FOLDABLE STORAGE SYSTEM

A foldable storage system is provided. The foldable storage system includes a top panel to cover the system, a middle panel connected to the top panel by the connecting members, a bottom panel to support contents in the system, a first and a second side rotating panel connected to the middle panel through respective rotating members wherein the first and second side rotating panels rotate inwardly and frictionally contact with the bottom panel, a front top and bottom hinge panel with respective hinged and rotating portions, and a back top and bottom hinge panel with respective hinged and rotating portions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Collapsible storage containers are desirable for storing materials of all kinds. It is also desirable to have the container to have the feature or ability to collapse to a size significantly smaller that the container extended. This feature allows for an increase in areas in which the foldable storage system may be stored, especially when space is limited.

To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a foldable storage system made of segmented or foldable front and back panels, each comprising two panel pieces connected by a hinges. The end panels are connected with hinges and fold inwardly, in an embodiment. This means that the foldable storage system can be put in a usable “box” position by straightening, or folding outward, the foldable end panels and by extension of the front and back panels. A foldable top panel is then provided for protection of any contents therein.

FIGS. 1 and 2illustrate a perspective of a foldable storage system10. The foldable storage system10may include a top panel12, a middle panel26and a bottom panel24to support contents in the system10wherein the top panel12, in an embodiment, is connected by connecting members34to the middle panel26. The panels operate as shear walls to support the bottom panel24, middle panel26and top panel12include the first side rotating panel14and second side rotating panel16(illustrated inFIG. 2). As discussed below, the first and second rotating panels,14and16, are rotatably connected to the middle panel24, in an embodiment.

The first and second side rotating members,14A and16A, allow for the collapse and expansion of the foldable storage system10. The first and second side panels,14and16, rotate inwardly upon expansion of the foldable storage system10such that respective ends frictionally contact with the bottom panel24, extending upwardly the middle panel26. To collapse, inner handles18, connected to each first and second rotating sides,14and16, are such that they can be pulled upwardly.

The first and second side rotating members,14A and16A, in an embodiment, attach at each end of a middle panel26. In another embodiment, the first and second rotating members,14A and16A, can extend from one side of the middle panel26to the other. Generally, the first and second rotating members,14A and16A, can be attached via a fastening means like a screw, bolt or other similar functioning equivalent. Like many elements of the invention, such members can be made out of metal, plastic, or other similar lightweight rigid material that provides durability.

FIG. 3is a close up illustration of the first and second side rotating panels,14and16, collapsed on top of a front top hinge panel20and a back top hinge panel22. Hinge panels are formed with a hinged portion and a rotating portion. The rotating portion is attached to a surface of the middle panel26and bottom panel24. The rotating portion refers to being rotated at an axis allowing rotation to occur with respect to at least one component. The hinged portion is present where the front top hinge panel20is connected to the front bottom hinge panel20A (illustrated inFIG. 5). This connection is through a hinge or other similar mechanism that allows for rotation and collapsibility. The back top hinge panel22and back bottom hinge panel22A are similarly connected in an assembled configuration.

FIGS. 4-8illustrate the foldable storage system10expanding from its collapsible form. In expanding, a user, in an embodiment, unlocks the locking mechanism32(illustrated inFIG. 8). Generally, the lock32is present on both sides of the middle panel26. However, any panel can contain a lock32such that all structure in the invention is fastened.

After unlocking the locking mechanism(s)32, the user can then pull up on outer handles30, which in an embodiment, are connected or fastened to the middle panel26(illustrated inFIG. 5). At this point in the expansion process, the first and second side rotating panel,14and16, rotate inward forming support sides (illustrated inFIG. 6). The front top and bottom hinge panel20and20A, as well as the back top and bottom hinge panel22and22A extend forming the front and back sides.

An advantage of the invention is the ability to store materials and collapse such that storage of the foldable storage system10involves minimal space. In an embodiment the collapsible form of the foldable storage system10can comprise less than fifty percent of the cubic area of the expanded form of the system10. In another embodiment, the collapsible form of the foldable storage system10can comprise less than twenty percent of the cubic feet area of the expanded form of the system10. In another embodiment, the collapsible form can comprise 10 percent of the expanded form cubic feet area. In yet another embodiment, the expanded form houses the cubic feet necessary to encompass only the cubic feet area necessary to house the first and second side rotating panel,14and16; the front top and bottom hinge panel,20,20A; and the back top and bottom hinge panel,22and22A.

Another advantage of the system10is the construction. The construction of the foldable storage system10is such that it is lightweight and durable such that it can function as furniture or other structural devices for household entertainment equipment and further maintain integrity to withstand the forces of the heavy contents stored. In an embodiment, the foldable storage system10can contain edge protection trim, further protecting the integrity. As stated above, this material can be steel, aluminum, titanium, or another metal, carbon fiber or carbon fiber reinforced plastic or other polymer, blend or composite thereof

Another advantage of the system10is its ease of construction. The segmented or collapsible components of the are connected or fastened together using minimal structural material at a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such foldable storage system economically available to the buying public.