GB2369351A

GB2369351A - A Collapsible Container with an Internal Storage Arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2369351A
Application number: GB0126050A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lyndon Derek Bradbury
Original assignee: PSB GROUP Ltd
Current assignee: PSB GROUP Ltd
Priority date: 2000-11-03
Filing date: 2001-10-31
Publication date: 2002-05-29
Anticipated expiration: 2021-10-31
Also published as: GB0026847D0; GB0126050D0; GB2369351B

Abstract

A storage assembly including a container (10) which is selectively movable between an erect condition with the side walls (18),(22) upstanding from the base (16), and a collapsed condition with the side walls (18),(22) lying generally flat on the base (16). The container (10) locates a support arrangement (14) comprising a plurality of sheets extending between and slidably movable along a pair of bars (33) extending respectively along opposite side walls (22). The bars (44) being slidably movable along vertical wires (32) between an upper in use condition and a lower out of use condition which permits collapsing of the container (10).

Description

STORAGE ASSEMBLY This invention concerns a storage assembly, and particularly but not exclusively a collapsible assembly for storing a plurality of articles.

It is often required to transport and accessibly store a plurality of articles or components, for instance for use in motor manufacturing. Storage assemblies for such purposes generally comprise a rigid frame to provide protection for the components, with an internal flexible support arrangement.

Such assemblies can however occupy a considerable space when empty during storage and also transportation.

According to the present invention there is provided a storage assembly, the assembly comprising a container with a base from which four side walls extend, the container being selectively moveable between an erect condition with the side walls upstanding from the base, and a collapsed condition with the side walls lying generally flat on, or at least generally parallel to, the base; and a support arrangement located within the container, the arrangement being moveable between an in-use condition extending across the container to define a plurality of storage locations, and an out-of-use condition located substantially on the base of the container to permit said side walls to lie generally against the storage assembly on the base, or against another side wall in the collapsed condition.

The support arrangement is preferably mounted on the container and is desirably slidably mounted on the container to be movable between the in-use and out-of-use conditions.

The support arrangement may comprise a configuration of a flexible material, which may be a textile material. The configuration may comprise a suspension arrangement with the flexible material extending between a plurality of in-use upper support members so as to hang therebetween to define storage areas. The flexible material may be gusseted in the storage areas. One or more pockets may be provided in each storage area.

Elongate support means is preferably provided for supporting the support arrangement in the container when in an in-use condition. The support means preferably extends along or adjacent opposite side walls of the container. The support means is preferably arranged such that the support members of the support arrangement are movably, and desirably slidably, engagable therewith.

The elongate support means may comprise line means or may comprise an elongate member which may be substantially rigid.

One or more support formations may be provided on said opposite side walls of the container, with which formations the elongate support means is supportively engagable.

The support formations preferably selectively support the elongate support means in either an upper in-use position or a lower out-of-use position.

The support formations may comprise a bracket with which the elongate support means is engagable in the in-use position.

An elongate guide member preferably extends downwardly from the bracket, and along which guide member the elongate support means is slidably movable between the in-use and out-of-use positions. The guide members may comprise line means, and the line means may slidably extend through an opening in the elongate support means.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a storage assembly according to the invention in an in-use condition; Fig. 2 is a similar but more detailed view of part of the assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the assembly of Fig. 1; Figs. 4 and 5 are diagrammatic perspective views of part of the assembly of Fig. 1 in respectively in-use and out-of-use conditions; and Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective part removed side view of the assembly of Fig. 1 moving to an out-of-use condition.

The drawings show a storage assembly 10 comprising a collapsible container 12 and support arrangement 14. The container 10 comprises a base 16 to which a pair of opposite first side walls 18 are mounted by a hinge arrangement 20. A pair of opposite second side walls 22 are also mounted to the base 16 by a second hinge arrangement 24. The second hinge arrangement 24 is located a little lower than the first arrangement 20 to permit the first side walls 18 to be folded on top of the second side walls 22 when already folded.

A bracket 26 is provided adjacent the top of each side wall 22 adjacent to the end thereof. Each bracket 26 has a U-shaped portion 28. Above and slightly

to one side of the portion 28 is a short bar 30 which mounts one end of a wire 32. The wire 32 is formed into a loop around the bar 30 with a joining block 34 holding the free end of the wire 32 against the remainder thereof to define the loop. The other end of the wire 32 is mounted in a similar arrangement to a bracket 36 mounted on the base 16 such that the wire 32 extends substantially vertically.

The support arrangement 14 is made of a textile material and comprises four sheets 38. Each sheet 38 mounts five upwardly open elongate pockets 40 suitable for locating an item such as a component of an automobile. An opening 42 is provided at each corner of the sheets 38 and strengthened by an eyelet. A support bar 44 is provided on each side of the support arrangement 14 and slidingly extends through the respective openings 42. The wires 32 on each side of the container 12 slidably extend through a respective one of the bars 44 such that the bars 44 can be slid up and down the wires 32.

In an in-use condition as shown in Figs. 1-4, the bars 44 are supported on the U-shaped portions 28 to support the sheets 38 so as to permit items to be located in the pockets 40. The sheets 38 can be slid along the bars 44 as required to permit access to components in the pockets 40 or to move the respective sheets 38 clear when access is required to adjacent sheets 38.

Once all of the pockets 40 are empty the assembly 10 can be moved to a stored out-of-use condition as follows. The bars 44 are slid upwardly along the wires 32 off of the portions 28, and can then be moved outwardly of the portions 28 and slid down the wires 32 until they reach the base 16. The sheets 38 being of textile material will fold as the bars 44 move down. The side walls 22 can then be folded down on top respectively of each other or on the folded sheets 38. The side walls 18 can then be folded down on top of the side walls 22.

There is thus described a storage assembly which provides a flexible internal storage arrangement which does not require removal but yet permits conventional folding of the container. The folded container also provides protection for the internal arrangement when folded. The assembly is of relatively straightforward construction and can thus be inexpensively and robustly manufactured and easily used over a considerable period.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, a different number or style of sheets could be used. Rather than a rigid bar 44 being used, any flexible bar or wire may be appropriate. The container may take a different form which may for instance fold differently. Rather than solid side walls an open frame could be provided. A different arrangement could be provided to permit the bar 44 to be supported at an upper location.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Storage assembly, the assembly comprising a container with a base from which four side walls extend, the container being selectively moveable between an erect condition with the side walls upstanding from the base, and a collapsed condition with the side walls lying generally flat on, or at least generally parallel to, the base; and a support arrangement located within the container, the arrangement being moveable between an in-use condition extending across the container to define a plurality of storage locations, and an out-of-use condition located substantially on the base of the container to permit said side walls to lie generally against the storage assembly on the base, or against another side wall in the collapsed condition.
2. Storage assembly according to claim 1, in which the support arrangement is mounted on the container to be movable between the in-use and out-of-use conditions.
3. Storage assembly according to claim 2, in which the support arrangement is slidably mounted on the container.
4. Storage assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the support arrangement comprises a configuration of a flexible material.
5. Storage assembly according to claim 4, in which the material is a textile material.
6. Storage assembly according to claim 4 or 5, in which the configuration comprises a suspension arrangement with the flexible material extending between a plurality of in-use upper support members so as to hang therebetween to define storage areas.
7. Storage assembly according to claim 6, in which the flexible material is gusseted in the storage areas.
8. Storage assembly according to claim 6 or 7, in which one or more pockets is provided in each storage area.
9. Storage assembly according to any preceding claim, in which elongate support means is provided for supporting the support arrangement in the container when in an in-use condition.
10. Storage assembly according to claim 9, in which the support means extends along or adjacent opposite side walls of the container.
11. Storage assembly according to claim 9 or 10, in which the support means is arranged such that the support members of the support arrangement are movably engageable therewith.
12. Storage assembly according to claim 11, in which the support means is arranged such that the support members of the support arrangement are slidably engagable therewith.
13. Storage assembly according to any of claims 9 to 12, in which the elongate support means comprises line means.
14. Storage assembly according to any of claims 9 to 12, in which the elongate support means comprises an elongate member which is substantially rigid.
15. Storage assembly according to any of claims 9 to 14, in which one or more support formations are provided on said opposite side walls of the container, with which formations the elongate support means is supportively engagable.
16. Storage assembly according to claim 15, in which the support formations selectively support the elongate support means in either an upper in-use position or a lower out-of-use position.
17. Storage assembly according to claim 15 or 16, in which the support formations comprise a bracket with which the elongate support means is engagable in the in-use position.
18. Storage assembly according to claim 17, in which an elongate guide member extends downwardly from the bracket, and along which guide member the elongate support means is slidably movable between the in-use and out-ofuse positions.
19. Storage assembly according to claim 18, in which the guide member comprises line means.
20. Storage assembly according to claim 19, in which the line means slidably extend through an opening in the elongate support means.
21. Storage assembly substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
22. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.