Multi-configurational sports organizer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-configurational sports organizer capable of supporting sports equipment to encompass a wide range of sports, including miscellaneous odd shaped sporting items. The sports equipment organizer is adapted for easy individual storage personalization. The sports organizer allows access to the sporting goods from every direction around its perimeter. The sports equipment organizer also provides adequate ventilation to dry out sweaty or wet sporting goods. The sports equipment organizer also includes portable storage / carrier bags to allow a collection of sporting goods to be easily removed from the organizer and transported.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to storage devices and more particularly to a multi-configurational storage organizer utilizing interchangeable baskets and equipment supports for consumer preference storage of sporting equipment. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Storage of sporting equipment presents a special problem to the average consumer. The problem is the multitude of shapes that sporting equipment entails. For instance, ball shaped items such as basketballs, volleyballs, baseballs, tennis balls, and so forth must all be stored in a manner to prevent them from rolling away. However, the average consumer typically owns more than a single sized ball, making a storage apparatus that is specifically designed to accommodate a single sized sporting item inappropriate. [0003] Storage of such sporting goods on a conventional flat shelf also presents apparent problems. One problem is the need to prevent the aforementioned ball shaped items from rolling off the sh...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] It is another objective of the invention to provide a multi-configurational sports equipment organizer that is easy to modify and readily adapts to consumer needs.

[0017] It is still another objective of the invention to provide a sports equipment organizer which provides excellent visibility of the stored sporting equipment.

[0019] It is still a further objective of the invention to provide a sports equipment organizer that provides easy and quick reconfiguration using modular sports equipment supports that may be secured to the organizer without fasteners.

[0020] In accordance with the above objectives, a multi-configurational sports equipment organizer is provided. The sports equipment organizer comprises at least two vertical side frames each having two spaced apart vertically extending end posts and a plurality of transverse horizontal attachment tubes immovably secured between the end posts of the side frames. The vertical side frames are interconnected together in spaced, parallel relationship by a plurality of lower connecting cross-frames secured between respective vertical end posts. A plurality of horizontal shelf supports extend between the side frames for supporting various sized sports balls and a variety of modular sports equipment support accessories are removably supported along the attachment tubes without the need for fasteners. A pair of flexible sports equipment carriers are removably mounted within a drawer frame member that extends between the vertical end frames. The drawer frame member slides inwardly and outwardly to permit the flexible carriers to be easily removed and reinserted within the drawer frame.

[0021] As compared to the prior art, the sports equipment organizer has many versatile features that allow the organizer to be personally configured for numerous sports. The system is modular in that all components work together to create a total sports equipment organizer with several options. The sports equipment organizer provides high visibility of the stored equipment and allows access to the equipment from all directions. The horizontal shelf supports are quick and easy to adjust for adaptation to different sporting equipment. The sports carriers are constructed of a flexible material that easily adapts to hold any variety of sports equipment and are removably mounted within the outwardly slidable drawer frame for easy removal and replacement. The flexible material is breathable to reduce bacteria and mold growth within moist or wet sporting equipment. The modular equipment support accessories have a unique locking design feature which allows attachment without fasteners and prevents the accessories from disengaging upon an impact.

Problems solved by technology

Storage of sporting equipment presents a special problem to the average consumer.

The problem is the multitude of shapes that sporting equipment entails.

However, the average consumer typically owns more than a single sized ball, making a storage apparatus that is specifically designed to accommodate a single sized sporting item inappropriate.

Storage of such sporting goods on a conventional flat shelf also presents apparent problems.

One problem is the need to prevent the aforementioned ball shaped items from rolling off the shelf.

Even if shelf space is modified to secure a ball shaped item, the accompanying odd shaped items present additional problems.

For instance, hockey sticks and baseball bats take up an inordinate amount of shelf space.

Placing the items in a corner lends no form of organization or protection for either the item or an individual who may come in contact with a loose item.

Improper storage of such items also makes it difficult for cleaning, allowing accumulation of spiders and dirt.

Improperly stored items may also lead to early degradation, and with the cost of sporting equipment, proper storage is a necessity.

All of these problems are compounded in a home having more than one child, for each child may have their own sporting equipment.

A disadvantage to this type of device is the use of the wall as a partial support which results in soiling of the wall.

For instance, a basketball placed on the device is likely to impart marks on the adjoining wall leading to an unsightly arrangement.

Should the basketball be wet, it may not only soil the wall it may cause warpage of the wall.

In addition, many of these devices fail to provide a means for holding small items, or non-conforming items which may accompany a sporting activity, such as street hockey which employs hockey sticks, in-line skates and a hockey ball.

Nondescript items are also difficult to store, such as frisbees and paddle rackets.

First, the planar walled enclosures are generally heavy thereby reducing their portability.

Second, the solid rear panel and side walls only allow the stored sporting goods to be accessed from the front area.

Third, the enclosures are not ventilated, thereby trapping moisture inside and increasing the likelihood of bacteria and mold growth inside the enclosure.

In addition, the prior art fails to provide a sports equipment organizer that organizes a broad array of sports equipment, and provides a means of removing a collection of the stored equipment for transportation.

Thus, what is lacking in the art is a multi-configurational sports organizer capable of supporting sports equipment to encompass a wide range of sports, including miscellaneous odd shaped sporting items.

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