GB2305597A

GB2305597A - Shelf storage system

Info

Publication number: GB2305597A
Application number: GB9519699A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Blanchard William Robinson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-09-27
Filing date: 1995-09-27
Publication date: 1997-04-16
Also published as: GB9519699D0

Abstract

A storage system for use in the upper reaches of a garage, particularly in the region above a garage door, comprises a support means with a suspension means 11 and a shelf means 8,9. The storage system is provided with a plurality of apertures to facilitate suspension of removable attachment means, that are sized and shaped to accommodate tools and garden implements etc. Furthermore said apertures facilitate observation therethrough and circuitous airflow. Said storage system is provided in an easily assembled kit and/or in modular form and can be adapted to accommodate a guide-suspension means of an up-and-over garage door.

Description

GARAGE STORAGE SYSTEMS.

Field of Invention This invention relates to storage systems and particularly, but not exclusively, to storage systems for use in garages.

Background and Prior Art In general, people occupy houses large enough to accommodate their existing, or envisaged family and/or belongings. However as peoples' affluence increases they often decide to enlarge their family andlor purchase more belongings, which they were unable to envisage at the outset.

Furthermore, as a result of increasing leisure time and opportunities, people are purchasing a greater number of leisure goods. These leisure goods may only be used occasionally, when the opportunity arises. For example, people may purchase keep fit equipment in order to improve their health, or people may purchase recreational goods such as golf clubs, or fishing tackle in order to relax and enjoy the countryside.

In addition, goods may be purchased which, in general, are used only seasonally when weather conditions permit. For example, patio furniture, tents, camping equipment, barbecues, hanging baskets, etc, are typically used only during the warmer summer months. Whereas sledges, skis, etc, are generally used only during the winter months.

It will therefore be appreciated that belongings need to be stored, in houses when not in use for long periods, in some cases for the majority of the year. In addition, it is also desirable that belongings can be easily accessed when required.

Often these items are stored in the loft spaces of houses, however loft storage may be inconvenient for a number of reasons. In particular, the entrance to many loft spaces is small, making the storage of bulky belongings impossible. It will be appreciated that many leisure goods are bulky. In addition, access to the loft space often requires a ladder. Use of ladders to enter the loft space is inconvenient, as typically the ladder needs to be carried upstairs each time the belongings are required.

Due to this inconvenience, people often use garages for storage of belongings. Use of garages to store belongings is convenient for a number of reasons. For instance, garages are relatively large and can readily accommodate bulky items. In addition, garages can be easily accessed because they have large entrance door, and are on the ground floor.

Consequently garages often become used as store rooms, to such an extent there is no room for a car, which typically is left outside on the driveway or road.

In order to maximise housing density, most houses built today are provided with single garages intended to accommodate only one family car, without floor space for other belongings. Consequently, the garages of new houses in particular become filled with belongings.

Belongings stored in garages are generally stored on free standing storage systerns, or wall-mounted storage systems, or indeed on the garage floor.

Problems with the Prior Art However, it is a problem with free standing storage systems that they take up valuable floor space which could be put to other uses, such as, improving access to a garaged vehicle, or performing DIY, etc.

Wall-mounted storage systems typically are mounted to the wall using L-shaped brackets.

Generally, the storage system is supported from a single wall. It will be appreciated that a single wall support is relatively weak and consequently only relatively light belongings can be stored on the shelves of such storage systems. In addition, due to their relative weakness the wall-mounted shelves tend to be narrow. This prohibits the storage of bulky items. It is therefore a problem with the prior art that heavy and/or bulky items can not be typically stored in wall-mounted storage systems.

Typically, wall supported storage systems and free standing storage systems possess solid shelves. This means that they tend to collect dirt and dust, and prevent effective air circulation resulting in dampness accumulating. It is therefore a problem with the prior art that storage systems possessing solid shelves lead to collection of dirt and dust, and result in dampness. In addition, well supported shelf units and free standing shelf units possess generally opaque shelves, which prevent the contents of the shelf being observed from beneath the shelf. Furthermore storage system which possess opaque shelves require an independent light source to observe the contents of the shelves.

In particular, the prior art provides no means of utilising the large and wasted space above a garage door and, in particular, above an "up-and-over garage door for storing belongings. This is because in general garage doors, especially double "up-andever" garage doors, possess suspension means which any storage system needs to accommodate.

In many modem garages the space above the garage door constitutes up to 40% of the rooflceiling area. It is therefore a problem with the prior art that there exists no storage system which utilises the large and wasted storage space above an "upand-over" garage door.

Object of Invention It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a storage system which does not take up valuable floor space, and does not restrict access.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a storage system which is able to store relatively heavy and bulky items.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a storage system which reduces the accumulation of dust and dirt.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a storage system which allows air to circulate and reduce dampness.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a storage system wherein the contents of the shelf can be observed without requiring observation from above.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a storage system wherein the contents can be observed without independent illumination.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a storage system which can utilise the large and wasted storage space above a garage door.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a storage system which is lightweight and strong.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a storage system which can be installed by a competent DIY person.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a storage system which is available in kit form and can be transported readily in a standard family car.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a modular storage system which can be fitted either in a single or double garage.

It is a further object of the invention to provide removable attachment means for use with a storage system, which can accommodate items, for example, garden tools - drills, hammers, ladders, drills, containers etc, and are designed so that such items can be readily accessed.

Many garages possess features or obstructions which stand proud of the garage walls, such as electrical conduit, pipes and pillars etc. It is an object of the invention to provide a storage system which can be adapted easily by a competent DIY enthusiast to accommodate such features.

Statement of Invention In its broadest aspect the invention provides a storage system adapted for use in the upper reaches of a garage.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a storage system for use in the upper reaches of a garage comprising a support means and a shelf means wherein said support means include at least one suspension means.

Preferably said shelf means is apertured. The presence of apertures in said shelf means provides the following advantages; they allow air circulation and prevent condensation leading to dampness; they reduce the accumulation of dust and dirt; they enable observation of the shelf contents without requiring observation from above, for example, by using a ladder; they allow observation without requiring independent illumination.

Ideally said apertures are provided by using mesh and, ideally further still, the mesh is wire mesh. The use of wire mesh enables the shelf means to be adapted to fit around protruding features such as electrical conduit pipes, pillars, etc, for example by moulding or cutting.

In a preferred embodiment the shelf means includes a rigid frame comprising peripheral frame members and cross members. Ideally, said frame members and cross members have U-shaped or L-shaped cross section.

In a preferred embodiment said storage system is constructed from lightweight and strong materials.

In a preferred embodiment said storage system is in kit form so as to be readily installed by a person competent at DIY. However, it is not intended to limit the storage system solely to DIY kits.

In a preferred embodiment said storage system can be transported in any standard family car.

In a preferred embodiment said storage system is modular, and therefore can be fitted either in a double or single garage.

In a preferred embodiment said storage system is provided with removable attachment members which are adapted to accommodate belongings, such as garden implements, and DIY tools, storage boxes. Ideally, said attachment members are adapted to downwardly depend from said mesh, such that they depend from any point on said mesh.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a storage system for use in the upper reaches of a garage above an garage door comprising a support means and a shelf means wherein said support means includes at least one suspension means; and said shelf means is adapted to accommodate said door.

The mechanism of many garage doors, especially double "up-and-over" garage doors, relies on guide means which are suspended from guide-suspension means. Therefore, it is a preferred embodiment that the shelf means is adaptable to accommodate the guidesuspension means of said garage door wherein the guide-suspension means passes through or about the shelf means.

In a preferred embodiment the shelf means is transparent, to enable observation of the shelf contents without requiring observation from above, and in addition to allow observation without requiring independent illumination.

Preferably the shelf means is transparent by virtue of at least one aperture in the shelf means. The presence of aperture(s) in said shelf means provides the following additional advantages: they allow air circulation and prevent condensation leading to dampness; they reduce the accumulation of dust and dirt.

In a preferred embodiment the shelf means includes a rigid frame comprising peripheral frame members and cross-members. Ideally, said frame members and cross-members have U-shaped or L-shaped cross section.

In a preferred embodiment the width or length of said frame is adapted to be adjustable so as to fit within any garage. Ideally, said frame is made adjustable wherein the frame members are adapted to slide within adjacent frame members, and further said frame members are adapted to be fixedly restrained when adjustment is complete.

Ideally said apertures are provided by using mesh and, ideally further still, the mesh is wire mesh. The use of wire mesh enables the shelf means to be adapted to so as to fit around protruding features such as electrical conduit pipes, pillars, etc, for example by moulding or cutting.

In a preferred embodiment said storage system is provided with removable attachment members which are adapted to accommodate belongings, such as, garden implements, DIY tools, storage boxes. Ideally, said attachment members are adapted to downwardly depend from said mesh, such that they depend from any point on said mesh.

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures.

Figures Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the frame of a shelf means according to the invention showing all framing members.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an assembled shelf means according to the invention.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the storage system.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an aspect of the storage system, for use above an "up and over" garage door.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of three removable attachment members, adapted to store garden tools.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a removable attachment member adapted to support a ladder.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a removable attachment member with integral carrying handle adapted to support DIY tools.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a removable storage box with integral carrying handle for use with the invention.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a removable storage box with integral carrying handle for use with the invention.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a removable drill box with integral carrying handle for use with the invention.

Figure 11 shows an exploded view of a frame of the shelf means according to the invention wherein the dimensions of said frame are adjustable.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an exploded view of the frame of a shelf means together with suspension means 1 for use above a double garage door. From Figure 1 it can be seen that the frame members comprise four peripheral comer members 2 and four peripheral T-shaped members 3, connected by eight peripheral straight members 4, which together form a frame with a rectangular perimeter. The frame is provided with five cross members 5, which cross members provide rigidity to the frame. All frame members 2,3,4 and 5 are L-shaped in cross-section and the frame is constructed so that a flat surface is uppermost All frame members and suspension means 1 are connected together by suitable connecting means, such as bolts or rivets.

Referring to Figure 2 there is shown a perspective view of a completed shelf means 6 following assembly of all frame members 2, 3, 4 and 5. Figure 2 also shows a mesh 7, ideally wire mesh, supported on and connected to the uppermost side of frame members 2, 3,4 and 5. Mesh 7 is connected to frame members 2, 3,4 and 5 via connecting means such as, bolts, rivets, or clips, or a combination thereof.

Although a single mesh is shown in Figure 2, it may be preferred, for example, for ease of carriage and/or manoeuvre for to provide a number of meshes which are supported on frame 6 in partially overlapping fashion. In this embodiment adjacent mesh sheets 7 are connected to frame members so that apertures, in the adjacent mesh sheets 7, are in register. Such registration enables the mesh sheets 7 to be joined using bolts, rivets, or clips, or a combination thereof.

Ideally mesh is the material of choice for the shelf, as it is readily fashioned by the DIY enthusiast. In particular, mesh can be fashioned, for example by moulding and/or cutting etc to fit around electrical conduit, pillars or pipe work In addition, mesh is also the material of choice as it is lightweight. This enables the storage system to be transported readily in a small vehicle or family car, and in addition, it greatly assists the assembly and fixing into a roof space of a garage.

Furthermore, the roof trusses and ceiling supports of standard garages can support only limited weight. Therefore to maximise the shelf storage capacity, a shelf needs to be light weight. Mesh provides a suitably light weight material, which is strong enough to support heavy items.

Furthermore, the mesh is relatively transparent. This enables observation of the contents of the shelf from below without the need to climb a ladder to view the contents.

In addition, mesh allows the penetration of light so that the contents of the shelf can be observed without the need for independent illumination, such as a torch.

Mesh also allows circulation of air currents so preventing condensation and thus avoiding dampness to accumulate.

Mesh is also a shelving material of choice to accommodate removable attachment members for DIY tools, garden tools, storage boxes etc.

Mesh is also a shelving material of choice because it prevents the accumulation of dirt and dust. It will be appreciated that a solid shelf would allow dust and dirt to settle.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 shows a 2-tier storage system, comprising two shelves 8 and 9. Upper shelf 8 is supported from roof truss 10 via suspension members 11. Truss 10 is typical of trusses found in roofs of garages, typically the roofs of modern garages. Lower shelf 9 is supported from the frame of upper shelf 8, by suspension members 12. In this embodiment shelves 8 and 9 are also supported by attachment to a wall. Lower shelf 9 is narrower than upper shelf 8 so that upper shelf 8 overhangs lower shelf 9.

It is preferred that the upper shelf 8 is positioned above normal head height so as to maxiniise the storage space, and the lower shelf 9 positioned below, or at head height, for storage of frequently used belongings.

Figure 3 also shows a variety of removable attachment members, adapted to support a variety of items. Figure 3 shows said attachment members on lower shelf 9, however said attachment members are adapted to be readily removable for attachment to upper shelf 8 also.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an aspect of the invention for attachment in the upper reaches of a garage, above an "up and over" garage door. Referring to Figure 4 there is shown shelf 13, which is supported from roof trusses, via suspension members 14, attached to the frame members of the shelf 13 along the longitudinal sides of the shelf 13. Suspension members 14 are fixedly connected to the frame members of the shelf 13 using for example bolts, rivets, or clips.

Suspension members 14 are connected to the roof trusses at positions 15. Suspension members 14 comprise lightweight metal strips adapted to be readily fashioned by hand, for example, into an L-shape, for connecting to the roof trusses.

Figure 4 also shows guide means 16 adapted to accommodate a garage door. Guide means 16 are suspended from roof trusses via guide-suspension means 17. The shelf 13 is adapted so that the guide-suspension means 17, supporting guide means 16, pass through shelf 13.

Guide-suspension means 17 pass through shelf 13 at positions 18. It will be appreciated that when wire mesh is the shelving material, the wire mesh can be readily fashioned by a DIY enthusiast to accommodate guide-suspension means 17.

As can be seen from Figure 4, this inventive aspect maximises the storage space above a garage door and particularly above an "up-and-overn garage door. Accommodating guide-suspension means 17 through the shelf enables the shelf 13 to extend completely across the width of the garage. It will be appreciated that prior to this invention, there existed no storage system which utilised the region of a garage roof above an "up-and over" garage door, and which could be readily transported, adapted and fitted by a DIY enthusiast.

Figures 5 to 10 show a variety of removable attachment members for use with the invention. These removable attachment members are adapted to fit over the mesh of the shelf. It will therefore be appreciated that location of the removable attachment members is infinitely variable on the shelf, so that the contents are readily accessible.

Figure 5 shows perspective views of three of said attachment members adapted to accommodate different garden tools. For example said attachment member 19 is adapted to accommodate garden tools possessing T-shaped handles, attachment member 20 is adapted to accommodate garden tools possessing annular handles, and attachment member 21 is adapted to accommodate a garden rake. Attachment member 20 is shown downwardly depending from said mesh.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a removable attachment member 22 adapted to support a ladder. Ideally, at least two removable attachment members would be required to support a ladder. Figure 6 shows removable attachment member 22 downwardly depending from said mesh.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of removable attachment member 23 adapted to support DIY tools such as screw drivers etc. Figure 7 also shows removable attachment member 23 downwardly depending from said mesh.

Figures 8 and 9 show perspective views of storage boxes 24 and 25 adapted to support DIY accessories such as nails and screws. Figure 8 shows storage box 24 downwardly depending from said mesh.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a removable attachment member 26 adapted to support drills.

Referring to Figure 11 there is shown an exploded view of an adjustable frame comprising peripheral frame members 27, T-shaped frame members 28 and crossmembers 31. Said peripheral members 27 have U-shaped cross section, which members 27 are adapted to accommodate said T-shaped frame members 28, such that T-shaped members 28 fit inside said peripheral members 27. Each of said T-shaped members 28 possess four elongate holes 29. Said peripheral members 27 possess a plurality of circular holes 30 situated near the ends of said peripheral members 27. In use, the dimensions of said frame is adjusted by sliding said T-shaped members 28 within said peripheral frame members 27 until the desired frame dimensions are achieved. The dimensions are fixed using bolt means through elongate holes 29 and circular holes 30.

It will be appreciated from Figures 7, 8, 9 and 10 that removable attachment members 23, 24, 25 and 26 are adapted to be readily removable from the underside of the shelf, and be carried complete to the work area by means of integral handles.

It will therefore be appreciated that this invention provides a storage system adapted for use in the upper reaches of a garage, particularly in the region above a garage door. In particular, it converts a wasted space into a useful functional asset. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the invention provides a total storage system, which storage system can accommodate belongings, particularly bulky belongings on the shelves, and tools, screws, garden implements etc, on the removable attachment members.

Claims

1. A storage system for use in the upper reaches of a garage comprising a support means and a shelf means wherein said support means includes at least one suspension means from which said shelf is suspended.

2. A storage system according to Claim 1 wherein said shelf means is provided with at least one aperture.

3. A storage system according to Claims 1 and 2 wherein said aperture is provided by a mesh.

4. A storage system according to Claim 3 in which said mesh is wire or the like.

5. A storage system according to any preceding claim wherein said shelf means includes a rigid frame comprising a plurality of peripheral frame members.

6. A storage system according to any preceding claim wherein said shelf means includes a rigid frame comprising a plurality of cross members.

7. A storage system according to Claims 5 and 6 wherein said peripheral frame members and/or cross members are "U"-shaped in cross-section.

8. A storage system according to Claims 5, 6 and 7 wherein said peripheral frame members and/or cross members are "L"-shaped in crosssection.

9. A storage system according to any preceding claim constructed of lightweight and strong materials.

10. A storage system according to any preceding claim that is provided in kit form.

11. A storage system according to any preceding claim wherein the storage system, or components thereof, are sized and shaped so that it or they may be transported in any standard family car.

12. A storage system according to any preceding claim that is provided in modular form.

13. A storage system according to any preceding claim wherein said storage system is provided with attachment members sized and shaped to accommodate a variety of implements and/or tools.

14. A storage system according to Claim 13 wherein said attachment members are removable.

15. A storage system according to Claims 13 and 14 wherein said attachment members are adapted to downwardly depend from said shelf.

16. A storage system according to Claims 13, 14 and 15 wherein said attachment members depend from any point on said mesh.

17. A storage system according to any preceding claim wherein said shelf means is adapted to accommodate a guide suspension means of a garage door.

18. A storage system according to Claim 17 wherein said guide suspension means passes through or about said shelf means.

19. A storage system according to any preceding claim wherein said shelf means is at least partially transparent.

20. A storage system according to any preceding claim wherein the length of frame members is adapted so as to be adjustable.

21. A storage system according to any preceding claim wherein the width of frame members is adapted so as to be adjustable.

22. A storage system according to Claims 20 and 21 wherein said frame members are adapted to slide within adjacent frame members.

23. A storage system according to Claims 20, 21 and 22 wherein said frame members are adapted to be fixedly restrained when adjustment is complete.

24. A storage system according to any preceding claim for use in the upper reaches of a garage as herein described andlor with reference to Figures 1 to 11 of the accompanying drawings.