WO2002048484A1

WO2002048484A1 - Storage system

Info

Publication number: WO2002048484A1
Application number: PCT/IB2001/002387
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacques André LE ROUX
Original assignee: Le Roux Jacques Andre
Priority date: 2000-12-12
Filing date: 2001-12-11
Publication date: 2002-06-20
Also published as: AU2002222332A1

Abstract

A storage device (10) includes a load platform (12) disposed in an elevated position above a vehicle parking bay, and support means for supporting the platform (12) in the elevated position, under gravity. The elevated position is higher than at least part of a vehicle's engine cover, and is lower than the height of the vehicle. The support means includes at least one tendon (16) extending downwardly from an overhead structure above the parking bay, at least one bracket (36) attached to an upstanding structure adjacent to the parking bay, and/or at least one upstanding post (34) extending upwardly from a surface (35) of the parking bay.

Description

STORAGE SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a storage device. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for storing articles at an elevated position above a vehicle parking bay, a kit for a storage device, and a method for installing a storage device.

In high density urban areas, easily accessible storage space such as a garage or store room, often comes at a premium, e.g. in high density buildings such as office blocks, apartment buildings, and high density residential areas such as town houses and cluster homes.

Inhabitants of high density urban areas often have use of a parking bay, and often do not have use of a secure store room or other storage space, thus requiring that articles such as tools, sporting equipment, cleaning equipment, gardening equipment, vehicle accessories, and the like, be stored in space which could otherwise have been utilised for other purposes such as office space, or space for residential accommodation.

It is the object of the invention to provide easily accessible storage space in high density urban areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a storage device which includes: support surface defining means, the support surface being capable of bearing a load under gravity; and support means for supporting the support surface defining means in an elevated position above a vehicle parking bay, the elevated position being higher than at least part of a vehicle's engine cover, and being lower than the height of the vehicle.

The support means may include at least one tendon attachable to an overhead structure above the parking bay, to extend downwardly from the overhead structure. Alternatively, or in addition, the support means may include at least one bracket attachable to an upstanding structure adjacent the parking bay, and the bracket may include a brace. Alternatively, or in addition, the support means may include at least one post, installable in an upstanding orientation to extend upwardly from a surface of the parking bay.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a storage device which includes: a load platform disposed in an elevated position above a vehicle parking bay, the elevated position being higher than at least part of a vehicle's engine cover, and being lower than the height of the vehicle; and support means for supporting the platform in the elevated position, under gravity.

The support means may include at least one tendon extending downwardly from an overhead structure above the parking bay, to support the load platform. Alternatively, or in addition, the support means may include at least one bracket attached to an upstanding structure adjacent the parking bay. The bracket may include a brace disposed at an angle relative to the upstanding structure. Alternatively, or in addition, the support means may include at least one upstanding post extending upwardly from a surface of the parking bay.

The device may include a receptacle defining a part-enclosed storage space above the support surface or above the load platform. The receptacle may define a load opening leading to the storage space, the load opening being closable by a closure member.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for a storage device, the kit including: support surface defining means, the support surface being capable of bearing a load; and support means for supporting the support surface defining means in an elevated position above a vehicle parking bay, the elevated position being higher than at least part of a vehicle's engine cover, and being lower than the height of the vehicle.

The support surface defining means and the support means may be as described hereinabove.

According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of installing a storage device described hereinabove, the method including the steps of: attaching an anchor to the overhead structure; threadedly attaching a tendon to the anchor; cutting the tendon to a length associated with a required installation height of the support surface; and attaching the tendon to the support means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a preferred embodiment of a storage device in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of another embodiment of a storage device in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3 shows a side elevational view of the storage device of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional view of a further embodiment of a storage device in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of yet a further embodiment of a storage device in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to Figures 1 to 5 of the drawings, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a storage device in accordance with the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the storage device 10 includes support surface defining means in the form of a platform 12, defining a support surface 14 capable of bearing a load under gravity. The storage device 10 further includes support means in the form of four tendons 16 which are attachable to an overhead structure above a parking bay (not shown) to extend downwardly from the overhead structure and support the platform, with or without a load, in an elevated position above the parking bay. The elevated position is higher than at least part of a vehicle's engine cover, and is lower than the height of the vehicle (not shown).

The storage device 10 includes a receptacle in the form of a box 18 defining a part enclosed storage space 20 above the support surface 14. A load opening 22 leading to the storage space 20, is defined in the box 18. The load opening 22 is closable by a closure member in the form of a door 24. The door 24 includes a handle formation 26 which is integrally formed with the door 24 and defines two slots 28 through which two u-shaped hooks 30 are receivable. The hooks 30 are attached to the box 18 so that when the door 24 is closed, the hooks 30 extend through the slots 28 and a securing device (not shown) such as a padlock or the like, may be secured through an eye of each hook 30, protruding on an outside of the associated slot 28.

The box 18 and door 24 are made from a strong durable plastics material such as linear low density poly-ethylene (LLDPE), by way of rotational moulding. Preferably, the plastics material is resistant to ultra violet (UV) radiation, and is recyclable, thus making the storage device 10 environmentally friendly. The plastics material may have a variety of colours.

Rib formations 32 are integrally formed with the box 18, and individual panels of the box 18 and door 24 are curved outwardly, to provide rigidity, and to allow run-off of liquid from the box 18, e.g. rainwater, if the storage device 10 is installed outside. The box 18 is waterproof.

The platform 12 is reinforced by a steel frame 33 extending underneath a plastic sheet, the sheet being formed integrally with the box 18, and defining the support surface 14. The frame 33 includes a peripheral border 37 and a plurality of spaced beams 39 extending between lateral border elements, in ladder fashion. The number and size of the beams 39 and the size of the border elements may vary, depending on the load for which the storage device 10 is designed. There may even be no frame 33 if loads are light. If required, a metal support plate may also be installed on top of the frame 33.

The device 10 is installed by attaching an anchor (not shown) to an overhead structure, for each tendon 16. If the overhead structure includes a soffit, the anchor may by a drop-in anchor. If the overhead structure has been treated with a waterproofing material, the anchor may be a chemical anchor. After the anchor has been installed, its associated tendon in the form of a threaded bar, is screwed into a receiving female thread of the anchor and is cut to a desired length, depending on the required height of installation of the device 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the anchors, tendons 1 6, frame 33, and hooks 30 are made of a non-corrosive material, such as stainless steel, e.g. 3CR12. Referring to Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, another embodiment of a storage device 10 in accordance with the invention includes support means in the form of stilts or posts 34 attached in an upstanding orientation to extend upwardly above a surface 35 of a parking bay, to support the platform 12.

Instead of the posts 34, the support means may include brackets 36.1 (shown in broken lines in Figure 2 of the drawings) attached to an upstanding surface adjacent the parking bay, such as a wall (not shown). Each bracket 36.1 may include a brace 38 (shown in broken lines in Figure 2 of the drawings). If the space available above the storage device 10 permits, the bracket 36.1 may extend above the storage device 10 and may include braces extending at an angle from an upper surface of the storage device 10 as shown by reference numerals 38.1 . Instead, or in addition, each bracket 36.1 may include a brace extending at an angle within the box 18 as shown by reference numerals 38.2.

Referring to Figure 4 of the drawings, in a further embodiment of a storage device 10 in accordance with the invention, a different form of bracket 36.2 is shown which is L-shaped, and which includes a flat portion attached to an upper surface of the box 18 and a further flat portion attached to a wall 40 adjacent the surface of the parking bay 35.

Referring to Figure 5 of the drawings, yet a further embodiment of a storage device 10 in accordance with the invention includes a platform 1 2 supported above a surface 35 of a parking bay by four posts 34. Access to the platform 1 2 is provided by a step ladder 42. Referring to Figures 1 to 5 of the drawings, in use, the platform 12 is supported above the surface 35 of a parking bay at an elevated position being higher than at least part of a vehicle's engine cover, preferably the entire engine cover, and being lower than the height of the vehicle, such that a vehicle can be parked with at least part of its engine cover (preferably the entire engine cover) extending underneath the storage device 10, as shown in broken lines by reference numeral 44 in Figure 3 of the drawings.

Typically, a parking bay is 2.5 metres wide and 5 metres long, while a typical motor vehicle is 4.5 metres long and 1 .8 metres wide. The typical height of a parking bay is 2.2 to 2.5 metres, while a vehicle's engine cover is typically about 1 metre high.

The storage device 10 will typically be installed with the platform 12 at an elevation above the surface 35 of the parking bay of 0,8m to 1 ,4m, preferably at 1 ,0m to 1 ,2m. The typical dimensions of the storage device 10 are about 2300mm wide 1750mm deep, and 1065mm high. The dimensions of the storage device 10 and the installation elevation of the platform 12 may be varied, depending on the dimensions of the parking bay and the vehicle.

The particular embodiment of support means for the storage device 10 which is employed, will depend on the space available for the support means, the space required for manoeuvring a vehicle in and out of the parking bay, and the availability of adjacent structures/such as a wall 40 or overhead structures, to which the support means may be attached. If lateral movement of the vehicle is required when manoeuvring it in and out of the parking bay, the posts illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, may introduce a risk that the vehicle may collide with the posts 34, when manoeuvring in and out of the parking bay. In such circumstances, embodiments of the storage device including tendons 16 or brackets 36, such as shown in Figures 1 , and Figures 2 and 4 of the drawings, respectively will be more appropriate. The choice of whether tendons 16, or brackets 36 will be most appropriate will depend on whether an overhead structure is available from which the tendons 16 can extend downwardly, or whether an adjacent upstanding structure, such as a wall 40 is available.

The storage device 10 can be sold in a kit form which requires a user to install the support means himself.

The storage device 10 can be removed from one installation, and can be re-used in another installation.

The invention illustrated holds the advantage of providing easily accessible storage space in high density urban areas by utilising the "dead" space above a parking bay which is not required when a vehicle is parked in the parking bay, since the platform 12 is installed at an elevation higher than the engine cover of the vehicle, thus allowing at least part of the vehicle engine cover (preferably the entire engine cover) to be parked underneath the storage device 10. The space thus utilised would normally be waisted.

The invention illustrated also holds the advantage of providing storage space for books, files, stationery, company records, computer servers, etc. in office blocks with communal parking garages, thus saving expensive office space, and providing off-site storage of records, such as back-up records.

The invention illustrated holds the further advantages of being strong, light in weight, re-usable, environmentally friendly, UV resistant, waterproof, corrosion resistant, and being available in a variety of colours.

Claims

1 . A storage device which includes: support surface defining means, the support surface being capable of bearing a load under gravity; and support means for supporting the support surface defining means in an elevated position above a vehicle parking bay, the elevated position being higher than at least part of a vehicle's engine cover, and being lower than the height of the vehicle.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1 , in which the support means include at least one tendon attachable to an overhead structure above the parking bay, to extend downwardly from the overhead structure.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 , in which the support means include at least one bracket attachable to an upstanding structure adjacent the parking bay.

4. A device as claimed in Claim 3 in which the bracket includes a brace.

5. A device as claimed in Claim 1 , in which the support means include at least one post, installable in an upstanding orientation to extend upwardly from a surface of the parking bay.

6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, which includes a receptacle defining a part-enclosed storage space above the support surface.

7. A device as claimed in Claim 6, in which the receptacle defines a load opening leading to the storage space, the load opening being closable by a closure member.

8. A storage device which includes: a load platform disposed in an elevated position above a vehicle parking bay, the elevated position being higher than at least part of a vehicle's engine cover, and being lower than the height of the vehicle; and support means for supporting the platform in the elevated position, under gravity.

9. A device as claimed in Claim 8, in which the support means include at least one tendon extending downwardly from an overhead structure above the parking bay, to support the load platform.

10. A device as claimed in Claim 8, in which the support means include at least one bracket attached to an upstanding structure adjacent the parking bay.

1 1 . A device as claimed in Claim 10 in which the bracket includes a brace disposed at an angle relative to the upstanding structure.

12. A device as claimed in Claim 8, in which the support means include at least one upstanding post extending upwardly from a surface of the parking bay.

13. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 8 to 12, which includes a receptacle defining a part-enclosed storage space above the platform.

14. A device as claimed in Claim 13, in which the receptacle defines a load opening leading to the storage space, the load opening being closable by a closure member.

15. A kit for a storage device, the kit including: support surface defining means, the surface being capable of bearing a load; and support means for supporting the support surface defining means in an elevated position above a vehicle parking bay, the elevated position being higher than at least part of a vehicle's engine cover, and being lower than the height of the vehicle.

16. A kit as claimed in Claim 1 5 in which the support surface defining means and the support means are as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 14.

17. A method of installing a storage device as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 9, the method including the steps of: attaching an anchor to the overhead structure; threadedly attaching a tendon to the anchor; cutting the tendon to a length associated with a required installation height of the support surface; and attaching the tendon to the support means.

18. A storage device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 8, substantially as herein described and illustrated.

19. A kit as claimed in Claim 1 5, substantially as herein described and illustrated.

20. A method as claimed in Claim 17, substantially as herein described and illustrated.

21 . A new storage device, a new kit or a new method of installing a storage device, substantially as herein described.