| Utility hook -> Monitor Keywords |
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Utility hookRelated Patent Categories: Supports: Racks, Special Article, Velocipede Type, Tire Or WheelUtility hook description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060201896, Utility hook. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of a co-pending U.S. patent application (Ser. No. 10/704,230) entitled "UTILITY HOOK FOR ATTACHMENT TO AN OVERHEAD GARAGE DOOR TRACK," filed Nov. 7, 2003 in the name of Martin D. Webb and is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Technical Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to utility hooks, and more particularly, to a removable storage hook adapted to fit securely to an overhead garage door track so as to not interfere with the garage door operation. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Conventional storage fixtures and particularly garage storage devices have long been used to store items on the walls or ceiling of a garage. The storage space is often at a premium. Many garages have been equipped with extensive shelving to store items off the garage floor, but large bulky items have presented additional problems. Storing a bicycle or ladder on a wall often covers a large percentage of the available wall area. Large items, such as bicycles and ladders, have often been left on the garage floor. Additionally, specialized fixtures are used to hold the bulky items on the garage ceiling or wall. Installation of the specialized devices has required some skill and are most often attached inconveniently or in a complex manner to the ceiling or wall by nails, bolts, or screws. Consequently, many storage devices have been developed to more effectively and efficiently use available storage space. Oftentimes, these devices position bulky items in hard to reach places, making it awkward to position or remove the stored items on the storage devices. [0006] Accordingly, it has been found that a need exists for a simple, cost effective, and efficient way of storing large or bulky items in a garage. A device is needed to store items such as ladders, bicycles, and fishing poles off the garage floor and yet preserves wall space for the storage of other items. A device is needed that requires minimal skills for installation and is easily adjustable. It is an object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] In one aspect, the present invention is a garage storage system that uses a removable garage door utility hook adapted to attach to a standard overhead garage door track and support an object in an elevated position from the garage door track. The garage door utility hook includes a lower object supporting portion and an upper garage door track attaching portion. The upper portion, which is continuous from the lower portion, is formed to engage over and attach to a standard overhead garage door track so as not to interfere with the garage door operation. The lower portion is configured to support an object directly underneath the track. A system for storing an object in an elevated position from a standard overhead garage door track comprising: [0008] In second aspect, the present invention is a garage storage system that uses a removable garage door utility hook adapted to attach to a standard overhead garage door track and support an object in an elevated position, such as stored bicycles or stored elongated items like pipes and fishing poles, from the garage door track. The garage door utility hook includes a lower object supporting portion and an upper garage door track attaching portion. The lower portion is configured to support an object directly underneath the track. The upper portion continues vertically from the lower portion. The upper portion is formed with approximately a right angle bend that may extend over the ceiling mounted section of the garage door track, such that the upper portion of the utility hook may fit tightly against the outer vertical surface and outer horizontal upper flange of the ceiling mounted section of the garage door track. The right angle extension further comprises a lip formed in such a manner as to nonpermanently engage and hold the garage door utility hook onto the ceiling mounted section of the garage door track as not to interfere with the garage door operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] The invention will be better understood and its numerous objects and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, in conjunction with the accompanying specification, in which: [0010] FIG. 1 is a front view of a garage door utility hook mounted on a standard overhead garage door track in the preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0011] FIG. 2 is side view of the preferred embodiment of the garage door utility hook of FIG. 1; [0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of a first alternative embodiment of the garage door utility hook; [0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of the garage door utility hook of FIG. 3; [0014] FIG. 5 is a side view the garage door utility hook in a second alternative embodiment of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 6 is a front view the garage door utility hook of FIG. 5; [0016] FIG. 7 is a side view of a hook 220 in a third alternate embodiment of the present invention; and [0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a hook 320 in a fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0018] A moveable garage door utility hook for supporting an object in an elevated position from a standard overhead garage door track is disclosed. FIG. 1 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the garage door utility hook 20 mounted on a standard overhead garage door track 24 (shown in phantom) intended to store bulky items, such as a bicycle 22 (shown in phantom), under and parallel to the garage door track. The garage door track is mounted via standard bracing 26 (shown in phantom) to the garage ceiling 28. [0019] FIG. 2 is side view of the preferred embodiment of the garage door utility hook 20. The utility hook is shown installed on a standard overhead garage door track 24 (shown in phantom cross section). A standard garage door roller wheel 30 (shown in phantom) is shown within the garage door track. The utility hook has a lower portion 34 that is hook-shaped to engage and may singularly or plurally support the bulky item. The utility hook also has an upper portion 32 vertically continuous from the lower portion, wherein the upper portion is formed with approximately a right angle bend 36 that may extend over the ceiling mounted section of the garage door track. The upper portion of the utility hook may fit tightly against the outer vertical surface 38 (shown in phantom) and outer horizontal upper flange 40 (shown in phantom) of the ceiling mounted section of the garage door track 24 (shown in phantom). The right angle horizontal extension 36 of the utility hook further comprises a lip 42 formed in such a manner as to nonpermanently engage and hold the garage door utility hook onto the ceiling mounted section of the garage door track as not to interfere with the garage door operation. Optionally, the garage door utility hook may be permanently mounted to the garage door track by using a metal screw or bolts through the utility hook into the vertical side of the garage door track. Continue reading about Utility hook... Full patent description for Utility hook Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Utility hook patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Utility hook or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Remote control case-for 3 & 5 Next Patent Application: Adjustable shelving system Industry Class: Supports: racks ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Utility hook patent info. 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