Adjustable strap mounting system

Abstract

An adjustable storage rack system that allows for the organized storage of objects. The storage rack is adjustable with regard to the size of the objects to be stored, as well as to the position of the objects along the rack.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to racks, and more specifically to an adjustable strap mounting system.

2. Description of Related Art

Storage and display are always problems in the home and in business. Some items which are used constantly are desirable to store in visible locations with very easy access. Surfboards, wakeboards, snowboards and skis fall into these categories. Wall storage can be a good solution for these items. The items stored on the wall are highly visible and easily accessible. To preserve space, it is desirable to store boards flat against the wall so that the boards do not stick out away from the wall. The boards themselves may be subject to denting or scratching, so supporting the boards in a support system which does not scratch, dent, or mar the surface of the board is desirable.

Many possessions are both large and of irregular size making storage of these objects using conventional devices inadequate or otherwise unsatisfactory. Often, these items must be stored in somewhat inaccessible areas where adequate storage space is not really available, and where their presence must not interfere with other activities. Often a choice must be made between accessibility for frequent use, or inaccessibility but better safety for the objects.

Another problem related to the use and storage or relatively large and irregularly shaped and sized objects include the difficulty of maintaining the objects and of monitoring their condition. When such items are left merely laying around, they are typically susceptible to damage and deterioration. However, when they are left in storage, it may not be possible to monitor their condition.

Thus, what is called for is a storage system that allows for the storage of large and irregular objects. What is also called for is a storage system that is adjustable such that it can accommodate different sizes of objects, as well as being able to be mounted in locations with different clearances.

SUMMARY

An adjustable storage rack system that allows for the organized storage of objects. The storage rack is adjustable with regard to the size of the objects to be stored, as well as to the position of the objects along the rack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an adjustable storage rack system in use along a wall according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a clip used in some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side cutaway view of a clip used in an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a clip used in some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side cutaway view of a clip used in an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an adjustable storage rack system in use along a ceiling according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an adjustable storage rack system in use along a ceiling according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a clip used in some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, an adjustable storage rack system 100 stores items 105, 106, 107 against a wall 112. A first main strap 101 and a second main strap 102 hang vertically against the wall 112 in some embodiments. The main straps 101, 102 may be of nylon webbing material in some embodiments. A top attach point 108, 110 may be used to attach the main straps 101, 102 to the wall 112. In some embodiments, the top attach points 108, 110 may be a grommet. In some embodiments, the main straps 101, 102 may be attached by a fastener placed through the grommet and into the wall 112. The bottom of the main straps 101, 102 may be also be attached to the wall 112 using bottom attach points 109, 111. In other embodiments, the top attach points 108, 110 may be attached to a ceiling to allow the main straps 101, 102 to hang down from the ceiling, as in the middle of room, or also if a plurality of rack systems are to be used side by side with space between for walking and access. The length of the main straps may be adjusted through the use of a second segment 116 and an adjusting clip 115. The first segment of the main strap may be attached using to top attach point 108, and then the main strap may be lengthened or shortened as required. The bottom attach point 109 may then also be fastened if desired.

A plurality of attaching straps 104a-c, 103a-c may be attached along the length of the main straps 101, 102. The attaching straps are not permanently fastened along the straps but are attached using a plurality of adjustable attaching clips 114a-c which function as a link between the attaching straps 104a-c and the main strap 101. The attaching straps 104a-c are adapted to be adjustable such that the loop formed by the attaching strap can be snugly fastened around objects of differing sizes 105, 106, 107. The attaching straps 104a-c may have buckle clips 117a-c which allow the attaching straps 104a-c to be clipped around the item to be stored. The buckle clips 117a-c are adapted to allow for the adjustment of the length of the loop formed by the attaching straps. Although three attaching straps are shown in the illustrative example of FIGS. 1 and 2, it is understood that any number of attaching straps may be used in different embodiments of the present invention.

The attaching straps 104a-c thus may be moved up or down along the length of the main strap 101 to allow the attach point of the attaching strap to be adjusted according to the shape and size of the object to be stored and according to the desires of the user. As seen in FIG. 1, a pair of main straps 101, 102 may be used in conjunction with each other to store objects horizontally. In the case of non-uniformly shaped objects, the adjusting straps may be located according to need, and the length of the loop of the adjusting strap may vary according to the cross-section of the object to be stored at the point where it crosses the main strap.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, an attaching clip 201 is used to attach the adjusting strap 104 to the main strap 101. The attaching clip 201 has a plurality of cross members 202, 203, 204, 205 through which the main strap 101 and the attaching strap 104 are threaded. The main strap may be threaded in such a way the attaching clip will not be moved by the weight of the object being held by the attaching strap due to the friction of the threaded strap through the attaching clip. Thus, to adjust the position of the attaching clip along the main strap the attaching clip must be unweighted. This allows for the safe storage of objects along the main strap while allowing for the adjustment of the adjusting strap along the length of the main strap. The adjusting strap may be threaded through the attaching clip so that it may move through the attaching clip relatively easily even under load, or may be threaded so that it must also be unweighted, depending upon the preferences of the user. Typically, the adjusting strap would thread through just one cross member in order to be able to still be moved under load.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, an attaching clip 210 has only a single cross member 212 other than the end cross members 211, 213. The main strap 101 threads through the narrow opening between the cross member 212 and the end cross member 211. The narrow opening allows for the movement of the main strap 101 when pulled horizontally to the plane of the attaching clip 210 but provides sufficient friction to hold the attaching clip 210 in place along the main strap 101 when deflected in line, as when put under load by an object being supported by the attaching strap 104.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in FIG. 7, an adjustable storage rack system 700 is mounted to the ceiling 720 of a room. The adjustable storage rack system 700 stores items 705, 706, 707 against a ceiling 720. A first main strap 701 and a second main strap 702 are mounted horizontally against the ceiling 720 in some embodiments. The main straps 701, 702 may be of nylon webbing material in some embodiments. A first attach point 708, 710 may be used to attach the main straps 701, 702 to the ceiling 720. In some embodiments, the first attach points 708, 710 may be a grommet. In some embodiments, the main straps 701, 702 may be attached by a fastener placed through the grommet and into the ceiling 720. The second end of the main straps 701, 702 may be also be attached to the ceiling 720 using second attach points 709, 711. In other embodiments, the first attach points 708, 710 may be attached to the ceiling 720 to allow the main straps 701, 702 to hang down from the ceiling, as in the middle of room, or also if a plurality of rack systems are to be used side by side with space between for walking and access.

A plurality of attaching straps 704a-c, 703a-c may be attached along the length of the main straps 701, 702. The attaching straps are not permanently fastened along the straps but are attached using a plurality of adjustable attaching clips which function as a link between the attaching straps 704a-c and the main strap 701. The attaching straps 704a-c are adapted to be adjustable such that the loop formed by the attaching strap can be snugly fastened around objects of differing sizes 705, 706, 707. The attaching straps 704a-c may have buckle clips which allow the attaching straps 704a-c to be clipped around the item to be stored. The buckle clips are adapted to allow for the adjustment of the length of the loop formed by the attaching straps. Although three attaching straps are shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 7, it is understood that any number of attaching straps may be used in different embodiments of the present invention.

In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in FIG. 8, an adjustable storage rack system 800 is mounted to a ceiling of a room or other horizontal along the top surface 830 of a main bracket 801. The adjustable storage rack system 800 stores items 805, 806, 807, 831. A first main bracket 801 is mounted horizontally against a ceiling or other horizontal support in some embodiments. The main bracket 801 may be of steel, aluminum, or other suitable strong and rigid material in some embodiments. Attach points 808, 810 may be used to attach the main bracket 801 to the ceiling. In some embodiments, the attach points 808, 810 may be a through hole. In some embodiments, the main bracket 801 may be attached by a fastener placed through the through hole and into the ceiling.

A plurality of attaching straps 804a-d may be attached along the length of the main bracket 801. The attaching straps are not permanently fastened along the bracket but are attached using a plurality of adjustable attaching clip sliders 815 which function as a link between the attaching straps 804a-d and the main bracket 801.

The attaching clip sliders are adapted to slide along the length of the main bracket such that the spacing of the attaching straps may be adjusted as desired by the user. The attaching straps 804a-d are adapted to be adjustable such that the loop formed by the attaching strap can be snugly fastened around objects of differing sizes. The attaching straps 804a-d may have buckle clips which allow the attaching straps 804a-d to be clipped around the item to be stored. The buckle clips are adapted to allow for the adjustment of the length of the loop formed by the attaching straps. Although four attaching straps are shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 8, it is understood that any number of attaching straps may be used in different embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates an end view of a main bracket 801 and an attaching clip slider 815 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The attaching clip slider is adapted to slide along the main bracket to be moved into a position as desired by the user. The attaching strap may sling over the slider in some embodiments. In some embodiments, other hardware may be added to attach the attaching strap to the slider.

As evident from the above description, a wide variety of embodiments may be configured from the description given herein and additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is, therefore, not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the storing of articles, said apparatus comprising:

a first main strap, said first main strap having a first end and a second end;

a first plurality of adjustable attaching clips, said first plurality of adjustable attaching clips adjustably attached to said first strap; and

a first plurality of attaching straps, wherein there is one attaching strap for each of said first plurality of adjustable attaching clips, and wherein each of said first plurality of attaching straps is connected to one of said first plurality of adjustable attaching clips.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first main strap comprises:

a first segment;

a second segment; and

an adjusting clip, said adjusting clip adapted to allow adjustment of the overall length of said first main strap from its first end to its second end.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first main strap further comprises:

a first attach point adjacent to its first end; and

a second attach point adjacent to its second end.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said first attach point and said second attach points are grommets through said first main strap.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a second main strap, said second main strap having a first end and a second end;

a second plurality of adjustable attaching clips, said second plurality of adjustable attaching clips adjustably attached to said main second strap; and

a second plurality of attaching straps, wherein there is one attaching strap for each of said second plurality of adjustable attaching clips, and wherein each of said second plurality of attaching straps is connected to one of said second plurality of adjustable attaching clips.

6. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising:

a second main strap, said second main strap having a first end and a second end;

a second plurality of adjustable attaching clips, said second plurality of adjustable attaching clips adjustably attached to said main second strap; and

a second plurality of attaching straps, wherein there is one attaching strap for each of said second plurality of adjustable attaching clips, and wherein each of said second plurality of attaching straps is connected to one of said second plurality of adjustable attaching clips.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said second main strap comprises:

a first segment;

a second segment; and

an adjusting clip, said adjusting clip adapted to allow adjustment of the overall length of said second main strap from its first end to its second end.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said second main strap further comprises:

a third attach point adjacent to its first end; and

a fourth attach point adjacent to its second end.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said third attach point and said fourth attach points are grommets through said second main strap.

10. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said first main strap comprises nylon webbing and wherein said second main strap comprises nylon webbing.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said first main strap comprises nylon webbing and wherein said second main strap comprises nylon webbing.

12. An apparatus for the storing of articles, said apparatus comprising:

a first main strap, said first main strap having a first end and a second end;

a first plurality of adjustable attachments, said first plurality of adjustable attachments adjustably attached to said first strap; each of said adjustable attachments comprising: an attaching clip, said attaching clip said attaching clip adjustably attached to said first main strap; and an attaching strap, said attaching strap adjustably fastened to said attaching clip.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 further comprising:

a second main strap, said second main strap having a first end and a second end;

a second plurality of adjustable attachments, said second plurality of adjustable attachments adjustably attached to said second strap; each of said adjustable attachments comprising: an attaching clip, said attaching clip said attaching clip adjustably attached to said first main strap; and an attaching strap, said attaching strap adjustably fastened to said attaching clip.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said first main strap comprises:

a first segment;

a second segment; and

an adjusting clip, said adjusting clip adapted to allow adjustment of the overall length of said first main strap from its first end to its second end.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said second main strap comprises:

a first segment;

a second segment; and

an adjusting clip, said adjusting clip adapted to allow adjustment of the overall length of said second main strap from its first end to its second end.

16. An apparatus for the storing of articles, said apparatus comprising:

a first main strap, said first main strap having a first end and a second end;

a first plurality of adjustable attaching clip means, said first plurality of adjustable attaching clip means adjustably attached to said first strap; and

a first plurality of attaching straps, wherein there is one attaching strap for each of said first plurality of adjustable attaching clip means, and wherein each of said first plurality of attaching straps is connected to one of said first plurality of adjustable attaching clip means.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising:

a second main strap, said second main strap having a first end and a second end;

a second plurality of adjustable attaching clip means, said second plurality of adjustable attaching clip means adjustably attached to said main second strap; and

a second plurality of attaching straps, wherein there is one attaching strap for each of said second plurality of adjustable attaching clip means, and wherein each of said second plurality of attaching straps is connected to one of said second plurality of adjustable attaching clip means.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein each of said first plurality of attaching straps comprises a buckle, said buckle adapted to clasp the attaching strap into a loop.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein each of said second plurality of attaching straps comprises a buckle, said buckle adapted to clasp the attaching strap into a loop.

20. An apparatus for the storing of articles, said apparatus comprising:

a first main bracket, said first main bracket having a length starting at a first end and a ending at a second end;

a first plurality of adjustable attaching clip sliders, said first plurality of adjustable attaching clip sliders adjustably attached to said first main bracket, said first plurality of attaching clip sliders adapted to slide along the length of said first main bracket; and

a first plurality of attaching straps, wherein there is one attaching strap for each of said first plurality of adjustable attaching clip sliders, and wherein each of said first plurality of attaching straps is connected to one of said first plurality of adjustable attaching clip sliders.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein each of said first plurality of attaching straps comprises a buckle, said buckle adapted to clasp the attaching strap into a loop.