Overhead Ceiling Storage Rack Using Gravity to Hold Sports Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surfboard and kayak storage solutions, such as wall-mounted racks, occupy valuable space and expose the items to damage from other objects, as they do not effectively utilize overhead space.
Innovation Solution
A hanging storage system comprising overhead storage devices with vertical portions attached to the ceiling and adjustable arms that span the space between them, allowing items to be securely stored using gravity to keep them in place, utilizing otherwise unused overhead space like that between a garage ceiling and roof.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wall-mounted racks are used to store surfboards and kayaks, then the items are easily accessible, but valuable wall space is occupied and the items are exposed to damage from other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional wall-mounted storage to three-dimensional overhead space utilization. By mounting racks to the ceiling rather than walls, the system accesses previously unused vertical space above vehicles and equipment, thereby preserving wall area while maintaining accessibility to stored surfboards and kayaks
2Ease of operation
If wall-mounted racks are used to store surfboards and kayaks, then the items are easily accessible, but the items are exposed to damage from other objects
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating storage from wall level to overhead space, the patent physically separates stored items from ground-level hazards such as lawn mowers, rakes, and moving vehicles. This dimensional relocation eliminates exposure to harmful factors while preserving accessibility through overhead retrieval
3Area of stationary object
If overhead storage devices are used to utilize unused space, then wall space is preserved and items are protected from damage, but the storage devices increase in complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead storage system is divided into modular components: ceiling mounting brackets, adjustable arms with foam padding, and connection joints. This segmentation allows for simplified installation and adjustment while achieving the dual goals of preserving wall space and protecting stored items
Solution Approach 2:
The arms of the overhead storage devices are designed to be adjustable in angle and position, allowing users to customize the configuration based on their specific storage needs. This dynamic adjustability simplifies adaptation to different ceiling structures and item sizes without requiring complex custom-built solutions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system efficiently utilizes overhead space to store surfboards and kayaks, minimizing the risk of damage by keeping them off the floor and away from potential hazards, while maintaining a low profile to accommodate various ceiling structures.
Implementation Method 1
each arm is positioned slightly less than 90° from the vertical portion. Objects supported on an arm of an overhead storage device, or across arms of a said overhead storage system, tend to slide toward the vertical portion of the overhead storage device and are held in place by gravity.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system for items such as surfboards, kayaks, paddleboards, skies, and other similar items is comprised of one or more storage devices that are secured to a ceiling joist, and which have a vertical portion that extends toward the floor. The storage devices have arm portions that extend from near the bottom of the devices on which one would place the item to be stored. The arm portions are at an angle from the vertical portion sufficient to hold the item to be stored in place, but sufficiently shallow to minimize the space needed to accommodate the item. In most useful embodiments, two storage devices are used together and the item to be stored spans the two devices.