IP Library Granted Patent US 8,657,130
Granted Patent B2
US 8,657,130 · App. 12/974,801 · Granted Feb 25, 2014

Modular overhead storage

Inventors: Bruce Thrush (San Juan Capistrano, CA); John Grimm (Santee, CA)
Assignee: Parallax Group International, LLC
View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,657,130
App. No.
12/974,801
Granted
Feb 25, 2014
Kind
B2
Abstract

A storage system comprises a rack of multiple platforms connectable to one another in a first direction, where each of the platforms has segments that connect to one another along a direction other than the first direction, via a user-operable coupling. The platforms are preferably rectangular, and are connected at their long ends. The segments of each platform are also preferably rectangular, but they are connected along their long sides. In such embodiments, the connection between platforms is perpendicular to the length of the rack, while the connection between segments is parallel to the length of the rack. The segments of individual platforms are preferably coupled together with snap fit connections, and supported from their undersides by transverse supports, and the transverse supports are supported from their undersides by longitudinal supports via recesses on the segments. The transverse supports are preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal supports.

Claims (19)

1. An overhead storage assembly, comprising:

first and second platforms that are placed with respect to one another;

first and second support beams that support the platforms;

first and second legs connect to the support beams to suspend the platforms;

each of the platforms comprises first and second end segments, wherein the first and second end segments connect to each other via a connector that is perpendicular to the support beams;

each of the platforms further comprises a third middle segment, wherein the third middle segments can be connected in-between said first and second end segments; and

each of the first and second end segments comprise a surface and an underside, wherein the underside has a plurality of recesses to couple the respective segment to a portion of the support beams so said portion of the support beams is embedded into the recesses.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the recesses are located at an end of each first and second end segments.

3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second legs are disposed between the first and second platforms.

4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second legs are disposed on opposite sides of the first platform, and coupled using the first support beam that supports the first platform.

5. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first platform comprises a molded plastic.

6. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the platforms comprises a plurality of metal containing slats.

7. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the segments comprises a lattice structure.

8. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first platform comprises a metal.

9. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first leg has telescoping components.

10. The assembly of claim 9 further comprising a detent that cooperates with a catch to fix a length of the telescoping components.

11. The assembly of claim 9 further comprising a polymeric ring at an end of one of the telescoping components.

12. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second legs are disposed on opposite sides of the first platform, and coupled using the support beams.

13. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the support beams are longitudinally oriented with respect to the first platform.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Apr 15, 2011
From: THRUSH, BRUCE; GRIMM, JOHN
To: THE PARALLAX GROUP INTERNATIONAL, LLC
Reel/Frame 026138/0074 →
Continuity (4)
Continuation In Part 11479480 · Jun 30, 2006
Provisional Application 60697468 · Jul 7, 2005
Provisional Application 60726746 · Oct 14, 2005
Related Publication 20110186533A1 · Aug 4, 2011