear (straight and flat),
and two edges that are curved (curbed downward to provide the
convex shape). The distance between the two curved edges defines
the width of the surface. The distance over the curved surface
between the two linear surfaces defines the length of the surface.
The length is preferably at least four inches, and the width is
also preferably at least four inches.
[0035] In some embodiments the belt-supporting member comprises an
upper convex surface and a lower concave surface. The upper convex
surface contacts the belt being supported on the hanger, and the
lower concave surface does not contact the belt being supported on
the hanger.
[0036] In some embodiments the belt-supporting member comprises an
upper convex surface and a lower flat surface. The upper convex
surface contacts the belt being supported on the hanger, and the
lower flat surface does not contact the belt being supported on the
hanger.
[0037] The belt-supporting member preferably is not a rod. In
embodiments where the belt-supporting member is a rod, the rod
preferably has a diameter of at least four inches.
[0038] One or more sidewall members may extend outward (upward)
along at least one side of the convex surface, and preferably
extends outward/upward along both sides of the convex surface. The
sidewall member(s) preferably extends 1/4'' to 1'', and most
preferably about W, from the convex surface. The sidewall members
keep a belt draped over the belt-hanger from sliding sideways off
the convex surface.
[0039] The belt-contacting surface of the belt hanger is sized and
shaped to allow an equipment belt to hang on the rack in a manner
similar to the way that the belt would be on a person's body. This
ergonomic shape helps keep the belt to maintain a good
condition.
[0040] The belt-contacting surface of the belt hanger may be made
of a nonslip material or may have a nonslip coating. The nonslip
surface helps keep the belt properly positioned on the belt hanger,
and thus reduces wear.
[0041] The curvature or the belt hanger, along with the nonslip
coating, allows the equipment to hang as it does on the body
preventing distortion, warping or damage compared to traditional
hangers and valets.
[0042] 2. The Vest Hanger.
[0043] Preferred embodiments of the present invention include a
vest hanger. As shown in the drawings, the vest hanger may comprise
a T-shaped rod extending laterally from an upright. The vest hanger
may also comprise a pair of vest-supporting members supported by
the T-shaped rod.
[0044] Each of the pair of vest-supporting members may comprise a
convex surface. The convex surface of each vest-supporting member
has two edges that are linear (straight and flat), and two edges
that are curved (curbed downward to provide the convex shape). The
distance between the two curved edges defines the width of the
surface. The distance over the curved surface between the two
linear surfaces defines the length of the surface. The length of
each of the pair of vest-supporting members is preferably at least
four inches. The width of each of the pair of vest-supporting
members is preferably at least six inches.
[0045] In some embodiments the vest-supporting member comprises an
upper convex surface and a lower concave surface. The upper convex
surface contacts the vest being supported on the hanger, and the
lower concave surface does not contact the vest being supported on
the hanger.
[0046] In some embodiments the vest-supporting member comprises an
upper convex surface and a lower flat surface. The upper convex
surface contacts the vest being supported on the hanger, and the
lower flat surface does not contact the vest being supported on the
hanger.
[0047] The vest-supporting member preferably is not a rod. In
embodiments where the vest-supporting member is a rod, the rod
preferably has a diameter of at least four inches.
[0048] The vest-contacting surface of the vest hanger is sized and
shaped to allow a vest to hang on the rack as it does on a person's
body. This ergonomic shape helps keep the vest to maintain a good
condition.
[0049] The vest-contacting surface of the vest hanger may be made
of a nonslip material or may have a nonslip coating. The nonslip
surface helps keep the vest properly positioned on the vest hanger,
and thus reduces wear.
[0050] The curvature or the vest hanger, along with the nonslip
coating, allows the equipment to hang as it does on the body
preventing distortion, warping or damage compared to traditional
hangers and valets.
[0051] 3. The Storage Tray.
[0052] Preferred embodiments of the present invention include a
storage tray. As shown in the drawings, the storage tray is
effective for storing holding miscellaneous objects, like radios,
phones, etc., that do not need to be secured.
[0053] The storage tray preferably comprises a generally flat,
rectangular storage area, and sidewalls effective to retain small
objects on the tray. In some embodiments the storage tray has a
length of 6'' to 12'' and a width of 12'' to 18''.
[0054] 4. The Lock Box.
[0055] Preferred embodiments of the present invention also include
a lock box. As shown in the drawings, the lock box is effective for
storing holding miscellaneous objects, like handguns, etc., that
not need to be secured in a locked environment.
[0056] The lock box preferably comprises a generally rectangular,
box-shaped storage area, and sidewalls effective to retain small
objects on the tray. In some embodiments the lock box has a length
of 6'' to 12'', a width of 12'' to 18'', and a depth of 3'' to 6''.
A combination lock or a keyed lock may be used.
[0057] 5. The Shepherd's Hook Extension.
[0058] Some embodiments of the present invention include an
extension at the top of the stand to hold clothing hangers for
hanging shirts, etc. The upper extension is referred to herein as a
"Shepherd's Hook" extension because in some embodiments the
extension may have the look of a shepherd's hook.
[0059] The Shepherd's hook extension may be made integral to the
primary upright system, or it may be attached to the lower upright
portion as an extension to the primary upright. In general terms
though, the upright preferably includes a lower portion extending
between the base and the tray, and an upper portion extending
upward beyond the tray and having a lateral portion effective for
holding one or more clothing hangers.
[0060] 6. The Base-Supported Stand.
[0061] Some embodiments of the present invention are free-standing
units supported by a base. Such units typically have at least one
upright extending upward from the base, with the upright having a
lower end portion, a central portion, and an upper end portion. The
belt hanger is supported by the upright(s) at a first level, and
the vest hanger is supported by the upright(s) at a second level
which may be the same as the first level. The storage tray is
supported by the upright(s) at a third level, and the lock box is
supported by the upright(s) at a fourth level which may be the same
as the third level.
[0062] 7. The Wall-Mounted Unit.
[0063] In another embodiment the equipment rack comprises a first
equipment storage level comprising a belt hanger and a vest hanger;
and a second equipment storage level comprising a tray effective
for holding miscellaneous objects that do not need to be secured
and a lock box effective for holding miscellaneous objects that may
need to be secured. At least one upright extends between the first
equipment storage level and said second equipment storage level.
The upright includes mounting means adapted to facilitate mounting
the equipment rack to a wall.
[0064] 8. The Embodiments Illustrated by the Drawings.
[0065] Referring now to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of an
equipment rack is shown for organizing and storing a variety of
clothing items and accessory items of the type commonly worn and
used by law enforcement personnel, emergency personnel, and the
like. The rack includes a base comprising base members 1 and 2, an
upright 3, a vest hanger comprising T-shaped rod 5 and a pair of
vest-supporting members 7 for holding an equipment vest, a belt
hanger comprising rod 4 extending laterally from upright 3, and a
belt-supporting member comprising convex surface 6.1, first side
sidewall member 6.2, and second sidewall member 6.3. The
illustrated rack also includes a tray 9 for holding miscellaneous
objects that do not need to be secured, and a lock box 10 for
holding miscellaneous objects that may need to be secured. Support
arm 8 supports one or both of the tray 9 and the lock box 10.
[0066] FIG. 2 shows an equipment rack according to one embodiment
of present invention, showing the layout and certain dimensions of
that embodiment.
[0067] FIG. 3 shows a portion of an equipment rack according to one
embodiment of present invention, showing the layout and certain
dimensions of that portion.
[0068] FIG. 4 shows an equipment rack according to one embodiment
of present invention, showing the layout and certain dimensions of
that embodiment.
[0069] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of certain portions of the
equipment rack of FIG. 1. Similar reference numbers refer to
similar parts of the rack.
[0070] FIG. 6 shows another, partially-exploded view of the
equipment rack of FIG. 1.
[0071] FIG. 7 shows an equipment rack according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 8 shows a lockbox effective for holding miscellaneous
objects that may need to be secured, according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 9 shows an equipment rack according to another
embodiment of the present invention, showing a belt, vest, and
other equipment being stored on the rack.
[0074] FIG. 10 shows an equipment rack according to another
embodiment of the present invention, showing a belt, vest, and
other equipment being stored on the rack.
[0075] FIG. 11A shows an equipment rack according to another
embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated equipment rack
is effective for organizing and storing a variety of clothing items
and accessory items of the type commonly worn and used by military
personnel and the like. The rack includes a base, an upright, a
vest hanger for holding an equipment vest, and a helmet holder for
holding a military helmet.
[0076] FIGS. 11B and 11C show the equipment rack of FIG. 11A, with
a belt, vest, helmet, and other equipment being stored on the
rack.
[0077] FIG. 12 shows an upright extension, or shepherd's hook, used
in another embodiment of the present invention. Upright extension
120 comprises upright member 121, lower connection member 122, and
upper hanger support 123. Lower connection member 122 comprises
plate 122a and gripping members 122b. A brace 122c may be included
to brace lower connection member 122 against upright 121. Upper
hanger support 123 comprises horizontal hanger support 123a and
upturned end 123b to keep hangers from sliding from the hanger.
[0078] FIGS. 13A and 13B show an equipment rack according to
another embodiment of the present invention, showing an upright
extension, or shepherd's hook, positioned to support a clothing
hanger and clothing.
[0079] FIG. 14 shows an equipment rack according to another
embodiment of the present invention, with the rack being mounted to
a wall. Equipment rack 140 comprises first equipment storage level
141 and second equipment level 142. First equipment level 141
comprises belt hanger 143 and vest hanger 144. Second equipment
storage level 142 comprises tray 145 effective for holding
miscellaneous objects that do not need to be secured, and lock box
146 effective for holding miscellaneous objects that may need to be
secured. Rack 140 also includes at least one upright 147 extending
between first equipment storage level 141 and second equipment
storage level 142. Upright 147 includes mounting means adapted to
facilitate mounting the equipment rack to a wall. For example, the
mounting means may be holes in upright 147 adapted to receive
bolts.
[0080] FIG. 15 shows an equipment rack according to one embodiment
of present invention, showing the layout and certain dimensions of
that embodiment.
[0081] FIG. 16 shows an equipment rack according to one embodiment
of present invention, showing the layout and certain dimensions of
that embodiment.
[0082] The equipment racks of the present invention are preferably
100% steel construction, and are sturdy enough to support the heavy
equipment typically used by military and/or police personnel. The
base provides a wide stance to prevent knock-over.
[0083] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only certain preferred embodiments have been
shown and described, and that all changes and modifications that
come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be
protected.
[0084] Additionally, it is to be appreciated that the present
invention may comprise or consist essentially of any or all of the
described or illustrated elements. Further, any or all of the
features, elements, and/or embodiments disclosed herein may be
combined with any or all of the other features, elements, and/or
embodiments disclosed herein to provide an invention that comprises
or consists essentially of such features, elements, and/or
embodiments.
[0085] The grammatical device "and/or" (such as in "A and/or B") is
used in this disclosure to mean A alone, or B alone, or both A and
B.
* * * * *