GB2578761A

GB2578761A - A collapsible locker

Info

Publication number: GB2578761A
Application number: GB1818139.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Wilson David
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-11-07
Filing date: 2018-11-07
Publication date: 2020-05-27
Also published as: GB201818139D0

Abstract

A storage container having a collapsible concertina portion 2 extending between two substantially rigid end caps 5,6. One end cap has a mouth 12 for receiving items, and there is a lid (14, figure 4) to cover the mouth. The concertina portion defines a storage volume 7 when expanded. The collapsible region may have telescopic sections (figures 3a,b). There may be rigid screen wall panels (26, figure 8) that slot into a groove 24 in an end cap to support the compactable portion in the expanded configuration. The lid, screen panels and end caps may be hollow to receive ballast, such as a liquid or sand. There may be a rigid collar 22 around the pleated portion, in between the two rigid ends. The end caps, collar and lid may be constructed from water resistant plastic. The collapsible trunk may have cup holders, phone holders and detachable wheels, and may receive a sun umbrella. The container may have holes 23 for locking to another object as a means of anchorage to prevent theft. The storage container may be used to safely store valuables, for example at a festival or whilst camping.

Description

A collapsible locker The present invention relates to a collapsible locker. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a collapsible locker comprising first and second end caps and a concertina portion extending therebetween; the concertina portion being adapted to be extended along a length axis between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration in which it defines a compartment for receiving items to be stored, the first end cap comprising a mouth extending therethrough through which items can be passed into the compartment.

One often desires to safely store valuables when there is no locker nearby. This could for example be whilst on a trip to the beach, at an all day cricket match or at a festival. Bags made of a resilient material are known. One can store valuables in such a bag and then lock it closed. A thief will find it difficult to cut open the bag or break the zip to access the contents. Such bags however have a number of drawbacks. Importantly, the size of the bag is fixed. If one requires a large storage volume one must take a large bag both to and from the destination. This is inconvenient. Because of this such bags tend to be small which makes them more susceptible to theft. Whilst a thief may not be able to open the bag in situ a thief can take the bag in its entirety with little difficulty to open later. This problem can be partially overcome by locking the handle of the bag to a nearby immovable object by means of a cycle lock or similar. However, the connection between the handle of the bag and the body of the bag can often be a weak point. Attaching the handle of the bag to a fixed point enables a thief to grip the body of the bag and pull it apart from the handle.

The present invention seeks to overcome the problems of the prior art.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a collapsible locker comprising a concertina portion extending along a length axis between first and second ends; the concertina portion being adapted to be extended along the length axis between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein when in the expanded configuration the concertina portion defines a compartment for receiving items to be stored; a first substantially rigid end cap closing the first end of the concertina portion; a second substantially rigid end cap closing the second end of the concertina portion; the first end cap comprising a mouth extending therethrough through which items can be passed into the compartment; and, a lid adapted to cover the mouth.

The collapsible locker according to the invention can be collapsed to a compact configuration making it easy to transport to and from a destination. In this configuration the end caps typically abut together or to an optional rigid collar making it possible to lock the locker in this configuration and protecting the concertina portion from damage. On arrival at the destination the collapsible locker can be expanded producing a compartment of large volume for receiving items to be stored. The relatively large volume of the collapsible locker in the expanded configuration can make it difficult for a thief to steal.

Preferably the lid is adapted to slide into engagement with the first end cap to cover the mouth.

Preferably at least one of the end caps comprises a hollow volume for receiving ballast, preferably a liquid.

Preferably, the lid comprises a hollow volume for receiving ballast, preferably a liquid.

Preferably at least one of the first and second end caps comprises a locking means for attaching the locker to an object.

Preferably the locker further comprises a detachable substantially rigid screen wall adapted to surround at least a portion of the concertina portion when the concertina potion is in an expanded configuration.

Preferably the screen wall comprises a plurality of interlocking panels.

Preferably the screen wall comprises a hollow volume for receiving ballast, preferably a liquid.

Preferably at least one end cap comprises a screen wall groove for receiving the screen wall.

Preferably the first and second end caps are adapted to abut each other when the concertina portion is in the collapsed configuration.

Preferably the collapsible locker further comprises at least one rigid collar arranged around the concertina portion in a plane substantially normal to the length axis and at least part way between the first and second end caps.

Preferably the at least one rigid collar comprises a locking means for attaching the locker to an object.

Preferably the first and second end caps are each adapted to abut the at least one rigid collar when the concertina portion is in the collapsed configuration.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and not in any!imitative sense with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a collapsible locker according to the invention in perspective view.

Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show a concertina portion of an alternative embodiment of a collapsible locker according to the invention in expanded and collapsed configurations; Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show a concertina portion of an alternative embodiment of a collapsible locker according to the invention in expanded and collapsed configurations; Figure 4 shows the lid of the collapsible locker of figure 1; Figure 5 shows the collapsible locker of figure 1 with the concertina portion in the collapsed configuration; Figure 6 shows the collapsible locker of figure 1 with the concertina portion in a 'half height' expanded configuration surrounded by a screen wall; Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show the second end cap from above; Figure 8 shows the collapsible locker of figure 1 with the concertina portion in a 'full height' expanded configuration surrounded by screen walls.

Shown in figure 1, in perspective view, is a first embodiment of a collapsible locker 1 according to the invention. The collapsible locker 1 comprises a concertina portion 2 defined by a concertina portion wall 3. The concertina portion 2 extends along a length axis 4 between first and second ends 5,6. The concertina portion wall 3 surrounds the length axis 4 and extends parallel thereto as shown.

The concertina portion 2 is adapted to be expanded along the length axis 4 between a collapsed configuration in which the first and second ends 5,6 are close together and an expanded configuration in which the first and second ends 5,6 are further apart. The concertina portion 2 is shown in the expanded configuration. In the expanded configuration the concertina portion wall 3 defines a compartment 7 for receiving items. In this embodiment the concertina portion wall 3 is a rubber material comprising a number of folds which deform as the concertina portion 2 is expanded and collapsed between expanded and collapsed configurations.

Shown in figures 2(a) and 2(b) is a concertina portion 2 of an alternative embodiment of a collapsible locker 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment the concertina portion 2 comprises a plurality of substantially rigid panels 8 connected together by hoops 9. Figure 2(a) shows the concertina portion 2 in the expanded configuration. Figure 2(b) shows the concertina portion 2 in the collapsed configuration.

Shown in figures 3(a) and 3(b) is the concertina portion 2 of a further embodiment of a collapsible locker 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment the concertina portion 2 comprises a plurality of tubes 10 of successively increasing diameters. The tubes 10 are nested inside each other as shown. The concertina portion 2 can be telescopically collapsed from an expanded configuration as shown in figure 3(a) to a collapsed configuration as shown in figure 3(b).

Returning now to the embodiment of figure 1, the collapsible locker 1 further comprises a first substantially rigid end cap 11. The first end cap 11 is typically made of a plastics material or other material which is water resistant and resistant to rusting. The first end 5 of the concertina portion 2 is fixedly connected to the first end cap 11. Typically the first end cap 11 comprises a groove in the face of the end cap 11 proximate to the concertina portion 2. The first end 5 of the concertina portion 2 is received in the groove where it is adhered or otherwise fixed in place.

The first end cap 11 comprises a mouth 12. The mouth 12 is arranged to overlie the first end 5 of the concertina portion 2 such that a user can pass items through the mouth 12 and into the compartment 7 defined by the concertina portion wall 3. Arranged around the mouth 12 is a groove 13.

The collapsible locker 1 further comprises a lid 14 which is shown in figure 4. The lid 14 is typically made from a rigid material such as a plastics material. Preferably the lid 14 is made from a material which is water resistant and resistant to rusting. The edges 15 of the lid 14 comprise rails 15. In use the rails 15 are arranged in the grooves 13 at the sides of the mouth 12. The lid 14 is then slid into position covering the mouth 12. The lid 14 comprises a loop 16 on one edge. When the lid 14 is in position covering the mouth 12 the loop 16 aligns with a loop 17 on the first end cap 11. An arm of a lock can be slid through the two loops 16,17 and then locked closed so locking the lid 14 to the first end cap 11.

The lid 14 comprises a hollow volume 18. The hollow volume 18 can be filled with ballast, typically a liquid or sand to increase the weight of the collapsible locker land make it more difficult to steal.

The collapsible locker 1 further comprises a second substantially rigid end cap 19 connected to the second end 6 of the concertina portion 2. The second end cap 19 is typically a plastics material. Preferably the second end cap 19 is made from a material which is water resistant and resistant to rusting. The second end cap 19 comprises a groove 20 in the face proximate to the concertina portion 2. The second end 6 of the concertina portion 2 is received in the groove 20 where it is fixed in place.

The second end cap 19 also comprises a hollow volume 21 for receiving ballast.

The collapsible locker 1 further comprises a rigid collar 22 arranged around the concertina portion 2 part way between the first and second end caps 11,19. Typically the rigid collar 22 is arranged in a plane substantially normal to the length axis 4. The rigid collar 22 is typically made from a plastics materially. Preferably it is made from a material which is water resistant and resistant to rusting. The rigid collar 22 comprises a locking means 23. In this embodiment the locking means 23 comprises a plurality of holes 23 extending through the rigid collar 22. In use a lock such as a bike lock is passed though one or more of these holes 23 and then through another object, for example a deck chair or preferably an immovable point to lock the locker 1 in place.

Each of the first and second end caps 11,19 and the rigid collar 22 comprise screen wall grooves 24, the function of which is explained in more detail below.

Figure 5 shows the collapsible locker 1 of figure 1 with the concertina portion 2 in the collapsed configuration. In this configuration the first and second end caps 11,19 abut the rigid collar 22. The end caps 11,19 and rigid collar 22 together form a case containing the concertina portion 2. Clips or the like can be used to hold the collapsible locker 1 in this configuration. In this configuration the collapsible locker 1 can be conveniently carried to a destination. Typical destinations include the beach, a lake, the park, a festival, a camp site, a fishing site or a spectator event such as rally racing, a day cricket match etc. On arriving at the destination the locker 1 is placed on the ground with the first end cap 11 on top. The latches are removed and the concertina portion 2 extended to a first half height expanded configuration with the rigid collar 22 spaced apart from the second end cap 19. A bike lock is passed through the locking means 23 in the rigid collar 22 and then around another object to lock the locker 1 in place. Ballast is then added to the hollow volumes in the end caps 11,19 and lid 14 to add extra weight to the locker 1.

As shown in figure 6, if additional security is required a substantially rigid screen wall 25 can be arranged around the concertina portion. Typically the screen wall 25 comprises a plurality of interlocking panels 26 which are inserted into the screen wall grooves 24 in the second end cap 19 and rigid collar 22. Once inserted, the panels 26 are locked in place.

Figure 7(a) shows the second end cap 19 from above, showing the screen wall grooves 24. Figure 7(b) shows the second end cap 19 from above, now with the interlocking panels 26 of the screen wall 25 in place. In order to arrange the panels 26 in place a first panel 26 is slid into a first screen wall groove 24 in a first step. The first panel 26 has two slots 27 in a face for receiving other panels 26. In the next step second and third panels 26 are slid into second and third screen wall grooves 24 and into the slots 27 on the first panel 26. In the next step a fourth panel 26 is slid into a fourth screen wall groove 24, covering the ends of the second and third panels 26. Finally, the fourth panel 26 is locked to the end cap 19, so locking the locking panels 26 together.

Figure 6 shows the collapsible locker 1 with the concertina portion 2 in a 'half height' expanded configuration. If more storage capacity is required the concertina portion 2 can be expanded further to a 'full height' expanded configuration. This is shown in figure 8. In this configuration all of the first end cap 11, rigid collar 22 and second end cap 19 are spaced apart. In the embodiment shown in figure 8 a further screen wall 25 surrounds the concertina portion 2 between the rigid collar 22 and first end cap 11. The collapsible locker 1 is also shown with the concertina portion 2 in the full height configuration in figure 1 but without the screen wall 25.

In the above embodiments the rigid collar 22 comprises a locking means 23 for locking the collapsible locker 1 to another item. In alternative embodiments at least one of the first and second end caps 11,19 includes a locking means 23. This can be in addition to or as an alternative to the locking means 23 of the rigid collar 22. Alternative locking means 23 are possible. The locking means 23 could for example comprise jaws adapted to grip another object.

The panels 26 described above are solid panels. Alternative forms of panels 26 which make up the screen wall 25 are possible. One or more of the screen wall panels 26 could for example comprise a hollow volume for receiving ballast In an alternative embodiment the second end cap 19 comprises apertures 29 into which detachable wheels can be inserted. This enables the collapsible locker 1 to be towed when in an expanded configuration. The first end cap 11 can further comprise a tow strap by means of which the collapsible locker 1 can be towed.

In use the first end cap 11 can be used as a table top. It may include cup holders 30, phone holders 31 etc. The collapsible locker can also include an aperture for receiving an umbrella to provide shade.

In a further embodiment of the invention the collapsible locker 1 comprises a plurality of rigid collars 22 arranged around the concertina portion 2.

In a further embodiment of the invention the collapsible locker 1 lacks a rigid collar 22. When the concertina portion 2 is in the collapsed configuration the first and second end caps 11,19 abut together.

In a further embodiment of the invention the lid 14 is pivotally connected to the first end cap 11. In a further embodiment of the invention the lid 14 snap fits over the mouth in the first end cap 11.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A collapsible locker comprising a concertina portion extending along a length axis between first and second ends; the concertina portion being adapted to be extended along the length axis between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein when in the expanded configuration the concertina portion defines a compartment for receiving items to be stored; a first substantially rigid end cap closing the first end of the concertina portion; a second substantially rigid end cap closing the second end of the concertina portion; the first end cap comprising a mouth extending therethrough through which items can be passed into the compartment; and, a lid adapted to cover the mouth.
2. A collapsible locker as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid is adapted to slide into engagement with the first end cap to cover the mouth.
3. A collapsible locker as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the end caps comprises a hollow volume for receiving ballast, preferably a liquid.
4. A collapsible locker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lid comprises a hollow volume for receiving ballast, preferably a liquid.
5. A collapsible locker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the first and second end caps comprises a locking means for attaching the locker to an object.
6. A collapsible locker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a detachable substantially rigid screen wall adapted to surround at least a portion of the concertina portion when the concertina potion is in an expanded configuration.
7. A collapsible locker as claimed in claim 6, wherein the screen wall comprises a plurality of interlocking panels.
8. A collapsible locker as claimed in either of claims 6 or 7, wherein the screen wall comprises a hollow volume for receiving ballast, preferably a liquid.
9. A collapsible locker as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein at least one end cap comprises a groove for receiving the screen wall.
10. A collapsible locker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the first and second end caps are adapted to abut each other when the concertina portion is in the collapsed configuration.
11. A collapsible locker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising at least one rigid collar arranged around the concertina portion in a plane substantially normal to the length axis and at least part way between the first and second end caps.
12. A collapsible locker as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one rigid collar comprises a locking means for attaching the locker to an object.
13. A collapsible locker as claimed in either of claims 11 or 12, wherein the first and second end caps are each adapted to abut the at least one rigid collar when the concertina portion is in the collapsed configuration.