CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/109,843, filed on Oct. 30, 2008, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION This invention is directed to portable devices for storing and organizing objects, such as fishing assemblies, inside vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Fishing, or angling, is a common sport and a source of enjoyment for many. Various different pieces of equipment may be used in conjunction with fishing. Generally, the sport revolves around the use of a fishing rod and additional components, which together constitute a fishing assembly. There exist many different shapes and sizes of fishing assemblies, but most include a fishing rod, a fishing reel, and a line. The fishing line generally ends in a hook or similar component for hooking fish. The fishing rod is an elongate tool used for casting the line, and often includes a series of line guides through which the line runs. The reel is used to store the fishing line, and often includes mechanisms for releasing and retrieving the line.
When fully assembled, a fishing assembly may occupy a significant amount of space. A fishing rod alone may be several feet in length, which often complicates storage considerations. Furthermore, for fishermen and anglers who own multiple fishing assemblies, the fishing lines of separate fishing assemblies often get tangled together when several fishing assemblies are stored together, for example, in the trunk of a vehicle.
To help with storage, most fishing rods are now segmented, allowing for the rods to be disassembled into shorter segments. Furthermore, hook protectors or guards are readily available, not only to protect users from hooks while the fishing assemblies are not in use, but also to prevent hooks from tangling with fishing lines of adjacent assemblies. For simplicity and lack of any better options, many users, especially those with elongated trunk beds and/or trailers, often end up bunching multiple fishing assemblies together without disassembling them, and toss them together into the cabins or trunk beds of their vehicles.
The aforementioned storage methods cause their own host of problems. For example, bunching multiple fishing assemblies together promotes bumping and scratching of the equipment, and often leads to tangling of fishing lines. It may also be difficult to locate and remove the desired fishing assembly from the bunch when the assemblies become tangled. To avoid this problem, anglers usually disassemble their fishing equipment for storage and reassemble them prior to use. However, this process is time consuming and bothersome. Furthermore, rod disassembly and assembly may cause tangling problems in individual rods, as the fishing line often doubles back twofold or threefold.
Neither of the above storage options provide an adequate solution to the storage and transportation problems faced by most anglers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a portable and adjustable storage device. Exemplary embodiments may be used to store fully assembled fishing rods in which the reel assemblies remain attached to the rods. In some embodiments, for example, the storage device may be utilized for overhead storage inside a vehicle, etc.
Adequate separation between fishing assemblies is desirable to prevent damage to the expensive fishing equipment, for example, the fishing reel mechanisms, from fishing assemblies slamming into one another. From an organizational standpoint, it may be desirable to be able to quickly locate and take out a particular fishing assembly for use. In addition, sufficient organization may prevent the need for constant assembly and disassembly of fishing equipment, reducing setup time, and thus leaving more time to enjoy fishing.
The storage device comprises at least one tube, and in some embodiments a plurality of tubes having parallel longitudinal axes. In this embodiment, at least one support beam perpendicular to the longitudinal axes is in contact with each of the plurality of tubes. The length of the at least one support beam is adjustable.
In another embodiment, the storage device comprises at least one tubular member. In this embodiment, each tubular member includes a wall extending along a longitudinal axis, the wall having an internal wall surface and an external wall surface, and two end openings positioned along the longitudinal axis. A bore having a constant dimension runs along the longitudinal axis, with the bore being defined by the internal wall surface and the end openings. At least two notches extend into the wall adjacent at least one of the two end openings.
In another alternate embodiment, the storage device comprises a plurality of tubular members extending in a first direction, with each tubular member having a constant dimension along a longitudinal axis. Each of the tubular members includes a wall, two openings along the longitudinal axis, and a cavity defined by the wall and the two openings. At least one cross-beam comes into contact with each of the plurality of tubular members. The at least one cross-beam is lengthwise adjustable, and includes ends moveable in a second direction. In this alternate embodiment, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIGS. 1a and 1b are top views of an adjustable storage device according to two different embodiments of the invention, and FIG. 1c is a side view of an adjustable storage device according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of a container of a storage device according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 3a-3d are cut-away side views of the container of FIG. 2, showing arrangements of fishing rods in the container according to different embodiments of the invention;
FIG. 4a is a schematic view of an adjustable storage device mounted near the top of a vehicle cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4b is a schematic view of an adjustable storage device mounted near the bottom of a vehicle cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5a is a schematic view of two adjustable storage devices mounted in a vehicle cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5b is a schematic view of an adjustable storage device mounted vertically in a vehicle cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 6a-6d are end views of alternate embodiments of the present invention; and
FIGS. 7a-7d are end views of containers according to alternate embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a portable and adjustable storage device. A portable and adjustable storage device may include at least one container or vessel, and in some embodiments a plurality of containers or vessels, and at least one support which holds the containers and vessels substantially stable relative to each other. The support or supports may be configured for mounting in spaces, for example, open spaces or cabins of vehicles. The plurality of containers may be configured to hold or carry specific objects in different embodiments, for example, fishing rods and reel assemblies.
Referring to FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c, embodiments of the storage device 10 generally include a plurality of containers or vessels 12. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1a, the containers 12 are arranged to be substantially parallel, with each container hollow and generally cylindrical in shape and having a substantially constant cross-section along the length of the container. The containers 12 are secured to support beams 14, which extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the containers.
Storage devices according to embodiments of the invention may include any suitable number of containers, depending on the particular embodiment. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c, the storage device includes ten storage containers 12 in the form of tubular members. Alternative embodiments may include more or less than ten containers, depending on, for example, application and size allotments associated with each specific embodiment. In FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c, the containers 12 are arranged substantially in parallel and substantially equidistantly spaced apart, although in some other embodiments, alternate arrangements may be implemented. In FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c, each of the containers 12 has a substantially rigid cylindrical construction made of a suitable material. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials may be lightweight and inexpensive, for example, aluminum or plastic.
The length of each of the containers 12 in FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c may vary depending on the desired application. Generally, the container length is limited by the nature and physical properties of the contents of storage, as well as the desired spaces in which the storage device 10 may be installed or mounted. The storage device 10 may generally be used to carry elongate objects, for example, fishing rod and reel assemblies. In embodiments where the storage device 10 is installed in the back of vehicles, the length of the containers 12 may be configured to fit into the back compartments of these vehicles, typically being shorter than 5 feet. One exemplary embodiment employs a container length of approximately 4 feet. Depending on the vehicle, however, different container lengths ranging between approximately 40 inches and approximately 70 inches may be offered. Some embodiments may also employ containers with different lengths, to accommodate fishermen with fishing assemblies of different sizes.
A diameter and a cross-sectional shape of the containers 12 may likewise be variable. In embodiments where the storage device 10 is used to carry fishing rod and reel assemblies, the diameters may be configured to fit at least one fishing assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the containers 12 are approximately 3 inches in diameter, and fit at least two fishing assemblies concurrently. Larger diameter containers may also be available, which may have the capacity to hold four or more fishing assemblies concurrently. Some embodiments of the invention may also include containers with varying cross-sectional shapes, depending on the application and use of each individual storage device.
The containers 12 are spaced apart an adequate distance, so as to prevent contents, for example, the fishing assemblies, of one container from colliding with contents of an adjacent container. In the embodiment of FIG. 1a, the containers 12 are supported by two cross-beams 14 positioned substantially perpendicularly to the length of the containers 12. Various embodiments may include different numbers of similar support structures as may be sufficient to maintain the containers in a proper alignment and/or configuration, and prevent the containers from detaching from the support beam or beams. For example, in FIG. 1b, a central support beam 15 is employed in a storage device to support the containers 12. Such a support beam 15 may be adequate to support the containers, and may be sized to be wider to add stability to the storage device. Various additional securing agents may be utilized to maintain the structural integrity of the storage device. For example, in FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c, each of the containers 12 is secured to each of the support beams 14 or 15 by a U-bolt, for example, U-bolts 16, but suitable securing means are not limited thereto. In FIGS. 1a, 1b, and 1c, the U-bolts are secured onto the support beams 14 or 15 with lock nuts or similar securing mechanisms. The U-bolts may generally be sized to fit the containers 12 snugly and secure the containers 12 to the support beams 14 or 15 by pressing the containers against the support beams. In alternative embodiments, the containers 12 and support beams 14 or 15 may be, for example, welded together, or held together through alternate mechanisms. However, it is understood that any suitable securing means may be employed.
The support beams 14 and 15 may be lengthwise extendable. In some embodiments, each support beam may include a fixed central portion, and extending end portions, which may extend outwards from the fixed central portion in one or both directions along the length of the support beam. In some of these embodiments, the central portion may be an outer tube, and the extending end portions may be inner members or tubes housed in and slideable or adjustable with respect to the outer tube. In other embodiments, each support beam may have cross-sections including ratcheting mechanisms, or similar mechanisms, which provides for lengthwise adjustment of the support beam. The ends 17 of each support beam may extend or telescope outward along a longitudinal axis of the support beam, whereby the length of the support beam may be expanded, for example, to approximately double the original or retracted length. Outward extension of the support beam ends 17 allows the ends 17 to push out against surfaces, for example, the interior wall surfaces of a vehicle, and provides a method for the storage device to be mounted inside the vehicle.
Each support beam end 17 may include a foot for engaging a surface. The foot may be rubberized. The rubberized feet may generally include a plate with rubber coating. The rubber coating may alternatively be any inexpensive coating which yields high friction coefficients when put in contact with other objects, for example, an internal wall surface of a vehicle. A possible substitute may be one of a variety of synthetic high friction polymers. The ends 17 may be attached to ball bearings, for example, ball bearings 18, or similar mechanisms provided for pivoting or rotating of the surface of the rubberized feet. Rotation of the feet on the ball bearings allows the feet to adapt to a wide variety of surface angles and/or configurations, for example, different inclined surfaces, or inconsistencies and/or irregularities along a vehicle's interior wall surface.
Depending on, for example, preferences or space restrictions, different embodiments of the storage device may incorporate different container configurations. FIGS. 6a-6d illustrate alternate embodiments of storage devices. FIGS. 6a-6d include storage devices with different arrangements of the containers relative to each other and relative to the support beam(s). However, it is understood that any suitable container configuration may be used.
In FIG. 6a, a storage device 82 includes containers 84 secured to either a top face or a bottom face of support beam(s) 86. This alternative embodiment approximately doubles the storage capacity of the storage device. In FIG. 6a, the storage device 82 employs an alternating container configuration, whereby no two containers are vertically aligned. In such a configuration, each container may store two fishing assemblies in each opening, with one reel facing upwards and a second reel facing downwards in each container. Alternative embodiments may include vertically aligned storage containers. However, in such vertically aligned configurations, fishing assemblies stored in vertically aligned containers may interfere with each other, and/or may not properly fit, possibly reducing the storage capacity of the configuration.
In FIG. 6b, the storage device 88 includes an alternating container embodiment similar to the variation of FIG. 6a. However, rather than having containers 90 secured onto a central support beam running perpendicular to the containers, the containers may instead be welded together, or otherwise attached to one another. The containers in storage device 88 may be situated more closely to each other than in the storage device 82 in FIG. 6a, providing a comparable amount of storage area, while decreasing the horizontal length of the storage device. As can be seen, the horizontal length of the embodiment of FIG. 6b is shorter than that of the other illustrated configurations. Storage device 88 may be desirable where vehicle cabin space is limited, for example, in smaller cars or trucks. However, manufacture and packaging of such a configuration may be more difficult, as the individual components may not be separable. Furthermore, as is seen in FIG. 6b, the support beams 91 may be truncated and welded only to the end containers, which may limit extension of the support beams, and thus reduce compatibility with larger vehicle cabins and/or spaces.
FIG. 6c is similar to FIG. 6b in that containers 94 of a storage device 92 may be welded together or connected together. In FIG. 6c, the containers are horizontally aligned, providing for a simpler, cleaner construction of the storage device 92. Furthermore, the height of the embodiment of FIG. 6c is shorter than embodiments previously described, as the maximum height of the storage device 92 is substantially equal to, the diameter of one of the containers. The shorter height may be beneficial in situations where vertical clearance is at a minimum, or for users who desire to maintain maximum storage space in the interior cabin of a vehicle, without having a storage device occupy too much of the space.
FIG. 6d is a variation of FIG. 6c, in which the containers are spaced further apart. In many respects, storage device 96 of FIG. 6d is similar to storage device 10 described above, including the same number of containers. The main difference in storage device 96 is that the vertical height of storage device 96 is shorter, allowing it to take up less vertical space when mounted in an interior cabin of a vehicle. However, a potential drawback of the storage device 96 may be, for example, ease of construction or assembly, due to the increased number of intermediate support segments 99.
FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an end of one of the plurality of elongated containers 12 in a storage device 10. As described above, each of the containers may be substantially hollow and generally cylindrical in shape, with a constant diameter along the length of each container. The containers may be constructed of a lightweight and substantially stable material, for example, aluminum or plastic. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers have a circular cross-section 19, and include two notches 20, positioned opposite each other along the circumference of the circular opening 19. Such notches are optional, and may assist in keeping different contents in place, depending on the particular application. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 the notches 20 are configured to be rectangular in shape, but may alternatively be of different shapes and sizes depending on the specific application of each storage device 10.
In embodiments where storage device 10 is used to store fishing rod and reel assemblies, the notches 20 may be configured to accept a support arm connecting a fishing reel to a fishing rod. Such storage configurations are illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3a-3d. In this configuration, a fishing rod engaged with one of the containers may extend into a lumen 21 of the container, with the fishing reel extending radially outwardly of the container through a notch 20. In this fashion, the notch 20 may serve to hold the fishing rod and reel assembly in place when the assembly is inserted into a storage container. Furthermore, as the fishing reel extends radially outward of a central axis of the container, there is minimal obstruction in the cavity 21 of the container due to the presence of the first fishing assembly in the container. With such a configuration, an additional fishing assembly may be inserted into the container at the opposite notch 20 without interfering with the first assembly. Alternatively, fishing assemblies may also be inserted where there is no notch, if space permits. In some embodiments, the container may further include one or more support straps 23 or similar mechanism to assist in securing and/or organizing fishing assemblies. The support straps 23 may be, for example, bungee or elastic loops, or adjustable Velcro support straps for further securing the fishing assemblies in the containers. Depending on the particular embodiment, the support straps may be attached to an inner surface or an outer surface of the containers 12, or may alternatively be secured to the storage device, for example, by a U-bolt 16 described above with respect to FIG. 1.
In alternate embodiments, there may be more or less than two notches at each end of a storage container, and the notch configuration for one end of the container may be different than the notch configuration for the other end of the container. For example, in an embodiment where each storage container is sized for holding a single fishing assembly, a single notch may be located on the first end, and no notches may be available on the second end. In another example, one end may have opposing notches at the top and bottom of that opening, and the other end may have opposing notches at the left and right of that opening. Furthermore, cross-sectional shapes of containers may also vary depending on the embodiment or application. FIGS. 7a-7d illustrate some additional variations of container shapes and notch configurations which may be incorporated into storage devices such as the storage devices described herein. Note that in the various embodiments having different container cross-sections, the containers may be secured on the support beams in different ways, for example, by using correspondingly shaped bolts, or for example, by gluing or welding one or more surfaces of the containers to the support beams.
FIG. 7a illustrates a storage container 100 having a generally circular cross-section. The storage container 100 includes four notches 102 instead of the two notches as have been previously described. In FIG. 7a, the four notches 102 are spaced 90 degrees apart from each other. The container of FIG. 7a may be utilized to hold four fishing rod and reel assemblies at each opening, with the reel of each fishing assembly extending radially outwardly from the notches 102, thereby reducing interference between the assemblies.
FIG. 7b is a container 106 having a generally square cross-section, and also including four notches 108 for inserting fishing assemblies. Storage containers with square configurations and flat surfaces may be more easily secured against, for example, a support beam, or may fit more snugly within interior cabins of vehicles.
FIG. 7c is yet another container variation, with a container 110 having a generally octagonal cross-section, and notches 112 located at the eight sides of the octagon. Various other embodiments of the invention may employ containers with different polygonal cross-sections. Depending on the application and size of the container, other embodiments may also include a different number or configuration of the notches, if it is determined that such a configuration could be effectively utilized. For example, notches may be placed at two or four sides of the octagon, as opposed to the eight sides as illustrated.
FIG. 7d is an additional container variation 114, having a generally cross-shaped cross-section, and notches 116 located at each of the ends of the cross. Containers may be formed with cross-shaped cross-sections to, for example, create greater separation between fishing rod and reel assemblies when inserted into the container. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 7d, each of four fishing assemblies may be inserted into the cross-shaped container 114, approximate the notches 116 with the reel of each assembly extending radially outward of the container 114. In this configuration, the rod section of each fishing assembly may occupy one arm of the cross-shaped container, and movement of the fishing assembly is limited by the walls of each arm, for example, walls 118, of the cross. Such a configuration may thus provide an extra safeguard against tangling between stored fishing assemblies.
Referring now to FIGS. 3a-3d, there may be various different ways to arrange fishing rod and reel assemblies in the storage device 10.
FIG. 3a is one exemplary storage configuration for storing a fishing rod and reel assembly, showing a container 12 holding a single rod and reel assembly 22. The assembly may be positioned so that a rod portion 24 rests in an internal cavity 25 of the container 12, and a reel portion 26 protrudes radially outwardly from the central axis of the container 12. A support arm 28 connecting the rod portion 24 to the reel portion 26 in the assembly 22 is situated in a notch 20, thereby holding the assembly 22 in a stationary position in relation to the container 12. As can be seen in the configuration of FIG. 3a, the internal cavity 25 of container 12 may include unused space when the assembly 22 is being stored.
FIG. 3b is an exemplary storage configuration for storing two fishing rod and reel assemblies in a container 12 of the storage device 10. In such an exemplary embodiment, container 12 holds at least first and second rod and reel assemblies 22 and 30 respectively. The first rod and reel assembly 22 may be positioned as described above with respect to FIG. 3a. As shown in FIG. 3b, the second rod and reel assembly may be inserted into the container 12 at the same end as the first assembly. The support arm 32 of the second assembly may be positioned in another notch 33 of the opening, which, depending on the embodiment, may be located across from the notch 20 in which the support arm of the first assembly 22 is positioned. The second assembly 30 is positioned similarly to the first assembly, with a rod portion 34 located inside the container 12, and a reel portion 36 located outside the container 12 and positioned radially outwards of the rod portion 34 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container 12.
As can be seen in FIG. 3b, two fishing rod and reel assemblies, for example, assemblies 22 and 30, may be inserted into a single container without coming into contact or interfering with one another. In some embodiments, straps or other securing mechanisms may be used to further secure the assemblies. The placement of the respective support arms 28 and 32 in opposite notches 20 and 33 of the opening assures a constant separation between the assemblies 22 and 30. Fully assembled fishing rod and reel assemblies may also include hanging fishing lines and fishing rigs, both of which may be susceptible to tangling. With ample separation maintained between the two assemblies 22 and 30, the possibility of tangling between them while held in a container 12 of the storage unit 10 may be reduced.
FIG. 3c is an another exemplary storage configuration for storing two fishing rod and reel assemblies in a container 12 of the storage device 10, with the storage container 12 holding the first fishing assembly 22, positioned similarly to the positioning as seen above with respect to FIGS. 3a and 3b, and at least one additional fishing assembly 38. As shown in FIG. 3c, the additional assembly 38 may be inserted into a second opening on an opposite end of the container 12. In some embodiments, the second opening may be configured similarly to the first opening. As can be seen, in the configuration of FIG. 3c, segments of the rod portion 24 of the first assembly 22 and a rod portion 40 of the additional assembly 38 may overlap when both assemblies are inserted into the container 12. Therefore, more interference between the two fishing assemblies may occur in the configuration of FIG. 3c as opposed to the configuration of FIG. 3b. Tangling may nevertheless by avoided with proper stowing and securing of loose fishing lines and/or hanging rigs, with securing mechanisms such as Velcro or similar straps attached to inner walls of the containers, or to help bundle assemblies together in a more organized manner. Further, as the fishing assemblies are inserted from both ends of the container 12, additional space may be needed to provide clearance for insertion of fishing assemblies from both ends.
FIG. 3d is an exemplary storage configuration for storing at least four fishing rod and reel assemblies in a container 12 of the storage device 10. In this storage configuration, two fishing rod and reel assemblies, such as assemblies 22 and 30 described above, may be inserted into a first end of the container 12, resembling the arrangement described above with respect to FIG. 3b. Two additional fishing rod and reel assemblies, for example, assembly 38 and an additional assembly 41, may be inserted into the opposite end of the container 12 in a similar arrangement. As was seen with respect to FIG. 3c, there may be areas of overlap between the respective rods of each assembly. However, this arrangement provides an increased holding capacity for the storage device. Such storage configurations may enable storage of more rod assemblies and may enable manufacture of more compact storage devices to use in smaller cars or vehicles that may not support a larger number of containers. Configurations such as presented in FIG. 3d may be employed to increase the storage capacity of the invention, while continuing to reduce tangling and interference between separate fishing assemblies.
A storage device 10 is configured to be mounted in the interior cabins or truck beds of various types of vehicles, for example, motor homes, toy haulers, and pick-up trucks, some of which may include camper shells or lift-top covers. FIGS. 4a, 4b, 5a, and 5b illustrate different exemplary mounting configurations for a storage device 10. Referring to FIG. 4a, a space 43 is defined by an overhead ceiling 42 and two sidewalls 44, which may be straight or inclined. The space may be the interior cabin of, for example, a toy hauler or a camper shell of a pick-up truck. A storage device 10 may be mounted in the space 43. In FIG. 4a, the storage device 10 is mounted near the ceiling 42, but in other embodiments may be mounted farther away from the ceiling 42, depending on user preference. Rubberized feet on the ends 17 of the support beams 14 of the storage device 10 contact the sidewalls 44. In some embodiments, the support beams 14 may include a ratcheting and locking mechanism, or similar extension mechanism to increase and maintain the length of the support beams. The support beams may thereby be elongated to apply sustained outward pressure against the surface of the sidewalls 44, thus maintaining the position of the storage device 10 within the space 43. The feet and beams should be able to withstand pressure exerted by the weight of a desirable number of assemblies to maintain its position in the vehicle substantially without slipping.
Furthermore, in FIG. 4a, the rubberized feet are tilted to conform to the incline of the sidewalls 44. In some embodiments of the invention, the rubberized feet may be attached to ball bearings 18 or similar mechanisms which provide for rotation of the rubberized feet. The rotatable rubberized feet may therefore adapt to any inclined surface, increasing the contact area between the rubberized feet and the contacted surface (e.g., the sidewalls 44 in FIG. 4a). The increased contact area helps to more securely maintain storage device 10 in a mounted position within the space 43.
FIG. 4b illustrates a storage device 10 mounted in a recessed space 45, for example, a storage bed of a pick-up truck or a trunk of a car. The recessed space 45 includes a floor or bed 46 and a pair of vertical walls 48. In the embodiment of FIG. 4b, the storage device 10 may be raised above the floor 46. In an alternate embodiment, the storage device 10 may be positioned higher in the recessed space 45, to provide more room for storing other objects and accessories under the storage device 10. In an alternate embodiment, the storage device 10 may be positioned lower, in contact with the floor 46, for example, to reduce displacement of the storage device 10 due to gravitational forces. However, this configuration may eliminate the possibility of including fishing rod and reel assemblies positioned downward in the containers.
The walls 48 in FIG. 4b are spaced farther apart than the sidewalls 44 described with respect to FIG. 4a. To accommodate the difference, the ends 17 of the support beam 14 are extended to lengthen the beam and apply adequate outward pressure against the walls 48. Furthermore, as the walls 48 depicted are substantially vertical, the rubberized feet remain in a substantially neutral position in contact with the walls 48.
In some embodiments, more than one storage device may be placed in a same space. For example, in FIG. 5a, a first storage device 50 and a second storage device 52 are mounted in one space 53, which may be, for example, an interior cabin similar to the space 43 described with respect to FIG. 4a. The configuration of FIG. 5a may be desirable in situations where a single storage device 10 may not provide sufficient storage space. The space 53 is framed by a ceiling 54 and two inclined sidewalls 56. The first storage device 50 is mounted near the top of the space 53, while the second storage device 52 is mounted apart from the first storage device 50, lower in the space 53. As can be seen, the horizontal distance between the sidewalls 56 is shorter at the top of the space 53 than it is at the bottom of the space 53. The length of the support beams of each of the storage devices 50 and 52 may be adjusted respectively to fit the different horizontal distances. As can be seen in FIG. 5a, the ends of the support beams 55 of the second storage device 52 are extended farther out than the ends of the support beams 57 of the first storage device 50.
FIG. 5b illustrates an alternate configuration of a storage device 58. In previously described embodiments, the storage devices have been mounted horizontally within an interior space of, for example, a vehicle or trailer. In the embodiment of FIG. 5b, the storage device 58 is instead mounted vertically within a similar interior space 59. The interior space 59 of FIG. 5b may be, for example, a truck bed 60 of a pick-up truck with an attached camper shell 62, etc. Other similar interior spaces may be, for example, cabins of vans or trailers, etc. In FIG. 5b, the interior space 59 is defined by a ceiling 64, a floor 66, and two sidewalls. The sidewalls may be, for example, walls 68 of a truck bed or walls 70 of a camper shell, but are not limited thereto.
The storage device 58 may be vertically configured in the interior space, as shown. In the embodiment of FIG. 5b, the height of the interior space 59 is greater than or equal to the minimum length of support beams 72 of the storage device 58. As was seen with the horizontal configurations above, the ends 73 of the support beams are extendable, and may be expanded a sufficient amount such that the rubberized feet at the ends 73 contact and apply pressure against the ceiling 64 and floor 66 of the interior space 59. In this and similar fashions, the invention is versatile and may be mounted in various different ways inside a vehicle.
The preceding description has been presented with reference to certain exemplary embodiments of the invention. Workers skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate that alterations and changes to the described embodiments may be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principle, spirit, and scope of this invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description should not be read as pertaining only to the precise embodiments described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but rather should be read consistent with and as support for the following claims which are to have their fullest and fairest scope.
