GB2538958A

GB2538958A - A storage device

Info

Publication number: GB2538958A
Application number: GB1509351.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Andrew
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-05-30
Filing date: 2015-05-30
Publication date: 2016-12-07
Also published as: GB201509351D0

Abstract

A storage device has an internal storage portion with a substantially water impermeable external shell 1. The shell 1 comprises a body 3 and a displaceable lid 2 such that the lid is displaceable from the body to allow a user access to the internal storage portion. The shell has one or more lanyard attachment points (16,17 figure 1b) and the lid and body comprise male and female lock parts 7 & 8 for mutual engagement to lock the shell and prevent unauthorised access to the internal portion. The device is particularly useful as a device for storing and transporting foodstuffs and valuable to the beach.

Description

A STORAGE DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a storage device, in particular a portable and personal storage device; more particularly but not exclusively a storage device for stored and transporting foodstuffs and valuables to the beach.

Background

As increasing wireless infrastructure and improving apparatus combine, increasing numbers of users in many societies are reliant on electronic devices.

Many such users may wish to use their devices in a variety of situations, for example 15 to surf the internet, read books, or for work purposes.

As a consequence many users will take their devices to places where there is a chance of water or other damage, as well as more populated places where there is a danger of theft. Many of such places may also be some way from food and drink, and as a 20 consequence the user may want nourishment as well as entertainment.

In particular beach goers may require a safe storage place for food, drink and valuables.

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve such a problem or similar, including the following: Granted United States patent US 6 604 390 (NOONER) discloses a system for securing an insulated chest, the insulated chest having exterior walls, to a stationary member, the insulated chest including a lid and a container portion, the system comprising: a retractable spool capable of engagement with a side wall of the insulated chest, the retractable spool including a cable having a removable end emanating from a hole in said side wall, the retractable spool for biasing the cable to a retracted position from an extended position, the extended position for positioning the cable about the stationary member, the retracted position for positioning the removed end of the cable adjacent to a wall of the insulated chest; shackle engaging means; and a lock, the lock including a body and shackle capable of engaging both the shackle engaging means and the removed end of the cable, when the cable is in the extended position, to secure the insulated chest to the stationary member.

United States patent application US 5 934 499 (VAN DER HOVEN) discloses a locker box to be secured to a suitable support, such as a pole of a beach umbrella or the like, said locker box comprising: a body; at least two internal compartments having inward facing side panes and being arranged inside said body; a channel extending through said body and shaped to accommodate the support, said channel being defined at least partially between said inward facing side panes of said at least two compartments; an anchoring device arranged inside said body to secure said locker box to the support; and a lockable lid designed and arranged to cover said anchoring device to prevent unauthorized access to said anchoring device and thereby to prevent unauthorized removal of said locker box from the support.

United States patent application US 5 257 509 (HARRIS) discloses a container converting between a briefcase and, at separate times, a food and beverage carriage and a mini-cooler, said container comprising: a case functioning as a briefcase and having: -(a) a base with walls defining a first hollow center filled with insulating material, and -(b) a top with walls defining a second hollow center filled with insulating material and hingedly secured to said base along co-extensive edges; a plurality of separate food and beverage carriage inserts removably positioned in said base for converting said case into a food and beverage carriage; and an insulating mini-cooler adapter for separately converting said case into a mini-cooler when said food and beverage carriage inserts are not positioned in said base.

Summary

According to the present invention there is provided a storage device comprising an internal storage portion with a substantially fluid impermeable external shell, wherein said shell comprises a body and a displaceable lid such that: the lid displaces from the body to allow a user access to the internal storage portion; the shell comprises at least one lanyard attachment point; and the lid and body comprise male and female lock parts for mutual engagement to lock the shell and prevent unauthorised access to the internal portion.

Advantageously in this way the device may comprise a robust storage solution for a plurality of uses, appropriate to portable secure storage with protection from ingress of animals, fluid and third parties.

The shell may comprise a separate layer or skin to the internal storage portion, such that insulation is provided for the internal storage portion.

Advantageously in an embodiment the lock parts may be embedded in the shell. This may allow a tight seal to be accomplished between the lid and body, wherein for example a male part is in the lid or body, and a corresponding female part in the body or lid. In this way the lock is enabled to form a closer lock capable of maintaining an efficient seal for the internal storage portion, and is less liable to damage or displacement.

The shell and internal storage portion may advantageously comprise wholly self-contained parts. In this way thermal storage properties may be promoted between the shell and storage portion. In some embodiments the lid may comprise a double skin additionally or alternatively.

The internal portion and external shell may be fixed in relationship, wherein the shell and portion comprise layers forming a central sealed insulative space. Such space may be filled with air, fibres or beads, pressurised air, gas such as argon, or other fluid.

In some embodiments the internal portion includes a heat reflective surface, so as to limit leakage of heat in either direction.

Typically the lid displaces partially from the body, for example being hinged thereto, advantageously wherein the storage device may be only envisaged to be opened temporarily to avoid excessive temperature change, and ingress of extraneous matter, 30 or even loss of the lid.

The lock parts may be located to an end or middle location on the body, wherein the lid may be arranged to displace from one end or along one edge.

In preferred embodiments the device comprises a rigid shell. Typically such shell is formed in a synthetic plastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyethylene.

Advantageously the shell includes a reversible watertight seal, which allows the user to displace or divide a section of the device, namely the lid, and allow access to the internal portion, which is mainly comprised in the body. The shell before said division ideally forms a largely continuous whole so as to avoid snagging, capture or damage in transport.

The lid includes a fastening means to close the shell. Such fastening means may comprise an over-centre action, wherein the fastening means is liable to tightly seal the shell with focussed pressure. In this way the shell provides effective closure and does not risk damage to internal portion's contents at any time the lid is closed or during closure.

The lid typically comprises a relatively shallow section of the device and advantageously may be hinged to the remainder of the shell, so as to prevent loss or disadvantageously displacement of the lid. The hinge may advantageously prevent over hinging, wherein the lid is unable to pivot on the hinge past a certain point or angle, for example 100 degrees or 180 degrees. Advantageously this prevents overbalancing and toppling of the device or the lid otherwise coming into contact with the ground. Both are particularly advantageous in relation to beach scenarios. In some embodiments foldable or telescopic braces may be envisaged to maintain the lid in place.

In some embodiments the lid may include at least one item storage solution, such as a cup holder, so as to allow the user to temporarily store an item such as a drink during access to the inner portion.

Advantageously the hinge may be provided or displaced by a brace at a distance from the shell so that the lid hinges away from the remaining section and allows easier access to the inner portion contents when open.

Ideally a first locking mechanism is provided to lock the shell closed in order that the contents in the internal portion may be locked away from unauthorised persons.

The first locking mechanism is embedded in the device so as to ensure no loss. The first locking mechanism may be operable by combination dial entry or operable by use of a displaceable key.

Advantageously in some embodiments a lanyard attachment point may be available for locking to a separate structure, for example securing the device to another structure, and comprising a bolt-hole through which a second locking mechanism may be passed, so as to lock the device to an independent structure such as a beach lounger. Such second locking mechanism may comprise a bicycle, cable or chain lock.

This second locking mechanism may be operable by combination dial entry or operable by use of a displaceable key.

The same displaceable key may operate both locking mechanisms. Such key is ideally situated in use on a waterproof secure bracelet or anklet, so as to ensure a user is enabled to be free to leave valuables in the device without carrying extraneous items when in a beach scenario or similar.

In such embodiments the cable may be wholly displaceable, for example so as to allow stowage within the device; or may be independently provided such as a bicycle lock or the like.

In some further embodiments the locking lanyard attachment point may comprise an extendable lanyard, for example wherein the lanyard may be mounted on or in the device or shell, in a retracted or otherwise minimised state, and is configured to be capable of extension or telescoping. Such embodiments of the lanyard may be wound or elastic.

The device may include at least one carrying handle, which is typically situated on the lid, wherein the device may be carried or placed substantially vertically, so as to ensure inner contents are not inadvertently displaced.

The inner portion in some embodiments may contain at least one displaceable part, 35 which part or parts is/are used to subdivide the portion's internal area.

For example in some embodiments a part may comprise a tray, which tray is placed over the inner portion, and into which a plurality of various items may be held in plural compartments, being for example appropriate for smaller items, such as books or electronic devices. In this way the tray may be displaced so as to allow access to a lower area, which area in turn may be used for food items. Advantageously the tray may be provided in an insulative material or having insulative properties. In this way items held above the tray may be maintained at a different temperature to items below the tray.

Such tray typically sits on a ledge in the inner portion, wherein the shell closes around the inner portion and tray equally. The tray is substantially rigid and may include a grip to enable the user to lift the tray from the device easily.

The device or shell may include a plurality of lanyard attachment points, such as at 15 sides, so as to allow attachment of a strap for shoulder carrying or similar. Such strap may be wholly displaceable or equally partly or wholly configured to extend out from the device in use.

The device is provided in an apparatus further comprising a brush for removal of loose 20 matter such as sand from the device.

In some embodiments the device includes a displaceable drain plug, so as to allow the user to flush liquid through the inner portion as required.

In some embodiments the device may include electrical connection, for example lighting, sockets, rechargeable or recharging batteries.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure la shows a first isometric view of a first embodiment of the device with lid 30 open; Figure 1 b shows a second isometric view of a first embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 1a; Figure 2a shows a reverse isometric view of the first embodiment of the device as shown in Figures 1 with lid shut; Figure 2b shows an isometric view of the first embodiment of the device as shown in Figures 1 with lid shut; Figure 3a shows a first isometric view of the first embodiment of the device as shown in Figures 1 with lid shut and long lanyard attached; Figure 3b shows a second isometric view of the first embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 3a; Figure 4a shows a top plan view of the first embodiment of the device as shown in Figure 3a; Figure 4b shows a top plan view of the first embodiment of the device as shown in 10 Figure 3a with lid open; Figure 5 shows a front view of the first embodiment of the device as shown in Figures 1; Figure 6 shows an exploded isometric view of the first embodiment of the device as shown in Figures 1; Figure 7 shows a second exploded isometric view of the first embodiment of the device as shown in Figures 1; Figure 8a shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the device with lid shut and long lanyard attached; Figure 8b shows a reverse isometric view of the second embodiment of the device 20 with lid shut and long lanyard attached; Figure 9a shows an isometric view of the second embodiment of the device with lid open and long lanyard attached; Figure 9b shows a reverse isometric view of the second embodiment of the device with lid open and long lanyard attached; Figure 10a shows an isometric view of an insert for the device; and Figure 10b shows a reverse isometric view of the insert shown in Figure 10a.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

With reference to the first pictured embodiment there is shown a storage device comprising a rigid external shell 1, defining and dividable into a lid 2 and body 3 and formed in a rigid synthetic plastic like polyethylene.

The shell for both embodiments comprises a substantially continuous surface, which surface provides a substantially rigid, wipeable and sealable device, that may be envisaged to be fluid tight. In this way the device advantageously provides a robust and useful device for outdoor scenarios, both to contain items such as food, drink and also electronics, as well as prevent ingress of unauthorised persons and/or damage to said items.

In the first embodiment the lock is situated adjacent an end of the device, wherein the device comprises two parallel substantially rectangular faces, two elongate ends, and 10 a top and a bottom surface.

The lid and body lock together when they are closed, and a latch 4 hinged at a brace 5 from the lid is put in place so as to create a watertight seal and prevent unauthorised ingress of fluids, solids, or persons. The latch has a resiliently deformable body 2 and a mechanism comprising a return hook end 4 so as to deform over and pull against a projection 6 on the body.

In this way device is advantageously suited to use in an outdoor and/or hot situation, for example at the beach or on a picnic.

The latch is provided at the opposing end of the lid from the hinge, and is formed in plastics and in use is placed over the projection to form an overcentre mechanism, and pull the lid against the body, consolidating the seal. In further embodiments the latch is provided in metal or alloy.

The lid comprises a part hinging at one of the ends, so as to be partly displaceable for access to the device interior.

The lid is only permitted in an embodiment to displace approximately 90 degrees, so 30 as to be substantially coplanar to the access plane A as shown in Figure 7. In this way the cup holders 24 on the lid underside may be used for storage of drinks when the lid is open.

Advantageously in some other embodiments the displaced lid may be placed in contact 35 with a floor subordinate the bottom surface when displaced, so as to brace the device with the lid open. In addition or the alternative the lid may be partially displaced so as to allow entrance into a first internal storage portion, proximate one end. The storage portion at the distal end nearest the hinge may be envisaged to be used for chilled items, for example wherein the proximal end may be used for suncream or the like.

The device may be weighted to lower the device balance point, or a container may be provided for addition of ballast. In yet further embodiments extendable braces may be folded out from the body for support.

The internal portion is subdivided by a tray 14 forms the majority of the inner portion.

The tray in some embodiments may be displaceable to contain further subdivisions, so as to create compartments 15, to store or transport small items such as electronic devices. Some storage portions may comprise a displaceable cap or similar in further embodiments and/or use. The storage portions are shown with independently available electronic devices 1000 for demonstration purposes only.

Advantageously multiple pockets or areas allow for simultaneous safe storage of items such as food, drink and electronics.

The lid includes a male lock part 7 comprising a robust metal inverted U, which is 20 embedded into the lid so as to extend and fit into an embedded female lock part in the body. The male part may comprise a D or other similar looped shape.

The female lock part comprises an internal locking slot 8 for secure receipt of the male lock part 7, and a combination dial release mechanism 9. Said mechanism comprises 25 three dials. In other embodiments other locking mechanism may include magnetic locks, mechanical or digital key locking mechanisms.

The lock mechanism is embedded within, and has an outer which comprises a smoothed continuation with, the shell and is consequently sealed as per the lid and 30 body, and not liable to snagging or capture of dirt or matter.

The lid and body are hinged together at a robust barrel hinge 11, having a sectional barrel secured by a pivot.

The pivot is provided by a brace 12 on the body and the barrel on the lid. Further embodiments may be reversed.

The brace provides a means to chain lock the device to an independent structure.

The brace extends the pivot away from the body so as to prevent any engagement 5 between the lid and body at or adjacent the hinge when the shell is not closed. Further embodiments may include a living hinge or Hirsh coupling.

The lid includes cup holders 20. Further embodiments include storage parts or portions or catches, for example magnetic catches or hook and loop or containers with lids.

The shell and internal portion 13 comprise a double skin, allowing for insulation material between layers. The lid has an internal liner 22, which also helps insulate the cup holders and has a rubber or silicone gasket 23 helping sealing.

The shell includes four lanyard attachment points 16,17, so as to allow for attachment of a long lanyard 18, or shoulder strap; or attachment of a short lanyard 19, or handle. In this way the device may be carried as a briefcase or as a courier bag. The handle includes a recessed space 21 for insertion of a hand to carry the device.

The brace further comprises another lanyard attachment point, for attachment of a cable (not shown) to secure the device to another structure, for example a sun lounger or beach umbrella. In this way the device may be made secure from casual theft.

The device approximately 18" x 4" x 9" and have 4 internal compartments.

With reference to the second embodiment the lid hinges along one face A, advantageously requiring less movement and displacement from the user to access all the internal storage portion.

The second embodiment comprises two latches, both arranged coplanar with the lock on the face, wherein a part of latch 117 is provided on the lid and two moveable parts 44,44 on the body, hinged to engage with a friction fit over the latch lock part 117 on the lid. The moveable parts comprise a catch 44 hinged to a closure 444, the closure hinged to the body; the moveable parts combining to form an over-centre lock.

Two latches advantageously increase both the safety of the internal storage portion and its seal, in particular wherein the lock mechanism is situated between the latches to provide both longest sides with plural points of connection between the lid and body, or shell.

The lid and body are hinged together using spaced apart offset robust plastic barrel hinges, comprising plural and substantial structural strut supports 112,111 to the lid and body respectively, and a pin 110 in a substantial barrel -such that unauthorised access to internal storage requires destruction of substantial numbers of robust structural parts.

The long lanyard 18 is fed through outstanding shoulders 177. The short lanyard 19 is fed through outstanding shoulders 116.

A further lanyard attachment point comprised of a moulded indentation 122 in the corner of the device and a moulded eye 121 enables a chain or bicycle lock to be used to lock the device to an independent structure.

The embodiment has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without significant departure. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1. A storage device comprising an internal storage portion with a substantially fluid impermeable external shell, wherein said shell comprises a body and a displaceable lid such that: the lid displaces from the body to allow a user access to the internal storage portion; the shell comprises at least one lanyard attachment point; and the lid and body comprise male and female lock parts for mutual engagement to lock the shell and prevent unauthorised access to the internal portion.
2. A storage device according to claim 1 substantially formed in thermoplastics.
3. A storage according to claim 1 wherein the lock parts are embedded in the shell.
4. A storage device according to claim 1 comprising at least one lanyard attachment point to form a second locking mechanism to lock the device to an independent structure.
5. A storage device according to claim 4 wherein the lanyard attachment point is formed by a moulded lacuna into the shell.
6. A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the device comprises two substantially parallel opposing rectangular faces, a top, bottom and two sides; and the lid and body are hinged together at an end.
7. A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the device comprises two substantially parallel opposing rectangular faces, a top, bottom and two sides; and the lid and body are hinged together along a face.
8. A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the internal storage portion is subdivided into rectilinear divisions.
9. A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the internal storage portion comprises a separately formed part.
10. A storage device according to claim 9 wherein the part is a displaceable tray.
11. A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the device comprises a double skinned construction around at least part of the internal storage portion.
12. A storage device according to claim 11 wherein the construction comprises insulative filler between skins.
13. A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the lid and body form a resiliently deformable seal.
14. A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the lid comprises at least one cup holder.