Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to storage devices that are adapted for interconnection to a vertical or horizontal surface and to secure and a plurality of items. More specifically, some embodiments of the - present invention are adapted for interconnection between two adjacent wall studs to utilize the area therebetween, and which utilize a novel interconnection system wherein two or more storage devices can be operatively interconnected by utilizing common attachment hardware. In addition, some embodiments of the present invention are adapted to fold and are preferably provided with handles to facilitate transportation of the storage container.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/540,608, 60/625,635, 60/592,030 and 60/625,520, filed Jan. 29, 2004, Nov. 4, 2004, Jul. 28, 2004 and Nov. 4, 2004, respectively, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. In addition, this application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Design patent application Ser. Nos. 29/210,911, 29/210,912, 29/214,597, 29/214,573, 29/215,536, 29/217,498, 29/217,480, and 29/217,507 filed Aug. 5, 2004, Aug. 5, 2004, Oct. 5, 2004, Oct. 5, 2004, Oct. 19, 2004, Nov. 17, 2004, Nov. 17, 2004, and Nov. 17, 2004, respectively, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. Finally, this application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Design patent applications filed on Jan. 10, 2005 that have yet to receive a serial number, but are identified by attorney file numbers 2417-614 and 2417-618, express mail receipt nos. EV539130858 and EV539130929, respectively, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to flexible storage devices for interconnection to a wall or a ceiling of a structure, and which utilizes a novel attachment system. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is adapted for interconnection between two adjacent wall studs, thus utilizing the space therebetween, while an alternate embodiment of the present invention is adapted for interconnection to ceiling joists or rafters to provide storage locations.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Storage devices are commonly used to secure items such as garden equipment and other household items. One drawback of common storage devices is that they often take up much needed floor space.  
         [0004]     A storage area that is sometimes used is the space between two adjacent wall studs, wherein items are stacked therebetween and perhaps leaned against a stud. However, these items may fall forward or become disorganized because they are not sufficiently constrained.  
         [0005]     Individuals sometimes utilize the space above or between horizontal beams of a rafter for storage. Often, this is achieved by adding horizontal panels between the beams to provide a storage location or by spanning longer items from one beam to an adjacent beam. One drawback to this storage method is that the items may become dislodged and fall, possibly injuring bystanders or damaging property thereunder.  
         [0006]     Other types of flexible storage mechanisms have previously been used for holding hand tools, and which are adapted for removable interconnection to pegboard or other materials with nails or screws, but do not provide any means for operably interconnecting two or more flexible panels in series in either a vertical or horizontal orientation.  
         [0007]     Thus, it is a long felt need in the field of item storage to provide a device that is adapted for interconnection to a vertical or horizontal surface and which utilizes generally unused space and which can be interconnected in multiple parts with commonly known hardware. The following disclosure describes a plurality of flexible storage devices that are adapted for interconnection to a vertical or horizontal surface, generally between wall studs or rafter beams, to utilize the space therebetween.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Thus, it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that is adapted for interconnection to adjacent wall studs, thus efficiently utilizing the space therebetween. Alternatively, a storage device is provided that is adapted for interconnection to the horizontal beams of rafters utilizing the space therebetween. One embodiment of the present invention is employed in unfinished basements or garages, wherein the unit may be installed flush with respect to adjacent wall studs or rafter beams. Thus, it is contemplated that the invention efficiently utilizes the space between wall studs or ceiling rafters that is often filled with insulation, conduits, wires, or otherwise unused.  
         [0009]     It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that is selectively accessible. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention employs zippers, hook and loop fasteners, such as velcro, snaps, clasps, latches, etc. to allow for selective opening of the compartments. One embodiment of the present invention employs a door section that provides access to the interior of the storage device. This door may also include a plurality of compartments as mentioned above. An alternate embodiment of the present invention is selectively accessible to accommodate larger items, such as skis or garden tools wherein large items are inserted without having to lift them into an upper opening of some compartments.  
         [0010]     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that is adapted to efficiently drain fluids, thus ensuring that the items stored therein are less likely to corrode. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention employs compartments with a plurality of drainage holes wherein fluid drains safely away from any items prone to rust, such as garden tools or skis.  
         [0011]     It is yet another aspect of present invention to provide a storage device that is comprised of a compliant material, a rigid material, or a combination thereof. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is constructed of a compliant material that allows for expansion. Alternatively, another embodiment of the present invention may be constructed of a rigid material to provide increased strength or protection to the contents stored therein. However, it is contemplated that the storage device may be constructed of a combination of rigid and compliant materials to allow for expansion of some compartments while providing some rigidity and increased protection to the remaining compartments. It is a related aspect of the present invention to provide storage compartments constructed of a transparent or semitransparent material, such as clear plastic or mesh, to thus allow selective viewing of the contents stored therein.  
         [0012]     It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that is easily interconnected to a vertical or horizontal surface. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is adapted for interconnection between adjacent wall studs on the front surface or side surfaces thereof, generally with grommets that receive fasteners such as bolts, nails, screws, ropes, straps, clasps, latches, hook and loop fasteners, etc., that are interconnected to the studs. Generally, any other fastening methods may be used without departing from the scope of this invention. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, hooks may be selectively interconnected to rafters or ceiling joists to provide locations for grommets, straps, ropes, or other devices to be interconnected thereto.  
         [0013]     Further, in another aspect of the present invention a novel interconnection mechanism is provided, wherein a plurality of flexible storage devices may be interconnected in series in either a vertical or horizontal orientation (or both), and which utilize the same attachment hardware in the corners. In one embodiment, the flexible storage devices are designed wherein the border materials overlap when multiple storage devices are interconnected at the corners, thus allowing the use of a plurality of storage devices in a given wall and utilize the same attachment hardware.  
         [0014]     It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that is easily transported. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is adapted to fold upon itself to facilitate transportation. Some embodiments of the present invention are also equipped with at least one handle. This embodiment of the present invention allows for the storage device to be removed and perhaps folded to be easily carried to a work location. A related embodiment of the present invention additionally employs wheels that allow for the storage device to be more easily transported once removed from its hanging location. Alternatively, a detachable belt may be provided to allow the flexible storage device to be selectively interconnected to a user&#39;s waist.  
         [0015]     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that may be easily transitioned from a first horizontal location to a second horizontal location. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is adapted for selective interconnection to at least one pulley that is in turn interconnected to the ceiling of a structure such that the entire storage device may be stored in generally unused spaces and lowered when needed to provide access thereto.  
         [0016]     It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that employs only one support fixture, thus providing increased hanging options. More specifically, some embodiments of the present invention employ only one grommet for interconnection to a single nail, for example, while other embodiments employ attachment hardware on each corner, and which are operably interconnectable to other storage devices.  
         [0017]     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a ceiling storage device that may be selectively lowered to gain access therein. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is operably interconnected to the ceiling, rafter beam, or joint, wherein a portion thereof is capable of cowering, thus providing increased access thereto. This embodiment, and similar embodiments provide movable storage devices that allow for quick and easy access to the contents therein, but maintain the head room inside the structure when not in use.  
         [0018]     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that transitions from a first location to a second location and that is also adapted for interconnection to an automobile. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention transitions, as described above, from a low level such as the garage floor to a higher level, such as the space between the garage rafters for storage. When the items are required, the storage device is then lowered as described above. However, in this embodiment, means are provided for selective interconnection to the roof, hood, or bed of an automobile, such that an automobile may be positioned under the storage container prior to lowering.  
         [0019]     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that a plurality of compartments which can be selectively removed and attached to another device. For example, one embodiment of the present invention employs compartments that selectively disconnect and that are adapted for selective interconnection to a workmen&#39;s belt, for example.  
         [0020]     It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that employs a plurality of hooks, loops, etc. for securing tools. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention employs a plurality of loops that are adapted to receive and secure tools. Alternatively, another aspect of the present invention utilizes a rigid wire or other metallic material that supports a shelf for holding heavy items. Preferably the rigid wire is hingedly interconnected to the support device to allow the shelf to be folded inwardly for storage purposes when not in use.  
         [0021]     It is still yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that is adapted to be self-standing. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is a foldable structure, wherein the device is self-supporting. This embodiment of the present invention may also be equipped with handles or other means to facilitate transportation when folded.  
         [0022]     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that utilizes magnets, wherein the device can be remarkably interconnected to a metallic object such as a toolbox, refrigeration, etc.  
         [0023]     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device that selectively expands. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is adapted to expand similar to a bellows to accommodate and cover items of various shapes and sizes.  
         [0024]     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide certain storage pockets which have a transparent front faces, wherein the specific tools or items positioned therein can be clearly seen. Alternatively, mesh materials may also be utilized.  
         [0025]     It is still yet another aspect of the present invention that it is cost effective to manufacture. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is constructed of commonly used material such as plastics, nylon, cloth, polyvinylchloride (PVC), etc. In addition, many embodiments of the present invention employ zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, latches, hooks, wire stiffeners, eyelets, grommets, clasps, straps, ropes, etc., that are commonly known in the art. Thus the cost of manufacturing any one of the disclosed embodiments will not be prohibitive.  
         [0026]     Thus, it is one aspect of the present invention to provide a storage device comprising: a substantially flexible panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, and lateral edges positioned therebetween; 
        an attachment mechanism interconnected at the corners of said lateral edges and said top edge and said bottom edge;     at least one storage compartment interconnected to said substantially flexible panel which is adapted for storing a plurality of items; and     a border material positioned at least partially between said attachment mechanisms and positioned outwardly from said plurality of compartments, wherein a plurality of storage devices can be operatively positioned in a horizontal or vertical orientation while using at least some of the same attachment hardware by overlapping said attachment mechanisms.        
 
         [0030]     The Summary of the Invention is neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present invention. The present invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and the Detailed Description of the Invention and no limitation as to the scope of the present invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0031]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explain the principles of these embodiments.  
         [0032]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention and showing a flexible storage device with a mesh front and attachment hardware positioned on each corner;  
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a top elevation view of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a left elevation view of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a front plan view of the invention shown in  FIG. 1  and further depicting the storage department and zippered front to allow further opening;  
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention and depicting a tool holder;  
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the invention shown in  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is a left elevation view of the invention shown in  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of the invention shown in  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0040]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention and depicting a transparent front and a zippered panel to provide access therein;  
         [0041]      FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention and depicting two wire reinforced shelves;  
         [0042]      FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention and depicting a towel holder positioned on the flexible storage device;  
         [0043]      FIG. 12  is a front perspective view showing two embodiments of the present invention operably interconnected on wall studs to depict the inner connection of a plurality of the flexible storage devices;  
         [0044]      FIG. 13  is a front elevation view of an alternative attachment mechanism of the present invention interconnected to a wall stud;  
         [0045]      FIG. 14  are various embodiments of alternative attachment mechanisms for the flexible panels of the present invention;  
         [0046]      FIG. 15  are alternative embodiments of the attachment mechanism for the flexible panels of the present invention and further depicting a hanging bracket; and  
         [0047]      FIG. 16  is a front perspective view depicting a corner attachment mechanism positioned on an upper left hand corner of a flexible storage device.  
     
    
       [0048]     To assist in the understanding of the drawings and invention(s) described herein, the following is a list of components and numbering generally used throughout the drawings:  
                                   #   Component                    2   Flexible storage device        4   Panel        6   Upper edge        8   Lower edge       10   Lateral edge       12   Corner attachment hardware       14   Tool loop       16   Shelf       18   Reinforcing wire       20   Border spacing       22   Weep holes       24   Mesh material       26   Hardware reinforcing material       28   Storage bins       30   Handle       32   Zipper       34   Transparent material       36   Belt       38   Buckle       40   Magnet       42   Paper towel holder       44   Border material       46   Framing stud       48   Hook &amp; loop material       50   Attachment hardware aperture       52   Screw       54   Flexible plastic attachment           mechanism       56   Attachment bracket       58   Drywall       60   Flexible rope       62   Recessed storage volume       64   Hinge                  
 
         [0049]     It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0050]     Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-4  depict various views of one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, a flexible storage device  2  is provided which generally comprises a panel  4  with an upper edge  6 , a lower edge  8  and lateral edges  10  extending therebetween. In each corner of this particular embodiment, corner attachment hardware  12  is provided to allow the flexible storage device  2  to be interconnected to a wall stud or other vertical support member. The corner attachment hardware  12  in one embodiment is comprised of a metallic plate with an aperture  50  adapted to fit over a screw, nail, hook, or other type of hardware.  
         [0051]     As further shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , this embodiment of the present invention further includes a mesh material  24  to allow viewing of the contents positioned within the storage bin  28 , and may further include a belt  36  and buckle  38  to provide additional support. As appreciated by one skilled in the art, the length of the storage device  2  is not critical to the invention and the device shown in  FIG. 1-4  can have a length up to 6 or 8 feet to allow for the storage of skis, poles, bats, and other sporting gear or hardware. To allow for the drainage of any liquid which may collect in the storage bin  28 , one or more weep holes  22  are provided in a lower portion of the storage compartment  28  to allow drainage. Positioned between the corner attachment hardware  12  is a border spacing material  20  which generally defines the perimeter edges of the storage bins  28  or available storage space. This border spacing  20  allows one or more of the flexible storage devices  2  to be interconnected with common attachment hardware along the corners and thus facilitating placing a plurality of flexible storage devices  2  either in a horizontal orientation, vertical orientation or both. One example of two flexible storage devices being interconnected in a horizontal relationship to framing studs  46  is shown in  FIG. 12 , and will be discussed in further detail below.  
         [0052]     Referring now to  FIG. 5-8 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is provided herein wherein the storage compartments  28  are comprised of one or more tool loops  14  which are adapted for holding plyers, screwdrivers, hammers, and other tools commonly used in a workshop or garage. Further, storage compartments utilizing mesh material  24  are provided to allow the viewing of items such as screws, nails, brackets, and other types of hardware commonly used in a garage or workshop. In general, the storage devices  2  of the present invention are comprised of flexible materials, such as fabric, cloth, polyethylene, nylon, plastics, and other materials which can be bent and/or folded. Furthermore, these flexible storage devices  2  may alternatively have a handle interconnected to one or more surfaces which allow the storage bins to be easily transported between locations, and may have closure mechanisms such as zippers or buckles to prevent the tools from falling therefrom. Furthermore, in another embodiment of the present invention the flexible storage devices  2  may have an interconnected belt and/or buckle to allow the tools to be positioned around a user&#39;s waist during a construction operation, and subsequently hung up on a wall.  
         [0053]     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , another embodiment of the present invention is provided herein wherein the front portion of the flexible storage device  2  has one or more transparent materials  34  which allow the contents of the storage compartments to be viewed by a user. Furthermore, a zipper  32  or other opening means is provided which allow the contents to be securely stored therein. As further depicted in  FIG. 9 , in one embodiment of the present invention the flexible storage device  2  includes a recessed storage volume  62  which is designed for positioning between the framing studs of a typical structure such as a garage, barn, or workshop. Thus, the front surface of the flexible storage device  2  remains substantially flush with an exterior surface of the framing studs, while the storage volume  62  is positioned between the framing studs to allow an efficient use of space.  
         [0054]     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is provided herein wherein the flexible storage device  2  includes one or more shelves  16  which are reinforced with a reinforcing wire  18  or bar which preferably is hingedly connected to the panel  4  or border spacing material  20 . By utilizing the reinforcing wire  18 , a structurally sound shelf is provided which can support heavy material such as hammers or wrenches. Preferably, the reinforcing wire  18  is interconnected to a reinforced loop or other cloth material and is secured to the fabric panel for selective interconnection. More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the wire  18  is generally interconnected to the panel at the hinge  64  which allows the reinforced wire  18  to be pivoted about the hinge  64 , and positioned flat against the panel  4  when in a position of non use or storage.  
         [0055]     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is provided herein, and which generally depicts a flexible storage device  2  with a paper towel holder  42  positioned therein. More specifically, by utilizing a wire material, flexible fabric, or other similar device, a typical cylindrical roll of paper towel can be positioned thereto and rotated for use. In one embodiment it is anticipated that the flexible material utilized for the paper towel holder  42  has a button, snap, or velcro material to interconnect two ends positioned through the paper towel center aperture.  
         [0056]     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the interconnection of two flexible storage devices  2  are shown horizontally interconnected to three framing studs  46 . As depicted in this drawing, the corner attachment hardware  12  utilizes the same attachment hardware which is positioned through an attachment hardware aperture  50 . Preferably, the corner attachment hardware  12  is comprised of a rigid metallic material and/or plastic material which can sustain significant tensile loads, and which will not be damaged with the use of attachment screws, nails, or other hardware known in the art. By positioning the corner attachment hardware  12  between the lateral edges  10 , and more specifically between the border spacing material  20  of the flexible storage device  2 , two flexible storage devices  2  can be overlapped along the respective lateral edges  10 , and thus positioned in a horizontal and/or vertical position by utilizing the same corner attachment hardware  12 . Thus, multiple flexible storage devices  2  can be overlapped and used in either a vertical or horizontal combination, or both depending on the specific need, while utilizing common attachment hardware at the respective corners. Thus, an efficient use of space can be utilized and the flexible storage devices can be positioned between framing studs  46  or alternatively positioned on a wall which has been dry walled or otherwise finished.  
         [0057]     Referring now to  FIGS. 13-15 , alternative embodiments of various corner attachment hardware are depicted herein. More specifically, and referring now to  FIG. 13 , a corner attachment hardware  12  is shown interconnected to the corner of the flexible storage device  2 . More specifically, in this embodiment the corner attachment hardware  12  has four apertures positioned along each lateral edge, and which are adapted to receive a strap which is interconnected to the flexible storage device  2 . Preferably, the strap is a hook and loop material  48  which allows optimum positioning of the flexible storage device once the corner attachment hardware  12  is interconnected to a framing stud  46  by the use of a screw  52 , nail, or other commonly known attachment hardware. As further depicted in  FIG. 13 , by utilizing this type of geometry with the corner attachment hardware  12 , the corners of four distinct flexible storage devices  2  can be interconnected to the same corner attachment hardware  12  and thus effectively utilize available space.  
         [0058]     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , an alternative embodiment of corner attachment hardware  12  used in the present invention is provided herein. More specifically, a flexible plastic attachment mechanism  54  is shown, and which can be operably interconnected to the flexible panel  4  by means of hardware reinforcing material  26  such as stitching, welding, etc. By utilizing a flexible plastic attachment mechanism or other material which has flexure, the corner attachment hardware  12  can be positioned on a framing stud or other support mechanism, and the flexible storage device  2  placed in a position of use. As further shown in  FIG. 14 , an alternative corner attachment hardware device  12  is shown which utilizes a flexible rope  60  and does not utilize plastic or metal materials whatsoever. As shown in the bottom right hand corner, the flexible rope, plastic, nylon, or other similar material is interconnected to the border material  20  by means of hardware reinforcing material  26 , and which can be operably interconnected to a attachment mechanism such as a screw or nail positioned in a framing stud  46  or other material.  
         [0059]     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , an alternative embodiment of corner attachment hardware  12  is provided herein, and which includes a flexible plastic attachment mechanism  54  which in one embodiment has a rope or other material attached thereto to provide a corner attachment hardware piece  12 . In one embodiment of this corner attachment hardware  12 , the flexible plastic attachment mechanism  54  is hollow and which may include indicia positioned on the attachment hardware, or on the rope or cloth material positioned therethrough. As further shown in the upper portion of  FIG. 15 , the flexible storage devices  2  of the present invention can be shown interconnected to an attachment bracket  56  which can be secured to any vertical wall structure including drywall, paneling, or other building products which provide a more finished look to hang one or more flexible storage devices  2 .  
         [0060]     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , another embodiment of attachment hardware used with the flexible storage devices  2  of the present invention is shown herein. More specifically, the attachment hardware  12  is shown interconnected to the upper left hand corner of a flexible panel  4  by means of a fabric, cloth or webbing material which is interconnected along an upper edge  6  and a lateral edge  10  by means of reinforced stitching  26 , welding, or other means to operably secure the attachment mechanism  12  to the flexible panel  4 . Alternatively, the strap or webbing may be adjustable in length, wherein the strap can be extended in length to allow the flexible storage device to be interconnected to framing studs  46  which are not on 16″ centers. In one embodiment the straps interconnected to the attachment hardware  12  utilize hook and loop materials such as Velcro®, buckles, clasps or other devices to allow the length of the strap to be selectively adjusted. As shown, each strap or webbing material extends through a slot or aperture positioned along an edge of the attachment hardware  12 . Furthermore, the substantially rigid attachment hardware  12  preferably has at least one aperture  50  positioned therethrough which is used for positioning over a screw, nail, hook, or other form of attachment hardware which is interconnected to a vertical surface such as a framing stud. As further shown in  FIG. 16 , a border region  20  is provided along a vertical plane and a horizontal plane next to the attachment hardware  12 , and which allows multiple flexible storage devices  2  to be hung in either horizontal or vertical orientation using common attachment hardware.  
         [0061]     While various embodiment of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the scope and spirit of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.