GB2451231A

GB2451231A - Compressible storage Unit

Info

Publication number: GB2451231A
Application number: GB0714284A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Susan Vierny
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-07-23
Filing date: 2007-07-23
Publication date: 2009-01-28
Also published as: GB0714284D0

Abstract

A compressible storage unit enabling belongings to be packed into a single portable unit comprises a strap mechanism to compress the storage unit. The unit may contain one or more shelves 6. The unit can then be transported independently, or inside a suitcase or other transit or storage container. When not in transit, the unit is designed to expand into useable freestanding 10, 11, 12 or hanging 15, 16, storage without the need to unpack.

Description

I

Description

Storage Unit

Background:

The problem of keeping clothes organised when travelling, and especially when a family is sharing a suitcase, can be time-consuming and frustrating. The idea of a compressible storage unit is therefore to keep organisation of possessions when in transit and prevent the need to unpack on arrival. However, its use could be more generally extended to the home or working environment, or modified for use in rucksacks.

The Invention: The compressible storage unit is designed to allow possessions to be packed into a single portable unit that can be compressed to reduce size and to secure the possessions placed in it for transit. The unit may contain one, the base, or more shelves for separating possessions. When not in transit, the unit is designed to expand into useable freestanding or hanging storage without the need to unpack.

Central to this invention is that the unit is compressible. For use in a suitcase the unit should also be lightweight. Vertical supports are also intrinsic if the unit is to be used in its freestanding position and a handle with, ideally, an s' hook if the unit is to be hung. A mechanism for compressing and securing the unit for transit is also a feature.

Other features can include hooks, or other attachment, to link units together when in freestanding mode; a non-slip fabric for the base of the unit; and a loop on the underside of each unit to enable one unit to be suspended from another if it is to be used in hanging mode. Different colours and fabric designs are preferable to make the units attractive and distinguishable from each other. Additional features can also include straps for carrying the unit when not in a storage container or a pulley system comprising wheels and trolley handle for pulling the unit.

Drawings: This invention centres on units of storage that can be compressed to reduce size and secure belongings for transit; that can become freestanding or hanging operational storage on arrival; and are lightweight where transit weight is in important, such as in a suitcase. With this in mind, the drawings show an example of the construction and appearance of the units.

Figure 1 shows the extended version of a compressible storage unit in freestanding mode with three shelves plus the base. Specific features are also highlighted in figures la, lb. ic and Id.

Figure Ia shows the underside of the base.

Figure lb shows an example of support inside a non-rigid shelf.

Figure Ic shows an example of a shelving support for removable shelves.

Figure Id shows how the sides of the shelving might look if they were to be used in such a shelving support.

Figure 2 shows the same compressible storage unit in freestanding mode attached to another unit.

Figure 2a shows an example of an attachment for joining units together.

Figure 3 shows the same compressible storage unit in hanging mode with one unit suspended from another.

Figure 3a illustrates the attachment between the two hanging units.

Figure 4 shows a compressed version of the unit with belongings inside.

Figure 4a shows an example of a strapping mechanism for compressing the unit in its closed form.

Figure 4b shows the same mechanism open.

Figure 5 shows an empty and unsupported version of the unit.

Figure 6 shows an example of the storage units inside a suitcase.

Figure 7 shows an example of a shoulder strap attached to the storage unit.

Figure 7a shows an example of rucksack straps that could be attached to the unit.

Figure 8 shows an example of one unit with wheels and retractable handle, and another unit slid over the handle to rest on the base unit.

Description of the drawings:

The unit may be made of a very lightweight but robust material, for example nylon.

The unit is enclosed at the back I and sides 2 by a non-rigid material, or other material that can be compressed, and open at the front 3 for access, with a front cover that can be let or pulled down 18. The base 4, top 5 and shelving 6 may be made of a rigid or non-rigid material.

In figure 1 the shelving 6 is attached to the sides of the unit 2 and the back I. However the shelving could be removable with horizontal supports built into the sides 2 to hold shelves in place. Figures lc and ld show how removable shelving might work. In figure id the two sides of the shelf have rigid or supported extensions 27 reaching above and below the shelf that meet the shelf at right angles to prevent the shelf slipping out of horizontal supports when articles are placed on them. The horizontal support, figure ic, takes the same shape, enclosing the shelf extensions but leaving space for the shelf. The back of the horizontal support 21 is closed to prevent the shelf slipping backwards and the front 22 may be secured by an attachment to block the shelf from slipping forwards. The number of shelves to be used is not exclusive. It may contain only the base or more as shown, by way of example, in the drawings.

The shelving can be made of a lightweight material that may be non-rigid. In the case of a non-rigid material the edges of the shelving 19, figure lb. may be supported inside a seam by, for example steel wire. This could also be extended to the shelf itself through seams or double lining with perhaps two rows of wire either perpendicular to the front and back, or the sides, or from one corner to another diagonally 20, figure Ib, such that they form a cross in the centre.

The unit may typically stand twice as high as the depth of a large suitcase or other storage container (more if preferred) to allow space for taking possessions in and out.

The base 4 may be made of a non-slip material on the underside, or have a detachable non-slip base 17, to enable it to grip a surface. The detachable non-slip base may be attached by, for example, stud poppers or ties.

If the unit is to be used in its freestanding mode, figure 1, the unit is supported at the sides by a strong light frame that may collapse down, detach or retract 10. Nesting poles like those used for erecting a tent could work well here. The shape used to support the unit will depend on the strength of the poles used and ease of use. The unit may therefore be supported by, for example, two or more vertical supports, a rectangular shaped support or opposing diagonals. Figures 1 and 2 show an example of one set of opposing diagonals 10. In this example, the poles have a slimmer top and bottom end 11 to enable them to be secured to the unit through reinforced holes 12 that fit the slim ends of the pole only. The holes would be made at, or close to, the corners of the top and bottom outer seams of the unit 13. After use the poles would be removed and returned to their nesting position. A pocket for storing the poles could run along the bottom of both outer sides of the unit 14.

If a rectangular support were to be used, a piece of fabric attached to the sides front and back, but open at the top and bottom like that in figure 8, 33, would enable a retractable support to slide up and down inside the two layers of fabric. The unit may also have hooks, ties or other attachment figure 2, 24, on side seams 13 that enable individual units to be held together. Figure 2a shows an example of an attachment for joining units together.

If the unit is to be hung on a rail, then an s' hook 16 attached to the carry handle 15 at the top would ideally be used. A similar cariy handle or loop 25, figure la, can also be included at the base in order to hang another storage unit underneath.

The unit compresses down, securing belongings figure 4, 26 by means of one or more straps 7. Each strap may be held by a clip or buckle 8 attached to the top of the unit at the front and back The straps may be loose, folded or retractable. The unit compresses by securing the strap or straps at another clip or buckle 9, positioned at the base of the unit at the front, or front and back, in figure 1. The clip or buckle may allow the strap to be pulled through but not released until the clip or buckle is in the release position. Where one strap is used it may be attached at the back of the unit at the base, then pass up the back of the unit, pass through a clip or buckle positioned at the top back 8, pass along the top of the unit and then pass through another clip or buckle positioned at the top front of the unit 8. This method would enable the unit to be compressed by pulling on one strap only. Similar methods could also be used if the strap or straps were placed at the sides.

The clip and strap system illustrated in figures 4a and 4b could also work well as they are easy to adjust, non-reversible until released and lightweight. In this case the clips may come together other than at the top or base of the unit. Once the clips 28 are closed the strap 29 is pulled tight compressing the unit This can be done in a similar way to that described above, either by one strap which is attached to the base at the back of the unit and passes through a clip or buckle at the top back and top front of the unit, or by two straps and clips attached to the front and back of the top and two straps with the corresponding clips attached to the front and back of the base.

Likewise, it would also be possible to compress the unit by attaching the clip and strap systems to the sides at the top and base. A straightforward tie method of compressing the unit could also be used.

A front cover 18 pulls down over the unit and fastens at the base and sides. A zip, stud poppers, ties or Velcro are examples of attachments that could be used to secure the front cover.

Where the units are specifically for a suitcase their dimensions may be determined by, for example, the folded clothes of an adult man, woman or child, figure 6.

Where the units are to be used independently, buckles or clips, figure 7, 29, loops or additional seams running round the edges of the unit with reinforced holes, are positioned on the unit such that they enable the shoulder strap 30 or rucksack straps figure 7a, 31, to be easily attached by easy opening clips attached to the straps 32. The positioning of the clips, buckles, loops or seams with reinforced holes would ideally enable a choice of optimum canying positions depending on the size and weight, for example, it may be more comfortable to carry the storage unit with the shoulder strap attached to the front side (middle left) and front side (middle right).

Additional features can include a further piece of fabric figure 8, 33 attached at the sides on the back of the unit such that the unit can be slid onto, for example, a suitcase trolley This could also be done by means of straps attached to the sides on the back of the unit such as those in figures 4a and 4b. The unit could also be made with wheels 34 like those used for a suitcase. The wheels could be fixed, retractable or clip on. A retractable trolley handle 35 could also be built into the back of the storage unit. Other units without the trolley frame and wheels could then be slid or strapped onto the top of the unit with the wheels and trolley frame.

Claims

Claims: 1. A compressible storage unit for storing and transporting belongings.
2. A compressible storage unit according to claim 1, in which the unit has a strap mechanism for compressing the unit.
3. A compressible storage unit according to claim 1, in which the unit has collapsible, retractable or detachable side supports.
4. A compressible storage unit according to claim 1, in which the unit has a handle and hanging attachment at the top of the unit.
5. A compressible storage unit according to claim I in which the unit has inbuilt or detachable shelving.
6. A compressible storage unit according to claim 1, 3 and 4 in which the unit offers a choice of freestanding or hanging of the unit in expanded mode.
7. A compressible storage unit according to claim I and 4 in which the unit has a further handle or loop on the base of the unit to allow another storage unit to be suspended from the unit.
8. A compressible storage unit according to claim 1, 3 and 6 in which the unit has a non-slip base for the underside of the unit.
9. A compressible storage unit according to claim 1 and 3 in which the unit has attachments for attaching one unit to another in freestanding mode.
10. A compressible storage unit according to claim 1, in which the unit is lightweight.
11. A compressible storage unit according to claim 1, in which the unit can be used inside a suitcase or other storage container.
12. A compressible storage unit according to claim 1, in which the unit can have straps for transporting independently.
13. A compressible storage unit according to claim 1, in which the unit can have wheels and a handle for pulling the unit.