Accessory storage device

Abstract

A storage device for accessories, such as wakeboards and the like on a boat, may be mounted to maximize space and secure objects for storage. The device includes displaceable levers, fixed arms, and an actuating assembly that provides a spring bias for displacing the levers towards the fixed arms to provide a clamping force against an item or accessory to be stored.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A storage apparatus comprising: 
 a body;    at least one clamping member displaceable relative to the body to move between a first position permitting a storage item to be received between the body and clamping member and a second position for retaining a storage item received between the body and the clamping member; and    an actuator biasing the at least one clamping member and being selectively operable to move the at least one clamping member toward the second position and to provide a clamping force to an item received between the body and the clamping member.    
     
     
         2 . The storage apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the body and clamping member define a receiver for storing the storage item therein.  
     
     
         3 . The storage apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the receiver includes cushioning material for contacting a surface of the storage item when the clamping force is applied to the storage item.  
     
     
         4 . The storage apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the actuator includes a lock for retaining the actuator in a position for moving the clamping member to the second position.  
     
     
         5 . The storage apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the lock is selectively releaseable.  
     
     
         6 . A storage apparatus comprising: 
 a body;    a plurality of clamping members having a first position permitting a storage item to be received between the body and the clamping member and being displaceable relative to the body to retain a storage item received between the body and the clamping member; and    an actuator for selecting the position of the clamping member.    
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the actuator cooperates with each clamping member to distribute bias force to the clamping members.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the actuator cooperates to provide a bias towards a selected position for the clamping member.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the actuator includes a lock for retaining the actuator in a position for biasing the clamping member to retain a storage item between the body and the second position.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the lock is selectively releaseable.  
     
     
         11 . A storage apparatus comprising: 
 a body defining at least one receiver;    at least one clamping member cooperating with the at least one receiver and being moveable between a first position so the at least one receiver can receive an item for storage and a second position to apply force to secure an item in the at least one receiver for storage; and    an actuator biasing the at least one clamping member, the actuator being selectively operable to move the at least one clamping member toward the second position and convert the biasing of the at least one spring to a clamping force.    
     
     
         12 . A storage apparatus comprising: 
 a body;    at least one clamping member wherein the body and clamping member define a receiver for a storage item; and    an actuator cooperating with clamping member to bias the clamping member for retaining a storage item within the receiver.    
     
     
         13 . The storage apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the actuator and clamping member may be biased to a receiving position such that the receiver is capable of accepting an item therein