IP Library Granted Patent US 8,157,312
Granted Patent B2
US 8,157,312 · App. 12/792,854 · Granted Apr 17, 2012

Universal modular storage for a vehicle

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,157,312
App. No.
12/792,854
Granted
Apr 17, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

A modular storage system for a vehicle is disclosed. The modular storage system includes an adjustable frame having a plurality of first posts, a plurality of second posts, a first beam connecting one of the plurality of first posts to another of the plurality of first posts, and a second beam connecting one of the plurality of second posts to another of the plurality of second posts. The first posts and second posts are each secured to a curved member. The modular storage system is attached to a rail on an interior of a vehicle. Various off-the-shelf storage components can be used with the system.

Claims (55)

1. A modular storage system for the cargo space of a vehicle comprising:

a frame having:

a plurality of first posts, the first posts each being secured to a curved member,

each curved member having such a shape so as to enable the modular storage system to be useable with cargo spaces of different shapes and sizes in a plurality of different vehicles;

a plurality of second posts, the second posts each being secured to the curved members and spaced a distance away from each of the plurality of first posts;

a first beam connecting one of the plurality of first posts to another of the plurality of first posts; and

a second beam connecting one of the plurality of second posts to another of the plurality of second posts; and

a rail secured to an interior of the vehicle for securing the system to the vehicle;

wherein each curved member includes a plurality of holes for attaching to the first posts, the second posts, and the rail, the holes enabling the frame to be adjustable.

2. The modular storage system of claim 1 further comprising a bracket securing at least one of the curved members to the rail.

3. The modular storage system of claim 1 further comprising at least one cross beam connecting one of the plurality of first posts to one of the plurality of second posts.

4. The modular storage system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of feet attached to the plurality of first and second posts, the plurality of feet comprising compressible mounting feet.

5. The modular storage system of claim 1 wherein the first and second posts include telescoping members to allow the system to be adjustable in height.

6. The modular storage system of claim 1 wherein the vehicle has a roof and at least two sides, and wherein the rail is secured to the roof of the vehicle.

7. The modular storage system of claim 1 wherein the vehicle has a roof and at least two sides, and wherein the rail is secured to one of the sides of the vehicle.

8. The modular storage system of claim 1 further comprising at least one of a storage bin, a drawer, or a shelf located between the first beam and the second beam.

9. The modular storage system of claim 1 wherein the first posts, second posts, first beam, and second beam are made of aluminum.

10. The modular storage system of claim 1 wherein the vehicle is a cargo van.

11. The modular storage system of claim 1 wherein a portion of the system is removable in order to increase the storage capacity of the vehicle.

12. The modular storage system of claim 1 wherein the frame is adjustable in the dimensions of height and width.

13. The modular storage system of claim 1 wherein the first post is secured to a vertical portion of the curved member.

14. The modular storage system of claim 1 wherein the second post is secured to a horizontal portion of the curved member.

15. A method of installing a modular storage system in the cargo space of a vehicle comprising:

providing a frame including a plurality of first posts each having a first end and a second end, the first posts each being secured to a curved member at the first end, a plurality of second posts each having a first end and a second end, the second posts each being secured to the curved members at the first end and spaced a distance away from each of the plurality of first posts, a first beam connecting one of the plurality of first posts to another of the plurality of first posts, and a second beam connecting one of the plurality of second posts to another of the plurality of second posts;

securing the curved members to a rail attached to an interior of the vehicle;

securing the first posts to the interior of the vehicle;

securing the second end of the first and second posts to a floor of the vehicle without drilling into the floor of the vehicle; and

adjusting a width of the frame by moving the second posts along holes located in the curved members.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising a plurality of brackets for securing the curved member to the rail.

17. The method of claim 15 further comprising securing the second end of the first and second posts to the floor of the vehicle using compressible feet.

18. The method of claim 15 wherein the curved members have a shape such that the modular storage system may be useable with cargo spaces of different shapes and sizes in a plurality of different vehicles.

19. The method of claim 15 further comprising installing at least one of a storage bin, a drawer, or a shelf between the first beam and the second beam.

20. The method of claim 15 further comprising securing the rail to a roof of the vehicle.

21. The method of claim 15 further comprising securing the rail to a side of the vehicle.

22. The method of claim 15 wherein the position of the curved member along the rail can be adjusted.

23. A vehicle cargo space comprising:

a modular storage system including:

a frame having:

a plurality of first posts, the first posts each being secured to a curved member,

the curved member having such a shape so as to enable the modular storage system to be useable with cargo spaces of different shapes and sizes in a plurality of different vehicles;

a plurality of second posts, the second posts each being secured to the curved members and spaced a distance away from each of the plurality of first posts;

a first beam connecting one of the plurality of first posts to another of the plurality of first posts; and

a second beam connecting one of the plurality of second posts to another of the plurality of second posts;

a rail secured to an interior of the vehicle; and

a bracket securing at least one of the curved members to the rail;

wherein each curved member includes a plurality of holes for attaching to the first posts, the second posts, and the rail, the holes enabling the frame to be adjustable.

24. A modular storage system for the cargo space of a vehicle comprising:

a frame having:

a plurality of first posts, the first posts each being secured to a curved member,

each curved member having such a shape so as to enable the modular storage system to be useable with cargo spaces of different shapes and sizes in a plurality of different vehicles;

a plurality of second posts, the second posts each being secured to the curved members and spaced a distance away from each of the plurality of first posts;

a first beam connecting one of the plurality of first posts to another of the plurality of first posts; and

a second beam connecting one of the plurality of second posts to another of the plurality of second posts; and

a rail secured to an interior of the vehicle for securing the system to the vehicle;

wherein the vehicle has a roof and at least two sides, and wherein the rail is secured to the roof of the vehicle.

Assignments (14)
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS RECORDED AT REEL 064126, FRAME 0396 Recorded Jun 16, 2025
From: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
To: WERNER CO.
Reel/Frame 071649/0774 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS RECORDED AT REEL 063958, FRAME 0740 Recorded Jun 16, 2025
From: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
To: WERNER CO.
Reel/Frame 071649/0699 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS RECORDED AT REEL 064205, FRAME 0636 Recorded Jun 16, 2025
From: WILLA FINCO II SARL
To: WERNER CO.
Reel/Frame 071649/0887 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 16, 2025
From: WERNER CO.
To: ARES CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 071636/0185 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 27, 2023
From: WERNER CO.
To: WILLA FINCO II SARL (FORMERLY TRITON V LUXCO 95 SARL)
Reel/Frame 064205/0636 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 27, 2023
From: WERNER CO.
To: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 064126/0396 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 12, 2023
From: WERNER CO.
To: WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS NOTES COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 063958/0740 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS AT R/F 043328/0001 Recorded Jun 12, 2023
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: KNAACK LLC; WERNER CO.; WERNER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 063957/0231 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Apr 10, 2019
From: KNAACK LLC
To: WERNER CO.
Reel/Frame 048848/0363 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (TERM LOAN) Recorded Jul 25, 2017
From: KNAACK LLC; WERNER CO.; WERNER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT IN RESPECT OF THE TERM LOAN CREDIT AGREEMENT
Reel/Frame 043328/0001 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT (ABL) Recorded Jul 25, 2017
From: KNAACK LLC; WERNER CO.; WERNER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT IN RESPECT OF THE ABL CREDIT AGREEMENT
Reel/Frame 043327/0956 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COLLATERAL Recorded Jul 24, 2017
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: KNAACK LLC
Reel/Frame 043319/0113 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Sep 29, 2012
From: KNAACK LLC
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 029058/0474 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 3, 2010
From: BLISS, RICHARD CHASE, JR.; UTPAT, AJAY DHANANJAY; DAHATONDE, HARISHCHANDRA
To: KNAACK LLC
Reel/Frame 024477/0579 →