GB2338183A

GB2338183A - Storage facility

Info

Publication number: GB2338183A
Application number: GB9911870A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John James Ahern
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-05-23
Filing date: 1999-05-24
Publication date: 1999-12-15
Anticipated expiration: 2019-05-24
Also published as: GB9811086D0; GB9911870D0; GB2338183B

Abstract

A method for providing a storage facility in a building using an extendable elongate member which is extended between and attached to upright support structures of the building. In a preferred embodiment, the member includes three sub members which are interconnected in axial alignment and extension is achieved by relative telescopic movement of the sub members.

Description

C 2338183 -1STOBAGE. FACILITY This invention relates to the provision of a

storage facility in a building, particularly, but not exclusively, a building having an upper free space above a working area, such as a garage or shed.

In a building such as a garage or shed, articles are often stored overhead, for example, by suspension from hooks attached to the roof structure.

However, hooks are not suited to providing an extensive storage facility which is easily accessible and convenient to use and in particular which is suitable for storing large or lengthy articles such as ladders, etc.

Further, hooks and other known kinds of makeshift overhead storage arrangements maybe difficult or inconvenient to install.

An object of the present invention is to provide an easy to install overhead storage facility which can have an extensive and convenient to use storage capability.

According to one aspect the invention provides a method of providing a storage facility in a building using one or more extendable elongate members, the method comprising the steps of extending the (or each) elongate member between spaced apart upright support structures until opposite end portions of such elongate members respectively fit against or are in close proximity to the said support structures, and attaching the said end portions of the elongate member to the respective said upright support structures. - In a further aspect, the invention provides a storage facility in a building comprising one or more extendable elongate members extended between two spaced apart upright support structures, opposite end portions of the or each elongate member being attached respectively in abutment with or in close proximity to said upright support structures.

With this arrangement, an overhead storage facility can be provided utilising the upper space of the building in a particularly simple and convenient manner.

Prior to installation the or each elongate member may be in a retracted or other pre-extended condition which is convenient for the purposes of storage, transport and handling.

Since the elongate member, when installed, straddles the support structures, which may for example be opposed walls of the building, an extensive support surface is provided, along the elongate member, to provide wide ranging storage possibilities. When two or more elongate members are used there is also the possibility of storing articles between spaced such members, which may be particularly suited to the storage of lengthy articles such as ladders.

insofar as the (or each) member is installed overhead in a exposed, -3 accessible manner, the storage facility can be particularly simple and convenient to use.

As the elongate member is extendable and thereby adjustable in length, it may be installed in buildings of different dimensions. There is therefore no need for precise measurement of the building prior to installing the device as the elongate member may be extended or contracted to suit the dimensions (distance between spaced apart support structures) of the building.

Any number of elongate members may be used. For instance a single elongate member may be used to provide an overhead device for hanging articles therefrom or to provide a storage facility in combination with an existing spaced apart shelf or]edge or other structure.

Alternatively, two or more spaced apart elongate members may be used attached to the same or different support structures. In this case the elongate members may be parallel to each other or otherwise disposed separate from or crossing each other at the same or different heights in any pattern as desired.

For example in a domestic garage, two elongate members may be used, located respectively at opposite end regions of the garage parallel to and level with each other so as together to provide a simple overhead storage facility.

The or each extendable elongate member may take any suitable form, and may comprise a plurality of sub members which may be interconnected in any suitable manner and at least two sub members may be substantially parallel with each other. Preferably at least two of the sub members are substantially axially aligned.

Preferably the sub members are movable relative to each other whilst interconnected -to effect extension of the elongate member.

Any suitable means may be used to effect the relative movement of the interconnected sub members for example they may be slidable relative to each other.

Relative movement of the interconnected sub members may be along one or more substantially parallel axes, so that extension of the elongate member is effected by relative movement of axially aligned members or substantially parallel members for example in side by side relationship.

interconnected adjacent sub members may be movable relative to each other telescopically and the sub members may have different relative cross sectional dimensions to facilitate this.

in a preferred embodiment, axially aligned sub members comprise a central storage member disposed in between and in connection with two or more end extension members, the central storage member being configured to receive all or at least a major part of the end members. In one l- -5embodiment the length of the unextended elongate member is substantially equal to that of the length of the central storage member.

The end extension members may be received within the central storage member substantially parallel to each other in side by side relationship. Preferably however, the end extension members may be received axially aligned relative to each other. Received end portions of the extension members may abut each other and/or a portion of the storage member to define a limit to which the elongate member can contract.

In one embodiment the extension members are received in axial alignment relative to each other and to the storage member, the received extension members being disposed for telescopic interconnection with each other.

in a preferred telescopic arrangement, the storage member provides two opposing end portions which differ in cross sectional dimensions, each end portion configured to receive a respective one of two extension members which also differ in cross se ctional dimensions to allow telescopic interconnection of the extension members received in the storage member.

Preferably the storage member is stepped in cross section thereby providing opposing end portions having different respective cross sectional dimensions.

With this arrangement the elongate member is conveniently compactable and extendable.

The sub members are preferably elongate and may have any suitable cross section, e.g. circular, square, rectangular. In the case of a telescopic arrangement at least a section of the storage member may be hollow. Where adjacent sub members interconnect telescopically as described above, then at least one of the sub members may be hollow in at least a section for receipt of an adjacent sub member.

In a particularly preferred telescopic arrangement of the sub members the storage member is a tube of circular cross section which is stepped in diameter. This provides a wide end portion configured to receive at least a portion of a first wide extension member and a narrow end portion configured to receive at least a portion of a second narrow extension member which is also received by the wide extension member, within the storage member.

Sub members may be securable in position relative to each other by any suitable means, for example, using a conventional clamping device.

Where adjacent sub members are of different diameter, the clamping device may have a stepped bore so as to fit around a joint of two or more such members.

The or each elongate member may incorporate hook portions, which may be provided at any suitable location on the elongate member. This 11 increases the capacity for storage of the device without undue complication of the design.

The or each elongate member may incorporate one or more hook portions, which may be at the end portions of the members.

The or each hook portion may be attached to the elongate member or, alternatively, it may be integral to the elongate member. In a preferred embodiment one or both end portions of the elongate member are bent to form an integral hook member.

The or each elongate member may be attachable to the upright support members by any suitable means, such as a conventional bracket arrangement.

Preferably the respective end portions of the or each elongate member provide a means of attaching the member to the building.

Advantageously a section of the end portion may be bent generally perpendicular to the axis of the elongate member. This section can then be affixed to the wall by conventional means for example using fixing screws.

in a particularly preferred embodiment integral end hook portions provide the abovementioned section.

The elongate member may comprise any suitable material for example, galvanised steel, the material being seledted to provide a strong, robust and lightweight structure.

-w.8- The or each hook portion may incorporate a respective locking portion. With this arrangement articles such as bicycles or lawnmowers may be suspended from the hooks and secured in position using the locking position for added safety and/or security. The hook locking portions may take any suitable form may be a connecting member such as a strap or bar which is operable to connect the free end portion of the hook portion to another portion of the corresponding elongate member.

The connecting member may be movable e.g. pivotable between a connected (and thus locked) pos ition and disconnected (and thus unlocked) position.

The connecting member may be lockable in position using any suitable means for example using a quick release or spring loaded locking mechanism or, alternatively key-operated locking mechanism with a keyoperated locking device, added security may be provided.

This arrangement allows for a simple device which is relatively easy both to manufacture and assemble.

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a side view of an elongate member in an extended position for use in the method according to the invention; is a side view of the sub members of the elongate member of Figure 2 -g- Fig. 1 in a contracted position for storage and sale; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a storage facility according to the invention, which uses two elongate members as shown in Fig.

Figure 4 is a side view of part of another form of storage facility according to the invention, showing a locking strap;.

Figure 5 is a part sectional end view of the locking strap of figure 4; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of the locking strap of figure 4.

Referring to Fig. 1, the elongate member 1 shown comprises three sub members arranged in axial alignment: first and second end extension members which are, in this embodiment, hook members 2 and 6 on either side of a central storage member 4. Each sub member 2, 4, 6 comprises a rigid galvanised steel tube of circular cross section.

The storage member 4 is a straight tube having a diameter of 2.2cm (M8 inch) throughout its length except for one end portion which is swaged to a diameter of 1.9cm (3/4 inch). The first hook member 2 has a substantially straight connecting portion 2a at one end, which is 1.9cm (2/4 inch) in diameter and which is received slidably within the large end portion 2.2cm (7/8 inch) of the storage member 4.

The second hook member 6 has a substantially straight connecting 1 -10portion 6a at one end, which is 1.6cm P/a inch) in diameter and which is received slidably within the smaller end portion 1.9cm (3/4 inch) of the storage member 4.

Each hook member 2, 6 is bent to provide a hooked end portion at the opposite end to the straight connection portion 2 a, 6a.

Each hooked end portion has a straight intermediate part 2b, 6b substantially perpendicular to the axis of the straight connection portion 2a, 6a and a terminal J-shaped hook having its free end directed upwardly at that side of the intermediate part which faces towards the other intermediate part.

The intermediate parts are provided with holes for fixing screws.

The relative dimensions of the connecting portions 2a, 6a and the storage member 4 provide for convenient packaging of the elongate member 1 in a contracted position.

Thus referring to Fig. 2, the sub members 202, 204, 206 are shown assembled in a compact telescope arrangement. The connecting portion_ 206a is housed internally of the connecting portion 202a and both connection portions 202a, 206a are housed internally of the storage member 204.

Arranged in this compact way the sub members 202, 204, 206 are easily portable.

1 From the compact position the hook members can be moved outwardly to an extended position as shown in Fig. 1.

Thus adjacent sub members are movable relative to each other telescopically allowing extension of the elongate member, between the walls, in this embodiment the elongate member is extendable between about 1.2m (4 feet) (dictated by the length of the mid-member) and 2.7m (9 feet).

Tubular clamp members or tube adjusters 12 and 14 are secured over joints 16 and 18 of adjoining sub members 2, 4 and 6 of the elongate member.

The tube adjusters are dimensioned to fit around the mid-member and adjacent sub member, each tube adjuster having an appropriately stepped bore and one secured in position by means of an integral plastic thumbscrew arrangement. This adds stability to the extended elongate member and is especially desirable when the elongate member is fully extended.

The tube adjusters are of conventional design and will not therefore be described in further detail here.

Referring to Fig. 3, a storage facility 100 is shown in a domestic garage having opposite spaced apart side walls 120 and 122 in which a car 102 is parked.

Each elongate member is extended by sliding the book members 2 and 6 from the mid-member until the intermediate portions 2b, 6b abut -12respective side walls of the garage. These adjusters 12 and 14 are then secured in place by tightening the thumb-screws. This fixes the length of each elongate member.

The elongate members are then fixed to the respective garage walls using screws which are fed through the holes (not shown in Fig. 3) in the intermediate portions 2b and 6b.

In this way, the elongate members can be fixed in position at respective opposite endr regions of the garage a member substantially parallel to the other and both at the same height (relative to the ground).

Elongate articles 108 are stored in the space above the car 102, supported by the elongate members 104 and 106.

In addition the hook portions 110, 112 support cumbersome articles 114, 116.

The elongate member of figures 4-6 is constructed as described for the previous embodiment except that, in this example, each hook member incorporates a locking strap 350 (only one end and one strap shown)_. The strap 350 shown comprises a U-shaped metal bracket with two free end portions 352 and 354 which have two respective aligned through-holes 356 and 358.

In use the bracket is suspended from the straight portion 302a of the hook member 302 with end portions 352 and 354 orientated in a downward -13direction to meet the free end of the corresponding hook 308.

A hole 360 extends through the free end portion of the hook, transversely of the longitudinal axis of the sub members. A bolt (not shown) extends through aligned holes 356, 360 and 358 and is secured in place by a nut, (nut and bolt not shown), thus securing the strap in position.

The locking strap 350 provides a closed loop so that when an article such as lawnmowers etc, is suspended from the hook(s) if may be secured in position safely preventing the article being accidentally removed. A keyoperated lockable strap could also be used for added security of stored articles.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiments which are described by way of example only.

I-

Claims

-14CLAIMS

1 A method of providing a storage facility in a building using one or more extendable elongate members, the method comprising the steps of extending the or each elongate member between spaced apart upright support structures until opposite end portions of such elongate members respectively fit against or are in close proximity to the said support structures, and attaching the said end portions of the elongate member to the respective said upright support structures.

2. A method of providing a storage facility according to claim 1 in which a plurality of extendable elongate members are attached to the said support structures, the members disposed substantially parallel to each other.

3. A method of providing a storage facility according to any preceding claim in which the or each extendable elongate member comprises a plurality of sub members.

4. A method of providing a storage facility according to claim 3 in which at least two of the sub members are interconnected substantially parallel with each other.

5. A method of providing a storage facility according to claim 4 in which at least two of the sub members are interconnected substantially axially aligned.

6. A method of providing a storage facility according to any one of claims 4 - 5 incorporating interconnected adjacent sub members which are movable relative to each other telescopically.

7. A method of providing a storage facility according to claim 6 in which the sub members are axially aligned and comprise a central storage member disposed in between and in connection with two or more end extension members, the central storage member being configured to receive all or at least a major part of the said end members.

8. A method of providing a storage facility according to claim 7 In which the received end extension members are disposed for telescopic interconnection with each other.

9. A method of providing a storage facility according to any of claims 3 8 in which the sub members are securable in position relative to each other.

10. A method of providing a stora ge facility according to any preceding claim in which the or each elongate member incorporates at least one hook portion.

A method of providing a storage facility according to any preceding claim in which the respective end portions of the'or each elongate member provide a means of attaching the member to the building.

12. A method of providing a storage facility according to any preceding claim in which one or both end portions of the elongate member are bent -16to form an integral hook member.

13. A method of providing a storage facility according to any of claims 10 - 12 in which the of each hook portion incorporates a section perpendicular to the axis of the elongate member, the section being thereby disposed for attachment to one of said upright support structures.

14. A method of providing a storage facility according to any of claims 10 -13 in which at least one hook incorporates a locking portion.

15. A method of providing a storage facility according to claim 14 in which the locking portion incorporates a connecting member which is operable to connect a free end of the hook to another portion of the corresponding elongate member.

16. A storage facility in a building comprising one or more extendable elongate members extended between two spaced apart upright support structures, opposite end portions of the or each elongate member being attached respectively in abutment with or in close proximity to said upright support structures.

17. A storage facility according to claim 17 for use in the methods of any one of the claims 1 to 15.