Patent Publication Number: US-2010108626-A1

Title: Portable and adjustable storage device

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/109,843, filed on Oct. 30, 2008, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention is directed to portable devices for storing and organizing objects, such as fishing assemblies, inside vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Fishing, or angling, is a common sport and a source of enjoyment for many. Various different pieces of equipment may be used in conjunction with fishing. Generally, the sport revolves around the use of a fishing rod and additional components, which together constitute a fishing assembly. There exist many different shapes and sizes of fishing assemblies, but most include a fishing rod, a fishing reel, and a line. The fishing line generally ends in a hook or similar component for hooking fish. The fishing rod is an elongate tool used for casting the line, and often includes a series of line guides through which the line runs. The reel is used to store the fishing line, and often includes mechanisms for releasing and retrieving the line. 
     When fully assembled, a fishing assembly may occupy a significant amount of space. A fishing rod alone may be several feet in length, which often complicates storage considerations. Furthermore, for fishermen and anglers who own multiple fishing assemblies, the fishing lines of separate fishing assemblies often get tangled together when several fishing assemblies are stored together, for example, in the trunk of a vehicle. 
     To help with storage, most fishing rods are now segmented, allowing for the rods to be disassembled into shorter segments. Furthermore, hook protectors or guards are readily available, not only to protect users from hooks while the fishing assemblies are not in use, but also to prevent hooks from tangling with fishing lines of adjacent assemblies. For simplicity and lack of any better options, many users, especially those with elongated trunk beds and/or trailers, often end up bunching multiple fishing assemblies together without disassembling them, and toss them together into the cabins or trunk beds of their vehicles. 
     The aforementioned storage methods cause their own host of problems. For example, bunching multiple fishing assemblies together promotes bumping and scratching of the equipment, and often leads to tangling of fishing lines. It may also be difficult to locate and remove the desired fishing assembly from the bunch when the assemblies become tangled. To avoid this problem, anglers usually disassemble their fishing equipment for storage and reassemble them prior to use. However, this process is time consuming and bothersome. Furthermore, rod disassembly and assembly may cause tangling problems in individual rods, as the fishing line often doubles back twofold or threefold. 
     Neither of the above storage options provide an adequate solution to the storage and transportation problems faced by most anglers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a portable and adjustable storage device. Exemplary embodiments may be used to store fully assembled fishing rods in which the reel assemblies remain attached to the rods. In some embodiments, for example, the storage device may be utilized for overhead storage inside a vehicle, etc. 
     Adequate separation between fishing assemblies is desirable to prevent damage to the expensive fishing equipment, for example, the fishing reel mechanisms, from fishing assemblies slamming into one another. From an organizational standpoint, it may be desirable to be able to quickly locate and take out a particular fishing assembly for use. In addition, sufficient organization may prevent the need for constant assembly and disassembly of fishing equipment, reducing setup time, and thus leaving more time to enjoy fishing. 
     The storage device comprises at least one tube, and in some embodiments a plurality of tubes having parallel longitudinal axes. In this embodiment, at least one support beam perpendicular to the longitudinal axes is in contact with each of the plurality of tubes. The length of the at least one support beam is adjustable. 
     In another embodiment, the storage device comprises at least one tubular member. In this embodiment, each tubular member includes a wall extending along a longitudinal axis, the wall having an internal wall surface and an external wall surface, and two end openings positioned along the longitudinal axis. A bore having a constant dimension runs along the longitudinal axis, with the bore being defined by the internal wall surface and the end openings. At least two notches extend into the wall adjacent at least one of the two end openings. 
     In another alternate embodiment, the storage device comprises a plurality of tubular members extending in a first direction, with each tubular member having a constant dimension along a longitudinal axis. Each of the tubular members includes a wall, two openings along the longitudinal axis, and a cavity defined by the wall and the two openings. At least one cross-beam comes into contact with each of the plurality of tubular members. The at least one cross-beam is lengthwise adjustable, and includes ends moveable in a second direction. In this alternate embodiment, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b  are top views of an adjustable storage device according to two different embodiments of the invention, and  FIG. 1   c  is a side view of an adjustable storage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an end perspective view of a container of a storage device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 3   a - 3   d  are cut-away side views of the container of  FIG. 2 , showing arrangements of fishing rods in the container according to different embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a schematic view of an adjustable storage device mounted near the top of a vehicle cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a schematic view of an adjustable storage device mounted near the bottom of a vehicle cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5   a  is a schematic view of two adjustable storage devices mounted in a vehicle cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5   b  is a schematic view of an adjustable storage device mounted vertically in a vehicle cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6   a - 6   d  are end views of alternate embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 7   a - 7   d  are end views of containers according to alternate embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a portable and adjustable storage device. A portable and adjustable storage device may include at least one container or vessel, and in some embodiments a plurality of containers or vessels, and at least one support which holds the containers and vessels substantially stable relative to each other. The support or supports may be configured for mounting in spaces, for example, open spaces or cabins of vehicles. The plurality of containers may be configured to hold or carry specific objects in different embodiments, for example, fishing rods and reel assemblies. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c , embodiments of the storage device  10  generally include a plurality of containers or vessels  12 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1   a , the containers  12  are arranged to be substantially parallel, with each container hollow and generally cylindrical in shape and having a substantially constant cross-section along the length of the container. The containers  12  are secured to support beams  14 , which extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the containers. 
     Storage devices according to embodiments of the invention may include any suitable number of containers, depending on the particular embodiment. In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c , the storage device includes ten storage containers  12  in the form of tubular members. Alternative embodiments may include more or less than ten containers, depending on, for example, application and size allotments associated with each specific embodiment. In  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c , the containers  12  are arranged substantially in parallel and substantially equidistantly spaced apart, although in some other embodiments, alternate arrangements may be implemented. In  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c , each of the containers  12  has a substantially rigid cylindrical construction made of a suitable material. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials may be lightweight and inexpensive, for example, aluminum or plastic. 
     The length of each of the containers  12  in  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c  may vary depending on the desired application. Generally, the container length is limited by the nature and physical properties of the contents of storage, as well as the desired spaces in which the storage device  10  may be installed or mounted. The storage device  10  may generally be used to carry elongate objects, for example, fishing rod and reel assemblies. In embodiments where the storage device  10  is installed in the back of vehicles, the length of the containers  12  may be configured to fit into the back compartments of these vehicles, typically being shorter than 5 feet. One exemplary embodiment employs a container length of approximately 4 feet. Depending on the vehicle, however, different container lengths ranging between approximately 40 inches and approximately 70 inches may be offered. Some embodiments may also employ containers with different lengths, to accommodate fishermen with fishing assemblies of different sizes. 
     A diameter and a cross-sectional shape of the containers  12  may likewise be variable. In embodiments where the storage device  10  is used to carry fishing rod and reel assemblies, the diameters may be configured to fit at least one fishing assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the containers  12  are approximately 3 inches in diameter, and fit at least two fishing assemblies concurrently. Larger diameter containers may also be available, which may have the capacity to hold four or more fishing assemblies concurrently. Some embodiments of the invention may also include containers with varying cross-sectional shapes, depending on the application and use of each individual storage device. 
     The containers  12  are spaced apart an adequate distance, so as to prevent contents, for example, the fishing assemblies, of one container from colliding with contents of an adjacent container. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1   a , the containers  12  are supported by two cross-beams  14  positioned substantially perpendicularly to the length of the containers  12 . Various embodiments may include different numbers of similar support structures as may be sufficient to maintain the containers in a proper alignment and/or configuration, and prevent the containers from detaching from the support beam or beams. For example, in  FIG. 1   b , a central support beam  15  is employed in a storage device to support the containers  12 . Such a support beam  15  may be adequate to support the containers, and may be sized to be wider to add stability to the storage device. Various additional securing agents may be utilized to maintain the structural integrity of the storage device. For example, in  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c , each of the containers  12  is secured to each of the support beams  14  or  15  by a U-bolt, for example, U-bolts  16 , but suitable securing means are not limited thereto. In  FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b , and  1   c , the U-bolts are secured onto the support beams  14  or  15  with lock nuts or similar securing mechanisms. The U-bolts may generally be sized to fit the containers  12  snugly and secure the containers  12  to the support beams  14  or  15  by pressing the containers against the support beams. In alternative embodiments, the containers  12  and support beams  14  or  15  may be, for example, welded together, or held together through alternate mechanisms. However, it is understood that any suitable securing means may be employed. 
     The support beams  14  and  15  may be lengthwise extendable. In some embodiments, each support beam may include a fixed central portion, and extending end portions, which may extend outwards from the fixed central portion in one or both directions along the length of the support beam. In some of these embodiments, the central portion may be an outer tube, and the extending end portions may be inner members or tubes housed in and slideable or adjustable with respect to the outer tube. In other embodiments, each support beam may have cross-sections including ratcheting mechanisms, or similar mechanisms, which provides for lengthwise adjustment of the support beam. The ends  17  of each support beam may extend or telescope outward along a longitudinal axis of the support beam, whereby the length of the support beam may be expanded, for example, to approximately double the original or retracted length. Outward extension of the support beam ends  17  allows the ends  17  to push out against surfaces, for example, the interior wall surfaces of a vehicle, and provides a method for the storage device to be mounted inside the vehicle. 
     Each support beam end  17  may include a foot for engaging a surface. The foot may be rubberized. The rubberized feet may generally include a plate with rubber coating. The rubber coating may alternatively be any inexpensive coating which yields high friction coefficients when put in contact with other objects, for example, an internal wall surface of a vehicle. A possible substitute may be one of a variety of synthetic high friction polymers. The ends  17  may be attached to ball bearings, for example, ball bearings  18 , or similar mechanisms provided for pivoting or rotating of the surface of the rubberized feet. Rotation of the feet on the ball bearings allows the feet to adapt to a wide variety of surface angles and/or configurations, for example, different inclined surfaces, or inconsistencies and/or irregularities along a vehicle&#39;s interior wall surface. 
     Depending on, for example, preferences or space restrictions, different embodiments of the storage device may incorporate different container configurations.  FIGS. 6   a - 6   d  illustrate alternate embodiments of storage devices.  FIGS. 6   a - 6   d  include storage devices with different arrangements of the containers relative to each other and relative to the support beam(s). However, it is understood that any suitable container configuration may be used. 
     In  FIG. 6   a , a storage device  82  includes containers  84  secured to either a top face or a bottom face of support beam(s)  86 . This alternative embodiment approximately doubles the storage capacity of the storage device. In  FIG. 6   a , the storage device  82  employs an alternating container configuration, whereby no two containers are vertically aligned. In such a configuration, each container may store two fishing assemblies in each opening, with one reel facing upwards and a second reel facing downwards in each container. Alternative embodiments may include vertically aligned storage containers. However, in such vertically aligned configurations, fishing assemblies stored in vertically aligned containers may interfere with each other, and/or may not properly fit, possibly reducing the storage capacity of the configuration. 
     In  FIG. 6   b , the storage device  88  includes an alternating container embodiment similar to the variation of  FIG. 6   a . However, rather than having containers  90  secured onto a central support beam running perpendicular to the containers, the containers may instead be welded together, or otherwise attached to one another. The containers in storage device  88  may be situated more closely to each other than in the storage device  82  in  FIG. 6   a , providing a comparable amount of storage area, while decreasing the horizontal length of the storage device. As can be seen, the horizontal length of the embodiment of  FIG. 6   b  is shorter than that of the other illustrated configurations. Storage device  88  may be desirable where vehicle cabin space is limited, for example, in smaller cars or trucks. However, manufacture and packaging of such a configuration may be more difficult, as the individual components may not be separable. Furthermore, as is seen in  FIG. 6   b , the support beams  91  may be truncated and welded only to the end containers, which may limit extension of the support beams, and thus reduce compatibility with larger vehicle cabins and/or spaces. 
       FIG. 6   c  is similar to  FIG. 6   b  in that containers  94  of a storage device  92  may be welded together or connected together. In  FIG. 6   c , the containers are horizontally aligned, providing for a simpler, cleaner construction of the storage device  92 . Furthermore, the height of the embodiment of  FIG. 6   c  is shorter than embodiments previously described, as the maximum height of the storage device  92  is substantially equal to, the diameter of one of the containers. The shorter height may be beneficial in situations where vertical clearance is at a minimum, or for users who desire to maintain maximum storage space in the interior cabin of a vehicle, without having a storage device occupy too much of the space. 
       FIG. 6   d  is a variation of  FIG. 6   c , in which the containers are spaced further apart. In many respects, storage device  96  of  FIG. 6   d  is similar to storage device  10  described above, including the same number of containers. The main difference in storage device  96  is that the vertical height of storage device  96  is shorter, allowing it to take up less vertical space when mounted in an interior cabin of a vehicle. However, a potential drawback of the storage device  96  may be, for example, ease of construction or assembly, due to the increased number of intermediate support segments  99 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an exemplary embodiment of an end of one of the plurality of elongated containers  12  in a storage device  10 . As described above, each of the containers may be substantially hollow and generally cylindrical in shape, with a constant diameter along the length of each container. The containers may be constructed of a lightweight and substantially stable material, for example, aluminum or plastic. In the illustrated embodiment, the containers have a circular cross-section  19 , and include two notches  20 , positioned opposite each other along the circumference of the circular opening  19 . Such notches are optional, and may assist in keeping different contents in place, depending on the particular application. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 2  the notches  20  are configured to be rectangular in shape, but may alternatively be of different shapes and sizes depending on the specific application of each storage device  10 . 
     In embodiments where storage device  10  is used to store fishing rod and reel assemblies, the notches  20  may be configured to accept a support arm connecting a fishing reel to a fishing rod. Such storage configurations are illustrated, for example, in  FIGS. 3   a - 3   d . In this configuration, a fishing rod engaged with one of the containers may extend into a lumen  21  of the container, with the fishing reel extending radially outwardly of the container through a notch  20 . In this fashion, the notch  20  may serve to hold the fishing rod and reel assembly in place when the assembly is inserted into a storage container. Furthermore, as the fishing reel extends radially outward of a central axis of the container, there is minimal obstruction in the cavity  21  of the container due to the presence of the first fishing assembly in the container. With such a configuration, an additional fishing assembly may be inserted into the container at the opposite notch  20  without interfering with the first assembly. Alternatively, fishing assemblies may also be inserted where there is no notch, if space permits. In some embodiments, the container may further include one or more support straps  23  or similar mechanism to assist in securing and/or organizing fishing assemblies. The support straps  23  may be, for example, bungee or elastic loops, or adjustable Velcro support straps for further securing the fishing assemblies in the containers. Depending on the particular embodiment, the support straps may be attached to an inner surface or an outer surface of the containers  12 , or may alternatively be secured to the storage device, for example, by a U-bolt  16  described above with respect to  FIG. 1 . 
     In alternate embodiments, there may be more or less than two notches at each end of a storage container, and the notch configuration for one end of the container may be different than the notch configuration for the other end of the container. For example, in an embodiment where each storage container is sized for holding a single fishing assembly, a single notch may be located on the first end, and no notches may be available on the second end. In another example, one end may have opposing notches at the top and bottom of that opening, and the other end may have opposing notches at the left and right of that opening. Furthermore, cross-sectional shapes of containers may also vary depending on the embodiment or application.  FIGS. 7   a - 7   d  illustrate some additional variations of container shapes and notch configurations which may be incorporated into storage devices such as the storage devices described herein. Note that in the various embodiments having different container cross-sections, the containers may be secured on the support beams in different ways, for example, by using correspondingly shaped bolts, or for example, by gluing or welding one or more surfaces of the containers to the support beams. 
       FIG. 7   a  illustrates a storage container  100  having a generally circular cross-section. The storage container  100  includes four notches  102  instead of the two notches as have been previously described. In  FIG. 7   a , the four notches  102  are spaced 90 degrees apart from each other. The container of  FIG. 7   a  may be utilized to hold four fishing rod and reel assemblies at each opening, with the reel of each fishing assembly extending radially outwardly from the notches  102 , thereby reducing interference between the assemblies. 
       FIG. 7   b  is a container  106  having a generally square cross-section, and also including four notches  108  for inserting fishing assemblies. Storage containers with square configurations and flat surfaces may be more easily secured against, for example, a support beam, or may fit more snugly within interior cabins of vehicles. 
       FIG. 7   c  is yet another container variation, with a container  110  having a generally octagonal cross-section, and notches  112  located at the eight sides of the octagon. Various other embodiments of the invention may employ containers with different polygonal cross-sections. Depending on the application and size of the container, other embodiments may also include a different number or configuration of the notches, if it is determined that such a configuration could be effectively utilized. For example, notches may be placed at two or four sides of the octagon, as opposed to the eight sides as illustrated. 
       FIG. 7   d  is an additional container variation  114 , having a generally cross-shaped cross-section, and notches  116  located at each of the ends of the cross. Containers may be formed with cross-shaped cross-sections to, for example, create greater separation between fishing rod and reel assemblies when inserted into the container. For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 7   d , each of four fishing assemblies may be inserted into the cross-shaped container  114 , approximate the notches  116  with the reel of each assembly extending radially outward of the container  114 . In this configuration, the rod section of each fishing assembly may occupy one arm of the cross-shaped container, and movement of the fishing assembly is limited by the walls of each arm, for example, walls  118 , of the cross. Such a configuration may thus provide an extra safeguard against tangling between stored fishing assemblies. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3   a - 3   d , there may be various different ways to arrange fishing rod and reel assemblies in the storage device  10 . 
       FIG. 3   a  is one exemplary storage configuration for storing a fishing rod and reel assembly, showing a container  12  holding a single rod and reel assembly  22 . The assembly may be positioned so that a rod portion  24  rests in an internal cavity  25  of the container  12 , and a reel portion  26  protrudes radially outwardly from the central axis of the container  12 . A support arm  28  connecting the rod portion  24  to the reel portion  26  in the assembly  22  is situated in a notch  20 , thereby holding the assembly  22  in a stationary position in relation to the container  12 . As can be seen in the configuration of  FIG. 3   a , the internal cavity  25  of container  12  may include unused space when the assembly  22  is being stored. 
       FIG. 3   b  is an exemplary storage configuration for storing two fishing rod and reel assemblies in a container  12  of the storage device  10 . In such an exemplary embodiment, container  12  holds at least first and second rod and reel assemblies  22  and  30  respectively. The first rod and reel assembly  22  may be positioned as described above with respect to  FIG. 3   a . As shown in  FIG. 3   b , the second rod and reel assembly may be inserted into the container  12  at the same end as the first assembly. The support arm  32  of the second assembly may be positioned in another notch  33  of the opening, which, depending on the embodiment, may be located across from the notch  20  in which the support arm of the first assembly  22  is positioned. The second assembly  30  is positioned similarly to the first assembly, with a rod portion  34  located inside the container  12 , and a reel portion  36  located outside the container  12  and positioned radially outwards of the rod portion  34  with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container  12 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 3   b , two fishing rod and reel assemblies, for example, assemblies  22  and  30 , may be inserted into a single container without coming into contact or interfering with one another. In some embodiments, straps or other securing mechanisms may be used to further secure the assemblies. The placement of the respective support arms  28  and  32  in opposite notches  20  and  33  of the opening assures a constant separation between the assemblies  22  and  30 . Fully assembled fishing rod and reel assemblies may also include hanging fishing lines and fishing rigs, both of which may be susceptible to tangling. With ample separation maintained between the two assemblies  22  and  30 , the possibility of tangling between them while held in a container  12  of the storage unit  10  may be reduced. 
       FIG. 3   c  is an another exemplary storage configuration for storing two fishing rod and reel assemblies in a container  12  of the storage device  10 , with the storage container  12  holding the first fishing assembly  22 , positioned similarly to the positioning as seen above with respect to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b , and at least one additional fishing assembly  38 . As shown in  FIG. 3   c , the additional assembly  38  may be inserted into a second opening on an opposite end of the container  12 . In some embodiments, the second opening may be configured similarly to the first opening. As can be seen, in the configuration of  FIG. 3   c , segments of the rod portion  24  of the first assembly  22  and a rod portion  40  of the additional assembly  38  may overlap when both assemblies are inserted into the container  12 . Therefore, more interference between the two fishing assemblies may occur in the configuration of  FIG. 3   c  as opposed to the configuration of  FIG. 3   b . Tangling may nevertheless by avoided with proper stowing and securing of loose fishing lines and/or hanging rigs, with securing mechanisms such as Velcro or similar straps attached to inner walls of the containers, or to help bundle assemblies together in a more organized manner. Further, as the fishing assemblies are inserted from both ends of the container  12 , additional space may be needed to provide clearance for insertion of fishing assemblies from both ends. 
       FIG. 3   d  is an exemplary storage configuration for storing at least four fishing rod and reel assemblies in a container  12  of the storage device  10 . In this storage configuration, two fishing rod and reel assemblies, such as assemblies  22  and  30  described above, may be inserted into a first end of the container  12 , resembling the arrangement described above with respect to  FIG. 3   b . Two additional fishing rod and reel assemblies, for example, assembly  38  and an additional assembly  41 , may be inserted into the opposite end of the container  12  in a similar arrangement. As was seen with respect to  FIG. 3   c , there may be areas of overlap between the respective rods of each assembly. However, this arrangement provides an increased holding capacity for the storage device. Such storage configurations may enable storage of more rod assemblies and may enable manufacture of more compact storage devices to use in smaller cars or vehicles that may not support a larger number of containers. Configurations such as presented in  FIG. 3   d  may be employed to increase the storage capacity of the invention, while continuing to reduce tangling and interference between separate fishing assemblies. 
     A storage device  10  is configured to be mounted in the interior cabins or truck beds of various types of vehicles, for example, motor homes, toy haulers, and pick-up trucks, some of which may include camper shells or lift-top covers.  FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b ,  5   a , and  5   b  illustrate different exemplary mounting configurations for a storage device  10 . Referring to  FIG. 4   a , a space  43  is defined by an overhead ceiling  42  and two sidewalls  44 , which may be straight or inclined. The space may be the interior cabin of, for example, a toy hauler or a camper shell of a pick-up truck. A storage device  10  may be mounted in the space  43 . In  FIG. 4   a , the storage device  10  is mounted near the ceiling  42 , but in other embodiments may be mounted farther away from the ceiling  42 , depending on user preference. Rubberized feet on the ends  17  of the support beams  14  of the storage device  10  contact the sidewalls  44 . In some embodiments, the support beams  14  may include a ratcheting and locking mechanism, or similar extension mechanism to increase and maintain the length of the support beams. The support beams may thereby be elongated to apply sustained outward pressure against the surface of the sidewalls  44 , thus maintaining the position of the storage device  10  within the space  43 . The feet and beams should be able to withstand pressure exerted by the weight of a desirable number of assemblies to maintain its position in the vehicle substantially without slipping. 
     Furthermore, in  FIG. 4   a , the rubberized feet are tilted to conform to the incline of the sidewalls  44 . In some embodiments of the invention, the rubberized feet may be attached to ball bearings  18  or similar mechanisms which provide for rotation of the rubberized feet. The rotatable rubberized feet may therefore adapt to any inclined surface, increasing the contact area between the rubberized feet and the contacted surface (e.g., the sidewalls  44  in  FIG. 4   a ). The increased contact area helps to more securely maintain storage device  10  in a mounted position within the space  43 . 
       FIG. 4   b  illustrates a storage device  10  mounted in a recessed space  45 , for example, a storage bed of a pick-up truck or a trunk of a car. The recessed space  45  includes a floor or bed  46  and a pair of vertical walls  48 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 4   b , the storage device  10  may be raised above the floor  46 . In an alternate embodiment, the storage device  10  may be positioned higher in the recessed space  45 , to provide more room for storing other objects and accessories under the storage device  10 . In an alternate embodiment, the storage device  10  may be positioned lower, in contact with the floor  46 , for example, to reduce displacement of the storage device  10  due to gravitational forces. However, this configuration may eliminate the possibility of including fishing rod and reel assemblies positioned downward in the containers. 
     The walls  48  in  FIG. 4   b  are spaced farther apart than the sidewalls  44  described with respect to  FIG. 4   a . To accommodate the difference, the ends  17  of the support beam  14  are extended to lengthen the beam and apply adequate outward pressure against the walls  48 . Furthermore, as the walls  48  depicted are substantially vertical, the rubberized feet remain in a substantially neutral position in contact with the walls  48 . 
     In some embodiments, more than one storage device may be placed in a same space. For example, in  FIG. 5   a , a first storage device  50  and a second storage device  52  are mounted in one space  53 , which may be, for example, an interior cabin similar to the space  43  described with respect to  FIG. 4   a . The configuration of  FIG. 5   a  may be desirable in situations where a single storage device  10  may not provide sufficient storage space. The space  53  is framed by a ceiling  54  and two inclined sidewalls  56 . The first storage device  50  is mounted near the top of the space  53 , while the second storage device  52  is mounted apart from the first storage device  50 , lower in the space  53 . As can be seen, the horizontal distance between the sidewalls  56  is shorter at the top of the space  53  than it is at the bottom of the space  53 . The length of the support beams of each of the storage devices  50  and  52  may be adjusted respectively to fit the different horizontal distances. As can be seen in  FIG. 5   a , the ends of the support beams  55  of the second storage device  52  are extended farther out than the ends of the support beams  57  of the first storage device  50 . 
       FIG. 5   b  illustrates an alternate configuration of a storage device  58 . In previously described embodiments, the storage devices have been mounted horizontally within an interior space of, for example, a vehicle or trailer. In the embodiment of  FIG. 5   b , the storage device  58  is instead mounted vertically within a similar interior space  59 . The interior space  59  of  FIG. 5   b  may be, for example, a truck bed  60  of a pick-up truck with an attached camper shell  62 , etc. Other similar interior spaces may be, for example, cabins of vans or trailers, etc. In  FIG. 5   b , the interior space  59  is defined by a ceiling  64 , a floor  66 , and two sidewalls. The sidewalls may be, for example, walls  68  of a truck bed or walls  70  of a camper shell, but are not limited thereto. 
     The storage device  58  may be vertically configured in the interior space, as shown. In the embodiment of  FIG. 5   b , the height of the interior space  59  is greater than or equal to the minimum length of support beams  72  of the storage device  58 . As was seen with the horizontal configurations above, the ends  73  of the support beams are extendable, and may be expanded a sufficient amount such that the rubberized feet at the ends  73  contact and apply pressure against the ceiling  64  and floor  66  of the interior space  59 . In this and similar fashions, the invention is versatile and may be mounted in various different ways inside a vehicle. 
     The preceding description has been presented with reference to certain exemplary embodiments of the invention. Workers skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains will appreciate that alterations and changes to the described embodiments may be practiced without meaningfully departing from the principle, spirit, and scope of this invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description should not be read as pertaining only to the precise embodiments described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, but rather should be read consistent with and as support for the following claims which are to have their fullest and fairest scope.