Patent Publication Number: US-2015083673-A1

Title: Adjustable Tire Rack

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to an adjustable tire rack. More specifically, the present adjustable tire rack is configured to support and display truck, car and motorcycle tires, rims and tire/rim combinations having a wide range of diameters and widths. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is not uncommon for owners of trucks and cars to own multiple tire/rim combinations for changing road conditions and show. Tires are available in a number of diameter and widths, so a single tire rack is impractical. In a snowy/icy climate, owners may purchase snow tires that are stored until needed. Car and truck racers may have multiple tire and rim combinations, and may wish to display cherished tires from a significant race victory or racing event. Motorsport enthusiasts may carry multiple tire and rim combinations like matching a pair of shoes and a purse to an outfit. It may be desirable to display the tires/rims in one&#39;s garage or other area of the house. It is therefore desirable to provide an adjustable tire rack that fits a wide range of tire widths and diameters for trucks, cars and motorcycles, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing design that showcases the tire/rim combination if so desired. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, an adjustable tire rack is provided. Adjustable tire rack generally comprises a rail member and a first and second adjustable telescoping tire support coupled thereto. The rail member has a raised u-shaped channel running along its length and is configured to be secured to the wall studs of a structure. The first adjustable telescoping tire support has a first c-channel support member and a first adjustable support member. One end of the first adjustable support member is configured to fit within the interior of the first c-channel support member and move in a telescoping manner relative thereto to accommodate various tire widths. The first c-channel support member has a c-channel sized to fit over the raised u-shaped channel and configured to be removably coupled thereto at a plurality of positions along the length to accommodate various tire and/or rim diameters. The second adjustable tire support has a second c-channel support member and a second adjustable support member. One end of the second adjustable support member is configured to fit within the interior of the second c-channel support member and move in a telescoping manner relative thereto to accommodate various tire widths. The second c-channel support member has a c-channel sized to fit over said raised u-shaped channel and configured to be removably coupled thereto at a plurality of positions along the length to accommodate various tire and/or rim diameters. 
     In another embodiment, the first and second c-channel support members and the first and second adjustable support members are each constructed of square tube material. 
     In yet another embodiment, a plurality of nuts welded to the underside of the raised u-shaped channel at the location of each of the channel holes. 
     In still another embodiment, the first and second c-channel support members further comprise a plurality of c-channel mounting holes configured to align with one or more of the plurality of channel holes in the raised u-shaped channel of the rail member. 
     The foregoing and other features, utilities and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of various embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable tire rack; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable tire rack of  FIG. 1  supporting a passenger car tire; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of one embodiment of an adjustable tire rack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of one embodiment of an adjustable tire rack of  FIG. 1  in use; 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable tire rack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a rail member used for an adjustable tire rack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a rail member used for an adjustable tire rack of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is top perspective view of a first and second c-channel support member and a first and second adjustable support member that together form the first and second adjustable telescoping tire support; 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the first and second c-channel support members illustrating the c-channels; 
         FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of the combination of the rail member and first and second c-channel support members coupled thereto; 
         FIG. 9A  is a close-up side view illustrating the c-channel of a c-channel support member sized to fit over said raised portion of said rail member and configured to be removably coupled thereto; 
         FIG. 10  is a close-up view of a c-channel support member removably coupled to a rail member; and 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of an adjustable tire rack with the first and second adjustable support members in an upturned position to support the rims of a tire/rim combination. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth, such as examples of constructing an adjustable tire rack in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known components or methods have not been described in detail but rather in a general manner in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Thus, the specific details set forth are merely exemplary. The specific details may be varied from and still be contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     It should be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included, if desired, in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that two or more references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” or “an alternative embodiment” or “one example” or “an example” in various portions of this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined as desired in one or more embodiments of the invention. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of an adjustable tire rack  100 . Adjustable tire rack  100  is constructed of adjustable components to be mounted to the walls of a garage or showcase room for storing or displaying tires, rims, and/or a plurality of tire/rim combinations in an organized manner off the floor. Adjustable tire rack  100  provides an adjustable tire rack that fits a wide range of tire widths and diameters for trucks, cars and motorcycles, while also providing an aesthetically pleasing design that showcases the tire/rim combination if so desired. Adjustable tire rack  100  also provides a way to maximize a home&#39;s available storage space. 
     The present adjustable tire rack is configured for supporting tire/rim combinations for changing road conditions and showcasing. Tires and rims are available in a number of diameter and widths. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-10 , adjustable tire rack  100  is generally comprised of a rail member  105  for mounting to the wall of a structure utilizing rail member fasteners  150  and two adjustable telescoping tire supports  110 ,  115 , each removably coupled to the rail member in any number of positions using c-channel support member fasteners  145 , which are configured to support tires, rims and/or tire and rim combinations having any number of diameters and widths. In the illustrated embodiment, each adjustable telescoping tire supports  110 ,  115  is generally comprised of c-channel support members  130 ,  135  and adjustable support members  120 ,  125  respectively. C-channel support members  130 ,  135  are illustrated as L-shaped. One portion of each of the L-shape of the c-channel support members  130 ,  135  comprises a c-channel for removably securing the C-channel support members  130 ,  135  to the rail member  105 . In the illustrated embodiment, C-channel support members  130 ,  135  are removably secured to the rail member  105  using a plurality of c-channel support member fasteners. In one embodiment, the fastener comprises a bolt and the nut is securely welded to the rail member  105 . It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any means for connecting c-channel support members  130 ,  135  to rail member  105  may be utilized. The L-shape of the c-channel support members  130 ,  135  allows for mounting to a number of positions along the rail member  105  in the x-direction to accommodate the many changing diameters for tires, rims or combinations thereof. 
     A second portion of the L-shape of the c-channel support members  130 ,  135  comprises the tube for receiving an end of the adjustable support members  120 ,  125 . In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable telescoping tire supports  110 ,  115  are constructed of square tubing and sized such that the proximal end of adjustable support members  120 ,  125  fits within the distal end of c-channel support members  130 ,  135  so as to move in a telescoping manner. Adjustable support members  120 ,  125  are secured to c-channel support members  130 ,  135  using a plurality of adjustable support member fasteners  140 . The telescoping movement of the adjustable support members  120 ,  125  with respect to c-channel support members  130 ,  135  allows flexibility in the y-direction so as to fit a multitude of tire widths. For example,  FIG. 2  illustrates the adjustable tire rack of  FIG. 1  in operation supporting a tire  101  having a tire diameter measured in the x-direction and a tire width measured in the y-direction. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the adjustable tire rack  100  of  FIG. 1 . First adjustable support member  120  telescopes with respect to first c-channel support member  130  to move in the y-direction. In operation, the user determines the correct distance between the rail member  105  and the distal end of the first adjustable support member  120 , which is the end that is not inserted into the proximal end of the L-shaped first channel support member  130 . The proximal end of the first adjustable support member  120  is inserted into the distal end of the first channel support member  130 , moved in a telescoping manner in the y-direction to accommodate the width of the tire and secured thereto at the desired distance using adjustable support member fasteners  140 . For example,  FIG. 4  illustrates the adjustable tire rack of  FIG. 1  in operation supporting a tire  101  having a tire width measured in the y-direction. 
       FIG. 5  shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable tire rack  100  of  FIG. 1 . First adjustable telescoping tire support  110  is comprised of first c-channel support member  130  and first adjustable support member  120 . Second adjustable telescoping tire support  115  is comprised of second c-channel support member  135  and second adjustable support member  125 . The c-channels of first and second c-channel support members  130 ,  135  are configured to slide along the raised u-shaped channel of the mounting rail  105  and be removably coupled in a plurality of positions along the rail member  105  in the x-direction so as to accommodate tires and/or rims having various diameters. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a rail member  105  secured to a structure, such as a wall of a garage. In the illustrated embodiment, and shown in greater detail in  FIG. 6A , rail member  105  is constructed of a flat piece of steel with a raised u-shaped channel  106  extending along its length. Typically, the u-shaped channel  106  is stamped from a piece of flat stock steel, however, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any number of materials and construction methods may be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Continuing with the illustrated embodiment, rail member  105  comprises a plurality of mounting holes  108  on the flat portions on either side of the raised u-shaped channel  106  for inserting a plurality of rail member fasteners  150  there through to secure the rail member  105  to the structure. Raised u-shaped channel  106  is fitted with a plurality of channel holes  107 , configured to line up with corresponding holes on the respective c-channel support members  130 ,  135  illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the components that fit together to construct the first adjustable telescoping tire support  110  and the second adjustable telescoping tire support  115 . As illustrated, first adjustable telescoping tire support  110  is comprised of a first c-channel support member  130  and a first adjustable support member  120 . First c-channel support member  130  is shown as L-shaped having a c-channel  131  and a support tube  132 . Support tube  132  is typically welded to c-channel  131  at a 90 degree angle. Support tube  132  comprises a plurality of support tube mounting holes  134 , which are properly spaced to line up with the first adjustable support member mounting holes  121  of the first adjustable support member  120 . C-channel  131  comprises a plurality of c-channel mounting holes  133 , which are properly spaced apart to line up with the plurality of channel holes  107  on rail member  105 . First adjustable support member  120  is illustrated as square tubing with a 90 degree bend having a plurality of first adjustable support member mounting holes  121  on all four sides, which allows the first adjustable support member  120  to be mounted horizontal as shown in  FIG. 1  and vertical as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     Second c-channel support member  135  is shown as L-shaped having a c-channel  136  and a support tube  137 . Support tube  137  is typically welded to c-channel  136  at a 90 degree angle. Support tube  137  comprises a plurality of support tube mounting holes  139 , which are properly spaced to line up with the second adjustable support member mounting holes  122  of the second adjustable support member  125 . C-channel  136  comprises a plurality of c-channel mounting holes  138 , which are properly spaced apart to line up with the plurality of u-shaped channel holes  107  on rail member  105 . Second adjustable support member  125  is illustrated as square tubing with a 90 degree bend having a plurality of second adjustable support member mounting holes  122  on all four sides, which allows the second adjustable support member  125  to be mounted horizontal as shown in  FIG. 7  and vertical as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the first c-channel support member  130  and the second c-channel support member in greater detail. First c-channel support member  130  is again illustrated as L-shaped, having a c-channel  131  and a support tube  132 . Second c-channel support member  135  is again illustrated as L-shaped, having a c-channel  136  and a support tube  137 . C-channel  131 ,  136  are typically a stamped piece of flat steel stock to create the shape and size of the c-channel, however, any material and production method may be used. 
       FIGS. 9 and 9A  illustrate the connection between the c-channel  131  of the first c-channel support member  130  and the raised u-shaped channel of the rail member  105 . The c-channel  131  is sized to fit over the raised u-shaped portion  106  of the rail member  105  and configured to be removably coupled thereto. In operation, the c-channel  131  of the first c-channel support member  130  will slide along the raised u-shaped portion  106  of the rail member  105 , and the user may secure first c-channel support member  130  to the rail member in any one of the positions available by aligning one or more of the plurality of c-channel mounting holes  132  to one or more of the plurality of channel holes  107  so as to accommodate a range of tire diameters. 
     Similarly, the c-channel  136  is sized to fit over the raised u-shaped portion  106  of the rail member  105  and configured to be removably coupled thereto. In operation, the c-channel  136  of the first c-channel support member  135  will slide along the raised u-shaped portion  106  of the rail member  105 , and the user may secure first c-channel support member  135  to the rail member in any one of the positions available by aligning one or more of the plurality of c-channel mounting holes  137  to one or more of the plurality of channel holes  107 .  FIG. 10  illustrates one example of securing the first c-channel support member  130  to the rail member  105  by removably coupling first channel support member  130  to rail member  105  using c-channel support member fasteners  145 . Typically, c-channel support member fasteners  145  are bolts fastened to nuts that are permanently secured to the raised u-shaped channel  106  of rail member  105  by welding or similar securing process or a threaded portion directly in the raised u-shaped channel  106 . Second c-channel support member  125  may be secured to the rail member in a similar fashion. 
     While the methods disclosed herein have been described and shown with reference to particular operations performed in a particular order, it will be understood that these operations may be combined, sub-divided, or re-ordered to form equivalent methods without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Accordingly, unless specifically indicated herein, the order and grouping of the operations is not a limitation of the present invention. 
     Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other changes in the form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.