Patent Publication Number: US-7210595-B2

Title: Storage device

Description:
This invention relates to a storage device, and particularly to a storage device which is movable between an in use condition and a storage condition. 
   Storage devices which are capable of being moved between an in use condition and a storage condition are known. An example of one such storage device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,393 and comprises a resilient coiled frame having sheet material located therebetween to form the side walls of the device. An opening is provided in the top of the device so that items can be located therein. The resilient frame biases the device to an erect in use condition. In order to move the device to a collapsed storage condition, the device is flattened by applying pressure in a downwardly direction on the top surface of the device to overcome the resilient bias of the coiled frame. Other similar devices are disclosed in GB2336520, U.S. Pat. No. 2,150,620 and U.S. Pat. No. 400,588 but these devices typically require a twisting action to be imparted to portions of the device to move the devices between collapsed and erected positions. 
   Problems associated with these types of devices are that the resilient frame means are expensive to manufacture and assemble and the devices are required to have securing means to maintain the devices in a collapsed storage condition, typically due to the resilience of the frame means and/or one or more support members provided between the frame means. 
   It is an aim of the present invention to provide a storage device having an alternative means of moving the device between flattened and erect conditions. 
   It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a storage device which overcomes the abovementioned problems. 
   According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage device, said storage device including at least first and second frame means and one or more support members for maintaining said at least first and second frame means at a spaced distance apart, said support member(s) and frame means defining the shape of the storage device, and sheet material depending between said at least first and second frame means and/or said one or more support members forming at least side walls of the device, said device movable between a flattened/collapsed condition and an erect condition by user manipulation of said frame means, said user manipulation including rotating at least one of said frame means relative to another of said frame means to twist the device and move the device between said flattened/collapsed and erect conditions, and wherein when the device is in the flattened/collapsed or erected conditions, the support members are substantially straight. 
   Since the support members are substantially straight in both the flattened and erect conditions, there is no requirement for additional means to be provided to maintain the device in either condition. 
   Preferably the frame means is rotated/twisted about a substantially central axis thereof. 
   The at least first and second frame means can be rotated in a substantially opposite direction to each other or one of the frame means can be held in a stationary position and the other frame means rotated relative thereto. 
   Preferably the one or more support members are formed from a flexible material to allow flexing or bending thereof when one of the frame means is rotated relative to another of said frame means. 
   Further preferably the support members are formed from any or any combination of glass fibre, plastic or metal material. Preferably at least the ends of the support members are located in channels and/or pockets on the device. When the device is an erect condition, the channels and/or pockets are spaced a sufficient distance apart to allow a support member to be substantially straight. 
   In order for the support members to be substantially straight when the device is in the erect or collapsed conditions, when a frame means is rotated relative to another frame means, the distance between the pockets or channels housing at least the ends of each support member located between the frame means is initially reduced. This causes each support member to be placed under increased compression/tension (compression on one side of the support member and tension on the other side), typically causing the support member to bend or flex. Further rotation action causes the distance between the pockets or channels to again increase, thereby causing the support member to straighten and resulting in the portion of the device between the frame means to be moved from the erect to collapsed condition or vice versa. 
   Preferably the ratio of the length of the support member and spacing of the pockets or channels for housing at least the ends of the support member is such that the support member is caused to be placed under increased compression/tension on initial twisting or rotation of the frame means and then reduced 
   compression/tension as subsequent increased or decreased twisting of the device takes place until the point where the device is fully erect or fully collapsed. 
   In one embodiment a whole or a substantial part of the one or more support members is located in a channel or pocket in the device. 
   Preferably the channel or pocket is formed from sheet material, and further preferably from the sheet material forming the side walls of the device. 
   Further preferably the channel or pockets housing the ends of a support member are located adjacent respective frame means which are required to be manipulated relative to each other in order to move the device between erect and flattened conditions. 
   The support members are typically elongate but can be of any size, width and/or length. In a preferred embodiment the support members are in the form of rods. 
   In one embodiment the at least first and second frame means form the base and top of the device. In this embodiment the support members form the side walls of the device. 
   Preferably the support members are arranged in a substantially vertical orientation. 
   In an alternative embodiment the at least first and second frame means form one or more side walls of the device. In this embodiment the one or more support members form the top and/or base of the device. 
   Preferably the support members are arranged in a substantially horizontal orientation. 
   In one embodiment at least one of said first and second frame means is in the form of a panel. The panel may or may not have sheet material covering the same and can be substantially rigid if required. 
   Preferably an aperture or opening is defined in the panel to allow one or more items to be located in the device. 
   In a further embodiment at least one of said first and second frame means is in the form of a frame member, such as an enclosed loop. 
   In either embodiment, the at least first and second frame means are typically substantially rigid, thereby providing rigidity to the device and allowing manipulation of the same without the frame means collapsing. 
   In a yet further embodiment the one or more support members provide support to the top, base and/or side walls of the device in addition to the frame members. Thus, for example, the base of the device can be defined by at least one frame member and at least one support member, the support member being positioned between two locations on the frame member, thereby providing the frame member with increased strength. 
   The sheet material moves with the frame means and/or support member(s) between said flattened and erect conditions. 
   Preferably the sheet material depending between said at least first and second frame means and/or support members forms substantially planar walls of the structure. 
   In one embodiment the storage device is provided with closure means to close one or more apertures or openings provided in the device. 
   In one embodiment the closure means include one or more sub frame members. 
   Preferably the sub frame members are movable independently of said at least first and second frame means and/or support members. 
   The sheet material can be attached to the support members and/or frame means by stitching, hooks, adhesive, VELCRO and/or the like, thereby allowing the sheet material to follow the movement of the rod or frame members. 
   In one embodiment two or compartments are formed in the device. The compartments are typically defined by sheet material attached between one or more support members and/or frame members. 
   In a further embodiment of the present invention, the storage device is provided with at least three frame means defining at least two sections in the device. Each section of the device is typically collapsed independently of the other section(s), thereby allowing the size of the device to be changed according to the space available and the number of items required to be stored in the device. 
   In order to collapse a section/part or all of the device, one frame means is twisted relative to one of the other frame means, typically the nearest frame means defining the section, thereby causing said section to collapse and fold. The third and or further frame means can then be twisted relative to the frame means of the collapsed first section to collapse the second section and so on, with further spaced frame means. 
   In a yet further embodiment of the present invention, the storage device is provided with engagement means for engaging two or more of the storage devices together. For example, the engagement means can include VELCRO, straps, hinges, clips and/or the like. 
   In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a device having a central cavity defined by first and second frame members, said frame members spaced apart by a series of support members with their ends positioned at the respective peripheries of the frame members, said device movable between erect and storage conditions and wherein the support members with the device in the erect condition lie substantially perpendicular to the frame members and relative rotation of the frame members causes a twisting action on the support members and hence moves the frame members to the storage condition in which they are adjacent and parallel to each other. 
   Preferably the support members are substantially straight in either condition. 
   According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of moving a storage device between flattened and erect conditions, said storage device including at least first and second frame means and one or more support members arranged so as to maintain said at least first and second frame means a spaced distance apart when in an erect condition and for defining the shape of the storage device, said device further provided with sheet material depending between said frame means and/or support members and wherein said method includes the steps of rotating at least one of said first and second frame means relative to the other of said frame means to twist at least a portion of the device between said frame means, said rotation occurring in a first direction for moving the device to a flattened condition and in an opposite direction for moving the device to an erect condition, the support members being substantially straight in the erect or flattened conditions. 
   According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage device, said storage device including at least first and second frame means and one or more support members for maintaining said at least first and second frame means a spaced distance apart, said support member(s) and frame means defining the shape of the storage device, and sheet material depending between said at least first and second frame means and/or said one or more support members forming at least side walls of the device, said device movable between a flattened condition and an erect condition by user manipulation of said frame means and wherein at least one of said at least first and second frame means is required to be rotated relative to the other of said frame means to twist the device and move the device between said flattened and erect conditions and at least one of said first and second frame means comprises an enclosed loop frame. 

   
     Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of a storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a fully erect condition; 
       FIGS. 1   b – 1   f  show the different stages involved in moving the storage device in  FIG. 1   a  to a flattened condition; 
       FIG. 1   g  is a plan view of the storage device in  FIG. 1   a  in a flattened condition; 
       FIGS. 2   a – 2 I illustrate different embodiments of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 3A–3D  illustrate a yet further embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  show a detailed view of the closure means according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  show a detailed view of a closure means according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and 
       FIGS. 6A–6C  illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   Referring firstly to  FIGS. 1   a – 1   g , there is illustrated a storage device  2  which can be manipulated between an erect in use condition and a flattened storage condition. 
   The storage device  2  comprises frame members  4 ,  6 ,  8  and rod members  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16  located between frame members  4  and  6  to define the first section ‘A’ of the device, and rod members  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  located between frame members  6  and  8  to define a second section ‘B’ of the device. 
   The frame members in this described embodiment are circular loops and the length of the rod members are substantially equal to the diameter of the frame members. However, the rod members can be greater, equal to or less than the diameter or cross section of the shape defined by the frame members. 
   Sheet material  26  depends between frame member  4  to form the base of the device and between the rod members and frame members to form the side walls of the device. The sheet material is typically provided with channels to allow the insertion of the members therein, thereby providing an improved aesthetic appearance and preventing the rod and frame members from being damaged or obstructed during movement or storage. However, it will be appreciated that the members can be located adjacent the sheet material and be provided internally or externally of the device. 
   The sheet material is typically a hard wearing flexible plastic or fabric material. 
   The arrangement of the frame and rod members and the sheet material provides a compartment in said device when in an erect condition in which one or more items can be stored. 
   The device  2  is further provided with closure means  28  for closing an opening  30  of said device. The closure means in this embodiment comprises sub frame members  32 ,  34 ,  36  and  38 . Sheet material  40  is located between the sub-frame members and said members and said sheet material are pivotally movable between a closed position, as shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  4   a  and an open position, as shown in  FIG. 4   b.    
   The frame members are typically made from a substantially rigid material to provide support and rigidity to the storage device. The rod members are typically provided of such dimensions to allow the device to be maintained in the erect condition yet be sufficiently flexible to allow the device to be manipulated between said erect condition shown in  FIG. 1   a  and a completely flattened condition shown in  FIG. 1   f.    
   In order to collapse or flatten the device  2 , as shown in  FIGS. 1   a – 1   g , a user first collapses lower part ‘A’ of device  2  by twisting or rotating frame member  6  relative to frame member  4 , as shown by arrow  42 . In this described embodiment, this rotational action is typically about the co-axis of the substantially circular frame members, and causes the relative twisting of the support members and the sheet material, to move the lower part ‘A’ to the collapsed condition. 
   When the device is in a fully erect or flattened condition, the rod members are substantially straight, typically substantially vertical, and under little or no tension. Twisting of the frame members defining section ‘A’, as shown by arrow  44 , causes the channels in which the rods are located to reduce in length (i.e. the ends of the channels are moved closer together), thereby causing the tension in the rods to increase and the rods to bend, as shown by  FIG. 1   b . Following continued rotation of the frame members, a point will be reached when the channels in which the rods are located increase in length (i.e. the ends of the channels are moved further apart), thereby releasing the tension in the rods and causing section ‘A’ to collapse without further manipulation being required. In moving the device from a collapsed to an erect condition, the process takes place in reverse. 
   When section ‘A’ of the device is collapsed, the rod members straighten and lie in a partially overlapping arrangement, thereby bringing frame member  4  into a position adjacent frame member  6 . Referring to  FIG. 1   c , once the lower part ‘A’ of the storage device has been collapsed frame member  8  can, if required, be rotated relative to frame member  6 , as shown by arrow  46 , to collapse upper part ‘B’ of device  2 . This twisting action can be in the same or opposite direction to the twisting action used to collapse the lower part ‘A’. 
   Continued bending of rod members  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 , due to the twisting action, as shown by arrow  48  and  FIG. 1   d  causes said rods to straighten in a partially overlapping arrangement, thereby bringing frame member  8  into contact with frame member  6 , as shown in  FIG. 1   e.    
   Closure means  28  can then be moved to a flattened condition by pivoting lead sub-frame members  34  and  36  from the closed position, wherein the lead sub frame members are adjacent and facing each other, to an open position, wherein the sub-frame members are spaced apart and adjacent frame member  8 , as shown in  FIG. 1   f.    
   The final collapsed storage device is shown in plan view in  FIG. 1   g , with the sheet material folded to form pleats between the rod members. 
   The embodiment of the storage device described above is one example of a number of possible arrangements. Referring to  FIGS. 2   a – 2 I, examples of further storage devices in accordance with the present invention are shown. 
   The first and second frame members  102 ,  104  are heart shaped, as shown in  FIG. 2   a , with rod members  106  separating said frame members and providing support for the side walls of the device. Sheet material  108  is provided between the frame members and rod members. An opening  110  is provided in the top surface of the storage device to allow one or more items to be placed therein. 
   A similar arrangement is shown in  FIG. 2   b  but the frame members are star shaped. A substantially cylindrical arrangement is shown in  FIG. 2   c  and is similar to the storage device shown in  FIGS. 1   a – 1   f  but only two frame members  102 ,  104  are provided. A hemispherically shaped closure  112  is provided over an opening in the device and operates in a similar manner to the closure  28  shown in  FIG. 1   a.    
   A further cylindrical storage device is shown in  FIG. 2   d  comprising two tiers  114 ,  114 ′ defined between three frame members  116 ,  118 ,  120 . A closure in the form of a hinged lid  122  is provided to close opening  124 . 
   In  FIG. 2   e , the frame members  126 ,  128  of the device define the end walls  130  of the device. Rod members  132  are provided between each frame member in the end walls to provide strength and rigidity to the structure and/or can be provided between the frame members  126 ,  128  to form the top and/or base of the device. Alternatively, the device can be located in a different orientation such that the frame members  126 ,  128  form the top and base of the device and the rod members  132  form the side walls of the device, as shown in  FIG. 2   g . An opening can be provided in the sheet material at any suitable location on the device. For example, the opening can be provided with a zip closure  134  on one or more sides of the device, thereby allowing the device to be provided in one of a number of possible orientations, whilst allowing access to the interior of the storage device. 
   A number of further features can be provided on the storage device to improve the aesthetic appearance thereof. The further features can provide the storage device with the appearance of a character, person, monster, animal, building and/or the like. For example, in  FIG. 2   f , the storage device is formed to give the appearance of a castle with a plurality of smaller rod members  136  provided as flag poles, and sheet material  138  depending therefrom to form flags. A trim  140  is provided along an upper edge of the device to provide the appearance of castle walls. One or more designs can be printed onto the sheet material, such as a door  142  to improve the realism of the structure. An opening  144  can be provided at any suitable location on the structure for allowing one or more items to be located in the device. 
   The further features can be planar or non-planar features and may be provided with additional sub frames which can be moved between collapsed and erect conditions as required. 
   In a further embodiment of the present invention, sheet material can be provided between frame members or rod members within the interior of the device to provide one or more compartments therein. For example, in  FIG. 2   h , sheet material is provided between frame member  150 , such that the space between frame member  148  and  150  defines a first compartment  152 , and the space between frame member  150  and  154  defines a second compartment  156 . Openings  158  and  160  can be provided at suitable locations on the device to allow access to said first and second compartments  152  and  156 . 
     FIG. 2I  illustrates a yet further embodiment of the present invention wherein the frame members in the device are of different sizes. Thus, in this example, frame member  162  is of larger cross sectional area than either frame members  164  and  166 , thereby giving the device a tapered or barrel shaped appearance. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3A–3D , there is illustrated a further embodiment of the present invention wherein a storage device  201  is provided. In this embodiment a helical frame member  206  is provided between frame members  204  and  208  forming the top and base of the device respectively. Sheet material  210  is attached between the frame members to form the walls of the device and rod members  202  are located between different portions of the helical frame member  206 . In use, a user twists portions of the helical frame member  206  relative to a different portion thereof. This causes the sheet material to twist therebetween and at least part of the device to be flattened. The device  201  is provided with two closure elements  212 ,  214  which are pivoted about pivot points  216 ,  218  shown in  FIGS. 3C ,  4 A and  4 B in order to close an opening in the device. The two closure elements  212 ,  214  operate in a similar manner to the closure means shown in  FIGS. 1   c – 1   f . The closure elements are moved between an erect position as shown in  FIGS. 3A–3D  and a flattened position as shown in  FIG. 4B  by moving the closure elements in a downwardly and outwardly direction, as shown by arrows  220 . In order to close the opening, the closure elements are pivoted in a reverse direction (i.e. in an upwardly direction towards each other). 
   The sheet material  222  attached between the leading edges  224 ,  226  and further sub frame members  228  moves with the leading edge between a folded condition, as shown in  FIG. 4B , when the closure element is in an open position and a substantially extended or taut condition when the closure element is in a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 4A . 
     FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a closure means comprising a single closure element  302  which is pivotally attached to a frame member  304  at pivot point  306 . A leading edge  308  of closure element  302  is movable in an upwardly direction from a first end  310  of the frame member when in a closed position to a second end  312  of the frame member when in an open position. The sheet material  313  attached between the leading edge  308  and further sub frames  314  moves with the leading edge between a folded condition when the closure element is in an open position and a substantially extended or taut condition when the closure element is in a closed position. 
   Attachment means in the form of a Velcro strap  230 ,  330  can be provided to secure two closure elements together when in a closed condition or a single closure element to a frame member or side of the device when in a closed condition. Other forms of attachments means can be used, such as a clip, hook, zip and/or the like. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 6A–6C  there is illustrated a storage device  402  having two compartments  404 ,  406  defined by frame means in the form of panels  410  and  412  forming the base and top of the device respectively and panel  414  forming the middle dividing portion. Rod members  416  are provided adjacent the corners of the device and each compartment  404 ,  406  is collapsed and erected as described above. Hooks  418  are provided along an edge of the device in order to suspend/hang the same from suitable attachment means provided on a wall, post or similar. Closures in the form of hand dividers  420  or sheet material located over openings  422  are provided to allow access to the interior of compartments  404  and  406 . 
   The device  402  can be provided in a vertical orientation, as shown in  FIG. 6A , or can be provided in a horizontal orientation, as shown in  FIG. 6B . In the latter orientation, the back of the device forms the base of the device. The rod members and panels provide sufficient strength and rigidity to the device to allow the device to be placed in the different orientations. 
   Two or more storage devices  402 ,  402 ′ can be joined together by securing means in the form of a hinge  424 . The hinge, in one example, is in the form of a bent rod, each end of which is removably located in channels provided on the two devices. The hinge allows the ends of two devices to be pivotally movable between a first closed position, wherein the ends  426 ,  428  of the devices are adjacent each other, and a second open position, wherein the ends of the devices are a sufficient distance apart to allow a user to access the interior of the compartments via the openings  430  provided on the ends, as shown in  FIG. 6C . 
   In the illustrated embodiment the two devices are hemispherical in shape, such that when the ends of the two devices are brought into engagement together, the resulting storage device is substantially cylindrical in shape. However, it will be appreciated that any number of storage arrangements can be joined together to form any required resulting shape. 
   Thus it can be seen that any number of frame members and rod members can be used to provide a storage device of a required shape and/or design. The sheet material depending between said frame and rod members can have one or more designs printed thereon to provide a required aesthetic effect. In addition, the storage device can be provided in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. 
   The present invention provides a quick and easy means of moving a storage device between collapsed and erect conditions. There is no requirement for resiliently biased frame members as in the prior art and thus the present invention is inexpensive to produce compared to said prior art devices.