GB2416687A - Storage unit with step stool - Google Patents

Abstract

A storage unit 202 adapted to accommodate the weight of a user on an upper surface 210 thereof, the storage unit comprising at least one retractable handle 220 movable between a first, stored, configuration and a second, extended, configuration, wherein the at least one retractable handle is operable in the second configuration, to offer support to a user when standing on the storage unit. A collapsible step 224 may also be included.

Description

1 2416687 A Storage Unit The present invention relates to a storage unit,

more particularly but not exclusively, to a storage unit for use in a day to day situation.

Frequently, an individual may require elevation in order to reach an item which is situated out of reach. Examples of such situations include when changing a ceiling light bulb or reaching a high level cupboard or shelf.

A known device which assists a user reaching an out of reach item is a step ladder. However, a step ladder is a cumbersome, often heavy, device and is often stored in a remote location such as a storage room or garage.

In many instances a user may choose to use an object which is already close at hand, such as a stool, to stand on in order to achieve extra reach. However, when stepping onto a stool, and when reaching for articles when stood on a stool it is a common occurrence for a user to lose their balance and fall off the device, potentially causing harm to the user.

It IS an aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide a solution to the above mentioned problems and provide a device which aids a user to reach out of reach items, while maintaining their balance.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage unit adapted to accommodate the weight of a user on an upper surface thereof, the storage unit comprising at least one retractable handle movable between a first, stored, configuration and a second, extended, configuration, wherein the at least one retractable handle is operable in the second configuration, to offer support to a user when standing on the storage unit.

Preferably, the storage unit comprises at least two retractable handles. Preferably, the storage unit comprises at least one retractable handle storage section operable to store the at least one retractable handle when in the first configuration. Preferably, the storage unit comprises one retractable handle storage section for each retractable handle. Preferably, the retractable handle storage section comprises a sleeve.

Preferably, the storage unit comprises at least one collapsible or retractable step movable between a first, collapsed or retracted, configuration and a second, extended, configuration. Preferably, the storage unit comprises at least two collapsible or retractable steps movable between a first, collapsed or retracted, configuration and a second, extended, configuration.

Preferably, the at least one collapsible step is operable in the extended configuration to allow a user to step from a surface upon which the storage unit is placed onto the at least one step, then onto the upper surface of the storage unit.

Preferably, the storage unit comprises a container.

Preferably, the storage unit comprises a shelving unit.

Preferably, the at least one retractable handle storage section is situated on a side wall of the container.

Preferably, the storage unit comprises a refuse container.

Preferably, the storage unit is adapted for use in a domestic situation.

Preferably, the at least one retractable handle is telescopic. Preferably, the at least one retractable handle comprises a handle portion adapted to be gripped by a user. Preferably, the handle portion is formed substantially at an end of the at least one retractable handle.

Preferably, the container has at least one planar wall.

Preferably, the container comprises a lid. Preferably, the upper surface of the storage unit comprises the lid of the container.

Preferably, the lid portion is situated toward the top of the container, more preferably, substantially at the top of the container. Preferably, the lid portion is hingeably attached to the container.

Preferably, the at least one planar wall of the container comprises a recess, which is preferably adapted to accommodate the at least one collapsible step when in the collapsed configuration.

Advantageously, when the step functionality of the storage unit is not required, the at least one planar wall of the container may be abutted against a wall thus hiding the at least one collapsible step from view.

Preferably, the at least one collapsible step is pivotally attached to the storage unit. Preferably, the at least one collapsible step is pivotally attached to the container. Preferably, the at least one collapsible step is pivotally attached to a side wall of the recess section.

Preferably, the at least one step is securable in the collapsed configuration by a latch. Preferably, the latch is accommodated within the recess section. The latch may comprise a mechanical or magnetic latch.

Preferably, the storage unit may comprise at least one wheel and more preferably at least one pair of wheels.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a storage unit; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a storage unit in a closed configuration; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a storage unit in an open configuration; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a storage unit in a closed configuration; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of a storage unit in an open configuration Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a storage unit in a closed configuration; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a storage unit in an open configuration; and Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration.

Referring to figure 1 there is shown a storage unit or bin 102 having a base 112, a front wall 104, a rear wall 106, two side walls 108, and a lid 110.

The rear wall 106 is planar, whereas the front wall 104 is curved. This arrangement gives the bin 102 a cross section that is generally D-shaped when viewed from above.

The lid 110 is attached to the rear wall 106 by hinges 114, which allows the lid 110 to open and close.

Midway along the side walls 108 of the bin 102 there are hollow tubes or sleeves 116 extending from the base 112 to the lid 110. Within each hollow tube 116 is housed a telescopic pole 118 having a handle portion 120 attached at the upper end thereof.

In use, a user may extend the telescopic poles 120 (as shown by the dotted lines in figure 1) out from their hollow tubes 116 so that they project above the bin 102.

A user may then stand on the bin 102 and grip the handle portions 120 to obtain additional support and maintain their balance while stood on the bin 102.

In a second embodiment of the present invention shown in figures 2 and 3, a bin 202 is shown having higher walls 204, 206, 208 than the bin 102 in the first embodiment.

The bin 202 has a recess section 222 formed in the rear wall 206 thereof having side walls 232. Accommodated within the recess section 222 is a collapsible step 224 shown in a collapsed configuration in figure 2, and in an extended configuration in figure 3.

The collapsible step 224 comprises a platform 226, two legs 228 and two supports 230. The platform 226 is rectangular in shape and is attached at two corners, along the same side of the platform 226, to the interior face of the side walls 232 midway up the recess section 222 via pivots 234. Alternatively, the platform 226 may be secured along one edge thereof to the rear wall 206 by hinges (not shown). At the opposite corners of the platform 226 the legs 228 are attached via pivots 236.

The supports 230 are attached at a first end thereof to the interior face of the side walls 232 toward the bottom of the recess section 222 via pivots 238. The supports 230 are attached at a second end thereof to a lower end of the legs 228 via pivots 240. At the lower end of the legs 228 are feet 242 which abut the ground when the collapsible step is in the extended configuration.

The collapsible step 224 may be held in the collapsed configuration when not in use by virtue of a latch 244.

In use, a user may move the bin 202 to a desired position, operate the latch 244 and extend the collapsible step 224 to its extended configuration as shown by the dotted lines in figure 3. A user then extends the telescopic poles 218 from their hollow tubes 216 and may step up onto the lid 210 of the bin 202 via the step 224 and hold the handles 220 of the telescopic poles 218 to obtain additional support and maintain their balance while stood on the bin 202.

A third embodiment of bin 302 is shown in figures 4 and 5.

The bin 302 has a recess section 322 in the rear wall 306 thereof having side walls 332. Accommodated within the recess section 322 is a double step unit 324. The double step unit 322 is essentially the same as the step unit of the second embodiment, but has a second platform 326 to supplement the first platform 326. The third embodiment of the present invention is used when the walls of the bin are even higher than in the second embodiment, or when the steps are required to be closer together, i.e. for a user with low mobility in the legs.

The second platform 326, also rectangular in shape, is attached at corners of one edge, to legs 328 of the first platform 326 by pivots 346. The second platform 326 is attached at the opposite edge to legs 348 by pivots 350.

The legs 348 are attached toward a lower end thereof to supports 352 via pivots 356 which are in turn attached to supports 330 by pivots 354.

It should be appreciated that the number of steps accommodated within the recess section in the rear wall of the bin may be increased in a modular fashion as is seen between the second and third embodiment of the present invention to a number which is suitable for the height of the bin, or the height difference required between the steps when in the extended configuration.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in figures 6 and 7, a bin 402 is shown being similar in size and shape to the bin 202 as shown in figures 2 and 3.

The differences between the bin 402 and the bin 202 are the positioning of the telescopic poles 418, the handle portions 420 attached thereto and the provision of wheels 458 to assist in the moving of the bin.

Referring to figure 6 the telescopic poles 418 are shown in the collapsed configuration attached to the interior surface of side walls 432 of recess section 422. The telescopic poles 418 may be extended into an extended configuration as shown in figure 7. Handle portions 420 are attached at an upper end of the telescopic poles 418 and can rotate with respect to the telescopic poles 418.

This rotation is shown by dotted lines in figure 7. Once rotated, the handle portions 420 are easier to hold by a user.

Wheels 458 are attached toward a lower end of the interior surface of the side walls 432 and are free to rotate.

When the bin is standing on its base 412, the wheels are not in contact with the surface upon which the bin 402 is standing. However, when the bin 402 is tilted backward, the weight of the bin 402 is transferred to the wheels 458 thus making the bin 402 easier to move around.

In a fifth embodiment as shown in figure 8 a storage device is shown as a shelving unit 502. The shelving unit 502 has shelves 560 and wheels 558. The wheels have frictional locks 562. The shelving unit 502 has a recess section 522 in a rear face thereof. Within the recess section 522 are located telescopic poles 518 having handle portions 520 at an upper end thereof. Also within the recess section 522, is a collapsible double step unit 524.

Figure 8 shows the double step unit 524 in the extended configuration.

When the double step unit 524 and the telescopic poles 518 are collapsed, the shelving unit 502 can function as an ordinary wheeled shelving unit, such as those used in supermarkets or the like. However, when a user is required to reach an elevated object, the shelving unit 502 can be stood upon by extending the double step unit 524 and climbing up onto a top shelf 564 thereof. While on the top shelf 564, a user is offered lateral support by gripping the handle portions 520 of the telescopic poles 518.

The storage devices described herein in relation to figures 1 to 8 therefore provide a device which is regularly useable as a storage device, but can be used to reach out of reach items and offer support to a user to help them maintain their balance. A further advantage of the present invention is that both the support handles can be stored away when not in use so that the storage device appears as a normal storage device.

The storage device may comprise collapsible steps which is ideal in a domestic situation where there are few places to store conventional steps.

A rear wall of the storage device is planar, which allows the storage device to be abutted against a surface, such as a wall. Collapsible steps may be stored within a recess section in the rear wall of the storage device meaning that, when the steps are collapsed and the rear of the storage device abutted against a surface, the collapsible steps are hidden from view.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification

(including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims (15)

1. A storage unit adapted to accommodate the weight of a user on an upper surface thereof, the storage unit comprising at least one retractable handle movable between a first, stored, configuration and a second, extended, configuration, wherein the at least one retractable handle is operable in the second configuration, to offer support to a user when standing on the storage unit.

2. A storage unit according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit comprises at least two retractable handles.

3. A storage unit according to either of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the storage unit comprises at least one retractable handle storage section operable to store the at least one retractable handle when in the first configuration.

4. A storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage unit comprises at least one collapsible or retractable step movable between a first, collapsed or retracted, configuration and a second, extended, configuration.

5. A storage unit according to claim 4, wherein the at least one collapsible step is operable in the extended configuration to allow a user to step from a surface upon which the storage unit is placed onto the at least one step, then onto the upper surface of the storage unit.

6. A storage unit according to either of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the at least one collapsible step is pivotally attached to the storage unit.

7. A storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage unit comprises a container.

8. A storage unit according to claim 7, wherein the container has at least one planar wall.

9. A storage unit according to claim 8, wherein the at least one planar wall of the container comprises a recess, which is adapted to accommodate the at least one collapsible step when in the collapsed configuration.

10. A storage unit according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the upper surface of the storage unit comprises a lid of the container.

11. A storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage unit comprises a shelving unit.

12. A storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage unit comprises a refuse container.

13. A storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage unit is adapted for use in a domestic situation.

14. A storage unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage unit comprises at least one wheel.

15. A storage unit substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.