阅读说明：本技术 储存装置 (Storage device ) 是由 R·范登哈姆 M·哈德 M·沙特拉 于 2018-11-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明的题目是储存装置。储存装置包括支撑梁,其限定梁轴并适合偶联至表面。支撑梁具有第一梁端和第二梁端并在梁端之间限定多个安装位置。储存装置进一步包括支撑结构,其邻接支撑梁并由支撑梁支撑；附接至支撑梁的对齐设备；和缆绳,其具有适合附接至表面的第一缆绳端和在选择的安装位置处可拆卸地附接至支撑梁的第二缆绳端。缆绳偶联至对齐设备以将第二缆绳端与支撑梁和选择的安装位置对齐,并且沿着对齐设备是可移动的以从选择的安装位置移动第二缆绳端到另一个安装位置,用于相对于表面调节支撑结构。(The invention provides a storage device. The storage device includes a support beam defining a beam axis and adapted to be coupled to a surface. The support beam has a first beam end and a second beam end and defines a plurality of mounting locations between the beam ends. The storage device further includes a support structure adjacent to and supported by the support beam; an alignment device attached to the support beam; and a cable having a first cable end adapted for attachment to a surface and a second cable end removably attached to the support beam at a selected mounting location. The cable is coupled to the alignment apparatus to align the second cable end with the support beam and a selected mounting location, and is movable along the alignment apparatus to move the second cable end from the selected mounting location to another mounting location for adjusting the support structure relative to the surface.)

1. A storage device attachable to a surface, the storage device comprising:

a support beam defining a beam axis and adapted to be coupled to the surface, wherein the support beam has a first beam end and a second beam end and defines a first plurality of mounting locations between the first beam end and the second beam end;

a support structure abutting and supported by the support beam;

an alignment device attached to the support beam; and

a cable having a first cable end and a second cable end, wherein the first cable end is adapted for attachment to the surface and the second cable end is removably attached to the support beam at a selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations, wherein the cable is coupled to the alignment apparatus to align the second cable end with the support beam and the selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations, and the cable is movable along the alignment apparatus to move the second cable end from the selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations to another one of the first plurality of mounting locations for adjusting the support structure relative to the surface.

2. The storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the alignment device is attached proximate the second beam end.

3. The storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support beam has an inner side and an outer side, and the alignment device is disposed adjacent the inner side.

4. The storage device of claim 1, wherein the alignment apparatus comprises a groove, wherein the cable is located within the groove.

5. The storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the alignment device includes a seat having a dowel pin, and the support beam defines an opening configured to receive the dowel pin to maintain a position of the alignment device to secure the cable within the groove.

6. The storage device of claim 5, wherein the alignment apparatus comprises a pulley sandwiched between the support and the support beam.

7. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the first plurality of mounting locations is further defined as a first plurality of apertures, and the storage device further comprises a mounting post coupled to a selected one of the first plurality of apertures and configured to receive the second cable end to attach the second cable end to the support beam.

8. The storage device of claim 7, wherein each of the first plurality of apertures is evenly spaced from an adjacent one of the first plurality of apertures.

9. The storage device of claim 7, wherein each of the first plurality of apertures is separate from an adjacent one of the first plurality of apertures.

10. The storage device of claim 7, wherein the selected one of the first plurality of apertures is spaced inward from the second beam end a first distance for forming a first height of the support structure relative to the surface, and

another of the first plurality of apertures is spaced inward from the second beam end a second distance for forming a second height of the support structure relative to the surface, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

11. The storage device of claim 1, further comprising a mounting post attached to the support beam at the selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations, wherein the mounting post receives the second cable end to attach the second cable end to the support beam at the selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations.

12. The storage device of claim 1 wherein the support beam is further defined as a first support beam, and the storage device further comprises a second support beam spaced from the first support beam, wherein the second support beam has a first beam end and a second beam end, and a second plurality of mounting locations are defined between the first beam end and the second beam end of the second support beam.

13. The storage device as set forth in claim 12, wherein the cable is further defined as a first cable and the alignment apparatus is further defined as a first alignment apparatus, wherein the support structure abuts the first and second support beams, and the storage device further comprises:

a second alignment device attached to the second support beam; and

a second cable having a first cable end and a second cable end, wherein the first cable end of the second cable is adapted to be attached to the surface and the second cable end is removably attached to the second support beam at a selected one of the second plurality of mounting locations, wherein the second cable is coupled to the second alignment apparatus to align the second cable end of the second cable with the second support beam and the selected one of the second plurality of mounting locations and the second cable is movable along the second alignment apparatus to move the second cable end from the selected one of the second plurality of mounting locations to another one of the second plurality of mounting locations for adjusting the support structure relative to the surface.

14. The storage device of claim 13, wherein the second plurality of mounting locations of the second support beam are further defined as a second plurality of holes, and the storage device further comprises a mounting post coupled to a selected one of the second plurality of holes and configured to receive the second cable end of the second cable to attach the second cable end of the second cable to the second support beam.

15. The storage device of claim 14, wherein the support structure defines a longitudinal axis transverse to the beam axis, and the first plurality of mounting locations is further defined as a first plurality of apertures, wherein the first plurality of apertures of the first support beam are evenly spaced from each other and the second plurality of apertures of the second support beam are evenly spaced from each other, wherein a selected one of the first plurality of apertures of the first support beam and a selected one of the second plurality of apertures of the second support beam are aligned along the longitudinal axis.

16. The storage device of claim 13, further comprising a third support beam extending transverse to the beam axis and attached to the first and second support beams.

17. The storage device of claim 16, further comprising a fourth support beam spaced from the third support beam, extending transverse to the beam axis, and attached to the first and second support beams, wherein the fourth support beam is adapted to be coupled to the surface;

wherein the first, second, third, and fourth support beams collectively define a support frame, wherein the support structure abuts and is supported by the support frame.

18. The storage device as set forth in claim 17 wherein the support frame is further defined as a first support frame and the first support beam has a top surface, and further comprising a second support frame coupled to the first support frame, wherein the second support frame comprises:

a first dependent support beam defining a beam axis and adapted to be coupled to the surface, wherein the first dependent support beam has a first beam end and a second beam end and defines a first plurality of mounting locations between the first beam end and the second beam end, wherein the first dependent support beam of the second support frame has a top surface and the second support frame is disposed adjacent the first support frame such that the top surface of the first support beam of the first support frame and the top surface of the first dependent support beam of the second support frame are aligned;

a second dependent support beam spaced apart from and extending along the beam axis of the first dependent support beam, wherein the second dependent support beam has a first beam end and a second beam end and defines a second plurality of mounting locations between the first beam end and the second beam end of the second dependent support beam;

a third alignment apparatus attached to the first dependency support beam of the second support frame;

a fourth alignment apparatus attached to the second dependency support beam of the second support frame;

a third cable having a first cable end and a second cable end, wherein the first cable end of the third cable is adapted to be attached to the surface and the second cable end of the third cable is removably attached to the first dependency support beam of the second support frame at a selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations of the first dependency support beam, wherein the third cable is coupled to the third alignment apparatus to align the second cable end of the third cable with the selected one of the first dependency support beam of the second support frame and the first plurality of mounting locations of the first dependency support frame; and

a fourth cable having a first cable end and a second cable end, wherein the first cable end is adapted to be attached to the surface and the second cable end is removably attached to the second dependent support beam of the second support frame at a selected one of the second plurality of mounting locations of the second dependent support beam, wherein the fourth cable is coupled to the fourth alignment apparatus to align the second cable end of the fourth cable with the selected one of the second plurality of mounting locations of the second dependent support beam and the second dependent support beam,

wherein the third cable is movable along the third alignment apparatus to move the second cable end of the third cable from the selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations of the first dependency support beam to another one of the first plurality of mounting locations of the first dependency support beam, and the fourth cable is movable along the fourth alignment apparatus to move the second cable end of the fourth cable from the selected one of the second plurality of mounting locations of the second dependency support beam to another one of the second plurality of mounting locations of the second dependency support beam for adjusting the second support frame relative to the surface.

19. The storage apparatus of claim 18 wherein the support structure defines a longitudinal axis transverse to the beam axis and the first and fourth alignment devices of the first and second support frames are aligned along the longitudinal axis, and further comprising a fastener disposed through the first and second support frames and the aligned first and fourth alignment devices to attach the alignment device of the first support frame to the first support beam and the fourth alignment device of the second support frame to the second dependent support beam.

20. The storage device of claim 18, wherein the first cable end of the third cable is attached to the first support beam of the first support frame and the second cable end of the third cable is attached to the first dependent support beam of the second support frame and the first cable end of the fourth cable is attached to the second support beam of the first support frame and the second cable end of the fourth cable is attached to the second dependent support beam of the second support frame to suspend the second support frame below the first support frame.

21. The storage device of claim 19, wherein the second support frame further comprises:

a third dependency support beam extending transverse to the beam axis of the first dependency support beam and attached to the first and second dependency support beams;

a fourth dependency support beam spaced from the third dependency support beam, extending transverse to the beam axis of the first dependency support beam, and attached to the first and second dependency support beams; and

a mount interconnecting the fourth support beam of the first support frame and the fourth dependent support beam of the second support frame.

22. The storage device of claim 17, further comprising at least one cross beam supported by the third and fourth support beams, wherein the at least one cross beam is spaced from each of the first and second support beams and extends along the beam axis, wherein the support structure abuts the at least one cross beam.

23. The storage device of claim 22 wherein the support structure is further defined as a plurality of support brackets each having a flange, and the at least one cross beam defines a channel to receive the flange to removably secure the support brackets to the at least one cross beam.

24. The storage device of claim 17, further comprising a pair of support bars and another pair of support bars, the pair of support bars each having a first bar end and a second bar end, wherein the first bar end is attached to the third support beam and the another pair of support bars each having a first bar end and a second bar end, wherein the first bar end is attached to the fourth support beam and the second bar ends of the pair of support bars and the another pair of support bars are attached to each other at a location between the third support beam and the fourth support beam to stabilize the support frame.

25. The storage device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of vertical beams and a plurality of shelves supported by the plurality of vertical beams, wherein the plurality of vertical beams are attached to the support beam such that the plurality of shelves are supported below the support beam.

26. A storage device, comprising:

a support beam defining a beam axis;

a support structure abutting and supported by the support beam, wherein the support structure defines a longitudinal axis transverse to the beam axis; and

a cross beam supported by the support beam and extending transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the cross beam defines a channel;

wherein the support structure is further defined as a plurality of support brackets each having a flange, wherein the flange of one of the plurality of support brackets and the flange of an adjacent one of the plurality of support brackets are disposed within the groove of the cross beam to secure the one of the plurality of support brackets and the adjacent one of the plurality of brackets to the cross beam.

27. The storage device of claim 26 wherein the support beam is further defined as a first support beam, and the storage device further comprises a third support beam and a fourth support beam spaced from each other and each extending along the longitudinal axis, wherein the beam is supported by and movable along the longitudinal axis relative to the third support beam and the fourth support beam to adjust a portion of the beam.

28. The storage device of claim 26, wherein the support beam has a main body and a ledge extending from the main body, wherein the ledge is movably supported on the ledge of the support beam.

29. The storage device of claim 26, wherein the beam is one of a plurality of beams each defining a channel, wherein the flange of the one of the plurality of support brackets and the flange of the adjacent one of the plurality of support brackets are disposed within the channel of a common one of the plurality of beams.

30. The storage device of claim 26 wherein the support beam is further defined as a first support beam having a main body and a crosspiece extending from the main body, wherein the one of the plurality of support brackets is supported by the crosspiece of the first support beam.

31. The storage device of claim 30 wherein the plurality of support brackets comprise an end bracket having a main portion with opposing first and second sides, and the flange extends from the first side of the main portion and is disposed within the channel of the cross beam, and the end bracket further having a base extending from the second side of the main portion and positioned against the ledge of the first support beam to secure the end bracket to the first support beam and the cross beam.

32. The storage device of claim 31, wherein the beam is one of a plurality of beams extending transverse to the longitudinal axis, and the plurality of support brackets further comprise an intermediate bracket having a main portion with a first side and a second side, and the intermediate bracket having a first flange extending from the first side of the main portion and disposed within one of the plurality of beams and a second flange extending from the second side of the main portion and disposed within an adjacent one of the plurality of beams.

33. The storage device of claim 32, wherein one of the first and second flanges of the intermediate frame and the flange of the end frame are disposed within the groove of a common one of the plurality of cross-members.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to storage devices attachable to a surface.

Background

Storage devices are commonly used in residential and/or commercial properties for storing items. Some storage devices may be attached to a surface, such as to a side wall or ceiling of a building structure, and one or more items may be placed or stacked on the device when attached to the surface. In some cases, it may be desirable to adjust the height of the device relative to the surface. However, in some designs, height adjustment may be limited and/or cumbersome for the user. The present disclosure is directed to addressing the challenge(s) presented above.

Disclosure of Invention

A storage device attachable to a surface is disclosed. The storage device includes a support beam defining a beam axis and adapted to be coupled to a surface, wherein the support beam has first and second beam ends and defines a first plurality of mounting locations between the first and second beam ends. The storage apparatus further includes a support structure abutting and supported by the support beam, an alignment device attached to the support beam, and a cable having first and second cable ends, wherein the first cable end is adapted for attachment to a surface and the second cable end is removably attached to the support beam at a selected one of a first plurality of mounting locations, wherein the cable is coupled to the alignment device to align the second cable end with the support beam and the selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations, and the cable is movable along the alignment device to move the second cable end from the selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations to another one of the first plurality of mounting locations for adjusting the support structure relative to the surface.

Another embodiment of a storage device is disclosed. In this embodiment, the storage device includes a support beam defining a beam axis, a support structure adjacent to and supported by the support beam, wherein the support structure defines a longitudinal axis transverse to the beam axis, and a cross beam (cross beam) supported by the support beam and extending transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the cross beam defines a channel. The support structure is further defined as a plurality of support brackets, each having a flange (lip), wherein the flange of one of the plurality of support brackets and the flange of an adjacent one of the plurality of support brackets are disposed within the channel of the cross beam to secure the one of the plurality of support brackets and the adjacent one of the plurality of support brackets to the cross beam.

Drawings

Advantages of the present disclosure will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 is a semi-schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a storage device attached to a wall of a building.

Fig. 2 is a semi-schematic perspective view of the storage device of fig. 1 attached to a ceiling of a building.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the storage device of fig. 1 with the support structure, cross-members and support rods removed.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the storage device of fig. 1 with the fourth support beam, support structure, cross beam and support rods removed.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the storage apparatus of fig. 1 illustrating a portion of a first support beam, a portion of a fourth support beam, an alignment apparatus coupled to the first support beam, a portion of a cable coupled to the alignment apparatus, and the first support beam at a selected one of a plurality of installation locations for setting a height of the support structure.

Fig. 6 is a partially exploded view of the portion of the storage device of fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the cradle of the alignment device.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the bottom of the storage device of fig. 1 with the support structure and cable removed.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the storage apparatus of fig. 1 illustrating a portion of a first support beam, a portion of a fourth support beam, an alignment device coupled to the first support beam, a cable coupled to the alignment device, and the first support beam at another selected one of a plurality of mounting locations for setting another height of the support structure.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of a portion of the storage device of fig. 1 illustrating a first cable end of a cable attached to a wall of a building.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the storage device of fig. 1 illustrating a portion of a support structure, a portion of a first support beam, a portion of a third support beam, and an end mount to which the first and third support beams are attached.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the storage device of FIG. 1 illustrating a portion of a second support beam, a portion of a third support beam, and another end mount displaced to one side, with the second and third support beams attached to the other end mount.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a third support beam of the storage device of fig. 1, the third support beam including first and second beam segments, a central support for interconnecting the first and second beam segments, and end supports, wherein the first beam segment is attached to one of the end supports and the second beam segment is attached to the other end support.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of the first support beam and the central support interconnecting the first and second beam segments.

Fig. 15 is a partially exploded perspective view of the storage device of fig. 1 with the support structure, cross member and support rods removed.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of the storage device of FIG. 1 illustrating the center supports of the first and second beam segments attached to the fourth support beam.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged exploded view of a portion of the storage device of FIG. 1 showing a portion of a second support beam and a portion of a fourth support beam.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the storage device of fig. 1 with the support structure removed.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged, partially exploded view of a portion of the storage device of fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is an enlarged, partially exploded perspective view of a portion of the storage device of fig. 1.

Fig. 21, 22 and 23A are perspective views of a portion of the storage device of fig. 1 illustrating an installation sequence of the support brackets on the support frame.

Fig. 23B is a perspective view of a portion of the storage device of fig. 1 illustrating a plurality of support brackets supported by a support frame.

Fig. 23C is an enlarged portion of the storage device of fig. 23B.

FIG. 24 is a semi-schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a storage device including a plurality of support panels.

FIG. 25 is a semi-schematic perspective view of a portion of the storage device of FIG. 24 illustrating the installation of one of the support panels.

Fig. 26 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a storage device attached to a wall of a building.

Fig. 27 is a bottom perspective view of the storage device of fig. 26 attached to a wall of a building.

Fig. 28 is a top perspective view of the storage device of fig. 26 attached to a ceiling of a building.

Fig. 29 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a storage device attached to a ceiling of a building.

Fig. 30 is a bottom perspective view of the storage device of fig. 29 attached to a ceiling of a building.

Fig. 31 is another top perspective view of the storage device of fig. 29 attached to a ceiling of a building.

Fig. 32 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage device including a plurality of horizontally arranged, interconnected support frames.

Fig. 33 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage device including a plurality of horizontally disposed support frames spaced apart from one another.

Fig. 34 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage device including a plurality of vertically arranged support frames, wherein each support frame is individually attached to a wall of a building.

Fig. 35 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage device including a plurality of vertically arranged, interconnected support frames attached to a wall of a building.

Fig. 36 is a perspective view of the storage device of fig. 35 attached to a ceiling of a building.

Fig. 37 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the bottom of the storage device of fig. 35.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged top perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a storage device illustrating interconnected, horizontally disposed support frames.

FIG. 39 is an enlarged top perspective view of another portion of an embodiment of a storage device having interconnected, horizontally-arranged support frames.

Fig. 40 is a top plan view of the portion of the storage device of fig. 39.

Fig. 41 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage device including a support frame and a plurality of vertical beams and a plurality of shelves supported by the support frame.

Fig. 42 is a partially exploded view of a portion of the storage device of fig. 41.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a portion of the storage device of FIG. 41 with the vertical support beams removed.

Fig. 44 is a perspective view of a portion of the storage device of fig. 41.

Fig. 45 is an exploded view of another portion of the storage device of fig. 41.

Detailed Description

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, embodiments of the storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 are shown throughout the drawings and described in detail below. The storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 may be attached to a surface 10, such as a ceiling, wall, door, tangible or intangible object, and the like. In certain embodiments, the storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 may be attached to a wall, such as a wall of a commercial or residential building or structure, such as shown, for example, in fig. 1. In certain embodiments, the storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 may be attached to a ceiling of a commercial or residential building or structure, such as shown, for example, in fig. 2. The storage device 20 may also be attached to a surface positioned inside or outside of a building or structure. For example, the storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 may be attached to an interior wall or ceiling of a residential building (such as an interior wall or ceiling of a garage), an exterior wall of a residential building, and the like.

The storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 is configured to receive, support and/or store at least one item. For residential use, and as a non-limiting example, the storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 may be configured to house, support, and/or store household cleaning items, food, garage items, tools, yard equipment, sports equipment, clothing, pet supplies, and the like. For commercial use, and as non-limiting examples, the storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 may be configured to hold, support and/or store commercial products or inventory, packages, office supplies, office equipment, cleaning supplies, tools, and the like. It should be appreciated that the storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 may be configured to receive, support and/or store any type of item or items having any configuration. It should also be appreciated that the storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 may be configured to hold, support, and/or store item(s) of any reasonable weight.

The storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 includes a support structure 22, such as at least one support shelf or at least one support panel. The support structure 22 is adapted to receive and/or support at least one item. For example, the item(s) may be placed on the support structure 22 for storage, secure storage, and the like. The support structure 22 is adjustable relative to the surface 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the support structure 22 is adjustable relative to a reference position, which may be on the surface 10 or may be the surface 10 itself. In some embodiments, the height of the support structure 22 is adjustable relative to the surface itself (e.g., the ceiling of a building). In some embodiments, the height of support structure 22 is adjustable relative to a reference position positioned on surface 10 (such as a user-selected reference position on a wall of a building). Once the storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 is attached to the surface 10, the support structure 22 is secured. Where it is desired to adjust the support structure 22, the user may detach the storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 from the surface 10, make the adjustment(s) to the height of the support structure 22, and then reattach the storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 to the surface 10.

Embodiments of the storage devices 20, 320, 520, 720 are described below with reference to fig. 1-45. It should be appreciated that various features of embodiments of the storage device 20, 320, 520, 720 may be generally or schematically illustrated in one or more of the figures. Additionally, the embodiments of the storage devices 20, 320, 520, 720 shown throughout the figures are merely illustrative and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Refer to FIG. 1-An embodiment of the storage device 20 includes a support beam 24 having a first beam end 26 and a second beam end 28. The support beam 24 defines a beam axis a and is adapted to be coupled to the surface 10. In an embodiment, the support beam 24 is further defined as a first support beam 24 defining a beam axis a and having a length L extending along the beam axis a between a first beam end 26 and a second beam end 28₁. The first support beam 24 further has a body 30 having an inner side 32 and an outer side 34, and a ledge 36 extending inwardly from the inner side 32 of the body 30. Additionally, the first support beam 24 has a top surface 37 and an inwardly extending flange 38 at the first beam end 26. The first support beam 24 may be formed from any suitable material, such as a metal, metal alloy, polymer or plastic, natural material (e.g., wood), synthetic material, the like, and/or combinations thereof.

The first support beam 24 defines a first plurality of mounting locations 40 between the first beam end 26 and the second beam end 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of mounting locations 40 are further defined as a first plurality of apertures 40. Each of the first plurality of apertures 40 is separated from an adjacent one of the first plurality of apertures 40. In an embodiment, each of the first plurality of apertures 40 is evenly spaced from an adjacent one of the first plurality of apertures 40. As shown, each of the first plurality of apertures 40 has a circular configuration. It should be appreciated that the first plurality of apertures 40 may have any suitable configuration.

Each of the first plurality of apertures 40 corresponds to a particular height of the support structure 22 relative to a reference location on the surface 10 or the surface 10 itself. During assembly of the storage device 20, the user selects one of the apertures 40 corresponding to the desired height of the support structure 22. Referring to fig. 3 and 5, a selected one of the first plurality of apertures 40 is spaced inwardly from the second beam end 28 of the first support beam 24 by a first distance D₁For forming a first height of support structure 22 relative to surface 10. As shown, a selected one of the plurality of apertures 40 is proximate the second beam end 28. However, it should be appreciated that a selected one of the apertures 40 may be located along the length L of the first support beam 24₁Anywhere in the above. As previously mentioned, the user may adjust the height of the support structure 22, for example, to lift or lower relative to a reference location on the surface 10 or the surface 10 itselfThe support structure 22 is lowered. The user may complete the process by selecting another one of the first plurality of apertures 40 corresponding to another height of the support structure 22. To raise the height of the support structure 22, and referring to FIG. 9, another of the first plurality of apertures 40 is spaced inwardly a second distance D from the second beam end 28 of the first support beam 24₂For forming a second height of the support structure 22 relative to the surface 10, wherein the second distance D₂Greater than the first distance D₁. It will be appreciated that when adjusting the height of the support structure 22, the user may select any of the holes 40 such that the second distance D₂May be longer or shorter than shown in fig. 9. In an alternative embodiment, the user may adjust the height of the support structure to lower the support structure 22 relative to the surface 10. In this alternative embodiment, a selected one of the apertures 40 may be spaced a first distance D from the second beam end 28₁And a selected other one of the holes 40 may be spaced inwardly from the second beam end 28 a second distance D₂Wherein the second distance D₂Less than the first distance D₁。

Referring to fig. 6 and 7, the first support beam 24 further defines a first opening 42 and a second opening 44, both proximate the second beam end 28. The first opening 42 has a square or rectangular configuration and is configured to receive a locating pin 46 of an alignment device 48. The second opening 44 may have any suitable configuration and is configured to receive the bolt 50 of the fastening system 68 for securing the alignment apparatus 48 to the first support beam 24, as described below.

The storage device 20 further comprises an alignment apparatus 48 attached to the first support beam 24. The alignment device 48 may be positioned along the length L of the first support beam 24₁Is attached anywhere. In an embodiment, the alignment device 48 is attached proximate the second beam end 28 of the first support beam 24. Additionally, an alignment device 48 is disposed adjacent the inner side 32 of the first support beam 24. Further details of the alignment device 48 are described below.

The storage device 20 further includes a cable 52 having a first cable end 54 and a second cable end 56. The first cable end 54 is adapted for attachment to the surface 10. The first cable end 54 may be attached to the surface 10 using a suitable fastening system 58. In an embodiment, and as best shown in fig. 9 and 10, the storage device 20 further includes a clamping nut 60 coupled to the fastening system 58. The purpose of the clamping nut 60 is described below.

The second cable end 56 is removably attached to the first support beam 24 at a selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations 40. The cable 52 is coupled to the alignment device 48 to align the second cable end 56 with a selected one of the first support beam 24 and the first plurality of mounting locations 40. As shown in at least fig. 5 and 6, the alignment device 48 includes a groove 62, wherein the cable 52 is positioned within the groove 62. The groove 62 may have any suitable configuration and/or may take any suitable form. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment device 48 includes a pulley 64, and the pulley 64 defines the groove 62. The pulley 64 is secured to the first support beam 24 using a fastening system 68 described in further detail below such that the pulley 64 does not rotate relative to the first support beam 24.

As shown in fig. 5-7 and 9, the alignment apparatus 48 further includes a mount 66 having the locating pin 46. As shown, the stand 66 has an L-shaped configuration and includes a base 70 and a leg (leg)72 extending from the base 70 and transverse to the base 70. The base 70 defines an aperture 74. The locating pin 46 extends from a leg 72 of the base 70 transverse to the support 66. The locating pins 46 have a square or rectangular configuration and may have any suitable length. Alternatively, the locating pin 46 may have any suitable configuration. Additionally, the positioning pin 46 is configured to complement the configuration of the first opening 42 of the first support beam 24. Opening 42 is configured to receive alignment pin 46 to maintain the position of alignment device 48 to secure cable 52 within groove 62.

As previously mentioned, the alignment device 48 includes a pulley 64. As illustrated, the pulley 64 is sandwiched between the bracket 66 and the first support beam 24. The pulley 64 and the abutment 66 are secured to the first support beam 24 with a fastening system 68. As best shown in fig. 5, 6 and 9, the fastening system 68 includes a bolt 50 disposed through the second opening 44 of the first support beam 24, through the pulley 64, and through the aperture 74 of the abutment 66. The fastening system 68 further includes a nut 80 configured to receive a spindle (draft) of the bolt 50 to secure the alignment apparatus 48 to the first support beam 24.

With continued reference to fig. 5, 6, and 9, the storage device 20 further includes a mounting post (post)82 attached to the first support beam 24 at a selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations 40. The mounting strut 82 receives the second cable end 56 to attach the second cable end 56 to the first support beam 24 at a selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations 40. With the mounting location 40 further defined as the first plurality of apertures 40, the mounting strut 82 is coupled to a selected one of the first plurality of apertures 40 and is configured to receive the second cable end 56 to attach the second cable end 56 to the first support beam 24. The mounting posts 82 may have any suitable configuration. In an embodiment, the mounting strut 82 has a head 84 and a threaded mandrel 86, and the second cable end 56 forms a loop. The mounting strut 82 is disposed through a selected one of the first plurality of apertures 40 and through the loop defined by the second cable end 56. A washer 88 and a nut 90 are disposed over the threaded mandrel 86 to secure the second cable end 56 to the first support beam 24 at a selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations 40.

The cable 52 of the storage device 20 is movable along the alignment apparatus 48 to move the second cable end 56 from a selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations 40 (such as shown in fig. 5) to another one of the first plurality of mounting locations 40 (such as shown in fig. 9) for adjusting the support structure 22 relative to the surface 10. For example, prior to attaching storage device 20 to surface 10, the user selects one of the mounting locations 40 of first support beam 24 and attaches second cable end 56 to first support beam 24 at the selected mounting location 40. This is accomplished by the following process: the mounting post 82 is disposed through the aperture corresponding to the selected mounting location 40 such that the head 84 abuts one of the sides 32, 34 of the first support beam 24, the second cable end 56 is attached to a spindle 86 of the mounting post 82 that protrudes through the other of the sides 32, 34 of the first support beam 24, and the mounting post 82 is secured to the first support beam 24 by securing a washer 88 and a nut 90 to the spindle 86. In the illustrated embodiment, head 84 of mounting post 82 abuts outer side 34 of first support beam 24, and washer 88 and nut 90 are attached to spindle 86 against inner side 32 of first support beam 24. With the cable 52 positioned in the groove 62 of the alignment apparatus 48, a portion of the cable 52 extends a first length from the alignment apparatus 48 to the selected mounting location 40 and another portion of the cable 52 extends a second length from the alignment apparatus 48 to the surface 10.

During adjustment of support structure 22, a user removes storage device 20 from surface 10, removes mounting brace 82 from first support beam 24, and selects a new mounting location 40 on first support beam 24. In an example, the new mounting location 40 corresponds to a new desired height of the support structure 22. The user moves the cable 52 (which is located in the groove 62 of the alignment apparatus 48) until the second cable end 56 is aligned with the newly selected installation location 40 and attaches the second cable end 56 to the first support beam 24 at the newly selected installation location 40. For example, the user arranges the mounting post 82 through the hole 40 associated with the newly selected mounting location 40, attaches the second cable end 56 to the mounting post 82 (such as by inserting a spindle 86 of the mounting post 82 through a ring of the second cable end 56), and secures the mounting post 82 to the first support beam 24 by securing a washer 88 and a nut 90 to the spindle 86. When adjusted, a portion of cable 52 extends a third length from alignment apparatus 48 to mounting location 40 and another portion of cable 52 extends a fourth length from alignment apparatus 48 to surface 10, where the third length is longer than the first length and the fourth length is shorter than the second length to reduce the height of storage device 20 relative to a reference position of surface 10. In another example, when the third length is shorter than the first length and the fourth length is longer than the second length, the height of the storage device may be extended relative to a reference position of the surface 10.

The storage device 20 further includes a support structure 22 adjacent to and supported by the first support beam 24. In an embodiment, and as best shown in fig. 1, the support structure 22 defines a longitudinal axis C transverse to the beam axis a. The support structure 22 may have any configuration such that the support structure 22 may suitably receive and/or support at least one item. In addition, the support structure 22 may take many different forms, such as at least one support bracket, at least one support panel, and the like. Further details of the different forms of the support structure 22 are set forth below.

Referring to fig. 1-4, and in an embodiment, the storage device 20 further includes a second support beam 92 spaced apart from the first support beam 24, wherein the second support beam 92 has a first beam end 94 and a second beam end 96. The beam axis a may be further defined as a first beam axis a, and the second support beam 24 defines a second beam axis B parallel to the first beam axis a. The second support beam 92 further has a length L extending between a first beam end 94 and a second beam end 96 along a second beam axis B₂. The second support beam 92 further has a body 98 having an inner side 100 and an outer side 102 and a ledge 104 extending inwardly from the inner side 100 of the body 98. In addition, the second support beam 92 has a top surface 105 and an inwardly extending flange 106 at the first beam end 94. The second support beam 92 may be formed of any suitable material, such as a metal, metal alloy, polymer or plastic, natural material (e.g., wood), the like, and/or combinations thereof.

As shown in at least fig. 3, 4, 8, and 12, the second support beam 92 defines a second plurality of mounting locations 108 between the first beam end 94 and the second beam end 96 of the second support beam 92. The second plurality of mounting locations 108 of the second support beam 92 is further defined as a second plurality of apertures 108. The arrangement and configuration of the second plurality of apertures 108 of the second support beam 92 is the same as the arrangement and configuration of the first plurality of apertures 40 of the first support beam 24 described above. Additionally, the first plurality of apertures 40 of the first support beam 24 are evenly spaced from each other and the second plurality of apertures 108 of the second support beam 92 are evenly spaced from each other, wherein a selected one of the first plurality of apertures 40 of the first support beam 24 and a selected one of the second plurality of apertures 108 of the second support beam 92 are aligned along the longitudinal axis C. With this configuration, each aperture 40 of the first support beam 24 has a corresponding aperture 108 of the second support beam 92 such that each pair of corresponding apertures 40, 108 are aligned along the longitudinal axis C, aligned with each other, and/or opposite each other. This enables the beams 24, 92 (and thus the support structures 22 on or supported by the beams 24, 92) to be horizontal when the storage device 20 is attached to the surface 10.

Each of the plurality of apertures 108 corresponds to a particular height of the support structure 22 relative to a reference location on the surface 10 or the surface 10 itself. During assembly of the storage device 20 having both the first support beam 24 and the second support beam 92, a user selects one of the apertures 40 of the first support beam 24 and a corresponding one of the apertures 108 of the second support beam 92, wherein the pair of apertures 40, 108 correspond to a desired height of the support structure 22. The user may adjust the height of the support structure 22, such as by selecting another pair of holes 40, 108 corresponding to another height of the support structure 22.

In an embodiment, the alignment apparatus 48 is further defined as a first alignment apparatus 48, and the storage device 20 further includes a second alignment apparatus 110 attached to the second support beam 92. The second alignment device 110 may be positioned along the length L of the second support beam 92₂Is attached anywhere. In an embodiment, the alignment apparatus 110 is attached proximate the second beam end 96 of the second support beam 92. Additionally, an alignment apparatus 110 is disposed adjacent the inboard side 100 of the second support beam 92. The second alignment apparatus 110 has the same configuration as the first alignment apparatus 48, and the second alignment apparatus 110 is attached or secured to the second support beam 92 in the same manner as described above for attaching the first alignment apparatus 48 to the first support beam 24.

In an embodiment, the cable 52 is further defined as a first cable 52, and the storage device 20 further includes a second cable 112. The second cable 112 has a first cable end 114 and a second cable end 116. The first cable ends 114 of the second cables 112 are adapted for attachment to the surface 10, such as with the same fastening system 58 and clamping nut 60 used to attach the first cable ends 54 of the first cables 52 to the surface 10 as described above. The clamp nuts 60 attached to the cables 52, 112 provide a mechanism for leveling the second beam ends 28, 96 of the first and second support beams 24, 92, respectively. Adjustment of the clamping nut 60 decreases or increases the length of the cables 52, 112, which decreases or increases the distance between the support structure 22 and the surface 10 to level the second beam ends 28, 96.

The second cable end 116 is removably attached to the second support beam 92 at a selected one of the second plurality of mounting locations 108. The second cable 112 is coupled to the second alignment apparatus 110 to align a second cable end 116 of the second cable 112 with a selected one of the second support beam 92 and the second plurality of mounting locations 108.

The storage device 20 further includes a mounting post 118 coupled to a selected one of the second plurality of apertures 108 and configured to receive the second cable end 116 of the second cable 112 to attach the second cable end 116 of the second cable 112 to the second support beam 92. The mounting posts 118 receive the second cable ends 116 of the second cables 112 to attach the second cable ends 116 to the second support beam 92 at a selected one of the second plurality of mounting locations 108 in the same manner as previously described for attaching the second cable ends 56 of the first cables 52 to the first support beam 24 at a selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations 40.

The second cable 112 is movable along the second alignment device 110 to move the second cable end 116 of the second cable 112 from a selected one of the second plurality of mounting locations 108 to another one of the second plurality of mounting locations 108 for adjusting the support structure 22 relative to the surface 10. The second cable 112 may move in a similar manner as the first cable 52 described above. During adjustment of support structure 22, a user removes storage device 20 from surface 10, removes mounting post 82 from first support beam 24 and mounting post 118 from second support beam 92, and selects a new pair of mounting locations 40, 108 on first support beam 24 and second support beam 92, wherein the new pair of mounting locations 40, 108 corresponds to a desired height of support structure 22. The user moves the first cable 52 until the second cable end 56 is aligned with the newly selected installation location 40 of the first support beam 24 and attaches the second cable end 56 to the first support beam 24 at the newly selected installation location 40. The user also moves the second cable 112 until the second cable end 116 is aligned with the newly selected installation location 108 of the second support beam 92 and attaches the second cable end 116 to the second support beam 92 at the newly selected installation location 108. For example, the user arranges the mounting strut 82 through the aperture 40 associated with the newly selected mounting location 40, attaches the second cable end 56 to the mounting strut 82, and secures the mounting strut 82 to the first support beam 24. In addition, the user places the mounting post 118 through the hole 108 associated with the newly selected mounting location 108 and secures the mounting post 118 to the second support beam 92.

As shown in at least fig. 1-4, the storage device 20 further includes a third support beam 120 extending transverse to the first beam axis a and attached to the first and second support beams 24, 92. The third support beam 120 is also transverse to the second beam axis B. In addition, the third support beam 120 also extends along the longitudinal axis C. The third support beam has a first beam end 122 and a second beam end 124 and a length L extending between the first beam end 122 and the second beam end 124 along a longitudinal axis C₃. The third support beam 120 further has a body 126 having an inner side 128, an outer side, and a ledge 132 extending inwardly from the inner side 128 of the body 126. The third support beam 120 may be formed of any suitable material, such as a metal, metal alloy, polymer or plastic, natural material (e.g., wood), the like, and/or combinations thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, third support beam 120 is adapted to be coupled to surface 10. In an embodiment, the third support beam 120 is adapted to be positioned directly adjacent to and in direct contact with the surface 10.

The third support beam 120 is configured to be attached to the first support beam 24 (e.g., using fasteners, rivets, and/or another suitable fastening system) to interconnect the first support beam 24 and the third support beam 120, as best shown in fig. 11. For example, the flange 38 at the first end 26 of the first support beam 24 is positioned against the inner side 128 of the third beam 120, and rivets and/or fasteners are used to attach the flange 38 of the first support beam 24 to the third support beam 120. The third support beam 120 is also configured to be attached to the second support beam 92 (such as with fasteners, rivets, and/or another suitable fastening system) to interconnect the second support beam 92 and the third support beam 120, as best shown in fig. 12. For example, the flange 106 at the first end 94 of the second support beam 92 is positioned against the inner side 128 of the third support beam 120, and rivets and/or fasteners are used to attach the flange 106 of the second support beam 92 to the third support beam 120. Further details of how the third support beam 120 is attached to the first support beam 24 and the second support beam 92 are described below.

In an embodiment, the third support beam 120 may be formed as a single piece. In another embodiment, and as shown in at least fig. 13 and 14, the third support beam 120 has a first beam section 134 and a second beam section 136 that are connected to each other. Each of the first and second beam segments 134, 136 of the third support beam 120 has a first segment end 138 and a second segment end 140. The first segment end 138 of the first beam segment 134 is interconnected to the second segment end 140 of the second beam segment 136 with a first central support 142. In other words, both the first and second beam segments 134, 136 are attached to a first central support 142 that interconnects the first and second beam segments 134, 136 to form the third support beam 120.

As best shown in fig. 14, the first beam segment 134 has a pair of vertically aligned apertures 144 proximate the first segment end 138, and the second beam segment 136 has a pair of vertically aligned apertures 146 proximate the second segment end 140. Each of the upper apertures of the pair of apertures 144, 146 has an oval configuration and each of the lower apertures of the pair of apertures 144, 146 has a keyhole configuration. The first central support 142 has a pair of rivets 148, wherein one of the rivets 148 is disposed within and secured by the keyhole-shaped aperture of the first beam section 134 and the other of the rivets 148 is disposed within and secured by the keyhole-shaped aperture of the second beam section 136. In addition, the first central support 142 defines two pairs of vertically aligned apertures that are aligned with the pairs of vertically aligned apertures 144, 146 of the first and second beam segments 134, 136. Fasteners 149 are inserted through the aligned apertures to attach the beam segments 134, 136 to the first center support 142.

In an embodiment, at least one of the holes of the first central support 142 may have a square configuration and at least one of the fasteners 149 may have a mandrel with a square configuration that is complementary to the square configuration of the hole(s). When the fastener(s) 149 are disposed through the hole(s) of the first central support 142, the square configuration of the spindle of the bolt cooperates with the square configuration of the respective holes to prevent the first central support 142 from moving (e.g., turning or rotating) when the first and second beam segments 134, 136 are attached to the first central support 142.

The first center mount 142 also serves to directly connect the first and second beam segments 134, 136 of the third support beam 120 to the surface 10 with fasteners, such as bolts 150.

The first beam section 134 of the third support beam 120 further defines two pairs of vertically aligned apertures 152 proximate the second section end 140, and the second beam section 136 defines two pairs of vertically aligned apertures 154 proximate the first section end 138. Each of the upper apertures of the pair of apertures 152, 154 has an oval configuration and each of the lower apertures of the pair of apertures 152, 154 has a keyhole configuration. The storage device 20 further has a first end mount 156 and a second end mount 158, wherein the first end mount 156 is attached to the second segment end 140 of the first beam segment 134 and the second end mount 158 is attached to the first segment end 138 of the second beam segment 136. Each of the first end mount 156 and the second end mount 158 has the same configuration as the first center mount 142. For example, each of the first end mount 156 and the second end mount 158 has a pair of rivets 160, wherein one of the rivets 160 is disposed within and secured by a keyhole-shaped aperture of the third support beam 120. Additionally, fasteners 162 are inserted through the aligned apertures to attach the third beam segment 120 to the first and second end mounts 156 and 158, respectively.

In an embodiment, each of the first and second end mounts 156, 158 further defines an elliptical aperture 164. The oval shaped holes enable the end mounts 156, 158 to be displaced from side to side. For example, each of the end mounts 156, 158 may be displaced (and fixed to the surface 10) in one direction such that both end mounts 156, 158 are attached to the third support beam 120 of the storage device 20 with a single support frame 166. Examples of which are shown at least in fig. 1, 2 and 11. However, one or more of the end mounts 156, 158 may be displaced in opposite directions (and fixed to the surface 10) such that the end mount(s) 156, 158 are attached to the third support beam 120 of the first support frame 166 and to the third support beam 120 of the second support frame 168 disposed adjacent to the first support frame 166 along the same horizontal plane. Examples of which are shown at least in fig. 32 and 38.

The storage device 20 further includes a fourth support beam 170 spaced from the third support beam 120 and extending transverse to the first beam axis a. The fourth support beam 170 is also transverse to the second beam axis B. In addition, a fourth support beam 170 extends along the longitudinal axis C. The fourth support beam 170 is attached to the first support beam 24 and the second support beam 92, and hasHaving a first beam end 172 and a second beam end 174 and a length L extending between the first beam end 172 and the second beam end 174 along a longitudinal axis C₄. In addition, the fourth support beam 170 has a top surface 175. In an embodiment, the length L of the fourth support beam 170₄About the length L of the third support beam 120₃The same is true. In an alternative embodiment, the length L₃And L₄May be different.

Fourth support beam 170 further has a main body 176 having an inner side 178 and an outer side 180 and a ledge 182 extending inwardly from inner side 178 of main body 176. Fourth support beam 170 further has first and second flanges 184 and 186 at first and second beam ends 172 and 174, respectively. The first flange 184 is directly attached to the first support beam 24 (e.g., with fasteners) to interconnect the fourth support beam 170 and the first support beam 24, and the second flange 186 is directly attached to the second support beam 92 (e.g., with fasteners) to interconnect the fourth support beam 170 and the second support beam 92. The fourth support beam 170 may be formed of any suitable material, such as a metal, metal alloy, polymer or plastic, natural material (e.g., wood), the like, and/or combinations thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, fourth support beam 170 is spaced from surface 10, but is adapted to be coupled to surface 10.

In an embodiment, the fourth support beam 170 may be formed as a single piece, such as shown in fig. 24 and 25. In another embodiment, and as shown in at least fig. 15 and 16, the fourth support beam 170 has a first beam segment 188 and a second beam segment 190 connected to each other. Each of the first and second beam segments 188, 190 of the fourth support beam 170 has a first segment end 192 and a second segment end 194. The first segment end 192 of the first beam segment 188 is interconnected to the second segment end 194 of the second beam segment 190 with a second central pedestal 196. In other words, both the first beam segment 188 and the second beam segment 190 are attached to a second center mount 196 that interconnects the first beam segment 188 and the second beam segment 190 to form the fourth support beam 170.

The first beam section 188 of the fourth support beam 170 defines a set of holes 198 proximate the first section end 192 and the second beam section 190 defines a set of holes 200 proximate the second section end 194. The apertures of each of the sets 198, 200 may have any suitable configuration. The second central pedestal 196 defines a first set of apertures 202 and a second set of apertures 204. The first set of holes 202 of the second central mount 196 are aligned with the set of holes 200 of the second beam segment 190, and fasteners 206 are used to secure the second beam segment 190 to the second central mount 196. Similarly, the second set of holes 204 of the second central mount 196 is aligned with the set of holes 198 of the first beam segment 188, and fasteners 208 are used to secure the first beam segment 188 to the second central mount 196.

In an embodiment, and as shown in fig. 16, at least one of the holes 202 of the first set or the holes 204 of the second set of holes 196 of the second central support 196 may have a square configuration, and at least one of the fasteners 206, 208 may have a square mandrel complementary to the square configuration of the holes 202, 204. When the fasteners 206, 208 are disposed through the apertures 202, 204 of the second central support 196, the square configuration of the mandrels of the fasteners 206, 208 mate with the square configuration of the apertures 202, 204 to prevent the second central support 196 from moving (e.g., rotating or rotating) when the first and second beam segments 188, 190 are attached to the second central support 196.

In an alternative embodiment, the fourth support beam 170 may be further defined as a single second support beam as mentioned above. In this alternative embodiment, the second center mount 196 would not be required.

The first, second, third, and fourth support beams 24, 92, 120, 170 collectively define a support frame 166, with the support structure 22 abutting the support frame 166 and being supported by the support frame 166.

Referring at least to fig. 18-22 and 23A-C, the storage device 20 further includes a cross beam 210 supported by support beams, such as by the third support beam 120 and the fourth support beam 170. The cross beam 210 extends along a first beam axis a and transverse to the longitudinal axis C. In addition, the cross beam 210 is transverse to the third and fourth support beams 120, 170 and, in a non-limiting embodiment, parallel to the first and second support beams 24, 92. In an embodiment, the beam 210 is further defined as a plurality of beams 210, each of which extends along the first beam axis a and transversely to the longitudinal axis C.

The beam(s) 210 may have any suitable configuration. In an embodiment, the beam(s) 210 have a U-shaped cross-sectional configuration and define a channel 212. The cross beam(s) 210 are supported by the third and fourth support beams 120, 170 and are movable along the longitudinal axis C relative to the third and fourth support beams 120, 170 to adjust the position of the cross beam(s) 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross beam(s) 210 are positioned against the respective cross pieces 132, 182 of the third and fourth support beams 120, 170 and are movably supported by the respective cross pieces 132, 182 of the third and fourth support beams 120, 170. Once positioned, the cross-member(s) 210 rest against the cross-pieces 132, 182. Notably, the cross beam(s) 210 are not mounted or fixed to the support beams 120, 170 and remain movable along the longitudinal axis C.

As previously mentioned, the storage device 20 further has a support structure 22. The support structure 22 abuts the cross beam(s) 210. In addition, the support structure 22 is removably supported by the first support beam 24 and the second support beam 92. In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1, 2, 11 and 20-22 and 23A-C, the support structure 22 is further defined as a plurality of support shelves 214 disposed adjacent to one another. Each support bracket 214 may have any length or width and may be formed from any suitable material, such as metal, metal alloy, plastic, and the like.

Each support bracket 214 has a main portion 216 and a flange 218 extending from the main portion 216. As described in further detail below, the flange 218 is configured to be disposed within the channel 212 of one of the cross beams 210 to mount or secure the support bracket 214 to the cross beam 210. The flange 218 of one of the plurality of support brackets 214 and the flange of an adjacent one of the plurality of support brackets 214 are disposed within the channel 212 of the common cross member 212 to mount or secure the one of the plurality of support brackets 214 and the adjacent one of the plurality of support brackets 214 to the cross member 210. In other words, the channel 212 of the cross beam 210 is configured to receive both the flange 218 of one support bracket 214 and the flange 218 of an adjacent support bracket 214 to mount or secure the support bracket 214 to the cross beam 210. In the case of a storage device 20 having a plurality of cross members 210, the flange 218 of one of the plurality of support brackets 214 and the flange 218 of an adjacent one of the plurality of support brackets 214 are disposed within the channel 212 of a common one of the plurality of cross members 210.

Mounting adjacent support brackets 214 to common cross beam 210 is accomplished without the use of locking pins, bolts, clamps, and/or welded connections between adjacent support brackets 214. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the main portion 216 is positioned against the legs of the 'U' of the U-shaped cross member 210 and rests against the legs of the 'U' of the U-shaped cross member 210 as the respective flanges 218 of adjacent support brackets 214 extend into the channel 212. This enables weight transfer between adjacent support brackets 214. In addition, the support brackets 214 are removable from the cross beam 210 by simply lifting each support bracket 214 off of the support beams 120, 170 and the cross beam 210.

In one embodiment, the storage device 20 may have a single cross member 210 and two support brackets 214. In this embodiment, the support frame 214 is further defined as an end frame 221. One of the end frames 221 is positioned adjacent the first support beam 24 and the other of the end frames 221 is positioned adjacent the second support beam 92. Each end frame 221 has a main portion 216 (which includes a first side 215 and a second side 217), a flange 218 extending from the first side 215, and a base (foot)219 extending from the second side 217 of the main portion 216. The respective flanges 218 of the two end frames 221 are disposed within the groove 212 of the common unitary cross-member 210. In addition, the base 219 of one of the end frames 221 is positioned against or supported by the crosspiece 36 of the first support beam 24 to mount the end frame 221 to the first support beam 24 and the cross beam 210. The base 219 of the other of the end frames 221 is positioned against the cross-piece 104 of the second support beam 92 or supported by the cross-piece 104 of the second support beam 92 to mount the end frame 221 to the second support beam 92 and the cross-member 210.

In another embodiment, the storage device 20 includes a plurality of cross members 210 and three support brackets 214. The three support frames 214 include two end frames 221 and an intermediate frame 223 sandwiched between the end frames 221. The flange 218 of one of the end frames 221 is disposed within the channel 212 of one of the cross beams 210, and the base 219 is positioned against the crosspiece 36 of the first support beam 24 to mount the end frame 221 to the first support beam 24 and the cross beam 210. The flange 218 of the other of the end frames 221 is disposed within the channel 212 of the other of the cross beams 210 and the base 219 is positioned against the ledge 104 of the second support beam 92 to mount the end frame 221 to the second support beam 92 and the other cross beams 210.

The three support frames 214 further include an intermediate frame 223 sandwiched between the two end frames 221. The intermediate frame 223 has a main portion 216 having a first side 215 and a second side 217. The intermediate frame 223 further has a first flange 225 extending from the first side 215 of the main portion 216 and disposed within the channel 212 of one of the plurality of cross beams 210, and a second flange 227 extending from the second side 217 of the main portion 216 and disposed within an adjacent one of the plurality of cross beams 210. Thus, and in this example, the flange 218 of one of the end frames 221 and the first flange 225 of the intermediate frame 223 are disposed within the channel 212 of a common one of the two cross beams 210, and the flange 218 of the other of the end frames 221 and the second flange 227 of the intermediate frame 223 are disposed within the channel 212 of the common other of the two cross beams 210.

It should be appreciated that the plurality of support frames 214 may have a single intermediate frame 223. Alternatively, the plurality of support frames 214 may have a plurality of intermediate frames 223 (e.g., two, three, four, five, or any desired number of intermediate frames 223), wherein the plurality of frames 223 are sandwiched or otherwise disposed between the end frames 221. Additionally, storage device 20 may have any suitable number of beams 210 based on the total number of support shelves 214.

Fig. 21, 22 and 23A show a sequence for fixing the end frame 221 to the second support beam 92 and the cross beam 210. As shown in fig. 21, the base 219 of the end frame 221 is positioned adjacent to the rung 104 of the second support beam 92. As shown in fig. 22, the end frame 221 is moved toward the second support beam 92 such that the base 219 is positioned against the rung 104. As shown in fig. 23A, the end frame 221 is moved downward such that the flange 218 is received within the channel 212 of the cross beam 210 to secure the end frame 221 to the support beam 92 and the cross beam 210.

The intermediate frame 223 may be secured to the adjacent cross beams 210 of the storage device 20 using a similar sequence to that of the end frame 221 described above. For example, and as best shown in fig. 23B and 23C, the first flange 225 of the intermediate frame 223 is received or disposed within one of the cross beams 210, and then the intermediate frame 223 is moved downwardly such that the second flange 227 is received or disposed within the other of the cross beams 210 to mount the intermediate frame 223 to the adjacent cross beam 210.

In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 24 and 25, the support structure 22 is further defined as a plurality of support panels 220 formed of any material, such as metal, metal alloys, plastic, natural materials (such as wood), synthetic materials, and the like. Each support panel 220 has a main portion 222 and flanges 224 extending from opposite sides of the main portion 222. The channel 212 of the cross beam 210 is configured to receive one of the flanges 224 of the support panel 220, similar to that described above for the support bracket 214. The arrangement of the plurality of support panels 220 relative to the support beams 24, 92 and the cross-beam 210 is the same as described above for the plurality of support brackets 214.

Although the support brackets 214 and support panels 220 have been shown in the figures and described above, it should be appreciated that the support structure 22 may have any configuration and may be made of any suitable material.

As best shown in fig. 18, and in an embodiment, the storage device 20 further includes a pair of support rods 226, each having a first rod end 228 and a second rod end 230, wherein the first rod end 228 is attached to the third support beam 120. The storage device 20 further includes another pair of support rods 232, each having a first rod end and a second rod end 236, wherein the first rod end is attached to the fourth support beam 170. The second rod ends 230, 236 of the pair of support rods 226 and the other pair of support rods 232 are attached to each other at a location between the third support beam 120 and the fourth support beam 170 to stabilize the support frame 166. The second rod ends 230, 236 of the pair of support rods 226, 232 may be attached to one another by any suitable means, such as with fasteners 237 or the like.

Another embodiment of the storage device 320 is described below with reference to fig. 26-31. In this embodiment, the storage device 320 includes only a first support beam 324 and a second support beam 392, with the support structure 22 abutting the first support beam 324 and the second support beam 392. One end of each of the first support beam 324 and the second support beam 392 can be attached directly to the surface 10, such as with a standoff or other suitable fastening system. Alternatively, one end of each of the first support beam 324 and the second support beam 392 may be positioned adjacent the surface 10, but the beams 324, 392 are not directly attached to the surface 10. The other end of each of the first support beam 324 and the second support beam 392 is coupled to the surface 10 via cables 52, 112. The first support beam 324 and the second support beam 392 can have any suitable configuration. As illustrated, each of the first support beam 324 and the second support beam 392 has a tubular configuration.

In this embodiment, the support structure 22 is further defined as a single panel or plate 393 of material disposed over the first and second support beams 324, 392. The panels 393 may be attached to the underlying support beams 324, 392 by any suitable means, such as with one or more fasteners. Optionally, the panels 393 are configured to simply rest on the underlying support beams 324, 392. The panels 393 may extend from the first support beam 324 to the second support beam 392. Optionally, the panel 393 may extend over the first support beam 324 and the second support beam 392 such that the beams 324, 392 are spaced inward from the edges of the panel 393, as illustrated in fig. 26-31.

The storage device 320 may be attached to a wall of a building, as shown in fig. 26 and 27, or the storage device 320 may be attached to a ceiling of a building, as shown in fig. 28. In these embodiments, the storage device 320 further has a first alignment apparatus 48 attached to the first support beam 324, and the first cable 52 is coupled to the first alignment apparatus 48 to align the first cable 52 with the first support beam 324. The storage device 320 also has a second alignment apparatus 110 attached to the second support beam 392, and a second cable 112 is coupled to the second alignment apparatus 110 to align the second cable 112 with the second support beam 392. The user may adjust the height of the support structure 22 in the same manner as described above for the storage device 20.

As shown in fig. 29-31, and in another embodiment, storage device 320 has a first cable 52, a second cable 221, a third cable 440, and a fourth cable 442. One end of the first cable 52 is attached to the first support beam 324 proximate the second end 328 of the first support beam 324, and one end of the third cable 440 is attached to the first support beam 324 proximate the first end 326 of the first support beam 324. Each of cables 52, 440 is coupled to a respective alignment apparatus 48 to align first cable 52 and third cable 440 with first support beam 324. The other ends of the first and third cables 52, 440 are attached to the surface 10. In the embodiment shown in fig. 29 and 30, the other ends of the first and third cables 52, 440 are attached to the surface 10 at the same attachment point. In the embodiment shown in fig. 31, the other ends of the first and third cables 52, 440 are attached to the surface 10 at different attachment points.

At the other end of the storage device 320, one end of the second cable 112 is attached to a second support beam 392 proximate a second end 396 of the second support beam 392, and one end of the fourth cable 442 is attached to the second support beam 392 proximate a first end 394 of the second support beam 392. Each of the cables 112, 442 is coupled to a respective alignment apparatus to align the second cable 112 and the fourth cable 442 with the second support beam 392. The other ends of the second and fourth cables 112, 442 are attached to the surface 10. In the embodiment shown in fig. 29 and 30, the other ends of the second and fourth cables 112, 442 are attached to the surface 10 at the same attachment point. In the embodiment shown in fig. 31, the other ends of second cable 112 and fourth cable 442 are attached to surface 10 at different attachment points. In the embodiment shown in fig. 29-31, the support structure 22 and the first and second support beams 324, 392 are suspended from the surface 10.

In an alternative embodiment, the storage device 20, 320 may have only one support beam extending along the longitudinal axis C. When storage device 20, 320 is secured to surface 10, the support beams will be spaced from surface 10 and support structure 22 will be secured directly to surface 10 using hinges, standoffs, or another suitable fastening system.

The embodiment of the storage device 20 described above has a single support frame 166. In other embodiments of the storage device 520, the storage device 520 has more than one support frame, as described below with reference to fig. 32-40. As shown in fig. 32, for example, the storage device 520 has a first support frame 166, a second support frame 168, and a third support frame 169. In this embodiment, the first support frame 166 is the same as described above. The second support frame 168 has the same configuration as the first support frame 166. The third support frame 169 is identical to the first support frame 166 and the second support frame 168, except that the third support frame 169 is configured to be positioned at or within a corner of a room of a building.

In another example shown in fig. 33, the storage device 520 has a first support frame 166, a second support frame 168, and a third support frame 169 arranged horizontally. In this embodiment, first support frame 166 is positioned adjacent to third support frame 169 but spaced apart from third support frame 169, and third support frame 169 is positioned adjacent to second support frame 168 but spaced apart from second support frame 168.

In another embodiment, and as shown in fig. 34, the storage device 520 has a first support frame 166 and a second support frame 168 arranged vertically, wherein the first support frame 166 is positioned above the second support frame 168. In this embodiment, first support frame 166 and second support frame 168 are individually coupled to surface 10.

In yet another embodiment, and as shown in fig. 35-37, storage device 520 has first support frame 166 and second support frame 168 arranged vertically, wherein first support frame 166 is positioned above second support frame 168 and coupled to surface 10. The second support frame 168 is attached to the first support frame 166 or suspended from the first support frame 166. The first support frame 166 may be coupled to a wall of a building, as shown in fig. 35. Optionally, the first support frame 166 may be coupled to the ceiling of a building, as shown in fig. 36. In the embodiment shown in fig. 35-37, the second support frame 168 may be referred to as a dependent support frame 168. Further details of this embodiment are described below.

The second support frame 168 has the same configuration as the first support frame 166 and includes the same separate components as the first support frame 166. Alternatively, the configuration and/or one or more individual components of the second support frame 168 may be different from the first support frame 166. Second support frame 168 has a first dependent support beam 524 that defines a beam axis D and is adapted to be coupled to surface 10. The first dependency support beam 524 has a first beam end 526 and a second beam end 528 and defines a first plurality of mounting locations 540 between the first beam end 526 and the second beam end 528. The first dependency support beams 524 of the second support frame 168 may have the same configuration as the first support beams 24 of the first support frame 166 described in detail above. Additionally, the first plurality of mounting locations 540 of the first dependency support beams 524 of the second support frame 168 may have the same configuration and arrangement as the first plurality of mounting locations 40 of the first support beams 24 of the first support frame 166.

The first dependency support beam 524 of the second support frame 168 further has a top surface 537, and the second support frame 168 is disposed adjacent to the first support frame 166 such that the top surface 37 of the first support beam 24 of the first support frame 166 is aligned with the top surface 537 of the first dependency support beam 524 of the second support frame 168. In the embodiment shown in fig. 35-37, the top surface 37 of the first support beam 24 and the top surface 537 of the first dependency support beam 524 are in the same vertical plane P_VTo (3) is aligned.

The second support frame 168 further has a second dependency support beam 592 spaced from the first dependency support beam 524. The second dependency support beam 592 extends along a beam axis D of the first dependency support beam 524. The second dependency support beam 592 has a first beam end 594 and a second beam end 596 and defines a second plurality of mounting locations 608 between the first beam end 594 and the second beam end 596 of the second dependency support beam 592. The second dependent support beams 592 of the second support frame 168 may have the same configuration as the second support beams 92 of the first support frame 166 described in detail above. Additionally, the second plurality of mounting locations 608 of the second dependent support beams 592 of the second support frame 168 may have the same configuration and arrangement as the second plurality of mounting locations 108 of the second support beams 92 of the first support frame 166.

The second support frame 168 further has a third dependency support beam 620 extending transverse to the beam axis D of the first dependency support beam 524 and attached to the first dependency support beam 524 and the second dependency support beam 592. The second support frame 168 further has a fourth dependency support beam 670 spaced from the third dependency support beam 620, extending transverse to the beam axis D of the first dependency support beam 524, and attached to the first and second dependency support beams 524, 592. The third and fourth support beams 620 and 670 of the second support frame 168 are configured the same as the third and fourth support beams 120 and 170 of the first support frame 166 described in detail above.

The second support frame 168 further has a third alignment apparatus 548 attached to the first dependency support beam 524 and a fourth alignment apparatus 610 attached to the second dependency support beam 592. The configuration and arrangement of the third alignment apparatus 548 attached to the first dependency support beam 524 of the second support frame 168 is the same as the first alignment apparatus 48 attached to the first support beam 24 of the first support frame 166. Similarly, the configuration and arrangement of the fourth alignment apparatus 610 attached to the second dependency support beam 592 of the second support frame 168 is the same as the second alignment apparatus 110 of the second support beam 92 of the first support frame 166.

Second support frame 168 further includes a third cable 640 and a fourth cable 652. Cables 640, 652 are attached to first support frame 166 and second support frame 168 such that second support frame 168 is suspended below first support frame 166. The third cable 640 has a first cable end 644 and a second cable end 646. As shown in fig. 38-40, the first cable end 644 of the third cable 640 is attached to the first support beam 24 of the first support frame 166. The first cable end 644 may be attached to the first support beam 24 using a suitable fastening system 648. In an embodiment, and as best shown in fig. 40, the storage device 520 further includes a clamping nut 650 coupled to the fastening system 648.

The second cable end 646 of the third cable 640 is removably attached to the first dependency support beam 524 of the second support frame 168 at a selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations 540 of the first dependency support beam 524. Additionally, the third cable 640 is coupled to a third alignment apparatus 548 to align the second cable end 646 of the third cable 640 with the first dependency support beam 524 of the second support frame 168 and a selected one of the plurality of mounting locations 540 of the first dependency support beam 524. The third cable 640 is movable along a third alignment apparatus 548 to move the second cable end 646 of the third cable 640 from a selected one of the first plurality of mounting locations 540 of the first dependency support beam 524 to another one of the first plurality of mounting locations 540 of the first dependency support beam 524 for adjusting the second support frame 168 relative to the first support frame 166. All of this is accomplished in the same manner as described in detail above with respect to adjusting the first cable 52 using the first alignment device 48.

The fourth cable 652 has a first cable end 654 and a second cable end 656. As shown in fig. 38-40, the first cable ends 654 of the fourth cables 652 are attached to the second support beam 92 of the first support frame 166. The first cable end 644 may be attached to the second support beam 92 using the fastening system 648 and the clamp nut 650 described above.

The second cable ends 656 of the fourth cables 652 are removably attached to the second dependency support beam 592 of the second support frame 168 at a selected one of the second plurality of mounting locations 608 of the second dependency support beam 592. Additionally, the fourth cables 652 are coupled to the fourth alignment apparatus 610 to align the second cable ends 656 of the fourth cables 652 with the second dependency support beam 592 of the second support frame 168 and a selected one of the second plurality of mounting locations 608 of the second dependency support beam 592. The fourth cable is movable along the fourth alignment apparatus 610 to move the second cable end 656 of the fourth cable 652 from a selected one of the second plurality of mounting locations 608 of the second dependency support beam 592 to another one of the second plurality of mounting locations 608 of the second dependency support beam 592 for adjusting the second support frame 168 relative to the first support frame 166.

In an embodiment, storage devices 520 are included at the same level P_HA first support frame 166 and a second support frame 168, as best shown in fig. 38 and 39. In this embodiment, the first and second support frames 166 and 168 are connected to each other. For example, the first and second support frames 166, 168 are arranged such that the top surface 37 of the first support beam 24 of the first support frame 166 falls into the same horizontal plane P as the top surface 505 of the second dependency support beam 592 of the second support frame 168_HAnd the frames 166, 168 are attached to each other. For example, first support beam 24 of first support frame 166 is attached to a second dependent support beam 592 of an adjacently positioned second support frame 168 using end mounts 156 as shown in fig. 38 and/or fastening devices 177 as shown in fig. 39. The support frames 166, 168 are attached to each other with a single mounting post 82, the single mounting post 82 being disposed through the aligned apertures 40, 108 of the first support beam 24 of the first support frame 166 and the second support beam 92 of the second support frame 168. In addition, the support frames 166, 168 are attached to each other with a single fastener 68 disposed through both the first support beam 24 of the first support frame 166 and the fourth support beam 170 of the second support frame 168. The fastener 68 is also used to secure the first alignment device 48 of the first support frame 166 and the fourth alignment device 610 of the second support frame 168. For example, the first alignment device 48 of the first support frame 166 and the fourth alignment device 610 of the second support frame 168 are aligned along the longitudinal axis C, and the fastener (or bolt) 50 is disposed through the first and second support frames 166 and 168 and the aligned first and fourth alignment devices 48 and 610 to attach the first alignment device 48 of the first support frame 166 to the first support beam 24 and the fourth alignment device 610 of the second support frame 168 to the second dependency support beam.

Another embodiment of a storage device 720 is described below with reference to fig. 41-45. In this embodiment, storage device 720 includes first support frame 166, a plurality of vertical beams 772, and a plurality of shelves 774 supported by plurality of vertical beams 772. A plurality of vertical beams 772 are attached to support frame 166 such that a plurality of shelves 774 are supported below support frame 166. Referring to fig. 42-44, a pair of vertical beams 772 are attached directly to the first support beam 24 using mounts 776 and suitable fasteners 778, and a pair of vertical beams 772 are attached directly to the second support beam 92 using mounts 776 and suitable fasteners 778. Shelf 774 is coupled to vertical beam 772 by any suitable mechanism. For example, and as shown in fig. 45, each shelf 774 may have a fastener, such as a rivet 780, and each vertical beam 772 may have a plurality of holes 782 arranged along the length of the beam 772. Rivets 780 of the shelf 774 mate with aligned holes 782 of the oppositely disposed beams 772 to removably secure the shelf 774 to the vertical beams 772. It should be appreciated that storage device 720 may have any number of shelves 774 and adjacent shelves 774 may have any spacing.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. It will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.