EP4453352A1

EP4453352A1 - Modular storage box

Info

Publication number: EP4453352A1
Application number: EP22838995.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert PRINS
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-12-23
Filing date: 2022-12-23
Publication date: 2024-10-30
Also published as: NL2030276B1; WO2023121466A1

Abstract

The invention is in the field of an improved construction for storing and other functionality, wherein amongst other cycles and the like can be stored in a safe manner. The modular storage box is also aesthetically attractive, eco-friendly, durable and safe. It is versatile and user-friendly in that it can be operated by any user with ease. It is also consider to provide added functionality to an urban environment.

Description

Modular storage box

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is in the field of an improved construction for storing and other functionality, wherein amongst other cycles and the like can be stored in a safe manner. The modular storage box is also aesthetically attractive, eco-friendly, durable and safe. It is versatile and user- friendly in that it can be operated by any user with ease. It is also consider to provide added functionality to an urban environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved bicycle locker. Parking of bicycles and the like in cities has become more and more an issue. Especially in countries with a large part of the population moving by bicycle, such as China, Vietnam, and the Netherlands, congestion of cities may become an issue. For instance, in Amsterdam research on parking of bicycles in public spacing, within the so-called A10 ring, has been performed. About 350,000 bicycles were parked, including E-bikes, scooters, and the like. About half of these (150,000) were parked outside of available spacing thereto, such as racks. This results in public spaces being accessible insufficiently. In addition to this “daily” use it is noted that for instance in Amsterdam 82,000 bicycles per year are released from there locks by city officials, consuming valuable time and unnecessary occupied space.

The research further showed that cycling congestion is larger than vehicular congestion, 67% of all trips are made by bicycles (a remainder largely by automobiles), and about 72,000 bicycle trips were recorded daily between 08:00 - 09:00, i.e. during rush hours.

Some documents recite bicycle lockers and the like. For instance US 2010/204823 Al recites a system, device and method for providing public, high-density bicycle storage and protection from elements and theft. Sais system includes overhead conveyors from which bicycles are hung in a near side/far side arrangement where handlebars of only every other bicycle are aligned. Bicycles are rolled into a loading station on their back wheels by user and secured, from the front wheel, to a hook that is removably coupled to a load hoist. Access to loading station is controlled by an access control panel. Load hoist lifts the hook to place the bicycle in a hanging position. Robotic arm of a robotic elevator grasps, retracts and lowers (or raises) the bicycle into a multilevel storage area and onto overhead conveyors. Users may be bike-share users or storage users who store the particular bicycle they own. KR 2008 0083230 A recites a bicycle and depository rental system to distribute bicycle depositories in multiple areas and manage the depositories through a central control center to rent bicycles efficiently, thereby activating bicycle rental service. A bicycle and deposit rental system includes a main server(51), a user com- puter(60), and a local server. The main server manages rental information on bicycles(l) having RFID(Radio Frequency Identification) tags attached thereto and deposit boxes of bicycle deposi- tories(lO) having RFID readers. The user computer accesses the main server, signs in the main server, acquires ID and a password and reserves a bicycle or a deposit box. The local server controls and monitors the bicycles and the bicycle depositories and includes a touch screen through which a user inputs the ID and password to request the main server to rent the bicycle or the deposit box. CN 109 518 995 A recites an intelligent courier station system and a method for achieving intelligent travel. The intelligent courier station system includes at least one travel tool, at least one modular commercial facility and a management control system, wherein the different modular commercial facilities are used for providing different self-service convenience services, wherein the at least one modular commercial facility and the at least one travel tool are disposed in a preset area of a public place; and the management control system is in communication connection with the at least one travel tool and the at least one modular commercial facility, and is used for controlling the operation of the at least one travel tool and the at least one modular commercial facility. By the setting of the travel tools at intelligent courier stations, the travel efficiency can be improved for people, the public dispatch pressure is reduced, the city image is improved, and people are guided to perform environment-friendly travel; the modular commercial facility is set to improve the quality of the convenience service, and, in addition, the travel tools can undergo centralized storage and management to reduce security risks. GB 2 481 978 A recites a cycle storage unit comprising a plurality of individual cycle storage lockers. Each locker comprises a lockable access door, a lock and a sensor which indicates the presence or absence of a cycle in the locker. A user interface is provided for receiving identification data from the user. A control system, which is in communication with each sensor and to each lock in the unit, unlocks a specific locker for deposit or retrieval of a cycle dependent on the identification data received by the user interface and the status of the sensor in that locker. The invention also relates to a cycle storage locker having a sensor for continuously detecting the presence of a cycle placed in the locker, and to a method of controlling a cycle storage unit. Further, NL 2022 913 Bl recites an improved bicycle locker, especially suited for use in larger cities and in places with traffic congestion. The improved bicycle locker is also aesthetically attractive, eco-friendly, durable and safe. It is versatile and user-friendly in that it can be operated by any user with ease.

The present invention therefore relates to an improved bicycle locker, which overcomes one or more of the above disadvantages, without jeopardizing functionality and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in a first aspect to an improved modular ecological storage box, i.e. storage stall, comprising an optically transparent box (2), typically with a height of 120-240 cm, a width of 30-500 cm, a depth of 150-200 cm, and a wall thickness of 2-7 mm, the box comprising at least one sub-section, at least one door (3) for entering the box, typically one door per sub-section, a lock (9) for locking and unlocking the at least one door, a transceiver (4), such as an RF -transceiver, a controller (5) in connection with the transceiver, such as for locking and unlocking the door, a timer (10), such as for registering stall time and user identification, loaded on the controller software for communication with an external device, for tracking a status of the storage stall, and for providing executable instructions to the storage stall, and a holder for a bicycle, in particular an in height adaptable holder, which may be further characterized in at least one of a solar panel, in particular a printed sola panel, an air cleaning device comprising at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet, an air filter, a hydroculture or a hydroponics for growing plants, a horizontal gardening plateau for growing or cultivating plants, the plants adapted to photo-synthesize carbon dioxide, an electrical E-bike charger, a climate controller, a heater, a cooler, a plant nutrition supply including a nutrient storage, a temperature sensor, a relative humidity sensor, a rain sensor, a water container, typically a rain-water container, a light source, a pH-controller, and a pH-sensor. The present ecological storage box contributes to well-being of a city, in terms of an improved air quality, a reduction of air-born particle, such as dust, use of locally generated energy, provides agricultural benefits in terms of crops and plants, etc. In view of plant growth typically a light source, such as a dedicated light source, e.g. a LED, more in particular with specific wavelength suited for plant growth, is added. It relates to a clever combination of functionality and applications, such as a bicycle storage, otherwise claiming space in a city. Though the term “bicycle” is used, it is to be understood that further, typically two-wheeled vehicles, such as E-bikes, scooters, E-scooters, and the like are comprised with this term. A side issue, which is also resolved partly by the present invention is urban heat, which is caused by the uncontrolled heating of man-made surfaces in urban areas. This effect is exacerbated by production of heat from traffic and human activity in addition to the lack of cooling due to a scarcity of vegetation and open water. Also urban water run-off, over surfaces such as roads, directly into sewers, is a problem. It is primarily caused by man-made surfaces impervious to natural water run-off following storms, rain water mixed with pollutants and heavy metals overwhelms water retention schemes and pollutes the surrounding soil and water sources. An further effect is that particulate matter (PM) and pollutants can be reduced by at least 50%, particulate matter, and typically almost fully. The present storage box is in the form of a storage stall.

Thereby the present invention provides a solution to one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

Advantages of the present invention are detailed throughout the description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in a first aspect to a modular ecological storage box.

In an exemplary embodiment the present ecological storage box may comprise at least one tray for the hydroculture, wherein the at least one tray is provided at a side of the box, or at a top of the box, or a combination thereof.

In an exemplary embodiment the present ecological storage box may comprise at least one air flow regulator, such as a fan. The air flow regulator supports the cleaning of the surrounding air, provides air to the corps and plants, and so on.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present ecological storage box the storage box is made of a material selected from polymers, in particular recycled polymers. In view of ecological aspects it is preferred to reuse materials, such as polymers.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present ecological storage box the hydroculture comprise a plant selected from sedum and wherein the sedum in particular comprises at least 5 and preferably at least 10 species selected from Crassulaceae, such as hylothelium, such as sedum sieboldii, sedum spurium, sedum reflexum, sedum album, sedum rubrotinctum, sedum acre, sedum morganianum, sedum sexangulare, sedum samentosum, sedum nussbaumeri, sedum steno- petalum, and sedum pulchellum, from seaweed in particular selected from Chlorophyta, Rhodo- phyta, Phaeophyta, from vegetables and herbs, in particular from Tarragon (Artemisia dracuncu- lus), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Green Mint (Mentha), Oregano (Origanum vulgare), Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), Bok Choy (Brassica chinensis), Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), Peppers (Capsicum), Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and Celery (Apium graveolens), and combinations thereof. It is found that the sedum supports cleaning of the air. The present invention delivers a greening effect inherently due to its sedum top (and optional sides). An further effect thereof is that particulate matter (PM) and pollutants are reduced by at least 50%, particulate matter, and typically almost fully. In this respect it is noted that higher located sedum roofs and like have very limited function in this respect. It has actually been found that these sedum roofs and the like should be located below 2 m height with respect to a street surface, and preferably below about 160 cm. Pollutants may relate to Sox, fine particulate matter (PM2.5)<2.5 pm, coarse particulate matter (PM10)<10 pm, NO_X, volatile organic carbon comprising material, NH3, O3, and CO. Main sources of these pollutants are the energy industry, road transport (about 20%) and non-road transport, industrial processes, agriculture, waste industry, and commercial and domestic households.

In an exemplary embodiment the present ecological storage box may comprise 2-12 boxes, such as 3-10 boxes.

In an exemplary embodiment the present ecological storage box may comprise a handlebar swivel. Therewith bicycles and the like can be stored with more ease.

In an exemplary embodiment the present ecological storage box may comprise at least one of a wireless amplifier, and a wireless transceiver, such as for Wifi, and for Bluetooth. Therewith a user may communicate with the storage box, such as to reserve a space for a bicycle, or unlock the storage box. Also information on physical and chemical parameters inside the storage box may be communicated. For instance, when nutrition needs to be supplemented, a person involved therein may provide such.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present ecological storage box the electrical charger is selected from an E-bike charger, and an E-scooter charger.

In an exemplary embodiment the present ecological storage box may comprise at at least one outside and/or inside thereof a particulate matter absorber, selected from a solid nesosilicate and/or orthosilicate comprising SiO ' tetrahedra, and at least one of Al, B, Be, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ti, Zn, and Zr, preferably Mg and/or Fe, such as forsterite, fayalite, and olivine, such as particles of 1-10 mm diameter thereof, preferably in substrate.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present ecological storage box the stall is lowered 10-20 cm in the ground, comprising a rail (11) for guiding a bicycle upwards and downwards, wherein the rail preferably extents 20-50 cm inwards.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present ecological storage box the box is coated. Such may reflect sunlight, provide the box with an esthetical appearance, may filter unwanted spectral parts of the light, etc.

The present invention also relates to a method of operating a storage box system comprising at least one storage box according to the invention, comprising loading software instructions onto an electronic user device, such as an app on a smartphone, contacting the electronic user device with a central operation control device, identifying at least one available bicycle storage stall by the central operation control device, temporarily reserving at least one available bicycle storage stall by the central operation control device, sending identification particulars of the available bicycle storage stall to the electronic user device and receiving said particulars on said electronic user device, finally reserving the available bicycle storage stall via said electronic user device or requesting a further available bicycle storage stall and optionally repeating above steps, and closing the communication.

The present invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions, the instructions causing the computer to carry out the following steps: loading software instructions onto an electronic user device, such as an app on a smartphone, contacting the electronic user device with a central operation control device, identifying at least one available modular ecological storage box according to the invention, by the central operation control device, temporarily reserving at least one available bicycle storage stall by the central operation control device, sending identification particulars of the available bicycle storage stall to the electronic user device and receiving said particulars on said electronic user device, finally reserving the available bicycle storage stall via said electronic user device or requesting a further available bicycle storage stall and optionally repeating above steps, and closing the communication.

The invention is further detailed by the accompanying figures and examples, which are exemplary and explanatory of nature and are not limiting the scope of the invention. To the person skilled in the art it may be clear that many variants, being obvious or not, may be conceivable falling within the scope of protection, defined by the present claims.

SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES

Figure la-g and 2a-2j show exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the figures:

1 bicycle storage stall

2 box

3 door

4 transceiver

5 controller

6 configurable side 7 configurable side

8 configurable rear

9 lock

10 timer

11 rail

12 PV panel

13 sedum roof

14 charger

21 air inlet

22 air outlet

23 air filter

31 hydroculture

32 plateau

Fig. la shows an example of the present box.

Fig. lb shows an example of the present stall comprising two boxes.

The figures are further detailed in the description and examples below.

First Example

In an optically transparent storage box several sub-sections were used to grow and cultivate plants. Thereto an area of about 1 m² was used. On sub-sections of about 1/16 m²the following plants were cultivated and harvested: 16x carrots; lx chives; 4x orange marigolds; 16x radishes; 16x spinach; two times 4x lettuce; 4x bean; 9x parsnip; 4x sweet pea; 9x parsnip; 4x lavender; lx savory; lx zucchini climb; lx parsley; and lx thyme. Without much more than providing soil and using the freely available rain water a successful harvest was obtained.

Second Example

Only one crop was grown, namely cucumber. It is noted that an amount of vegetables to be harvested depends on varieties and quality of seeds, growing and care sites. An average yield of cucumbers per square meter was about 10 kg.

Claims

1. Modular ecological storage box (1) comprising a box (2), with a height of 120-240 cm, a width of 30-500 cm, a depth of 150-200 cm, and a wall thickness of 2-7 mm, at least one door (3) for entering the box, typically one door per sub-section, a lock (9) for locking and unlocking the at least one door, a transceiver (4), such as an RF -transceiver, a controller (5) in connection with the transceiver, such as for locking and unlocking the door, a timer (10), such as for registering stall time and user identification, loaded on the controller software for communication with an external device, for tracking a status of the storage stall, and for providing executable instructions to the storage stall, a holder for a bicycle, and characterized in the box is optically transparent, and in that the box comprises at least one sub-section.

2. Modular ecological storage box according to claim 1, comprising at least one of a solar panel, an air cleaning device comprising at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet, an air filter, a hydroculture or a hydroponics for growing plants, a horizontal gardening plateau for growing plants, the plants adapted to photo-synthesize carbon dioxide, an electrical E-bike charger, a climate controller, a heater, a cooler, a plant nutrition supply including a nutrient storage, a temperature sensor, a relative humidity sensor, a rain sensor, a water container, typically a rain-water container, , an in height adaptable holder, a light source, a pH- controller, and a pH-sensor.

3. Modular ecological storage box according to claim 1 or 2, comprising at least one tray for the hydroculture, wherein the at least one tray is provided at a side of the box, or at a top of the box, or a combination thereof.

4. Modular ecological storage box according to any of claims 1-3, comprising at least one air flow regulator, such as a fan.

5. Modular ecological storage box according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the storage box is made of a material selected from polymers, in particular recycled polymers.

6. Modular ecological storage box according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the hydroculture comprise a plant selected from sedum and wherein the sedum in particular comprises at least 5 and preferably at least 10 species selected from Crassulaceae, such as hylothelium, such as sedum sieboldii, sedum spurium, sedum reflexum, sedum album, sedum rubrotinctum, sedum acre, sedum morganianum, sedum sexangulare, sedum samentosum, sedum nussbaumeri, sedum sten- opetalum, and sedum pulchellum, from seaweed in particualr selected from Chlorophyta, Rhodo- phyta, Phaeophyta, from vegetables and herbs, in particular from Tarragon (Artemisia dracuncu- lus), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Green Mint (Mentha), Oregano (Origanum vulgare), Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), Spinach (Spinacia oleracea), Bok Choy (Brassica chinensis), Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), Peppers (Capsicum), Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), and Celery (Apium graveolens), and combinations thereof.

7. Modular ecological storage box according to any of claims 1-6, comprising 2-12 boxes, such as 3-10 boxes.

8. Modular ecological storage box according to any of claims 1-7, comprising a handlebar swivel.

9. Modular ecological storage box according to any of claims 1-8, comprising at least one of a wireless amplifier, and a wireless transceiver, such as for Wifi, and for Bluetooth.

10. Modular ecological storage box according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the electrical charger is selected from an E-bike charger, and an E-scooter charger.

11. Modular ecological storage box according to any of claims 1-10, comprising at at least one outside and/or inside thereof a particulate matter absorber, selected from a solid nesosilicate and/or orthosilicate comprising SiO ' tetrahedra, and at least one of Al, B, Be, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ti, Zn, and Zr, preferably Mg and/or Fe, such as forsterite, fayalite, and olivine, such as particles of 1-10 mm diameter thereof, preferably in substrate.

12. Modular ecological storage box according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the stall is lowered 10-20 cm in the ground, comprising a rail (11) for guiding a bicycle upwards and downwards, wherein the rail preferably extents 20-50 cm inwards.

13. Modular ecological storage box according to any of claims 1-12, wherein the box is coated.

14. Method of operating a storage box system comprising at least one storage box according to any of claims 1-13, comprising loading software instructions onto an electronic user device, such as an app on a smartphone, contacting the electronic user device with a central operation control device, identifying at least one available bicycle storage stall by the central operation control device, temporarily reserving at least one available bicycle storage stall by the central operation control device, sending identification particulars of the available bicycle storage stall to the electronic user device and receiving said particulars on said electronic user device, finally reserving the available bicycle storage stall via said electronic user device or requesting a further available bicycle storage stall and optionally repeating above steps, and closing the communication.

15. Computer program comprising instructions, the instructions causing the computer to carry out the following steps: loading software instructions onto an electronic user device, such as an app on a smartphone, contacting the electronic user device with a central operation control device, identifying at least one available modular ecological storage box according to any of claims 1- 12, by the central operation control device, temporarily reserving at least one available bicycle storage stall by the central operation control device, sending identification particulars of the available bicycle storage stall to the electronic user device and receiving said particulars on said electronic user device, finally reserving the available bicycle storage stall via said electronic user device or requesting a further available bicycle storage stall and optionally repeating above steps, and closing the communication.