The present invention relates to flexible storage devices for interconnection to a wall or a ceiling of a structure, and which utilizes a novel attachment system. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is adapted for interconnection between two adjacent wall studs, thus utilizing the space therebetween, while an alternate embodiment of the present invention is adapted for interconnection to ceiling joists or rafters to provide storage locations.
Storage devices are commonly used to secure items such as garden equipment and other household items. One drawback of common storage devices is that they often take up much needed floor space.
A storage area that is sometimes used is the space between two adjacent wall studs, wherein items are stacked therebetween and perhaps leaned against a stud. However, these items may fall forward or become disorganized because they are not sufficiently constrained.
Individuals sometimes utilize the space above or between horizontal beams of a rafter for storage. Often, this is achieved by adding horizontal panels between the beams to provide a storage location or by spanning longer items from one beam to an adjacent beam. One drawback to this storage method is that the items may become dislodged and fall, possibly injuring bystanders or damaging property thereunder.
Other types of flexible storage mechanisms have previously been used for holding hand tools, and which are adapted for removable interconnection to pegboard or other materials with nails or screws, but do not provide any means for operably interconnecting two or more flexible panels in series in either a vertical or horizontal orientation.
Thus, it is a long felt need in the field of item storage to provide a device that is adapted for interconnection to a vertical or horizontal surface and which utilizes generally unused space and which can be interconnected in multiple parts with commonly known hardware. The following disclosure describes a plurality of flexible storage devices that are adapted for interconnection to a vertical or horizontal surface, generally between wall studs or rafter beams, to utilize the space therebetween.
Thus, it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that is adapted for interconnection to adjacent wall studs, thus efficiently utilizing the space therebetween. Alternatively, a storage device is provided that is adapted for interconnection to the horizontal beams of rafters utilizing the space therebetween. One embodiment of the present invention is employed in unfinished basements or garages, wherein the unit may be installed flush with respect to adjacent wall studs or rafter beams. Thus, it is contemplated that the invention efficiently utilizes the space between wall studs or ceiling rafters that is often filled with insulation, conduits, wires, or otherwise unused.
It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that is selectively accessible. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention employs zippers, hook and loop fasteners, such as velcro, snaps, clasps, latches, etc. to allow for selective opening of the compartments. One embodiment of the present invention employs a door section that provides access to the interior of the storage device. This door may also include a plurality of compartments as mentioned above. An alternate embodiment of the present invention is selectively accessible to accommodate larger items, such as skis or garden tools wherein large items are inserted without having to lift them into an upper opening of some compartments.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that is adapted to efficiently drain fluids, thus ensuring that the items stored therein are less likely to corrode. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention employs compartments with a plurality of drainage holes wherein fluid drains safely away from any items prone to rust, such as garden tools or skis.
It is yet another aspect of present invention to provide a storage device that is comprised of a compliant material, a rigid material, or a combination thereof. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is constructed of a compliant material that allows for expansion. Alternatively, another embodiment of the present invention may be constructed of a rigid material to provide increased strength or protection to the contents stored therein. However, it is contemplated that the storage device may be constructed of a combination of rigid and compliant materials to allow for expansion of some compartments while providing some rigidity and increased protection to the remaining compartments. It is a related aspect of the present invention to provide storage compartments constructed of a transparent or semitransparent material, such as clear plastic or mesh, to thus allow selective viewing of the contents stored therein.
It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that is easily interconnected to a vertical or horizontal surface. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is adapted for interconnection between adjacent wall studs on the front surface or side surfaces thereof, generally with grommets that receive fasteners such as bolts, nails, screws, ropes, straps, clasps, latches, hook and loop fasteners, etc., that are interconnected to the studs. Generally, any other fastening methods may be used without departing from the scope of this invention. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, hooks may be selectively interconnected to rafters or ceiling joists to provide locations for grommets, straps, ropes, or other devices to be interconnected thereto.
Further, in another aspect of the present invention a novel interconnection mechanism is provided, wherein a plurality of flexible storage devices may be interconnected in series in either a vertical or horizontal orientation (or both), and which utilize the same attachment hardware in the corners. In one embodiment, the flexible storage devices are designed wherein the border materials overlap when multiple storage devices are interconnected at the corners, thus allowing the use of a plurality of storage devices in a given wall and utilize the same attachment hardware.
It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that is easily transported. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is adapted to fold upon itself to facilitate transportation. Some embodiments of the present invention are also equipped with at least one handle. This embodiment of the present invention allows for the storage device to be removed and perhaps folded to be easily carried to a work location. A related embodiment of the present invention additionally employs wheels that allow for the storage device to be more easily transported once removed from its hanging location. Alternatively, a detachable belt may be provided to allow the flexible storage device to be selectively interconnected to a user's waist.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that may be easily transitioned from a first horizontal location to a second horizontal location. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is adapted for selective interconnection to at least one pulley that is in turn interconnected to the ceiling of a structure such that the entire storage device may be stored in generally unused spaces and lowered when needed to provide access thereto.
It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that employs only one support fixture, thus providing increased hanging options. More specifically, some embodiments of the present invention employ only one grommet for interconnection to a single nail, for example, while other embodiments employ attachment hardware on each corner, and which are operably interconnectable to other storage devices.
It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a ceiling storage device that may be selectively lowered to gain access therein. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is operably interconnected to the ceiling, rafter beam, or joint, wherein a portion thereof is capable of cowering, thus providing increased access thereto. This embodiment, and similar embodiments provide movable storage devices that allow for quick and easy access to the contents therein, but maintain the head room inside the structure when not in use.
It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that transitions from a first location to a second location and that is also adapted for interconnection to an automobile. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention transitions, as described above, from a low level such as the garage floor to a higher level, such as the space between the garage rafters for storage. When the items are required, the storage device is then lowered as described above. However, in this embodiment, means are provided for selective interconnection to the roof, hood, or bed of an automobile, such that an automobile may be positioned under the storage container prior to lowering.
It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that a plurality of compartments which can be selectively removed and attached to another device. For example, one embodiment of the present invention employs compartments that selectively disconnect and that are adapted for selective interconnection to a workmen's belt, for example.
It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that employs a plurality of hooks, loops, etc. for securing tools. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention employs a plurality of loops that are adapted to receive and secure tools. Alternatively, another aspect of the present invention utilizes a rigid wire or other metallic material that supports a shelf for holding heavy items. Preferably the rigid wire is hingedly interconnected to the support device to allow the shelf to be folded inwardly for storage purposes when not in use.
It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that is adapted to be self-standing. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is a foldable structure, wherein the device is self-supporting. This embodiment of the present invention may also be equipped with handles or other means to facilitate transportation when folded.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that utilizes magnets, wherein the device can be remarkably interconnected to a metallic object such as a toolbox, refrigeration, etc.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that selectively expands. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is adapted to expand similar to a bellows to accommodate and cover items of various shapes and sizes.
It is another aspect of the present invention to provide certain storage pockets which have a transparent front faces, wherein the specific tools or items positioned therein can be clearly seen. Alternatively, mesh materials may also be utilized.
It is still yet another aspect of the present invention that it is cost effective to manufacture. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is constructed of commonly used material such as plastics, nylon, cloth, polyvinylchloride (PVC), etc. In addition, many embodiments of the present invention employ zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, latches, hooks, wire stiffeners, eyelets, grommets, clasps, straps, ropes, etc., that are commonly known in the art. Thus the cost of manufacturing any one of the disclosed embodiments will not be prohibitive.
Thus, it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device comprising: a substantially flexible panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, and lateral edges positioned therebetween;
The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these embodiments.
To assist in the understanding of the drawings and invention(s) described herein, the following is a list of components and numbering generally used throughout the drawings:
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
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While various embodiment of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/540,608, 60/625,635, 60/592,030 and 60/625,520, filed Jan. 29, 2004, Nov. 4, 2004, Jul. 28, 2004 and Nov. 4, 2004, respectively, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. In addition, this application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. Nos. 29/210,911, 29/210,912, 29/214,597, 29/214,573, 29/215,536, 29/217,498, 29/217,480, and 29/217,507 filed Aug. 5, 2004, Aug. 5, 2004, Oct. 5, 2004, Oct. 5, 2004, Oct. 19, 2004, Nov. 17, 2004, Nov. 17, 2004, and Nov. 17, 2004, respectively, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. Finally, this application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Design patent applications filed on Jan. 10, 2005 that have yet to receive a serial number, but are identified by attorney file numbers 2417-614 and 2417-618, express mail receipt nos. EV539130858 and EV539130929, respectively, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60540608 | Jan 2004 | US | |
60625635 | Nov 2004 | US | |
60592030 | Jul 2004 | US | |
60625520 | Nov 2004 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 29210911 | Aug 2004 | US |
Child | 11046520 | Jan 2005 | US |
Parent | 29210912 | Aug 2004 | US |
Child | 11046520 | Jan 2005 | US |
Parent | 29214597 | Oct 2004 | US |
Child | 11046520 | Jan 2005 | US |
Parent | 29214573 | Oct 2004 | US |
Child | 11046520 | Jan 2005 | US |
Parent | 29215536 | Oct 2004 | US |
Child | 11046520 | Jan 2005 | US |
Parent | 29217498 | Nov 2004 | US |
Child | 11046520 | Jan 2005 | US |
Parent | 29217480 | Nov 2004 | US |
Child | 11046520 | Jan 2005 | US |
Parent | 29217507 | Nov 2004 | US |
Child | 11046520 | Jan 2005 | US |
Parent | 29221083 | Jan 2005 | US |
Child | 11046520 | Jan 2005 | US |
Parent | 29221070 | Jan 2005 | US |
Child | 11046520 | Jan 2005 | US |