DOOR OVERHANG STORAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention broadly comprises a storage system comprising a plurality of rungs serving as hangers or for supporting hanging devices. The rungs are spaced vertically along a pair of elastic cords that are hooked, top and bottom to a rectangular shaped support, such as a door.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a storage system and, more particularly, to a storage system for hanging from a door comprising top and bottom hooks, stretch cords between the hooks and cross supports between the stretch cords.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Storage assemblies are known in the art.

Swiss Patent No. 667380 A5 (Margot Shoop-Berbert) (hereinafter “Swiss system”) discloses a hanging storage system for a front or back of a door such as a closet door. The Swiss system comprises hooks, ropes, springs, conical pins, and cross bars. The hooks attach the system top and bottom to a frame such as a door; the ropes provide attachment for the crossbars and with the springs connect the hooks top to bottom; the conical pins secure the ropes within the hooks and secure the crossbars to the ropes; and the crossbars provide a place from which to hang objects. The spring provides a tension on the ropes, while a set of conical pins is used to adjust the ropes to match door height.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,430 (Ke) discloses a hanging storage system for a front or back of a door such as a closet door. Ke discloses a strap from top to bottom of a door secured by hooks at top and bottom. A single vertical strap or two vertical straps are taught. Each strap can be configured with a set of hooks for hanging items. When two vertical straps are used a pair of hooks may support crossbars or nets. An adjustable buckle on the straps is used to set the length of the straps to match the door height.

While both systems of the art provide an adjustability feature, self adjusting in a user friendly fashion is not provided. For example as the systems in the art are loaded with the weight of hanging objects, the straps or ropes will lengthen even if only slightly as a function of time and load. Thus the pins may require removal and readjustment in the Swiss system or the buckles will require readjustment in the Ke system. The buckles and/or conical pin devices are also somewhat unsightly with adjusting features apparent. Removable parts are also a detriment as they can be lost or misplaced.

What is needed, then, is an aesthetically pleasing storage system for hanging over a door that is simple to install and self adjusting and/or easily modified to meet individual needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly comprises a storage system assembly comprising a plurality of elastic cords, a plurality of hooks for affixing ends of the cords, and, a plurality of rungs attached to at least two of the plurality of elastic cords. The storage system is arranged to be hung over a door, such as a closet door or a door to a room.

In one embodiment, the storage system of the present invention comprises a plurality of hooks, for example, four hooks, two for hooking over the bottom of the frame and two for hooking over the top of the frame. Hooks at top and bottom are held by elastic cords, for example, strung from a hook at the top of the frame to a hook at the bottom of a frame. A preferred embodiment includes a plurality of rungs from which objects to be stored can be hung.

Any rigid frame should suffice. The storage system may be configured to any frame size by matching hook dimensions to frame thickness dimensions. Likewise elastic cords of the storage system, though providing for a range of frame sizes due to the stretching range of the cord, may be made longer or shorter to correspond to any frame height. The elastic strength of the cord can be chosen to correspond to the rigidity of the frame.

The hooks preferably accept stoppers that fix a top or bottom of an elastic cord, to a hook. Preferably the stoppers contain an end of an elastic cord, thus hiding the end of the cord from view. Also preferred is a stopper comprising a lumen with at least a first part having a diameter about that of the elastic cord. More preferably the stopper comprises a second part of the lumen having a larger diameter than the first part. Especially preferred is an embodiment where the second part can hide and hold a widened portion of the elastic cord, while the first narrower part prevents the widened part of the elastic cord from passing through that part of the stopper. While not a preferred embodiment for aesthetic reasons, a single elastic cord could start, for example at a frame top, traverse through a hook or stopper at the frame bottom across to another hook or stopper at the frame bottom with the end in a stopper at the frame top. A stopper for each hook is preferred.

A preferred hook has a u-shape portion that fits over the frame and a circular portion that can hold a stopper. For a frame such as a door, the u-shape portion preferably has a base portion that would correspond to the thickness of a top or bottom of a door. The base of the u-shape potion preferably has two wall portions corresponding to the front and back of the frame, for example, the door. Thus preferably these wall portions are at about 90° angles to the base so that the u-shape portion can be held securely over the frame (door) top or bottom. Preferably the circular portion that can hold the stopper is in a plane approximately parallel to the plane of the u-shape portion base, that is, approximately parallel to the top and/or bottom of the frame. A more preferred embodiment comprises a hook where at least one wall of the u-shape portion has a stabilizer that serves to limit torsion and to spread out force on the frame surface. For example, the wall of the u-shape portion opposite the side with the stopper holding circular portion may have a surface contacting the frame wider than the surface of the other wall of the u-shape portion contacting the other side of the frame.

A preferred embodiment comprises a wire shape hook with a first end on the outer wall corresponding e.g., to an exterior door surface; the first end may be, for example, T-shaped, L-shaped or curved, preferably in a pleasantly appearing or smooth shape, such that the shape or curve forms a plane at a right angle to the base of the u-shape portion and at a right angle to the wall of the u-shape on the first end.

A preferred embodiment with a wire shape hook has the circular portion of the hook at an opposite end from that of the outer wall. Preferably the hook is formed from a wire, coated or uncoated. The hook is preferably formed with an outer stabilizer wall with a maximum width about the length of the base of the u-shape portion; the wire preferably continues from the outer wall through the base of the u-shape portion to the opposite (inner) wall; then the wire preferably continues in a plane at an angle approximately parallel to that of the base of the u-shape portion and terminates in a circular portion in a plane at an angle approximately parallel to that of the base of the u-shape portion. An especially elegant embodiment may have a circular portion at each end of the hook; a circular portion to hold a stopper and a circular portion to contact the frame.

A preferred embodiment comprises a first and a second hook for the top and bottom of the frame, respectively with a third and fourth hook for the top and bottom of the frame, respectively, but spaced laterally from the first and second hooks. In this embodiment, elastic cords strung from the first to the second hook and from the third to the fourth hook serve to hold the hooks to the frame.

A preferred embodiment comprises a plurality of rungs preferably at approximately right angles to the elastic cords. A more preferred embodiment comprises three rungs between two cords.

Preferably each rung is fitted in an end cap at each end, the end cap holding the rung at an approximately right angle to an elastic cord. Especially preferred is an embodiment where the end cap has a lumen through which the elastic cord is situated. Most preferred is an embodiment where the elastic cord has a diameter about that of the end cap lumen with a result that the lumen is filled by the elastic cord. In this most preferred embodiment, the end cap lumen is preferably at an angle about 90° to the rung.

The lumen preferably provides friction fixing the end cap at a selected position on an elastic cord. The lumen can provide friction by having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the elastic cord when it is relaxed. As the cord is stretched the cord will take on a smaller diameter. More preferred is a lumen that may be about the diameter of the elastic cord or perhaps larger, but that is not linear. For example, the lumen may be curved or comprise a plurality of linear segments not in a straight line with one another. For example, the lumen may take on a V, U, ellipsoidal, parabolic or hyperbolic shape. Most preferred is a lumen with a circular curvature, especially a curvature extending about 90°.

A preferred curvature is a curvature where a straight line passing from the outer diameter surface at each opening intersects the inner diameter surface of the lumen. An especially preferred embodiment is one where the straight line is tangent to the inner diameter surface.

A preferred embodiment of an elastic cord has a rubber interior and a protective sheath, more preferably a woven protective sheath. A nylon protective sheath is especially preferred. An especially preferred elastic cord is a bungee cord, for example a cord with an internal rubber elasticity sheathed with a protective coating such as a polyester layer and covered with an outer woven nylon sheathing.

A very preferred embodiment comprises two elastic cords with four ends; three rungs with six ends; six end caps each individually disposed on an end of one of the rungs; four stoppers and four hooks wherein the end caps each have a lumen with a diameter about the diameter of a relaxed elastic cord and the elastic cords fit inside the end cap lumens. Preferably the stoppers have a conical outer shape with a large diameter end and a small diameter end, the large diameter end having a first lumen with a diameter about 2 times a diameter of a second lumen at the small diameter end. In this very preferred embodiment a circular portion of the hook circumscribes an opening with a diameter less than the large diameter, but greater than the small diameter of the stopper, the small diameter being about the diameter of a relaxed elastic cord, for example a bungee cord with the stoppers each fixing an end portion of an elastic cord in a hook.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the invention in view of the several drawings of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention as it might appear installed on a door;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hook suitable for use in the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an end cap suitable for use in the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a stopper with a conical shape suitable for use in the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective fragmentary view of a rung of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective fragmentary view of an elastic cord of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view showing insertion of an elastic cord without a knot through an end cap and a stopper as possible features of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the hook, stopper, knotted cord and end cap section of the present invention; and,

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment for the stopper and end cap of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical or corresponding structural elements of the invention. While the present storage system is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a view of storage system 10 as it might appear when installed on a frame, for example, a door, such as a closet door in a house. As installed, hooks 11 are affixed to the top and bottom of a panel, such as door 22. Hooks 11 preferably have a u-shape with a portion, when installed, on for example, one side of a door, a portion spanning a top or bottom of door 22 and a portion on a second side of door 22. Stopper 12 resides upon installation in hook 11 holding an elastic cord 15 by its end. Two stoppers 12 and two hooks 11 on opposite ends of an elastic cord 15 stretch the elastic cord 15 from near the top to near the bottom of frame 22. End caps 13 are strung on elastic cords 15 supporting ends of runs 14 crossways across the door panel 22. Elastic cords are cords that have a relaxed configuration to which they return after a load is applied and released. Preferably the elastic cords of the present invention will support a load of at least about 35 lbs, more preferably at least about 50, 75, 100 or 125 lbs or more and still return to the relaxed configuration upon release of the load. Elongation is preferably at least about 10% or 20%, more preferably at least about 40%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 120%, 140% or 150% or greater while still retaining ability to return to the relaxed configuration after elongation. The cords may be integral in construction or may comprise several portions, for example, a core portion and a sheath portion.

FIG. 2 shows a preferred embodiment of hook 11 suitable for use in the present invention. Hook 11 attaches storage system 10 to frame 22. As shown here, hook 11 has a u-shaped portion with base 23 and two sides or walls 20 and 24. A hook should be made of a material that retains its shape when challenged with desired loads expected for system 10. A hard metal, such as aluminum or steel would be suitable. Plastics can also be used. A hook may be uniform in construction or may be laminar, for example a metallic core encased in a plastic protective covering. The diameter of hook 11 if made of wire is not critical. A preferred embodiment comprises a wire hook with a diameter between about ¼ and 2 times the width of the elastic cord 15, More preferably about ½ the width of the elastic cord. Preferably base 23 has a length from wall to wall 20 and 24 approximately equal to frame 22 width. For example, base 22 may have a length about 35 mm, e.g., approximately the width of a common door. Wall 20 has a stabilizer at a right angle to a plane formed by base 23 and wall 24 and parallel to wall 24. Thus the stabilizer is capable of fitting flat upon frame 22 such as a door and stabilizing hook 11 on frame 22. Wall 20 is shown here with a circular shape. The shape is not critical. Wall 20 serves to inhibit rotation movement of hook 11 on frame 22. Hook 11 also includes a portion for holding or fixing elastic cord 15. In this embodiment, hook 11 has a circular shape portion 16 in a plane approximately parallel to base 23, i.e., horizontal, so that elastic cords 15 can be stretched vertically between top and bottom hook 11.

FIG. 3 shows end cap 13 with lumen 18. As will be discussed in more detail later, rung 14 and elastic cord 15 will each be disposed within end cap 13. Lumen 18 has an entry port and an exit port such that lumen 18 does not form a straight pipe. For example, the entry and exit ports may be at an angle other than 180° with respect to one another; the ports may for example face out at angles about 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, or 90° with respect to one another or intermediate angles. The angle may be produced for example by V-shaped lumen 18 or curved lumen 18, so that cord 15 resident in lumen 18 is forced to flex as cord 15 is pulled through lumen 18. Cord 15 flexing effect can also be produced by providing a curved lumen or non-straight lumen regardless of whether the exit and entry ports are disposed at an angle to one another.

FIG. 4 shows stopper 12 as an embodiment suitable for use in the present invention. Stopper 12 has a receptacle or lumen 19 from top to bottom. One embodiment of the present invention features stopper 12 fitting into circular portion 16 with an end of elastic cord 15 residing in and fixed within lumen 19. Stopper 19 is shown here as conical, that is having a smoothly tapered shape. The taper need not be a smooth taper but nay be discontinuous, for example stepped. A stepped taper preferably has an outer diameter before the step about the inner diameter of circular portion 16. After the step, the outer diameter of stopper 12 is preferably larger than the inner diameter of circular portion 16, more preferably about the outer diameter of circular portion 16. Preferably the wider part of the lumen has a length between about 1 and 3 times the length of the length of the narrow portion of the lumen; more preferably the length of the wider portion of the lumen is about 1.5 times the length of the length of the narrow portion of the lumen

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of rung 14 suitable for use in the present invention. Rung 14 has two ends 25 the fit within end caps 13. Rung 14 is preferably round, but can be any shape so long as end caps 13 are shaped to fit the rung 14 ends. Rung 14 may be of hollow or solid construction. Preferably rung 14 will be capable of bearing a load in its center at least about two lbs., more preferably at least about 5, 10, 11, 12, 15 or 20 or more lbs. without breaking and more preferably without flexing in a vertical direction more than about 5%, preferably without flexing more than 3 or 2% of the length of rung 14. Alternatively, the flexing can be measured with a distributed load, for example a continuously distribute load, a load spaced at two, three, four or more intervals across rung 14. Materials and form of the materials can be selected to provide the desired strength at a desired weight without flexing rung 14 beyond desired limits. For example, a stiffer plastic or metal rung 14 may be selected; a larger diameter or cross section may be chosen; or a thicker wall of hollow rung 14 may be put in use to provide less flex with greater load. A manufacturer or marketer may choose performance specifications, the materials and form, etc., based on aesthetics, e.g., visual or auditory, cost, weight, durability, etc., as desired.

FIG. 6 shows a preferred embodiment of elastic cord 15. In this embodiment the elastic cord has two ends 27, inner core 26 and sheath 28. Elastic cord 15 need not be sheathed. Sheathing, if present can be single layer or multi layer. For example, an inner sheath of cotton or polyester may be enclosed within an outer sheath, preferably a woven fabric sheath, most preferably a nylon outer sheath. Preferably elastic cord 15 has a diameter about 7 mm. Other embodiments include smaller or larger diameters, for example, about 3.5 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm etc. The diameter as all measures might be expressed in standard units of for example about, ⅛, 3/16, ¼, ⅜, ½ etc., inches.

FIG. 7 shows a view of a corner of an embodiment of a storage system 10 of the present invention. No frame is shown in this drawing. Hook 11 has a stabilizer backing area 20 and a circular portion 16 holding stopper 12. Stopper 12 contains and fixes end 27 of elastic cord 15 in stopper lumen 19. Elastic cord 15 is strung through lumen 18 (not apparent in this drawing) of end cap 13. At a right angle to elastic cord 15 end cap 13 holds and fixes end 25 (not apparent in this drawing) of rung 14. Several rungs 14 may be present strung along cord 15. End cap lumen 18 may be v-shaped or curved. Curved is preferred. A circular curvature is especially preferred. Lumen 18 preferably has a diameter about the same as the outer diameter of elastic cord 15 in a relaxed state. But since the elastic cord when stretched has a diameter smaller than the relaxed diameter, the lumen diameter may be smaller. However, lumen 18 diameter must be large enough to contain elastic cord 15 strung therethrough. The curve or v-shape of lumen 18 provides friction through bending cord 15 thus fixing end cap 13 and rung 14 whose end 25 is fixed inside end cap 13 at a stable location on cord 15. Storage system 10 may include one, two, three, four, five, or more rungs 14 and pairs of end caps 13. End caps 13 and rungs 14 may be self adjusting by stretching elastic cord 15 taught to effect sufficient friction to maintain a stable location, but modification of storage system 10 can be accomplished simply, by releasing friction from end caps 13 for example, by reducing tension on elastic cords 15 and flexing elastic cords 15 to correspond to end cap 13 openings to reduce friction. In some embodiments, friction may be reduced by stretching elastic cords 15, perhaps while also flexing, to reduce elastic cord 15 diameter, thereby reducing friction in lumen 18.

A stable location is a location that remains fixed under normal loads, for example less than about 2 lbs, less than about 5 lbs., less than about 7 lbs., less than about 10 lbs., less than about 11 lbs., less than about 12 lbs., less than about 15 lbs., less than about 20 lbs., less than about 25 lbs., or whatever load the storage system is designed to support on a rack. Designed load will be a factor of the thickness of elastic cord 15, its elongation characteristics under load, strength of hooks 11, stoppers 12, end caps 13 and rungs 14. A tighter curvature or more angled v, or smaller lumen 18 diameter will increase friction and load supported while end cap 13 remains at a stable location. A lumen whose diameter is less than the diameter of a relaxed cord can be used so long as the diameter of the cord when stretched allows the cord to move through the lumen.

FIG. 8 shows a cutaway view of the corner of FIG. 7. Hanger 11 includes circular portion 16 that holds stopper 12. Knot 21 is shown on elastic cord 15 providing a widened portion of cord 15 that prevents cord 15 from sliding out through the narrow end of lumen 19 thus fixing the cord within the lumen. Knot 21 is a simple means to widen cord 15 and is thus preferred, but alternative widening and fixing devices, such as a clamp, a lump of adhesive, a pin through cord 15 would serve the same purpose. Elastic cord 15 then is shown strung though lumen 18 of end cap 13. No rung 14 is shown here, but a receiving cylinder for the rung is apparent.

FIG. 9 is a cross section similar to FIG. 8 showing alternate embodiments of stopper 12 and end cap 13. The embodiment of stopper 12 shown here includes a stepped lumen 19. In this embodiment elastic cord 15 fills lumen 19's narrow portion. Cord 15 is knotted to form thickened area 21 that prevents the end of cord 15 from slipping through the narrow portion of lumen 19. A wide part of lumen 19 contains the end of cord 15 and thickened area 21, obscuring end 27 and thickened area 19 from direct view. From stopper 12 cord 15 exits through the narrow portion of lumen 19 and proceeds through end cap 13. In the embodiment shown, end cap 13 has a curved shape to provide friction against cord 15 inhibiting sliding of cord 15 through lumen 18 of end cap 13.

Thus it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficiently obtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which changes are considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the storage system is easily installed by use of hooks. The storage system of the present invention is also self adjusting upon installation by stretch of the elastic cords. The storage system is easily modified through use of the elastic cords and the shaped lumens in the end caps whereby tension on the elastic cords provides a locking effect within the end caps. Furthermore, an aesthetically pleasing design is provided by the stoppers that both secure and hide from view the ends of the elastic cords.

Claims

1. A storage system assembly comprising: a plurality of elastic cords; a plurality of hooks for affixing ends of said cords; and a plurality of rungs attached to at least two of said plurality of elastic cords.

2. The storage system of claim 1, comprising exactly two elastic cords.

3. The storage system of claim 1, comprising at least three rungs.

4. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising on an end of a rung of said plurality of rungs, an end cap having a lumen with a diameter about the diameter of a relaxed elastic cord.

5. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of stoppers attached to said plurality of elastic cords, said stoppers capable of fixing a cord of said plurality of elastic cords in a hook of said plurality of hooks.

6. The storage system of claim 5, wherein said stoppers each comprise a lumen having a diameter about the diameter of a relaxed elastic cord.

7. The storage system of claim 4, wherein said lumen is at an angle about 90° to the rung.

8. The storage system of claim 4, wherein said lumen is curved.

9. The storage system of claim 4, wherein said lumen has an internal radius with a tangent intersecting the outer radius of curvature.

10. The storage system of claim 8, wherein said curved lumen comprises an arc about 90°.

11. The storage system of claim 8, wherein said lumen has an internal radius of curvature about 20 mm and an external radius of curvature about 25 mm.

12. The storage system of claim 4, wherein walls of said lumen have a thickness about 4.5 mm.

13. The storage system of claim 6, wherein a first and a second stopper fit on a first and a second terminal portion of said elastic cord, each stopper thereby fixing the two terminal portions in a respective hook.

14. The storage system of claim 1, wherein a rung has a diameter about 16 mm.

15. The storage system of claim 1, wherein a rung has a length about 470 mm.

16. The storage system of claim 13, wherein said first and second stopper have a lumen with a diameter about 7 mm.

17. The storage system of claim 13, wherein said first and second stopper have a conical shape with a large diameter end and a small diameter end, said large diameter end having a first lumen with a diameter about 2 times a diameter of a second lumen at the small diameter end.

18. The storage system of claim 17, wherein a depth of said first lumen is about one and one half a depth of said second lumen.

19. The storage system of claim 18, wherein a depth of said first lumen is about a diameter or said first lumen.

20. The storage system of claim 17, wherein said second lumen has a diameter about the diameter of an elastic cord of said plurality of elastic cords.

21. The storage system of claim 17, wherein said first lumen hides from view an end on one of the plurality of elastic cords.

22. The storage system of claim 1, wherein a hook has a u-shape portion and a circular portion, the u-shape portion having a base portion formed by about 90° angles with two wall portions of said u-shape portion, said circular portion in a plane approximately parallel to the plane of the u-shape portion base.

23. The storage system of claim 22, wherein a first wall of said u-shape portion has a stabilizer in a first plane at a right angle to a plane formed by a second wall of said u-shape portion and parallel to said second wall of said u-shape portion, said stabilizer having a maximum width about 1 to 1.5 times a length of said base.

24. The storage system of claim 22, wherein said circular portion circumscribes an opening with a diameter greater than about twice the diameter of a relaxed elastic cord.

25. The storage system of claim 22, wherein said hook is formed of stiff wire.

26. The storage system of claim 25, wherein said stiff wire has a diameter about one half the diameter of a relaxed elastic cord.

27. The storage system of claim 25 wherein said stiff wire has a diameter about 4 mm.

28. The storage system of claim 1 wherein an elastic cord of said plurality of elastic cords has a relaxed diameter about 7 mm.

29. The storage system of claim 17, wherein each an end of one of the plurality of elastic cords is knotted to form a knot, said knot having a diameter greater than said second lumen diameter, said knot fitting inside said first lumen.

30. The storage system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of elastic cords each have a rubber interior and a woven fabric coating.

31. The storage system of claim 30, wherein an elastic cord of said plurality of elastic cords is a bungee cord.

32. The storage system of claim 2, comprising two elastic cords with four ends; three rungs with six ends; six end caps individually disposed on an end of the rungs; four stoppers and four hooks each having a u-shape portion and a circular portion, the u-shape portion having a base portion formed by about 90° angles with two wall portions of said u-shape portion, said circular portion in a plane approximately parallel to the plane of the u-shape portion base;