Storage Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a storage device, in particular a storage device for storing and displaying skateboards. The storage device for wheeled sport boards or skateboards and component parts, has sides, a top and a shelf that define a storage chamber; wherein the top includes a rack for wheeled sport boards or skateboards and the sides of the body are adapted to store skateboard component parts.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a storage device, in particular a storage device for storing and displaying skateboards. More particularly a storage device for a skateboard user to conveniently store and display skateboards and skateboard components such as plural decks, trucks and tools,

BACKGROUND

Skateboard users, retailers and/or repairers often have a number of different boards or decks and a number of different parts to mount on these boards/decks.

Storing the various components can require considerable space and therefore it is often not possible to display all the components and/or skateboards in such a way that they can be easily identified whilst being stored in a compact manner,

Storing the components in a container such as box may conserve space however this makes it difficult to identify and locate the different parts. Laying the parts out individually for example on a number of shelves may take up too much space and therefore it may not be possible to display the skateboards and parts.

PRIOR ART

U.S. Pat. No. 8,251,342 (WEINER) discloses a wheeled sports board holder for hanging a wheeled sports board on a vertical surface, the wheeled sports board including a support deck with an upper portion supported by one or more upper wheels, and having an upper edge, and a lower portion supported by one or more lower wheels.

United States patent application US 2004 020 881 (WUERTH) discloses a rack for supporting skateboards and similar items, the rack comprising: a base portion; and a riser portion supported by and secured relative to the base portion at at least a first end.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,581 (SIPE) discloses a wall mountable rack for supporting and securing a skateboard, scooter or inline skate having one or a pair of wheels in proximity to each end of a board, footpiece or shoe by at least one of its wheels while allowing the board, footpiece or shoe and the remaining wheels or pair of wheels to hang below the rack.

United States patent application US2003 0178383 A1 (CRAFT et al) discloses a sports equipment storage rack having a contained storage area with one or more hook or holder portions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a storage device for wheeled sport boards or skateboards and component parts, comprising a body having sides, a top and a shelf that define a storage chamber; wherein the top includes a rack for wheeled sport boards or skateboards and the sides of the body are adapted to store skateboard component parts.

Preferably the rack is arranged to maintain, support or hold a plurality of skateboards, boards or decks. In this way a number of items can be racked on the top to provide a compact storage facility. In this way the device can be readily moved from one place to another, for example from a shop to a vehicle to a trade stall.

In some embodiments the rack may be attached to the sides,

Preferably the rack comprises at least two spaced apart support tines that define an opening into which an item such as the skateboard, deck or truck can be positioned so as to be racked.

The tines are preferably cylindrical or rounded in order that different dimension or curvature of decks may be accommodated between the racks, and without encountering hard or sharp edges that may cause damage.

Preferably the tines are metal and may be coated to minimise possibility of damage to the tines during usage. For example the times may be painted, powdercoated or plastic-coated to minimise damage to the boards during usage.

In some embodiments the openings am be lined with a resiliently deformable material such as rubber or a cellular materiel such as foam so as to more readily grip the item being held and so as to prevent damage.

In further embodiments the top may include at least one elongate support slot that defines an opening for locating an item such as a skateboard, deck or truck. For example the elongate support slot may comprise a recess arranged in the top.

The openings permit items may be maintained in a fixed position in or on more than one plane.

Advantageously the rack enables the items to be stacked closely together whilst each item is individually visible. Therefore a user can readily identify and observe items held on the rack.

Ideally the rack may be configured such that each item is held securely between the tines or within the elongate slot so that it is possible to work on the item whilst it remains support on the top. For example a deck may be supported on the rack whilst a pair of trucks is fitted to the deck. Therefore the storage device provides a workstation.

In some embodiments the rack may include adjustable portions so as to adjust the opening into which items are received. In this way the rack can be adapted to house items of different sizes and the opening may be reduce so as to fix an item in place, therefore clamping the item in position.

Advantageously this can prevent items being displaced during movement or transport and may enable a user to fix an item in a desired position so as to display an item and/or enable it to be more readily worked on.

For example decks may be displaced on the device so as to be able to readily view the deck graphics.

In some embodiments the top may comprise the rack or vice versa.

Preferably the device is a rectangular box.

Typically the top is rectangular although in some further embodiments the top may be substantially oval, rounded or radiused corners for example to reflect a deck shape.

In some further embodiments the device may be provided in a multiple sided form having 5 or more sides, for example being pentagonal or octagonal.

Preferably the items are supported, maintained or held in the rack in a plural arrangement at an angled plane relative to the top.

In some embodiments the items may be arranged substantially parallel to a plane defined by the top.

In some embodiments the skateboards in the rack may be arranged in openings to be substantially orthogonal to the top in use, or for example angled at 45 degrees to the top in spaced apart parallel slots.

Preferably the rack is configured so as to hold each board or deck at an angle of between 35 and 55 degrees. In this way each board or deck may be easily position on and removed from the rack.

In this way a plurality of skateboards or boards or decks can be advantageously stored and displayed to provide maximum usage of the footprint of the device.

Preferably the rack openings are arranged in a row, each opening being parallel to an adjacent opening, so as to permit items such as decks or skateboards to be stacked closely together.

Ideally the racks are arranged on an edge of the device.

It is appreciated that one item, for example a skateboard, may engage with more than one rack. For example a pair of corresponding openings may be used to support a deck. In this way the item is supported more securely.

Ideally the openings are arranged so as to hold the skateboards, decks or trucks substantially perpendicular to an edge of the device. For example in a rectangular box shaped device the racks may be arranged to support items parallel to the longer edges of the device, or the racks may run lengthwise along the device, so that items are configures substantially to the short edges.

In some embodiments the rack is integral to or integrated with the top or sides. For example the top or side may be formed with plural openings.

In other embodiments racking means may comprise a separate part that can be fitted to the top to become part of the top or side.

The rack may be attached to the top or sides at manufacture. For example, wherein the rack is a plastics moulding or series of plastics mouldings and the top or sides are wooden.

The plastic moulding and top or sides may be connected at manufacture so as to form a single part The rack may be bonded, adhered, bolted or screwed to the top.

In some embodiments it may be possible to remove the rack from the top or sides so as to be able to change and/or replace the rack. Advantageously this may enable the user to alter the way in which items are held and displayed by changing the racks.

For example the rack may be removably attached to the top or sides by attachment means such as screw, clip or interlocking means, therefore permitting easy exchange of racks.

In some further embodiments the top may comprise a cloth or mesh, for example wherein the top is enabled to hold smaller items and/or prevent items falling through.

The sides are arranged for storage of items for skateboards, particularly skateboard trucks.

Preferably the sides include apertures for receiving part of the trucks in order that a user is enabled to locate and store a plurality of trucks on each side, for example by passing through truck bolts. In some embodiments the apertures may be threaded so as to be able to screw in the truck bolt thereby holding it securely in position.

In some embodiments sides may include hooks, lips or convex or concave shaping so as to enable items to be hung from the side of the device.

In some further embodiments the sides may comprise perforated mesh or grid-like members to enable attachment or location of items.

The chamber define by the top, sides and a shelf provides a storage area for skateboard items and/or other items that may be used to fit or fix skateboard components, for example tools such as a screw driver and fitting means such as screws.

Ideally the chamber may be divided into compartments. For example the chamber may include one or more partitions. Typically the partition may comprise an additional shelf.

In some embodiments the chamber or a compartment of the chamber is arranged with at least one drawer.

Preferably the body included a plurality of shelves. The lower shelf may be considered a base.

In some embodiments the sides are arranged with an intermediate section providing the top. In other embodiments a shelf or a brace reaching in part or whole between racks or sides may be provided to form a top.

The shelves subdivide the device and allow multiple storage spaces, with differing characteristics. For example in some embodiments trays, smaller drawers or other movable sections are incorporated within embodiments of the subdivided chamber.

It is appreciated that the lowest shelf (closest to a subordinate surface) may be referred to as a base.

In some embodiments the device includes one shelf, the base, elevated from a subordinate surface by at least one leg.

The legs may be provided as extensions of the sides, for example in some embodiments the sides are scalloped or otherwise shaped wherein the sides extend beyond the base.

In some embodiments the legs may be separate members attached to the device.

In some embodiments the legs may be adjustable so as to aid with leveling the device on an uneven surface and so as to adjust the amount by which the base is spaced apart from the surface.

The feet may be comprised from a resiliently deformable material such as rubber or include a resiliently deformable material portion to ameliorate or accommodate uneven subordinate surfaces.

In some embodiments the device may include castors or wheels in order to allow the device movement.

The body ideally has reinforced or braced joints between sides, top and/or shelves, in order to allow significant weight to be held by the body.

For example the shelf may have a jointed interior to the sides in order to enhance structural strength of the sides and allow support of the shelf.

Preferably the device is formed in fibreboard such as medium density fibreboard (MDF) for ease of manufacture and cost consequence. The panels are painted or powdercoated.

In some further embodiments the device may be formed entirely or partially from strip or blockwood, solid wood or plyboard.

The device may be provided in a selection of finishes such as being painted, oiled, varnished or coated according to preference and styling choices. For example the device may have a carbon or composite finish.

Preferably the body comprises two sides, such as two separate panel-like members spaced apart and supporting the top. In some further embodiments the sides may be provided on a single panel member, for example situated centrally on or beneath the top, providing peripheral chambers for storage.

Some embodiments may be formed as moulded units, in part or whole, for example wherein the body is a whole moulding and the rack a separate moulding or part attached thereto.

In some embodiments the device may be formed by 3D printing.

In some embodiments the device is provided as a kit of parts that can be assembled and dissembled. For example the device may be flat packed.

The storage devices may be provided in different dimensions appropriate for different uses. For example a device may be dimensions to be suitable for desktop use, fitting in a vehicle or for use in a workshop.

Typically the sizes of the device may vary between 50×25×50 cm (length, depth and height) to 100×50×100 cm.

In some other embodiments the device may include at least one sensor to detect when an item is positioned on the device. For example the sensor may include a pressure sensor that detects the presence of a mass of an item such as a skateboard.

Preferably the sensor may be embedded in the device for example being embedded in the rack such as on a face of the opening exposed to the item. In this way the sensor is protected from damage.

Ideally the sensor is linked with a remote device such as a computer or mobile phone so as to record when an item is added to or removed from the device. For example the sensor may transmit a signal to the remove device such as by radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth® or other wireless means. The remote device typically has a receiver capable of receiving and interpreting any signals, for example which indicate the presence of a skateboard and/or signals which relate to the ownership, type, age, make or any other user defined data.

In some embodiments the device may include an alert means such as an alarm or a light that is triggered when an item is removed from the device, for example the alert means may be activate for a device located in a shop window.

Preferably a sensor may be provided at each rack or aperture so that addition or removal of each item from the device is detected and recorded. In this way it is possible for example to monitor sales of equipment from the device or to assist in a stock taking system. Furthermore the sensors may alert a user if an item is removed without authorisation therefore providing enhanced security.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an overview of the storage device;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the storage device;

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the storage device having one chamber;

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the storage device with a drawer;

FIG. 5A shows a front view of a third embodiment of the device;

FIG. 5B shows an isometric view of the third embodiment of the device;

FIG. 5C shows a close up view of a side of the third embodiment of the device holding two skateboard trucks;

FIG. 6A shows a side view of the device with 8 apertures;

FIG. 6B shows a side view of the device with 4 apertures;

FIG. 6C shows a side view of the device with 8 apertures;

FIG. 6D shows a side view of the device with 2 apertures and;

FIG. 6E shows a side view of the device with 4 apertures.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIGS. 1 to 7 show a selection of preferred embodiments of the present invention.

The storage device or device 100 is formed of a plurality of planar panels affixed together to form the storage device 100.

The panels can be fixed together by glue, screw fixings and/or dovetail or mortice joints.

FIG. 1 shows a device 100 having a pair of opposed sides 1 that are joined by a top 2, a pair of shelves 3 and a base 30.

The sides 1, top 2 and base 30 define a chamber 10 that is subdivided by the shelves 3. Therefore the device 100 has three compartments 11 defined within the chamber 10.

Two racks 4 are affixed atop the sides 1 at peripheral edges of the device 100.

The racks 4 have plural tines 5 providing plural openings 6 for receiving skateboards and decks. The openings on each rack 4 correspond so as to allow a skateboard or deck to be supported by a corresponding pair of openings 6.

The tines 5 a rod like projections arranged on a platform that is fixed to the device. The tines 5 have rounded edges to prevent damage to the items held between them.

The racks 4 are adhesive bonded to the top 2 or sides 1.

The racks 4 are formed of single-shot injection moulded plastics such as polyethylene or abs (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene),

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the device 100 having two sides 1, a base 30 and a top 2 that define a chamber 10. The device 100 has a pair of racks 4.

FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the device having a pair of sides 1, a top 2 and a base. The device has 2 shelves 3 therefore subdividing the chamber into 3 compartments. The lowest compartment includes a drawer 12,

The drawer can be slidably removed from the chamber. This drawer is used for smaller items of skateboard apparatus, for example bolts, wheels, wax, truck parts or tape.

The top has a pair of racks 4. The racks 4 are fitted to the top 2 by screw fittings. Each rack 4 includes a plurality of tines 5.

The side 1 includes a hook 8 for receiving trucks 50 so that the trucks 50 can be hung from the sides 1.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show a fourth embodiment of the device 100 having two sides 1, a top 2, a base 30 and one shelf 3. The fourth embodiment has two compartments defined within the chamber.

The top 2 has a pair of racks 4. A deck 40 is shown racked in the rack 4 in FIG. 5A.

In FIGS. 5A, 5B and 50 trucks 50 are shown attached to the sides 1.

The racks include embedded sensors (not shown) arranged on the tines 5. The sensors detect presence of an item so that addition or removal of an item is detected.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the device having a plurality of apertures 7. The apertures are for receiving truck bolts (not shown). In this way the truck bolt can be passed through the aperture 7 in order to secure the truck 50 to the device.

Four pairs of apertures 7 are shown for fitting 4 trucks 50 to one side 1 of the device 100.

The apertures 7 have a 3 mm diameter. The pair of apertures 7 are spaced apart by 40 mm so as to correspond to dimensions of a truck 50.

The apertures in the sides 1 are threaded allow a user to screw truck bolts through the sides to hold trucks against the exterior face of the sides.

In some embodiments the apertures may include hole strengthening collars or similar.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A storage device for wheeled sport boards or skateboards and component parts, having sides, a top and a shelf that define a storage chamber; wherein the top includes a rack for wheeled sport boards or skateboards and the sides of the body are adapted to store skateboard component parts.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the rack is arranged to support a plurality of skateboards, or decks.

3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the rack has an opening for receiving a skateboard or deck.

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the opening for receiving a skateboard or deck defined by two spaced apart support tines.

5. A device according to claim 1 wherein the opening for receiving a skateboard or deck comprises an elongate support slot.

6. A device according to claim 1 wherein the openings are arranged parallel one to another.

7. A device according to claim 1 wherein the top is arranged between the sides.

8. A device according to claim 1 wherein the rack is configured to support skateboards and decks in a plane substantially parallel to the top.

9. A device according to claims 1 wherein the boards are held substantially orthogonal to the top.

10. A device according to claim 1 wherein the boards are held by the rack at 35 to 55 degrees to the top.

11. A device according to claim 1 having two or more racks.

12. A device according to claim 1 wherein the rack is formed from moulded plastic.

13. A device according claim 1 wherein the device includes a series of moulded plastic racks.

14. A device according to claim 1 wherein at least one side includes at least one aperture for receiving skateboard components.

15. A device according to claim 1 wherein the chamber has at least one drawer.

16. A device according to claim 1 having at least one sensor.

17. A device according to claim 1 wherein the top is the rack.