GB2557455B

GB2557455B - A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat

Info

Publication number: GB2557455B
Application number: GB1718839.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Catherine Gail Pullinger Audra
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-11-18
Filing date: 2017-11-15
Publication date: 2019-07-31
Anticipated expiration: 2037-11-15
Also published as: GB201619545D0; GB2557455A; GB201718839D0

Description

A MULTI-PURPOSE COLLAPSIBLE WHEELED CONTAINER AND SEAT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a multi-purpose, collapsible wheeled container and seat, in particular a portable device for shopping or the like; more particularly but not exclusively a collapsible wheeled device for providing a seat and a container for people with restricted mobility such as the elderly or infirm users.

Background

Many people suffer from restricted mobility and may be required to sit at regular intervals when travelling on foot.

In some locations seating is provided enabling a person with restricted mobility to take a break. However seating is not available in all occasions and in some cases this can be detrimental to a person’s health and wellbeing.

It can often be necessary for those with restricted mobility to carry or transport items, however this can be problematic due to the ability to carry additional weight.

The present invention provides a combined container and seat that is adapted to be comfortable.

Prior Art CN 203 780 566 (ZHANG) discloses a foldable shopping cart. CN 202 413 870 (YUQIU) discloses a multifunctional shopping trolley comprises a box body, a box cover, a pull handle and a support frame. GB 2 451 074 (HEDGECOCK) discloses a wheeled support for a bag. FR2302066 (DURAND) discloses a mobile foldaway box chair for use a s a push chair. JP3185465 (CHEN) discloses a wheeled box. CN201268319 (MODI) disclose a multifunctional cart with a box body and rollers. CN2531986 (ZHAO SHENG) discloses a wheelbarrow.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat comprising: a handle and a body having: a base panel, four side panels and a top panel that together define a container with an internal volume; wherein the top panel provides a seat and is arranged to displace for access to the internal volume; the base, side and top panels are configured to move from a first position, defining a first volume, to a second position so as to define a second smaller volume; the top panel provides a larger seat in the first position and a smaller seat in the second position and is formed from at least two hingeably connected parts of which a first part of the top panel is arranged to fold down against a side panel in the second position and is arranged to lock to the side panel in both the first and second positions and a second part of the top panel is hingeably attached to an opposed side panel.

In this way the device provides a container for storing objects or items in which the size of the container can be changed by reconfiguring the panels. The device can also serve as a seat in both configurations.

The container is designed as an aid for people with limited mobility such as injured, elderly or obese people, who cannot walk any distance without the need to sit down. This device provides a moveable seat and container that enables a user to be able to walk further and therefore provide greater independence.

As the device can be used as a seat it can help relieve pain that walking or standing can cause. For example, if a person is waiting at doctor or hospital waiting rooms, shopping centres, bus stops, train stations, vet appointments and even on days out, a seat may not be available although it may be important for the person to be able to sit down to reduce pain and discomfort. If the availability of seating is not guaranteed this can be problematic and may therefore restrict a person’s ability to carry out certain tasks.

Preferably the container is designed to be waterproof so it can be used in wet conditions such as when raining or as a seat for showering at home, at campsites or swimming pools.

The container is preferably strong and durable so as to be suitable for repeated use on any surface or terrain.

As the container can be collapsed and may still provide a seat the container is suitable for use in small spaces where a different assistance means, such as mobility scooter, would be unable to go.

The body defines a volume for containing items or objects. For example the body may be used to hold shopping items or for containing a pet.

The volume of the body is reduced when in the second configuration. In this way the body is collapsed so that the device is smaller in size.

The top panel which forms the seat is preferably supported by the side panels to provide a strong seat.

Preferably the arrangement of the panels forms a substantially cuboid shape.

In some embodiments at least one of the panels includes a vent so as to permit circulation of air. For example, if the body is for containing an animal or carrying food items the presence of a vent may prevent overheating of the animal or sweating of the food.

Preferably an air vent may be provided on each face of a vertical side panel so that there are four vents. It is appreciated that the number and location of vents may vary.

Preferably the side panels are substantially rigid to enable the device so securely hold items or support a person. Such panels may be formed from a strong durable material such as synthetic plastics, metal, metal alloy or carbon fibre.

In some embodiments a side panel includes at least one pocket for storing items.

Panels may be connected together by at least one hinge, so as to enable a hinged or folding movement to collapse the volume and body. Such hinges may be situated along the vertical edges of the sides, and/or closure mechanisms may be arranged along the edges.

One or more hinge may be provided at each connection point.

Preferably each foldable panel is formed from two or more parts that are hingeably connected to permit folding to a collapsed configuration. The foldable panels may have central or intermediate hinging, so as to enable the panels to be ‘concertinaed’ or folded down into the second position.

The bottom or base panel (base of the body) preferably also has hinges to enable the base to fold. The bottom panel may include a closure mechanism on opposing edges, so as to enable hinging upwards or downwards, and/or resistance to gravity in the first position.

The handle is typically connected to a side panel of the body.

The body may include a frame to support the panels that form the body. In some embodiments the handle may be secured to the frame.

In some embodiments the handle may be extendable to different lengths so as to maximise comfort and effectiveness for a user. For example in some embodiments the handle may extend upwards so a user does not need to bend down to reach the handle. The handle may additionally or alternatively be able to pivot relative to the body, so as to be angled away from the body thereby enabling the wheeled device to travel a distance from the user during movement.

In a preferred embodiment the handle can be arranged in a plurality of configurations so as to be provided at different heights and orientations.

In some embodiments the handle includes a locking mechanism so that the handle can be fixed in different configurations. For example the handle may be an elongate pole attached to the body by a brace that permits the handle to move from a first configuration wherein the handle is adjacent and parallel a side panel of the body to a second configuration in which the handle is displaced from the body.

In a preferred embodiment the handle is formed from three elongate sections and connected by a hinge at the proximal end to the body or frame.

Preferably when the handle is not in use the handle can be compacted and stowed against a side panel. Ideally the handle is stowed so as to be below the seat defined by the top panel. In this way the handle does not interfere with a user that is seated on the container.

In some embodiments the handle may be displaced from the device.

The top panel is attached by a hinge to one of the side panels so as to enable the top panel to be displaced to access the internal volume whilst remaining attached to the side panel.

In some embodiments the top panel may pivot at a hinge arranged on the side panel that also receives the handle.

The top panel is formed from two parts that are connected by at least one hinge at an intermediate point so as to permit repositioning of the parts about the hinge(s). In this way a user may select to only displace a part of the top panel. A first part of the top panel is arranged to lock to a side panel in both the first and second positions. The second part of the top panel is hingeably attached to a panel, that is opposed the side panel to which the first part is locked, to permit access to the internal volume by displacing the top panel.

Advantageously this enables part of the top panel to fold down over a side panel when in the second position. The side panels and base panel are configured so as to collapse in an arrangement that permits part of the top panel to fold downwards and lie against a side panel.

In some embodiments the body may comprise a stowage securement means, wherein the body when in the second position is secured in that position to prevent erroneous unfolding.

The device has wheels so that it can be rolled along a surface and removing the requirement to be carried. Preferably the body includes a plurality of wheels, which wheels for example may be located at the corners of the body, frame or bottom side.

Preferably the wheels may be arranged in a manner to limit rocking or tipping, such that the device remains stable at all times.

In some embodiments some or all of such wheels may be castor wheels so as to permit the container and to be easily rolled in any direction.

In a preferred embodiment a pair of wheels may be arranged on an axle.

Preferably each wheel is arranged in a recess that permits part of the wheel to extend from the device to enable the device to roll over an uneven surface such as up a kerb. Ideally the wheels are arranged such that they engage with the ground over which they are rolled and elevate the body from the ground to prevent the device being damaged when passing over an uneven surface.

In some embodiments the internal volume is waterproof, ideally in both the first and second positions. For example in some embodiments the volume may comprise a liner. Such liner may be a fabric or flexible liner which may be internal the sides, so as to keep the volume sealed if the panels are in the first or second position.

In some embodiments the device may comprise a brake mechanism. Such brake mechanism is envisaged to brake the wheels or limit their rotation when engaged.

Preferably a pair of wheels may be braked. Advantageously this enables the container and seat to be easily stopped and to remain stationary when not being wheeled.

For example in some embodiments the brake mechanism comprises a deployable brake, which brake may be deployed on or at the wheels, or may be deployed to limit movement of the device with reference to a subordinate structure or floor.

In some embodiments the brake mechanism comprises a brake lever which lever may be deployed to prevent rotation of at least one wheel, for example comprising plural brake levers at wheel mountings.

In some embodiments the brake mechanism comprises or include a mounting on one or more of the wheels, which mounting may be sprung and/or lock the wheel’s rotation under sufficient weight, for example when the top panel is in use as a seat.

In some embodiments the body includes at least one strap to aid with lifting the body. Ideally the strap is adjustable so that it can be adjusted to suit the user.

In some embodiments the body may include eyelets for receiving the strap.

It is appreciated that the strap may be arranged for use when the lid is removed so that the body can be lifted.

In a preferred embodiment the device is adapted to be towed by a mobility scooter. For example the device may include a hitch that is received by the mobility scooter. A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1 show isometric views of an embodiment of the device in the first and second positions respectively;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1;

Figures 3 show front views of the embodiment shown in Figures 1, in second and first positions respectively;

Figure 4 shows a rear view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1, in the second position;

Figure 6 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1;

Figure 7 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figures 1;

Figure 8 shows a side view of a collapsible container and seat;

Figure 9 shows a front view of a collapsible container and seat with a strap; and

Figure 10A and 10B shows a collapsible container and seat with a scissor mechanism.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to Figures 1 to 7 there is shown an embodiment of the device comprising a collapsible wheeled device with an extendable handle 18 extending vertically from a box frame rear portion 22, and a body with a bipartite top panel 1 that is formed from two parts 5, 6. The top panel 1 covers an internal volume 64 further bounded by four side panels 2, 3, 4, 55 and a base panel 56 to describe a cuboid internal volume 64.

Preferably the dimensions of the body are 45cm x 40cm x 35cm. It is appreciated that the container and seat device can be made in various sizes.

The top panel 1 has two seat parts 5,6. The top panel 1 that forms the seat is arranged to overhang a side, either 3, 4, 55 of the body to improve comfort for the seated user. The seat does not overhang the rear panel 2 that is associated with the handle 18,

The body is arranged to move from a first open position as shown in Figure 1a with the sides 2, 3, 4, 55 bounding the volume 64, such that the volume 64 may be used to store objects, for example shopping, to a second closed position, where the body is collapsed and the volume 64 is minimised, with the top panel 1 arranged to provide a seat when the body is in at least the first position. In this way the top panel is fully extended to provide a seat extending over all of the volume 64.

The device may be mobilised when the body is in the first or second position, wherein the wheels 7, 8 remain level in either position. The container and seat can be mobilised on wheels 7, 8 with the handle 18 locked against the rear side panel 2.

The wheels comprise two front corner wheels 7, and two rear corner wheels 8. In the pictured embodiment the wheels 7, 8 are fixed axle. In other embodiments the corner wheels may be castors.

The top panel 1 comprises a padded part, comprising a front padded part 5 and a rear padded part 6, with a mutual joint 16, so as to accommodate comfortable seating.

The sides comprise a front side 55, a rear portion 2 and two transverse sides 3, 4. The transverse sides 3, 4 are arranged to fold vertically centrally, so as to enable a compact second position for the body.

This is accomplished by the two parallel transverse sides 3, 4 having intermediate vertical hinges 44 along joints 19, as well as the hinges in the body’s vertical corners 17, which all combine to allow the transverse sides 3, 4 to fold into four vertical parts.

The volume 64 is defined four lateral sides 2, 3, 4, 55 and the bottom panel 56. The internal volume 64 receives a flexible liner 47 that can be inserted to and removed from the container (see Figures 6 and 7).

The vertical transverse panels comprise rectangular vertical pockets 10. These pockets have zipper closure 15 along their tops and are locate on the outer face of each of the four panels.

Above each zipper 15 is provided a vent 29. The vents 29 permit circulation of air through the volume.

The top panel 1 provides a larger seat in the first position and a smaller potential seat in the second position, wherein the bipartite construction of the top panel means an intermediate joint 16 comprising two hinges 48 that leaves approximately a third of the top panel horizontal after hinging the larger part down to consolidate the second position.

The top panel includes hinges 26 to the underside of the smaller part 6, so as to hinge upwards from the rear panel 2 for complete opening of the volume.

The vertical panels 2, 3, 4, 55 are formed in a substantially rigid thermoplastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) so as to provide substantial support to the top panel when in the first position. In this way the seat may be arranged to take 26 Stone or 165kg.

The front panel 55 comprises a pocket 11 with a zipper closure 14, as well as two locks 13,12, wherein the locks combine with a catch 53 depending from the front of the larger part of the seat underside. The top lock 12 is used with the catch 53 to maintain the body in the first position, and the bottom lock 13 is used with the catch 53 to maintain the body in the second position.

The handle 18 does not get in the way of the seat in use, and extends and pivots to store away as the rear portion 2, said portion comprised by the rear panel 2, a structural support frame 45 to support weight on the top side 1. The handle 18 comprises a topmost central release button 18A and is part of a frame 22 that is mounted to the rear panel at a hinged brace 25, which enables the frame 22 to be angled away from the rear panel 2 by means of a pivot at mounting 51. The handle 18 telescopes away from the rear panel 2 to support the angled frame 22.

The handle 18 can be extended without being displaced from the rear panel 2 of the container.

Stop 21 is a locking clip which holds the handle and thereby the frame against the rear panel 2.

The front panel also includes a support frame 46.

The rear wheels 8 comprise a locking brake means comprising two outwardly extending arms 9, which pivot a bar 20 within two perimetric tabs 51, so as to apply brake levers 24 to the rear wheel axle.

The rear panel includes a central pocket 27 with a zipper top closure 23.

The structural support frame 45 also includes a loop 54 onto which a pet lead may be attached, which loop is maintained within the volume in use.

Figures 8 and 9 show a second embodiment of the container and seat device.

In Figure 8 the base panel is able to pivot at a hinge (not shown) so that it can be moved from a first position in which the base panel provides a floor to the container, to a second position in which the base panel is displaced so as to be arranged adjacent to a side panel.

In the first position the base panel prevents the body from being collapsed. In the second position the body is able to be collapsed as the base panel has been removed.

The side panel 4 is formed from two parts 4A, 4B that are hingeably connected at a central joint 19 and at each edge. In this way the side panel 4 can be folded in half so as to collapse the body.

The side panel 4 has an eyelet 60 of receiving a strap 61. The strap 61 is elongate with attachment means 62 provided at each end.

In some embodiments eyelets may be provided on the liner so that the liner can be lifted from the body using the strap.

The wheels 8 extend from the footprint of the body to enable the device is more easily ride up and down kerbs.

The handle 18 is form from three telescopic, elongate sections 18A, 18B and 18C.

Section 18A is attached to the body by a pivot (not shown) so as to permit positioning of the handle relative to the body to be changed.

Section 18A includes a hinged brace 25 that limits range of movement of the handle 18.

In Figure 9 the handle 18 has a support 18D. The support 18D provides additional strength to the handle and can provide a second holding location, or support for handing an item such as a garment.

The support 18D is clipped fitted to the handle 18 so that it can removed.

The front panel 55 has two securing catches 12, 13 for receiving items such as bags that can be placed in the device so that they do not need to be carried by a user. In some embodiments the catches 12, 13 can be locked to prevent removal of the stored item.

In Figure 9 the body has a strap 61 attached by attachment means 62 to side panels by rings 60 that are attached to the side panels.

The length of the strap 61 can be adjusted.

With reference to Figure 8a and 8b there is shown an embodiment of the device comprising an internal scissor frame 82, with a central pivot 81 and folding bottom panel 84. The top panel is bipartite into two parts 87,88, wherein the front most of these parts 88 is arranged with a catch 86 so as to catch in the first position to the top of the front panel and a catch point 85 in the middle of the front panel in the second position.

The embodiment includes displaceable wheels 89 and extending handle 83.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat comprising: a handle and a body having: a base panel, four side panels and a top panel that together define a container with an internal volume; wherein the top panel provides a seat and is arranged to displace for access to the internal volume; the base, side and top panels are configured to move from a first position, defining a first volume, to a second position so as to define a second smaller volume; the top panel provides a larger seat in the first position and a smaller seat in the second position and is formed from at least two hingeably connected parts of which a first part of the top panel is arranged to fold down against a side panel in the second position and is arranged to lock to the side panel in both the first and second positions and a second part of the top panel is hingeably attached to an opposed side panel.

2. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to claim 1 wherein the panels are substantially rigid.

3. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the top panel is padded.

4. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to any preceding claim comprising side panels which are arranged to fold vertically at an intermediate point.

5. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to any preceding claim comprising an internal liner.

6. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to any preceding claim having four wheels arranged on the body.

7. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to any preceding claim wherein the handle extends vertically and angles horizontally.

8. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to any preceding claim including at least one vent.

9. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to any preceding claim including a strap.

10. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to any preceding claim wherein a side panel includes at least one pocket.

11. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to any preceding claim wherein the first part of the top panel which is arranged to fold down against a side panel in the second position comprises a catch for locking to a top portion of the side panel in the first position and for locking to a lower portion of the side panel in the second position.

12. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to claim 11 wherein the catch locks to a top lock or catch point on the side panel in the first position and a lower lock or catch point on the side panel in the second position.

13. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to claim 12 wherein the lower lock or catch point is at the bottom of the side panel.

14. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to claim 12 wherein the lower lock or catch point is in the middle of the side panel.

15. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to any preceding claim wherein the handle is compactable and stowable against a side panel.

16. A multi-purpose collapsible wheeled container and seat according to claim 15 wherein the handle is stowable below the seat defined by the top panel such that the handle does not interfere with a user sitting on the container.