WO2007005513A2

WO2007005513A2 - Storage system

Info

Publication number: WO2007005513A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/025351
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steve Brown; Erik Jensen; Marcus Malinosky; Benjamin T. Richardson
Original assignee: Yakima Products, Inc.
Priority date: 2005-07-01
Filing date: 2006-06-28
Publication date: 2007-01-11
Also published as: WO2007005513A3

Abstract

Storage systems, including apparatus, kits, components, and methods of making, assembling, and using the storage systems.

Description

STORAGE SYSTEM

Cross-References to Related Applications

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) and all applicable international law to the following U.S. provisional patent applications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/696,495, filed July 1 , 2005; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/721 ,011 , filed September 26, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/762,213, filed January 23, 2006. Background

Organization of stored items in a storage space, such as a garage, is an ongoing challenge for most people, for example, active people that own sports equipment for various activities. In many cases the storage space either is constructed without storage features, such as shelves, or has storage features in a fixed arrangement that cannot receive stored items of a variety of shapes and sizes. Accordingly, some storage systems are configured to be installed as add-ons to existing storage spaces. However, these systems may be difficult to install, may be difficult or impractical to reconfigure, and/or may lack portability, among others.

Summary The present teachings provide storage systems, including apparatus, kits, components, and methods of making, assembling, and using the storage systems.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a view of an exemplary storage system including various attachments supporting recreational gear such as a kayak and a bicycle, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figure 2 is a view of a frame of the storage system of Figure 1 in the absence of the attachments and recreational gear, and including a set of horizontal crossbar units (oval hoops) secured to vertical supports via transverse couplers, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings. Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of the frame of Figure 2, with the crossbar units, the vertical supports, and the transverse couplers separated from one another. 006/025351

Figure 4 is an exploded view of a vertical support of the frame of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of a central portion of a tube body of the vertical support, taken generally as indicated in Figure 4 from an opposing side of the vertical support, and illustrating an exemplary in-line connector for connecting tubes of the tube body.

Figure 6 is an assembled view of the central portion of the tube body of Figure 5, with the in-line connector received in upper and lower tubes of the tube body.

Figure 7 is an exploded view of an upper portion of a base assembly of the vertical support of Figure 4, taken generally as indicated in Figure 4.

Figure 8 is another exploded view of the base assembly of the vertical support of Figure 4, showing a foot that connects to the upper portion of the base assembly.

Figure 9 is a view of a top end assembly of the vertical support of Figure 4, taken generally as indicated in Figure 4. Figure 10 is an exploded view of an intermediate strut assembly of the vertical support of Figure 4, taken generally as indicated in Figure 4.

Figure 11 is an assembled view of the intermediate strut assembly of Figure 10 secured to the tube body of the vertical support.

Figure 12 is a view of an exemplary mounting plate spanning vertical supports of the frame of Figure 2 to mount the frame to a wall via the top end assembly of Figure 9 (and/or via the intermediate strut assembly of Figure 10), in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figure 13 is an exploded view of a crossbar unit (an oval hoop) of the frame of Figure 2. Figure 14 is a fragmentary exploded view of the crossbar unit of Figure 13, taken generally as indicated in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary view of the crossbar unit of Figure 13, taken generally as in Figure 14 with the crossbar unit assembled.

Figure 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of the crossbar unit of Figure 15, taken generally along line 16-16 of Figure 15.

Figure 17 is another exemplary frame constructed generally according to the frame of Figure 2, but with extended, bent crossbar units and additional vertical T/US2006/02535!

supports and couplers such that the frame extends along a pair of adjacent walls in a comer of a room.

Figure 18 is an exploded view of one of the crossbar units of the frame of Figure 17. Figure 19A is a pair of exemplary nonlooped crossbar units formed without bent ends, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figure 19B is an exemplary crossbar unit structured as a U-shaped open loop, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figure 20 is an exemplary crossbar unit having a serpentine structure formed as a concatenated set of open loops, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figures 21-25 are a series of configurations showing a transverse coupler of the frame of Figure 2 being assembled to secure a crossbar unit to a vertical support, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings. Figure 26 is a sectional view the transverse coupler, vertical support, and crossbar unit of Figure 25, taken generally along line 26-26 of Figure 25.

Figure 27 is a sectional view the transverse coupler, vertical support, and crossbar unit of Figure 25, taken generally along line 27-27 of Figure 25.

Figure 28 is a view of an exemplary holder for placement onto a frame of a storage system, with the holder structured as a hook, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figure 29 is an exploded view of another exemplary holder for placement onto a frame of a storage system, with the holder structured as a double hook assembly with adjustable spacing between hook members, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figure 30 is a view of an exemplary bicycle holder that may be mounted as a pair on a storage frame to support a bicycle, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figure 31 is side elevation view of the bicycle holder of Figure 30. Figure 32 is a view of an exemplary transverse bar assembly for mounting on a frame, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figure 33 is an exploded view of the transverse bar assembly of Figure 32. 6 025351

Figure 34 is a front view of an exemplary hook-based bicycle holder for mounting on a frame, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figure 35 is a side view of the bicycle holder of Figure 34 supporting a bicycle, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings. Figure 36 is a fragmentary view of an exemplary storage system including a pivotable shelf assembly.

Figure 37 is a fragmentary view of the storage system of Figure 36 with a sleeve of the shelf assembly removed to reveal a restraint mechanism that holds a shelf portion of the assembly in a deployed support position, in accordance with aspects of the present teaching.

Figure 38 is a fragmentary view an exemplary storage system including a storage bag strapped to a frame of the storage system, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figure 39 is a view of the storage bag removed from the frame. Figure 40 is a fragmentary view of an exemplary storage system including a pair of holders for receiving elongate stored items (such as skis, poles, snowboards, surfboards, etc.) arranged vertically, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figure 41 is a view of an exemplary cargo container mounted in a horizontal orientation adjacent the roof of a vehicle, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figure 42 is a view of the cargo container of Figure 41 removed from vehicle and connected to an exemplary storage frame, with the cargo container open and disposed in a vertical orientation on the storage frame, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figure 43 is a view of an exemplary frame mounted exclusively to a wall, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Figure 44 is a view of an exemplary frame that mounts by engagement with an opposing floor and ceiling, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings. Figure 45 is a view of an exemplary free-standing frame, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings. 6 025351

Figure 46 is a view of another exemplary free-standing frame, in accordance with aspects of the present teachings.

Detailed Description

The present teachings provide storage systems, including apparatus, kits, components, and methods of making, assembling, and using the storage systems. The storage systems may include a frame that is supported by and/or mounted to a wall, floor, and/or ceiling. The storage systems also may provide various accessory supports (that is, holder attachments for support of stored items, such as recreational gear) mounted at selected positions and/or in selected combinations on the frame. The frame may have vertical supports (vertical frame members) connected to horizontal crossbar units (horizontal frame members) that span and connect two or more vertical supports. The vertical supports and/or the crossbar units may be monolithic or may be assemblies that can be assembled in various configurations from modular components. The vertical supports may include a central body and one or more end modules for engagement with and/or mounting to walls and/or floors/ceilings. The end modules may be configured to be coupled to the central body at adjustable longitudinal positions to provide an adjustable height for the vertical supports.

The crossbar units may be assembled from a selected set of bar elements (e.g., tubes) and connectors that join the ends of the bar elements. The bar elements may be linear and/or bent. Bent bar elements may bend through any suitable angle, such as about 90 or 180 degrees, among others. The bar elements thus may be assembled in various combinations to provide crossbar units of different lengths and/or that extend in a plane or bend out of the plane. Each crossbar unit may be assembled to provide a single nonlooped bar or may be assembled as a closed or open loop to provide at least a pair of spaced bar regions (e.g., an upper bar region and a lower bar region) arranged in parallel and connected at one or both pairs of ends of the bar regions. In some examples, the connectors that join the ends of bar elements may be installed without the use of tools, to provide a strong and reversible (or permanent) joint between bar elements.

The vertical supports and crossbar units may be connected to each other in an overlapping configuration using transverse couplers. Each transverse coupler may include a pair of mated, hinged collars that engage respective segments of a vertical support and a crossbar unit at a position of overlap in the frame. Furthermore, the crossbar units may be coupled to the vertical supports at predefined vertical positions that can be selected via the transverse couplers. The holders may be provided as accessories for attachment to a frame. The holders may be mounted on the frame at any suitable positions. For example, the holders may be mounted to the vertical supports via the transverse couplers, to linear regions of the crossbar units via engagement with a single bar region or a pair of vertically spaced bar regions, and/or to bent end regions of the crossbar units. The holders may be mounted with tools or manually without the use of tools. Furthermore, the holders themselves may be modified with additional attachments to expand the support capabilities and/or specificities of the holders.

The storage systems of the present teachings may have a number of advantages over other storage systems. These advantages may include any combination of the following: (1) a high strength to weight ratio of the system (i.e., a relatively light system that can support relatively heavy loads), (2) easier assembly, (3) improved portability, (4) less use of tools, (5) more efficient use of storage space around racks of the systems (e.g., a higher density of stored gear per unit area of floor and/or wall space, such as gear disposed in front of, behind, and/or lateral to the frame), (6) modular frame components and attachments that provide easier, more flexible, and/or more rapid configurability and re-configurability, and/or the like. Further aspects of the present teachings are described in the following sections, including (I) overview of storage systems, (II) vertical supports, (III) crossbar units, (IV) couplers, (V) holders, and (Vl) examples. I. Overview of Storage Systems

Figure 1 shows an exemplary storage system 50 that may be used to support storage items. System 50 may include a frame 52 that engages, is supported by, and/or is connected to structures of a building (such as a floor 54, a wall(s) 56, and/or a ceiling). System 50 also may include a plurality of removable (or permanent) holders (or attachments) 58 mounted on the frame for support of and/or engagement with various stored items. For example, the frame may support recreational gear (e.g., watercraft (such as a kayak(s) 60, canoes, and/or the like), a bicycle(s) 62, associated cycling gear, skis, snowboards, surfboards, etc.). In some embodiments, the holders themselves may be storage racks and/or containers (e.g., cargo bins or enclosures) configured to be mounted on a vehicle and/or on a vehicle- mounted rack. The racks/containers may be mounted on the vehicle and on the storage system frame in the same and/or different orientations.

System 50 may be configured to be relatively light and relatively strong. For example, in some embodiments, the system and particularly the frame of the system, may have a packaged weight of less than about 50 pounds. Furthermore, the system may hold at least about 400, 600, and/or 800 pounds of gear with a margin of safety of at least about two-fold weight-wise.

Figures 2 and 3 show frame 52 in the absence of the holders in respective mounted and disassembled configurations. Frame 52 may include two or more vertical supports (vertical bar units) 70 and one or more crossbar units (or horizontal frame members) 72 that span, overlap, and/or extend beyond the vertical supports, generally offset from the vertical supports (for example, in front of and/or behind the vertical supports). In the present illustration, the frame has three crossbar units. However, the frame may be configured and/or assembled to include any suitable number of crossbar units. The crossbar units may be mounted on the vertical supports using transverse couplers 74, which may engage the vertical supports and crossbar units at positions of transverse overlap. Furthermore, the transverse couplers may be positioned at predefined heights on the vertical supports determined by an array of positioning structures, such as openings 76 on the vertical supports.

The vertical supports may be oriented generally and/or at least substantially vertically and may engage and/or attach to any suitable structures/surfaces. In the present illustration, the vertical supports are configured to engage a floor with lower end portions of the supports and to attach to a wall with middle and upper end portions of the supports. This arrangement may provide a frame (and particularly a plane define by the frame) that is spaced from the wall by any suitable distance, such as at least about 6, 12, 18, or 24 inches, to facilitate access to the back side of the frame, for storage thereon (such as between the frame and the wall using holders mounted onto the back face of the frame). In some examples, the vertical 51

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supports may be assembled in other configurations for wall mounting at top and bottom ends, floor to ceiling extension, and/or such that the frame is free standing. Further aspects of alternative configurations of vertical supports that may be suitable are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/696,495, filed JuIy I , 2005; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/721 ,011 , filed September 26, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/762,213, filed January 23, 2006, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, and elsewhere in the present teachings, e.g., below in Example 1.

The crossbar units may extend between and/or beyond two, three, four, or more vertical supports. Each crossbar unit may be secured to each vertical support at one or a plurality of discrete (such as spaced) positions of overlap. In some examples, the crossbar units may span a pair of vertical supports at two or more vertically spaced positions. Accordingly, each crossbar unit may provide at least a parallel pair of side bar regions 78, 80 with side portions of each crossbar unit. Bar regions 78, 80 may be connected to one another within a crossbar unit via joining or end bar regions 82 that extend between adjacent ends 84, 86 of the side bar regions. Joining regions 82 may have any suitable shape. For example, the joining regions may be arcuate, such as semi-circular to provide an oval crossbar unit, may be angular to provide a rectangular or other polygonal shape for the crossbar unit, and/or the like. The crossbar units may be planar and/or may bend out of a single plane to define a plurality of planes. Furthermore, the crossbar units may be structured as loops, either open loops (such as U-shaped, V-shaped, and/or S- shaped loops, among others) and/or as closed loops (such as ovals, polygons, and/or the like). II. Vertical Supports

The vertical supports may be assembled as a unit during manufacture and/or at a storage site from of a plurality of modular components that can assembled in various numbers and arrangements, and in some cases interchangeably, according to, for example, the desired size, shape, attachment interfaces, etc., of the support. In some examples, some of the modular components for the vertical support (e.g., bar elements and/or connectors, among others) also can be used in assembly of a crossbar unit. The modular components thus may be provided in various sets or kits to allow construction of different frames. Alternatively, or in addition, the modular components may be sold individually or in various subsets to provide for construction of custom frames and/or as replacement parts.

Figure 4 shows vertical support 70 in an exploded configuration. The modular components of the vertical support may include a body 90 formed by only one bar or two or more bar components connected for one another. For example, the body may be formed by pair of vertical body tubes 98 connected to one another by an in-line connector 100 to create a tube body. Alternatively, the body may include one or more additional tubes (or other bar components) and a corresponding number of additional in-line connectors, to create a longer vertical support, a vertical support of the same height with shorter bar components, and/or a looped vertical support, among others. The vertical support also may include one or more support interfaces 102-106 connected to central body 90 and providing interface sites between the vertical support and external support surfaces (e.g., support surfaces of a building, see Figure 2). The support interfaces may be connected at any suitable position(s) along the vertical support. For example, the support interfaces may be connected to opposing ends of the body to form a base assembly 102 and a top assembly 104, for engagement with and/or connection to, respective horizontal and vertical support surfaces. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more support interfaces may be disposed intermediate to the ends of body 90, such as a strut assembly 106 connected centrally to the body.

The bar elements of a vertical support and/or crossbar unit may have any suitable size, shape, and composition. The bar elements may have the same or different lengths, diameters, and/or wall thicknesses within a vertical support or between a vertical support and a crossbar unit. Exemplary lengths of bar elements include at least about one, two, or three feet, among others. Exemplary diameters include greater than about one inch, or about one and one-half inches, among others. The bar elements may be solid (completely or substantially along the length of each element), or hollow (e.g., tubes). Furthermore, each bar element may be elongate and linear or bent (such as curvilinear, angular, and/or the like). Bent bar elements may include a single bend or a plurality of bends. Each bend (or set of bends) in a bar element may extend along a plane or in three dimensions. The bend may define any suitable angle, such as a bend of about 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, or 180 degrees, among others. The bar element may have any suitable cross sectional shape, such as circular to create a cylindrical bar, polygonal (e.g., rectangular), oval, elliptical, and/or the like. The bar element may be formed of metal (such as aluminum or stainless steel, among others), plastic, and/or a composite, among others. The bar element may have an external and/or internal coating and/or may be noncoated.

Each bar element may have one or more openings. For example, connector openings may be formed near one or both ends of the bar element for use in joining the bar elements in-line to one another with a connector. Such connector openings may be disposed on one side of each bar element or as pairs on opposing sides of the bar element, among others. Alternatively, or in addition, a set of coupler openings (e.g., openings 76 shown in Figure 3) may be arrayed at equal or varying intervals along the bar element. A selected subset of coupler openings may be used to mount crossbar units onto the vertical supports using transverse couplers, at predefined positions along the vertical supports (and/or crossbar units). For example, the transverse couplers may include an internal boss (a protuberance) configured to be placed alternatively in each of the openings, to fix the elevation (height) and rotational position of the couplers and their associated crossbar units. In exemplary embodiments, openings (or other coupler receiver structures, such as pins) may be spaced by a distance less than the spacing between parallel bars of a crossbar unit. For example, the openings may be spaced on a vertical support by a first distance, such as about four or six inches, and the bars of a crossbar unit may be spaced by an integer multiple of the first distance, such as about twelve inches. Accordingly, each crossbar unit may be mounted on the vertical supports using couplers positioned via a pair of openings separated by one or more additional openings. Further aspects of the couplers and their use in selecting the mounting positions of the crossbar units are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/696,495, filed July 1, 2005; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/721 ,011 , filed September 26, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/762,213, filed January 23, 2006, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Figures 5 and 6 show respective exploded and assembled configurations of a bar junction region within body 90 of vertical support 70. Bar-to-bar connector 100 may join body tubes 98 of the vertical support in a collinear arrangement. Connector 100 may include opposing neck regions 120 sized to be received in the aligned open ends 122, 124 of the tubes. Gravity thus may operate to pull the vertical body tubes and the connector together when the vertical support is disposed in an upright orientation. The neck regions may have a constant diameter or may taper toward their opposing ends, among others. Furthermore, the neck regions may include surface structure, such as axial ridges or grooves 125. Connector 100 further may include a flange or rib 126 that spaces the ends of the body tubes (or the body tubes may abut one another). Alternatively, or in addition, connector 100 may be structured to restrict relative rotational motion of body tubes 98, that is, relative twisting motion about the long axis of the body tubes. For example, connector 100 and body tubes 98 may define generally complementary mating structure such as a protuberance 128 on the flange received in notches 130, 132 formed in ends of the body tubes (or vice versa), indicated at 134 in Figure 6.

An opposing side of connector 100 may define an opening 136 that is aligned with opposing notches 138, 140 of the body tubes to create an aperture 142 that extends through the wall of the body tubes and the connector. Aperture 142 may be positioned and spaced such that the aperture is included in the array of openings 76 (see Figure 3), enabling the aperture (and thus the junction between the body tubes) to be used to position a transverse coupler.

Connector 100 may be an assembly of connector components. The components may include a core 144 and duplicate sheath elements 146, 148 assembled around the core.

The connector used for connection of bar elements of the vertical support may be the same or different than the connector used for connection of bar elements of the crossbar units.

Each end assembly and/or an intermediate strut of the vertical supports may have any suitable structure. In some examples, the end assembly and strut may include a mounting structure (e.g., a flange, bracket, and/or plate, among others) for receiving a fastener(s) and/or for engagement with a structural surface, such as with a floor or ceiling (e.g., base assembly 102) and/or with a wall (e.g., top assembly 104 and strut assembly 106). The mounting structure may include one or more through- holes (threaded or nonthreaded) for receiving fasteners that secure the mounting structure (and thus the vertical support) to the structural surface. Furthermore, the end assembly may have an adjustment mechanism to change the spacing of the mounting structure from the body of the support. The adjustment mechanism may allow adjustment of the height of the frame, the spacing of the frame from a wall, and/or leveling of the frame, among others.

Figures 7 and 8 show base assembly 102 of the vertical support in various stages of assembly. The base assembly may be disposed at one, both, or neither end of a tube body. The base assembly (and the top assembly) may include an end bar element (e.g., an end tube 160) that is of smaller diameter than body 90 (and body tube 98) of the vertical support. The end bar element may be linear, for extension of the vertical support to a horizontal support surface (e.g., a floor or ceiling), or bent, for extension to a vertical support surface (e.g., a wall).

End tube 160 may connected to body 90 via an end connector 162. The end connector may be structured as a sleeve with sleeve elements 164, 166 that assemble around the end tube. End tube 160 may be perforated with holes 168 for receiving projections 170 formed on an inner surface of the sleeve elements. In some embodiments, the end tube may have a greater number of holes than projections formed on the sleeve elements such that the sleeve elements may be assembled alternatively at discrete positions along the end tube, to adjust the overall length (and thus height) of the vertical support. For example, here the end tube has five pairs of holes for receiving the sleeve elements at three different positions along the end tube.

The assembled end connector may form a neck region 172 sized to be received in tube 98 and a shoulder 174 that abuts the end of the body tube to restrict sleeve entry into the body. The neck region may have a uniform diameter or may, for example, taper toward its end region, such that the fit becomes tighter as the sleeve is advanced into the body tube. The neck region also may include surface structure, such as axial grooves 176. The shoulder may include a protuberance 178 sized to be received in a notch 180 formed in the end of tube 98, which may fix the angular position of the end connector (and thus the end tube) by restricting twisting movement of the end connector relative to the body tube about the long axis of the body tube.

The base assembly may include a foot 182 that forms a flat base portion of the vertical support (see Figure 8) for engagement with a floor (or ceiling). The foot may include a central opening 184 in which a bolt 186 and a nut 188 are threaded together, for example, with the bolt received from the underside of the foot and threaded into a nut disposed in a hexagonal recess 190 of the opening. The bolt then may be threaded into a threaded receiver, such as an internally threaded spider nut 192 (illustrated schematically here) secured in the end tube, by rotating the entire foot and its attached bolt. The position of the foot relative to the body of the vertical support thus may be changed by rotating the foot, to provide a height adjustment to the vertical support, for example, to level the frame and/or to engage the vertical support with a floor and an opposing ceiling, among others. Generally, adjustment of the axial position of the foot provides a finer height adjustment than the coarse adjustment mechanism offered by placement of end connector 162 along end tube 160. Furthermore, flanking openings 194 of the foot may receive threaded fasteners or pegs that extend into the floor (and/or the ceiling if the foot is used as a header), to restrict lateral and/or axial movement of the foot. The foot may be assembled with a pad 196. The pad may include a set of projections 198 (and/or recesses) that are shaped to fit into corresponding recesses (and/or projections) formed in the bottom surface of the foot. Furthermore, the pad may be formed to have a relatively high-friction surface (e.g., formed of an elastomer), to restrict slippage of the foot relative to its horizontal support surface. Figure 9 shows a top end assembly 104 of the vertical support. End assembly 104 may connect a body tube 98 of the vertical support to a bent end tube 210 via end connector 162 (described above in relation to Figures 7 and 8). Accordingly, relative axial positions of the bent end tube and tube body may be determined by the position in which the end connector is assembled onto the bent end tube.

End assembly 104 may include a wall mounting plate 212. The wall mounting plate may include one or more apertures 214 for receiving fasteners placed into a wall. Plate 212 may be secured to the end of top tube via a threaded fastener 216 (e.g., a bolt) extending through the plate and disposed in threaded engagement with a complementary fastener 218 (e.g., a nut, such as a spider nut) secured to the interior of top tube 210. Adjustment of the bolt may allow the plate to be placed alternatively in fixed or adjustable configurations, such that the orientation of the plate can be changed and then fixed. For example, the plate may be elongate such that re-orientation of the plate arranges apertures 214 vertically, such as for securing the plate to a wall stud, or horizontally, such as for securing the plate to a wall header. In some embodiments, top tube 210 may be unbent, such that plate 212 can be used to engage and/or secure the vertical support with or to a ceiling (or floor).

Figures 10 and 11 , respectively, show exploded and assembled views of strut assembly 106 before and after the strut assembly is connected to vertical support 70. Any suitable number of strut assemblies may be coupled to a frame, at any suitable positions along one or more vertical supports. In the present illustration, the strut assembly is connected centrally along tube body 90. However, this position may block opening 142 and thus a different vertical position may be more suitable in some cases.

Strut assembly 106 may include a strut member, such as bar 230, and a collar clamp 232 that secures the strut bar to a vertical support of the frame. The strut bar may be solid or hollow (e.g., a tube) and may include one or more openings 234 formed in the bar. In the present illustration, the strut bar has a pair of aligned openings adjacent an end of the strut bar for receiving a fastener, such as a bolt 236. The strut bar also may include a threaded member, such as a spider nut 238 for threadably coupling the strut bar to a wall mounting fixture, such plate 240, via an externally threaded fastener 242. Collar clamp 232 may have a collar in the form of a flexible belt 244 that extends around the body of the vertical support (see Figure 11 ). The clamp thus may be secured adjustably by bolt 236 received through openings 246, 248 of the belt and engaged with a nut 250.

Figure 12 shows an exemplary mounting plate 260 that may be used to secure the vertical supports of a frame to a wall (or floor or ceiling). Plate 260 may be connected to only one vertical support 70 or may be configured to span two or more vertical supports 70. The plate may include apertures 262 arrayed along the plate for connecting the plate to end tubes 210 or intermediate strut bars 230 (see Figures 10 and 11), for example, via fasteners placed through the apertures from the back side of the plate and into threaded engagement with a fastener (such as a spider nut) secured in the end tube or strut tube. In some embodiments, the plate may include more than two apertures 262 such that three or more vertical support may be connected to the plate and/or such that the vertical supports can be placed at two or more different spacings. Plate 260, also termed a universal mounting plate or mounting member, further may include a set of openings 264 through which fasteners 266 can be placed selectively to reach wall studs 268 or other building frame structures disposed in a range of positions and spacings. In some embodiments, openings 264 may be arranged adjacent the perimeter of the mounting plate. Furthermore, the openings may be elongate and collectively may extend along a majority of the length of the mounting plate.

Further aspects of vertical supports, assembly of vertical supports, and coupling vertical supports to crossbar units, holders, and building support structures are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/696,495, filed JuIy I , 2005; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/721 ,011 , filed September 26, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/762,213, filed January 23, 2006, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. III. Crossbar Units

A crossbar unit may be an assembly of modular components that can brought together in various numbers and arrangements according to, for example, the desired size, shape, attachment interfaces, etc., of the crossbar unit. Alternatively, the crossbar unit may have a fixed size and shape defined during manufacture. Figure 13 is an exploded view of one of the crossbar units 72 (an oval hoop) of frame 52 (see Figure 2). Hoop 72 may include one or more side bar components (e.g., linear horizontal tubes 282) and one or more bent end bar components (e.g., U-shaped end tubes 284) attached to one another by one or more horizontal or crossbar connectors 286. The crossbar tube components each may include apertures 288 disposed to receive detents 290, 291 of the horizontal connector. The tube components of the crossbar unit may have the same outer and/or inner diameter as the bars (e.g., the body tubes) of the vertical supports (and, optionally may have the same or similar apertures for engagement with connectors) so that the connectors used for assembly of the crossbar units also may be used interchangeably to assemble the bodies of the vertical supports. Alternatively, as in the present illustration, distinct connectors may be used to join crossbar components and vertical bars. Furthermore, in some examples, the side crossbar components may be the same length as the body components for the vertical supports, to simplify manufacturing and assembly, and to improve interchangeability of components, among others. The side bar components of the crossbar unit thus may include or lack openings corresponding to those of the bar elements of the vertical supports. Figures 14-16 show a selected joint region of crossbar unit 72 in respective exploded, assembled, and sectional configurations. The joint region may include hollow, linear end segments 292 of linear or bent, side or end crossbar components. Connector 286 may include a generally cylindrical body sized to fit inside the linear end segments when they are aligned and juxtaposed. The connector also may include cantilevered detents 290, 291 formed on respective resilient tabs 298, 300 extending in opposing directions from a circumferential rib 302 formed centrally on the body of the connector. The detents may have an undercut or cavity 304 sized to receive a wall region 306 of tube aperture 288 (see Figure 16), to restrict inadvertent uncoupling of the tube components of the crossbar unit. The detents may be disposed symmetrically (or asymmetrically) about a central transverse plane of the connector. Furthermore, the detents may be disposed on only one side of the connector or on opposing sides of the central axis of the connector. The resilient tabs may be attached to a transverse wall(s) 308 of the connector.

The tabs and their detents may operate as follows. The tabs may be flexible and elastic enough to be deflected inwardly as the connector is mated with an adjacent crossbar tube component and then to spring outward when the detents are aligned with the openings, such that the detents are received in apertures 288 of the crossbar tubes. Engagement of the detents with the perimeter of the openings thus may fix the position of the crossbar tubes relative to the connector by resisting axial and rotational movement of the crossbar tubes. The detents may function as buttons that may be pressed inward to permit the connector and the crossbar tubes to be uncoupled. The connector thus may permit assembly and disassembly of the crossbar unit (and/or the vertical support) without the use of tools, and may be used interchangeably for some (or all) of the joints of the frame.

Figure 17 shows another exemplary frame 330 constructed according to the present teachings. Frame 330 may include extended, bent crossbar units 332 extending adjacent a pair of walls 334, 336 that meet in a concave corner 338 of a room or building. (Alternatively, the frame may extend around a convex corner by inverting the crossbar units.) Frame 330 may be constructed generally using the same frame components as described above for frame 52 (see Figure 2), but with additional vertical supports 70, transverse couplers 74 and crossbar components. Figure 18 shows an exploded view of one of the crossbar units 332 of frame 330. Crossbar unit 332, compared with crossbar unit 72 (see Figure 13) may employ common components, such as a pair 340 of linear side tubes 282, a pair of bent end tubes 284, and connectors 286. Unit 332 also may include one or more additional pairs 342, 344 of linear side tubes 282. Furthermore, unit 332 also may include one or more pairs of corner bars or tubes 346, to introduce one or more suitable (e.g., right angle) out-of plane bends to the crossbar unit. Accordingly, the length of the crossbar unit may be selected according to the number and length of linear side tubes (of the same or different lengths) used for assembly, and the number and angle of out-of-plane bends of the crossbar unit may be selected according to the type and number of corner tubes used for assembly. For example, in some embodiments, each crossbar unit may include one or more additional bends (right angle or otherwise), such as to extend past one or more additional concave or convex corners of a room or building exterior. In some embodiments, the frame may include a combination of bent and planar crossbar units, for example, a subset of the crossbar units extending past a corner to an adjacent wall, and the remaining crossbar units being planar and restricted to a position adjacent only one wall. In some embodiments, the vertical supports may be arranged adjacent a pair (or more) of nonparallel walls (e.g., arranged as in Figure 17) but each crossbar unit may be planar and restricted to a position adjacent only one of the walls. Crossbar units for use in the storage systems of the present teachings may be manufactured and/or assembled in open-loop or nonlooped configurations; see Figures 19A, 19B, and 20. These configurations may be suitable for use with any of the vertical supports and/or transverse couplers described herein.

Figure 19A shows a pair of exemplary nonlooped crossbar units 360 formed without bent end tubes. Nonlooped crossbar units may be linear, as shown here, or bent by assembly with one or more bent side tubes (e.g., a bent comer tube; see

Figures 17 and 18).

Figure 19B shows an exemplary crossbar unit 370 structured as a U-shaped open loop. Unit 370 may be constructed using the crossbar components described above, i.e., linear side tubes 282, only one bent end tube 284, and connectors 286. The end of unit 370 that opposes the bent end tube may include plugs or caps 372 or may be left unplugged/uncapped. In the some embodiments, plugs/caps 372 may be of larger diameter than the linear side tubes, to restrict translational removal of the linear side tubes from the transverse couplers.

Figure 20 shows an exemplary crossbar unit 380 having a serpentine structure formed as a concatenated set of open loops. Unit 380 may form three or more horizontal linear bar regions that are vertically spaced from one another, namely, regions 382-388 in the present example.

In some embodiments, crossbar units formed as loops may have substantial advantages over nonlooped crossbars. For example, looped crossbar units (and particularly those structured as hoops) may provide greater strength and stability to the frame. In addition, looped crossbar units may simplify assembly of the frame.

Furthermore, looped crossbar units may offer additional regions for attachment of holders.

Further aspects of crossbar units are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/696,495, filed July 1 , 2005; U.S. Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 60/721 ,011 , filed September 26, 2005; and U.S. Provisional

Patent Application Serial No. 60/762,213, filed January 23, 2006, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

IV. Couplers Vertical supports and crossbar units may be connected to one another via couplers. The couplers may be configured to accommodate any suitable arrangement of frame members. In exemplary embodiments, the couplers are transverse couplers that couple vertical supports and crossbar units at sites of transverse overlap.

Each transverse coupler may engage a segment of a bar element of a vertical support and of a crossbar unit at a position where these segments overlap, that is, where the segments are apposed by extending past one another transversely in an offset relationship. The transverse coupler may include a pair of collars that receive and engage the segments. The collars may be hinged to allow each assembly to be closed around a segment of a bar element, at a position spaced from an end of the bar element. Furthermore, one or both collars, and particularly the collar that receives a segment of the vertical support, may include a positioning structure or detent (e.g., a protuberance) that fixes the position of the collar on the segment of the vertical support. The collars also may mate with one another to hold the collars (and thus their associated frame segments) together.

Figures 21-25 shows a series of exemplary configurations produced as transverse coupler 74 is installed to secure a vertical support to a crossbar unit.

Figure 21 shows a V-collar (vertical collar) 402 of the coupler positioned adjacent an intermediate segment of vertical support 70. The V-collar may include a pair of collar elements 404, 406 pivotably coupled by a hinge 408. The collar elements may collectively define a bore 410 sized to receive a segment of a vertical tube 98 of the support's body. An inner surface of the V-collar may define a projection, such as a boss 412, sized to be received in one of openings 76 arrayed along the vertical support, to set the height and angular disposition of the V-collar (and thus of the coupler and connected crossbar unit).

Figure 22 shows the V-collar placed onto vertical support 70 and ready to be pivoted to a closed configuration around tube 98 of the support.

Figure 23 shows the V-collar closed around the vertical support and ready to receive an H-collar (horizontal collar) 414 of coupler 74. The H-collar may include a pair of collar elements 416, 418 pivotally coupled by a hinge 420. The collar elements collectively may define a cavity 422 sized to receive an intermediate segment of a crossbar unit.

Collars 402, 414 may define generally complementary mating structure, that is, a complementary projection and cavity, such that one of the collars can be received on the other collar. For example, the V-collar may include a dovetail projection 424 sized and shaped to receive a dovetail cavity 426 defined by collar element 416 of the H-collar. The H-collar may be mated with the V-collar by downward translational motion indicated at 428. The dovetail projection may be formed collectively by collar elements 404, 406, such that the lateral walls of dovetail cavity 426 restrict the H-collar from opening when the collars are mated (also see Figure 27). Furthermore, the dovetail projection and/or the dovetail cavity may include a shoulder(s) 430 and/or wall 432 that supports the H-collar on the V-collar and defines the fully mated position of the collars. Figure 24 shows the collars mated to one another, with an intermediate segment of crossbar unit 72 received by collar element 414 of the H-coilar, and with collar element 418 pivoted to an open configuration. Collar element 414 may define a cradle region 434 (see Figure 23) on which the crossbar unit may be supported before the H-collar is closed and secured. The cradle region may define one or more ledges 436 on which the crossbar unit may rest temporarily as the crossbar unit is coupled to the frame. In some embodiments, some or all of the couplers for a crossbar unit may be arranged as in Figure 24 to support the crossbar unit provisionally during frame assembly at each future coupling position before the coupler is closed and secured. For example, crossbar unit 72 (see Figure 2) may rest on four couplers disposed in the open configuration of Figure 24.

The coupler may be secured in position on the vertical support and around a segment of the crossbar unit via a fastener 438. The fastener may extend through a channel in dovetail projection 424 (see Figure 23), through an aperture 440 in collar element 416 of the H-collar (see Figure 24), and into threaded engagement with an internally threaded opening 442 included in collar element 418 of the H-collar.

Figure 25 shows coupler 74 in a fully secured configuration around segments of the vertical support and the crossbar unit; Figures 26 and 27 show sectional views taken as indicated in Figure 25. Figure 26 illustrates in more detail how fastener 438 secures the coupler in a closed configuration. The fastener is disposed in threaded engagement with an internally threaded opening 442 of collar element 418 to restrict hinge-based movement of the H-collar. In addition, the fastener secures the collars to one another, such that upward (unmating) motion of the H-collar is restricted. Figure 27 illustrates the mated configuration of the collars in more detail. Dovetail projection 424 may be held in a closed configuration by lateral walls 444, 446 of the dovetail cavity. Furthermore, boss 412 may engage perimeter walls of opening 76 to restrict pivotal and translational motion of the V-collar around and along the vertical support.

Further aspects of transverse couplers (also termed transverse connectors) are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/696,495, filed JuIy I , 2005; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/721 ,011 , filed September 26, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/762,213, filed January 23, 2006, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. V. Holders

The storage systems of the present teachings may be customized with a set of holders as frame attachments for supporting stored gear. The holders may engage the stored gear directly or may function as adapters that support other structures that directly engage the gear. In addition, the holders may be selected and positioned according to the particular needs of a user, for example, based on the particular types and numbers of the various items to be stored using the storage system and a desired configuration of the items adjacent the frame (such as according to frequency of use, difficulty of placement on and/or removal from the frame, type of activity in which each item is used, aesthetic considerations, and/or the like).

The holders may be connected to any suitable regions of the frame. For example, the holders may be attached to the horizontal bar regions of a crossbar unit (e.g., to the linear regions of the crossbar unit), to the bent regions of a crossbar unit (e.g., the end and/or corner regions of the crossbar unit), to the vertical supports, and/or to the transverse couplers, among others. Furthermore, the holders may be configured to support gear in any suitable space adjacent the frame, for example, in front of or behind the frame (or both), lateral to the frame, above the frame, and/or within the frame (i.e., within or between the crossbar units). Accordingly, the storage systems of the present teachings may offer a more efficient use of a frame to organize stored gear. The holders may include any suitable support structure. Exemplary structures that may be suitable include hooks, clamps, shelves, bars, loops, containers (such as enclosures, bins, bags, totes, vehicle cargo boxes, etc.), rings, bars, belts, pegs, cables, receivers, ancillary racks, and/or the like. Furthermore, the holders may providing a mounting base, corresponding to a crossbar on a vehicle rack, onto which various other attachments, such as vehicle rack attachments (e.g., cargo holders, wheel holders, boat holders, etc.), may be mounted.

The holders may be mounted on the frame by any suitable mechanism. In some examples, the holders may be mounted permanently on the frame (such as by welding, an adhesive, and/or nonremovable fasteners, among others), for example, during manufacture or set-up of the frame. Alternatively, the holders may be mounted removably. Exemplary mounting mechanisms may include a clamp mechanism, fasteners (such as screws, nuts, and/or bolts, among others), elastic/resilient engagement, mating, hooked engagement, straps, clips, buckles, and/or the like.

The holders may have fixed and/or movable configurations. The movable configurations may allow pivotal motion and/or translational motion. Pivotal motion may be, for example, about a mounting axis defined by a frame structure on and/or by which the holder is mounted. Alternatively, or in addition, the pivotal motion may be about an axis (such as an oblique or orthogonal axis) distinct from the mounting axis. Translational motion may be in any suitable direction, including vertically, orthogonal to a plane defined by the frame (i.e., in and/or out), and/or horizontally parallel to the plane, among others.

The crossbar units may be pivotable in some embodiments. Pivotal motion may be from a vertical configuration to a horizontal configuration. In some examples, a crossbar unit may be disconnected from the frame at the unit's top (or bottom) connections so that the crossbar unit can pivot downward (or upward) to a horizontal position, which may be stabilized, for example, by one or more struts extending from a spaced region of the crossbar unit to a vertical support(s) and/or building surface, among others.

Figure 28 shows an exemplary hook attachment 460 for a storage system. Attachment 460 may be generally S-shaped with opposing hook elements 462, 464 of the same or different size. At least one (or both) of the hook elements may be sized to be received on a bar element, for example, the hook element may define an opening 466 that corresponds in diameter to the diameter of a target bar element of the frame. The hook element may be retained via gravity and/or may be shaped/sized so that the hook is installed by urging it into a retained configuration on the bar element (e.g., snapping it onto the bar element). Accordingly, in some examples, the hook may be formed of a resilient/elastic material (such as a plastic or metal) and may include a hook element extending beyond a semi-circle and/or with a varying radius of curvature, such that the hook element is installed and removed by urging the hook element on and off a bar element, to and from a seated position on the bar element.

Figure 29 shows another exemplary hook attachment 470 for a storage system. Attachment 470 may be structured as a hook assembly of S-shaped hook components 472, 474 that mate with one another via a pair of complementary mating structures 476, 478. The mating structures may include one or more dovetail ridges and grooves 480, 482. Accordingly, the hook components may be assembled by sliding the hook components toward one another parallel to the ridges/grooves. Furthermore, the mating structures may include an array of detents 484 that are received alternatively in a set of depressions 486 defined by the other mating structure. The hook components thus may be arranged at a plurality of predefined relative positions according to alternative engagement positions of the detents and depressions as the hook components slide toward or away from one another in the mated configuration.

Figure 30 is a view of an exemplary bicycle holder 500 that may be mounted as a pair (or more) at the same height (or different heights) on a frame to support any suitable items. In exemplary embodiments, holder 500 may support a bicycle 502 (shown here in phantom outline to simplify the presentation). Alternatively, holder 500 may be used alone in supporting stored items (and/or as an engagement site for another holder/attachment) or may be used collectively with one or more additional holders (or other attachment(s)). For example, at least a pair of holders may be mounted on a frame at the same height to provide at least a pair of parallel supports projecting outward (and/or inward) from the frame. The pair of supports may be used to support skis, a cargo carrier(s), an elongate watercraft(s) (such as a kayak(s)), etc.

Holder 500 may include a bar-based framework including a mounting portion 504 and a support portion 506 connected to the mounting portion. Mounting portion 504 may be structured for engagement with one or more crossbar units, as described below. Support portion 506 may extend transversely (e.g., orthogonally) from the mounting portion and from an associated storage frame onto which the mounting portion is mounted.

The support portion may include a looped bar 510 carrying one or more receivers 512, 514 for supporting a bicycle. Each receiver may define a recess 516 sized for at least partially receiving a top tube 518 of the bicycle arranged parallel to the frame on which holder 500 is mounted. Accordingly, a pair of holders 500 mounted on a storage frame may support a pair of bicycles using respective pairs of inner receivers 512 and outer receivers 514 of the holders. Each receiver may be coupled in a fixed and/or movable relation to looped bar 510. Furthermore, the looped bar may be supported by one more struts 520 extending between and attached to the mounting portion and the looped bar.

Mounting portion 504 may be suitable for securing any suitable support portion of a holder to a frame. Figure 31 shows mounting portion 504 configured to span and engage a spaced pair of bar regions 522, 524, such as horizontal side bar regions provided by only one crossbar unit 526 or a pair of vertically spaced crossbar units (also see Figure 1 also for the holder mounted on a crossbar unit of a frame). The mounting portion may be sized to extend between an adjacent pair of bar regions or may be longer to vertically span three or more bar regions of crossbar units. Alternatively, or in addition, the mounting portion may be sized to be received on and to span a pair of vertical supports.

Mounting portion 504 may include a spanning region 528 flanked at opposing ends by hooks 530, 532. Major hook 530 may define a hook opening 534 sized according to the diameter of the side bar region onto which the major hook fits. Minor hook or flange 532 may be spaced from the major hook according to the spacing between bar regions onto which the mounting portion may be installed. However, the distance between the inner surfaces of the major and minor hooks may be slightly less than the distance between engaged surfaces of the bar regions, such that the mounting portion engages both bar regions tightly when installed. Furthermore, the minor hook or flange may not bend around the bar as far as the major hook, as shown here, to facilitate placement of the minor hook onto a bar region. Installation may be performed manually, without the use of tools. In an exemplary installation, major hook 530 may be placed over (hooked onto) upper bar region 522, and then the mounting portion may be pivoted downward about an axis defined by the upper bar region, such that minor hook 532 is hooked under lower bar region 524. The mounting portion and/or the crossbar unit(s) may have an inherent elasticity that facilitates installation of the mounting portion onto the crossbar unit(s). Alternatively, the hooks may be slidably coupled to one another via the spanning region, such that the spacing between the hooks can be adjusted during installation and then fixed to retain the mounting portion on the crossbar unit(s). The engagement of the mounting portion with the crossbar unit(s) may be sufficient to retain the mounting portion on the crossbar unit(s). Alternatively, or in addition, a retainer may be used to facilitate retention (see Figures 32 and 33).

Mounting portion 504 may have any suitable construction. For example, the mounting portion may be formed as a bent bar that forms a closed or open loop, with a substantial central opening 536 extending to each of the hooks (see Figure 30). In other embodiments, the mounting portion may be formed as a bent plate with opposing hooks. The mounting portion may include a surface layer or coating 538 disposed on a portion or completely covering the outer surface of the mounting portion. Coating 538 may be, for example a polymer disposed on metal (e.g., a dip- coating of a glass-fiber reinforced polyester to coat all of or to selectively coat one or both opposing end regions of the mounting portion).

Figures 32 and 33 show assembled and exploded views, respectively, of an exemplary transverse bar assembly 550 for mounting onto frames of the present teachings.

Assembly 550 may include a bar portion 552 coupled to a mounting portion 554. Bar portion 552 may be used alone or in a pair as described above for looped bar 510 of holder 500 (see Figures 30 and 31). For example, bar portion 552 may carry slidable (or fixed) sleeves 556 sized to at least partially receive top tubes of bicycles. The bar portion may include a body 557A and plugs or caps 557B, 557C received in and/or over opposing ends of the body.

Mounting portion 554 may be structured as described above in relation to Figures 30 and 31. In particular, the mounting portion may include a major hook 558 and a minor hook or flange 560 flanking a spanning region 562. The mounting portion may be held in place by a retainer 564. The retainer may be received on legs 566 of the spanning region and may extend over a bar region 568 of a crossbar unit (shown in phantom outline in Figure 32). The minor hook/flange and the retainer thus may collectively extend mostly or completely around the bar region, to restrict removal of the minor hook from the bar region (and to restrict removal of the mounting portion from the crossbar unit(s)).

Assembly 550 may include a clamp 570 that adjustably secures the bar portion to the mounting portion. Clamp 570 may adjustably compress legs 566 of the mounting portion via adjustment of fasteners 572, to provide a fixed or adjustable vertical position of the clamp. The clamp also may compress a perimeter region of the bar portion via an O-ring received on the bar and disposed between clamp members 574, 576 of the clamp. The ring may be formed of an elastomer, such that compression of the ring between the clamp members increases engagement between the ring and the perimeter of the bar portion. Accordingly, the clamp also may provide a fixed or axially slidable configuration for the bar portion, such that the relative proportion of the bar portion extending forward and rearward of the frame can be adjusted and fixed. The bar portion thus may be adjusted for supporting gear on one side only or on both sides (frontward and rearward) of the frame. Furthermore, the bar portion may be positioned at a continuous range of horizontal positions along the frame according to where the mounting portion is installed onto a crossbar unit(s). Further aspects of transverse bar assemblies are described U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/696,495, filed July 1 , 2005; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/721 ,011 , filed September 26, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/762,213, filed January 23, 2006, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Figures 34 and 35 show an exemplary hook-based holder 590 for mounting on a frame. Holder 590 may include a mounting portion 592 that mounts onto a crossbar unit(s) 594 and that is connected to one or more hooks 596-600 for supporting gear, i.e., hooks extending forward, rearward, and/or laterally from the mounting portion. Projecting hook 596 may be configured to receive a wheel 602 of a bicycle 604 such that the bicycle hangs vertically from the hook (see Figure 35). In particular, the projecting hook may extend in a horizontal plane and through the wheel to engage a rim region 606 of the wheel. The wheel also may extend into the opening of the mounting portion, indicated at 608, to engage a bar region 610 of the crossbar unit. The bicycle's frame thus may be disposed generally orthogonal to the frame of the storage system with the wheels of the bicycle arranged vertically relative to one another (i.e., one wheel above the other wheel).

Lateral hooks 598, 600 may be used to hold any suitable items, for example, cycling-related gear, such as a helmet(s), shoes, gloves, and/or the like. In some embodiments, covers such as balls 612 may be placed on the ends of any of the hooks, for example, to blunt the ends of the hooks and/or to reduce inadvertent removal of items stored on the hooks.

Figure 36 shows an exemplary storage system 620 including a shelf assembly 622 attached pivotably to frame 52 (also see Figures 1 and 2). The shelf assembly may be used alone or in combination with one or more other shelf assemblies or other holder structures. In some examples, the shelf assembly may be used collectively with at least one other shelf assembly disposed at about the same height to support stored items. In exemplary embodiments, a pair (or more) of shelf assemblies 622 may be employed to support a kayak or other watercraft (see Figure 1). In some examples, the shelf may be replaced by a linear bar or other support structure that is pivotable between stowed and support positions. The shelf assembly may include, for example, a shelf portion 624 with a looped bar 626 coupled to vertical support 70 and/or crossbar unit 72 of the frame. In the present illustration, the shelf portion is coupled to vertical support 70 via a transverse coupler 74, indicated at 628, which may be the same type of coupler used to couple the crossbar units to the vertical supports (e.g., see other couplers 74 in Figures 36 and 37). The transverse coupler may be disposed at a vertical position on the vertical support defined by one of the available (i.e., unoccupied) openings (76) on the vertical support (e.g., see Figures 3, 4, and 21-27). Accordingly, shelf US2006/025351

28

assembly 622 may include a transverse coupler disposed generally within a crossbar unit (shown here), between crossbar units, above all of the crossbar units, or below all of the crossbar units of the frame.

Shelf portion 624 may include a sleeve or cover 630 received on looped bar 626. The sleeve may be configured to restrict slippage of supported items and thus may be formed of any suitable material, particularly a material with a higher coefficient of friction than the looped bar. Alternatively, or in addition, the sleeve may be softer and/or less damaging to supported gear than the looped bar.

Shelf portion 624 may be pivotable, indicated at 632, about a pivot axis 633, between a vertical stowed position and a projecting support position (shown here). In particular, looped bar 626 may include a coupling region 634 sized to be received by H-collar414 of the transverse coupler (see Figure 37 with the H-collar open).

The shelf portion may be held in the projecting support position by a restraint mechanism 636. The restraint mechanism may include a collar element 638 that extends around a bar of the frame, for example, around vertical support 70, as shown in the present illustration. The collar element may have threaded end regions 640 that are received in openings of a transverse support member 642 disposed in engagement with the underside of the shelf portion and/or connected to the shelf portion. Threaded fasteners 644, such as wingnuts, may be threaded onto the threaded end regions to hold the support member on the collar element and thus restrict downward pivotal motion of the shelf portion. The restraint mechanism may be released to allow the shelf portion to pivot downward to a stowed position.

Figure 38 shows an exemplary storage system 660 including a storage bag 662 strapped to frame 52 of the storage system; Figure 39 shows the storage bag removed from the frame. The bag may be strapped to a rectangular arrangement of attachment positions provided by frame overlap sites 664 of the frame (i.e., around vertical supports 70, crossbar units 72, and/or couplers 74) at the overlap sites. Bag 662 may be connected to straps 666 or other tie members disposed adjacent the perimeter of the bag, e.g., adjacent two or four corners of the bag. Each strap or tie member may be secured by a closure, such as a standard or snap-fit buckle 668 (see Figure 39), a snap, button, clip, or other retainer, or may be tied, among others. The closure may permit the length of the strap or tie mechanism to be adjusted and/or may have a fixed length. The bag may be formed of or may include a mesh material 670 or a transparent material, so that the contents of the bag are visible. The bag may be open at the top and/or side(s), for example, including a mouth 672 lined with an elastic band 674 that tends to return the mouth to a closed configuration after contents are added or removed. Alternatively, or in addition, the bag may include a flap or other cover mechanism, to restrict removal of the bag's contents.

Figure 40 shows an exemplary storage system 690 including a pair of holders 692, 694 mounted on frame 52 of the system. The holders may be configured to receive and retain elongate storage items (such as elongate sports gear (e.g., skis, poles, snowboards, surfboards, etc.)) arranged vertically. Each holder may include a mounting structure 696 that mounts the holder on a crossbar unit(s) 72 of the frame. The mounting structure may include opposing major and minor hooks, as described above in relation to mounting portion 504 (see Figure 30). Alternatively, the mounting structure may include similar opposing hooks. In any case, the mounting structure may be placed onto the crossbar unit(s) pivotally from the face of the frame or translationally from lateral to the frame (i.e., from an end of a crossbar unit). Further aspects of holders for elongate items are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/696,495, filed July 1 , 2005; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/721 ,011 , filed September 26, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/762,213, filed January 23, 2006, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Figure 41 shows an exemplary vehicle-based storage system 710 including an exemplary cargo container 712 mounted above the roof of a vehicle 714 in a horizontal orientation. The cargo container may be mounted to vehicle rails 715, crossbars, and/or a hitch-mounted rack, among others. Furthermore, the cargo container may be vehicle mounted by straps 716, as shown here, clamps, threaded fasteners, clips, cord, or any other suitable connection mechanism.

Figure 42 shows cargo container 712 removed from the vehicle and connected to frame 52. Container 712 may be disposed in a different orientation on the frame than on the vehicle. For example, here container 712 is hanging from end straps 718 extending around crossbar unit 72. Alternatively, or in addition, the container may be connected via vertical supports 70. The container may include one more internal partitions 720, which may form shelves 722 for supporting stored items when the container is disposed on the frame. The container may have flexible or rigid outer (and/or inner) walls. Vl. Examples

The following examples describe selected aspects and embodiments of the present teachings, particularly storage systems for storing items such as sports gear, vehicle racks, and cargo containers, among others. Additional examples are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/696,495, filed July 1 , 2005; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/721 ,011 , filed September 26, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/762,213, filed January 23, 2006, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. These examples are included for illustration and are not intended to limit or define the entire scope of the present teachings. Example 1. Additional Exemplary Frame Configurations

This example describes additional exemplary frame configurations with different support interfaces; see Figures 43-46.

Figure 43 shows an exemplary frame 750 that is exclusively wall-mounted. Frame 750 may be constructed by assembling vertical supports 752 with bent end assemblies 104 (see Figure 4) and/or bent end tubes 210 (see Figure 9) at both opposing ends of the vertical supports. In other embodiments, frame 750 may be wall-mounted at least partially via intermediate struts (e.g., see Figures 10 and 11) and/or by spanning plates (e.g., see Figure 12).

Figure 44 shows an exemplary frame 770 that mounts by engagement with opposing horizontal surfaces (e.g., a floor and ceiling) of a storage space. Frame 770 may be constructed by assembling vertical supports 772 with linear end assemblies 102 (e.g., see Figures 4, 7, and 8) and/or linear end tubes 160 at both opposing ends of the vertical supports. Adjustment of the axial position of the opposing ends of the vertical supports (e.g., by rotating the feet of the end assemblies) may promote and increase engagement with the opposing horizontal surfaces. Figure 45 shows an exemplary free-standing frame 790. Frame 790 may be constructed, for example, by attaching a pair of floor supported frames 792, 794 in a spaced face-to-face arrangement using transverse spanning members 796. Vertical supports 798 of the frame thus may be disposed in a two-dimensional array forming a square, rectangle, or other polygon. Caps or plugs 800 may be placed on or in the upper ends of the vertical supports.

Figure 46 shows another free standing frame 820. Frame 820 may be constructed, for example, by attaching a pair of floor supported frames 822, 824 generally in a face-to-face arrangement using linkage members 826 extending between paired top ends 828, 830 of adjacent vertical supports 832, 834. The linkage members may be arcuate and/or angular and may dispose the pair of frames in a parallel arrangement or in an oblique (or perpendicular) arrangement, as shown in the present illustration.

Example 2. Selected Embodiments This example describes selected embodiments of the present teachings, presented as a series of indexed paragraphs.

1. A storage system comprising: (a) a pair of vertical frame members structured to extend between support surfaces of a building; (b) a crossbar unit including a pair of coupled bar regions extending substantially parallel to one another; and (c) couplers that secure the crossbar unit to the vertical frame members such that the bar regions are transverse to the vertical frame members.

2. The storage system of paragraph 1 , wherein the vertical frame members are structured to extend from a floor to a wall.

3. The storage system of paragraph 1, wherein each vertical frame member includes a central body and at least one end piece that couples to the central body at predefined longitudinal positions to adjust the height of the vertical frame members.

4. The storage system of paragraph 1 , wherein each vertical frame member defines a long axis and includes an upper end region, and wherein the upper end region is configured to extend from the long axis to a wall of a building such that the vertical frame member extends from a floor of the building to the upper end region in a spaced relation to the wall. 5. The storage system of paragraph 1 , wherein the coupled bar regions of the crossbar unit extend within a closed loop,

6. The storage system of paragraph 5, wherein the crossbar unit has an oval shape. 7. The storage system of paragraph 5, wherein the crossbar unit extends along a bent horizontal path when secured to the vertical frame members via the couplers.

8. The storage system of paragraph 1 , wherein the couplers can mount the crossbar unit at a plurality of predefined positions along the vertical frame members.

9. The storage system of paragraph 1, wherein each vertical frame members and the crossbar unit are assembled from modular components.

10. The storage system of paragraph 9, wherein each vertical frame member includes a plurality of bar elements joined to one another. 11. The storage system of paragraph 9, wherein each crossbar unit includes a pair of linear bar elements connected to a pair of bent bar elements.

12. The storage system of paragraph 11 , wherein each crossbar unit includes a connector that joins linear end segments of the bent bar elements to the linear bar elements. 13. The storage system of paragraph 1 , wherein the couplers form a frame by securing the crossbar unit to the vertical frame members, further comprising at least one attachment structured to be coupled to the frame, the at least one attachment projecting transverse to a plane defined by the vertical supports and crossbar unit. 14. The storage system of paragraph 13, wherein the at least one attachment is configured to be coupled to a vertical frame member via at least one coupler that is interchangeable with the couplers.

15. The storage system of paragraph 13, wherein the at least one attachment is configured to engage the crossbar unit. 16. The storage system of paragraph 13, wherein the at least one attachment includes a hook. 17. The storage system of paragraph 16, wherein the crossbar unit has a pair of vertically spaced horizontal bar regions, and wherein the at least one attachment is capable of engaging each of the bar regions at the same time such that the attachment spans the crossbar unit. 18. A storage system comprising: (a) a pair of frame members extending in an overlapping relationship; and (b) a coupler that secures the frame members in the overlapping relationship, the coupler including a pair of collars structured to receive a section of each frame member and hold the sections in a fixed relation.

19. The storage system of paragraph 18, wherein each collar has an open configuration and a lockable closed configuration, and wherein each collar is configured to receive a frame member in the open configuration and restrict removal of the frame member from the collar in the closed configuration when locked.

20. The storage system of paragraph 19, wherein each collar includes a hinge mechanism, and wherein operation of the hinge mechanism moves the collar between the open and closed configurations.

21. The storage system of paragraph 20, wherein the collars are structured to mate with one another to restrict relative movement of the collars.

22. A storage system comprising: (a) a frame defining a pair of opposing faces and including vertical frame members, horizontal frame members, and couplers that secure the vertical and horizontal frame members in a transverse arrangement; and (b) a plurality of attachments projecting outward of one or both opposing faces and coupled (1) to a vertical frame member via at least one coupler corresponding to the couplers that secure the frame members, and/or (2) to a spaced pair of parallel bar regions formed by the horizontal frame members via a mounting structure including a hook and a flange.

23. A storage system, comprising: (a) a pair of frame members configured to be disposed in a substantially vertical orientation; (b) a spanning member including a pair of crossbar portions attached to one another and arranged side by side; and (c) a plurality of couplers configured to mount the spanning member onto the pair of frame members in an overlapping relationship such that the spanning member extends generally between and beyond the frame members. T/US2006/02535!

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24. The system of paragraph 23, wherein each of the pair of frame members includes an array of coupling features configured to position the couplers at predefined positions along the frame members.

25. The system of paragraph 24, wherein the coupling features are openings, and wherein the frame members have corresponding arrays.

26. The system of paragraph 23, wherein each frame member includes a body and a lower end, and wherein each frame member further includes a leveling mechanism operable to adjust the spacing between the body and the lower end.

27. The system of any of paragraphs 23-26, wherein each frame member includes a lower end region configured to contact a floor and an upper end region configured to be attached to a wall.

28. The system of any of paragraphs 23-27, wherein the crossbar portions each include opposing ends, and wherein the crossbar portions are attached to one another adjacent both sets of opposing ends to form a closed loop. 29. The system of paragraph 28, wherein the spanning member has an oval shape.

30. The system of any of paragraphs 23-29, wherein the spanning member includes a plurality of segments connected by interchangeable couplers.

31. The system of paragraph 30, wherein the frame members each include a plurality of frame elements that can be coupled to one another with one or more of the interchangeable couplers.

32. The frame of paragraph 30, wherein the segments include two or more linear segments and a pair of arcuate segments.

33. The system of paragraph 23, further comprising a holder coupled to at least one of the frame members and the spanning member and configured to engage and support a storage item.

34. The system of paragraph 33, wherein the holder has a pivotable configuration in which at least a portion of the holder can pivot while the holder is coupled to the frame. 35. A storage system, comprising: (a) a pair of frame members configured to be disposed in a substantially vertical orientation and defining a plane; (b) a spanning member; and (c) a plurality of couplers configured to mount the spanning member onto the pair of frame members in an overlapping relationship such that the spanning member couples the frame members to one another and is offset from the plane defined by the frame members, wherein each coupler includes first and second receiver structures oriented to receive, respectively, a segment of a frame member and a segment of the spanning member adjacent a position of overlap, wherein the receiver structures also are configured to mate with each other, and wherein mating of the receiver structures is configured to secure the first receiver structure to a frame member.

36. The storage system of paragraph 35, wherein the second receiver structure has an open configuration and a closed configuration, and wherein the open configuration provides a cradle structure for support of the spanning member.

37. The storage system of paragraph 35 or 36, wherein the first receiver structure is a hinged sleeve including a pair of sleeve members, wherein the sleeve members cooperatively form a mating structure for mating with the second receiver structure when the hinged sleeve is closed around the frame member, and wherein mating restricts opening of the hinged sleeve.

38. The storage system of any of paragraphs 35-37, wherein the first receiver structure includes a retention structure configured to engage each frame member at predefined positions along the frame member to fix the coupler axially and pivotally on the frame member at each of the predefined positions.

39. The storage system of paragraph 38, wherein the frame members include an array of openings disposed along each frame member, and wherein the retention structure is a projection.

40. The storage system of any of paragraphs 35-39, wherein each of the receiver structures is a hinged sleeve.

41. A storage system, comprising: (a) a pair of vertical supports; (b) a crossbar unit; and (c) couplers that connect the crossbar unit to the vertical supports at sites of transverse overlap to create a frame, each coupler including a pair of hinged collars that receive segments of a vertical support and a crossbar unit in an open configuration of each collar and retain the respective segments in a closed configuration of each collar, the collars being configured to mate with one another to lock at least one of the collars in the closed configuration. The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. Although each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred form(s), the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed in applications claiming priority from this or a related application. Such claims, whether directed to a different invention or to the same invention, and whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of the present disclosure.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A storage system, comprising: a pair of vertical supports; a crossbar unit including a pair of connected bar regions extending parallel to one another; and couplers that connect the crossbar unit to the vertical supports at sites of transverse overlap to create a frame in which the bar regions extend transversely to the vertical supports in a vertically spaced relationship to one another.

2. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein the vertical supports are bent for extending from a floor to a wall of a building such that at least a major portion of each vertical support, the crossbar unit, and the couplers are spaced from the wall.

3. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein each vertical support includes a tubular body having opposing ends and also includes end tubes connected to the tubular body adjacent the opposing ends, and wherein the end tubes have a smaller diameter than the tubular body.

4. The storage system of claim 3, wherein each vertical support includes a pair of sleeve connectors that connect the tubular body to the end tubes.

5. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein each vertical support includes a central tubular body and at least one end tube that couples to the central tubular body at predefined longitudinal positions to adjust the length of the vertical support.

6. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein each vertical support includes a central tubular body and opposing end modules connected adjacent opposing ends of the central tubular body, and where each end module is structured to be connected adjacent either opposing end of the central tubular body.

7. The storage system of claim 6, wherein the central tubular body has exactly two linear tubes connected by a connector.

8. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising at least one additional vertical support, wherein the crossbar unit is connected to each of the vertical supports by the couplers.

9. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein each vertical support defines an array of openings disposed along the vertical support.

10. The storage system of claim 9, wherein the vertical support is substantially hollow, and wherein each opening is a through-hole extending through a wall of the vertical support.

11. The storage system of claim 9, wherein the array has a substantially uniform spacing between adjacent openings of the array.

12. The storage system of claim 9, wherein the bar regions of the crossbar unit have a spacing, and wherein the array of openings includes pairs of openings that are spaced according to the spacing of the bar regions.

13. The storage system of claim 12, wherein at least one of the pairs of openings flanks one or more other openings of the array.

14. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein the couplers are configured to be secured at predefined positions along the vertical supports.

15. The storage system of claim 14, wherein the predefined positions are defined by an array of openings disposed along each vertical support.

16. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein the crossbar unit includes a U- shaped portion that includes the connected bar regions. 25351

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17. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein the crossbar unit extends along a closed loop.

18. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein the crossbar unit has an oval shape.

19. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein the crossbar unit includes a pair of linear side tubes and U-shaped bent end tubes connected to the linear side tubes to form an oval-shaped crossbar unit.

20. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein the crossbar unit includes a pair of linear side tubes, at least one bent end tube, and connectors that connect adjacent ends of the linear side tubes to one another via the at least one bent end tube.

21. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein the crossbar unit includes connectors and a plurality of tubes that form a tubular body of the crossbar unit.

22. The storage system of claim 21 , wherein each tube has a linear end segment, and wherein each connector is configured to be received in apposed linear end segments of adjacent tubes of the crossbar unit.

23. The storage system of claim 21, wherein each connector includes detents, wherein each tube has an opening disposed near each opposing end of the tube, and wherein separation of adjacent tubes of the crossbar unit is restricted by the detents disposed in openings of the adjacent tubes.

24. The storage system of claim 23, wherein at least one of the detents is configured to be urged inward to permit separation of the adjacent tubes.

25. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of linear side tubes, bent end tubes, and connectors that permit end-to-end connection of any pair of the tubes for assembly of different crossbar units of different length.

26. The storage system of claim 25, further comprising bent side tubes configured to be assembled with the linear side tubes to form a looped crossbar unit that is nonplanar.

27. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein the crossbar unit is a nonplanar closed loop, and wherein the vertical supports are disposed in a nonlinear arrangement.

28. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a plurality of the crossbar units arranged vertically relative to one another.

29. The storage system of claim 1, wherein each crossbar unit includes a pair of linear bar components connected to a pair of bent bar components.

30. The storage system of claim 1, wherein each coupler includes a pair of collars, and wherein each collar receives a respective segment of a vertical support or of a crossbar unit at one of the sites of transverse overlap.

31. The storage system of claim 30, wherein the collars are connected to one in a fixed relation.

32. The storage system of claim 30, wherein each collar has an open configuration and a lockable closed configuration, and wherein each collar is configured to receive the respective segment in the open configuration and restrict removal of the respective segment from the collar in the closed configuration when locked. 51

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33. The storage system of claim 30, wherein each collar includes a hinge mechanism, and wherein operation of the hinge mechanism moves the collar between an open configuration for receiving a segment of a vertical support or crossbar unit and a closed configuration for retaining the segment.

34. The storage system of claim 30, wherein the collars are structured to mate with one another to restrict relative movement of the collars.

35. The storage system of claim 34, wherein mating of the collars locks at least one of the collars in a closed position.

36. The storage system of claim 30, wherein one of the collars has a projection that engages a vertical support to restrict movement of the collar in relation to the vertical support.

37. The storage system of claim 1 , wherein each coupler includes a threaded fastener that locks the collars to one another.

38. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising a holder configured to be coupled to the frame.

39. The storage system of claim 38, wherein the holder is configured to be coupled to the frame at a continuous range of positions along the crossbar unit.

40. The storage system of claim 38, wherein the holder is configured to be coupled to the frame adjacent at least a pair of the sites of transverse overlap.

41. The storage system of claim 38, the vertical supports and the crossbar unit collectively defining a plane, wherein the holder projects transversely to the plane when coupled to the frame.

42. The storage system of claim 38, wherein the holder is configured to be coupled to a vertical support via at least one coupler that is interchangeable with the couplers that connect the crossbar unit to the vertical supports.

43. The storage system of claim 38, wherein the holder has a pivotable configuration and a fixed configuration when coupled to the frame.

44. The storage system of claim 38, wherein the holder includes a hook.

45. The storage system of claim 38, wherein the holder is an S-shaped hook component.

46. The storage system of claim 38, wherein the holder includes a pair of S-shaped hook components that connect to one another.

47. The storage system of claim 38, wherein the holder includes a mounting portion configured to span and engage the connected bar regions.

48. The storage system of claim 47, wherein the mounting portion includes a spanning region and a pair of opposing hook regions that engage the bar regions.

49. The storage system of claim 48, further comprising a retainer connected to the mounting portion and configured to selectively restrict removal of one of the hook regions.

50. The storage system of claim 38, the frame defining a plane, wherein the holder includes a mounting portion that engages the frame and a support portion extending from the mounting portion, and wherein the support portion has a position that is adjustable transverse to the plane.

51. The storage system of claim 50, wherein the support portion is slidably connected to the mounting portion such that the height of the support portion on the frame is adjustable by moving the support portion in relation to the mounting portion.

52. The storage system of claim 50, wherein the support portion includes a bar.

53. The storage system of claim 38, wherein the holder is a pair of holders that couple to the crossbar unit to hold a pair of bicycles with frames of the bicycle disposed parallel to the frame when the holders are coupled to the frame of the storage system.