CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims a priority benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61,196,330 entitled “Attic Storage System”, and filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on Oct. 17, 2008 by a common Inventor to this instant application, Janice Lanza-Brache.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO APPENDIX Not Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to methods and apparatus for creating storage systems and storage space.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION With the cost of energy skyrocketing, it has been stated that the best and most cost effective way a homeowner can save on heating and cooling is to apply a second layer of insulation in the attic of their house. Most houses come with attics that are unfinished, having no flooring or plywood between the between the joists. The attic in most homes will have a blanket of fiberglass insulation between the joists which will typically represent an R value of 19 or greater.
A secondary problem with modern times is a limited amount of storage space in the home as living space (eg, large rooms) in much more desirable than closest or storage areas. Therefore most homeowners turn to their attic or area over a garage to store the plethora of goods and items one accumulates over many years.
In an unfinished attic, a common practice is to place a piece of plywood over the joists to provide a surface for storing boxes and bins of clothing, children's toys and similar items. If the homeowner is to add an additional layer of insulation above the top of the attic floor joists, the storage space is quickly lost. Pieces of lumber can be sistered or stacked to the existing attic joists to provide the additional height where the insulation will be placed and then the plywood placed on top of this new lumber. The problems are many, but in particular the cost of purchasing the lumber and the work involved in installing the joist extensions just for the ability to keep the storage area. Without the extensions, the whole attic may be more energy efficient, but all that storage space is now lost.
Thus there is a need for a raised attic storage system.
The attic storage system has many benefits such as increasing the useful space of one's home by a significant amount.
Such an apparatus or convenience is heretofore unknown to the inventors. In general this apparatus has the potential for creating ‘greener’ homes, lowering energy costs of residential populations, saving money through home storage as opposed to commercial space improving the quality of life for all home owners with attic space. It expands the usefulness and convenience of one's residence.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The current invention allows the homeowner to place an additional layer of R19, R30 or R38 blanket fiberglass insulation into an unfinished attic or above a garage and still keep the storage space intact. The system works because it is the same height and width as the insulation blanket and fits precisely between the joists for support without compressing and minimum deforming the insulation. Any compression or deformation of the fiberglass blanket insulation would diminish its function and R value.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES The primary purpose of this invention is to recapture and utilize lost attic space in residential homes where the attic is unfinished, having exposed floor joists which are unsuitable for walking upon or the storage of personal items.
Accordingly, several objects and advantages of our invention are:
(a) to provide an attic storage system which is simple enough for homeowner installation;
(b) to provide an attic storage system which makes the entire home more energy efficient, including reducing heating and cooling costs;
(c) to provide an attic storage system which provides a safe and walkable floor without compromising the original attic insulation;
(d) to provide an attic storage system which is modular and easily extendable in any direction or space; and
(e) to provide an attic storage system which makes efficient use of the attic space through a modular and extendible storage system.
Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an elevated exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is an elevated exploded perspective view of the invention in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an elevated exploded perspective view of the invention in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a detailed elevated exploded perspective end view of the invention in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4B is a detailed elevated exploded perspective view of the invention in FIG. 1 including an add on shelving extension;
FIG. 4C is a detailed elevated perspective view of the invention in FIG. 1 showing multiple orientations of flooring sections;
FIG. 5 is an elevated perspective side view of a leg component of the invention in
FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is an elevated perspective side view of a pair of leg components of the invention in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6B is a side elevation view of a quad-vertical leg component of the invention in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6C is a top plan view of a quad-vertical leg component of the invention in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6D is a bottom plan view of a quad-vertical leg component of the invention in
FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is an elevated perspective side view of a second leg component of the invention in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective side view of a second leg component of the invention in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is an elevated perspective side view of a third leg component of the invention in FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 13 is a side perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 14A-14D are views of the modular frame assembly of a second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 15A-15E are views of a modular component of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 16A-16D are views of mated modular components of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 17A-17E, and FIGS. 17AA-17EE are views of the frame assembly modular components of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 18A-18C are views of a wood slat option of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 19A-19C are views of a molded slat option of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 20A-20C are views of an extruded slat option of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 21A-21C are views of an extruded slat with web option of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 22A-22B are views of a fabric webbing and slat assembly option of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 23A-23G are views of details for the frame of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 24A-24E are views of details for the bridge of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 25A-25D are views of details for the cross brace of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 26A-26F are views of details for the extruded slat assembly of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 27A-27F are views of details for the molded slat assembly of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 28A-28F are views of details for the wood slat assembly of the second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 29 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a flooring/shelving section;
FIG. 30 is a perspective side view of an alternative clamping mechanism for attaching the system to floor joists; and
FIG. 31A-C are views of an alternative embodiment for a cross brace.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to FIG. 1, an elevated perspective view of the first embodiment 20 of the invention is shown. A series of exposed parallel floor joists 5 are shown as they would be found in many unfinished residential attics. These floor joists 5 may be found in different sizes depending upon structural requirements. However almost all of the floor joists 5 installed in these unfinished attics will be of the “2 by” dimension, such as ‘2×4’, ‘2×6’, 2×8, 2×10, and on occasion ‘2×12’. These are rough lumber dimensions in inches. The joists are usually positioned in parallel on 16″ or 24″ centers, known as 16OC or 24OC. This is the distance between the center of one joist 5 measured to the center of an adjacent floor joist 5. Insulation batts are manufactured to fit into the spaces between these joists 5 so as to insulate the living space below. The insulation is manufactured in different thicknesses as is know in the art. The insulation is characterized by an “R-XX” value whereby the higher the ‘XX’ number, the greater the insulating factor. In FIG. 1, this insulation is not shown, so that one may see the detail of the joists 5.
A homeowner who wishes to make better use of the unused space in his attic will install the attic storage system 20 in the following manner. First he carefully measures and marks locations on the joists 5 to install the base vertical legs 2. The legs 2 must be carefully positioned so that they will properly align to receive the modular flooring sections 14 from above. The legs 2 may be nailed or screwed into the floor joists 5. The legs 2 have multiple pre-drilled through holes for receiving the nails or screws which facilitates an easier and faster installation.
Vertical leg pairs 16 may be secured together with a conventional bolt 11 and nut 12 using a pair of pre-drilled through holes. Variations on the vertical legs 2 are discussed below such that a single vertical leg with a U-slot to fit over the floor joist 5 speeds the installation.
Once all the vertical legs 2 have been installed, additional batts of insulation 4 are installed in a perpendicular direction to the attic joists 5. This is done so that the insulations seams 7 are not aligned with the seams of the joists 5 and insulation below (not shown). This is a known practice that makes for a higher R-value between the unheated attic and the living space below.
Once the new insulation 4 is in place the flooring sections 14 may be installed. Each flooring section 14 has pre-drilled the holes 18 to receive a preformed post 6 that extends from the top of the vertical leg 2. The posts 6 and pre-drilled holes 18 are manufactured so that a friction fit secures the assembly. Now the homeowner has both increased in the insulation value in his attic and created a smooth load bearing surface which can be used for storage. Further the smooth surface makes it easy for the homeowner to walk about his attic without fear of stepping through the ceiling below.
Now referring to FIG. 2, an exploded view of a single flooring section 14 is shown. This flooring section 14 will have adjacent flooring sections 14 around it as can be anticipated by the pairs 16 of vertical legs 2 shown attached to the flooring joists 5. It should be noted that the pairs 16 of vertical legs 2 shown will support an expansion of the flooring system in the directions X and Y. To support an expansion of the flooring system in directions W and Z, another pair 16 of vertical legs 2 must be installed. Another method for supporting the intersection of four corners of four flooring sections 14 is by using a single vertical leg designed with four supporting posts. This support leg 2 will be discussed below.
Now referring to FIG. 3, a similar installation as shown in FIG. 2 is shown. It should be noted that the flooring section 14 accommodates three adjacent batts 4 of insulation. Most insulation comes in standard dimensions such as 16″ or 24″ wide and therefore a modular flooring sections 14 can be designed to accommodate single, double, or triple widths. Thus standard flooring sections 14 would be dimensioned in 32″ or 48″ lengths.
Similarly the insulation batts 4 (or rolls) come in standard thicknesses such as 3″, 6″, and 9″. The vertical legs 2 are available in varying lengths depending upon how much vertical space the homeowner requires below the modular flooring sections 14 to accommodate the insulation 4.
Now referring to FIG. 4, an exploded end view of the invention 20 is shown. Once again expansion of the flooring system in the direction Z will require additional vertical legs 2 to be installed adjacent to the vertical legs 2 currently shown.
Referring now to FIG. 4B, a shelving extension assembly 26 is shown. An additional flooring/shelving section 14A is supported by multiple extension legs 10. The bottom post 9 is mounted into the floor holes 18 in the flooring section 14 below. The top post 6 is inserted in the floor holes 18 in the shelving section 14A. Thus multiple shelving levels may be created above each flooring section 14.
Referring now to FIG. 4C, an installation of flooring panels 1 is shown. It should be noted that the flooring panels 14 in this figure are installed perpendicular to each other. In this particular figure the flooring system is designed on 16″ centers and therefore the flooring holes 18 align with the base vertical legs 2 in either direction.
Now referring to FIG. 5, a single vertical leg 2 is shown. On the lower end of the leg a notch 3 has been cut away so that the leg 2 will mate with the top and side edge of a floor joist 5. On the top end of the vertical leg 2 a post 6 has been formed so as to securely receive the post hole 18 in the flooring section 14. A series of through holes 8, 13 have been manufactured into the vertical leg 2. Referring to the XYZ coordinate axes shown, certain through holes 8 are aligned in the Y direction, while other through holes 13 are aligned in the X direction. Note that the Y-aligned holes are staggered with the X-aligned holes so that they do not intersect. Further the holes on each leg 2 are always located in the same relative position so that when legs 2 are joined together in pairs, the respective through holes 8, 13 align with each other to form one continuous through hole.
Now referring to FIG. 6, a pair 16 of vertical legs 2 is shown. The legs 2 are rotated so that their notches 3 align and form a slot 15 to receive a floor joist 5. Note that the Y-aligned through holes 8 on the right side vertical leg 2 of the pair 16 aligns with the similarly Y-aligned through holes on the left side vertical leg 2 of the pair 16. Thus the pair 16 of vertical legs 2 may be secured with a bolt and nut combination through the aforementioned aligned holes 8.
Now are referring to FIG. 6B, a quad-vertical leg 22 is shown. This leg 22 is designed to sit on an attic floor joist 5 and receive a corner of each of four flooring sections 14. A notch 24 is cut into the base of the quad-vertical leg 22 to accommodate the standard width of a floor joist 5. All of the lumber dimensions mentioned above were ‘2×’ dimensions. It is well known in the trade that this translates to an actual width of 1.5 inches. Also in the base of the quad-vertical leg 22 are through holes 8 so as to attach the leg 22 securely to the joist 5. Some manufacturing costs are saved as there is no need to manufacture through holes 8, 13 in the upper portion of the quad-vertical leg 22.
Now referring to FIG. 6C, a top plan view of the quad-vertical leg 22 is shown. Four posts 6 are positioned so that each will receive one corner of each of four adjacent flooring sections 14.
Now referring to FIG. 6D, a bottom plan view of the quad-vertical leg 22 is shown. A notch 24 has been cut to receive a floor joist 5 and a series of through holes 8 have been drilled in the lower portion of the leg 22 so that through bolts 11 and nuts 12 may secure the leg 22 to the joist 5.
Now referring to FIG. 7, a vertical leg 2 with a double notch 3, 3A is shown. This leg is similar to the vertical legs 2 shown in FIGS. 5 & 6 with the exception of an additional notch 3A cut into the lower portion of the vertical leg 2. This double notch 3, 3A will accommodate locations where two floor joists 5 have come together to form a perpendicular joint. Such perpendicular joints can occur anywhere in a flooring system due to framing requirements to accommodate chimneys, ventilation shafts, stairwells and the like.
Now referring to FIG. 8, a bottom perspective view of a vertical leg 2 with a double notch 3, 3A is shown.
Now referring to FIG. 9, an upper vertical leg 10 is shown. This vertical leg 10 has both an upper post 6 and a lower post 9 so that it may be used to create a second level of modular shelving extending above the base modular floor. (We shall call the first level of modular flooring which is applied directly to the attic joists 5 our ‘base modular floor’. We shall call additional levels extending upward from the base modular floor our ‘shelving’) The upper vertical leg 10 will be inserted into the through holes 18 in the flooring section 14 after the first level has been assembled. Through this method several additional levels of modular shelving may be created on top of the base modular floor. Although not shown, it is well known that cross bracing in both the X and Y directions must be applied to additional levels of shelving to prevent rotational collapse.
Referring now to FIG. 10, a second embodiment 50 of the invention is shown. A raised modular flooring and shelving system 50 is erected on top of existing attic joists 5 and the original insulation 19 installed there between. A homeowner desirous of increasing the insulation value in his attic space and making use of the remaining space for storage installs this second embodiment 50 in a similar manner as the first embodiment 20.
First the framing structure to support the base modular floor 52 is installed. Vertical legs 54 are positioned on the attic joists 5 in the appropriate locations. Cross braces 56 and side beams 58 are then installed to interconnect the vertical legs 54. This completes the framework for the base modular floor 52. Additional insulation batts 4 are then deployed perpendicular to the attic floor joists 5 as described above to create an additional thermal layer. A flooring system is now ready to be installed into the framework. The flooring system may be modular panels 14 as described above or a slat system 60 as shown.
After the base modular floor 52 is complete, further levels may be created through an extension system. Vertical extension legs 62 are installed using a telescopic joint (discussed below) on top of the base vertical legs 54. Once the vertical extension legs 62 are installed, they are similarly interconnected by cross braces 56 and side beams 58. This extension level framework is now ready to receive shelving panels which may be modular floor panels 14 sized to fit into the framework or a slat system 60.
Additional shelving levels may be added in a similar manner as described above. A homeowner may now enter into his previously unusable attic space and walk about safely and comfortably on the base modular floor 52. He may store or retrieve boxes, containers, or other items from the flooring surface 52 or shelving surfaces 60. Thus a completely unusable space has been converted into a useful storage area. Energy costs for both heating and cooling will now be lower due to the added insulation.
Referring now to FIG. 11, a second embodiment of the raised attic storage system 50 is shown. In this configuration the additional insulation batts 4 have been installed in parallel with the attic joists 5. There may be installation restrictions on occasion that require this insulation 4 to be installed in this manner. It is important to note however that the seams 7 do not all align exactly with the underlying layer of insulation 19 and joists 5. This will assist in creating an insulation barrier that resists the leakage of air or thermal energy.
Referring now to FIG. 12, a second embodiment of the raised attic storage system 50 is shown. In this figure the installation batts 4 are installed parallel to the floor joists 5. As stated previously, the floor joists 5 maybe on 16″ or 24″ centers. Therefore a modular flooring system is available in both standard dimensions so that it will easily install on either set of floor joists 5.
Referring now to FIG. 13, a second embodiment of the raised attic storage system 50 is shown. In this configuration the insulation batts 4 are installed perpendicular to the attic joists 5. It is important to note that the flooring system is dimensioned to accommodate multiples of the standard width dimension of attic insulation. In this figure the distance L of the frame assembly is dimensioned to accommodate three standard batts of 16″ widths. Thus the dimension L must be 48 inches. Two rolls of standard 24″ width insulation would also fit neatly under this framing system.
Referring now to FIGS. 14A-D, the essential framework for the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10-13 is described. In FIG. 14A a framework assembly 70 has a set of vertical base legs 54 which support side beams 58 that carry the flooring and shelving sections 60. Cross braces 56 are connected between each set of vertical legs 54 and upper extension legs 55 to provide structural stability for the framework assembly. The upper end of both the base vertical legs 54 and the upper extension legs 55 are reduced in their outside dimension so as to receive the lower portion of the extension leg 55 in a telescoping manner. This modular stacking ability provides for multiple levels of shelving. The extension legs 55 are provided in various dimensions such as 12″, 16″, and 24″ to provide for several different shelving heights.
At the base of each vertical leg 54 is a foot 64 for sitting upon and securely attaching to an attic floor joist 5. The foot 64 may have multiple holes for receiving nails or screws so as to attach the foot 64 securely to the attic joist 5. Small triangular shaped spikes may also be punched into the foot 64 extending from the bottom surface of the foot 64 so that upon installation the spikes are driven into the joist 5 easily and quickly by tapping the foot onto the joist 5.
Another method for attaching the feet 64 securely and quickly to the attic joist 5 would be the use of construction grade adhesive in combination with or without the aforementioned spikes. The adhesive would be applied to the appropriate locations on the attic joists 5 or directly to the bottom of the foot 64. The feet 64 then placed in their positions. The adhesive takes a certain amount of time to set up and this would allow the installer some time to make adjustments in the placement of the framework. If spikes are used with the adhesive, the feet 64 would be tapped into place after the frame was assembled. Shortly thereafter, the feet 64 would be firmly attached to the joist as the adhesive dried.
Referring now to FIG. 14 B, a top plan view of the framing assembly in FIG. 14A is shown. Each of the flooring and shelving sections 60, are supported by a series of side beams 58.
Referring now to FIG. 14C, a side elevation view of the framing assembly in FIG. 14A is shown. The upper legs 55 are supported by the lower legs 54. All of the structural load being supported on the shelving levels is transmitted directly to the upper legs 55 by the side beams 58. The load is then directly transferred to the attic joists 5 through the lower vertical legs 54 and feet 64.
Referring now to FIG. 14D, an end elevation view of the framing assembly in FIG. 14A is shown. Cross braces 56 are installed between each pair of vertical legs 54, 55 so as to give structural stability to the framework. The side beams 58 shown in FIGS. 14A-D, may be vertically dimensioned so as to provide structural stability to the framework in a horizontal direction perpendicular to that of the stability provided by the cross braces 56. Both of these structural components 56, 58 are critical to keep the structure from collapsing due to horizontal forces.
Referring now to FIGS. 15A-E, several feet 64 and side beam 58 options are shown. In FIGS. 15A-E the side beam 58 is shown with or without a horizontal protrusion 68 for linking an adjacent flooring or shelving section 60. In FIG. 15A, a horizontal protrusion 68 extends from only the left side of the framework assembly. In FIG. 15B, horizontal protrusions 68 extend from both sides of the framework assembly. These protrusions 68 can be readily seen in FIGS. 15C-D. In FIG. 15E, no protrusions are shown as this section is being assembled as a stand alone unit.
As discussed above in this particular embodiment the vertical legs 54 have integral feet 64 while the extension legs 55 do not. Another modular embodiment is described below.
Referring now to FIGS. 16A-D, a mechanism for linking modular framework assemblies end to end is shown. A small button protrusion 72 is manufactured on one side of the vertical legs 54, 55 while a receiving key slot 74 is manufactured on an opposite side of the vertical legs 54, 55. The key slot 74 is mated with the button 72 as is well known in the art. Multiple buttons 72 may be mated with multiple key slots 74 at one time. This provides for a very secure and stable horizontal mechanical linkage between two adjoining framework assemblies.
Referring now to FIGS. 17A-E and FIGS. 17AA-EE, the framing assembly is shown. FIGS. 17A, AA show an extension leg 62 with telescopic means. Leg inserts 76 may be used to couple the extension legs 62 in a stacking manner.
Referring now to FIGS. 17B, BB, a one-sided foot 78 is shown. This foot 78 only has curvature on one side of the foot 78 for use in mating with a single edge platform.
Referring now to FIGS. 17C, CC, a flat foot 80 is shown. This foot 80 is adaptable for use on a flat surface.
Referring now to FIGS. 17D, DD, a two sided foot 64 is shown. This foot 64 is adaptable for use on attic joists 5 as previously described.
Referring now to FIGS. 17E,EE, a tall two-sided foot 82 is shown. This foot 82 is adaptable for use on any joist 5 where additional stability and attachment loading is desired.
It should also be noted that the one-sided foot 78 shown in FIGS. 17B, BB may also be manufactured in a “tall” version similar to the two-sided tall foot 82 shown in FIGS. 17E, EE which will provide similar improvements in attachment capability and structural stability.
All of the feet 78, 80, 64, & 82 shown in FIGS. 17B-E, 17BB-EE are manufactured with a stubby rectangular post (not shown) extending upward from the foot 78, 80, 64 & 82 in a vertical manner. The rectangular post is mated with the hollow rectangular bottom of each leg 62 in FIG. 17A to form the base legs 54 shown in FIGS. 10-21. This allows for the base legs 54 and side beam 58 to be fabricated as a single ‘H’ beam as shown in FIGS. 23A-G and further discussed below.
Referring now to FIGS. 18A-C, a flooring or shelving section 60 is shown. This flooring section 60 is comprised of individual wood slats 84 which are designed to be modular in nature and can be placed individually onto the side beams 58. Thus once the framework assembly 70 has been put in place, the wood slats 84 may be snapped onto the side beams 58 with simple fasteners to create the flooring or shelving section 60.
Referring now to FIGS. 19A-C, a flooring or shelving section 60 is shown. This flooring section 60 is comprised of individual molded slats 86 which are designed to be modular in nature and can be placed individually onto the side beams 58. Thus once the framework assembly 70 has been put in place, the molded slats 86 may be snapped onto the side beams 58 with simple fasteners to create the flooring or shelving section 60.
Referring now to FIGS. 20A-C, a flooring or shelving section 60 is shown. This flooring section 60 is comprised of individual extruded slats 88 which are designed to be modular in nature and can be placed individually onto the side beams 58. Thus once the framework assembly 70 has been put in place, the extruded slats 88 may be snapped onto the side beams 58 with simple fasteners to create the flooring or shelving section 60.
Referring now to FIGS. 21A-C, a flooring or shelving section 60 is shown. This flooring section 60 is comprised of individual extruded slats with web 90 which are designed to be modular in nature and can be placed as a flooring/shelving unit onto the side beams 58 all at one time. Thus once the framework assembly 70 has been put in place, the extruded slats with web 90 are laid onto the side beams 58 and secured simple fasteners to create the flooring or shelving section 60.
Referring now to FIGS. 22A&B, a fabric webbing slat assembly 90 is shown. The extruded slats 88 are assembled onto a vinyl, fabric, or plastic strip 92 by means of a web connector 94 and washer 96 combination.
Referring now to FIGS. 23A-G, details of the assembly framework are shown. The specific locations on the vertical legs 54, 55 where the buttons 72 and key slots 74 are located is detailed with dimensional information. Also it should be noted that the ‘H’frame 42 may be a single unit which when mated with the half bridge 102 or full bridge 104 shown in FIGS. 24A-E form a structure that is a pair of vertical legs 54, 55 and the side beam 58 as well. In this manner the ‘H’ frame becomes a modular component usable for both the first flooring level and any subsequent shelving levels which are added on. The ‘H’ frame 42 may receive any of the feet shown in FIGS. 17A-E to form the base legs 54 required to support the raised flooring panels 14.
Referring now to FIGS. 24A-E, details of the side beam 58 construction are shown. The side beam 58 is available in both a half bridge 102 and full bridge 104 configurations depending upon whether or not its purpose is to link to one or two additional frames. In either the half bridge 102 or the full bridge 104 configuration, punched holes 59 are manufactured in the horizontal extension 106 to securely receive any of the a foregoing mentioned flooring or shelving systems.
Referring now to FIGS. 25A-D, details of the cross brace 56 are shown. Multiple key slots 74 are punched into the cross brace 56 so as to securely fasten the cross brace 56 to the buttons 72 on the vertical legs 54, 55 of the framework assembly. Strengthening ridges 108 are also formed horizontally in the cross brace 56 to provide structural resistance to any twisting motion or vibrations.
Referring now to FIGS. 26A-F, details of the extruded slats 88 assembly are shown. As seen in FIGS. 26C&D a channel 110 is formed in the lower surface of the slat 88. This channel 110 is designed to slidably receive and capture a plastic barb 112 having two prongs 114 protruding from the bottom of this slat 88. This extruded slat assembly 88 is now ready to be installed any flooring section by snapping each end of the slat 88 into the punched holes 59 in the side beams 58.
Referring now to FIGS. 27A-F, a molded slat 86 is shown. The slat 86 is formed with a singular prong 114 on each end of the slat 88. This molded slat 86 is now ready to be installed any flooring section by snapping each end of the slat 86 into the punched holes 59 in the side beams 58.
Referring now to FIGS. 28A-F, a wood slat 84 is shown. A plastic barb 112 having two prongs 114 is screwed to each end of the wooden slat 84. This wood slat 84 is now ready to be installed any flooring section by snapping each end of the slat 84 into the punched holes 59 in the side beams 58.
Referring now to FIG. 29, a flooring section 14 is shown. In this embodiment the flooring/shelving panel 14 is a singular unit a fabricated from a wood, plastic or metal frame 27 and having a synthetic or natural fiber web 28 spanning the panel 14.
Referring now to FIG. 30, an alternative clamping mechanism 30 is shown. The clamp 30 has two jaws 32, 34 which are compressed by a bolt 36 and wing nut 38 coupling. This clamp 30 is designed to receive a vertical leg 2 from any of the embodiments contained in this invention.
Referring now to FIGS. 31A-C, an alternative cross brace 56′ is shown. Although similar to the cross brace 56 shown in FIGS. 25A-D, an important difference should be noted. The dimension h in FIG. 25 it is significantly taller then the dimension h′ in FIG. 31A. This reduced height h′ allows the frame in FIGS. 23A-G to be manufactured with a lower overall height. That is, the dimension shown in FIG. 23F of 19 inches maybe reduced by approximately 3″-4″. This lowers the overall height of the floor panels 14 from the attic joists 5 and increases the stability of the overall flooring system 20.
While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, various modifications will be apparent to and might readily be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the description as set forth herein, but, rather, that the claims be broadly construed.
