CN211618751U

CN211618751U - Integrated storage system

Info

Publication number: CN211618751U
Application number: CN201790001636.5U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 黄水勇; 伍兵荣; 杜祺圣; 吴支款
Original assignee: Shanghai Rongwei Plastic Industry Co ltd
Current assignee: Shanghai Rongwei Plastic Industry Co ltd; Bestway Inflatables and Material Corp
Priority date: 2017-05-04
Filing date: 2017-05-04
Publication date: 2020-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2027-05-04
Also published as: EP3619142A4; US20200085202A1; WO2018201370A1; EP3619142A1

Abstract

A storage and transportation system comprising: an inflatable article; a storage and transport device connected to the inflatable article via a connector, the storage and transport device comprising 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 chamber formed by the first surface and the closed end when the storage and transport system is disposed in a first position; and a second chamber formed by the second surface and the closed end when the storage and transport system is disposed in a second position; and an aperture defined by the open end.

Description

Integrated storage system

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to article storage. An article and an attached storage and transportation device are provided.

Background

Standard storage systems are generally known in the art. Some storage systems include features such as selectively sealable openings to enhance safety, while other storage systems include various materials for a range of storage characteristics. However, conventional storage systems are typically not integrated with the article to be stored, resulting in reduced system convenience and practicality. Further, known storage systems do not include one or more of an integrated closure system and a portable system. The accessories or integrated features available on known storage systems do not address these issues purposefully and effectively. The present disclosure seeks to overcome some of the limitations and other disadvantages 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.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage and transport system is provided. The storage and transportation system comprises: an inflatable article; a storage and transport device connected to the inflatable article via a connector, the storage and transport device comprising 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 chamber formed by the first surface and the closed end when the storage and transport system is disposed in a first position; a second chamber formed by the second surface and the closed end when the storage and transport system is disposed in a second position; and an aperture defined by the open end, the storage and transport system transitioning 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 chamber, the storage and transport system transitioning 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 chamber.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for reconfiguring a storage and transportation system is provided. The method comprises the following steps: providing an inflatable article; connecting a storage and transport apparatus to the inflatable article via a connector, the storage and transport apparatus comprising 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 chamber formed by the first surface and the closed end when the storage and transport system is disposed in a first position; defining a second chamber formed by the second surface and the closed end when the storage and transport system is disposed in a second position; and transitioning the storage and transport 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 chamber, and transitioning the storage and transport 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 chamber.

Drawings

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a storage and transport system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1B is a perspective view of a storage and transport system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a storage and transport system showing an inflatable module substantially deflated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the storage and shipping system of FIG. 2 showing the inflatable module substantially deflated in a folded condition different from that shown in FIG. 2.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the storage and transport system in a first position showing the inflatable module substantially deflated in a folded state, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the storage and transport system of fig. 4 showing the inflatable module substantially deflated transitioning between the first and second positions.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the storage and transport system of fig. 4, showing the storage and transport system in a second position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the storage and shipping system of FIG. 4, showing the storage and shipping system in a second position, and showing the aperture reduced in size relative to the aperture shown in FIG. 7, and showing a furling system including the draw tape.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a storage and shipping system showing a gathering system including respective hook and loop panels according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a storage and transport system showing a gathering system including a zipper in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a storage and shipping system showing a furling system including a side release buckle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a storage and transport system showing a stowing system including a mechanical clasp according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a storage and transport system showing a furling system including permanent magnets that are attracted to each other according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a storage and transport system showing a furling system including a strap according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

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

A storage and transport system 10 is disclosed. Referring now to the drawings, and initially to FIG. 1A, a storage and shipping system 10 includes an article 14. The article 14 (which may be an inflatable article 18) is compressible between multiple volumes, multiple orientations, and/or multiple configurations. Inflatable article 18 may be formed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but other suitable polymers or materials may be used. The article 14 may also be made of foam, polymer, or other compressible material.

The inflatable article 18 takes one form when filled with fluid, another form when substantially free of fluid, and a transitional form when the inflatable article 18 is partially filled with fluid. The inflatable article 18 includes an outer surface 22 that defines an interior chamber (not shown). The outer surface 22 substantially retains the fluid within the inflatable article 18, thereby enabling the inflatable article 18 to achieve and maintain an inflated state. Fig. 1A and 1B illustrate the inflatable article 18 in an inflated state.

The valve 26 is disposed on the outer surface 22 and facilitates inflation and/or deflation of the inflatable article 18 by allowing fluid to pass through the valve 26 in one or more directions. In this manner, fluid can flow from the interior chamber through the valve 26 to the exterior of the inflatable article 18 to deflate the inflatable article 18, and fluid can flow from the exterior of the inflatable article 18 through the valve 26 to the interior chamber to inflate the inflatable article 18. In some embodiments, separate and dedicated valves are used to inflate and deflate the inflatable module 18.

In some embodiments, the inflatable article 18 is an inflatable mattress 30. As shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the inflatable mattress 30 includes a cushion body 34 defining lateral side portions 38, a connecting end 46, and a distal end 50. The side flaps 52 may be disposed on the lateral side portions 38. Other inflatable elements, such as distal protrusions or attachment protrusions, may be provided on the distal end 50 and the attachment end 46, respectively. In some embodiments, raised inflatable continuous barriers (not shown) are provided on the lateral side portions 38, the connecting end 46, and the distal end 50. Valve 26 may be disposed on connection end 46.

The storage and transportation system 10 includes a storage and transportation device 60. In some embodiments, the storage and shipping apparatus 60 is a bag 66 having a closed end 70 and an open end 74. The open end 74 defines an aperture 80. The sidewall 84 extends substantially between the closed end 70 and the open end 74, and the sidewall 84 may be substantially continuous. As exemplarily shown in fig. 2, the sidewall 84 defines a first surface 88 and a second surface 92, the first surface 88 and the second surface 92 being bounded by the closed end 70 and the open end 74. The first surface 88 and the second surface 92 may be disposed substantially on opposite sides of the sidewall 84. The bag 66 comprises a substantially solid, opaque or water-impermeable material. In some embodiments, as best shown in fig. 1B, the bag 66 is formed from a mesh material 93, thereby allowing fluid to pass through the bag 66.

In some embodiments, one or more of the first surface 88 and the second surface 92 includes an indicative indicia 96. The indicative indicia 96 may include indicia, graphics, instructions, colors, text, and/or numbers for informing the user of the operation of the storage and shipping system 10. Such operations will be described in detail below. The indicative indicia 96 are schematically represented by an "X" on the second surface 92 of fig. 4, and the indicative indicia 96 are schematically represented by a "Y" on the first surface 88 of fig. 7. The indicative indicia 96 disposed on the first surface 88 may be the same or different than the indicative indicia 96 disposed on the second surface 92.

The connector 100 is disposed between the storage and transport device 60 and the article 14, inflatable article 18, and/or inflatable mattress 30. In some embodiments, as shown in the figures, a connector 100 is connected to the connection end 46 and the closed end 70 and/or the second surface 92. In some embodiments, the connector 100 permanently connects the transport device 60 and the article 14 at the closed end 70 and the connected end 46, respectively. In other embodiments, the connector 100 releasably connects the transport device 60 and the article of manufacture 14. In some embodiments, the connector 100 is connected to the second surface 92.

Fig. 1B shows the pouch securement system 104. The bag securing system 104, which may include a pocket 108, selectively receives and secures the storage and transport device 60 when the article 14 is inflated or otherwise deployed or when the storage and transport system 10 is disposed in the first position, as will be described below.

Fig. 1A-4 illustrate the storage and transport system 10 in a first or deployed or use position 120. When the storage and transport system 10 is disposed in the first position 120, a first chamber 124 is defined by the first surface 88, the closed end 70, and the open end 74. In the first position 120, one or more of the article 14, the inflatable article 18, the inflatable mattress 30, and the connector 100 are not disposed within the first chamber 124. Instead, in the first position 120, one or more of the article 14, inflatable article 18, and inflatable mattress 30 are disposed outside of the first chamber 124, and may further be connected to the storage and transport apparatus 60 by the connector 100.

Fig. 7-14 illustrate the storage and transport system 10 in a second or storage or transport position 130. When the storage and transport system 10 is disposed in the second position 130, a second chamber 134 is defined by the second surface 92, the closed end 70, and the open end 74. In the second position 130, one or more of the article 14, the inflatable article 18, the inflatable mattress 30, and the connector 100 are disposed within the second chamber 134 and may further be connected to the storage and transport apparatus 60 by the connector 100.

The carrying handle 140 is attached to the storage and transportation system 10. In some embodiments, carrying handle 140 is connected to storage and transport apparatus 60. In some embodiments, the carrying handle 140 is connected to the storage and transport apparatus 60 at or near the open end 74. Carrying handle 140 enables a user to easily carry and transport storage and transport system 10.

The furling or closing system 150 is included in the storage and transport system 10 and helps to reduce the size of the orifice 80 when the storage and transport system 10 is disposed in one or more of the first position 120 or the second position 130. This reduction or even complete elimination of the size of the aperture 80 secures one or more of the article 14, inflatable article 18, inflatable mattress 30, and connector 100 within the second chamber 134 when the storage and transport system 10 is disposed in the second position 130. The furling system 150 may use any number of mechanical fasteners or devices to reduce the size of the aperture 80. As shown, the furling system 150 may be disposed on the storage and transportation device 60, and may further be disposed at or near the open end 74.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 8, the biasing system 150 includes a pull strap 152 having an actuator 154 to reduce the size of the orifice 80. The adjuster 154 may be a biased adjuster.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 9, the furling system 150 includes corresponding hook and

loop tabs

162, 163 to reduce the size of the orifice 80.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 10, the gathering system 150 includes a zipper 166 to reduce the size of the orifice 80.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 11, the furling system 150 includes one or more buckles 170 to reduce the size of the orifice 80. The buckle 170 may be a side release, top release, or bottom release buckle.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 12, the furling system 150 includes one or more

mechanical clasps

174, 175 to reduce the size of the orifice 80. The

mechanical clasps

174, 175 may be biased mechanical clasps.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 13, the biasing system 150 includes

permanent magnets

178, 180 that attract one another to reduce the size of the aperture 80.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 14, the furling system 150 includes

straps

182, 184 to reduce the size of the orifice 80.

In operation, the storage and transportation system 10 may be disposed in the first position 120, the second position 130, or in an intermediate position when transitioning between the first position 120 and the second position 130 as shown in fig. 5 and 6.

In fig. 1A-4, the storage and transportation system 10 is shown disposed in a first position 120. From the inflated state shown in fig. 1A and 1B, the article 14 is deflated or compressed to a less bulky state as shown in fig. 2. Portions of the article 14 (which may include lateral side portions 38 and side flaps 52) are folded laterally as shown in fig. 3. The folded article 14 is then rolled, folded or compressed into a subsequent form, as exemplarily shown in fig. 4. As can be seen, in the first position 120, a first chamber 124 is formed and is devoid of one or more of the article 14, the inflatable article 18, the inflatable mattress 30, and the connector 100.

The storage and transportation system 10 may transition from the first location 120 to the second location 130. As the storage and transport system 10 transitions from the first position 120 to the second position 130, one or more of the article 14, the inflatable article 18, the inflatable mattress 30, and the connector 100 pass through the aperture 80 of the open end 74. Further, in some embodiments, the closed end 70 passes through the aperture 80 of the open end 74 as the storage and transport system 10 transitions from the first position 120 to the second position 130. In some embodiments, as the storage and transport system 10 transitions from the first position 120 to the second position 130, as shown sequentially in fig. 5 and 6, the size of the first chamber 124 decreases and the size of the second chamber 134 increases or forms the second chamber. After one or more of the article 14, inflatable article 18, inflatable mattress 30, connector 100, and closed end 70 pass through the aperture 80, the storage and transport system 10 is in the second position 130.

After transitioning from the first position 120 to the second position 130, the size of the aperture 80 may be at least partially reduced to secure one or more of the article 14, the inflatable article 18, the inflatable mattress 30, and the connector 100 within the second chamber 134 by using the biasing system 150 described above.

Similarly, the storage and transportation system 10 may transition from the second location 130 to the first location 120. Beginning at the second location 130 where one or more of the article 14, the inflatable article 18, the inflatable mattress 30, and the connector 100 are disposed within the second chamber 134, one or more of the article 14, the inflatable article 18, the inflatable mattress 30, and the connector 100 pass through the aperture 80 of the open end 74. Further, the closed end 70 may pass through the aperture 80 of the open end 74 as the storage and transport system 10 transitions from the second position 130 to the first position 120. In some embodiments, as the storage and transport system 10 transitions from the second position 130 to the first position 120, the size of the second chamber 134 decreases while the size of the first chamber 124 increases or forms the first chamber. The transition from the second position 130 to the first position 120 is substantially similar to the transition from the first position 120 to the second position 130 and vice versa.

While certain embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the disclosure, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims. In addition, the present disclosure provides sign bases and sign assemblies having increased structural strength, improved aesthetic design, footprint to facilitate flexible sign base placement, and wheel arrangement to allow easy sign assembly transport.

The disclosed systems and methods are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the teachings of the 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 embodiments 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 may also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may be varied by a certain 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, each range of values (of the form "from about a to about b," or, equivalently, "from about a to b," or, equivalently, "from about a-b") disclosed herein is to be understood as setting forth each 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. Furthermore, the indefinite articles "a" and "an", as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element introduced. If there is any conflict in the present specification and usage of a word or term in one or more patents or other documents that may be incorporated by reference, the definition that is consistent with the present specification shall apply.

As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" preceding a series of items and the terms "and" or "separating any of these items modify the entire list rather than each article (i.e., each item) in the list. The phrase "at least one of" allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, the phrases "at least one of A, B and C" or "at least one of A, B or C" each refer to a alone, B alone, or C alone; A. any combination of B and C; and/or A, B and C.

Claims

1. A storage and transportation system, characterized in that it comprises:

an inflatable article;

a storage and transport device connected to the inflatable article via a connector, the storage and transport device comprising a closed end, an open end, and a sidewall disposed between the open end and the closed end, the sidewall defining a first surface and a second surface;

a first chamber formed by the first surface and the closed end when the storage and transport system is disposed in a first position;

a second chamber formed by the second surface and the closed end when the storage and transport system is disposed in a second position; and

an aperture defined by the open end, the storage and transport system transitioning 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 chamber, the storage and transport system transitioning 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 chamber.

2. The storage and transportation system of claim 1, wherein the connector and at least a portion of the inflatable article are disposed within the second chamber when the storage and transportation system is disposed in the second position.

3. The storage and transportation system of claim 1, wherein the first surface and the second surface are disposed on opposite sides of the sidewall.

4. The storage and transportation system of claim 1, wherein the storage and transportation device comprises a furling system for reducing the size of the aperture when the storage and transportation system is disposed in at least one of the first position and the second position.

5. The storage and transportation system of claim 1, wherein the inflatable article is an inflatable mattress.

6. The storage and transportation system of claim 5, wherein the inflatable mattress includes one or more side flaps, each side flap being disposed on a lateral side of the inflatable mattress.

7. The storage and transportation system of claim 1, wherein the connector permanently attaches the storage and transportation device to the inflatable article.

8. The storage and transportation system of claim 1, wherein the connector releasably attaches the storage and transportation device to the inflatable article.

9. The storage and transportation system of claim 1, wherein the storage and transportation device comprises a carry handle.

10. The storage and shipping system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first surface and said second surface includes an indicator mark for informing a user of the operation of the storage and shipping system.

11. The storage and transportation system of claim 4, wherein the biasing system comprises a draw strap and a biased mechanical adjuster.

12. The storage and shipping system of claim 4, wherein the gathering system includes a zipper.

13. The storage and shipping system of claim 4, wherein the gathering system includes hook tabs and corresponding loop tabs.

14. The storage and transportation system of claim 4, wherein the gathering system comprises a mechanical clasp.

15. The storage and shipping system of claim 4, wherein the gathering system includes a buckle.

16. The storage and transportation system of claim 4, wherein the furling system comprises permanent magnets that are attracted to each other.

17. The storage and transportation system of claim 4 wherein the gathering system includes one or more ties.