FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is generally directed to an adjustable tire rack. More specifically, the present adjustable tire rack is configured to support and display truck, car and motorcycle tires, rims and tire/rim combinations having a wide range of diameters and widths.
BACKGROUND
It is not uncommon for owners of trucks and cars to own multiple tire/rim combinations for changing road conditions and show. Tires are available in a number of diameter and widths, so a single tire rack is impractical. In a snowy/icy climate, owners may purchase snow tires that are stored until needed. Car and truck racers may have multiple tire and rim combinations, and may wish to display cherished tires from a significant race victory or racing event. Motorsport enthusiasts may carry multiple tire and rim combinations like matching a pair of shoes and a purse to an outfit. It may be desirable to display the tires/rims in one's garage or other area of the house. It is therefore desirable to provide an adjustable tire rack that fits a wide range of tire widths and diameters for trucks, cars and motorcycles, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing design that showcases the tire/rim combination if so desired.
BRIEF SUMMARY
In one embodiment, an adjustable tire rack is provided. Adjustable tire rack generally comprises a rail member and a first and second adjustable telescoping tire support coupled thereto. The rail member has a raised u-shaped channel running along its length and is configured to be secured to the wall studs of a structure. The first adjustable telescoping tire support has a first c-channel support member and a first adjustable support member. One end of the first adjustable support member is configured to fit within the interior of the first c-channel support member and move in a telescoping manner relative thereto to accommodate various tire widths. The first c-channel support member has a c-channel sized to fit over the raised u-shaped channel and configured to be removably coupled thereto at a plurality of positions along the length to accommodate various tire and/or rim diameters. The second adjustable tire support has a second c-channel support member and a second adjustable support member. One end of the second adjustable support member is configured to fit within the interior of the second c-channel support member and move in a telescoping manner relative thereto to accommodate various tire widths. The second c-channel support member has a c-channel sized to fit over said raised u-shaped channel and configured to be removably coupled thereto at a plurality of positions along the length to accommodate various tire and/or rim diameters.
In another embodiment, the first and second c-channel support members and the first and second adjustable support members are each constructed of square tube material.
In yet another embodiment, a plurality of nuts welded to the underside of the raised u-shaped channel at the location of each of the channel holes.
In still another embodiment, the first and second c-channel support members further comprise a plurality of c-channel mounting holes configured to align with one or more of the plurality of channel holes in the raised u-shaped channel of the rail member.
The foregoing and other features, utilities and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of various embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable tire rack;
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable tire rack of FIG. 1 supporting a passenger car tire;
FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of an adjustable tire rack of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a side view of one embodiment of an adjustable tire rack of FIG. 1 in use;
FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable tire rack of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a rail member used for an adjustable tire rack of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a side view of a rail member used for an adjustable tire rack of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is top perspective view of a first and second c-channel support member and a first and second adjustable support member that together form the first and second adjustable telescoping tire support;
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the first and second c-channel support members illustrating the c-channels;
FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the combination of the rail member and first and second c-channel support members coupled thereto;
FIG. 9A is a close-up side view illustrating the c-channel of a c-channel support member sized to fit over said raised portion of said rail member and configured to be removably coupled thereto;
FIG. 10 is a close-up view of a c-channel support member removably coupled to a rail member; and
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an adjustable tire rack with the first and second adjustable support members in an upturned position to support the rims of a tire/rim combination.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of constructing an adjustable tire rack in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known components or methods have not been described in detail but rather in a general manner in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
It should be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included, if desired, in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that two or more references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” or “an alternative embodiment” or “one example” or “an example” in various portions of this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined as desired in one or more embodiments of the invention. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.
FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an adjustable tire rack 100. Adjustable tire rack 100 is constructed of adjustable components to be mounted to the walls of a garage or showcase room for storing or displaying tires, rims, and/or a plurality of tire/rim combinations in an organized manner off the floor. Adjustable tire rack 100 provides an adjustable tire rack that fits a wide range of tire widths and diameters for trucks, cars and motorcycles, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing design that showcases the tire/rim combination if so desired. Adjustable tire rack 100 also provides a way to maximize a home's available storage space.
The present adjustable tire rack is configured for supporting tire/rim combinations for changing road conditions and showcasing. Tires and rims are available in a number of diameter and widths. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-10, adjustable tire rack 100 is generally comprised of a rail member 105 for mounting to the wall of a structure utilizing rail member fasteners 150 and two adjustable telescoping tire supports 110, 115, each removably coupled to the rail member in any number of positions using c-channel support member fasteners 145, which are configured to support tires, rims and/or tire and rim combinations having any number of diameters and widths. In the illustrated embodiment, each adjustable telescoping tire supports 110, 115 is generally comprised of c-channel support members 130, 135 and adjustable support members 120, 125 respectively. C-channel support members 130, 135 are illustrated as L-shaped. One portion of each of the L-shape of the c-channel support members 130, 135 comprises a c-channel for removably securing the C-channel support members 130, 135 to the rail member 105. In the illustrated embodiment, C-channel support members 130, 135 are removably secured to the rail member 105 using a plurality of c-channel support member fasteners. In one embodiment, the fastener comprises a bolt and the nut is securely welded to the rail member 105. It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any means for connecting c-channel support members 130, 135 to rail member 105 may be utilized. The L-shape of the c-channel support members 130, 135 allows for mounting to a number of positions along the rail member 105 in the x-direction to accommodate the many changing diameters for tires, rims or combinations thereof.
A second portion of the L-shape of the c-channel support members 130, 135 comprises the tube for receiving an end of the adjustable support members 120, 125. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable telescoping tire supports 110, 115 are constructed of square tubing and sized such that the proximal end of adjustable support members 120, 125 fits within the distal end of c-channel support members 130, 135 so as to move in a telescoping manner. Adjustable support members 120, 125 are secured to c-channel support members 130, 135 using a plurality of adjustable support member fasteners 140. The telescoping movement of the adjustable support members 120, 125 with respect to c-channel support members 130, 135 allows flexibility in the y-direction so as to fit a multitude of tire widths. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates the adjustable tire rack of FIG. 1 in operation supporting a tire 101 having a tire diameter measured in the x-direction and a tire width measured in the y-direction.
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the adjustable tire rack 100 of FIG. 1. First adjustable support member 120 telescopes with respect to first c-channel support member 130 to move in the y-direction. In operation, the user determines the correct distance between the rail member 105 and the distal end of the first adjustable support member 120, which is the end that is not inserted into the proximal end of the L-shaped first channel support member 130. The proximal end of the first adjustable support member 120 is inserted into the distal end of the first channel support member 130, moved in a telescoping manner in the y-direction to accommodate the width of the tire and secured thereto at the desired distance using adjustable support member fasteners 140. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates the adjustable tire rack of FIG. 1 in operation supporting a tire 101 having a tire width measured in the y-direction.
FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable tire rack 100 of FIG. 1. First adjustable telescoping tire support 110 is comprised of first c-channel support member 130 and first adjustable support member 120. Second adjustable telescoping tire support 115 is comprised of second c-channel support member 135 and second adjustable support member 125. The c-channels of first and second c-channel support members 130, 135 are configured to slide along the raised u-shaped channel of the mounting rail 105 and be removably coupled in a plurality of positions along the rail member 105 in the x-direction so as to accommodate tires and/or rims having various diameters.
FIG. 6 illustrates a rail member 105 secured to a structure, such as a wall of a garage. In the illustrated embodiment, and shown in greater detail in FIG. 6A, rail member 105 is constructed of a flat piece of steel with a raised u-shaped channel 106 extending along its length. Typically, the u-shaped channel 106 is stamped from a piece of flat stock steel, however, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any number of materials and construction methods may be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Continuing with the illustrated embodiment, rail member 105 comprises a plurality of mounting holes 108 on the flat portions on either side of the raised u-shaped channel 106 for inserting a plurality of rail member fasteners 150 there through to secure the rail member 105 to the structure. Raised u-shaped channel 106 is fitted with a plurality of channel holes 107, configured to line up with corresponding holes on the respective c-channel support members 130, 135 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.
FIG. 7 illustrates the components that fit together to construct the first adjustable telescoping tire support 110 and the second adjustable telescoping tire support 115. As illustrated, first adjustable telescoping tire support 110 is comprised of a first c-channel support member 130 and a first adjustable support member 120. First c-channel support member 130 is shown as L-shaped having a c-channel 131 and a support tube 132. Support tube 132 is typically welded to c-channel 131 at a 90 degree angle. Support tube 132 comprises a plurality of support tube mounting holes 134, which are properly spaced to line up with the first adjustable support member mounting holes 121 of the first adjustable support member 120. C-channel 131 comprises a plurality of c-channel mounting holes 133, which are properly spaced apart to line up with the plurality of channel holes 107 on rail member 105. First adjustable support member 120 is illustrated as square tubing with a 90 degree bend having a plurality of first adjustable support member mounting holes 121 on all four sides, which allows the first adjustable support member 120 to be mounted horizontal as shown in FIG. 1 and vertical as shown in FIG. 11.
Second c-channel support member 135 is shown as L-shaped having a c-channel 136 and a support tube 137. Support tube 137 is typically welded to c-channel 136 at a 90 degree angle. Support tube 137 comprises a plurality of support tube mounting holes 139, which are properly spaced to line up with the second adjustable support member mounting holes 122 of the second adjustable support member 125. C-channel 136 comprises a plurality of c-channel mounting holes 138, which are properly spaced apart to line up with the plurality of u-shaped channel holes 107 on rail member 105. Second adjustable support member 125 is illustrated as square tubing with a 90 degree bend having a plurality of second adjustable support member mounting holes 122 on all four sides, which allows the second adjustable support member 125 to be mounted horizontal as shown in FIG. 7 and vertical as shown in FIG. 11.
FIG. 8 illustrates the first c-channel support member 130 and the second c-channel support member in greater detail. First c-channel support member 130 is again illustrated as L-shaped, having a c-channel 131 and a support tube 132. Second c-channel support member 135 is again illustrated as L-shaped, having a c-channel 136 and a support tube 137. C-channel 131, 136 are typically a stamped piece of flat steel stock to create the shape and size of the c-channel, however, any material and production method may be used.
FIGS. 9 and 9A illustrate the connection between the c-channel 131 of the first c-channel support member 130 and the raised u-shaped channel of the rail member 105. The c-channel 131 is sized to fit over the raised u-shaped portion 106 of the rail member 105 and configured to be removably coupled thereto. In operation, the c-channel 131 of the first c-channel support member 130 will slide along the raised u-shaped portion 106 of the rail member 105, and the user may secure first c-channel support member 130 to the rail member in any one of the positions available by aligning one or more of the plurality of c-channel mounting holes 132 to one or more of the plurality of channel holes 107 so as to accommodate a range of tire diameters.
Similarly, the c-channel 136 is sized to fit over the raised u-shaped portion 106 of the rail member 105 and configured to be removably coupled thereto. In operation, the c-channel 136 of the first c-channel support member 135 will slide along the raised u-shaped portion 106 of the rail member 105, and the user may secure first c-channel support member 135 to the rail member in any one of the positions available by aligning one or more of the plurality of c-channel mounting holes 137 to one or more of the plurality of channel holes 107. FIG. 10 illustrates one example of securing the first c-channel support member 130 to the rail member 105 by removably coupling first channel support member 130 to rail member 105 using c-channel support member fasteners 145. Typically, c-channel support member fasteners 145 are bolts fastened to nuts that are permanently secured to the raised u-shaped channel 106 of rail member 105 by welding or similar securing process or a threaded portion directly in the raised u-shaped channel 106. Second c-channel support member 125 may be secured to the rail member in a similar fashion.
While the methods disclosed herein have been described and shown with reference to particular operations performed in a particular order, it will be understood that these operations may be combined, sub-divided, or re-ordered to form equivalent methods without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, unless specifically indicated herein, the order and grouping of the operations is not a limitation of the present invention.
Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes in the form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Patent Application
20150083673
