Abstract:
A moveable storage container for vehicular storage on a planar support surface, comprised of a top formed by a sloped roof connected to an angled connection wall at one end, a handle wall, and a pair of side walls, all walls connected to the sloped roof. The connection of the sloped roof section and the angled connection wall forms a first angle of about 90 degrees at a proximal end of the angled connection wall, and at a distal end, a second angle formed by the angled connection wall hingeably connected to a base resting in the horizontal plane rises about 45 degrees from the planar support surface. The angled connection wall is weighted. The storage container is opened by lifting the handle wall, rotating the angled connection wall downwards until it rests on the planar support surface, the top position maintained by the weighted angled connection wall.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    A movable storage container suitable for temporary or permanent storage of small vehicles, featuring an angled hinged lid or top portion covering a base, an interior storage area formed when the top rests on the base, the lid featuring an angled connection wall counterweighted to assist in lifting the lid and supporting the lid in an open position. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Storage of motorcycles and other small vehicles is often problematic. Since motorcycles, riding lawn mowers, golf carts, and other small vehicles are seasonally used, storage in a garage is often inconvenient as the stored vehicles get in the way of cars, etc. and are prone to being bumped or damaged. Many owners turn to commercial sheds and other large permanent structures to house their smaller seasonal vehicles, however this option is expensive and only possible on larger properties. Renters and people living in urban areas often do not even have a garage, and are forced to park their motorcycles on the side of the road where they are then subject to the elements, theft, damage, etc. or pay fees to store their motorcycles in commercial storage units, often located in inconvenient locations. 
         [0003]    What is needed is a storage container that is sufficiently sized to securely hold a motorcycle or other small vehicle, yet be lightweight and economical, easy to open and close for convenient stowage and removal of the stored vehicle, and adapted to be permanently or temporarily installed on a flat surface. 
       DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
       [0004]    A storage container suitable for vehicular storage on a relatively planar support surface, the storage container having a top comprised of sloped roof section connected to an angled connection wall and three vertical side walls, the connection of the sloped roof section and the angled connection wall forming a first angle of about 90 degrees at a proximal end of the angled connection wall, and at a distal end of the angled connection wall, a second angle rising about 45 degrees from a horizontal plane, the second angle formed by the angled connection wall hingeably connected to a base resting in the horizontal plane. The angled connection wall is weighted with a predetermined weight load. One of the three vertical side walls is a handle wall upon which a handle or other lifting means is affixed. In use, the storage container is in a closed or storage position when the top covers the base. The storage container is placed in an open or access position by a user gripping and then raising the handle. The angled connection wall rotates downwards until it rests on the horizontal plane, maintained in this position by the predetermined weight load affixed thereto. The storage container is further repositionable, by locking the top to the base, grasping the handle, lifting the top, and then pushing or pulling the storage container to a desired location. In one embodiment, wheels are included in the base along the hinged side of the base, and in another embodiment, the storage container further includes a plurality of apertures adapted to receive spikes or other means by which to affix the storage container to the ground for a more permanent installation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented in connection with accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is an elevational, cross-sectional side view of the storage container according to the invention, shown in a closed position, a motorcycle outline shown as it would appear if stored inside an interior storage space formed by a top of the storage box closed over a base. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is an elevational, cross-sectional side view of the storage container in  FIG. 1 , shown in an open position with an angled connection wall resting against the ground or other suitable planar supporting means, allowing the motorcycle or other stowed vehicle to be removed from or placed into the interior storage space. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3   a  is a first perspective view of the storage container shown in the closed or stowage position. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3   b  is a second perspective view of the storage container shown in the closed position. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the storage container in the open position. 
       
    
    
     DRAWINGS LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
       [0011]    The following is a list of reference labels used in the drawings to label components of different embodiments of the invention, and the names of the indicated components.
     100  box or storage container     10  motorcycle     20  lid or top     20   a  side wall     20   b  handle wall     20   c  peak     22  roof section     22   a  back slope     22   b  front slope     22   c  lower edge of front slope     22   d  upper edge of front slope     24  weight load     25  receiving means for weight load     26  lifting means or handle     28  angled connection wall     28   a  lowermost edge     28   b  uppermost edge     32  first angle     34  second angle     36  hinge     38  entry/exit area to access interior storage space     40  frame or base     42  locking means     44  apertures     48  fasteners   
 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]    A box or storage container according to the invention  100  is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . The storage container  100  in a typical embodiment is used to store motorcycles, but is easily modified with appropriate dimensional changes, for other smaller-scaled vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, riding lawn mowers, and bicycles, as well as other non-vehicular storage demands. It is portable and easily transportable, but may also be permanently installed, allowing the storage container  100  to be used in a variety of locations. Dimensions of the storage container  100  vary depending on the intended application, but the design parameters remain constant. Minor dimension variations may be required to allow for disassembled stacking of the unit for shipping or storing. 
         [0038]    In a typical embodiment of the storage container according to the invention  100 , suitable for storage of a motorcycle  10 , the storage container  100  features a generally rectangular base  40  hingeably coupled to a lowermost edge  28   a  of an angled connection wall  28  of a lid or top  20 . The top  20  is further comprised of two parallel, spaced apart vertical top walls or side walls  20   a  and a vertical handle wall  20   b  perpendicular to the side walls  20   a  and perpendicular to the base  40 , all three walls  20   a    20   b  affixed at their uppermost edges to a roof section  22  of the top  20 . The top  20  is shaped to approximate the dimensions (length, width, height) of the motorcycle  10 . The handle wall  20   b  is provided with lifting means  26 , typically a long bar or handle  26 , affixed to the handle wall  20   b  exterior side and opposite the angled connection wall  28 . 
         [0039]    The base  40  serves as a low profile stationary platform, allowing the top  20  to rest on it and separating the top  20  from the ground or other support surface. In an alternative embodiment, the top  20  may be designed to fit over the entire base  40  and rest on the ground or other support surface. The base  40  is comprised of a 3-sided frame in a generally U-shaped configuration, having two parallel side walls in spaced apart relation connected to the hinged angled connection wall  28 , the angled connection wall  28  perpendicular to and sandwiched between the two parallel side walls  20   a.  The handle wall  20   b  is opposite the angled connection wall  28 . A hinge  36  is affixed to both the base  40  and the lowermost edge  28   a  of the angled connection wall  28 . The base  40  may optionally include a bottom or floor. In a first embodiment, the lowermost edges of the top walls  20   a    20   b  rest on the base  40  when closed, and in a second embodiment, the lowermost edges of the top walls  20   a    20   b  rest directly on the support surface. The hinged connection of the base  40  to the top  20  allow the closed top  20  to be lifted upwards in a consistent arc away from the base  40 , thereby opening the storage container  100 . The open side  38  of the base  40  parallel to and opposite the hinged angled connection wall  28 , allows the motorcycle  10  unrestricted entry and exit into the interior storage space, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, the walls  20   a    20   b  of the base  40  oriented away from the hinge  36  and closest to the opening  38  are areas typically where appropriate locking  42  means can be installed to secure the top  20  to the base  40 , for security against theft or tampering, or for transporting the storage container  100  as a single piece. In another embodiment, the base  40  is further comprised of a plurality of holes or apertures  44  arranged about the base  40 , the apertures  44  suitable for fixedly mounting the base  40  to a planar support surface, including the ground, using suitable fasteners  48 , such as screw-type anchors, or to concrete or asphalt foundations with appropriate anchors. The base  40  may also be removably affixed to the support surface, to allow future repositioning of the storage container  100  as desired. In another embodiment, wheels are affixed to the base  40  opposite the handle wall  20   b,  to allow the storage container  100  to be lifted by the handle  26  and simply rolled to a desired location. 
         [0041]    The top  20  is constructed of lightweight, weather resistant material, allowing the storage container  100  to be placed outdoors year round. Fiberglass, aluminum, or structural plastic are all appropriate materials. The material used must be of sufficient strength to withstand snow and wind loads. 
         [0042]    The shape and size of the top  20 , in particular the sloping roof design, allow the motorcycle  10  to fit inside with no substantial excess space in any dimension. The sloping design of the roof section  22  includes a front slope  22   b  and a back slope  22   a,  the front slope  22   b  located above the front of the stored motorcycle&#39;s windshield, as the motorcycle  10  rests on the base  40 . The lower edge of the front slope  22   c  intersects the angled connection wall  28  at a first angle  32 , and in a typical embodiment, the first angle  32  measures approximately 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the first angle measurement may range between approximately 45 degrees and 135 degrees. 
         [0043]    When the storage container  100  is in a closed position, the angled connection wall  28  as measured from the horizontal plane in which the top surface of the base exists, in a typical embodiment rises at a second angle  34 , measuring approximately 45 degrees from the hinged connection between the angled connection wall  28  and the horizontal base  40 , extending a predetermined length. In other embodiments the second angle measurement may range between approximately 20 degrees and up to about 90 degrees. When the top  20  is in an open position, the angled connection wall  28  rests upon the ground and supports the total weight of the top  20  when the top is tilted up and in the open position to allow access to the interior storage area  30 . Weighed material  24 , such as an appropriate quantity of sand or concrete blocks, is securely positioned on the angled connection wall  28  such that when the top  20  is opened, the weighted material  24  is positioned behind the hinged connection, and acts as a counterweight to the weight of the top  20  situated behind the hinges  36 , allowing it to be tilted or lifted more easily. The weight of the materials used will be in accordance with the materials (weight) chosen for the top construction and an owner&#39;s preference of effort desired to lift or open the top  20 . In one embodiment, the weighted material  24  may be altered as desired by the owner. In another embodiment, the quantity of the weighted material is not adjustable or removable. In still another embodiment, the weighted material  24  is secured to the angled connection wall  28  by placement into a receiving means  25 , configured most simply as straps in the case of the weighted material being concrete blocks, or a container with a removable lid that can be filled with a desired quantity or sand or gravel. The front slope  22   b  and the back slope  22   a  of the roof  22  form a peak  20   c  high enough to allow windshield clearance inside the storage container  100 , as well as aid in snow shedding. The handle wall  20   b,  located opposite the angled connection wall  28 , is vertical or near vertical and features an additional section at its lowermost edge to cover an area not covered by the base  40  and used for entry and exit the motorcycle  10 . The remaining two parallel sides  20   a  of the top  20  are vertical or nearly vertical and their uppermost edges follow the shape dictated by the roof design. 
         [0044]    In operation, the base  40  is mounted or placed on the ground or other solid, generally planar support structure. The user, facing the handle wall  20   b,  grasps the handle  26  or other appropriate lifting means to tilt the top  20  up and away from the base  40  via the hinged connection. The top  20 , when raised, will stop in the open position, with the angled connection wall  28  resting against the support structure, the weight of the top  20  supported by the angled connection wall  28 . The weighted material  24  on the angled connection wall  28  prevents the top  20  from unintentionally closing. The user can then move and position the motorcycle  10  into the interior storage area  30 , and by pulling downwards on the handle  26 , close the top  20  around the motorcycle  10  without any part of the top  20  coming in contact with the stored motorcycle  10 . The user then (optionally) locks the top  20  to the base  40 , thereby securing the motorcycle  10 . 
         [0045]    The inventor believes the first and second angles, the weighted material  24  affixed to the angled connection wall  28 , and the angled connection wall itself, result in a top  20  that is easily opened, and remains securely in the open position without the need to use specialized hinges, such as lid support torsion hinges (commonly used on toy box lids), or other lid supports currently used to prevent accidental or unintentional closure of a hinged lid. 
         [0046]    Numerous other modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that the storage container  100  could also be used as a substitute for a conventional building-like shed, to store a variety of items, including small cars, and could be fitted to include windows, battery operated lights, etc.