A FRAME FOR AN UNDERSTAIRS STORAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

 A frame for an understairs storage system, the system having a plurality of gussets, each gusset having a gusset pitch a, comprising: a first support member and a second support member, each of the first and second support members having a plurality of preconfigured engagement points, the preconfigured engagement points of the first support member pairing with the plurality of engagement points of the second support member to provide a plurality of pairs of engagement points; each pair of engagement points configured to cooperably engage a gusset of the plurality of gussets to orientate the second support member at a preselected angle, x, to the first support member, said preselected angle corresponding to the gusset pitch.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to a frame for a storage system, for example an understairs or under similar pitched spaces.

Background to the Invention

[0002] In a typical home, the space under the stairs typically occupies 1.11 square metres (12 square feet) of the overall footprint of a house. Typically this space is rarely utilised effectively. Similarly, attic space and particularly in the space under the roof pitch storage space is rarely utilised effectively. Drawer units or other closet structures are often fitted under the stairs of houses to utilise this space as understairs storage.

[0003] As shown in Figure 1 stairs generally have a range of pitches β. Typically stairs have a range of pitches β which may be from about 39° to about 50°. Accordingly to install an under stairs storage unit it is necessary to match the angle of the under stairs storage unit to the pitch of stairs. While stairs in houses are typically of similar heights, H, (approximately 2440 mm), the space available under the stairs will be determined in part by the pitch of the stairs. As the space under a stairs is substantially triangular in shape the space available will be governed by the relationship between the height H, the pitch β and the length, L. That is stairs with a greater pitch will have a smaller footprint while stairs with a lesser pitch will have a greater footprint. The footprint of the stairs can also be influenced by features of a house such as the presence or absence of understairs toilet facilities which reduce the available space for understairs storage. The footprint available can be generally defined as either normal wherein the length, L, is less than 1000mm or larger than normal wherein the length, L, is greater than 1000mm. Accordingly to install an under stairs storage unit it is necessary for the under stairs storage unit to match the footprint of the stairs to utilise the space there as effectively as possible. Stairs may be orientated from left to right or from right to left. Accordingly to install under stairs storage units it is necessary to match the orientation of the stairs. As can be appreciated the range of parameters to consider when providing under stairs storage units means that these units are typically of bespoke manufacture.

[0004] Typically a plurality of drawers are installed under the stairs to optimise the space utilisation. However, while drawers may be generic, the installation of these drawers and the installation and framing system are bespoke, tailored to match the individual requirements of individual stairs or pitched space. Bespoke manufacture is required as houses have varying pitches of stairs and the angle of the pitch of the stairs can vary from 35° to 50°. Bespoke manufacture is required as the orientation of stair rise can vary from house to house, with different configurations of drawer units being required for stairs orientated to rise from left to right and stairs orientated to rise from right to left. Bespoke manufacturing is required as the footprint under stairs can vary. Bespoke manufacture is both time consuming and expensive. Bespoke manufacture, by its nature of once off manufacturing, is prone to waste which may be detrimental to the environment in addition to increasing the carbon footprint of each bespoke unit. Kits are available for such storage solutions, but separate kits are provided for each pitch and for each stair orientation. The requirement for the provision of separate kits resulting in increased manufacturing costs, component cost, delivery, storage costs and often the need for a qualified person to install the storage solution. It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a universal kit which reduces the component count for a storage solution such as that described herein.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] As described herein with reference to the appended claims, there is provided a frame for an understairs storage system, the system having a plurality of substantially triangular gussets, each gusset having a gusset pitch (α), comprising:

a first support member and a second support member, each of the first and second support members having a plurality of preconfigured engagement points, the preconfigured engagement points of the first support member pairing with the plurality of engagement points of the second support member to provide a plurality of pairs of engagement points;

each pair of engagement points configured to cooperably engage a gusset of the plurality of gussets at a convergent point of the first and second support members to orientate the second support member at a preselected angle, x, to the first support member, said preselected angle corresponding to the gusset pitch. The frame provides for a single solution for a plurality of pitch angles thus reducing manufacturing costs, component cost, delivery, storage costs, and simplifying installation. This further reduces environmental waste, and the associated carbon footprint associated with manufacturing.

[0006] The first support member may have a longitudinal length, wherein the first plurality of pre-configured engagement points may be positioned at a distal end of the longitudinal length at a distance from a proximate end of the first support member the distance in millimetres being 32α - Y, α being the gusset pitch and Y being a constant.

[0007] The positioning of the plurality of pre-configured engagement points on the first support member according to the equation 32α - Y allows the first support member to be attached to gussets with varying pitches in such a manner as to allow a single frame to be fitted under stairs of different pitches. Advantageously the positioning of the preconfigured engagement points allow a single frame to be fitted under stairs of right to left or left to right orientation. Advantageously the positioning of the pre-configured engagement points according to the equation 32α - Y allows the first support member to be configured to fit under stairs of different footprints. Advantageously the positioning of the pre-configured engagement points provides a single frame which can be configured to fit under numerous configurations of stairs.

[0008] The footprint available under the stairs may be of normal or greater than normal size. A normal size footprint is one which the horizontal length, L, is less than 1000 mm, for example 952mm. A greater than normal footprint is one in which the horizontal length, L, is greater than 1000 mm, for example 1102 mm.

[0009] The frame of the present invention the frame may be configured to fit under stairs with a normal size footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is less than 1000 mm, wherein Y may have a value of from about 390 to about 400. Y having a value of from about 390 to about 400 allows the frame to be correctly positioned under the stairs having a pitch from 39° to 50°. A value of Y below 400 may position the gusset on the first support member too low to fit neatly under stairs. A value of Y above 390 may position the gusset too high on the first support member and prevent the frame from fitting under stairs. Preferably Y has a value of 395 which will allow the frame to be positioned neatly under stairs.

[0010] Alternatively the frame of the present invention may be fitted under stairs which have a greater than normal footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is greater than 1000 mm. In this case Y may have a value of from about 260 to about 270. Y having a value of from about 260 to about 270 allows the frame to be positioned correctly under stairs of greater than normal footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is greater than 1000 mm. A value of Y below 270 may position the gusset on the first support member too low to fit neatly under stairs. A value of Y above 260 may position the gusset too high on the support member and prevent the frame from fitting under within the footprint of the stairs. When the frame is configured to be positioned under stairs of greater than normal footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is greater than 1000 mm, preferably Y has a value of 267 which will allow the frame to be positioned in the correct orientation to fit neatly under stairs.

[0011] The second support member may have a longitudinal length and wherein the second plurality of pre-configured engagement points may be positioned at a distal end of the longitudinal length at a distance from a proximate end of the second support member the distance in millimetres being 10.66α + Z, α being the pre-selected angle and Z being a constant. The positioning of the plurality of pre-configured engagement points according to the equation 10.66α + Z may allow the second support member to be attached to gussets with varying pitches in such a manner as to allow a single frame to be fitted under stairs of different pitches. Advantageously the positioning the preconfigured engagement points allow the frame to be fitted under stairs of right to left and left to right orientation. Advantageously the positioning of the pre-configured engagement points allow the frame to configured to be fitted under stairs of different footprints. Advantageously the positioning of the pre-configured engagement points provides a single frame which can be configured to fit under numerous configurations of stairs.

[0012] The frame may be configured to fit under stairs with a normal size footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is less than 1000 mm, wherein the frame of the present invention Z may have a value of from about 210 to about 220. Z having a value of from about 210 to about 220 allows the frame to be correctly positioned under the stairs. A value of Z below 210 may prevent the second support member from fully extending the length of the stairs. A value of Z above 220 may make the second support member too long and prevent the second support member form fitting under a stairs. Preferably Z has a value of 216 which will allow the frame to be positioned neatly under stairs.

[0013] The frame may comprise a third support member comprising a third plurality of pre-configured engagement points wherein the third support member and a fourth support member may be orientated at the pre-configured angle and wherein the fourth support member may be identical to the second support member. The third support member may provide additional support to the frame.

[0014] The third support member may have a longitudinal length and wherein the third plurality of pre-configured engagement points may be positioned at a distal end of the longitudinal length at a distance from a proximate end of the third support member the distance in millimetres being 16α - A, α being the pre-selected angle and A being a constant. The positioning of the plurality of engagement points on the third support member according to the equation 16α - A may allow the third support member to be attached to gussets of varying pitches in such a manner as to allow a single frame to be fitted under stairs of different pitches. Advantageously the positioning of the preconfigured engagement points allow a single frame to be fitted under stairs of right to left or left to right orientation. Advantageously the positioning of the pre-configured engagement points according to the equation 16α - A allows the first support member to be configured to fit under stairs of different footprints. Advantageously the positioning of the pre-configured engagement points provides a single frame which can be configured to fit under numerous configurations of stairs

[0015] The frame of the present invention the frame may be configured to fit under stairs with a normal size footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is less than 1000 mm, wherein A may have a value of from about 140 to about 150. A having a value of from about 140 to about 150 allows the frame to be correctly positioned under the stairs. A value of A below 150 may position the gusset on the third support member too low to fit neatly under stairs. A value of A above 140 may position the gusset too high on the third support member and prevent the frame from fitting under stairs. Preferably A has a value of 145.5 which will allow the frame to be positioned neatly under stairs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side profile of a sample understairs space for fitting the frame in accordance with present invention.

Figure 2 depicts a side profile view of an embodiment of the frame installed in the understairs space of figure 1.

Figure 3 provides exemplary sectional views of the first to fourth support members in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the frame of the present invention arranged to support drawer units.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

[0017] An embodiment of the frame of the present invention is shown in figure 2. In this embodiment the frame is formed by a first support member 101 and a second support member 102. The first support member 101 and second support member 102 engage a gusset 100. The gusset provides both a technical guide and also a pleasing cosmetic finish. As shown herein typically a gusset 100 is substantially triangular in shape. However the gusset 100 may be right trapezoid in shape 300, but other configurations are equally applicable. The embodiment in figure 2 shows the first support member 101 substantially upright. The second support member 102 is positioned at an angle relative to the first support member. The gusset is positioned between the first support member and the second support member at their convergent points.

[0018] The gusset 100 has a gusset pitch α. The gusset pitch α is defined as the angle formed by the sides 100a and 100b of the gusset 100 which is shown as triangular. Alternatively a right trapezoid gusset 300 has a gusset pitch α which is defined as the angle formed by sides 300a and 300b.

[0019] A gusset 100 is selected which has a gusset pitch which corresponds to the pitch the stairs β under which the under stairs storage system is to be fitted. As shown in figure 2 the pitch of the stairs β is used to select the gusset pitch α with the gusset pitch selected to match the pitch of the stairs β as closely as possible to allow the frame to fit closely under the stairs. The gusset pitch α corresponding to the pitch of the stairs β allows the frame to be correctly orientated to fit neatly under the stairs. A gusset pitch α which is greater than the pitch of the stairs β may lead to the frame will not fitting under the stairs as the angle of the second support member may intersect with the stairs itself. A gusset pitch α smaller than the pitch of the stairs β may lead to the frame having a poor aesthetic appearance. Typically the gusset pitch α may be selected from any angle from about 39° to about 50°, for example the gusset pitch α may be 39°, 40°, 41°, 42°, 43°, 44°, 45°, 46°, 47°, 48°, 49°, or 50°, or fractions thereof.

[0020] An understairs installation is shown in Figure 2. As outlined above the frame comprises the first support member 101. The first support member 101 provides stability and support to the frame. The first support member 101 has a longitudinal length. The longitudinal length of the first support member 101 is defined as the distance from a distal end 106 to a proximal end 107 of the first support member. The longitudinal length of the first support member 101 is selected to match the footprint of the stairs. As outlined above not all stairs will have the same footprint. The first support member 101 engages the gusset 100. The means of engagement is not shown but may be mechanical or chemical attachment means such as screws, nails, adhesives, or any other suitable means.

[0021] . The first support member 101 is shown as attached to a gusset 100 at a region close to the distal end 106 of the longitudinal length of the first support member 101. The positioning of the gusset 100 on the first support member 101 is determined by a plurality of pre-configured engagement points 301 on the first support member 101 as shown in Figure 3. These preconfigured engagement points 301 are positioned to engage with a plurality of gussets, thus allowing a single first support member 101 to engage with gussets of different angles. This allows for a single first support member 101 to be manufactured wherein the single first support member is capable of fitting under stairs of differing stair pitches β. As such the first support member removes the need for bespoke manufacture of supports to fit under individual stairs.

[0022] The frame also comprises the second support member 102, shown positioned at an angle in figure 2. The second support member 102 provides further stability and support to the frame. The second support member 102 has a longitudinal length. The longitudinal length is defined as the distance from a distal end 108 to a proximal end 109 of the second support member. The second support member 102 is shown as attached to the gusset 100 at a region close to the distal end 108 of the longitudinal length of the second support member 102. The positioning of the gusset on the second support member 102 is determined by a plurality of pre-configured engagement points 302 on the second support member 102 are shown in Figure 3. These preconfigured engagement points 302 are positioned to engage with a plurality of gussets, thus allowing a second support member 102 to engage with gussets of different angles. This allows for a second support member 102 to be manufactured wherein the second support member 102 which is capable of fitting under stairs of differing stair pitches β. As such the second support member 102 removes the need for bespoke manufacture of supports to fit under individual stairs.

[0023] The frame comprises an optional third support member 103 as shown in Figure 2. The third support member 103 provides further stability and support to the frame. The third support member 103 has a longitudinal length. The longitudinal length of the third support member is defined as the distance from a distal end 110 to a proximal end 111 of the third support member. The third support member is shown as attached to a gusset 114 at a region close to the distal end 110 of the longitudinal length of the third support member. The gusset 114 is identical to the gusset 100. The gusset 114 has the same gusset pitch α as gusset 100. The positioning of the gusset 114 on the third support member 103 is determined by a plurality of pre-configured engagement points 303 on the third support member 103 as shown in Figure 3. These preconfigured engagement points 303 are positioned to engage with a plurality of gussets, thus allowing a third support member 103 to engage with gussets of different angles. This allows for a third support member 103 of the invention to be manufactured wherein the third support member is capable of fitting under stairs of differing stair pitches. As such the third support member 103 removes the need for bespoke manufacture of supports to fit under individual stairs.

[0024] The frame also includes an optional fourth support member 104, shown positioned at an angle in figure 2. The fourth support member 104 provides stability and support to the frame. The fourth member 104 is identical to the second member 102. The fourth support member 104 has a longitudinal length. The longitudinal length is defined as the distance from a distal end 112 to a proximal end 113 of the fourth support member 104. The fourth support member 104 is shown as attached to the gusset 114 at a region close to the distal end 110 of the longitudinal length of the fourth support member 104. The positioning of the gusset 114 on the fourth support member 104 is determined by a plurality of pre-configured engagement points 304 on the fourth support member 104 as shown in Figure 3. These preconfigured engagement points 304 are positioned to engage with a plurality of gussets, thus allowing the fourth support member 104 to engage with gussets of different angles. This allows for a fourth support member 104 to be manufactured wherein the fourth support member 104 is capable of fitting under stairs of differing stair pitches β. As such the fourth support member 104 removes the need for bespoke manufacture of supports to fit under individual stairs.

[0025] The third and fourth support member above are described as optional. Additional support members may be incorporated depending on the under stairs requirement. These additional support members allow for subdivision of the under stairs cavity.

[0026] To provide flexibility to allow a single first support member 101 and a single second support member 102 to form a frame which may be positioned under stairs with different pitches β, the position of the engagement points 301, 302 are preconfigured during manufacture. As outlined above, the first support member 101 and the second support member 102, each have a plurality of preconfigured engagement points 301, 302 as shown in Figure 3. The plurality of preconfigured engagement points 301 of the first support member 101 pair with the plurality of engagement points 302 of the second support member 102 to provide a plurality of pairs of engagement points. These pairs of engagement points co-operably engage a gusset, wherein the gusset has a gusset pitch α, the gusset pitch α chosen to match the pitch of the stairs β as shown in Figure 2 and described above.

[0027] The engagement points 301, 302, 303, 304, are shown in Figure 3 as holes but any other means of preconfiguring the engagement points is also considered. For example the engagement points may be through holes, blind holes, indents or raised portions, markings made by for example by punches or printers, or any other suitable means of preconfiguring the engagement points during manufacture.

[0028] To provide the flexibility outlined above the position of the engagement points 301, 302, 303, 304 are preconfigured during manufacture.

[0029] The positioning of the plurality of engagement points 301 of the first support member 101 may be determined by the distance in millimetres from the proximal end 107 defined by:

wherein α corresponds to a gusset pitch and Y is a constant.

[0030] In an embodiment of the invention suitable for stairs which have a normal size footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is less than 1000 mm, Y is a value from about 390 to about 400. Preferably Y is 395. Considering a stairs where the pitch of the stairs β is 40°. The gusset will be chosen to have a gusset pitch α to match the pitch of the stairs β so a gusset with a gusset pitch of 40° will be chosen from a plurality of gussets. The position of the preconfigured engagement point 301 on the first support member 101 will be calculated as 32(40) - Y. Where Y is 395 the preconfigured engagement point 301 will be positioned at a distance from the proximal end 107 of the first support member 101 of 885mm, which is 32(40) - 395. This embodiment may be suitable for stairs which have a normal size footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is less than 1000 mm.

[0031] In an embodiment of the invention suitable for stairs which have a greater than normal footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is greater than 1000 mm, Y may have a value from about 260 to about 270, preferably Y is 267. Considering a stairs where the pitch of the stairs β is 40°. The gusset will be chosen to have a gusset pitch α to match the pitch of the stairs β so a gusset with a gusset pitch of 40° will be chosen from a plurality of gussets. The position of the preconfigured engagement point on the first support member will be calculated as 32(40) - Y. Where Y is 267 the preconfigured engagement point will be positioned at a distance from the proximal end of the first support member of 1013mm, which is 32(40) - 267. This embodiment may be suitable for stairs which have a greater than normal footprint, wherein the horizontal length, L, is greater than 1000 mm.

[0032] The positioning of the plurality of engagement points 302 of the second support member 102 may be determined by the distance in millimetres from the proximal end 109 as defined by:

wherein α corresponds to a gusset pitch and Z is a constant.

[0033] In an embodiment of the invention suitable for stairs which have a normal size footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is less than 1000 mm, Z is a value from about 210 to about 220, preferably Z is 216. Considering a stairs where the pitch of the stairs β is 40°. The gusset will be chosen to have a gusset pitch α to match the pitch of the stairs β so a gusset with a gusset pitch of 40° will be chosen from a plurality of gussets. The position of the preconfigured engagement point 302 on the second support member will be calculated as 10.66(40) + Z. Where Z is 216 the preconfigured engagement point 302 will be positioned at a distance from the proximal end 109 of the second support member of 642.6mm, which is 10.66(40) + 216. This embodiment may be suitable for stairs which have a normal size footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is less than 1000 mm.

[0034] In an embodiment of the invention suitable for stairs which have a greater than normal footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is greater than 1000 mm, Z may have a value from about 310 to about 320, preferably Z is 312. Considering a stairs where the pitch of the stairs β is 40°. The gusset will be chosen to have a gusset pitch α to match the pitch of the stairs β so a gusset with a gusset pitch of 40° will be chosen from a plurality of gussets. The position of the preconfigured engagement point 302 on the second support member 102 will be calculated as 10.66(40) + Z. Where Z is 312 the preconfigured engagement point 302 will be positioned at a distance from the proximal end 111 of the second support member 102 of 738.6mm, which is 10.66(40) + Z. This embodiment may be suitable for stairs which have a greater than normal footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is greater than 1000 mm.

[0035] As the first support member 101 and the second support member 102 both have a plurality of preconfigured engagement points 301, 302 wherein the positioning of the preconfigured engagement points 301, 302 are determined by the gusset pitch α, the preconfigured engagement points form pairs of engagement points. Each pair of engagement points is suitable for cooperably engaging a gusset with a specific gusset pitch α. Advantageously the first support member and the second support member are manufactured with a plurality of engagement points which form pairs of engagement points allowing a single first support member and a single second support member to be manufactured and be suitable for fitting under stairs without requiring bespoke manufacture of a first support member and a second support member to fit under stairs with different pitches β.

[0036] The positioning of the plurality of engagement points 303 of the third support member 103 may be determined by the distance in millimetres from the proximal end 111 as defined by:

wherein α corresponds to a gusset pitch and A is a constant.

[0037] In an embodiment of the invention suitable for stairs which have a normal size footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is less than 1000 mm, A is a value from about 140 to about 150, preferably A is 145.5. Considering a stairs where the pitch of the stairs β is 40°. The gusset will be chosen to have a gusset pitch α to match the pitch of the stairs β so a gusset with a gusset pitch of 40° will be chosen from a plurality of gussets. The position of the preconfigured engagement point 303 on the third support member will be calculated as 16(40) - A. Where Z is 145.5 the preconfigured engagement point 303 will be positioned at a distance from the proximal end 111 of the third support member of 494.5mm, which is 16(40) - 145.5. This embodiment may be suitable for stairs which have a normal size footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is less than 1000 mm.

[0038] In an embodiment of the invention suitable for stairs which have a greater than normal footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is greater than 1000 mm, A may have a value from about 75 to about 85, preferably A is 81.5. Considering a stairs where the pitch of the stairs β is 40°. The gusset will be chosen to have a gusset pitch α to match the pitch of the stairs β so a gusset with a gusset pitch of 40° will be chosen from a plurality of gussets. The position of the preconfigured engagement point 303 on the third support member 103 will be calculated as 16(40) - A. Where A is 81.5 the preconfigured engagement point 303 will be positioned at a distance from the proximal end 111 of the third support member 103 of 558.5mm, which is 16(40) - A. This embodiment may be suitable for stairs which have a greater than normal footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is greater than 1000 mm.

[0039] The fourth support member is identical to the second support member. The positioning of the plurality of engagement points 304 of the fourth support member 104 may be determined by the distance in millimetres from the proximal end 113 as defined by:

wherein α corresponds to a gusset pitch and Z is a constant.

[0040] In an embodiment of the invention suitable for stairs which have a normal size footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is less than 1000 mm, Z is a value from about 210 to about 220, preferably Z is 216. Considering a stairs where the pitch of the stairs β is 40°. The gusset will be chosen to have a gusset pitch α to match the pitch of the stairs β so a gusset with a gusset pitch of 40° will be chosen from a plurality of gussets. The position of the preconfigured engagement point 304 on the fourth support member will be calculated as 10.66(40) + Z. Where Z is 216 the preconfigured engagement point 304 will be positioned at a distance from the proximal end 113 of the fourth support member of 642.6mm, which is 10.66(40) + 216. This embodiment may be suitable for stairs which has a normal size footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is less than 1000 mm.

[0041] In an embodiment of the invention suitable for stairs which have a greater than normal footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is greater than 1000 mm, Z may have a value from about 310 to about 320, preferably Z is 312. Considering a stairs where the pitch of the stairs β is 40°. The gusset will be chosen to have a gusset pitch α to match the pitch of the stairs β so a gusset with a gusset pitch of 40° will be chosen from a plurality of gussets. The position of the preconfigured engagement point 304 on the fourth support member 104 will be calculated as 10.66(40) + Z. Where Z is 312 the preconfigured engagement point 304 will be positioned at a distance from the proximal end 113 of the fourth support member 104 of 738.6mm, which is 10.66(40) + Z. This embodiment may be suitable for stairs which have a greater than normal footprint wherein the horizontal length, L, is greater than 1000 mm.

[0042] As the third support member 103 and the fourth support member 104 both have a plurality of preconfigured engagement points 303, 304 wherein the positioning of the preconfigured engagement points 303, 304 are determined by the gusset pitch α, the preconfigured engagement points form pairs of engagement points. Each pair of engagement points is suitable for cooperably engaging a gusset with a specific gusset pitch α. Advantageously the third support member 103 and the fourth support member 104 are manufactured with a plurality of engagement points which form pairs of engagement points allowing a single third support member and a single fourth support member to be manufactured and be suitable for fitting under stairs without requiring bespoke manufacture of a third support member and a fourth support member to fit under stairs with different pitches β.

[0043] The frame of the invention may also comprise a fifth support member 105. The fifth support member 105 may provide additional stability and support to the frame. As shown in figure 2 the fifth support member may be positioned to engage the proximal end 107 of the first support member 101. The fifth support member 105 may be positioned to engage the proximal end 111 of the third support member 103.

[0044] The frame as shown in Figure 4 is configured to provide support to drawers which may be used as storage under a stairs. Gussets 100, 114 are chosen to match the stair pitch. The frame is formed by a first support member 101 and a second support member 102. Additional support is provided to the frame by a third support member 103, a fourth support member 104, and a fifth support member 105.

[0045] The under stairs storage in Figure 4 is shown with additional support members and struts which may be configured to receive storage units, such as drawers or any other suitable storage unit, of different dimensions. For example in Figure 4, a portion of the first support member 101, a portion of the third support member 103, a portion of the fifth support member 105 and a first strut 402 are configured to form an opening in the frame suitable for supporting storage units. The storage units may be drawers, boxes, crates, or any other means suitable for providing storage. The storage units may be placed on supports, such as rails, which are configured to allow a user to easily slide the storage unit from the opening and provides easy access to the storage unit.

[0046] While one strut 402 is shown in Figure 4 there may be a plurality of struts provided. As the skilled person would appreciate there are numerous configurations of the plurality of struts which may be provided to form openings suitable for supporting storage units. The openings may be substantially square in shape. The openings may be substantially rectangular in shape. The openings may be substantially triangular in shape. The openings may be any shape required for supporting storage units. The storage units may be any shape such as square, rectangular, triangular or any other shape.

[0047] The frames shown in Figures 2 and 4 are shown in an arrangement suitable for providing under stairs storage under a stairs which are rising from right to left. Advantageously all embodiments of the present invention are suitable for providing under stairs storage under a stairs which is rising from left to right.

[0048] The words "comprises/comprising" and the words "having/including" when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0049] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims

1. A frame for an understairs storage system, the system having a plurality of substantially triangular gussets, each gusset having a gusset pitch α, the frame comprising:

a first support member and a second support member, each of the first and second support members having a plurality of preconfigured engagement points, the preconfigured engagement points of the first support member pairing with the plurality of preconfigured engagement points of the second support member to provide a plurality of pairs of engagement points;

each pair of engagement points configured to cooperably engage a gusset of the plurality of gussets at a convergent point of the first and second support members to orientate the second support member at a preselected angle, x, to the first support member, said preselected angle corresponding to the gusset pitch.

2. The frame of claim 1, wherein the first support member has a longitudinal length and wherein the first plurality of pre-configured engagement points are positioned at a distal end of the longitudinal length at a distance from a proximate end of the first support member the distance in millimetres being 32α - Y, α being the gusset pitch and Y being a constant.

3. The frame of claim 2, wherein Y has a value of from about 390 to about 400, for example wherein Y has a value of about 395 or wherein Y has a value of from about 260 to about 270, for example wherein Y has a value of about 267.

4. The frame of any preceding claim wherein the second support member has a longitudinal length and wherein the plurality of pre-configured engagement points of the second support member are positioned at a distal end of the longitudinal length at a distance from a proximate end of the second support member the distance in millimetres being 10.66α + Z, α being the gusset pitch and Z being a constant.

5. The frame of claim 4, wherein Z has a value of from about 210 to about 220, for example wherein Z has a value of about 216 or wherein Z has a value of from about 310 to about 320, for example wherein Z has a value of about 312.

6. The frame of any preceding claim, further comprising:

a third support member and a fourth support member, each of the third and fourth support members having a plurality of preconfigured engagement points, the preconfigured engagement points of the third support member pairing with the plurality of preconfigured engagement points of the fourth support member to provide a plurality of pairs of engagement points;

each pair of engagement points configured to cooperably engage a gusset of the plurality of gussets to orientate the fourth support member at a preselected angle, x, to the first support member, said preselected angle corresponding to the gusset pitch.

7. The frame of claim 6 wherein the third support member has a longitudinal length and wherein the plurality of pre-configured engagement points of the third support member are positioned at a distal end of the longitudinal length at a distance from a proximate end of the third support member the distance in millimetres being 16α - A, α being the gusset pitch and A being a constant

8. The frame of claim 7, wherein A has a value of from about 140 to about 150, for example wherein A has a value of about 145.5 or wherein A has a value of from about 75 to about 85, for example wherein A has a value of about 81.5.

9. The frame of any preceding claim wherein the fourth support member has a longitudinal length and wherein the plurality of pre-configured engagement points of the fourth support member are positioned at a distal end of the longitudinal length at a distance from a proximate end of the second support member the distance in millimetres being 10.66α + Z, α being the gusset pitch and Z being a constant.

10. The frame of claim 9, wherein Z has a value of from about 210 to about 220, for example wherein Z has a value of about 216 or wherein Z has a value of from about 310 to about 320, for example wherein Z has a value of about 312.

11. A Kit comprising the frame of any previous claim and a plurality of substantially triangular gussets.

12. An understairs storage system comprising a frame according to any of claims 1 to 10 and a plurality of substantially triangular gussets.

13. The understairs storage system according to claim 12 further comprising a plurality of drawer units.

Drawing