Ceiling Rail Storage Tracks for Flexible Overhead Garage Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage space is often underutilized in garages due to the presence of vehicles and other large items, making it difficult to maximize vertical space for additional storage.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling-mounted storage system comprising support rails and storage unit receiving track members that allow for adjustable attachment of storage units and a bucket receiving member to accommodate buckets of various sizes, enabling versatile and efficient use of overhead space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If vehicles and large items are parked in garages, then storage capacity for vehicles is satisfied, but available storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions storage from horizontal floor space to vertical overhead space by installing support rails on ceiling joists and using track members that hang downward. This dimensional shift allows storage units to occupy the vertical dimension above vehicles, effectively adding storage capacity without reducing the horizontal area needed for vehicle parking.
2Quantity of substance
If fixed storage structures are installed on ceilings, then storage capacity is increased, but adaptability to different storage needs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into modular components: support rails attached to ceiling joists, removable track members that slide along the rails, and interchangeable storage units (bins, buckets, containers). This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned, removed, or replaced, providing flexibility to reconfigure storage capacity and arrangement according to varying storage needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The track members are designed to be movable along the support rails rather than fixed in position. This dynamic capability allows users to slide track members to different locations on the ceiling, adjust spacing between storage units, and reconfigure the system as storage needs change over time, maintaining adaptability while providing substantial storage capacity.
3Area of stationary object
If overhead storage systems are installed, then utilization of vertical space is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into discrete, pre-fabricated components (support rails, track members, storage units) that can be independently installed. The support rails attach to ceiling joists, track members slide onto the rails, and storage units attach to tracks. This segmentation simplifies installation by allowing progressive assembly without requiring complex integrated structures, reducing overall installation complexity while effectively utilizing vertical space.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system mountable to a ceiling or other overhead structure. The system having at least two support rails attachable to an overhead member; and at least two storage unit receiving track members configured to movably attach to the at least two support rails in a spaced relationship, the at least two storage unit receiving track members each having a side ledge configured to receive and support an opposite upper portion of one or more storage units comprising a container and lid member wherein opposite upper portions extend into oppositely facing side ledges of the at least two storage unit track members when movably attached to the at least two support rails. A bucket receiving member slidably inserts into the side ledges of the at least two storage unit receiving track members wherein the bucket receiving member is configured to retain buckets such as the ubiquitous 10 gallon bucket.