Abstract
A storage device that hangs from a rod, rope, cable or other support member which employs tension force to hold apparel belts with prongs and buckles, or other linear items that have holding elements (rings, buckles, fabric loops or holes), to the surface of a hollow body which rotates around the shaft of the hanging hook. This is done by latching the belts or linear items to the device using eyelets, clasps, clips or closeable hooks (e.g. carabiner spring hooks or reversible wire gates or closeable rings). This device stores linear items in a space-efficient way when a plurality of items attached are hung, allows better organizing and viewing of the items stored, even in a crowded space. In addition it securely attaches the items stored to the attachment mechanism and allows retrieval of items easily without the need to remove the whole device from the support member.
Claims
1-4. (canceled)
5. A storage device for removably storing linear shaped clothing accessories, said storage device comprising: a hollow body that extends in a lengthwise direction; a mounting means for removably securing the hollow body to a mounting structure, said mounting means being secured to an end of the hollow body; wherein the hollow body further includes an external surface and a plurality of through apertures that are disposed about the periphery of the external surface and are arranged so as to extend from the external surface to an interior of the hollow body; a plurality of means for tensioning the linear shaped clothing accessory, one for each of the plurality of through apertures, each of said tensioning means being arranged so a portion thereof movably passes through a respective through aperture; wherein one end of each tensioning means is configured and arranged so as to be removably coupled to the linear shaped clothing accessory; wherein another portion of the tensioning means is arranged so as to be coupled to the hollow body; wherein said one end is further configured and arranged so as to be larger in at least one dimension than the respective through aperture so said one end does not pass through the respective through aperture and so that the linear shaped clothing accessory attached thereto is drawn towards the hollow body exterior surface by the tensioning means; and wherein the lengthwise direction of the hollow body when coupled to the mounting means is arranged so as to be generally parallel to a line of gravity when the mounting means is coupled to the mounting structure.
6. The storage device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of through apertures are further arranged so as to be also disposed in the lengthwise direction and downwardly in a direction of gravity.
7. The storage device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of through apertures are arranged so as to extend downwardly and spirally about the periphery in the lengthwise direction and in a direction of gravity.
8. The storage device of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of tensioning means includes one of a stretchable cord or a spring reel having one of a cord, filament, thread or wire and wherein a portion of the stretchable cord or the spring reel is coupled to the hollow body such that the stretchable cord, cord, filament, thread or wire movably passes through the respective through aperture.
9. The storage device of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of tensioning means further includes an accessory attachment mechanism secured to one end of the stretchable cord, cord, filament, thread or wire, the accessory attachment mechanism being larger in at least one dimension than the respective through aperture so the attachment mechanism and the clothing accessory do not pass through the respective through aperture.
10. The storage device of claim 8, wherein said stretchable cord and the spring reel are configured and arranged such that when a user, applies a force to said one end of the stretchable cord or to said one end of the cord, filament, thread or wire of the spring reel said force causes said one end to move outwardly away from the external surface and when said force is removed gravity and the restoring force of the stretchable cord or the spring wheel causes said one end to be drawn back to the external surface.
11. The storage device of claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of tensioning means further includes an accessory attachment mechanism that is disposed at said one end, the accessory attachment mechanism including one of an eyelet, clasp, wire gate, a fixed loop, lock on rotation connector, a hinge clip, a spring hook, a fastener clip, or a carabiner.
12. The storage device of claim 5, wherein the mounting means is configured and arranged so the hollow body external surface in the lengthwise direction is generally parallel to the line of gravity when the hollow body is secured to the mounting structure.
13. The storage device of claim 5, wherein the mounting means includes a first member that is configured and arranged so as to engage the mounting structure and a moving assembly that is coupled to the first member and the hollow body.
14. The storage device of claim 13, wherein the moving assembly is configured and arranged so that the hollow body can be rotated about the long axis of the hollow body and about the line of gravity.
15. The storage device of claim 13, wherein the first member includes a hook shaped portion for removably engaging the mounting structure.
16. The storage device of claim 5, wherein the linear shaped clothing accessory comprises one of apparel belts, or linear items having have a holding element including rings, buckles, fabric loops or holes.
Description
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING VIEWS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention depicting a storage device upon which linear items may be stored in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention
[0027] FIG. 2 is a top view of the device showing the first spiral of attachment mechanisms.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing one storage mechanism in an extracted position from the chassis body.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the storage device in one embodiment storing an umbrella as an example of a linear shape with a hanging loop as an attachment point, being held against the external surface of a hollow three dimensional shape by employing the tension force of either a stretchable cord, a spring reel or a similar device which would provide a retraction force when anchored on one end inside the hollow body. The closeable loop is shown open for illustrative purposes. Also shown at the top of the drawing is an optional latch hook for secure attachment of the device to a support member.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view with blowup detail (FIG. 6) for an eyelet storage item attachment mechanism
[0031] FIG. 6 shows an example of a loop capable of receiving the prong of a belt buckle assembly
[0032] FIGS. 7-9 show detail as examples of other possible storage item attachment mechanisms which provide appropriate attachment for various items depending on the item weight, attachment point and design point chosen in the trade off of secure attachment versus the ease and speed of attachment and retrieval.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the device employing spring reels mounted internal to the hollow body chassis to provide the tension attachment force. For illustrative purposes the view shown is the perspective if the chassis surface was a made of a transparent material.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a perspective view at larger scale illustrating a permanently attached storage device attachment mechanism and an interchangeable storage device attachment mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the storage device invention 10. At the top is an open hook 100 which can hang from a typical closet rod or any tightly strung rope, cable or other supporting member. The shaft of the hook passes through a fit hole in the top cover 112 or alternatively through a ball bearing housing 111 to allow the device to rotate around the hook shaft. The ball bearing assemble inside the bearing housing is firmly attached the top cover by a pressure fit into a hole in the top cover 112 or in another manner. This allows the top cover to rotate around the hook shaft. The top cover is attached to the hollow body chassis 110 by screws, bolts or fasteners which pass through holes in a mounting plate welded, glued or molded into the top end of the chassis. The whole assembly is able to rotate around the hook shaft, for visibility and easier access. The chassis 110 is closed off at the end with a bottom cover 113. Anchored inside the chassis are segments of stretchable cord or spring reels or similar devices to provide tension that use fabric cord, filament cord or wire. The other end of the cord 130 passes through beveled holes in the chassis wall 114. These holes spiral down the chassis body, offsetting from the one above, to provide enhanced visibility and access to each item stored on the device. Depending on the length of the chassis there may be a second 152, third or more rows of attachment mechanisms spiraling down the chassis body. The outside end of the cord is attached by press fit or molding 151 to various storage item attachment mechanisms. This attachment may be a fixed design or a two piece snap or lock connector that allows interchanging various designs of attachment mechanisms. FIG. 1 shows an eyelet storage item attachment mechanism 150 which allows a buckle prong to pass through it such that the weight of the belt and tension on the cord will hold it securely against the external wall of the device chassis when fully retracted. FIG. 1 shows one row of storage item attachment mechanisms that start at the upper left side of the hollow body chassis and spiral around the front face. Only the first attachment mechanism of a second row is shown on the upper left side of the chassis 152. The second spiral row would go around the back of the chassis 110 and ending up on the lower right front of the chassis. Depending on the shape of the hollow body the hole geometry would be optimized for the largest amount of storage attachment mechanisms while maintaining visibility and ease of access.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows a top view with the first row of eyelet storage item attachment mechanisms 150 held against the external wall surface of the chassis by a stretchable cord or wire segment under tension 130
[0037] FIG. 3 shows one eyelet storage item attachment mechanism 150 pulled away from the chassis body 110 for item attachment or retrieval
[0038] FIG. 4 shows a typical fashion belt 180 held against the external surface of a hollow three dimensional shape by employing the tension force of either stretchable cord, a spring reel or a similar device which would provide a retraction force when anchored on one end inside the hollow body. When the eyelet storage item attachment mechanism 150 is brought through the buckle frame 181 towards the belt prong and the belt prong 182 is then inserted inside the eyelet storage item attachment mechanism 150 toward the buckle frame, the gravitational force on the belt and the retraction force of the device cord pulling the belt to the surface of the device, pins the buckle frame 181 between the prong 182 and the eyelet storage item attachment mechanism 150. The hanging loop 191 of a typical collapsible umbrella 190 is illustrated in this figure as well, using a closeable hinge clip attachment mechanism 155 which is shown in an open state. Both are examples of the flexibility the storage device has for hanging different types of linear shaped items. FIG. 4 also shows the storage device with a modification to the suspension hook by using a latching hanging hook. This alternative allows a standard closet rod 140 (typical 35 mm; 1) or cable to pass inside the hook opening. The opening may then be completely closed by a fastener clip 141 attached to the hook. This clip when it is in its locked position, keeps the device hanging hook from dislodging off a support member. This provides secure attachment of the device to a hanging support member (e.g. a rod 140, rope or cable). The device will hang from the support member with the latch 141 opened or closed.
[0039] FIG. 5 shows the storage device 10 configured with all eyelet attachment storage mechanisms 150. They may be permanently attached or attached via a removable snap or locking connector to allow reconfiguration with other types of attachment designs to provide flexibility for the end user. The blow up detail for the eyelet storage item attachment mechanism 150 and alternative attachment mechanisms (155, 160, and 170) are shown in FIGS. 6-9.
[0040] FIG. 6 shows detail for an eyelet storage item attachment mechanism 150 which is most suitable for storing items with buckle prongs.
[0041] FIG. 7 shows detail for an attachment mechanism using a hinge clip design 155. The hinged arm 157 on the lower end of the open hook has two side walls with a hollow space between. The space is narrower than the width of the upper end of the open hook 156 causing a pressure fit when pressed into the upper section of the hook. This captures the item being stored to prevent accidental removal.
[0042] FIG. 8 shows detail for a spring hook attachment mechanism 160 using a flexible joint 162 on the lower end of the hook with pliable material 161 at the end of this arm. The arm attached to the flexible joint can pass by the upper end of the open hook 163 effectively closing the loop like a carabiner to prevent an item placed inside the hook from falling off. It can be conveniently pulled out to reverse the procedure and allow the item to be retrieved.
[0043] FIG. 9 shows detail for a fastener clip design 170 to firmly attach an item to prevent dislodgement. The hinged arm 173 has two sides spaced apart which are attached together at one end by a moveable hinge 172 and at the other end with a pin/catch bar 174. The pin drops into the notch 171 at the top of the hook opening allowing a pressure fit closure to occur when the arm is brought down after the pin is in the notch.
[0044] FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment where the attachment mechanism retraction relies on spring reels to provide the tension to hold the item stored against the surface of the storage device chassis. This drawing displays the view which would be seen if the chassis were made of a transparent material such as clear Plexiglas. The arrangement shown contains several spring reels optimized for the space to provide the maximum number of storage items balanced with visibility and avoidance of entanglement. In this drawing a belt (180) is shown drawn to the surface of the device chassis and held there by virtue of the tension force of the spring reel cable pinning the belt buckle frame (181) between an eyelet storage item attachment mechanism (150) on the end of the cable and the belt prong (182).
[0045] FIG. 11 is a blown up view of the top half of the chassis in FIG. 10 with the hook, bearing and top cover removed. This figure illustrates the storage device attachment mechanisms may permanently attached (150) or of a removable design to allow for interchangeable of the connectors. The connectors may be of various types optimized to store other linear articles. A fixed loop, lock on rotation connector (220) is shown.
[0046] Although the device described above and shown in the drawings used specific embodiments to illustrate the invention, it is intended that the appended claims would include changes, modifications and variations as may be reasonably included within the scope of the present invention, excluding anything limited by prior art.
