GB2486653A - A storage arrangement for mobility scooters or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

A storage arrangement comprising a housing 3 having an open top and front part and a closure (lid) 2 moveable into and out of a closed position to close off the top and front part. The housing further comprises side parts 3a having cut outs which engage with sides 3b on the closure device to close off the sides of the housing when the storage arrangement is in a closed position. The lid may be hinged (6 Fig 6) onto the housing portion. The storage arrangement is capable of storing a mobility scooter (9 Fig 6) or other similar vehicle. The opening and closing of the lid may have hydraulic struts or pistons (10 Fig 6) or be power assisted to aid movement thereof and possibly a pull cord 11 for moving the lid. There may also be a remote control panel.

Description

An Improved Storage Arrangement The present invention relates generally to an improved storage arrangement and more specifically relates to an improved storage arrangement for mobility vehicles.

The mobility vehicle industry has developed extensively over recent years, with the numbers of people reliant on such vehicles increasing dramatically, primarily as a result of an ageing population but also due to a significant proportion of the population having some degree of mobility difficulties.

In addition, the development of the mobility vehicle industry has prompted the availability of many different types of mobility vehicles, such as scooters, as a result of consumer demand.

This demand, coupled with an increase in mobility vehicle suppliers, has created effective competition within the market and has thus driven down prices for such vehicles, further increasing the availability and choice of mobility vehicles for the consumer.

The increased range of mobility vehicles encompasses a variety of sizes and styles of mobility vehicle, some of which have the capacity to fold or disassemble to increase portability of the vehicle and reduce the necessary storage space required when the vehicle is not in use.

It is often a problem that whilst some models of mobility vehicle do fold or disassemble, this facility is not utilised frequently by the user possibly due to difficulties in disassembling and reassembling the components, or because the user chooses to keep the vehicle fully assembled for ease of use on subsequent occasions.

Whilst this option may be favoured by the user on certain occasions, complications may arise under particular circumstances with respect to storage of the vehicle whilst it is not being used.

It is common for many mobility vehicles to be stored within accommodation spaces which may only have very limited storage facilities, some of which may be communal. This potentially leads to problems associated with the mobility vehicles compromising access to communal areas, such as corridors and entrance foyers. This problem is further exaggerated if the vehicle remains fully assembled or if the vehicle does not have the functionality to be folded or disassembled.

Furthermore, the current trend towards high and low rise flats is may increase the likelihood of communal areas within such residences being used for storage purposes.

It is often the case that mobility vehicles stored in communal areas as described may compromise health and safety considerations, such as for example by obstructing fire escape routes. Additionally, the mobility vehicles may compromise access for other people using the area, particularly those who experience mobility issues themselves, or people who need to transport large or bulky items through the communal area.

An alternative option may be to store the mobility vehicle outside of a particular premises, however this alternative also has its associated complications. Security of the mobility vehicle is paramount, particularly as the users are generally highly dependent on the vehicle to maintain their independence by allowing them to travel easily and conveniently between locations. In addition, the vehicles are usually a significant financial investment and thus the user will likely wish to protect it.

A further problem associated with outside storage of the mobility vehicles is that it is impractical to charge the vehicle's battery whilst it is outside, unless specific charging facilities have been provided, which is deemed unlikely. It is similarly impractical for the user to detach the battery from the vehicle in order that it be charged inside, independent of the vehicle, as typically the battery is a cumbersome item that is likely to prove extremely difficult to carry for a person with mobility problems.

Existing storage arrangements designed for mobility vehicles are presently available. However, whilst many of these arrangements are effective at storing the vehicle whilst it is not being used, the arrangements are not always practical for all aspects of their intended purpose. Specifically, whilst many of the storage arrangements open so as to allow the mobility vehicle to be driven into the arrangement, many do not allow sufficient space around the vehicle to allow the user to disembark easily from the vehicle once it is stationary within the storage arrangement, or alternatively are unnecessarily large to accommodate the user whilst disembarking, therefore taking up a significant amount of ground space.

Furthermore, many users of mobility vehicles are having to resort to adapting garage and/ or garden shed space to store the vehicles in, which compromises on storage space in these buildings, particularly with respect to smaller garden sheds.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a storage arrangement for mobility vehicles that accommodates both the vehicle and the user whilst manoeuvring on and off the vehicle.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a power source as a feature of the invention in order that rechargeable power sources such as batteries associated with the mobility vehicles may be charged when connected to the invention.

It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a purpose built storage arrangement for mobility vehicles that is also portable and unobtrusive.

Thus and in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a storage arrangement comprising a housing having an open top and a front part thereof and a closure device moveable into and out of a closed position in which said closure closes oft the open top and also said front part and wherein the housing comprises respective cut outs in respective side parts and in said closed position, said closure device engages said cut outs to close off the side of the housing.

In a preferred embodiment the invention preferably has an overall square cuboid or rectangular cuboid shape, principally formed by an arrangement of two parallel opposing flat side panels at an angular relationship, most preferably 9O, to a front panel, a back panel, a top panel and a bottom panel to form a box.

Whilst the box is described as having "side panels", it is of course intended that this term includes the possibility for alternative arrangements of the side panels, besides the more simplistic arrangement of two parallel opposing flat side panels, such as for example, one aspect of the box may be curved, such that the distinction between individual side panels becomes obscured and the box may appear, for example, to have a curved front panel rather than a distinct front panel attached to distinct side panels.

Similarly, it is also intended that the term "box" not be restricted to a particular shape, such as a cuboid and that the term is intended to conveniently refer to the storage arrangement in the embodiments described herein and additionally all other possible embodiments of the invention.

The size of the box is entirely variable, however in a preferred embodiment said box is large enough to accommodate one or more mobility vehicles with sufficient space for the user to manoeuvre on and off the vehicle whilst it is within the confines of the box and also for the user to be able to stand upright, again within the confines of the box in its "open" configuration. By "open" configuration it is meant that the front portion of the box is elevated so as to allow access to the interior of box as described later.

Preferably, the box comprises plastics materials and may be moulded such that it includes particular features, such as for example, ridges, product or brand identification or instructions for use. It will of course be appreciated that the box may also comprise metals or other suitable materials.

The materials and construction of the box preferably allow it to be weatherproof and suitably resilient to minor damage such as would be commensurate with anticipated fair wear and tear associated with use of the invention. Preferably, the materials and construction would also be sufficiently strong enough for the structure to be self supporting both in the "closed" and "open" configurations. This may be achieved by virtue of the materials used or by additional strengthening features such as for example mouldings or otherwise attached strengthening components, or a combination of both types of feature.

Preferably the box may incorporate ventilation features, including but not limited to ventilation holes or grilles.

Preferably, the invention will be portable such that it may be installed in a variety of locations.

However, it is also anticipated that preferred embodiments may have the potential to be temporarily or permanently fixed to a particular location by fixating device if so required.

The box may be provided in a pre-assem bled form or be provided in component form such that it may be constructed in its preferred location. This feature may facilitate ease of transportation and storage of the various embodiments of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the side panels are formed from at least two parts, such that one part is contiguous with the back panel in addition to the bottom panel and top panel, whilst the other part is contiguous with the front panel in addition to the bottom panel and top panel. In this arrangement, both parts of the side panel as described may be in separable communication with each other. With this arrangement, it is perceived that the embodiment effectively comprises two complementary components; a body, comprising the side, top and bottom panels respectively contiguous with the back panel and; a lid, comprising the side, top and bottom panels respectively contiguous with the front panel.

Preferably, the frontal portion of the side panel will form at least half of the total length of the side panel so as to facilitate easy access in and out of the interior of the box, particularly when disembarking from the stationery vehicle parked inside the box.

Preferably, the top panel comprises at least two parts, said parts being contiguous with each other and may be joined by way of a hinged or pivoting mechanism such that one or more of the parts may be capable of independent movement whilst remaining in operable communication with the other portion of the top panel.

Said parts comprising the top panel may be the same or different dimensions, so as to vary the scope of access to the box, although preferably, the frontal portion of the top panel comprises at least two thirds of the total length of the top panel to facilitate ease of access to the interior of the box.

Whilst the preferred embodiment is described herein as comprising at least two parts, said parts being principally the body and lid, additional parts may be envisioned such as for example a removable back panel or side panel. Furthermore! additional parts may be added to the inside of the box such as for example, a power outlet for connecting an external power source to a portable device, such as for example a mobility vehicle charging device. Said additional parts may also include but not be limited to light emitting devices and/ or heat emitting devices.

The lid may be opened and closed in a variety of manners such as for example by means of a handle, either as an integral feature such as a moulding or recess within the panel or as an externally fixed handle or pull cord or other such device, preferably located on the front panel and at a suitable height so as to allow ease of access to the handle from a variety of heights, to accommodate users both sitting and standing whilst opening and closing the box.

It is also envisioned that the box may be opened or closed electronically by means such as but not limited to a local control panel located on the box itself, an external control panel located away from the box but connected to it by means of wiring or via a remote control panel connected to the box wirelessly, such as for example a key fob operating via radio waves.

The box is preferably opened and closed in an assisted manner using an extension and compression device, such as for example by using gas struts to assist in the separation of the lid from the body and the its subsequent restoration. It will of course be appreciated that other devices capable of effecting such articulation of the respective components of the box may be employed and may include but not be limited to devices incorporating pneumatic or hydraulic systems. Said devices are preferably capable of both withstanding the weight of the lid of the box, in addition to be able to accommodate other factors that may affect the loading on said devices, such as for example the effect of wind loading on the lid which will inevitably increase the load demand in a range of planes on the extension and compression device.

The lid is also preferably capable of being secured in the closed position either by purely gravitational force, by means of interaction between the front and! or side panels with the bottom panel, such as for example an interlocking clip or other such fastening or by a lockable means of securing the lid to the main body of the invention.

Additionally it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments may exist wherein the part or parts of the structure capable of pivotal movement may be different from the parts described herein and as such it may be possible to gain access to the interior of the storage arrangement by alternative means or apertures.

Preferably, a preferred embodiment of the invention incorporates a power outlet, capable of connection to an external power source and such that said power outlet is capable of being used -g-as part of the invention, such as for example to charge a battery associated with a mobility vehicle or to provide a means of power to alternative items.

It is also anticipated that whilst a preferred embodiment of the invention relates principally to a storage arrangement for one or more mobility vehicles, said storage arrangement may also be used in a variety of other manners such as for example as a storage arrangement for other items including but not limited to lawnmowers, quad bikes or garden furniture.

The invention will now be described in further detail and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 shows a rear elevation view of the invention comprising the back panel and; Figure 2 shows a front elevation view of the invention comprising the front panel and a means of opening and closing the box and; Figure 3 shows a side elevation view of the invention comprising two contiguous parts and also showing the points of articulation between said two parts and other elements of the embodiment and: Figure 4 shows an aerial view of the invention comprising the top panel formed from two contiguous parts in articulating communication with each other and; -10 -Figure 5 shows a view of the present embodiment in use as a storage arrangement for a mobility vehicle, with the lid principally in the closed" position, but also indicating as a secondary feature of the drawing, the position of the lid in the "open" position and; Figure 6 shows a view of the present embodiment in use as a storage arrangement for a mobility vehicle, with the lid in the "open" position and also indicating the manner in which the lid articulates with the body when the invention is in use and; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the present embodiment in the "closed" configuration and; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the present embodiment in the "open" configuration, showing a view of the interior of the box.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a rear elevation view of the present embodiment which illustrates the back panel 1 comprising a substantially flat panel, incorporating mouldings la to add strength and rigidity to the panel and thus the overall structure when in combination with the other elements of the invention, as well as introducing an aesthetic contribution to the panel and thus overall structure. This back panel 1 may be independently removable from the other elements of the invention in certain embodiments and may or may not incorporate other features, such as for example a handle.

Also visible on the drawing are parallel mouldings that appear to emerge from the uppermost portion of the front panel 2; said mouldings are a formation of the top panel 7 of the present

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invention, as visible from the front view of the invention in its present embodiment and will thus be described in more detail with reference to Figure 4.

Referring now to Figure 2, a front elevation view of the invention in a preferred embodiment is shown comprising a substantially flat panel incorporating mouldings, again to add strength and rigidity to the panel as well as aesthetic merit. Said front panel 2 is contiguous with a portion of the side panel (not shown) such that the front panel 2 and said portion of the side panel 3 move as one unit herein referred to as the "lid" when the front panel 2 is raised and lowered.

It will of course be appreciated that other embodiments may exist wherein the front panel 2 remains contiguous with the side panels 3, but wherein the front panel 2 is capable of moving independently from the side panels 3 and that similarly, the front panel 2 may comprise two or more parts that are capable of articulating or detaching so as to further extend the scope of access to the interior of the box.

Also shown on the drawing is a handle 2a to allow the user to open and close the box. In the present embodiment, said handle 2a is formed by way of a moulding incorporated into the front panel 2 such that a hole is created towards the centre of the panel in order that the user can take hold of the panel 2 to raise or lower said panel 2. Said handle 2a is located on the front panel 2 such that it may be at a suitable height so as to allow ease of use by the user in all anticipated circumstances, such as for example when seated on the mobility vehicle and also when standing.

-12 -The front panel 2 may incorporate a fastening device or be so configured so as to allow the front panel 2 to securely fasten to the bottom and/or side panels 3. This configuration may or may not include a locking mechanism.

It will of course be understood that alternative embodiments of the invention may incorporate alternative means of opening and closing the box, including but not limited to a handle formed by a moulded recess in the material comprising the panel, an externally attached handle or electronic controls. In certain embodiments, the front panel 2 and/ or handle may also incorporate a locking mechanism to further increase the security features of the invention.

In this view of the preferred embodiment, the front panel 2 is in the "closed" position, such that it is at an angular relationship, most preferably 90', with the top panel 7, side panels 3 and bottom panel (not shown) respectively.

Referring now to Figure 3, a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, in which it can be seen that the side panel 3 comprises two contiguous parts 3a 3b formed from substantially flat panels with mouldings towards the perimeter of each component to add strength, rigidity and aesthetic merit to the panel.

Also shown is an additional moulding 4 that is a preferred feature of the present embodiment and may be capable of incorporating a logo or other such branding. The articulation between the two parts 3a and 3b of the side panel is aided by an extendable means of separation of two points capable of pivoting at the extremities of the mechanism, sited preferably at positions 5 and ba respectively, such as for example a gas strut. This mechanism is further discussed in relation to Figure 6.

-13 -Also shown in Figure 3 is a hingeable/ pivoting mechanism 6 that facilitates the articulation of the lid of the box, formed preferably from a portion of the top panel in communication with the front panel and side panels so as to form a single, moveable portion of the box to allow access to the interior. In a preferred embodiment, hinges are engaged to facilitate said articulation and said hinges may be separate and thus attached to the components of the top panel by means such as, but not restricted to; adhesive, rivets or welding, or may be moulded into the top panel so as to form an integral hinge mechanism.

The frontal portion 3b of the side panel 3 comprises approximately half of the total length of the side panel 3 to maintain ease of access to the box, particularly when the user is exiting the box having deposited the mobility vehicle within it.

As shown in Figure 3, the rear portion 3b of the side panel 3 is shaped such that the lower edge of the panel 3b that is usually in contact with the ground is approximately one third longer than the uppermost edge that is usually in contact with the top panel 7, such that an obtuse angle is created between the lower part of the side edge that is perpendicular to the lower edge, said side edge usually being in contact with the frontal portion 3a of the side panel and similarly between the sloping side edge and the uppermost edge of the rear portion 3b. The shape of the frontal portion 3a complements the shape of the rear portion such that a reflex angle is created between the lower part of the side edge that is perpendicular to the lower edge of the panel 3a that is usually in contact with the ground, and the side edge that slopes towards the rear of the side panel 3 such that it forms an acute angle with the uppermost edge of the frontal portion 3a.

This results in the uppermost edge of the frontal portion 3a being approximately one third longer than the lower edge of the panel 3a so as to complement the shape of the rear portion and thus create an overall square or rectangular shaped panel.

-14 -Referring now to Figure 4, an aerial view of a preferred embodiment is shown, illustrating the top panel 7 of the invention comprising two contiguous portions 7a and 7b, capable of articulating such that each portion is capable of moving independently. Although not shown, the frontal portion 7b is contiguous with the frontal side portion 3b and the front panel 2 such that the respective portions move as one unit herein referred to as the lid, so as to allow access into the interior of the box. In the preferred embodiment, the frontal portion 7b of the top panel 7 comprises approximately two thirds of the total length of the top panel 2 so as to allow easy access to the interior of the box when the lid is in the elevated position (see Figure 6). It will of course be appreciated that the respective dimensions of the portions 7a and 7b forming the top panel 7 may be variable according to the particular embodiment in which they are present.

Also featured in Figure 4 are parallel mouldings 8 that are inherent to the panel construction in the present embodiment. These mouldings 8 add strength, rigidity and aesthetic value to the panel and thus the overall construction of the box and particularly contribute to maintaining the integrity of the panel's structure when it is in moveable operation. Typically, these mouldings 8 are achieved by means such as but not limited to injection moulding or thermoforming, but may additionally be formed by way of external structures fixed onto the panel by fixing devices such as for example, rivets, welds or adhesive.

The point of articulation 6 on the top panel 7 is illustrated and is the point at which hinges or other such mechanisms are located in the preferred embodiment to facilitate the articulation of the portions 7a and 7b of the top panel 7. The hinges or other such mechanisms may be separate and thus attached to the portions 7a and 7b of the top panel 7 by means such as, but not restricted to; adhesive, rivets or welding, or may be moulded into the top panel 7 50 as to form an integral hinge mechanism. It will of course be understood that said hinges or other such -15 -mechanisms may be accommodated at other points on the top panel 7 in alternative embodiments.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein it is in use and the lid, comprising a contiguous arrangement of the front panel 2 (not shown), the frontal portion 3b of the side panel 3 and the frontal portion 7b of the top panel 7, in the closed position.

Also illustrated is said lid in the open position articulating! pivoting at point 6 as described in Figure 3. Also illustrated is a mobility vehicle 9 located within the interior of the invention demonstrating a preferred use of this particular embodiment.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein it is in use and the lid, comprising a contiguous arrangement of the front panel 2 (not shown), the frontal portion 3b of the side panel 3 and the frontal portion 7b of the top panel 7, in the "open" position. Said lid articulates! pivots at 6 by way of an articulation/pivoting mechanism which in a preferred embodiment comprises hinges which may be externally fixed onto the top panel 7 by means such as but not limited to adhesive, welds or rivets, or be moulded into the top panel 7 by means such as but not limited to injection moulding or thermoforming thus forming an integral component of said top panel 7. It will of course be understood that alternative articulation/ pivoting mechanisms may be employed in this or any alternative embodiments which may or may not comprise an integral part of the top panel 7 but preferably maintain the ability for the portions of the top panel 7 to independently move such as to allow access to the interior of the invention.

-16 -Also shown in Figure 6 is a mobility vehicle 9 situated in the interior of the present embodiment in its preferred method of use. It will be appreciated that the construction of the invention is such that it facilitates both easy access to the sides of the mobility vehicle 9, thus making it easier for the user to embark and disembark from the vehicle as well as allowing for the user to stand up within the interior of the open storage arrangement when whilst disembarking from the mobility vehicle 9 once it is parked inside the storage arrangement. Both of these features are particularly useful but are of paramount importance to users who have significant mobility problems and those who may need to use additional supporting devices such as walking sticks or crutches when walking, as such devices can be accommodated by the arrangement of the invention in a preferred embodiment.

Also illustrated is the extendable means of separation 10 which in the present embodiment is in the form of a gas strut which allows for a means of separation and subsequent restoration of two preferably pivoting points, 5 and 5a located on the frontal portion 3b and rear portion 3a of the side panel 3. This allows the lid as previously described to be distanced from the remainder of the body of the invention by virtue of the extension of the gas strut or other such device. Said separation may be initiated by the user operating a handle 2a (not shown), preferably located on the front panel 2 of the present embodiment after which typically the gas strut would provide mechanical assistance to continue the separation process and thus lift the lid. Similarly, the lid may be closed manually by the user by utilising a handle or pull cord 11 preferably located on the front panel 2, to initiate a downward motion and thus effect closure of the lid by restoring the gas strut or other such device to its compressed position. In this or alternative embodiments, said separation and closure may also be effected electronically by means such as for example a control panel located on the body or lid of the invention, an externally located control panel or a remote control panel including but not limited to a portable device such as a key fob.

-17 -Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown perspective view of the box in a preferred embodiment, whilst in the "closed" configuration. The box may be opened as described in previous figures, such as for example, by utilising the integral handle 2a to initiate the upward movement of the lid; comprising the front panel 2, the frontal portions 3b of the side panels 3 and the frontal portion 7a of the top panel 7.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a perspective view of the box from above in a preferred embodiment, whilst in the "open" configuration. The lid, comprised as described above, is principally supported by the means of extension and compression secured at points 5 and 5a, which in the present embodiment is achieved through use of gas struts or other such pneumatic device.

The interior aspect of the back panel 1 is also seen in Figure 8 and in conjunction with the rear portions 3a of the side panels 3 and the rear portion 7b of the top panel 7, forms the "body" of the box that remains stationary in relation to the lid. The body of the box also comprises the bottom panel 12 in conjunction with the other body components. Said bottom panel 12 effectively forms the floor of the box and is the surface on which the mobility vehicle or other items being stored are rested during storage.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the embodiments described above which are described by way of example only.

Claims (15)

1. Claims 1. A storage arrangement comprising a housing having an open top and a front part thereof and a closure device moveable into and out of a closed position in which said closure closes off the open top and also said front part and wherein the housing comprises respective cut outs in respective side parts and in said closed position, said closure device engages said cut outs to close off the side of the housing.
2. 2. A storage arrangement in accordance with Claim 1 in which the storage arrangement is capable of accommodating one or more mobility vehicles and wherein there is sufficient space for a user to manoeuvre on and off the vehicle whilst it is within the confines of the storage arrangement.
3. 3. A storage arrangement in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 2 in which the storage arrangement comprises two opposing side panels, a front panel, a back panel and a bottom panel.

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4. 4. A storage arrangement in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 3 in which the side panels are formed from at least two parts such that one part is contiguous with the back r C'sJ panel in addition to the bottom panel and top panel, to form a body whilst the other part is contiguous with the front panel and top panel, to form a lid.
5. 5. A storage arrangement in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 4 in which the body and the lid of the storage arrangement are pivotally connected to allow the lid to be; open such that at least two of the parts comprising the side panel are a distance apart to allow access to the interior of the storage arrangement and; closed such that at least two of the parts comprising the side panel are in adjacent communication to close off the interior of the storage arrangement.
6. 6. A storage arrangement in accordance with any one of Claims I to 5 in which the opening and closing of the lid is assisted by at least one extension and compression device which is capable of separating the lid from the body of the storage arrangement, thus opening and closing the storage arrangement.
7. 7. A storage arrangement in accordance with Claim 6 in which the extension and compression device comprises a hydraulic (gas) strut
8. 8. A storage arrangement in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 7 in which the opening and closing of the storage arrangement is power assisted.
9. 9. A storage arrangement in accordance with Claim 8 in which the opening and closing of the storage arrangement is power assisted via a remote control panel.
10. 10. A storage arrangement in accordance with any one of Claims I to 9 in which the lid is capable of being securely locked into a closed position relative to the body of the storage device.
11. 11. A storage arrangement in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 10 in which the storage arrangement is demountable.
12. 12. A storage arrangement in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 11 in which the storage arrangement comprises a power source.
13. 13. A storage arrangement in accordance with Claim 12 in which the power source is operable to charge a vehicle stored within the storage arrangement.
14. 14. A storage arrangement in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 13 in which the storage CSSJ arrangement comprises at least one light emitting device.
15. 15. A storage arrangement substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.