GB2512089A

GB2512089A - A portable storage and activity device

Info

Publication number: GB2512089A
Application number: GB1305076.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Cook
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-03-20
Filing date: 2013-03-20
Publication date: 2014-09-24
Also published as: GB201305076D0

Abstract

The present invention provides a portable storage and activity device comprising a body 1 having at least one drawer 3, 4 providing access to and storage within said body; at least one wheeled component 2, such as a pneumatic or solid rubber wheel, for wheeled movement of the body; at least one handle 8 extendable from the body; and at least one foldable member 5, 7 arranged to fold out from the said body. The device may form a trolley particularly intended for transporting and storing articles for use in camping or outdoor activities. The foldable member may comprise a table top hinged to the body, said table having a further hinged leg for supporting it in an in use position. The table top may have a removable section 6 so that a washbowl or the like may be inserted. The drawers may be locked in the closed position by inserting a pole 10 through eyes at the rear of the drawers. A compartment 9 for storing a rain cover, foldable cup holders 11, and brackets 12 for foldable chairs may also be provided.

Description

A PORTABLE STORAGE AND ACTIVITY DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, to a portable storage and activity device and more particularly but not exclusively a device for providing multiple storage and activity solutions in a mobile format.

Background

Whilst staying away from home such as when camping there is often a requirement to carry a number of pieces of equipment clothing and supplies to the camping destination. In some situations part, or all, of the journey to the campsite may have to be made on foot and it may therefore be difficult to carry a large number of items.

Typically a multitude of items may be required in any one situation which may lead to excessive weight. A user may need to make multiple trips or be situated close to vehicular access.

Furthermore for some activities specialist equipment or items of value may be required or carried, and not easily used in outdoor or remote locations from home, for example if travelling for a long period of time and it may therefore be important to be able to protect the items from being damaged or misplaced in use.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: Granted European patent EP 1 188 637 (DARLING) discloses a modular, user-configurable, re-useable, cart that is collapsible for storage and transport and expandable for use in carrying a load, comprising: a modular load support frame that can be alternately assembled and disassembled, said modular load support frame having a pair of spaced and parallel horizontally disposed elongated rigid load support members leaving an unobstructed space there between; a load carrier removably supported by the load support frame, said load carrier comprising a load receptacle located in said unobstructed space, a vertically extending straight and rigid strut extending down from each of said horizontal load support members; each said vertical strut having a lower end with an axle mounting means at said lower end; an axle extending between respective spaced axle mounting means and traversing through said respective struts, said axle having a pair of vehicle movement actuators attached thereto with the actuators being located at respective opposite sides of said cart, said axle mounting both said vehicle movement actuators of said cart; wherein said load receptacle comprises a bottom portion for receiving a load therein, the bottom portion extending below the level of the load support members and between the vertical struts said load receptacle further comprising support formations which extend outwardly from the bottom portion and which rest on respective ones of the spaced load support members at longitudinally spaced or longitudinally extending locations to support the receptacle so that the weight of the receptacle and loadS therein is passed through the support formations and is carried by the load support members.

United States patent application US 4 792 025 (THOMAS) discloses a luggage and caddy combination for containing items of personal property of a traveller and for carrying other pieces of luggage, which comprises: a generally parallelipipedic container defined by opposite first and second faces, first and second opposite sides a top and a bottom; rolling means for rotatively supporting said container, said rolling means being attached to said container about a first axis parallel and proximate to the intersection of said first face and bottom; a generally planar shelf having one edge rotatively secured to said second face about a second axis parallel and proximate to the intersection of said bottom and second face, said shelf being movable from a stowed position generally parallel to said second face to at least one deployed position generally orthogonal with said second face; a support structure having one end secured to said container, an opposite second end shaped and dimensioned to form a handle at a first location near the top of the container, and an extensible section between said first and second end, said section having means for extending said second end to at least one other location above and apart from said top along a plane generally parallel and proximate to the plane of said first face; and means for locking said support structure in each of said locations.

Granted United States patent US 7 392 994 (DARLING) discloses a movable support, collapsible for storage and transport and able to be assembled and dis-assembled for use in carrying a load in a movable or fixed orientation, comprising: a modular load support member comprising at least one axle carrying strut extending downward therefrom, said at least one axle carrying strut each, having a lower end with an axle mounting means at said lower end, at least one axle extending through each said vertical strut, each said axle having at least one vehicle movement actuator of a pair of vehicle movement actuators attached at opposite sides of said cart; and, a carrier attachable to said load support member, wherein when said carrier supports a load thereupon, further comprising at least one cargo bin removable connected to said load support member.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a portable storage and activity device comprising a body having at least one drawer for providing access to and storage within said body; at least one wheeled component for wheeled movement of the body; at least one extendable handle from the body; and at least one foldable member arranged to fold out from said body.

In preferred embodiments this foldable member comprises a planar member capable of providing added or increased activity surface area to the device than a body end, when said body is arranged in a substantially vertical arrangement, wherein the at least one drawer allows a vertical storage solution well adapted for a user to access multiple items from a single position, and the foldable member provides a substantially horizontal activity surface well adapted for the user to perform multiple activities with said multiple items from a single position and said device provides portability for said activities and storage.

Said foldable member may comprises a table top. The table top may be hinged or otherwise attached to the body in order that the table top is storable on or to the body when not in use. A cup holder may be disposed to fold out from the body in a similar fashion, wherein the body thereby provides an extending surface or area for use in activities.

The drawers may be slid into and out of the body and items maintained within said drawers. The body may provide an easy to transport and compact container for multiple items in multiple compartments, and is moveable so as to permit use of said items in a plurality of situations.

In this way the body may be wheeled from place to place in compact manner and contents maintained within the body on arranged on the body for easy use.

Typically the device comprises: a body with multiple lockable compartments wherein at least one compartment comprises displaceable portions; at least one roller or wheel to enable the device to be wheeled, and a collapsible, detachable or displaceable table or shelf arranged to be deployed from the body when required.

Ideally the device is intended for use when away from home and in particular when camping wherein various items may be required to be transported to a camping location, for example tents clothing and cooking utensils.

In preferred embodiments the body is substantially elongate cuboid, preferably with rounded edges and corners so as to not have any sharp portions. In some embodiments the body may include at least one arcuate face.

Typically the body is rigid so as to protect contents and so as to be readily transported without risk of damage to the body. For example the body may be formed from lightweight, durable materials suchas synthetic plastic.

Ideally the body is mounted on at least one wheeled component so that the device may be wheeled from one location to another. Preferably the compqnent includes wide pneumatic tyres so as to be suitable for use on all terrains. In some embodiments the component may be solid, for example being formed from rubber.

In preferred embodiments two components arranged on an axle are provided on one side of the device. In this way when the device is tilted towards the side with the components the components become engaged and the device can be wheeled.

Advantageously the components are positioned so that when the device is not tilted the components are not engaged and therefore the device remains stationary so as not to roll away.

In some embodiments the components may be provided on a frame which is arranged to accept the body. For example the frame may include or connect a pair of components and at least one stand so that the frame provides a level base for the body to be located. In this way the body could be removed from the frame when movement from one destination to another is not required thereby enabling the frame to be used for other purposes and so that the device may be more readily stowed when not in use.

In preferred embodiments the body includes a handle to enable the device to be readily moved. Preferably the handle is located on or adjacent one end of the device, said. end distal typically from said component and accordingly defining a device top, so that the handle may be readily grasped and manipulated in order to move the device. Typically the handle is telescopic and mounted on an edge so that the handle may be extended in order to allow the device to be tilted in order to engage the component(s). In addition or the alternative advantageously the handle length may also be altered to suit the height of the user.

Ideally for compactness the device handle may be stowed within the body wall when not in use, for example it may be collapsed within the wall so as to be flush with the body top.

Preferably the body is subdivided into or forms a carcass for a plurality of compartments for storage of different items. For example the body may include plural integrated or removable dividers that serve to define individual compartments.

It may be envisaged that the compartments comprise portions such as drawers, cupboards and/or shelves. In this way additional storage may be provided for particular items.

In some embodiments portions of the device such as the drawers may be removable so as to be removed entire with contents and the compartment used for other items.

For example the drawer may be used to hold clothing, the drawer and clothing can be removed and the remaining compartment that is now empty may be used to hold provisions such as food. 5.

Preferably the body may house three removable drawers positioned in a sequential arrangement.

In preferred embodiments the portions may be locked in the body so as to keep contents safe, for example wherein the portions include apertures for accepting an arm to be aligned with at least one channel on the body so that the arm may be inserted through the apertures on the drawers and the channels on the body, so as to secure the drawer within the body. For example this may prevent the drawers erroneously opening during transport and will further prevent items being stolen.

Typically the channel may be provided where the drawer back interfaces the body.

Ideally the channel opening is provided on the body top so that the arm can be readily inserted and removed in order to lock or unlock the drawers.

Preferably the arm is equal or similar length to the body that may be inserted through the channel and apertures. Typically the pole may be formed from a strong durable material such as metal or metal alloys. In further embodiments the arm and handle may be combined, wherein the portions are only operable when the handle is retracted into the body.

Ideally the arm may include an eye on one end so that when the arm is inserted a lock such as a padlock or locking cable may be threaded through the arm at an eye and then through a second eye on the body so as to lock the pole in place.

Advantageously the eye may also limit the depth to which the arm can be inserted.

Advantageously the arm may be stowed on or in the body when not in use. Ideally the arm may be adapted to fit within the device handle so that when not required it may be stowed coaxially or concentrically inside the handle. Alternatively the body may include clips for accepting the arm so as to store it on the outside of the body when not in use.

In preferred embodiments one side of the body houses or supports the collapsible table. Preferably the table top is positioned parallel to the body wall when not in use and may be displaced to a horizontal alignment when required. It may be envisaged that the table is hingeably attached to the body on at least one hinge so as to enable it to be pivoted between a stowed and horizontal, in use, position.

Typically the table top may include a framework to include legs to further support the table top particularly when the table top is extended and for improved strength.

Optionally the table top may be removable from the framework so that various table tops or members may be provided depending upon use.

AdditiOnally the hinges may be located in or on runners so that the position of the hinges on the body can be changed so as to alter the height of the table top in relation to the ground. It may be further envisaged that the legs are telescopic so as to enable the table top height to be readily altered.

In preferred embodiments the table top includes a section removable so as to provide an opening that enables a bowl to be inserted After insertion said bowl is maintained in place and functions as a washbowl/sink or creates a waste collection area, for example wherein a bag may be maintained in the opening wherein in some further embodiments, the opening comprises hangers or clips.

In preferred embodiments the table top may include a transparent pocket into which items such as memorabilia or photographs can be added and displayed to personalise the table and thereby the device, as in preferred embodiments the table top is visible as or on a side of the body even when the table is collapsed. Typically the pocket is provided between two layers wherein at least the upward facing layer is transparent so that the table top becomes a display means.

Advantageously the device may include a compartnient for housing a rain cover which can be accessed and deployed in wet conditions in order to cover and protect the device. It may be envisaged that the rain cover may be adapted to cover the device in both compacted -table collapsed -and open arrangements -when the table is erected. For example the rain cover may include elasticated portions so as to be stretched over the device.

Furthermore in some embodiments the cover may be arranged to provide a canopy over the device so that the user may use the device whilst also being sheltered and protected by the canopy. For example the handle may be extended from the body top to provide an elevated location to mount the canopy above the device.

In preferred embodiments the body walls may include fold out ledges for supporting items. For example the ledges may be arranged to support elongate items such as a fold up chair or umbrella.

In yet further embodiments the fold out portions may be adapted to receive or hold particular items, for example the fold out portion may include an aperture or recess for accepting a drinks receptable.

1 0 Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the device with table member extended; Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with table collapsed; Figures 5 show end views of the embodiment as shown in Figure 4; Figures 6 show rear and front views of the embodiment as shown in Figure 4; And Figures 7 show side views of the embodiment as shown in Figure 4 and as shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Fieures

With reference to the figures the body 1 is provided with two axle-mounted wheels 2 on corners of a first side, wherein said side further comprises the telescopic handle 8.

In this way the device may be easily and effectively wheeled about when required.

The member is a table 5 and is folded from said side as and when required. Said member 5 includes an open section into which a bowl 14 may be inserted, wherein a lid 6 allows said bawl 14 to be present and the tables 5 activity surface area maxim ised.

The table 5 is supported in use by an extendable rigid leg 7, which folds down from

the table 5.

The body 1 includes two larger drawers 4 for larger items and a shallower drawer 3 for storage and transport of smaller items, likely to be more frequently required and closer to the table 5.

The top drawer 3 advantageously further comprises a series of dividiers for subdividing the drawer 3 to aOcommodate and separate small items.

The device further includes extendable members in form of cup holders 11 which are hinged to the body 1 proximate the table 5 in use.

For elongate items such as foldable chairs (not pictured) there is provided a bracket 12 and stand 13.

A lid 9 in the preferred embodiment covers a shallow tray from which a cover is extendable so as to provide a waterproof cover for the body as and when required.

In other embodiments such a removable panel 9 may allow access to the top drawer 3 or other part such as a cutlery tray.

The table comprises a multipart arrangement comprising a wipe-clean plasticised cover, detachable from a body tray, with raised lip, and a metal frame 16, said frame allowing the leg 7 to be held against the body 1.

A locking mechanism 10 comprises a locking bar is designed to stop the drawers 3, 4 from being opened, allowing the device to be left unattended. 9

The bar slides down through locators on the back of each drawer 3, 4 and padlocks at the top of the body lthrough both the handle and the unit, which also stops anyone from wheeling the device away.

The lid 6 comprises a cover and rubber edged board, wherein said board or cover may be used as separate surfaces for activities or preparation.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A portable storage and activity device comprising a body having at least one drawer providing access to and storage within said body; at least one wheeled component for wheeled movement of the body; at least one extendable handle from the body; and at least one foldable member arranged to fold out from the said body.
2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the foldable member comprises a table top.
3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the foldable member comprises a shelf.
4. A device according to claim 1 wherein the foldable member comprises a cup holder.
5. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the foldable member comprises extendable legs.
6. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the handle is telescopic.
7. A device with reference to the figures and substantially as herein described.