Patent Description:
Standard storage systems are generally known in the art. Some storage systems include features such as selectively sealable openings for enhanced security, while others include various materials for a range of storage properties. However, conventional storage systems are generally not integrated with an article to be stored, resulting in reduced system convenience and utility. Further, known storage systems do not include one or more of integrated closure systems and carrying systems. The accessories or integrated features available on known storage systems do not purposefully and effectively address these issues. The present disclosure seeks to overcome some limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art, and to provide new features not heretofore available. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present disclosure is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. The document <CIT> discloses a storage and transportation system according to the state of the art.

In some implementations of the present disclosure, a storage and transportation system is provided. The storage and transportation system includes an inflatable article, a storage and transport apparatus connected to the inflatable article via a connector, the storage and transport apparatus including a closed end, an open end and a sidewall disposed substantially between the open end and the closed end, the sidewall defining a first surface and a second surface, a first cavity formed by the first surface and the closed end when the storage and transportation system is disposed in a first position, a second cavity formed by the second surface and the closed end when the storage and transportation system is disposed in a second position, and an aperture defined by the open end, the storage and transportation system transitioning from the first position to the second position by the closed end and at least a portion of the inflatable article passing through the aperture, thereby forming the second cavity, the storage and transportation system transitioning from the second position to the first position by the closed end and at least a portion of the inflatable article passing through the aperture, thereby forming the first cavity.

In some implementations of the present disclosure, a method for reconfiguring a storage and transportation system is provided. The method includes providing an inflatable article, connecting a storage and transport apparatus to the inflatable article via a connector, the storage and transport apparatus including a closed end, an open end and a sidewall disposed substantially between the open end and the closed end, the sidewall defining a first surface and a second surface, the open end defining an aperture, defining a first cavity as being formed by the first surface and closed end when the storage and transportation system is disposed in a first position, defining a second cavity as being formed by the second surface and closed end when the storage and transportation system is disposed in a second position, and transitioning the storage and transportation system from the first position to the second position by passing the closed end and at least a portion of the inflatable article through the aperture, thereby forming the second cavity, and transitioning the storage and transportation system from the second position to the first position by passing the closed end and at least a portion of the inflatable article through the aperture, thereby forming the first cavity.

To understand the present disclosure, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which implementations of the disclosures are illustrated and, together with the descriptions below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

While the integrated storage system discussed herein may be implemented in many different forms, the disclosure will show in the drawings, and will herein describe in detail, implementations with the understanding that the present description is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the sign stand and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosure to the implementations illustrated.

A storage and transportation system <NUM> is disclosed. Referring now to the figures, and initially to <FIG>, the storage and transportation system <NUM> includes an article <NUM>. The article <NUM>, which may be an inflatable article <NUM>, is compressible between a plurality of volumes, orientations and/or arrangements. The inflatable article <NUM> may be formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), although other suitable polymers or materials may be used. The article <NUM> may also be made of a foam, polymer or other compressible material.

The inflatable article <NUM> assumes one form when filled with a fluid, another form when substantially devoid of the fluid and a transitional form when the inflatable article <NUM> is partially filled with the fluid. The inflatable article <NUM> includes an exterior surface <NUM> defining an interior cavity (not shown). The exterior surface <NUM> substantially retains the fluid within the inflatable article <NUM>, enabling the inflatable article <NUM> to achieve and maintain an inflated state. <FIG> and <FIG> show the inflatable article <NUM> in an inflated state.

A valve <NUM> is disposed on the exterior surface <NUM> and facilitates the inflation and/or deflation of the inflatable article <NUM> by allowing fluid to pass through the valve <NUM> in one or more directions. In this manner, fluid may pass from the interior cavity through the valve <NUM> to an exterior of the inflatable article <NUM> to deflate the inflatable article <NUM>, and fluid may pass from the exterior of the inflatable article <NUM> through the valve <NUM> to the interior cavity to inflate the inflatable article <NUM>. In some implementations, separate and dedicated valves are used for inflating and deflating the inflatable article <NUM>.

In some implementations, the inflatable article <NUM> is an inflatable mattress <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the inflatable mattress <NUM> includes a mattress body <NUM> defining lateral sides <NUM>, a connection end <NUM> and a distal end <NUM>. Lateral wings <NUM> may be disposed on the lateral sides <NUM>. Other inflatable elements, such as a distal protrusion or a connection protrusion, may be disposed on the distal end <NUM> and connection end <NUM>, respectively. In some embodiments, a raised inflatable continuous barrier (not shown) is disposed on the lateral sides <NUM>, connection end <NUM> and distal end <NUM>. The valve <NUM> may be disposed on the connection end <NUM>.

The storage and transportation system <NUM> includes a storage and transport apparatus <NUM>. The storage and transport apparatus <NUM> is, a pouch <NUM> having a closed end <NUM> and an open end <NUM>. The open end <NUM> defines an aperture <NUM>. A sidewall <NUM> extends substantially between the closed end <NUM> and the open end <NUM>, and the sidewall <NUM> may be substantially continuous. As exemplarily shown in <FIG>, the sidewall <NUM> defines a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM>, the first and second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> bounded by the closed end <NUM> and the open end <NUM>. The first and second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> may be disposed on substantially opposite sides of the sidewall <NUM>. The pouch <NUM> comprises a substantially solid, opaque or water-tight material. According to the present invention, the pouch <NUM> is formed from a mesh material <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>, allowing for the passage of fluid through the pouch <NUM>.

One or more of the first surface and the second surface <NUM>, <NUM> includes instructional indicia <NUM> in some implementations. The instructional indicia <NUM> may include markings, illustrations, instructions, colors, text and/or numerals for apprising a user of storage and transportation system <NUM> operations. Such operations will be described below in detail. The instructional indicia <NUM> is schematically represented by an "X" on the second surface <NUM> of <FIG>, and the instructional indicia <NUM> is schematically represented by a "Y" on the first surface <NUM> of <FIG>. Instructional indicia <NUM> disposed on the first surface <NUM> may be the same as, or different from, instructional indicia <NUM> disposed on the second surface <NUM>.

A connector <NUM> is disposed between the storage and transport apparatus <NUM> and the article <NUM>, inflatable article <NUM> and/or inflatable mattress <NUM>. In some implementations, as shown in the figures, the connector <NUM> is connected to the connection end <NUM> and the closed end <NUM> and/or the second surface <NUM>. The connector <NUM>, in some implementations, permanently joins the transport apparatus <NUM> and the article <NUM> at the closed end <NUM> and the connection end <NUM>, respectively. In other implementations, the connector <NUM> releasably joins the transport apparatus <NUM> and the article <NUM>. In some implementations, the connector <NUM> is joined to the second surface <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a pouch securement system <NUM>. The pouch securement system <NUM>, which may include a pocket <NUM>, selectively houses and secures the storage and transport apparatus <NUM> when the article <NUM> is inflated or otherwise deployed, or when the storage and transportation system <NUM> is arranged in a first position, as will be described below.

<FIG> show the storage and transportation system <NUM> in a first, or deployed or use, position <NUM>. A first cavity <NUM> is defined by the first surface <NUM>, the closed end <NUM> and the open end <NUM> when the storage and transportation system <NUM> is arranged in the first position <NUM>. In the first position <NUM>, one or more of the article <NUM>, inflatable article <NUM>, inflatable mattress <NUM> and the connector <NUM>, are not disposed within the first cavity <NUM>. Instead, in the first position <NUM>, the one or more of the article <NUM>, inflatable article <NUM> and inflatable mattress <NUM> are disposed exterior to the first cavity <NUM> and may further be joined to the storage and transport apparatus <NUM> by the connector <NUM>.

<FIG> show the storage and transportation system <NUM> in a second, or storage or transportation, position <NUM>. A second cavity <NUM> is defined by the second surface <NUM>, the closed end <NUM> and the open end <NUM> when the storage and transportation system <NUM> is arranged in the second position <NUM>. In the second position <NUM>, one or more of the article <NUM>, inflatable article <NUM>, inflatable mattress <NUM> and the connector <NUM> are disposed within the second cavity <NUM>, and may further be joined to the storage and transport apparatus <NUM> by the connector <NUM>.

A carrying handle <NUM> is attached to the storage and transportation system <NUM>. In some implementations, the carrying handle <NUM> is connected to the storage and transport apparatus <NUM>. In some implementations, the carrying handle <NUM> is connected to the storage and transport apparatus <NUM> at, or proximate to, the open end <NUM>. The carrying handle <NUM> enables a user to easily carry and transport the storage and transportation system <NUM>.

A constriction, or closure, system <NUM> is included with the storage and transportation system <NUM> and facilitates a reduction in size of the aperture <NUM> when the storage and transportation system <NUM> is arranged in one or more of the first position <NUM> or the second position <NUM>. Such a reduction in size, or even complete elimination, of the aperture <NUM> when the storage and transportation system <NUM> is arranged in the second position <NUM> secures one or more of the article <NUM>, inflatable article <NUM>, inflatable mattress <NUM> and the connector <NUM> within the second cavity <NUM>. The constriction system <NUM> may utilize any number of mechanical fasteners or devices to reduce a size of the aperture <NUM>. As shown in the figures, the constriction system <NUM> may be disposed on the storage and transport apparatus <NUM> and may further be disposed at, or near, the open end <NUM>.

In some implementations, as shown in <FIG>, the constriction system <NUM> includes a drawstring <NUM> with an actuator <NUM> to reduce a size of the aperture <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may be a biased actuator.

In some implementations, as shown in <FIG>, the constriction system <NUM> includes corresponding hook-and-loop panels <NUM>, <NUM> to reduce a size of the aperture <NUM>.

In some implementations, as shown in <FIG>, the constriction system <NUM> includes a zipper <NUM> to reduce a size of the aperture <NUM>.

In some implementations, as shown in <FIG>, the constriction system <NUM> includes one or more buckles <NUM> to reduce a size of the aperture <NUM>. The buckles <NUM> may be side-release, top-release or bottom-release buckles.

In some implementations, as shown in <FIG>, the constriction system <NUM> includes one or more mechanical clasps <NUM>, <NUM> to reduce a size of the aperture <NUM>. The mechanical clasps <NUM>, <NUM> may be biased mechanical clasps.

In some implementations, as shown in <FIG>, the constriction system <NUM> includes mutually-attractive permanent magnets <NUM>, <NUM> to reduce a size of the aperture <NUM>.

In some implementations, as shown in <FIG>, the constriction system <NUM> includes tie strings <NUM>, <NUM> to reduce a size of the aperture <NUM>.

In operation, the storage and transportation system <NUM> can be arranged in the first position <NUM>, the second position <NUM> or an intermediate position, as shown in <FIG>, while transitioning between the first and second positions <NUM>, <NUM>.

The storage and transportation system <NUM> is shown as being arranged in the first position <NUM> in <FIG>. From an inflated state, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the article <NUM> is deflated or compressed to a less voluminous state, as shown in <FIG>. Portions of the article <NUM>, which may include lateral sides <NUM> and lateral wings <NUM>, are folded laterally as shown in <FIG>. The folded article <NUM> is then rolled, folded or compressed to a subsequent form, exemplarily shown in <FIG>. It can be seen that in the first position <NUM>, the first cavity <NUM> is formed and is devoid of one or more of the article <NUM>, inflatable article <NUM>, inflatable mattress <NUM> and the connector <NUM>.

The storage and transportation system <NUM> can transition from the first position <NUM> to the second position <NUM>. One or more of the article <NUM>, inflatable article <NUM>, inflatable mattress <NUM> and the connector <NUM> passes through the aperture <NUM> of the open end <NUM> as the storage and transportation system <NUM> transitions from the first position <NUM> to the second position <NUM>. Further, in some implementations, the closed end <NUM> passes through the aperture <NUM> of the open end <NUM> as the storage and transportation system <NUM> transitions from the first position <NUM> to the second position <NUM>. In some implementations, as the storage and transportation system <NUM> transitions from the first position <NUM> to the second position <NUM> as sequentially shown in <FIG>, a size of the first cavity <NUM> decreases while the second cavity <NUM> increases in size or is formed. After one or more of the article <NUM>, inflatable article <NUM>, inflatable mattress <NUM>, the connector <NUM> and the closed end <NUM> passes through the aperture <NUM>, the storage and transportation system <NUM> is then arranged in the second position <NUM>.

Following the transition from the first position <NUM> to the second position <NUM>, the aperture <NUM> can be at least partially reduced in size to secure one or more of the article <NUM>, inflatable article <NUM>, inflatable mattress <NUM> and the connector <NUM> within the second cavity <NUM> using the above-mention constriction system <NUM>.

Similarly, the storage and transportation system <NUM> can transition from the second position <NUM> to the first position <NUM>. Starting from the second position <NUM> where one or more of the article <NUM>, inflatable article <NUM>, inflatable mattress <NUM> and the connector <NUM> are disposed within the second cavity <NUM>, one or more of the article <NUM>, inflatable article <NUM>, inflatable mattress <NUM> and the connector <NUM> passes through the aperture <NUM> of the open end <NUM>. Further, the closed end <NUM> may pass through the aperture <NUM> of the open end <NUM> as the storage and transportation system <NUM> transitions from the second position <NUM> to the first position <NUM>. In some implementations, as the storage and transportation system <NUM> transitions from the second position <NUM> to the first position <NUM>, a size of the second cavity <NUM> decreases while the first cavity <NUM> increases in size or is formed. The transition from the second position <NUM> to the first position <NUM> is substantially similar to, and the reverse of, the transition from the first position <NUM> to the second position <NUM>.

While some implementations have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the scope of protection, which is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims. Further, the present disclosure provides a sign base and a sign assembly having increased structural strength, improved aesthetic design, a footprint facilitating flexible sign base placement and a wheel arrangement allowing easy sign assembly transportation.

The disclosed systems and methods are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular implementations disclosed above are illustrative only, as the teachings of the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative implementations disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The systems and methods illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional element disclosed herein. While compositions and methods are described in terms of "comprising," "containing," or "including" various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, "from about a to about b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a to b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a-b") disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles "a" or "an," as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element that it introduces.

Claim 1:
A storage and transportation system (<NUM>), comprising:
an inflatable article (<NUM>);
a storage and transport apparatus (<NUM>) including a closed end (<NUM>), an open end (<NUM>) and a sidewall (<NUM>) disposed between the open end (<NUM>) and the closed end (<NUM>), the sidewall (<NUM>) defining a first surface (<NUM>) and a second surface (<NUM>), the closed end (<NUM>) of the storage and transport apparatus (<NUM>) being coupled to the inflatable article (<NUM>) via a connector (<NUM>);
a first cavity (<NUM>) formed by the first surface (<NUM>) and the closed end (<NUM>) when the storage and transportation system (<NUM>) is disposed in a first position, the connector (<NUM>) and the inflatable article (<NUM>) being located in a direction opposite of the first cavity (<NUM>) in the first position;
a second cavity (<NUM>) formed by the second surface (<NUM>) and the closed end (<NUM>) when the storage and transportation system (<NUM>) is disposed in a second position; and
an aperture (<NUM>) defined by the open end (<NUM>), the storage and transportation system (<NUM>) transitioning from the first position to the second position by the closed end (<NUM>) and at least a portion of the inflatable article (<NUM>) passing through the aperture (<NUM>), thereby forming the second cavity (<NUM>), the storage and transportation system (<NUM>) transitioning from the second position to the first position by the closed end (<NUM>) and at least a portion of the inflatable article (<NUM>) passing through the aperture (<NUM>), thereby forming the first cavity (<NUM>); and
wherein the storage and transport apparatus (<NUM>) is, a pouch (<NUM>), wherein the pouch (<NUM>) comprises a closed end (<NUM>) and an open end (<NUM>); and
wherein the pouch (<NUM>) is formed from a mesh material (<NUM>).