US20080264883A1

US20080264883A1 - Lally Column Sotage Device

Info

Publication number: US20080264883A1
Application number: US11/741,695
Authority: US
Inventors: Arthur Stafford; John Dazin Fiegener; Michael David Tinstman; Daniel Richard Armstrong; Nicholas Starno
Original assignee: Stafford Manufacturing Corp
Current assignee: Stafford Manufacturing Corp
Priority date: 2007-04-27
Filing date: 2007-04-27
Publication date: 2008-10-30

Abstract

The present invention is a clamp storage device which attaches to a lally Column. The invention consists of a Lally Column Clamp which attaches to the Lally Column. Different storage mechanisms can be attached to the lally Column clamp. These storage mechanisms are interchangeable and can include such storage devices as a wire basket retainer, hooks for a bicycle, plastics bins such as those used for recycling and others. The interchangeability of the storages mechanisms is a very unique feature and allows a user great flexibility when using the clamp storage device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS (IF ANY)

None

STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (IF ANY)

None

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a clamp storage device, more particular to one that attaches to a lally Column.
2. Background
People are always running out of storage space and are looking for convenient locations to store things, especially in areas that are currently wasted spaces. People need devices that can help them organize and use their space wisely.
Lally Columns are used in homes with basements and other structures as structural support. These are usually metal poles that are three, three and one-half or four inches in diameter that go from the foundation to a support beam. There can be one or more of these lally Columns in a structure. These Columns are usually in the middle of an area and create a lot of dead unusable space.
3. Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 6,708,832 by Hannon and issued on Mar. 23, 2004, is for a Device for hanging objects on a vertical support. It discloses a hanging device for hanging an object on a vertical support. The hanging device includes a girding member having first and second sides. The first side of the girding member has a pair of spaced nubs projecting out which defines gaps. A first support member includes a first end having a portion pivotably receivable in the gap and a second end. A second support member extends between the first support member and the vertical support.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,421 by Hilbert and issued on Feb. 2, 1988, is for a Strap for stabilizing platform to upright member. It discloses a support platform that includes a notch for engaging an upright member, such as a tree or utility pole, and further includes a flexible steel band that encircles the upright member and supports the platform.
United States Patent Application 20050211742 by Mapes, et al. and published on Sep. 29, 2005, is for a Post-mounted storage caddy. It discloses a post-mounted storage caddy that comprises a caddy body adapted to be mounted to a post, and especially a seat post in a boat. A storage tray with compartments is pivotally mounted to the caddy body, whereby the caddy body functions as a lid for the storage caddy. The storage caddy can also include a cup holder and other holding means.
There is still room for improvement in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a clamp storage device which attaches to a lally Column. The invention consists of a Lally Column Clamp which attaches to lally Columns of three different diameters (3″, 3½″ and 4″). Regardless of the column size, different storage mechanisms can be attached to the Lally Column Clamp. These storage mechanisms are interchangeable and can include such storage devices as a wire basket retainer, hooks for a bicycle, plastics bins such as those used for recycling and others. The interchangeability of the storage mechanisms is a very unique feature and allows a user great flexibility when using the clamp storage device.

LALLY CLAMP PATENT DRAWING REFERENCES

- 1. Lally Column
- 2. Wire Basket
- 3. Wire Basket Clip
- 4. Wire Basket Retainer
- 5. Retainer Screw
- 6. Lally Column Clamp
- 7. Lally Column Clamp Grip Insert
- 8. Lally Column Clamp Bolt
- 9. Lally Column Clamp Spacer
- 10. Lally Column Clamp Washer
- 11. Lally Column Clamp Nut
- 12. Bicycle Hook with Sleeve
- 13. Bike Trough

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Without restricting the full scope of this invention, the preferred form of this invention is illustrated in the following drawings:

FIG. 1 displays the wire basket pole device;

FIG. 2 displays a bottom view of the wire basket pole device;

FIG. 3 displays an exploded view of the wire basket pole device;

FIG. 4 displays the recycle basket;

FIG. 5 displays an exploded view of the recycle basket;

FIG. 6 displays the bicycle hook;

FIG. 7 displays a bottom view of the bicycle hook;

FIG. 8 displays an exploded view of the bicycle hook; and

FIG. 9 displays an alternate embodiment of a bicycle storage device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

There are a number of significant design features and improvements incorporated within the invention.
The current invention is a clamp storage device which attaches to lally Columns of three different diameters (3″, 3½″ or 4″). The invention consists of a Lally Column Clamp which attaches to the Lally Column as shown in FIGS. 1-9.
Different storage mechanisms can be attached to the Lally Column Clamp. These storage mechanisms are interchangeable and can include such storage devices as a wire basket retainer 4, hooks 12 for items like a bicycle, bins 13 such as those used for recycling and others. The interchangeability of the storages mechanisms is a very unique feature and allows a user great flexibility when using the clamp storage device.
Lally Columns 1 are used in homes with basements and other structures as structural support. These are usually metal poles that are three, three and one-half or four inches in diameter that go from the foundation to a support beam. There can be one or more of these lally Columns 1 in a structure. The current invention discusses being used with a lally Column 1 that is 4 inches in diameter but can be used with any diameter from 3 inches to 4 inches Column.
The lally Column Clamp 6 attaches to the lally Column 1. The lally Column Clamp 6 is comprised of two halves, each semi-circular in shape. These two halves are placed on opposite sides of the Lally Column as shown in FIG. 3. The two sides are attached with bolts 8 that go through bolt holes in the Lally Column Clamp 6 with one bolt 8 going through each Lally Column Clamp 6. With both bolts, a washer 10 is attached to the screw end of the bolt 8 as it sticks out of the Lally Column Clamp 6 with a nut 11 being screwed around the screwed portion of the bolt 8.
There are a plurality of clamp grip inserts 7 attached to the interior of the Lally Column Clamp 6. The clamp grip inserts 7 are used to grip the lally Column 1. These clamp grip inserts 7 have a gripping means which in the preferred embodiment are rubber tips that use tension and friction to attach to the Lally Column 1. The clamp grip inserts 7 can also use plastic or a serrated edge or any other gripping means to grip to the Lally Column 1.
In the preferred embodiment, there are two clamp spacers 9 which fit between the two Lally Column Clamp 6 halves one at each the meeting points of the halves. The clamp spacers 9 provide for spacing between the two Lally Column Clamp 6 halves. This allows for variability in the spacing and the diameter of the Lally Column 1. The clamp spacers 9 are cylinder in shape. The bolts 8 will run through the clamp spacers 9.
The nuts 11 are tightened on the bolts 8 and compress the clamp grip inserts 7 against the pole 1 for a tight and secure grip against the pole 1. The lally Column clamp 6 can be attached at any height on the lally Column 1 that a user may want.
The lally Column clamps 6 have fixed openings to which different attachments can be attached to.
FIG. 1 displays the wire basket pole device with FIG. 2 displaying a bottom view and FIG. 3 an exploded view. There are two wire basket retainers 4 attached to the top of the lally Column clamp 6 through an attachment means such as the retainer screws 5. The wire basket retainers 4 will have a rim on their edge. The wire basket 2 will have two halves with an edge that fits into the rim of the wire basket retainers 4. This will supply support for the wire basket. Two wire basket clips 3 are attached connecting the wire basket halves 2 together where they meet. These wire basket clips 3 are attached at the top of the wire basket halves 2. This design allows a structurally sound storage device such as a wire basket to be attached to a fixed pole such as a lally Column 1. A solid basket can also be attached using this same design.
FIG. 4 displays a recycle basket 13 attached to the Lally Column clamp 6 while FIG. 5 displays an exploded view of the recycle basket 13. The recycle basket 13 is in the design of a semicircle with a smaller semicircle on the flat edge. The smaller semicircle is approximately the circumference of the Lally Column 1. The recycle basket 13 will have a rim with the rim fitting over the top of the Lally Column clamp 6. The rim will secure the recycle basket 13 onto to Lally Column clamp 6. The recycle basket 13 will also rest against the lally Column 1 in the smaller semicircle. This will provide support and stability to the recycle basket 13.
FIG. 6 displays two bicycle hooks 12, while FIG. 7 displays a bottom view and FIG. 8 displays an exploded view. These hooks 12 are used to store a bicycle or any other similar item that can be stored on hooks. The hooks 12 fit into holes in the Lally Column clamp 6. The hooks 12 have rubber sleeve covering the hook ends in the preferred embodiment. The end of the hooks 12 that attaches to the lally Column clamp 6 have a 90 degree bend (as shown in FIG. 8) in them which goes into the holes in the lally Column clamp 6. This gives a secure fit and hold. The Lally Column clamp 6 in the preferred embodiment will have a channel the dimension of the hooks 12 that runs from the hole to the edge of the lally Column clamp 6 adding further stability. A bike would be stored by having its wheel placed in the two hooks 12. The hooks 12 can also be used to store other items as well as only a single hook being used.
An alternative to the hooks is shown in FIG. 9. It is a bike trough 14. It is attached to the Lally Column clamp 6 with retainer screws 5. It has a solid trough 14 on which the tire of a bicycle can be set for storage.
The lally Column clamp 6 can also be used on other fixed stationary objects such as trees, poles, telephone poles and other similar items. The dimensions of the lally Column clamps 6 would be changed to fit the object.

Advantages

The current invention solves the problem of how to create storages space around a lally Column which is difficult since lally Column are set and are usually dead space. The current device is very flexible and allows a number of different types of storage and storage devices to be used. It has a unique two piece design that allows a secure attachment to lally Columns of three different diameters (3″, 3½″ and 4″). It is something that is unique and greatly needed.
As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a plurality of clamps attached to each other around a fixed object through an attaching means with a storage device attached to said clamps.

2. The device as in claim 1, wherein said fixed object is a tree.

3. The device as in claim 1, wherein a plurality of spacers are used between the clamps.

4. The device as in claim 1, wherein said attaching means is a bolt and nut.

5. The device as in claim 1, wherein said storage device is a wire basket.

6. The device as in claim 1, wherein said storage device is a bin.

7. The device as in claim 1, wherein said storage device is a plurality of hooks.

8. The device as in claim 1, wherein said stationary object is a lally Column.

9. The device as in claim 1, wherein said clamp has a plurality of grip inserts used to attach to said stationary object.

10. The device as in claim 9, wherein said grip inserts have a rubber tip.

11. A device comprising: a plurality of clamps attached to each other around a fixed object through an attaching means with interchangeable storage devices being able to be attached to said clamps.

12. The device as in claim 11, wherein said fixed object is a tree.

13. The device as in claim 11, wherein a plurality of spacers are used between the clamps.

14. The device as in claim 11, wherein said attaching means is a bolt and nut.

15. The device as in claim 11, wherein said storage device is a wire basket.

16. The device as in claim 11, wherein said storage device is a bin.

17. The device as in claim 11, wherein said storage device is a plurality of hooks.

18. The device as in claim 11, wherein said stationary object is a lally Column.

19. The device as in claim 11, wherein said clamp has a plurality of grip inserts used to attach to said stationary object.

20. The device as in claim 19, wherein said grip inserts have a rubber tip.