Abstract:
The present invention relates to a storage unit for containment, shipping, and storage of articles. The storage unit includes a base and a frame. In various embodiments, the frame may be generally rectangular and defining a storage region therein. The base of the storage unit is designed to matingly engage with a removable wheeled dolly. In a typical embodiment, the dolly facilitates maneuverability and positioning of the storage unit, particularly in confined areas. In various embodiments, a single dolly may facilitate manipulation of multiple storage units, wherein the dolly may be attached to a storage unit while the storage unit is in use and removed when the storage unit is in long-term storage, thereby reducing the space required to store the storage unit.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/160,565, filed May 12, 2015 entitled, “Method and Apparatus for Containment, Shipping, and Storage of Articles,” which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present application relates generally to shipping and storage devices and methods and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a storage unit designed to matingly engage a removable wheeled dolly and methods for utilizing such a storage unit to provide offsite storage. 
     Background 
     It has become increasingly common for companies to lease portable storage and moving containers to commercial entities and individuals. Such storage containers provide sheltered and secure storage space to business entities and individuals at relatively low costs. Additionally, the portable nature of storage and moving containers also makes such containers convenient for moving items and for storing items offsite. Oftentimes, storage and moving containers are delivered to a premesis where they are loaded and then transferred off-site to a long-term storage facility. When being loaded and moved, it is desirable that such storage containers be wheeled to facilitate maneuverability of the storage containers. However, wheels add cost and take up additional space in long-term storage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a storage unit for containment, shipping, and storage of articles. The storage unit includes a base and a frame. In various embodiments, the frame may be generally rectangular and define a storage region therein. The base of the storage unit is designed to matingly engage with a removable wheeled dolly. In a typical embodiment, the wheeled dolly facilitates maneuverability and positioning of the storage unit, particularly in confined areas. In various embodiments, a single dolly may facilitate manipulation of multiple storage units, wherein the dolly may be attached to a storage unit while the storage unit is in use and removed when the storage unit is in long-term storage, thereby reducing the space required to store the storage unit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further objects and advantages thereof, reference may now be had to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a storage unit attached to a wheeled dolly according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the storage unit of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the storage unit of  FIG. 1  having a front door removed according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a back plan view of the storage unit of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a side plan view of the storage unit of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional perspective view of the storage unit of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a back plan view of a cross section of the storage unit of  FIG. 1  along a midline thereof having the dolly removed therefrom; 
         FIG. 8  is a side plan view of the storage unit of  FIG. 1  having the dolly removed therefrom; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of the storage unit of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the wheeled dolly of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 11  is a flow diagram of a method for shipping and storing the storage unit of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a storage unit  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The storage unit  100  includes a base  104 , a frame  106 , and a top surface  128 . The frame  106  is constructed of a plurality of upright members  110  and a plurality of cross members  112 . In a typical embodiment, the frame  106  is enclosed by exterior panels. In a typical embodiment, the exterior panels surround the frame  106  on the top, front, back, and two opposed sides of the storage unit  100 . In the embodiment shown, a front panel  116  and a side panel  118   a  can be seen disposed between the upright members  110  and cross members  112 . In various embodiments, the front panel  116  and side panel  118   a  may be permanently affixed to the frame  106  or may be removably attached to the frame  106 . The frame  106  defines a storage region therein. In various embodiments, the frame  106  may be constructed of a lightweight material such as, for example, polyvinylchloride; however, in other embodiments, the frame  106  is constructed from materials such as, for example, aluminum or various composite materials as dictated by design requirements. In a typical embodiment, outer edges of the upright member  110  may be rounded or padded to reduce damage, for example, to walls or other objects in the event the storage unit  100  impacts a wall or other object. The frame  106  is coupled to the base  104 . As will be discussed in more detail below, a shipping dolly  200  is removably coupled to an underside of the base  104 . In a typical embodiment, the shipping dolly  200  facilitates maneuverability and positioning of the storage unit  100 , particularly in confined areas. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , in a typical embodiment, the storage region of the storage unit  100  may be dimensioned to accommodate a number storage containers therein. By way of example, the storage region may be, in a particular embodiment, dimensioned to be approximately 33 inches wide, approximately 25 inches deep, and approximately 58 inches high without the dolly  200  and 67 inches high with the dolly  200 . However, in other embodiments, either the storage unit  100  or the storage region may be dimensioned to accommodate any number of storage containers as dictated by design requirements. In various embodiments, the storage unit  100  may be loaded with, for example, luggage or hanging garments. The storage unit  100  may include a garment hanger (not shown) that includes a bar extending across an inside of the storage region. In various embodiments, the garment hanger may be placed between opposed cross members  112  of the frame  106  to facilitate hanging of, for example, garments therefrom. In the embodiment shown, the garment hanger may be removably attached to a connector  105   a  located in side panel  118   a.  In some embodiments, additional reinforcement may be added to side panel  118   a  to further support the garment hanger. In various embodiments, the top surface  128  may contain indentations, protrusions, latches, or other additions to facilitate stacking a second storage unit on top of storage unit  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front view of the front side of the storage unit  100  is shown. In the embodiment shown, a front panel  116  of the storage unit  100  includes a hinged door  116   a  having a lockable latch  116   b  that secures the storage region from unauthorized access. In a typical embodiment, the front panel  116  and the door  116   a  are sealed so as to protect the contents in the storage region from the elements and prevent infiltration of, for example, rainwater, dust, etc. In a typical embodiment, the front panel  116  and the door  116   a  are constructed of materials such as, for example, thermoform plastic, aluminum, various composite materials, fiberglass, or other appropriate material as dictated by design requirements. In various embodiments, at least one of the front panel  116  and the door  116   a  may be vented to allow circulation of air through the storage region. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the front side of the storage unit  100  is shown having the door removed. As can be seen in the embodiment shown, a garment hanger  105  can be seen extending between two opposite side panels  118   a  and  118   b.  In various embodiments, the storage area inside storage unit  100  may contain shelves or slots for shelves to be added. In addition to having a removable door, in various embodiments, some or all of the panels may be removable. In some embodiments the top surface or the base may be removable to facilitate nesting of multiple storage units. Although the embodiment shown is generally rectangular, in various embodiments, the storage unit may be a cube or may have one or more angled or sloped sides to facilitate nesting. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a back view of the storage unit  100  is shown. In the embodiment shown, back panel  120  of the storage unit  100  can be seen. In a typical embodiment, back panel  120  does not include a door. In various embodiments, the back panel  120  may include a door or other means of facilitating access to the storage region. In the embodiment shown, back panel  120  is permanently affixed to frame  106  by a plurality of rivets  122 . In various embodiments, back panel  120  may be affixed to frame  106  via other attachment methods, such as screws or glue, or may be removably coupled to frame  106 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a side view of the storage unit  100  is shown. In the embodiment shown, side panel  118   a  of the storage unit  100  can be seen having a garment hanger connector  105   a  and a latch  124 . As can be seen, storage unit  100  has a dolly  200  attached to an underside thereof. As will be explained in more detail below, ends of attachment rods  202   a  and  202   b  can be seen. Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a perspective view of a cross section of storage unit  100  is shown. In the embodiment shown, garment hanger  105  can be seen extending through the storage region of the storage unit  100 . Attachment rods  202   a  and  202   b  can be seen extending through base  200 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a cross section view of storage unit  100  is shown. An inside of front panel  116  can be seen having door  116   a.  In the embodiment shown, the front panel  116  may be locked from the outside and the locking mechanism contains reinforcements  116   c  on the inside to enhance the security of the storage unit  100 . Garment hanger  105  can be seen extending through the storage region of the storage unit  100 . The base  104  of storage unit  100  contains feet  126   a  and  126   b  extending downward therefrom. As explained in more detail below, in various embodiments, feet  126   a  and  126   b  may be configured to mate with corresponding grooves in the dolly (not shown). In various embodiments, feet  126   a  and  126   b  may be sized to facilitate tines of a forklift being inserted therethrough for lifting storage unit  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a side view of storage unit  100  is shown detached from the dolly (not shown). From this view, side panel  118   b  can be seen having latch  124  and garment hanger connector  105   a.  Foot  126   b  of base  104  can be seen extending downward from storage unit  100 . As explained in more detail below, in various embodiments, foot  126   b  may contain holes  204   a  and  204   b  through which connector rods (not shown) may pass for coupling the storage unit  100  to the dolly (not shown). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a bottom view of storage unit  100  is shown detached from the dolly (not shown). In various embodiments, the base  104  may contain feet  126   a  and  126   b  disposed on opposite ends of the base  104  and extending from the front to the back of base  104 . In other embodiments, more or less feet may be disposed on the base  104 . As can be seen, holes  204   a  and  204   b  extend through feet  126   a  and  126   b.    
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a perspective view of the shipping dolly  200  for use with the storage unit  100  is shown. The shipping dolly  200  includes a platform  206  and a plurality of wheels  114  coupled to the platform  206 . In a typical embodiment, the plurality of wheels  114  are, for example, approximately five inches in diameter. By way of example, the platform  206  in the embodiment shown contains four wheels  114 ; however, in other embodiments, the platform  206  may contain more or fewer wheels  114  as dictated by design requirements. In a typical embodiment, at least two of the wheels  114  are able to swivel about a vertical axis so as to facilitate maneuverability; however, in other embodiments all or none of the wheels  114  may swivel. In some embodiments, the wheels  114  may be casters, may be lockable or may be retractable. In a typical embodiment, the dolly  200  may be removably coupled to an underside of the base  104  of storage unit  100 . In various embodiments, dolly  200  may include troughs  226   a  and  226   b  on opposite sides thereof shaped to matingly engage feet  126   a  and  126   b  of base  104  (not shown). In various embodiments, dolly  200  may include holes corresponding to holes  204   a  and  204   b  of base  104  (not shown) aligned in registry therewith and configured to allow connector rods  202   a  and  202   b  to pass therethough to securely affix dolly  200  to base  104 . In various embodiments, the troughs  226   a  and  226   b  may be configured to allow tines of a forklift to fit under connector rods  202   a  and  202   b  to facilitate lifting of the storage unit  100  when the dolly  200  is attached thereto. In other embodiments, latches (not shown) for securing the dolly  200  to the storage unit  100  may be included in addition to or in place of the connector rods. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a flow diagram of a process  1100  for shipping and storing the storage unit is described. The process  1100  begins at step  1102  when a storage unit is provided. At step  1104 , a dolly is coupled to the underside of the base of the storage unit to allow the storage unit to be rolled around and delivered to a location. At step  1106 , the storage unit is loaded with, for example, a plurality of storage containers. In various embodiments, however, the storage unit may be loaded with, for example, luggage, hanging garments, or other items as dictated by needs. In a typical embodiment, the storage unit may be dimensioned such that approximately ten storage containers may fit into the storage region with minimal excess space; however, in other embodiments, the storage unit may be dimensioned as necessary according to design requirements. In various embodiments, a plurality of storage units may be utilized having different heights, but having similar sized bases such that one or more dollies of a standard size may be coupled to the various storage units. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 11 , at step  1108 , the storage unit is secured from unauthorized access. In a typical embodiment, securement of the storage unit includes locking a door. At step  1110 , the storage unit is maneuvered, via the dolly, to a designated pick-up location. At step  1112 , the storage unit is placed on a shipping vehicle. In various embodiments, the storage unit may be rolled onto a shipping vehicle or may be placed on the shipping vehicle via, for example, a crane or a forklift In other embodiments, the shipping vehicle is equipped with a lifting mechanism that places the storage unit on the shipping vehicle. In a typical embodiment, the shipping vehicle is dimensioned to accommodate a plurality of storage units with minimal wasted space. At step  1114 , the shipping vehicle transports the storage unit to, for example, a long-term storage facility. At step  1116 , the dolly is removed from the storage unit to reduce the amount of space necessary to store the storage unit. In various embodiments, the dolly may be removed prior to loading the storage unit onto the shipping vehicle. At step  1118 , the storage unit is stored in the long-term storage facility. At step  1120 , when it is time to deliver the storage unit, the storage unit is removed from long term storage and the dolly is reattached to the storage unit. The storage unit is then delivered to its final destination. In various embodiments, the dolly may remain coupled to the storage unit throughout the process, including during long term storage. In various embodiments, the storage unit may be utilized to provide offsite storage in an urban environment, for example, by storing a plurality of storage units at a storage facility and then delivering and retrieving storage units in response to requests received from owners of the articles contained in the storage units. 
     Although various embodiments of the method and system of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Specification, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth herein. It is intended that the Specification and examples be considered as illustrative only.